Jeff Gordon’s office is a bit more extreme than most. It’s hot. It’s loud. You don’t want to know what he spends on gas. So when Jeff gets home, he wants to be comfortable without spending a fortune on fuel. That’s why when it was time to decide how to condition his house, Jeff chose a WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump. A WaterFurnace geothermal system uses the clean, renewable energy stored in your backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. It’s the environmental equivalent to planting an acre of trees or taking two cars off the road. It’s good for the environment, it’s great for your budget and thanks to a 30% federal tax credit, now is the best time to act. Visit waterfurnace.com for more information and to find a local dealer. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Bad Axe Carsonville Ionia Petoskey B & D Heating Certified Temperature Innovations Home Experts Ballard’s and Great Lakes (989) 269-5280 (810) 300-7748 (800) 457-4554 Plumbing & Heating (231) 347-3900 Berrien Springs DeWitt Kalamazoo WaterFurnace Michiana S & J Htg & Clg E M Sergeant Palms (269) 473-5667 (517) 669-3705 (800) 530-1363 Lakeshore Improvements (989) 864-3833 Big Rapids Gaylord Lapeer Stratz Heating & Cooling Family Htg & Clg Porter & Heckman Traverse City (231) 796-3717 (989) 732-8099 (810) 664-8576 Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 Caro Grand Rapids Michigan Center All-Temp Heating Montgomery Htg & Clg Comfort 1 Heating / D&W Mechanical (989) 673-5557 (616) 459-0261 Lenawee Heating (231) 941-1215 (517) 764-1500 Charlevoix Hart Webberville Ballard’s and Great Lakes Adams Htg & Clg Mount Pleasant Applegate Home Comfort Plumbing & Heating (231) 873-2665 Walton’s Htg & Clg (800) 377-2272 (231) 547-1035 (989) 772-4822 Harbor Springs Cheboygan Ballard’s and Great Lakes Muskegon Jim’s Handyman Plumbing & Heating Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 627-7533 (231) 526-6859 (800) 922-3045

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®2011 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2010 Jeff Gordon, Inc. The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon are used with the permission of Jeff Gordon, Inc. ®2011 WaterFurnace is aregistered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.©2010 JeffGordon, Inc. The name, likeness andsignature ofJeffGordon are usedwiththe permission of JeffGordon, Inc. (231) 627-7533 Jim’s Handyman Cheboygan (231) 547-1035 Plumbing &Heating Ballard’s andGreat Lakes Charlevoix (989) 673-5557 All-Temp Heating Caro (231) 796-3717 Stratz Heating &Cooling Big Rapids (269) 473-5667 WaterFurnace Michiana Berrien Springs (989) 269-5280 B &DHeating Bad Axe great for your budgetandthanksto a environmental equivalent to plantinganacre oftrees ortakingtwo carsofftheroad. It’s goodfor theenvironment, it’s uses theclean,renewable energy stored inyour backyard to save upto 70% onheating, cooling andhotwater. It’s the decide how to condition hishouse, JeffchoseaWaterFurnace geothermalheat pump. AWaterFurnace geothermalsystem So when Jeff gets home, hewants to be Jeff Gordon’s office isabitmore extreme thanmost. It’s hot.It’s loud.You don’twant to know what hespendsongas. information andto findalocaldealer. (231) 526-6859 Plumbing &Heating Ballard’s andGreat Lakes Harbor Springs (231) 873-2665 Adams Htg &Clg Hart (616) 459-0261 Montgomery Htg &Clg Grand Rapids (989) 732-8099 Family Htg &Clg Gaylord (517) 669-3705 S &JHtg &Clg DeWitt (810) 300-7748 Certified Temperature Innovations Carsonville 30% federal taxcredit, now isthebest timeto act.Visit comfortablefortune withoutspendinga onfuel.That’s why when it was time to YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS waterfurnace.com (800) GEO-SAVE (800) 922-3045 Geofurnace Htg &Clg Muskegon (989) 772-4822 Walton’s Htg &Clg Mount Pleasant (517) 764-1500 Lenawee Heating Comfort 1Heating / Michigan Center (810) 664-8576 Porter &Heckman Lapeer (800) 530-1363 E MSergeant Kalamazoo (800) 457-4554 Home Experts Ionia waterfurnace.com for more (800) 377-2272 Applegate HomeComfort Webberville (231) 941-1215 D&W Mechanical (231) 943-1000 Geofurnace Htg &Clg Traverse City (989) 864-3833 Lakeshore Improvements Palms (231) 347-3900 Plumbing &Heating Ballard’s andGreat Lakes Petoskey Display adrepresentatives: advertised. orservices ment oftheproducts notconstitutedoes anendorse sible for theirsafe keepingorreturn. Lines, however, willnotberespon - aremanuscripts welcome. Country Craig ispresident Borr andCEO. Great LakesEnergy, past chairman. treasurer; andSteve, Boeckman Baker, Wolverine Power, secretary- 2ndvice Eric chairman; ryland, chairman; Swope Ken Burns, PIE&G,chairman; countrylines.com. 517-351-6322. sent to thesameaddress. Phone W. JollyRd., Okemos, MI48864. Lines,changes to Country 2859 arescriptions $6peryear. by theirboards ofdirectors. Sub and cooperativesThumb electric Energy, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, HomeWorks Tri-County,Midwest Cloverland,ryland, Great Lakes, for Cher membersofAlger Delta, Okemos, MI48864. tive Association, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Coopera- Electric of theMichigan offices. Itistheofficialpublication at Okemos, MI,andadditional with periodicals postage paid except August andDecember, 591-710, ispublishedmonthly, CountryMichigan Lines, USPS- page 4for information. contact cooperative.your electric See Change ofAddress: Please notify 512-441-5200 512-441-5200 Market National Country 517-244-1844 Consulting Michigan–Kissman The appearance ofadvertising Unsolicited letters, photos and Association officers are Brian Letters to theeditor shouldbe Postmaster: send address Subscriptions Ad/Recipe Assistant Jennifer Hansen Vol. 31,No. 5 Gail Knudtson Gail Associate EditorAssociate Doug Snitgen Editor Emeritus , Midwest Energy,, Midwest 1stvice Cindy Zuker Design Editor Design April 2011 Mike Buda Craig Borr Publisher Tony Anderson, Cher Editor Email: knudtson@ are authorized

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Photo –©perpetual-moments-photo.com farmer’s market. anopenjamsessionatthe Portland during A young guestenjoys oldtimemusic theCoverOn 26 is right-of-way Clear 24 18 6 DEPARTMENTS YOUR CO-OP *Not inalleditions 1, 4-5,8,25,28-29,32 cooperative:electric Pages specific to your Classifieds from readers Marketplace key to reliable power Wolverine Power* Marshmallows Home Cooking grill contest guide, crazy Letters, CFLcleanup Readers’ Pages Nancy TannerNancy 12

Photo – Rita Henehan rwn pains Growing 9 30 22 abroad Study 20 17 16 COLUMNS u Energy Our A sure sign ofspring Ramblings footprint Curb your carbon Gardening Family yard toolsElectric House &Home EZ Mailbox Mount Michigan-Made Magen Howard Mike Buda Mike BruceJohn Linda Wacyk Dulley James Chris Engle Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives countrylines.com 14

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FEATURES Tom Griffith Treasures Exploring theBlack Exploring 5 ways to experience Portland A treasure ofEl Trabajo McCourtie Park Doug Snitgen Doug Rita Henehan Rita Michigan’s “City of TwoMichigan’sof “City Rivers” Hills of South Dakota ofSouth Hills Rustico Michigan Museums Michigan

April 2011 |3 April 22

Photo – The Scotts Company MANAGER’S MESSAGE | Mark Kappler

OSCEOLA CLARE

MECOSTA ISABELLA

MONTCALM GRATIOT

IONIA CLINTON Your Capital Credits Help the

BARRY EATON INGHAM Co-op Grow, Stay Strong

JACKSON ne of the seven cooperative principles is members’ economic participation. What this usually means is that each member pays for their fair share of the Blanchard office: O 3681 Costabella Avenue cooperative’s energy service, since cooperatives don’t have Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Friday stockholders to invest funds in hopes of a profitable return. Portland office: It also means that at the end of each year, once the books 7973 E. Grand River Avenue are closed and the bills paid, all margins (the cooperative Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday word for profits) remaining are allocated back to the mem- bers who purchased energy during the year. Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7556 or 1-800-562-8232 The HomeWorks Tri-County board of directors will authorize this allocation after the audit report is presented to Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 them in late March, and you will find a notice of your share (24 hours for emergency calls) of the 2010 allocation on your May energy bill. Tri-County Propane: Once the margins are allocated, they’re called capital 1-877-574-2740 credits. Each member has a capital credit account for their Rural TV/DIRECTV: unrefunded allocations. However, these capital credits have no cash value until the board 1-800-293-7112 of directors authorizes a capital credit refund. WildBlue: Cooperatives typically hold capital credits for a period of time before repaying them for 1-800-668-8413 two purposes: www.homeworks.org • as working capital to keep the cooperative financially sound and allow for emergencies, E-mail: [email protected] such as a large storm which requires replacement of many poles and power lines. • to reduce debt requirements for investment made in the cooperative’s electric distribu- tion system. This builds member equity in the co-op. BOARD OF DIRECTORS In the past 20 years, the board has authorized refunds totaling $6,146,822. This is your District 1 — Philip Conklin money, coming back to you after being used to build a strong, reliable electric system for 5130 W. Gresham Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813 517-726-0127 you and your neighbors. [email protected] During this past year, your board has participated in educational programs on rates and District 2 — Wayne Swiler equity management to help them make the best decisions for the financial strength of Vice-Chairman HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative. From these programs came a new board 11750 Ainsworth Rd., Lake Odessa, MI 48849 616-374-3141 policy spelling out a long-range financial management plan. [email protected] One of the goals of that plan is to rotate, or refund, capital credits on a 25-year schedule, District 3 — Carl Morton as long as the other financial indicators are strong enough to allow it. A 25-year rotation is Chairman a common goal among electric cooperatives like ours. 11280 Eden Trail, Eagle, MI 48822 517-626-2258 When refunds are made, a larger share of each refund will likely come from the oldest [email protected] capital credits on our books, from the mid-80s, with some going to our newest members, District 4 — Laverne Hansen too. Rotating capital credits this way lets current member-owners pay their fair share of the Secretary-Treasurer cost of providing service, just as the older members did. 1190 E. M-46 Hwy., Edmore, MI 48829 If the board does in fact authorize a capital credit refund at the March board meeting, 989-427-5851 [email protected] you should see it as a credit on your May energy bill. Be sure to look for it, and be proud of your economic participation in your electric cooperative. District 5 — Cara Evans 10180 Roosevelt Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-862-5590 [email protected] District 6 — Ed Oplinger 10890 W. Weidman Road, Weidman, MI 48893 989-644-3079 Mark Kappler [email protected] General Manager District 7 — Dean Floria 1163 Taft Rd., Remus, MI 49340 989-382-5230 Join the conversation at [email protected] homeworks.org/blog Editor: Jayne Graham, CCC 4 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Meet your cooperative’s board of directors Phil Conklin: ‘Get Co-op Information Firsthand’

