A Service of Cherryland Electric Cooperative

A service of Cherryland Electric Cooperative

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Executive Editor Casey Clark

Editor Gail Knudtson

Publisher Michigan Electric Cooperative Association IN THIS ISSUE

HOME COOKING Shakes & Smoothies

Michigan Country Lines, USPS- Christin McKamey 591-710, is published monthly, & Our Readers except August and December, 6 with periodicals postage paid at Okemos, MI, and additional offices. It is the official publication OUR ENERGY of the Michigan Electric Coopera- Maintaining Affordable, tive Association, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. Reliable Electricity—You Subscriptions are authorized Can Take Action to Help for members of Alger Delta, Cher- 7 ryland, Cloverland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives FEATURE by their boards of directors. Sub- Going to the Edge for scriptions for nonmembers are Perfect Shots $6 per year. Kath Usitalo POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA 10 TO CFS. Letters to the editor should be sent to Country Lines, 2859 W. SAFETY Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864. Phone 517-913-3531. Email: gknudtson@ Stay Clear of Downed meca.coop. Power Lines Association officers are Ken Swope, Midwest Energy, chairman; 13 Robert Schallip, Cloverland, 1st vice chairman; Jon Zickert, Cher- ryland, 2nd vice chairman; Eric READERS' PAGE Baker, Wolverine Power, secretary- treasurer; and Tony Anderson, Help With Affordable Cherryland, past chairman. Craig Health Care Law • Mystery Borr is president and CEO. Photo • Energy Tip Unsolicited letters, photos and 14 manuscripts are welcome. Country Lines, however, will not be responsible for their safe keeping or return. The appearance of advertising ON THE COVER does not constitute an endorse- Photographer Shawn Malone, who recently opened ment of the products or services a studio and gallery in Marquette, literally goes to advertised. the edge of cliffs and makes nighttime forays into Change of Address: Please notify the wilderness to capture the glory of the Upper your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information. Peninsula’s land, water and sky. Photo Courtesy – Shawn Malone/lakesuperiorphoto.com Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives countrylines.com

March 2014 | 3 MANAGER’S MESSAGE

LEELANAU

KALKASKA BENZIE GRAND TRAVERSE Balancing Act

MANISTEE WEXFORD he electricity you use comes constructed poses major regulatory and from two sources: fossil fuels community challenges. Already, NERC BOARD OF DIRECTORS and renewable resources. claims that almost 6,500 miles of planned Cherryland Electric Cooperative, transmission lines are delayed, with the Tin partnership with Wolverine Power typical delay lasting up to three years. TOM VAN PELT President Cooperative, balances these resources to Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy 386-5234 • [email protected] deliver safe, reliable and affordable power. Information Administration’s (EIA) Most electricity gets produced by Energy Outlook forecasts that the share TERRY LAUTNER burning fossil fuels or nuclear reaction. of generation coming from renewable Senior Vice President 946-4623 • [email protected] Fossil fuels – primarily coal and natural resources (including hydro) will grow from gas – are non-renewable, with 13 percent today to 16 percent MELINDA LAUTNER limited stockpiles. Nuclear in 2040 – mainly in the form of Secretary energy, fueled by uranium, also wind. But less than 25 percent 947-2509 • [email protected] relies on a finite resource. of this renewable capacity will be Renewable energy sources available when consumers need it RICK DENEWETH like water, wind, sun, biomass most, notably during times of peak Treasurer and the earth’s heat replenish demand, highlighting the need for 929-4526 • [email protected] themselves. When it comes research on the development of BETTY MACIEJEWSKI to generating renewable advanced energy storage options. Director electricity for rural America, It’s important to note EIA’s Tony Anderson prediction for renewables growth 947-0463 • [email protected] electric cooperatives are General Manager leading the way. Nationwide, is in response to federal tax credits, JOHN OLSON electric cooperatives receive state-level mandates and requirements Director 13 percent of their power requirements to use more biomass-based transportation 938-1228 • [email protected] from renewable resources compared to fuels (electricity can sometimes be JON ZICKERT 10 percent for electric produced as a byproduct Director utilities as a whole. “Cherryland, in of the refining process). 631-1337 • [email protected] Renewable energy has Electric cooperatives its share of challenges. partnership with are working closely “Green” power resources with others to remind GENERAL MANAGER don’t exist everywhere Wolverine Congress to keep Tony Anderson or in sufficient quantity the affordability of to “keep the lights on Power, balances electric bills in mind CO-OP EDITOR Nick Edson all of the time.” There’s fuel resources to when debating energy also a need for more legislation. A sound transmission lines deliver safe, reliable, approach to renewable OFFICE HOURS to move renewable affordable power.” energy remains an Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. power from the places important element for where it’s generated consideration. TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (MI) to population centers, and for new At Cherryland Electric Cooperative, technology capable of storing electricity we want you to understand the potential ADDRESS produced by variable wind and solar and realities of renewable energy in the P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 facilities as a way to make them more areas we serve. Our best example is the reliable forms of generation. community solar project next to our WEBSITE The North American Electric Reliability office. We are learning daily about the cherrylandelectric.com Corporation (NERC), which oversees promise and challenges of solar energy reliable operation of the bulk power in northern Michigan. PAY STATION grid covering the United States, most of There is no one singular solution for Cherryland Electric office Canada, and a sliver of Mexico, estimates our energy generation future. It will 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn that 39,000 miles of transmission lines forever remain a balance of coal, gas, need to be built by 2019, with 27 percent nuclear and renewables. dedicated to connecting renewable resources to the grid. Yet getting these lines

