2019-08-BRE

August 2019

Blue Ridge Energy has been able to manage power costs and keep rates stable for 2019. Members will enjoy even more money in their pockets with significant refunds coming on November and December bills!

PERIODICAL

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Imagine living without electricity.

Until recently, that was a reality for 120 people in the remote village of Laphía, Bolivia, a small, rural community nestled high in the Eastern Andes Mountains.

Blue Ridge Energy line technicians Eddie Stephens and Jerry Gregg were part of a volunteer team of 13 electric lineworkers from seven North Carolina cooperatives who found out.

They helped build a system to connect the rural village to the power grid through the Brighter World International Electrification Initiative, a joint effort of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and the NRECA International Foundation.

More than one billion people live without ele ctric power around the world, according to the International Energy Ag ency, and only 66 percent of rural Bolivi ans had access to electr icity as of 2016.

Laphía residents grow mostly potatoes and flowers.

While many live in modest homes of adobe brick and thatch roofs, none had access to food refrigeration or outlets for electric devices to take care of household chores or even power for the community school.

Now, they do.

The effort reflects a core principle of Blue Ridge and other electric cooperatives — to improve the lives of others. That’s what real power is all about.

Lights in the local school were a cause for celebration. As crew leader for the team, Stephens had the honor of flipping the switch to power the building for the first time.

Blue Ridge Energy line technicians Eddie Stephens (L) of Watauga district and Jerry Gregg (R) of Caldwell district were part of the volunteer team.

Watch the story come to life at BlueRidgeEnergy.com!

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August 2019

Building a

Brighter

World

Page 10

NC law supports rural broadband page 6

How to read hurricane data page 22

Published by

PERIODICAL

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Volume 51, No. 8

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Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 21 Energy Sense 26 NC Outdoors 28 Carolina Compass 30 Marketplace 31 Classifieds 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Featured Photo

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Building a Brighter World Volunteer linemen bring electricity to Bolivia.

Hone Your Storm Smarts

Hurricane tracking data can help you be prepared.

A ‘Perfect Daddy,’ Gone Too Soon And other things you remember.

On the Cover (Left to right) Lineworkers Jamie Elliott, Roanoke Electric, and Steve Preslar and Jody Keane, Pee Dee Electric, work to bring electricity to the Bolivian village of Laphía. Read about the project throughout this issue. Photo by Studio 1441.

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Viewpoints

Changing Lives, a World Away

By Eddie Stephens

D

riving up the mountain into the small Bolivian village of Laphía, it hit me: This job would be different from what I was used to back home. I was a part of a small group that went on a planning trip to the area in the fall of 2018, ahead of the 13-member crew of electric cooperative volunteers that would later fly down from North Carolina in the spring.

As we drove through rugged landscape surrounding the community, staking out the best locations for what would be five miles of poles and wires, it became clear that it would be tough work. And one particular hurdle stood out in my mind: a 2,100-foot‑wide gorge — that’s as far across as nearly 6 football fields — that we would somehow have to span with two lengths of wire.

But our crew was up to the challenge. Over the course of two weeks in April, we got up early each

morning, went over the plans for the day, and got to it. Although we came from different electric co-ops from different parts of the state, we clicked as a team and worked as a family. That’s just how co-ops operate. Our mission, whether at home or in the mountains of Bolivia, is to work together to improve the lives of others.

Although the mission and the work were familiar, our ultimate goal was something we all take for granted here in the United States, in this day and age: We were bringing power to people who had never before had it at home. Power would mean access to basic conveniences like stoves and small appliances to help with housework. At the schoolhouse, even the simplest convenience — electric lights — would make a world of difference in how the children learn.

What we didn’t plan for was how much the villagers themselves would

Stephens, wearing traditional garb during a celebration of the project's completion, prepares to throw a breaker switch to energize the new lines.

help in our efforts. They took an immediate interest in our work and came together to help in whatever way they could. They dug holes for poles and anchors. They pulled wire by hand, which had to be rolled out from heavy spools, up to insulators on newly set poles and then pulled through and on to the next pole.

That 2,100-foot gorge I mentioned?

The villagers were the ones who made spanning it possible. Twelve men, most in flip-flops and sandals, took the ends of two wires and walked them down into that gorge, up to the other side. It took them an hour and a half of hard work, but they did it.

When the lights came on, and I saw the look of gratitude on the villagers’ faces and how excited the children were, I knew what we had done would change their lives forever. I could see how the community could grow from here. With power comes more incentive for young people to stay as they grow older. More homes will be built. They will use equipment to make their work easier. They will likely get better access to medical care.

I am proud to have served with my fellow lineworkers on this project. I know that we will never experience anything like it again in our lifetimes.

It gives us better perspective on what we have here at home, and it shows how by coming together and working as a family, electric co-ops can achieve great things. That’s just how we operate.

Eddie Stephens is a Watauga District line crew leader for Lenoir-based Blue Ridge Energy. He served as crew leader for the 2019 Brighter World Initiative project in Bolivia.

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Viewpoints

THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:

Empowering Laphía We have been providing updates on North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ volunteer trip to Bolivia for several months, and in this issue we’re pleased to report on the successful project. The team of 13 co-op volunteers did amazing work. Read more about it starting on page 10.

—Scott Gates, editor

Bilingual Reader At the end of 2004 as I was preparing to retire, I wondered how I could help my busy friend, Maria, with her English. At work we had practiced English during our breaks and at lunch.

She wanted to learn so badly, and she worked so diligently that it would sometimes make her throat hurt.

Often she would say, “Miss Helen, my throat is sore,” but she always kept trying to pronounce words such as cotton, pretty, construction and bird. I am so proud of her and very proud to call her my friend.

She continues to call me at least once a week, and we practice reading Carolina Country over the phone. I just wanted to let you know how much Carolina Country has helped Maria.

Helen Rudisill, Bessemer City, A member of Rutherford EMC

Can’t Trick Dad The “Mighty Fine Watermelons” article

by Wendy Perry (June 2019, page 28) reminded me of a summer trip long ago.

Growing up, my grandparents had a cottage on Bogue Sound off of Highway 24, so traveling on Highway 70 from Raleigh to Atlantic Beach was a familiar route to me.

After convincing my parents to let me make the beach trip, my dad had only one request, that I would bring him back a Bogue Sound watermelon.

At about the halfway point on my trip back home, I remembered my father’s request. So somewhere between Kinston and Goldsboro I purchased the nicest watermelon I could find.

A few days later, eager with anticipation, my dad cut into that watermelon, took the first bite, looked at me and said, “This is NOT a Bogue Sound Watermelon.”

I learned you can’t trick taste buds or my father.

Justin Talton, Deep Gap, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Miss Helen (left) with Maria

Correction to our July issue A photo caption in “Saving the Fish House” (Page 15) should have named Morty Gaskill, not “Monty.” Sorry about that, Morty.

