2019-07-BRE

July 2019

You asked;

we listened!

5th Community Solar Garden Underway See next page for details.

PERIODICAL

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A new solar garden is coming!

Due to an overwhelming response, a fifth community solar garden is now under construction.

You can subscribe and support clean, renewable energy, whether you rent or own your home. Subscription benefits include: •

No upfront costs

•

No need for panels on your roof

•

No ongoing maintenance costs

•

A bill credit for your share of the energy generated

Availability will be limited. Join those members already on the waiting list by signing up at BlueRidgeEnergy. com/solar or by calling 1-800-451-5474 today.

Want to do even more?

Help hold down power costs and delay the need for new power plants by signing up for Beat The Peak. Participants voluntarily shift or reduce their use of electricity during peak periods, when people are using the most electricity all at once.

It’s easy! Sign up to receive peak alerts at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BTP, on our mobile app or by texting “BTP” to 70216. When you receive an alert, prepare to reduce or delay electricity use.

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July 2019

Sharing History on the

Outdoor

Stage Page 10

Published by

Linemen test lifesaving skills page 6

Are whole-house fans helpful? page 26

PERIODICAL

Blue Ridge Energy continues to keep rates steady—pages 21–24 July covers.indd 2

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F

Charging ahead.

Electric cooperatives are building a network of electric vehicle charging stations across North Carolina — bringing tourism and economic opportunity to communities, helping reduce emissions and opening the door for co-op consumer-members statewide to shape the future through the adoption of this technology.

O

Learn more at ncelectriccooperatives.com.

Powering and empowering the people and communities we serve.

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The Lost Colony

9 11:55 AM

Volume 51, No. 7

14

10

Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 26 On the House 28 Tar Heel Tidbits 32 NC Outdoors 34 Carolina Compass 36 Adventures 38 Marketplace 39 Classifieds 40 Carolina Kitchen 42 Where is This?

42 Carolina Music

34

10 14 18

The Past Made Present

North Carolina’s outdoor dramas recreate history.

Saving the Fish House

Ocracoke Islanders keep their fishing heritage alive.

All Things Equestrian

Rose Cushing has turned her love of horses into a prolific multimedia career.

On the Cover In the final scene of “Unto These Hills,” the sacred fire is returned to Cherokee from Oklahoma and symbolically given to the next generation of Cherokee, played by Aaliyah Reed, for safekeeping. Read more about NC’s outdoor dramas on page 10.

Photo by Element Advertising.

0 $10

SWEEPSTAKES

A Chance to Win $100 Sign up for our email updates so you don’t miss out on your favorite content, and you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a $100 gift card. Visit carolinacountry.com/signup

by July 31. See page 39 for full rules.

July 2019 | 3

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Viewpoints

Volunteer to Make a Difference

By Tom Batchelor

E

ver notice how society today is storm response or community cleanups. 20 different local organizations, so consumed by social media including: The Community Outreach Many of us know at least one through those electronic Workshop, which empowers kids to person who is so committed to a pardevices we all feel we can’t live build projects and learn technical ticular cause that they find ways to without? Maybe it is time to pause skills; The Haywood County Human make a continual impact throughout for a moment, put the electronics Resource Association, which tackles the stages of their lives. down and appreciate the simple community issues like opioid addicThink about that volunteer firethings. Think about all the things tion; and Mountain Wise, which fighter who for decades after their that nurture and strengthen our local works to reduce chronic disease and active roster years of fighting fires, communities. They begin with family, still turns out to help “fill the boot,” obesity in Western NC. Among our follow through to faith and forge the employees you’ll find a church deadispatch calls or drive the canteen bonds that foster civility and create con, a high school referee, a church truck, ready to help parched first wholesome and healthy societies. security volunteer, a Boy Scout leader, responders and victims recover North Carolina’s electric coopvolunteer fire fighters and a fire chief, at the scene. eratives, just like other and several members of co-ops the world over, local boards.

Electric co-ops and their employees operate according to a set Haywood EMC also works of seven core principles with the Haywood County across the state are proud of the that include “Concern for United Way for its annual ways — big and small — we serve our Community” — we work for Day of Caring, where co-op the sustainable development employees pitch in to help communities. of our communities through members in need. Past projpolicies supported by our ects have included repairing members. Even when so many of us members’ leaky roofs, installing What about the moms and dads are preoccupied with vacations, hobwheelchair-accessible ramps, replacwho take their teenagers along for a bies and all the summer activities that day of service making sandwiches or ing windows and painting. break up our regular routine, we can With technology cutting back on folding clothes for the local shelter? all strive to make this kind of commitour personal connections to people, Then of course, there are those who ment to community part of just about will take half an hour or so to donate maybe we need to look for ways to everything we do. And it can often touch the lives of those close by, and a pint of blood, which is especially make a lasting difference in our lives important in the summer months when volunteering is a great way to start. If as well as those we help and support. you think about it, we all can choose corporate drive participation slacks off.

Coaches and referees keep summer to give a bit of ourselves to help make All of these things are fine ideas youth sports leagues running, smiling that lead to great actions and produce things better. Volunteer to serve, and senior volunteers quietly patrol our see for yourself. lasting results. What makes them favorite parks, and teenage counselors really special is that they cost little Tom Batchelor is Executive Vice President help create summer memories for more than our personal decision to and CEO for Haywood EMC in Waynesville. younger kids with games, crafts and look around, see what’s needed and field trips. jump in and get involved.

Some of us take a week or so of our Electric co-ops and their employWant to get involved? vacations to chaperone a youth outing, ees across the state are proud of the You don’t have to look far. There are organizations in need of willing volunteers help out at scout camp or support a ways — big and small — we serve our all across North Carolina. A list of some, by church group outreach mission. Others communities. At Haywood EMC, our county, can be found at nc.gov/volunteer. answer the call when help is needed for employees give back through nearly

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Viewpoints

THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:

Outdoor Dramas

The Lost Colony

When our staff first discussed this month’s story on outdoor dramas, many of us lit up with childhood memories of high-end productions under the stars. These dramas showcase our state’s history, becoming a bit of history themselves in the telling. Find one this summer starting on page 10. And on page 8, we share an update on the library from our June 2016 cover.

—Scott Gates, editor

Anna Culler

Winner: April Chetola Resort Sweepstakes Amy and Kenny Barnes of Westfield, members of Surry-Yadkin EMC, recently were surprised with good news after being randomly selected as the winner of our April sweepstakes.

The couple received a weekend getaway for two at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, including a two-night stay at the Bob Timberlake Inn, a dinner out and some time at the spa. They were presented with their winning prize by Wendy Wood, Surry-Yadkin EMC manager of Communications & Community Relations.

“I entered on a whim when I was recovering from surgery,” Amy says.

“It’s a beautiful area, and we’re really excited. I recently took my daughters for a girls’ weekend, but Kenny’s never been. We’re very excited and very appreciative.”

Surry-Yadkin EMC, headquartered in Dobson, serves 28,100 members in Surry, Yadkin, Stokes, Wilkes and Forsyth counties.

Lighting Up the Room Brady Patterson and (now wife) Hannah just got married May 11, 2019.

They celebrated at a rehearsal dinner on May 10 and had this groom’s cake as dessert. Brady is a lineman with EnergyUnited out of the co-op’s Taylorsville office. Sweet Thing Bakery in Statesville made the beautiful cake.

Natasha Snyder (the groom’s mom), Taylorsville, a member of EnergyUnited

(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 Digital Media 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.

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Change of Address: carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

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.

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.

July 2019 | 5

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Wh dis ou gre me pro pro his the to 10. to fea

More Power

Pole Top Rescue Competition Tests Lifesaving Skills First Place Levi Fagan EnergyUnited 1 minute, 36.4 seconds

N

Second Place Austin Story Blue Ridge Energy 1 minute, 37.8 seconds

Third Place Justin Ward Brunswick Electric 1 minute, 45.9 seconds

Randy Berger Randy Berger

Randy Berger

Jonathan Jacobs of Piedmont EMC grabs his gear and prepares to climb.

“This championship highlights just how rigorous and challenging it is to be a line worker.”

Cameron Bennett of Central Electric simulates CPR on “Kool.”

carolinacountry.com/extras

These guys are fast — this is a competition you have to see to believe!

Watch them in action on our website.

orth Carolina’s top electric cooperative line workers assembled in Raleigh on May 30 to determine the 2019 Pole Top Rescue state champion. This biennial competition pits line workers against the clock and each other as they demonstrate essential lifesaving skills, and provides an up-close look at the speed, technique and safety knowledge required to maintain the lines that power the lives of electric cooperative members. To advance to this state championship competition, each competitor had to win a similar event at their local cooperative.

