2020-05-REC

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

Roanoke Electric launches improved website at roanokeelectric.com —pages 17–20 May covers.indd 19

4/9/20 3:16 PM

ADVERTISEMENT

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

F

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

ADVERTISEMENT

CC05-wk.indd 2

F

4/6/20 5:11 PM

O

Volume 52, No. 5

Surry County Tourism-Sam Dean

ys

14

rs

ed rs

es

8

Favorites

o

s

4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 22 Energy Sense

-

24 Tar Heel Tidbits 26 Adventures

ut

28 Carolina Gardens

es l, n

31 Classifieds

:

30 Marketplace

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

34 Carolina Music

32

8 12 14

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.

May 2020 | 3

CC05-wk.indd 3

4/9/20 12:19 PM

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.

4 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-wk.indd 4

4/8/20 4:18 PM

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

CC05-tv.indd 5

4/8/20 3:56 PM

More Power

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

Wynn addressed co-op leaders from the main stage.

L

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.

6 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 6

4/9/20 11:02 AM

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

OR YOUR MONEY BACK

GUARANTEED! E

AFT

15% OFF

r

ilte

YOUR ENTIRE LEAFFILTER PURCHASE* Exclusive Offer – Redeem By Phone Today!

ADDITIONALLY

1

10% OFF SENIOR &

’S

GU

TT

NATIO

D

E

N

TH

fF Lea

R

E

OR BEF

ter

fFil

ea RL

ER GUA

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-440-9814 LIFETIME WARRANTY

*The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.”

www.LeafFilter.com/15off

Promo Code: 73 Registration# HIC.0649905

PLUS!

THE FIRST 50 CALLERS WILL

RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

5% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE INSTALL! **Offer valid at estimate only

FINANCING THAT FITS 1 YOUR BUDGET! Subject to credit approval.

Call for details.

1

*For those who qualify. **One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year.

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.

May 2020 | 7

CC05-tv.indd 7

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.

C

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.”

8 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-EB.indd 8

4/9/20 12:54 PM

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

CC05-EB.indd 9

4/9/20 4:03 PM

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.

10 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-EB.indd 10

4/9/20 4:04 PM

Wear the Colors of Italy’s Legendary Regatta

Raffinato

™

——— Italy

To show exquisite details, necklace shown is not exact size.

T

he Regata Storica started in 1489, when the beautiful Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, renounced her Cypriot throne in favor of Venice. The people of Venice welcomed her with a parade of elaboratelydecorated gondolas, in a rainbow of popping colors. Every year since, the spirit of 1489 is recaptured in those world-famous canals when the famous Regata is repeated.

Our Cornaro Necklace is the essence of Venice, with the revelry of the Regata channeled into one perfect piece of jewelry.

The gorgeous colors recall the Regata itself, and the 59 beads of authentic Murano are the only thing as historic and uniquely Venice as those gondolas. Each necklace is handmade by the legendary Murano glassmakers, where the proud Venetian tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, dating back to before the city threw that first famous party for Caterina.

“...businesses on the crowded little island [Murano] also produce high fashion jewelry found on runways and in exclusive social settings around the world”.

Thanks to the Regata, we’ve visited Venice often and made great contacts, which is how we found and negotiated the best possible price on the highest quality Murano available. Now’s your chance to share in the spirit of this legendary event without needing to break out your passport.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

Enjoy the gorgeous colors of the Cornaro Murano Necklace for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass with flying colors, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. You could easily pay $300 or more for a Murano glass bead necklace, but at $29, this genuine handmade Murano won’t last. Don’t miss the boat!

CALL 1-888-444-5949 TODAY!

Cornaro Murano Necklace Stunningly affordable at

$29 + S&P

— The New York Times

• Made in Italy • Murano glass • 25" necklace with lobster clasp • Gold-finished settings

Call today. There’s never been a better time to let your elegance shine.

1-888-444-5949

Offer Code: RFG268-02. You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Raffinato

™

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. RFG268-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.raffinatoitaly.com

A c ol l ec tion of impe ccab le d e s i g n & cr af ts m ans hi p f r om I taly.