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

(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.

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.

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

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.

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

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More Power

Broadband Bill Opens Up Options for Electric Co-ops Hurdles removed for connecting rural areas Rural North Carolinians, including many served by electric cooperatives, often lack access to high-speed internet service at home. State lawmakers recognize this as a complicated problem that will not be solved unless barriers to deploying high-speed internet (also known as “broadband”) in rural communities are identified and removed.

Earlier this year, with help from NC electric co-ops, the General Assembly assessed legal hurdles that were preventing most electric co-ops from even exploring a potential role in rural broadband deployment.

Lawmakers then quickly introduced and passed the “Electric Co-op Rural Broadband Services” bill. On May 30, Governor Roy Cooper signed the bill into law.

“The new law will by no means solve the complicated rural broadband problem, but it does open up options for electric co-ops that are assessing the needs of their communities and may be considering ways to facilitate broadband deployment through partnerships in unserved and underserved areas,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We now have more flexibility to utilize suitable co-op broadband infrastructure to not only deliver innovative energy solutions, but also provide access to

economic development, education and healthcare opportunities critical for rural prosperity and improved quality of life.”

The new North Carolina law makes the following changes: ■■ Allows electric co-ops to access

federal funds, including USDA Rural Broadband funding;

■■ Provides greater flexibility to

electric co-ops when structuring partnership/lease terms with broadband partners and subsidiaries;

■■ Clarifies that it is permissible to

use existing electric co-op fiber deployed primarily for electrical purposes for the secondary purpose of providing broadband services; and

■■ Limits electric co-ops’ liability

when they make dual-use of their fiber to provide broadband services.

Electric co-ops will still need to conduct careful analysis when

evaluating the cost feasibility of broadband deployment, and it is expected that interested co-ops will consider forming partnerships to enable deployment. In March, for example, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives announced a partnership with RiverStreet Networks, an established internet service provider. The partnership will execute several demonstration projects that could become models for providing broadband services using electric co-op fiber networks.

North Carolina is not the only state to enact a law to address the rural broadband problem. Other states, including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee, have passed similar legislation that facilitates the deployment of rural broadband by electric co-ops.

For the full text of the NC bill, search for “S310” at ncleg.gov.

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Co-ops Explore Ways to ‘Electrify NC’ John Deere

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eaders from electric cooperatives across the state recently met in Raleigh at the Electrify NC summit, where they learned about ways electricity can be used to improve efficiencies in applications typically powered by fossil fuels — also known as beneficial electrification (BE).

Through presentations from co-op peers and industry experts, the message was clear: New technology is creating more opportunities to electrify end-use applications and processes, bringing with it new ways for utilities to save consumers money, improve grid flexibility and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Sessions throughout the day-long event included panel discussions on:

John Deere is developing a driverless “GridCON” tractor, powered by a self-spooling electric cable —o ne example of technology creating new ways to use electricity.

■■ The promise and potential of BE; ■■ Technologies that are making BE more feasible; ■■ The importance of grid flexibility in BE; ■■ Public policy and BE adoption; and ■■ Opportunities for BE in NC agribusiness.

Specific initiatives at electric co-ops around the state were a part of the discussions, including an NC farm energy audit program through EnSave (contact your electric co-op for more information), grid optimizations efforts,

microgrid applications and the development of a statewide electric vehicle charging network.

“Right now is a time of change. It’s a time of transformation. It’s a time when technology is advancing, and members and communities are expecting more and more from their electric cooperatives,” said Roanoke Electric CEO Curtis Wynn in closing remarks at the conference. “I’m really encouraged by the progress overall. From what I’ve heard today, this ship is moving, and we’re onboard.”

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More Power

Karis Dean

Piedmont Electric Member to Represent NC The group at the World War II memorial

Youth Tour 2019 Scrapbook This summer, 45 students representing 24 of North Carolina’s electric co-ops traveled to Washington, D.C., on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour — the 52nd year NC co-ops have sponsored such a trip.

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC05) met with Youth Tour participants from her distr ict and invited them to join her in casting a vote on the House floor.

(L to R) Paloma Garcia, Surry-Yadkin EMC; Zoe Schell, Blue Ridge Energy; Rep. Virginia Foxx ; Hope Gambill, Blue Ridge Energy; Molly Kirkland, Blue Ridge Energy

Karis Dean, a 2019 youth tour participant sponsored

by Piedmont Electric, was selected by fellow Youth Tourists to represent our state on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council (YLC). One student from each state is selected to participate in a national leadership workshop and attend the 2020 NRECA Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Karis is a 2019 graduate from Chapel Hill High School with plans to attend NC State University this fall to study international business, international relations and Spanish. When she’s not scooping up national champion jump roping titles, she’s mentoring students in the classroom and out on the jump rope court.

Posing before a cruise on the Potomac River aboard the Spirit of Washington

Macy McDaniel, spon sored by Rutherford EMC, board s the bus before it leaves Raleigh for Wa shington, D.C.

Visit ncelectriccooperatives.com/youth-tour for more information about the program.

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Building a

Brighter

World

Volunteer linemen bring electricity to Bolivia

By Lindsey Listrom Photos by Studio 1441

Against a perfect blue sky, linemen work atop a line of power poles on a grassy mountainside in central Bolivia. Shiny new wire is being pulled up between the poles, gleaming in the sunshine.

The lineman are volunteers who have traveled 3,700 miles from their families in North Carolina. Their mission: to connect the rural village of Laphía to electricity for the first time. Because of their efforts through the Brighter World Initiative in the spring of 2019, the 120 residents of Laphía now have power for their homes and school, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

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Here to bring power

“Our goal is to bring power to the people of Laphía and to make a difference for their future,” says Eddie Stephens of Blue Ridge Energy in Lenoir, crew leader for the project.

The project is a collaborative effort of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, and one of many global projects coordinated by NRECA International. A pioneer and leader in global rural electrification, NRECA International has brought electricity to more than 160 million people in 44 developing countries since it was founded by America’s electric cooperatives in 1962.

“The mission of cooperatives is to make life better for others, and we’ve done that in North Carolina and and beyond,” says Alan Merck, chief operating officer of Blue Ridge Energy. “There are so many people in other countries who still do not have electricity — something that we take for granted, day in and day out.”

“The people of Laphía are hardworking and determined, and they have a good life, but this is going to help them a lot.”

A world of benefits

According to the International Energy Agency, more than one billion people live without electric power around the world. Only 66 percent of rural Bolivians had access to electricity as of 2016.

“It’s hard to believe that there are people out in the world that don’t have power,” says Tommy Brock, a volunteer from Surry-Yadkin EMC in Dobson. “They need it, and they don’t have it.”

