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Keep an eye on your electricity use and how weather affects it with Usage Tracker. Follow the path to the next page to see how.

PERIODICAL

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Tracking ways to help you Save ...

Have you spotted Usage Tracker, yet?

This free online tool helps you keep an eye on how much electricity you’re using.

That’s especially important during January.

When temperatures plunge outside, your heating system has to work harder to maintain your comfort inside.

Usage Tracker shows you how local weather is affecting your power use. This brings the weather’s impact on your bill into focus.

In addition to tracking your daily power use, you can set it to notify you when you exceed a daily limit. That can help you tame any wild electric bills.

Usage Tracker is easy to find on the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app or under “My Account” at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

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2019

Carolina Country

Scenes page 11

Published by

Carolina Country turns 50 page 8

Co-op team named ‘Top Innovators’ page 6

PERIODICAL

Blue Ridge Energy explains its vegetation management plan—pages 21–24 Jan covers.indd 2

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Volume 51, No. 1

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Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 25 Energy Sense 26 On the House 30 Tar Heel Tidbits 32 NC Outdoors 34 Bookshelf 36 Carolina Compass 38 Marketplace 39 Classifieds 42 Where is This?

42 Carolina Music

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50 Years of Carolina Country

Highlights from five decades of covering the people and places that make us proud to call Carolina country home.

Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of your best photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Greetings from Byrdland Jonathan Byrd brings honesty to his songwriting and energy to the stage.

Carolina Kitchen

On the Cover “Labor Day weekend sunset during low tide at the east end of Holden Beach. Final days of kids' summer.”

Photographed by Kelly McMurray, Ramseur, a member of Brunswick Electric. Our gallery of your best photos starts on page 11.

Starting this month, we’re bringing you more of the recipes you love.

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SWEEPSTAKES

A Chance to Win $100 Sign up to receive email updates from Carolina Country for a chance to win a $100 gift card. See page 37 for details.

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Viewpoints

A Brighter Energy Future for All

By Mike Burnette

Anyone who works for an electric cooperative can boil our mission down to a pretty simple concept: we exist to serve our members and their communities. What does that mean day-to-day? It means delivering power to homes and businesses in the safest, most reliable and affordable way possible.

You’ll see that in action when line crews work through the night following a storm, or when we share energy efficiency tips in the pages of this magazine. We’re here to serve you.

As simple as that sounds, we operate in an industry that is changing rapidly, and electric co-ops are finding new and innovative ways to take our service to the next level. We’re finding more efficient, more cost-effective and reliable ways to keep that power flowing to our communities.

If you stand back and look at all of these innovations, you’ll find they’re rooted in three main values, working together to bring our members a brighter energy future.

First, we’re focused on generating electricity with as few carbon emissions as possible. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives get their power from a wide range of sources, including assets owned by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC). NCEMC’s generation relies on fewer fossil fuels than electric utilities nationwide.

For example, coal-fired generation accounts for only 6 percent of NCEMC’s fuel mix; nationwide, coal accounts for 30 percent of the mix.

Like a good investment portfolio, a diverse fuel mix helps ensure reliability and affordability for consumers. Reducing our reliance on carbon-heavy fuels like coal is more

sustainable, and it helps create a low-carbon emissions environment overall. We see it as good for the environment, good for reliability and good for affordability — a win all around.

Second, we are integrating technology to make our power grid more resilient and more flexible. You hear about the “smart” grid, and that’s part of it, but we are focused on finding ways to make a more flexible grid. A grid that can come back online faster after a hurricane or ice storm. A grid that can accommodate members who want to work with their local co-op and install solar panels or other distributed resources. A grid that can help members save money by working with things like smart thermostats to trim electricity use during times when demand for electricity is high and more expensive.

Third, we’re finding ways to use electricity in new and beneficial ways — taking things that were conventionally powered by other fuels and converting them to electricity to make them cleaner, cheaper and more energy efficient. This offers tremendous promise across all industries and sectors, from transportation to agriculture and manufacturing.

One of the best examples of this is electric vehicles (EVs). As the cost to purchase an EV comes down and better batteries increase range to what you’d expect from a gasoline engine,

EVs start to make a lot of sense. The fuel — electricity — is cheaper than gasoline, with less volatile prices. The upkeep is minimal. And overall, fewer gas guzzlers on the road means fewer emissions and cleaner air.

Go back to my first point, and it starts to become clear how all of this works together. Electricity generated more cleanly can be delivered over a more flexible grid to more devices equipped to benefit from that electricity — providing you more convenience and control over your energy costs.

These three values put electric co-ops and our members in a position of strength for whatever the future of our industry may hold. Last fall, for example, Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order that directs the NC Department of Environmental Quality to work with stakeholders on a plan that reduces the state’s carbon footprint. North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives welcome the opportunity to participate in this conversation and work with all stakeholders to develop energy solutions that benefit our state’s citizens and communities.

We’re already doing it, after all, because it ultimately means better, more affordable service for our members. It means a brighter energy future for all.

Mike Burnette is COO and senior vice president of Power Supply for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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Viewpoints

THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:

Our Favorite Photos Our readers send in so many wonderful recipes, memories and story ideas every month, it’s a shame we don’t have more pages to print them all. The same goes for our annual photo contest. You’ll find a few of our favorites from more than 400 entries in this issue, as well as a look back at 50 years of Carolina Country.

—Scott Gates, editor

A Storied Knife I looked at the picture of a Buck 110 knife in the December magazine (“Gifts for the Outdoor Enthusiast,” page 26) and shouted with joy. I went into our office/library and there on a shelf, with my Vietnam fighting knives, I saw my old Buck 110. Carried it on many a belt, in hunting/fishing coats and pants pockets.

I have done about everything you can do in the field and in the lakes and streams from Georgia to Montana.

I was the Military Base Police Commander at the former Turner AFB (SAC-B-52) in Albany, Georgia (MillerCoors now has a brewery on the site). I also was a Federal Wildlife Officer for the base. I was stationed there from 1963 to March, 1966. I believe I bought this knife in 1964 at the Base Exchange on the advice of my hunting/fishing partner and next door neighbor, a one-eyed West Virginia mountain man who wore a Marine Cops emblem on his glass eye.

The Flint River flowed through the base, and there was a small boat dock and office where military members could borrow wood boats and motors and fishing gear. Great fishing. As Wildlife Officer, I naturally had to go down there every day, plus the B-52 Pilots were forever calling us to come out to the taxiway and shoot the flocks of birds and alligators off.

Really wonderful job for a Lieutenant.

Thanks for the memory. I read this magazine all the time.

Bob Edwards, Asheboro A member of Randolph EMC

Sincere Words of Thanks This note — most likely so stated by thousands of residents all over North Carolina communities — is to offer a tremendous “thank you” to all the crews, especially with Randolph EMC (serving my residence), for fearless dedication restoring precious electricity for all.

My husband, our neighbors and I saw close-up the personal danger the crews confronted in wind and water to restore electricity — over and over again as the winds continued.

Just as our fearless and brave veterans, these line men and women deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

Janno Lewis and Nancy Ruppert, Troy, Members of Randolph EMC

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

Read monthly in more than 700,000 homes Published monthly by

3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 919-875-3091 carolinacountry.com Warren Kessler Publications Director Scott Gates, CCC Editor Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Karen Olson House Contributing Editor Tara Verna Creative Director Erin Binkley Graphic Designer Jenny Lloyd Publications Business Specialist Tom Siebrasse Advertising tom@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses. The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, not-for-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year.

Has your address changed?

Carolina Country magazine is available monthly to members of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. If you are a member of one of these cooperatives but do not receive Carolina Country, you may request a subscription by calling Member Services at the office of your cooperative. If your address has changed, please inform your cooperative.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year. $20 outside U.S.A. Schools, libraries, $6.

Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, N.C. 888-388-2460.

Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted.

Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at P.O. Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611. 919-875-3091.

Carolina Country magazine is a member of American MainStreet Publications that collectively reach more than 27 million readers every month.