4 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP CEC Offers College Scholarships

igh school seniors whose parents or The entry deadline isApril 11 at 4 p.m. guardians get their electricity from There will also be two scholarships Cherryland Electric Cooperative awarded for post-high school college classes. and live in our service area have You must also be a Cherryland member to Ha shot at three $4,000 college scholarships. apply for these adult education scholarships, The three winning seniors will receive worth $1,000 each. $1,000 a year for four years. The scholarship goes toward covering the Selection is based on GPA (minimum cost of a course or courses taken in a calen- required is 2.75), extracurricular activi- dar year and will be awarded on the basis ties, community involvement and/or after of need, grades and community service. It school employment. To continue receiving is a one-time award, and the deadline is the scholarship, a student must maintain a also April 11. minimum college course load of 12 credits Members may request an application for per term or semester and receive a 2.5 GPA either scholarship by emailing Nick Edson or higher. Students may apply by contact- at [email protected] (please include your ing their high school guidance counselor; name and address), call him at 486-9222 or or contact Nick Edson, communications write him at Cherryland Electric Coopera- coordinator at Cherryland, as noted below. tive, 5930 U.S.-31 South, Grawn, MI 49637.

Incredible Mo’s STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative is the recipient of federal financial to Host Annual assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file Meeting June 19 a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Pro- gram Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda. here’s a new look and location to gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 the Cherryland Electric Cooperative to request the form. TAnnual Meeting. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in The 76th Annual Meeting will take place the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn on Thursday, Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence June 19. Registration will open at 4 p.m., Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202)690-7442 or email at the business meeting will be held from 5:30 [email protected]. to 6:30 p.m., and the festivities will come to a close at 8 p.m. “We had a great six-year run at Wuerfel Park and now we’re going to give another Cher- ryland member the chance to host our meet- Notice to Members of ing,” said General Manager Tony Anderson. Cherryland Electric Cooperative There will be an inside-outside look to the 2014 Annual Meeting. Inside will be food, Case No. U-15815 bowling, laser tag and arcade games. The food 2012 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary will consist of pizza, salad and a soft drink or water. Outside will be Cherryland informa- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) requires all Michigan electric utilities tion tables, entertainer Kevin Reeves, and a to get approximately 2 percent of their power supply from renewable sources by 2012, big tent for the business meeting. and increasing to 10 percent by 2015. “We’re looking forward to hosting this,” Under this requirement, Cherryland Electric Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2012, Cherryland acquired 15,297 said Chris Mohrhardt of Incredible Mo’s. renewable energy credits and 325 incentive credits from its wholesale power supplier, “There are a lot of fun things for individuals Wolverine Power Cooperative, Inc. Wolverine will continue to generate renewable energy and families to do here.” and bank unused renewable energy credits for future use and compliance with statutory The business meeting will start later (5:30 renewable portfolio standard requirements on behalf of all of its members. p.m.) to give more people time to attend. A full copy of the cooperative’s Renewable Energy Plan annual report that was filed Incredible Mo’s is located on U.S.-31 South with the MPSC is available on the cooperative’s website at cherrylandelectric.com or by at 1355 Silver Crossing Blvd., just down the request at any of the cooperative’s offices. road from Cherryland’s office.

