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©2012 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. January 2013 Vol. 33, No. 2

Editor Gail Knudtson

Associate Editor

Doug Snitgen – 831creative.com Photo

Design Editor Cindy Zuker

Publisher Craig Borr 10 20 22

DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS features

Michigan Country Lines, USPS- 4 Readers’ Pages 16 Safety 8 Cover Story 591-710, is published monthly, Gov. Snyder’s energy Be emergency-ready The art of island living except August and December, with periodicals postage paid address, mystery this winter Linda Sirois at Okemos, MI, and additional photo, NRECA’s new Kelly Trapnell offices. It is the official publication CEO, Youth Leadership 12 Our Energy of the Michigan Electric Coopera- Summit 17 Family Clean-coal technology tive Association, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. A blizzard of kindness Angela Perez Subscriptions are authorized 10 Home Cooking Lisa Marie Metzler for members of Alger Delta, Cher- Salads & 2012 recipe 13 Legislative Guide ryland, Cloverland, Great Lakes, contest winner 21 House & Home Know your state HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, Christin McKamey & Insulate gaps and cracks senator and and Thumb electric cooperatives Our readers James Dulley representative by their boards of directors. Sub- (Pull-out section) scriptions for nonmembers are 20 Wolverine Power 24 Ramblings $6 per year. Postmaster: Send all UAA Joint ownership of U.P. Tortured text 22 Michigan-made to CFS. power plant Mike Buda The ‘Snow Bully’ Letters to the editor should Nancy Tanner Nick Edson be sent to Country Lines, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. Phone 517-913-3531. Email: gknudtson@ meca.coop. YOUR CO-OP Association officers are Tony Anderson, Cherryland, chairman; Ken Swope, Midwest Energy, 1st Pages specific to your vice chairman; Robert Schallip, electric cooperative: 1, Cloverland, 2nd vice chairman; Eric 2-3, 6-7, 18-19, 22-23, 28 Baker, Wolverine Power, secretary- treasurer; and Brian Burns, PIE&G, past chairman. Craig Borr is presi- *Not in all editions dent and CEO. Unsolicited letters, photos and manuscripts are welcome. Country Lines, however, will not be respon- sible for their safe keeping or return. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorse- ment of the products or services On the Cover* advertised. Michigan’s Electric Writer/photographer Julie McKay Covert Cooperatives Change of Address: Please notify your electric cooperative. See is featured with the cover photo from her countrylines.com page 4 for contact information. book, “A Photographic Essay: Art of Winter.” The book’s photos were taken near her home on Shelter Island, MI. Visit juliemckaycovert.com

January 2013 | 1 MANAGER’S MESSAGE | Mark Kappler

OSCEOLA CLARE

MECOSTA ISABELLA

MONTCALM GRATIOT

IONIA CLINTON

BARRY EATON INGHAM The Value of JACKSON Electricity Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Avenue Blanchard MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Friday t HomeWorks Tri-County, we eggs jumped 7.39 percent in price per year. Portland office: 7973 E. Grand River Avenue have three top priorities: provide In comparison, electricity has increased Portland, MI 48875 you with safe, reliable access to just 3.7 percent a year nationally for the past Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday electric power; offer that service decade. When you consider how reliable Electric bill/account questions: Aas affordably as possible; and do both of electricity is, the value goes up even more. 517-647-7556 or 1-800-562-8232 those things in a fiscally and environmentally The average HomeWorks member has Pay by phone, anytime: responsible fashion. power 99.97 percent of the time. That’s a 1-877-999-3395 You’ve told us, at meetings and in surveys, pretty good number, and we’re working every Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 that you value these same priorities. That’s day to increase our service reliability and (24 hours for emergency calls) why they are the foundation of our strategic control costs through innovative technology. Tri-County Propane: plan, our work plans, and our daily activities. In the past 30 years, the amount of 1-877-574-2740 What else does “value” mean to you, when residential electricity used by appliances High Speed Internet it comes to electricity? and electronics has increased from 17 1-800-668-8413 For instance, cell phones and other digi- percent to 31 percent. Those cell phones homeworks.org tal devices are a part of our everyday lives. I mentioned earlier? Nearly one-third of E-mail: [email protected] Everyone, it seems, is connected—making all U.S. households have four electronic facebook.com/HomeWorks.org phone calls, texting, playing games, checking devices, such as cell phones, plugged in and BOARD OF DIRECTORS the internet, or reading email. This instant charging, according to the Residential Energy communication is a luxury we pay for, gen- Consumption Survey by the U.S. Energy District 1 — Philip Conklin 5130 W. Gresham Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813 erally without complaint. Information Administration. More homes 517-726-0127 But when it comes to electricity—a neces- than ever use major appliances and central air [email protected] sity in our modern world—why do so many conditioning. Owning digital video recorders District 2 — Wayne Swiler of us grumble when the electric bill comes (DVRs), computers and multiple TVs has Vice-Chairman 11750 Ainsworth Rd., Lake Odessa, MI 48849 every month? become commonplace. 616-374-3141 We expect electricity to be there at the Clearly, our appetite for electricity shows [email protected] flip of the switch, and when it’s not, we get no signs of slowing down. So, the next time District 3 — Carl Morton angry or frustrated. you flip a switch, use your toaster, or run Chairman As your electric co-op, we have a special your washing machine, remember the value 11280 Eden Trail, Eagle, MI 48822 517-626-2258 responsibility to make sure your electric ser- electricity holds. And know that we at Home- [email protected] vice is safe, reliable and affordable. But when Works are looking out for you by working District 4 — Laverne Hansen compared to other commodities, electricity together to keep electric bills affordable, Secretary-Treasurer remains a great value. controlling costs through innovation, and 1190 E. M-46 Hwy., Edmore, MI 48829 989-427-5851 For example, over the past 10 years, gas putting you, our members, first. [email protected] prices shot up 12.66 percent on average District 5 — Cara Evans annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of 10180 Roosevelt Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 Labor Statistics. The cost of a loaf of white 989-862-5590 bread rose 3.73 percent annually, and a dozen [email protected] District 6 — Ed Oplinger Mark Kappler 10890 W. Weidman Road, Weidman, MI 48893 989-644-3079 General Manager [email protected] District 7 — Dean Floria 1163 Taft Rd., Remus, MI 49340 989-382-5230 [email protected] Editor: Jayne Graham, CCC 2 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP 5-Alarm Smokehouse: A Fresh Source For Quality Meats

pened a year ago to offer custom businesses and restaurants. They deer processing, 5-Alarm Smoke- also offer a quick lunch special house & Custom Butchering has for employees of local businesses, also grown quickly into a destina- with sandwiches made to order, Otion shop for quality meats. chips and a soft drink for just Owner Jeff Brown, a Fremont Township $4.99. firefighter for over 20 years, opened 5-Alarm The building was designed and because he didn’t like the way his own game constructed with meat processing was being processed, with parts being mixed in mind. A geothermal heating into other hunters’ venison to make sausage, and cooling system provides the for example. consistent year-round tempera- “Here we do one deer at a time, even the tures 5-Alarm needs. specialty items. We’ll do one four-pound mix From being in the construction for sausage, for example.” business himself, Jeff was familiar “We do custom butchering,” adds front- with how well geothermal heating end manager Jerry Nesbitt, former owner of and cooling works, and he knew the Blanchard Thriftway. it would pay for itself. Jerry Nesbitt shows off a tray of Winn Dogs in front of the “Right now we have six cattle hanging to The geothermal system also 22-foot meat case. Half of the case houses various beef cuts, cut, and two hogs, with eight or nine more operates the chillers, keeping it while the other half holds pork, chicken and sausages. coming in next week. We’ll be busy right up cold enough to make a big dif- until hunting season.” ference in the hanging time before livestock Mike Woodbury, new this year, is the cut- is butchered. 5-Alarm Smokehouse & ting room manager. “He’s an excellent cut- Jeff is a green builder by trade, and Custom Butchering ter,” Nesbitt says. Nicole assists Mike with worked with Dan Rons of Custom Heating weighing and packaging, and Arica works & Plumbing in Mt. Pleasant to set up the ...at a glance the front counter. systems and insulate the building properly. n Open 9-6 Mon.-Fri., 9-3 Sat. So far, 5-Alarm has grown mostly through They used foam insulation in Call 989-866-MEAT (6328). word-of-mouth, and marketing to local the building’s block construc- n Located at 6438 S. Winn tion, cell foam for ceilings, and a Road, just north of Winn. fiberglass insulation made for use n On Facebook at “5-Alarm on steel ceilings in the remainder Smokehouse and Cus- of the building. tom Butchering.” He also appreciated working n Senior citizens (60 or older) get a with HomeWorks Tri-County Electric staff 15 percent discount every day. members, including Missy Robson, man- n 5-Alarm offers several different meat ager of customer service, and Nick Rusnell, bundles at an average of 20 percent energy advisor. They answered his specific off the case price. questions about geothermal systems and how n With some grocery items available, they could work for his business. Missy and and a USDA meat case, they accept Nick also helped Jeff set up dual-fuel meter- Bridge Cards. ing, which cuts his energy costs even further. n Specialties are homemade brats in The geothermal system cools the back several flavors, including cherry, and room, kill floor and cutting room (kept at a Winn Dogs, homemade all-beef hot constant 50 degrees), and regulates moisture dogs made from a 90 percent lean mix as livestock hangs for butchering and gives of ground beef. They also offer extra- a better aging process. thick bacon and cut meat to order. Jeff estimates it saves $500-$700 a month, n If you need wild game processed, especially in the summer. 5-Alarm’s team will give your trophy It also works well in winter. Last heating their full attention until the job is com- plete, making sure you get meat cuts Jeff Brown is a hunter and firefighter, and the season, Jeff says, he used just 3 percent of a and specialties from your own harvest. decor at 5-Alarm Smokehouse, above right, 250-gallon LP tank for backup heat in the reflects his passions. retail area. –Jayne Graham January 2013 | 3 readers’ pages & LETTERS