The competition reflects a scenario in which a coworker is in need of rescue from atop a power pole. A lineman (the competitor) recognizes a victim (a 105-pound dummy nicknamed “Kool”) in trouble and calls for assistance. Wearing full climbing gear, the lineman scales the pole to 20 feet, lowers Kool, and begins lifesaving procedures. All North Carolina electric cooperative line workers must complete this same scenario in less than five minutes to maintain their certification to work on co-op lines.

The state championship winners are listed in the photo to the left.

Chris Griffin of Union Power maintains the overall record with his 2014 time of 1 minute, 33.47 seconds.

“This championship highlights just how rigorous and challenging it is to be a line worker,” said Dale Lambert, CEO of Asheboro-based Randolph EMC and the competition’s master of ceremonies. “These highly trained individuals play a critical role in co-op operations, and we can’t thank them enough for the vital service they provide to our members and communities.”

—Lisa Crawley, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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More Power

Caswell County Library Gets a Big Upgrade Funds facilitated by Piedmont Electric supported renovations

T

Caldwell County Public Library

he Gunn Memorial Public Library in Yanceyville has been described as more of a community center than a “hush hush” library by Caswell County Public Library Director Rhonda Griffin (“Community Projects Thrive with Electric Co-op Funding,” June 2016, page 12). The once-cramped space received a major expansion and renovation in part due to a $995,000 zerointerest loan facilitated by Piedmont Electric in Hillsborough. The loan was funded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

The facility, officially reopened at a May 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony, provides increased resources and educational opportunities for every citizen in Caswell County, with new facilities including a local history room, meeting rooms and business center.

“The library contributes to economic development in the county by helping job applicants build resumes and grow a competitive workforce,” said Griffin. “The expansion also allows for increased educational opportunities for our students with STEM labs, tutoring and after-school activities.”

Caldwell County Manager Bryan Miller at the ribboncutting ceremony.

“We are proud to support a community in which we serve and help the Caswell County Public Library fund their expansion,” said Steve Hamlin, Piedmont Electric president and CEO. “Education and supporting our community are two of our seven guiding principles that we have followed since we were founded over 80 years ago.

Working with the library gives us a unique opportunity to invest in our students’ education and the county’s economic development.”

Representative David Rouzer (R-7) met with electric co-ops from his district during the legislative conference.

The REDLG program provides zero-interest funds from the federal government to local electric cooperatives, which in turn lend the money to local entities for projects that support rural areas. To date, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have participated in the financing of more than 100 economic development projects through the REDLG program, channeling more than $1 billion into rural communities.

Representative Alma Adams (D-12) met with EnergyUnited CEO Wayne Wilkins and other co-op leaders from her district.

Making Our Voice Heard on Capitol Hill Leaders from 22 North Carolina electric cooperatives joined 2,000 peers from across the country in Washington, D.C., this spring, to meet with congressional representatives and hear from national policymakers.

NC co-op leaders met with Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, as well as representatives or staff from each of the state’s 13 congressional districts.

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6/10/19 11:50 AM

The Past

Made Present

North Carolina’s outdoor dramas recreate history

By Pamela A. Keene

CC07-EB.indd 10

The Lost Colony

Sir Walter Raleigh raises the flag of the new Cittie of Raleigh and blesses the ships as they set sail for the New World in "The Lost Colony."

6/10/19 2:47 PM

The Lost Colony

B

r

Good family entertainment North Carolina is the birthplace of outdoor symphonic dramas in the United States. It started with playwright and North Carolina native Paul Green, who crafted “The Lost Colony” to tell the history of the first colony in the New World. The Broadway-style, full-blown outdoor stage production opened in 1937 and has since paved the way for similar productions across the country.

“As people began to take vacations in their automobiles in the 1920s, outdoor dramas became a destination for travel and a chance to be entertained,” says Cecelia Moore, university historian at UNC Chapel Hill. “Outdoor dramas were appealing because they were accessible, affordable and were good family entertainment. And these dramas were performed in the very places where the historical events happened.”

Green wrote a number of historical outdoor dramas, as well as scripts for plays and films. His “Cross and Sword” in St. Augustine, Florida, tells of Spain’s settlement of the nation’s oldest city. “Stephen Foster: The Musical” in Bardstown, Kentucky, showcases the music of the Kentucky native and composer, and Green's “Trumpet in the Land” in New Philadelphia, Ohio, recreates life in the frontier of Ohio during the Revolutionary War.

The Lost Colony, Manteo

From This Day Forward, Valdese visitcherokeenc.com

"It’s one of the closest things to a Broadway experience without being on Broadway.”

says. “We had more than 200 people apply to us for acting positions, and then there were more than 800 people who auditioned at the Southeastern Theatre Conference this year for 30 to 40 productions, cruise ship shows and theme parks. These actors are some of the best in the country.”

Old Colony Players

ill Coleman apologizes for the background noise. He is discussing “The Lost Colony” outdoor historical drama in Manteo over the phone.

“Today is the first day of rehearsals, and it’s the first time the choir’s members have sung together,” he explains as the sound of harmonious voices swells in the background, recreating music from the 1500s. “We have 19 days to get ready for opening night — learning lines, music and choreography, production cues, stage blocking and all that goes into a 75-performance season. It’s one of the closest things to a Broadway experience without being on Broadway.”

“The Lost Colony,” produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association, has over 130 actors, technicians, designers and volunteers; costumes designed by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long; and is the longest-running historical symphonic drama in the United States.

Actors, musicians, technical experts, costumers and support staff compete for coveted roles in North Carolina’s historical outdoor dramas.

Auditions are held locally, statewide and elsewhere in the Southeast.

“Summer theater is an excellent opportunity for aspiring and professional actors to hone their craft,” Bill

In “Backstage at The Lost Colony,” Pittsboro‑based author Dwayne Walls follows the cast and crew through The Lost Colony’s 80th production season. His observations are supplemented by colorful photos and first-person stories from production alumni —D wayne himself first signed on with the production as a 19-year-old actor technician. Published in 2018 by Coquina Press.

Softcover, $19.95.

The Lost Colony

coquinapress.com

Unto These Hills, Cherokee

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The Lost Colony

Faced with starvation and the imminent danger of a Spanish attack, the colonists set out into the wilderness in search of a new site for the settlement in "The Lost Colony."

Element Advertising

Old Colony Players

A family makes the difficult decision to emigrate from the Cortian Alps of Italy in "From This Day Forward."

“Paul Green’s productions, filled with pageantry, spectacles, historical costumes, music, songs and dance, have inspired a number of symphonic dramas,” Cecelia says. “Many have come and gone over the years, but North Carolina is fortunate to have several that draw locals and visitors to towns across the state.”

Year-round endeavors Nearly a half-dozen productions take place in the state each summer; however, the work to produce, fund and present these dramas is a year-round commitment. Larger companies like “The Lost Colony” have full-time staff. Even so, the company offers educational programming for North Carolina schools to tie in with.

Others, such as “Unto These Hills” in Cherokee, “Horn in the West” in Boone and “From This Day Forward” in Valdese, have other sources of income beyond ticket sales for their summer production that may include managing an associated museum, presenting events throughout the year or crafting products for sale.

John Tissue is the executive director of the Cherokee Historical

A modern interpretation of a traditional dance is featured in the stage production "Unto These Hills."

Association that produces “Unto These Hills,” which debuted in 1950.

“The association presents ‘Unto These Hills’ each summer, but the rest of the year, we have a touring company that travels to tell the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee,” he says. “We also own the Oconaluftee Indian Village and are getting ready to open a retail shop to sell the handcrafts that we produce.”

Over the years, “Unto These Hills” has undergone changes and updating.

“We own the script so we are able to update the language from Kermit Hunter’s original so that the actors are speaking in contemporary English,” Tissue says. “And it’s important that we retain the legacy of ‘Unto These Hills’ and the story it tells, because it is still very relevant today.”

Hunter also wrote Boone’s “Horn in the West,” which tells the story of the Revolutionary War with Daniel Boone at the center. Opened in 1952, “Horn in the West” is produced annually by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association.

Now in its 52nd year, “From This Day Forward” is one of six theatrical productions by the Old Colony

Players in Valdese. As a year-round community theatre, it relies on ticket sales, grants, donations and sponsorships for funding. It also offers summer camps.

“We’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and we truly count on community support,” says general manager Edyth Pruitt. “And this area is filled with such a wealth of talented actors that they come out to perform because of their love of theater.”

Between 30 and 40 actors of all ages perform in the production. “We even have one actor who has been in the show for 43 years,” she says.

The show takes place in the Old Colony Players Amphitheatre that can seat as many as 400 people.

“People come to see our show from all over the country,” Edyth says. “Some of them have told us that they traveled the country with their families to visit outdoor dramas and now they’re doing so with their own children. It’s amazing.”

Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes for magazines and newspapers across the Southeast and nationally.

