2020-05-CHEC

May 2020

The magazine of

Retiring in NC for

Easy Livin’ page 8

Published by

Watch for COVID-19 scams page 7

Make yours a ‘smart energy’ home page 22

PERIODICAL

Your Cape Hatteras EC Annual Report inside —see center pages May covers.indd 6

4/9/20 3:15 PM

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familiar with the condition. As many as 25% of those over the age of 50 have some degree of macular degeneration.

The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s vision test.

Nine out of 10 people who have macular degeneration have the dry form. or many patients with macular New research suggests vitamins can degeneration and other visionhelp.

The British medical journal BMC related conditions, the loss of Ophthalmology recently reported that central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving.

A Wilmington optometrist, Dr. Edward Paul, is using miniaturized telescopes which are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

“Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss” said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in

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telescopes to help those who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating eye diseases.

Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. If you’re a low vision patient, you’ve probably not only imagined them, but have been searching for them. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will give you the independence you’ve been looking for. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in people over 50. Despite this, most adults are not

A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration

56% of patients treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins experienced improved vision after six months.

TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health Formula is now available by prescription from eye doctors. risk factor for developing the disease, heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure have also degeneration accounts for 90% of new legal blindness in the US. While there is currently no cure, promising research is being done on many fronts. “My job

possible to keep a person functioning” says Dr. Paul. Even if it’s driving.

Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas, friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers license and was prescribed bioptic tele lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers and menus in restaurants.

As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses didn’t help too much- it was like look ing through a fog. These new telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. I don’t know why I waited three years to do this; I should have come sooner.”

“Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass.” scope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but much more precise.”

To learn more about bioptic telescopes or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can also visit our website at:

www.DrEdwardPaul.com For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, call us today: (910) 208-9011 and Charlotte

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Volume 52, No. 5

Surry County Tourism-Sam Dean

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Favorites

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4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 22 Energy Sense

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24 Tar Heel Tidbits 26 Adventures

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28 Carolina Gardens

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31 Classifieds

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30 Marketplace

31 Carolina’s Finest Voting 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Music

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Where the Livin’ is Easy

Whatever your idea of retirement may be, one of NC’s Certified Retirement Communities will likely fit the bill.

Lady Bug Invasions

Is your home frequented by swarms of ladybugs? You’re not alone.

The Compassionate Collector Rodney Privette's hobby honors American heroes.

On the Cover A couple enjoys a treat in the small historic town of Gold Hill near the retirement community of Salisbury. Read about this and NC’s 15 other certified retirement communities on page 8. Photo courtesy of Surry County Tourism/Sam Dean.

A co sma loc Rea cert on Sur

Where is Carolina Compass?

This month, we did not include our typical events listings due to widespread cancellations resulting from COVID-19. We look forward to resuming events listings when appropriate.

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Viewpoints

Here for You in Uncertain Times

By Jeff Clark

I

f someone had approached you in January and said that in the near future you would be spending weeks under guidance to stay at home, local businesses would be shuttered and travel ground to a halt, would you have believed them? I know I would not have. But the unbelievable has become our shared reality. Every community in North Carolina has been touched by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ll no doubt feel its effects for a long time to come, in ways we have not yet even anticipated.

It’s often amidst unprecedented change that it becomes apparent what we can truly count on. We can take comfort in things that remain the same, such as the strength of families and doing whatever it takes to keep loved ones healthy. We can take comfort in our first responders and medical professionals, selflessly putting the welfare of others ahead of their own well-being. We can take comfort in our local businesses, adapting to serve community needs however they can. And you can take comfort in your electric cooperative, keeping the lights on and supporting members and communities, no matter what may be bearing down on us.

Electric service is not optional. Like a sufficient supply of food and water, reliable electricity is critical, especially in times like this — both to ensure your health and safety, and to simply maintain some sense of normalcy as we are requested to stay in our homes.

Despite all the uncertainties of these times, you can be certain that your electric co-op is working around the clock to ensure power is delivered with a focus on community, affordability, reliability and safety as our ongoing, top priorities.

Community Electric cooperatives in North Carolina are supporting members and taking proactive actions to respond to impacts from the coronavirus in their communities. Because we are a part of your community, we are working with members, employees and local organizations to meet local needs.

These measures include creating internet hotspots to make online learning accessible to students, making donations to food banks and other charitable organizations, donating supplies to medical providers, sharing learning resources for parents and students to utilize while schools are closed, and much more.

Affordability Nonprofit electric co-ops are locally owned and operated, charged with keeping costs low for our members. This charge is especially important in times like these, when unemployment is soaring and budgets may be stretched thinner than ever.

We recognize that there will be an economic impact on all of us. Because of this, cooperatives are working directly with members to ease financial hardships. Know that whatever your financial situation, your electric co-op has several programs in place to make managing your energy use and budget easier. Just give them a call.

Reliability There is some renewed comfort in this concept, with seemingly every day bringing life-altering developments.

But electric co-ops are geared for providing reliable service. In the early days of the outbreak, electric co-ops across the state adapted policies or enacted existing pandemic emergency

plans to protect employees while enabling them to maintain the same level of reliable service you have come to expect from us.

The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), our generation and transmission cooperative that supplies NC electric co-ops with all or part of their power needs, is taking careful measures to ensure its workforce is healthy and its power plants are functioning as needed. NCEMC is also closely monitoring other sources of purchased power, ensuring those sources remain resilient and reliable if we needed to call on them.

Safety Keeping our employees and our members safe is always a top priority, but this pandemic has electric co-ops approaching it in a new way. Lobbies have been closed in favor of other, safer payment options such as online, over the phone or in some cases via drive-thru. Those co-op employees who can are working from home. For those who do need to work on-site or in the field, social distancing and a clean work environment are utmost priorities.

These are certainly unprecedented times for us all, but know that your electric cooperative is out there working diligently with you in mind.

Stay safe, and stay healthy. We will get through this together, the cooperative way.

Jeff Clark is CEO for Jones-Onslow EMC in Jacksonville and was recently seated as president of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives.

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THIS MONTH:

Good News & Glimmers of Hope We could all use some good news right about now. That’s why when I was contacted by Shari Richard about a special barn quilt she’d just hung, I couldn’t wait to share her story. Read about it below, and let us know what gives you hope in these trying times. We’ll share what we can in future issues and on social media. Visit carolinacountry.com/hope to submit, or mail submissions (with your name, address and name of your electric co-op) to: Carolina Country—Hope, 3400 Sumner Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27611.

—Scott Gates, editor

Meaningful Barn Quilt After I saw my first barn quilt, I knew I wanted one of my own. I researched a variety of different styles and techniques of how barn quilts were made. Since I have painted for years as well as sewn quilts, I knew I wanted to create something different, one to represent our whole family. I came across a cotton quilt block that I had made and knew that was the design I wanted to use.

After painting on and off for a little over a year, the barn quilt was finally finished! It was time for a frame and then to be put on our red barn. My dad, Bob, had the perfect wood for the frame, Burmese teak. Our son, Shane (a Rutherford EMC crew leader), was able to hang and fasten the finished quilt on our family barn on March 27.

What a great day that was for us all, as we now could enjoy this barn quilt as a family. Hopefully during this time of chaos in our world, others may see our quilt, smile, and realize that good things still happen during trying times.

Shari Richard, Crouse, A member of Rutherford EMC

Music Therapy Advocate Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession that continues to grow, and provides both the medical use of music to treat symptoms of a condition and social stimulation. It is an effective form of treatment that can benefit many, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and special needs patients. The current lack of state licensure for the profession makes it extremely difficult for patients to afford services, as many health insurance companies do not recognize or pay for services. It also makes it difficult to pursue a music therapy career in NC. The NC Music Therapy task force plans to speak with legislators about passing necessary state licensing bills this summer. To become involved with their cause and learn more about music therapy, please visit bit.ly/MTNCSR. Involvement with the task force may enable you to help patients receive critical music therapy services.

Jessie Lang, Wake Forest, A member of Wake Electric Read more from Jessie in our September 2018 issue, “Joyful Music and Dance at Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park.”

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

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

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

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Has your address changed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

May 2020 | 5

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More Power

Accessible Innovation Stressed by NC Co-ops at National Meeting NRECA

Wynn addressed co-op leaders from the main stage.

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eaders from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives joined peers from around the country March 2–4 for the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

During his keynote address, National Board President and Roanoke Electric Cooperative CEO Curtis Wynn encouraged co-op leaders to develop and offer innovative solutions that are accessible to everyone.

“I want to make the case that, through well-planned and smart investments, we can make the next generation of electric cooperatives a reality for all of our members,” Wynn said. “It matters to the future of our co-ops.”

Wynn stressed the importance of working together across the co-op network, pointing to statewide

collaboration among North Carolina’s electric cooperatives as an example.

Via video, Joe Brannan, CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, discussed innovative projects the state’s electric co-ops are taking on, including microgrids and community solar.

“Every state is different, but these partnerships exist across the nation,” Brannan said. “I encourage all of us to look for ways to work collaboratively — because as we work together, we are stronger.”