Governor Says ‘Work Together On Ensuring Energy, Environmental Issues’ Michigan’s

daptability has to be the foundation of every energy decision we make,” Gov. Rick Snyder Future said in his December message on energy and the environment. “First,” he emphasized, “we A need to make sure our energy supplies are reliable.” Using the adaptability theme, he noted three pillars that every decision must stand on: “There are things we #1 Reliable Energy Presque Isle Power Plant (see • Energy efficiency supports • Upgrade the transmission p. 20) is a good start, but “let’s jobs, saves energy, money, and is can do today that and electrical system to keep connect the Peninsulas” with good for the environment. benefit us right now the economy growing. electricity. • Conserve more energy. • Michigan has growing reli- • Use more of our natural gas Since 2010, over 1,700 Michi- and pay dividends ability challenges, for example, assets; many are on state land, ganders have used funds from tomorrow, no the U.P. has 12 “yellow alerts” it’s better than coal, and we the “Michigan Saves” program every year (meaning all it takes have prime areas to store it. (michigansaves.org) to improve matter what the is for one more thing to go • “Fracking” to retrieve natu- their homes and save about wrong and everybody’s power ral gas. “It’s been done here $350 in yearly energy costs. future holds.” could be out for days). Another safely for over a decade because The program is expanding to is when the electrical grid went we’re doing it the right way.” include businesses like small 180 invasive species threatening down in 2003, causing a wide- grocery and convenience stores. our waters (i.e., Asian carp). spread blackout in Michigan #2 Affordable Energy • In 2012, private financial • Merge scientific/economic/ and the eastern U.S. • Our electric prices are institutions statewide offered environmental practices into • The Wolverine Power/ the highest in the Midwest over $68 million for efficiency one water protection system. We Energies plan to save the because we have to import coal. improvements in buildings. Invite Great Lakes Governors • Energy use in state build- to a 2013 summit. ings has been reduced nearly 25 • Re-establish a Water Use Thanks to all who helped percent; upgrades continue. Advisory Council. Strategize on electric co-ops support • Find steady funding to help inland lake and drought issues. low-income people with heating • Battle urban blight and opposition to Proposition 3 on costs. Utilities must work closer plan for vacant land use (i.e., the November ballot. We also with people before shutting the urban farming). Toughen thank everyone who took time power off. landlord laws and bar prop- erty tax delinquents from land to write us a letter, whether #3 Protect the Environment auctions. pro or con, on the issue. • Energy and the environ- • Help farmers and agribusi- ment must be considered nesses comply with environ- together in preserving land, mental regulations. How To Send A Letter Readers are encouraged to submit water and trails. The DNR is • Improve recycling; create a thoughtful, courteously-worded letters, and we print as many as to offer better land/trail use plan by 2014. (Only 21 of 83 possible in the space and time allowed. options by spring. Link our counties have strong programs.) Country Lines reserves the right to print letters at the publisher’s trails to other states. • Raise renewable energy use discretion, based on length, space and content, and to edit slightly for • Aggressively educate, pre- through legislation—not the space and facts. Please limit comments to 240 words or less. Submit vent and defend against over Constitution; discuss this year. by posting online at countrylines.com, email [email protected], or mail to: Editor, Country Lines, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. u See the Governor’s full speech at: michigan.gov/documents/ snyder/EE_Message_FINAL_pdf_404563_7.pdf

t DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS? Every co-op member who identifies the correct location of the photo at left by Feb. 10 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 credit for electricity from their electric cooperative. We do not accept Mystery Photo guesses by phone! Email mysteryphoto@ countrylines.com, or send by mail to Country Lines Mystery Photo, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, 48864. Include your name, address, phone number and name of your co-op. Only those sending complete information will be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced in the March 2013 issue. The Nov./Dec. contest winner is Jeanne Moore of Gaylord, who correctly identified the photo from the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. Nov/Dec. photo

4 | Michigan Country Lines Electric Co-ops Choose New National Leader o Ann Emerson, a nine- divides to find common ground term Congresswoman, was will serve NRECA and all mem- J recently chosen as the new ber co-ops very well.” CEO of the National Rural First elected in 1996, she is the Electric Cooperative Association first Republican woman from (NRECA). Missouri to serve in the U.S. Emerson succeeds Glenn Eng- House. She has served on the lish, a former Democratic Con- House Appropriations Commit- Missouri Rural Magazine Spradley, – Kyle Photo gressman who served NRECA tee and chaired the Financial Ser- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), right, NRECA CEO-designate, meets well for 19 years. vices and General Government with 2011 Rural Electric Youth Tour students from Missouri outside Coupled with her Congres- Appropriations Subcommittee, House chambers at the U.S. Capitol. sional work, Emerson’s earlier which oversees the U.S. Treasury, executive roles with the National Internal Revenue Service, and electricity delivered by electric to improve the quality of life for Restaurant Association and the various independent agencies, cooperatives serving thousands their consumer-members. I am American Insurance Associa- including the Federal Commu- of communities, millions of very honored to join an outstand- tion, plus extensive knowledge nications Commission. Americans would be left without ing organization to work on their of electric co-op issues, makes Besides leadership roles in agri- the energy that brings economic behalf.” her the best choice to lead culture, health care and govern- opportunity, unsurpassed qual- She assumes her new duties NRECA, said Mike Guidry, ment reform, she won recognition ity of life, and the promise of March 1, but will be introduced board president. “The respect for her work on energy, including growth in the future,” Emerson to NRECA members, which total she has from both sides of the the 2006 NRECA Distinguished said. “NRECA is committed to over 900 co-ops, employees and aisle and her proven ability Service Award. the electric co-ops of this great directors from 48 states, at their to bridge political and policy “Without reliable, affordable nation, and works hard every day annual meeting in February.

January 2013 | 5 YOUR CO-OP

Co-op Employees Retire From Portland our HomeWorks employees recently ing three brothers and a sister, and numerous babysitting. She and her husband, Joe, enjoy retired from the Portland office after nieces and nephews. “Summers will be very four grandchildren, including twin infants in F accumulating nearly 75 years of service busy for me, visiting family. But it will be so Grand Rapids with daughter Jennifer, and to the co-op and its members. strange not to get my vacation time okayed two boys with son Joe, who just moved back Billing supervisor Diane Willard was hired by Missy (Robson, manager of customer to Michigan. in 1973 after attending Lansing Business service.)” Judy Huhn joined HomeWorks in 2003 University and working at Michigan Millers Diane retired Dec. 6, while the other three after a career with several large corporations Insurance. Her aunt, Kate Rogers, planned employees have official retirement dates in such as Michigan Bell/AT&T, EDS, and TRW. Her first assignment was running the system that processed all payments coming into the office. When that task was outsourced, she joined the customer service support team, greeting walk-in customers and handling office mail. Judy recalls the renovation of the Portland office in 2010 as one of the biggest changes she’s seen at the co-op. “There hasn’t been a lot of turnover among the employees, but we did see the end of our Rural TV business, Diane Willard Tani Ellis Judy Huhn Mike Fender propane growing, and now high speed inter- net—those were some significant changes for to retire from Tri-County Electric, so Diane early January. our members,” she adds. applied, knowing there would soon be an Tani Ellis joined HomeWorks in 1996 as She plans to enjoy retirement with her opening. a part-time employee, working as a customer husband, Duane, “resting and being domes- Between 1973 and 2012, the billing pro- service support clerk. She quickly earned a tic,” Judy says. cess changed dramatically several times over, full-time position as a customer service rep- Propane driver Mike Fender grew up she recalls. “We used Burroughs machines resentative, and within two years of being in the propane business, following in his to bill, inserting 8½” by 11” cards, when I hired was named supervisor of a CSR team. father’s footsteps. Growing up on a farm near started here. Today, we have computers for “It’s a constant change, working here— Laingsburg, Mike learned how to operate and nearly everything, from our phones to taking that’s what was so interesting about this maintain most kinds of heavy equipment, payments, and we’ve been through so many job,” she says. “I’m so fortunate to have been good experience for his military service as a system conversions I’ve lost count.” here. HomeWorks is an awesome place to Seabee, and for his future career. In retirement, Diane hopes to travel and work.” Like Diane, she is a Portland native. After 29 years with Farmers Petroleum, spend time with her extended family, includ- Her post-retirement plans include a lot of Mike joined HomeWorks in September 2001. Besides his daily tasks, Mike has been an ambassador for Tri-County, driving a bob- tail truck in area parades from Westphalia People Fund Helps Feed Families to Lake Odessa. “I like to see the joy on the kids’ faces when I throw candy to them, and I ou helped make the holidays a little • $800 to Cran-Hill Ranch, Rodney, for liked cleaning the truck up so it looked good brighter for families with your con- camper scholarships; for the parades.” Y tinuing donations to the Tri-County • $2,500 to an Isabella County family to In retirement, Mike and his wife, Julie, Electric People Fund, through rounding up purchase a new oil furnace; and plan some traveling, but he will also spend your monthly energy bills. • $2,500 to a Mecosta County family to more time with his volunteer work. He and Meeting Oct. 30, the People Fund made help with medical bills and utility expenses. a friend, both Viet Nam veterans with past seven grants totaling $13,345, including: alcohol issues, have been helping recent • $5,000 to God’s Helping Hands of How To Apply For a Grant vets who return home with substance abuse Mecosta County, for their Christmas food Write to 7973 E. Grand River Avenue, Port- problems. program; land, MI 48875. We’ll send you an application “We have first-hand experience with deal- • $1,500 to Tabernacle Food Pantry of form, grant guidelines, and other helpful ing with this kind of thing, so they will listen Riverdale, to purchase food pantry items; information. You’ll also find details and to us,” Mike explains. “And it has a two-fold • $545 to Crossroads Compassionate application forms at homeworks.org. purpose, because we give and we receive.” Center of Greenville, to help with mobile General Manager Mark Kappler notes that food truck expenses; Note: Applications must be received by Diane, Tani, Judy and Mike have served the • $500 to Morton Township Library, Jan. 15 for the Jan. 23 board meeting; and by cooperative and its members faithfully and Mecosta, to buy materials for their teen room; Feb. 19 for the Feb. 27 board meeting. will be missed every day.