Laphía is accessible only by a narrow, winding gravel road deep in the El Tunari mountain range. The bustling city of Cochabamba is visible in the valley below Laphía, but the community’s remote location and rugged terrain had previously made access to electricity inconceivable.

Benjamin Vargas, the leader of Laphía, says the village will grow because of the many benefits electricity brings.

“Our children will be able to write and do their homework with light,” Benjamin says, in Spanish. “Other types of work will now be easier to perform using the proper machinery. Before electricity, we didn’t have that option. It will also give our children a way to improve their education and better themselves.”

Thin air, steep terrain

The job of a linemen is physically demanding, no matter where the work takes place. In Laphía, work was at an elevation of 11,600 feet, and the thin air made climbing poles, lifting heavy transformers and equipment, and dragging wire over steep terrain even more difficult. With no power nor bucket trucks available, all of the work was done by hand.

“The terrain was tough, but we worked through it,” says volunteer Russ Flythe of Roanoke Electric in Aulander.

“That’s what we do as linemen. We work through things.”

BRAZIL PERU Cochabamba BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY CHILE

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Don’t miss a video showing volunteer linemen at work alongside the people of Laphía, running powerlines through rugged, breathtaking terrain.

3

Tommy Brock, Surry-Yadkin EMC, works on a pole near Laphía.

The rising power lines were a welcome addition among the small, adobe-brick homes and pastures of flowers, potatoes and onions, the primary produce of the agricultural community.

In the village, word had traveled fast that the volunteers were coming, and excitement over the prospect of electricity was high.

“The locals really wanted power,” Russ says. “They were standing on top of the hill every morning, and as soon as we parked, they were here trying to figure out what they can do next to help.”

They helped however they could — by pulling wire, digging holes for poles and anchors, raising poles by hand and learning how to assemble the power line infrastructure.

For the linemen, the most daunting challenge of the project was crossing a 2,100-foot ravine. To connect the village to the power grid, two spans of wire would need to stretch between two H-shaped wooden structures anchored to each side. The terrain was so rugged, overgrown and steep that there was no clear path across.

On the second day of work, locals met the volunteers at the far side of the ravine. They grabbed the wire and started down the hill, threading back and forth out of sight, calling “pull!” to each other in Spanish. They emerged at the top of the other side in a field of pea plants, where more volunteers were waiting to connect the spans.

The biggest challenge of the project was finished.

Grateful and happy

Over the next two weeks, crews constructed more than five miles of power lines, and in the final days of the project, volunteers wired the school for lights.

To celebrate the moment those lights came on, community members, local leaders and volunteers gathered at the school. Volunteers shared gifts of school supplies, books and soccer balls with the children. Villagers presented the volunteers and translators from NRECA International with brightly colored, traditional ponchos and hats. When crew leader Eddie Stephens flipped the breaker, cheers, applause and fireworks rang out as the light bulbs illuminated.

“We didn’t have something so basic as power,” Benjamin says. “Our whole village feels very grateful and happy. We never thought something like this could be possible.”

Making life better

Volunteers agreed the experience was one they won’t forget.

“Seeing their way of life, the difference between what they have and what we have, really left an impression on me,” explains volunteer Sammy Clark of EdgecombeMartin County EMC in Tarboro. “It makes you grateful for what you have.”

Jody Keane of Wadesboro-based Pee Dee Electric says he’ll most remember the expressions of “excitement and joy” on the faces of the villagers when lights came on, and knowing it will change their lives.

Continued on page 14.

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Eric Sawyers, volunteer from SurryYadkin EMC, says the people, and especially the children, impacted him the most. “They just smiled when we were there,” he remembers. “All the people seem like they really appreciate what we’re doing.”

And for Eddie Stephens, the dedication of the crew stands out. “The men wanted to see this project through, and they worked hard. They are from different co-ops, but they worked as one cooperative family.”

Eddie also notes the impact on the villagers — that children can now study past dark and use a computer at school, and families will be able to access the advantages and economic opportunities of having electricity.

“The people of Laphía are hardworking and determined, and they have a good life,” Eddie says, “but this is going to help them a lot.”

Alan Merck says projects like the Brighter World Initiative connect back to why cooperatives were formed in the first place: to make life better.

“These linemen run wire every day, but what they did for this village is more than running wires,” Alan says.

“They built relationships, and they have improved the lives of folks a quarter of the way around the world.

Their lives have changed as much as the people they have helped.”

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

The team was given traditional garb during an inauguration ceremony upon the project’s completion.

“The mission of cooperatives is to make life better for others”

Derek Avery, South River EMC, shows off a new light bulb outside the school.

(Left to right) Derek Avery, Tim Williams, Russ Flythe, Tommy Brock, Eddie Stephens, Jamie Elliott, Jerry Gregg, Tim Williamson, Dennis Kidd, Eric Sawyers, Sammy Clark, Steve Preslar and Jody Keane

14 | carolinacountry.com

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Drive electric.

From the everyday to the far away, we’re powering your next adventure.

See how your local electric co-op is bringing you the many benefits of driving electric at NCDriveElectric.com.

Powering and empowering the people and communities we serve.

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7/11/19 4:39 4:41 PM

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY

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August 2019 Did you know...member participation in the Beat The Peak program has helped save almost $450,000 in wholesale power cost! Join the movement today.

Visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BTP to learn more.

Why Beat The Peak?

Looking for an easy way to keep costs down for yourself and all members? Blue Ridge Energy’s Beat The Peak program is for you!

Participating is simple and voluntary! Sign up to receive the alert of your choice — text, email or phone call — to let you know when a peak will occur.

Then, take action to help “beat the peak” by shifting some of your electricity consumpSuggested Beat The Peak actions: tion outside of peak hours.

• Raise your thermostat as high as comfortable in summer • Shift times to wash/dry clothes and dishes • Delay tasks requiring hot water • Turn off unnecessary lights • Grill outside or use the microwave

Peaks occur when a majority of people are using the most electricity in a short amount of time and power producers must generate enough electricity to meet that demand. In our area, this is usually between 2-7 p.m. on the hottest days of summer.

If members voluntarily reduce their electricity usage during peak demand times, it can make a big difference in controlling expensive wholesale power cost to keep rates — and bills — low. It can even help delay the need to build power plants!

Sign up today by texting BTP to 70216 or at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BTP.

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From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

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Member involvement Since adding convenient mail and internet voting options for director elections, thousands of members are making their voices heard each year.

You tell us you like these easy ways to participate in the important cooperative business of voting for your Board of Directors. Members were informed of the process and how to be involved in prior newsletters and at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

The Board of Directors are members just like you. They live in local communities and work hard to ensure the cooperative is operated in the best interests of member-owners.