In addition to Wynn and Brannan’s time on the main stage, several employees from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives served as subject matter experts in breakout sessions: Don Bowman of Wake Electric, who discussed member engagement and beneficial electrification; Diane Huis of North Carolina’s Electric

Cooperatives, who discussed applications for beneficial electrification; and Thomas Golden of EnergyUnited, who discussed digitization as it affects co-op management.

At the TechAdvantage Conference, held in conjunction with the annual meeting, speakers from NC co-ops included: Laura Ertle of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and Evan Fitzgerald of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who discussed electric vehicle charging infrastructure; Tanner Greer of Blue Ridge Energy, who discussed planning for technological change; and Chris VanLokeren of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who discussed managing “big data.”

The 2020 NRECA Annual Meeting in New Orleans was the last national electric co-op event to be held before the spread of the coronavirus began limiting large gatherings. See below for more information.

Industry events canceled At the time of publication, several electric co-op events originally scheduled through the spring have been postponed or canceled, including the annual meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in Raleigh. Associated board meetings will be conducted remotely.

The Electrification 2020 conference, hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute and reported on in our March issue, has been postponed until early 2021.

YLC Delegate Sees Opportunity for Collaboration Karis Dean, a 2019 youth tour participant sponsored by Piedmont Electric, was selected by fellow Youth Tourists to represent our state on NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC).

One student from each state was selected to participate in a national leadership workshop and attend the 2020 NRECA Annual Meeting.

One takeaway Dean shared from her experience is how easy it could be to collaborate with people on different sides of an issue.

“In the current political environment, there’s a divide. There’s a

desire to work together, but there aren’t many taking the next step to collaborate,” Dean said.

She recalled one instance when Youth Tour participants were in congress watching two representatives debate an agriculture bill.

“They were frustrated and upset.

There was tension,” she recalls. “And then one made a concession. And they actually began to reach a compromise — you saw that there was this ability to make a compromise. It’s a good message to send to students.”

Dean (right) discussed the Co-ops Vote program with meeting attendees.

Dean is a 2019 graduate from Chapel Hill High School and is currently studying economics at NC State University.

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Watch Out for These Coronavirus Scams Sadly, even in difficult times there are always those who will look to take advantage of others. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception, and scammers are already at work. First, know that your electric cooperative will never call or visit your home to take payment or other personal information.

Here are more tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you keep the scammers at bay:

respond to texts and emails about relief checks from the government.

■ Don’t

■ Watch

for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other “experts” saying they have information about the virus. Visit cdc.gov or who.int for the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus.

up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers.

Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-athome schemes.

■ Do your homework when it comes to donations,

information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit usa.gov/coronavirus for links to federal, state and local government agencies.

■ Ignore

■ Hang

■ Fact-check

who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies, when, in fact, they don’t.

■ Know

whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Visit fda.gov for the latest information on testing from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

■ Don’t

click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.

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4/9/20 11:28 AM

Look in your own backyard for a place to retire and stay active

By Renee Gannon

For years, Florida seemed to be the retirement dream mecca.

But that has changed, and North Carolina is now one of the top spots for the 55-plus crowd looking for a new place to call home. In 2018, NC gained the third-most retirees of any state, according to a SmartAsset study.

In 2008, the NC General Assembly authorized the NC Department of Commerce to create the Certified Retirement Community (CRC) program as part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. The town of Lumberton served as the pilot CRC in the program, which now boasts 16 certified communities.

The state’s travel and tourism arm, VisitNC, became the program’s administrator in 2013. After all, visiting an area for leisure is often the first step toward choosing where to retire.

“North Carolina is experiencing a healthy in-migration of retirees to the state, and this program aims to attract retirees and persuade them to put down roots here,“ says Wit Tuttell, executive director of the Commerce Department’s Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

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The CRC program, also known as RetireNC (retirenc.com), also helps the state hold onto its own retirees by showcasing communities they may see as desirable. A move just a few hours away can keep them closer to family or preferred, familiar spots. These communities are recognized for providing amenities and services for active and productive lifestyles, including volunteer and work opportunities, as well as leisure.

“It’s ultimately about recruiting new residents to our city,” says Judy Yarborough, city marketer for Reidsville. “We target 55-plus active retirees that may still want to work, but are downsizing for retirement.

They are moving to areas and opening new businesses, volunteering, teaching classes and are becoming assets to our community.”

Whatever your idea of retirement may be, one of the 16 certified communities will likely fit the bill.

Worthwhile Certification

The Retire NC certification process is comprehensive, and a community must be prepared for the application criteria. These include being within 50 miles of a major medical facility and providing an assessment of crime rate, healthcare, housing, technology, local economy, cultural and recreational opportunities, retirement services and continuing education programs.

But as many certified communities are discovering, the effort is worth it.

“When visitors are also looking for a place to retire, the certification emphasizes that we have the amenities they are looking for,” explains Catherine Glover of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce “The program has also been geared toward smaller communities, and that helps counties like ours that are more rural.”

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Johnston County became the first county to earn the certification. Located along I-95 and I-40, just east of Raleigh, the county offers five 55-plus retirement communities, along with golf courses and riverfront living. Cultural attractions include Smithfield’s Ava Gardner museum, the Rudy Theatre in Selma, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, shopping at the Carolina Outlets, exploring the Neuse River greenway, Howell Woods and Clemmons Forest and visiting downtowns such as Clayton and Benson.

Edenton

Situated at the elbow of the Chowan River and the Albemarle Sound in northeastern NC, Edenton offers a low cost of living, historic homes and cultural opportunities in history, art and recreation. Edenton has a plethora of volunteer opportunities in historic sites, the arts community and social organizations. Its historic downtown houses restaurants, coffee shops, boutique stores and hardware stores. Arnold Palmer and Dan Maples golf courses are nearby.

Elizabeth City

Located in the northeastern corner of NC, Elizabeth City’s waterfront area along the Pasquotank River, “Harbor of Hospitality,” is a favorite among locals and visitors. The city boasts about its historic, art-centric downtown, the Museum of the Albemarle and live entertainment at the Maguire Theater. The area houses championship golf course living, recreational sailing, kayaking, fishing, biking, and is close to Outer Banks beaches and Norfolk, Virginia.

Jamestown & High Point Area

Located in the Piedmont, just south of Greensboro, with access to four major interstates, the area offers a small-town atmosphere with big city amenities. More than 40 parks, greenways, hiking trails, two recreational lakes and 10 golf courses are available to residents. Its Main Street corridor holds breweries, wine bars, restaurants, theater and the arts, even a baseball stadium for the High Point Rockers.

Laurinburg & Scotland County

Located on Highway 74 along the state’s southern border, between Charlotte and Wilmington, Laurinburg and Scotland County feature community-based economic

VisitNC.com/Sam Dean

Clayton & Johnston County

Kip Shaw Photography

Retire NC

Clayton

Edenton

Elizabeth City

development, cultural involvement, and recreational access such as the 147-mile bicycle route that links various points of interest throughout the county, including the Lumber River. The annual Storytelling Festival, the Scotland County Highland Games and the John Blue Cotton Festival are highlights of the area’s growing arts program.

Lenoir

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and located between Boone and Hickory, Lenoir in Caldwell County offers outdoor recreation, including the Lenoir Greenway, the Catawba River Valley and Wilson Creek. Outdoor sculptures are just one part of the arts scene. The Caldwell Arts Council hosts a Sculpture Celebration every September, and local musicians are highlighted on the Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Music Trail. The historic downtown offers free Wi-Fi, unique boutiques, restaurants, microbreweries and a distillery on the Carolina Distillery Trail.

Lumberton

Lumberton in Robeson County set the tone for NC’s retirement communities as the first town to earn certification. Located on I-95 in southeastern NC, Lumberton offers a moderate climate, affordable housing, inexpensive cost of living and lower taxes. Arts, music, theatre and outdoor activities are within a short drive, especially paddling, boating and fishing in the Lumber River and area lakes. Easy access to Interstate 74 means a route to both the mountains and the coast.

Marion

Marion in McDowell County is “Where Main Street meets the Mountains.” The town, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway between Highways 70 and 221, is known for creating citizen engagement and strong partnerships to help economic development. Low tax rates, lower-thannational average cost of living, and community resources that include an arts council and community theatre, as well as access to four state parks, have led residents to call this small town home. Asheville, Morganton, Hickory and Boone are also just a short drive away.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy is more than just Mayberry. While it encompasses the small-town charm of Sheriff Andy’s home in May 2020 | 9

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New Bern

The 300-year-old city of New Bern is located where the Neuse and Trinity Rivers meet on the central coast of NC. Its historic residential and business districts and its downtown area offer both a look into the area’s past as well as a look at the modern aspects of life. Residents enjoy the annual Spring Historic Homes and Gardens Tour, and arts and culture including two local theatre companies, as well as a growing downtown farmers market, the waterfront, and creeks and lakes that support an active lifestyle.

Reidsville

“Live Simply. Think Big.” That’s the motto for Reidsville, located in Rockingham County just north of Greensboro. Its low cost of living, small shops, restaurants, a farmers market and community arts in a historic downtown, as well as burgeoning volunteer opportunities throughout the community, has added to the town’s growing quality of life — not to mention access to outdoor activities at Lake Reidsville, 10 area golf courses, and nearby walking trails and greenways.

