MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
STITC H S TITCH
The Quilted Life of Ruth AnnBerry
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
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Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs
WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Hart
Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Holland
G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231)865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Portland
ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:
Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
6 SMART, SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Pizza, due July 1; Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Low-cost tips that can lower your bills and boost comfort.
7 GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
Avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Grilled to Perfection: Fire meets flavor.
14 STITCH BY STITCH: THE QUILTED LIFE OF RUTH ANN BERRY
This gifted geometrical quilter turns intimidating designs into attainable projects.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A Member Memory: By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson
231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027
Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson
989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027
Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026
Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028
John Brown
231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026
Kurt Krajniak
989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028
Sally Knopf
989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027
Chris Nagel
616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026
Michael Libby
989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028
President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com
Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com
Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515
Toll-Free: 800-423-6634
Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
People Are the True Power Behind Everything We Do
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
At PIE&G, we often talk a lot about the importance of providing reliable electricity, gas, and fiber service to our members and the importance of serving our community. Those things are the core of what we do as a cooperative utility. But behind each of those services is something even more foundational—our people.
Our strategic pillar of “People” reflects a simple truth: The strength of this co-op comes from the individuals who power it every day. That includes our employees in the field and in the office, the members we serve across our communities, and the partners who help us deliver on our commitments.
For our employees, putting people first means creating a workplace where Safety—another strategic pillar, along with Reliability, Member Trust, and Financial Stewardship—is more than a policy; it’s a shared responsibility and a core value. It means investing in training, supporting professional growth, and ensuring we are living out our values as an organization and maintaining a strong workplace culture. When we do those things, it allows our team to show up with dedication and pride knowing that they are helping to provide the most reliable energy and fiber internet service possible.
For our members, our focus on People means listening and being responsive. That includes clear communication when issues arise, being transparent in how we operate, and thoughtful consideration about how decisions impact the members and communities we serve.
Putting People first also means being a good neighbor. As a community-focused utility, our responsibility goes beyond delivering power and Internet. It includes supporting local initiatives that help those in need, contributing to economic development, and working in partnership with community leaders to build a stronger future for our region.
The strategic pillar of People is especially important as the energy and fiber industries continue to evolve. New technologies, changing energy demands, and emerging opportunities all bring both promise and complexity. Navigating that future successfully will require more than infrastructure and innovation. It requires trust, collaboration, and a continued commitment to the People who are at the center of it all.
At the end of the day, our work is not just about poles, wires, or power lines. It’s about the People who maintain them and those who depend on them. By keeping that perspective front and center, we can continue to deliver on our mission of improving the quality of life for our members.
RELIABILITY
Strengthen system performance, infrastructure, and operational resilience
SAFETY
Build and maintain a culture of safety that protects employees, members, and the public
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
MEMBER TRUST
Increase member confidence through transparency, community, communication, and service
Maintain strong finances while keeping electric, gas, and fiber rates competitive
community
Smart, Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home
Saving energy doesn’t have to cost a lot—or take a lot of time. You don’t need major upgrades or the latest technology to see a difference. Even small changes can lower your energy use and improve comfort, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some easy, low-, and no-cost tips to help you get started:
ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
A few degrees can make a big difference. Set your thermostat slightly closer to the outdoor temperature—especially on very hot or cold days. Your heating and cooling system works hardest during extremes, which can drive up energy use. Stay comfortable by dressing for the season: Layer up in winter and switch to lighter clothing in summer.
FIX LEAKS PROMPTLY
A dripping faucet or hot water leak may seem minor, but it adds up to wasted energy and water over time. If you can’t fi x it right away, use the shutoff valve under the sink to stop the flow until repairs can be made.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
Turning down your water heater can reduce energy use and save money. Some models make this adjustment simple, while others may require a bit more effort. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional.
SEAL AIR LEAKS
Air sealing is an affordable, beginnerfriendly DIY project that can improve comfort and effi ciency. With about $20 and a couple of hours, you can seal gaps and cracks that let air escape or enter your home.