Board members devote significant time and effort in training and education to equip them for setting sound policy, rates and strategic direction for the cooperative’s membership. Their most important responsibility is assuring that the cooperative meets your needs for reliable, affordable electricity and energy products delivered with superior member care.

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The cross-section of backgrounds, skills and knowledge encompassed by your Board of Directors helps provide strong leadership to benefit you as members. Your Board is on a continuous course of training and learning to stay updated in a transforming industry. Each director works to achieve their credentials and Board leadership certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. These curriculums, along with training by national and state associations, equip your Board with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to effectively guide the cooperative.

I want to thank the members who voted this year and elected four directors to three-year terms, including a new director for the Ashe district to replace retiring director Bradley McNeill. Welcome to James Young as he begins his new role!

Member participation in electing your Board of Directors is one of the seven cooperative principles and one of the many benefits of membership in an electric cooperative!

Board Update More than 6,100 members voted in this year’s director elections, thanks to convenient options of voting by mail or internet. Members could also vote during the Annual Meeting which was held Thursday, June 27, at the cooperative’s corporate office in Lenoir. Video updates are online at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

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Directors elected to serve three-year terms were: Jeff Joines, Caldwell district; James Burl (J.B.) Lawrence, Watauga district; James Young, Ashe district; and Bryan Edwards, Alleghany district.

The following Board members were also elected as officers at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting in June: Jeff Joines, president; David Eggers, vice president; Joy Coffey, secretary-treasurer; and Johnny Wishon, assistant secretary-treasurer.

MEMBERSHIP matters

7/10/19 2:06 PM

M

Attention Nest owners! Don't delay — space is limited!

Announcing Rush Hour Rewards

If you’re a Nest smart thermostat owner or thinking about purchasing one, you can receive a $50 credit on your electric bill when you join the Rush Hour Rewards program! Blue Ridge Energy is now participating in this program offered by the manufacturer.

When you sign up, it allows us to remotely adjust your thermostat by a few degrees during Beat The Peak periods. This helps control wholesale power cost for all members by “leveling out” high demand for electricity on the hottest summer afternoons.

If you participate all summer, you’ll get an additional $10 bill credit!

time by using your smart thermostat’s wall unit or smart phone app.

A smart thermostat helps decrease your overall air and heating energy bills by learning your schedule and automatically adjusting your temperature to an energy-efficient setting. The $50 Rush Hour Reward, and the additional $10 for participating all summer, are a bonus for using your Nest thermostat to help keep rates low for all members!

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You always have the final say in your home’s temperature. You can change your thermostat setting at any

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How to lower summer energy bills

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Costs for cooling your home can make up a large portion of your summer electric bills.

Stay cool and save money with these energy efficiency tips!

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Sign up today at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com/nest.

• Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep heat out.

• Set your thermostat as high as comfortable when you’re home (and higher when you’re away or during a Beat The Peak alert period).

• Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room.

• Air dry dishes and clothes.

• Use a microwave instead of your range or oven.

Or, grill outdoors!

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Low-Cost Tips • Plant trees and shrubs that shade the exterior of your home in summer.

• Replace disposable air filters monthly (or according to your manufacturer’s guidelines).

• Use solar lighting to brighten up walkways.

• Replace light bulbs with LED versions.

MEMBERSHIP matters

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What is the number one cause of outages?

If you answered this question by saying trees or tree limbs coming into contact with power lines, you would be right about the leading cause of outages! In fact, trees contribute 65 percent of our outage time.

That’s why your cooperative has a dedicated, year-round vegetation management program to ensure your electricity reliability by protecting over 8,300 miles of power lines on the Blue Ridge Energy system. Balancing the need for reliability with the beauty of scenic western North Carolina is also important. That’s why we employ a certified arborist to oversee the program.

Keeping trees away from power lines is an important safety precaution. Trees and other objects that come into contact with power lines can become energized,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson

leading to shock or electrocution.

Even fallen power lines can still be energized, which is why no one but our line technicians should ever go near a downed power line.

A clear path for power lines creates a safer working environment for line technicians, whether they’re performing routine maintenance or power restoration.

Members can help by avoiding planting trees near power lines.

For existing trees that are directly in the cooperative’s rights of way, Blue Ridge Energy helps with replacement by offering a voucher for a low-growing species at local, approved nurseries. Vouchers may also apply to a larger tree that is planted farther from rights of way.

For more information, contact Blue Ridge Energy or visit the Resources tab at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

EDITOR

Renée R. Whitener

Deadline is September 23

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons

DISTRICT OFFICES Caldwell Watauga Ashe Alleghany Wilkes PowerLine®

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

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 Night deposit available.

Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +

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Teachers: apply now for up to $50,000 in Bright Ideas grants!

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Blue Ridge Energy is celebrating 25 years of lighting up learning in classrooms through the Bright Ideas education grant program. Teachers in K-12 classrooms with innovative ideas for creative learning projects can find and submit an application by visiting ncbrightideas.com. The deadline is September 23 and winners are announced in November.

This year, Blue Ridge Energy will provide $50,000 to fund Bright Ideas grants in the cooperative’s service area! Individual grants are awarded at a maximum of $2,000.

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Since 1994, Blue Ridge Energy has awarded 539 Bright Ideas grants worth over $469,000 that has benefitted over 100,000 students.

Bright Ideas grants are designed to fund innovative classroom projects that benefit students and would not otherwise be funded by regular school budgets.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MEMBERSHIP matters

7/10/19 2:06 PM

Energy Sense

Power Up! Four considerations for charging your EV at home

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting more attention these days. Electricity as a vehicle fuel is typically one-half to one-third the cost of gas or diesel, and EV batteries now enable longer ranges. The upfront price of an EV is still higher than its gas-powered cousin, but the cost is coming down.

The Chevy Bolt, for example, has a range of up to 238 miles on a full charge and costs about $36,000 before incentives. The number of models is also increasing, and we could even have an electric pickup truck option in the near future.

It’s important to note you may have to pay upfront costs to charge your EV at home, but it depends on which charging option you select. Let’s take a look at the important steps.

1

Choose your EV There are two basic types of EVs: the all-electric vehicle, which is commonly referred to as an AEV or EV, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, also known as the PHEV, which can run using an electric motor or a gas

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a gas engine that takes over if the large battery runs out of charge.

engine. Unlike the gas/electric hybrid (that started with the Toyota Prius in 2000), where the car is fueled solely by gasoline with battery assistance, the PHEV features a larger battery that fuels an electric motor, which can power the car independently. A PHEV can run solely on electricity for about 15 to 50 miles depending on the model. This electric-only range may be sufficient for running errands or for those with a shorter daily commute.

2

Dennis Schroeder/NREL

Select your charging level There are two levels of charging to consider for your home. A Level 1 charging unit is the most basic.