Roanoke Rapids

Located along the Roanoke River in northeastern NC, just below the Virginia border, Roanoke Rapids offers a slower pace of life. “Rushing river water can take the edge off rocks and people!” as a local saying goes. This area in Halifax County features Roanoke Rapids Lake, Lake Gaston, Medoc Mountain State Park, Sylvan Heights Bird Park and the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail. Historic Halifax offers a revolutionary education. The art scene includes Riverside Mill’s gallery of craft art, Lakeland Theatre Company and the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. The area offers a rural lifestyle that includes amenities of city living. carolinacountry.com/extras

Check out the online version of this article, which offers links for all 16 certified communities..

Reidsville

Justin Hime

northwest NC, the town has grown into its own as it offers a historic downtown, outings to Pilot Mountain State Park and paddles along the Yadkin River, local wineries and breweries and a growing arts scene, including the Mount Airy Fiddlers’ Convention. Mount Airy is located near the Virginia border and within two hours of major urban areas such as Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.

Misty Felde Photography

Surry County Tourism

Mount Airy

Washington

Salisbury

Located in the Piedmont between Greensboro and Charlotte, Salisbury honors its past through historic preservation while growing within the modern world. The town’s mission is to be an inclusive community, recognizing that its residents come from various backgrounds and are generational. The city offers a wide range of cultural, recreational and volunteer opportunities, with three performance theatres, local shops, restaurants and breweries; outdoor activities such as High Rock Lake, greenways and six area golf courses.

Tarboro

This “front porch kind of town” has been welcoming people home for more than 250 years. Located in Edgecombe County in eastern NC along the Tar River, the downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and its Town Common is one of only two original town commons remaining in the U.S. The year-round, mild-to-warm climate is ideal for walking and biking trails, river paddling and fishing. Tarboro offers affordable cost of living at a slower pace.

Washington & Beaufort County

Voted as one of America’s coolest small towns, Washington is a historic coastal destination, that when added to the other small towns in Beaufort County such as Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Aurora and Pantego, creates a community full of history, art, locally owned shops, restaurants and outdoor activities that include golfing, paddling and boating.. While living a small-town life, residents also have big town amenities a short drive away in Greenville.

Winterville

Located just outside of the university city of Greenville in eastern NC, Winterville is a family town of less than 10,000 surrounded by urban amenities. Recently ranked as one of the 50 safest towns in the country, Winterville offers the best of both worlds. There are local shops and restaurants, and a close proximity to a growing arts scene. Outdoor activities include paddling along the Tar River. And every August, the town holds its annual Watermelon Festival.

Renee Gannon is senior associate editor for Carolina Country magazine.

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4/6/20 5:11 PM

Todd Warner

Todd Warner wants to know how to get rid of Asian lady beetles that have invaded his home.

Is your home frequented by swarms of ladybugs? You’re not alone.

By Donna Campbell Smith

odd Warner, who lives in central North Carolina, reached out to his Facebook friends for a solution to his ladybug invasion. They were getting into his historic home during one of February’s warm spells.

Todd got a lot of advice—from vacuuming them up and releasing them back outdoors, to hanging lemons in his windows to repel them. When I read the posts, I was dismayed to learn ladybugs were being considered a nuisance. I’ve always thought of them as friends to the gardener, gobbling up aphids and other unwanted vegetable-eating insects. But when another Carolina Country reader, a Union Power Cooperative member from Ridgefield, called the magazine about a similar problem, it was time to get to the bottom of this ladybug conundrum.

First, I must get my terminology right.

The ladybug that folks are concerned about is not our native red-with-black-spots ladybug longheld in high esteem and featured in children’s literature. Even this home-grown ladybug is properly named lady beetle . There is a difference, I learned, between a bug and a beetle. The swarming beetles Todd and many other homeowners want gone are another beetle altogether. This orangewith-black-to-brownish-spots beetle is native to Asia. The Multicolored Asian lady beetle was first introduced in the 1920s to the Southeast and Washington State by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to control aphids, which is a favorite food of the beetles. They apparently didn’t do well in the United States, as none were to be found within a few years. Then, decades later, they began to show up in Louisiana. Apparently, they were accidently re-introduced via a freighter in a New Orleans port. They made their way to North Carolina by 1992. And, as intended, they have been an asset for gardeners and farmers, happily doing the same job as their American cousins, the red-and-black lady beetle.

What makes the Asian variety a problem for some folks is their propensity to crawl through the tiniest cracks and crevasses and enter homes, attracted by the light indoors.

They can secrete a yellowish fluid that stains walls and furniture — yuck! They are also known to bite if handled, although it’s a mild bite.

There are four stages in the life cycle of the Asian lady beetle — egg, larva, pupa and adult. Eggs are laid in early spring on the underside of leaves. They hatch out in three to five days. The larva stage lasts about 12–14 days. During that time, they each eat dozens of aphids every day. Then pupa is formed, attached to leaves. The adult emerges from the pupa in five to six days. Adults spend the winter hibernating in protected places, like hollow logs or the walls of houses. Some adults live up to three years.

Martha Mobley, extension agent in Franklin County, advises vacuuming the beetles up and releasing them in the garden, as they are beneficial. Todd worries that when released, they will just come back inside. The good news is, in spring the beetles depart to find food and begin their life cycles anew.

The “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” credo is the best approach. Caulk outside cracks and crevices before the lady beetles start looking for places to over-winter. This has the added benefit of saving money on your energy costs.

Spraying with insecticide is not very effective and can be harmful to people and pets. Sweeping or vacuuming them away, as Martha suggested, is the most economic, effective and safe solution to getting rid of the beetles.

And for those who’d like to have some Asian lady beetles to protect their gardens from bad insects, they can be ordered from Amazon.com for about $12 for a few thousand.

Or maybe Todd will give you some at no charge.

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

12 | carolinacountry.com

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4/8/20 12:58 PM

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4/6/20 5:12 PM

Carolina People

The Compassionate Collector

Rodney Privette’s hobby honors American heroes

By Jason Devaney | Photos by Randy Berger

Rodney Privette stays busy with several jobs — he’s the Rolesville fire chief, the owner of an insurance company and a Wake Electric director — plus he enjoys a car hobby that dates back to when he was a kid.

Rodney, 64, particularly likes old cars — everything from pickups with wood panels on their sides to muscle cars with enough horsepower that they nearly give you whiplash when you stomp on the accelerator.

Over the years, and with the help of friends and other gearheads, Rodney has bought and restored countless vehicles made in the 1960s and ’70s.

He currently has seven sitting in the various garages on his property.

Many of them previously belonged to members of the U.S. military.

One car in particular has a special meaning: a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda that was once owned by a U.S. Army soldier who died in Vietnam. The restoration took seven years.

“The best we can figure, the guy didn’t come home [from Vietnam], the guy’s dad had to call [Fort Bragg] to get the car,” Rodney says. “It was years and years and years later when I bought it.”

“Every one I’ve bought, I’ve never

bought one right off the bat,” he says.

“I knew about the car before I got it, and when the time was right I was able to get it.”

People who can barely change a tire can still appreciate the beauty of the red Barracuda. All of its American-made parts are either original or sourced from other Barracudas. Seeing it in person makes you smile and gasp in awe at its curved lines and immaculate paint job.

Rodney said he paid a little more than $2,000 for the car and roughly 10 times that for the restoration — including $12,000 for the “hurtyour-eyes paint job,” as he calls it.

The car, which is worth well north of what Rodney put into it, bears the license plate “6 CUDA 5” in reference to its model year, and has won a half dozen trophies at car shows.

Rodney’s partner and Piedmont Electric employee Susan Cashion has learned about cars through osmosis. As an active member of

the community herself, Susan said she appreciates all that Rodney has done — serving as fire chief since 1992 and as a rank-and-file call fireman for Rolesville starting in 1975. That’s in addition to running the family business, Privette Insurance Agency, and serving on the Wake Electric Board of Directors. And then there are all the cars he’s restored that have belonged to U.S. military veterans.

“He is truly one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever met,” Susan says. He’s trying to preserve these wonderful vehicles and it was very touching with that Barracuda.”

“I’m now into cars,” she adds, noting that she appreciates “how passionate so many people are about preserving the past and caring for these beautiful automobiles and the stories that they each hold.”

When asked how often he drives his cars, Rodney says, “Not enough. If I ever retire I can drive them more.”

Rodney’s garages are full of not only cars but old signs from car companies, parts hanging on the wall, car show trophies, and even decades-old floor mats made from recycled tires. He has plans to turn one of the garages into a car museum.

Just another project that will occupy his time.

Jason Devaney has written about sports, politics and all things in between since 2000. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and daughter.

14 | carolinacountry.com

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4/9/20 11:47 AM

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CC05-wk.indd 16

4/6/20 5:12 PM

Carolina Living

carolinacountry.com/extras Experience the digital offerings of these six museums, plus a few new ones at carolinacountry.com.

Six Museums to Tour From Your Couch

Virtual tours are making world-renowned exhibits more accessible than ever NC Museum of History From podcasts and blog posts to history lessons and videos, the North Carolina Museum of History offers a rich variety of digital delicacies related to NC’s history and culture.