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The Lost Colony

The Lost Colony

"In the 1920s, outdoor dramas became a destination for travel... [they] were performed in the very places where the historical events happened."

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North Carolina is home to several outdoor historic dramas that offer performances this summer. Make your plans to see our state’s history come alive.

visitnc.com

Showtime in the Open Air

in ony."

The Lost Colony, Manteo

The Lost Colony

May 31–August 23 Waterside Theatre, Manteo thelostcolony.org or 252-473-6000 Learn the story of the first English settlers in the New World and their struggles in the Outer Banks to make a life for themselves.

June 1–August 17 Mountainside Theater, Cherokee cherokeehistorical.org or 828-497-2111 Witness the tragedy and triumph of the Cherokee people’s history leading up to the Trail of Tears, when many were forcibly removed from their homelands.

horninthewest.com

Unto These Hills

Unto These Hills, Cherokee

Horn in the West

Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend

Select dates between July 11–27 Historic Fort Hamby Park, Wilkesboro bleumoonproductions.com/tom-dooley.html or 336-426-2538 A lover’s triangle becomes one of the country’s first publicized crimes of passion, made famous by the Kingston Trio’s ballad.

Horn in the West, Boone bleumoonproductions.com

June 21–August 10 Daniel Boone Park, Boone horninthewest.com or 828-264-2120 Relive North Carolina’s Revolutionary War history through the eyes of the legendary Daniel Boone.

From This Day Forward

Tom Dooley, Wilkesboro discoverburkecounty.com

July 12–August 10 Old Colony Amphitheatre, Valdese oldcolonyplayers.com or 828-522-1150 Experience the struggles and joys of the Waldenses as they leave their home in the Alps and come to North Carolina to found the town of Valdese and protect their religious freedom.

Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre

snowcampoutdoortheatre.com This Piedmont outdoor venue is undergoing renovations in order to bring two historical dramas back to the stage: "The Sword of Peace," highlighting the struggles of peaceful Quakers during the Revolutionary War, and "Pathway to Freedom," an account of the Underground Railroad in North Carolina.

From This Day Forward, Valdese

July 2019 | 13

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Saving the

Fish House Ocracoke Islanders keep their fishing heritage alive Story and photos by Leah Chester-Davis

14  |  carolinacountry.com

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e

The Voice of the Island

Morty Gaskill

James Barrie Gaskill (above) spoke with a quintessential Ocracoke brogue, an English dialect that has been the subject of numerous studies by the state’s linguistic professors. Learn more about this unique dialect and hear a recording of James Barrie at the website bit.ly/coastwatch-orcacokebrogue.

James Barrie Gaskill was a waterman to the core. Before he unexpectedly passed away in June 2017 while tending his nets, he would spend a portion of his day hanging out at the fish house on Ocracoke Island, watching the comings and goings of commercial fishermen and fisherwomen. He was a teacher and later principal at Ocracoke School, but for much of his life he made a living on the sea.

As he watched his son, Morty, fill large containers on his skiff with ice before pushing away from the dock to head out into Pamlico Sound, James Barrie shook his head. “He has a degree, and he has come back to this,” he said with a thick Ocracoke brogue and a mixture of incredulous wonder and fatherly pride.

James Barrie knew fishing is a difficult way to make a living. He knew the long days and the isolation it took to land a catch. He also knew how the island and its fishing heritage get in your blood. It’s been handed down from generation to generation on this barrier island that dates its first settlers back to the 1700s, including a long line of Gaskills.

The Call of the Sea

Morty grew up fishing with his Dad. “I fished every summer, weekends, breaks,” he says. “I’ve had my own boat since I was 12. It’s what paid for college.”

After earning a degree from NC State University, Morty returned to the fishing community on this small island that sits at the southern tip of the Outer Banks. It’s made up of independent people who have survival woven into their DNA thanks to centuries of living on an isolated island at the mercy of the vagaries of Mother Nature.

With no doubts about returning to the island to work as a commercial fisherman, Morty says, “I like working for myself.” He grins and adds, “That’s a diplomatic way of saying I don’t like people.” His affable personality belies that statement and he clarifies with, “I like the independence. I like being outdoors.”

The fish house is absolutely crucial to the commercial fishing industy, he continues. “It’s too hard to sell product off the island. You need a lot of ice and it takes time to get to Swan Quarter or Hatteras Island. It’s much easier

to offload here without worrying what to do with the fish.

Without the infrastructure, it’s hard to fish.”

Ocracoke’s Fish House

A little more than 12 years ago, commercial fishing on Ocracoke faced extinction when the fish house, the last one on the island, closed. A fish house serves as the base of operations for commercial fishers, where they can offload their catch. The threat of its closure mobilized the entire community to come together to save a major part of their maritime heritage, in addition to the livelihood of the commercial fishers and the tourism industry.

“You can’t call yourself a fishing village if you don’t have a fish house,” says Rudy Austin. “That’s what people expect.”

Austin serves on the Board of Directors of Tideland EMC and runs Portsmouth Island Ferry and tours from Ocracoke.

Under the auspices of the Ocracoke Foundation, 35 parttime and full-time fishermen and fisherwomen formed the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association — James Barrie served on its board — and then established the Ocracoke Seafood Company as a for-profit subsidiary that has both a wholesale and a retail side. The association includes all who work on the water such as charter boats, recreational fishing and those who target species beyond fish, such as oysters, clams and crabs.

According to Gene Ballance, who handles the fish house books, the fish house helps keep historical jobs on the island.

“It has kept the last of fishing alive on Ocracoke,” he says.

When Morty or any of the other fishers are headed back to Silver Lake Harbor, they make a cell phone call to the fish house to alert Shane Mason that they are headed in.

Shane manages Ocracoke Seafood Company’s fish house floor. From keeping everything washed down, clean and July 2019 | 15

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organized, to offloading boats, cleaning and shipping fish, to getting the retail store at the front of the fish house stocked each morning with fresh fish, Mason is an integral part of helping the commercial fishing industry on the island. He moves with quick efficiency, knowing the fishers have had long days on the water and their perishable catch will retain its excellent quality the sooner it’s packed on ice and moved onto a refrigerated truck for delivery. The fish are sent to the Wanchese Fish Company, which will ship them up the Eastern seaboard to New York.

Early each morning, Shane cleans and readies the fish to sell in the retail store of the fish house. He expertly maneuvers a sharp knife down the backbone of the fish.

The cuts he makes are so swift that if you blink, you miss it, and he has already started on another fish.

He tosses the heads, tails and other waste to the pelicans bobbing in the water below. For them, it’s breakfast time, and each morning they perch on the many pilings near the fish house. As soon as Shane appears, they take their spots in the water below the deck, prepared for their morning treat.

“My father, uncle and grandfather were all commercial fishermen, and my stepfather is,” Shane says. “I like this part of it. I like seeing it all.”

Fresh, Local, Delicious

For visitors to the island, the Ocracoke Seafood Company is the place to stop (bring a cooler) for wild, fresh-caught seafood and to learn about the fishing heritage on the island. Store Manager Pattie Johnson Plyler clearly relishes her role. In between bagging up fish for a customer, she’ll hop from behind the refrigerated display cases to point out a photograph of one of the fishers or she’ll grab a cookbook and quickly thumb through it for a favored way to prepare fish. She likes to share stories and tidbits about the fishers.

“People like to talk about the fish and the fishing industry,” she says. “And they like to ask questions.”

Phil Faison retired to the island nearly four years ago, and has stopped by for the day’s catch and to inquire about shrimp. He considers Pattie one of the biggest ambassadors for Ocracoke’s fishing industry.

“Locals are proud to talk about this place,” he says.

“We are trying to help local fish communities because they are disappearing,” Pattie says. “We are very community based. We have lots of school groups that visit. Kids get to touch the fish and see where seafood comes from, right out of the water. It’s a good, educational tool.”

Even more so, she wants the public to know about the excellent quality of the product.

“It’s fresh, it’s local, it’s delicious,” she says.

“Commercial fishing has been a way of life on the Outer Banks for generations,” says Hardy Plyler, fish house manager and fisherman. “Commercial fishing supports fishing families and coastal communities.”

It’s also endangered, according to many locals.

Pattie Johnson Plyler and a sampling of fresh-caught wild seafood.

Shop Local

“Our coastal communities need commercial fishermen,” says Heidi Jernigan Smith, manager of Corporate Communications for Tideland EMC, and past president of NC Catch, an organization that encourages buying local seafood and promotes commercial fishing as a sustainable profession.

NC Catch provides these consumer guidelines to support the local fishing industry: ■■ Order NC seafood when dining out. ■■ Be engaged about NC fisheries policies and support common■■ Shop for NC seafood at reputasense initiatives that ensure the ble markets and grocery stores. sustainability of both the public ■■ Be a good steward of coastal trust resource and commercial waters because clean water is fishing livelihoods. essential to healthy fisheries.

