2020-01-SREMC

January 2020

Carolina Country

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Co-op member receives honor page 6

Gifted a ‘smart speaker’?

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South River EMC awards Bright Ideas grants to local educators—center pages Jan covers.indd 21

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Volume 52, No. 1

18

11

Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 26 On the House 30 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

40

11 18 28

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

Growing Health & Growing Leaders

The Rev. Richard Joyner is nurturing a healthier community

Get Great Photos in the Field Reflections on making the most of nature’s canvas

On the Cover “This is our one-year-old daughter Lettie on our NC farm. Lettie loves the outdoors!” Photographed by Elizabeth Cooke, Rockingham, a member of Pee Dee Electric. Our gallery of your best photos starts on page 11.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Why I Love My Community What makes your community special?

We want to know, and soon! (The deadline is January 3.)

See page 39 for details.

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Viewpoints

Tech-Driven Cooperation

By Jake Joplin

We sometimes get asked how we compare to much larger utilities. To answer the question, we like to explain how our unique business model allows us to excel.

We are local, member-owned electric cooperatives that North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are unified under follow the principle of “Autonomy and Independence.” an effort to create a brighter energy future through three That local independence gives us the opportunity to take core values: low-carbon power; beneficial electrification the pulse of our communities, react quickly and develop (using electricity to make traditionally fossil-fuel power solutions to improve the lives of our members. applications more efficient); and creating a more flexible For example, natural disasters come with their share of grid. Technology like the EV charging network exemplifies issues and lessons learned. Hurricane Florence impacted these core values, as do other innovative projects like electric cooperatives across the state in 2018, and one co-op microgrids around the state, battery storage, unexpected problem that Carteret-Craven Electric community solar gardens, and energy efficient smart Cooperative (CCEC) crews faced was a fuel shortage for thermostats and water heater controls. vehicles involved in power restoration. To solve this, our Smart thermostats and water heater controls, in board of directors approved construction of a fleet fueling particular, are two examples of old concepts with new station at our cooperative headquarters. The station will opportunities thanks to technology. In the case of water keep our operations rolling both day-toheater controls, some electric cooperatives day and after a disaster. Our speed and are working with members to install flexibility as a locally owned cooperative “New technology controls that can be activated remotely, gave us the ability to move quickly to cellular or Wi-Fi technology. During is taking our spirit though approve, design and build the fueling a period of high demand, such as a hot system, and we had it in service for the 2019 of cooperation summer afternoon, the controls allow the hurricane season. electric co-op to switch off those water to new levels” To complement our local independence, heaters for a brief period of time, reducing electric cooperatives are made strong by the amount of electricity purchased during another core principle: “Cooperation among Cooperatives.” peak periods, when prices are more expensive. The new This is invaluable following major storms, as I’ve discussed controls have a built-in override feature to ensure hot before in this column (“Achieving the Impossible through water continues to be available, but the grid as a whole the Cooperative Spirit,” November 2018, page 4). But new is made more efficient due to this technology and the technology is taking our spirit of cooperation to new levels, opportunity it presents for cooperation. Switching off opening up new opportunities for North Carolina’s electric one water heater during a period of high demand won’t cooperatives and our members. make much of a difference, but when hundreds — even Leaders from each co-op meet frequently at our statewide thousands — can be switched off simultaneously, real association headquarters in Raleigh to discuss new efficiencies and cost savings start to add up. technology and how we can work together to leverage its CCEC is very appreciative of the opportunity to learn benefits. This group combines personnel from all 26 co-ops from fellow cooperatives that have been on the forefront to study and discuss energy saving programs and services of these new technologies and services. We look forward for our membership. An electric vehicle (EV) charging to a productive 2020, where we can continue to study network is one project that is being coordinated through innovation and technology, moving to implement energy these meetings, and $1 million in investments are being service programs that make sense for our members. used to fund 21 charging stations across the state, including Jake Joplin is CEO and general manager for Carteret-Craven 10 DC fast chargers. Electric co-ops are pursuing additional Electric Cooperative in Newport. funding resources to grow this network even further.

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Viewpoints

THIS MONTH:

The Best of Reader Photos Our annual photo contest continues to prove two things. One: North Carolina has unmatched natural beauty and vibrant communities full of amazing people. Two: Carolina Country readers have a particular knack for capturing all of this with their cameras. Enjoy a few of our favorite photos in this issue from more than 600 entries.

—Scott Gates, editor

Washington Counterpoint The letter in the October issue about the name Little Washington (“An Historic Original,” page 5) stating that natives of Washington called it “Original Washington” does not go for all natives. This argument has been going on for a long time. I was born here 71 years ago. My parents, grandparents, great- and great-great-grandparents were born in Beaufort County around Washington.

To my family, it has always been and will always be “Little Washington.” I know this will not settle this argument because we see it in the newspaper regularly.

This is just my two cents worth.

Tommy Upton, Washington, A member of Tideland EMC

A Tradition Shared I am always impressed with the articles, information and recipes that I find in your magazine. In reading the articles in the [November 2019] issue, I was drawn to the article “Carrying on a Carolina Tradition” by Wendy Perry (page 28).

Within the first paragraph I was mesmerized and drawn back to my farm rearing in rural Halifax County. My family farm roots go back to a land grant by King Charles II, well before the Revolutionary War. Your article, with crystal accuracy, described the hog killing. It was always a special day in the first frosts of fall that became a small community of farmers gathering for the annual harvest and preservation of the pork bounty from the participants’ farms. From the lighting of the scalding fires at dawn; expert shot dispatching; hanging to bleed; scalding and scraping; the surgical accuracy of gutting and portioning the meats; grinding, seasoning, casing or bulk packing of the sausage; cleaning and washing in cornmeal of the chitterlings; putting the hams, shoulders and side meat into salt pack; dividing up the “fresh meat”; then finally rendering and stand canning of the lard. I was present at the circus (school holiday extended by my parents), right down to the participants packing up their shares of the fresh meat and going home late in the afternoon.

What a pleasant trip back to my youth your article provided me.

Brad Windley, Tullahoma, Tennessee, A member of Roanoke Electric Cooperative Editor’s note: Brad shared his memories through letters to both Wendy and Carolina Country; this is an excerpt from one of those letters. Thank you, Brad!

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

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.

(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.

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

Mary Ann LeRay with a sign significant to The Filling Station, housed in an old propane company building. “There is only one book in the Bible that has this many chapters,” she said. “We looked up Psalm 107:5, which reads all those who are hungry and thirsty, their lives were slipping away.”

Linda Mathiasen

Jones-Onslow EMC Member Receives National Honor for Leadership

M

ary Ann LeRay, board chairman of The Filling Station in Pollocksville, was recently honored as the second-place prizewinner of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives 2019 #WhoPowersYou Contest.

“We offer our sincere appreciation, gratitude, and congratulations to Mary Ann,” said Jones-Onslow EMC CEO Jeff Clark. “We are very proud to serve her and her family as co-op members

and grateful for everything she does to serve our local community.”

LeRay was honored for her nonprofit organization’s work seeking to meet the nutritional, educational and spiritual needs of the residents of Jones County. The Filling Station opened its food pantry on September 6, 2018, but a week later was forced to temporarily close as Hurricane Florence’s heavy rains flooded the

streets of Pollocksville and much of Jones County. On September 14, one week after the hurricane left most of the area underwater, the food pantry reopened its doors and operated as a disaster relief site. For the next 14 weeks, more than 75 volunteers served over 10,000 people.

LeRay and The Filling Station were honored along with three other #WhoPowersYou Contest winners from across the United States.

Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges, using criteria based on nominees’ positive impact on their local communities.

“I believe that Mary Ann’s value of commitment and hard work at The Filling Station played a vital role in the emotional recovery for the residents of Jones County,” said Jones-Onslow EMC Director of Graphic Services Linda Mathiasen.

“Her service continues today, as The Filling Station Food Pantry has reopened to the community and now also serves meals several times a week.”

Real World Lessons for the Classroom Last summer, Pamela Johnson, a math teacher of academically or intellectually gifted students at Parkwood Middle School in the Union County Public Schools system, spent three weeks at Monroe-based Union Power Cooperative as a 2019–20 Kenan Fellow (see “Local Teacher Gets Hands-On Experience at Union Power,” November 2019, page 6).

carolinacountry.com/extras A video shows some of Pam’s work with the co-op (as well as her math tattoo).

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More Power

NC Electric Cooperatives Nominated for CleanTech Innovation Award A partnership between North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Athens Drive Magnet High School’s STEM Academy was recently nominated for the first-ever Cleantech Talent Initiative Award from the Research Triangle CleanTech Cluster. The award is meant to recognize and honor individuals and organizations driving cleantech innovation in the Triangle region.

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives established the ongoing partnership with the Raleigh academy in fall 2018 as a long-term workforce development initiative to build student awareness of career opportunities in the energy industry and at electric co-ops.

About 50 seniors from the academy visited the Raleigh office of North

Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in 2019 to learn firsthand about technology concepts applied at electric co-ops, including solar arrays, electric vehicle charging and microgrids. Employees of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives have also visited classrooms to give an overview of electric cooperatives and their work to provide power to communities throughout the state.