6 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Scholarship, Youth Summit Applications Due March 15 Coming Soon! lick on homeworks.org after Jan. 1 for information on winning your share of There’s an App for HomeWorks C$2,500 in HomeWorks Touchstone Energy® Scholarships offered to members. Seniors are eligible for one of two $1,000 Touchstone Energy scholarships, awarded to students served by HomeWorks Tri-County and based on a combination of merit and need. We also offer two adult education scholarships of $250 each. High school sophomores and juniors can apply for the Youth Leadership Sum- mit (April 24-26, near Evart) and the Rural Whether you have an iPhone, an iPad or Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. an Android phone, SmartHub will allow (June 15-20). See page 5 and visit miyls.com you to keep up with your HomeWorks to learn more about the exciting new plans Tri-County Electric or Tri-County Propane for the Youth Leadership Summit. account wherever you go. Applications for both programs are due March 15. This free app will be available for Look for application forms and complete download and ready to work for you soon! rules online at homeworks.org (click on the “Electric” tab, then “For Students and Teachers”), or email Jayne Graham at jayne@ homeworks.org, or call 517-647-1252. Looking for real value from your propane service? You’re looking for HomeWorks Tri-County Propane. If you’re not completely happy with your current service, now’s the time to make a change. Capped Winter Rates: You will never pay more than our capped rate this winter. There is no additional charge to receive this price security—your rate is good for the entire heating season. Call for our current rates, or for details of our new customer promotion. Metered Propane Service: Pay only for what you use each month, and never pay more than the current capped rate. You won’t be locked-in to the cost of a whole tank of gas, or have to pay upfront for your entire heating season needs. Auto-Fill Service: HomeWorks is able to estimate when your tank is in need of a fill, and automatically deliver to you. No more worrying about running out of gas, or calling ahead to schedule a fill.

Tri-County Propane Call 1-877-574-2740 today!

January 2013 | 7 cover story | Linda Sirois

The Art of Island Living

ulie McKay Covert likes to sit at the southeastern tip of Drummond Island, animals like chickens or pigs impractical her dining room table, cradling in the far eastern Upper Peninsula. Hugh for the Coverts. “How do you ask a steaming mug of hot chocolate works as a captain of tall ships, among someone to come out and care for animals and looking out over the treetops other pursuits, and bought the island nine when you live where we do?” she laughs. atJ Lake Huron. Two sides of the dining years ago and built a home and lifestyle A massage and bodywork therapist, and room are windows, and from this vantage that reflect his love for sailing the Great book author of “The Insightful Body,” point on the second story of her snug, Lakes. He designed the open-plan house Julie spends much of her time traveling 1,200-square-foot house, she has a bird’s- to withstand the rigors of wilderness to conduct classes for her business, Island eye view. Depending on the season, the living. Wellness Center, located on Drummond daily show includes cedar waxwings, The first story of their house is used for Island. At work, she is a member of Clo- warblers, snow buntings, ravens, and even storage and utility areas, in order to be verland Electric Cooperative, but at home, bald eagles. thoroughly bear-proof—the second story the Coverts live “off the grid.” Three years The variety and abundance of wildlife is their living space. ago, as a bride, Julie moved into an island on Shelter Island is just one of the trade- “We enjoy all of our fuzzy, furry friends home that uses wood and propane for offs that Julie, and her husband Hugh, that live out in the woods with us,” Julie heating, cooking and refrigeration, and embrace in their life as the only people says. The thin topsoil cover precludes solar panels for electricity. living on the 40-acre island they own in gardening, and the wildlife and isolation “I loved it immediately,” she says. Her Lake Huron. The island is located just off make the idea of owning pets or farm new husband encouraged her to explore all

8 | Michigan Country Lines Oh Winter, the wool is no longer pulled over my eyes; it is knitted into the earflaps of my hat. However, I don’t tie them tight, so I may hear your harmonious whispers. Oh, the glorious music that the frozen lake plays—chirps and twitters and melodic notes and ethereal harmonics conjure frogs, birds, violins, dolphins and synthesizers. These are songs from the heavenly bodies. These stunning sights and luscious sounds mix with the smell of tasty air to create your glorious symphony. Your orchestra only plays for those of us who, at the same time, are brave and fool hardy. You make no promises of what you will unveil. Only to those who dare to venture out, away from tales of soft winds and vibrant flowers, away from cozy warm stoves and marshmallows floating in hot chocolate, will you display your glory. I dared and am fool no longer. Spring will valiantly burst rainbows over hill and dale. When shed of encumbrances, Summer is joyful. Bright crimson and gold crunching leaves once made me love Fall. Oh, but Winter, I never knew ‘til now your true riches. Winter, you are my joy and love, like no other. I will miss you when Spring comes forth and I will wait with parka by the door for your return.

The photos and essay on these pages are from Julie McKay Covert’s coffee table book, “Art of Winter: A Photographic Essay,” pictured top left.

four seasons of the wilderness outside their walks in order to capture the changeable door. “‘Go play in the ‘big room,’ Hugh winter scenery for family and friends. “I would tell me. I saw absolutely beautiful would put pictures on my blog to show sights that the snow, the ice, and the light people things they’d never see otherwise,” were creating,” she recalls. explains. She collected enough photos Struck by the fleeting quality of the in her wanderings to self-publish a small winter beauty surrounding her, she would book as a gift for guests and family. They see a breathtaking arrangement of ice urged her to seek out a wider audience, and light and hoarfrost, but passing the and the result is her second book, “Art of same spot 10 minutes later it would all Winter,” which was published this year. have changed. A long-time photographer, “I started this for fun,” Julie says. Julie began to carry a camera on all of her “Living like this has always been a dream.”

Learn more about Julie McKay Covert’s books and businesses at JulieMCovert.com or call 443-604-1981, e-mail [email protected], or write to her at 38300 S. Shelter Island, Writer/photographer Julie McKay Covert and Drummond Island, MI 49726. her husband, Hugh, enjoy winter on Shelter Island. January 2013 | 9 home cooking | Christin McKamey