Visit nccatch.org for more information, including recipes and a list of both coastal and inland fish markets.

“There are a lot of reasons,” explains Vince O’Neal, who owns the Pony Island Restaurant to supplement his fishing income. He ticks off a list: “Regulations, resources, changing markets, cheaper imported seafood, pollution and special interest groups that always manage to submit legislation. The problem isn’t overfishing off the Carolina coast. There aren’t a lot of commercial fishermen left.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.

16 | carolinacountry.com

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6/10/19 11:50 AM

Carolina People

Rodney Cushing films an episode of “Cuttin Up” for Farm and Ranch TV.

Rose Cushing

All Things Equestrian

Rose Cushing has turned her love of horses into a prolific multimedia career

By Donna Campbell Smith | Photos by Cushing Media Productions

T

here is nothing unusual about a little girl who loves horses. It’s what Rose Cushing has done with her love of horses that exemplifies how folks in North Carolina can carry their passions to high places.

Rose was one of the lucky little girls. She had a pony as a child, which nourished her enthusiasm for horses and riding into a career in the horse industry as a magazine publisher, TV producer, event producer and award-winning film maker.

Rose grew up in New Bern and currently resides in Middlesex. In 2011, she began publishing “Carolina Hoofbeats,” the state’s first monthly publication devoted to horses and the people associated with them.

“I was working as marketing director for the ‘Daily Southerner’ in Tarboro,” Rose remembers. “When I proposed a horse magazine to my publisher, he suggested that I do this on my own. I laughed and said I couldn’t possibly do a magazine. He laughed and said: ‘You do it every day.’ So, I quit my job and started ‘Carolina Hoofbeats’ magazine.”

From that seed, the magazine blossomed into “Southeast Hoofbeats,” a 10-state regional publication. And that was just the beginning. In 2012, Rose pioneered the first weekly television series about the North Carolina horse industry, “Carolina Hoofbeats TV,” made possible with

a development grant from the North Carolina Horse Council, where Rose is currently a board member. Rose and her husband, Rodney, then formed Cushing Media. The series aired on CW22 out of Raleigh as well as nine other North Carolina networks reaching 4 million viewers.

In 2016, looking for new ways to grow and strengthen the industry, Rose produced a new type of horse show showcasing talented equestrian performers. “Horses Got Talent” was held at the Southeastern Agriculture Center in Lumberton and included performances such as trick riding, drill teams, free style and other acts, plus a trail challenge in which horses compete by maneuvering through a course of various obstacles.

“I wanted something to make spectators fall in love with horses,” Rose said.

One year later, Rose added the Everything Equine Expo to her repertoire, making it the largest equestrian expo in the Southeast.

Meanwhile, her TV show had grown to streaming nationwide and in 42 countries. Cushing Media began producing additional equestrian programs, winning several Equus International Film Festival awards.

New ventures Following Hurricane Florence and the devastating flooding that came to North Carolina in its aftermath, Rose became deeply involved in hurricane

relief. Through this experience she realized most people didn’t “feel the severity of this disaster’s effects on our equine community.” Cushing Media filmed the documentary “A Flood of Emotion,” which garnered a 2018 Equus Film Festival award.

Out of that experience, The Cushing Media Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) charitable arm of her company to work on education, resources, and planning for disasters as well as growth in the equine industry.

When asked what’s next, Rose does have a few ideas. She is producing a new show, “Herd This,” featuring Dr. Christine McPherson Long as host.

The program will follow the vet across North and South Carolina on routine and emergency calls. Also, Rose plans to expand her documentary film business into additional equestrian and agricultural venues.

“There are so many stories out there that deserve to be told,” she says.

All this from a little girl who loved horses.

Donna Campbell Smith is a Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Franklin County.

carolinacountry.com/extras

Meet Tommy the Shetland pony on a recent episode of “Hoofbeats TV.” Learn what it’s like to own and “drive” a pony harnessed to a cart!

18 | carolinacountry.com

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A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY

matters MEMBERSHIP

July 2019

BRE Line Techs Help Bring Village Out of Darkness Blue Ridge Energy’s history and background of helping others knows no bounds — or borders.

Recently, line technicians Eddie Stephens (Watauga) and Jerry Gregg (Caldwell) returned from a trip to Bolivia as part of NRECA International and its mission to provide electricity to world regions without it.

The two-week trip brought Eddie and Jerry to the remote mountain village of Laphia, Bolivia. Laphia, a community of mostly farmers, had never been connected to the electric grid. Candles and kerosene lights were the only source of lighting after sunset.

Nestled at nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, line technicians faced daunting tasks, from steep terrain to primitive working conditions. They endured physical challenges due to the lack of oxygen found at these high elevations.

Blue Ridge-0719.indd 21

In roughly two weeks, Eddie’s crew of 13 volunteers from sister cooperatives around North Carolina managed to construct five miles of line that connected 68 buildings and power to 120 villagers.

At the end of their work, the community gathered together in the local school building, and the lights were turned on for the first time. Electricity had arrived for a rural community that felt overlooked for decades.

Keep an eye out for more pictures and details about Eddie and Jerry’s work in Bolivia in the August issue of Membership Matters!

Blue Ridge volunteers Eddie Stephens and Jerry Gregg, in Laphia, Bolivia. Photo courtesy of Studio 1441.

6/10/19 5:00 PM

B B

the

perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

Keeping Bills Low: No Rate Increase You’ll be very pleased to know that despite projections for a possible rate increase this year, your cooperative is able to manage costs and keep rates stable for 2019! Better yet, we foresee that due to favorable wholesale power cost, we will be able to provide members with refunds on November and December bills this year! We’ll share more details on this in the coming months.

Another significant cost is our grid modernization efforts. Savings in wholesale power have helped offset some of the cost of our Horse Gap to Rutherwood 230 kV Project, which will expand capacity and improve reliability for our mountain communities. This critical project replaces a 50-year-old system that is nearing its useful lifespan to reliably serve members.

The future is also looking bright for 2020 as we continue every effort to control variable costs such as wholesale power, which makes up about 60 percent of your bill, as well as costs for critical updates to the power grid to ensure you have the reliable electricity that you need.

Finally, we have more good news to announce! The cooperative’s fifth community solar garden is under construction. This site is located in Caldwell County, but any member can subscribe to the energy output of one or more panels and benefit from this renewable energy source. Our first four sites were fully subscribed in less than a year, so we’re very excited to offer another community solar garden due to high member demand.

Construction should be complete by end of summer.

As our most significant cost, wholesale power is a critical area of management.

One factor we are monitoring that could greatly increase power costs for all consumers in North Carolina is a recent ruling requiring Duke Energy to excavate state coal ash basins and place the contents in lined landfills. Duke originally planned to cap the basins, and they have challenged the ruling issued by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

Page 22

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NEW Solar Garden on the way!

• 432 solar panels • Yearly output: 160 MWh (enough to power 15 homes) • Located in Caldwell County • Open to ANY residential member to subscribe • Constructed by a Watauga County renewable energy contractor • Sign up for the waiting list at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/Solar

At Blue Ridge Energy, we’re committed to keeping your bill as low as possible while offering clean, renewable energy and service that’s reliable. We hope you feel the good value we seek to provide to you, the members of Blue Ridge Energy!

MEMBERSHIP matters

6/10/19 5:00 PM

M

e way!

Blue Ridge Energy Named to Best Employers List Blue Ridge Energy has been named among the best employers in the state, according to Business North Carolina magazine.

The electric cooperative and propane and fuels provider serving northwest North Carolina and parts of Virginia was ranked at the top of state employers based on evaluations measuring workplace policies, business philosophy, systems and employee culture.

The list of the Best Employers in North Carolina was created by Business North Carolina magazine, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and NC State Council and Best Companies Group.

Blue Ridge Energy employees some 220 electric and propane and fuels employees in six offices with showrooms in Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta and Morganton along with corporate headquarters in Lenoir, NC. The electric cooperative serves some 76,000 members in North Carolina, and the propane and fuels business serves over 30,000 customers in North Carolina and Virginia.

Rush Hour Rewards for Nest Owners!

enough

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and Blue Ridge Energy are partnering with Nest smart home thermostats to offer the Rush Hour Rewards program.

This demand response program complements the cooperative’s Beat The Peak effort to control wholesale power costs during high demand periods when extreme peaks in electricity usage are occurring. These efforts benefit all members by helping keep rates lower.

tial e

auga

Rush Hour Rewards participants receive a one-time $50 bill credit just for signing up for the program! Nest owners need not do anything further than register their thermostat directly with Nest. Upon joining the program, the thermostat adjusts heating and cooling when Blue Ridge Energy calls a Beat The Peak event. This typically occurs on only the hottest summer afternoons, between 2 pm and 7 pm. Rush Hour Rewards limits controls to no more than four consecutive hours at a time and no more than three days a week. Nest owners retain the ability to change their temperature settings at all times.

g list /Solar

ers

MEMBERSHIP matters Blue Ridge-0719.indd 23

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6/10/19 5:00 PM

members receive notice of capital credits allocations...