Use caulk (around $4 per tube) to seal gaps around windows and exterior doors. Choose paintable caulk for a clean finish. Apply spray foam (about $5 per can) around plumbing lines under sinks or in basements and crawlspaces to block drafts. Bonus: It also helps keep pests out.
Quick Tip: Spray foam can be messy— wear gloves, protect surfaces, and be careful when applying overhead. Prep your workspace ahead of time for best results.
WASH CLOTHES IN COLD WATER
Heating water uses a signifi cant amount of energy. Switching to cold water for laundry is an easy way to cut back—especially helpful if you have an older or topload washer that uses more water.
For $10–$15, weatherstripping can improve the seal around exterior doors. If you notice drafts or see light coming through closed doors, this quick fix can make a noticeable difference.
Small changes make a difference.
Small steps like these can add up to meaningful savings. Try a few of these simple improvements to reduce energy waste, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Grilling SAFETY TIPS
Warm weather is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and gather friends and family for a backyard cookout. But before you get cooking, it’s worth brushing up on a few key grilling safety tips. Avoid common mistakes and you’ll set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
1. Start with a Stable Setup
Always place your grill on a flat, level surface to prevent tipping. Skip uneven ground or sloped areas, and opt for a solid surface like concrete or stone.
2. Stay Close While Cooking
Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep children and pets at least three feet away, and remain nearby while cooking—even after you’ve fi nished, as surfaces stay hot.
3. Give It Space
Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, or overhanging branches. Open space reduces the risk of stray embers starting a fire. And don’t forget to use long-handled tools designed for grilling.
4. Grill Outdoors Only
Grills should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages. They produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. If the weather isn’t cooperating, opt for an indoor grill pan instead.
5. Keep It Clean
A clean grill isn’t just about bettertasting food—it’s also safer. Grease and fat buildup can lead to dangerous flare-ups. Clean the grates after every use and regularly empty drip trays.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Packing too much food onto the grill at once can cause excess fat to drip into the flames, increasing flare-ups. Cook in batches, especially when preparing fatty meats.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer
Don’t rely on guesswork. A meat thermometer ensures your food reaches safe internal temperatures, helping prevent foodborne illness.
8. Light Gas Grills Safely
Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill. Lighting it while closed can cause gas to build up and ignite in a sudden fi reball. If the flame goes out, turn everything off and wait at least fi ve minutes before relighting.
9. Check for Gas Leaks
Inspect your propane hose periodically. Apply soapy water and turn on the gas—if bubbles form, you may have a leak that needs attention.
10. Handle Charcoal with Care
Avoid using lighter fl uid excessively— it can affect the taste of your food and lead to uncontrolled flames. Never add lighter fl uid to already lit coals. Instead, use a charcoal chimney starter for a safer approach.
11. Be Ready for Emergencies
Keep baking soda nearby to manage grease fires and have a fire extinguisher within reach. Never use water on a grease fire—it can make things worse.
12. Shut Down Properly
When you’re done cooking, turn off gas burners and close the propane valve. For charcoal grills, close the vents to cut off oxygen. Let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
By following these simple safety tips, you can keep the focus where it belongs—on great food, good company, and enjoying the season. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing accidents, so you can grill with confidence all summer long.
Upgrade Your Home. Save Energy. Get Rebates.
Looking for simple ways to make your home more comfortable and cut down on energy use?
Now is the perfect time to upgrade your everyday essential appliances. Our online marketplace makes it easy to find rebate-eligible, energy-efficient products that help you save both now and later. No lines, no driving, no heavy boxes—your rebate-eligible items ship straight from Amazon, making it easier than ever to upgrade your home from the comfort of your couch.
Smarter Comfort Starts with Smart Thermostats
Take control of your home’s heating and cooling with a smart thermostat. Easily customize heating and cooling schedules that fit your routine and easily adjust temperatures from your phone. The result is lower energy use and a home that’s always the right
temperature. Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats are eligible for a $50 rebate. Up to two thermostat rebates are available per member.
