2020-07-PEMC

INSIDE ENERGY-SAVING PROGRAMS | BACK COVER BUNDLE AND SAVE

JULY 2020

Powerful Programs Piedmont Electric is here to help you flex your energy and money-saving muscles.

INSIDE Our energy-saving programs do all the heavy lifting.

PERIODICAL

BACK COVER Bundle and save on your electric bill.

www.pemc.coop | 800.222.3107

Piedmont-0720 WRAP.indd 1

6/9/20 5:56 PM

Let us do the

heavy lifting

Our load management programs do all the work for you. All you have to do is sign up and let us help you save energy.

If you’re looking for easy ways to save money on your electric bill, take a look at some of our programs that are perfect for a “set it and forget it” approach.

LOAD MANAGEMENT: WATER HEATER Your water heater is another big energy user and we can help you better manage it too! With this program, Piedmont Electric will turn off your water heater during peak times: 1-6 p.m. in the summer and 6-10 a.m. in the winter.

Plus, since your water heater holds a reserve of hot water in the tank, you likely won’t even notice when your water heater is turned off! By LOAD MANAGEMENT: AIR CONDITIONING When you sign up for load management, we’ll help you

participating in the program, you’ll earn $1.00/ month all year long.

reduce your energy use by automatically cycling your

Sign up for both load management programs for

air conditioner compressor off and on during very hot

maximum savings! You can learn more about

weather when high energy use is expected for our entire

each of them at pemc.coop/load-management.

co-op. Generally this will occur between 1-6 p.m. on weekdays only.

Your HVAC fan will continue to run to help you stay comfortable, plus it requires no work for you after you sign up as we will set the control for you.

As a bonus, you’ll receive a one-time $25 credit on your bill and a water heater insulation kit with minimum one-year participation in the program when you sign up for the water heater load management program.

Not only does this help all of our members save money,

SMA Are

If yo

prog

you’

allow

but it also puts money back in your wallet! The amount

a few

of time you’re willing to let your air conditioning stay off

help

directly correlates with how much money you’ll receive back during the summer months.

Of co

You can choose between the following three tiers:

temp

• Load Management: pays $2.50/month* and your compressor is cycled off about 7 minutes and back on for about 14 minutes.

you’

any

part

• Load Management Plus: Pays $5.00/month* and your compressor is cycled off about 14 minutes and back on for about 7 minutes.

Once

reba

from

• Total Management: Pays $7.50/month* and your compressor remains off for the entire control period.

pem

*Program pays 4 months per year.

For avai

As a bonus, you’ll receive a one-time $25 credit on your bill with minimum one-year participation in the program when you sign up for the air conditioning load management program.

Piedmont-0720 WRAP.indd 2

6/9/20 5:56 PM

July 2020

The magazine of

Your Favorite

Swimmin’ Spots page 10

Published by

NC co-ops drive growth in local economies page 8

How to track energy use at home page 22

PERIODICAL

Piedmont Electric offers energy programs that benefit you, the member—pages 17–20 July covers.indd 15

6/10/20 2:13 PM

A gemstone 10,000 times rarer than diamonds

B. C.

PRAISE FOR STAUER LARIMAR RINGS

“There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to describe the beauty and excellence of this ring. Buy it, do not wait.” — C., Longwood, FL

A.

D.

“You can’t take her to the Caribbean, so bring the Caribbean to her.”

Over 7 carats of ethereal larimar— from the Dominican Republic Jewelry shown is not exact size

F

So rare, you can only find it one place on earth. Two, if you count Stauer!

F

ew have ever seen a larimar stone, and far fewer still are fortunate as to actually own this rare gem with the gorgeous blue colors of the Caribbean. The gemstone comes only from a single remote mountainside, in the Dominican Republic, on a single kilometer, and is not found anywhere else in the world.

This makes larimar 10,000 times rarer than diamonds. But luckily, the prices are not controlled by a syndicate so this rare stone is still affordable, as long as you know where to look. You’ve come to the right place, we are your ticket to paradise.

We’ve crafted rare larimar into remarkable jewelry that’s also remarkably affordable. Each stone in our Sea of Love Larimar Collection is a picture of perfect swirling blue. Nature guarantees that no two larimar gemstones will be exactly alike, each has a wispy white swirl that looks like the highest clouds on a sun-filled day.

You could spend well over $500 for a larimar ring set in sterling silver. But why would you when you can bring her this gorgeous stone for an exclusive Stauer price.

Her Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed. If she’s not swept away, simply return your purchase for a refund of the item price.

Mother Nature has given us such a small quantity of this beautiful stone and there is no way to replenish the few carats that are available. Don’t miss the boat on this one.

Sea of Love Larimar Collection

A. Ring (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ............................... $299 $99* Save $200 B. Earrings (5 ctw) ..............................$299 $99* Save $200 C. Pendant (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ..........................$299 $129* Save $170 18" Sterling Silver Cable Chain ........... $59 D. 7 ¹⁄2" Bracelet (7 ³⁄4 ctw) .....................$299 $129* Save $170 Pendant, Chain, Earrings & Bracelet $956 $279 Save $677 Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collecion.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code SLC138-01

Rating of A+

You must use the offer code to get our special price. * 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. SLC138-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

• Larimar from the Dominican Republic • .925 sterling silver settings • Ring: whole sizes 5-10 • Earrings: Post back

Sta uer … A f f or d the E x tr aor d i nar y.®

CC07-wk.indd 2

6/10/20 2:50 PM

O

Volume 52, No. 7

14

10

Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 22 On the House 28 NC Outdoors 30 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Music

24

10 14 24 26

Your Favorite Swimmin’ Spots Reader memories of cool waters on hot summer days.

This Story Is All About Blue Crabs

Rebecca Story makes crabbing a family affair.

Chasing the Flag

Heath Trigg is fulfilling a dream at Heritage Flag Co.

On the Cover Clayton based illustrator Jim Brown (jimbrownillustration.com) depicts a scene that is likely very familiar to many readers, calling to mind hot summer days when folks flocked to their favorite spots to cool off. Read about swimming spot memories starting on page 10.

Crab Pot Christmas in July

These decorations are crafted ‘Down East’ year-round

Carolina Compass on Hold This month, we once again did not include our typical events listings due to ongoing cancellations resulting from COVID-19. We look forward to resuming events listings when appropriate.

July 2020 | 3

CC07-wk.indd 3

6/10/20 2:55 PM

Viewpoints

Growing Our Economy, Together

By Winston Howell

North Carolina has a rich history in manufacturing that dates back to the late 1800s. Since electric co-ops formed across rural North Carolina some 80 years ago, they have been a driving force in continuing that tradition —l ong before “economic development” was even a term.

Although metropolitan areas of the country continue to recruit and successfully land new projects, rural communities are also sharing in the success, and electric co-ops continue efforts to bolster local economies today. Growing our economy in a smart and responsible manner is an initiative that most groups and communities can unite on for the betterment of their citizens. Being environmentally conscious and fiscally responsible are the keys to making sure economic development projects start and end successfully.

Rural North Carolina offers many advantages to companies seeking to benefit from our pro-business environment. Several certified industrial and business parks are only a short drive to major interstates, ports and airports throughout the state. Our community college and university systems are some of the best in the country, and they work closely with new and existing industries to provide specialized instruction for a well-trained workforce. The state’s bountiful natural resources from the mountains to the coast are a bonus for companies that enjoy the pace of rural living, but also appreciate a short drive to suburban and urban hubs such as Raleigh and Charlotte.

Electric co-ops play an integral role in economic development throughout the state and are normally included in the early stages of a request for information from prospective companies. Our

team of economic developers has worked successfully to help bring and grow an array of successful companies to our communities (see page 8 for more information). Attention to detail, transparency, competitive and customized rates, and a true “bootson-the-ground” approach make electric co-ops a valuable ally to companies in our service territories.

We believe in forming lasting partnerships with our member-owners that go beyond just being their electric provider.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have consistently been among the top performers across the country in providing funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loans and Grant (REDLG) program to new and existing business to help spur economic growth. The REDLG program has proved to be a critical financial resource, allowing us to partner with businesses and counties to create thousands of jobs across the state.

We also understand that companies expect more than just affordable and reliable power to meet their electric demands. They want to be assured that we are meeting their needs in an environmentally responsible manner.