Capital credits: allocations vs. refunds On the July bill, members will receive notice of capital credits allocations from the previous year. Please be aware this is NOT a refund — refunds were issued in May. Here’s more about the difference between capital credits allocations and refunds: • Allocations are based on the amount of electricity a member purchased the previous fiscal year. This annual allocation amount is added to your overall membership capital credits balance, which reflects all the years in which you had service with Blue Ridge Energy.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson

EDITOR Renée R. Whitener

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons

• Refunds occur when your Board of Directors approve a capital credits retirement. This involves refunding a portion of your overall membership capital credits balance. The rotation of these funds over time allows the cooperative to build and maintain power lines, substations, rights of way, and other areas to ensure safe and reliable electric service. It also reduces the need for loans, which keep costs

down for members while still allowing for refunds to the member-owners of Blue Ridge Energy.

Capital credits are a benefit of belonging to a cooperative. This not-for-profit business model is used by thousands of cooperatives to balance debt and equity to help keep member rates low and provide reliable electric service.

Your annual capital credits allocation listed on your July bill is NOT a refund, but rather one of the first steps in the annual process.

Refunds were issued in May.

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

Toll Free

(800) 451-5474

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

(for members outside of the service area.)

To report an outage at any time, call one of the numbers listed above.

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

Think safety: Call 811 Homeowners can make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call — even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. Digging without first calling to mark all underground facilities can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, cause harm to you and others.

For your safety, please call “811” at least three business days before any digging project. It’s required by law to notify local utilities regarding digging projects. This one call will get all participating utility underground lines marked for free. Simply call 811 and answer a few questions about your location and the type of work to be done.

Be sure to keep the ticket number 811 gives you for future references or to track your request online at: www.ncocc.org. Remember, know what’s below before you dig — always call 811!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Page 24

Blue Ridge-0719.indd 24

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July 2019 | 25

5/22/19 8:59 AM 6/10/19 11:50 AM

On The House

Whole-House Fans Helpful or just hot air?

By Hannah McKenzie

Q:

I recently moved, and our home has a large fan in the hallway ceiling. I am hoping there is a way to use it and save energy during the hot summer months. What do I need to know?

A:

Whole-house fans like you describe were the cat’s meow before the days of air conditioning. These powerful attic floor-mounted fans pull cool outside air inside through open windows and push warm inside air to the outside through the attic. Many of us grew up with the nightly summer routine of opening windows, securing screens and getting tucked into bed as our parents turned on the fan. I recall the loud whir being terrifying, but I associated it with the relief of cool evening air being pulled into my bedroom. Fast forward 30 years, and many homes have upgraded to central air conditioners, which keep our homes more comfortable, and far less humid and susceptible to mold growth, especially in our closets.

The real potential for savings with a whole-house fan occurs when the air conditioner is turned off for days, weeks or months at a time (see table).

Keep in mind that even cooler night air in the Carolinas will carry moisture indoors, which can make your air conditioner work overtime and ultimately increase your energy bill. So, decide whether to use a whole-house fan or an air conditioner to cool your home for periods of time.

When using air conditioning: ■■ Leave exterior windows and doors

closed and latched all the time to keep the cool, dehumidified air inside.

■■ Remove or disable the whole-

house fan and properly air seal and insulate the hole in the ceiling.

Leaving the hole unsealed and uninsulated will result in higher than necessary winter heating bills.

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specialist to confirm that the fan does not cause any carbon monoxide to backdraft into your home from a gas- or oil-powered water heater, furnace or dryer.

Carbon monoxide can cause persistent headaches, vomiting or flu-like symptoms and can even be deadly.

■■ When the outside temperature and

humidity drop every evening or morning, open a few windows, close the fireplace damper and turn on the fan. The size of the fan and your house will determine how long the fan needs to run to fill the house with cool outside air.

■■ During the day, close and latch

windows and doors to keep cool air inside.

■■ Winterize the fan by disabling

and insulating it so you aren’t unwittingly spending money to keep attic pests warm in the winter.

One solution is to construct an insulated box to sit over the fan unit. Some fans include insulated motorized doors that close when the fan is not in use.

Deciding between comfort, saving money and your love of the outdoors is a balancing act. Once the whole-house fan is turned off at night, open windows allow us to fall asleep to croaking frogs and hooting owls and wake to birdsong, but there is much to appreciate about the luxury of air conditioning.

For more information, visit bit.ly/gba-housefan.

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

26 | carolinacountry.com

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6/10/19 2:40 PM

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6/10/19 11:50 AM

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

THE N I N WOME G N I R O N HO

“Women have served alongside men to gain and preserve liberty, from the American Revolution to today’s Global War on Terror,” says retired Army Major General Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the Women in Service for America Memorial Foundation.

The foundation aims to bridge the gap in the public’s understanding of women’s military service.

You can help! Learn about women in military history and share their stories, like Deborah Sampson, who in 1782 disguised herself as a man to become the first woman known to enlist as a soldier in the Continental Army.

If you’re visiting Washington, D.C., plan to see the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, the only memorial dedicated to honoring

the women who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Also, military women, past and present, can register their service with the Women’s Memorial and become part of the world’s largest register of U.S. servicewomen and women veterans. By sharing your story, future generations will come to know the valuable contributions of America’s military women. Visit womensmemorial.org/register-now to register and learn more.

—Statepoint

A Refreshing (and Patriotic!) Summer Snack

T

here’s no time like a hot summer picnic to let your patriotic spirit show. This all-American snack featuring a classic favorite fruit — watermelon — is the perfect solution for a Fourth of July celebration.

Watermelon, at 92 percent water, is a great way to get in some extra hydration on a hot summer day. Serving watermelon at a party or picnic can be as simple as slicing wedges, or you can find more inventive recipes, including a patriotic flag kebab cake, at watermelon.org.

Red, White and Blue Watermelon Parfait 1 cup blueberries 1 (6-ounce) container Greek yogurt (vanilla, lemon or coconut) 1 cup diced watermelon Whipped cream, for topping Yield: 2–3 servings

In small glasses, layer blueberries, yogurt and watermelon.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with pieces of diced watermelon.

Note: To make ahead or make thicker, drain Greek yogurt on paper towels.

28 | carolinacountry.com

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6/11/19 1:25 PM

NASA Apollo Archive

The words “veteran,” “military” and “soldier” usually evoke images of men. Many people are not aware that some 3 million women are currently serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces beginning with the American Revolution. Their stories are largely unknown.

RY A T I MIL

That the Apollo Astronauts Trained in NC? Houghto n Mifflin

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first two people to set foot on the moon.

But before touching down in the lunar lander, the astronauts —a long with nearly every astronaut in the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programs —s tudied the stars at the Morehead Planetarium at UNC‑Chapel Hill (moreheadplanetarium.org). Between 1959 and 1975 (when computer navigation became more reliable), astronauts used specially-built equipment to simulate navigating space using the stars as their guide.

This celestial know-how saved lives more than once: on at least three missions, electrical failures knocked navigational equipment offline, leaving astronauts looking to the heavens for guidance.

Space Mania!

During 2019, museums throughout NC are celebrating 50 years of space and lunar explorations, including the July 20 “One Giant Leap Festival” at the NC Museum of History in Raleigh, where hands-on crafts and demonstrations bring the excitement of space down to earth. Visit ncsciencefestival.org/liftoffnc for a list of upcoming events.

NC HISTORY

The Snyder Slugger: An American Tradition It’s hard to beat a good old-fashioned trip to the ballpark where you can enjoy the thrill of a ballgame while feasting on hot dogs, popcorn and soda. One North Carolina family — the Snyders from the West Davidson area near Lexington — made a unique mark on this all-American pastime.

The Curran Snyder family was a notable and distinguished family from Reeds Crossroads. A love of baseball along with carpentry skills led two of the Snyder boys, Earley and McRay (Ray), to establish the Snyder Bat Company of Reeds Crossroads in March 1922.

Their business produced yo-yos and bats, described by Donald Snyder (Ray’s grandson) as made of

superior construction and turned from the most beautiful ash procurable, obtained by horse and wagon near the Yadkin River area.

The labor-intensive tradition continued for several years, and the company received many contracts with big-league teams. Rumor has it North Carolina baseball legend Johnny Temple started his career using a Snyder bat.

Sadly, as time passed, the bat-making era of the Snyder family history came to an end.

The company closed, and their small brickand-mortar business fell by the wayside.

But keep an eye out for Snyder bats and yo-yos —the Snyder legacy lives on with each one found and preserved.