hil Conklin was born in Barry interconnection station on old Clinton Trail County, but as a child moved to (M-50). I can remember my dad hauling one an Eaton County farm, where he of the transformers to the original substation became familiar with Tri-County back in the early 1950s—he had a new truck PElectric Cooperative. After graduating from at the time, and that transformer probably Charlotte High School in 1958, he served six weighed 8 tons.” years on active duty with Battery C, 119th Field Artillery, part of the National Guard What do you think of member based in Charlotte. self-regulation? Phil and his wife Charlotte, married in 1963, “I’m hoping it will bring us freedom to adjust co-farmed with his parents for several years rates so we don’t have to borrow more money before buying their Gresham Highway farm to maintain the electric system. from his father in 1969. Phil now has a dairy “As a board, we’re sensitive to costs—we operation milking 41cows, but also farms have voted not to increase our per diem 300 acres, rotating corn, soy and wheat, along reimbursements. It’s important to be careful with a few acres of hay for feed. with our members’ money.” He and Charlotte have two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. What challenges do you see They are members of Chester Gospel Church; ahead? Phil was on the Eaton Farm Bureau Co-op Phil Conklin is a dairy farmer, apple cider “Hopefully the (state and federal) adminis- board, and also served several years on the maker, family man, and a member of your trations will lighten up on some regulatory membership board. board of directors. requirements for emissions—in the past He also buys apples to make and sell cider they’ve been going to an extreme, and it adds as Conklin’s Cider Mill. He does custom votes to Frank Gauerke. In 2001 I made sure to our members’ costs.” pressing for customers who bring in their I went out and talked to people, asking for own apples, and is the only one in several their votes, so I could be re-elected.” How can members get more counties who offers this service. involved? What does it mean to you to be “Members should attend our meetings to get How did you become involved on the board? information firsthand, so they understand with the co-op? “Being on the board helps keep me informed what’s really happening instead of what they “I’ve been attending district meetings since of what’s happening in the industry. Oth- hear in the media. There’s nothing worse than I became a member when we bought this erwise I would only know what I read in second or third-hand information.” farm in 1969. the news.” “I was district chair when Bob (Matheny, On your board of directors, Phil represents Dis- then general manager) suggested I put my What are highlights you recall? trict 1, including Eaton, Ingham and Jackson name forward for the ballot in 1989—the “Visiting the Harvest Wind Farm in the counties. He was most recently re-elected to the bylaws required two candidates then. I wasn’t Thumb area was interesting, and seeing board in 2010. quite ready to come on the board yet, so I was Wolverine’s headquarters and Energy Con- surprised to win against Jim Clarke. trol Center in Cadillac, back when they held Watch the mail in late April for an invitation “But it sometimes only takes a few votes annual meetings there. to your district’s annual membership meeting. to make a difference—in 1998 I lost by four “Also, seeing the new Clinton transmission People Fund Helps a Camp For Kids You are helping disadvantaged youngsters privileged, foster and other at-risk children, • $420 to a Montcalm County family to pay enjoy summer camp activities this year with ages 7-15, with a week-long summer activity for one year of Lifeline service; your Operation Round Up contributions to program; • $502.31 to a Mecosta County family for the Tri-County Electric People Fund. • $2,500 to EightCap, Inc., of Greenville, to medical expenses; Meeting March 2, the People Fund board help with expenses for Camp Wah-Wah-Tay- • $964 to another Mecosta County family made seven grants totaling $7,407.88, See, an overnight summer camp experience to help with housing expenses; and including: for at-risk or low-income people, ages 5-65; • $171.57 to an Eaton County family to help • $350 to Odd Fellow & Rebekah Camp of • $2,500 to Tamarack District Library in with housing expenses. Michigan, at Baldwin, to help provide under- Lakeview to purchase an early literacy station;

April 2011 | 5 readers’ pages & LETTERS

churches that if a family from every church in Michigan adopts one child there will be no more orphans in Michigan. There should be NO child who “ages- out” of the system. Those poor kids have nowhere to go as a Magazine’s New Look “FAMILY” once they are out of I just wanted to drop you a the system. line to say how much I like the Thank you for putting this in new format for Country Lines your issue. magazine. We are not only a – Sandi Rookus, Wayland member of Great Lakes Energy, but also of Cloverland Electric Who’s Got Mail? Cooperative. The new format I just wanted to thank you for the looks so clean and neat. I read article (“Who’s Got Mail?”, Mike the magazine from cover to cover Buda, March), which I enjoyed when we get it. Tell everyone quite a bit. I too have been won- “Thank-you!” for the wonderful dering just when I can dispense job they do. with Postal Service at all, as I’m – Cindy Miller the sole recipient still receiving Future Leaders McKenna Wolf (front row, third from left), a my mail in a box on a postal Constantine High School junior and Midwest Energy Cooperative Editor’s Note: Thanks for the good stand that used to support four member, represented Michigan electric cooperatives on the Youth words—we’re glad you like it! boxes. However, as a matter of Leadership Council at the National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA) familial pride, I should mention Adoption Story Annual Meeting in Orlando, recently. The council provided assistance that the first constitutional U.S. to the NRECA staff and co-op delegates at the Congressional Action I just finished reading “Finding Postmaster General was Samuel Center. McKenna was elected to the council by her peers during the a ‘Forever Family’” in the March Osgood, although Ben Franklin 2010 Rural Electric Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. issue. It was a great article. did fill that role for about six My husband and I have been months under the Continental foster parents for eight years this Congress before heading over- How Your Home Uses Electricity month. We have had about 50 seas to become our ambassador foster children in our home. So to France. NBD, it’s just that far, we have adopted two and Samuel contributed quite a bit are in the process of adopting himself, and is seldom remem- another. We may adopt more bered for it. So, I felt compelled yet, as we feel led. to mention it. I totally agreed with the article, Chances are we’re related to and must say that we have seen Samuel, but there isn’t proof the difficulties firsthand of not positive. If you look at his por- having enough caseworkers and trait, he looks like an Osgood. foster homes to go around. I’ve been 150 miles away from I hope your article will shine home, walked into a store, and a light into the hearts of new been asked if Arnold was my families and they will consider father (he was my uncle). There becoming foster parents and is a strong familial resemblance maybe “forever families” for some among Osgood males. My aunt needy kids! traced our family tree back quite Thanks for sharing. some time ago, and my sister is – Diane N. continuing the effort today. – Randal Osgood Glad to see more people are taking these children into their I was aware of Samuel Osgood, but homes. cut that reference because of space My husband and I just adopted issues. Cool if there really is a family six kids; we have six of our own, connection! – Mike Buda also. I have been speaking in Tell us about your favorite Michigan-made products! See page 16 for details.

6 | Michigan Country Lines Better Rules for Broken Bulbs s energy-savvy consumers Visit epa.gov/cflcleanup for Aknow, equipping five of a more in-depth guidelines. home’s most frequently used light The recommended waiting fixtures with compact fluorescent time for cleaning up a broken lightbulbs (CFLs) can save a fam- CFL has been cut from 15 min- ily $70 a year in lighting utes to 5-10 minutes. costs. But what should you A 2008 study on mer- do when a CFL breaks? cury exposure from broken CFLs are made of glass bulbs showed mercury tubing containing about release peaks within the 4 milligrams of mer- first 5 minutes of the bulb Gadal © iStockphoto.com/Damian cury. Although this isn’t breaking, explains EPA much—classic thermom- spokesperson, Richard eters contain 500 milli- Yost. “Five to 10 minutes LAST CHANCE! grams—you should still is sufficient time to clear take precautions if a CFL breaks, the room, ventilate, and gather Enter Our Crazy since mercury vapors may pose the materials needed to clean up health risks. In December, the the broken bulb.” U.S. Environmental Protec- The EPA also removed recom- BBQ Grill Contest! tion Agency (EPA) updated mendations on handling cloth- Send us a photo of your home-made or custom BBQ the guidelines for cleaning up a ing, bedding, or other soft mate- grill—the crazier the better—along with a short broken CFL. rials exposed to a broken CFL. The revised guidelines break We want to keep the focus on description of your grilling tradition. If we print your the process into three steps (see the clean up steps, explains Yost. entry in the May issue of Michigan Country Lines below) and into separate sections “Each broken bulb situation is magazine, you’ll receive a $50 credit on your co-op for hard surfaces and carpeting to unique. If a consumer has a par- aid consumers who only want the ticular concern they can contact electric bill. cleanup steps that address their EPA or their local/state environ- • Entry deadline is April 15; one entry per co-op particular situation. mental agency for assistance.” member. Special consideration will be given to Guide to Cleaning Up a Broken CFL photos with people in them. • Complete the form below and attach a short The most important steps to reduce mercury vapor exposure from a broken bulb are: description of your grilling tradition. Please Before cleanup: identify anyone in your photo. u Have people and pets leave the room. • EMAIL your photo as a high-resolution JPEG file u Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or (as an attachment) to [email protected], door to the outdoor environment. or MAIL glossy prints, along with the form below, u Shut off the central forced air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one. to: Crazy BBQ Grill Contest, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., u Collect materials (stiff paper/cardboard, sticky tape, damp Okemos, MI 48879. (Prints will not be returned.) paper towels/wet wipes) needed to clean up a broken bulb. During cleanup: We’re looking forward to some grillarious entries! u Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. u Place cleanup materials in a sealable container (plastic bag or glass jar). After cleanup CRAZY BBQ GRILL CONTEST u Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors ENTRY FORM in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or Name: cleanup materials indoors. Not all recycling centers may accept broken CFLs and some states may have prohibitions on debris Address: disposal. Check with your local and/or state household hazard- ous waste authority for disposal requirements in your area. Phone: u For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the heating or air conditioning off. Email: For more details on clean up and safety, visit epa.gov/cflcleanup. Electric Co-op: YOUR CO-OP

Why Safety is Important to You and HomeWorks

lectricity and propane do wonderful safe driving, and other topics. Many of our things to keep us comfortable and training topics are also useful away from Eproductive. Most of the time they the job and help our employees keep their are safe and reliable sources of energy, but families and communities safe, too. sometimes they can be dangerous. Safety is also taking good care of your That’s why we have a co-op policy, investment in the trucks and other equip- reviewed and approved regularly by our ment we use, the power lines we build, and board of directors, that makes the safety of the propane tanks we set. our employees, our members and the general Our strong safety program also pays off public a top priority for every one of us. in lower insurance and workers’ compen- HomeWorks recently signed on in sup- sation program costs, which helps to keep port of the Rural Electric Safety Achieve- This sign is painted on the wall in the Portland your costs stable. ment Program. This program replaces the operations garage as a reminder. A safe work crew is a productive crew— existing Safety Accreditation program, for keeping the power lines maintained and the which we last received certification in 2009. that will still be completed every three years. propane tanks filled so that your lights and While accreditation looked back at what We also work with state and national other conveniences are ready when you are. we had accomplished in terms of safety propane organizations to make sure all training and performance, this new achieve- employees who handle propane and the ment program is more forward-looking. It equipment that delivers it are certified to calls for: do their jobs correctly and safely. Chris O’Neill is • creation of a safety improvement plan; Safety is more than preventing injuries, HomeWorks Tri-County • an annual self-assessment process; although that is a key goal of our program. Electric Cooperative’s • redefined performance measures; and We also train our employees on how to deal safety coordinator • refinements to the formal assessment with hazardous materials, provide first aid, Area Farms Honored for Historic Family Ownership

ohn Swagart and Jill Malusek, center, with their spouses Amy Swagart and JJohn Malusek, are co-owners of a Clin- ton County farm that came into their family March 13, 1907. Originally purchased from Philip and Alice Kress by Jill and John’s great-great-grandpar- ents, George and Elizabeth Diller Swagart, the 120-acre farm in Greenbush Township was later owned by Elmer and Mable Hulbert Swagart, and then by Jill and John’s parents, Donald and Rosaline Dunn Swagart, before they took over in 2004. The Maluseks restored the original 19th- century farmhouse where they now live, and John Swagart farms the current crops of soybeans, corn and wheat. Two other Clinton County farms recently reached historic milestones. A Bengal Town- ship farm originally purchased by Rosina and Joseph Schneider in 1910 was certified as a Centennial Farm. It is now owned by their grandson Donald Schmitt and his wife, Joan Keilen Schmitt. And, the Essex Township farm purchased by Chauncey S. Wolcott in 1844, now owned by David and Jon Moss, has received its Ses- quicentennial Farm designation.