CC05-wk.indd 11

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

CC05-tv.indd 12

4/8/20 12:58 PM

Simplicity. Savings. Stauer®SMART

Best value for a Smartwatch...only $99!

3Xs the Battery Life of the top-selling Smartwatch

Smarten up

S

ome smartwatches out there require a PhD to operate. Why complicate things?

Do you really need your watch to pay for your coffee? We say keep your money in your pocket, not on your wrist. Stauer®SMART gives you everything you need and cuts out the stuff you don’t, including a zero in the price.

Keep an eye on your health with heart rate, blood pressure** and sleep monitoring capabilities. Track your steps and calories burned. Set reminders for medicine and appointments. StauerSMART uses Bluetooth® technology to connect to your phone. When a notification or alert arrives, a gentle buzz lets you know right away.

When it comes to battery life, StauerSMART has one of the most efficient batteries available--giving you up to 72 hours of power. Most Smartwatches need to be charged every 24 hours. StauerSMART can get you through a three-day weekend without needing a charge.

This is the smarter Smartwatch. And, at only $99, the price is pretty smart too.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Try StauerSMART risk-free for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Stauer®SMART • • • • • • •

Track steps and calorie burn Monitor heart rate, blood pressure & sleep Set reminders for medicine & appointments Get notified of emails & text messages Personalize the dial with your favorite pic Up to 72 hours of battery life per charge Supports Android 4.4+, ¡OS8.2 & Bluetooth 4.0+

Stauer®SMART gives you everything you want for only $99... and nothing you don’t.

Stauer ® SMART $299† Offer Code Price

$99 + S&P Save $200

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

1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: STW178-01

Rating of A+

Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Emails and texts alerts

Find my phone

Monitor heart rate

Track steps and calories

• Supports Android 4.4+, iOS8.2 & Bluetooth 4.0+ • Silicone strap • Touchscreen with digital timekeeping • Stopwatch timer • Heart rate, blood pressure & sleep monitor • Fitness tracker • Notifications: text, email, social media, & calendar alerts • Alarm clock • Water resistant to 3 ATM • USB charger included

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STW178-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

* Please consult your doctor before starting a new sport activity. A Smartwatch can monitor real-time dynamic heart rates, but it can’t be used for any medical purpose. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CC05-wk.indd 13

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

CC05-wk.indd 14

4/9/20 11:47 AM

Over 2 carats of Verdant Peridot in precious .925 sterling silver

ONLY $39

Save $260!

“Known as ‘the Evening Emerald’ because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day.”

— The American Gem Society (AGS)

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39

G

oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an effervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat.

Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone.

If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.

This elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridotA. in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones.

And, the .925 sterling silver setting is finished in tarnishresistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.

“Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia

PRAISE FOR STAUER PERIDOT JEWELRY You could easily “...absolutely beautiful. The picture spend $400 on a does not do it justice. It is a real sterling silver ring stunner.” – S. C., Berkeley, CA set with peridot stones. But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Verdant Peridot Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.

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

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

Verdant Peridot Ring (2 ¹⁄2 ctw) $299†

$39 +S&P Save $260

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

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: TPR149-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPR149-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ¹⁄3 ctw Verdant Peridot • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CC05-wk.indd 15

4/7/20 1:47 PM

$

SA VE

60

NTIC AUTH E E E L T WWI I S S N CE T

OV E

R

Actual size is 19 mm

SECRET HOARD DISCOVERED:

World War II 1943 Steel Cents

W

hen our buyer received the call, he nearly fell out of his chair. In his 19 years in the coin business, he had never seen a hoard like this.

20,000 coins—all 1943 Lincoln Steel Cents!

He quickly secured as many as he could, and now you can secure full rolls of this historic World War II-era coin at an incredible price.

What is a Steel Cent?

When the United States entered World War II, copper quickly became a coveted material. Required for our communications as well as munitions, every major supply of copper needed to be turned over to the war effort.

That included the large supply of copper used by the U.S. Mint to strike Lincoln Cents!

The Lincoln Cent is the U.S. Mint’s longest-running series, sitting in the pockets and piggy banks of Americans for more than 100 years. But for one year only—1943—the Lincoln Cent was struck in steel-coated zinc instead of copper. This unique, historic mintage is now one of the most coveted in U.S. history!