Our Brighter Future initiative ensures we are doing that by providing more carbon-free generation to all of our member-owners. With more than 60 percent of our current fuel mix coming from carbon-free generation resources, we can proudly say we are working responsibly to provide safe, affordable and reliable power to our members.

Among the many lessons learned over the past several months is a need to be more reliant on local sources to meet our manufacturing needs. The COVID-19 pandemic placed a significant strain on the supply chain for products that were in high demand and manufactured in other countries. The way companies operate will also change as we move out of this pandemic. A focus on telework options will allow companies to gain efficiencies while attracting and retaining employees that enjoy the flexibility of that type of work environment.

As we all transition into a different type of normal operations due to COVID-19, we look forward to working with new and existing business and industry to make North Carolina a better place to live and work.

Winston Howell is CEO of Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Cooperative, based in Tarboro.

Visit ncelectriccooperatives.com/economic for more information about economic development resources from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives.

4 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-wk.indd 4

6/10/20 2:59 PM

THIS MONTH:

Cooling Off If anything makes the heat of summer more bearable, it’s time on the water. In this issue we’re happy to share reader memories of their favorite swimming holes —s ome from days past, some more recent —a s well as a few stories from our coast. Also, don’t miss news on how electric co-ops across the state are helping build local economies, bringing in new investments and new jobs.

—Scott Gates, editor

Glimmers of Hope

Bright spots during the pandemic My day is made when the sun is shining and I can go for a walk or read a book. That can make worries go away, if just for a few minutes.

Marla Bryant, Pinnacle A member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

Jolann and Lucky the chicken My grandchildren, Brayson, Brenlyn and Jolann, enjoyed their time in isolation together in the backyard with their chickens. My husband, Donald, and I are proud to be members of REA for 52 years.

Patsy Lovelace, Morganton A member of Rutherford EMC

My new grandson was born April 23 in Miami, Florida, in the midst of a pandemic such as we have never seen before. His beautiful little face and the bright look in his eyes makes everything all right.

Rosalie Okaty, Rutherfordton A member of Rutherford EMC

Knowing that God is in control gives me hope. I put all my trust in Him and know things will go as he plans.

Mary Newton, Rougemont A member of Piedmont Electric

Morning Energy I love the No-Bake Energy Bites (May 2020, page 33) with a cup of coffee in the mornings. I wouldn’t change a thing about them … perfect.

Susan Wagman, submitted via carolinacountry.com

Published monthly by

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

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Has your address changed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

Read monthly in more than 700,000 homes

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

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

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

July 2020 | 5

CC07-wk.indd 5

6/10/20 3:45 PM

More Power

Kari Cobb, a career technology and STEM teacher at Northside High School in Onslow County, was hosted by Jones-Onslow EMC through Kenan Fellows in 2018.

Connecting Teachers with Electric Co-ops Haywood EMC and Tri-County EMC to host Kenan Fellows Two North Carolina electric cooperatives are mentoring local teacher leaders through a continuing partnership with the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University.

Haywood EMC will partner with Noal Castater, a career technical education teacher at Waynesville Middle School, for a three-week internship based at their office in Waynesville. Castater has been teaching for 19 years, is National Board certified and is a repeat recipient of Bright Ideas grants from Haywood EMC. “Sponsoring a Kenan Fellow is another way for Haywood EMC to give back to the communities we serve by providing opportunities to educators through a unique program that allows them to gain knowledge, as well as experience the day-to-day workings of an electric utility, which they can in turn pass along their students who one day may become employees of an electric cooperative such as Haywood EMC,” said Haywood EMC CEO and Executive Vice President Tom Batchelor.

Tri-County EMC will partner with Erica Levai, a science teacher at James Kenan High School in Duplin County, who will spend three weeks learning from mentors at the co-op’s office in Dudley. Levai has been teaching for 10 years and said the experience will provide new tools and resources to connect students with relevant experiences in the classroom.

“Tri-County EMC is committed to the educational Year-long Kenan flourish of students in the fellowships communities we serve, and we are thrilled to have Ms. equip teachers Levai join us this summer to help students to expand her knowledge of our electric cooperasee real‑world tive,” said Tri-County EMC relevance in General Manager Mike Davis.

“This partnership with the their lessons.

Kenan Fellows Program is a

Noal Castater

Erica Levai

wonderful opportunity not only for the cooperative and Ms. Levai, but the students as well.”

The year-long Kenan fellowships equip teachers to help students see real-world relevance in their lessons and be prepared for the future through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. Both Castater and Levai will partner with mentors and industry experts at their host cooperatives to explore how power is generated and delivered to members and communities. They will also learn about the cooperative business model and how electric co-ops are using innovation to meet and exceed the needs of their members. The educators will integrate these learnings into the lessons they teach students and develop a classroom project that will be implemented during the school year.

Including Castater and Levai, North Carolina electric cooperatives have sponsored and hosted nine Kenan Fellows since 2014.

—Jennifer Heiss, North Carolina Electric Cooperatives

For more information about the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, visit ncelectriccooperatives.com/kenan.

6 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-EB.indd 6

6/10/20 11:51 AM

More Power

Co-op Website Lists Resources for COVID‑19 Hardships

.

Hurricane Season Expected to be ‘Busy’ Two models have predicted an active hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.

NC State University researchers predict this hurricane season will see 18 to 22 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin, which includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The long-term (1951 to 2019) average of named storms is 11, and the short‑term (1995 to 2019) average is 14.

Of those named storms, eight to 11 may grow strong enough to become hurricanes (the historical average is six), with the possibility of three to five storms becoming major hurricanes.

The NC State prediction is slightly higher than that of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which expects 13 to 19 named storms, three to six of which may become major hurricanes.

NOAA

Hurricane Dorian over North Carolina in 2019

An overview of important resources for electric cooperative members and small business owners in need of assistance due to COVID-19 is now available on ncelectriccooperatives.com/covid.

The site includes information on support programs available in North Carolina, including energy, utility and childcare assistance. A “Cooperatives Care” section of the site also details cooperative initiatives throughout the state that aid COVID-19 response.

“As locally based power providers, electric cooperatives have the flexibility to work closely with members to develop tailored efforts to reduce financial burden,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, chief operating officer and senior vice president of Association Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“We recognize that this is an extremely challenging time for many cooperative

members, and we will continue to provide a wide range of assistance and resources to the people and communities we serve.”

Cooperatives across the state continue to work with members to address specific needs through payment plans, special billing programs and other measures.

Members experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to reach out to their electric cooperative directly regarding their individual circumstances.

Have you seen spotted lanternfly?

See it.

Snap it.

Report it.

If you think you have seen Spotted Lanternfly please contact the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services at: badbug@ncagr.gov

1-800-206-9333

Please visit https://www.ncagr.gov/SLF for more information Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture

July 2020 | 7

CC07-EB.indd 7

6/10/20 4:31 PM

More Power

NC Co-ops Position for New Economic Development Opportunities Efforts bring jobs and investments to rural communities

B

Emily Williams, Bladen Journal

usinesses and regional economies thrive when communities come together and make critical investments. Electric co-ops have long been a driving force for that growth in North Carolina, leveraging federal, private and public funding to make economic development projects a reality. But to keep pace with today’s market pressures and rapid change, cooperatives must be even more prepared to capture opportunities that bring good jobs and new capital investment into their communities.

“The southeast United States is the ‘Major Leagues’ of competitive economic development,” said Ryan Nance, director of Economic Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Companies decide where they will expand or relocate based on in-depth evaluations of a region’s assets and risk factors. Electric co-ops and local leaders are winning deals because they are making proactive investments that build upon a region’s assets and mitigating risk that impedes industry growth.”

Integra Foods management staff review plans for the Bladenboro plant.

Recent projects Richmond County | Impact Plastics

Bladen County | Integra Foods

Edgecombe County | Corning

Served by Pee Dee Electric

Served by Four County EMC

Served by Edgecombe-Martin County EMC

In April, Pee Dee Electric and Richmond County announced a $3.5 million expansion of Impact Plastics. It will occupy a newly constructed shell building in the Rockingham West Industrial Park.

Pee Dee has invested in five Richmond County shell buildings — all with active businesses ranging from advanced textiles to distribution centers.

Four County EMC and Bladen County recently announced the successful launch of Integra Foods in the Bladenboro Industrial Park. A specialty foods startup, Integra has already created 35 jobs and invested $1.5 million into the project. The company exports its smoked turkey leg products to Japan and other Asian markets.

Construction is now complete for Corning’s new distribution center in Edgecombe County that will employ more than 100 full-time jobs.

