2020-03-BEMC

March 2020

The magazine of

The many benefits of

Beekeeping page 10

Published by

Co-op honors local NASA visionary page 8

Can an electric mower handle your lawn? page 26

PERIODICAL

Brunswick Electric’s PrePay Power program a good option for some—pages 21–24 March covers.indd 5

2/10/20 1:50 PM

THE ONE TIME, LIFETIME LAWN SOLUTION!

SAVE OVER 50%

Watering chores,water bills! Sweating behind a roaring mower!

Spraying poison chemicals and digging weeds...

NEW PRE-CUT SUPER PLUGS now available!

Stays lush and green in summer

Mow your Zoysia lawn once a month – or less! It rewards you with weed-free beauty all summer long.

...you can end such lawn drudgery – here’s how!

7 Ways Our Amazoy Zoysia Lawn ™

1

Saves You Time, Work and Money!

CUTS WATER BILLS AND MOWING BY AS MUCH AS 2/3 Would you believe a lawn could look perfect when watered just once? In Iowa, the state’s biggest Men’s Garden club picked a Zoysia lawn as “top lawn – nearly perfect.” Yet, this lawn had been watered only once all summer to August!

In PA, Mrs. M.R. Mitter wrote, “I’ve never watered it, only when I put the plugs in...Last summer we had it mowed 2 times...When everybody’s lawns here are brown from drought, ours stays as green as ever.” That’s how Amazoy Zoysia lawns cut water bills and mowing! Now read on!

5

IT STAYS GREEN IN SPITE OF HEAT AND DROUGHT “The hotter it gets, the better it grows!” Plug-in Zoysia thrives in blistering heat, yet it won’t winter-kill to 30° below zero. It just goes off its green color after killing frosts, and begins regaining its green color as temperatures in the spring are consistently warm.

2

NO NEED TO DIG UP OLD GRASS Plant Amazoy your way in an old lawn or new ground. Set plugs into holes in the soil checkerboard style. Plugs spread to create a lush, thick lawn, driving out weeds and unwanted growth.

Easy instructions included with every order.

3

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY No weeding means no costly chemicals. Since Amazoy Zoysia lawns naturally resist insects, you’ll save money, while helping to protect the environment.

You’ll never have to expose your family and pets to the risk of weed killers and pesticide poisons.

4

FOR SLOPES, PLAY AREAS, BARE SPOTS AND PARTIAL SHADE You can’t beat Amazoy Zoysia as the low-cost answer for hard-to-cover spots, play-worn areas, places that have partial shade and erosion on slopes.

Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

Thrives from partial shade to full sun.

Your Assurance of Lawn SUCCESS

Amazoy Zoysia Grass is

GUARANTEED

Guaranteed to grow new green shoots within 45-60 days or we’ll replace it FREE – for up to 1 year – just call us. Guarantee is valid on one order at a time, typically the most recent. We ONLY ship you hardy field grown genuine Amazoy Zoysia grass harvested direct from our farms. Easy planting and watering instructions are included with each order.

CHOKES OUT CRABGRASS AND WEEDS ALL SUMMER

7

NOW 3 WAYS TO START YOUR AMAZOY ZOYSIA LAWN!

Your established Amazoy Zoysia lawn grows so thick, it simply stops crabgrass and most summer weeds from germinating!

1) Freestyle plugs come in uncut sheets containing a maximum of 150 - 1” plugs that can be planted up to 1 ft. apart.

Freestyle plugs allow you to make each plug bigger and plant further apart – less cutting and planting – you decide.

2) New Super Plugs come precut into individual 3”x3” plugs ready-to-plant (minimum 1 per 4 sq. ft.). They arrive in easy to handle trays of 15 Super Plugs. Save more time and get your new lawn even faster!

3) Amazoy Approved Seed-As The Zoysia Specialists for 60+ years, we finally have a Zoysia seed available that meets our standards and homeowners expectations.

Learn why at zoysiafarms.com/mag or by phone at 410-756-2311.

1000 FREESTYLE PLUGS –

Super Plugs Precut plugs 3 inches by 3 inches READY TO PLANT Packed in trays of 15 Super Plugs. Plant minimum 1 plug per 4 sq. ft.

Your PRICE

+ Shipping

SAVINGS

Super Plugs

Free Plugs

Tray

Your PRICE

+ Shipping

SAVINGS

300

—

2

$29.95

$15.00

15

—

1

$24.95

$10.00

500

+100

4

$50.00

$17.00

60

+15

5

$90.00

$22.00

750

+150

6

$66.00

$20.00

95

+25

8

$110.00

$32.00

$30.00

— 25% 36% 44% 52%

120

+30

10

$125.00

$36.00

180

+45

15

$180.00

$50.00

— 35% 49% 53% 56%

Max Plugs

1100

+400

10

$95.00

2000

+1000

20

$165.00

$50.00

O

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START AND MAINTAIN A CAREFREE BEAUTIFUL ZOYSIA LAWN

Zoysia Farm

NURSERIES

PLANTING TOOLS • PLANT FOOD • WEED AND PEST CONTROLS • ORGANIC PRODUCTS SOIL TESTS • GARDEN GLOVES • EDGING AND MORE . .. ALL AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT:

www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag OR 410-756-2311

Improving America’s Lawns Since 1953

Harvested Daily from Our Farms and Shipped to You the Same Day the Plugs are Packed

3617 Old Taneytown Rd./Taneytown, MD 21787

Amazoy is the Trademark Registered U.S. Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

ZoysiaFarms Carolina Country fullpg March2020 Dept5494.indd 1 CC03-wk.indd 2

F

ORDER TODAY – GET UP TO

©2020 Zoysia Farm Nurseries, 3617 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787

Freestyle Plugs You decide how big to cut the plugs. Each grass sheet can produce up to 150-1 in. plugs. Plant minimum 1 plug per sq. ft.

Free Plugs Grass Sheets

Plant it from plugs.

6

Dept. 5494

Savings shown over aggregate base price and shipping

1/5/20 3:38 PM 2/7/20 2:36 PM

20 3:38 PM

Volume 52, No. 3

16

10

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

42 Carolina Music

32

10 16 18

How to be a Beekeeper Beekeeping benefactors share the buzz on these prolific pollinators.

Big (Little) Gardens

Growing vegetables in limited spaces.

Lessons from the ‘NC Tomato Man’

Craig LeHoullier has far-reaching influence in the world of tomatoes.

On the Cover Beekeeper Katie Verna (left) holds a smoker while her mentor, Betsey Spencer, shows off a frame of brood and adult bees over an open hive. Learn about the art of beekeeping on page 10. Photo by Randy Berger Photography.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Your Favorite Swimmin’ Spot Where did you go to cool off in the summer when you were a kid? What’s the best place to take a dip now? We want to know! See page 30 for details.

March 2020 | 3

CC03-wk.indd 3

2/10/20 3:21 PM

Viewpoints

NC Co-ops Vote: Make your Voice Heard

By Paul Mott

This year, North Carolina electric co-op voters will have the opportunity to vote for candidates who will represent them in Washington, D.C., and Raleigh. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are advocating for these voters and their issues through NC Co-ops Vote, a non-partisan effort to encourage the 2.5 million electric co-op members in 93 of the state’s 100 counties to be informed, engaged voters.

As part of this effort, electric co-op employees and members will be monitoring candidates’ positions on co-op issues including broadband, economic development, infrastructure and more. The last few years have seen greater awareness and steps taken to improve the quality of life for co-op members in mostly rural communities.

This progress would not have occurred without rural communities across the country showing up to vote

in the 2016 and 2018 elections. With this increased participation, elected officials took notice of many rural issues. There is still much work to be done and our continued participation in each election will help our priorities receive the proper attention in Congress and at the NC General Assembly. The 2020 election will provide an opportunity to continue to make progress for rural communities.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives continuously engage with elected officials to advocate for issues important to co-op members. As part of our NC Co-ops Vote program, co-op employees and members will attend campaign events for national and statewide races in their communities. They will present a united front by wearing an NC Co-ops Vote “Yellow Shirt” to provide unity and emphasize the co-op presence.

Last month, Rutherford EMC Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette

Rutherford EMC’s Brad Bridges in his yellow shirt at a candidate forum in Gastonia

employee Brad Bridges represented NC Co-ops Vote at a candidate forum in Gastonia. At this event, Brad had the chance to speak with several candidates and hear about their priorities if elected to office.

“As a co-op member and employee, I stay informed on the issues that impact our community. Last month, I was able to hear firsthand from several candidates for statewide office about how they would serve our state,” Brad said. “While co-op voters may not agree on every single candidate, if we are educated on what each candidate stands for, we can make better decisions at the ballot box.”

During each event, electric co-op members and employees will look for opportunities to ask candidates the “Co-op Question:” “I’m a member of an electric cooperative. What is your plan to encourage energy innovation while maintaining affordable, reliable electricity for residential consumers like me?”

NC Co-ops Vote will engage with candidates from both sides of the aisle and will not endorse any candidates for election. With North Carolina’s primary election taking place March 3, there will be several upcoming opportunities to attend a campaign event with NC Co-ops Vote. Like/ follow NC Co-ops Vote on Facebook and follow us on Twitter using @NCCoopsVote to stay updated on upcoming opportunities and voter information.

Paul Mott is grassroots specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

4 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 4

2/7/20 2:36 PM

THIS MONTH:

Bees in the Garden Ever dreamed of harvesting honey from your own backyard? Make it a reality with lessons from the pros in this month’s cover story. You’ll also find great gardening tips throughout, as well as news of the latest electric co-op microgrid, on page 6.

—Scott Gates, editor

EV Convert I was encouraged to read in your January edition about the upcoming electric vehicle (EV) charging network that is being developed as a coordinated effort of the NC electric cooperatives (“Tech-Driven Cooperation,” page 4). Supporting this new paradigm of personal transportation is to be applauded.

My wife (the early adopter in our family) recently purchased an EV as both of our existing vehicles were older and of high mileage. She commutes 110 miles per day as a medical professional and needs a safe and reliable automobile.

I rebuffed the proposed purchase as being untested technology and just a new fad. She called my bluff as nothing but fear of change, and in 45 minutes had ordered her new EV online. I was astonished and afraid!

Now that we have driven the car for a few weeks I am even more astonished, but no longer afraid. Electric cars are smooth, quiet, easy, clean and cheap to operate. Plug it in at night, and it’s ready to go in the morning. We can schedule it to charge when demand is low (“super off-peak”) to more efficiently utilize the power grid and to lower our cost of operation.

The future is here, and it is electric vehicles for all.

Thomas N. Dotson, Plymouth A member of Tideland EMC

Absent Doves I was saddened to read two articles in the December 2019 issue that listed doves and quail as few in number for hunting (“The Elusive Dove,” page 5, and “Woodcock Await Upland Hunters,” page 34). In the last year and a half, I’ve only seen two doves at my bird feeders. I love the sound doves make and am always looking for them.

I hope these two species won’t be the next birds hunted to extinction like the Carolina parakeet and passenger pigeon. I would welcome an article about conservation in your wonderful magazine.

Donna Cathcart , Waynesville A member of Haywood EMC

Mom’s Sweet Potato This is a picture of what I think is the biggest sweet potato I’ve ever seen in my life. My mom grew it. At 82 years of age, she has a very bright green thumb!

Curtis Johnson, East Arcadia, a member of Four County EMC

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.

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

Read monthly in more than 700,000 homes

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

Change of Address: carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage? Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

March 2020 | 5

CC03_tv_new.indd 5

2/7/20 3:50 PM

More Power

Agricultural Microgrid in the Works in Hyde County Partnership includes Tideland EMC and Rose Acre Farms North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are partnering with Hyde County egg producer Rose Acre Farms and its local electric cooperative, Tideland EMC, to develop an agricultural microgrid that will deliver a variety of benefits to the farm and surrounding community, including enhanced environmental sustainability and power grid resiliency.

The project will integrate solar panels, energy storage and other components owned by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives with resources owned by the farm to create a microgrid that is capable of generating its own electricity during times of power loss. It will also be connected to the main grid to diversify traditional power resources and help improve reliability and resiliency.

“We’ve been pleased to work with Rose Acre Farms to develop this collaborative solution that will contribute to the overall environmental and economic health of our region,” said Paul Spruill, CEO of Tideland EMC. “Rose Acre Farms is Tideland’s largest consumer-member, and we commend their commitment to sustainability and ingenuity that will benefit our entire cooperative.”

