May 2020
MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative
GLE’s Response To COVID-19
Honoring Veterans Support Your Local Communities By Joining The People Fund
DISTILLING COMMUNITY Michigan Distilleries Lend A Hand And Make A Difference
WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2020*
Smart homeowners around the world have scrapped their old furnaces and air conditioners and replaced them with a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. That’s because WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. You won’t need that old inefficient furnace or that unsightly outdoor air conditioner because a WaterFurnace system provides complete comfort for your home with a single unit. And because the system doesn’t burn fossil fuels, there are no fumes or carbon monoxide concerns. Make the smart switch to geothermal. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Bad Axe B & D Htg (989) 269-5280 bdheating.com
Caro Kozy Home Htg & Clg (989) 673-4328 geo4less.com
Indian River M & M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmich geothermal.com
Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sandusky geothermal.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 aireserv.com/ southern-michigan
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Traverse City D & W Mechanical (231) 941-1215 dwgeothermal.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 watergeofurnace.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
visit us at waterfurnace.com WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2018 WaterFurnace International, Inc. *26% through 2020 and 22% through 2021
Contents countrylines.com
May 2020 Vol. 40, No. 5
/michigancountrylines
/michigancountrylines
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, 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: Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretarytreasurer; Craig Borr, 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 Country Lines, Your Communications Partner For 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulfill one of its essential principles——to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $3.97 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 49 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.
#micoopcommunity
6 A DEEP DIVE WITH CHRIS ROXBURGH. As a diver and history lover, Roxburgh has garnered online attention for his documentation of underwater wonders in Michigan waters. 10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Go meat-free with these vegetarian recipes.
Don’t you want to take this adorable white animal home as a pet? @kelli929kelli #whitedonkey Kelli Marshall
14 DISTILLING COMMUNITY Michigan distilleries join forces to make hand sanitizer during pandemic-driven shortage.
Be featured!
18 GUEST COLUMN Tom McWhorter recalls the thrill of a ‘50s-era train ride to Grand Rapids with his mother and grandmother.
MI CO-OP COMMUNITY
Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.
Contests, reader-submitted content & more!
MI CO-OP KITCHEN
BEST OF MICHIGAN
GUEST COLUMN
MYSTERY PHOTO
Up Next: Kid-Friendly Cooking, Easy Recipes Share your favorite recipes.
Up Next: Campgrounds Tell us about the Michigan campgrounds you like visiting best.
Submit your fondest memories and stories.
Enter a drawing to identify the correct location of the photo.
Win a $50 bill credit!
Win $150 for stories published!
Win a $50 bill credit!
Visit countrylines.com/community for guidelines and submission information. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
3
Powering Through To Empower You
Board of Directors
Bill Scott, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO
Mark Carson Chairman, District 2
01950 Anderson Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712 231-675-0561 • mcarson@glenergy.com
Robert Kran Vice-Chairman, District 6 7380 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411 231-464-5889 • bkran@glenergy.com
Paul Schemanski Secretary, District 1 5974 Stolt Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-439-9079 • paul.schemanski@glenergy.com
Larry Monshor Treasurer, District 4 1541 Thumm Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735 989-370-2786 • lmonshor@glenergy.com
Howard Bowersox Director, District 8 23779 8 Mile Rd., Stanwood, MI 49346 219-670-0977 • hbowersox@glenergy.com
Paul Byl Director, District 7
9941 W. Buchanan Rd., Shelby, MI 49455 231-861-5911 • pbyl@glenergy.com
Richard Evans Director, District 3 11195 Essex Rd., Ellsworth, MI 49729 231-883-3146 • revans@glenergy.com
Dale Farrier Director, District 5
2261 Wheeler Lake Rd. NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 231-564-0853 • dfarrier@glenergy.com
John LaForge Director, District 9
7363 Walters Rd., Delton, MI 49046 269-623-2284 • jlaforge@glenergy.com
President/CEO: Bill Scott 888-485-2537
Communications Director/Editor: Lacey Matthews 231-487-1316 lmatthews@glenergy.com
Boyne City Headquarters 1323 Boyne Ave., P.O. Box 70 Boyne City, MI 49712 Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com
To report an outage, call: 1-888-485-2537
gtlakes.com Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
facebook.com/greatlakesenergy facebook.com/jointruestream
4 MAY 2020
A
s I write this column in early April, we are working through a new reality brought on by COVID-19. Employees are working remotely, our offices are closed, and meetings and events have been postponed. However, one thing has not changed—Great Lakes Energy and Truestream remain committed to providing you with the electricity and high-speed internet we know you depend on. It may go without saying, but due to the nature of our work, we’re constantly planning for and responding to urgent circumstances, such as storms. Early in this pandemic crisis, our staff updated our emergency plan with a special emphasis on ensuring we continue providing the reliable service you have come to expect from your electric cooperative. We know that after a sufficient supply of food and water, electricity is the number one thing you need to maintain some sense of normalcy. With that in mind, keeping the lights on is job number one for everyone involved in maintaining the electric cooperative system. Closely followed by the need for electricity is the need for internet service. As many of our members were relegated to their homes for remote work and education, the need for faster internet rose to the top of the list. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our electric and Truestream fiber internet and voice employees worked relentlessly to continue providing members with reliable service. Reliable electricity starts with our power generation supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative, which took extreme measures to ensure its workforce remained healthy and its power supply continued flowing. Their proactive measures extended to us, Great Lakes Energy, where business may have been a bit unusual, but our service remained the same. Reliable internet and voice services start with building a strong network, and we have done that with Truestream Fiber.