It’s usually included with the vehicle and plugs into a typical 120-volt outlet, so it is the easiest and cheapest charging solution.

A Level 2 charging unit is more powerful and needs to be purchased separately. It plugs into a 240-volt outlet, the type used for larger appliances (like a clothes dryer), which most of us don’t have in our garages or outside our homes, so there’s an additional cost to have the outlet installed.

3 This is a 240-volt outlet for a Level 2 charging unit.

Know your needs Level 1 charging units give the battery roughly 3 to 5 miles range per hour of charging. So, if you drive your car 40 miles or less during the day and can charge it for 10 hours a

night, this will probably be adequate.

Level 1 charging makes the most sense for PHEVs and early EVs with smaller batteries and shorter ranges. Level 2 units typically charge three to five times faster than level 1 chargers, providing between 10 and 20 miles of range per hour of charging.

4

Count the costs A Level 1 charging unit comes with the car and will meet the needs of most PHEVs and early-model, short-range EVs. A Level 2 charging unit can cost $500 to $700, with installation between $500 and $2,700 depending on how far your electrical panel is from where you will be charging the EV. Now that you know the basic options, you should talk to your electric cooperative before making your EV charging decision. Some electric co-ops offer special incentives for members installing Level 2 chargers or members willing to schedule EV charging during non-peak energy hours. Give them a call to learn more!

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency.

Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

Learn more about electic vehicles at NCDriveElectric.com August 2019 | 21

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Hone Your Storm Smarts Hurricane tracking data can help you be prepared

T

he peak of hurricane season, with all of its uncertainties for North Carolina, is upon us.

Local, state, and federal governments are paying close attention to the turbulent winds spawning off the east coast of Africa. Those winds grow to tropical depressions, and then, fed by the heat in the warm Atlantic waters, turn into full-blown hurricanes.

This process has been observed for centuries, and today scientists, economists and homeowners are able to meticulously track these gargantuan storms. Knowing what tools are available, and how to interpret forecasting data, can help NC home and business owners be better prepared.

Federal tracking The national government has stepped up efforts to better inform individuals to both prepare for future damage and to survive the extreme weather and flooding crisis. Technology has been enhanced and models improved so that everyone can access the most cutting-edge data available.

The National Weather Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has a division focused exclusively on hurricanes. This division, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), provides up-to-the-minute updates on its website (nhc.noaa.gov) as well as through a powerful smartphone app (“NHC Data,” available from Apple and Google Play app stores). The app gives radar and satellite images, forecasts and hurricane cones and advisories with maps of potential flooding from storm surge.

Dr. Mike Brennan, the NHC Branch

NOAA

By Gordon Byrd

Storm Data Rules of Thumb Know your sources. Credibility of sources is critical. Make sure you know where your sources are getting their information and check it.

Use a range of good sources. Knowing a good source is good, knowing several is best.

You need to ensure that your sources agree and be critical about discrepancies Don’t share what you don’t know. Sending warnings of life-threatening hazards is good, but make sure you can verify that information before you send it along.

Avoid anchoring on the first bit of information. The first look at a storm is never as good as the 10th and 20th. As new information comes in, it should help you determine new plans Past experiences lie. We can become prisoners of experience, and often things are not remembered perfectly. Don’t let your

Chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit, explains that hurricane tracking is much more than estimating the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, or category. In fact, the category of a hurricane can be deceptive.

“People might think that since a hurricane is downgraded from a Category Four to a Category One that it will not be as destructive,” Dr. Brennan says.

“But Hurricane Florence resulted in 53 deaths and up to $24 billion in damages [as a Category 1 storm at landfall].”

Reading the data A better way of thinking about hurricanes’ destructive power is to consider the various hazards that a hurricane can potentially cause.

Knowing what storm tracking resources can and cannot tell you makes a big difference in planning

experience from past hurricanes influence your actions in a new one. Every storm is different. “If you beat it once, you’re going to have the mindset that you can beat it again, and that’s not always going to be the case,” says Meteorologist Vernon Turner (see “Storm Tips from the Experts.”)

Heed the warnings. The professionals in the emergency management fields know that an evacuation is terribly inconvenient, because they evacuate with you. They give the warnings because they know it is the best thing to do to keep you safe.

Be in the loop. Find your local emergency management’s Facebook page, the NHC twitter account, even the short-wave radio frequency. Follow your local electric cooperative on social media, and know how to report a power outage. It pays to prepare and be aware. ReadyNC.org has great emergency preparedness resources.

ahead of a storm. For example, those cone graphics, predicting where a hurricane may travel within a range of possible directions, can be deceiving.

“The cone graphics show where the eye of the storm is,” explains Steve Pfaff, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Wilmington. “The hurricane itself is over 600 miles wider than the cone.” Even though the cone may not include your part of the map, the storm outside of the cone can still be dangerous.

Preparing for flooding The art of predicting water levels from rainfall accumulation can be challenging.

“Much is evolving in our understanding, but there is still an unknown,” explains NOAA Senior Service Hydrologist Rick Neuherz.

22 | carolinacountry.com

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(Left to right) Spectrum News meteorologists Gary Stephenson, Vernon Turner and Lee Ringer

Storm Tips from the Experts

NOAA

Carolina Country sat down with the Weather Team from Spectrum News North Carolina to get an inside look at storm forecasting and preparedness.

Here are three key takeaways from their point of view:

1

Focus on storm impact.

“When we’re talking about hurricanes, we use the Saffir-Simpson Scale (Category 1–5). That tells a lot about the wind damage that a storm can bring, but it doesn’t say anything about the flood dangers,” says meteorologist Lee Ringer.

“A Category 1 can cause more damage than a Category 3 when it comes to rain. There are so many different elements of a storm.”

their forecast,” Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson explains. His advice: “To the people who have lived through tropical events in our area, learn from that experience.

For people who are new to the area, do some research. Know how we’re impacted. North Carolina — from one end of the state to the other — can be impacted by tropical systems, and [they] affect every region differently.”

The position and timing of a storm can also contribute to how it impacts your neighborhood or community.

3

2

Every storm is different.

“Not every storm is the same; every storm brings a different danger,” Lee says. According to the Spectrum team, while forecasting has improved, uncertainty still exists.

“The models we use are statistical models — they’re looking back 20 years and grabbing data to try and come up with

That said, a new tool is being tested that forecasts rainfall accumulations more accurately. Instead of using predictive models, scientists have developed a probabilistic model, which gives a range of possibilities and their impacts instead of focusing on one possible outcome, even if it is the most likely.

Also, the Office of Water Prediction (water.noaa.gov) offers an intuitive and interactive map that gives users a sense of the current and predicted river levels based on various models and factors, including rainfall, downstream flows, ground conditions, and more. North Carolina’s Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (fiman.nc.gov) provides real-time data on stream elevation, rainfall and weather parameters from more than 550 spots across the state.