Authentic Pieces of WWII History

Each 1943 U.S. Steel Cent is an authentic piece of World War II History—an example of America’s dedication to aiding the Allies and winning the war.

Buy a Full Roll and SAVE!

Look elsewhere for these coveted World War II Steel Cents in this same condition, and you could wind up paying as much as $1.80 per coin, or a total of $90 for a full 50-coin roll’s worth! But while our supplies last, you can secure a roll of authentic World War II 1943 Steel Cents for just $29.95 — a savings of over $60!

In addition, you’ll also receive a BONUS Replica WWII newspaper, reprinting frontpage news from 1943!

There’s no telling when or if another hoard of these historic WWII coins will be found.

Don’t wait — secure your very own piece of the Allied victory now!

BONUS

REPLICA WWI I NEWSPAPER

1943 U.S. Steel Cent 50-Coin Roll - $29.95 + s/h

FREE SHIPPING on 5 or More!

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

Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-800-329-0225 Offer Code RLC323-01 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175 Dept. RLC323-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk.

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

CC05-wk.indd 16

4/6/20 5:12 PM

MAY20

ROANOKE ELEC TRIC

Flashes Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Curtis Wynn PRESIDENT & CEO

A MESSAGE FOR YOU

Fighting COVID-19: We are more powerful together As I write this, my mind is echoing with calls for social distancing and handwashing, and visions of scary headlines and statistics that occasionally keep me up at night. For many of us, this has become our new normal.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left us all feeling a bit anxious, unsettled and confused. But there is one thing I want our member-owners to rest assured of during these dark times: Together, we will get through this.

This co-op is no stranger to adversity. Throughout our 81-year history, we have been able to meet and rise above whatever challenges have come our way. And we’ve accomplished this guided by a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

As your community’s energy provider, Roanoke Electric is committed to keeping the power flowing. The co-op has in place business continuity plans designed to maintain the health and safety of our staff, as well as ensure that business critical operations continue without interruption.

We recognize that the power we provide to households, businesses, health care providers and first responders is fundamental for the recovery of our community and local economy.

Unfortunately, many among us have been gripped by fear and angst after suffering a job loss or drastic drop in income. The last thing I want our member-owners to worry about in

this unprecedented situation is losing electricity, too.

To that end, for those having trouble paying your bill as a result of the pandemic, I want you to know your co-op team is here to work with you. Please contact us to learn about our long-term payment options and community programs that can help you get back on your feet.

The co-op is offering to waive late fees and allow member-owners the option to delay payment. You are still responsible for the energy you use, but we are giving you more time to figure out how to move forward.

For the safety of our workers and community members, we made the tough decision to close our offices to the public. We are, however, keeping our drive-thru window service open.

While we have allowed our employees to work remotely where possible, the co-op is maintaining its vital business operations.

I strongly encourage you to manage your account from your home, in compliance with the statewide order to stay at home. If you haven’t done so yet, download our app, which is packed with tools to help you monitor and curb your energy use. We are still available by phone and online to respond to any questions or requests regarding your service.

Also, you can continue to count on us to respond to service calls 24-7.

Our crews remain available to address

outages and to conduct scheduled maintenance ensuring our system’s reliability.

The co-op’s leadership is monitoring advice from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and our state and local governments.

We will adjust our practices as needed to follow their guidance.

I’m not sure what life will look like in the days ahead or even a year from now.

But I take solace in what I hold to be true about our community. We are resilient.

We will adapt. We will get through this.

Even as official mandates call for us to “stand apart,” I believe — now more than ever before — our community is more powerful together as we all search for light in the darkness of COVID-19.

How to connect with us è Call us at 252-209-2236. è Sign up for the co-op’s free mobile app to manage your account and make payments.

To download the app, text “ROANOKE” to 797979. è Visit our website, roanokeelectric. com and use our Member Services Portal to make payments and track your energy use. è Stop by the co-op’s drop box or drive-thru window to make payments. It is open MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for bill payments.

Roanoke Electric Cooperative May 2020 17

Roanoke-0520.indd 17

4/8/20 4:35 PM

Vegetation management key to service reliability, community safety

A

S

N

Th ea

W

ith transmission and distribution lines that span more than 2,000 miles of rural landscapes, Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s vegetation management on rights of way remains a top priority.