Video topics include: African American history, the story of NC, the toy boom, women’s history, and more. Help students of all ages get a handle on history with downloadable history-at-home learning packets. And for the younger kids, instill a love of history via Carolina Cover-to-Cover — videos of age-appropriate history books read aloud. ncmuseumofhistory.org/history-at-home Anne Frank House While hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam warehouse from 1942–1944, young teenager Anne Frank wrote a now famous diary that provides a vivid glimpse into the life of a young Jewish girl during World War II. Today, the Anne Frank House offers a digital dive into Frank’s captivating story — a 360-degree tour of her family home prior to hiding; videos about her life; a virtual reality tour of the secret annex where she and her family hid; and a special exhibition of her life story in 20 languages. bit.ly/afh-tour The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum According to the Guggenheim’s website: “In uncertain times such as these, art can provide both solace and inspiration.” No doubt the museum, built by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, normally lifts spirits. Today it continues to do so with its online offerings: an audio guide detailing its history; interviews with both artists and staff about its various works of art; a virtual tour of its spiral-shaped halls; and information on more than 1,700 artworks by more than 625 artists. bit.ly/srg-tour

The London National Gallery This museum bills itself as “the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece” and includes such heavy-hitting artists as Vermeer, Monet, Cézanne, Seurat, Rembrandt and van Gogh. Virtually tour 18 rooms of 300 paintings from these artists and others. Maybe take a virtual reality tour of 270 Early Renaissance paintings using a VR headset. Or simply drink in panoramic views of the Gallery. nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours NASA Research Centers Earthly exploration may be limited at the moment, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to digitally exploring NASA’s research centers — Langley Research Center in Virginia and Glenn Research Center in Ohio. These centers create innovative technologies for aeronautic and space exploration.

Langley’s online tour includes 16 locations, one of which, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, was named for the “human computer” who inspired the book and movie “Hidden Figures.” Glenn’s virtual tours include a zerogravity facility and a supersonic wind tunnel, plus eight more. oh.larc.nasa.gov/oh The Louvre With more than 9 million visitors in 2019 and 38,000 works of art, the Louvre in Paris stands as both a museum and historic monument. The world’s largest art museum contains iconic works of art including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. Virtual tours include the Galerie d’Apollon, with its ceiling paying homage to the Sun King, Louis XIV; and the remains of the Louvre’s protective moat built in 1190. louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne —Tara Verna, with information from Smithsonian Magazine

May 2020 | 17

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4/8/20 12:58 PM

Burak Fatsa / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Carolina Living

Kick Old Clunkers to the Curb Six tips for purchasing a used car

Even as more Americans turn to the pre-owned car market for affordable options, a recent survey suggests outdated notions about used cars persist.

C

onsumers not only think that used cars on average are older at the time of sale than they actually are, but also less expensive, according to an Ally Financial survey of American adults conducted by The Harris Poll.

On average, Americans think the average age of a used vehicle at the point of sale is 6.6 years, according to the survey, but the 2019 Edmunds Used Vehicle Report put the average age at 4 years. The Ally survey also found that, on average, consumers believe the average price of a used vehicle is $9,860; but actually it’s more than twice that amount — $20,664 — according to Edmunds.

“Even though many Americans are buying used cars, the survey shows many people lump all used cars in with old clunkers,” says Matt Arnold, senior regional vice president of Auto Finance at Ally. “It’s time to let go of old stereotypes. With a used vehicle, you’ll either end up with a lot more car for your money, or a lot more money in your wallet.”

For those shopping for a used car or considering doing so, Matt offers the following tips:

1

Prioritize needs and wants Think practically about which features are necessary. Some nice-tohave tech features add to the price and can cost thousands of dollars in repairs if they break.

2

Get a vehicle history report The minimal cost is worth the investment, and some car dealers will provide it for free upon request.

3

Know your budget Beyond the purchase price, your automotive budget should include insurance, finance costs and ongoing maintenance and repairs.

4

Research finance options A healthy down payment can reduce monthly costs — at least 10% of the purchase price is recommended for a used car.

5

Go online Auto dealers want buyers to walk away feeling good about their purchase and welcome well-researched shoppers. Prepare yourself by checking online resources like Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds for a specific vehicle’s local market value.

6

Consider a service contract Protection plans help provide peace of mind and can cover expenses for repairs and replacement parts that may no longer be under a manufacturer’s warranty.

“Ultimately, today’s used vehicles are better quality and feature more options than ever before,” says Matt.

“With many of the same tech and safety features that new cars offer but at a significantly lower price point, they’re a smart alternative for all budgets and lifestyles.”

Find more car buying and ownership tips at ally.com/do-it-right/car.

—Statepoint.net

18 | carolinacountry.com

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4/8/20 12:57 PM

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Annual Report 2019

Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 1

4/8/20 4:16 PM

On the Cover: First place winner of our Member Photo Contest by Nate Gray, titled “Sound of the Stars”

Mission Statement

“Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is a locally owned, managed and governed electric service provider dedicated to the safety of our employees, members and visitors, and a brighter future for the people and communities that we serve.”

C

ape Hatteras Electric Cooperative takes pride in being a communityfocused organization. We are pleased to share this 2019 annual report and to provide information about the operational and financial health of CHEC, your trusted energy partner.

SAFETY The cooperative continued its commitment to the safety of our employees, members and visitors. In 2019, CHEC participated in our eighth tri-annual, formal Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, known as RESAP. This program utilizes the system approach to elevate commitment, self-evaluation and performance. RESAP consists of five elements, which begin with a commitment from the General Manager. This commitment to the safety program and its criteria is not only a leader commitment, but a commitment for all employees. To promote involvement and shared responsibilities, there are individually assigned roles. The safety committee also conducts a self-evaluation of the cooperative’s safety and loss-control programs. Each year, the cooperative must submit Safety Performance Measures that provide data to identify trends associated with accidents and injuries. The Onsite Observation, a highlight of the program, provides a snapshot of the cooperative’s daily operations and is a measure of the cooperative’s safety performance. With all the elements completed, the cooperative’s safety committee creates a Safety Improvement Plan. This is a strategic way to elevate safety in areas that need improvement or implementation of new safety initiatives.

Safety is constantly evolving, which equates to improvement.

At the end of 2019, the cooperative marked its second full year and more than 100,000 hours worked without a lost-time accident. CHEC takes great pride in our culture of safety.

THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM In 2019, the number of electric services on Hatteras Island grew slightly by 0.2% over the 2018 year. Mild weather resulted

2

Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 2

in a significant decrease in energy use by 7%. The peak demand for Hatteras Island also decreased to 40 megawatts (MW) in July 2019. This is compared to the previous year’s peak, of 46 MW in January 2018.

CHEC continued to utilize conservation voltage reduction (CVR) during periods of peak energy use to reduce voltage within acceptable levels, reducing demand charges on the cooperative’s wholesale power cost.

CVR reduces member’s demand and energy use without impacting their comfort.

2019 saw the culmination of a historic project that has been a part the cooperative’s work plans for nearly two decades. On February 28, CHEC and contract crews completed the installation, testing and energizing of the transmission cables that are attached to the new Basnight Bridge. The new transmission cable system is rated for a 100 MW load and includes a spare cable, enhancing resilience and reliability of service for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands for years to come.

In April, CHEC and contract crews completed the task of relocating our transmission line at the northern end of the Rodanthe Bridge in order to accommodate its construction. CHEC continued to work with NCDOT, Flatiron Construction, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service throughout the rest of the year planning to attach the cooperative’s 115kV transmission cables to the new bridge that is slated for completion in the Fall of 2021.

The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative electric system is unusual among electric cooperatives in having a considerable portion of its total dollar investment in transmission facilities. With over 40 miles of 115kV transmission lines, CHEC has the highest investment in transmission plant per kWh sold out of all North Carolina electric cooperatives, and consistently ranks in the top 10 out of all electric cooperatives in the United States, with $24.9 million, or 40%, of the total physical plant investment of $62.9 million in transmission facilities. Transmission plant is costlier to construct and maintain than distribution​facilities.

ELECTRIC GENERATION Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative does not own any electric power generation directly. CHEC is a joint owner through North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives (NCEC), in the Catawba Nuclear plant and the Lee Combined Cycle gas plant in South Carolina. NCEC also owns and operates two combustion turbine gas plants in Anson and Richmond counties in North Carolina, and the Buxton and Ocracoke diesel generating plants. The fuel mix pie chart displayed below includes NCEC-owned assets and purchasepower agreements.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY To CHEC, sustainability means delivering low-carbon electricity over a grid that is more efficient, resilient and secure. In doing so, North Carolina Electric Cooperatives (NCEC) are working toward two significant goals: We have established a 2030 target to reduce carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels and a 2050 target of net zero carbon emissions.

To meet these goals and ensure reliability and affordability, NCEC will prioritize emissionsfree nuclear energy as a key part of our energy future. With advances in technology, natural gas will remain critical, especially as renewable energy is further integrated.

CHEC continued to meet North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS).

Through NCEC, CHEC purchases renewable energy and renewable energy credits (RECs) from various solar, wind, biomass, swine and poultry waste projects.

Current Fuel Mix Nuclear (zero-emissions)

55%

Gas/Oil 29% Hydro 1% Renewables 5% Purchases 4% Coal 6%

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

4/8/20 4:16 PM

5% %

CHEC also continued to earn RECs from the 50-kW community solar garden located in Hatteras Village at milepost 71 on Hwy 12.