Expanding innovation This partnership builds on the success of and lessons learned from other microgrid projects developed by North

Rose Acre Farms

Technical specs The first phase of the project will include the installation of a 2-megawatt (MW) solar array, and a 2-MW battery energy storage system, which allow energy generated by the panels to be stored and dispatched when needed.

The solar production is expected to offset about a third of the energy consumed by the farm. In addition, about 60 percent of the power Rose Acre Farms receives from Tideland EMC comes from emissions-free nuclear power and renewables.

“Rose Acre Farms is continually seeking innovative practices to reduce the carbon footprint of egg production,” said Tony Wesner, Rose Acre Farms Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Tideland EMC will be another positive step into enhancing environmental sustainability, power source efficiency and resiliency. This will not only strengthen our local electric cooperative for our use, but for the use of the local Hyde County community as well.”

Installation of the solar array and battery energy storage system is expected to be completed in the fall of 2020. The second phase of the project will add a microgrid controller that manages existing emergency backup diesel generators and all the other components to evolve the project into a full microgrid.

Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, including microgrids at Ocracoke Island (also located in Hyde County), Butler Farms (another agricultural microgrid), and Heron’s Nest (the state’s first residential microgrid), and will provide additional opportunities to explore microgrid innovation and capabilities.

“This project brings together two of our state’s most significant industries in an innovative effort to make the electric grid more sustainable, flexible and efficient, which results in more affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible power for the farm and for electric co-op members,” said Lee Ragsdale, senior vice president of energy delivery for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“It also exemplifies the electric co-ops’ long-standing commitment to supporting North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industries.”

Learn more about the cooperatives’ work with the agricultural community at ncelectriccooperatives.com/agriculture.

—Lisa Crawley, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives carolinacountry.com/extras

Electric co-ops may be the tech experts, but Rose Acre Farms knows eggs. See for yourself and try Aunt Thelma’s Egg Salad recipe.

6 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 6

2/7/20 2:36 PM

More Power

Grants Support NC Agriculture Applications being accepted through March 6

NC Farmers: Report Inadequate Internet Access The North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, with the Friday Institute at NC State University, is conducting a five-minute survey to gather data on internet connectivity from North Carolina farmers. The data will be used to inform research, policy and funding recommendations to assist communities where internet access is inadequate.

Participants without internet access will need to take the online survey from another location, such as a public library. Participants with farm offices that do have internet access should access the survey from that location and are encouraged to take an optional speed test.

“Access to high-speed internet is a critical business need for North Carolina’s farmers, enabling energysaving technology and helping them

remain competitive agribusinesses,” said Mark Suggs, executive vice president and general manager for Farmville-based Pitt & Green EMC. Suggs is among those working with federal policymakers to enable technology for agricultural operations.

“Electric cooperatives have made the issue a priority with our elected officials. Data from the survey of farmers will help drive future policy and funding.”

The survey was developed in part from information gathered during NC Farm Bureau Federation listening sessions conducted with local farmers and agriculture partners.

Take The Short Survey ncbroadband.gov/farmers Deadline: April 30

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) grant cycle.

Funds will be awarded in the fall for selected innovative projects, with key objectives to support the agricultural industry, impact rural communities and stimulate economic development.

“The NCTTFC is always interested in job creation in current or former tobacco-dependent regions, and funding projects that have the potential to generate additional income for farmers and those in the industry,” said NCTTFC Chairman Bill Teague.

“Selected projects should expect to start in November of 2020.”

The Commission was established in 2000 by the NC General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community, including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Past projects include fair and farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, training for qualified farm family members in community colleges, researching alternative crops and support of agricultural education programs.

The application deadline is March 6, 2020. Visit tobaccotrustfund.org for more information or call 919-733-2160.

Electric Co-ops Among Innovators at Electrification Conference Charlotte will play host to the Electrification 2020 conference and expo in April, sponsored in part by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. The event is the second of its kind hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a nonprofit energy industry research and development group.

The international conference will draw together industry leaders, including speakers from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, to discuss new ways energy technology can be used to create efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions.

“Electrification 2020 is all about beneficial electrification — improving efficiency of the overall energy sector by electrifying processes

and devices formerly powered by fossil fuels,” said Diane Huis, senior vice president of Innovation & Business Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We’re happy to have this year’s event in our own backyard, where we can share some of the ways electric co-ops have been using new technology to better serve their members.”

Visit electrification2020.com for more information on the event, to be held April 6–9 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Discounted conference admission is available for representatives of large commercial or industrial businesses. Contact your electric co-op for more information.

March 2020 | 7

CC03-wk.indd 7

2/10/20 3:26 PM

More Power

Wake Electric Honors Local NASA Leader James E. Webb laid the foundation for the moon landing

By Cynthia M. Currin

The early years Webb was born in Tally Ho in Granville County and grew up in Oxford. His father, J.F. Webb, was Granville County School Superintendent. J.F. and his wife, Sarah, stressed academics, hard work and integrity.

Webb graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1928 with a degree in Education. He returned to Oxford and worked by day as a clerk for local businessman R.G. Lassiter. By night, Webb “studied law” as a law clerk with an Oxford attorney, a foundation he later built on with a law degree from Georgetown University.

In 1930, Webb answered an ad in the New York Times for Marine aviators. He trained to be a Marine biplane pilot in Quantico, Virginia, and re-enlisted during World War II to serve as a major at Cherry Point.

Between 1932 and 1960, Webb climbed to executive-level positions for Sperry Gyroscope Corporation and Kerr-McGee in Brooklyn and Oklahoma. Webb also worked for NC Congressman Edward W. Pou and practiced law in a Washington, D.C., Law Firm. He served as the Director of Bureau of the Budget in 1944 (where he balanced the U.S. budget) and was appointed Under Secretary of State in 1949.

On to NASA In 1961, Webb was invited to the White House by President John F. Kennedy to discuss the position of NASA Administrator. He intended to refuse any such offer. However, after meeting with the president in the Oval Office, Webb suddenly found himself being steered onto the White House Portico — President Kennedy was slapping him on the back, handing him a cigar and congratulating him on his appointment. The Press Corps was there, firing questions at Webb. His wife, Patsy, was surprised to hear the announcement on the radio.

From that fateful meeting, Webb went on to lead and restructure NASA. Its staff grew to 35,000, supporting an additional 400,000 contractors, and Webb successfully increased the moon landing budget from $8 billion to $20 billion (much closer to the Apollo program’s final $25 billion price tag.)

Webb dressed impeccably, was always polite and retained his disarming Southern accent. He refused to use a government limousine due to its cost to taxpayers, instead always hailing a Black Checker Taxi.

He created invaluable partnerships between NASA and universities. His personal agenda promoted science, technology and the Apollo Program to strengthen the United States educationally and economically.

Saving the space program In 1967, three Apollo I astronauts died in a flash fire during launch pad tests at Kennedy Space Center. Webb withstood torrents of criticism and took a major beating from Congress.

He succeeded in saving the space program by setting himself up as the lightning rod, taking full responsibility for the tragedy. Webb worked

NASA

Wake Forest-based Wake Electric recently launched its Webb Technology Contest to award two high school students with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2020. (members of Wake Electric can visit wemc.com/webb-contest for details and eligibility). The contest is named after former NASA Administrator and visionary James E. Webb — one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets.

seven days a week for six months after the Apollo fire to get NASA back on track and gain renewed confidence in the space program.

He left NASA in October 1968 — ahead of the first moon landing on July 20, 1969 — so that President Nixon could name his own administrator. But the success of the Apollo XI mission was credited largely to Webb’s dedicated efforts from 1961 through 1968.

Webb was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1969, and went on to serve as a Regent of the Smithsonian Institute. He died on March 27, 1992, at the age of 85. His grave marker at Arlington National Cemetery states simply: “Lt. Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, Public Servant.” NASA’s newest deep-space telescope is named for Webb (see page 28). From rural Granville County to Administrator of NASA, his legacy has touched all our lives and will live on.

Cynthia M. Currin has served as General Counsel to Wake EMC and Central EMC since 1980. Cynthia’s husband, John Webb, is the nephew of former NASA Administrator James E. Webb.

carolinacountry.com/extras

Read the author’s personal account of a visit to James Webb’s study and other memories of her husband’s “Uncle Jim.”

8 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 8

2/10/20 4:00 PM

2 3/4 carats of Cabernet Garnet in precious gold over sterling silver

ONLY $39

Save $260!

“For thousands of years, garnets have symbolized love, life force, and victory — perfect associations for an engagement ring.”

— International Gem Society (IGS)

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with rich Cabernet Garnet for just $39

G

oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can offer you a genuine cabernet garnet ring at a price worth raising a glass to.

PRAISE FOR STAUER GARNET RINGS We found a multi“It was beautiful and it made my day. stone garnet and white zircon ring in Buy it you won’t regret it. Love it!”

– H., Spokane WA gold over sterling silver for $400. But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Cabernet Garnet Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.

Cabernet garnet celebrates the rich, decadent color of the red garnet, a gemstone prized throughout history for its intoxicating beauty. If you are looking to toast a milestone or make any occasion special, the Cabernet Garnet Ring is all you need.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Cabernet Garnet Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your fingers. Call today!

Cabernet Garnet Ring (3 ctw) $299†

This elegant ring features 2 3/4 carats of rich, red garnet in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 A. sterling silver setting is finished in gold for even more radiant beauty.

“In ancient Rome, signet rings with carved garnets were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents.”

— Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

$39 +S&P Save $260

You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: TGR115-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TGR115-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 3/4 ctw red Garnet • White zircon accents • Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CC03-wk.indd 9

2/7/20 2:36 PM

How to be a

Beekeeper in e n Beekeep g b efactors share the b

By Tara Verna | Photos by Randy Berger Photography unless otherwise noted

uzz on these prolific pollinators

Thousands of honey bees zip and dive around Betsey Spencer’s hatless and jacketless body.

“They’re starting to get a little rambunctious,” the 67-year-old beekeeping mentor says calmly.

“Well, we woke them up, didn’t we?” replies 74-year-old beekeeping mentee Katie Verna.

Katie peers into the open hive to see frames stuffed with pollen, honey and brood. “Gol dang! You girls have been busy!” she exclaims. As bees buzz and brush her bare legs, she fondly chastises them, “Hey, get off my sock!”

When Katie first got involved in beekeeping three years ago, the Creedmoor resident and Wake Electric member took a class through a beekeeping store in nearby Raleigh.

She graduated with her first hive and immediately reached out to a county beekeeping association, which set her up with Betsey, an experienced beekeeper in Franklinton. That’s when Katie’s beekeeping education truly began, fueled by Betsey’s 16 years of hands-on wisdom earned by maintaining as many as 140 hives.

The two share a passion for these prolific pollinators—in fact, we all should. It’s estimated that as much as one-third of the fruits, vegetables and nuts we eat only grow because these crops are pollinated by bees, according to the American Beekeeping Federation.

You like to eat? Then you like bees.

‘Bee’ a beekeeper

So maybe you would like to help feed the world and bump up the pollinator population? Or maybe you’re just in it for the honey (no judgement). Here are the top 10 tips to kick off your beekeeping venture:

1

Ask yourself: “Can I have bees where I live?”

Make sure local regulations allow you to have bees. If you have an acre of land, this should be able to support a hive or two. Honey bees forage up to 5 miles from their home base, so they should do well if you have plenty of flowering plants, water and sunshine within your vicinity.

2

Katie (left) wears a veiled hat while Betsey shows off a frame of bees from an open hive.

4

Find a mentor.

This is where the bulk of your learning will happen. A local beekeeping club should be able to pair you with an experienced keeper who should be willing to dive into your hives with you. An hour with such a person is worth its weight in golden honey.

Make a beeline to learn.

Read some books, or visit some sites like honeybeesuite.com. Try “Simple, Smart Beekeeping” by Kirsten Shoshanna Traynor, or something gorgeous and moving like the memoir “A Book of Bees” by Sue Hubbell. Get inspired by these fascinating creatures. Bee biology, Varroa mites, flowers, beekeeping jargon, pollination—knowledge yields the wherewithal to keep your hives alive.

5

3

6

Take a class.

Local beekeeping stores and clubs often offer classes that run January through March and culminate in your own package of 12,000+ bees for kicking off your first hive.

Go with the flow.

Beekeeping is a process. Put aside grand visions of sharing your vast honey harvest with friends and concentrate on learning. You will lose hives. You will make mistakes. But you will also become a better beekeeper.

Share the bounty.

With the bees. Don’t be greedy; remember that bees need honey, too!