Contact us Phone: 919-875-3091 Fax: 919-878-3970 Mail: 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

Web: carolinacountry.com Email: editor@carolinacountry.com

Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, N.C., and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, N.C. 27616. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Carolina Country, P.O. Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

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More Power

Catherine O’Dell (right) with Tom Butler at the new microgrid site

Chris Spears (left) with Butler

Co-op Microgrid Team Named ‘Top Innovators’ South River EMC, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Butler Farms were recently honored as top innovators of 2018 for their cutting-edge work on the Butler Farms microgrid project in Harnett County (see “From Pork to Power,” July 2018, page 8). The project was selected by Public Utilities Fortnightly (PUF) as one of the top 12 innovators out of more than 70 nominations submitted nationwide.

South River EMC has a long-standing partnership with the farm, which has been pursuing cleaner farming techniques and deploying renewable energy resources over the past decade.

“If pigs could fly, they would fly over to Butler Quality Pork and Bioenergy Farms, which has driven innovation through its own sustainability research for the last 10 years by implementing covered lagoons, 20 kilowatts of solar generation and 185 kilowatts of methane-powered electric generation,” PUF said.

South River EMC Executive Vice President and CEO Chris Spears, South River EMC Vice President of Member Services and Public Relations Catherine O’Dell, and Butler Farms owner

Tom Butler were recognized as leaders on the project, which is the second co-op microgrid in the state. The first, on Ocracoke Island, was developed through a partnership between Tideland EMC and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“I suggested Butler Farms for a second co-op microgrid project because I knew Tom would embrace the idea, as the addition of battery storage and a controller would complement the onsite generation already present at Butler Farms,” Spears said. “I also knew Tom Butler would be a terrific partner — everyone has worked so well together to make this project a success.”

PUF sees the project as spurring further innovation, and recognized its use of local energy sources as a way to improve overall grid resiliency.

“It serves as a case study and a learning laboratory for how these technologies can be deployed in the future,” PUF said, “and how industries can work together to support innovation, sustainability and quality of life.”

The 2017 Co-op Leadership Camp was held at the NC FFA Center at White Lake.

Apply Now for Co-op Leadership Camp Applications are being accepted for the 2019 Co-op Leadership Camp, which will be held June 17–21 at the NC FFA Center at White Lake. The camp is facilitated by the Cooperative Council of North Carolina (CCNC) and supported by its members, including North Carolina’s electric cooperatives.

The camp is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, and features energetic and interactive workshops and presentations, outdoor recreation,

Using Less Coal

leadership development, team building activities and small group sessions with an emphasis on how cooperatives operate.

All youth who attend are sponsored by CCNC member cooperatives, including electric co-ops, or Cooperative Extension 4H Clubs. Applications, available at bit.ly/co-op-camp, are due May 20.

In 2018, the amount of coal used in the U.S. was the lowest since 1979, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s back when a gallon of gas cost 86 cents and a little network called ESPN first aired. A move from coal-fired power generation is driving the trend. Coal-fired generation capacity peaked in 2007 at 313 gigawatts; by the end of 2018, 69 GW of that had been retired.

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More Power

A Brighter World, One Village at a Time Electric power is key to the future of Laphía, Bolivia Story and photos by Lindsey Listrom

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itting at an elevation of 11,600 feet, nestled into the foothills of the Tunari mountain range, is the small, central Bolivian village of Laphía (pronounced ‘La-PEE-ah’). It’s home to about 120 hardworking people who live off the land by farming potatoes, onions and flowers.

We approached the remote village in pickups, navigating switchbacks that threaded around deep ravines on a gravel road from Tiquipaya, the nearest developed town. Crop fields and adobe homes with thatched roofs dotted the undeveloped landscape as we ascended.

Because of their remote location, the people of Laphía have never had access to electricity. They have no way to refrigerate food, run appliances, use electric lights, or use any electric-powered learning tools at the community school.

It’s a reality that is hard for most of us in the United States to imagine, but around the world, more than one billion people live without electric power, according to the International Energy Agency. Only 66 percent of rural Bolivians had access to electricity as of 2016.

Our small team had traveled from North Carolina to assess Laphía for electrification. Electric cooperatives formed in North Carolina more than 80 years ago to bring light, and opportunity, to rural areas of the state.

Empowering people — and connecting communities with electricity despite challenging conditions and landscapes — is what co-ops do.

And now, through a joint initiative of North Carolina’s 26 electric co-ops and in coordination with global development nonprofit NRECA International, the co-ops are demonstrating the cooperative way, and sharing their gifts, by bringing electricity to Laphía for the first time through the Brighter World Initiative (bit.ly/brighter-world).

Upon reaching the village, our first stop was the community school, where adults, children and a few stray dogs had gathered in the courtyard between the modest buildings.

Tiquipaya sub-mayor Judith Gonzales greeted us, and village leader Augustín Aranibar proudly described the people in the community: humble, well-organized, hardworking, and proud to be good stewards of the land.

He emphasized that the promise of electricity would allow for a better education for their kids, provide conveniences and new economic opportunities, and lead to a better way of life. He said this project was a key to the future of the village, as younger villagers would be more inclined to stay in the community. Several who had moved away were now interested in returning.

The teacher, named Pastor, invited us into the school’s two classrooms to visit with students. Boys and girls in kindergarten through 6th grades sat attentively at wooden desks, surrounded by hand-drawn posters on the walls.

The only light in the classroom was streaming through the windows, and school supplies were limited to pencils and books. Despite the lack of modern learning tools, all 20 students were excited and engaged in their lessons.

Next, the team climbed back into trucks and drove through the community, tracing the path for new power lines and finalizing work plans that will bring life-changing opportunity to the people of Laphía, including the students in the two-room schoolhouse. The team from North Carolina included Eddie Stephens, a crew leader at Blue Ridge Energy in Lenoir; Chris Spears, CEO of Dunn-based South River EMC; Chuck Richardson, vice president of engineering at South River EMC; Ingrid Hunsicker, a senior program manager for NRECA International; and myself, representing North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association for the state’s 26 co-ops.

Working with local engineers, plans were penciled out to build five miles of power lines that will connect nearly 70 homes and the school to the grid. The team also decided to wire the school classrooms for lights as part of the project.

In the spring of 2019, 13 NC co-op linemen will travel 3,700 miles as volunteers to carry out those plans. We invite you to follow along on their journey, because as a member of an electric cooperative, you are part of this project. There was a time when rural North Carolina was without electricity and the advantages it brings. Now it is our opportunity to give the gift of light, transforming not only those receiving it, but also those giving it. It’s a journey worth following.

Lindsey Listrom is the communications and media relations manager for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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50 Years of Carolina Country 1969

1979

From Carolina Farmer to Carolina Country

100 years of light

The magazine of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives takes on a new name. The first issue proclaims: “Carolina Country — it’s the heart of North Carolina; it’s where the Tar Heel spirit is purest and where the Tar Heel pulse is strongest, and where North Carolina has its greatest potential and will know its greatest strength.”

It also features a free pattern for a ladies’ “Evening Cape” and a simple recipe for “Fruit Cocktail Pie.” Fruit Cocktail Pie

Fill no-bake pie shell with 1 can drained fruit cocktail, 1 can condensed milk, ¼ cup lemon juice. Cover with whipped topping and refrigerate.

The year marks the 100th anniversary of Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric lightbulb (first manufactured and marketed in 1880): “an event symbolic of the inventiveness of man, the promise of research and the importance of energy.”

Birth of NCEMC A group of NC electric co-ops commit to purchase power from North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, which “establishes N.C. EMC as the state’s generation and transmission cooperative.” NCEMC has since grown to be one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the nation.

1989

A recipe from Mother

1976

A Bicentennial Special Issue includes articles on New Bern and its place in Revolutionary history, 200 years of fashion, and what farm families did for fun in our nation’s infancy (log-rollin’, stump-pullin’ and barn raisin’, to name a few).

Debut of a brand icon A new logo is launched: “Electric cooperatives across North Carolina and across the country are moving quietly to establish a new standard symbol representing all elements of rural electrification.”

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or those of you keeping track, 2019 marks the 51st volume of Carolina Country, meaning we’ve enjoyed five decades of being welcomed into the homes and businesses of electric co-op members across North Carolina. Although we got our start as Carolina Farmer way back in June 1946, it was in 1969 that our publication debuted a new name, and a renewed dedication to covering the people and places that make us all proud to call Carolina country home.