“By partnering with the academy, we are preparing students for successful careers and making an investment in the future of our industry,” said Lauren Liles, human resource specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who also serves as a member of the STEM academy’s advisory board and RTCC’s Talent Action Committee.

Students study a model house to see how air flow impacts energy efficiency.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition and proud to continue supporting STEM education, clean tech and our local community.” carolinacountry.com/extras Watch students from Athens Drive Magnet High School STEM Academy during their visit to North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Electric Vehicles and the Grid What will power all those new cars?

Q:

A:

Brandon Parrott, Timberlake, A member of Piedmont Electric

Brandon Reed, manager of Member Services & Public Relations for Piedmont Electric

An article about electric vehicles in my co-op’s news section of the August 2019 issue caused me to wonder about how [electric co-ops] and the electric grid are going to support the addition of electric cars, especially if the industry is attempting to move away from gas to electric vehicles. I get emails and messages from Piedmont Electric requesting that I conserve energy, especially on hot days. If I have to conserve energy now, what will it be like with hundreds of thousands of electric cars added to the grid? Wouldn’t this result in increased energy consumption and the utility having to upgrade its infrastructure, which would result in added costs for the utility and its members?

I must not be the only one that wonders about this.

Great question! First off, while we encourage members to save during peak times, this is to hold the cost down for all members — Piedmont Electric and electric co-ops across the state are fully capable of meeting our members’ energy needs during peak times. We encourage members to shift energy from on-peak to off-peak to better utilize our resources and thus save money all around.

Electric vehicles (EVs) present an interesting opportunity, in that most EV owners charge their cars at night.

Some utilities, including Piedmont Electric, even offer incentivized rates to do so. This is when power use overall is very low, so making more use of the grid at this time is a more efficient use of the infrastructure that’s already in place.

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More Power

Allie Mullin Photography

Retired Chaplain Embodies the Spirit of the NC Jaycee Burn Center

By Ashley Peterson

When someone has an open heart in a hospital, it usually means they’re having a life-changing surgery. But for Shirley Massey, an open heart was something she brought with her every day as a chaplain for the adult aftercare program at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center.

For 32 years, Massey met with burn survivors at the Burn Center to provide spiritual support. She made the difficult decision to retire on May 31, 2019, but the impact she made at the center will live on. Beyond meeting with survivors daily, Massey started the center’s adult aftercare program in 1987, which includes Camp Celebrate, Peer Support and the Burn Survivor Reunion.

Massey was recently awarded with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for her contributions to the state and community through her service at the Burn Center.

“Normal hospitals are not equipped to handle burn injuries. Having [a burn center] here in eastern North Carolina is incredible.”

“We’re all spiritual creatures. It’s not about religion,” said Massey. “It’s really hard for patients to readjust to life outside the burn center after a burn injury, so how do we help them be born again? We’re always trying to transform ourselves, and the adult aftercare programs help burn survivors to do that.”

At the 2019 Burn Survivor Reunion held this past November, Massey was recognized for her commitment to helping burn survivors overcome their circumstances.

The annual reunion provides an opportunity for survivors to continue both psychological and spiritual healing.

Survivors from all over the country were able to thank Massey for her work over the years. For one survivor, Massey’s support made all the difference in recovering.

Blake Tedder was 16 years old when a plane crash in Colorado changed his life. He was life flighted back to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center and spent

Shirley Massey (center) receives The Order of the Longleaf Pine, joined by burn survivor Blake Tedder and Program Manager for Aftercare Anita Maready Fields.

three months in treatment, where he received 12 skin graft surgeries.

At the time of Tedder’s injury, Massey was just starting the peer support program at the center. Modeled after a national program, it allows burn survivors who have adjusted to life after their injury to spend time with burn survivors being treated at the center. While he was in treatment, Tedder was able to sit with one peer supporter to hear how he was transitioning to life after surviving a burn injury.

“A burn injury is not just a shock, it’s all-encompassing.

To see someone living and thriving after a burn injury is such a big deal,” Tedder said.

The adult aftercare program and the development and growth of the Burn Center is made possible by financial support and partnership with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, which have donated nearly $2 million to the center over the years.

“The Burn Center has been an important part of the cooperatives’ commitment to the community for nearly 50 years since we first pledged funding in 1972 to help create it,” said Dale Lambert, CEO of Randolph EMC and a Burn Center Advisory Board Member. “It’s an honor to continue supporting this comprehensive facility, which has made a lasting impact in countless lives around the world through efforts to advance burn prevention education, innovative treatment, research, rehabilitation and life-long after care.”

With community support and a passionate team of caretakers, the center will continue to provide hope in the midst of tragedy for many years to come.”

“Most people don’t realize the importance of having a burn center, but it’s incomprehensible to think about not having one,” said Tedder. “Normal hospitals are not equipped to handle burn injuries. Having one here in eastern North Carolina is incredible.”

Ashley Peterson is a corporate communications intern with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of your

best photos

Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest.

The judges chose from more than 600 photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Photo of the Month” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com), where there’s a collection of all pictures that have Facebook appeared there. Our and Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.

—The editors

Buttercup the Ham Buttercup was a ham that day on Stevens Farm in Bear Creek. Pun intended.

Angela Hinkle, Goldston, Randolph EMC

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Peaceful Pony A few weekends ago, we took our daughter to ride a horse for the first time. That day, I faced my own fear of horses and discovered how peaceful they are. I created this image to showcase this beautiful animal.

Jimmy Keziah, Indian Trail, Union Power Cooperative

Early Bird Gets the Shot During the winter months, I will make the three-hour drive from Chapel Hill to Carolina Beach just for sunrise pictures, only to turn right around and drive straight back. This picture made getting up at 2 a.m. totally worth it!

Alan Trammel, Chapel Hill

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WarBirds Smoke Trail This segment of the WarBirds Over Monroe Air Show presented exciting aerial acrobatics with biplanes and wing walkers. The smoke trail added a nice visual element, revealing the path of the maneuver just performed.

Scott Ferreira, Mint Hill, Union Power Cooperative

“Age 58”—Just a State of Mind Taken at Surfing USA at Carolina Lakes in Harnett County.

Loving and living life one day at a time!

Lorie Robertson (Photo taken by Krystallynn Robertson), Sanford, Central Electric

Frigid Fingers Find Shutter While my best friend was busy exploring, and the high winds were busy pushing me back, my frigid hands somehow managed to hit the shutter at Max Patch.

Hadiqa Hassan, Wake Forest, Wake Electric

January 2020 | 13

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Linville Gorge Overlook

Noth

At the beach near Fort Fisher, my daughter jumped through the air, mimicking the beautiful seagulls in the sky above.

From the highest peaks of Hawksbill Mountain,overlooking the Linville Gorge wilderness.

Devang Upadhyay, Pembroke

Joseph Nitti, Banner Elk

Kathry

Fly Like A Seagull

Took a in the m

Prett Pollen Bathing Beauty

Surfing Dory

This bumblebee was collecting pollen at The Ridges swimming pool in Hayesville. The bee looked to be bathing herself in the flower petals.

Look closely to see the pollen on her legs and body.

At the beach on Hatteras Island, I came upon a group of seasoned commercial fishermen orchestrating their entry into the rolling surf. An amazing sight of skill, experience and heritage.

Our ph Moore wagon a variet

Michael Henson, Hayesville, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC

Kenneth Newman, Frisco, Cape Hatteras Electric

Hanna

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Old Railroad Trestle Nothing Like Mud Puddle Playtime Took a walk down our dirt road and enjoyed playing in the mud puddles after all of the rain we had had.

Kathryn Saylors, Roseboro, South River EMC

My boyfriend grew up fishing the multiple lakes in this area.

Taken at the Whitney Railroad Bridge over Badin Lake in Stanly County.

Jessenia Zody, Troy, Randolph EMC

Pretty Peacock at the Lazy 5 Ranch Our photography club visited the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville on a field trip in the spring. This zoo offers wagon rides and exhibits where you can get up close to a variety of animals. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Flower Power

Hannah Vagnozzi, Kings Mountain, Rutherford EMC

Steven Goins, Charlotte

I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading into Sparta. These yellow flowers on the mountain kept catching my eye all day and I noticed this one floating in a puddle on the top of one of the summits.

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Carolina Contemplates Cotton After a long day of fun and play, Carolina rests on her favorite swing to watch the sun set over the cotton fields of Waxhaw on a perfect fall evening.

Andrea Robson, Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative

Zinnia Nectar Feast While taking photographs around my yard, I noticed how the butterflies were attracted to the zinnias.

J.H. Kanipe, Dallas, Rutherford EMC

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Bromeliad Beauty A bromeliad in a container at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham.

William Alberti, Hillsborough, Piedmont Electric

Crabby Crown of Bubbles Walking Sunset Beach, I spotted this little guy scurrying along the sand.

He was blowing bubbles and posed for me in the glow of the rising sun.

Donna Sullivan, Calabash, Brunswick Electric

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Carolina People

Growing Health & Growing Leaders

The Rev. Richard Joyner is nurturing a healthier community in Edgecombe County

By Margaret Buranen

As a child, the Reverend Richard Joyner toiled long hours under the hot North Carolina sun. He and his 12 brothers and sisters worked hard to help their sharecropping parents grow food for the family. Rev. Joyner vowed that when he grew up, he would never work in the fields again.

carolinacountry.com/extras

The Rev. Joyner was featured as a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2015 — watch this short video about his inspiring work.