We have invested in state-of-the-art technology to ensure that, despite the circumstances, your internet and voice connection maintains the speed upon which you depend. We, of course, took many steps to protect our employees and members from the spread of COVID-19 so we could keep your power and internet flowing. We closed our lobbies to prevent the spread of germs. We encouraged—and still encourage—members to access their online account at gtlakes.com and truestreamfiber.com. We also encouraged the use of our payment drop box and phone payment options, not to mention the U.S. Postal Service. As you read this in May, we may still be functioning in a new environment and battling the COVID-19 crisis. Many of our employees were able to work from home. Those in the office spread out, and practiced social distancing, and were provided with protective gear and supplies as needed. New routines were set in place including an innovative assisted self-installation process for our Truestream customers. Our management team and board of directors met regularly to constantly fine-tune any plans set in place to fit with the rapid changing of events and recommendations from the CDC, as well as the state and local government. We are happy to report that everything worked seamlessly, and everyone adapted to the new norm. That’s because we’ve done this before. Nothing brings out the best in our employees quite like a crisis. It’s kind of like iron that has been tested in fire …it’s stronger and tougher afterward! Our focus has been, as it always is, on keeping your life as normal as possible through this situation and beyond. In times such as these, the cooperative way is to pull together in a common direction and look out for our communities. The cooperative way of doing business brought us this far, and the cooperative way will guide us into the future.
View GLE’s COVID-19 response at gtlakes.com/blog. View Truestream’s COVID-19 response at truestreamfiber.com/covid-19.
National Military Appreciation Month ay is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
M
The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations by providing electricity. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16. Great Lakes Energy is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to our troops and veterans—not just this month, but every month.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
BILL CREDITS FOR ALL MEMBERS
TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN; WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
Even when times are uncertain, your cooperative continues to do the right thing. Starting in April 2020, all Great Lakes Energy members began receiving a Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) bill credit. What is the PSCR line item for? It covers fluctuations in power supply costs. Due to stable power supply costs in recent years, we are able to refund a portion of past PSCR amounts collected. Residential, seasonal, and general service members will receive the credit for up to 12 months. Commercial and Industrial members will receive the credit for up to nine months. The average residential member will receive a monthly credit of $1.25 or up to $15 per year, dependent on usage. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our members are our owners—you, not investors, receive credits. It’s the cooperative way.
Power. Purpose. You.
A DEEP
DIVE WITH CHRIS ROXBURGH By Emily Haines Lloyd
1979 Ford Pinto, aka the mussel car, Haserot Beach, Traverse City. Photo by Chris Roxburgh
A
s an electrical contractor, Chris Roxburgh spends his working days bringing light to dark areas. Perhaps it’s not all that surprising that Roxburgh spends his recreational time doing more of the same.
A few years ago, Roxburgh posted his first pictures from the depths of Grand Traverse Bay, revealing a 1979 Ford Pinto covered in zebra mussels. The photos quickly gained online recognition, and while it was the beginning of Roxburgh sharing the wonders beneath the waves, it was by no means the beginning of his love of water.