1999

Puzzle master Charles Joyner, who many readers knew from “Joyner’s Corner,” first stumps readers with a word scramble.

Charles retired from puzzling in January 2017.

Try one of his first puzzles: Unscramble “SWING NO HAT” into the name of an NC town.

Amazing spice appliance An electronic spice rack deemed the “world’s most advanced precision spice appliance” is featured in a round-up of electronic kitchen gadgets. Perhaps it was just ahead of its time …

2009

ANSWER: Washington

Electric roadsters The June cover story introduces readers to electric vehicles, one powered by solar panels covering the hood and trunk.

1995

See North Carolina A special travel issue debuts, which becomes an annual resource (now published each April as “Carolina Country Adventures”). The 1995 version includes nearly six pages of phone numbers for places and events of interest.

1996

The magazine launches carolinacountry.com.

A how-to in the February issue walks readers through the arduous process of cleaning a VCR. (“Step 10: Clean the video head cylinder.”)

nd y to -

Did 2009 mark the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, or was he really born years earlier in North Carolina? An article by editor Michael E.C. Gery notes “While Carolina Country did not start this ball rolling … we certainly have kept it rolling along, mainly because it seems like good sport.” An earlier 2003 article on the subject remains a top hit on carolinacountry.com.

2019

Today, Carolina Country reaches more than 2 million readers across North Carolina. We’re holding true to the original intent to champion the state’s electric cooperatives and their members, reaching readers through our print magazine, on Scenes carolinacountry.com, through social media and email. Thanks for joining us on the journey.

January 2019

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Co-op team named 'Top Innovators' page 6

PERIODICAL

1994

Find good reads

age 34 p from local authors —

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12/7/18 3:26 PM

Scenes

A gallery of your best photos

Cow Comedienne I was taking an October drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway in Boone and spotted this lady sticking her head out of the fence.

Stephen Kenny, Lincolnton, Rutherford EMC

Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest. The judges chose from among 400 photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Photo of the Month” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com), where we host a collection of pictures that have appeared there. Our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts also routinely showcase reader photos.

—The editors

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Tobacco Sunset Beautiful sunset captured over the tobacco fields of northern Franklin County as storm clouds were passing over.

Elizabeth Castaneda, Louisburg

Thankful for Thistles My friend and I were riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville Falls.

We stopped at one of the viewing areas and I saw the thistle bush with a butterfly flying and the mountains in the background! I was thankful.

Melissa Blackmon, Sanford, Central Electric

Mom=The Light My eight-year-old son and I were taking a sunrise walk along a Carolina beach in October. He took this photo of me with my phone. I love the way the sun magically shines through my hands and the beach is so undisturbed.

April Kettering (son Henry Kettering), Winston-Salem, Blue Ridge Energy 12  |  carolinacountry.com

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A Simple, Small Seed There are so many stress-free ways to enjoy this great state. The sunflower patch in Raleigh was no exception. Teaching my 3-year-old daughter about the beauty that springs from a seed so small was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Chelsea Petroelje, Spring Lake, South River EMC

12/10/18 10:32 AM

Osprey’s Eyes As the fall foliage reflected vibrant colors across a small pond in Green River Preserve in western NC, an osprey flew in to grab a trout. It then swam to the shore with its prize and I spent nearly two hours slowly getting closer. Those green eyes mesmerized me.

Brandon Marshall, Cedar Mountain

Exploring the Beachscape Upon arrival at Corolla Beach, OBX, the kids enjoyed their reflections on the water and sand.

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Melissa Hildebrand, Wake Forest, Wake Electric January 2019 | 13

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Seashell Sunset Silhouette On a late October evening, my husband, a friend and I were sitting on the dock at Seashell Landing in Ocean Isle Beach, taking in the incredible colors and scenery of the approaching night. I love the silhouette of the dock and the colors reflected on the water.

Barbara Litchfield, Ocean Isle Beach, Brunswick Electric

Mexican Sunflower Smorgasbord This year I planted a whole row of Mexican Sunflowers to attract hummingbirds. In June, I found one that let me get as close as I wanted. Breathtaking to see this tiny creature in detail.

Pristine Pond

Rebecca Yopp, Bolivia, Brunswick Electric

Brooke McMeans, Crumpler, Blue Ridge Energy

Sunset Football at Jockey’s Ridge Tina Morrison, Cary

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CC01-tv.indd 14

An eagle led me to this beautiful spot, where he landed in a tree overlooking this pond.

Soaking It All In A day at Wrightsville Beach beach with my “surrogate grandchildren.”

Caught the pure joy of the youngest one just soaking it all in.

Robin Fleming, Wilmington

12/7/18 6:46 PM

The Old Red Dairy Barn A beautiful March snow in Piney Creek and the old red dairy barn made for a perfect shot.

Bonita Loggins, Piney Creek, Blue Ridge Energy

e

ren.”

A Little Night Light Painting

A group of friends and I went camping at the Bladen Lakes State Forest near Elizabethtown. I decided to do a little light painting to etch this camping experience in my memory forever. I gave some light wands to my friends and set the camera on a tripod with a timer on. We had 30 seconds to finish drawing an invisible alphabet each. I am the one who wrote the ‘G.’ Of course, the invisible letters formed the word ‘Camping’ in the resulting 30-second long exposure.

Sameer Potdar, Morrisville

CC01-tv.indd 15

2019 | 15 January 2018

12/7/18 6:46 PM

Too Tired My granddaughter Paislee decided she was too tired to finish the walk to the mailbox. Taken in Bethel.

Submitted by Angie Norris, Taken by Lindy Clark; Vilas; Blue Ridge Energy

Lakeside Reflection This type of reflection in Western NC always amazes me, especially just after the sun sets.

Chad Moon, Sapphire, Haywood EMC

A Fiddlin’ Tradition

Freedom is a Tub of Milk

I took my daughter Raegan’s 10th birthday pictures at my great-grandparents’ homeplace. She carries on a musical family tradition by playing the fiddle. These photos bring back fond childhood memories.

My grandson Declan is two years old. His father is deployed currently and his mom served in the Air Force. Our family has served for five generations now. We love our country and the taste of freedom ... even if it’s just so we can sit in a tub of milk!

Heather Davis, Hiddenite, EnergyUnited

Kevin Tucker, Morven, Pee Dee Electric

16 | carolinacountry.com

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12/7/18 6:48 PM

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Carolina People

Greetings from Byrdland

Jonathan Byrd brings honesty to his songwriting and energy to the stage

By Tim Farney

N

orth Carolina Highway 54 rolls west from Carrboro like a fugitive crow flies; straight out of town. There’s not much out here — a convenience store, a house on the left with a full-sized carrousel in the front yard, a burned-out cinderblock building decorated with graffiti. Then, sitting in a bit of a hollow on the right is The Kraken — a roadhouse, a neighborhood bar, a music venue — a bit of a legend in these parts. On weekends, it’s eclectic, but on Wednesdays, and hopefully many more to come, it’s Jonathan Byrd and guests.

Tall, thin, in cowboy boots and hat, Jonathan Byrd seems more Texas than North Carolina, but the North Carolinian comes out on stage in his definitively American songs, backed up by Johnny Walken on electric guitar and Austin McCall on drums. The songs run from country to rock to gospel, and they leave you wondering why Jonathan Byrd isn’t a household name. On a beautiful Carrboro afternoon, we drank coffee and talked about those songs, and the life of a singer-songwriter famous enough to be named one of the “top 50 songwriters of the past 50 years” by The Chicago Tribune, yet anonymous enough to have a cup of coffee with me in his hometown without being recognized.

CC: You seem to have connections to North Carolina, Canada, Texas and the UK, which is an odd mix.

JB: Well the Southeast, and North Carolina, because this is my home. And it was actually pretty hard to get a foothold as a songwriter in the Southeast, which doesn’t have a really strong songwriting culture. There’s not the history of it here the way there is in Texas. It’s just a strong, strong songwriting scene, and Canada is the same way.

CC: You’re a poet, and a folk musician. You’re obviously not trying to get onto a big money train.