Breathe Easier with Energy Star Room Air Purifiers
Cleaner air means a healthier home. Energy Star-certified room air purifiers remove dust, allergens, and pollutants while using less electricity than standard models. Purchase up to four Energy Star-certified room air purifiers and receive a $25 rebate for each.
Reduce Moisture with Energy Star Room Dehumidifiers
High humidity can make rooms feel uncomfortable and promote mold and mildew. Room dehumidifiers efficiently pull excess moisture from the air, helping protect your home and improve indoor comfort, while
using less energy. Rebates of $25 are available for the purchase of up to four qualified dehumidifiers.
Shop Smart. Save More.
After purchasing, simply submit your rebate application at pieg.com/ energy-optimization-rebates/ to start saving even more. Rebates of $100 or less will be credited to your monthly energy bill.
A FRESH START FOR SAVINGS
Rebates are made easy with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Online Marketplace.
Our online marketplace is a convenient way for Presque Isle Electric & Gas members residing in Michigan to find trusted energy-efficient products, designed to help lower your home energy use. The best part? Every marketplace item qualifies for a rebate from Presque Isle Electric & Gas!
After making a purchase through the online marketplace, don’t forget to apply for your rebate at teammidwest.com/energy-savings.
Please note that this program is part of the State of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction Standards and is not available to customers in Indiana and Ohio.
Scan the QR code to visit the marketplace or visit meca.coop/marketplace/
FRESH FROM THE GARDEN
1. MOST VOTES Max the cat taking a nap (right-hand corner) in the flower garden. Jean Peacock
2. Bright “afternoon stars.” Kathryn Scoon
3. A seed sown in the garden produced many green beans for canning delicious Fresh Dilly Beans. Gloria Zalewski
4. Strolling along. Jeff Ostman
5. A beautiful and tasty bounty! Brenda Kelley
6. Heirloom goodies grown from seed. Rob Ferguson
7. The secret garden on Mackinac Island. Annette Bartush
8. Two-for-one. Jonna Bopp
to
a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit your Iconic Landmarks photos by June 25 for the September issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.
WINNING RECIPE!
Salmon:
GRILLED SALMON WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA
Carmela Sleva, Great Lakes Energy
1 8-ounce salmon fi llet
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄8–¼ teaspoon black pepper
• juice from one lime
Salsa:
2 cups chopped pineapple
½ cup fi nely chopped red onion
¼ cup fi nely chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, chopped (use seeds for extra spice)
• juice from one lime
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Coat the salmon fi llet with olive oil and season evenly with cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes. Carefully fl ip and grill for an additional 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, wrap the salmon in aluminum foil and grill for 14–16 minutes. While the salmon cooks, combine the chopped pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a medium bowl. Season with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir well. Remove the salmon from the grill, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and serve with the pineapple salsa alongside rice or warm tortillas.
DELUXE GRILLED PORK CHOPS
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
¼ cup honey
½ cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more
4 boneless pork chops
In a large shallow bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and red pepper fl akes. Mix well until fully blended. Add the pork chops and turn to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and
refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the pork well coated. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, then remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, or until the pork is well seared and cooked through. Remove from the grill and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving, then serve immediately.
TRIPLE B (BACON BOURBON) BURGER
Scott Rought,
Cherryland
1 pound ground chuck
¾ cup fi nely chopped bacon pieces (fully cooked)
• pinch of salt and black pepper
1 cup bourbon, any brand
²⁄3 cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup red wine vinegar
8 pineapple slices, canned
4 slices of Italian (5-cheese) or cheddar cheese, optional
4 burger buns (sesame seed)
4 slices of tomato
4 leaves of lettuce
Sauce Thickener:
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup cold water
4 ice cubes
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, chopped cooked bacon, salt, and pepper, and mix well before forming the mixture into four equal burger patties, then set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon, ketchup, brown
sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, and cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly. In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch, cold water, and ice cubes to create a slurry, then slowly pour the liquid (holding back the ice cubes) into the sauce while stirring, and continue cooking until the sauce comes to a light boil and thickens, then remove from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally. Preheat a grill to medium heat, then baste the burger patties and pineapple slices generously with the bourbon sauce. Grill the burger patties over medium heat until cooked through, and grill the pineapple slices for about 2 minutes per side. If desired, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt. To assemble, place one burger patty on each bun, top with one or two pineapple slices, a slice of tomato, and a lettuce leaf, then add additional bourbon sauce if desired before serving.
