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FIRST PERSON
Analyze fracking
More for Project Linus
CFLs from USA
Mr. McDuffie presented useful information in his article on the future sources of electric power [First Person, February 2014]. When discussing natural gas supplies, he implied that hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) would be necessary for “ensuring the resource supply can meet the increasing demand.” He acknowledged that “this method is facing opposition in some regions.” In my opinion, state decisions to allow fracking are already despoiling some of our nation’s most beautiful regions while adversely affecting the health of our citizens, livestock and wildlife. North Carolina counties at risk include Rockingham, Stokes, Chatham, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond and Anson. Communities containing deposits of natural gas are being targeted for fracking through mineral rights leases and land purchases. How tragic it would be if the “Carolina Country Scenes” feature [February 2014] displayed images of sludge ponds, pipelines, distressed cattle and flaming tap water rather than the beautiful photos typically contributed by your readers each month. While I appreciate that North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are committed to keeping electric rates as low as possible, I feel that we should analyze the cost of power resource options together with concerns about air and water-borne emissions, carcinogenic additives, toxic coal ash, noise pollution, earthquakes, etc. For more information, go to www.nofrackinginstokes.org.
“From Linus, With Love,” the article by Carla Burgess about volunteers who make blankets for children [February 2014] attracted broad interest statewide. Our list of local chapters, however, inadvertently omitted the Sandhills/Moore County Chapter that has donated more than 10,000 blankets in the area plus more than 3,000 to children of soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg. That chapter serves Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and south Wake counties. For information, contact Patricia at (910) 673-1457 or www.projectlinus.org.
For the most part, all my lighting has been changed over to CFLs. However, in reading the latest issue of Carolina Country, I noticed you mentioned LEDs and the fact that some are manufactured in other countries and may be of poorer quality and make erroneous claims. I was installing some CFLs today and noticed that the Earthbrite bulbs are all made in China. Is there not a manufacturer in the U.S.? Jane McWhorter, Monroe Union Power Cooperative Editor’s note: Bowman Lamps (bowmanlamps.com) and Lights of America (lightsofamerica.com) make CFL bulbs in the U.S. Several businesses make LED lamps in the U.S., including Cree (cree.com), based in Durham.
When is a Chevy not a Chevy? I’ll bet every car buff reader has already pointed this out, but in the February issue, picture #13 by Tiffany Bledsoe on page 19 is described as a “Chevrolet Bel Air” [“Carolina Country Scenes”]. Don’t think so — not with that front fender line, hubcap and V8 emblem. Hard to tell from the picture whether it’s a 1955 or a 1956 (I think the former), but it’s definitely a Ford. Nearly bought one as my first car back in The Day. Great picture though. Mike Self, Beavercreek, Ohio, and Ocracoke, Tideland EMC Editor’s note: Yes, we did hear from many car buffs on this. Brunswick EMC member Tim Underhill says it’s a 1954 Ford Customline. Carl Murray of Franklinton says it’s a 1955 Ford Fairlane 500.
Sarah Werner, Walnut Cove, EnergyUnited
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January 25 This is at Wilson’s Creek, Collettsville, Caldwell County. It was a toasty 12 degrees there and the ice was probably about a foot thick. Zachary Triplett Carolina Country MARCH 2014 5
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2/11/14 4:15 PM