6
MAY 2020
Roxburgh has been obsessed with the water since he was a child growing up in Traverse City, Michigan. “Our family was always finding a way to the water,” said Roxburgh. “Every weekend we’d take out the boat and as I got older, I’d take a deep breath, and hand-overhand, I’d follow the anchor chain down as far as I could manage to hold my breath.”
Free diving, also called skin diving, is when the diver holds their breath until resurfacing. Roxburgh may not have been familiar with the distinction as a child, but that didn’t keep him from building the skill. Roxburgh’s free diving continued into adulthood and he used this method to get a closer look at the shipwrecked George Rogers tugboat, located in Grand Traverse Bay at the northern tip of Leelanau County. Roxburgh and his wife Bea had been stand-up paddle boarding when they saw the wreckage below
“I hope to shine a light on how we can all do our part.” –Chris Roxburgh
Drone footage over the Alva Bradley shipwreck, North Manitou Island. Photo by Dusty Klifman
Eber Ward shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac. Photo by Chris Roxburgh
Chris Roxburgh with his new Sony a7 III camera with Aquatica deep dive housing. Photo by Dusty Klifman
scuba school to see if they would let him get his that winter. With a rented 7mm wetsuit, in 36-degree weather, Roxburgh spent three wintery days with instructors to complete his open water certification. It was the beginning of more than a hobby, but a passion.
Chris Roxburgh on the Francisco Morazan, South Manitou Island. Photo by Bea Roxburgh
the water’s surface. A couple of days later, Roxburgh came back with photographic equipment and his wetsuit to free dive the sunken treasure. “I was so excited by that dive. I became obsessed with the history,” said Roxburgh. “I knew right away that I wanted to get my scuba certification and I couldn’t wait any longer.” And Roxburgh didn’t wait. While most divers get their open water certification in the spring and summer, Roxburgh reached out to the local
Over the course of his new obsession, Roxburgh crossed paths with another Michigan diver who had a similar interest in shipwrecks and history as well. “When I met Dusty [Klifman], things really kicked off,” said Roxburgh. “We had a similar inquisitive mindset and we were gung-ho to explore more.” Klifman, who had been open water diving for 20 years, while Roxburgh had two under his belt, worked as a lineman for an electric company. Their mutual love of water and exploration has led to some epic adventures including the Alva Bradley, a schooner in the Manitou Passage; the Jane, a small freighter off the shore of Arcadia; and the Typo, a schooner that was crashed into by a steamship in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay. The two have a massive wish list for
the coming year, including the Thomas Hume in southwest Michigan and the Newell A. Eddy in Cheboygan. In the meantime, groups like the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society have invited Roxburgh to share his experiences. Hundreds of people have come to hear Roxburgh’s thrilling stories, as well as witness his testimony as an environmental and conservancy advocate. Roxburgh has seen how pollution, dumping, and everyday littering have impacted the Great Lakes. “I want future generations to have a chance to explore what I’ve been able to experience,” said Roxburgh. “I hope to shine a light on how we can all do our part.”
Follow Chris’s diving adventures: Visit countrylines.com to accompany Chris on an underwater video tour of the Eber Ward shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac. @chris_roxburgh_ youtube.com/Roxburgh
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
7
ENERGY STAR LED Light Bulbs Consider changing light bulbs to ENERGY STAR® LEDs. LEDs use 90% less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 15 times longer. LEDs are available in a variety of colors, shapes and dimmable options to meet all your indoor and outdoor needs.
Dust Off Your Dehumidifier
Small changes. Great savings. s we nestle into our homes to remain healthy and safe, it is a great time to think about ways that you can save energy with your everyday habits. Little changes can help minimize the impact of increased hours at home, particularly if you are now working from a home office.
A
Many people are taking advantage of their time at home and preparing their spring cleaning list. We have a few efficiency tips for you to consider when doing so.
Get your dehumidifier ready for increased humidity. It’s important to control high humidity in basements to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality. The Energy Optimization program offers a $15 rebate with the purchase of new ENERGY STAR qualified models.
Home Office Efficiency When your workday is over, don’t forget to turn off your monitor and unplug your laptop. You may even consider using an advanced or smart power strip. These power strips save energy by completely turning off devices attached to your computer or TV when they are not being used. It can make shutdown and startup of multiple devices fast, easy and complete. Apply online for a $5 rebate from the Energy Optimization program. Visit michigan-energy.org for more ways to save energy and money at home.