Both Cape Hatteras schools and the Hatteras Island Ocean Center, which is adjacent to the project, continue to benefit from education kiosks provided by the cooperative.

Members can view the real-time production of the project by visiting the Sunny Portal at chec.coop.

A significant part of the REPS law continues to be met through energy efficiency programs that help our members reduce their monthly electric bill. CHEC continued to sell wifi-enabled “smart” Ecobee thermostats for a fraction of their retail value in exchange for the member’s participation in a demand reduction (DR) program. When the thermostats are called on to reduce peak demand, the set temperatures are adjusted either up or down by a few degrees. Members with all-electric homes receive a $4 monthly credit for their participation.

If members have already purchased a Nest or Ecobee thermostat from somewhere other than the cooperative, CHEC offers the Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) program. By enrolling in this DR program, members with all electric homes are eligible for an upfront $75 credit and another $4 monthly credit for continued participation.

CHEC continued installing prepay meters for members at no additional charge. The prepay meters qualify as an energy cost monitor. Members who participate receive daily communications via text and/or email informing them of their daily kWh use, their balance, as well as any high use alerts.

CHEC continued to help members save money by issuing $100 rebates to members that turn in a secondary refrigerator or freezer, and $25 rebates on the purchase of qualifying Energy Star appliances. CHEC also continued to offer low-interest loans with financing up to $10,000 for commercial members, and $6,000 for residential members, for the purchase of new highefficiency heat pumps and other energy efficiency improvements. Lastly, CHEC staff continued to provide free home energy assessments to cooperative members to aid in making their residences more energy efficient. By being a part of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, CHEC members can find tips on how to improve efficiency at home or in their business anytime by visiting TogetherWeSave.com.

Annual Report 2019

Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 3

Second place winner of Member Photo Contest by Ken Newman, titled “Very Vivid Vessels”

SEVERE WEATHER AND OUTAGES Hurricane Dorian kicked off the season by making landfall on Hatteras Island Friday morning, September 6. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded wind speeds of 101 MPH on Hatteras Island. Two transmission poles were broken between Avon and Salvo, resulting in island-wide outages. After the storm passed, CHEC crews worked on clearing trees off power lines in Buxton, enabling the cooperative to energize the Buxton circuits with the diesel plant late Friday evening. A crew of 30 Lee Electrical Construction linemen were staged in Williamston prior to the storm and arrived early Saturday morning to provide help with restoration. They replaced both transmission poles, enabling the cooperative to energize the transmission line, with all substation circuits restored by late Saturday evening.

In mid-October, Tropical Storm Melissa stalled offshore, creating significant ocean overwash, closing Hwy 12 for four days. After several days of dry, unrelenting winds, the salt accumulation caused the gang operated airbrake (GOAB) switch south of the Basnight Bridge to fail. The road closure created additional challenges in our efforts to restore power. Dare County Fire Marshall Steve Kovacs and the Nags Head Fire Department came to our aid by sending a tanker truck to Oregon Inlet to wash the GOAB switch, which subsequently returned to normal operation.

In mid-November, a nor’easter caused outages similar to the October storm, as well as flooding and road closures for several days.

The GOAB switch has since been bypassed to prevent future outages.

The total outage time from all causes, resulted in 2,622 minutes of average outage time per member in 2019; 2,297 minutes of that total were due to Hurricane Dorian, Tropical Storm Melissa and the November nor’easter. The cooperative’s system continues to be aggressively maintained and upgraded to provide more reliable and resilient electric service.

CHEC’s outage map, available on

chec.coop, shows member’s reported electrical outages happening anywhere on Hatteras Island. NCEC’s outage map, which shows outages statewide, can be found at ncelectriccooperatives.com.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH The cooperative continues to remain financially strong. Operating margins for 2019 were $2,142,589, which is higher than budget, but lower than last year’s margins of $2,155,611. The higher-thanbudgeted margins were due primarily to lower-than-budgeted wholesale power cost.

The cooperative sold 132 million kWh in 2019, down from 142 million in 2018. In 2019, CHEC distributed capital credits to current and former members in the amount of $1,448,160.

COOPERATIVE BUSINESS MODEL An electric cooperative’s corporate structure is one of member ownership. The cooperative belongs to the communities that it serves.

Cooperatives typically serve communities that are not considered profitable by the investor owned utility. As a result, CHEC operates as a not-for-profit electric service provider and our loyalty is to our members. A portion of excess margins are refunded each year to past and current members, in the form of capital credits. Retained earnings are used to reduce borrowing requirements of the cooperative and are also refunded in future years.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative encourages member participation. Ballots are mailed each year to provide all members the opportunity to vote in the annual election of directors. The participation rate by CHEC’s members is very good, with a response of more than 27%.

The mail ballots for the 2020 director elections were delivered in early April as planned. However, due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the 2020 Annual Meeting ...continued on page 4

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Third place winner of Member Photo Contest by Nadya McCraw, titled “Rodanthe Pier during Hurricane Dorian”

of Members of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, originally scheduled for early May, has been cancelled. The decision to cancel the meeting was made in accordance with the guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as local, State and Federal government entities. We hope to schedule a 75th anniversary celebration and member appreciation event later this year.

GOVERNANCE The cooperative is governed by a memberelected board of directors. These leaders are members who live in and are actively involved in the communities of Hatteras Island. Directors are elected to rotating three-year terms. All directors presently serving have obtained the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director certification through training and education, and most have obtained the Board Leadership Certificate as well as the elite Director Gold status. The functions of the Board of Directors are to establish strategic goals and objectives of the cooperative, set governing policy, approve budgets and select a general manager to carry out the day-today operations of the cooperative. The board of directors meet regularly to carry out their responsibilities. Meeting dates are posted on our website at chec.coop.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT CHEC continues to use multiple outlets to engage and accommodate members.

CHEC offers an interactive voice response (IVR) system called Autocue. Members can now check their account status, balance, due dates and pay by check or credit card by calling our main number day or night.

Autocue provides this service in both English and Spanish.

The cooperative continues to offer a mobile app for Android or Apple phones, allowing members to view bills, sign up for alerts and reminders, track daily use, view payment history and make payments.

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Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 4

Members have unlimited access to view their account and make payments by using our online Customer Service Portal. The MyUsage option on the portal allows members to track daily use and view payment and use history.

To view the portal, visit chec.coop and click “Make a Payment.”

CHEC is constantly searching for more ways to connect with members. We invite you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cooperative news, community events, energysaving tips and outage updates. These communication tools prove to be invaluable during planned and unplanned outages.

CHEC utilizes the community-run radio station, Radio Hatteras, to provide emergency information during and after major events, as well as other important information about your cooperative. CHEC supports Radio Hatteras by providing the station with space for antennas and equipment. Tune in to Radio Hatteras on 99.1FM and 101.5FM to hear the cooperative’s daily public service announcements at 9:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Email notification for outages and other important information continues to function well. For members that have provided their email addresses, CHEC is now offering the convenience of e- billing. E-billing makes receiving your electric bill faster and easier while eliminating unnecessary paper use.

E-bill reduces paper, waste and saves trees!

CURRENT CHALLENGES System reliability and resilience continues to be a high priority. As storms become more frequent and more severe, we are constantly looking at new technologies and construction techniques to both harden our infrastructure, making it less susceptible to storm damage, and smart grid devices, to improve response time when outages do occur.

CHEC staff continued to work with NCDOT and their contractor Flatiron, to plan for the installation of new transmission cables

on the new Rodanthe bridge. Once this new bridge is constructed, NCDOT will be required to remove the corresponding pavement, dunes and sandbags in the southern stretch of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This area, commonly referred to as the S-curves, was significantly impacted by both Hurricanes Irene (2011) and Sandy (2012) and has been plagued by erosion and ocean overwash. Attaching to the Rodanthe bridge will provide greater reliability for electric members on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

Staff also continues to work on two additional work-plan projects that are critical to hardening CHEC’s transmission system.

Towards the end of 2019, CHEC received the approval needed from USF&WS to relocate the transmission line, behind the Pea Island visitors center. This area suffered significant erosion during Winter Storm Riley in March 2018. This project will replace and relocate eight wood poles with concrete poles and foundations. The other transmission project involves replacing nine wood poles with limited accessibility in Buxton.

CHEC continues to work to mitigate cybersecurity risks. The cooperative is also working to improve the security of our facilities and industrial control systems.

CHEC is constantly enhancing and reinforcing our defenses with new technologies and best practices to protect member data and cooperative operations.

FOCUS FOR THE FUTURE Cooperative members are becoming increasingly focused on sustainability, and North Carolina electric cooperatives (NCEC) have established a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with an interim goal of reducing our already-low carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030. As at-cost providers of electricity serving primarily rural areas of North Carolina, we recognize that how we achieve these goals matters; our members’ top priority continues to be electricity delivered at the lowest possible cost. We remain committed to providing it and are engaging members to become active participants in our shared goal of delivering increasingly low-carbon electricity over a grid that is more technologically advanced, efficient and cost effective.