The first year or two, you may need to let them have it all until they are better established. continued on page 12

10 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 10

2/10/20 3:23 PM

Beekeeping Protective Gear & Essential Tools Although experienced beekeeper Betsey Spencer often bypasses protective gear, using solely a smoker, most beginners feel more comfortable with the following items in their arsenal:

Brush: A brush comes in handy to gently remove bees while observing a frame or harvesting honey.

er

Veiled hat: If you don’t have a bee suit with a hood, you’ll want to add a veiled hat to your ensemble.

Gloves: Thick work gloves may be too cumbersome for bee work while thin latex ones may add some mental comfort. If you get stung on your hand, it’s often because you accidentally crushed a bee.

Hive tool: A hive tool is a small crowbar for separating the boxes that make up your beehive, which are often stuck together with beeswax and/or propolis.

Smoker: A smoker (typically filled with lit pine straw) will calm the bees, buying you time to check on them or harvest honey. Fun fact: The smoke makes the bees think there is a forest fire, causing them to gorge on honey in case they need to find a new home in short order.

Long sleeves/ long pants: You can purchase a head-to-toe bee suit that includes a hood/face covering, but you can also just wear long pants and sleeves.

2 March 2020 | 11

CC03_tv_new.indd 11

2/7/20 2:50 PM

7

Double up.

Two hives is better than one.

If one hive is failing and the other thriving, you can steal brood or food from the strong hive to supplement the weaker one.

8

Play with your bees.

Learn by observing your new pets. See their pollen baskets, watch their orientation flights, pick out the queen (she can be hard to locate, like a game of “Where’s Waldo?”) and her entourage. Reverence!

9

Keep an eye on your hives.

Inspect your hives every 7–10 days in order to head off disease and maintain a healthy hive. Much more and your interference becomes a detriment to their work.

10

Fixing the plight of the pollinators

By Greta Burroughs Many populations of native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds and other pollinators are disappearing due to overuse of pesticides, habitat loss due to agriculture and development, and changes in the climate.

Bee Cities are doing their part to make a difference. Their goal is to make the world safer for pollinators—one city and campus at a time.

Bee City USA Phyllis Stiles personally witnessed the decline of honeybees as she tried her hand at beekeeping in Asheville During this time, she also became aware of the vital role native pollinators play in the world.

“A light went on; the pollinators were in trouble and something needed to be done,” Phyllis recalls.

She and some friends came up with a plan and started Bee City USA (beecityusa.org). The project launched in 2012 with Asheville as the inaugural haven for pollinators.

Through the program, affiliate Bee Cities across the country incorporate native flowers, shrubs and trees into their urban landscaping to encourage beneficial insects to make a home among the pollinator gardens.

Visit beecityusa.org/current-bee-cities to find a Bee City near you. Plan a visit and learn all sorts of things about landscaping with pollinators in mind.

Freelance writer Greta Burroughs can usually be found typing madly away at her home in South Carolina, where she resides with her husband and three dogs.

Tara Verna

Accept that stings happen.

Stings are unavoidable when working with bees. Be aware of any allergies you or your family may have, and be ready for a sting. But take heart that honey bees are generally docile.

Plus, you can minimize stings with protective gear, and by working carefully and calmly around bees (most stings occur when keepers unknowingly smash a bee). If stung, you can use an extractor kit to quickly remove venom from the wound. Or, in a pinch, even a small stick can be used to scrape the stinger from the sting site.

Bee Cities

‘Bee’ an advocate

Katie and Betsey work their bees in harmony, ebbing and flowing around one another as they read hive frames like a book, looking for signs of disease, hunger, overcrowding or lack of a queen.

“Used to be, bees took care of themselves,” Betsey explains. “These days, you can’t just be a ‘bee haver,’ you must manage them if you want them to survive.”

Perhaps managing bees isn’t for you—space, money, time and allergies can all get in the way. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to be there for the bees.

Betsey “reads” a frame to determine the health of the hive and whether her help is needed. She will write notes on the side of the hive in order to track its status.

A bee uses her straw-like proboscis to gather honey spilled during a honey harvest.

continued on page 14

12 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 12

2/10/20 3:25 PM

#

Clip this offer to apply for coverage!

Now, from United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and Companion Life Insurance Company...

Whole Life Insurance.

Are you between the ages of 45 and 85*?

Then this GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE policy is for YOU! >> Choose from 4 benefit levels - up to $25,000! >> Rates “lock-in” at the age you apply - never go up again! >> Call for your FREE all-by-mail application packet!

1-888-252-4410

>> Call TOLL-FREE Or apply online at

www.MutualGuaranteedLife.com

NO medical exam!

NO health questions!

Plus...

Proceeds paid directly to your beneficiary Builds cash value and is renewable up to age 100!**...

Then automatically pays YOU full benefit amount!*** Policy cannot be canceled – EVER – because of changes in health!

Why this policy? Why now?

Our graded death benefit whole life insurance policy can be used to pay funeral costs, final medical expenses...or other monthly bills.

You know how important it can be to help protect your family from unnecessary burdens after you pass away. Maybe your own parents or loved one did the same for you. OR, maybe they DIDN’T and you sure wish they would have!

The important thing is that, right now, you can make a decision that could help make a difficult time a little easier for your loved ones.

It’s a responsible, caring and affordable decision. And, right now, it’s something you can do with one simple phone call.

You may have been putting off purchasing life insurance, but you don’t have to wait another day. This offer is a great opportunity to help start protecting your family today.

Your affordable monthly rate will “lock-in” at your application age* ... $3,000.00 Benefit

Age 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-85

Male $10.45 $11.50 $14.20 $17.20 $20.50 $27.40 $37.00 $50.50

Female $8.80 $9.70 $11.95 $13.30 $16.00 $21.40 $30.10 $42.55

$5,000.00 Benefit

Male $16.75 $18.50 $23.00 $28.00 $33.50 $45.00 $61.00 $83.50

Female $14.00 $15.50 $19.25 $21.50 $26.00 $35.00 $49.50 $70.25

$10,000.00 $25,000.00 Benefit

Benefit

Male Female Male Female $32.50 $27.00 $79.75 $66.00 $36.00 $30.00 $88.50 $73.50 $45.00 $37.50 $111.00 $92.25 $55.00 $42.00 $136.00 $103.50 $66.00 $51.00 $163.50 $126.00 $89.00 $69.00 $221.00 $171.00 $121.00 $98.00 $301.00 $243.50 $166.00 $139.50 $413.50 $347.25

The rates above include a $12 annual policy fee.

This is a solicitation of individual insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you by telephone. These

policies contain benefits, reductions, limitations, and exclusions to include a reduction in death benefits during the first two years of policy ownership. In NY, during the first two years, 110% of premiums will be paid. Whole Life Insurance is underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175 which is licensed nationwide except NY. Life insurance policies issued in NY are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Each company is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. Not available in all states. Benefit amounts vary by state. Policy Form ICC11L059P or state equivalent (7780L-0505 in FL, 828Y-0505 in NY). *Ages 50 to 75 in NY. **In FL policy is renewable until age 121. ***All benefits paid would be less any outstanding loan.

452747

CC03-wk.indd 13

2/7/20 2:36 PM

“You don’t have to be a beekeeper to help bees. In fact, it is just as important to advocate for them,” Betsey says.

Help preserve the bees’ environment and food supply. In the same ways that you look to feed yourself and your family healthy food, people need to grow nutritious food for bees. But we’re not. Farmers grow crops that are cut at 10 percent bloom to maximize protein content for livestock, according to honeybeesuite.com. Herbicides wipe out weeds along highways and drainages. And invasive species may provide forage briefly, but then wipe out other native species that would have provided a longer bloom season.

How to help? Grow your own diverse, pesticide-and-herbicide-free plants that bloom year-round. (Weeds count, too!) Put out shallow water stations with stones for bee landing spots. Also, consider lobbying legislators and educating others to change laws and habits to be more amenable to bees.

Support efforts to educate.

From STEM programs for children and “teaching apiaries” created by beekeeping organizations, to state fair exhibits and 4-H programs, education is key to a sound future for bees.

As famed Senegalese forestry engineer Baba Dioum put it, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.”

Buy local honey. There’s no greater win-win than a local honey purchase at a farmer’s market. Support the beekeeper’s efforts and feed your sweet tooth, all in one go!

‘Bee’ amazed

If nothing else, the more you learn about bees, the more respect you will have for this tiny insect. The worker honey bees (females who care for the hive) live 6–8 weeks and often die because their wings wear out. According to honey.com, these ladies fly 55,000 miles to produce one pound of delicious honey filled

Look closely at this worker bee to see the pollen she has stored in her “pockets.”

Some of the fruits of bee labors: beeswax that Katie has rendered, plus honey with and without honeycomb.

Some beekeepers mark their queens to be able to spot them quickly. The health of the queen is the health of the hive so it’s important to keep tabs on her.

with nutrients, antioxidants and the ability to hasten healing and keep coughs at bay.

Given that, it’s the least we can do to be good stewards of the environment on the bees’ behalf.

Tara Verna is a beekeeper and the creative director for Carolina Country magazine.

Katie Verna is her mother-in-law.

Bees mass near the entrance/exit to their hive while Katie (left) and Betsey remain unafraid.

14 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 14

2/7/20 2:50 PM

Tears From a V olcano Uniquely American stone ignites romance

Limited to the first 1600 orders from this ad only

O

n May 18, 1980, the once-slumbering Mount St. Helens erupted in the Pacific Northwest. It was the most impressive display of nature’s power in North America’s recorded history.

But even more impressive is what emerged from the chaos... a spectacular new creation born of ancient minerals named Helenite. Its lush, vivid color and amazing story instantly captured the attention of jewelry connoisseurs worldwide. You can now have four carats of the world’s newest stone for an absolutely unbelievable price.

Known as America’s emerald, Helenite makes it possible to give her a stone that’s brighter and has more fire than any emerald without paying the exorbitant price. In fact, this many carats of an emerald that looks this perfect and glows this green would cost you upwards of $80,000. Your more beautiful and much more affordable option features a perfect teardrop of Helenite set in gold-covered sterling silver suspended from a chain accented with even more verdant Helenite.

Limited Reserves. As one of the EXCLUSIVE largest gemstone dealers in the world, we buy more carats of Helenite than anyone, which lets us give you a great price. However, this much gorgeous Helenite Earrings green for this price won’t last long.

Don’t miss out. Helenite is only -a found in one section of Washington with purchase of State, so call today!

Helenite Necklace Romance guaranteed or your money back. Experience the scintillating beauty of the Helenite Teardrop Necklace for 30 days and if she isn’t completely in love with it send it back for a full refund of the item price. You can even keep the stud earrings as our thank you for giving us a try.

4 carats of shimmering Helenite

FREE

$129 value-



“I love these pieces... it just glowed... so beautiful!”

— S.S., Salem, OR

Helenite Teardrop Necklace (4 ¼ ctw) $299* ..... Only $129 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ....................................... $129 +S&P

Helenite Set (5 ¼ ctw) $428* ...... Call-in price only $129 +S&P (Set includes necklace and stud earrings)

Call now and mention the offer code to receive FREE earrings.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code HEN260-01

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Stauer Rating of A+

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HEN260-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com * Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

• 4 ¼ ctw of American Helenite and lab-created DiamondAura® • Gold-finished .925 sterling silver settings • 16" chain with 2" extender and lobster clasp

CC03-wk.indd 15

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr aor d in a r y .®

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Big

(Little)

Gardens Growing vegetables in limited spaces

Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

An emerald green swath of pretty curly parsley at Bellingrath Gardens near Mobile, Alabama.

Spring is in the air! So, if thoughts of producing oodles of fresh, homegrown edibles have you ready to dig in the dirt, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and start a vegetable garden!

While the physics of time and space dictate that big harvests naturally come from big gardens, for backyard growers who prefer to pass on the challenges of tending mega-plots through the long, hot summer, or who simply don’t have an abundance of planting areas, there are alternative ways to raise impressive passels of veggies — it is simply a matter of making make less do more.

Go to bed

First, for maximum production from limited growing areas, go with beds, not rows — in other words, place young plants or seeds according to their recommended spacing per plant and forget about distances between rows.

Rows of plants looking like tidy lines of soldiers are better for large gardens in order to have paths to walk around, but this isn’t necessary in small beds. Accessibility is, of course, still important, so, while you can stretch ’em as long as Texas, try not to make beds over 4 feet wide — this shortens your reach into the plants and greatly minimizes embarrassing face-flops in the dirt.

Small wonders

Size isn’t everything in gardening, especially when it comes to growing backyard edibles. There are many vegetable selections — often tagged with such labels as “Bush,” “Dwarf” or “Patio,” — that are modest in height and girth, but still quite capable of producing impressive crops.