JB: (laughing) No. No, I should have gone into jazz.

CC: Have you sold any songs?

JB: I wrote a song that Tim O’Brien put on a record, which is great, I’ve always been a big fan of him. And Jack Lawrence and Sam Bush cut one of my songs, which is really cool.

CC: You’ve got a recent album out, right?

CC: Is that still a decent payday for a songwriter?

JB: I do, an October 2018 release. It’s called “Pickup Cowboy,” and it’s a record we made as a trio, with our cellist, Paul Ford, who passed away in December of 2016. It was in October of 2015, we were in the studio, it was the last day of recording when Paul was diagnosed with brain cancer. The new album is that trio, plus there’s a couple of songs that have my favorite drummer, Joanna Miller from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

We were touring western Canada. We took the hard drive with us up to Winnipeg and a couple of singers up there, Alexa Dirks and Andrina Turenne, and I’ve worked with them before. They’re Carolina Music incredible backup This month’s featured track is a live singers, next-level version of Jonathan’s “Fish Out of Water.” Learn more on page 42. backup singers.

JB: No, not really. I haven’t really gotten any big cuts — you know, $10,000, or a million. The potential is there for that kind of thing, but I don’t expect that. It would be great. It would change my life, and that would be beautiful, obviously, but that’s not why I do this. I don’t really think about money when I’m writing a song. I don’t think that’s good. I’m trying to satisfy a certain inner critic.

That’s much more important to me than financial success.

I’m trying to represent honesty, to honestly represent the world and invite people in. That’s my goal.

If that’s his goal, Jonathan Byrd is succeeding. Go see him at The Kraken if you can. The show is great — tender, funny, poetic, energetic. But first, he’s a songwriter, and his songs are world-class.

Tim Farney is a writer and musician based out of Carrboro. Most of his retirement is tied up in guitars. When playing them, his motto is: “Requests are free. ‘Free Bird’ is $500.”

carolinacountry.com/extras

Jonathan brings an energy to the stage you have to see to believe.

Watch our clips from a recent performance at The Kraken if you can’t make a trip out to see him in person.

20 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 20

12/10/18 10:32 AM

N

H

B

D S

I b r

E I s o

C I l a F

matters MEMBERSHIP

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY

January 2019

Timing is everything when it comes to saving Make reservations to escape the winter cold with an island vacation, and you’ll find it’s more expensive to go during the winter than the summer. Lots of people want to enjoy some tropical sun. But when demand is high, the price goes up.

Energy, including electricity, works the same way.

Did you know you can help manage the cost of electricity during peak periods? Blue Ridge Energy makes it easy by offering members free peak notification alerts called “Beat The Peak.”

All you have to do when you get the alert is plan to shift the time you use the most electricity.

For example, you could start your washer and dryer any time after 9 a.m. this winter. You could do the same for dishwashers. You can also help by switching off unnecessary lights or lower your thermostat a couple of degrees during these hours.

When you use electricity directly impacts the costs associated with providing it.

Blue Ridge Energy must be prepared to meet demand and provide energy for our entire membership when it is needed. If Blue Ridge members work together to decrease their power usage (demand) during these winter peak times, typically weekdays between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., some system improvement costs can be deferred or maybe even eliminated. Managing these costs helps keep rates stable for all members.

Blue RIdge-0119.indd 24

By shifting when you use the most electricity, you’ll help reduce the costs associated with providing electricity during peak periods. And that helps keep costs stable, which in turn helps keep rates lower for you and all members. As the saying goes, timing is everything!

12/10/18 4:26 PM

the

perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

Coming in 2019 Making life better for members and the communities your cooperative serves is the driving force behind everything we do at Blue Ridge Energy!

I’d like to highlight some of the projects taking place in 2019.

First, we’re continuing a major transmission project upgrade that is required for capacity as well as reliability needs of members in our mountain service areas now and for the next 50 years. The original 17 miles of transmission line that brings electricity from Ashe County to Watauga County was built over 50 years ago. The project also requires a new substation in the Rutherwood community of Watauga County.

We’re carefully monitoring this $40 million project because a small rate increase will likely be necessary in October. While we never like to pass along an increase to members and we work to control costs in every way, it is necessary with a project of this magnitude to ensure an aging electric grid is replaced to keep power flowing reliably to members.

Helping control costs are your cooperative’s two subsidiary companies: our Propane and Fuels operation and RidgeLink, a business-to-business broadband and telecommunications provider.

These two subsidiaries are contributing over $2 million annually in net profit and benefits Page 22

Blue RIdge-0119.indd 25

that go directly to hold down member rates.

Members will also have an additional community solar site this year. Details are being finalized and will be announced soon. Members who missed participating in our first four that were fully subscribed in less than a year can sign up on the waiting list at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/solar.

Electric Vehicle (EV) incentives are also being rolled out. This includes Level 2 home chargers for members who are EV owners and contact us.

A huge local benefit are funds the cooperative secures through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Electric cooperatives partner with the USDA to compete for funding for projects that will make a large impact in local communities. In 2019, your cooperative will apply approved REDLG grants toward retaining Adhezion Bio Medical, LLC, in Caldwell County; Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Department in Ashe County; and a new fire truck for Patterson Volunteer Fire Department in Caldwell County. Blue Ridge Energy has a long history of securing REDLG funding for projects across its service area over the years.

I’m pleased to share these member benefits coming in 2019! I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months and I wish all of our members a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

MEMBERSHIP matters

12/10/18 4:26 PM

•

s

Through snow, ice or gloom of night Mother Nature can present all kinds of challenges to the power delivery system.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for extreme weather events and what to do if an outage occurs.

Remember that through it all, Blue Ridge is on call for you.

GATHERING SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME

Have these supplies on hand in case of a power outage: •

Water: one gallon daily per person

•

Flashlights

•

Canned food/non-perishable items and manual can opener

•

Radio: battery-powered, solar or hand-crank

•

First-aid kit

•

A charged cell phone

•

Blankets

•

Extra batteries

•

Multipurpose tool that can act as a knife, file, pliers and screwdriver

•

Medicines: 7-day supply

•

Use the new Blue Ridge mobile app

outage reporting options •

Call PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383

p werline

Search for “Blue Ridge Mobile App” and download it for free on your smartphone or tablet!

to report an outage. 1-800-448-2383

MEMBERSHIP matters

Blue RIdge-0119.indd 26

Page 23

12/10/18 4:26 PM

Vegetation management helps ensure reliable, safe electricity Severe weather that involves ice, wind and lightning, which can result in damage to trees and power lines is the major cause of outages.

With more than 8,000 miles of power lines to protect, your electric cooperative works yearround on our vegetation management program to ensure members enjoy the most reliable electricity possible. This effort has also placed Blue Ridge among the best performing utilities in the nation for reliability.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson

EDITOR

Renée R. Whitener

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Vegetation management occurs in our rights-of way. What is a rightof-way? It’s a corridor or strip of land along either side of power lines that allows our linemen a safety zone

while building and maintaining the power system to ensure you receive reliable electricity. The majority of our system is made up of distribution lines which carry power from substations to homes and businesses. The rightof-way for this type of line is a total of 30 feet (15 feet on each side).

Blue Ridge Energy is a unique cooperative in that we must also build and maintain our own transmission system.

These high-voltage power lines deliver electricity from our supplier in the foothills to reach our mountain district members. The right-of-way for these lines ranges from a total of 100 to 250 feet, depending on the voltage

of the line.

Many people don’t know that power lines carrying electricity can energize anything or anyone that gets too close to the line, including a tree or tree limb, ladder, or even a wet kite string. Maintained rights-of-way help ensure that trees don’t get close enough to power lines to energize them, and while this helps keep electricity reliable, it also helps keep people and even animals from being electrocuted or severely injured.

Our vegetation management program combines several methods to control growth — all with the goal of balancing the beauty of our area while ensuring safe, reliable electricity.

Susan Simmons

DISTRICT OFFICES Caldwell Watauga Ashe Alleghany Wilkes PowerLine®

(828) 754-9071 (828) 264-8894 (336) 846-7138 (336) 372-4646 (800) 451-5474 (800) 448-2383

(PowerLine® is an automated account information and outage reporting system.)