8 | Michigan Country Lines Magen Howard | OUR ENERGY Growing Pains Building an affordable, reliable energy future will take time and money.

ighter government regulations— back-up generation, such attractive option to satisfy and the high cost to comply with as natural gas plants, ready our nation’s energy appetite new rules—may signal lights-out to come on-line when the because the fuel is relatively for many of the nation’s older coal- wind stops blowing or the cheap, power plants that use Tfired power plants at a time when forecast- sun stops shining, and that it can be brought on-line ers predict energy demand will eventually adds extra expense. more quickly, and burning gas outpace supply. produces less carbon dioxide “Americans could see power shortages Federal rules affect than coal. by the end of the decade if new generation prices “But right now, we’re in a sources don’t materialize,” cautions Glenn Rulemakings by the U.S. natural gas price bubble,” Holt English, CEO of the National Rural Elec- Environmental Protection cautions. “While economics tric Cooperative Association (NRECA), an Agency (EPA) will impact today favor natural gas, my organization serving the nation’s 900-plus electric bills and put afford- concern is that just two or three electric co-ops. ability and reliability at risk. years ago natural gas was three To meet the challenge, electric co-ops are A NERC-commissioned report, “Potential times as expensive. So, it could easily and using energy efficiency measures and innova- Resource Adequacy Impacts of U.S. Envi- rapidly go up in cost. Over the long term, tive technology to reduce electric demand. ronmental Regulations,” states that four I expect nuclear power—since it only emits But these actions will only go so far. Even- pending EPA rules would place new and water vapor into the atmosphere—will make tually, the need to build new generation to costly hurdles on power generators. In fact, a comeback. But there are a lot of ‘ifs.’” “keep the lights on” will take center stage. regulations impacting cooling water intake, coal ash disposal, interstate transport of air Working to keep bills affordable An investment of time, money pollutants, and using Maximum Achiev- To reduce the need for new power plants, The North American Electric Reliability able Control Technology (MACT) to curb electric co-ops are fashioning a variety of Corporation (NERC), the bulk power grid emissions from power plants could force innovative solutions to reduce load during watchdog for the United States and most electric utilities to retire or retrofit 33,000 times of peak demand. This is the electric of Canada, estimates the country will need MW to 70,000 MW of generating capac- utility industry’s equivalent of rush-hour traf- to build 135,000 megawatts (MW) of new ity by 2015. A fifth hurdle, reducing power fic—when wholesale power costs skyrocket. generation by 2017 to meet demand. Facili- plant emissions of carbon dioxide, presents Reduction efforts include direct control of ties already on the drawing board, however, an even greater challenge since no viable, electric water heaters, air conditioners, elec- will only deliver 77,000 MW—leaving an commercially tested solution exists. tric thermal storage units, and other appli- energy gap. The Electric Power Research Institute ances in the homes of volunteer consumers; Planning, building and launching a basel- (EPRI), a consortium that includes electric interruptible contracts with commercial and oad power plant is no small feat. Even if the co-ops, contends if EPA designates coal ash, industrial accounts, such as irrigation pumps, permitting process is non-controversial— a residue produced by coal-fired power plants large retailers and factories that can temporar- meaning there are no significant objections that is used as a Portland cement substitute, ily shut down or run emergency generators; to a facility—a coal-fired generating station as hazardous, it could cost utilities—and calling for the start-up of consumer-owned takes six to seven years from start to finish, a consumer electric bills—between $5.32 bil- generation. combined cycle natural gas plant three to four lion and $7.62 billion annually. The newest load-reducing tactic is personal years, and a nuclear plant requires 10 years at “Because of these new rules, we’re expect- energy management. These in-home displays, minimum, notes John Holt, NRECA senior ing a number of existing coal plants will be web portals and smart thermostats inform manager for generation and fuels. shut down,” asserts Kirk Johnson, NRECA consumers, in real-time, when load peaks Wind farms and large solar projects, in vice president of energy & environmental are happening, allowing them to voluntarily many cases, need a shorter amount of time to policy. “The cost of compliance will simply decide when and how to curtail electric use. complete—about two years total—but they be too much.” Most co-ops are also ramping up energy are handicapped by intermittency issues. Even Only two alternate baseload generation efficiency programs. According to NRECA with good location and plenty of breezes, wind options are currently available to meet Amer- Market Research Services, nearly all electric generation is available at most 40 percent of ica’s demand for safe, reliable and affordable co-ops offer efficiency educational resources, the time and seldom operates (due to a lack electricity: natural gas, which is priced in and 77 percent offer residential energy audits. of wind) during periods of peak consumption a volatile commodities market, or nuclear To learn about Michigan energy efficiency on hot, humid summer weekday afternoons power, which requires a long lead-time for programs, visit michigan-energy.org or the or cold weather below minus 22 degrees F. construction and still bumps against ghosts Database of State Incentives for Renewables Solar power systems operate only during of the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, as & Efficiency at dsireusa.org. daylight hours and are affected by cloud well as issues over the disposal of spent fuel. cover. Wind and solar resources must have Natural gas, at present, seems like an Megan McKoy-Noe contributed to this story.

April 2011 | 9 UNIQUE MICHIGAN | Doug Snitgen

estled on the banks of two rivers, historic Portland, MI, is what you might call a point-and-click town. “Just point your camera anywhere” says Portland Main Street Nmanager Patrick Reagan, “and you’ll end up with something that looks like a postcard.” In addition to its natural beauty, Portland has a bustling downtown and an active com- munity. The city was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its sustainable redevelopment, cultural events and entrepreneurial growth. Reagan also insists that the residents and shop owners in Portland, located about half-way between Grand Rapids and Lansing, are some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. “They want to welcome you to their town,” he says, “and they want you to share your story.” Here are five unique ways to experience Portland for yourself: Treat Your Taste Buds 1 Stop by Cheeky Monkeys Coffeehouse (cheekymonkeyscoffeehouse.com) to sample from a selection of sandwiches and baked goods (including the infamous “happy crappy” bran muffin), complimented by specialty coffees named after local personalities. Authentic cajun dishes and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza are served down the street at Dukes Canoe Club (dukescajungrill.com). Photo – ©perpetual-moments-photo.com Photo

Take In the Arts 2 Navigate the Rivers 3 For such a small city, Portland is busting The Looking Glass and Grand rivers at the seams with artistic talent. Catch a played a key role in the transport and concert at Two Rivers Park any Thursday distribution of lumber in the mid-1800s. in the summer, or a local adaptation of Today you can navigate the rivers by a Broadway production at the Portland canoe or kayak (Looking Grand Canoe Playhouse (portlandcivicplayers.com). Rental, 517-647-7402) or schedule a lazy If you want to create your own art, the river tube float (Portland Pedal Paddle, Portland Community Arts Council 517-647-6710). Don’t forget your tackle (portlandcommunityarts.com) holds box—smallmouth bass, carp and even classes at the Grand Dam Arts Center. pike can be caught in the area.

Honor the Past Canoeist Verlen Kruger has traveled over 4 100,000 miles of river in his lifetime—and the Grand River was his favorite. Honor the past by visiting the Verlen Kruger memorial, sculpted by local artist Derek Rainey (Thompson Field, pictured); the Sept. 11 memorial, featuring a twisted beam recovered from the World Trade Center (Two Rivers Park); or various memorials honoring local wartime heros. Photo – verlenkrugermemorial.org Photo

10 | Michigan Country Lines When To Visit

May 21 Downtown Block Party Welcome warm weather with family activities, downtown shopping and a cruise-in with more than 200 classic cars. Refreshments and live entertainment are available at the “party pavilion.”

May - September Farmers Market Purchase seasonal produce from local growers, Saturday mornings at the Red Mill. Foot-stompin’ old time musicians jam (cover photo) on select Saturdays.

June 18 Portland Cruise-A-Thong Grab your thongs (flip-flops, that is) and compete in this lazy-man triathlon (float, bike and walk) where the “most average” time wins. Bribing judges is encouraged.

June - August Thursdays on the Grand Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the summer concert series on Thursday evenings at the Two Rivers Park bandshell. Elvis sightings are common.

June - October Third Friday Artwalk Enjoy the work of local artists on display at downtown businesses every third Friday of the month. Most pieces are available for purchase.

August 19-21 Portland RiverFest Be a part of Portland’s signature event, including family activities, canoe races, wine tasting on the boardwalk, a car show, juried art show, and much more.

October 15 Oktoberfest Celebrate the area’s strong German heritage with old-world food and adult beverages, live music, family fun, and 5 Take A Bridge Tour the “Big Beer Run” 5k race. Where there are rivers, there are bridges— Portland is home to four historic metal truss November 18-19 bridges. While the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge HolidayFest on the Grand still serves vehicular traffic in its original Kick off the holiday season in mid- downtown location, the other three were November with in-store activities and relocated to be part of a nearly nine-mile demonstrations, carriage rides, chili network of paved pedestrian trails, known to cook-offs, and a visit from Santa. locals simply as “the river trail.” Take a bridge Visit portlandmainstreet.org and tour on foot, or rent a bike for the afternoon portlandcommunityarts.com for more (Portland Pedal Paddle, 517-647-6710).

Photo – ©perpetual-moments-photo.com Photo event information.