The Rev. Richard Joyner with local youth on their community farm in Conetoe

his congregation — and ultimately his community — toward healthier, more productive lives.

Cultivating young leaders The first project for Conetoe’s Family Life Center was a produce garden for church members. Rev. Joyner invited young people to show up at 5 a.m. to create it. Wondering if anybody would bother to be there, he found 35 eager teenagers waiting for him.

What’s different about Conetoe’s Family Life Center program is that the teenagers and kids are leading it.

Older members offer advice and teach skills, but the young people make the decisions — when you involve the kids first, they share at home what they’ve learned. Youth can serve on the board of directors starting at age 12.

It was the kids who got the idea for Conetoe’s Bee Bus. This brightly painted old school bus provides a home the bees find easily. The bees pollinate community gardens and the church’s. The honey is sold (along with produce) to provide college scholarships for the young people.

Tyler Stableford/BYUtv

He became a hospital chaplain and the minister of Conetoe Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in rural Edgecombe County. There, he learned firsthand how rural poverty, poor diet and serious health problems are intertwined.

As with residents in other parts of the rural South, many Conetoe Chapel members had developed obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

They didn’t exercise, and they often ate unhealthy foods.

“People couldn’t just go to a store and buy fresh produce, even if they could afford it,” Rev. Joyner explains.

The congregation’s young people were dropping out of school and repeating the cycle of poverty.

Teenage pregnancy rates were high.

Worst of all, Rev. Joyner found himself conducting funerals for people who were dying far too young.

He searched for ways to improve the lives of his congregation and community, but resources were scarce or nonexistent. Desperate, he parked along a country road one day and begged God for help.

Rev. Joyner says that the answer to his prayer was: “Open your eyes. Look around you.”

“I did not accept this invitation very happily,” he admits. “I heard it, but I didn’t like the answer.”

The answer, it seemed, was agriculture. The pain of watching his parents and other families work so hard but have nothing to show for it was sharp, yet no other solution seemed even a possibility. Reluctantly, Rev. Joyner turned to agriculture to try to turn

“The young people are the leaders,” Rev. Joyner explains. “This is their garden. These are their bees.”

School attendance and graduation rates among Conetoe’s younger members have improved. The teenage pregnancy rate has declined. The fresh vegetables, exercise routines and health habits the young people take home to their older relatives have had a positive effect, too. Hospital visits among older congregants have decreased 75 percent in the last few years. Best of all, Rev. Joyner isn’t conducting funerals for people whose lives were cut far short by ill health.

Rev. Joyner says Conetoe’s Family Life Center will grow, with more outreach efforts involving the hospital, the school system, and anyone who needs healthy food but can’t afford to buy it.

“We want to build a community wealth [of services and opportunities] that will benefit everyone in the community,” Rev. Joyner says.

Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.

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A powerful network.

Co-op ingenuity and innovation are adding strength and flexibility to our grid. Coupled with the dedication of crews from home and afar, cooperatives are ready for whatever winter brings.

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Carolina Living

Are You Protecting Your Digital Home?

Secure digital “windows and doors” to keep out cybercriminals

As technology advances, cybersecurity threats do, too. Internet-connected devices, social media, digital assistants and mobile apps have become indispensable in our lives, but their connectedness makes us vulnerable to cyberattacks.

“The best defense is to stay informed,” says Bashar Abouseido, chief information security officer for Charles Schwab Corp.

It can be helpful to envision your computer and digital devices as a house where you store your personal data. The first of the year is a great time to make sure your digital house is secure.

Types of cybercrimes

Phishing is one of the most common forms of cybercrime. Cybercriminals try to lure you with a fake email sent from what appears to be a trusted source. The email encourages you to click a link or open an attachment to extract personal account information.

Malicious software, also known as malware, spyware, ransomware and viruses, refers to software programs built to gain unauthorized access to a mobile app, digital device or computer.

Data breaches occur as a result of unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. These incidents can affect large numbers of consumers.

Prevent “break-ins”

Build up a secure defense against cybercrime by knocking out this to-do list:

1

Remodel your digital house.

Installing updates is an essential first step. It can be annoying to see those system update prompts on your computer or mobile device, but think of system updates as basic maintenance to keep your personal data safe.

2

Don’t have a leaky house.

Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks.

Using public (often free) Wi-Fi networks is convenient, but it is a common entry point for criminals to use malware to infect your devices and apps. Use only networks you trust or use your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot if you have one. Never update your devices when you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

3

Keep your keys secure.

Choose unique access credentials such as usernames and passwords.

Don’t include personal identifying

information such as a name, address or birthday. For added protection, choose two-step verification to access critical online accounts, such as banking, retirement or investment.

Two-step verification is typically a key or another code provided by the service provider, in addition to your primary access credentials, to verify your identity.

4

Secure your doors and windows. Use only secure websites and app stores. Use web addresses that start with “https” and download apps only from the Apple App Store, Microsoft Store and Google Play store.

5

Don’t open the door to strangers! Delete suspicious emails, especially ones that come from unknown senders. Use your cursor to hover over questionable links and email addresses to reveal the true identity of the link or sender.

When in doubt, don’t click on links or attachments and delete the email.

—Brandpoint

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Carolina Living

Five Ways to Bust the Clutter Want to be organized? Get into the zone by creating one.

Life has a way of getting cluttered. School schedules and sports activities mix with work commitments, and before long, the house is as cluttered as the calendar. Paper piles grow, favorite clothes go missing, and toys seem to march across rooms as if they own the joint.

It makes a person wonder if an orderly house will ever be attainable.

Fortunately, the new year brings exciting opportunities for fresh starts, and January is an ideal time to recommit to having an organized home. With these tips, you can make successful changes to get organized and stay that way. Find more ideas for home organization at closetmaid.com.

1

Purge the excess. Over time, nearly everyone collects too much stuff, and clutter is often more an indication of too much volume than poor organization.

Items are purchased to replace outdated things, but the old pieces sometimes don’t get discarded. Start with eliminating the things you no longer want or need. A good strategy is to create piles of items: keep, sell, donate and discard.

2

Create a drop zone. In most homes, the entryway is a catchall for family belongings that get shed with each pass through the door. It’s convenient to have shoes, coats, backpacks and other essentials ready to grab as you head out, so instead of fighting the inevitable jumble, find a way to organize it. A dedicated drop zone with customizable shelving, baskets and drawers is a solution that can attractively contain your family’s essentials.

3

Avoid junk piles. Nearly every home has at least one junk pile, drawer or even room. In most cases, the reason is that the contents are a mishmash of items that don’t really have any place else to go. Make a point to identify ways to create order in that area, whether it’s adding drawer inserts to contain all the odds and ends or buying a standing file to capture bills and mail.

4

Be mindful about use. When you’re on a mission to eliminate excess clutter, it can be tempting to go overboard putting things away. It’s important to be realistic about where you store the things you need and to err on the side of keeping the things you use regularly within reach. This may mean getting creative about how you organize or even adding new storage containers or furniture. Remember, being organized is only helpful if it’s also practical.

5

Embrace routines. The idea of dedicating large chunks of time to organizing and tidying the house can be overwhelming. However, making time to clean as you progress through the day can help control clutter. Commit to cleaning up the kitchen after dinner each night. Set expectations for kids to pick up their rooms before bed.

Before long, routines become productive habits that make a visible difference.

—FamilyFeatures.com

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January 2020

South River EMC

Communicator BRIGHT IDEAS LIGHT UP CLASSROOMS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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outh River EMC‘s educational grant program, Bright Ideas, awarded $59,952 in funding to our local schools in 2019.

This pool consisted of 39 grants from 24 different schools, four in Harnett County, five in Cumberland County, six in Johnston County and nine in Sampson Triton High School‘s JROTC proCounty. gram will use their Bright Ideas funds for a service project.

The Bright Ideas grant program was founded in 1994 when studies found that teachers were spending their own money to provide lessons to students.

Since that time, the Bright Ideas grant program has funded over $12.2 million toward 11,699 grant projects statewide. South River EMC has locally awarded over $1 million in Bright Ideas grant funding.

The program awards grants to teachers for innovative, classroom-based ideas in the public, Continued page B

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South River EMC offices will be closed January 1 in celebration of the New Year.

Start those saving resolutions!

New Savings Opportunity

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Co-op Smart Programs

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Sports Camp Scholarships

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Energy Smarts

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BRIGHT continued page B K-12 school system. Grants can be written for any subject up to $2,500.

There is always a wide variety of projects ranging from books to tablets to gardens, solar power, robotics and STEM projects.

Applications are submitted by veteran and new teachers alike.

A grant for one benefits many.

The program kicks off April 1 and closes in mid-September.

Keep an eye out in Carolina Country, as well as at sremc.com to learn more about Bright Ideas deadlines.

For information on the Bright Ideas program, as well as our recent recipients, please visit sremc.com/content/bright-ideas.