The most common big veggie that can be found in smaller sizes is the tomato. There are a ton of cultivars available, but, for starters, give “Tiny Tim,” “Bush Beefsteak” or “Early Wonder” a look. Keep in mind, however, that a majority of these slight-in-stature tomato selections are determinate, meaning they produce all the ’maters they are going to yield in a matter of weeks. Standard vine tomatoes, if kept healthy, typically crank out fruit continually over the long growing season.

Want a wider range of veggies in your small garden?

Squash, watermelons, pumpkins, cucumbers, cantaloupes and green beans — all champs at chewing up space in a planting bed — can also be found in compact forms, either as young plants or seeds, at local garden shops in the spring.

16 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 16

2/7/20 2:50 PM

Small watermelons such as “Sugar Baby” can be trained to grow up, not outwards, in a garden.

Grow up

Don’t think you have to stick to Munchkin-sized plants. Typical strong growers such as tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and squash can’t be allowed to crawl across small growing spaces, but they can be trellised, staked or caged to grow up rather than out.

Even the long, rangy vines of watermelons, pumpkins and cantaloupes can be trained upwards on vertical supports, but to avoid the dreaded drop-and-splat factor, it’s not a bad idea to cradle the developing fruits in supporting burlap, nylon or cloth slings.

Suspension weight and size problems with standard pumpkins are obvious, but there are many cultivars, including “Spookie,” “Jack O’ Lantern” and “Sugar Pie,” that yield smaller, more manageable 6- to 7-pound fruits.

Ditto for big ol’ watermelons, but with so-called “icebox” varieties like the popular “Sugar Baby” and its 8- to 10-pound melons available, it is possible to hang ’em high, too.

Growing vine crops on erect supports has other advantages besides saving space, starting with making harvesting easier. Also, vertical gardening improves fruit shape and, since beneficial air circulates through the foliage easier, can promote healthier plants.

A (literal) bed of cabbage taking center stage in a flower garden.

Beyond the veggie patch

Looking for even more growing ground? Limited-space gardening with edibles doesn’t need to be confined to small vegetable plots — in other words, anywhere you have dirt in your yard is a potential planting site. And many veggies can be easily interplanted in the landscape as complements, rather than complications, to existing ornamentals.

One popular vegetable that bears the double standard of being both productive and pretty is the pepper.

While blocky bell peppers might look a bit clunky in flower beds, there is a wide range of hot peppers that show off long-lasting fruits in many sizes, shapes and sizzling colors on relatively compact plants.

Like bell peppers, common pudgy eggplants probably won’t qualify as eye candy in an ornamental garden, but there are vibrantly colored fruits of cultivars such as “Fairy Tale,” “Prosperosa” and “Neon” that can also add extra visual sass to sunny flower borders.

And okra, which is closely related to the lovely hibiscus, stays true to its family ties with fancy foliage and delicate, hibiscus-like flowers. One particular standout beauty is “Red Burgundy,” an heirloom selection that has been a veggie garden favorite for many years. Its gorgeous (and tasty) scarlet pods never fail to turn heads.

Tennessee Teardrops” hot peppers, “Red Burgundy” okra and spiky rosemary show off in a planting bed.

Other decorative edibles with strong, distinctive profiles such as curly spinach, cabbage, looseleaf lettuce (especially red-tinted varieties like “Red Sails” and “Lolla Rossa”), kale and Swiss chard (look for “Ruby Red” or “Bright Lights”) are low-growing and, for vegetable plants, actually rather good looking. Any of these can be successfully incorporated as accent plants for perennial beds or flower gardens. In addition, root vegetables such as carrots, onions and radishes hide their crops below ground but freely flaunt flowing foliage that can be used to fill in the fronts of border plantings.

Many herbs are also great “doubleduty” plants. Need examples?

Rosemary’s spiky leaves and delightful (as well as edible) bluish-purple flowers make it an appealing addition to any landscape setting. Bronze fennel’s smoky look is a nice touch for container planters, while the rich, dark foliage of purple basil is a horticultural fashion statement waiting to happen.

And curly parsley, with its deep emerald leaves, is an ideal alt-ornamental to line the front of a flower bed.

One word of caution about interplanting vegetables or herbs with other plants: If you spray any pesticides on neighboring ornamentals, make sure the chemicals are cleared for safe use on edible plants as well.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine.

March 2020 | 17

CC03_tv_new.indd 17

2/7/20 2:50 PM

Carolina People

Joining Seed Savers in 1986 (seedsavers.org) took Craig beyond basic gardening. He developed an interest in finding rare varieties of plants and keeping them from becoming extinct.

He grows about 150 to 200 varieties of tomatoes each year, plus eggplants, peppers and other vegetables. His garden grows entirely in containers or straw bales.

“Tomatoes are approaching roses in terms of getting them to succeed everywhere,” he says, “but every disease, [type of] weather, humidity and critter seems to affect tomatoes.”

Lessons from the ‘NC Tomato Man’ Craig LeHoullier has far-reaching influence in the world of tomatoes

By Margaret Buranen

a

As a child, Craig LeHoullier really disliked tomatoes.

But when Craig was about 12, his grandfather offered him a tomato he had grown. That tomato was the seed that grew into a lifelong interest in growing tomatoes and sharing them with other people.

Now gardeners all across the country know Craig LeHoullier of Raleigh as the NC Tomato Man. Craig has written two gardening books (“Epic Tomatoes” and “Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales”), with a third forthcoming, on dwarf tomatoes.

“This is the tomato’s time. No gardeners in history have ever had so many tomato varieties to choose from,” Craig says. “I’m happy to be an ambassador for tomatoes. They offer an incredible diversity of subtle nuances in taste. I’m kind of a foodie [for tomatoes], like people who enjoy different coffees or teas.”

Craig estimates that over the years he has tasted about 4,000 different types of tomatoes. That much sampling has taught him that there is no correlation between a tomato’s taste and color.

He speaks at gardening shows and events, but don’t expect formal lectures.

“I like to go out and have a conversation with fellow gardeners,” he explains. “I share, they share, and I learn from them.”

Craig met his wife, Sue, now a retired nurse, while he was earning his doctorate in chemistry at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. His work for pharmaceutical corporations took them first to Philadelphia, then to Charlotte.

Tomato pro tips Because not all tomato varieties will thrive everywhere, he always advises gardeners to have an open mind. “Enjoy the journey, and don’t get hung up on growing the perfect tomato [or particular varieties].”

Craig suggests gardeners pick 10 varieties of tomatoes to grow. “Five or six [of those] won’t do well, but three or four will be outstanding.”

For NC gardens he recommends: “Cherokee Purple” (which he had the honor of naming), “Red Brandywine” and “Andrew Rahart’s Jumbo Red”; hybrids “Sun Gold,” “Big Beef” and “Lemon Boy”; and dwarf varieties “Sweet Sue” and “Blazing Beauty.”

North Carolina’s range of climate affects how different varieties will grow. For example, plants of a longer maturing variety may take 70 to 80 days to produce tomatoes in Raleigh, but need 80 to 90 days in Asheville.

To keep deer from devouring his garden, Craig uses two water scarecrows. Their motion sensors shoot out bursts of water to scare the animals away. For squirrels he recommends installing bird feeders and a birdbath.

“The birds drop seed that the squirrels eat, and they can get water from the birdbath,” he advises. “Frost cloth covering the plants will prevent the rabbits from eating them.”

Another trick is to pick tomatoes when they are only half-ripe and let them ripen inside. “Animals can smell when tomatoes are ripe and won’t eat them until then,” he explains.

Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.

S

In inc 20 on bu Sil me

$2

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

Si

Go

Craig gives several gardening talks in NC each year. Visit craiglehoullier.com for his schedule and to read his gardening blog.

Gov Gov pub or c

18 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 18

E

Sil wid wo the Mi

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Int

r

LOoduct W ory P AS rice!

$2

1 85 ea c

h

Actual size is 40.6 mm

They’re Here!

Secure Your NEW 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars NOW

E

ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the world secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. They are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world, and right now, you can be among the first to secure coins from the U.S. Mint’s brand-new 2020 mintage!

2019 Was a Great Year for Silver. What Will 2020 Hold?

In 2019, silver prices saw a significant increase. Between Sept 2018 and Sept 2019, silver values increased by 25%! No one can say for sure what the future holds, but these freshly struck, 99.9% pure U.S. Silver Dollars are finally available — meaning the time to buy is NOW! $20

Brand-New U.S. Silver Dollars

Each hefty U.S. Silver Dollar contains one Troy ounce of U.S. silver, struck in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition by the United States Mint. The 100-year-old design features a walking Lady Liberty draped in a U.S. flag on one side and a majestic U.S. Eagle and shield on the other. These coins are as beautiful as they are desirable — and when silver prices rise, so does demand for these silver coins!

Final Year of Original Design

After 34 years of the Silver Eagle, the U.S. Mint has announced it will change the reverse design for 2021. That makes the 2020 Silver Eagle the last-year of the original design—something collectors crave!

Heads and Tails Above the Rest

$19

Why are we offering you this special price on these new, freshly struck 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars? We’re doing it to introduce you to what hundreds of thousands of smart collectors and satisfied customers have known since 1984 — GovMint.com is the best source for coins worldwide™.

$18 $17 $16 $15 $14 $13

8

pt

Se

1 20

18

0 t2

Oc

18

No

0 v2

18

De

0 c2

19

Ja

0 n2

9

b

Fe

1 20

19

Ma

0 r2

19

Ap

0 r2

19

Ma

0 y2

19

Ju

0 n2

9

l

Ju

1 20

9

g

Au

1 20

9

pt

Se

1 20

Silver Trend Chart: Prices based on monthly averages. ©2020, AMS

Timing is Everything

This is a strictly limited offer for one of the world’s most popular silver coins — and time is of the essence. Once word gets out

that 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars are finally available, and available at such a great price, you’ll be facing far more competition. Call today and secure your new 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars ahead of the crowd!

Call Now And Beat the Crowd!

The American Eagle Silver Dollar is one of the best selling and most widely collected silver coins in the world — and buyers are watching the silver markets. Call now and place yourself among the world’s top collectors by securing your freshly struck 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars now. Plus, the more you buy, the more you save!

2020 American Eagle Silver Dollar BU 1-4 Coins - $22.25 each + s/h 5-9 Coins - $22.10 each + s/h 10-19 Coins - $21.95 each + FREE SHIPPING 20+ Coins - $21.85 each + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING on 7 or More!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-201-7639 Offer Code AEB158-04

Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. AEB158-04 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk.

GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

CC03-wk.indd 19

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Building a Brighter Future, Together North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are working with members to implement energy solutions that support continued access to affordable, low carbon electricity and improve the resilience of our local electric grids.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com.

NCECAd-03-2020.indd CC03-wk.indd 20 1

2/3/20 2:36 2/7/20 3:10 PM

MARCH 2020

Tips Tools Energy saving tips for spring

PrePay Power

A good option for all to consider

M

ore than 9,000 BEMC members, over 10%, have chosen PrePay Power, our pay as you go payment system that offers a variety of advantages. Users become more energy aware, there’s no monthly bill or deposit, and you always know how much you’re spending on electricity. You pay for power in advance of when you need it. PrePay Power gives you control over your energy usage and provides flexibility, allowing you to choose when and how much to purchase.

Brunswick Electric pioneered this system in 1989 as a member benefit, another way to make members’ lives easier. Ove the years, we’ve incorporated the latest technologies, and today there are multiple, easy ways to add money to your account any time of day or night— through the free SmartHub app, by calling the automated payment system, or at a Bill Payment Terminal.

One of the major advantages of PrePay Power is that you become more aware of your energy consumption, and you become a smarter energy consumer.

You naturally become familiar with

the activities that use the most energy, and which use less. The free SmartHub app is an easy to use tool that records your usage and helps you manage your consumption and your account as well.

Through SmartHub you can elect to receive email alerts when your account balance reaches a certain level. You can check your current account status anytime and view, in a layout of your choosing, your energy consumption by hour, day, week, and month. You can also receive high energy use email notifications to help you control your usage.

PrePay power gives you freedom from a monthly bill, the knowledge and control to become a smarter energy consumer, and the ability to know exactly how much you are spending on electricity in real time. To learn more and to switch, call (800) 842-5871 or stop by one of our offices.

Embrace natural ventilation: In the springtime, you can often create a cross breeze that flows through the house. Open windows in the evening to flood the space with cooler air, and close them in the morning to capture the cool before the day warms up.

Stay out of the kitchen: When you cook with an oven or stovetop you can end up heating the kitchen and adjacent rooms by several degrees. Save your AC from having to work overtime by grilling out or using the microwave whenever possible.