The $89 million operation is served

by Edgecombe-Martin County EMC.

d

More to come

NC Electric Cooperatives’ 5-Year Impact $57 million in grants and loans for economic development* * Facilitated by electric co-ops through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program

ng in

3

2

6

2

2

4

6

6 2

3

6

2

3

3

3 2

2 3

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

5

3 5

3

Collectively, these competitive projects represent the opportunity for

3

Contributed to projects resulting in

More than

5,000 jobs

More than

$1 BILLION

in new capital investment

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are currently tracking 53 active business recruitment projects.

“Several cooperative-served industrial properties have made the short list of these prospects, and members are directly supporting their local economic development teams to attract these companies,” Nance said.

COMMUNITY

ENERGY

EDUCATION

INDUSTRIAL

More than

More than

new jobs

in new capital investment

7,550

$2.5 BILLION

8 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-wk.indd 8

6/10/20 3:05 PM

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

OR YOUR MONEY BACK

GUARANTEED!

15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE LEAFFILTER PURCHASE*

D

’S

GU

TT

1

R

E

N

TH

Exclusive Offer – Redeem By Phone Today!

NATIO

ER GUA

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-440-9814 LIFETIME WARRANTY

www.LeafFilter.com/15off

*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.”

Promo Code: 73

ADDITIONALLY

10% OFF SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

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.

NEVER SEAL YOUR WOOD OR CONCRETE AGAIN

PERMANENT ONE-TIME SOLUTION

BEFORE

25% OFF WITH THIS AD

CC07-wk.indd 9

AFTER

BEFORE

• We clean, restore & permanently preserve your product.

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

• Repels mold, mildew & fungus growth.

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

• Prevents salt & alkali damage.

• Backed by technology.

AFTER

Free Estimates

844.481.6862 PermaSealUSA.com

6/9/20 2:10 PM

YOUR FAVORITE

Swimmin’ Spots Memories of cool waters on hot summer days In March, we asked our readers to share stories and memories of their favorite swimming spots. We received close to 150 submissions, each and every one a gem. Although we are only able to share a few here, we hope they bring you as much joy as they did us.

Jim Brown Illustration

A Special Place

Our Little Mermaid

Boiling Springs Lake is a small community in Brunswick County.

Our family started going there a few years ago. We swim, ride our small pedal boat (and count it as exercise), or simply float on a floatie and relax away our weekly woes. The lakes are spring-fed so the water is clear, with a hint of red due to minerals in the water. As our grandchildren were born, we had more and more people in our group. Our youngest grandchild was born four years ago. She’s a January baby, so by the time summer came, she was ready to go in the water. We call her our Little Mermaid.

We get out of the car, and we barely have time to put some sunscreen on her before she runs into the water.

On September 15, 2018, Hurricane Florence’s rains burst two of the dams at the lakes. Thankfully, Spring Lake (“our” lake) was not damaged. We have held birthday parties there, and we have simply enjoyed the lake water cooling our bodies and minds on many a hot, summer day.

Martha Russ, Shallotte, a member of Brunswick Electric

Woosh! Ahh … the fresh summer breeze.

My special place is Pamlico Beach.

I can feel the soft grass brushing up against my toes.

I can see far out into the light blue skies.

I can taste hushpuppies and freshly cooked barbecue. I can hear the waves slamming into the rocks. I can also smell the fresh summer breeze.

Pamlico Beach is important to me because my family is always having parties there, and sometimes we bring out floats for the river. I like to swim in the river and swim in the hot tub with my cousins.

Pamlico Beach is my special place: I feel happy and safe there.

Paisley Daniels, submitted by her grandmother Donna Parker, Belhaven, a member of Tideland EMC

Paisley (far right) with cousins Annalane and Emory at Pamlico Beach

Off the Paddleboard My favorite swimming spot is Falls Lake in Wake Forest. I like Falls Lake because you can fish for many hours (and if you have any luck, you may catch some fish). I like to fish with my dad and brother. Did you know that the perfect time to fish is at dusk?

Another thing that you can do at Falls Lake is kayaking. I have seen many people kayaking at the lake. I hope Dad will buy me a kayak.

You can also paddleboard. When I was younger, Dad used to take my brother and me paddleboarding, and when I was 4 or 5, Dad started throwing me off the paddleboard, and I would swim back. When I was close, he would hold the paddle out for me.

10 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 10

6/10/20 3:02 PM

Swimming Hole Celebration

Dad’s paddleboard launch

Jim Brown Illustration

Once I grabbed it, he would pull me back to the paddleboard. It was so much fun. I also liked to get on my dad’s shoulders and jump into the lake. Another thing you can do at the lake is ride in boats. I really want to go fishing from a boat, and when I get older I want to ride a wave zoomer and a jet ski.

Marco Ortiz, Wake Forest, a member of Wake Electric

Under My Leaning Tree My favorite swimming spot is a little piece of Heaven on the Pamlico River.

My great-grandfather bought a small farm in Blount’s Creek in the early 1940s. Five generations have enjoyed swimming there. There is a cypress tree growing at the shoreline that has been there as long as I can remember. The tree stands tall but leans. I call it my “leaning tree.” As a small girl, my cousins and I would look for fish and crabs by the cypress knees. As a teenager, I would sit there sunning and contemplating my future. I have enjoyed watching my children play there. As a middle-aged woman, I look forward to returning to my roots there when I retire. The sound of the tide coming in and going out soothes my soul.

Lois Beck, Williamston

Head Down to Creek Town The kids call it Creek Town. To get there, follow the steep footpath through our wooded backyard until you see the warm, sandy beach where the river turns. It’s a great place for sandcastle building. If you came to swim, you’ll have to wade past the “Twin Shark Rocks” with their ovalshaped heads guarding the bank. In the shallow areas, you can shovel sand from the bank and form an island. Upstream there is a mining site where the kids harvest the rich, North Carolina clay to build fairy houses and clay tablets imprinted with crawfish and other artifacts for the Creek Town Nature Museum.

Once, there was a frog hotel — a series of linked pools in a clover shape — but it was washed away in the last heavy rain. Every creek swimming hole has to have a rope swing; ours hangs down from a fallen pine tree. If you hold on tight, you can slide around on the flat, smooth rocks below.

Some days are better for fishing than swimming. On those days, grab your fishing pole and head down to Creek Town for some catfish, crawfish, small bass or sunfish.

When I was 5 years old and my sister was 7, our family had just finished picking the last field of cotton. It was almost noon so Mama suggested we carry our lunch to the swimming hole to celebrate. Daddy led us into the nearby woods and down a steep path into a cavernous creek bed where the air was noticeably cooler. We followed an almost invisible ribbon of clear water flowing through thousands of small pebbles to a low waterfall. Here, it babbled and spilled over a rocky ledge into a bed of boulders forming a 2- to 4-foot deep pool. My sister and I sat on the ledge, dangling our feet and eating lunch as we quietly listened to birds chirping in the towering canopy overhead.

We were mesmerized by the pool’s perpetual movement as the waters rose, overflowed, and merrily continued down the creek bed.

As we examined the fist-sized cupped holes in the boulders, Daddy explained Indians had once ground acorns into flour there. Then we waded into the breathtaking coolness of the swimming hole’s refreshing waters.

Carol Thomas, Wadesboro, a member of Rutherford EMC

Shannon Mills, Wake Forest, a member of Wake Electric

July 2020 | 11

CC07-tv.indd 11

6/10/20 3:03 PM

Clubhouse Under the Falls

A Peaceful Spot Sunburst Swimming Hole in Canton is a quiet, peaceful spot where you can swim or just relax. Bring a picnic lunch, blanket and chairs to enjoy an easy day along the river bank. Never crowded, but always enjoyable. Sit back and listen to the sounds of nature, while families frolic in the water. If adventurous, you can jump off a rock into a deep pool.

When I was a kid, we found a small waterfall on a local creek deep in the woods. My brothers and I got a great idea! We found an old 4- by 8-foot piece of plywood and inserted it at the top of the waterfall, and we used two pieces of wood to hold up the other end of the plywood. We arranged rocks on the edge of the plywood to keep it in place, and lo and behold, water from the creek flowed over the plywood and cascaded off the other end, making a perfect waterfall that completely hid the plywood under

Mary Kay Cox, Four Oaks, a member of South River EMC

Joseph Fariello, Waynesville, a member of Haywood EMC

Makeshift Dam

Memories of the Mud My father’s favorite swimming spot was located in Stone Wall Springs, in the Sandy Cross area, between Pleasant Grove and Green Level.