Snicker Salad 6 large delicious apples, unpeeled, chopped 6 2-oz. Snickers® candy bars, chopped 1 12-oz. carton whipped topping 1/2 c. pecans, chopped (optional) In a large bowl, combine apples, candy bar pieces and pecans. Mix well. Mix in whipped topping. Refrigerate. Best served the same day. It’s a unique salad that the entire fam- ily will love! Denise Halgren, Niles Cauliflower Salad 1 small head lettuce, broken up 1 small head cauliflower, cut up 1 small red onion, finely diced Salad! 1/4 lb. bacon, fried and crumbled 1/2 c. slivered almonds Salads can be a great addition to a meal, or even the main event. If you’re 8 ozs. mayonnaise bored of the same old salads, try one of these. 1 small can parmesan cheese 1/4 c. sugar Prepare veggies and mix with bacon and Pear Salad with Gorgonzola Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad almonds. Mix together the mayonnaise, par- Dressing (Pictured above) 2 bags spinach, rinsed and dried mesan and sugar. Dress veggies with mayon- 1 12-oz. bag spring mix lettuce 1 pint strawberries, sliced naise mixture just before serving. 1 fresh or canned pear, peeled and chopped 1 c. toasted pecan pieces (toast for 15 min. Marlene Pitts, Farwell dried cherries at 300°; watch closely) candied walnuts Dressing: Chinese Coleslaw Dressing: 1/3 c. white vinegar 2 packages chicken flavored ramen noodles 1 fresh or canned pear, peeled and finely 3/4 c. sugar (uncooked) diced 1 t. dry mustard 1 c. sunflower seeds 1 t. olive oil 1 t. salt 1 small package sliced almonds 1/3 c. white vinegar 1½ t. minced onion 4 green onions, chopped 1/4 c. lemon juice 1 c. vegetable oil 1 bunch fresh broccoli, chopped 1 T. dijon mustard 1½ T. poppy seeds 1/2 c. oil 3 T. agave syrup or honey (add more for Mix dressing ingredients in blender. Place 1/3 c. red wine vinegar sweeter) spinach, strawberries, and pecans in large 3/4 c. sugar 3 T. crumbled gorgonzola cheese bowl. Toss with dressing just before serving. Crunch ramen noodles in the bag before dash salt Marianne O’Neill, Dryden opening and set seasoning packets aside. Put dash pepper noodles in a bowl and add sunflower seeds, Mix all dressing ingredients together. Layer Dill Tuna Salad almonds, onions, and broccoli. In a separate lettuce, pear pieces, cherries and walnuts on a 4 c. small shells or penne pasta, cooked bowl, mix the seasoning packets, oil, vinegar plate. You can also add grilled chicken. Serve 1 large can white tuna in water and sugar together, making sure sugar dis- with dressing and french bread. 1 c. celery, diced small solves. Pour dressing over the noodle mixture Christin McKamey 1/2 c. chopped green onions, including tops and chill 8 to 12 hours or overnight. 1 c. frozen peas Deborah Buck, Cassopolis Tasty Tree Salad 1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced 2 bunches broccoli, trimmed and chopped 10 ozs. plain greek yogurt Pasta Veggie Salad 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 c. mayonnaise 2 c. cooked tube pasta, drained and rinsed 1 c. raisins 1/4 c. fresh lemon juice 1 zucchini squash, cubed 1/2 c. chopped onion 2 T. fresh dill, snipped 1 yellow summer squash, cubed 1/2 c. slivered almonds 1/2 t. salt 1 sweet red pepper, cut into bite-size pieces 1 c. mayonnaise 1/4 t. white pepper 1/2 green pepper, cut into bite-size pieces 2 t. red wine vinegar In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, celery, 1 cucumber, cubed 3 t. sugar onions, peas and parsley. In a small bowl, 3 to 4 green onions, chopped Mix all ingredients and chill salad in refrig- combine yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dressing: erator overnight before serving. For a lower dill, salt and pepper. Pour sauce over pasta 1/2 t. black pepper fat version, use only 4 strips of bacon and and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate at least 1/2 t. salt substitute plain yogurt for the mayonnaise. 2 hours. 3/4 t. garlic powder Toni Monton, Custer Mary Babcock, Port Austin 3/4 t. dried minced onions 10 | Michigan Country Lines Congratulations to our Grape Salad 2 lbs. red grapes 2012 Recipe Contest Winner! 2 lbs. green grapes Paula Brousseau’s name was drawn from all those whose 8 oz. cream cheese recipes we printed in 2012 and Country Lines magazine will 8 oz. sour cream pay her January electric bill as a prize. 1/2 c. sugar Paula, a Great Lakes Energy member from Bellaire, has 1 t. vanilla been an electric co-op member for over 50 years and tried 1 c. brown sugar many recipes printed in Country Lines before she decided 1/2 c. chopped pecans to start sending hers in, which she has now been doing for years. Wash and dry grapes. Beat cream cheese, Thank you, Paula, and all of our readers who shared their great recipes in 2012! sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Add grapes and stir. Before serving, sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. 3/4 t. dry mustard 1 c. whipped cream Marcia Rosa, Chase 1/4 c. sugar Combine chicken, onion and salt. Chill. Mix 1/4 c. white wine vinegar macaroni, grapes, celery, oranges, almonds Tortellini and Veggie Salad 1/4 c. vegetable oil and mayo; combine with chicken mixture. 2 bags refrigerated cheese tortellini Add all vegetables to pasta. Keep salad chilled. Just before serving, fold in whipped cream. 3 jars olives (each different), drained For dressing, combine dry spices then add Suzanne Hammerstrom, Hancock 1 whole red onion, cut into chunks sugar, vinegar and oil. Pour dressing over 3 colored sweet peppers, cut into chunks salad an hour or two before serving. Quick Taco Salad 1 package cherry or grape tomatoes Michele Jewell, Alba 4 c. iceberg lettuce, shredded 1 c. celery, cut into chunks 1 c. taco cheese 1 c. carrots, sliced Mandarin Chicken Salad 1 c. tomatoes, diced 2 cucumbers, with peel, cut into chunks 2 c. macaroni rings, cooked, rinsed and 1 c. nacho Dorito chips, crushed 1 small zucchini squash, cut into chunks chilled 1 c. uncooked ground beef 1 package pepperoni slices 2 c. cooked chicken (about 4 breasts), 1 package taco seasoning Dressing: chopped 1/4 c. diced green peppers 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar 1 T. minced onion thousand island dressing, to taste 1 bottle Kraft Sun-dried Tomato Dressing 1 t. salt Dice all veggies and place into a large bowl. 2 T. McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning 1½ c. green grapes Cook ground beef over medium heat and add Cook tortellini as directed and cool. Mix 1 c. mandarin oranges taco seasoning. Allow to cool before adding dressing ingredients with tortellini then 1/2 c. sliced almonds to the salad. Toss with thousand island dress- combine and add the rest of the ingredients 1/2 c. chopped celery ing. Add Dorito chips and serve immediately. 2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh 1 c. mayo Danielle Cochran, Grayling basil or parsley. Jan Vaughn, Vestaburg Swiss Cashew Toss Salad 1/3 c. white vinegar 3/4 c. sugar 2 t. prepared mustard 1 t. grated onion dash of salt 1 c. vegetable oil 1 t. poppy seeds 1 medium bunch romaine lettuce, torn 1 c. salted cashew halves 4 oz. swiss cheese, julienned In a blender, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard, onion and salt. Cover and process until well Tasty Tree Salad blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds. Submit Your recipe! Contributors whose recipes we print in 2013 will be entered In salad bowl, combine romaine, cashews in a drawing to win a prize: Country Lines will pay their January 2014 electric bill (up and Swiss cheese; serve with dressing. Serves to $200)! The 2013 winner will be announced in the Jan. 2014 issue. 8 to 10. Thanks to all who sent in recipes! Upcoming: Please send in Asian Inspired Julie Grulke, Cheboygan recipes by Feb. 10 and Mexican recipes by March 10. Mail to: Country Lines Recipes, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864; or email [email protected]. Photography by: 831 Creative

January 2013 | 11 OUR ENERGY | Angela Perez

approaches to burn coal more cleanly. NRE- Making Strides with CA’s Cooperative Research Network (CRN) recently finished demonstrating an innovative new multi-pollutant control system that shows Clean-Coal Technology promise for helping coal-fired power plants meet stringent EPA emissions standards at a The Cooperative Research Network pursues new solutions that help Michigan fraction of the cost of traditional measures. electric co-ops deliver safe, reliable and affordable power to you. The demonstration was conducted in July 2012 at an Arizona generation and transmis- espite the recent “green” energy down in production. sion co-op (G&T). The results showed sig- revolution and the rapid expansion “Coal still has a future as a source of electric- nificant emission reductions by combining of natural gas drilling rigs across ity,” says Craig Borr, president/CEO of the mercury controls—which CRN successfully America, our nation’s primary fuel Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. tested earlier at a Texas G&T—with trona (a Dfor producing electricity is coal—as it has been “Whether you are for or against the use of coal naturally occurring mineral similar to baking for over a century. to generate electricity, the fact is the United soda). The tested technologies also cut the Electricity generated by coal fell from 42 States remains home to the world’s largest coal cost of meeting new environmental rules by percent in 2011 to 37.5 percent in 2012, reserves. That’s why electric co-ops are fully a factor of five to 10. largely because of low natural gas prices, the behind efforts to explore and test clean-coal Results for these full-scale power plants retirement of older coal-fired power plants technologies.” were very encouraging, but based on short- due to new emissions regulations from the One driver is the EPA’s Mercury and Air term runs, says John Hewa Jr., NRECA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Toxics Standards rule, designed to significantly vice president of engineering, research & and uncertainty about further regulations. curb emissions of hazardous air pollutants technical services. “To verify long-term per- But coal is far from dead. Electricity from (i.e., mercury and arsenic) from coal- and formance, the results need to be confirmed coal is predicted to rise about 3 percent this oil-fired plants 25 MW or larger by 2016. with extended trials.” year while the natural gas contribution drops Some coal-fired plants will be shut down, Electric co-ops support the multi-pollutant from 30.5 percent to 27.3 percent, according rather than retrofitted, because the needed control technologies CRN is studying because to the U.S. Energy Information Administra- changes would be too costly to implement. they can learn how to best use one of our most tion’s (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook. Electric co-ops and their trade association, abundant natural resources, coal, to continue And, natural gas prices are forecasted to rise the National Rural Electric Cooperative providing safe, reliable and environmentally this year due to higher demand and a slow- Association (NRECA), are exploring new responsible power at the lowest possible rates.