Give your AC a tune-up: Consider scheduling an inspection and maintenance visit with an HVAC professional who can make sure your system is functioning properly. Routine maintenance can reduce its energy consumption by 15%.

Invest in window treatments: Energy-efficient blinds, shades and films can drastically reduce heat gain during hot weather and cut air conditioning costs.

Change the direction of your ceiling fans: If you had your ceiling fans set to turn clockwise during colder weather to create an updraft, now’s the time to switch the setting to counter-clockwise to create a cooling downdraft.

March 2020 | 21

Brunswick-0320.indd 21

2/7/20 4:09 PM

Our expertise at planning for growth—and how you can help

O

ur service area has experienced tremendous growth over the past four decades. Brunswick County is consistently listed as one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and is frequently on the roster of fastestgrowing counties in the country. In 1980, Brunswick Electric had 22,140 members and sold 270 million kWh, and by 2018, the co-op had 77,135 members and sold 1.4 billion kWh. Our expertise at planning for and meeting that ever-increasing demand helped facilitate the growth itself. In other words, it has been our job to make sure that our service area can grow as fast as it wants.

To make sure we have enough capacity, your co-op develops a four-year work plan and a 20-year, long-range plan, based on a comprehensive study of historical and projected load growth that includes our knowledge of local development hot spots. We utilize a computer model that mimics our electric system to perform engineering analysis, including projecting loads and detecting weak points. We’re constantly re-evaluating and re-assessing system loads, and we take a fresh look at our four-year work plan after each summer and winter peak, the times of greatest demand.

It’s also our mission to make sure that our system is resilient and robust enough to handle significant weather events. One of the benefits of rapid growth is that because

ember atters

T

A Lewis Shaw,

our system isn’t stagnant, we are able Vice President to incorporate new technologies that of Operations & Engineering enhance reliability. We’re also starting to implement distribution automation, a technology that automatically isolates and reroutes segments of the system when something interrupts it, like a tree falling on a line.

Having more than 50% of our lines underground is also extremely beneficial for reliability.

To keep costs down, it is essential that we manage peak loads, or the times of greatest demand, in order to avoid paying a higher price for wholesale power and reduce future construction cost. We’re focusing on new load management techniques, including the optional Time-of-Use rate plan featured in last month’s issue that offers a lower rate for electricity when demand on our system is low, balanced with a higher rate when demand on our system is high. More information is available at bemc.org.

If the Time-of-Use option is not for you, you can still help by limiting high energy use activities during cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons. The less we collectively use during these peak times, the less we pay for wholesale electricity and help limit system upgrades, keeping the rate you pay for kWh to a minimum. Meanwhile, we’ll keep predicting, planning and building to make sure your electric system is as robust and reliable as possible.

This section of the newsletter is written by a BEMC employee or member of the executive team about a timely topic that affects you as a member of BEMC.

22 | March 2020

Brunswick-0320.indd 22

2/7/20 4:09 PM

I

law the Est ser non are We wh

coo Am is p the ma coo vita fos imp

qua coo to t sup of h spe pro infr res

nat ass $64 ma the and kilo yea 71,0 in c

for

ge of r to ce

on

r ely

you g, s

The size and strength of

America’s electric cooperatives

I

EMC is the second-largest of 26 electric $1.3 billion in state and local taxes each n 1937, the Rural Electrification Administration drafted the Electric year. Over the five-year period from 2013 co-ops in North Carolina, who work collectively to purchase power on your to 2017, they contributed $881 billion in Cooperative Corporation Act, a behalf through North Carolina Electric U.S. sales output, $440 billion in GDP, law that states could adopt to facilitate Membership Corporation (NCEMC), $200 billion in labor income, and spent the formation of electric cooperatives. and are supported by the North Carolina $359 billion on goods and services.

Established to provide at-cost electrical Association of Electric Cooperatives Assisting us in our efforts is the service, electric cooperatives are private, (NCAEC), which provides legislative non-profit electric utility businesses that National Rural Electric Cooperative support, public and media relations, Association (NRECA), the national are owned by the members they serve. safety and educational training, and service organization that represents We are governed by a board of directors information technology services, America’s cooperatives. It works to who is elected by the membership. and Tarheel Electric Membership empower electric cooperatives and Today, our country’s 893 electric Association (TEMA), which provides help ensure their long-term success in cooperatives serve more than 42 million materials and supplies needed to operate Americans in 47 states. Brunswick Electric a number of ways, including amplifying and maintain the electric system. the voice of electric co-op members is proud to be the 35th largest among We hope you’re proud to be a in Washington, D.C., helping the these co-ops, and an industry leader in member of your co-op, and a network employees of electric co-ops learn many areas. From their inception, electric of dedicated professionals who work and grow professionally, and initiating cooperatives have played a central and programs to strengthen co-ops and their hard every day to deliver reliable at-cost vital role in their service territories, electricity and improve the quality of life communities. fostering economic development and for those they serve.

On the statewide level, Brunswick improving the quality of life.

In addition to providing highElectric cooperatives are economic engines in their communities quality electric service, electric cooperatives are deeply committed to the communities they serve, In 2017, electric cooperatives supporting and improving the delivery supported 611,600 American jobs of health care and educational services, 68,200 electric co-op jobs spearheading revitalization initiatives, JOBS 97,600 contractor jobs promoting the improvement of 170,900 supplier jobs infrastructure systems, and serving as 274,900 consumer spending jobs resource for their membership.

To perform their mission, the nation’s electric cooperatives own contributed 1040 invested $12 $88.4 billion assets worth $186 billion and have billion annually to the U.S. GDP $64 billion in equity. They own and in local economies annually maintain 2.6 million miles, or 42% of LOCAL the nation’s electric distribution lines, and deliver 12 percent of the total generated more kilowatt-hours sold in the U.S. each than $22 billion year. They directly employ in federal, state 71,000 people, retire over $1.1 billion and local taxes Source: The Economic Impact of America’s Electric in capital credits annually, and pay over Cooperatives, FTI Consulting, March 2019

March 2020 Electric co-ops are local energy and technology providers. They are shaped by the specific needs |of 23 the communities they serve. This local, member-driven structure is one reason why cooperatives enjoy the highest consumer-satisfaction scores within the electric industry, according to J.D. Power and Associates and the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

Brunswick-0320.indd 23

• Electric cooperatives are built by and belong to the communities they serve.

• Co-ops earned the top spot in the J.D. 2/7/20 Power and Associates 2017 Electric Utility

4:09 PM

Reminder: Rate change begins April 1

O

ur board and staff work continuously to keep costs as low as possible, and as a result, your energy usage rate has not changed since 2008.

As announced last October, to cover annual costs and to continue to maintain, grow and improve the electric system into the future, we must adjust the rates our members pay. The average residential member will see an increase of $8.63 per month.

Here is an overview of the changes that will affect all residential members beginning April 1. More detail is provided at bemc.org.

Base Facility Charge: This fee helps

pay for the upkeep of equipment, facilities and Right-of-Way program.

All members pay this fee regardless of how much energy they use each month. Monthly billed members will see an increase from $23.00 to $29.75; and PrePay members will see this charge increase from $26.00 to $29.75.

Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA): We project the cost of power, and when actual costs exceed projections, the WPCA is implemented. This was listed on your bill as a charge of $0.00731 per kWh. Under the new rate schedule this charge has been reduced to $0.00 per kWh, and you will not be seeing it on your bill.

Energy Usage Rate: This rate will

increase from $0.09690 per kWh to $0.10220 per kWh. Coal Ash Management Rider

(CAMA): North Carolina passed the Coal Ash Management Act requiring Duke Energy to close its coal ash ponds. A portion of the associated costs have been passed down to Duke Energy’s wholesale customers, which includes NCEMC, our wholesale provider. This charge will be $0.00333 per kWh. REPS Rider: This will remain at $.20

per month.

Deborah Ahlers

24 | March 2020

Brunswick-0320.indd 24

2/7/20 4:09 PM

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair.

To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

NEW

Footrest extension for better support head to toe

You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.

Our Perfect Sleep Chair does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the ®

other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of stain and water repellent custommanufactured Duralux with the classic leather look or plush microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-317-9126

Please mention code 112637 when ordering.

REMOTE-CONTROLLED EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO A STAND-ASSIST POSITION

Long Lasting DuraLux

Tan

Chocolate Burgundy

Blue

DuraLux II Microfiber

Indigo

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. © 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

CC03-wk.indd 25

46528

Burgundy Cashmere Chocolate

2/7/20 2:36 PM

13 10 ⁄8 103⁄4 10 ⁄16 7

101⁄2

On the House

L

Going Electric on Larger Acreage Benefits of battery-powered lawn equipment

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I’ve seen a lot of electric lawn mowers on the market, but most seem better suited for smaller lawns. Are there battery-powered options available if I have more acreage to maintain?

A:

26 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 26

Mean Green Products Inc.

With maintaining large lots of land, the most pressing concern is likely having equipment that lasts long enough and has sufficient power to get the job done.

While battery-powered lawn mowers keep arriving and growing in popularity, the majority have been of the walk-behind or robotic variety for smaller acreage.

Battery-powered riding mowers, however, have been around for a few years, and they continue to improve and grow in number. Today, you can find examples that compete with gasoline versions for a variety of uses, with rear engine riding mowers, lawn tractors and zero turn mowers all going electric.

Current residential models can last upwards of 2.5 hours and cover over three acres on a single battery charge.

Charging is easy and uses a standard 120-volt outlet, though it can take several hours. The amount of time needed will ultimately be determined by a number of factors, including the size of the battery, the level of charge of the battery when it’s first plugged in and the ambient temperature.

Depending on the type of battery used by the equipment, manufacturers may recommend that you leave the mower plugged in at all times when it’s not in operation, so be sure to consult the user manual.

Commercial-grade battery-powered riding mowers are also available.

These come in even larger sizes and can run for over seven hours and cover dozens of acres.

The benefits you’ll see with battery-powered riding mowers are mostly the same as you would

experience with battery-powered versions of other lawn equipment: Maintenance: No starting difficulties and no belts, spark plugs or filters means less time maintaining your machine and more time getting work done.

■ Easy

Performance: Batterypowered riding mowers produce significantly less noise and vibration than their gas-powered counterparts.

■ Quiet

Operating Costs: The upfront cost of battery-powered residential riding mowers is in the range of $1,000–$1,500 higher than similar gasoline versions. But with reduced maintenance and fuel costs, they are cheaper to operate.

■ Lower

■ Cleanliness: Battery-powered

riding mowers produce no exhaust or emissions, and there’s zero gasoline to deal with, so they’re cleaner for you and the environment.

As with any larger purchase, it is helpful to do your research. Read reviews, check out frequently asked

questions, compare warranties and watch videos to learn more about the different offerings.

Also, consider your situation. For example, how much ground you need to cover will likely influence what size battery you’ll be looking for. The information to home in on is watt hours, which can be thought of as the “gas tank” of battery-powered equipment. If it’s not listed, the watt hour (Wh) rating of a battery can be obtained by multiplying its voltage and amp hours (Ah); the more watt hours, the longer the runtime.

If you’re in the market for additional equipment to complement your mower, be on the lookout for battery-powered models of trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and more. To save money and space, the batteries of these smaller tools can often be used across products if you buy from the same manufacturer, so keep that in mind as you’re shopping around.

F

RE AP

Y

m pe

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

101⁄2 103⁄4 1013⁄16 107⁄8 2/10/20 3:28 PM

B u

Like waves kissing the shore, your love is forever

Shown much smaller than actual size of about 16" wide x 11½" high

To the Beach and Back captures a romantic day at the shore with your sweetheart!

n o i t a z i l a n e Perso

Your two initials are “carved” in the sand forever, personalized FREE in acclaimed artist James Hautman’s picturesque scene paired with a whimsical sentiment. The vision is masterfully recreated on fine artists’ resin showcased in a wooden frame featuring a hand-sculpted driftwood shelf with an ocean succulent and starfish.

Fre

Personalized Design Original — Order Now!

www.bradfordexchange.com/waves

© James Hautman, Courtesy of MHS Licensing ©2019 BGE 01-29989-001-BI

SEND NO MONEY NOW

RESERVATION APPLICATION

Mrs. Mr. Ms.

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

YES. Please reserve the To the Beach and Back Personalized Print for

me as described in this announcement. Print the two letters below for personalization. Limit: one per customer. Please Respond Promptly Please personalize my print with these two initials:

+

B_I_V27 = CC03-wk.indd

❏

Make this personalized print yours in four easy installments of just $32.49, for a total of $129.99*. You need send no money now; you will be billed before shipment. Simply return the Reservation Application today, and indicate the two initials for FREE personalization!