Prepare for the worst.

“If you’re prepared for the worst, then nothing’s going to catch you by surprise,” Gary says. He stresses that residents across the state should know if they live in a flood plain and heed local officials and the media.

“Respect Mother Nature,” meteorologist Vernon Turner adds. “Have a plan, know your plan, and be able to act on that plan when needed.”

—Lisa Crawley, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

There is still much to learn about hurricanes, tropical storms, catastrophic rainfall events, flooding patterns and emergency management operations.

Thankfully, a range of weather specialists and professionals have created resources to assist the public’s decision-making process. Use them, study them, and make good choices when faced with future weather events.

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Carolina Country Contributing Editor Gordon Byrd is a veteran who works for UNC Pembroke.

During severe weather, stay on top of outage information with a real-time, statewide outage map from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives at ncelectriccooperatives.com/ outages-and-safety.

August 2019 | 23 19-280632_NC_CountryMag_PrintAd_DS_20190312.indd 1 3/18/19 11:54 AM

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I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

A ‘Perfect Daddy,’ Gone Too Soon I grew up in the Beverly Hills community of Rockingham along with my two younger brothers. We certainly have wonderful childhood memories of our daddy. He built a playground in our backyard, with a see-saw, tire swings and even an electric merry-go-round with three speeds. When it snowed, he pulled us, along with neighborhood kids, along the unpaved roads in the community on a huge wooden sled he built to hook up to his Carolina blue Studebaker truck. Daddy even added a room onto the house with a fireplace, where we gathered to warm our feet and hands, and drink some of mom’s hot cocoa. We also used the room for birthday parties and family gatherings. Our childhood is filled with beach, mountain and camping memories. Our first camping adventure took place on Lake Tillery.

Full of energy and a wonderful spirit, the only time I remember Daddy sitting still was to watch the “Beverly Hillbillies” and “Wagon Train” while my two brothers sat in his lap. The memories changed, however, on Monday, Feb. 13, 1967, which started as a normal, cold day.

Daddy, dressed in his lineman uniform, cooked our breakfast (he let Mom sleep a little later), kissed us goodbye and headed to work at 7 a.m. in the Pee Dee Electric work truck. That morning, we never dreamed that he wouldn’t return home again. That morning, at 9 a.m., he came in contact with a live wire while on top of a pole in the Roberdel Community. CPR was performed by his co-workers, which failed to restart his heart.

All the Valentines that we had addressed on Sunday would need to wait, and the special one to Daddy would never be read.

Our lives completely changed that day. Mom was only 37 years old and could not bear going to work and seeing a Pee Dee Electric truck. She had to get away from Rockingham, so she bought a house on Lake Tillery and we moved.

I never understood God’s reasoning for taking daddy from us until a couple of years ago. My husband and I visited one of the co-workers who performed CPR on Daddy, who also was a good friend of his. His daughter shared a heartwarming story with me about her dad becoming a Christian. The day Daddy was killed, a man was saved, becoming a devout man who loved his church. I left in tears that day because I had finally learned why “our perfect Daddy” had been taken away to heaven.

The Lucky Spoon I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s on a farm near Kenansville. During that era, most wives were stay-at‑home moms and my momma was no exception. I remember her enormous passion for feeding and taking care of us. My daddy was a workhorse. He took pride in doing a job right and providing for his family. He also was a bit of a jokester.

I remember many nights sitting at the table having supper with my sister, two brothers and of course Mom and Dad. There were conversations of farm situations, garden topics and school stuff from us kids.

One night as we were eating supper, I noticed my spoon was different from everyone else’s.

I told Momma, “I don’t want it because it’s different!”

Daddy took one look at it and exclaimed, “ David, you got the lucky spoon!” He really poured it on thick.

After that, everybody wanted the lucky spoon.

Quite a few years later, I realized he made that up so we wouldn’t NOT want the spoon. If there is such a thing as “luck,” my good luck was having the parents that I had. Thank God for good parents and spoons of all kinds!

David L. Whitman, Kenansville, a member of Tri-County EMC

Send Us Your Memories We love sharing photos and memories dear to our readers. Submit your photo, plus roughly 200 words that describe it, online or by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want it returned (only one entry per household, per month). Include your name, mailing address, phone number or email address, and the name of your electric co-op. We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish.

Online: carolinacountry.com/contact U.S. Mail: I Remember, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616

Sharly Manfield Lowder, New London, a member of Union Power Cooperative 24 | carolinacountry.com

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6/21/19 1:54 PM 7/10/19 11:58 AM

NC Outdoors

Mourning Dove Seasons 2019–2020 Includes white-winged dove

Public dove fields beckon fall hunters

By Mike Zlotnicki

Daily limit is 15 birds. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. If hunting within the boundaries of a waterfowl impoundment non-toxic shot must be used. Find public dove fields at bit.ly/nc-doves.

Thomas Harvey

Wingshooting for Everyone

Sept. 2–Oct. 5 Nov. 16–Nov. 30 Dec. 9–Jan. 31

For many North Carolina sports enthusiasts, fall signals the start of football season. But fall also means hunting to a select group of outdoorsmen and women, and dove season traditionally kicks that off Labor Day weekend.

In the South, opening day of dove season on private grounds is often a community social event with food and fellowship aplenty. Those without local connections can find pay-as-you-go dove shoots in rural areas. But what if you don’t have local connections or don’t want to pay for a hunt? Find your local game land with public dove fields.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has several game lands across the state that feature fields planted with crops that attract mourning dove (which is America’s No. 1 game animal by harvest).

Depending upon the year and the growing conditions, there are well over 1,000 acres of fields awaiting wingshooters across the state. Use the interactive map at bit.ly/nc-doves to find one close to you.

What to expect Dove-hunting etiquette includes passing on shots at low-flying doves to avoid peppering (or worse) other hunters with birdshot. It also includes packing out all of your trash, including spent hulls. While you’re at it, look around and pick up any trash you see. Some hunters seem to think spent shot shells are biodegradable.

They aren’t, and neither are water bottles and the like.

Standard equipment for early-season wing shooters include a shotgun (pumps and autoloaders need a magazine plug limiting the gun to three shells), a bucket or stool to sit on, drab or camo clothing, a cooler for your birds and ample water for you and your dog if you have a trained retriever. If you have an untrained retriever, think twice before bringing it to a crowded field. And don’t even think about bringing a dog that has not been properly introduced to gunfire.

One must have a game land license ($15) and Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification (free) in addition to a standard hunting license ($20) to hunt game lands. A Comprehensive Hunting License ($36) includes game land and state waterfowl privileges.

Before going, check the map at bit.ly/nc-doves to see if a given dove field is on a three-day-a-week game land or a six-day-a-week game land.