—Mary Ann Helmstetler

Harcour t Publish ing Com pany

Y

DO YOU KNOW…

A GOOD READ

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure In this empowering picture book with a STEM focus, Charlotte, a budding bunny scientist, is determined to use the scientific method to cure a mysterious malady sweeping the forest.

In “Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure,” the animals of the forest — including Charlotte’s Grandpa — are all getting sick, and no one can figure out why.

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and help her friends and family, Charlotte dives into some serious medical science. But when the doctors and other scientists don’t take her work seriously, she ignores the doubters and confidently finds a cure to the mysterious malady affecting the forest.

This is the newest and second book about Charlotte the bunny scientist from Chapel Hill-based author Camille Andros. The author’s first, “Charlotte the Scientist is Squished,” was her picture book debut. Published

by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Hardcover, 40 pages, $17.99.

Ha ve a lau gh!

CC07-EB.indd 29

Mary Ann Helmstetler

dson Snyder, the gran Donald McRay with a s se po , er yd Sn of the late Ray Slugger. vintage Snyder

Q: What do you call a pile of cats?

A: A meow-tain!

July 2019 | 29

6/11/19 1:37 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

North Carolina zip codes turn up silver for residents Sealed Vault Bags full of heavy silver bars are actually being handed over to the first North Carolina residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 7 day order deadline ends to claim the bags full of valuable silver NATIONWIDE – Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.

That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with a small fortune of .999 pure Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the 7-day order deadline.

“It’s like a modern day Gold Rush. North Carolina residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on for the next 7 days.

This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Federated Mint dropped 42%, going from $50 per bar to just $29 making these Silver Vault Bags a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

“As executive advisor to the private Federated Mint, I get paid to deliver breaking news.

And here’s the best part.

This is great news for North Carolina residents because it’s the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint,” said Withrow.

The only thing residents need to do is find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they need to immediately call the National Silver Hotline before the 7-day order deadline ends.

Residents who do are cashing in on the record low State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. This is a real steal for residents because each Silver Vault Bag loaded with 10 North Carolina State Silver Bars is normally set at $500 which is the standard $50 per heavy half ounce bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. But here’s the good news. Residents who call today get the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each North Carolina Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at; 1-866-874-7770 EXT. FMM1791 before the deadline ends.

Phone lines open at precise-

l a e d t i M r c t i

t s f 2 S g e s S i e c d e t h

c S p t 7 f N B S F b

c c b r f z p a H

■ NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS CASH IN: It’s like a modern day Gold Rush. Everyone’s scrambling to get their hands on the heavy, Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before they’re all gone. That’s because residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the lowest ever State Minimum price set for the next 7 days by the Federated Mint.

Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the U.S. zip codes that get the Silver Vault Bags.

If you find the first 3 digits of your zip code immediately call: 1-866-874-7770 EXT. FMM1791 270 271 272 273

274 275 276 277

278 279 280 281

282 283 284 285

286 287 288 289

(Continued on next page)

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(

6/10/19 11:50 AM

■ E S w S g S F g $

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

ly 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded by North Carolina residents looking to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint to date. That’s why area residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call immediately.

Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop dealers and collectors from hoarding all the new 2019 Edition North Carolina State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Federated Mint had to set a strict limit of three Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags per resident – these are the bags everyone’s trying to get because they contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. E ver yone who gets these will feel like they just hit the jackpot.

“Residents who want to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint better hurry. That’s because in 7 days, the State Minimum for these heav y half ounce North Carolina State Silver Bars returns to the normal State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of $50 per bar,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents lucky enough to find the first 3 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to immediately call the National Silver Hotline," Withrow said. ■

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then immediately call: 1-866-874-7770 EXT. FMM1791 I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the lowest State Minimum ever set by the Federated Mint. In fact, tens of thousands of residents are expected to order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint has been slashed from $50 per heavy half ounce to just $29 for the next 7 days. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 valuable State Silver Bars for just $290 nearly everyone is taking at least three bags before they’re all gone. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes back up to $500 per Vault Bag. So if lines are busy keep trying.

How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are highly collectible, but those who get in on this now will be the really smart ones. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes back up to $500 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $290 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.

Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $29 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or the heavy, Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag(s) get the $29 per bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the 7-day deadline and all non-state residents must pay the standard $50 per heavy half ounce Bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint.

Why is the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint. Now all residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag is normally set at $500 which is the standard $50 per bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint, but residents who beat the 7-day deadline only cover the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-866-874-7770 EXT. FMM1791. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M.

FRONT VIEW

BACK VIEW INDEPENDENCE: 1776 signifies the year America declared independence proclaiming inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SIGNIFICANT: Numbered in the order of which the state ratified the Constitution and was admitted into the Union.

HISTORIC 13 STARS: Each star represents one of the original 13 Colonies arranged in a circle to symbolize the perpetuity of the union as depicted in the “Betsy Ross” flag.

■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOTTOM: Everyone’s scrambling to get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars before they are all gone. That’s because the standard State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint dropped 42%, going from $50 per bar to just $29, which is a real steal.

CC07-wk.indd 31

ONLY EXISTING: Silver bars struck with the double forged state proclamation.

LOWEST EVER: State minimum set by the Federated Mint drops to just $29.

VALUABLE: Solid .999 pure fine silver.

PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS ENGRAVING DETAIL OF SOLID HALF OUNCE STATE SILVER BARS

FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT 7600 SUPREME AVE. NW, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720 ©2019 FEDERATED MINT P7172A OF21277R-1

6/10/19 11:50 AM

NC Outdoors

A Pier is Reborn

Oak Island Pier is back open for business

By Mike Zlotnicki

The Star News

A couple of decades ago there were over 30 fishing piers on the coast of North Carolina offering ocean access to hordes of Tar Heel anglers. But human development and Mother Nature — in the form of devastating hurricanes — have reduced the number of piers to 17.

Thanks to some forward thinking by the Town of Oak Island, one stormravaged pier is being brought back to life. Originally built in 1955, the pier was rebuilt in 1972, again in 1992. The town purchased the pier in 2009 and had to rebuild it yet again when Hurricane Matthew severely damaged it in 2016.

The former Yaupon Pier is being rebuilt by Oak Island thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation and a grant of $300,000 from the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Fishing from the new structure will begin July 2 (see Carolina Compass, page 35, for information on Oak Island’s Beach Day event). The pier is already open The Star News

Oak Island Pier 705 Ocean Dr., Oak Island oakislandpier.com or 910-933-6161

for walking and will continue to allow walking visitors in for no charge. The Pier House is open with snacks and beverages, as is the Koko Cabana restaurant. An ice cream and coffee café is also on site.

Work to complete the pier will resume after the summer season.

The pier will have a new look, at 880 long and 27 feet above the waves below, with a T structure at the end — scheduled to be complete by July — for king mackerel anglers.

There is special fiberglass grating to allow waves to pass through and reduce pressure on the structure, as well as sections of rail that are lower, offering accessible fishing and spots to better see the ocean.

Popular local angler Capt. Jerry Dilsaver has been hired to oversee day-to-day operations. He emphasizes that the property is more than just a fishing pier.

“While the pier is the centerpiece for me as an angler, the pier complex has a restaurant, a coffee shop and an event center, called The 801 Center, available for rent,” Jerry says. “All of that, along with the beach itself, should offer something for everyone.”

Fishing the Pier The pier should serve anglers well.

Typical species to expect close to the beach are speckled trout, flounder, red drum, black drum, bluefish and

sea mullet (whiting) using cut bait or live bait, according to Jerry. Farther down the pier, bluefish and Spanish mackerel can be targeted with spoons and jigs. At the very end, anglers with specialized rigs will target king mackerel, cobia and the accidental tarpon. Being the closest pier to the Cape Fear River Inlet means that schools of baitfish will pull out on the falling tide, attracting predators like the blues, Spanish and kings.

Piers give everyone a chance to catch saltwater fish, and you can do it with freshwater tackle — with a caveat: Make sure you wash down your rods and reels thoroughly with fresh water after each use, or the saltwater will corrode the metal in short fashion.

Bass and catfish tackle is fine for the smaller species, just rinse it well and make sure water doesn’t pool inside the reel when storing. As for tackle, the pier house will be stocked with all of the pier-fishing essentials, and frozen bait will be available.

Try to use fresh shrimp, mullet or squid if you can, and don’t let it sit on the pier drying out. Keep it on ice. The pier will have a blanket fishing license covering all anglers fishing on it.

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.