Historically, trees have been major contributing factors in power outages, especially during hazardous weather events. To ensure the co-op’s system maintains operational efficiency, crews will begin efforts in the community to control and remove vegetation that could cause power disruptions.

“Our system’s reliability requires that there be constant clearance between trees and the thousands of miles of line in our service territory,” said Jimmy Liverman, vicepresident of operations for the co-op. “Not only are we legally responsible for practicing proper vegetation

management, but we also have an obligation to provide reliable service to our member-owners.”

Trees that grow into electric lines and woody underbrush surrounding poles can cause outages and endanger line crews.

“Vegetation management is a lot more than just trimming trees,” he added. “It helps us make power lines safer for all of our communities.”

For more information about the co-op’s right-of-way clearance and maintenance program and Right of Way Spray Schedule, visit roanokeelectric.com/ROW.

Ple rec me oc pro

D

è

è

Don’t wait. Prepare now for Hurricane Season Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 3-9, and Roanoke Electric Co-op encourages member-owners to use this occasion to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.

“North Carolina is one of the leading states for overall damage from hurricanes, and any part of our state can be impacted by these storms, as many of our communities have experienced firsthand in recent years,” said Kirby Jordan, vice president of member services, marketing and public relations.

What follows are four valuable tips on how to prepare before the official start of hurricane season, June 1:

1

Outline a communication and evacuation plan for your family. If you have pets or any livestock, include them in your plan.

2

Create an emergency kit that includes the following: è Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag è Cash è First-aid kit

è Battery-powered radio è Flashlight è Extra batteries è Personal hygiene items è Extra clothes and blankets è Food and other supplies for pets è Enough non-perishable food, water and medication for at least three days

3

Connect with us online at roanokeelectric.com or on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to stay informed about outages and other storm information. Keep our outage reporting number handy. You can contact us at 1-800-358-9437.

4

Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings. You can also visit the mobile friendly website ReadyNC.org for tips on preparing for natural disasters, as well as real-time weather and traffic information.

18 May 2020 Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Roanoke-0520.indd 18

4/8/20 4:35 PM

è

h ws. g of

n

Glenn Brown COORDINATOR OF SAFETY AND LOSS CONTROL

A MESSAGE FOR YOU

Spring into safety

National Electrical Safety Month This is National Electrical Safety Month, and Roanoke Electric Co-op marks this occasion each May by raising awareness about electrical hazards and how best to avoid them.

Please take note of the following list of recommendations, offered to help our member-owners prevent the unfortunate occurrence of electric-related fires, property loss, injuries and fatalities.

DO: è Unplug it. Appliances, tools and other devices are still connected to electricity when they are plugged in, even if they are turned off. Turn off AND unplug all electric devices when you are finished using them. è Inspect it. Examine electrical cords often for broken connectors or fraying, and throw away any worn cords. Buy cords only approved by an independent testing laboratory. Also watch your wattage and only use light bulbs that don’t exceed the maximum wattage listed on your lamp or fixture. è Check it. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets should

be used in any area where water and electricity could mix—including kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors—and should be tested monthly. You should also check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors once a month to ensure they are working properly.

DON’T: è Overload it. Overloaded electrical circuits can cause residential fires.

Never use extension cords or multioutlet converters for appliances. All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and you should only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. è Extend it. Extension cords are not a permanent solution. If you’re using extension cords regularly, you may need extra outlets and should contact a licensed electrician.

è Touch it. Never go near or drive over a power line. If you encounter a downed line, leave the area immediately and notify us at 252-209-2236. Never place ladders, poles or other items near power lines, and don’t fly kites or drones near lines or substations.

Teach children not to put their fingers in electrical outlets, use child-proof outlet covers and keep appliances and cords away from children. Also, never touch electrical appliances with wet hands or use them near sinks, tubs, toilets or showers.

Taking heed to these simple do’s and don’ts can help keep you and your family safe.

For more safety tips and information, visit roanokeelectric.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Co-op launches new, improved website for easier navigation

ays

Roanoke Electric Co-op has launched a redesigned website, with streamlined content and improved layout for a better user experience.