April 2011 | 11 McCourtie Park: A Treasure of El Trabajo Rustico

t looks like wood … but it’s not. It’s it is not certain that Rodriquez worked at the El Trabajo Rustico, which combines site, his two apprentices, Gabriel Cardosa and Mexican folk art and American rustic art Raphael Corona, are credited with the work. traditions to create “faux bois,” or fake The sculptures include a series of 17 whimsi- Iwood. This art form uses cement to create cal bridges with intricate “faux bois” details garden benches, small bridges, gazebos and using techniques learned from the master. even trees. Southeastern Michigan’s Irish There are also two hollow “trees” to serve as Hills area has one of the largest collections in chimneys for an underground rathskeller. the Midwest, many of which were skillfully Driving along the road, it is easy to mistake restored by local Hillsdale artisan, Melinda these “trees” as real. Which trees are real? The two lighter-colored trees are hollow and were made to cover LoPresto. The property was sold in the 1970s to a the chimneys above the rathskeller in LoPresto, who now has her daughter Megan dentist who used the underground building McCourtie Park. as an apprentice, comes from a family with a history in cement. After seeing McCourtie Park Her father was a mason, so in the early ’90s, LoPresto growing up she was surrounded had begun experimenting by stone and mortar. with Trabajo Rustico in her “I have always loved own backyard, building sev- McCourtie Park and their eral structures, including a bridges,” comments LoPresto. gazebo. About her technique, In 1993, while working at LoPresto says, “I start with Davenport Masonry, she rebar wrapped with a wire stopped to visit the park. Even mesh to get the shape. And though the bridges at that time then I use layers of cement were in a state of disrepair, they and carve in the details. I moved her to try her hand at don’t use a cement mixer creating “faux bois.” “They because I need a very thick were my inspiration to start texture, like clay. I use a tub working in cement,” LoPresto and a hoe to mix the cement.” The detail on these bridges made of cement is what makes them so fascinating. explains. Her chiseled biceps and fore- Located on the northwest corner of for his dental practice and kept buffaloes in arms attest to this. U.S.-12 and Jackson Road in Somerset the adjoining field where the Trabajo Rustico LoPresto was so enthusiastic about work- Center, McCourtie Park has an interesting bridges were located. Needless to say, the ing on the project that she offered to do history. The 42-acre park was originally part buffalo took their toll on these structures. the first bridge free. If the Snearys liked her of an estate owned by Somerset Township “By the time the township had bought the work, they would go from there. In 1999, native W.H.L. McCourtie. He made his property in 1985, it was a jungle,” says Clin- LoPresto started on the first bridge and had fortune in Texas by speculating in oil and ton Sneary, chairman of the McCourtie Park restored seven by 2005. Just a few years ago, cement in the 1920s. Around the same time, Committee. “You could hardly even see the the town installed a cell phone tower in the Dionisio Rodriguez, who is considered the creek. It took a prison crew from the Cotton park to pay for the remaining restoration, master of Trabajo Rustico, moved to Texas Facility in Jackson five or six years to clear and LoPresto has completed restoration of from Mexico. Rodriguez brought with the property. The park was opened to the all 17 bridges. him his perfected sculptural techniques in public in 1989.” While you are in the area, don’t miss the cement and was working on an estate in San In the 1990s, Clinton’s wife, Joann, who other Trabajo Rustico structures: outdoor Antonio. There he met Charles Bauberger, was then head of McCourtie Parks and stations of the cross about eight miles east the president of the San Antonio Portland Recreation, started looking for someone of Somerset City at St. Joseph’s church, and Cement Company, who became his patron. to restore the bridges. “Just the look of the the gazebos and fountains at nearby Hillsdale It is thought that McCourtie met Rodriguez bridges, we knew they were special and worth College’s Slayton Arboretum. through Bauberger. preserving,” comments Clinton. It is believed that McCourtie commis- After their search for a restorer proved Rita Henehan, a freelance writer and pho- sioned Rodriguez to produce sculptures for more challenging and expensive than tographer from White Pigeon, is a member of his Michigan estate in the early 1930s. While expected, the Snearys discovered LoPresto. Midwest Energy Cooperative.

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MichiganCountryLines_April.indd 1 3/1/11 4:55 PM TRAVEL | Tom Griffith

America’s Real National Treasures Exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota.

s happens on virtually every sum- mer day, nearly 1,000 visitors from around the globe stand in rever- ence in the shadows of America’s AShrine of Democracy, speaking in hushed tones as if in a church as they gaze at the granite sculptures of four of the nation’s legendary leaders. They have come to salute one of America’s most enduring icons—Mount Rushmore National Memorial—and four of our found- ing fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Whether they are movie stars, moguls or manual laborers, few who visit this colossal carving on a pine-clad cliff in the middle of America leave unaffected. “These sculptures represent America and Tourism – Chad Coppes/S.D. Photo their backdrop is the sacred Black Hills,” said former Mount Rushmore Superintendent grassy mountain meadows of the Black Hills the underground wilderness—a world that Gerard Baker, one of the few Native Ameri- lies an underground wilderness so vast that is always under our feet.” cans to serve as a park superintendent in the contemporary explorers are only now begin- country. “Visitors are affected by this place, ning to understand its scope and complexity. Badlands. Good Tours. this solitude, which cannot be found in the In an age when orbiting satellites have Flanking the eastern slope of the Black halls of Congress or the many monuments of mapped the topography of the earth’s surface, Hills stands Badlands National Park, a Washington, D.C. You find it here because from the tallest mountain peaks to its deepest 244,000-acre moonscape that the native of this beautiful, natural cathedral and this watery recesses, the subterranean labyrinths Lakota called “mako sica” or “land bad” a powerful monument.” of the Black Hills have become one of the last couple of centuries before white men first bastions of mystery in an uncharted terrain. gazed upon it. America’s Story in Stone The first cave ever protected by the federal With ragged ridgelines, chiseled spires and Carved from the ageless granite of the Black government—Wind Cave National Park—is deep canyons ravaged by eons of wind and Hills between 1927 and 1941, sculptor located in the southern Black Hills. Its com- rain, this may be the most unusual terrain in Gutzon Borglum sought to preserve in stone panion, Jewel Cave National Monument, is the world, and it is among the cleanest. This the attributes of four presidents who contrib- just 19 miles north, near the town of Custer. vast tract is still yielding clues to the region’s uted so much to the birth, growth, preserva- Both National Park Service units offer visitors rich and storied past. tion and development of the United States. a variety of caving tours for all skill levels. In the summer of 2010, during one of the Even 70 years after Borglum died and With 150 miles of explored passage- park’s Junior Ranger programs, seven-year- the drilling and blasting stopped at Mount ways, Jewel Cave ranks as second longest old Kylie Ferguson of Georgia discovered the Rushmore, the memorial is a place where in the world. Wind Cave, with 131 miles 33 million-year-old fossilized skull of a saber many tales are told. Its nighttime lighting of explored corridor, ranks fourth longest. tooth cat. The discovery of the extremely rare ceremony, coupled with a ranger talk and But, in reality, no one truly knows where skull with intact canines and bite marks still patriotic film, is among the most popular their passages end. In fact, studies indicate has park rangers and paleontologists shaking Park Service programs anywhere. that mapped passageways constitute less their heads. “Mount Rushmore has many stories,” than 5 percent of what actually exists in Baker said. “This is the story of America.” these two caves. The Tower Beyond the iconic Mount Rushmore, the “Caves are one of the last frontiers on the On the opposite side of the Black Hills, Black Hills are home to the highest concentra- planet,” says Merrith Baughman, assistant which spill over into extreme northeastern tion of parks, monuments and memorials in chief of interpretation at Jewel Cave. “We’ve Wyoming, stands Devils Tower National the U.S., and they’re not all above-ground. mapped the ocean floor, but we probably Monument. This core of an ancient volcano have thousands of miles of cave passages that exposed by millions of years of erosion was An Underground Wilderness we have not yet found. Caves are a whole designated America’s first National Monu- Far below the ponderosa pine forests and other world. Rarely do we get to explore ment by President Theodore Roosevelt in

14 | Michigan Country Lines 1906. Native American legends tell of a giant bear that chased some young maidens up a rock, leaving its claw marks in the ancient stone tower. Today, the tower is a favorite among experienced rock climbers. The Spirit of the Lakota Six decades after sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began carving the massive tribute to the legendary Lakota warrior known as Crazy Horse, his widow, Ruth, and seven of their 10 children carry on the work. In 1948, Chief Henry Standing Bear asked – Jenna Nagel Photo Ziolkowski to create Crazy Horse Memorial because, “My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man Kid-Friendy Michigan Museums has great heroes, too.” When completed, If your summer travels will be within the Great Lakes State, there are plenty the colossal 641-foot-long, 563-foot-tall statue will rank as the largest work of art in of exciting kid-friendly museums to add to your itinerary. Here are just a the world and depict Crazy Horse pointing few options that await young explorers: over the head of his stallion to the sacred Black Hills. Mount Rushmore would fit in Detroit Science Center Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum the rider’s head. Detroit Saginaw, midmicm.org The mission of the memorial, which hon- Get ready to explore a larger-than-life, ors the culture, tradition and living heritage moving, roaring, prehistoric experi- Curious Kids’ Museum of all American Indians, has been bolstered in ence at the Detroit Science Center. The St. Joseph, curiouskidsmuseum.org recent years by millions of dollars in private dinosaur exhibit includes more than 20 contributions. animatronics dinosaurs, five full-size Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Thundering Hooves skeletons, and nearly 40 fossil replicas Ann Arbor, aahom.org and eggs. Visit detroitsciencecenter.org Just 20 minutes south of Crazy Horse, east or call 313-577-8400. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum of the town of Custer, is the “crown jewel” Grand Rapids, grcm.org of South Dakota and home to one of the Impression 5 Science Center largest buffalo herds on earth. Scenic drives Lansing Kids N Stuff Children’s Museum within the 110-square-mile Custer State Located in a historic wagon works fac- Albion, kidsnstuff.org Park, including Iron Mountain Road and the tory on the Grand River, Impression 5 Needles Highway, wind through ponderosa challenges visitors with its unique hands- Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum pine forests and pass giant finger-like granite on learning environment, including Marquette, upcmkids.org spires that rise like sentinels from the forest the bubble room, giant eyeball and the floor. Along the routes, motorists encounter popular “throwing things” exhibit. Visit Kalamazoo Valley Museum gurgling streams, alpine lakes and moun- impression5.org or call 517-485-8116. Kalamazoo, kvm.kvcc.edu tain tunnels that perfectly frame the faces on Mount Rushmore. The park is home to Air Zoo The Children’s Museum of Fennville an estimated 1,500 American bison, as well Kalamazoo Fennville, fennvillechildren.org as elk, antelope, deer, mountain goat, Big The Air Zoo is a highly-charged, multi- Horn sheep, mountain lion, wild turkey sensory aviation history museum. In Great Lakes Children’s Museum and prairie dogs. addition to the historical and rare aircraft, Traverse City, greatlakeskids.org the facility features amusement park-style Tom Griffith is a member of the Society of rides, full-motion flight simulators, and Michigan Historical Museum American Travel Writers and Western Writers a 4-D missions theater. Visit airzoo.org Lansing, michigan.gov/museum of America. He lives and writes in the Black or call 269-382-6555. Hills of South Dakota.