SMALL CHANGES. GREAT SAVINGS. You make the changes; we provide the savings. There are many ways to save, from appliances to lighting to maintaining the comfort of your home, with our efficient HVAC programs. Visit michigan-energy.org to learn more. ONLINE: michigan-energy.org PHONE: 877.296.4319
Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.
2
Most Votes On Facebook!
4
1
3
5
6
GLE Photo Contest Enter to win a
$200
energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Festivals and Fairs” Photos!
Each month, members can submit photos on Facebook or our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here along with other selections. Our May theme is Festivals and Fairs. Photos can be submitted by May 20 to be featured in the July/August issue.
How To Enter:
Visit Facebook.com/greatlakesenergy and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. Not on Facebook? You can also enter the contest at gtlakes.com/events. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2020 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2020.
1.
On The Farm 1. Hay season is our favorite season—Sarah Schaner, Hart 2. Proud Charolais—our bull and his calves—Sue Eilers, New Era 3. Morning chores—Paige Ohse 4. Feeding time—Katelynn Andersen, Scottville 5. Bush’s apples—our little apple picker!—Danielle Bush, New Era 6. Master duck wrangler— Jessica Henke, Elmira
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
9
MI CO-OP Recipes
Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes Submitted by MCL Readers and Tested by Recipe Editor Christin McKamey
VEGETARIAN Go meat-free with these healthy recipes.
WINNING RECIPE!
SWEET POTATO AND QUINOA BURGERS Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy & Communications
2 large sweet potatoes 1 cup uncooked dry quinoa (makes 2 cups cooked) ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped ¼ small red onion, finely chopped ½ cup kale, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon oil
Win a
$50
energy bill credit!
10 MAY 2020
RECIPE CONTEST
Kid-Friendly Cooking due July 1 • Easy Recipes due August 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information.
Preheat oven to 400 F. Bake, boil, or microwave the sweet potatoes until soft. Discard skins; then mash and allow to cool. Cook quinoa as per packet instructions; cool. In a bowl, add the mashed sweet potato, cooked quinoa, bell pepper, onion, kale, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Mix everything well. When cool enough to handle, take ½ cup each of the mixture and form into patties. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the patties liberally with oil of choice, then place them on the baking sheet and bake until the patties are deeply golden on the outside, about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway. Patties can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for fast meals.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
FALAFEL WITH FETA SAUCE Sondra Harr, Great Lakes Energy
FALAFEL: 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 clove garlic 3 green onions • juice from ½ lemon 1 bunch parsley 1 teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 egg ¹⁄ ³ cup flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder • flour tortillas or pita bread • oil for frying
FETA SAUCE: ½ cup feta cheese ½ cup Greek yogurt, plain 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, minced To make falafel, place all falafel ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate for ½ hour. Roll dough into balls and lightly flatten. Fry in hot oil for 3 minutes per side. To make feta sauce, combine all ingredients and chill until ready to drizzle over falafel. Serve in a warm tortilla or pita bread with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced cucumber.
CARAMELIZED ONION AND GOAT CHEESE FARFALLE Sandy Moyer, Great Lakes Energy
EGGPLANT PIE IN RICE CRUST
Shelley Ehrenberger, Cherryland RICE CRUST 1½ cups cooked rice 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 2 tablespoons onion, chopped 1 egg EGGPLANT FILLING 1 medium onion, chopped 1 large green bell pepper, chopped 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste 1 cup hot water 1 medium/large eggplant, quartered and sliced ½ -inch thick ½ to 1 pound mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350 F. To make rice crust, combine rice with butter, chopped onion, and egg. Press into bottom and sides of greased 9-inch pie pan. To make eggplant filling, sauté onion and green pepper in butter until transparent. Add tomato paste and hot water, and bring to a boil. Add eggplant; simmer for 10 minutes. Spoon half of eggplant mixture into crust. Add half of cheese. Add the remaining eggplant mixture, and top with remainder of cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting.
