Bill Downey, Chief Communications Officer for the Cook Nuclear Plant, and Kelly Ferneau, Chief Nuclear Officer for Cook, were our guests on 9/22/26. Kelly was the main presenter and she told us that her job is to ensure the safe operation of Cook Nuclear Plant.
The Plant has 2 nuclear reactors that supply power to 1.5 million homes and businesses in Michigan and Indiana (40% Mich. and 60% Ind.). Its performance is graded by 2 different nuclear agencies, and they have received the highest ratings possible.
The Plant opened in 1975, and the reactors are licensed to run until 1934 and 1937. They will request an extension of 20 years to those dates and think the plant should be able to run another 20 years beyond that, for a total of 100 years of operation!
Kelly thanked us for our club’s community service. She spoke for a short while on the Cook Plant’s community donations. The Cook Plant Foundation gives $400, 000 to local non-profits and the Heart of Cook grants give out $80,000 annually.
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Last Updated: September 24, 2026 by kiwanisjay
Cook Nuclear Plant
Bill Downey, Chief Communications Officer for the Cook Nuclear Plant, and Kelly Ferneau, Chief Nuclear Officer for Cook, were our guests on 9/22/26. Kelly was the main presenter and she told us that her job is to ensure the safe operation of Cook Nuclear Plant.
The Plant has 2 nuclear reactors that supply power to 1.5 million homes and businesses in Michigan and Indiana (40% Mich. and 60% Ind.). Its performance is graded by 2 different nuclear agencies, and they have received the highest ratings possible.
The Plant opened in 1975, and the reactors are licensed to run until 1934 and 1937. They will request an extension of 20 years to those dates and think the plant should be able to run another 20 years beyond that, for a total of 100 years of operation!
Kelly thanked us for our club’s community service. She spoke for a short while on the Cook Plant’s community donations. The Cook Plant Foundation gives $400, 000 to local non-profits and the Heart of Cook grants give out $80,000 annually.
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Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph Benton Harbor
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
Our club thanks Stacy Loar-Porter, our Berrien County Clerk, for speaking to us today. She walked us through all the steps that safeguard our elections and thoroughly answered our questions about the voting process. Thank you, Stacy! Berrien County Michigan - Government ... See MoreSee Less
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Our club listened to Bill Downey, Chief Communications Officer, and Kelly Ferneau, Chief Nuclear Officer, explain how Cook Nuclear Plant safely delivers power to our homes and businesses. The Cook Plant Foundation gives $400,000 to local non-profits, and the Heart of Cook grants give out $80,000 annually. What great community partners! ... See MoreSee Less
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Kiwanians are dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Care for Kids Raffle will benefit our annual projects:
• Kaleidoscope Kids – NEW summer programs at Kiwanis Park
• Sponsorship of Key Clubs, Builders Club, & K-Kids
• Trunk or Treat for Foster Families
• Blossomland Learning Center Store
• Wonderland Toy Store
Visit k00532.site.kiwanis.org/care-for-kids/ to find out how to purchase a $25 ticket and a list of all the great prizes! 1st place $2,500 cash.
Drawing held Nov. 14 at 11:00 am at The Whitcomb. You do not have to be present to win. Must be 18 yrs or older.
MI license #R87744 ... See MoreSee Less
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