April 2011 | 15 MADE IN MICHIGAN | Chris Engle

New Inventor Makes Life EZer

and mount can then be seated onto the end of a standard 4-by-4 wooden post, no screws needed, How It Works thanks to special ribs which apply Just screw your mailbox enough force that it takes a couple onto the EZ Mount, then of hammer swings to release firmly press the mailbox and their grip. EZ Mount onto a standard Inventor The mount 4x4 post—no screws neces- Jeff “Digger” sary—special ribs inside the Borowiak shows is designed to fit a standard EZ Mount apply enough force off his EZ to keep it securely in place. Mailbox Mount. mailbox, but can be modi- To remove, gently tap the EZ fied to accommodate newspaper Mount with a hammer on tubes or larger mailboxes (see each side until loose, then “How It Works,” right). pull off by hand. Along with getting the mail- box owner off the shoulder of the road, Borowiak says seasonal residents can use his device as a handy way to remove their mailbox before heading south for the winter, sparing it from REGULAR: EZ Mount is plow damage. designed to fit a standard For the design-and-build size mailbox. process, Borowiak exclusively enlisted the help of Gaylord

Photo - Chris Engle/Gaylord HeraldTimes - Chris Engle/Gaylord Photo businesses. H&S Mold made the prototype as well as the injection hat Jeff Borowiak could’ve simply mold die for the plastic product; Mayfair Plastics brushed off as a close call with a semi does production; Cooper Standard built the extru- Wtruck while repairing his mailbox turned sion die for mounting strips and makes plastic into an “a-ha” moment for the local inventor brackets; Russell Peters Co. does product packaging; LARGE: With a simple and Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member. It mounting screws are made by Mid-State Bolt & 180-degree twist, the EZ spawned his creation of the “EZ Mailbox Mount.” Screw; Crossroads Industries packages the screws; Mount holds larger mailboxes, Borowiak, a lifelong Gaylord resident whom Image Factory prints mounting instructions; and up to 18 inches wide. friends call “Digger,” recounted that winter day Alpine Web built his website. “I wanted to keep where he stood on the shoulder of M-32 repairing my business local,” Borowiak explains, “and there’s his snowplow-damaged mailbox until a semi-truck so much talent here in Michigan, so ‘why not?’” passed too close for comfort. “It literally came Borowiak encourages aspiring inventors and within 2 feet of me,” Borowiak stressed. “I knew entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. “It seems there had to be a better way—a safer way.” like everyone has an idea,” he remarks, “but they His ideas led to wooden prototypes built in just don’t know how to get started.” his friend’s garage, then to a working model of Borowiak recommends visiting a patent attor- his design. ney to protect your idea, and asking others how EXTRA LARGE: Specially- The EZ Mailbox Mount is a plastic base which they got started. designed brackets are included is screwed onto the bottom of a mailbox indoors, Visit ezmailboxmount.com to learn more, or to accommodate newspaper away from the hazards of the roadway. The mailbox to ask Jeff how to get started with your own idea. and advertiser tubes.

MADE IN MICHIGAN Tell us about your favorite Michigan-made product and we may write about it. Please share why you like it, and if you have a unique story to go with it, please include that by April 20 to [email protected] or send to Michigan Country Lines, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. Thanks to Joseph Duff for telling us about the EZ Mailbox Mount.

16 | Michigan Country Lines HOUSE & HOME | James Dulley

Save Money

With Electric maximum. With no main- tenance, cordless mowers are very easy and quick to Yard Tools use. The only drawback is they are somewhat heavier than a gas-powered mower. sing electric or cordless tools makes I have used a 24-volt more sense than using gasoline- cordless mower for many powered ones for many reasons. years, and still do some- Since the United States has to times. The 36-volt models Uimport huge amounts of oil to make gasoline, provide additional power anything a homeowner can do to use less is to cut a wider path, which good. If you have access to an electric outlet, reduces cutting time. For plug-in tools offer lighter weight and more convenience, select a Photo – ©Black & Decker Photo power than cordless models. model with a removable Electric or cordless tools also cost much less battery so the mower can to use than gas tools. For example, a cordless Get ‘Er Done! This 36-volt electric lawn mower has a removable be stored in a shed while lawn mower can cut a one-third acre lot for battery, cuts a 19-inch path and weighs just 72 pounds. keeping the battery in the about 10 cents’ worth of electricity to charge garage for charging and wintertime storage. the battery—usually an overnight charge at a With the 36-volt Black and Decker® has just introduced a battery removed rate of 45 to 90 watts, depending on the bat- from the lawn self-propelled, 36-volt cordless mower. It has tery voltage. Also, there are no maintenance mower, it can be a variable-speed motor to drive the wheels costs associated with a cordless or electric tool. placed anywhere so you can set a comfortable walking speed. There are differences in the life, weight, cost near an electric The electric motor that drives the wheels is a and effectiveness of various types of recharge- outlet for charging. soft-start design, so it will not jerk the mower able batteries for cordless tools, and four basic each time you start. types (see “Know Your Battery,” below). your best choice. Another new handy cordless tool is a Don’t necessarily look for the highest Of your outdoor power tools, you’ll use a 12-volt pruning saw with a lithium-ion bat- voltage tool with the most power. No mat- lawn mower most often. Most of the newer tery to reduce weight, which is important ter what type of battery a tool uses, higher rechargeable cordless lawn mowers have because a pruning saw is often used overhead voltage means more battery weight. If you enough electric charge to cut the typical one- and can tire shoulder muscles quickly. This primarily do light shrub trimming or drill third-acre lot. This is assuming a medium lithium-ion battery also holds its charge lon- small holes in soft wood, lower-voltage is length grass—perhaps one-week growth ger when not in use, an advantage for tools like this that are not frequently used. The following companies offer cordless Know Your Battery lawn mowers/tools: Black & Decker, 800- Lead-acid batteries are used in cordless lawn mowers because they store the most charge. 544-6986, blackanddecker.com; Homelite, They are relatively inexpensive for the amount of power they store, but are also very heavy. 800-242-4672, homelite.com; Husqvarna, This is not a problem for a tool such as a lawn mower that rests on wheels, but having a lead- 800-438-7297, husqvarna.com; Neuton, acid battery hanging on a hand-held yard tool could quickly wear out your arm. 800-798-2921, neutonpower.com; and Toro, 888-384-9939, toro.com. Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries were used on the earliest cordless tools and most still use them. They are relatively inexpensive and maintain their performance at cooler tempera- Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to tures—an important feature for outdoor tools. Ni-Cd batteries are relatively heavy, so they James Dulley, Michigan Country Lines, 6906 are not often used on the highest voltage cordless tools. Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or Nickel metal-hydride (Ni-Mh) was the next generation of rechargeable batteries. They can visit dulley.com. store more electricity for the weight, but are more expensive to make. They are ideal for indoor use, but tend to lose run-time in colder temperatures and have a shorter run/recharge cycle. James Dulley is a nationally Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the newest type of battery. They are the most expensive, recognized mechanical engineer but are also the lightest for the power they can store and operate very well in cold tempera- writing about home energy tures. Some take longer to charge than Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh batteries, so they may not be the best issues for the National Rural choice if you are constantly running them down and need to recharge quickly. Electric Cooperaive Association.

April 2011 | 17 HOME COOKING | Jennifer Hansen

Orange Pineapple 1 c. dairy sour cream Salad Pictured 2 T. grated cheddar cheese

1 3-oz. orange flavored or Dissolve gelatin in the hot orange-pineapple flavored water. Add pineapple; chill gelatin until slightly thickened. Fold 1 c. boiling water in orange sections, manda- 1 8 1/2-oz. can crushed rin oranges and marshmal- pineapple, do not drain lows. Pour into a 7x11-inch 1 c. diced orange sections or 8x8-inch pan; chill until 1 11-oz. can mandarin firm. Combine sour cream and oranges, drained mayonnaise; spread on salad. 1 c. miniature marshmallows Sprinkle with cheese. 2 T. mayonnaise Paula Brousseau, Bellaire

Marshmallows and cook until mixture reaches 240°. Remove from heat and 2 egg whites add vanilla and gelatin; stir Marshmallows are a confection that’s been around 1 c. water, divided well. Very slowly, pour hot since the mid-1800s when the recipe called for sap dash salt sugar mixture down the side of from the root of the marshmallow plant. Find hundreds 1/2 c. corn syrup mixing bowl containing beaten more recipes at countrylines.com. 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin egg whites. Blend until all is 2 c. sugar incorporated. Beat on highest 1 T. vanilla or flavoring of speed for 10 minutes, scraping In a mixing bowl, cream butter choice bowl twice. Pour mixture onto Chocolate Crunch and sugar; add eggs and mix 1/3 c. corn starch sprayed paper in pan. Cover Brownies well. Stir in cocoa, flour, salt and 1/3 c. powdered sugar with waxed paper or parch- vanilla. Spread into a greased ment paper; let sit for 24 hours 1 c. butter or margarine, 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 350° for Place parchment paper in a at room temperature. Combine softened 25 minutes or until brownies 9x13-inch pan. Spray with corn starch and powdered 2 c. sugar test done; cool. Spread marsh- non-stick spray. In a heavy sugar, sprinkle on your work 4 eggs mallow crème over cooled duty mixer, beat egg whites surface. Transfer mixture onto 6 T. baking cocoa brownies. In a small saucepan, until stiff; let stand in mixer. work surface. Cut into squares 1 c. all-purpose flour melt peanut butter and choco- Combine unflavored gelatin in with a pizza cutter. Store in 1/2 t. salt late chips over low heat; stir- 1/2 cup cool water; set aside. Ziploc® bags or freeze with 2 t. vanilla extract ring constantly. Remove from In a saucepan, combine 1/2 powdered sugar/corn starch 1 7-oz. jar marshmallow heat; stir in cereal; spread over cup warm water, sugar, corn mixture for later use. crème marshmallow layer. Chill before syrup and salt. Bring to a boil Marge Bagnell, Mancelona 1 c. creamy peanut butter cutting. Store in refrigerator. 12 ozs. semi-sweet chocolate Makes 3 dozen. chips Judy Lindsey, Adrian 3 c. crispy rice cereal Marshmallow In a saucepan, combine milk, Caramel Balls caramels and butter; bring to a boil; cool. With a fork, dip Chocolate Chip Pie Melt marshmallows and milk 1/2 can sweetened condensed marshmallows in caramel mix- in a double boiler or 1-2 min- milk ture, then roll in cereal. Place 30 lg. marshmallows utes in the microwave; cool. 1 14-oz. bag caramels on waxed paper; refrigerate 1/2 c. milk Grate chocolate; set aside. 1 stick butter or margarine 1 hour. 1/2 pt. whipping cream When marshmallow mixture 1 16-oz. bag lg. marshmallows Renee Butkonen, 1 t. vanilla is cool, whip cream until thick. 4+ c. Rice Krispies® Lake Linden 1 square baking chocolate Add chocolate to marshmallow 1 baked and cooled 9-inch pie mixture, then add marshmal- shell or graham cracker crust low mixture to whipped cream; Send in your recipes! If published, you’ll receive a kitchen gently blend. Stir in vanilla. gadget. Send in: BBQ recipes by April 15, Casserole & Pot Spread in pie shell. Refrigerate pie recipes by May 15, and eggplant recipes by June 15. until ready to serve. Mail to: Country Lines Recipes, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI Brenda Shoebottom, Curtis 48864; or email [email protected].