Be Ready Should Jack Frost Come Knockin’

W

ith no true way of knowing what kind of weather we’ll receive this winter, be it ice, rain, snow, or all three, being prepared is key.

South River EMC works yearround to reduce outage potential, but sometimes weather brings about broken poles, downed lines and more.

Don’t be the person on your street waiting for everyone else to report an outage, report it yourself! You can do so in one of two ways, by calling 910.892.8071, or by texting #out to 888.338.5530, provided you have signed up for outage texting.

need your South River EMC account number.

The cell phone number used for outage reporting must be one of the numbers on the electric account, because the registration process matches your mobile number with your account service location.

You can opt-in to receive outage information for up to four locations. You can also opt-in with the assistance of a member service representative in the office or over the phone.

Once enrolled, it can be up to 24 hours before your account is text ready for you to be able to use key words (#out; #status) to report an outage, check on the status of an outage and be notified once an outage has been restored.

You can opt-out at any time.

Just text STOP to 888.338.5530.

Data and messaging fees may apply depending on the terms of your cell service.

Outage texting is an opt-in service and requires action on your part to participate.

To begin, follow these steps: Text the word SREMCTEXT to 888.338.5530.

Follow the prompts for a short registration process. You will

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NEW SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY

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New Year brings new opportunities to save energy––and money.

You may think energy efficiency upgrades require a great deal of time and expense, but that’s not always the case.

If you’re interested in making your home more efficient, but don’t want to break the bank, there are several DIY projects you can tackle to increase energy savings. Let’s take a look at three inexpensive efficiency upgrades that can help you save energy throughout the year.

Trim Dryer Vent Level of difficulty: easy.

Supplies needed: tin snips, gloves, measuring tape and masking tape.

Estimated Cost: $25.

If your dryer vent hose is too long, your dryer is working harder than it has to, using more energy than necessary.

The vent hose should be long enough for you to pull the dryer out a couple feet from the wall, but the shape of the hose should form a line––it should not have a lot of slack, with twists and curves. A shorter, unobstructed vent hose increases the efficiency of your dryer, dries clothing faster and reduces lint buildup, which can create potential fire hazards.

If you’re unsure about the hose length, check out YouTube.com for a quick video tutorial.

Seal Air Leaks

Level of difficulty: moderate.

Supplies needed: caulk and caulk gun, weather stripping, gloves, putty knife, paper towels.

Estimated Cost: $25 to $50.

Sealing air leaks in your home can help you save 10 to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills. Apply caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring and plumbing to seal in conditioned air. You should also weather strip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs.

Types of caulking and weather stripping materials vary, but ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need. For more information, the Department of Energy provides step-by-step instructions for caulking and weather stripping: https://bit.ly/2Kesu6W Insulate Attic Stairs Opening Level of difficulty: moderate.

Supplies needed (if you build the box yourself): rigid foam

board, faced blanket insulation, tape for foam board, measuring tape, utility knife, caulk and caulk gun, plywood.

Estimated Cost: $50 to $100.

A properly insulated attic is one of the best ways to optimize energy savings and comfort in your home, but many homeowners don’t consider insulating the attic stairs, or the opening to your attic space. Even a well-insulated attic can leak air through the stair opening, but luckily, there’s an easy fix.

An insulated cover box can seal and insulate the attic stairs opening. You can build your own insulated cover box or purchase a pre-built box or kit from a local home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe’s for about $60. If you decide to build your own, check out these step-by-step instructions from the Department of Energy: https://bit.ly/36YNCYQ. It should also be noted, if your attic opening is located in a garage that you do not heat and cool, this upgrade will not be as effective.

Saving energy doesn’t have to be hard. With a little time and effort, you can maximize energy savings and increase the comfort of your home.

To learn about additional ways to save, visit sremc.com/content/ energy-saving-tips.

Simply measure, mark and trim the hose to the desired length, then reattach the hose to your dryer and exterior vent.

South River EMC Communicator

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COOPERATIVE SMART PROGRAMS

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outh River EMC is one of the 26 electric cooperatives across the state working to help members manage their energy use. This is done in multiple ways

Energy use monitoring: You can check your daily energy use, and see how outdoor temperatures affect your energy cost, maybe even encouraging you to adjust the thermostat.

SmartEnergy Profile: You can get more in depth with your energy use with the SmartEnergy Profile. By completing a survey on your home, you can learn about where your home is using energy. Not only that, but you also will receive tips to help save.

SmartPay: SmartPay is our prepaid program, which can also help you track your energy use since you pay for it before you use it. When your balance falls below zero, your power will be disconnected, so by keeping track of your use, you tend to use energy more cautiously.

SmartEnergy Forecaster: The SmartEnergy Forecaster syncs with your SmartEnergy Profile to help calculate daily energy use based on local forecasted temperatures, as well as your profile settings.

nection notification, payment receipt, daily use and excessive use, as well as special alerts.

You can set up alerts for email, phone call or text.

To see what else South River EMC has to offer, visit our web site at sremc.com, or speak with a member service representative at 910.892.8071.

Smart Alerts: You have a lot to keep up with, make it easier with Smart Alerts. You can set a due date reminder, a discon-

NEW YEAR, A NEW WAY OF BUSINESS?

A

s we welcome in the New Year, this is a perfect time to simplify!

South River EMC offers you several options to make payments easier.

• Draft: By putting your account on draft, you’ll receive your electric bill and a date on which it will be deducted from your account. No hassle with due dates, check writing and late fees. You can draft from a bank account or a credit card.

Sign up through your online account, by contacting our Member Service Department at 910.892.8071 or e-mailing billing@sremc.com and requesting a draft authorization form, or by visiting an office.

• E-Billing: Looking for a way to

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January 2020

cut down on clutter? Sign up for E-Billing and see just how easy managing your account can be while cutting back on paper. No checks to write, stamps to buy, bills to mail.

E-Billing perks include email reminders when your bill is ready, online access to your account 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, daily and hourly electric use summaries, and more. To sign up, complete the form under “service options” at sremc.com.

• Budget Billing: Would it be easier to pay about the same amount each month? Our budget billing program offers a predictable monthly payment with no true-up, except on your final bill. Based on a rolling 13-month average electric bill, your monthly bill varies slightly, but you’ll avoid the abrupt highs and lows from fluctuating weather patterns. Each month your amount will be based on the average of the current bill and the previous 12 months.

Average is good.

Interested? You need to have had service with the Cooperative for at least 12 months and your account must be current.

Call our office at 910.892.8071 or e-mail us at billing@sremc. com and request budget billing.

www.sremc.com

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GIVE US THOSE A’S!

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t’s time to send in your kids’ most recent report card with at least one A for the “Give Us An A” drawing, to be held in February.

The drawing is held for students achieving at least one A on their report card. Each of the 15 students whose names are drawn will receive a $25 gift card.

The program is open to students who are members, or children of members, of South River EMC. Just make a copy of the most recent report card with at least one A, and send it to the Cooperative.

You must include the member’s name, South River EMC account

number and a daytime telephone number, report cards will not be accepted without this information.

Send report cards to: South River EMC “Give Us An A” PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 Or scanned and e-mailed to connections@sremc.com.

Report cards are due by close of business, February 10.

MAKE YOUR APPLICATION A SLAM DUNK

J

anuary means a new opportunity for students to get into Cooperative camps.

This month, South River EMC opens up a chance for current fifth, sixth and seventh graders to apply for the Touchstone Energy basketball camps offered at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill.

The camp opportunity gives boys and girls a unique experience to attend basketball camp with one of the state’s premier collegiate basketball programs.

Students statewide are encour-

aged to apply for one of 50 all-expenses-paid scholarships to attend the Roy Williams Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (June 20-24) and the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Academy at North Carolina State University in Raleigh (June 21-24).

The overnight camps are held in the summer, and campers work closely with coaches and players to develop fundamental skills, helping them perform and excel both on and off the court.

Campers must: Be a rising sixth, seventh or eighth grader. This means the student should currently be in fifth, sixth or seventh grade.

Provide their own transportation to and from camp.

Winners will attend the camps courtesy of South River EMC. The Cooperative funds one scholarship to each camp.

Applications are scored on academics, extracurricular activities and an essay that must accompany the application. The application period runs from January 2 to March 31.

Eligible students interested in the scholarship can contact the Cooperative at 910-8928071, ext. 2151, or download an application from sremc.com/ content/basketball-camps.

Attend a school in the Cooperative service area.

Coach Wes Moore and Mallory Edwards.

South River EMC Communicator

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Have permission from a parent or guardian to attend. An information sheet must be signed.

Coach Roy Williams and Brooks Moore.

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ENERGY smarts

You never know where you could be losing that warm air, check it out!

Is It Too Cool For The Pool?

While it’s too cool for the outdoor pool, it’s never too early to look at deals for pool season.

So, what does that mean?

It means if you have a single speed pool pump, look at variable and two-speed pumps.

With a single speed pump you only have one setting, the highest, to perform all actions of

the pool. This is an overuse of energy and water.

With a variable or two-speed pump, you can save. A twospeed pump has two speeds to work with and can be a little more tailored to fit the job, be it filtering or cleaning. The variable-speed pump has multiple speeds and options to find the

best fit for the amount of water being filtered. Both options are eligible for a rebate from South River EMC. Not thinking about it yet? That’s okay, just keep it mind and if you do replace your pool pump, visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2152 as rebates may change.