Toll Free

(800) 451-5474

(for members outside of the service area.)

To report an outage at any time, call PowerLine at (800) 448-2383.

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Kiosk available 24/7 Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MEMBERSHIP matters

Blue RIdge-0119.indd 27

2019 director candidate nominee options Members wishing to be considered as a candidate for the Board of Directors have two application options: the Nominating Committee process or the nomination by petition process. Interested members must complete and submit a director application packet by contacting Julie O’Dell, chief administrative officer, at jodell@blueridgeenergy.com or 1-800-451-5474, ext. 3202.

All application information is due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019, when going through the Nominating Committee process and by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019, for those seeking nomination by petition. Nominations by petition must include signatures of 20 or more members with a minimum of five from each of the four directorate districts with a requirement that each signature is the name that appears on their electric service bill.

For a complete list of qualifications to serve as a director of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, please refer to the cooperative’s Bylaws available at any district office or online at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

Page 24

12/10/18 4:26 PM

Energy Sense

New Year, New Lights

Switch things up with stylish, efficient lighting for your home

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Bulb basics Saving energy starts with choosing the correct bulb. Efficiency standards for incandescent bulbs between 40 and 100 watts, which came into effect in 2012, led to the halogen bulb (also known as energy-efficient incandescent). These bulbs are at least 25 percent more efficient than the old incandescents. The other two common types of household bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are even more efficient.

You can save $75 a year by replacing the five most-used incandescent bulbs or light fixtures with Energy Star®-certified LED or CFL lighting, according to Energy Star estimates.

Of the three types, LEDs tend to save Choose a More Efficient Bulb Bulb type

Watts

Lifespan in Hours

Annual Energy Cost*

12

50,000

$1.09

15

9,000

$1.30

43

1,000

$5.24

60 watt equivalent

LED

CFL

HALOGEN

*Based on two hours per day of use, and an electricity rate of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour

*Based on two hours per day of use, and an electricity rate of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour

more money over the long run, and LED prices have decreased in recent years. A downside of CFLs is that they contain a small amount of toxic mercury that can be released into your home if one breaks.

When you’re considering which type of bulb to buy, consider both watts and lumens. Watts indicate how much energy (and therefore, money) is used to produce light. Lumens indicate how much light the bulb produces. A handy comparison is that an 800-lumen bulb is about equal to the amount of light from a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb.

Bulbs also give off different colors of light, known as color temperature.

If a bulb burns out — or in the case of an LED, as it dims over time — it can be challenging to find a replacement that matches other lights in the room.

If the variation bothers you, you may want to purchase and install bulbs of the same brand and wattage for the entire room or area at the same time.

Switches and fixtures Installing dimmers instead of on/off light switches is a good way to save energy while giving you greater control of the amount of light in the room. Not all bulbs are dimmable, so be sure to check the label on the bulb. It’s worth considering whether you have the right number and the right location for light switches. We recommend hiring a licensed electrician if you decide to install new lighting and switches.

Different types of fixtures have different functions. Ambient lights such as sconces and glass-covered fixtures provide gentler overall lighting, while directional fixtures such as pendants, desk lamps and track lighting provide task lighting that focuses on areas where work is

pixabay.com

W

e often take lighting for granted. We choose fixtures and bulbs without thinking through some of the more important issues, such as specific lighting needs of the room, how fixtures work together and how to save money on energy bills.

Approaching your home lighting with these factors in mind can improve the look of rooms and save energy.

The right mix and strength of ambient and task lighting will result in the best illumination with lowest energy use.

done. Not all bulbs can be used in an enclosed fixture or work outdoors.

As you choose a light fixture, make sure it can provide the correct level of brightness, with an appropriate size and number of bulbs. It’s not a good idea to mix bulb types in a fixture, as the excess heat from an incandescent or a halogen light can diminish the performance of an LED. Make a plan The Lighting Research Center provides a resource page at lrc.rpi.edu with sample lighting layouts for every room in the home (search for “lighting patterns for homes”).

Home décor sites like Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, HGTV and similar sites also give excellent lighting explanations, plans and ideas.

And it’s always a good idea to check with your local electric co-op, as it may offer energy audits or lighting product rebates.

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

January 2019 | 25

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12/11/18 4:08 PM

On the House

Saving Energy by Shopping Local

By Hannah McKenzie

Q: A:

I have tried explaining to my family how shopping is linked to energy use, but they think conserving energy only matters at home or while driving, where savings can be measured. Can you help?

Many of us are disconnected from the sources of what we consume. There is so much to know, it can be hard to see the big picture.

Being around an inquisitive 6‑year‑old has me researching information like how the kiwifruit got to the U.S. from New Zealand, and who made his favorite Captain America T-shirt.

You’re right that, in a variety of ways, energy use is connected to all of the comforts and conveniences we have grown to expect.

Transportation is often the easiest way to think about energy use for things we consume. Having a world map in my kitchen has helped me consider how far each food travels.

We know that ships, airplanes and tractor trailers all need fuel, and when travel distance is minimized, energy is conserved. While the savings won’t show up on your power bill, the sweet strawberries picked a few miles from home might be less expensive than those from California and will likely be a local flavor you eagerly anticipate every April. Other mouth-watering local foods include peaches in June, apples and muscadines in September, peanuts and pumpkins in the fall and

an abundance of greens and sweet potatoes nearly year-round. Buying local also means supporting neighbors and local families. That’s a win-win.

Transportation isn’t everything, however. For example, compared to plants, animal products like eggs, poultry and pork, which North Carolina excels at farming, require more energy to grow, feed, house and harvest. So, while buying your meat and cheese locally will have an energy benefit, reducing consumption will make an even larger impact.

Drastic measures are not necessary, though — one day per week, consider making oatmeal instead of eggs for breakfast, a tomato sandwich for lunch and a southern classic of cornbread, collards and black‑eyed peas for supper. You’ll find a way to make big flavor without using a ham bone for seasoning.

Non-food items need additional considerations to limit energy use. As low-quality clothing, electronics, toys and household belongings become the norm, try purchasing secondhand, repairable or long-lasting goods.

Instead of four shirts that look ter‑ rible after one year, buy one higher quality shirt. There is a growing trend

called “minimalism” to own and purchase as little as possible. (I see you rolling your eyes as you’ve done this your whole life … borrowing the movie, meat grinder or log splitter from your neighbor.) These choices often save energy and money and help you build lasting relationships in your community.

Finally, when you cannot purchase something locally, choose ground shipping, even if two-day shipping is free. Just like vacation, driving 2,000 miles to Michigan will use far less energy (in this case, fuel) than flying.

As you spend January reflecting and setting goals for the new year, keep looking for unconventional ways to save energy while strengthening relationships with friends and neighbors. Over time, small steps make a big difference.

Hannah McKenzie is a building science consultant for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

Local produce Visit bit.ly/gottobenc_produce to find NC produce by season, and visit bit.ly/SNAP_FarmersMarkets to locate farmers markets that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

26 | carolinacountry.com

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12/6/18 12:50 PM 12/7/18 3:26 PM

Tar Heel Tidbits For the young (and young at heart)

New TRACK Trails

The Kids in Parks program opened its 100th TRACK Trail! The Indian Lake trail in Tarboro is a 1-mile loop that features the 6.5‑acre lake and a forest of tall long leaf pines. The program also opened five other trails this fall at Gorges State Park and in Wilkesboro.

Kids in Parks is a network of family-friendly adventures called TRACK Trails. Each features self‑guided brochures, and children can earn prizes for tracking their trails. Designated adventures include hiking, biking, paddling and disc golf trails.

Movie Memorabilia

For more information, visit kidsinparks.com or call 866-308-2773.

Chocolate Popcorn Critters This snack is fun to look at and even better to eat. For other creative recipes, visit popcorn.org.

8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 2½ cups mini marshmallows ½ cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt 16 pretzel sticks 16 eyeball candies 8 red candy-coated chocolate candies Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

In saucepan set over medium heat, heat marshmallows, chocolate, butter and salt, stirring often until smooth. Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn until well combined.

Scoop ¾ cup popcorn mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture to make eight balls total. Place each ball in paper muffin cup liner.