GRILLED TOMATOES WITH MELTED MOZZARELLA
Jennie
Lewandowski, Presque Isle Electric & Gas
4 large fresh tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• fresh basil, optional
Preheat a grill to medium heat, then slice the tomatoes into thick slices, about ½ inch thick, and arrange them on a tray or plate. Drizzle the tomato slices evenly
with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the tomato slices on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Remove from the grill and top with fresh basil, if desired, then serve warm as a simple side dish or enjoy on toasted bread like bruschetta.
YOUR BOARD IN ACTION
At the April 2026 meeting, the board of directors:
• Reviewed and accepted team reports
• Approved March new memberships
• Appointed a Communities First Fund director
• Accepted the 2025 Audit Report
OFFICE CLOSED FOR FOURTH OF JULY
July 3, 2026
Please note that our office will be closed on July 3, 2026. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6, 2026.
NEED TO MAKE A PAYMENT?
You can still pay using these methods:
OUR SECURE DROPBOX
ONLINE AT PIEG.COM BY PHONE AT 866-999-4571
THROUGH THE MYPIE&G APP
In case of an emergency, please call 800-423-6634. Thank you, and have a safe holiday!
What Makes a Co-op Different from a For-Profit Utility
Utilities may seem the same on the surface, but the way they operate can be very different. Electric cooperatives like PIE&G are not-for-profit and member-owned, which means decisions are made with people in mind, not shareholders.
Instead of generating profits for investors, co-ops reinvest revenue back into the system and return value to members through capital credits. Members also have a voice, with decisions guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, including open membership, democratic control, and a strong focus on community.
That difference shows up when it matters most. During major events like the recent ice storm, cooperatives work together through mutual aid to restore power quickly, even while their own employees are affected. It is a model built on collaboration, local decision-making, and service.
At its core, a co-op exists to provide reliable service with transparency and care. That is what sets it apart.
Internet Myths Busted: Why PIE&G Connect Keeps Your Home Truly Connected
Not all internet is created equal, and if your home feels like it is constantly buffering, lagging, or dropping connections, you are not imagining it. The way your internet is built and supported matters more than ever as our homes become more connected.
That is where PIE&G Connect stands out. Built on a 100% fiber network and delivered straight to your home, it is designed to keep up with real life. Whether you are streaming, working remotely, gaming, or managing a full house of devices, there is a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Let’s clear up a few common myths.
MYTH: All fiber internet is the same.
FACT: Not all fiber is equal. True fiber-to-the-home delivers faster speeds, stronger reliability, and a better overall experience than partial or outdated systems.
MYTH: Restarting your router will fix slow internet.
FACT: That is often just a temporary fix. If your plan cannot support the number of devices in your home, the issues will keep coming back.
MYTH: Fiber is only for big cities.
FACT: PIE&G Connect brings true fiber to the home right here in our local community.
And here is a truth many households are realizing: More devices mean you need better internet.
From smart TVs and phones to laptops, gaming systems, and security devices, everything is competing for bandwidth. If your current plan is not built for that demand, you will feel it.
PIE&G Connect is designed to handle it all. Every plan includes a locally built
and serviced network, whole-home coverage with the advanced GigaSpire Wi-Fi system managed by PIE&G, unlimited data, and reliable 24-hour support. Installation is simple and handled for you, with added security and control tools to keep your home connected and protected.
This is not just faster internet. It is a better experience, backed by a local team that understands this community’s needs.