It‘s Time For Improvement, Home Improvement It’s the perfect time to do a little home improvement. A signal that work is needed is that you notice that certain areas of your home seem cooler than others.

Before you adjust the thermostat, check around. Is the weather stripping good on the doors and windows? Do you feel air coming in around the baseboards or window frames that maybe caulk will fix?

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Perhaps you’ve been in the attic recently and noticed the insulation is a little sparse. This could allow heat to exit in the winter. There may even be some air leaks in your ductwork that prevents you from getting the most from your heating and cooling system while impacting your home’s air quality.

you heat and cool while reducing energy costs. Begin saving with some improvements around your home.

Check what rebates you could receive by making these improvements and enjoy those savings even more. For details on rebates visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2222.

Fixing problems like this improves comfort and costs. Seal holes and keep more of the air

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ENERGY smarts HERO Homes For Savings Could you have a 30 percent savings just by building a tighter home?

That’s right, South River EMC rebates on high efficiency

residential options, or HERO, homes, which include, better insulation, high-efficiency lighting, window U-factors, whole house tightness and duct leakage testing, among other

things.

If you’re interested in building a HERO home and saving money, visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.

When It’s Time To Replace Your Heating And Cooling Unit Heating and cooling accounts for 50 percent of your energy costs each month. That’s a fact, but by making sure you replace old or failing systems you can achieve savings and comfort, for the most part.

As a system ages, it becomes less efficient. With a lifespan of 10-12 years for a heat pump, you have time to look around, but also remember it could be sooner than you think, and the longer you hold onto an old unit, the more it adds up.

If you’re looking into a new heat

pump, a high-efficiency unit is the way to go. A 17 SEER or greater unit can help you save.

SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, measure the cooling efficiency of these systems. But don’t go away thinking that’s not important in winter. It’s important, because knowing how high those temperatures get in the summer, you want to be prepared year-round.

running constantly, it adds up.

Reasons include heating loss and low thermostat settings.

By making sure your home is weatherized and insulated and that your thermostat is set to 68 degrees or so this winter, will help.

For details on high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, as well as information on rebates, visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2152.

But another aspect to saving money and energy is how you use your high-efficiency heating and cooling system. If it’s

An energy service advisor can help pinpoint heating and cooling problems.

South River EMC Communicator

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January 2020 | G

12/10/19 3:41 PM

ENERGY smarts A Hot Shower On A Cold Day Happiness isn’t heated water, but warm water does tend to make everyone a little happier on cold days. So, if your water heater goes out, it is of utmost importance to get it replaced.

In times like these, the best decisions are not always made, you typically just replace what you have with another just like it.

Why? By selecting a different system, like a heat pump water heater, you could save energy and money. Heat pump water heaters move heat, rather than generating it, making them two to three times more efficient.

A solar system will take a little more planning, but with the appropriate resource, you could see water heating savings. Sun

is free, but you have to make sure you receive enough to meet water heating needs.

If you’d like to look into either type of system, as well as others, you can visit energy. gov, and search water heater.

To learn about the water heater rebates offered by South River EMC visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2152.

Why Should I Purchase Energy Star Appliances?

Has someone in your family ever said, what’s the point of purchasing an Energy Star appliance? If so, the response is energy savings.

An Energy Star refrigerator will save homeowners $60 a year over about five years. That’s $300 in savings. Energy Star clothes washers use 25 percent

less energy each year and 33 percent less water. Energy Star certified dryers have about 20 percent energy savings. Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 30 percent less energy, just look at those savings!

Now, don’t let the cost stop you, although they are slightly more expensive than standard

appliances. Depending on your use, they often make up those costs in energy savings.

If you’re interested in estimating those costs, try the appliance calculator at sremc.com. And when you buy one, get rebate information at sremc.com, or by calling 910.892.8071 x 2152.

Smart Thermostats: The Home’s Control Panel Thermostats let you adjust the temperature in your home, they’re the control panel for your heating and cooling system. What makes them smart is that they learn from your behaviors, allow you to control the climate in your home remotely, show you energy consumption in real-time, and can even adjust themselves based on ambient conditions like humidity.

For example, you can set it so the unit is at a lower temperature while you’re at work, and then spring back into action in time to make the house comfortable by the time you get home. Most smart thermostats will show you how long it takes to make the requested change, allowing you to see the efficiency of your climate control system.

South River EMC

A smart thermostat can be a win-win all around, so why not try one? For details on the rebate offered on Energy Star smart thermostat, visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2152.

Communicator

PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 910.892.8071 800.338.5530 www.sremc.com

Follow Us! southriveremc

H | January 2020

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Carolina Living

Energy Savings Word Search There are many ways you can help save energy in your home!

Find the bolded words from the energy efficiency tips below right. Try to circle them all!

Energy Efficiency Tips

Word Bank O A T L B G X I A U U R E W G

E L E C T R I C I T Y E V M N

S L X O B I S B G U Z F J E I

P R K O F S Y X Y N S R M O H

W S E G M M K X Z C E I Q F T

F A J G X M Y I I W M G S P O

W E T Z R R E N H U F E D N L

A T O E R A O Y F Y P R M T C

T D G N R R H B H X O A D K R

E E H X T H X C X Z R T F W L

R I C C B C E N C O V O V I S

S A E N X L V A F M N R G H S

Y L P M Q I A P T B V H N X B

E S X N K D F J Y E T E Y Q R

S R E W O H S I E S R Q L I D

• Turn off lights any time you leave a room.

• Make sure to firmly close the refrigerator door.

• Wash clothing in cold water to reduce the load on your water heater.

• Unplug items that consume electricity even when they’re not in use, like cell phone chargers and coffee makers.

These are known as “phantom load” electronics.

• Take showers instead of baths — showers require less water use.

January 2020 | 23

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Carolina Living

Seared Salmon With pine nut topping

½ cup pine nuts 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 shallot, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons) ½ medium fennel bulb, cored and finely chopped 3 tablespoons drained capers* 1½ teaspoons fresh orange zest 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil ½ teaspoon, plus ⅛ teaspoon, salt, divided 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6–7 ounces each) ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Easy-Peasy Meals

Keep it simple this month with skillet dishes

H

oliday cooking and its cleanup have a way of making folks yearn for easier meals come January. Skillet dishes are a great solution. You won’t have a lot of pots and pans to scrub, and you can easily monitor a dish’s progress on the stovetop.

Find additional recipes at anolon.com.

—FamilyFeatures.com

Heat a 12-inch, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast, shaking pan often, about 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.

Transfer pine nuts to medium bowl.

In same skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shallot and fennel; cook, stirring occasionally, 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

Add capers and cook 1 minute. Transfer to bowl with pine nuts. Stir in remaining oil and orange zest. Let cool 5 minutes before adding basil and ⅛ teaspoon salt.

Season salmon with remaining salt and pepper.

Add salmon to skillet over medium heat, flesh side down, and cook 5 minutes until browned. Flip salmon and continue cooking 4–5 minutes until skin is crisp and salmon is cooked through but still slightly translucent in center. Place salmon fillets on plates; top each with pine nut mixture. *Note: Don’t like capers? You can substitute chopped green olives.

Yield: 4 servings

Green Beans With Tomatoes and Garlic

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup yellow onions, minced 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1½ pounds green beans, ends trimmed 3 large ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In nonstick skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil.

Add onions and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, 7–10 minutes. Add garlic and continue stirring 1 minute. Add green beans and tomatoes; cover and cook over low heat until green beans are soft, 25 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is almost gone, 2–3 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a 10-inch, nonstick skillet* over low heat, 6 tablespoons butter melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange apple wedges evenly in divided skillet; overlap as needed.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon In skillet over medium heat, cook sugar mixture or apple pie spice until it is light amber and bubbly, 8–10 minutes.

6 medium Granny Smith apples, Place pie crust over apples; cut slits in pastry to peeled, cored and cut into eight allow air to escape. Brush pastry with cream and wedges each remaining sugar. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until 1 refrigerated pie crust crust is golden brown and apples are tender.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

2 teaspoons cream *Use an ovenproof skillet.

Stovetop Apple Pie

Yield: One 10-inch pie

24 | carolinacountry.com

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On the House

Convenience & Energy Savings with Smart Speakers The gift that keeps on giving

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

We received a smart speaker as a gift during the holidays but aren’t sure where to get started. What can we do with the device, and can we use it to help us save energy?

A:

Smart speakers are definitely popular holiday gifts, and they continue to pop up in homes across the country. The Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod — there is no shortage of options these days.

At their most basic level, smart speakers are speakers. But thanks to their voice control and brandspecific assistants (like Alexa or Siri), they can do a whole lot more, from telling you the weather and sports scores, to providing appointment or grocery list reminders, to answering trivia questions. You can even string together a bunch of tasks into a larger routine.

While the exact setup instructions for your smart speaker will depend on what kind you have, all typically have the same basic requirements: a power source, a Wi-Fi connection, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, and the smart speaker’s dedicated app.

After that, you can ask it questions or give it commands and get going.