Coal Versus Natural Gas Use in the United States

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2012 * Forecast

12 | Michigan Country Lines 2013-2014 MICHIGAN LEGISLATive GUIDE Your Guide to the Michigan Legislature Please pull out this guide and use it as you get to know the legislators in your co-op service area.

Who’s Your Senator? Alger Delta & Ontonagon Thumb he state senators on this page represent districts that overlap electric co-op service areas. Although T electric co-op issues are but a small part of their overall responsibilities, they have generally been supportive of the co-op agenda, which rests on the premise that as self-governed, member-owned and not-for-profit utilities, co-ops and their members ought to be treated differently than for-profit utilities. 38th District (R) 31st District (R) Tom Casperson Mike Green 1st Term 1st Term Find Your State Senator at senate.mi.gov 517-373-7840 517-373-1777

Cloverland Cherryland Presque Isle HomeWorks

37th District (R) 38th District (R) 35th District (R) 37th District (R) 36th District (R) 37th District (R) 22nd District (R) 23rd District (D) Howard Walker Tom Casperson Darwin Booher Howard Walker John Moolenaar Howard Walker Joe Hune Gretchen Whitmer 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 2nd Term 517-373-2413 517-373-7840 517-373-1725 517-373-2413 517-373-7946 517-373-2413 517-373-2420 517-373-1734

Great Lakes Midwest

24th District (R) 32nd District (R) Rick Jones Roger Kahn 1st Term 2nd Term 517-373-3447 517-373-1760

24th District (R) 28th District (R) 30th District (R) 33rd District (R) 16th District (R) 20th District (R) Rick Jones Mark Jansen Arlan Meekhof Judy Emmons Bruce Caswell Tonya Schuitmaker 1st Term 2nd Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 517-373-3447 517-373-0797 517-373-6920 517-373-3760 517-373-5932 517-373-0793

33rd District (R) 35th District (R) Judy Emmons Darwin Booher 1st Term 1st Term 517-373-3760 517-373-1725

34th District (R) 35th District (R) 36th District (R) 37th District (R) 21st District (R) Goeff Hansen Darwin Booher John Moolenaar Howard Walker John Proos 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 1st Term 517-373-1635 517-373-1725 517-373-7946 517-373-2413 517-373-6960 Find Your State Representative

January 2013 | 13 2013-2014 MICHIGAN LEGISLATivE GUIDE

Who’s Your State Representative?

very 10 years, the Michigan Legislature goes through a redis- The state representatives on these pages represent a cross-section tricting process based on census information. Depending on of Michigan. Whatever their background, most represent districts E population numbers, some districts were redrawn and some with large rural populations—areas where electric co-ops serve. In remain the same. Thus, there is a possibility that you may have a fact, several legislators are electric co-op members themselves. new legislator because of changed district lines or, due to term limits, Legislation affecting cooperatives and their owners most likely someone new was elected. originates in those committees covering utilities, energy, technology, In the House of Representatives, Republicans continue to hold transportation, environment, land use, safety and taxes. the majority of 59-51. There will be 28 new faces in Lansing. Of Find Your State Representative the 28, 19 are Democrats and 9 are Republicans. at house.mi.gov

Cherryland Electric Ontonagon REA

101st District (R) 102nd District (R) 103rd District (R) 104th District (R) Ray Franz Phil Potvin Bruce Rendon Wayne Schmidt 110th District (D) 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 3rd Term Scott Dianda 517-373-0825 517-373-1747 517-373-3817 517-373-1766 1st Term 517-373-0850 HomeWorks Tri-County Alger Delta Electric

65th District (R) 67th District (D) Mike Shirkey Tom Cochran 2nd Term 1st Term 517-373-1775 517-373-0587

108th District (R) 109th District (D) 110th District (D) Ed McBroom John Kivela Scott Dianda 2nd Term 1st Term 1st Term 517-373-0156 517-373-0498 517-373-0850

70th District (R) 71st District (D) 86th District (R) 87th District (R) Rick Outman Theresa Abed Lisa Posthumus Mike Callton 2nd Term 1st Term Lyons • 2nd Term 2nd Term Cloverland Electric 517-373-0834 517-373-0853 517-373-0846 517-373-0842

107th District (R) 108th District (R) 109th District (D) 93rd District (R) 97th District (R) 99th District (R) 102nd District (R) Frank Foster Ed McBroom John Kivela Tom Leonard Joel Johnson Kevin Cotter Phil Potvin 2nd Term 2nd Term 1st Term 1st Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 517-373-2629 517-373-0156 517-373-0498 517-373-1778 517-373-8962 517-373-1789 517-373-1747

14 | Michigan Country Lines Presque Isle Electric & Gas

Great Lakes Energy

105th District (R) 106th District (R) 107th District (R) Greg MacMaster Peter Pettalia Frank Foster 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 517-373-0829 517-373-0833 517-373-2629

70th District (R) 72nd District (R) 73rd District (R) Rick Outman KenYonker Peter MacGregor 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term Thumb Electric 517-373-0834 517-373-0840 517-373-0218

83rd District (R) 84th District (D) 74th District (R) 80th District (R) 87th District (R) 88th District (R) Paul Muxlow Terry Brown Robert VerHeulen Bob Genetski II Mike Callton Roger Victory 2nd Term 3rd Term 1st Term 1st Term 2nd Term 1st Term 517-373-0835 517-373-0476 517-373-8900 517-373-0839 517-373-0842 517-373-0836

Midwest Energy

89th District (R) 90th District (R) 91sth District (D) 97th District (R) Amanda Price Joseph Haveman Collene Lamonte Joel Johnson 2nd Term 3rd Term 1st Term 2nd Term 517-373-0838 517-373-0830 517-373-3436 517-373-8962

56th District (R) 57th District (R) 59th District (R) Dale Zorn Nancy Jenkins Matt Lori 2nd Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 517-373-2617 517-373-1706 517-373-0832

100th District (R) 101st District (R) 102nd District (R) 103rd District (R) Jon Bumstead Ray Franz Phil Potvin Bruce Rendon 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 517-373-7317 517-373-0825 517-373-1747 517-373-3817

61st District (R) 63rd District (R) 65th District (R) 66th District (R) Margaret O’Brien Jase Bolger Mike Shirkey Aric Nesbitt 2nd Term 3rd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 517-373-1774 517-373-1787 517-373-1775 517-373-1784

78th District (R) 79th District (R) Dave Pagel Al Pscholka 1st Term 2nd Term 517-373-1796 517-373-1403 104th District (R) 105th District (R) 106th District (R) 107th District (R) Wayne Schmidt Greg MacMaster Peter Pettalia Frank Foster 3rd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 2nd Term 517-373-1766 517-373-0829 517-373-0833 517-373-2629

January 2013 | 15 safety

Be a Fam With a Plan Resolve to be emergency-ready this year by making an easy plan that can save lives and property. Following these simple steps can help your family, home, business and community prepare for a fierce winter storm or other disaster…