Ready for an internet that actually keeps up with your life?
Check availability and find your plan at piegconnect.com.
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The Quilted Life of Ruth Ann Berry
hen Ruth Ann Berry bought her Fife Lake building on the corner of State and Main in 1998, in Fife Lake, Michigan, she could not have known all it would one day hold.
What had long been a pharmacy would gradually become home to her quilt shop and workshop, then adding a barber shop, and eventually also including her daughter’s coffee shop. The historic building, dating back to the early 1900s, has a hard concrete foundation and three layers of old wood floors. It has endured by being both sturdy and adaptable.
In many ways, so has Berry.
Known in quilting circles as a “geometric quilter,” Berry has built a creative life on both tradition and
reinvention. Quilting has been part of her world for as long as she can remember. She comes from a long line of quilters, including her mother and grandmothers, women who made practical quilts from scraps to keep their families warm.
Berry grew up sewing on her grandmother’s treadle machine and a Singer Featherweight that belonged to her mother. That early foundation stayed with her, but Berry made it distinctly her own.
Finding Her Pattern
Today, Berry is the owner of Quilter’s Clinic, a destination quilt shop in Fife Lake known for bold fabrics, striking kits, and Berry’s own patterns and books. She is the author of “Bargello Quilts in Motion,” “Braided Bargello,”
By Emily Haines Lloyd
“Simplifi ed 3D Quilts,” and “Stunning 3D Quilts Simplifi ed,” and she has created more than 50 quilt patterns distributed widely in the quilting world.
Her signature style leans into geometry and optical movement.
Bargello quilts fi rst caught her attention because they looked dramatic and complex, but Berry quickly discovered they were more approachable than they appeared. That balance between impressive and accessible became her calling card.
“Just when I think there isn’t anything new to do, here’s an idea,” Berry said. “There’s always something around the corner.”
She began experimenting, sketching on graph paper, testing patterns, and writing down each step. Friends urged
her to submit her ideas to publishers. Eventually, one design found a home, then another.
Again and again, her work returns to the same challenge: how to take something that looks diffi cult and make it feel doable.
Teaching the Joy of It
That instinct to demystify quilting carries over into her teaching. In the studio above the shop, Berry leads classes for quilters of all experience levels. What she enjoys most is the moment when a student realizes something is easier than they feared.
“Don’t be afraid,” she tells her students. “That’s the biggest thing.”
Berry knows quilting can look intimidating, especially the dimensional, geometric work she creates. But she also knows encouragement matters. She likes explaining a technique and hearing someone say, with surprise, that it is easier than they thought. For her, that moment of confi dence is part of the reward.
A Language of Its Own
Berry has taught on the road for more than a decade, traveling to guilds, shows, and retreats across the country and beyond, including England and France. One of the things she loves most is that quilting creates its own language. Even when language barriers pop up, makers understand one another through both pattern and process.
“The fun part is, even if you don’t speak French, you speak quilting,” Berry said.
Layer by Layer
What keeps Berry going, even after decades of quilting, designing, and teaching, is the creative pull of what comes next. On her computer, there are often multiple designs open at once, each one asking to be solved.
Back in that old building in Fife Lake, those ideas keep taking shape. Like the structure itself, Berry’s life in quilting has been built layer by layer: on a solid base, with room to grow.
What she bought in 1998 was a building. What she built inside it is much like her quilts: beautifully imagined, carefully pieced together, and still surprising her after all these years.
AI Tools for Electric Cooperatives
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly popular tool for many industries and even in our daily lives. AI is a hot topic—sometimes exciting, sometimes a little scary. It has the potential to bring many opportunities— and a few challenges—to the electric utility sector. But machine learning takes time, and we’re still in the process of determining how AI can really be utilized.
Many electric cooperatives are already exploring emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Most of AI’s current applications are task-specific—like using chatbots to answer common questions from co-op members or analyzing data to better understand members’ needs.
Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, AI can’t think for itself. Its abilities depend on how it’s programmed, the quality of its training, and the data it receives. AI is essentially about learning from patterns and making decisions based
on that input—not about having thoughts or opinions of its own.
Because AI interacts with both internal systems and external networks, cybersecurity is a top priority. As Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G) looks to adopt tools powered by AI and other tech, we will ensure our systems
are safe from potential cyber threats. Strong digital defenses are essential to using any new technology safely.
As we consider emerging AI tools, our focus won’t be so much on the technology itself as on solving real problems. If AI can streamline a process, predict an issue, or improve service for our members, it’s worth considering. As the technology evolves, AI may eventually be built into smart meters to help members track their energy use more effectively. It could even help our staff better manage the local grid or predict storm damage to deploy crews more efficiently.
Another exciting area is AR and VR. Many electric utilities are currently testing AR for training, giving lineworkers a hands-on experience to prepare for dangerous situations before facing them in real life. In the future, smart glasses may help crews instantly identify and troubleshoot equipment in the field.
Ultimately, AI, AR, and VR are tools that can help utilities like PIE&G serve their communities better—making energy more reliable, services faster, and operations more efficient.
The Challenges AI Brings
Article provided by NRECA
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, particularly energy-intensive technologies like generative AI and large language models, is presenting several challenges for electric utilities. One of the biggest concerns is the dramatic increase in energy demand. AI relies heavily on data centers, which require massive amounts of electricity to operate. As these technologies expand, power consumption is expected to rise significantly.
This growing demand is also creating a strain on our nation’s electric grid, which can lead to instability and a higher risk of outages, especially in areas that are already dealing with high energy use or aging infrastructure.
While AI tools offer great potential in improving utility operations, these challenges highlight the growing tension between AI advancement and the long-term capability of the grid.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.
Electric cooperatives are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) for key tasks and activities. Looking ahead, co-ops see great potential for AI and AR as helpful tools for improving grid reliability and the services they provide to consumer-members.
AI tools like chatbots can enhance member interactions and provide a tailored experience based on energy use data.
With the help of AI, weather forecasts will become more accurate, pinpointing areas to station utility crews.
Through augmented reality, or AR, lineworkers can experience interactive, lifelike trainings rather than watching a video or webinar.
August 1963, U.S. Na l Academy, Annap is, Maryland.
A Member Memory
By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
As a member of the fourth-class (plebe) midshipman summer class of 1967, little did I imagine how catastrophic world events would soon impact my life.
We had just assembled for evening meal formation in Tecumseh Court on a hot, humid summer eve. Suddenly, a helicopter approached, fl ew low over the academy, and landed in nearby Farragut Field.
With no fanfare, President John F. Kennedy exited the chopper and made the short walk to where we were assembled. That this was a surprise visit became very apparent, as naval brass scurried to quickly assemble a speaker’s dais on the steps of Bancroft Hall. For plebes, it was rather humorous to see offi cers scramble, something we’d been doing daily that summer.
While all this was unfolding, President Kennedy inspected each of the companies of assembled midshipmen, then delivered a few succinct remarks. Though that was 63 years ago, his pride in young men joining the service where he had served as a PT boat skipper in WWII was evident and remains resonant today.
With that, he returned to the capital.
Three months later, he was struck down by an assassin in Dallas, Texas.
As plans for his national memorial unfolded, the Kennedy family reached out to the Academy Catholic Choir to participate in the service. Several selections were to be sung on the front lawn of the White House as the
president’s funeral procession wended its way along the capital streets lined by thousands, and as millions looked on via worldwide coverage.
As a choir member, I still vividly recall standing on the White House’s front lawn, while directly in front of us stood an assemblage of world leaders. The horse-drawn caisson/casket, Kennedy family members, military guard, and entourage passed between the White House and us as we sang the three pieces requested by the family.
As a 19-year-old midshipman, that experience left a lifelong mark. And now, as our oldest grandson expresses an interest in the Academy, a rekindled recall of the time we sang for our country and president.
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