)

“The new site design features local landmarks and landscapes across our six counties to give it more of a hometown feel,” said Brittany Tann, the co-op’s communications specialist.

Explore our new site and learn more about the exclusive programs and services for our member‑owners: roanokeelectric.com

The site also consolidates information about the co-op’s subsidiaries, so member-owners can access our products and services with greater ease. These subsidiaries include Roanoke Connect, The Roanoke Center and The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Project.

Roanoke Electric Cooperative May 2020 19

Roanoke-0520.indd 19

4/8/20 4:35 PM

Office Closing

Attention high school students!

Applications sought for free leadership camp

R

oanoke Electric Co-op is seeking local high school students to participate in the 2020 Cooperative Leadership Camp, June 15-19.

Interested students have until May 25 to apply. Each summer, the Cooperative Council of North Carolina conducts the week-long, overnight leadership camp for youth at the North Carolina Future Farmers of America Center in White Lake. The camp is offered at no charge for those selected to participate.

This camp features interactive workshops and presentations, outdoor recreation, leadership development, team building activities, as well as small group sessions with an emphasis on the cooperative way of doing business.

“To say I enjoyed the camp would be an understatement,” said Tyler Gupton, one of last year’s camp participants.

Gupton, a 16-year old student at Halifax Academy in Roanoke Rapids, said he

valued many aspects of the experience.

“The knowledge gained gave me a better understanding of how vital the co-ops are to the areas they serve,” he added. “Also, the experience allowed me to learn how to budget and save money easily and efficiently. Furthermore, great friendships were made and continue to this day.”

To be considered for this year’s camp, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: è Be a rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior è Be available to attend the entire leadership camp è Be willing to participate in training following participation in the camp è Demonstrate leadership potential Editor’s note: As this newsletter goes to press, the camp is still scheduled to be held. For updates or to apply, visit roanokeelectric.com/content/ cooperative-leadership-camp.

ROANOKE ELEC TRIC

Flashes Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Electric Cooperative P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910 Office: 252-209-2236 or 1-800-433-2236 For outages call: 1-800-358-9437 For online bill payment: roanokeelectric.com Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Roanoke Electric Co-op offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Normal business operations will resume on May 26.

Everyone counts!

2020 US Census is under way; Make sure you are counted! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has extended the deadline to submit responses to the 2020 US Census. You now have until Aug. 14, 2020, to respond online, by phone or by mail.

Roanoke Electric Co-op is encouraging all community members to not miss out on this opportunity to ensure they are counted.

Census results will help determine to how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for school lunch programs, health clinics, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

Visit us at roanokeelectric.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller

Carolyn Bradley

Chairman

Chester Deloatch

Robert “Nat” Riddick

Columbus Jeffers

Vice Chairman

Delores Amason Secretary-Treasurer

Millard Lee Asst. Secretary-Treasurer

Kenneth Jernigan Darnell Lee Editor: Brittany Tann President and CEO: Curtis Wynn

20 May 2020 Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Roanoke-0520.indd 20

4/8/20 4:36 PM

Here for you.

North Carolina’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.

22 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 22

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

!

OW

W

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com SUPER COUPON YOUR CHOICE CART OF 6 COLORS

30", 4 DRAWER TECH • 12,600 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity

$1 49

COMPARE TO

Snap-on

BLUE-POINT

$

$

880

MODEL: KRBC10TBPC

1

99

3

199

Item 61675 shown

• Weighs 78 lbs.

4

9

$9999 $10999

TEQ CORRECT $ 99

SAVE 60%

189

MODEL: T830018Z

ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

• Air delivery: 4.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI

$ 99

ITEM 56618/56619/56620/56617 shown

$

COMPARE TO

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC

NOW

99

$4

NOW

COMPARE TO

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT 20 GALLON, 135 PSI CHARGER OIL-LUBE Customer Rating AIR COMPRESSOR

Customer Rating

SAVE $90

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

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/30/20.