The main benefit of smart speakers is certainly their convenience, as they give you a hands-free way to perform and customize a variety of actions. But they also have the potential to help you save energy and money.

By connecting them to other smart home devices in your mobile app — think smart thermostats, lights and plugs — smart speakers give you more control over your energyconsuming appliances, helping you use them only when needed. One thing to research before diving in, though, is compatibility. Some smart home technologies pair more seamlessly with certain smart speakers than others.

Here are a few of the more common options: ■ Smart lighting comes in a

few forms. Basic smart bulbs, color-changing bulbs and smart light switches give you additional flexibility in your lighting options (switches may require a licensed electrician for installation). For added security, many smart lights can be set up on a vacation mode to make it seem like someone’s at home when you’re out of town.

■ Smart plugs easily connect to a

traditional outlet and can then be used to power a device. From there, you can use the plugs’ dedicated app or sync them up to your smart speaker for voice control. These can also be set on a schedule or timer.

■ Smart thermostats like the Nest

and Ecobee make it easier to adjust

your home’s temperature for different times of day, schedules or occupancy levels, and connecting them to your smart speaker adds another level of versatility.

■ Smart speaker features can be a

particularly big perk for an aging population. For example, they can be used to get reminders for medication or to shut off lights or change the temperature via voice command, which is especially helpful for those with mobility, dexterity, memory or vision issues.

And at a more basic level, they can offer companionship and a great way to keep in touch with friends and family.

A common concern people have about smart speakers is privacy, specifically through eavesdropping or recording.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to enhance your confidentiality and limit what data your speaker can obtain, including muting your device and updating settings in your app.

Smart speakers provide many exciting ways to make your everyday life a little bit easier and potentially cheaper, so have fun setting yours up and enjoy what it has to offer!

Jonathan Susser is a writer and editor for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

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Introducing

the future of personal transportation.

Also available in Black

It’s not a Wheelchair...

It’s not a Power Chair...

It’s a Zinger Chair!

10”

The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the

steering lever so it’s simple to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 miles on a single charge.

Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life

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The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2019 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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83983

Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house

12/10/19 12:58 PM

How to Get Great Photos in the Field

Reflections on making the most of nature’s canvas Story and photos by Robin Conover

My work as editor of a magazine similar to Carolina Country gives me plenty of opportunities to practice one of my true passions: photography. Although I have had the pleasure of taking photos of countless inspiring subjects for the magazine, I also find inspiration wandering down the trails of both national and state parks, and driving the winding backroads of our country, waiting for the perfect photo to present itself..

When on such trips, I feel like I can’t miss any photographic opportunity.

That means being up before sunrise and out until after sunset.

That made for a few long days one summer when I was in West Glacier, Montana. I began my last day there at the Apgar Visitor Center just before sunrise. I had scouted the area the day before and thought the rental boats moored at the southern end of Lake McDonald might make an interesting subject with the golden light of a brilliant sunrise filtering in from the east (the right side of the image).

I set up my tripod on the dock, composed the shot with a boat at the lower left third of the frame and waited for the light. As it turned out, the sun didn’t break through the haze in the distance until quite a while after sunrise. This meant the streams of sunlight I had hoped to capture as they raked across this landscape just

There is no magic tool to fix bad compositions or uninteresting subjects.

Interesting light and strong compositions will win out over poorly executed photos any day —n o matter how much they are processed.

weren’t going to happen. Instead, a light cloud cover and a smoky haze from a nearby fire in Glacier National Park had filled the sky, obscuring the sunrise and the mountains in the background.

As I took this image, I was a bit disappointed that I had missed my last chance to capture what I had seen in my head. So, instead, I framed the most interesting composition I could find with the boat as the central subject. As my shot transformed into a monochromatic palette, the bright red mooring buoy added a glimmer of color that took on a central position in this composition. You might say it creates an anchoring point for your eye as you move through the image.

It wasn’t until months later, when I revisited my edit on the images I captured that day, that I took notice of this one again. Because it hadn’t turned out to be what I wanted that morning, I had largely ignored it. In hindsight, it tells its own story.

After the shot The creative process doesn’t end once a photo is taken. In my humble

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s

Left: A seemingly missed opportunity: “Quiet Morning at Lake McDonald.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF 100-400 mm ƒ4.5-5.6 L USM lens at 100mm, ISO 100, ƒ11 at 1/125 sec, Gitzo tripod

opinion, Ansel Adams would have loved digital photography and Photoshop. As one of the most important American photographers, he always pushed his equipment, darkroom techniques and vision to produce his masterful prints.

He is famously quoted as describing his process by saying, “The negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score and the print the performance.”

This concept is as true today as it was the day he said it — though the terminology may have changed a bit in our digital world. His physical negative, most often glass, only came to life after it was painstakingly processed in a darkroom to reveal the latent image, which was then printed onto a piece of photographic paper via an enlarger. Each step bore his trademark specificity and love for the craft.

He utilized every tool available to create masterworks with pure whites and blacks and every tone of his zone system in between.

Today we talk about capturing images as raw files, importing them into a digital photo-editing software and outputting the final files to myriad devices. Each step of this process requires a skillset that can be a lifelong learning curve.

On occasion, I overhear comments at a gallery or a show that go something like this: “That’s not real; it must be Photoshopped.” So, in the commenter’s mind, this particular photograph is worthless because of the computer’s role.

After taking a deep breath, my slightly irritated answer follows something like, “Yes, it is real, and, yes, it is Photoshopped.”

Then I try to provide a little education by describing my technique. To create successful photographs, it all begins with strong compositions and great light. Then the raw file is

brought to life with minimal processing in Photoshop. The steps usually involve setting my black and white points for highlights and shadows, tweaking the color balance if needed, using a curve to set contrast and then sharpening the image.

These steps reveal the subject’s details, tones and subtleties I saw with my eye when I photographed it.

Properly using the tools available to us today is both a blessing and a curse.

I choose to use these tools to show the best example of what I actually saw. Some may take artistic license

too far in this realm and rely on digital darkroom tools to attempt to make mediocre photos more successful.

There is no magic tool to fix bad compositions or uninteresting subjects. Interesting light and strong compositions will win out over poorly executed photos any day — no matter how much they are processed.

In the end, it’s really about the light and how you see the world.

Robin Conover is editor of The Tennessee Magazine, a publication of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.

A little Photoshop work revealed the subtleties of “Foothills Parkway Sunrise.”

Canon EOS 6D, 70-200 mm, 2.8 L-series lens, Gitzo tripod, ISO 100, ƒ32 at 1/10 sec

An unexpected opportunity at the end of a hike led to “Roosting Turkeys at Radnor Lake.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 100-400 mm, 4.55.6 L IS USM lens with circular polarizer ISO 6400, ƒ5.6 at 1/125 sec, Gitzo tripod

January 2020 | 29

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12/10/19 11:43 AM

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

All Hands on Deck

At the time of her commissioning in 1941, she was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Today, moored on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina is an authentically restored memorial and a stimulating place to visit.

Through a self-guided tour, visitors learn about shipboard life and are encouraged to explore nine levels of the massive World War II ship, including berthing areas, the engine room, sick bay and combat information center.

Children love climbing the ladders, trying on helmets, “texting” using flags and playing with “the big guns.”

All photos: Battleship North Carolina

The ship is open daily, including all holidays. Admission: adults, age 12 & over, $14; seniors, age 65 & over, $10; Active or retired military, military spouses & dependents, with ID cards, $10; children, age 6 through 11, $6, age 5 & under, free; Friends of the Battleship members, free. Hours vary by season. To learn more, call 910-399-9100 or visit battleshipnc.com.

One Pawsome Travel Agent Meet Mo, North Carolina’s first dog travel agent! Mo, a rescue dog, was recently selected among 500 canine candidates to fill a new tourism position. Using her 39 (dog) years of life experience, Mo sniffs out dog-friendly places, including hotels, campgrounds, parks and trails, breweries, restaurants and bakeries.

Visit NC

You can catch her and her fellow dog travelers fetching reports on dogtravelagent.com, and also on Visit NC’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube accounts.

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A GOOD READ

Beyond the Frozen Forest Sweet & Salty Popcorn Party Mix This yummy recipe makes plenty for a family or group of kids to munch. Find additional recipes at popcorn.org.

All photos: Battleship North Carolina

10 cups popped popcorn 2 cups miniature pretzel twists 1 cup pecans 1 cup peanuts 2 cups rice, wheat or corn cereal squares 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

In large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, pecans, peanuts and cereal squares; set aside.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup.

Stir mixture until it begins to boil. Boil 3 minutes without stirring. Carefully remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Note:

Mixture will foam.

Pour syrup over popcorn mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour mixture onto large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking. Stir mixture several times as it cools. Store in airtight container.

Yield: 14 cups

DO YOU KNOW…

That NC’s Oldest Newspaper was Printed in 1751?

The North-Carolina Gazette first came off the press 268 years ago — that’s some old news! James Davis issued the paper from New Bern using the North Carolina colony’s first printing press.

“The newspaper, unlike modern print papers, did not have headlines or much local news,” explains the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. “It focused mostly on international news and the arrivals and departures of ships.”