Getting a swim on an active farm was considered a small luxury. After Poppy enlisted in the U.S. Army and returned home, he said that the memories of the friends and the mud [of that swimming spot] was a comfort to him during his service during the Korean conflict.

Robert Jeffers, Burlington, a member of Piedmont Electric

on muddy, gooey pond clay.

Our senior year, on the last school day, Beth, Jill, Alice and I headed to Fry’s Lake to go swimming with our other classmates. It had the highest metal sliding board I think I had ever seen. I remember climbing to the top and wanting to climb back down, because I was so high up, but the ladder was full of other classmates. I closed my eyes and prayed I wouldn’t die when I hit the water. I survived, but didn’t dare climb up again!

Platforms to jump off of in the middle of the water were so much fun.

Snow cones to eat, wooden boards to sunbathe on, and being with friends made the day perfect!

the cascade of water. Then we would temporarily hold a piece of wood on the plywood to divert the flow so we could climb underneath this new clubhouse without getting wet.

When we removed the piece of wood, we had a full waterfall that hid us underneath the plywood. There was also a natural pool of water formed by the original waterfall that we used as a swimming hole. This made the perfect place for us to play and swim.

We even had fun catching and releasing crawfish that lived in the creek.

Great memories!

When I was a teenager living at home in Wadeville, I had a favorite swimming spot, which was in a creek that ran beside my daddy’s garden. My niece, nephew and I would take rocks, gravel, old logs and sand and dam up a spot deep and wide enough for us to play in. We would help my dad chop the garden. On a really hot day, when we got through chopping, we’d run and jump into the swimming hole. We had on our bathing suits under our work clothes. Oh, what a relief it was in the cold water! I’m 90 years old now and remember those good ol’ days.

Jewel Byrd, Wingate, a member of Union Power Cooperative

Roger Tench, Huntersville, a member of EnergyUnited

Walking on Clouds My favorite swimming spot growing up was Fry’s Lake in Cabarrus County. As a teenager, I thought I was in heaven if I got to go swimming there on a Saturday.

Fry’s Lake had a sand bottom and no chlorine pool water, just water that you could not see through. What fun it was to feel that soft sand sifting through my toes. I felt like I was walking on clouds instead walking

Jewel with her younger niece, Linda Madaris Franklin, and nephew, Tim Madaris

carolinacountry.com/extras Discover more of our readers favorite swimmin’ spots across the state.

12 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 12

6/10/20 3:03 PM

We’re Bringing Flexy Back

The Stauer Flex gives you vintage style with a throwback price of only $79.

J

ust like a good wristwatch movement, fashion is cyclical. And there’s a certain wristwatch trend that was huge in the 1960s and then again in the 1980s, and is ready for its third time in the spotlight. We’re talking, of course, about the flexible stretch watch band.

To purchase a vintage 60s or 80s classic flex watch would stretch anyone’s budget, but you can get ahead of the crowd and secure a brand new version for a much lower price.

We’re rolling back the years AND the numbers by pricing the Stauer Flex like this, so you can put some bend in your band without making a dent in your wallet.

The Stauer Flex combines 1960s vintage cool with 1980s boardroom style. The stainless steel flex band ensures minimal fuss and the sleek midnight blue face keeps you on track with date and day subdials.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

Experience the Stauer Flex for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Time is running out. As our top selling watch, we can’t guarantee the Flex will stick around long. Don’t overpay to be êêêêê underwhelmed. “The quality of their watches Flex your is equal to many that can go right to put for ten times the price or more.” a precision — Jeff from McKinney, TX timepiece on your wrist for just $79. Call today!

The Looks of a Classic Flex Band Watch for

only $79!

TAKE 74% OFF INSTANTLY! When you use your OFFER CODE

Stauer Flex Men’s Watch $299† Offer Code Price

$79 + S&P Save $220

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

1-800-333-2045

Flexible Stretch Watch Bracelets in the News: “The bracelets are comfortable, they last forever, and they exhibit just the right balance of simplicity and over-engineering” – Bloomberg.com, 2017

Your Offer Code: FMW132-01

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

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W.,

® Ste 155, Dept. FMW132-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Rating of A+

• Precision movement • Stainless steel crown, caseback & bracelet • Date window at 6 o’clock; day window at 10 o’clock • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Stretches to fit wrists up to 8 ½"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CC07-wk.indd 13

6/9/20 2:10 PM

Rebecca Story

This Story Is All About

Blue Crabs Rebecca Story makes crabbing a family affair

Story and photos by Leah Chester-Davis unless otherwise indicated

Most mornings every week during the blue crab season, Rebecca Story, a member of Albemarle EMC, welcomes the first light of day as she eases her boat into the Yeopim River at Millie Henry’s small fishing center ramp. It’s located down a quiet back road in the Bethel community in Perquimans County.

A lone cypress dripping with Spanish moss stands nearby in the water, a sentinel of sorts, helping mark the fishing center from the long expanse of tree-lined shore. From there, Rebecca heads out to the Albemarle Sound to check about 250 of her 600 crab pots in her daily routine. She likes to be on the water by 6 a.m., heading to an area where white and green buoys, clearly marked with her name and boat registration number, bobble in the expanse of water.

Crabbers must check their pots at least every five days, a legal requirement of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

Rebecca has fished waters at the confluence of several other rivers, including the Chowan, since she was three years old, learning on her father Richard Winslow’s boat. Even so, she carefully uses GPS when she sets pots in an area that covers several miles. Her boat is loaded with tools of

the trade: roughly 20-inch x 24-inch wire crab pots, boxes that hold harvested crabs, and bait — she uses either shrimp heads or what she calls fatback or Atlantic menhaden. Some call it bug fish.

It’s physical work, baiting the pots and tossing them overboard, hauling in the catch and dumping the large wire baskets into the boxes she uses to collect each day’s catch, but Rebecca relishes her early mornings out on the water. For Rebecca, the waters along the North Carolina coast represent more than a livelihood, they help compose her life.

Family business

Blue crab season can last much of the year, but is usually at its peak from May through October. Rebecca’s catch of blue crabs — common in the state’s coastal waters, especially in the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds — will be shipped up the eastern seaboard to Ocean City, Maryland. From there the crabs may go to restaurants and

ed has fish a Story e h s e Rebecc c aters sin these w years old. ee was thr

markets in New York City. A few will end up in the fresh seafood market located in her new restaurant, Story’s Seafood Market and Grill in Hertford.

Before the crabs are shipped, they are graded according to size.

Rebecca has a strong sentimentality for all things family. She includes her children, Andrew, age 15, and Lizzy, age 18, in various tasks and jobs in her growing list of enterprises.

Thomas, age 20, works at the Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, but works with her on the boat on Saturdays.

“They can’t say they don’t know how to work, so whatever they do, I’m pretty sure they will be successful,” she says.

Rebecca’s soft-spoken nature belies her busy schedule. In addition to her crabbing business, she also owns a childcare center, and she has plans to expand the restaurant and add an outfitter and supply store for fishers.

She is also involved with activities in her church and community.

14 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 14

6/10/20 3:30 PM

Rebecca Story

Rebecca and her son Andrew

Rebecca includes her children in the crabb ing business. From left: Thomas, Lizzy, Andrew

, Paul, usband h r e h d a an ide of Rebecc in the s s e h tc no crabs. use the de blue a r g to the table

For the table

The seafood market includes the fresh-caught crabs along with other locally caught fish and shrimp from other fishers. It also includes some items, such as Atlantic salmon, which is sourced elsewhere.

The restaurant features typical fried seafood fare along with occasional features such as grilled shrimp and cheese risotto, and steamed crabs.

“Most everything in the restaurant is tied to family,” Rebecca says.

Her husband, Paul, who helps grade crabs after signing off each day from his regular job, developed the egg wash mixture that seafood is dipped in, keeping it light and letting the seafood flavors shine through. The tangy slaw is Mom LaRue’s recipe. Rebecca developed the hushpuppy mix and the recipe for the coconut shrimp. The crab bomb recipe is one she developed for a local festival, where it was a hit.

“We couldn’t keep them, and people started asking if I would make them on the side.”

They are now a popular appetizer on her menu.

While her many inland ventures keep her busy, it’s those solitary mornings out on the water where Rebecca thrives.