BEFORE operated weather radio for advance storm Communicate. Talk with your family about warnings, and subscribe to your local Office Winter Storm who to call, where to go, and what to do of Emergency Management alerts by text or during an emergency. Talk with neighbors email, if available. Electrical Safety Tips n about how to work together if disaster strikes. If you have a land-line phone, it will u Never touch a fallen power line and work without electricity; keep emergency report it immediately to your local elec- Educate. Plan different strategies for differ- numbers next to it. ent situations. Map out a fire escape route tric co-op. Assume all downed wires are Keep an emergency supply kit: from all areas of your home, and establish a electrically charged. Avoid contact with safe place to go during threatening weather. l Five days worth of non-perishable food overhead lines during clean-up and other activities. Make sure all family members know their and water, first aid supplies, phone numbers full name, address and phone numbers. (including your electric co-op and other u In an outage, an alternate fuel or Agree on an out-of-town relative or friend utility outage numbers), medicines, and wood-burning heating source—such as a to call if everyone gets separated, and have cleaning supplies. fireplace, propane space heater, or wood an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in l Include items for meeting unique needs, stove—may be used, but use extreme your cell phone that first responders can call. such as: caution by following the manufacturer’s For example, if you had to evacuate, where l Prescription medications and glasses; directions and venting them properly. l would you go? How would you reach your Infant formula and diapers; u l Do not use a gas oven for heating—it kids at school or your spouse at work? Also Food, extra water, and a leash and collar may go out or burn inefficiently, leading consider being an educator for safety and for your pet; to carbon monoxide poisoning. emergency preparedness in your community l Important documents, such as copies of by calling your local Citizen Corps. insurance policies, identification, and bank u Make sure carbon monoxide and If you are a parent, or guardian of an account records in a waterproof, portable smoke detectors are working properly. elderly person with special needs, including container; u Do not use a gas or charcoal grill kids and adults with disabilities, make sure l Books, games, puzzles or other activi- inside the home, and do not use charcoal schools and care providers have emergency ties for kids; briquettes in the fireplace. plans. Ask how they will communicate with l Keep an emergency kit in the car, too, u If using a portable generator to power families during a crisis, whether they store including water, food and first aid supplies in the event you lose power or get stranded a heating source, be sure the generator adequate food, water and other basics, if they is located outside your house for proper are prepared to “shelter-in-place,” and where in the car during a winter storm. (Consider including a cell phone charger that works in ventilation. Do not use a generator in an they will go if they must evacuate. attached garage, and follow the manu- the car outlet). Prepare. Use technology to help, for example: facturer’s operating instructions. n Learn how to send updates by text and DURING & AFTER u Do not overload a generator. Use internet from a cell phone to contacts and Keep calm. Think clearly and follow your properly-sized extension cords that have social channels in case voice communications plan. Use the resources you prepared. a grounded three-prong plug and are in become unavailable. Be patient. Wait for all danger to pass. If good condition. Never run cords under n Store important documents such as rugs or carpets. personal and financial records in the cloud an area is evacuated, never re-enter without or on a USB stick that can be kept ready and permission, and remember to use caution u Never connect generators directly to accessible from anywhere; when you go back into your home—you can’t power lines—the reverse flow of elec- tricity can electrocute an unsuspecting n Visit ready.gov or call 800-237-3239 always see danger, such as a ruptured gas line. utility worker. (text 800-462-7585) or ready.gov/michigan Avoid delayed danger. Do not approach to stay informed and get free templates for downed wires or power lines, watch for ris- u Watch the elderly and young kids creating emergency documents and plans for ing waters, and see the box on this page for for signs of hypothermia, which include homes and businesses; more electrical safety tips. shivering, drowsiness, and mental and n Make sure fire detectors and carbon Practice your emergency plan, and encour- physical slowness. Call 911 immediately. monoxide alarms are working by install- age friends and community members to take – Chris Grammes ing fresh batteries annually. Use a battery- these simple steps, too. – Kelly Trapnell

16 | Michigan Country Lines Lisa Marie Metzler | family A Blizzard of Kindness

o one will forget the “big one” of March 2nd, 2012. Over 2 feet of heavy, wet snow fell overnight throughout northern Michigan, Nand left thousands of people without power. Some weren’t prepared and needed food and water. Cars were left vacant in ditches on the roadside. Others were stuck at home because the snow was too heavy and deep to shovel. Fallen trees canvassed the landscape and roadways, making it hard to navigate and dangerous to even walk your dog. But the blizzard, in all it’s fury, couldn’t match the warm generosity and overflowing kindness Snowed Under: A shovel could only that began to grow... clear what snow blew under the cov- Love Thy Neighbor ered patio at the writer’s Platte River home. Right: Mark Gabrick (driver) After waking up to a gorgeous view of trees and Trevor McClain worked long hours blanketed in snow it was time to dig out helping their neighbors clear snow and and get households in order. Snowplow downed trees and branches after the trucks, snow blowers, and the occasional historic March 2012 storm. front loader quickly turned a serene, quiet morning into a full war on snow removal. driveways,” says his wife, Laura. Laura did her of the people have fond memories of redis- Amy Rose of McBain was one of those who part by using her generator-powered kitchen covering family time and connecting with felt blessed when her driveway was suddenly to make large pots of chili and goulash, and neighbors? Perhaps it’s because we were all cleared. “A young man with a front loader distributed them to the neighbors so they in the same predicament. We had a good showed up on my street and just started could have a warm meal. “excuse” not to be tied to our cell phones and clearing driveways, expecting no money in Gary and Lori Florip, of Lake Ann, were constantly checking email messages. return. He helped so many people that day!” just coming off a 12-hour EMS shift, but Linda Snow, of Traverse City, fondly recalls Mark Gabrick of Lake Ann and Trevor instead of going home to sleep they con- passing the time with her grown children. McClain of Traverse City logged in 36 hours tinued to help their friends and neighbors. “We played cards, had fun melting snow on clearing driveways and roadways of snow and Tera and Scott Konchek, also of Lake Ann, our gas stove, and my daughter Torre made fallen trees. Amy and Kyle Rosa were one of and their three children weren’t able to get bracelets,” Snow says. They even brought out the first recipients of Gabrick’s generosity. out of their driveway and were low on food. the old “I Spy” books from the kids’ younger “My husband Kyle is a deputy for Benzie Scott suffers from Devic’s disease, a disor- days. “We were all playing cards when the County and needed to get his patrol car out der of the central nervous system involving power came back on. I was actually disap- for work. Mark came over with his loader inflammation of the optic nerves and spinal pointed our ‘Little House on the Prairie’ days right away and wouldn’t take any money for cord, so Tera wasn’t going anywhere anytime were over.” it,” says Rosa. “It was just another day in the soon. “They brought us food and cleared my In a chaotic world where criminals and work of the Lord,” says Gabrick. “We saw driveway. They are two amazing people that corruption sometimes take center stage, it the need and answered the call.” went out of their way to help our family and was heartwarming to witness the human many others without stopping to think of spirit at its best. The kindness and generos- Feeling Good in the themselves,” Konchek says. “People helping ity of compassionate people and the fun and Neighborhood people—that’s why we moved to Northern creative ways we passed the time brought us Tom and Laura Phillips of Traverse City felt Michigan.” all closer together. Even though March came guilty about having a generator while others in like a lion last winter, the spirit of goodwill went without power, but they didn’t sit self- Unplugged and Loving It left an impression in our hearts that will get us ishly by and watch their neighbors muddle Why is it so frustrating when our internet through another winter and perhaps encour- through. “Tom helped neighbors turn on or cable service is temporarily interrupted, age us to have a little creative fun with any their gas fireplaces and pitched in shoveling yet when the power was out for days most down-time caused by bad weather.

January 2013 | 17 Energy Optimization Rebates: ou know the story. The clock strikes midnight and millions of people Back By Popular Demand! Y make resolutions to change. But, if something is working great, why fix it? Rebate & Features Incentive Amount Our thoughts exactly. HomeWorks Tri- County Electric Cooperative is keeping its ENERGY STAR® dehumidifier...... $20 most popular 2012 Energy Optimization Choose any ENERGY STAR model; use 15% less energy (EO) rebates for 2013. It’s your turn to Efficient HVAC—furnaces with electric commutated motors (ECMs)...... $150 save this year. Effectively converts energy to generate heat instead of energy waste; Reducing energy use is a win for every- save as much as $800 in the next 10 years one—homeowners, businesses, and the buildings themselves. Did you know that electric Water heaters...... $50 one of every two people prefer to make his/ 0.93 energy factor (EF) or higher her home more energy efficient instead of Heat pump water heaters...... $100 more beautiful because of the short- and Heat pump model 2.0 EF or higher long-term benefits? That’s because saving energy gives you more control, increases ENERGY STAR refrigerator...... $20 your freedom, and improves your home. FREE appliance recycling; choose any ENERGY STAR model; use at least 15% less energy The list at right shows the energy rebates Online home audit (Home Energy Optimizer)...FREE Energy-Saving Kit ($30 value) your fellow Michiganders used the most Pinpoint where your home wastes energy; access at michigan-energy.org, select your energy in 2012. All of these rebates help you save provider, and click “Home Audit”; receive free EO kit (contains five CFLs, energy efficient energy easily, keep you comfortable, and aerators, and a showerhead) when you complete the online assessment. provide the best value. Find more rebates at michigan-energy. org. Email (michigan-energy.org/contact) Attention Farmers! The Energy Optimization Farm Program invites you to get a free or call (877-296-4319) with questions engine block heater timer. Call 877-296-4319 or visit michigan-energy.org/heatertimer. about applications or product eligibility. SAVE ON. You’re in for a great new year. Our most popular Energy Optimization REBATES are back by popular demand! You can now choose from more than 50 easy ways to save energy at home or work. FREE refrigerator recycling $15 Rebate Outdoor CFL light fixtures $20 Rebate ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers $20 Rebate ENERGY STAR refrigerators $50 Rebate Electric water heaters FREE online home audit and energy-saving kit $150 Rebate ECM furnaces

ONLINE: michigan-energy.org PHONE: 877.296.4319

Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.