In this faith-based children’s book about decisions, all of the snow children enjoy their days in the cold forest with the boy who made them. But when an old troll promises that a magnificent meadow is a much better place to live, their choice to follow him places them in peril. As the meadow’s sunshine begins melting them, the boy’s love for the snow children he created prompts an amazing rescue plan.

But will they realize what’s at stake before it’s too late?

Author Sandy Broome lives in Mount Holly and illustrator Alan Capps resides in Indian Trail. Learn more about Alan at alancappsart.com, and to learn more about the author or to purchase the book, visit sandybroome.com. Paperback, 42 pages, $9.99.

Ha ve a lau gh!

Q: What is a corn farmer’s favorite holiday?

A: New Ear’s Day

Davis served as the colony’s public printer until 1782, and aside from difficulties issuing the Gazette following a storm in 1769 and during the Revolutionary War, he kept issuing the newspaper until just before his death in 1785. The paper appeared in another form between 1786 and 1798, when it was used by another printer to promote the Bill of Rights and other causes.

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NC Outdoors

Becoming a Hunter

Success in the field starts with a support system

By Mike Zlotnicki

A gun shot thundered from across the cutover on my hunting lease in Halifax County.

Hoping it was my friend Thomas Harvey, I texted him, simply: “you?” (And yes, texting has become an integral part of deer hunting, at least in my circles.)

He promptly replied “buck on the ground,” and I quickly climbed out of my stand and drove to his. A small 6-point was his harvest — it looked like a deer I passed on the week before in the same area. (I can’t be sure, of course, but it does make for a better story.)

I asked him how he felt after pulling the trigger, an act no hunter takes lightly.

“It was a clean and quick kill,” he said. “I felt relief that it was a humane kill and excited because I accomplished it after a two-year journey.”

Thomas, 31, wasn’t new to hunting. Eight years ago he started with doves, then waterfowl, then turkeys. He went to a gun show and came home with a Brittany puppy for upland hunting. But this was his first deer, and he could not contain his excitement while recalling the events of the morning that lead us here. A week later, he and his wife, Danielle, were in my kitchen, where we processed and vacuum-packed his harvest for the freezer. I asked him why he was drawn to deer hunting after eight years.

“One more thing to learn,” he said.

“It’s a kind of solitary, passive thing.

It’s also a lot of bang for your buck. I

don’t think I’d do it if it didn’t yield so much meat.”

Thomas and I train and hunt versatile dogs, so we had an established friendship. Helping him get started deer hunting was easy and fun. He did his research, purchased quality equipment (including his Kimber Hunter rifle in .308) and didn’t “overcomplicate it,” as he put it. Thomas had a friend and mentor in me to help get him started.

But not everyone does who would like to try hunting.

Finding support If you know a hunter, ask him or her to mentor you. If you don’t know a hunter, perhaps join your local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (nwtf.org), Delta Waterfowl (deltawaterfowl.org), Ducks Unlimited (ducks.org) or the Quality Deer Management Association (qdma.com). Sporting dog breed clubs are another avenue (The American Kennel Club lists 44 sporting breed clubs in North Carolina at akc.org). Social media like Facebook have an abundance of hunting groups, some open and some you have to join.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission holds seminars across the

state for novice hunters to learn more about squirrel, waterfowl, turkey and deer hunters (bit.ly/wildlifecourses).

It also has the relatively new Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) program, which is designed for people who have never hunted and lack the social support, such as family or friends who are hunters. The GSOs cover hunting skills, equipment and strategies, and wild game processing and cooking. In some cases, mentored hunts for those participants who complete a GSO are carried out.

I don’t believe that there’s a “hunter-gatherer gene” in everyone, but I do believe there is a latent gene in a lot of people. My father took me out enough as a child to make me want to learn more. I was lucky he did. Some people don’t have that mentor.

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.

First steps for new hunters To learn more about Getting Started Outdoors, go to bit.ly/newhunter. There are more resources now than ever for folks who want to learn.

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Carolina Compass

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WinterFest Polar bear plunge, chili contest Jan. 23–26, Blowing Rock

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January Events MOUNTAINS Winter Holiday Lights Show Games, displays at arboretum Through Jan. 4, Asheville 828-665-2492 ncarboretum.org/winter-lights

Indoor Soccer Camps Dec. 16–Jan. 10, Boone 828-386-1215 hcsoccer.com

Leanne Morgan

Mary Poppins

Dreamfest

Story-telling mom Jan. 17, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

Classic film about a British nanny Jan. 3, Roxboro 336-597-1709 bit.ly/kirby0120

Celebrating MLK’s vision Jan. 18–20, Cary bit.ly/dreamfest2020 robbie.stone@townofcary.org

The Greatest Love of All

Tree Toss

Tribute to Whitney Houston Jan. 30, Wilkesboro 336-838-6260 walkercenteronline.org

Animals enjoy greenery Jan. 4 & 18, Burlington 336-421-0883 animalparknc.org

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

PIEDMONT

WinterFest Polar bear plunge, chili contest Jan. 23–26, Blowing Rock 828-295-7828 blowingrockwinterfest.com

First Footin’ Hike, stone soup Jan. 1, Huntersville 704-875-3113 ruralhill.net carolyn@ruralhill.net

Holiday Skating Iceless rink, hot chocolate Dec. 18–Jan. 1, Hendersonville 800-828-4244 visithendersonvillenc.org/ home-for-the-holidays

Resolutions 2020 2D & 3D exhibit Jan. 6–26, Hillsborough 919-732-5001 hillsboroughgallery.com

The Simon & Garfunkel Story Tribute to folk-rock duo Jan. 8, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

Singer performs hits Jan. 26, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

COAST Kwanzaa—Making A Difference African dance, kids village Jan. 1, Durham 919-560-2750 aadekwanzaafest.wixsite.com/ kwanzaafest

carolinacountry.com/calendar

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

MOUNTAINS

77

PIEDMONT

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

95

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

COAST

The Simon & Garfunkel Story Tribute to folk-rock duo Jan. 8, Durham

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Carolina Compass

Traveling Snowman

Lifeboat

Sensory Saturday Series Jan. 4, Southport 910-477-5150 katy.menne@ncdcr.gov

Hitchcock thriller film Jan. 21, Southport 910-477-5150 ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com

Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival

The Black Market Trust

Performance, banquet Jan. 5, Kinston 252-523-6146 stmaryskinston.com

Stylish pop and jazz Jan. 23, Oriental 252-617-2125 pamlicomusic.org

Coastal Culture, Waterfowl

Pickin’ On The Pungo

Overnight nature tour Jan. 15–16, Beaufort 252-504-7740 ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com

Bands, youth showcase Jan. 25, Belhaven 252-717-5387 peter@machatours.com

Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Southern Spies

Include cornbread contest Jan. 17, Beaufort 252-728-1638 maritimefriends.org

Homeschool Friday Series Jan. 31, Southport 910-477-5150 katy.menne@ncdcr.gov

Battleship 101 Behind the scenes tour Jan 18, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

Pickin’ On The Pungo Bands, youth showcase Jan. 25, Belhaven

Know Before You Go

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

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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 –

, 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 “NCS9”, 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 COUNTRY

adventures

Hit the High Country Slopes Boone is the gateway to the ‘Ski Capital of the South’

By Renee Gannon | Photos courtesy of Appalachian Ski Mountain unless otherwise noted

rental for folks who would rather rent gloves, bibs, jackets and helmets. For non-skiers, a refrigerated outdoor ice arena awaits. The 46,000-square-foot, Bavarian-style base lodge offers a slopeside restaurant, panoramic observation deck and free Wi-Fi internet service.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Sugar Mountain

Beech Mountain Ski

M

any winter sports enthusiasts head to the “mile high” ski towns in Colorado, surrounded by the epic peaks of the Rocky Mountains. While the High Country of western North Carolina may not be Colorado, the region holds its own considerable charm. Elevations of up to 6,000 feet provide the winter weather needed to satisfy a range of skiing capabilities, as well as activities such as snowtubing, snowshoeing, ice skating and shopping — all within a few hours from most parts of NC to less than a day’s drive from the farthest eastern points of the state.

Boone anchors the High Country, and is within 45 minutes of ski areas and snowtubing. From the many locally owned cabins, inns, motels and chain hotels to the new downtown boutique hotel, The Horton (thehorton.com), visitors to the area use this Watauga County town as a jumping off point to winter adventure. With high-tech snowmaking capabilities to help Mother Nature, the ski areas stay white from November to March.

Beech Mountain beechmountainresort.com

For more than 50 years, Beech Mountain Ski Resort has provided ski trails for both beginners and experts. At 5,506 feet in elevation, Beech Mountain is the highest ski resort in eastern North America and boasts 16 slopes and 7 lifts; the longest vertical drop is 830 feet and the longest run travels one mile, plenty of room for skiers and snowboarders. Take time to enjoy a little “après-ski” at SkyBar at the top of lifts 5 and 6 (elevation 5,506 feet).