2 teaspoons olive oil 4 cups sweet onions, thinly sliced 3 ounces goat cheese (can sub with cream cheese) ¼ cup skim milk 6 ounces uncooked farfalle (bow-tie pasta) 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons dry white wine (can sub with vegetable broth) 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or sub with ½ teaspoon dried) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped, toasted walnuts Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly until golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Combine goat cheese and milk in small bowl; mix until well blended. Set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Add garlic to onions in skillet; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine, sage, salt and black pepper; cook until moisture is evaporated. Remove from heat. Add pasta and goat cheese mixture, stirring to melt cheese. Sprinkle with walnuts. Serve immediately. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
11
Help Your Community By Joining The People Fund How The People Fund Works:
People Fund contributors allow Great Lakes Energy to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month. The rounded-up amounts, which average less than 50 cents a month, are used to award grants to local charities and community groups such as food pantries, senior citizen centers and youth programs.
How to Apply:
Grant applications are available to nonprofit groups (not individuals). Call Great Lakes Energy at 888-485-2537 or request an application online at gtlakes.com. The deadlines for receiving grant applications are April 15 and October 15.
Did You Know...
The People Fund awarded $228,481 to local organizations in 2019 and has awarded over $3.7 million since 1999!
Join People Fund Plus
You can make a greater impact in your local community with People Fund Plus. Choose a People Fund donation level in addition to your rounded-up amount. Your donations are awarded in the form of grants to local community nonprofit groups. All People Fund contributors earn the chance to win a $100 bill credit twice per year. In 2019, the People Fund awarded $228,481 in grants to local nonprofits. Working together, we can help enhance our local communities and meet the needs of so many.
Here’s How It Works: $65.42 Bill $00.58 People Fund Round-Up Amount $ 2.00 People Fund PLUS Amount (or any even amount you choose) $68.00 Total Bill
Sign up today by contacting us at 888-GT-LAKES or visit gtlakes.com.
HISTORIC FARM HONORED Congratulations to Chris and Kristine Raymond, whose farm in Lake County received state sesquicentennial farm certification. Great Lakes Energy (GLE) is a sponsor of the Michigan Centennial Farm Program that honors GLE members and other Michigan residents whose farms have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 years. Once a farm is certified through the program, the owners receive a certificate as well as a display marker for their farm.
GLE members can request an application or receive more information about the program by contacting the Historical Society of Michigan, 517-324-1828, or by visiting its website, www.hsmichigan.org/programs/centennial-farm-program.
PAY YOUR WAY. GREAT LAKES ENERGY PROVIDES CONVENIENT METHODS FOR YOU TO PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL.
PAY ONLINE, BY MOBILE DEVICE OR BY TELEPHONE f Pay online through your self service account by visiting gtlakes.com. o Select “Log-in to Your Account.” o Don’t have an online account? Sign-up is easy! You will just need your account number, the last name on the account, and an email address. f To pay using your mobile device, download our app by searching “GLE” on the App Store© or Google Play marketplace. f To pay by automated phone system, call 888-485-2537.
FLEXPAY Pay in advance and manage your electricity use on a daily basis. There are no late fees, no reconnect fees and no deposits involved with this plan.
PAY BY MAIL Checks and money orders can be sent to: Bill Payment Center 2183 N. Water Road Hart, MI 49420-9007 Please include the top stub of the bill to assure that your account is properly credited. Please do not send cash.
PAY IN PERSON COVID-19 Office Closures: As of press time, the Great Lakes Energy office is currently closed to walk-in traffic. We encourage you to communicate with us via electronic communication or telephone. Business operations will continue. Please visit gtlakes.com to stay updated.
AUTOPAY BY CHECKING OR SAVINGS FOR THE EASIEST WAY TO PAY How does AutoPay by checking or savings account work? f Payments can also be made by automatic withdrawal from your checking, savings, debit or credit account. To use this method, call our office at 888-485-2537.
How will I know the amount of my bill? f You will still receive a Great Lakes Energy billing statement (at least 10 days before it is due).
What if I have a question about my bill? f As always, call us at 888-485-2537.
How do I know the bill has been paid? f Each payment will be clearly itemized on your next GLE billing statement and financial institution account statement. You can also monitor your account 24/7 by setting up your online GLE account on our website, gtlakes.com.
Can payments be withdrawn from a savings account? f Yes, however, federal regulations limit the number of transactions on some accounts. Contact your financial institution for information about your specific account.
Is there a charge for automatic payment through my checking or savings account? f No, we do not charge for this service. In fact, it’s the most cost-effective way for us to receive payments. Most financial institutions don’t charge either. Remember, they save time and money too!