March 2014 | 5 HOME COOKING | Christin McKamey

Blueberry Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie 2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries 1/2 c. fresh or frozen cherries 1 1/4 c. milk Shakes 1/4 c. (2-oz.) cream cheese 1 to 3 ice cubes

Combine blueberries, milk, cherries and cream cheese in blender. Process until mixture & Smoothies is smooth. Add 3 ice cubes if using fresh fruit and 1 to 2 cubes if using frozen fruit. Process Shakes and smoothies until smooth and pour into 2 glasses. Makes 2 (12-oz.) servings. are a refreshing treat Tina Bates, East Jordan any time of day. With Adult Peach Smoothie (Fresh so many different Peach Martini) ingredients and 2 peaches, peeled, pitted and quartered combinations, you’ll 4 oz. vodka never get bored. They 1 oz. peach schnapps are also unbelievably 1-2 oz. simple syrup 1 1/2 c. ice easy to make. All you need is a blender. Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Makes 2 drinks. Becky Schlatter, Chippewa Lake

Coffee Bananas Foster Smoothie 1 1/2 c. strong coffee, chilled Photography by: 831 Creative Photography 1/2 t. cinnamon 2 T. brown sugar 2 small ripe bananas Coconut Granola Berry Peanut Butter Banana Flip 6 oz. vanilla yogurt Smoothie Smoothie 1/2 c. fat-free half & half 1 c. ice cubes 1/2 c. granola 1 c. milk of choice 6 fresh strawberries 2 T. natural peanut butter, creamy or chunky In a blender, combine all ingredients and 1 T. flax seed oil 1 t. pure vanilla blend well. 3/4 c. unsweetened coconut milk 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks Pat Sullivan, Bozeman 3 T. vanilla yogurt 6 ice cubes 7-8 ice cubes Submit your recipe! Thanks to all Pour milk into blender and add peanut but- who send in recipes. Please send in your Blend until smooth and enjoy. Makes 1-2 ter, vanilla, banana and ice. Blend on high favorite “All About Snacks” recipes by servings. speed until smooth and serve. June 10 and “Best Original Recipes” Christin McKamey, Royal Oak Lorraine Green, South Boardman by July 10. Kate’s Green Smoothie Nutty Monkey Shake Mail (handwritten or typed on one side, please) to: Country Lines Recipes, 1 c. ice 1/4 c. milk 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864; 1 c. apple juice 1 banana, cut into chunks or email [email protected]. 2 ripe bananas 1/4 c. malted milk powder Contributors whose recipes we print 1 1/2 c. kale 2 T. creamy peanut butter in 2014 will be entered in a drawing 3/4 c. chopped celery 2 c. fat-free frozen yogurt and Country Lines will pay the winner’s January 2015 electric bill (up to $200)! Place all ingredients in blender and process In a blender, combine milk, banana, malted until smooth. So simple and so good for you. milk powder and peanut butter. Cover and Enjoy! Rinse out your blender and glasses process for 10-15 seconds or until smooth. Visit recipe editor Christin as soon as you can - this mixture sticks to Add frozen yogurt, cover and process until McKamey’s website, veggiechick.com, for healthy, everything. blended. 5 servings. vegetarian recipes and info! Becky Schlatter, Chippewa Lake Janice L. Thompson, Martin 6 | Michigan Country Lines OUR ENERGY Help Your Electric Co-op Keep Rates Affordable A message for all Michigan electric co-op member-owners. . . The fight to maintain affordable, reliable electricity continues–and you can help!