“I love it. To me, you’re away from everything,” she explains. “If anything goes wrong, there is nothing you can do about it because even when it’s rough out there it’s peaceful. I always feel like when I’m out there, it’s me and God. And nothing else matters. I love everything about it.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.

p blue aul dum ble.

P d n a a ta Rebecc grading nto the o s b a r c

Story’s Seafood Market and Grill facebook.com/storysseafood1 252-426-4000 131 N. Commerce Drive, Hertford

July 2020 | 15

CC07-tv.indd 15

6/10/20 3:02 PM

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Driving economic growth and job creation is one way North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are building a brighter future for rural people and communities, in this decade and beyond.

We’re equally committed to providing new energy services and promoting sustainability through innovative programs that enrich local communities.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

CEC CR 31272-07 Brighter Future Econ (7.875x10.875).indd 1 CC07-wk.indd 16

6/2/20 2:56 PM 6/8/20 12:29 PM

Connection

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION MEMBER NEWSLETTER | JULY 2020

Here for you, now and always Now that we are several months into the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to take a minute to discuss where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going. Please keep in mind this article was sent to the publisher June 2020 and this is an evolving situation. For the latest on our COVID-19 response, please visit pemc.coop/covid-19.

A quick response

When our area began to feel the impacts of the crisis, Piedmont Electric took swift action to help our members and ensure that the cooperative would continue to be able to deliver the quality service you expect.

Your cooperative suspended disconnections for nonpayment, reconnected those who had been disconnected and waived late fees. We also closed our lobbies to the public, instituted social distancing practices, enabled employees to work from home where possible and increased our cleaning practice in accordance with CDC guidelines to help protect our employees and our members.

Helping with the recovery

As stay at home orders lifted and life began the process of returning to normal, Piedmont Electric started to resume some normal business processes.

Before Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders 124 and 142, Piedmont Electric took several steps to assist those who were impacted by the pandemic and help them catch up on their past due bills. These steps included: • Applied deposits to past due balances for members.

• Establishing long-term payment arrangements that will allow members to pay their past due balances over six months without fear of being disconnected for the arrangement balance.

• Establishing COVID-19 Relief Fund campaign. At the time of this printing, we are providing more than $40,000 in energy assistance directly to members from the Helping Hand Foundation.

Continuing the recovery into the future

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented.

We know many members are still feeling the impact of job loss or reduced earnings as a result of the crisis. Your cooperative remains committed to helping these members as they work to get back on their feet.

Piedmont Electric has always been dedicated to helping members manage their energy use. This effort is more important now than ever as many continue to feel these impacts. We recommend all members visit pemc.coop/save-energy-money for more information on our energy-saving programs and services.

Your local co-op remains committed to helping our members now and always.

IMPORTANT DATES

July A Peak Demand Month As temperatures rise, so does energy use.

Be mindful to conserve energy where you can.

July 4 Independence Day Piedmont Electric offices will be closed on July 3 and employees will be on call.

August 15 Bright Ideas early bird deadline

18 Maximizing your membership 20 Energy-saving challenge

July right-of-way maintenance PERSON COUNTY Lawson Chapel Road Jim Poole Road Virgilina Road Gillis Road Antioch Church Road Mollie Mooney Road Flatwoods Road TRANSMISSION N.Roxboro to Mt.Tirzah Dixon Store Eno to Willardsville

NEED ASSISTANCE? Feel free to email us at info@pemc.coop or call us at 800.222.3107.

Annual meeting recap

On Friday, April 17, we held our first online annual meeting from our Hillsborough office. We discussed the cooperative’s accomplishments in 2019, shared our plans for the future and announced the board of directors election results. Not only was this new structure more convenient for our vast member-base, it was also much more cost-efficient, saving all our members money.

Additionally, holding our annual meeting online meant that it did not need to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A total of 1,052 members voted in our board of directions election with 315 members voting by paper ballot and 737 members voting by online ballot. The following members were elected to the Piedmont Electric Board of Directors; David Poythress (District 1), Randy Kinley (District 2), Steven Bailey (District 5) and Richal Vanhook (At-Large). The two members who won the $100 bill credits for voting in the board election were William Pennington (Hillsborough) and Robert Williams (Bahama).

Bill Barber - Chairman

If you missed our online meeting, you can watch it online at pemc.coop/annualmeeting.

JULY 2020

Piedmont-0720.indd 17

CONNECTION

|

17

6/9/20 5:55 PM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

WE’RE HERE TO

M

SERVE YOU

As a cooperative, we’re stronger when we work together. Let’s take a closer look at what we can do together to ensure you get the most out of your cooperative membership.

We’re always looking out for your best interest

One of the benefits of the nonprofit cooperative structure is that we’re made up of members, not customers. As a result, we always have your best interests in mind.

Whether you’re looking for greener energy solutions, saving energy and money or ways to better protect your home, we have programs for you!

Let’s take a closer look at three ways we can work together!

W op th 18

|

Piedmont-0720.indd 18

CONNECTION

JULY 2020

6/9/20 5:55 PM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

Maximizing your membership COMMUNITY SOLAR PROGRAM

Piedmont Electric supports renewable energy like solar power, but we know that it can be difficult to install. Our community solar program makes solar energy available to all members. This is perfect if you rent, don’t want to pay the upfront cost of installing solar yourself, or don’t have the best location for panels.

When you join community solar, you pay a monthly subscription fee of $2.50/month per panel. You can subscribe to a maximum of 15 panels and you’ll receive a credit for the amount of energy produced on your next bill.

To learn more and sign up, visit pemc.coop/communitysolar or call us at 800.222.3107.

STRIKE GUARD PROGRAM

We understand that appliances are expensive and a damaging power surge can lead to expensive repairs. That’s why we implemented our Strike Guard program which offers two-level protection against surges to reduce the risk of damage to your home electrical system and valuable electronic equipment.

With this program, you can either lease or purchase protection from Piedmont Electric and choose the plan that works best for your lifestyle and needs.

For more information about pricing, visit pemc.coop/strikeguard.

HOME CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

What would you do if you experienced an electrical system issue in your home? Most home warranties don’t cover breaker panels, light switches and receptacles, so you could be looking at an expensive fix for a critical issue. That’s where Piedmont Electric can help.

Our home connections warranty program protects you if electrical system issues arise. Once you are a part of the program, all you have to do is give us a call at 800.222.3107 and we will get this issue fixed for you.

Contact us today to find out how you can add this valuable protection.

We value each and every one of our members and will always continue to look for new opportunities that benefit you. We want every member to get the absolute most out of their membership with Piedmont Electric!

JULY 2020

Piedmont-0720.indd 19

CONNECTION

|

19

6/9/20 5:55 PM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

GAME ON! Take our 4-week energy-saving challenge

Making just one small change each week can impact your energy bill.

Want to lower your energy bill? Take our 4-week challenge where small steps add up to big savings!

When we all take small steps, it helps the whole cooperative save money and everybody wins!

WEEK 1: CHANGE OUT YOUR AIR FILTERS

When your air filters are dirty, your air conditioning unit doesn’t push as much air through the filter and as a result has to run longer to keep your home cool. Go through your home and replace all of your filters with a clean one so your air conditioner doesn’t have to run as long to cool your home. We recommend replacing your air filters once a month.

WEEK 2: REPLACE YOUR LIGHT BULBS

Did you know that LED light bulbs can last around 50 times longer than a traditional bulb? This week, take out any traditional incandescent light bulbs in your home and replace them with an LED alternative, which uses less energy and you won’t have to replace as often.

WEEK 3: ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT

For the third week of our energy-saving challenge, set your thermostat to 78°F. This will help you save on cooling costs while still keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, it’ll be even easier to set a schedule and forget it!

We recommend keeping your thermostat set at 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter.

WEEK 4: UNPLUG ELECTRONIC DEVICES THAT ARE NOT IN USE

Did you know that plugged-in appliances and electronics use energy even when they are turned off? This is known as phantom load and it can be a sneaky cause of a higher electric bill. For your final week of this energy-saving challenge, keep any electronics or appliances unplugged when they are not in use and consider using smart power strips to save energy without the hassle of having to turn off each device.

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC CONNECTION Published monthly for the members of Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation Piedmont Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pay account and access account information by phone 24-hours-a-day by calling 800.222.3107 Voice instructions will direct you through the system.