Insert pretzel stick on each side of ball, attach two eyeball candies for eyes and red candy for nose. Let cool completely.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort has a new exhibit, Golden Pirates of the Silver Screen, which features props, posters, and other memorabilia representing pirate‑themed movies. The films are classics such as Errol Flynn’s “Captain Blood” (1935) and “The Goonies” (1985). Costumes on display include one worn by actor Ian McShane when he portrayed Blackbeard in the 2011 Disney film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Admission is free to the museum and the exhibit, which is open until November 2019.

For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com or call 252-504-7740.

Ha ve a lau gh!

Q: What does a snowman call out to passers-by?

A: Have an ice day!

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON Warm-hearted North Carolinians will be jumping into frigid lakes this month and they’ll be doing it on purpose.

The Gates County Polar Plunge for Special Olympics at Beaver Lake in Eure is set for Saturday, Jan. 26 (bit.ly/GC_PolarPlunge or 252-357-0720). You can find other Special Olympic Polar Plunges in North Carolina at bit.ly/SONC_PolarPlunge.

Another Jan. 26 polar plunge is part of the four-day festivities at Winterfest in Blowing Rock (blowingrockwinterfest.com or 828-295-7851).

30 | carolinacountry.com

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NC Outdoors

The author’s German shorthaired pointer, Annie, is an example of a hunting dog trained in both upland and water work.

Do-It-All Dogs

A gun dog association is fostering versatile hunting companions Story and photos by Mike Zlotnicki

V

ersatility is defined by something being able to perform multiple tasks effectively.

Take sport utility vehicles as one example. The Swiss Army knife is another. In the gun dog world, the Continental pointing breeds of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) are the versatile equivalent to a Swiss Army knife, bred and trained to be exceptional in both upland and water work.

One dog does it all.

Dr. Jesse Grimes was one of the founders of the Carolinas Chapter of NAVHDA. During a lunch at Cabela’s in Garner, he spoke about the history of the chapter and the philosophy of versatile dogs.

“Back in the mid-’90s, a gentleman named Roy Thilburg moved here from Ohio, and he put an ad in the Raleigh paper. He wanted to start a NAVHDA chapter,” Jesse said. “We met at a lady’s house in Winston-Salem — maybe eight of us — and sat around and talked about what NAVHDA is and does. He explained all that to us, and that’s how we got started. We started having training days at various hunting preserves, and Roy was a big leader with that.”

Battling ‘breed blindness’ Today, the Carolinas chapter has about 60 members, and there is an offshoot chapter — the Tarheel chapter — as well.

The international nonprofit organization’s purpose is to foster, promote and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America; to conserve game by using well-trained reliable hunting dogs on both land and water; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.

At a local chapter level, it’s mostly about training. Jesse mentioned that new members are exposed to more experienced members and various training methods.

“I also think it’s good for exposing members to other breeds,” he said.

“I think a lot of people out there are ‘breed blind’ [irrationally favoring one breed] if not downright ‘kennel blind’ [favoring one breeder of a particular breed].”

For example, as a Carolinas chapter member myself and owner of two German shorthaired pointers, I had never seen a Small Münsterländer until I joined our chapter and met Darryl McNeill and his dog, Timber.

Testing for versatility The organization has hunt tests (not competitions) where dogs are judged by three judges against a standard.

Dogs under 16 months of age can take a Natural Ability Test, where they have to show they can swim, point planted quail and track a live pheasant. There is a mid-training development Utility Preparatory Test (that few people do), and there’s the Utility Test.

The Utility Test consists of three main segments with multiple secondary behaviors judged. In field work, dogs are judged during a hunt for planted chukar. The dogs must be steady (not moving) to wing, shot and fall, and must retrieve to hand.

There is also an exercise where a dead duck is dragged about 150 yards in a varied line (out of sight of the handler) and the dog must track and retrieve it.

Water work includes a duck search, where dogs are sent with a command and must search for a planted duck about 150 yards away for 10 minutes with no further commands. The duck search exercise is typically what separates the class of dogs, as it is a test of heart and drive. For the duck retrieve, a dog must heel through a serpentine pattern of heeling stakes and remain steady by the blind while the handler leaves and shoots distraction blanks.

Hidden gunners fire distraction blanks, and the handler then shoots and sends the dog to retrieve the duck without hesitation.

The goal is to have a versatile hunting companion — a dog equally at home in a duck blind, a thick woodcock covert, a cutover with bobwhite quail and even on your couch — a beloved pet as well as a dog that can be hunted wherever game birds can be found, on land or water.

Mike Zlotnicki is associate editor at Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. He lives in Garner with his wife, three daughters and two German shorthaired pointers.

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Carolina Bookshelf

Extraordinary Adventures

Edsel Bronfman works as a junior executive shipping clerk for an importer of flatware. He lives in a seedy neighborhood and spends his free time with his spirited mother. Exciting things happen to other people, and Bronfman knows it. Until, that is, he gets a call from Carla D’Angelo, an operator at Extraordinary Adventures, telling him that he’s won a free weekend at a beachfront condo in Destin, Florida. But, there’s a catch. The offer is intended for a couple, and Bronfman has only 79 days to find someone to take with him.

The phone call jolts Bronfman into motion, initiating a series of adventures as he looks for a companion for his weekend getaway. Open at last to the possibilities of life, Bronfman now believes that anything can happen, and it does. Author Daniel Wallace, an English professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of “Big Fish,” infuses his tale with romance and humor. Published by St. Martin’s Press. Hardcover, 336 pages, $23.39, e-book, $13.99.

800-843-2665 barnesandnoble.com

The Carolina Table

NC writers regale with recollections on meals, recipes, cooking and manners in this engaging collection of food stories. Michael Parker writes about his mother’s reluctant, but exclamation-point-laden food column for her husband’s newspaper. Former vegetarian Cathy Cleary reveals what led her to sit down to a pork dinner, and Celia Rivenbark remembers her summer job at the only sit-down restaurant in her eastern Carolina hometown. Bridgette Lacy celebrates mid-summer “Mater Days” in newsrooms where she worked, and Tom Rankin writes about taking his goats to be slaughtered by a halal butcher from Afghanistan in Sanford. Other contributors are Lee Smith, Marianne Gingher, Jill McCorkle, Jaki Shelton Green, Wayne Caldwell, Marcie Cohen Ferris, John McElwee, Michael McFee, Stephen Petrow and Zelda Lockhart, along with Bill Smith, a food writer and chef at the restaurant Crook’s Corner, and cookbook author Nancie McDermott. The collection is edited by novelist, English professor and food writer Randall Kenan, who lives in Hillsborough.

Softcover, 192 pages, $17.95.

Taking Down the Moon

Wave On

In her eclectic collection of 15 short stories, author Lisa Muir illuminates the magical quality of ordinary moments. Her cast of quirky characters live in near and far places, including the western mountains of North Carolina, Nevada’s heat-baked Valley of Fire, and New Zealand. At first, the stories appear to be straightforward, but readers discover that nothing in Muir’s world is ever as it seems. In “What Remains,” a grieving widow finds closure in her husband’s secret life, taking a familiar plot to an altogether different territory. “You Can’t Collect Time” tells the unusual tale of a young woman, her suitor and her birds, who fly freely in her house. The stories range from magic to tragic, with doses of insightful humor and themes of adventure, independence and loss blended in. Muir teaches English at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro. She lives in Boone and is a member of Blue Ridge Energy. Published by 67 Press of Winston-Salem. Softcover, $9.99, e-book $3.99.

This new novel is about young Cro, who surfs the unpredictable waves of life with good intentions, but not always with good form. His engaging tale is one of misunderstanding, lost love, wild abandon and personal reckoning. Cro’s world is peopled by waiters and cooks, surfers and beach bunnies, artists and lawyers, in-laws and outlaws, and the loves of his life. They show up in Virginia’s Tidewater and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, with eventful trips to Ocean City and Annapolis, Maryland, San Francisco and Santa Crus, California, and the British Virgin Islands. Along the way, there’s plenty of parties, ’60s and ’70s music, highs, lows, fervent prayers and hard-won lessons. Cro’s journey is all about passionately paddling out and surfing in, with all the ecstasy and wipe-outs in between. “Wave On: A Surfing Story” is written by former Carolina Country editor Michael E.C. Gery, who lives in Manteo. Softcover, 419 pages, available in print ($15.95) or e-book ($3.99) on online sellers such as Amazon.com.