SUPER COUPON

®

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON STEEL HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE FLOOR JACK

$1 99

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24

SUPER COUPON

1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA

NOW

COMPARE TO

Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

Item 56387, 56393, 64096, 56392, 56386, 56394 #

• Wireless, tool-free and easy installation

PROMIER $ 99

*71948965 * 71948965

Side tray sold separately.

*71946310 * 71946310

LIMIT 3

99

200 LUMEN LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT

3

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

$ 99

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

$ 99

Customer Rating

$ 39

*71948366 * 71948366

Customer Rating

20% OFF

HEAVY DUTY BATTERIES AA, AAA - 24 PACK

WOW!

NOW

SAVE 730

SUPER COUPON

SAVE 93%

SAVE 65%

N

O

YOUR CHOICE

Customer Rating $

R

E

P

U

S

U

O

C

P

3041

MODEL: SC1

18999

NOW

COMPARE TO

SAVE 83%

ITEM 69594/69955/64284/42292 shown

$

PORTER-CABLE $ 99

249

MODEL: 118903799

9 $1 64 SAVE $ 85

9

ITEM 56241/64857 shown

*71950097 * 71950097

*71951134 * 71951134

*71951784 * 71951784

*71953243 * 71953243

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR NOW

$479 $

COMPARE TO

HONDA

ITEM 62523

Customer Rating

99

SAVE $ 529 $49999

1,009

MODEL: EU2000i

7AMP ELECTRIC POLE SAW 30" x 18" HARDWOOD DOLLY Customer Rating 9.5" BAR • 1000 lb. capacity

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

• 12 hour run time

NOW

$5 99

COMPARE TO

BLUE HAWK $ 99

SAVE 70%

19

MODEL: 77280

8

$ 99

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

6F T. t o

NOW

$59

99

COMPARE TO

WORX

$

$

8F T. 1 0"

Customer Rating

7999

NOW

COMPARE TO

MILWAUKEE $ 97

SAVE $ 99 39% 15

19

9998 SAVE $39

MODEL: 33700

MODEL: WG309

ITEM 68862/63190/56808/62896 shown

$1 1 99

ITEM 38970/92486/39757/60496/62398/61897 shown

*71953705 * 71953705

*71953912 * 71953912

*71954928 * 71954928

*71960883 * 71960883

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

Customer Rating

10" PNEUMATIC TIRE

1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER

$3 99

NOW

$79

$ 99 SAVE 6 50% COMPARE TO

MECHANICS GLOVES

8

$ 09

FARM & RANCH

COMPARE TO

99

$

ITEM 69385/62388/62409/62698/30900 shown

130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE

5

9999

99

$4

COMPARE TO

VALEO $ 99

14

NOW

SAVE 66%

MODEL: 25521

174

Customer Rating

NOW

$ 49

44 SAVE $94 BRIGGS & $ STRATTON MODEL: 20600 ITEM 63255/63254 shown

MODEL: FR1055

Customer Rating

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

• 1.3 GPM Customer Rating • Adjustable spray nozzle

NOW

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

ANVIL

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown

$

9 $299

6639 SAVE 54%

$

MODEL: A137HOS

3999

ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown

*71961702 * 71961702

*71963314 * 71963314

*71963700 * 71963700

*71965067 * 71965067

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

SUPER COUPON

300 LB. CAPACITY ATV/LAWN MOWER LIFT • Fits lawnmowers/ATV/ Quads with wheelbases 25" to 39" wide

$ Customer Rating

18" WORKING PLATFORM 24 FT., 18 BULB, 12 SOCKET STEP STOOL OUTDOOR LINKABLE YOUR CHOIRCE Customer Rating STRING LIGHTS OF COLO

SAVE $ 46

NOW

COMPARE TO

MAX LOAD

99

$

12147

MODEL: 38028

ITEM 60395/62325/62493/61523 shown

Customer Rating

• 350 lb. capacity

99 $74 99

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

NOW

39

99 COMPARE TO $ NEOCRAFT MODEL: 60635 ITEM 62515/66911 shown

SAVE 50%

$1 9 $

99

29

99

$21 99 $

LINK UP TO 9 STRINGS

BLACK

WHITE

ITEM 64486 ITEM 64739 63483 shown

27

99

SAVE 44% COMPARE TO

$

3998

SUPER COUPON

6AMP VARIABLE SPEED RECIPROCATING SAW Customer Rating

Blade sold separately.