The Commission also offers six permit-only game lands for dove hunting (the deadline for application is August 19) and includes dove hunting under “small game” on many other permit-only hunts. The Commission also offers youth, youth and adult, and disabled sportsmen permit hunts for various species.

Plan ahead for success Just like any other type of hunting, preseason preparation is key, and that includes scouting trips. Take some trips before the season to make sure your intended destination had a successful growing season and that crops planted to attract doves made it through the hot summer. These fields are typically seeded in millet, milo, sunflowers, sorghum, corn or a mixture containing some or all of these crops. They are normally harvested, mowed or burned prior to the opening of the dove-hunting season to ensure seed is available to doves in the area.

Look for potential stand sites with shade. Go early and late to see where the birds are entering the fields to feed after roosting. And don’t forget about late-season dove opportunities.

Many hunters forget about doves after opening day in favor of deer, ducks and other species. I’ve had some fine shoots in December and January, and frankly, wished there were more hunters around to keep the birds moving.

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

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7/10/19 11:58 AM

Carolina Compass

Fiddlers Convention Cake walks, joke contest Aug. 30–Sept. 1, Lenoir happyvalleyfiddlers.org

North Carolina Apple Festival Parade, street fair, entertainment Aug 30–Sept. 2, Hendersonville 828-697-4557 ncapplefestival.org

Sandi Patty Contemporary Christian music Aug. 31, Franklin 828-524-1598 greatmountainmusic.com

Battleship 101 Hands-on learning Aug. 10, Wilmington

PIEDMONT Local Color

August Events MOUNTAINS Street Dances Cloggers perform Mondays, Hendersonville 800-828-4244 visithendersonvillenc.org/street-dances

Horse Shows July 31–Aug. 4, Blowing Rock 828-295-4700 brchs.org

The Temptations

Local Food Experience

Motown hits Aug. 3, Boone theschaefercenter.org

Sampling, silent auction Aug. 15, Asheville 828-236-1282 bit.ly/asap-local

5K & 10K Run Includes kids’ run Aug. 3, Boone 828-386-1215 hcsoccer.com/5K10Krun

MJ Live Michael Jackson’s songs Aug. 9, Franklin 828-524-1598 greatmountainmusic.com

NC Mineral and Gem Festival Mine tours, vendors Aug. 1–4, Spruce Pine 828-765-9033 ncgemfest.com

The Sculpture Walk Art, lawn games Aug. 9–11, Blowing Rock 828-295-9277 thesculpturewalk.com

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Musical based on classic book Aug. 2–3, Franklin 828-524-1598 greatmountainmusic.com

Cane Mill Road Concert series Aug. 10, Todd 828-263-6173 toddnc.org

Women in the Arts Exhibit, concert Aug. 2–30, West Jefferson 336-846-3827 bit.ly/women-in-arts

Paintings, jewelry, pottery Through Aug. 25, Hillsborough 919-732-5001 hillsboroughgallery.com

Festival By The River Music, duck race Aug. 17, Creston 336-620-3171 georgezellersierraleone@yahoo.com

Open Studio Art Tours Meet artists Aug. 17, Asheville 828-253-7651 grovewood.com

Celebration of Appalachian Heritage Demos, mountain music Aug. 17, Franklin 828-524-6564 franklinfolkfestival.com

Community Band Concert Music of the ’60s Aug. 18, Maggie Valley 828-452-3522 haywoodcommunityband.org

Denton Watermelon Festival Crafts, cornhole Aug. 3, Denton facebook.com/ DentonWatermelonFestival

The Music of ABBA Pop group’s songs Aug. 9, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

Kasey Tyndall After Five concert Aug. 9, Fayetteville 910-323-1934 facebook.com/VisitFayettevilleNC

Maxwell Road Endless Yard Sale 30+ miles of local vendors August 10, near Fayetteville 910-990-0415 bit.ly/fb-maxwellroad

Get the Led Out Led Zepplin’s songs Aug. 10, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

carolinacountry.com/calendar

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

MOUNTAINS

77

PIEDMONT

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

95

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

COAST

Celebration of Appalachian Heritage Demos, mountain music Aug. 17, Franklin

28 | carolinacountry.com

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7/10/19 11:58 AM

Carolina Compass

Bubble Day Crafts, water play Aug. 10, Pineville 704-889-7145 jameskpolk.net

Tea with Seagrove Potters Gallery crawl Aug. 10, Seagrove 336-879-4145 teawithseagrovepotters.webstarts. com

National Airborne Day Celebration

Personality Festival Rides, vendors Aug. 23–24, Roxboro 336-599-8333 facebook.com/ PersonalityFestival

Grape Stomp Festival Samples, vendors Aug. 24–25, Vale 704-276-9911 woodmillwinery.com

Matthews Alive Arts, family activities Aug. 30–Sept. 2, Matthews 919-395-4690 matthewsalive.org

COAST Molasses Creek Concert

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

Hatteras Island Guild Show

Battleship 101

Art, crafters July 31–Aug. 1, Buxton facebook.com/HIACguild

Hands-on learning Aug. 10, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

NC Watermelon Festival Rides, contests July 31–Aug. 3, Murfreesboro 252-398-7695 ncwatermelonfest.com

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival Games, face painting Aug. 1, Nags Head kittyhawk.com

Estuary Challenge & Field Day Outdoor games Aug. 2, Washington 252-948-0000 partnershipforthesounds.net

Summer Slam Fitness challenges Aug. 3, Washington 252-975-7400 summerslamonthewaterfront. com

Comic Con Cosplay contest Aug. 3, Greenville 252-321-7671 bit.ly/greenville-comicon

Old Smoke

Thursdays, Ocracoke Island 252-921-0260 ocracokealive.org

Sounds by the Sound Aug. 9, Cape Carteret 252-227-5459 bit.ly/fb-oldsmoke

Sunday in the Park

Fitness Festival

Summer concert series Through Aug. 25, Greenville 252-329-4567 bit.ly/greenville-sunday

Bodybuilding show Aug. 10, Greenville 252-321-7671 carolinafitnessfestival.com

Improv Comedy Aug. 17, Washington 252-946-2504 artsofthepamlico.org/ events/2019–08

National Airborne Day Celebration Displays, period reenactors Aug. 17, Fayetteville

Zoe & Cloyd Americana concert Aug. 17, Oriental 336-408-4993 olfrontporchmusicfestival.org

David Simchock

Displays, period reenactors Aug. 17, Fayetteville 910-643-2778 asomf.org

Know Before You Go

Making Memories Dinner dance, silent auction Aug. 17, Washington 252-948-0050 bit.ly/alz-dinner

Winterville Watermelon Festival Games, rides Aug. 22–25, Winterville 252-756-1068 watermelonfest.com

Zoe & Cloyd Americana concert Aug. 17, Oriental

Beer & Wine Festival Music, old-school arcade Aug. 24, Greenville 252-321-7671 teachsrevenge.org

Blue Crab Festival Pageant, crafts Aug. 31, Swan Quarter 252-926-2787 info@mattieartscenter.org

Ocracoke Seafood Festival Music, silent auction Aug. 31, Ocracoke 252-925-0058 bit.ly/seafood-fest2019

North Carolina Apple Festival Parade, street fair, entertainment Aug. 30–Sept. 2, Hendersonville

August 2019 | 29

CC08-wk.indd 29

7/11/19 3:30 PM

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30 | carolinacountry.com

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7/10/19 12:18 PM

Marketplace

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

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ATTENTION WOODWORKERS 50 step-by-step woodworking plans. 100% Free! Download them now at www.50freewoodworkplans.com 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

Give your house a tune-up.