With the proliferation of consumer devices such as smart thermostats, water heater controls and residential batteries, the lowcost, low-carbon future our members desire will stem from opportunities leveraged by

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

4/8/20 4:16 PM

electric cooperative distribution systems, like CHEC, across the State. NCEC is committed to leading this transition by building a virtual power plant (VPP) using sophisticated technology to coordinate thousands of consumer devices across the North Carolina cooperative network.

Beneficial electrification is also a key component to a low carbon future. The term beneficial electrification was coined because research concludes that electricity generated to fuel battery powered electric vehicles (EVs), emits fewer greenhouse gases than emissions from traditional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline or diesel.

As EVs become more common, it is necessary to have charging infrastructure in place. CHEC is working with the NCEC to establish a cooperative EV charging network across North Carolina. In the fall of 2019, CHEC installed the first DC Fast charging station on Hatteras Island. The new charging station is located at the entrance to the Avon Pier parking lot. Times vary by vehicle, but a DC Fast charger can provide an EV driver with a full charge in approximately 30 minutes.

This station will complement the two Level 2 chargers that were installed in Rodanthe and Hatteras Villages in 2018. All three sites have shopping, dining and recreational opportunities within walking distance from the charging stations for drivers to enjoy while charging their vehicles. To see where charging stations are located on Hatteras Island, or anywhere in the United States, visit plugshare.com.

In 2019 CHEC acquired a Nissan Leaf, the first fully electric vehicle registered on Hatteras Island. So that members can learn and experience the advantages of driving an EV, CHEC has made this vehicle available for members to test drive for up to two days.

In 2019, we had over 40 members take advantage of this program. To schedule your EV test drive, call (252) 995-5616.

The widespread adoption of EVs poses significant opportunities and challenges for CHEC and other electric utilities. If EV owners charge their vehicles at night, when electric usage is at its lowest, then the new load will make the electric system more efficient by improving load factor, which reduces wholesale power cost. However, if EV owners charge in the early evening or morning, during peak hours, then infrastructure will have to be built or upgraded to support the additional load, increasing the cost of electricity for all. To encourage charging, and

Annual Report 2019

Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 5

Manager’s message

As our state, nation and world have taken extraordinary measures to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of the unity, resolve and strength of the shared response in our community. We are in this together, and by working together, we will overcome these challenges and find new ways to take care of each other during this critical time.

As your local power partner and as a part of your community, we are committed to providing the high-quality electric service and support that you count on. Our communities have not been spared the negative impacts of lost wages, school closures and scaledback commerce. To ease this burden, we are committed to working closely with members facing financial hardship. During these difficult times, CHEC is suspending all disconnects and late fees until May 31, 2020.

In addition, CHEC has several programs in place to make managing your energy use and budget easier, such as budget billing and prepay. Prepay allows you to make payments when you can, as you use energy. If you haven’t explored these options before, we encourage you to see if they are a good fit for your needs.

Just as you have made changes at home, we have also taken proactive steps during this emergency to protect our members, communities and employees, and to mitigate the potential for disruption to our operations or services.

By closing our lobby to walk-in traffic, we are doing our part to protect our communities, while also making sure that key personnel are in place to seamlessly continue operations and provide you with high-quality service. Our member service representatives are available to assist you at (252) 995-5616 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Our field personnel have implemented new scheduling and physical distancing practices as they persist in their steadfast efforts to maintain our critical infrastructure. Equally as important, we have coordinated with suppliers and partners to safeguard access to necessary components, materials and support resources. To ensure the power you need is always available, we are in constant coordination with our wholesale power supplier to keep our grid secure and efficient.

As I write this column in March, much of the impact of COVID-19 remains to be seen. Rest assured that as the situation evolves, we will continue to engage with local emergency management officials and follow the guidance of experts to adjust our response to best support your needs.

We are grateful to be a part of the Hatteras Island community and honored to provide electricity and services that power your life. While we work together to relieve the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, CHEC is here for you, just as we always have been, and always will be. On behalf of the board of directors and employees of CHEC, we look forward to continuing to work together to meet our challenges with strength, determination and unity.

Susan E. Flythe Executive vice president and general manager shifting other electric use to the night-time, CHEC has a voluntary time of use (TOU) rate, available to residential members. This rate will save members money, provided that some electricity use is shifted to off-peak hours.

CHEC continues to offer $100 rebates to members for the purchase of a Level 2 ChargePoint EV charger for their Hatteras Island home. ChargePoint is the first Energy Star certified EV charger and uses 40% less energy than any other car chargers on the market. For more information on CHEC’s TOU rate and charging rebate, visit chec.coop/electricvehicles.

CHEC members also have access to auto loans, including discounted EV loans, through

the cooperative’s affiliation with ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union. To view their loan rates or complete an application, visit electel.org.

While energy efficiency still has merit, it is equally important for members to learn to use electricity when and where it makes the most sense. Beneficial electrification is intended to save members money, reduce environmental impacts and create greater grid flexibility and resiliency. In other words, beneficial electrification will help CHEC to create a brighter future for the people and communities that we serve.

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Board of Directors Your cooperative is governed by a member-elected board of directors. These directors are members who are actively involved in the communities of Hatteras Island. Directors are elected to rotating three-year terms. Directors presently serving are well trained in the job to which they were elected. The functions of the board of directors are to set governing policy, approve budgets and select a manager to carry out the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. The board of directors meet regularly to carry out their responsibilities.

President Richard A. Midgett

Director Elvin L. Hooper

Director Briggs McEwan

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Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 6

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

John R. Hooper

Dan G. Oden Jr.

Director Bryan Mattingly

Director Tami Thompson

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

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December 2019 Financial Statements Operating Revenue Patronage Capital & Margins

$19,889,587.00

Patronage Capital or Margins Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Margins Capital Credits from Associated Organizations

2,971,272.00 411,110.00 417,573.00

Patronage Capital & Operating Margins

$2,142,589.00

Assets Net Utility Plant Investment in Associated Organizations Investments in Economic Development Projects Temporary Investments and Cash Notes and Accounts Receivable Materials and Supplies Other Current and Accrued Assets Prepayments

50,469,763.00 3,983,795.00 324,000.00 1,141,674.00 958,436.00 4,757,916.00 591,640.00

Deferred Debits

173,781.00 915,033.00

Total Assets

$63,316,038.00

Liabilities and Other Credits Patronage Capital Long-term Debt Notes and Accounts Payable Consumer Deposits Other Current and Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits

40,576,921.00 20,431,054.00 1,597,303.00 84,502.00 225,836.00 400,422.00

Total Liabilities and Other Credits

$63,316,038.00

2018 Expenses 60% 9% 5% 11% 4% 11% <1%

10,589,584.00 1,637,564.00 905,003.00 1,946,278.00 710,384.00 1,956,072.00 2,113.00

Total Expenses

$17,746,998.00

2019 Expenses

Purchased Power Depreciation Interest Exp O & M Exp Customer Acct Exp A & G Exp Taxes & Other

Annual Report 2019

Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 7

Purchased Power 60%

Depreciation 9% Interest Expense 5% O & M Expense 11% Customer Acct Expense 4% A & G Expense 11% Taxes & Other <1%

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P.O. Box 9 47109 Light Plant Road Buxton, NC 27920 Phone: (252) 995-5616 Toll Free: (800) 454-5616 Fax: (252) 995-4088 Web site: www.chec.coop Office Hours: 8 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 p.m.

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Cape Hatteras-0520 AR.indd 8

4/8/20 4:16 PM

Electrical Safety Crossword Puzzle May is Electrical Safety Month! Use the safety tips below to complete the puzzle.

1.

2.

3.

1 Across: Keep all liquids away from _________, like TVs, computers and gaming consoles.

4.

5.

2 Down: Never overload electrical _________. This creates a greater risk of fire.

3 Down: Never use electrical _________ that feel warm to the touch or are damaged in any way.

4 Across: Smoke _________ should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

5 Across: Don’t run electrical cords under rugs. This creates potential fire _________.

Answers: 1: electronics 2: outlets 3: cords 4: alarms 5: hazards

Burak Fatsa / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Carolina Living

May 2020 | 19

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Carolina Living Getty Images

Golden Milk 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk 1 cup water 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground black pepper 10 drops liquid stevia extract

Strike a Balance in the Kitchen

Reduce carbs and boost healthy fats for nutritious eating

A

sustainable, long-term healthy eating approach emphasizes variety and balance. Start planning low-carb dishes filled with high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats like this salmon and asparagus sheet pan. For a more adventurous, healthful drink, try “golden milk”: a blend of milks and spices that contain antioxidants or have anti-inflammatory properties.

Find more recipes like these and ideas for a balanced, low-carb approach to eating well at atkins.com.

In a small pan, whisk coconut milk, almond milk, water, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and pepper.

Warm over medium heat until hot but not simmering, about 7 minutes.

Remove from heat, whisk in stevia extract and serve.

Yield: 3 servings

—FamilyFeatures.com

Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan 1 bunch thin spear asparagus 1 tablespoon, plus ¼ teaspoon, extra-virgin olive oil ¹⁄₈ teaspoon salt, divided 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), no more than ¾-inch thick 1 pinch black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil-based mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon minced or pressed garlic 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Wash asparagus and remove woody ends. Place on rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pinch of salt. Arrange in single layer, leaving space for salmon. Place salmon skin-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and season with remaining salt and pepper.

Place in oven and bake 12 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic.