o-op members are needed to step association for America’s electric co-ops. “We thoughts with the EPA. “This is a start, but up and let their voices be heard. believe strongly in our responsibility both to we can do better, as it’s critically important Electric co-ops across the country our environment and to members, who often that the voice of co-op members is heard are fighting to maintain a balanced serve some of the most economically vulner- on this issue,” says Craig Borr, president/ Cenergy policy that protects CEO of the Michigan Electric affordable, reliable and envi- Cooperative Association. ronmentally responsible elec- Bringing common sense to tricity generation. the rule-making process is also Co-op members are being important as the EPA devel- asked to join the fight to instill ops rules for existing plants, common sense into the Envi- which are scheduled for release ronmental Protection Agency’s in June. (EPA) rule-making process by In just the last decade, power commenting online at Action.coop. It only able populations in this country. supply co-ops have invested over $3.4 billion takes a few minutes to complete. “That’s why NRECA continues to urge the to reduce emissions and boost efficiency. Proposed regulations threaten to end the administration to reconsider this proposal And, co-ops are only asking that environmen- use of coal at new power plants. This is a and the potentially damaging effects it could tal regulation be balanced with realistic costs concern because the regulations, along with have on communities and the economy,” and benefits. the ones EPA has in store for existing plants, she adds. By stepping up to comment, you will have the potential to drive up everyone's Electric rates are something consumer- be asking the EPA to recognize the unique electric bills. owned electric co-ops take personally because circumstances of your nonprofit, member- Nationwide, coal is responsible for about they know the tough choices many of us face owned electric co-op and to work with co- 40 percent of all electricity generated. in trying to live on a budget. That’s what sets ops to forge a fair solution that allows them “As not-for-profit, consumer-owned co-ops apart from other utilities and that’s to continue providing you with affordable, utilities, electric co-ops rely on a diverse fuel why we must stick together. reliable power. mix to provide affordable, reliable electric- Thousands have already answered the call Electric co-ops serve over 42 million peo- ity to 42 million Americans,” explains Jo and sent comments through Action.coop, ple nationwide. By joining together, co-op Ann Emerson, CEO of the National Rural but more are needed. About 609 Michigan members can make a difference in shaping ElectricCAN_bill stuffer_LayoutCooperative 1 Association,11/5/13 12:32 PM the Page trade 1 co-op members have started sharing their responsible energy policy.

March 2014 | 7 Co-op News You Can Serve On Cherryland’s Board

ny qualified Cherryland Electric meeting, which will be held Thursday, June member can be elected to serve on 19, at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. This year’s Athe cooperative’s board of directors. directors will represent Leelanau County and To be nominated in 2014, candidates can one at-large position. file a petition with the cooperative’s human Nominees must meet the director qualifi- resources administrator starting the first day cations set forth in the bylaws under Section of March until 4 p.m. on the last business 2 of Article III. day of March. Any member interested in becoming a Nominating petitions shall be signed by candidate is invited to visit the cooperative’s at least 25 active co-op members, in good office to learn about a director’s duties. standing, and all signatures must be obtained In the event no qualified candidate is within 60 days prior to the date the petition nominated to fill the vacancy of a direc- is filed. tor whose term expires, the newly elected Nominating petitions shall be in the board will appoint sufficient directors to form prescribed by the board and are avail- fill the vacancies. The election will be by able at Cherryland’s headquarters in Grawn. majority vote of the board within 60 days The nominating petitions must specify the of its first meeting. geographic service area for which the candi- Directors elected in this manner will serve date is being nominated. until the next annual meeting, when mem- The term of office is three years. Two bers will have an opportunity to fill the bal- directors will be elected at this year’s annual ance of the regular three-year term.

Cherryland Cares Seeks Grant Applications

rea non-profit agencies that are deadline is March 7. seeking financial help can apply for Operation Round Up money comes from Aa grant through Cherryland Cares. Cherryland members who elect to round up Cherryland Cares is a five-member board, their bills to the nearest dollar every month. made up of Cherryland Electric Coopera- This amount averages $6 per year. tive members who distribute money from To receive a Cherryland Cares grant Operation Round Up to area non-profits. application or join Operation Round The next quarterly meeting of Cherryland Up, e-mail [email protected] or call Cares is March 17, and the application 486-9222.