2500 NC Highway 86 South PO Drawer 1179 Hillsborough, NC 27278

20

|

Piedmont-0720.indd 20

CONNECTION

Stephen B. Hamlin President and CEO DIRECTORS Bill R. Barber, Chairman Vacant, Vice Chairman Sam T. Woods, Secretary Richal Vanhook, Treasurer Steven P. Bailey, Randy Kinley, Stephen C. Long, Andrew M. Oakley, David Poythress, Elizabeth Townsend & Cyrus Vernon

IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT, CALL US OR TEXT US AT 800.222.3107 Opt in for text alerts by texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107. Once you’ve opted in, report an outage by texting “#out” to 800.222.3107 or "#status" for an update on your outage.

Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the number connected to your account by completing the form that comes with your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.

Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for our system to recognize new cell phone numbers in the text outage alert program.

JULY 2020

6/9/20 5:55 PM

Un o 13 pen 8 Y ed ea fo rs! r

Discovered! Unopened Bag of 138-Year-Old Morgan Silver Dollars Coin experts amazed by “Incredible Opportunity”

 Historic Morgan Silver Dollars  Minted in New Orleans  Struck and bagged in 1882  Unopened for 138 years  26.73 grams of 90% fine silver  Hefty 38.1 mm diameter  Certified Brilliant Uncirculated

The Morgan Silver Dollar is the most popular and iconic vintage U.S. coin. They were the Silver Dollars of the Wild West, going on countless untold adventures in dusty saddlebags across the nation. Finding a secret hoard of Morgans doesn’t happen often—and when it does, it’s a big deal.

by NGC

 Certified “Great Southern

Treasury Hoard” pedigree

How big? Here’s numismatist, author and consultant to the Smithsonian® Jeff Garrett: “It’s very rare to find large quantities of Morgan Silver Dollars, especially in bags that have been sealed... to find several thousand Morgan Silver Dollars that are from the U.S. Treasury Hoards, still unopened, is really an incredible opportunity.”

-Jeff Garrett But where did this unique hoard come from? Read on...

Morgans from the New Orleans Mint

In 1859, Nevada’s Comstock Lode was discovered, and soon its rich silver ore made its way across the nation, including to the fabled New Orleans Mint, the only U.S. Mint branch to have served under the U.S. government, the State of Louisiana and the Confederacy.

In 1882, some of that silver was struck into Morgan Silver Dollars, each featuring the iconic “O” mint mark of the New Orleans Mint.

Employees then placed the freshly struck coins into canvas bags...

The U.S. Treasury Hoard

Fast-forward nearly 80 years. In the 1960s, the U.S. government opened its vaults and revealed a massive store of Morgan Silver Dollars—including full, unopened bags of “fresh” 1882-O Morgan Silver Dollars. A number of bags were secured by a child of the Great Depression—a southern gentleman whose upbringing showed him the value of hard assets like silver. He stashed the unopened bags of “fresh” Morgans away, and there they stayed...

 Limit five coins per household Actual size is 38.1 mm

third-party grading service Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and they agreed to honor the southern gentleman by giving the coins the pedigree of the “Great Southern Treasury Hoard.”

These gorgeous 1882-O Morgans are as bright and new as the day they were struck and bagged 138 years ago. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale, with those graded at least Mint State-60 (MS60) often referred to as “Brilliant Uncirculated” or BU. Of all 1882-O Morgans struck, LESS THAN 1% have earned a Mint State grade. This makes these unopened bags of 1882-O Morgans extremely rare, certified as being in BU condition—nearly unheard of for coins 138 years old.

Don’t Miss This Rare Opportunity—Order Now! Regular 1882-O Morgans sell elsewhere for as much as $133, and that’s without the original brilliant shine these “fresh” 138-yearold coins have, without their special NGC hoard designation, and without their ability to tell their full, complete story from the Comstock Lode all the way to your collection.

Given the limited quantity of coins available from this historic hoard, we must set a strict limit of five coins per household. Call quickly to secure yours today as supplies are sure to sell out quickly!

1882-O Morgan Silver Dollar NGC Certified BU from the Great Southern Treasury Hoard — $99 ea.

The Great Southern Treasury Hoard That is, until another 50 years later, when the man’s family finally decided to sell the coins— still in their unopened bags—which we secured, bag and all! We submitted the coins to respected

FREE SHIPPING on 2 or More!

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

Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-324-9125 Offer Code MSH225-01 Please mention this code when you call

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MSH225-01, 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.

CC07-wk.indd 21

6/9/20 2:10 PM

On the House

Keeping Track of Energy Use at Home

900W Gas P

11

$ $ 124

Wrangle unwanted loads with data

By Jonathan Susser

Q: A:

Having additional time at home has made me more aware of just how many devices and appliances use electricity. How can I tell how much energy they’re consuming, and what actually makes up my electric bill each month?

It’s great that you want to learn more about how your home uses energy. And as electric co-ops upgrade the power grid and new technologies arrive, it’s becoming easier and easier to do so.

First, what goes into your electric bill each month? As a rough breakdown, the average home spends about 50 percent of its bill on heating and cooling (including water heating).

Lighting and your larger appliances (refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, etc.) each make up about 10–12 percent, and the rest is filled in by the growing number of electronics and other plug-in devices.

Co-op data You have a few options for tracking the usage in your home. Many co-ops offer apps or web portals that allow you to see how much electricity you are consuming (contact your co-op for information about accessing usage data online). These typically rely on data from a smart meter, which is an advanced electric meter that both records your home’s energy use and transmits it to your co-op.

One benefit of this technology is that it captures fine-grained data unavailable with older meters, enabling you to monitor consumption by month, day or hour. Soon, you may be able to drill down even further and see near real-time changes. So, if you turned on a light or plugged in a fan, that would be reflected a few seconds later in your account.

When exploring your electricity use data, keep an eye out for any days or

Compare PowerSm PS50 $126.10

ITEM 63024/63

7 ft. 4 All Pu Resis

2

$ 9

4

$ 99

Compare Blue Hawk BG8X10-Y $8.78

ITEM 69115/691 69129/69137 69249/877 show

4-1/2"

A sample view of app-based energy use data

times that stand out, as these irregularities could indicate an issue. Some co-ops offer their own programs in which they can notify members if something seems atypical about their electricity consumption.

Other options If you don’t have a smart meter or want a more customized look, there are home electricity/energy monitoring systems. These are pricier than other solutions and require more advanced setup — you’ll likely need the help of an electrician. They use sensors and other components to connect to your breaker box and can then deliver detailed information online or through an app to help you locate your biggest energy consumers.

If you’re just concerned about particular devices or looking for something simpler, consider smart plugs. These connect to a traditional outlet and can then be used to power a device, which you can control

through an app. Certain models allow you to see how much energy that device is consuming. There are also more basic electricity usage monitors that perform similarly and use display screens to show electricity use.

One last thing to be aware of is idle or phantom loads. Many electronics and appliances consume at least some electricity whenever they are plugged in, even if turned off. Although individual devices may not use a ton of energy, when added up across your home, they can cost you more than $150 each year.

To get around these pests, unplug them when not in use or shut off the power strips they are connected to. You can also try smart plugs or a smart power strip, which has outlets that can cut power to electronics that are not running.

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

9

$ 9

14

$

Compare Ironton 61451 $19.99 ITEM 69645 60625 shown

1 SEL

#

Rapid Heav

$

89

999

$

Compare Powerbui 647593 $135.27

ITEM 56621/566 56623/56624 sh

1-1/4 Home SprayR Customer

9

$ 9

139

$

ITEM 63124 63145 shown

22 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-wk.indd 22

*Origina

6/10/20 3:08 PM

hft_carolin

WN OR COUPO SAVE 80%

WUPE

Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

5 hour run time

114

(1167)

5 9¢

1

$ 79

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 3

63cc air-cooled 2 cycle gas engine 900 starting watts and 700 running watts

*98904006 * 98904006

Compare to Rayovac BRS9LED-B $2.97

Use Online & In-Store

Use Online & In-Store

ITEM 63599/62522 63888/63884/63886 63875/69052 shown

* 98904292* 98904292

ITEM 63024/63025 shown

* 98904724* 98904724 Exp. 8/30/20*

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON Customer Rating Customer Rating Customer Rating (2044) (4801) (4564) Heavy Duty 7 ft. 4" x 9 ft. 6" Foldable Aluminum 29 Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set All Purpose/Weather Sports Chairs Resistant Tarp

10

$

2

$ 99

4

Save 65%

Use Online & In-Store

* 98905504* 98905504 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

9

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

4

5

Save 50%

Compare to Ironton 61451 $19.99

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

Use Online & In-Store

* 98908007* 98908007 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

* 98908449* 98908449 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

(539)

1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA ®

$

89

99

$

Compare to Powerbuilt 647593 $135.27 ITEM 56621/56622 56623/56624 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 98910787* 98910787 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 8/30/20*

$ 99 $ 99 10 Compare to Buffalo Tools HDFDOLLY $22.99

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

9

1399

$

ITEM 63124 63145 shown

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

$

79

9999

$ Save 28%

Use Online & In-Store

* 98913293* 98913293 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

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

$

22

Use Online & In-Store

* 98913639* 98913639 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 8/30/20*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/30/20.