67press.com

michaelletters.com

enopublishers.org

carolinacountry.com/bookshelf to find more books about and from NC Prefer to support independent bookstores? You can cross-reference books and local shops where they are sold by visiting indiebound.org.

Carolina Bookshelf features select books that relate to North Carolina by setting or topic or that are by NC authors. To submit a book for a possible mention, please mail a copy of the book, along with a description of its topic, purchase information and your contact information, to Carolina Bookshelf, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616.

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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system.

I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow.

My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option.

I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained?

Clogged and Smelly – Greensboro , NC

DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up.

This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is.

SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “NCS5", you can get a free shock treatment, added to your order, which normally costs $169. Make sure to use that code when you call or buy online.

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Carolina Compass

First Day Hikes On Tuesday, January 1, North Carolina State Parks will be hosting hikes to start the year off right! Many are offering guided hikes at varying levels, or you can explore one on your own. Find a hike near you at ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes

January Events Harris Brothers

MOUNTAINS

Americana, jazz music Jan. 18, Beech Mountain 800-438-2093 exploreboone.com

First Day Hike Led by park rangers Jan. 1, NC State Parks 828-675-4611 ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes

MLK Day Celebration Stories, songs Jan. 21, West Jefferson 336-846-2787 ashecountyarts.org

Mountain Music Thursdays, Marion 828-625-2115 hometownmarion.com

Winterfest Dog show, ice carving Jan. 24–27, Blowing Rock 828-295-7851 blowingrockwinterfest.com

Abbey Road Live Kid-friendly tribute to Beatles Jan. 5, Asheville 828-398-1837 exploreasheville.com

PIEDMONT First Day Hike Led by park rangers Jan. 1, NC State Parks 828-675-4611 ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes

First Footin’ Scottish Hogmanay celebration Jan. 1, Rural Hill Huntersville 704-875-3113 ruralhill.net

Kwanzaa Fest Crafts, performances Jan. 1, Durham 919-560-2729 aade-inc.org

Rodney Carrington Comedy show Jan. 12, Fayetteville 910-438-4100 crowncomplexnc.com

A Burns Supper Poet celebration, auction Jan. 19, Rural Hill Huntersville 704-875-3113 ruralhill.net

Family History Swap Meet Annual genealogy gathering Jan. 26, Mount Airy 336-831-6437 visitmayberry.com

Know Before You Go

In case something changes after Carolina Country goes to press, check information from the contact listed.

carolinacountry.com/calendar

See more events online with photos, descriptions, maps and directions.

MOUNTAINS

77

PIEDMONT

Listing Deadlines: Submit Listings Online: For March: Jan. 25 For April: Feb. 25

95

carolina­country.com/calendar (No email or U.S. Mail.)

COAST

Kwanzaa Fest Crafts, performances Jan. 1, Durham

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Carolina Compass

COAST First Day Hike Led by park rangers Jan. 1, NC State Parks 828-675-4611 ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes

Guitarfest Jan. 5, Washington 252-946-2504 artsofthepamlico.org

Gospel Concert Singer-songwriter Earnest Pugh Jan. 5, Greenville 252-321-7671 vera@visitgreenvillenc.com

Will Martin Two different shows Jan. 9–10, Oriental 252-617-2125 pamlicomusic.org

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Jan. 10, Greenville 800-328-2787 ecu.edu

Marquee on Main Film festival Jan. 12, Washington 252-946-2504 artsofthepamlico.org

Happy Winter Various art mediums Jan. 18–Feb. 15, Hertford 252-426-3041 perquimansarts.org

Carolina Outdoor Expo Seminars, vendors Jan. 19–20, Greenville 252-321-7671 carolinaoutdoorexpo.com

MLK Parade Jan. 21, Elizabethtown 910-645-4995 abullock1951@gmail.com

Annual Book Sale

Will Martin Two different shows Jan. 9–10, Oriental

Jan. 25–27, Washington 252-946-4300 friendsofbrownlibrary.com

Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Cold weather swimming Jan. 26, Beaver Lake Eure 252-357-0720 bit.ly/GC_PolarPlunge

Jolly Skull Beer & Wine Festival Live music, silent auction Jan. 26, Greenville 252-321-7671 bravoalpha.org/jollyskull

Silver Coast Bridal Show Wedding vendors Jan. 27, Ocean Isle 910-287-2800 silvercoastwinery.com

There are more than 250 farmers markets in North Carolina, and some stay open year-round. For one near you, visit bit.ly/NCfarmmarkets.

Win a $100 Gift Card from Carolina Country!

Visit nup Make a connection with .com/sig y r t n u o c a n li Carolina Country! Sign up caro ary 31, for our email updates so you

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Email subscribers drawin now through January 31 will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a $100 gift card.

Already an email subscriber? You’ll be automatically entered to win a $100 gift card, drawn by random from current email subscribers.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. There are two ways to enter into the random drawing and become an eligible entrant: (1) PRIMARY ENTRY: An Entrant must sign up to receive emails from Carolina Country (typically two per month) and from select approved sponsors using the form at carolinacountry.com/signup for a chance to win;(2) ALTERNATIVE ENTRY: In order to be entered without completing the primary entry conditions, an Entrant must send a letter with the Entrant’s first and last name, mailing address and telephone number to Carolina Country, Email Sign-up Sweepstakes, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 prior to conclusion of the applicable Sweepstakes Period. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving the one (1) gift card (retail value of $100) depend upon number of entries received. Entries must be received by January 31, 2019.

January 2019 | 37

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Marketplace

Business Opportunities FREE CBD STORE! Leverage PROVEN Health/Wellness, Business And “Synergistic Marketing” Resources! Stay Healthy And Earn Direct/Passive/Residual Income! Visit www.FreeCBDStore.biz Or TEXT more info To 41242.

Vacation Rental ATLANTIC BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDO, breathtaking view. 1/BD, 1½/BA, $75.00. 816-931-3366.

Gold Maps FUN, HOW TO PAN. Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, California. 1-407-282-3594. WWW.GOLDMAPS.COM. TRIANGLE DETECTORS. Large selection of metal detectors and gold prospecting equipment. Durham 919-949-4007.

For Sale KLEIN 33527 ELECTRICAL INSULATED 22 PC TOOL KIT w Case new $800 OBO 252-312-1556.

ADULT BICYCLE — THREE WHEEL adult Schwinn bicycle with cover. New — assembled but never used. $280.00.

910-269-1236 A BOOK OF COLLECTED “YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM CAROLINA COUNTRY IF…” submissions from Carolina Country magazine readers. You know you’re from Carolina country if you say “Laud ham mercy!” 96 pages, illustrated, 4 by 5½ inches. Only $7 per book (includes shipping and tax). Send payment to “You Know,” Carolina Country, PO Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611. Or buy with a credit card at our secure online site at www. carolinacountry.com.

“CAROLINA COUNTRY REFLECTIONS” More than 200 photographs showing life in rural North Carolina before 1970. Each picture has a story. Hardcover, coffee table book, 160 pages. Only $15 (includes tax and shipping).

Comes with free cookbook. Send payment to “Reflections,” Carolina Country, PO Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611. Or buy online at www.carolinacountry.com.

Miscellaneous PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR — $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills — $12.95. Both $24.

Davidsons, 6727C Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204. 913-262-4982.

FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH/GOVERNMENT UNITING. Suppressing “Religious Liberty”, enforcing a “National Sunday Law”. Be informed! Need mailing address only. TBSM, Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 1-888-211-1715.

FARM FENCING Watterson Tree Farm installs any type field fencing, especially woven wire with wooden posts, and board fencing. Certified Redbrand installer and Kencove dealer. Website www.farmfencenc.com.

Wildlife Damage Control Agent, David 240-498-8054 email treefarmnc@yahoo.com.