Your initials are “carved” in the sand!

Live Area: 7 x 9.75, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical updated 6.22.2018

State

Lo Ad

❏

J C

❏

Tra C

Name (Please Print Clearly)

❏

Address City

P

Ye S

Zip

❏

Email (optional)

01-29989-001-E67201 *Plus a total of $17.99 shipping and service; see bradfordexchange.com Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Shi Se

❏

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Tar Heel Tidbits

It’s a Girl!

For the young (and young at heart)

NC Zoo welcomes a baby rhino

North Carolina Zoo

In January, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, served by Randolph EMC, welcomed a baby girl — a southern white rhinoceros weighing in at 100 pounds. Zookeepers expect her to gain 100 pounds a month in the first year. She could weigh 3,500 to 5,500 pounds when fully grown!

Southern white rhinos were hunted to near extinction by the beginning of the 20th century for their horns, which some mistakenly believe provide medicinal benefits, according to the NC Zoo. Rhino horn is made of keratin, which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair. Today, populations in the wild still face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.

Ha ve a lau gh!

The Zoo’s herd now consists of nine rhinos, including the new female calf (visit nczoo.org for updates on her name), her mom, Kit, and her dad, Stormy.

Q: What do you call a rhinoceros on a school bus?

A: Stuck!

DO YOU KNOW…

That NASA’s newest deep-space telescope is named for an NC native?

NASA NASA

Next year, NASA will replace the Hubble Space Telescope with a new space telescope named after former Granville Country resident and early NASA visionary James E. Webb. Under Webb’s leadership as administrator of NASA, the organization reached new heights in space exploration (see “Wake Electric Honors Local NASA Leader,” page 8).

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (also called JWST or Webb) is planned to be launched from French Guinea in spring of 2021. Once in orbit, Webb will be the most powerful and largest space telescope ever built (with a sunshield the size of a tennis court). Its infrared vision will peer back more than 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang. It is only fitting that the telescope is named after NASA pioneer and Tally Ho native James Webb.

Visit jwst.nasa.gov for updates and to learn more.

—Cynthia M. Currin

28 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 28

2/10/20 3:27 PM

THERAPEUTIC ACUPRESSURE WITH EVERY STEP

Massaging Comfort Slides was $1699

SAVE $7.00

Now Only

9

$ 99

FREE Shipping when buying 2 or more

Ladies’

Acupressure Massage

Sure Grip Soles

Helps Promote: • Circulation • Relaxation • Overall Health Connect With

DreamProducts.com

Men’s

1-800-530-2689 Order Now Toll-Free

website offers may vary

All Day Comfort Feather-light acupressure massaging sandals have strategically placed nodules that massage and stimulate pressure points with every step.

Acupressure is believed to help overall health by increasing circulation. Easy slip on/slip off style with sure-grip soles. Waterproof sole and upper makes it the perfect shoe indoors or out! Fashion import of man-made materials are available for both men and women. Buy two pair and your shipping is FREE! Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

CC03-wk.indd 29

Massaging Comfort Slides

Ladies’

Sz (5)

Sz (6)

INSOLES MASSAGE & INVIGORATE YOUR FEET

Sz (7)

Dept 78706 © Dream Products (Prices valid for 1yr.)

Indicate Qty Under Size

❑ VISA

Sz (8)

Card#

Sz (9)

Receive A Free Surprise Gift with every order!

Sz (10)

❑ MasterCard

❑ Discover®/NOVUSSMCards

/

Exp. Date

#678

Men’s Sz (7) Sz (8) Sz (9) Sz (10) Sz (11) Sz (12) Sz (13) #679

____ Pr(s) Massaging Comfort Slides @ $9.99 pr. $

CA residents must add 7.25% sales tax $ Regular Shipping Add $5.95 1st pair FREE Regular Shipping when buying 2 or more pairs Add $4.00 Handling (no matter how many ordered)

❑✔

FOR EXPEDITED SHIPPING (optional) Add An Additional $2.95 (receive your order 5-7 days from shipment)

Please Print Clearly

$

Name Address

$ 4.00

City

$ 2.95

Daytime Phone #

TOTAL $ Send check/money order payable to Dream Products 412 Dream Lane, Van Nuys, CA 91496

Dept. 78706

ST

Zip

Email

2/7/20 2:36 PM

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Your Favorite Swimmin’ Spot Nothing beats a swim on a hot summer day, and everyone tends to have a favorite spot.

What’s yours? A creek behind your grandparent’s barn growing up? A community pool where all the kids hung out? We’d like to know, whether it’s from your past or a place you enjoy today. We will pay $50 for each story or photo that is printed in our June 2020 issue.

Rules Deadline: April 15, 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 self-addressed, 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/ swimmingspots No emails, please.

Mail Carolina Country Swimming Spots 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

NEVER SEAL YOUR WOOD OR CONCRETE AGAIN

PERMANENT ONE-TIME SOLUTION

BEFORE

25% OFF WITH THIS AD

AFTER

BEFORE

• We clean, restore & permanently preserve your product.

• Prevents wood from rotting, decaying and further damage from moisture.

• Repels mold, mildew & fungus growth.

• Prevents concrete from pitting, flaking, dusting and scaling.

• Prevents salt & alkali damage.

• Backed by technology.

AFTER

Free Estimates

844.481.6862 PermaSealUSA.com

30 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 30

2/7/20 2:51 PM

7.875"

PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE

“Clip It Now...

10.875"

WIN IT ALL!”

OFFICIAL RULES: ALL PRIZES GUARANTEED TO BE

SWEEPS FACTS: Giveaway No. 16000; End Date: 2/28/21; Est. Odds of Winning: 1 in 6,200,000,000. You Have Not Yet Won. All Entries Have the Same Chance of Winning.

We don’t know who the winner is. Enter For Free. You don’t have to buy anything to enter. Enter As Often As You Like. You may submit additional entries by writing to the address provided. Each entry request must be mailed separately. Buying Won’t Help You Win. Your chances of winning are the same as someone who buys something.

A+ Rating

CC03-wk.indd 31

OFFICIAL ENTRY COUPON

$7,000.00

A WEEK FOR LIFE! WIN IT ALL APRIL 30TH

o YES, I WANT TO BECOME A WINNER IN JUST WEEKS! NAME

ADDRESS

STATE

CITY

20-PB572MO

AWARDED AS OFFERED. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. ALL GIVEAWAYS ARE VOID IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC AND RESIDENTS OF THAT PROVINCE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest Officials will take a special early look for a matching winning number in just a few weeks. A prize of $7,000.00 A-Week-For-Life will be paid to the winner of Giveaway No. 16000 if the timely returned winning entry for our April 30th Special Early Look SuperPrize Event comes from this promotion. If an eligible matching winning number is not returned, an alternate winner will receive a $1,000,000.00 prize. Award subject to verification of identity and eligibility. Winner must sign an Affidavit of Eligibility within 30 days or alternate winner will be selected. Principals and employees of PCH and their immediate families are not eligible. Board of Judges’ decisions are final. Bulk entries will not be accepted. Not responsible for lost or mutilated mail. Entry constitutes permission to use winner’s name and photograph in television commercials, in website promotions, and for other promotional purposes, unless prohibited by law. Subject to complete Official Rules available at website or mail address provided. Entry must be received by 4/3/20.

Please visit www.pch.com to view our Privacy Policy and California Consumer Privacy Act Disclosures or to exercise your rights under that Act. You can also exercise your rights by calling 1-844-557-8505.

MAIL TO:

Publishers Clearing House 14 Contest Processing Center St. Cloud, MN 56388-0014

OR GO TO:

www.pch.com/CLIP

ZIP

IT’S FREE, BUT HURR NO ENTRY ACCEPTEDY! AFTER APRIL 3RD. ZA572

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Carolina Gardens

Showy Garden Spiders Spider daylilies are both tough and pretty Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

I like spiders, but I really don’t have a thing for every Orb Weaver, Wolf, Green Lynx, Jumping or Trapdoor spider that crawls into my yard. I’m fine with the fact that they, as well as their other eight-legged kin, patrol the garden for insects — many of which are plant-chewing pests — just as long as none of these arachnids dare to think I’m the biggest bug of them all. Instead, the alt-spiders I am more partial to have weird names and no legs.

Getting curious?

“Tennessee Flycatcher,” “Jan’s Twister,” “Boney Maroney,” “Radiation Biohazard,” “Lavender Arrowhead,” “Skinwalker,” “Laughing Skies,” “Octopus Hugs” — these are just some of the many odd appellations caught in the web of showoff plants known as spider daylilies. What makes them different from other daylilies? Their flower petals.

According to the American Hemerocallis Society, a spider cultivar is defined as any daylily with blooms that have petals four times or more the length of their width. In other words, besides being pretty, they are long and skinny.

For me, thin is in because I do enjoy the way the finger-like petals

curl inwards and, with the slightest breeze, flex, seemingly for the purpose of drawing curious passersby closer to enjoy their unusual beauty.

Fortunately for gardeners bitten by the looks of spider daylilies, “unusual” isn’t the same as “rare,” because hundreds of cultivars are available.

Like typical daylilies, spiders are tough perennials. They will survive in many conditions, but in order for them to thrive, find a planting site with well-worked, rich garden soil that receives at least six hours of energizing sunlight a day.

While they are becoming established, spider daylilies should be watered regularly with long, thorough soakings. Also, for their first year in the garden, the addition of a balanced, time-release fertilizer at planting time will help them become dependable beauties faster. In following years, a generous application of compost each spring will usually satisfy their annual nutritional needs.

Garden centers in your area that sell daylilies will probably have some spiders, but for larger selections, since now is a good time to order and plant, do an online search for “Carolina daylily nursery,” and you will find a ton of regional sellers. All

Boney Maroney

Lavender Arrowhead

will likely offer spider daylilies for sale online, but also check to see if any of these e-nurseries might be near enough to visit in order to see their pretty spiders yourself up close and pleasantly personal when they begin to bloom in late spring.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com.

Garden To-Do’s for March Showy ornamental woodies such as vitex, pomegranate, rose of Sharon, abelia, sweet pepperbush, buddleia and crepe myrtle that flaunt their blossoms in the summertime will put on better bloom displays if they are pruned early this month before new growth begins. This will stimulate increased branching, which, of course, can lead to stronger flower power. Ditto for berry-producing pretties such as holly, nandina and beautyberry.

F

Rose of Sharon

While adding young annuals this spring, provide protection against cutworms.

Knock the bottoms out of paper cups and put one around each new plant, sinking it at least an inch into the soil, to stop these soil-dwelling moth larvae from chewing tender stalks and branches down to nubs.

F

Aphids can also cause problems on new plant growth in the spring. These pinheadsized pests typically gang up to suck the sap from the underside of young leaves, causing them to curl, yellow and wilt. A blast of water or spritz of insecticidal soap will put a stop to their feeding-fest.

32 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 32

2/7/20 2:52 PM

SUPER COUPON 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating

• Super-Strong, Ultra-Lightweight Composite Plastic • Magnetic Base & 360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation • 3-AAA Batteries (included) • 144 Lumens

Customer Rating E YOUR CHOIC OF 7 COLORS

Item 64031, 56429, 64033, 64059, 64721, 64722, 64720

• Wireless, tool-free and easy installation

NOW

$1 99

3

COMPARE TO

PROMIER $ 99

4

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PE12R PA¢IR PACK OF 100 • 5 mil thickness NOW

$5

7

14

ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

HIGH OR LOW

VOLTAGE CONTROL

AC

OUTPUT

VARIABLE CONTROL EASY TO USE

DC

CLEAN WELDS

CONVENTIONAL TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY

119

99

Customer Rating

90 AMP @ 20% DUTY CYCLE 32 LBS.

ITEM 63583/63582 shown

$ SAVE 17999 $ 80 IRONTON COMPARE TO

ITEM 37050, 64417, 61363, 68496, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 64418 shown

Professional Performance

Standard Performance

FLUX 125 120 VOLT EASY FLUX 125 INPUT WELDER WELDER

MODEL: 45433

$

99

POWERFUL & EFFICIENT 90 AMP @ 30% LONGER RUN TIME

15 LBS.

WEIGHT

99

ADVANCED INVERTER Customer Rating

$

19999

ITEM 56359/56355 shown

LIGHT & COMPACT

COMPARE TO $ SAVE LINCOLN 439 $ 259 ELECTRIC

179 99

$

MODEL: K2513-1

*47261543 * 47261543

*47264451 * 47264451

*47264734 * 47264734

*47264935 * 47264935

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

®

AUTOMATIC AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER KIT Customer Rating BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER NOW Customer Rating

9

NOW

$

99

$4 COMPARE TO

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC

$

MODEL: SC1

83%

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

$

NOW

99

$2

SAVE $ 99 65% 4

8

$ 78

GRACO $

BLUE HAWK

MODEL: 262800

ITEM 69115/69121/69129/69137/69249/877 shown

299

ITEM 62915/60600 shown

• Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI

99

21999

SAVE $ 134

3041 SAVE

ITEM 69594/69955/64284/42292 shown

SUPER 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" COUPON ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE RESISTANT TARP AIR COMPRESSORS

$1 64

$ 99

COMPARE TO

MODEL: BG8X10-Y

59UR99CHOICE YO

HOT DOG

ITEM 69269 97080 shown

9 $399

PANCAKE

ITEM 61615/60637 95275 shown Customer Rating

$

COMPARE TO

PORTER-CABLE

9862 SAVE 59%

MODEL: PCFP02003

*47271436 * 47271436

*47272154 * 47272154

*47272866 * 47272866

*47282719 * 47282719

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

SUPER Customer Rating COUPON

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK • Weighs 33 lbs.