ITEM 64282

Use Online & In-Store

* 98906306* 98906306 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating (4103) Solar Rope Light

7

$ 99

1249

$

Save 75% Compare to Hampton Bay 84130 $32.97 ITEM 63941/62533 64625/68353 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 98910669* 98910669 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Two Tier Easy-Store Step CustomerLadder Rating

1999

$

2999

$

YOUR CHOICE OF 7 COLORS

Save $ 630

Use Online & In-Store

* 98913241* 98913241 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 8/30/20*

Compare to Werner S322A-1 $33.88 ITEM 67514

9

$ 99 $ 99 14

99

Save 40%

Use Online & In-Store

* 98912819* 98912819 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

(690)

(4204)

Wireless Security Alert System

Save 69%

Save 46%

Compare to Blazer C7300 $42.65

ITEM 63056 63057/63150/56668/63094 shown

(1209)

3499

$

Compare to Keeper 5505 $22.80

Side tray sold separately.

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

Save $ 94

Compare to Briggs & Stratton 20600 $174.44 ITEM 63255 63254 shown

Compare to Snap-on Blue-Point KRBC10TBPES $830

99

Save 69%

(1504)

12v LED Magnetic Towing Light Kit

99

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

hft_carolinacountry_0720_M-REG168831.indd 1 CC07-wk.indd 23

199

(5325)

1750 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

(896)

$ 99

Use Online & In-Store

* 98912670* 98912670

SUPER COUPON

1-1/4 Gallon Home and Garden Sprayer Customer Rating

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

23999

ITEM 60497 63095/63096 63097/63098 shown

99

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

$ Save 65%

17

$

* 98908528* 98908528

$

7

Save $ 45

ITEM 63166 63167 shown

30", 5 Drawer Mechanic's Cart

18" x 12" Mover's Dolly

99

99

Compare to Husky HTHKSM14PCN $32.10

Save 59%

(5990)

#

Rapid Pump 3 Ton Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack

1299

$

Use Online & In-Store

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

(690)

18 Piece SAE and Metric T-Handle Ball End Hex Key Set

Save 66%

Compare to Valeo 25521 $14.99

ITEM 56719

LIMIT 3 - Exp. 8/30/20*

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

$ 49

14

ITEM 63066/62314 shown

Use Online & In-Store

(298)

$ 99

Blue

Green

* 98907170* 98907170

Mechanics Gloves Customer Rating

99

ITEM 69645 60625 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 98905758* 98905758

ITEM 5889 62281/61637 shown

Compare to Coleman 635394 $39.99

(5991)

$ 99

1239

$

Save 50%

Compare to Dewalt DW1369 $68.14

6

$ 99

2999

$

(4964)

4 Piece, 1" x 15 ft.

Ratcheting Tie Downs

99

SUPER COUPON

4-1/2" Angle Grinder

$

19

$

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, power stations, 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 8/30/20.

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR

Save 83%

$ 99

ITEM 69115/69121 69129/69137 69249/877 shown

99

1899

$

Compare to Blue Hawk BG8X10-Y $8.78

20% OFF

(2682)

WOW!

120v grounded receptacle

Save $ 11

Compare to PowerSmart PS50 $126.10

SUPER COUPON

3-1/2" Super Bright Aluminum Flashlight

S

900W Max. Starting 2 Cycle Gas Powered Generator

$ 99 $ 12499

Customer Rating

Use Online & In-Store

* 98914479* 98914479 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 8/30/20*

Compare to First Alert SFA600 $32.99 ITEM 61910 62447/93068 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 98914735* 98914735 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 8/30/20*

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.

5/21/20 11:52 AM 6/9/20 2:10 PM

Carolina People

Chasing the Flag

Heath Trigg is fulfilling a dream at Heritage Flag Co. Story by Seth Allen | Photos courtesy of Heritage Flag Co.

B

efore the summer of 2014, small business owner Heath Trigg worked in construction and cabinetry for residential homes across the Sandhills area of North Carolina. Living in Southern Pines, Heath became known for his craft in woodworking cabinets. That summer, two veterans approached Heath with a proposal.

“These guys wanted my help in creating a bar for a brewery they were starting. At the time, we were slammed with construction work and didn’t have the time to devote to a custom job like this,” Heath explains. “They stayed on me about it. I would show up at the office, and there would be craft beer waiting on the doorstep. So, I finally said, give me a budget, and I will get it done.”

Heath knew the guys wanted the bar done with whiskey and wine barrels in which the beer was aged.

“Each piece of wood from each barrel is different,” Heath explains. “The coloring, texture — the result can be extraordinary.”

Upon the opening of the brewery — Southern Pines Brewing Co. — community members were very impressed by the craftsmanship.

The first flag Heath wasn’t done just yet; he and his wife knew that they wanted to create a unique gift for the two veterans.

“It came to me in a dream, an American flag made of whiskey, bourbon and wine barrels.”

That night he grabbed a notebook and sketched out his idea and the materials needed to create the first heritage flag, which is displayed in the taproom of Southern Pines Brewing Co. “When people saw the first flag we made and started asking for more, I told them to go online. The problem was they kept coming back and telling me that it didn’t exist.

No one else was making American flags from whiskey barrels. Today, we actually have a U.S. patent on an American flag made out of whiskey barrels,” he says. “We have a patent on an American flag. How crazy is that?”

An unpredictable series of events led to Heath presenting another flag to a three-star general at the

Pentagon a few months later. During that trip, a private tour of Arlington changed the course of Heath’s life.

Heath’s time at Arlington opened up his eyes to a whole world of sacrifice he hadn’t considered.

“Arlington changed everything for me,” he says. “While I had two very successful businesses at the time, I came home from that trip and told my guys, ‘I’m chasing the flag. If you need to do something else to support your family, now is the time to start looking.’ And I didn’t lose a single guy.”

A new calling The process of acquiring the barrels can be quite daunting.

Heath explains that bourbon takes an average of six years to age but can take up to 20 years.

“Most people don’t realize that bourbon, wine and scotch companies don’t own their barrels. So, we wait until shipments of aged barrels are available and place our order.

Each barrel has its own story, and no two flags are the same.”

Despite the economic downturn, the future for Heritage Flag Company is bright.

“We’re in a completely different landscape than we were two years ago,” Heath says. “This thing went from zero to a million miles an hour, and we’ve spent years chasing our tails to catch up with demand. From here, we will continue to offer great quality flags and improve our process so that we’re around for years to come.”

Seth Allen is the communications specialist at Pee Dee Electric in Wadesboro.

Heritage Flag Company theheritageflag.com | 910- 725-1540 230 S Bennett St., Southern Pines

24 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-EB.indd 24

6/10/20 12:32 PM

Helps

Thieves In Their Tracks!

RFID Blocking Technology Shields Your Identity

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY!

Fully Lined With RFID Technology

• • • •

12 Credit Card Slots 2 Window ID Pockets 2 Bill Compartments 2 Secret Hidden Compartments • 1 Zippered Security Pocket • 1 Snap Shut Coin Pouch Dual Bill Compartments

Snap Shut Coin Pouch

Sleek Slim Design

now only

999

$

SAVE $7 off original price

FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING

Source Code. 79220 © Dream Products (Price valid for 1 yr.)

Connect With

when buying 2 or more

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 Receive A Free Surprise Gift Order Now Toll-Free M-F 6am-1am CST, S-S 6am-9pm CST

This unique 20 pocket se- 20 Pocket RFID Security Wallet curity wallet is made with Item #369792 RFID-blocking technology, $ so your personal informa- ___ 20 Pocket RFID Security Wallet @ $9.99 ea. tion stays where it be*Add Applicable State/Local Sales Tax $ longs… WITH YOU! Slim & sleek approx. 31⁄2” x 4¾” Shipping & Handling Add $4.95 1 wallet wallet is less than 1” thick, FREE Shipping & Handling when buying 2 or more $ so your pocket won’t bulge.