What if I change financial institutions? f You will need to complete a new enrollment form and allow up to 30 days for the change to go into effect. If you decide to cancel your participation in the plan, simply give us a call.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
MAMMOTH DISTILLING
GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY
“Craft distilling in the U.S. is actually quite a tight-knit community.” –Chad Munger
“As a small business, we’re used to pivoting and adapting quickly.” –Kent Rabish
DISTILLING COMMUNITY Michigan Distilleries Lend A Hand And Make A Difference By Emily Haines Lloyd
C
“We started hearing stories of distilleries in the northwest of the United States who were starting to make hand sanitizer on their stills.”
flattening the curve of the impact of the virus. They noted that in lieu of soap and water, hand sanitizer was also effective.
“Craft distilling in the U.S. is actually quite a tight-knit community,” said Chad Munger of Mammoth Distilling.
The country began to prepare for an anticipated influx of people contracting the virus and the pressure that would be put on the health care and first responder communities. Gaps began to appear in supply chains. Protective gear like face masks and gloves was in short supply. Medical professionals, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) all noted that hand washing was a critical step in
“You don’t realize just how much sanitizer is needed in health care and for first responders,” said Kent Rabish of Grand Traverse Distillery. “From reception areas, to disinfecting each exam room, to having on ambulance rigs for each call. And now suddenly, the country realizes, we are going to need even more.”
raft spirits in Michigan is an industry that speaks often about creativity, a sense of community, and of course, good times and fellowship. After the nationwide outbreak of COVID-19, Michigan distilleries, along with the bulk of their hospitality brethren, found themselves displaced, with dining and tasting rooms closed and the bulk of their workforce suddenly without income or purpose. It seemed like the good times were becoming a distant memory.
14 MAY 2020
Michigan distilleries quickly launched into action. Initially, they delivered or
TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO.
IRON SHOE DISTILLERY
“We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. I think that’s what our distilling community is all about.” –Chris Fredrickson
“We are here to serve our communities.” –Howard Tuthill
gave away the sanitizing runoff they had on hand, which is the byproduct of producing alcohol.
now adapting to a learning curve by distillery workforces who were grateful for a way to pitch in.
“Our employees were dropping off sanitizer to local firehouses, municipalities, and hospitals, just to support our community,” said Chris Fredrickson of Traverse City Whiskey Co. “It was a quick and easy way to step into a strange situation and find a way to help.”
“So much of our industry is about community,” said Howard Tuthill of Iron Shoe Distillery. “We are here to serve our communities. And when we suddenly weren’t able to share moments in person, it felt good to be able to reach out to our community in another way.”
Suddenly, the creativity, ingenuity, and adaptability of this craft industry kicked into high gear. Calls were made to source materials, ensuring they had the federal “recipe” for allowable sanitizer, and distilleries across the state began trading in corn and wheat for ethanol and glycerin.
Dozens of distilleries around the state and country have stepped into this space and are now producing hand sanitizer as quickly as they can acquire the supplies.
“As a small business, we’re used to pivoting and adapting quickly,” said Landis Rabish of Grand Traverse Distillery. “We stay nimble and adapt to new circumstances constantly. This is second nature to us.” Buildings that once hummed and produced handcrafted libations were
“We took the first step, simply because it was the right thing to do,” said Fredrickson. “We had the infrastructure to help people in a really unusual and weird time. This wasn’t a moment to sit back and watch things happen. That’s not who we are as a business. It’s not who we are as a team. So we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. I think that’s what our distilling community is all about.”
If you are still looking for hand sanitizer, check out the American Distilling Institute website, distilling.com, for the most up-to-date listing of distillers who are producing it.
For more information, please visit their websites and follow these distilleries on Facebook and Instagram. mammothdistilling.com grandtraversedistillery.com tcwhiskey.com ironshoedistillery.com
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
15
Access To Rules And Rates Please be advised that the following information is available to Great Lakes Energy members: 1. Complete rate schedules; 2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive; 3. Assistance from the cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate; 4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months. The information can be obtained by visiting gtlakes.com or contacting Great Lakes Energy at 1-888-485-2537.
Fuel Mix Report The fuel mix characteristics of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/19. Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used
Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix
Regional Average Fuel Mix
Regional average fuel mix used Your co-op’s fuel mix
Fuel Source Coal 23.30% Oil
41.81%
0.18%
0.41%
Gas 15.03%
23.61%
Hydroelectric
1.91%
0.76%
Nuclear 42.39%
26.61%
Renewable Fuels 17.19%
6.80%
Biofuel
0.35%
0.79%
Biomass
0.18%
0.47%
Solar
0.46%
0.14%
Solid Waste Incineration
0.09%
0.02%
Wind
15.92%
4.95%
Wood
0.19%
0.43%
NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine’s mix.