Pay Your Cherryland Electric Bill Online

ant to save money and pay your Cherryland Electric Cooperative Wbill online? It’s easy to do. You can set up your accounts to get only an e-mail bill – no more paper bills. To sign up, access your account on cherrylandelectric.com. It will prompt you immediately after you sign in to make a decision on whether or not you want the paper bill to continue; if you do, check the box. If not, simply press “update.” Questions about the online payment can be answered by Cherryland’s Member Service Department at 486-9200. www.bigstock.com

8 | Michigan Country Lines Take Time

How to Help a Kid WHAT IS IT? Marathon 4 Kids is a fundraiser developed by Cherryland General Manager 231-486-9214 Tony Anderson to raise money for Big Brothers One Call Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Tony’s goal is to or HOW DOES IT WORK? complete 50 marathons, one in each state. So far, he has run marathons in 20 states. One Click marathon4kids.com WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? 100 percent of the money goes towards helps serving kids in northwest Michigan through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Contact Tony at One Kid MORE INFORMATION? Northwestern Michigan 231-486-9214 or [email protected], or visit marathon4kids.com.

Curiosity Creative

Great Lakes Stainless, Inc. FEATURE | Kath Usitalo Going to the edge for perfect shots

he’s dangled over an icy wall and and, she recalls, “We fell in love with the One year ago, they cut all but a few rappelled its glassy facade, come area after seeing Lake Superior for the first art fairs from their schedule and opened dangerously close to the edge of sev- time in Grand Marais, and were struck by Lake Superior Photo, a gallery and studio eral cliffs, and inched along narrow the quality of the water. I always remember in Marquette, where they exhibit and sell Spaths in the pitch-black night of the Upper that. We just moved up here, with no jobs, prints of all sizes. Peninsula’s wilderness to capture stunning for the quality of life.” Besides landscapes, Malone has pointed images. Photographer Shawn Malone actu- Looking to earn a living, Malone picked her lens to the night sky and captured ally studied music in college, but a decade or up a camera and began seasonally capturing spectacular Northern Lights images, which so after leaving the Chicago skyline behind, the woods, waterfalls, Pictured Rocks have catapulted her into the national and she’s developed a worldwide following for National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, and the international limelight—especially with her impressions of the natural wonders Mackinac Bridge and lighthouses. the release of her time-lapse video, “North surrounding her adopted hometown of With Brian, also a photographer, she then Country Dreamland.” She edited 10,000 Marquette. traveled and sold their work on the art fair still images taken throughout 2012 into the “I was doing a lot of auditions in major circuit for many years, including the Ann 7-minute program, which was the “People’s cities and grew weary of all the concrete, Arbor show. Burned out by the traveling Choice” winner in a 2013 Smithsonian traffic, and smog. I realized I couldn’t grind, however, the couple missed the land online competition (see lakesuperiorphoto. possibly be happy in that environment,” they loved. “I moved to the U.P. to be in the com). Malone says of her past life. So, she and U.P.,” she says. “The next step was to figure “The Northern Lights have really caught husband Brian took a jaunt to the U.P. out how to stay in the U.P.” on with the media,” Malone says of her extensive portfolio of sky shots. She believes it’s because most people will never see the lights in person. While it’s possible to catch the colorful, dancing flares most of the year, conditions must be just right. Even in the best viewing spots, including the U.P., there’s no guarantee that clouds won’t obscure them. “You might go years without seeing a strong display,” she says, citing the spans between activity she wit- nessed in 2004, 2011, and those in her second video, “Radiance” (Oct. 2013). “Those kinds of displays you remember the rest of your life.” Monitoring space weather websites helps her decide whether to venture out and attempt a photo shoot, but she adds, “A lot has yet to be learned on how the aurora works, but you have a good opportunity Lake Superior sea caves—This is one of the photographer's favorites because of the arch to see it with a strong solar flare off the portals' composition and reflection in the foreground. The sun only sets through the left sun that is Earthward- directed.” Once she portal a few days in the year. sees some activity, her experience helps to 10 | Michigan Country Lines Going to the edge for perfect shots

Northern Lights, Crisp Point Lighthouse—One of Malone's most difficult shots, this 10-frame panoramic shows a 180-degree view, and received an Epson International Panorama Competition Silver Award. Lake Superior had to be flat-calm for the composite to mesh, and aurora borealis made an appearance!

Mackinac Moonrise—This shot only happens once a year due to where the moon rises, and the weather.