99 NOW $

SAVE $ 91

$59

99

4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS

Customer Rating

• 400 lb. working load

79

SAVE 69%

K TOOL $ 42

NOW

151

$

MODEL: KTI63094

ITEM 64552/64832/64980/64545 shown

12

COMPARE TO

KEEPER $ 80

99

22

$6

39

MODEL: 5505

ITEM 90984/63056/63057/63150/56668/63094 shown

TWO TIER EASY-STORE STEP LADDER

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

18 VOLT, 3/8" CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER KIT WITH KEYLESS CHUCK Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

$

1999

59

MODEL: GC1801

• 225 lb. capacity

Customer Rating

NOW

NOW

$1 999

99

$1 6

COMPARE TO

BLACK+ DECKER $ 99

Customer Rating

$

SAVE 71%

ITEM 68239/69651/62868/62873 shown

SAVE 40%

ITEM 67514

COMPARE TO

WERNER

2999 $

*47288053 * 47288053

*47296292 * 47296292

*47301172 * 47301172

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED COMBINATION WRENCH SETS Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

$5 99

Customer Rating

3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 18" x 12" TOWING CHAIN MOVER'S DOLLY

TYPE ITEM 97 SAE 69043/63282/42304 COMPARE TO $ HUSKY MODEL: HCW10PCSAE METRIC 69044/63171/42305

17

Customer Rating

• 1000 lb. capacity

• 5400 lb. capacity

Item 42305 shown

$ 99 SAVE 66%

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO $

MIBRO

64

99

MODEL: 426920

$1 9

SAVE 69% $

ITEM 40462/60658/97711 shown

3999

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

900 WATT MAX. STARTING 2 CYCLE GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 5 hour run time

NOW

99

COMPARE TO

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99

22

MODEL: HDFDOLLY

$

10

99

SAVE 65%

SAVE $ 16

NOW

99

$7

ITEM 60497/61899/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

COMPARE TO

POWERSMART

$

126

10

MODEL: PS50

ITEM 63024/63025 shown

NOW

99 $1 09 $

12499

*47302853 * 47302853

*47311138 * 47311138

*47314349 * 47314349

*47314533 * 47314533

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 4/29/20.

hft_carolinacountry_0320_M-REG168826.indd 1 CC03-wk.indd 33

3388

MODEL: S322A-1

*47287400 * 47287400 SUPER COUPON

7

R PE N SU UPO O C

$

AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL

MODEL: VEN4145

*47250579 * 47250579

99

$ 99

VENOM $ 97

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/29/20.

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 4/29/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

Customer Rating

*47251670 * 47251670

13

830

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

SAVE 60%

$

BLUE-POINT

SAVE 59%

ITEM 63878/63991 COMPARE TO $ 52 64005/60566/69567 PERFORMANCE MODEL: W2364 63601/67227 shown TOOL

SAVE 630

Snap-On

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT

$

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/29/20*

Customer Rating

$ 99

229

*47244080 * 47244080

200 LUMEN LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT

9 $1 999

99

WITH ANY PURCHASE

SUPER BRIGHT LED/SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT

• 15,000 cu. in. of storage • 700 lb. capacity • Heavy duty locking casters

$

20% OFF

FREE

OVER 5,000

30", 5 DRAWER MECHANIC'S CARTS

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

1/22/20 1:04 PM 2/7/20 2:36 PM

Carolina Compass

Florence Flapjack Fundraiser Pancakes, local syrups March 21–22, West Jefferson 828-964-2432 florenceartschool.org

Disney’s Aladdin Jr

Los Mayas de Morganton

The Color Purple

It’s All About the Story Art about musician Billy Strayhorn Through March 22, Hillsborough 919-732-5001 hillsboroughgallery.com

Murder for Two

Soil3 Garden Show

MOUNTAINS

Speakers, food trucks March 14, Shelby info.soil3.com/garden-show-2020

Five Mile Lake Drama about twenty-somethings Through March 1, Boone 828-262-3063 theatreanddance.appstate.edu

5K, 10Mile & Fun Run March 14, Kings Mountain 704-739-9663 kmgatewaytrails.org

Chili Cook-Off March 13, Morganton 828-438-5280 downtownmorganton.com

An American in Paris Romantic musical March 20, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

St. Patrick’s Parade & Rail Jam Kids zone, skiing, snowboarding contests March 14, Boone 828-268-6280 joneshouse.org

Tea with Seagrove Potters Tastings, unique teapots March 14, Seagrove 336-879-4145 teawithseagrovepotters.webstarts.com

PIEDMONT

March Events

March 14, Robbins 910-464-3600 bit.ly/fiddlers2020

Musical about being yourself March 27–28, Franklin 828-524-1598 greatmountainmusic.com Guatemalan art exhibit Through March 27, Morganton 828-438-5362 bit.ly/Morganton-AITH

St. Patrick’s Parade & Rail Jam Kids zone, skiing, snowboarding contests March 14, Boone

Highfalls Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention

Comedy-mystery musical March 5–22, Fayetteville 910–323–423 cfrt.org

Carolina Lily Quit Show Raffles, demonstrations March 6–7, Charlotte charlottequiltersguild.org

Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble

Musical about black challenges March 20–22, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

Spring Garden Symposium Several speakers March 21, Fayetteville 910-261-1091 bit.ly/ccgardens2020

Bluegrass Show Concessions, several performers March 21, Sandy Ridge 336-932-5664 banjo42gpw@yahoo.com

Brunch Food Truck Rally Cornhole, live music March 22, Huntersville 704-875-3113 ruralhill.net

Karen Peck & New River & The Ball Brothers

March 7, Apex 919-249-1120 bit.ly/apex-jazz

Show benefits charities March 28, Albemarle 704-986-3666 stanlyciviccenter.com

Little Land: Big Play for Families

Artisan & Crafters Expo

Vendors, costumed characters March 7, Fayetteville 910-867-9700 ccpfc.org/littleland

Ella May Wiggins: Singing to be Heard About mill worker’s role in strike March 14, Pineville 704-889-7145 bit.ly/polk-ellamay

March 28, Statesville 650-443-6464 bit.ly/StatesvilleCraftersExpo

COAST Disney’s Frozen, Jr. Elsa, Anna and friends onstage Through March 8, New Bern 252-633-3318 rivertowneplayers.org

carolinacountry.com/calendar

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

MOUNTAINS

77

PIEDMONT

Listing Deadlines: Submit Listings Online: For May: March 25 For June: April 25

95

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

COAST

Soil3 Garden Show Speakers, food trucks March 14, Shelby

34 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 34

2/10/20 3:39 PM

Carolina Compass

Watson Brass Faculty quintet performs March 1, Oriental 252-617-2125 pamlicomusic.org

Open Studio Demonstrations by artists March 2–31, Hertford 252-426-3041 perquimansarts.org

Brown Bag Gam Lectures Includes lives of female pirates March 5, 12, 19, 25, Beaufort 252-504-7740 ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com

Coastal Consumer Showcase Auction, free samples March 5, Southport 910-457-6964 bit.ly/Southport-CCS

Coastal Home & Garden Show March 7–8, Morehead City bit.ly/home-garden2020

5K & Kids Fun Run Benefits high school grads March 7, Newport goforthegoldCHS@gmail.com bit.ly/GofortheGold5K

Know Before You Go

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

Sensory Saturday: Lucky Sailor Geared for those with special needs March 7, Southport 910-477-5151 bit.ly/ncmaritime2020

Firepower!

Learn about equipment March 7, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

Shark Tales Story time, crafts March 11, Beaufort 252-504-7740 maritime@ncdcr.go

The Jungle Book Boy raised by caring wolves March 13–14, Ayden 252-756-4959 facebook.com/ SmilesandFrownsPlayhouse

Georgia On My Mind Musical tribute to Ray Charles March 13, Greenville 252-737-5444 artscomm.ecu.edu/georgia

St Patrick’s Day Festival Petting zoo, beer garden March 14, Emerald Isle 252-354-6350 bit.ly/stpatty2020

Onslow Bridal Expo Wedding vendors, prizes March 14, Jacksonville 910-347-3141 engagedonslow.com

Alcohol and the Irish Program about immigrants March 17, Southport 910-477-5151 bit.ly/ncmaritime2020

Angelina Ballerina: The Musical Family friendly show March 20, Greenville 252-737-5444 artscomm.ecu.edu/angelina/

Old Fashioned Planter’s Day Demos, vintage farm equipment March 27–28, Garland 910-850-1525 grahamagmuseum@gmail.com

1-3 MAY 2020 FREE Admission +Parking

PREMIUM SEATING ON SALE NOW!

Featuring the Blue Angels • F-22 Raptor Demo Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demo Shockwave Jet Truck + More!

CherryPointAirshow.com March 2020 | 35

CC03-wk.indd 35

2/7/20 2:36 PM

CAROLINA COUNTRY

adventures The N.C. Equal Suffrage Association headquarters in Raleigh (foreground). The States’ Rights Defense League office (background) opposed the amendment based on belief it infringed on states’ rights.

North Carolina suffragists

Votes for Women in the Old North State A traveling exhibit commemorates the women’s suffrage movement

By Renee Gannon | Photos courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina

W

omen in North Carolina have long been politically active. The first occurrence on record dates back to 1774, when a group of 51 women gathered at the home of Penelope Barker for the Edenton Tea Party, sending a scathing letter to King George III of England announcing a boycott of East Indian tea as long as it is taxed by the British.

For almost 150 years following that historic tea boycott, women sought representation, here in North Carolina and across the United States. According to an NC history timeline, those acts of courage, persistence, resistance, and some say defiance, finally came to fruition with the meeting of the Equal Suffrage League of North Carolina in 1914. But it took five more years for the Women’s Suffrage Amendment to make its way through Congress in 1919, then out to the states for ratification. On August 26, 1920, the Women’s Right to Vote officially became the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Today, more than 66 million women cast votes in elections across the country, including almost 3.6 million in North Carolina alone.

To celebrate and educate the 100th anniversary of this momentous occasion, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (ncdcr.gov) and State Archives of North Carolina (archives.ncdcr.gov) created a 15-month-long traveling exhibit featuring 10 archival documents and other items related to women’s suffrage.

Artifacts include both pro- and anti-suffrage propaganda, political cartoons, a suffragist’s sash and the original copy of the 19th Amendment sent to North Carolina for ratification.

The traveling exhibit, which will run through Spring 2021, is part of a larger She Changed the World education initiative throughout the state. Exhibit stops have been planned through December 2020. Visit ncdcr.gov/ shechangedtheworld for an updated schedule.

Sarah E. Koonts, director of the NC Division of Archives and Records, talks to schoolchildren about the exhibit.

Morganton

Tarboro

Yanceyville

Graham

Asheville

Elizabeth City

Greensboro

Statesville

Laurinburg

Farmville

February 29 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Morganton Public Library 204 South King St. March 6 1–5 p.m.

Alamance Community College Main Building 1247 Jimmie Kerr Rd.

Raleigh

April 3 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Meredith College Carlyle Campbell Library 3800 Hillsborough St.

Gibsonville

April 18 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum Kimbrall Hall 6136 Burlington Rd.

May 16 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Edgecombe County Memorial Library 909 North Main St. June 6 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Pack Memorial Library 67 Haywood St. July 25 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bennett College Building TBD 900 East Washington St. August 22 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Scotland County Memorial Library 312 West Church St.