Emissions And Waste Comparison lbs/MWh
Type Of Emission/Waste
Your Co-op
Regional Average*
Sulfur Dioxide
0.62
1.25
Carbon Dioxide
689.6
1,248.0
Oxides of Nitrogen High-level Nuclear Waste
0.45
0.91
0.0096
0.0060
*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/19. Great Lakes Energy purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
MANY NEEDS. ONE NUMBER. CALL: 211
TEXT: YOUR ZIPCODE TO 898211
AR ST
NO
Which
T
I would like to get involved in my co-op’s renewable energy efforts.
NO
YES
Renewable Energy Option
I would like a renewable energy generator on my property, and I have open land or a large, south-facing roof (if interested in solar).
NO
Is Right For Me?
YES
I have $10,000+ I can commit to a renewable energy generator and believe I can take advantage of potential tax credits.
NO
YES
I will build a system that will be 20 kW or less.
YES
I will generate more electricity than I use.
NO
YES
Already a Leader
Community Solar
Feel good knowing your co-op is a clean energy leader in the state. Nearly 20% of our energy comes from clean, renewable sources and more than 60% from carbon-free sources.
A great way to get involved in renewable energy without having a generating system on your property. It’s affordable, maintenancefree, and can be canceled at any time.
Learn more!
Buy-All/ Sell-All For those who wish to increase the amount of renewable energy used in their community and would like to see a return on their investment.
Call 888-GT-LAKES or visit spartansolar.com
Distributed Renewable Energy Perfect for members who are looking to build a system that will power their home with renewable energy and sell the excess to the co-op.
MI CO-OP Community Guest Column
Last Train Ride
Lake Odessa to Grand Rapids, Circa 1956 By Tom McWhorter, Cherryland Electric Cooperative member
y grandmother lived in Lake Odessa and sometime in the mid-’50s, she took a train to Grand Rapids. She needed to see a medical specialist and wanted our mother to accompany her. My mom took me, as she wanted me to experience a train ride. She said that I could tell my children about it one day, as she did not think passenger trains would be around much longer.
M
Lake Odessa was on the Pere Marquette Railway (PMR) line. PMR was sold to Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) and is now operated by CSX. Passenger service was, in fact, discontinued from Lake Odessa in 1971. We went down to the depot, purchased our tickets and waited for the train to arrive. I was excited, I had seen trains from a distance but had no idea of how big and powerful the engine was up close. I am sure that I was filled with both amazement and fear! Unfortunately, I do not remember anything specific about the ride itself. We would have arrived at the old Grand Rapids Central Station, which was demolished in 1961 in order to make way for the construction of U.S. 131. After my grandmother’s appointment, we walked around downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids was for sure the biggest city that I had ever been to, large buildings and department stores with strange names such as Herpolsheimer’s and Steketee’s. After some shopping, we went back to Lake Odessa. So, thank you to my mom and grandmother for giving me this story to tell a mere 64 years later! Tom McWhorter is a retired state employee who grew up in rural Eaton County and now lives with his wife Wendy in Leelanau County. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and his interests include history, writing and traveling.
Win a
$50
energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This? Identify the correct location of the photo on the left by May 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com. March 2020 Winner! Our Mystery Photo contest winner from the March issue is Aaron Wiers, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the Silverdale school building in Ogontz, located on the Stonington Peninsula in Delta County. Photo courtesy of Kelli Marshall Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September and November/December.
18 MAY 2020
Hybrid Geothermal
CALL FOR A FREE HOME VISIT (989) 356-2113 wellconnectgeo.com 989-356-2113 wellconnectsaves.com
gtlakes.com facebook.com/greatlakesenergy
To everyone helping in so many ways and those serving on the frontlines during this pandemic, we THANK YOU.
• Medical Workers • First Responders • Journalists • Civil Service Employees • Delivery Folks • Bank Workers • Farmers • Sanitary Workers • Pharmacy Workers
• Nonprofit Workers • Factory Workers • Truckers • Grocery Workers • Mail Carriers • Utility Workers • Military Personnel • School Employees • Restaurant Workers