Milky Way Road—A unique shot of the Milky Way on a moonless night, creatively lit by the car's headlights. Photos by Shawn Malone Shawn by Photos judge how much time to invest and whether too-close call. it will pay off. “Getting the shot” also involves experi- Patience and luck are given credit for some menting with manual settings and using a of her success, too, especially as she ventures tripod to keep the camera steady for long into the wilds where there are no danger exposures, Malone tells shutterbugs in her warning signs. Recalling a trip to Isle Royale teaching workshops. after shooting the Northern Lights at Tobin Her imagery also appears in magazines, Harbor, she headed back to her lean-to. “I websites and books, and she freelances as had a two-mile hike at two in the morning a managing photographer at Upper Penin- along basically a deer path…a cobblestone, sula Second Wave, an online magazine. Her Photographer Shawn Malone says the trippy kind of thing.” It was so dark that artwork is also viewable and for purchase at difficulty of a shot is related to logistics she couldn’t see what was around her, but http://www.lakesuperiorphoto.com, and this and understanding what happens at could hear moose sparring nearby. “That year she’ll ponder a book project. certain times with light and subject sound puts the fear of God in you because Meanwhile, her camera will be kept ever- matter. Follow her on Facebook at you could just feel the power of the animals,” ready to record impressions of the land, water fb.com/LakeSuperiorPhoto she says, shuddering while remembering that and sky she loves. March 2014 | 11 YOUR CO-OP The Voice of the Turtle t was 30 years ago this month – the last dead wrong. at bat I ever saw in my life.” week of March, 1984 – that I was cover- Hernandez led the Tigers to the World But that morning in Lakeland, Hernandez ing spring training in Lakeland, FL, and Series title that year. He was the American and Bergman trudged into the locker room walked into the Detroit Tigers locker League Most Valuable Player and the Cy and wondered what kind of team they were Iroom at 9 a.m. Young Award winner – given to joining. Little did they know they were the There were very few players the best pitcher in the league. Berg- last pieces of the puzzle. It’s the last time the around – mostly clubhouse workers man’s great defense helped preserve Tigers have won a World Series. And one of – and my friends Tom Gage from Jack Morris’ no-hitter early in the the great memories of my life is standing in the Detroit News and Harry Atkins season and he had one of the most the locker room at Tiger Stadium in Octo- from the Associated Press. We came memorable at-bats of the season. ber getting sprayed with champagne as the early to talk to two new players the He fouled off seven straight team celebrated. Tigers had just acquired in a trade pitches off Toronto pitcher Roy So I’m tempted to say that because of the with the Philadelphia Phillies – By Nick Edson Lee Jackson before hitting a Tigers that 1984 was the main reason it was relief pitcher Willie Hernandez and game-winning three-run homer one of the greatest years of my life. But my backup first baseman Dave Bergman. in the bottom of the 10th inning at old only son Christopher was born on May 3 Based on their backgrounds, we figured Tiger Stadium. during that 1984 season and he went on to neither one would make much of a differ- Tigers manager Sparky Anderson, the mas- be an excellent baseball player and a fan for ence. We and the entire baseball world were ter of hyperbole, later called it “the greatest life. That’s my No. 1 reason for savoring 1984. That means that the 2014 version of the Tigers is now on the clock to win the World Series. It’s amazing to me how many Cherryland members are great Tigers fans. Men and women, boys and girls of all ages follow the Tigers. And they all have their opinions. That’s what I love about baseball in the spring – there is always hope. They call baseball a microcosm of life. And I believe that is true. That’s why every spring since 1960, the great Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell used to recite the verse, “Voice of the Turtle,” before his first spring training broadcast. It’s a stanza that celebrates the freshness of spring and renewed life and opportunities.

“For, lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

I don’t know about you, but after the long winter we’ve experienced, I’m more than ready for the “Voice of the Turtle”… and some baseball. Photo – John L. Russell Photo Nick Edson interviews Tigers pitcher Kevin Saucier back in 1982.