18 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Your Board In Action Maintenance Projects Meeting at Blanchard Oct. 22 and Portland Boost Reliability Nov. 26, your co-op’s board of directors: • Met with district officers to discuss governance, board qualifications, and board member duties. • Heard a power supply update from represen- tatives of Wolverine Power Cooperative. • Reviewed the monthly and year-to-date finan- cial statements, and learned the Power Supply Cost Recovery factor is under-collected for 2012 and may need to be adjusted early in 2013. • Read and approved “Board Policy 103 – Director Compensation” with minor changes; read and approved “Board Policy 115 – Direc- tor Emeritus,” “Board Policy 201 – Safety,” and “Board Policy 401 – Assignment of Capital Credits,” as read. • Heard an update on Proposal 3 and the CARE for Michigan Coalition from Craig Borr, presi- dent/CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. • Learned there were 111 new members in September and 119 in October. • Acknowledged the safety reports for Septem- ber through November, listing employee train- ing and minor employee and public incidents. • Authorized accounts receivable write-offs totaling $107,759.15 for the 12 months end- ing Dec. 31, 2011. • Met with representatives of Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange to review insurance coverages and limits for 2013. • Reviewed results of the annual inventory as well as recent strategic and tactical planning. • Reviewed employee benefits and their costs to the cooperative. • Heard more about the first Safety Summit hosted by the National Rural Electric Coopera- tive Association (NRECA), attended by general manager, Mark Kappler; electric operations manager, Matt Miller; and safety coordinator, Photo – Kevin VanDePerre Chris O’Neill. Several Blanchard-area line crews worked closely to coordinate a safe and efficient pole replacement west of Altona in late November. This Time for Members to Comment project is part of our ongoing program of system-wide inspections and The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are proactive maintenance, helping to reduce the number and length of available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. Upcoming power outages. board meetings are set for Jan. 21 at Blanchard Rick Warchuck and Tom Hoffmeyer are in the buckets; Dan Dexter and and March 25 at Portland. Members who Calvin Foster are on the ground, guiding the pole into its permanent need directions to either office or wish to have location; and Jon Karcher was running the trucks as needed for best items considered on the board agenda should positioning. call 517-647-7554.

January 2013 | 19 WOLVERINE POWER COOPERATIVE | Nancy Tanner

Wolverine, We Energies Agree to Joint Ownership of U.P. Power Plant Wolverine will fund a new air quality control system.

olverine Power Cooperative and We Energies agreed in late November to pursue joint ownership of We Energies’ WPresque Isle Power Plant. In exchange for an approximate one-third ownership interest in the facility, Wolverine will fund construction of a state-of-the-art air quality control system for the plant. The plant, located along the shore of Lake Superior in Marquette, consists of five coal-fired units capable of generating approximately 344 megawatts of electricity. In October 2011, We Energies announced the plant’s potential retirement, targeted for 2017. “We met with executives from We Energies in November 2011 to discuss opportunities for working together,” explains Eric Baker, president and CEO of Wolverine. “The dis- cussion led to a proposed joint venture that would keep the Presque Isle plant open and Aerial view of the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette. meet new air quality requirements.” Wolverine will invest between $130 million and $140 million to retrofit the plant’s units. In return, the cooperative will own approxi- Governor Joins Wolverine, We Energies mately 30 percent of the plant’s output to to Announce Power Plant Opportunity serve its members, including Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Great Lakes Energy, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Coop- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was in Mar- erative, Midwest Energy Cooperative and quette in late November to express his Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op. support for the continued operation of the We Energies and its employees will con- Presque Isle Power Plant. tinue to operate the plant, as well as the air “The partnership of We Energies and quality control system. Wolverine Power Cooperative to keep the The two companies must first obtain Presque Isle Power Plant open is good news approvals for joint ownership, as well as for the current and future availability of a installation of the air quality control system, reliable electric supply for businesses and from state and federal agencies, including residents in the Upper Peninsula,” Snyder the Michigan and Wisconsin public service said. “The agreement will also be good for commissions, the Michigan Department the economy with more than 100 workers of Environmental Quality, and the Federal remaining on the job, and for the environ- Energy Regulatory Commission. ment with the plant’s new state-of-the- “The Presque Isle Power Plant provides art emissions equipment. This is a great needed baseload power supply for our mem- example of how, through relentless, posi- bers, in addition to protecting grid reliability tive action, we can come together to make in northern Michigan,” Baker says. “We are Michigan a better place to live and work.” pleased to have a quality operating partner in We Energies.”

20 | Michigan Country Lines James Dulley | HOUSE & HOME

Insulate Cracks, Gaps for Maximum Efficiency Seal gaps around recessed light fixtures, but keep attic insulation away from direct contact with canister, unless you have newer models The wall and blown-in attic insula- foam draft sealers behind the faceplates. They that have been approved for insulation. tion in my fairly new house are at add only a slight amount of insulation, but Q: recommended levels, but my utility they will improve the overall seal to reduce bills are still too high. What other areas should air infiltration. I check for inefficiency? Recessed ceiling lights are another You are correct that the walls and typical area of energy loss. These are particu- ceiling are the areas of the greatest larly bad because they get hot, which creates A: heat loss from a house—proper a natural upward draft. The most efficient insulation in those areas is of utmost impor- option is to replace your old canister recessed tance. But it’s also possible that many other lights with new, efficient sealed models. Make sure the hole cut in the ceiling for fan areas in the exterior “thermal envelope” of Don’t just pour or pack insulation against wiring is sealed on the attic side. your house have insulation voids or air leak- recessed lights in the attic. This can cause age which can contribute to unnecessarily older styles, which were not designed to be high utility bills. insulated, to overheat. You can caulk around First, check your walls and attic. As your the hole in the attic floor and the canister, house is “fairly new,” you can probably rest but some room air will still leak out through easy that the walls are adequately insulated, the canister itself. most likely with faced batts that fit tightly between wall studs. “Facing” refers to a mate- Ceiling paddle fans are another place to rial that acts as a vapor barrier. check. If you installed them yourself after the house was built and added support blocking, Attic insulation Apply expanding foam insulation in gaps – Since you have the insulation level will be less there. There between foundation top and sill plate. blown-in attic insulation, check its depth. may also be air leakage where you cut the Depending on how it was blown in, it hole to run the wiring. Push the insulation may have settled and no longer reaches the away and caulk the attic floor hole around the on the rim joist. The rim joist, often 2 x 10 feet required depth and R-value for your climate. wire, then cover it with additional insulation. or larger lumber, typically is not insulated. Also, using a rake, Buy kraft paper-faced fiberglass batt insula- The U.S. Department of make sure it’s level Door and window frames – Next tion and cut it into short lengths to fit against Energy has a calculator that figures the amount across the attic floor. time you are painting the trim around doors the rim joist between the floor joist. Standard of insulation you need Wind coming in the and windows, pry off the decorative molding. wall insulation batts are effective. With their for your climate zone at: attic vents can blow You may find quite a large uninsulated gap short length and the floor joists, they should ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ it around, creating between the rough opening and the door or stay in place without stapling. ZipHome.html high and low spots. window frame. Apply low-expansion foam in the gap—but use it sparingly because it foundation wall interface – While Wall Outlets – Where there’s a break in can deform the frame as it expands. you are looking at the rim joist and sill plate, the thermal envelope of your home, there’s you will probably see a gap between the top potential for energy loss. One common sill plates and rim joists – The sill of the foundation and the sill plate in spots. spot is electrical wall outlets and switches plate is the piece of lumber that rests on the The top of a concrete foundation wall is on outside walls. Often, they are completely top of the foundation. The rim joist rests on seldom perfectly level and smooth. Apply uninsulated and the vapor/air barrier is not top of the sill plate, and your house walls rest urethane foam insulation from a can all along taped tightly to them. the sill plate/foundation wall interface. This Switch off the circuit breaker to these out- If you have a question for Jim, please will block outdoor air leakage and add some lets and switches. Remove the faceplate. If email [email protected], or mail insulation value to that area. you can get the tube from the urethane foam to James Dulley, Michigan Country Lines, spray can into the wall around the conduit 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. Be James Dulley is a nationally box, shoot some expanding foam in there. sure to let us know which electric co-op recognized mechanical engineer This should fill insulation voids and seal it. you receive service from. writing about home energy Even if you were able to shoot in insula- Visit dulley.com for more home issues for the National Rural tion, and definitely if you could not, install improvement and do-it-yourself tips. Electric Cooperaive Association.