Remove sheet pan from oven, sprinkle asparagus spears with cheese and cook 3 more minutes, or until fish reaches 145 degrees and asparagus spears are tender and beginning to brown on tips.

Plate one fillet and half the asparagus, drizzle each plate with about 2 tablespoons mayonnaise sauce and serve.

Yield: 2 servings

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CC05-tv.indd 20

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Here for you.

North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26 electric cooperatives are taking action to respond to local impacts from COVID-19. Because we belong to the communities we serve, our focus remains on supporting members, now and always.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com/covid-19.

NCECAd-05-2020.indd CC05-wk.indd 21 1

4/7/20 1:29 1:46 PM

Energy Sense

MAKE YOURS A

David Clark Illustration

Smart Energy Home

Smart Thermostat Smart Speaker/Hub

Smart Lights/ Switches

Community Solar

Smart Outlet/ Power Strip

Smart Water Heater

Energy Storage System

Electric Vehicle Charger

Smart Energy Panel

Check with your co-op for related programs and incentives!

Provides "demand response" opportunities for electric utilities to reduce costs by trimming energy use during peak times.

Starting with a smart speaker and an internet connection, homes can now be retrofitted with various devices to make them more automated and more energy efficient.

Smart speaker/hub

These days smart speakers are taking over the job smart hubs once had, providing a means to control several wirelessly connected devices from a central location.

Smart thermostat

Smart lights/switches

Smart bulbs can be set to different hues and light levels. Smart switches can be controlled manually, remotely, or via a schedule.

Smart outlet/power strip

Wi-Fi enabled thermostats can be programmed to activate heating and cooling on a schedule, or take over the job themselves.

Outlets and power strips can be programmed to control corded devices on a schedule. Like most smart devices, a smart speaker enables control of them with voice commands.

Smart energy panel

Smart water heater

Provides more control of individual circuits right at the breaker panel.

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Provides leak detection, remote temperature control and will adjust mode to use patterns.

Electric vehicle (EV) charger

A Level 2 charging unit provides a faster charge from a 240-volt outlet.

Energy storage system

Residential batteries are still in the early phases of adoption and typically supplement rooftop solar systems. But as lithium-ion batteries become more affordable, they could provide homeowners a reliable, clean, quiet and cost-effective source of backup power.

Community solar

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives currently maintain 18 community solar farms around the state, allowing members to subscribe to the energy output from a panel or panels.

4/8/20 12:57 PM

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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.

3/23/20 1:31 PM 4/6/20 5:12 PM

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

A GOOD READ

Bear at the Beach

Virtual History

With millions of people around the world staying at home to stay well, several iconic museums, from the Louvre in Paris to the Guggenheim in New York, are offering virtual tours of their exhibits. The North Carolina Museum of History is right up there with them, offering its own share of virtual experiences.

The museum’s website offers an array of resources related to our state’s history and culture. For students, videos on topics including NC history and toys from the 1950s and ‘60s can be paired with downloadable at-home learning packets for a truly interactive experience (playdough recipe, anyone?). For younger kids, videos are available of age-appropriate history books being read aloud.

Visit ncmuseumofhistory.org/history-at-home to get started.

wn Make Your O

Playdough

The at-home learning packet for the NC Museum of History’s “Toy Boom!” exhibit offers several recipes for DIY playdough, including this classic.

Recipe courtesy of the NC Museum of History, adapted from familyeducation.com.

In this beautifully illustrated and heart-warming book, Bear wants a father. He lives with a little girl, Clara, and they share her strawberries, paint box and her big bed at night. Clara loves Bear, but his fervent longing for a dad becomes an empty place he believes only a father can fill. He sets out along the shore to find his dad and discovers through his encounters that Clara gives him all the love that he needs.

The book also offers two additional stories: “Used Up Bear,” where he worries he will be cast aside for a new toy, and “Lonesome Bear,” where he makes new friends on a search for the missing Clara.

The book’s author and illustrator, Clay Carmichael, lives in Carrboro. To learn more about her and to purchase the book, visit claycarmichael.com.

Flexibound, 129 pages, $14.95.

Classic Playdough 1 1 ½ 1

1

cup water tablespoon vegetable oil cup salt tablespoon cream of tartar Food coloring cup flour

Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.

Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last six months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don’t have it on hand.

Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.

Remove from heat and add flour.

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4/9/20 11:18 AM

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MKT-P101

4/6/20 5:12 PM

CAROLINA COUNTRY

NOAA

adventures

A NOAA diver surveys the remains of the HMT Bedfordshire.

War Grave Beneath the Waves The HMT Bedfordshire rests as a British memorial in NC waters

By Joan Wenner

B

A fateful mission As Allied ships were being struck

by German U-boats, or submarines, while ferrying supplies to Britain for the war effort, Britain provided two dozen ships to patrol our East Coast as escorts for the vital supply missions. Among them was the Bedfordshire, a converted trawler with a British and Canadian crew of 37 based out of Morehead City.

On May 11, 1942, U-boat No. 558 fired a torpedo at her and missed.

Unfortunately, a second torpedo scored a direct hit, sinking the armed trawler immediately and killing all on board. That same U-boat was spotted in 1943, still in the vicinity of Ocracoke Island, and struck herself.

Its German captain was captured, along with his ship’s logs, which confirmed the Bedfordshire’s fate.

The remains of four of the Bedfordshire’s youthful sailors washed ashore on Ocracoke Island, where they were buried and are now annually remembered at the British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island. Two other sailors are buried at the Buxton British Cemetery on Hatteras Island.

National Archives and Records Administration

y tradition and maritime law, sunken warships remain the property of the government of the nation that owned them, unless deemed abandoned. Some, like the HMT Bedfordshire resting off the coast of the Outer Banks, are forever honored as “war graves.”

The Bedfordshire was outfitted as an armed trawler.

Honoring the fallen With modern technological advances and side-scanning sonar used in research expeditions by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bedfordshire was found in 1980 off our coast about 40 miles south-southeast of Cape Lookout. The ship’s remains were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and were officially declared a War Memorial

by Great Britain in 2016. NOAA continues to monitor and protect the site; unauthorized disturbance of an underwater war memorial is considered a serious offense.

The federal government is in the process of expanding the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the remains of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, to include several other historically significant

wreck sites — including that of the Bedfordshire. Hopefully, notes a NOAA official, these efforts and others, including the British Embassy in Washington, will result in the waters off Cape Hatteras being designated a National Marine Sanctuary of its own in time for the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of WWII in September 2020.

Joan Wenner, J.D., is a longtime history and maritime writer residing in eastern North Carolina. Contact Joan at joan_writer@yahoo.com for more information about the ship, including a complete service record.

carolinacountry.com/extras In 2018, the author mailed a Carolina Country article about WWII on the NC coast to the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II. See her royal response online.

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ADVERTISEMENT

In February, over 150 adult 4-H volunteers from across the state joined together in Durham for North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference.

During this three-day conference, 4-H Volunteers had the chance to participate in workshops geared towards providing training in a variety of areas. 4-H Volunteers also had multiple opportunities to participate in and learn materials that they could take back and use with their 4-H club members.

Volunteers who attended this conference were able to learn from other 4-H Volunteers, through both

formal and informal networking, and left the conference feeling renewed and inspired to go back into their communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of 4-H youth.

North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference is sponsored

by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. North Carolina 4-H is Cooperative Extension’s youth development program.

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy) and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S.Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

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4/8/20 12:55 PM

Carolina Gardens

Cool Catch

Draw butterflies with the quirky shrimp plant

Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

“Pretty” is what popular summerflowering ornamentals are supposed to be, but when such praise is amended with “and weird,” you have the makings of a strange plant that is too cool to resist for many rambunctious gardeners. Welcome to the delightfully quirky world of shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana).

As advertised, shrimp plant’s flowing flowers look like a seafood restaurant’s all-you-can-eat special, with tapering, curved, conical rows of overlapping bracts forming launch pads for small, white, tube-shaped blossoms (which, by the way, are butterfly and hummingbird magnets).

The species selection of shrimp plant has a rust-red coloration, much like the tint of boiled shrimp.

Following the success of the original reddish shrimp plant, other dazzlers were introduced, including the popular cultivar “Yellow Queen,” which is hard to miss with its blazing yellow bracts. And deep from the quirky corner comes “Fruit Cocktail” with short bracts resembling small, butter-yellow fish waving ruby red flower-hands. No kidding.

Depending on the selection, a happy shrimp plant can stretch three to almost five feet tall. The key to keeping it festooned with blooms in summer is to choose a planting site that has fertile, well-worked soil and receives sun most of the day with some shading later in the afternoon.

Shrimp plants can tolerate drought, but will look better if they are mulched and watered once to twice a week during extended dry spells.

Shrimp plant is a tropical perennial from Mexico typically treated as an annual in Carolina Country, but this doesn’t mean you have to wave bye-bye to your botanical babies when the first frosts of fall bite. I’ve successfully overwintered potted shrimp plants indoors in a sunny southern window by trimming them way back (to save space), watering sparingly over the coldest months and misting the leaves occasionally.

Even garden-ground shrimp plants can live again via cuttings taken in the late summer and propagated inside over winter using rooting hormone powder and a moist, sterile growing medium such as perlite or vermiculite.