12 | Michigan Country Lines YOUR CO-OP Getting Back to Our (Grass) Roots

or the past year, we have worked tire- common? They show that you, more ways for you to get involved lessly to increase our engagement with our members, are committed to and give us feedback. Fyou, the members of Cherryland Elec- the health and success of your A year ago, I wrote an article tric Cooperative. cooperative. in this magazine about making Here’s where we stand now: They assure me that the mem- sure that when you reach out to • 115 member contributions to the national bers we serve still believe in our us, we reach back. That’s why we ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action mission. And, they inspire me are active on Facebook, Twitter, committee to continue working to give you YouTube and other mediums we • 24 devoted volunteers for our local mem- opportunities to get engaged with haven’t traditionally used. ber advisory committee the cooperative’s political and Wherever you are, that’s where • 250 comments submitted by our mem- community advocacy. By Rachel we want to be, too. But, the road bers to the EPA about reasonable regula- We’ve focused our attention Johnson goes both ways. So, now, I am tions that keep electric rates more afford- on two specific areas. First, we Grassroots going to issue a challenge to you able have tried to provide you with Advocate - We are reaching out and asking • 2,000 attendees at our annual meeting credible, factual information you to get more engaged, will you • 3,000 followers on Facebook. about the major energy issues that reach back? But what do all of these things have in we face. Second, we have created www.bigstock.com

q Assume all power lines are energized and dangerous. Even downed lines that seem “dead” can be re-energized at any time during STAY CLEAR power restoration efforts or improper use of generators. Lines do not have to be sparking to be live! of downEd powER LinES q Any utility wire, including sagging or downed telephone or cable lines could be in contact with an energized power line, making them very dangerous, too. q Never touch a downed line—or a person or object that is touching it! A downed line can cause things around it to become energized, traveling through the ground to chain link fences or other objects. q If someone is injured from electrical contact, do not try to assist. You could be injured or killed, too. Call 911. q If lines fall on your vehicle, do not drive away or get out. Stay inside until utility workers say it’s okay. Warn others to stay away. If you must leave the vehicle—only in the case of fire—jump free without touching the ground and auto at the same time, keeping both feet together, and hop to safety. A live wire touching the ground causes electricity to fan out, and walking or running allows one foot to move from one voltage zone to another. Your body then becomes the electricity’s path, and electrocution results. q Never drive over a downed line, it could cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down. q Call 911 immediately to report a downed power line. Then call your electric co-op or the local utility. Visit SafeElectricity.org for other electrical safety tips.

March 2014 | 13 READERS’ PAGE

MSU Extension Offers Help for Understanding Affordable Care Act

ichigan State University Extension “We hope to give people the knowledge community assistance, or employers looking Mwants to help individuals, families they need so they can meet with a local to provide education for their employees and businesses make the right health insur- certified application counselor, or go to can also contact MSU Extension directly at ance decision. the federal health care site and make the [email protected] and request Extension has a team of educators that appropriate decisions for themselves and information about setting up an in-person can help residents understand the new their families.” training session. rules and requirements, navigate the federal Part of the service offered is a series “We aren’t trying to push consumers to Health Insurance Marketplace, and make of free, weekly, unbiased educational select any one specific plan,” Long adds. a decision that fits both health needs and webinars and a new website that explains “We hope to teach people skills they can financial realities. changes in the insurance landscape. A use so they can decide on the plan that best “People need to be extremely careful when list of the webinars, as well as details fits the needs for themselves, their families signing up for insurance,” explains Brenda about the Affordable Care Act, Health or their employees.” Long, who spearheads MSU Extension’s Insurance Marketplace, and how both The online educational webinars for education efforts. “This is one of the most affect Michiganders can be found at individuals are held every Monday from important decisions a person can make, and Extension’s Affordable Care Act Roadmap 9-11 a.m., 3-5 p.m., and 6-8 p.m; and for they will be dealing with concepts they are (aca.msue.msu.edu). farmers and small-business owners every often unfamiliar with.” Organizations that provide health or Monday from Noon-2 p.m.

t DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS? Every co-op member who identifies the correct location of the photo at left by April 10 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 credit for electricity from their electric cooperative. We do not accept Mystery Photo guesses by phone! Email [email protected]; enter your guess at countrylines.com; or send by mail to Country Lines Mystery Photo, 2859 W. Jolly Rd., Okemos, 48864. Include your name, address, phone number and name of your co-op. Only those sending complete information will be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced in the May 2014 issue.

The January contest winners are Gary and Elaine Pohl of Westphalia, who are members of both Home Works Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Cloverland Electric Cooperative. The Pohls correctly identified the photo as a mural at the R. E. Olds Transportation Museum near the riverwalk in downtown Lansing. January photo

14 | Michigan Country Lines YouTube.com/AmericanMetalRoofs

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