COMPARE TO

PORTER-CABLE $ 98

59

MODEL: PCE360

SAVE 66%

PORTFOLIO MODEL: SLC12BK ITEM 65570/61884/62370 shown

NOW

$1 999 $

2899

*71965105 * 71965105

*71965666 * 71965666

*71966762 * 71966762

*71966797 * 71966797

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/30/20*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/30/20.

hft_carolinacountry_0520_M-REG168829.indd 1 CC05-wk.indd 23

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.

24 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 24

4/9/20 11:18 AM

One solution for oxygen at home, away, and for travel Introducing the INOGEN ONE It’s oxygen therapy on your terms No more tanks to refill. No more deliveries.

No more hassles with travel. The INOGEN ONE portable oxygen concentrator is designed to provide unparalleled freedom for oxygen therapy users. It’s small, lightweight, clinically proven for stationary and portable use, during the day and at night, and can go virtually anywhere — even on most airlines.

Reclaim Your Freedom And Independence NOW!

Call Inogen Today To Request Your FREE Info Kit

1-800-830-0523 or visit www.inogen.com

© 2020 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

CC05-wk.indd 25

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.

26 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 26

4/9/20 11:02 AM

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.

CC05-EB.indd 27

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.

28 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 28

4/8/20 12:56 PM

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Source Code. 78708 © Dream Products (Prices valid for 1yr.)

WITH EVERY STEP

Cool Comfort Clogs

1699

was $

SAVE $7.00 Now Only

9

$ 99 Easy Slip On/Off Style

Ladies’

Slip Resistant Soles

Men’s

Massaging Nodules Help: • Stimulate Vital Acupressure Points • Improve Circulation • Relieve Stress

Ventilation Keeps Feet Cool, Dry & Comfy!

FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING Connect With

website offers may vary

DreamProducts.com

*We may be required to collect sales tax. Please visit DreamProducts.com FAQ page if you need more information.

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

M-F 6am-1am CST, S-S 6am-9pm CST

when buying 2 or more

Receive A Free Surprise Gift with every order

Helps Improve Overall Health Feather-light acupressure massaging clogs have strategically placed nodules that massage and stimulate pressure points with every step. Acupressure is believed to help overall health by increasing circulation. Easy slip on/slip off clog style with ventilated design allows air to circulate, keeping moisture to a minimum and your feet dry and comfortable. Fashion import made of man-made materials, available for both men and women. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back Item

#370024 Cool Comfort Clogs Indicate Qty Under Size

Ladies’

(5) 1190 (6) 503

(7) 505

Men’s

(8) 507

(9) 509

(10) 255

(8) 507

(9) 509

(10) 255

❑ VISA

❑ MasterCard

❑ Discover®/NOVUSSMCards

Card#

/

Exp. Date

#1076 #1075

(11) 513 (12) 515

(13)1715 Name

____ Pr(s) Cool Comfort Clogs @ $9.99 pr.

$

*Add Applicable State/Local Sales Tax

$

Shipping & Handling Add $5.95 1st Pair FREE Shipping & Handling when buying 2 or more

Please Print Clearly

TOTAL

$ $

Send check/money order payable to Dream Products 412 Dream Lane, P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690

CC05-wk.indd 29

Address City

ST

Zip

Daytime Phone #

Source Code

78708

Email

4/6/20 5:12 PM

Marketplace

$11,495 - 30x40x10

EASTERN

DIVISION

Painted Enclosed Built Price (Not Shown)*

STORAGE BUILDINGS HAY BARNS HORSE BARNS GARAGES *Custom building shown.

Call for pricing.

Arco Steel Buildings 1-800-241-8339

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

www.nationalbarn.com

1-888-427-BARN (2276)

BBB A+ rating for 40 years!

Highest Quality Low Prices!

Advertise in the Marketplace Call Tom Siebrasse for more information

1-800-662-8835, ext. 2420

Protective Sleeves: 100% Guaranteed

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

All sizes available!

40

Years

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

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

armchaps.com • 651-492-4830

KILL LAKE WEEDS Before

After

10 lb. bag treats up to 4,000 sq.ft. $94.00.