You can find “Yellow Queen” shrimp plant at local nurseries.

“Fruit Cocktail” may be harder to find locally.

You can find the reddish species shrimp plant, as well as “Yellow Queen,” at area nurseries . “Fruit Cocktail” might be a little harder to find locally, but go online, with Logee’s Greenhouses (logees.com) being a good place to start e-fishin’.

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

Garden To-Do’s for May If adding a sweet-smelling gardenia to the garden is on your to-do list this spring, here are a few quick tips: (1) Plant in a partially sunny location or at least in a spot that receives only morning sun; (2) pick a fertile, well-worked site that, to help prevent root rot, has good drainage; and (3) add extra nutrients at planting time by applying an acidic, well-balanced, time-release fertilizer like the ones specialized for azaleas and camellias. Also, from the Piedmont west, consider hardy cultivars such as “Chuck Hayes,” “Kleim’s Hardy” and “Frost Proof” that are better at toughing out nasty winters.

F

Cool-season edibles such as collards, broccoli, lettuce kale and spinach have all had their day in the vegetable patch this spring. However, with temperatures on the rise, they are beginning to look bad — and taste worse — so pull up spent and bolting plants to make room for heat-seeking summer veggies.

F

Watch for fire blight on susceptible plants such as pyracantha, apple, quince, raspberry, cotoneaster, pear and blackberry. This dastardly disease blackens and shrivels new growth. Any afflicted limb ends should be pruned off to prevent the blight from spreading to other branches.

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

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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

2020

Categories include: Nothing could be finer ...

Carolina Country is proud to offer up our second annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, showcasing the finest North Carolina has to offer.

We need your help!

We’re leaving it up to you, our readers, to pick the best of the best. Visit carolinacountry.com/finest

by June 30 and cast your votes in the categories below. Each voter will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards.

 BBQ

 Getaway

 Breakfast Spot

 Main Street/Downtown

 Ice Cream Shop

 Museum

 Musician/Band

 Pick-Your-Own Farm

 Festival

 Made in NC Product

Vote for your favorites at

carolinacountry.com/finest

by June 30 for a chance to win $100!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest, or mail in your votes to Carolina Country’s Finest, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616, for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the three $100 gift cards depend upon number of entries received. Entries must be subited by June 30, 2020. Random drawing will take place July 1, 2020.

May 2020 | 31

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Carolina Kitchen

Krispy Kreme Cannoli Strawberry Shortcakes

With whipped cream and chocolate drizzle

We love strawberry time! And Krispy Kreme doughnuts, of course. How about an NC cannoli strawberry shortcake? Those signature doughnuts, combined with a creamy cannoli-like filling, sweet berries, plus a pillow of whipped cream drizzled with chocolate? Yes, please!

12 Krispy Kreme doughnuts, air dried for a day 1 container (32 ounces) whole ricotta cheese, drained in refrigerator for 24 hours 1½ cup confectioner’s sugar 1 cup mini chocolate chips ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract 2 quarts strawberries, sliced and sweetened with honey as needed ¼ cup orange juice 1 pint heavy whipping cream Chocolate syrup 1 block of baking chocolate, shaved* Drain cheese for one day (two is best). Blend in sugar, chocolate chips, cinnamon and extracts.

Too stiff? Add a few tablespoons of cream.

Slice berries. Stir in honey and orange juice.

Whip cream until stiff.

Split doughnuts horizontally. Cover each bottom half with cheese mixture. Spoon over strawberries. Top with doughnut half and whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and garnish with shaved chocolate. *For shaved chocolate, using a vegetable peeler, carefully “shave” the sides of a block of baking chocolate over the shortcakes.

Yield: 12 shortcakes

Everything Bubble Bread With blue cheese & rosemary

Sometimes a salad or meal just needs a simple bread to round things out. This bubble bread pairs perfectly with our Pork and Orzo Salad, as well as summertime grilled meats. Quick and easy, this bread is an appropriate recipe for aspiring young chefs.

1 can (16 ounces) large biscuits, any kind 1 stick butter, melted ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 1 container (5 ounces) blue cheese crumbles, divided 2 tablespoons ‘Everything Bagel’ mix (look in spices section)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut biscuits into quarters. Add powders and rosemary to melted butter.

Dip biscuit pieces into seasoned butter and place into baking dish, sides touching.

Scatter with half the blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with any remaining butter.

Sprinkle with bagel mix and bake 12–15 minutes until cooked and browned.

Turn off oven and scatter with remaining cheese. Remove from oven once cheese starts melting and serve immediately.

Yield: Makes 32 bites

32 | carolinacountry.com

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4/8/20 12:56 PM

Carlina Kitchen

Pulled Pork & Orzo Italian Salad With roasted garlic

From Your Kitchen

This dish does take a bit of planning, but it’s simple to prepare and well worth the result — a big bowl of flavorful pasta salad. Keeps well for up to a week in the refrigerator, and flavors improve with age. Best served at room temperature.

5–6 pounds pork butt, cooked, shredded and chopped (cook ahead in crockpot) 1 box (16 ounces) orzo, cooked per package directions 1 jar (8.5 ounces) julienned sun dried tomatoes with oil, undrained 1 jar (3.5 ounces) capers, drained 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (We used Mt. Olive.)

1 cup white raisins 1 cup toasted pine nuts ½ cup loosely packed, chopped fresh parsley 1 bag (6 ounces) baby spinach, roughly chopped 3 tablespoons dried oregano 2 tablespoons honey ¼ cup balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper 4 heads roasted garlic* 1 cup oil*

Yield: About 4 quarts

Tara Verna

Fold pork into orzo. Add remaining ingredients, stirring until well blended. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later. Best if removed from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. *Cut tops from 4 heads of garlic. Place in small baking dish.

Pour oil over garlic. Roast at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool and squeeze cloves into salad, along with the oil.

Note: The orzo can be cooked 1–2 days ahead. Cook al dente, and toss with 2 tablespoons oil. Refrigerate in airtight container until ready to make salad.

No-Bake Energy Bites

2/3 cup toasted coconut ½ cup semisweet flakes, optional chocolate chips 1/3 cup honey or 1 cup rolled oats agave nectar ½ cup peanut butter 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ½ cup ground flax seeds optional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract If you choose to toast the coconut, spread it in an even layer over a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8–10 minutes.

Stop to stir every two minutes and remove when flakes are golden brown.

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Roll into one-inch balls.

Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week.

What is orzo?

Orzo is sometimes confused with rice, but it’s actually an Italian pasta that looks like large-grain rice. Although typically used as pasta, orzo can often be interchanged with rice. Some combine with rice when making risotto. Find it in most grocery stores in the pasta section.

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

Yield: Makes 20–25 balls

Recipe courtesy of Karen Victor of Fleetwood, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Send Us Your Recipes

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

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

May 2020 | 33

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4/7/20 12:12 PM

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by May 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 June issue, will receive $25.

April winner

The April "Where Is This" photo by Carolina Country’s Warren Kessler features sculptures at Grahamland, located in the Delco community on Highway 74/76 outside of Bolton along the Brunswick/Columbus County line. Owner Hubert Graham creates these unique fiberglass figurines and lawn ornaments, including flamingos, dinosaurs, grizzlies and gorillas! Many have been featured in movies shot near Wilmington. A few once stood at the old Jubilee Park in Carolina Beach, reports Cathy Swaim. Many readers commented that they look for the Uniroyal Gals on every trip to and from Wilmington and the southeastern NC beaches. Visit grahamlandfiberglass.com to learn more. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Frances King of Zebulon, a Wake Electric member.

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

May’S FEATURED TRACK

Carolina

“It Just Takes One to Wander”

MUSIC

By Jim Lauderdale As Jim Lauderdale notes in this wry tune he co-wrote with Graham Sharp, “It takes two to tango, but it just takes one to wander.” The song, one of 13 tracks on Jim’s new album, “When Carolina Comes Homes Again,” pays homage to this two-time Grammy winner’s native North Carolina. In fact, the first bluegrass festival he ever went to was at Union Grove, at age 14.

“It blew my mind,” he recalls. “The music got into my bones, and I just had to get a banjo.” To say Jim is prolific is a bit of an understatement. The album is Jim’s 33rd and signals that this gifted, hardworking singer-songwriter is still going strong.

Ian Laidlaw

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T

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

4/8/20 1:08 PM

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¹Preece, Jeph. “Greatcall - The Best Overall Medical Alert System.” Dignifyed, 12 Apr. 2018, www.dignifyed.com/greatcall-review-24.html. 2Consistently rated the most reliable network and best overall network performance in the country by IHS Markit’s RootScore Reports. ³One of the most affordable mobile medical alert systems determined by totaling device cost, online activation fee, and 12 months of service among competitors offering mobile devices available for purchase. 4Fall Detection is an optional feature and may not always accurately detect a fall. Users should always push their button when they need help, if possible. Fall detection only available with purchase of Ultimate Health and Safety Plan. 5Monthly service fee excludes government taxes or assessment surcharges and may change. 650% off of $4999 MSRP is only valid for new lines of service. Offer valid 5/3/20 through 5/30/20. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. Waterproof rated for up to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. GREATCALL, 5STAR, and LIVELY are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. © 2020 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

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