32 | carolinacountry.com

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Carolina Compass

Todd Liberty Parade July 4, Todd

July Events MOUNTAINS Liberty Mountain Drama about the Revolution June 28–July 21, Kings Mountain 704-692-2897 libertymountaindrama.com

Todd Liberty Parade

Street Dances

Community Band Concert

July 4, Todd 828-263-6173 toddnc.org

Monday evenings July 8–Aug. 12, Hendersonville 800-828-4244 visithendersonvillenc.org

Patriotic music July 21, Maggie Valley 828-452-3522 haywoodcommunityband.org

Quilting Show

Charity Horse Show

Vendors, viewer voting July 12–13, Sparta 336-359-2111 alleghanyquiltersguild.com

July 23–28, July 31–Aug. 4, Blowing Rock 828-295-4700 brchs.org

Street to Studio

High Country Crank-Up

Graffiti-inspired art July 13–Aug. 18, Asheville 828-253-7651 grovewood.com

Antique engines, food July 25–27, Boone flywheelernc@yahoo.com

Wayne Henderson & Friends

July 26, Blowing Rock 828-295-7851 symphonybythelake.com

Mountain Heart Live Music on Main Series July 5, Sparta 336-372-5473 facebook.com/musiconmainsparta

America the Beautiful Patriotic concert July 3, Burnsville 828-682-7209 burnsvilletowncenter.com

July 4th Festival Parade, music July 6, Blowing Rock 828-295-5222 blowingrock.com

Grains Of Sand Outdoor Concert July 3, Franklin 866-273-4615 greatmountainmusic.com

Arts and Crafts Show July 6–7, Maggie Valley 828-926-1686 maggievalley.org

Summer Concert Series July 13, Todd 828-263-6173 toddnc.org

Symphony of the Mountains

carolinacountry.com/calendar

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

MOUNTAINS

77

PIEDMONT

Listing Deadlines: Submit Listings Online: For Sept.: July 25 For Oct.: Aug. 25

95

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

COAST

July 4th Festival Parade, music July 6, Blowing Rock

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Carolina Compass

Tour of Homes Transportation provided July 26, Blowing Rock 828-295-3217 stmaryofthehills.org/tour

The Tillers Summer Concert Series July 27, Todd 828-263-6173 toddnc.org

Classic Cars, Crafts, & Quilts July 27, Boone 828-264-7130 deerfieldumcboone.org

Scaly Mountain Summerfest Firetruck rides, BBQ July 27, Scaly Mountain 828-586-5057

PIEDMONT

Old Threshers Reunion Horse pull, Ferris wheel July 2–6, Denton

Full Circle Paintings, metal sculpture June 24–July 21, Hillsborough 919-732-5001 hillsboroughgallery.com

Carriage Tours

Independence Concert

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

July 1, Fayetteville 910-433-4690 fayettevillesymphony.org

Old Threshers Reunion Horse pull, Ferris wheel July 2–6, Denton 336-859-2755 dentonfarmpark.com

Antiques Festival July 2–6, Denton 336-859-4231 townofdenton.com

4th of July Celebration Music, parachute demos July 4, Fort Bragg 910-396-9126 bit.ly/2019-bragg4th

Our Carolina Sky Planetarium show July 5, Gastonia 704-866-6900 schielemuseum.org

Bring It! Live Dance battles July 6, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

Latin History for Morons Humorous look at heroes July 9, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

Rivermist After Five Series July 12, Fayetteville 910-323-1934 bit.ly/fb-rivermist2019

July 13, Fayetteville 910-223-1089 bit.ly/fb-fayetteville-tours July 13, Fayetteville 910-438-4100 crowncomplexnc.com

The Original Tams Concert Series July 17, Sanford sanfordartsandvine.com

COAST Watercolor Club Exhibit Through July 27, Hertford 410-746-5204 perquimansarts.org

Know Before You Go

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

The Mad Fiddler

NC Watermelon Festival

Sounds by the Sound Concert July 12, Cape Carteret 252-227-5459 bit.ly/fb-sounds-fiddler

Amusement rides, fireworks July 31–Aug. 3, Murfreesboro 252-398-7695 ncwatermelonfest.com

NC Watermelon Festival

Arts and Craft Guild Show

Contests, crafts, parade July 19–21, Fair Bluff ncwatermelonfestival.org

Hatteras Island artists, photographers July 31–Aug. 1, Buxton facebook.com/hiacguild

Battleship 101 Hands-on learning July 25, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

Beach Day Contests, inflatables July 1, Oak Island 910-457-5578 nc4thofjuly.com

NC 4th of July Festival Parade, classic cars July 1–4, Southport 910-457-5578 nc4thofjuly.com

Ocean City Jazz Festival July 4–7, North Topsail Beach 910-459-9263 oceancityjazzfest.com

Storytelling Festival Varied performances July 10–31, Morehead City 252-247-4660 carteret.cpclib.org

Strike at the Wind!

Drama about Indian boy July 11–13, Maxton gpac@uncp.edu

NC 4th of July Festival Parade, classic cars July 1–4, Southport

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CAROLINA COUNTRY

adventures

Ten Acre Garden Sunflower maze Bill Russ—VisitNC.com

BearWaters Brewing Co.

Cold Mountain

Southern Porch

A Revitalized Mill Town Canton is a mountain gem worth a stop off I-40

By Gordon Byrd | Photos by Haywood County Tourism Development Association unless otherwise indicated

The great Southern forest lies like a thick blanket across the mountaintops surrounding Canton, just west of Asheville. Clouds are born in the rising mist from its vernal surroundings and slowly amble along the I-40 corridor. The sun reaches over ridges to the sleepy town late in the morning, where it finds the streets awake with new, small boutiques opening their doors and the curious visitor strolling along.

“This ain’t just another paper town …” sings Buddy Melton from the band Balsam Range about Canton, portions of which are served by Haywood EMC. Canton is, indeed, more than the mill that came to town in the early 1900s, and its revitalization is attracting investors and tourists to the all-but-typical mountain retreat.

Restoring history One iconic destination is the Southern Porch Restaurant in the Imperial Hotel (southern-porch.com). Families play music trivia bingo during the weekdays, and musicians perform on the front porch of the retro-fitted restaurant.

At one point, the hotel and the paper mill were the only buildings in town with indoor plumbing and electrical lights. As time rolled on, additions to the building led to many of its original architectural features being removed or covered up. A storefront façade brought the walls out to the street, crowding out the sidewalk and essentially erasing the old building from view.

That is how Pat Smathers, the former mayor of Canton, found and bought the building with a few partners in the 1990s.

“That was cutting-edge architecture 60 or 70 years ago,” he jokes as he leisurely reclines on the Southern Porch’s open-air seating.

Smathers made it a mission to restore the hotel to its former glory.

After decades of decline, partly due to Interstate 40 routing traffic away from town, Canton was beginning to grow again. Today, the hotel’s open porch and recessed entrance welcomes pedestrian traffic from the street once more.

This is reminiscent of Canton’s distant past and looks forward to its future.

Hot spots As the downtown district of Canton and surrounding townships make a resurgence to welcome a new generation of families moving in, as well as a growing number of tourists visiting the mountains each year, establishments have evolved to serve a community in flux.

The historic Colonial Theatre (828-235-2760) hosts stage productions, weddings and film festivals.

Within walking distance of the downtown center and throwing distance from the Pigeon River, BearWaters Brewing

Co. (bearwatersbrewing.com) brings a lively and family friendly environment with river tubing trips, local food and pet-welcome spaces.

The great outdoors The area is rich with hiking options, from a casual stroll along the Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail, accessible from Canton Recreational Park (77 Penland Street, 828-646-3411), to strenuous, though epic, hikes in the nearby Shining Rock Wilderness Area.

Part of the Pisgah National Forest, the wilderness area is home to Cold Mountain, made famous by Charles Frazier’s novel of the same name (visitncsmokies.com/attractions/ cold-mountain-hike).

Ten Acre Garden (tenacregarden.com) is a century farm that hosts dinners and seasonal events, including a Sunflower Stroll in early July and a Sunflower Maze in early August.

Like the giant oaks in its surrounding woods, Canton reinvents itself as each new season rolls through the quiet valley. Visit cantonnc.com for the latest happenings in and around town.

Gordon Byrd is a veteran who works for UNC Pembroke. He tries to keep things interesting with a little homebuilding, some writing, triathlons and a lot of time with his family and church.

Upcoming Events July 4th Plus 1

Folkmalt

Canton Labor Day Festival

Music, food and fireworks July 5, Sorrells Street Park cantonnc.com/july-4th-plus-1

Part of Folkmoot; craft beer, food trucks and music July 26, Sorrells Street Park folkmoot.org/folkmalt

Food, parade, live music Sept. 1–2, Sorrells Street Park cantonlaborday.com

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January 2019

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Marketplace

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800-447-7436 | MORTONBUILDINGS.COM NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and D.C., who are 21 years of age or older who own land within the Morton Buildings service area (excludes all of Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington). Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 a.m. CT on July 15, 2019 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. CT on October 17, 2019. Void where prohibited. See official rules at www.MortonBuildingSweepstakes.com for details, including prize details. Sponsored by: Morton Buildings, Inc., Morton, IL. ©2019 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. Ref Code 082 John Deere, the Leaping Deer logo, Gator, and color combination of green body and yellow accents are registered trademarks of Deere & Company, Inc.