September 26 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Gunn Memorial Public Library 161 Main Street East October 1 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Museum of the Albemarle 501 South Water St. November 17 Time TBD Iredell County Public Library 201 North Tradd St. December Time TBD Farmville Community Arts Council

36 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 36

2/7/20 3:49 PM

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN T HE LIVES OF OT HERS ( AND

Are you aware of a child in need?

HAVE A GOOD T IME TOO !)

Our fraternal organization has made a signiďŹ cant impact on the lives of children, seniors and local communities for 130 years. Over 10,000 children who deserved a second chance in life have been granted that opportunity through the generosity of the men and women of the Moose. These same members take care of seniors who need a helping hand as they enter their twilight years; and last year alone, the Moose contributed over $50 million in community service throughout our nation.

But the Moose is so much more! With nearly 1,500 local lodge homes and 900,000 members across the country, our Fraternity offers the chance to build lifelong friendships and memories through a variety of activities and events.

There’s probably a lodge or chapter near you, so why not check us out to see if we can make a difference in your life as well?

Visit www.mooseintl.org today!

Mooseheart cares for youth whose families are unable, for a wide variety of reasons, to care for them. Visit www.mooseheart.org for more information.

CC03-wk.indd 37

2/7/20 2:36 PM

Marketplace

$11,495 - 30x40x10

EASTERN

DIVISION

Painted Enclosed Built Price (Not Shown)*

Advertise in the Marketplace Call Tom Siebrasse for more information

STORAGE BUILDINGS HAY BARNS HORSE BARNS GARAGES

1-800-662-8835, ext. 2420

*Custom building shown.

Call for pricing.

Arco Steel Buildings Hurricane Upgrade E of I-95 • Fully Insured • #1 Metal • Custom Sizes 4/12 roof pitch • Engineered trusses • Local codes/freight may affect prices

www.nationalbarn.com

1-888-427-BARN (2276)

Mini-Storage Available Call Now for a Free Quote

1-800-882-5150

Protective Sleeves: 100% Guaranteed

1-800-241-8339

BBB A+ rating for 40 years!

Highest Quality Low Prices!

40 x 60 x 10 • 50 x 75 x 12 60 x 100 x 12 • 100 x 150 x 20 20 x 100 x 8’6” Mini Storage

All sizes available!

• Prevents Cuts & Scratches • Durable Soft Leather • Adjustable Air-Flow

armchaps.com • 651-492-4830

40

Years

(Buildings not as shown above) (FOB plant-local codes may affect prices)

38 | carolinacountry.com

CC03-wk.indd 38

2/7/20 3:03 PM

Marketplace

Real Estate

Vacation Rental

Gold Maps

14.5 ACRES W/TIMBER & road frontage for sale or lease Chatham Cty. 912-635-3119

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

FUN, HOW TO PAN. Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, California. 1-407-282-3594. WWW.GOLDMAPS.COM.

HURRICANE SURVIVOR! Beautiful contemporary 1+ bedroom house for sale by owners on Ocracoke Island, NC. Very secluded.

See: bit.ly/170-Brughs-Ridge-Rd-Ocracoke-NC

For Sale

TRIANGLE DETECTORS. Large selection of metal detectors and gold prospecting equipment, SALES & RENTALS. Durham 919-949-4007

3 POUND PACKAGES OF HONEYBEES, $120.00 per package. Pickup day March 29th (weather dependent) in Mooresboro NC. mswaf100@gmail.com or 704-4722917

WANTED: SELF STORAGE FACILITIES under 100 units.

We pay cash and can close in 30 days or less. Text Sue: 704-221-1698.

WE BUY NORTH CAROLINA LAND — Cash paid quickly.

Farmland, timberland, hunting land. Any size. No lots in developments. Local buyer, have cash, looking for long term investment, recreation and conservation. For quickest offer and closing: www.nclandbuyers.com or 910-239-8929

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

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

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

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

1-800-733-0324. ISON’S NURSERY, Brooks, Georgia 30205 www.isons.com

A

Free

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

E

M

E

N

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.

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

T

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

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

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

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

Clogged and Smelly – Greensboro , NC

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

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

SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code "NCS10", 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.

March 2020 | 39

CC03-wk.indd 39

2/7/20 3:51 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Tangerine-Apple Salad With pomegranate vinegar dressing

Where good salads go bad is in the dressing, because bottled dressings often contain a lot of fat, sugar, salt and preservatives. Dressing is easy to make, which lets you control the seasonings. Pomegranate vinegar has a fruity flavor and is available in larger supermarkets. Increase the honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

R

W

T t S a

Dressing 2 tablespoons pomegranate vinegar 4 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil 1 tablespoon honey ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (about ½ of a large orange) 2 teaspoons orange juice 1 garlic clove, crushed Salad 4–5 cups salad greens (arugula, spinach, leaf lettuce or a combination) ¼ of a large red onion, thinly sliced 1 medium tangerine, peeled and divided into sections 1 small apple, unpeeled, chopped ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese For the dressing, whisk the vinegar, oil, honey, salt, pepper, orange zest and orange juice in a medium bowl until well combined. Stir in the garlic clove. Set aside.

Put the salad greens and red onion in a large bowl. Add a small amount of dressing, just enough to moisten the salad (you will not need all of the dressing). Toss to coat. Top with tangerine sections, apple and feta. Serve immediately. Pass the remaining dressing at the table for guests to add, if desired.

Notes: Dressing can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before using. Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier salad.

Yield: 4 servings

carolinacountry.com/extras Making your own dressing is healthier and cheaper than store-bought. And easy-peasy with the help of our DIY dressing chart.

8

P a s m

a

p i

Y

Sweet-Spicy Salmon

Honey accents the natural sweetness of salmon, and a little heat makes things interesting. Find Asian chili-garlic sauce in the Asian food sections of supermarkets.

1½ tablespoons honey Olive oil 1 teaspoon Asian 4 salmon filet portions chili-garlic sauce (approximately 1 pound total) 2 tablespoons lime juice Coarsely chopped peanuts, for garnish 2 teaspoons tomato paste Pinch of salt Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, chili-garlic sauce, lime juice, tomato paste and pinch of salt until combined.

Cover the bottom of a baking pan with a little olive oil. Place the salmon filets in the pan, skin side down, and sprinkle lightly with salt.

Spread the honey mixture over the filets.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets and how done you like your salmon. Top with peanuts and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

40 | carolinacountry.com

CC03_tv_new.indd 40

2/10/20 3:28 PM

Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Roasted Carrots

Irish Soda Bread

With tahini-mustard sauce

Tahini, a sesame paste, is popular in Middle Eastern cooking. Find it in the supermarket in the international section, or with the peanut butter.

Stone-ground mustard contains whole mustard seeds, and adds texture and flavor. Make the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it.

8–10 carrots, cut into approximately 2-inch chunks 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

2 1 1 2

tablespoons tahini teaspoon honey tablespoon lemon juice teaspoons stone-ground mustard Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Put the carrots in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon and salt. Spread the carrots onto a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until a sharp knife slides in easily.

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, honey, lemon juice and mustard.

Spread the tahini sauce onto a serving platter or individual plates. Place the carrots on top, and garnish with chopped chives, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

Though most commonly attributed to Ireland, American Indians were the first people to use pearl-ash (baking soda’s predecessor) to leaven their bread. The Irish version appeared in the late 1830s, when baking soda first appeared in the United Kingdom. Ireland’s financial strife at the time also led to its creation, as it used so few ingredients. A cross marked on the top of the bread was thought to ward off evil and protect the household. This untraditional version (above) is known as “Spotted Dog” thanks to the raisins.

4 1 1 1

cups flour cup sugar teaspoon salt heaping teaspoon baking powder 1 heaping teaspoon baking soda

1 cup cold butter, cut into pieces 1 tablespoon caraway seeds 1½ cups raisins 1¹/₃ cups buttermilk 1 beaten egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in the butter (using a pastry cutter or two forks) until it resembles coarse meal or crumbs. Stir in the caraway seeds and raisins.

Mix the buttermilk and egg in a separate bowl. Stir them into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Don’t over stir, but try to get the dough to come together.

Turn everything onto a well-floured surface and knead lightly until smooth (about 2 minutes). Use well-floured hands as the dough will be sticky. Shape into a ball and place on a greased, flat cookie sheet. Pat down to form a 7-inch round loaf. Cut a 4-inch “X” into the top, about ½ inch deep.

Brush the top with some buttermilk. Bake about 45–50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Cool at least 10 minutes and serve warm with butter.

Store tightly wrapped for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.

Recipe courtesy of Kevin McCabe, Buxton, a member of Cape Hatteras Electric.

Send Us Your Recipes Unless otherwise noted, recipes on this page are from Debbie Moose (debbiemoose.com), who has authored seven cookbooks and is a former food editor for The News & Observer in Raleigh.

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.

March 2020 | 41

CC03_tv_new.indd 41

2/7/20 2:52 PM

where

N w

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by March 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 April issue, will receive $25.

February winner

The February “Where Is This photo” by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative member Susan Stepputtis features an old mill house and water wheel next to the Hartsfield Clock & Watch Repair shop located on NC Highway 24 (Freedom Way) between Swansboro and Jacksonville, near Hubert in Onslow County. Reader Roy Rogers says the mill house and its water wheel has been there for more than 50 years. Laurie Eudy remembers watching water spilling over the wheel as a kid on the way to soccer matches. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Pam Redfearn of Cedar Point, a Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative 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.

Corey Johnson

Carolina

MUSIC March’S FEATURED TRACK

“Rusty Rails”

By Carolina Blue

This tune about the desire to escape the past was inspired by abandoned railroad tracks in Tim Jones’s and Bobby Powell’s hometown of Brevard. It’s one of 13 tracks on Carolina Blue’s 2019 album, “I Hear Bluegrass Calling.”

Other notable songs include “Dark Mountainside,” “Glory Bound Train,” and “Fried Taters and Onions.”

There’s been a lot of welcome industry buzz about the album (many years in the making), and in early February it won four awards at the National Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Awards held in Nashville, including Album of the Year and Entertainers of the Year.

CC03-wk.indd 42

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

2/7/20 3:23 PM

DLGRC_0

New rate plans, now with more minutes!

Easier is better with the Jitterbug.

The Jitterbug® Flip, from the creators of the original easy-to-use cell phone, has big buttons and an exclusive 5Star® Urgent Response button on the keypad.

EASY TO USE Today, cell phones are hard to hear,Plans difficult to as dial Plans as low as as low and overloaded with features you may never use. That’s not the case with the Jitterbug Flip. A large screen and big buttons make it $ $ easy to call family and friends. The powerful speaker ensures every month conversation will be loud and clear. Plus, straightforward YES and NO buttons make navigating the menu simple.

Plans as low as

Plans as low Plansfun as low as EASY TO ENJOY Wherever you go, a built-in camera makes it as easy and for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a built-in reading magnifier with LED $ you need, the$ Jitterbug Flip flashlight helps you see in dimly lit areas.With all the features month month also comes with a long-lasting battery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power.

Plans as low as

1499 1499 $1499

month2

2

*

2

1499 1499 $1499 2

2

Plans as low as**

Plans as low as

EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in any uncertain or unsafe situation with 5Star Service. button $ 5Starwho $ Simply press the to be connected immediately with a highly-trained Urgent Response Agent will month confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7.

month

Plans as low as

1499 1499 $14 99 2

The Jitterbug Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with dependable nationwide coverage. Friendly customer service representatives will help figure out which phone plan is best for you, and with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number. During spring savings, get 25% off. Plus, get more minutes with our great new rate plans!

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

NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS No cancellation fees

Spring Savings 1

Of fer star ts 3/1/20

Why the Jitterbug Flip is your best choice for a new cell phone: No long-term contracts

Keep your current phone number

To order or learn more, call

1-800-650-4951

Free U.S.-based customer service

No hidden monthly fees

Affordable, flexible plans

or visit us at

greatcall.com/Flip

¹25% off of $99⁹⁹ MSRP is only valid for new lines of service. Offer valid 3/1/20 through 4/4/20. ²Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and a one-time setup fee of $35. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. 5Star is only available with the purchase of a Health & Safety Package. Jitterbug, GreatCall, and 5Star are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Copyright ©2020 GreatCall, Inc.

DLGRC_018158_R2_20200227_FLIP_CAROLINA_COUNTRY_MAR.indd 1 CC03-wk.indd 43

1/21/20 4:36 PM 2/7/20 2:37 PM

month

CC03-wk.indd 44

2/7/20 2:37 PM