18 | Michigan Country Lines Rocky Road Chiffon Pie Soften gelatin in water; set Blackberry Cake a buttered 9x13-inch pan. aside. In a double boiler, melt Sprinkle sugar, marshmallows 2 t. unflavored gelatin chocolate with 1/4 cup milk; 1 qt. blackberries and gelatin over berries. Pour 3 T. cold water add 1/4 cup sugar. Beat egg 3/4 c. sugar cake batter evenly over this. 2 squares unsweetened yolks with remaining milk. Add 3 c. marshmallows, about 20 Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes chocolate gradually to melted chocolate; large or until top is browned and 1/2 c. milk, divided stir until thickened. Add vanilla 1 3-oz. pkg. berry gelatin mix toothpick comes out clean. 3/4 c. sugar, divided and softened gelatin; remove 1 18.5-oz. white or yellow Cool completely before cut- 3 eggs, separated from heat. Add salt to egg cake mix ting. Invert cake pieces when 1 t. vanilla whites, beat stiffly. Gradually serving so berries are on top of 1/4 t. salt beat in 1/2 cup sugar. Fold hot Prepare cake mix batter accord- each piece. Top with ice cream 6-8 large marshmallows, mixture lightly, but thoroughly ing to package directions but or whipped cream. quartered into egg whites. Add marsh- do not bake. Pour berries into Bonnie Bourn, Constantine 1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional mallows and nuts. Heap into 1 baked 9-inch pie shell, pie shell; cool before serving. cooled Ellen Yoder, Scottville Marshmallow Fruit Salad

1 20-oz. can chunk pineapple, Combine all ingredients in a Peanut Butter Apple Salad drained large bowl. Refrigerate several 1 15-oz. can mandarin hours or overnight. If necessary, 1½ c. Cool Whip® In a mixing bowl, combine oranges, drained add more sour cream before 1/2 c. marshmallow crème Cool Whip, marshmallow 1½ c. flaked coconut serving so salad is creamy. 2 T. mayonnaise crème, mayonnaise, salad 2 c. miniature marshmallows Carole Sutton, Stockbridge 2 T. salad dressing dressing and peanut butter. 2+ c. sour cream 3 T. peanut butter Beat on high speed until thor- 1/2 c. sliced almonds oughly combined. Fold in 1/2 c. raisins almonds, raisins, marshmal- Snappies 1 c. mini marshmallows lows and diced apples. Refrig- 4 med. apples, unpeeled and erate until serving. 1 bag large marshmallows diced Arlene Yoder, Scottville 1 bag ginger snap cookies

Toast marshmallows on a stick over a fire. Ambrosia Waldorf Salad Sandwich between two ginger snaps.

2 c. fresh or frozen cranberry flaked coconut Bonnie Bourn, Constantine halves 1/2 c. sugar Combine cranberries and 3 c. miniature marshmallows sugar. In a large bowl, com- 2 c. diced, unpeeled apples bine marshmallows, apples, 1 c. seedless green grape halves grapes, pecans and pineapple. Elisseeva © iStockphoto.com/Elena 3/4 c. chopped pecans Add cranberries; mix well. Fold Sweet Potato Puffs and dash of salt. Add pecans, if 1 20-oz. can pineapple tidbits, in whipped cream. Cover and using. Using whatever method drained chill. Sprinkle with coconut 6-8 yams works best, place a layer of 1 c. heavy whipping cream, just before serving. 1/2 c. light brown sugar mashed yam mixture around whipped Janice Harvey, Charlevoix 1/4 c. butter one large marshmallow. Try to 2 T. vanilla keep mixture even and cover dash of salt the entire marshmallow. Add Indoor S’Mores melt chocolate chips and pea- 1 16-oz. bag lg. marshmallows some dry tapioca to yams if nut butter. When melted, butter or vegetable spray mixture becomes too thin. Roll 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips remove from heat; add marsh- 1 14-oz. bag unsweetened yam-covered marshmallows in 2 T. peanut butter mallows and graham pieces. coconut coconut. Line a 9x13-inch pan 2 c. mini marshmallows Mix until well coated. Spread finely chopped, toasted pecans, with parchment paper. But- 6 whole graham crackers into a greased 9x13-inch pan. optional ter or spray sides and bottom Refrigerate 1 hour; cut and of pan. Bake at 325-350° for Break grahams into stamp- enjoy. Boil, peel and mash yams. about 20 minutes until nicely sized pieces; set aside. In a Ashlynn and Melissa Sytek, Whip mashed yams with toasted. saucepan, over medium heat, Lake Isabella brown sugar, vanilla, butter Debbie Coombs, Wayland

April 2011 | 19 family | Linda Wacyk

Study Abroad Challenges Ideas, Changes Lives

n just a few weeks, whether I’m ready or undergraduate studies at Western Michigan not, I’ll put my 21-year-old daughter on University in 2008. The most recent program a plane to Brussels where she’ll spend six took her for five months to Besançon, France, Before You Go weeks studying European issues at Vesa- approximately 2 ½ hours southeast of Paris. Consider these important pre-departure Ilius College and interning for a nonprofit There, she mastered an unfamiliar public items before leaving for your program organization there. transportation system and polished her abil- abroad: Emily’s booked her tickets, filed paper- ity to speak French. DOCUMENTS: Apply early for your work, written essays, and applied for financial “I think that learning a foreign language passport and student visa—these aid. I’ve downloaded travel alerts and printed is an important life skill,” she says. documents can take a long time to five pages of tips for “Staying Safe While Dan agrees. While his German major at process. Make three copies of any Studying Abroad” from DUMMIES.com. Central Michigan University doesn’t require important documents you’ll be taking While I swing from enthusiasm to trepida- studying abroad, he says it has been essential. with you (passport, credit cards, etc). tion, Emily is simply enthused. “I’m gaining at least twice as much knowl- Give one to your parents, one to your On the way to Brussels, she’ll stop off to edge of the language and culture daily than I study abroad leaders, and keep one on visit her German friend Carolin, with whom would had I stayed in the U.S. this semester,” your travels. she and her childhood buddy Dan Kuhlman he writes via Facebook. “It’s such a great feel- have traded visits twice since a high school ing being able to understand someone whose HEALTH: Get any immunizations you exchange program introduced them in 2006. native language is German and being able to might need and be sure to fill any She and Dan will cross paths in mid-air as contribute to the conversation.” necessary prescriptions before you go. he wings his way home from a semester-long Dan plans to return to Germany for a year- Make sure anything you transport isn’t program in Bielefeld, Germany, that started long program before he graduates. Lauren’s considered a controlled substance by your in January. making plans, too, although this time she’s host country—certain allergy medicines Not bad for two country kids whose travels headed to new places. are illegal in Japan, for example. used to be limited to a five-driveway distance “I would study abroad again in a heart- ACADEMICS: Schedule a pre-departure between our homes. beat,” Lauren says. “I learned so much about meeting with your academic counselor myself, met so many wonderful people, and Rising Trend, Despite Economy to take care of all academic matters, I really enjoyed the pace of life in Europe. I including financial aid and scholarship More than 260,000 U.S. college students now want to try to explore Eastern Europe applications. participate in study abroad programs each more, as well as Asia and South America.” year. It’s a number that has risen dramati- She joins a growing number of students MONEY: Convert enough currency to cally, dropping for the first time in decades in who are choosing nontraditional destina- sustain you until you’re settled in your 2008-09 in response to the global economic tions—like China, the Middle East and new surroundings. If you’ll be gone from crisis. The trend is on the rise again, but with North Africa—over traditional study abroad January to April, don’t overlook filing a few twists. Now students are increasingly destinations. It’s another way study abroad your taxes. choosing shorter stays, less expensive destina- is evolving to prepare a new generation for COMMUNICATION: Compile a list of tions, and programs in which their financial the world that awaits them. important contact information and aid can be used. Benefits Are Rich research international phone cards or cell The philosophy behind the programs is phone options. changing rapidly, too. No longer are such Despite the costs and potential risks inher- trips viewed as excuses for wealthy students ent in living in unfamiliar settings, almost to explore the old world. Study abroad now everyone, agrees that studying abroad helps been there, done that, and knows how life- takes a more democratic approach in which expand students thinking, prepares them to changing her trip to Brussels will be. students of all socio-economic levels take succeed in the global workforce, and leads “Speaking another language, or learning part in travel to strategic destinations for to improved relationships around the world. about another culture is one thing,” she says. tomorrow’s global citizens. Surveys of participants themselves indicate “There is nothing like living in another coun- “In today’s society, we are connected glob- that regardless of where students study and try—actually navigating life day by day—to ally through technology, so it’s important to for how long, studying abroad was a defining help you understand the experiences of people make an effort to understand those with other moment—one that continues to impact lives in other places.” ideologies or cultures,” says Lauren Hearit for years after the experience. of Portage, MI. She has taken advantage of Which is why Emily remains undaunted Linda Wacyk contributes regularly to Country two study abroad options since starting her by my safety tips and travel alerts. She’s Lines magazine.

20 | Michigan Country Lines RPR167-01_7.3125x10_Layout 1 3/17/11 11:33 AM Page 1

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10 Ways to Curb Your Backyard Carbon Footprint ust how “green” are your lawn and garden? Are you concerned about curbing your carbon footprint when doing outdoor chores? If you answered yes,J you are not alone. The National Garden- ing Association (NGA) finds that nine in 10 Americans believe it’s important to maintain their landscapes in a way that benefits the environment. It’s true that smart landscaping can save energy, save you money, and reduce your household’s greenhouse gas emissions. But most folks are almost clueless when it comes to caring for their lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly manner. The NGA’s recent Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey asked a representative sample of U.S. households, “How envi- ronmentally friendly do you think are the practices currently used to maintain resi-

dential, commercial and municipal lawns Scotts Company The – Photo and landscapes?” Only one of five respondents in the NGA Do the Right Thing. Only about one-half of surveyed homeowners say they follow pesticide survey give current lawn and landscape main- and fertilizer labels carefully. tenance practices a passing “green” grade. Homeowners can’t control how commer- to ensure they are using the most appropri- Company, to educate homeowners across cial and public lawns are maintained, but ate method before applying insect or weed the country about how watering, feeding, they do have control over their own back- control products. Only about one-quarter and lawns and gardens can work together yards. To measure how “green” homeowners use only well-adapted or native plants in to maximize the environmental benefits of are in caring for their lawns and landscapes, their landscaping and remove poorly adapted, green spaces. They’re learning easy ways to NGA asked respondents with a yard or gar- exotic or invasive plants. Fewer—just a fifth maintain a healthy lawn and beautiful garden, den which environmentally friendly lawn, of survey respondents—said they take time but still conserve water. garden and landscape practices they follow. to learn about ways to care for their lawn, Following are 10 ways homeowners can The result? Most homeowners follow only specific plants, soil or wildlife at home. be environmentally friendly when caring for one-sixth of these NGA practices. Most troubling, the survey findings sug- their lawns and gardens. While most homeowners answered that gest the majority of households with a yard they water their lawn and plants only when or garden follow only a small fraction of the 1. Feed regularly. needed and keep yards well-maintained to environmentally friendly lawn, garden and Maintaining a healthy lawn or beautiful add beauty to their homes and neighbor- landscape practices the NGA recommends. garden involves regular feedings. A healthy hoods, only about one-half say they follow “There’s a real need for improvement in lawn is able to absorb and use water more pesticide and fertilizer labels carefully. Fewer people’s appreciation for the impact each of efficiently and recover from drought quickly than one-half follow the recommended us can have on the environment in our own once water becomes available. Plants must practices of leaving grass clippings on their backyards. Most homeowners have a lot to receive nutrients to produce foliage, flowers lawns and keeping fertilizer, pesticide, yard learn about ‘green’ lawn and landscape prac- and fruit. and pet waste out of water sources and off tices,” says Mike Metallo, NGA president. pavement. The NGA survey also asked respondents, 2. Water wisely. Similarly, fewer than one-half surveyed “How knowledgeable would you say you Remember, pumping water requires power. said they apply mulches; go to the trouble are about how to maintain your home lawn, Rely on rainfall for watering lawns and of choosing the right plants for their cli- garden and landscape in an environmentally gardens as much as possible. Before water- mate, sun/shade, soil and rainfall; or cut friendly way?” Most homeowners replied that ing, watch for signs of lack of water such as their lawns at the highest recommended they aren’t very knowledgeable. dry soil or wilting. For your lawn, the time mower setting. Keep America Beautiful is a nonprofit between needed irrigation is up to 20 days Less than one-third answered that they group that has partnered with garden product for heavy, clay soils and about five days for recycle yard waste by composting or check producers, such as the Scotts Miracle-Gro light, sandy soils.