WANTED: AMERICAN BOURBON AND WHISKEY BOTTLES OR DECANTERS, sealed and unopened. The older, the better. CASH. Call 540-845-6107 or Email: majiddk@comcast.net

HEIRLOOM SEEDS FOR YOUR GARDEN. Free catalog call 828-389-2642; or write Seedworthy, 31 Wounded Knee Lane, Hayesville N.C. 28904; seedworthy@gmail.com or visit our website; seedworthy.org The N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives and its member cooperatives do not endorse the services and products advertised. Readers are advised to understand fully any agreement or purchase they make. To place a classified ad: carolinacountry.com/classifieds

NURSERY STOCK & SEED GROW HALF DOLLAR SIZE MUSCADINES & BLACKBERRIES, FREE CATALOG. 200 varieties fruit, nut trees, vines & berries.

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January 2019 | 39

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Carolina Kitchen

Wendy’s Spaghetti Sauce With Sausage ‘Meatballs’ It took years to get this sauce just the way I wanted it, but I eventually found the sweet spot!

I make large batches to freeze so I can have on hand any time.

Roasted garlic 2 cups oil (grapeseed or olive) 3 cups garlic cloves Sauce 1 cup oil (grapeseed or olive) 3 pounds ground sweet Italian sausage 3 pounds ground chuck 3 (8-ounce) cartons sliced mushrooms, chopped 3 large yellow onions, chopped 6 large red bell peppers, cut into 1" pieces* 1½ cups Italian seasoning 2 tablespoons ground fennel seed ¼ cup chili powder 4 teaspoons cayenne pepper 4 bay leaves ¼ cup salt

¼ cup black pepper 2 (28-ounce) cans finely diced tomatoes 4 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes 6 tablespoons sugar 6 tablespoons butter Preheat oven (or toaster oven) to 325 degrees. Put garlic cloves in a baking dish and cover with oil. Roast 25–30 minutes just until cloves are lightly browning, soft and can be mashed with a fork. When done, remove cloves from oil with slotted spoon and mash. Save oil for later use.

Heat 1 cup of oil in a 12-quart pot over medium-high heat. Pinch sausage into 1" pieces and drop into the hot oil (no need to form the meat into balls). Cook in batches, stirring to brown. Remove with slotted spoon.

Brown beef in the sausage drippings, stirring to crumble as it cooks. Drain and return to pot. Stir in garlic and remaining ingredients except sugar and butter.

Loosely cover and bring to a slow boil, stirring often. Simmer for about 2 hours.

Remove from heat and stir in sugar and butter. Package, cool and freeze.

Use the roasted garlic oil in dressings, to sauté meats and vegetables or for dipping bread. * Helpful Hint: Buy sausage and red peppers when you find on sale. Slice and freeze the peppers ahead of time for spaghetti cooking day.

Yield: About 2½ gallons

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen Woolworth’s Café Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust

So many of us grew up sitting on café stools at the Woolworth’s Drug Store counter, feet dangling, waiting for a piece of this fluffy wonderfulness. I have fond memories with my mama and grandma at the one in downtown Raleigh — we’d end a day of shopping with this treat before our long trek back to eastern Wake County.

Note: We’ve stayed true to the original recipe aside from gingersnaps instead of graham crackers for the crust, and a dollop of egg nog whipped cream.

Crust 1 pound gingersnaps ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 stick butter, melted

Parmesan & Green Onion Cornbread Crisps Who doesn’t love cornbread? And who says you have to serve traditional bread with your spaghetti? Surprise your crowd with this toasty cheesy cornbread … something different that works!

1 cup hushpuppy mix with onions (we use NC Atkinson’s Sweet Betsy) 2 cups grated Parmesan Cheese 1 cup seltzer water ¾ cup diced green onions (tops and bottoms) Cracked black pepper Sugar to taste* 6 tablespoons peanut oil Stir all ingredients (except oil) together and let stand 5 minutes.

Add enough oil to lightly coat your skillet. Drop mix by tablespoons into medium-high oil and spread out with the back of a spoon.

Fry on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. *Add sugar, if preferred, if your mix doesn’t have any.

Filling 1 (3-ounce) box lemon gelatin 1 cup boiling water 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 4 teaspoons vanilla 1 can evaporated milk, well chilled Whipped Cream 1 cup (½ pint) heavy whipping cream ¼ cup egg nog Combine gingersnaps and sugar. Add melted butter and mix together using fingers until butter is incorporated.

Cover the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan with crust, reserving ¾ cup for topping.

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water.

Cool to room temperature just until slightly thickened, making sure it does not fully congeal.

Using mixer, cream together cheese, sugar and vanilla for about 3 minutes.

In cold mixing bowl using a chilled wire whisk attachment, whip milk until peaks form. Add gelatin and mix for about 30 seconds to incorporate. Blend in cheese mixture.

Pour over crust and scatter with reserved crumbs. Refrigerate overnight.

For egg nog whipped cream: Whip together until stiff peaks form. Serve on this or other desserts during the holiday season!

Yield: About 1½ dozen crisps

Unless otherwise noted, recipes on this page are from Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, who chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

Make-Ahead Mason Jar Soup 5 wide-mouth mason jars with lids ½ of a whole rotisserie chicken 4 packages ramen noodles (disgard seasoning) 4 green onions, sliced 6–8 button mushrooms, chopped 1 bunch baby spinach, chopped 5 tablespoons chili sauce 5 teaspoons “Better Than Bouillon” roasted chicken base Shred chicken and put ¼ to ½ cup in the bottom of each jar. Break up the ramen noodles and divide between jars, layering noodles on top of the chicken.

Add layers of sliced green onions, mushrooms and spinach, dividing between the jars. Top each jar with 1 tablespoon chili sauce and 1 teaspoon chicken base.

Place tops on each jar and store in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Once you are ready to eat, put hot water in jar to cover food. Replace lid and let steep for about 3-4 minutes until noodles are tender.

A great make-ahead lunch on those busy days — water can be heated with a coffee maker.

Recipe courtesy of Dori Grassau of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power

Send Us Your Recipes

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions.

Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, P.O. Box 27306, Raleigh, NC, 27611. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

— Jenny Lloyd, recipes editor

January 2019 | 41

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Looking for

Recipes?

Find them on page 40.

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by Friday, Jan. 4, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online:

carolinacountry.com/where

By mail: Where in Carolina Country?

P.O. Box 27306

Raleigh, NC 27611 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.

The winner, chosen at random and announced in our February issue, will receive $25.

December winner

The December “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Renee Gannon features a red-eyed, metal bull that stands guard in front of Rocking S Farm along Moore Road in King (Stokes County). Many folks who travel to nearby Hanging Rock State Park notice this rusty beast along with its spotted metal horse companion that is stretching through a fence about 50 yards down. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Jill Peters of Westfield, a Surry-Yadkin EMC member, who, along with a few other readers, mentioned this as her favorite bull!

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.

Carolina

MUSIC

JANUARY'S FEATURED TRACK

“Fish Out of Water”

By Jonathan Byrd

Singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd pours emotion into this short but heartfelt performance, filmed at The Kraken in White Cross, North Carolina.

On this live version of the track from his new album, “Pickup Cowboy,” Jonathan is joined by Austin McCall on drums and Johnny Walken on electric guitar (who manages to squeeze in a few well-timed guitar solos). See Carolina People, page 20, for more on Jonathan.

carolinacountry.com/music

Listen to this and past featured tracks from North Carolina musicians.

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12/7/18 3:27 PM

LS L E P S E N I L R E DOWNED POW

R E G N D-A

If severe weather takes down power lines, know what to do.

It can save your life.

• Downed power lines can still be energized and dangerous.

• STAY AWAY from any downed power line and DO NOT drive your vehicle over it!

• Immediately report downed power lines to your local Blue Ridge Energy district office or call us at 1-800-451-5474.

Be smart. Stay safe.

• If a power line falls on your car while you are driving, stay inside your car until you receive appropriate help.

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Power out?

Emergency App on.

Should winter weather cause outages, Blue Ridge Energy members have instant access to a mobile app from any cell phone or tablet. In a few clicks, you can report an outage, check the Outage Map, follow restoration efforts and more!

Download the Blue Ridge Energy Mobile App today.

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