Beech Mountain also rents snowshoes to venture onto the 20 miles of trails the town maintains. Other non-ski activities include snowtubing and ice skating, and sledding on the hill near town hall. A restaurant and brewery are also on-site (beechmountainbrewingco.com).

appskimtn.com

skisugar.com

This family-owned-and-operated ski resort opened in 1962, the first ski area in the High Country. The French Swiss Ski College prepares beginners and even experienced skiers with tips and techniques for tackling the 10 slopes and 2 terrain parks. ASM offers apparel

The 2019/2020 season marks the 50th year that Sugar Mountain has provided winter fun at 5,300 feet. The resort offers 21 slopes (from beginner green to double black diamond) and a terrain park, accessible by multiple ski lifts, including a high-speed, six-passenger

lift. The lift capacity reaches 11,270 people per hour, giving everyone plenty of time to ski along the total 5 miles of trails. Sugar Mountain also offers snowshoe rentals as well as onsite snowtubing and ice skating, and has an on-site restaurant that overlooks the ski area.

Hawksnest Resort hawksnest-resort.com

Originally opened in 1966 as a ski resort, Hawksnest converted to all snow tubing in 2008, and added a 20-stop zipline course that’s open yearround. The abandoned ski lift towers and chairs watch from behind the base lodge as children and adults climb onto large tubes and zip, twirl and spin down more than 30 snow-covered tubing lanes, located in four separate areas and ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in length. Above the tubers, ziplines carry those brave enough to bear the cold wind along cables reaching up to 2,000 feet long.

Boone & the High Country exploreboone.com | 800-852-9506

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Connect with Carolina Country Don’t miss out on your favorite content as well as online-only digital extras — sign up for email updates on our website!

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Marketplace

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HEIRLOOM SEEDS FOR YOUR GARDEN.Free catalog.

Call 828-389-2642 or wright Seedworthy. 31 Wounded Knee Ln. Hayesville, NC 28904 seedworthy@gmail.com Website seedworthy.org

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.

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

PRIVETTE INSURANCE AGENCY

Protect your family with Final Expense Life Insurance.

Real Estate WE BUY NORTH CAROLINA LAND Cash paid quickly.

Farmland, timberland, lots. Any size, anywhere. Local NC land buyer, have cash, looking for long term investment, conservation and recreation land. Quick cash offer by going to www.nclandbuyers.com. Close in 10 days. No obligation. 910-239-8929.

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Miscellaneous CASH PAID FOR OLD FISHING LURES–Call Rick Hutton 704-695-4917 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.

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

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Why I Love My Community Electric cooperatives love the communities we serve. That’s why for our February issue — when love is in the air and Cupid is working overtime —w e’re asking readers what makes their community special. Why do you love where you live? Is it the people? The food? The history? Maybe all of the above or something different altogether? Let us know!

We will pay $50 for each story or photo that is printed in our February 2020 issue.

Rules Deadline: January 3, 2020 One entry per household Limit text to 200 words or less.

Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number with your entry.

If submitting a photo, digital photos should be a minimum of 1200 x 1800 pixels; prints a minimum of 4 x 6 inches.

If you would like us to return a photo print, include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope (we will not return others).

We retain reprint and online rights.

Payment will be limited to those entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com.

Send to Online: carolinacountry.com/lovemycommunity No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country I Love my Community 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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Carolina Kitchen

Eastern NC BBQ Gravy As a little girl, I would often run errands in Smithfield with my grandma. I always looked forward to stopping at the local BBQ hot spots for some dark meat barbecue chicken. One place had a whitish, thick sauce that I’ve replicated below. How to make eastern NC BBQ sauce better? Turn it into gravy …

Winter White Velvet Cake With coconut and nuts

Ice, snow, whipped cream — January has me thinking “winter whites.” So I tweaked my Grandma Perry’s red velvet cake into this white velvet version and served it on my mama’s cake stand. Make it a day ahead and chill to let the flavors “ripen.”

Cake ½ cup solid coconut oil 1½ cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 2½ cups cake flour 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 tablespoons butter, melted Frosting 5 tablespoons flour 1 cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup flaked coconut ½ cup chopped pecans 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped (toss with ½ teaspoon salt)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line three 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.* With mixer, cream oil with sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in salt and flour.

Add vanilla and buttermilk to batter.

In a small bowl, pour vinegar over baking soda. After it fizzes, stir and add to batter.

Divide batter into 3 prepared pans. Bake 10–15 minutes until done and the cake separates from sides of pan (time will depend on pan size.) Brush one side of each layer with melted butter.

For frosting, cook flour, milk and vanilla in a double boiler, stirring constantly until thick. Cool. In another bowl, whip sugar and butter at high speed until fluffy. Add cooled, cooked mixture and blend into fluffy icing.

Frost cake and scatter each layer and over top with coconut and nuts. *Either size pan will work. I prefer a 9-inch pan for thinner layers.

2 cups apple cider vinegar ½ cup water 8 tablespoons white sugar 2 tablespoons ketchup 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (We used Texas Pete.)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons flour 1 can (12-ounce) evaporated milk Combine all ingredients, except flour and milk, in a saucepan. Heat on medium until sugar melts.

In a bowl, whisk flour into milk to make a slurry. Add to vinegar mixture and whisk until thickened into gravy.

Serve over grilled or store-bought rotisserie chicken. Lip smacking good on sliced pork and mashed potatoes, too!

Yield: Makes about 3 cups

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.

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Buttermilk Bisque

Ruby’s Spiced Bundt Cake

With roasted turnips, pears and leeks

Reminiscent of spice cake, this Bundt might not be the prettiest confection in the bakery, but its moist interior and smack-your-lips sweetness will win you over. What’s more, there’s a “secret” ingredient (prunes) that kicks its nutrition profile up a few notches.

Ninety-four-year-old Ruby says: “It is a huge family favorite!”

Warm up from the inside out with this creamy, “winter white” soup.

Or serve it chilled! Roasting the produce adds another layer of flavor, and even turnip-haters will find those root veggies tasty. Serve with cornbread and cracklins. ¼ cup olive oil 3 large turnips (about 4 cups), peeled and cubed 5–6 ripe, firm pears, peeled, quartered and cored 3–4 leeks, white parts only, washed and roughly chopped 4 heads garlic

8 ounces extra virgin olive oil 3 stalks celery, chopped ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves 3 cups whole buttermilk 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper 4 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Toss turnips, pears and leeks with ¼ cup olive oil. Scatter on parchment-lined baking pan.

Cut top off of whole heads of garlic to expose cloves. Place into a small baking dish and pour 8 ounces of olive oil over heads of garlic.

Roast alongside vegetables. Remove garlic from oven after 25–30 minutes and separate garlic from oil to cool, reserving oil. Roast vegetables for a total of 35–40 minutes, tossing after first 20 minutes.

Squeeze cooled garlic cloves into a food processor, along with roasted vegetables, celery and rosemary. Add 1–2 cups each of buttermilk and broth (depending on size of processor). Purée until smooth. Pour into pot with remaining buttermilk and broth and heat gently. Add seasonings and butter.

Garnish with a drizzle of the roasted garlic oil, plus a sprinkle of cracklins and cornbread crumbs (optional).

Yield: Makes about 2 quarts

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.

2 cups self-rising flour 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 3 eggs

Glaze 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon soda ¼ stick butter

1 cup vegetable oil 8 ounces baby food prunes 1 cup chopped pecans Powdered sugar, for dusting ½ cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.

Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the eggs, oil and prunes. Mix well. Then stir in the pecans. Pour into the Bundt cake pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Just before the cake is done, make the glaze by combining all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 2–3 minutes.

Remove the cake from the oven and prep for glaze by using a skewer or fork to poke holes in the cake. Pour half of the glaze over the hot cake. Let cake cool briefly for 5–10 minutes, then remove from pan. Poke holes in the top of the cake, and slowly pour the remainder of the glaze on its surface. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe courtesy of Ruby McCurdy of Taylorsville, a member of EnergyUnited

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

January 2020 | 41

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where

N w

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by January 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 February issue, will receive $25.

December winner

The December “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Senior Associate Editor Renee Gannon features a mural depicting a giant sewing machine, which even integrates the building’s window as a spool of thread. The mural is painted on the side of the Broken Needle Quilt Shop and Sewing Center, along Highway 98 outside of Bunn in Franklin County. Many readers recognize the mural from road trips headed east to Rocky Mount and other parts of northeastern North Carolina. Readers also include quite a few happy Broken Needle admirers. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from James Shriver of Sneads Ferry, a Jones-Onslow EMC 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

MUSIC

Michael Bowen Photography

carolinacountry.com/music Learn more about Jordan and listen to this featured track, as well as others from NC musicians.

NEW-CC01_wk.indd 42

JANUARY’S FEATURED TRACK

“Dance by the Riverside”

By Jordan Okrend

Tired of adulting? Sometimes you just want to feel free, and this infectious pop-rock song can help you cut loose. It’s the title track on Jordan’s album, “Dance by the Riverside.” Other great tracks include “Unknown Love,” “Tomorrow” and “Unity.”

This singer-songwriter infuses his songs with vibrant jazz, soul, blues and funk. He plays energetic guitar and four of the eight tracks have soaring horns that echo his catchy hooks. He has a rare gift of blending earthy, fun melodies with contemplative, socially conscious messages, too. You may detect shades of influential artists such as Marvin Gaye, Lenny Kravitz and Bob Marley, but you’ll hear Jordan’s distinctive sound first and foremost.

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