22 | Michigan Country Lines 3. Mow high. less water and fewer pesticides. In Set your mower to its highest appropriate areas of the country, lawns use setting. Longer grass blades promote deeper between two and three times as roots that help retain moisture. Mow St. much water as other plants and Augustine and buffalo grass at 3 inches, 1 can result in 50 percent more inch for Bermuda grass, and 2 inches for water waste from evaporation, centipede and Zoysia grass. runoff, over-spray and over- watering. Learn more from the 4. Leave grass clippings on lawn. Regional Water Providers Con- Recycled grass clippings return organic mat- sortium at conserveh2o.org/ ter and nutrients to the soil. It’s an easy way outdoors/landscapes/plants or to save clean-up time and improve your soil call 503-823-7528. quality. Leaving clippings on the lawn doesn’t Midwestwern and Northeast- cause thatch build up, but it does make it ern lawns typically do not require healthier. Soil organisms recycle the clippings supplemental irrigation, using into free fertilizer. less supplemental irrigation than ornamental plantings. The statis- 5. Keep fertilizer on the lawn. tic is more the result of practice Sweep fertilizer and grass clippings off drive- than an agronomic requirement. ways, sidewalks and curbs and back onto your The NGA is a national non- lawn. Making it a habit protects rivers, lakes profit leader in plant-based edu- cation, grants and curricula for and streams by keeping nutrients on the lawn. Scotts Company The – Photo youth gardens and research for 6. Choose the right plants. the lawn and garden industry. So Mulch to Do! Use mulch to help moderate soil Pick easy-to-grow plants and lawn types that To learn more, visit garden.org. temperature and retain moisture. are well adapted or native to your region. Avoid plants with known pest problems. Also, the Pew Center for Global Climate Change (pewclimate.org) provides a number of ideas on how to reduce your lawn and garden greenhouse gas emissions, including: 7. Be green in your yard. Consider using a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. If you use a power mower, a mulching mower helps further reduce grass clippings. 8. Compost food and yard waste. Doing so reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Lawn and garden improvement tips that benefit the environment are available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenScapes program (epa.gov/greenscapes). 9. Apply mulch. Use mulch to help moderate soil tempera- ture and retain moisture during dry weather, reducing the need for watering. Learn all about mulch, plus free sources of mulch, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture at nrcs. usda.gov/feature/backyard/mulching.html. 10. Plan your landscape wisely. Choose low-maintenance plants that require

April 2011 | 23 WOLVERINE POWER COOPERATIVE | Nancy Tanner

Clear Right-of-way is Key to Safe, Reliable Transmission

olverine Power Cooperative will focus again this spring and sum- Wmer on the removal of encroach- ments from its rights-of-way. The cooperative has identified more than 800 structures with varying degrees of safety risks on its 1,600 miles of transmission line. “Each year, we conduct annual inspec- tions of our transmission system for new encroachments,” says Adam Helminiak, a utility forester for Wolverine. “Problem areas are documented and assigned a safety risk rating of high, intermediate or low.” High-risk encroachments include struc- tures or materials that are 15 feet or less from an electrical conductor or attached to a power pole, such as an elevated hunting blind. Structures placed under electric lines in the center of a right-of-way also jeopardize public safety and operation of the transmis- sion system. “We call the center 30 feet of the right- of-way the ‘wire zone,’” Helminiak explains. “Encroachments in the ‘wire zone’ pose the greatest threat to public safety.” High-risk encroachments make up about one-third of the problem areas identified. Intermediate-risk encroachments, found 15 to 40 feet from the center of the right- of-way, account for almost two-thirds of the total documented. The remainder are located between 40 and 50 feet from the center and classified as low-risk. Wolverine maintains its rights-of-way in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code. “Our plan is to contact landowners who have high-risk encroachments on our rights- of-way in 2011 and those with intermediate- risk encroachments in 2012,” Helminiak says. “As we work with owners to remove encroachments, it’s an opportunity to increase awareness of electrical hazards and promote safety, not to mention improving the reli- A Wolverine lineworker uses an insulated ability of our transmission system.” pole to measure the distance between an elevated hunting blind and the co-op’s Landowners who are considering building transmission line. The structure, less than or placing a structure on a Wolverine right- 10 feet from the center of the right-of-way, of-way are encouraged to first contact the is then removed by co-op employees. cooperative’s land management department. Wolverine may also be able to help move an existing structure from its right-of-way. Call the cooperative at 800-283-1250 for more information.

24 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Budget Program Evens Out Energy Bills

f you’d like to smooth out some of the Budget billing for both electric and pro- ance the following May. seasonal ups and downs of your energy pane starts May 1 so that we can include the There is no charge to take advantage of Ibills, now is the time to contact Home- final winter season billings in our calculations. the budget program. It works very well with Works Tri-County to see if you qualify for Your payment is reviewed during the year, our Auto-Pay program; use the form below our annual budget plan. and sometimes adjusted to avoid a large bal- to sign up anytime during the year.

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April 2011 | 25 COUNTRY LINES MARKET

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Reach over 270,000+ households! Classifiedad rates: s $1.50 per word or symbol ($15 min.) for co-op members running nonbusiness ads s $3 per word or symbol ($30 min.) for co-op members running business, agent or broker ads; and all ads for non-co-op members Each initial, group of figures, phone number, abbreviation, e-mail address and website address counts as one word. Hyphenated and slashed words count as two or more words. Ads are subject to editor’s approval and editing and are only accepted as space permits. For member rate, attach your mailing label. To pay by credit card, include card number, exp. date, address related to the card, and signature with ad. M/C or VISA only, please indicate which. Send your printed or typed ad and check made payable to MECA (advance payment required) by 15th of month prior to publication to: Country Lines, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864, or email [email protected]. Call 517-351-6322, ext. 201, for more information. No classifieds accepted by telephone. Or, place your order online at countrylines.com, and ads will be posted for no extra charge until the next issue of the magazine is published.

26 | Michigan Country Lines ShowcaseShowcase HomesHomesWanted!Wanted! Call for Special Discounts 1-866-763-9117 Written Written LifetimeWarranty Show this on materials and Advertisement installationinstallation during your consultation FREE and receive an additional Do It Yourself statewiDe iNstallatioN $500 OFF your installed Metal Roof. DIYSeminars No MoNey DowN! No PayMeNts for 6 MoNths! MCL- 4-2011 Register Online • Hurricane resistant to 120 MPH • Cuts utility bills • Lifetime warranty • Free estimate • Cash or senior citizens discount • No Maintenance • Fireproof • Your last roof

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5679_RECC_MI-CoLiving_4-11Ad.indd 1 April 20113/7/11 1:30 | PM27 YOUR CO-OP

Our Capped Price Stops the Roller Coaster

obody likes watching the price signs below, HomeWorks set the heating season is $2.88 and the state average is $2.40 per change at the gas station because these price for auto-fill customers at $1.959 back gallon. (This data comes from the Michigan Ndays it seems like they only change in September, and it has stayed steady all Public Service Commission, and the U.S. up. Heating fuels do the same each winter as winter long. Energy Information Administration.) demand rises over the colder months. Meanwhile, the average residential price And those are the averages. We have heard HomeWorks Tri-County Propane has a per gallon of propane started out higher than that prices at other companies in this area way to stop that “up” cycle—our heating our capped price, at $2.07 in Michigan and have been as high as $3.50 per gallon this season price cap, offered at no charge to $2.359 nationally. Since October, those prices winter. every customer. have risen nearly every week, so that as I write It makes sense to do business with a com- For instance, as you can see on the chart this on March 9, the national average price pany that makes your needs a priority. We know you need a reliable source of reasonably priced fuel, and you can count on us to keep doing just that for you. As always, if you’re happy with your service from HomeWorks Tri-County Propane, tell your friends. When they start taking service from us, we’ll give you $50 for each new customer who signs up for our auto-fill or metered service.

Randy Halstead is the propane manager at HomeWorks Tri-County Propane, a subsidiary of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Co-op Pays $917,000 in 2010 Property Taxes

ural electric cooperatives like Home- Works Tri-County Electric are sub- County # Meters Summer Taxes Winter Taxes Rject to the same taxes as any other Barry 204 $ 2,902.24 $ 8,615.27 business—including property taxes, sales tax, Michigan Business Tax, fuel taxes, etc. Clare 201 1,115.87 2,582.41 We are also required by the Internal Rev- Clinton 2,189 26,027.21 67,480.91 enue Service to pay tax on income from Eaton 2,270 19,867.33 54,151.40 any unrelated business activity. Gratiot 585 7,558.97 21,059.87 However, because we operate on a non- Ingham 887 11,467.59 22,669.11 profit status, as described by Mark Kappler on page 4, we do not pay state and federal Ionia* 2,742 34,021.83 105,767.34 income taxes. Isabella 5,699 88,526.54 80,980.91 This past year, HomeWorks Tri-County Jackson 134 1,269.46 2,017.47 Electric paid $917,035.57 in property Mecosta* 6,089 134,717.67 74,802.06 taxes to local governments in the 13 mid-Michigan counties where we serve. Montcalm 4,423 63,597.28 83,700.51 Those taxes will help pay for such things Osceola 63 533.42 1,339.66 as schools, roads and law enforcement. Saginaw 13 60.29 202.95 Property taxes are paid on our two Total 25,499 $ 391,665.70 $ 525,369.87 operations centers, at Blanchard and Port- Total paid in 2010 $ 917,035.57 land, and on the 3,339 miles of distribu- tion lines and related equipment such as transformers and meters. *The cooperative has operations centers in Ionia and Mecosta counties