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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 August 31, 2019.

August 2019 | 31

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Carolina Kitchen

Shrimp Salad

The briny flavor of capers and crunch of fresh vegetables are a classic combination for shrimp salad. This recipe can be doubled to feed a large crew.

1 pound shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined 2 green onions, chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped 2 teaspoon capers 2 marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (optional) 1 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon celery seed Salt and black pepper to taste Lettuce leaves and tomato quarters Cut the peeled and deveined shrimp into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the size of the shrimp. Place in a large bowl. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, eggs, capers and artichoke hearts, if using, then toss to combine.

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery seed, salt and pepper. Pour over the mixture in the large bowl and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Serve atop fresh lettuce leaves with tomato quarters.

Yield: 4 servings

Mint-Lemongrass Cooler

Often used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, lemongrass offers an herby lemon flavor which pairs well with mint in this beverage. Adjust the sugar level to your preference.

1 (5-inch) stem lemongrass, cut into chunks 3–4 tablespoons sugar, to taste 20–26 fresh mint leaves, divided

2 teaspoons lime juice, divided ½ cup chilled club soda or seltzer, divided Mint sprigs for garnish, if desired

Place the chunks of lemongrass and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit for 3–4 minutes to steep the lemongrass. Use tongs to remove the lemongrass chunks and discard. Stir the sugar into the lemongrass infusion until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate overnight at this point, if desired.

To serve, place 10–12 mint leaves in a tall glass. Gently crush the mint with a wooden spoon. Fill the glass with ice. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice and ¼ cup club soda. Pour in ½ to ¾ cup of the lemongrass water and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired.

Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Yield: About 2 servings

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 this page are from Debbie Moose (debbiemoose.com), who has authored seven cookbooks and is a former food editor for The News & Observer in Raleigh.

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Carolina Kitchen

Herb-Parmesan Biscuits

From a Bolivian Kitchen

Fresh dill and chives plus a bit of Parmesan cheese make these easy drop biscuits something special. The dough should be wetter than for rolled biscuits, and baking them in a pan with sides, such as an 8- or 9-inch layer cake pan, helps them rise. Don’t worry if they touch as they bake — you can easily separate them when they’re done.

2 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

1½ teaspoons chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup shortening, cut into cubes 1–1½ cups buttermilk

Yield: About 6 biscuits

Tara Verna

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Put the flour, baking powder, salt, herbs and Parmesan in a large bowl. Stir with a whisk to combine.

Put the shortening on top and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender. Work quickly and don’t over-blend. The result should resemble coarse cornmeal. Add enough buttermilk to get a moist dough, stirring just enough to combine the ingredients; don’t overmix.

Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the dough, 2–3 tablespoons per biscuit, into a baking pan with sides.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are light brown. Serve warm.

Sopa de Maní (Peanut Soup)

The remote town of Laphía, Bolivia, was recently connected to the grid by a crew of NC electric co-op volunteer lineworkers (see page 10). Villagers shared this traditional recipe with Carolina Country readers. Some ingredients subbed due to availability.

2 cups macaroni noodles ¼ cup vegetable or olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 white onion, peeled and diced 1 carrot, diced ½ cup frozen peas 1 stalk of celery, diced ½ bell pepper, diced 1–2 pounds bone-in beef (We used short ribs.)

8 cups beef or veggie broth 2 large potatoes, cut into big cubes 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon oregano Salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste ½ cup natural peanut butter French fries (optional) 1 Small bunch of parsley, chopped

Toast the macaroni noodles in a dry pan, stirring over medium heat for approximately eight minutes. Set aside.

In a large soup pot, heat the oil and sauté the garlic until it is golden brown. Add onion, carrot, peas, celery and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes.

Add meat and broth and cook over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes.

Lower heat to medium and add potatoes, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Add the toasted noodles. Cook for approximately 45 minutes over medium-low heat. Add more broth or water as needed.

Carefully remove the beef and de-bone. Discard bones and return meat to pot.

Stir in peanut butter.

Serve in bowls and top with French fries and chopped parsley.

Send Us Your Recipes

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions. Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, P.O. Box 27306, Raleigh, NC, 27611. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Yield: About 8 servings

Make it authentic: Although sometimes challenging to find in supermarkets, the traditional recipe calls for shelled raw peanuts. Instead of using natural peanut butter, soak 1 cup of raw peanuts in hot water for a few minutes; drain and peel. Add peanuts to blender with 1 cup of cold water and blend until pasty. When you add potatoes, stir in the peanut paste.

August 2019 | 33

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where

in Carolina Country is this ?

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

July winner

The July “Where Is This” photo by Renee Gannon features a mural depicting five F-15E fighter jets and one KC-135 tanker flying out of the American flag. It is located at the intersection of John and Mulberry Streets in downtown Goldsboro, Wayne County.

Goldsboro is home to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. A few readers identified the types of planes and noted the F-15E and KC-135 are stationed at the airbase. Reader Marsha Rumley reported that the mural entitled, “Moving Forward,” was painted by artist Anna Hajjar and her friends. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Vicki Macut of Goldsboro, a Blue Ridge Energy 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.

scenes

CAROLINA COUNTRY

featured photo

A Bite of Summer

One summer afternoon, I grabbed my little brother, who was in the middle of biting into a juicy, locally‑grown watermelon, and took him to the back porch to take a few pictures. You can see how juicy the watermelon is, and also how his bright blue eyes pop. I really enjoy this picture because it reminds me of a summer day in North Carolina, and also makes me really want a piece of juicy watermelon.

Sara Peffer, China Grove

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Sumbit your photos at carolinacountry.com/photos

7/10/19 11:58 AM

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7/11/19 3:32 PM

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7/10/19 11:58 AM

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7/10/19 2:09 PM

Beat The Peak needs champions like YOU

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7/10/19 2:09 PM