January 2013 | 21 Made In Michigan | Nick Edson

Neighbors Create New Plow to ‘Bully’ Winter

Paul Starner demonstrates an eco-friendly, easy-to-use snow plow that he and his neighbor, Jerry Schichtel, developed and call the “Snow Bully.” Their website is TheSnowBully.com.

ired of being “bullied by the Starner listened, and then asked Schich- and we’re in the process of creating attach- snow,” Paul Starner and Jerry tel to make a modern version. It took five ments for the Snow Bully. We’re working Schichtel, of Traverse City, attempts, but they finally came up with on a scraper blade, a garden cart basket, decided to fight back. a product both liked, and so they shook and we’re also looking at an eco-mower. TThey created the Snow Bully, a four- hands and became partners. That would make this something you can wheel steel shovel with a 34-inch blade The next step was finding someone to use year-round and not use any gasoline.” that clears snow easily. produce the Snow Bully. Starner, who has So far, the Snow Bully has been an “It was an invention of necessity,” says spent his career in the real estate business, internet hit. Starner, a Cherryland Electric Cooperative searched the state and found Mark Good- “We’ve sold it to as far away as member who’s in charge of marketing the man of MDG Welding in Blissfield. Newfoundland,” Starner explains. “And in product that Schichtel created. “Last winter was our first selling the the states, from Washington to Maine and “I have a lot of physical challenges and Snow Bully, and wouldn’t you know it, then from New York to North Carolina. I don’t move around very well. I needed we didn’t get much snow,” Starner laughs. “Social media is the new way to market. something to move snow with that didn’t “Still, we sold 161 of them. Not only do we have our internet site, we take very much effort,” Starner explains. It sells for $249, plus $29.95 shipping in post videos on YouTube,” Starner adds. “That’s what the Snow Bully is.” the U.S. “Jerry and I really don’t see the product Five years ago, Schichtel watched “We market our product on the after we give the okay to have it made. neighbor Starner struggle as he attempted internet,” Starner says. “People can go People agree to buy it online, pay for it to use his snow blower. That gave Schichtel to our website and do it all—read about through their PayPal account, and then it’s an idea. He and his brother had already it, see pictures and videos of it in action, shipped from Blissfield. It’s all pretty clean.” created the prototype for the Snow Bully and then order it. The orders go directly And it’s all pretty satisfying to Paul back in the 1940s when they were growing to Mark Goodman in Blissfield and UPS and Jerry. up on a farm. It was made out of wood. ships them from his business.” “There’s nothing more frustrating to me After watching Starner finish up that Starner not only likes the ease of using than moving snow,” Starner says. “That’s day, Schichtel walked over and told him the Snow Bully, he calls it “eco-friendly.” why the ‘Snow Bully’ is great….it’s just about his idea to re-create his wooden “You use calories, not gasoline,” he says. simple. You don’t need to have much snow remover. “It is very friendly to the environment, upper body strength to move snow.”

22 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Notice to Members of In Memory: HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Janet Martin Case No. U-15822 Former accounting clerk Janet 2011 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary Martin passed away Oct. 14. Janet was born Oct. 29, 1942 The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) requires all Michigan electric utili- in Lebanon Township the ties to get approximately 2 percent of their power supply from renewable sources daughter of John and Eleanor by 2012, and increasing to 10 percent by 2015. (Thelen) Goerge. Under this requirement, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative (Home- Janet worked for Tri-County Electric Works) submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. Cooperative from 1981-2000, and was a In 2011, HomeWorks acquired 15,499 renewable energy credits and 905 incentive member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic credits from its wholesale power supplier, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Church in Fowler. Inc. (Wolverine). Wolverine will continue to generate or purchase renewable energy She is survived by six children, Dennis and bank unused renewable energy credits for future use and compliance with (Kris) Martin of Owosso, Alan (Amy) Mar- statutory renewable portfolio standard requirements on behalf of all its members. tin of Fowler, Karen (Phil) Pline of Pewamo, A full copy of the cooperative’s Renewable Energy Plan annual report that was Brenda (Steve) Wood of Pewamo, Kevin filed with the MPSC is available on the cooperative’s website at homeworks.org or Martin of Ionia and Gary (Shelly) Martin by request at any of HomeWorks’ offices. of Westphalia; 20 grandchildren; a sister and four brothers.

S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION * * * * *

In the matter of the application of HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE for approval of revisions to its Large Power Service Rate – Choice, Schedule CD-C, and its Primary Service Rate – Choice, Schedule PSDS-C. Case No. U-17148

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT

On October 23, 2012, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative (HomeWorks) filed an application with the Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) pursuant to the 2008 PA 167, §6(2), MCL 460.36(2), of the Electric Cooperative Member-Regulation Act, for approval of proposed revisions to HomeWorks’ Large Power Service Rate – Choice – Schedule CD-C and its Primary Service Rate – Choice, Schedule PSDS-C, as currently set forth on Original Sheet No. D-20.00, Second Revised Sheet No. D-20.01, Original Sheet No. D-20.02, and First Revised Sheet No. D-21.00.

Any interested person may write to HomeWorks at 7973 E. Grand River, Portland, Michigan 48875, or call (800) 562-8232, for a free copy of its application. A copy of HomeWorks’ application may also be reviewed at the office of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, 4300 W. Saginaw, Lansing, Michigan, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or on the Commission’s website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets. For more information on how to participate in the case, you may contact the Commission at the above address, or by telephone at (517) 241-6180.

Written and electronic comments may be filed with the Commission and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2013. Written comments should be sent to the Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, Michigan 48909, with a copy mailed to Albert Ernst, Dykema Gossett, PLLC, 201 Townsend, Suite 900, Lansing, Michigan, 48933. Electronic comments may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. All comments should reference Case No. U-17148. Comments received in this matter become public information, posted on the Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure.

HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

January 2013 | 23 RAMBLINGS | Mike Buda

Tortured Text recently wrote a note in a card. It was Method,” a rigorous set of rules for hand a simple note in a simple card for my and arm control of a pen that swooped wife Barbara’s birthday. The card was and swirled on lined paper until pages bought years ago, but never given and pages were filled with the same whirly Ifor one reason or another. (I have cards, strokes. It was pretty, but not many of us At its peak, the Palmer Method was pro- bought for immediate use, stashed away write like that anymore. moted by certified instructors who empha- for happy and sad occasions that haven’t My mother’s writing is beautiful, and so sized regimentation. They suggested that seen a stamp yet. I’m not a big fan of is Barbara’s Aunt Jeanette’s. They spent a the Method would improve discipline and cards, paper or digital, which is a different lot of time practicing in the 1930s. Since character, change lefties to right-handers, animal and doesn’t deserve to be called a then, the teaching of handwriting skills and even reform delinquents. In its early card. I don’t like shopping for cards, and has steadily disappeared from many school years, advanced penmanship was seen as the novelty of digital cards wore off after curriculums. the way to a job, even after 8th grade. about two.) The likely cause of all this is that we The schools doing away with cursive But this is not about the card, it’s about don’t have to write much anymore. Now instruction say time is better spent on the note and how awful it looked after I we have mechanical messaging, with key- other skills­ – those needed in today’s job finished writing it. “Writing” isn’t the right boards and texting, even voice recognition market. But cursive instruction has its word, because I couldn’t read the note after software that takes dictation. It’s easier to defenders, too. They say penmanship prac- I finished. I even butchered her name. At use a phone than a pen. It’s quicker to text tice improves kids’ motor skills, eye-hand first glance, it looked like “Bondt,” which than write. We can reach more friends on coordination, and artistic aptitude. Plus, isn’t really close to “Barb.” Facebook than we can with a card. No they ask, if kids are not taught cursive, I used to laugh-off my handwriting. wonder the Post Office is in trouble—but how will they read historical documents Now it embarrasses me. I have to warm up that’s another issue. like the Declaration of Independence? just to sign my name; otherwise, my hand The point is, handwriting—that is, Barbara’s Aunt Jeanette sends us hand- muscles won’t follow my brain signals in “cursive” writing—seems doomed. Once written notes that are models of penman- any recognizable pattern. My signature is our kids learn how to print, they get little ship. The letters flow into each other like worse than any doctor’s. At least a doctor instruction in cursive penmanship before waving fields of grain. They’re easy to read mangles his or her name in the same way they move on to computers. It’s not out and look good on the page. My writing, consistently. Their signature is a mark that of the curriculum yet, but penmanship however, looks like I’m a tortured soul. the pharmacist knows on sight; it doesn’t as a skill is in sharp decline. As with most Our sons, who had cursive instruction, are matter that the name isn’t readable. states, penmanship is still required to be also converts to the dark side. Some say our signature is important taught in Michigan schools, but it is not It turns out, though, that we’re not because it’s our legal mark, without which included in national curriculum guidelines alone. Studies have shown that my tor- we couldn’t enter into contracts, cash set for 2014. tured script is commonplace. In fact, most checks or approve credit card payments. Before you bemoan the loss, consider people abandon the strict cursive writing I think those digital signature pads in that handwriting for the masses is a rela- they learned in school in favor of a more grocery and other stores must have some tively recent phenomenon. Its use grew in casual combination of cursive and block other way of verifying who I am because 17th century Britain along with the Indus- print that has the advantage of being a they certainly can’t tell by my signature. trial Revolution and the growth of busi- more natural, and faster, way to write. It’s different every time. Who can write on ness, which sought to standardize writing Still, it would be nice if you could read it. those things, anyway? to make it faster and more legible. Our It wasn’t always so. I once had decent Declaration of Independence, rewritten Mike Buda is editor emeritus handwriting. It flowed, one letter to the in impeccable longhand by a professional of Country Lines. Email next, in an unbroken line, with recogniz- writer, from Thomas Jefferson’s original Mike at mike.f.buda@gmail. able letters and little upturns at the ends. cursive, is a prime example of connected com or comment on his This skill was taught, almost religiously, writing at its best. columns at countrylines.com/ in grade school, following the precepts of Austin Palmer introduced his method column/ramblings. popular programs, such as the “Palmer in 1894 to compete with the typewriter.

24 | Michigan Country Lines