28 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP

Energy Optimization a Success, Thanks to You

e want to thank all of our member- customers who participated in our Successful Residential Energy Optimization Programs WEnergy Optimization programs so Target Participating far, and hope many more will do the same Program Achieved kWh Saved Members in 2011. ENERGY STAR 160% 1,665,193 4,237 What’s in it for you? Short-term savings in the form of rebates for a number of mea- On-line audit 858% 130,770 177 sures, including upgrading your electric water Appliance recycling 90% 269,005 152 heater, ceiling fan, dishwasher, clothes washer, Income-qualified 51% 51,844 61 or heating system motor. HVAC 63% 224,252 86 You’ll also benefit from long-term energy Total Residential 125% 2,341,064 4,713 savings from these high-efficiency units, keeping your energy bills stable and living a little greener. will likely be used this year to help us meet • Bandit Industries, Remus You can read more details about this year’s the legislation’s annually-increasing goals. • Maple Valley Schools, Vermontville programs by visiting homeworks.org and To date, the most popular residential • Pewamo Westphalia Schools, Westphalia clicking on the Energy Optimization tab. measures were: • Unified Brands, Weidman For now, though, it’s time to give you a • the Energy Star® program, including CFLs • Sackett Ranch, Stanton, and report on our energy performance in the first and clothes washers; • Sackett Potatoes, Mecosta 18 months of the state-mandated Energy • the online energy audit, which provided As with the residential program, we’ll be Optimization program. All these rebates are a free energy kit to members who completed able to apply some of the savings we achieved funded through a surcharge on your energy the survey; and last year toward this year’s goals, so we have bill; residential customers pay $0.00149 per • appliance recycling. a good head start. We need your support to kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy purchased, Because of you, HomeWorks was among make it the rest of the way. while customers using larger amounts gener- the leaders in most of these programs. You Remember, it’s your money that funds ally pay a flat monthly EO surcharge. can see by the chart above that nearly 25 the EO programs. You might just as well be Since the program began in 2009, Home- percent of our members took advantage of the member who benefits by getting all the Works has collected $682,284 from our at least one EO program. rebates—and energy savings—that you can. 25,000 active accounts through these sur- We also had excellent participation from charges. To date, we have spent $493,669 of our commercial and industrial members, the money collected to set up the EO pro- hitting 199 percent of our goal with total Nick Rusnell is grams and reward members who participate. savings of 1,572,210 kWh. HomeWorks Tri-County Our EO program is set up as a three-year Participating commercial and industrial Electric Cooperative’s program, after which we’ll develop a new ver- members included: energy advisor sion to file with the state. So, the money that • Lakewood Middle School, Lake Odessa has been collected to date, but not yet spent, • Tri-County Collision, Portland

ortland Operations Supervisor Chris A Flock of Potential Reed reports this sight is a frequent Pcause of blinking lights at your home. “The top wires are energized, and the Power Blinks lowest wire is the neutral. You can see how close they are from the weight of the birds—when they all fly off at once, the wires can bounce and slap together,” Reed says. Wires touching will cause a “blink” if the line is protected with an oil circuit recloser, or a full outage if the line is equipped with a one-time fuse. Reed says Tri-County Electric has been able to greatly reduce bird-caused blinks by using offset neutral brackets, which space the wires far enough apart so they shouldn’t contact each other while bouncing. Photo – Chris O’NeillPhoto

April 2011 | 29 RAMBLINGS | Mike Buda

A Sure Sign of Spring

love to drive, especially on open roads in earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disaster that the country. (Most of us do, which is one befell Japan, I was struck by the condition © iStockphoto.com reason NASCAR is so popular: We can of their roads. Even after all that, they looked identify easier with a driver than a goalie better than ours. Some Roman roads are still states for roads, and our gas tax can’t raise all Ior a pitcher.) These days, though, you have serviceable after 2,000 years. the funds we need. to pick your roads carefully. The Michigan Department of Transporta- MDOT says a mile of freeway through an I take the road less traveled, not because tion (MDOT) says it rates road conditions as urban area costs about $39 million, and the of Robert Frost’s observation on life’s choices, good, fair or poor. MDOT says it takes five same through a rural area about $8 million. but because I want to avoid potholes, which times more money to upgrade a road from It seems to me that if we want good roads, are more likely found on roads more traveled. poor to good condition than it would have we should be willing to pay a gas tax that will The road in front of our house is a lot taken if it had been repaired while still rated cover the work we want done. Decent roads like other Michigan country roads: two- fair. They also say roads are upgraded in stages will cut down on our car repairs. Would you lane blacktop with a 2-foot shoulder. It was to prevent them from continued deteriora- rather pay $500 to fix a suspension or a higher refinished about five years ago and holding tion. The goal is to have 95 percent of state gas tax that would cost you $7 annually for up well until last summer, when stimulus- freeways in fair or good condition within every penny of tax if you drive 15,000 miles funded construction projects sent trucks full 10 years, and 85 percent of our non-freeway a year and get 22 miles to the gallon? of gravel barreling over the pavement night roads in fair or good condition. Don Ness, the mayor of Duluth, MN, and day for months. We didn’t sleep well, I must do most of my driving on that down the road apiece in severe pothole and it didn’t do the road any good. other 15 percent. country from where I grew up in Ironwood, The road had to be refinished last fall, this In the Overdrive Magazine 2010 survey of recently noted that penny-pinching on our time with gravel, which has since compacted, truck owner-operators’ opinions on the best, roads is not wise. but not before letting tires fling prodigious worst and most improved U.S. highways, “As a nation and as a community, we have amounts of pebbles to pockmark a good Michigan ranked second behind Pennsylvania bought into a convenient lie which promotes number of local cars. It was a quick fix, and for worst roads overall. How does this help the idea that infrastructure does not require it’s already falling apart. our tourism promotion? ongoing maintenance and investment,” Good roads do exist. Our friend Sue MDOT has considered requiring warran- Ness said. “Decades of pinching pennies recently visited Toronto and later commented ties on road repair and construction. Several on infrastructure now forces us to spend on the condition of their roads. Just pass projects completed in 1998 in the Grand massive amounts of tax dollars to do noth- over the Blue Water Bridge, she said, and Rapids, Kalamazoo and metro Detroit ing more than provide an emergency patch. the roads through Ontario are smooth and areas included five-year warranties from the After decades of neglect, we are now paying clear. Another friend, Jill, said her car went contractor. MDOT says it is weighing the the price.” airborne when she met battered pavement additional cost of warranties against the cost The MDOT website, michigan.gov/mdot, on the Michigan side of the Indiana border. of repairing the roadways. Really? You have has helpful information and even a form you I get that climate and traffic affect roads, to pay more to have a contractor guarantee can use to report potholes. As far as getting but Ontario and Indiana aren’t distant locales. the work? Isn’t that the point of getting a reimbursed for damage to your car is con- They have the same weather and similar traffic. professional to do the work: it’s done right cerned, don’t expect much. You’ll have to And, I know potholes form as a result of and they stand behind it? Are roads built to fill out lots of paper and prove that MDOT alternate cycles of freezing and thawing: Water last only five years? knew about the pothole for 30 days or more seeps beneath the road and freezes, pushing Like many others, I am guilty of blaming before your vehicle bottomed-out. up the roadbed as it expands and collapsing our beat-up roads on heavy tandem trucks. NASCAR drivers don’t have to do this. when it thaws, like bread dough left too long But MDOT says their tandem policy is bet- to rise. The weakened roadbed then succumbs ter for roads than the policies of other states to the onslaught of traffic, yielding cracks, in the region. Those states are evaluating Mike Buda is editor emeritus of Country divots and, finally, fully-formed potholes. our system. Lines. His road is now being You can’t fight Mother Nature, but maybe MDOT engineers say their research shows undermined by groundhogs, you can keep her at bay a little longer. that heavier trucks do not cause more dam- and his views are not necessar- Wouldn’t you think that the state that built age as long as the weight is evenly distributed ily those of Michigan’s electric the first highway 100 years ago and once led over an appropriate number of axles. co-ops. Comment on Mike’s the nation in paved roads would have finally As for fix-it money, MDOT acknowledges columns at countrylines.com/ learned how to build roads that last? they don’t have enough now that federal column/ramblings/ or email Watching the horrific aftermath of the stimulus dollars are no longer flowing to the [email protected]

30 | Michigan Country Lines LMD293-04 _7.3125x10_Layout 1 3/17/11 11:28 AM Page 1

Found! The Last Morgan Silver Dollars Amazing Discovery from Montana Silver Collector

Montana. A old-time silver collector recently liquidated a hoard of Morgan Silver Dollars he’d acquired that were part of an estate sale. They’d been hidden away for decades—originally purchased from the U.S. Treasury. Now these glittering chunks of nearly uncirculated silver history have been added to our inventory and are being released to the public by GovMint.com. While they last, you can acquire these brilliant, lustrous silver coins for as low as $42.45 apiece. Twenty-coin Bankers rolls and 10-coin Half Rolls are available. Survival Against All Odds By all rights these silver dollars should have been destroyed decades ago. Government silver melt-downs, including the 1918 Pittman Act, which alone destroyed 270 million Morgans, have decimated supplies. Millions more were called in by the government and melted for their silver content between 1921 and 1965. Today private hoards account for virtually all the surviving coins. And of those, only a fraction survive in the Virtually Uncirculated condition so coveted by collectors.

Prized Last Year Coins Originally U.S. Silver Dollars were minted and These last year 90% pure silver beauties still dazzle with their stored in 1,000-coin canvas bags by the Mint. Mint luster and heft. Weighing in at 26.73 grams and a diame- ter of 38.1 mm, they are the largest American silver coins ever Last 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar $49.50 plus S&H to circulate. Struck from silver mined from the western Mother Buy More and Save Lode, they are the legendary coins that built the West. Master FIVE 1921 Last Morgan Silver Dollars engraver George T. Morgan fashioned a radiant profile of Lady $242.25 plus S&H Save $5.25! Liberty and a majestic eagle as symbols of our nation’s strength and prosperity. Today, the long-gone Morgan silver TEN 1921 Last Morgan Silver Dollars dollars are among the most sought-after coins in America. $464.50 plus S&H Save $30.50! Hot Silver Market, Hot Silver Value 20-COIN ROLL of 1921 Last Morgan Silver Dollars $849 plus S&H Save $141 Silver prices have jumped over 140% in the last two years fueling the frenzy among avid collectors, investors, and the Toll-Free 24 hours a day 130 million new collectors created by the U.S. Mint’s highly successful state quarters program. 1-800-973-3039 Promotional Code LMD293-04 Please mention this code when you call. Today, the market is hot for Silver Prices are Soaring Silver coins in any condition. This same 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar currently sells elsewhere We can also accept your check by phone. To order by mail call for details. in the same grade condition for $52 apiece. But while supplies last you can get this original Virtually Uncirculated 1921 Silver Morgan for as little as $42.45 each, in quantity! 14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. LMD293-04 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Silver Trend Chart: Prices based on Money-Back Satisfaction monthly averages. ©AMS, 2011. www.govmint.com/1921morgan Guarantee Note: GovMint.com is a private distributor of government and private coin and metallic You must be 100% satisfied with your order, simply return it issues and is not affiliated with the United States Government. Facts and figures were within 30 days via insured mail for a prompt refund of the deemed accurate as of February 2011. ©GovMint.com, 2011 Prices subject to change without notice. complete purchase price. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. homeworks.org