50 lb. bag treats up to 20,000 sq.ft. $345.00.

FREE SHIPPING! Certified and approved for use by state agencies.

State permit may be required.

Registered with the Federal E. P. A.

KillLakeWeeds.com Order online today, or request free information.

Our 65th year

AQUACIDE CO.

PO Box 10748, DEPT 57K White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

30 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-wk.indd 30

4/6/20 5:12 PM

Marketplace

Vacation Rental

For Sale

Gold Maps

HATTERAS CABANAS—Oceanview—Surf Fishing— Dogs Allowed Call Manager office -1-800-338-4775 ask for info on #23

5.9AC-DEAD END, COUNTY MAINTAINED ROAD, hard wood, cleared building site, has perked.

Private—$54,000 call 502-484-3652

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

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

Real Estate HURRICANE SURVIVOR! Beautiful contemporary 2 bedroom house for sale by owners on Ocracoke Island, NC. Very secluded. See: bit.ly/170-Brughs-Rdg-Ocracoke-NC WE BUY NORTH CAROLINA LAND — Cash paid quickly.

Farmland, timberland, hunting land. Any size. No lots in developments. Local buyer, have cash, looking for long term investment, recreation and conservation. For quickest offer and closing: www.nclandbuyers.com or 910-239-8929 WANTED: SELF STORAGE FACILITIES under 100 units.

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

Free FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH/GOVERNMENT UNITING. Suppressing “Religious Liberty”, enforcing a “National Sunday Law”. Be informed! Need mailing address only. TBSM, Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 1-888-211-1715.

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

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

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

Business Opportunities PROSPERITY HOME NETWORK! Unlimited Direct/ Residual Commissions! Please Call 858-901-4066 | www.ProsperityHomeNet.work

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

Miscellaneous RECOVERY HELPLINE for DRUGS or ALCOHOL. If you or someone you love suffers from addiction, call the Helpline for treatment options. 877-467-4825.

CASH PAID FOR OLD FISHING LURES–Call Rick Hutton 704-695-4917 PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR—$12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills—$12.95. Both $24.

Davidsons, 6727C Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204. 913-262-4982.

The N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives and its member cooperatives do not endorse the services and products advertised. Readers are advised to understand fully any agreement or purchase they make. To place a classified ad: carolinacountry.com/classifieds

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

CC05-wk.indd 31

4/6/20 5:12 PM

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

CC05-tv.indd 32

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

CC05-tv.indd 33

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

CC05-wk.indd 34

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

DLGRC_0

Introducing the highest standard medical alert.

“The only medical alert device that I recommend for your safety.”

John Walsh, Safety Advocate

G

1-866-490-8928

6

T SAV I N G S

Exclusive discount for members.

To order or learn more, call GreatCall

%

OFF

ER

ES

R FE

50

BI G

5

No long-term contracts No cancellation fees No equipment to install

Available in-store or online at:

D TIME OF ITE

EV

Now you can feel independent at home or on the go. In any unsafe or uncertain situation, just press the button to speak to highly-trained 5Star® Urgent Response Agents 24/7.

The new Lively™ Mobile Plus has the fastest call response time¹, most reliable coverage powered by the nation’s largest and most dependable wireless network² and enhanced GPS accuracy to confirm your location. It’s also one of the most affordable mobile medical alert systems you can purchase³.

Agents will confirm your location, assess the situation and send help for any emergency, big or small. And with GreatCall’s Fall Detection4 service, Agents can send help even if you’re unable to press the button.

The small, waterproof design is easy to carry anywhere you go. With no landline required, you’re not restricted to your home, and it has long-lasting battery life. And for a limited time get 50% off, so you can stay connected, safe and healthy.

LIM

”

All-new

Save 60 per year on the Preferred or Ultimate Plan.

or visit

greatcall.com

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.

AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

DLGRC_018779_R1_20200427_LIVELY_MOBILE_PLUS_CAROLINA_COUNTRY_MAY.indd 1 CC05-wk.indd 35

3/30/20 2:45 PM 4/6/20 5:12 PM

CC05-wk.indd 36

4/6/20 5:12 PM