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Marketplace

Vacation Rental

For Sale

ATLANTIC BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDO, breathtaking view. 1/BD, 1½ /BA, $100.00. 816-931-3366.

FABRIC, $50 Call 828-496-2225 WALKER JOGGER $30, Call 828-496-2225

BEAUTIFUL OCEANFRONT RENTALS...Best Value in Indian Beach N.C. Each 2bdrm/1 bath & sleeper sofa includes all the comforts of home. Large oceanfront deck and private steps to the beach. On the sound side, pier, dock, shelter, playground, picnic benches, and boat ramp facility. Visit our website to view our beachfront rentals: www.oceanfrontvaluerentals.com or call 1-800-553-SURF (7873)

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.

160/DEGREES OCEAN VIEWS with Price of a Second Row House … HOLDEN BEACH, NC 4/BD, 2/BA, sleep/10. 2/covered decks open to ocean. Next: fishing pier, ice cream shop and general store. W/fireplace.

Rent the entire year, call: 800-720-2200 or .holden-beach.com/booking/shiloh-by-the-sea/240.

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Gold Maps

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

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, SALES & RENTALS. Durham 919-949-4007

Gift Card Sweepstakes Rules (Continued from page 3) NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. There are two ways to 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; (2) ALTERNATIVE ENTRY: An Entrant may also send a letter with their 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 July 31, 2019.

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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 “NCS7", 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 Kitchen

Summer Corn & Crab Salad With Honey-Citrus Dressing

Cut fresh off the cob, locally grown corn can be used in so many delicious ways. Enjoy this no-cook salad with some sweet NC crab. Exact measurements not necessary! Feel free to toss in any other fresh veggies you have on hand.

Dressing 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup oil 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Zest of 1 orange, lemon and lime ½ teaspoon white pepper Salad 4 cups fresh corn, cut from cob, about 6 ears 1 small red onion, cut into slivers 1 cup diced celery 1 red bell pepper, chopped Several radishes, chopped 1 cup chopped cilantro 8 ounces fresh crabmeat (or more if you like!)

Whisk all dressing ingredients and set aside.

Stir all ingredients together (except crab) with dressing. Gently fold in crab. Chill for at least an hour or two for flavors to meld.

Yield: 4 servings

Airborne corn Do your little niblets of corn go flying hither and yon when cutting off the cob? We have a simple solution. Grab your Bundt pan and put the tip of the cob into the center hole.

Then cut your corn right down into the cake pan.

Butterbean Hummus We do love our butterbeans here in NC. Did you know you can use those, or any of our tasty summer field peas, to make hummus? Just say no to canned garbanzo beans when gardens and farmers’ markets overflow with beans and peas.

(FYI, it’s the butter that makes this hummus extra creamy!)

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3 cups fresh or frozen butterbeans 2 cups chicken broth (or water) 6–8 cloves fresh garlic ½ cup loosely packed, chopped cilantro 1 cup toasted sesame seeds* 1 cup toasted pine nuts 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup olive oil or other if preferred

P

s

Cook butterbeans in broth until almost done, but still a bit firm and green.

Drain and cool.

Set aside a few nuts for garnish.

Put butterbeans into food processor bowl and add remaining ingredients.

Process on high, pausing to scrape down sides, until nice and creamy. Garnish with a drizzle of oil and a scattering of toasted pine nuts.

Serve at room temperature with crackers, celery sticks or your favorite dippers! Will keep up to a week in the refrigerator. *Note: Find the best buy on toasted sesame seeds at Asian grocers. You can also substitute store-bought tahini if a creamier hummus is preferred.

Yield: About 2 pints

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Mile-High Peanut Butter Pie

(8-ounce) package cream cheese cup powdered sugar cup peanut butter tablespoons milk (8-ounce) container whipped topping 9-inch homemade or store-bought graham cracker crust* Peanut butter chips (optional)

Summer Squash Spoonbread With Pimento Cheese

’Tis the season … for scores of squash! Our spoonbread pairs pimento cheese with squash to create an all-in-one, veggie-laden cheesy bread. Add a cool summer salad and serve alongside some grilled goodies on the porch, along with an icy glass of lemonade.

3 tablespoons butter 3 cups diced summer squash (We used yellow and zucchini.)

2 cups diced onion 1 cup boiling water

1¼ cups cornmeal mix 2/3 cup pimento cheese 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ¾ ½ 2 1 1

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy.

Add peanut butter and milk. Beat until creamy.

Fold in whipped topping.

Pour into pie crust and serve immediately or chill overnight.

Garnish with peanut butter chips.

Recipe courtesy of Brenda Rudy of Calabash, a member of Brunswick Electric

Preheat oven to 400.

Place an 8" x 8" casserole dish or a 10" skillet in oven to warm as oven heats.

Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash and onion and sauté about four minutes until slightly tender. Remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, pour boiling water over cornmeal mix and stir until the consistency of wet mush. Mix in remaining ingredients. Fold in squash and onion.

Remove heated baking dish and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into dish and bake 25–30 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm with a pat of butter.

*Note: Make your own graham cracker crust by crushing one packet of graham crackers (about 10 rectangular crackers) in a zippered bag until fine.

Combine with 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/3 cup of sugar, then press evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes. Cool.

Yield: 4–6 servings

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.

carolinacountry.com/recipes We take food seriously. Search more than 800 recipes by name or ingredient, with a new recipe featured every week!

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

Send Us Your Recipes

July 2019 | 41

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C

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by July 6, 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 August issue, will receive $25.

June winner

The June “Where Is This” photo by Cari and Abi Leffew features a metallic sea turtle sculpture located at the intersection of East and West Main Streets near the pier at Sunset Beach, Brunswick County. The garden and sculpture situated at the public beach access walkway is dedicated to Carmel Zetts, a devoted volunteer and coordinator of the Sunset Beach Sea Turtle Watch Program, which she founded. Carmel, known as the “Turtle Lady,” and other volunteers have walked the beach every morning for more than 20 years to pick up trash and to watch for loggerhead sea turtle egg nests that need protection, reports reader Althea Gregson. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Lisa Ashebrook of Cary, a Brunswick Electric member.

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

JULY’S FEATURED TRACK

“Out In The Open”

MUSIC

By Steep Canyon Rangers Vocalist Graham Sharp sings of being free after shedding the chains of living a lie in this romping title track, one of 12 songs that blends bluegrass with pop, folk and jazz influences while retaining a traditional sound. Cut live, there were no overdubs on the Steep Canyon Rangers’ latest album, just nimble band members pickin,’ strumming’ and singin.’

Other great tracks on this western NC-based band’s CD include the country boogie “The Speed We’re Traveling,” the sparsely arranged “Going Midwest” and the restless “Let Me Out Of This Town.”

Sandlin Gaither

carolinacountry.com/music

A

Learn more about Steep Canyon Rangers and listen to this featured track, as well as others from NC musicians..

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The Jitterbug Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with dependable nationwide coverage. Friendly customer service representatives will help figure out which phone plan is best for you, and with no contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number. Ask about our great new rate plans, now with more minutes!

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Powered by the nation’s largest and most dependable wireless network.

NO CONTRACTS No cancellation fees

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Buy now and get a FREE Car Charger, a $25 value!

To order or learn more, call

1-866-405-4007 or visit greatcall.com/Flip

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Why the Jitterbug Flip is your best choice for a new cell phone: No contracts to sign, ever

Keep your current phone number

Free U.S.-based customer service

No hidden monthly fees

Brain Games powered

by Posit Science®

Available at: *Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and a one-time setup fee of $35. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. Jitterbug, GreatCall, and 5Star are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Copyright ©2019 GreatCall, Inc.

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freedom with

Keep your budget on track and make life easier with FlexPay!

Pay as you go With FlexPay, you select the payment and schedule that works for you, whether it’s daily, weekly or monthly. Purchase electricity when you want, in the amount that fits your budget.

With FlexPay, you’re in control! If your account balance runs low, simply make a payment to recharge your account.

You can be alerted of your balance by your choice of text, email or phone message.

Save energy and money Some FlexPay participants use up to 15 percent less electricity as they become more aware of their energy use. These savings add up over time.

• No deposits • No extra charges or fees* • No monthly bills • No problem * A basic facilities charge applies to all electric accounts.

Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/FlexPay Blue Ridge-0719 Wrap.indd 3

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$

Pay your bill Call, chat, or email us Receive notifications

Save time and make your life easier.

Download the “Blue Ridge Mobile App” for FREE today on your smartphone or tablet.

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