Please print clearly.

Classic tri-fold design TOTAL $ made of durable genuine Send check/money order payable to Dream Products 412 Dream Lane, P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690 leather will last and last.

CC07-wk.indd 25

with every order

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

q VISA q MasterCard NOVUSSMCards Card#

q Discover®/ Exp. Date

/

Name Address City

ST

Zip

Daytime Phone #

Source Code 79220

Email

6/9/20 2:10 PM

Crab Pot

Christmas

in July

These decorations are crafted ‘Down East’ year-round Story and photos by Wendy Perry

Sometimes, we set out to tell a tale with a vision in mind, yet when we arrive at the destination, the story hands us a gift of something different and sends us in a direction unconsidered. On a chilly fall day, I set out on an adventure “Down East” (east of Beaufort in Carteret County) — where doing more with materials at hand is a long tradition — on a quest to learn all about handcrafted crab pot Christmas trees.

I have seen these simple yet beautiful decorations for years, and I was curious to know more. There are dozens of stories about them and how they came to be.

Local fisherman and crab pot maker Nicky Harvey created decorative trees out of the wire traps and was granted a patent in 2004. Don Acree, owner of Fisherman Creations, has since negotiated the right to make and sell them.

More than 10,000 trees are sold each year, and they are shipped across America. From the 1½-foot to the 8-foot tree, there is a size for all. They can be enjoyed as is, or easily decorated with your favorite theme (or college colors), displayed seasonally on your deck, and used indoors or outdoors since their special coating prevents rusting.

The factory

Upon my arrival and warm welcome into the heart of the little Fisherman Creations factory in Smyrna, I was immediately fascinated at the craftsman and craftswomen, busy as bees, making the trees. And they became my story.

I introduced myself and my mission.

It was almost as if they had been waiting for someone to come along and see them and their work, and share all their knowledge of how the trees come

to life. (And explain to me the clicking noise I heard throughout the room!)

I found myself in a brightly lit room among this small coterie of skilled artisans doing what they do best. Multiple stations for each size tree were spaced about the room, where each lady (and gent, Mr. Danny Sparks) were making their trees with simple tools and duct tape-covered fingers — work I’m sure they could do blindfolded.

So the click-click-clicking was coming from specially made jigs as they spun around during the tree making process, the larger ones peddled by foot.

I was most curious about their taped fingertips. As it turns out, the wiring, although coated with a weatherproof PVC material, is harsh on them, so they devised their own protective coverings. While some make their fingertip “gloves” each day, others make and use for them a week at the time. Everyone takes such pride in their work, proud of the fact that there are no factory robots used in making the trees. Just a small group of tree elves, with numb and tingling fingers, making them from Labor Day right up to Christmas each year.

I got a bit tickled when I asked about music — since everyone had ear buds — and what tunes motivate them. Seems this has evolved over the years and has become more personal.

Everybody chimed in on this subject.

In the past, they would have to take turns choosing the music they all worked by, an hour at a time. Not anymore. (Long-timer Mary Smith said: “There is no need to listen to country music, ever!” while some of the others begged to differ.) I was amused at the unique personalities when I asked about music, yet recognized a kindred spirit among them that seemed to make them family.

The creators

On my visit, I met most of the Fisherman Creations “family.”

Marlee is the newcomer (two years in), making the 8-foot trees. There is Melody and Bonnie June, Mary, and retired couple Danny and “Doctor” Barbara Sparks, who have been making trees there since 2003.

Barbara is the tree doctor, and all repairs head to her little corner hospital to be mended and returned to its owner. This could be something as simple as updating lights from incandescent to LEDs or replacing strands.

Mike Wells comes in and cuts the tree pieces during the night and is usually gone by the time the others come to work. Another “old-timer,” Donna, usually comes in during the night to make her trees.

“Housemother” Julie West keeps things rolling — and they speak of her like a real mother. She sets up their

26 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 26

6/10/20 3:31 PM

Danny Sparks at work on a tree

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch Executive Director Lisa Rider with a new tree.

work stations to start the day, keeps the snack station stocked, and sometimes makes sure they get special family meals together, funded by the sale of tree scraps.

Virtually nothing is wasted around there.

“Years ago, our 1½-foot tree was created from scraps from the 2-foot trees, adding a fun size for new buyers,” says Don. “We have little waste from our tree creations.”

Marlee Aguon works on an 8-foot tree.

Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

Christmas in July Interested in a locally made Crab Pot Christmas Tree? They can be purchased year-round, but from mid-to-end of July, you you can get them on sale from the factory at crabpottrees.com.

CC07-tv.indd 27

Barbara Sparks in her ‘tree hospital’

6/10/20 3:15 PM

NC Outdoors

An Old Favorite for Bass The floating worm isn’t new, but it sure works Story and photos by Mike Zlotnicki

Every bass angler has a “go to” lure, the bait in their tackle box that gets tied on more often than others. For some it’s a spinnerbait, for others a crankbait of some sort, and still others some type of soft plastic offering.

For me, it’s the floating (or trick) worm. It simply checks all the boxes: easy to use, weedless, inexpensive and very effective, even in the hands of the novice angler.

I should note; the “floating worm” does not float. It sinks fairly slowly, and one can vary that with hook size and the use of a barrel swivel. Typically the floating worm is either rigged “wacky” style, with a bare hook piercing the bait in the middle, or Texas style, using an offset worm hook with the point embedded back into the worm.

Technique Fishing the floating worm is easy. One makes a long cast, allows the worm to sink some, and then twitches it back during the retrieve using a low rod tip to just take the slack out of the line and reeling with short turns of the handle. Some people use bright colors so the worm is visible during the retrieve. When the worm disappears, it’s because it is in the maw of a hungry bass. A quick, hard hook set is the next action. I prefer a slower — usually “twitch-twitch-pause” — retrieve. Bass often hit on the pause when the worm sinks. When I feel that dead weight, I set the hook.

The floating worm can be fished using any type of reel, but note that fishing it on a spinning outfit can cause line twist. So, I often use a barrel swivel and a foot-long leader to decrease that irritation.

There are a bunch of straight plastic worms on the market. My two favorites are Zoom and Danny Joe’s Original Floater.

Stephen Carroll of Garner admires a largemouth bass.

Variations Kelly Barefoot of Raleigh is the owner of Catch Outdoors, previously Custom Lures Unlimited (CLU). He started CLU in 2003 and it became Catch Outdoors in 2016 (catchoutdoors.com). In 2010, he purchased the molds and brand for Danny Joe’s Original Floater from Danny Joe Humphrey of Kinston. It’s now one of his two top-selling lure lines. He not only distributes them, he loves using them.

“It’s a great way for anybody to learn how to fish for bass,” Kelly says. “I prefer a 6½ to 7-foot medium spinning rod.

I like lighter lines, 10- to 12-pound test braid line when in heavy cover like in the river and 10- to 12-pound test monofilament in more open water. I usually have one rod rigged Texas style and one rod rigged wacky style. I really like the 1/0 and 2/0 Gamakatsu Wide Gap Weedless Finesse Hook.”

Kelly says he usually does not use a leader and swivel, and that a swivel can make the wacky rig roll in circles.

Ninety percent of his fishing with the floating worm is “sight fishing,” which in this case means watching the lure beneath the surface and setting the hook when it’s no longer visible. His favorite colors include watermelon bubblegum and bedding bluegill. (I find Zoom’s Junebug and Danny Joe’s South Africa Special colors effective, especially in turbid waters.)

If you’ve got some shallow water to cover, give the floating worm a try. Weedless, inexpensive, easy to work and effective is a nice list of attributes for a 30-year-old lure. It has stayed around for a reason.

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

Danny Joe’s Original Floater in Okeechobee Craw

28 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 28

6/10/20 3:31 PM

ADVERTISEMENT

Good News for Americans, Bad News for Pain Drugs.

Millions are expected to benefit from a new technology that’s proven to relieve severe joint discomfort in a matter of days.

US- Several drug companies are expected to lose millions in sales as consumers have a new alternative to popular joint health products.

The alternative, a pill, was developed earlier this year by a private company in Seattle.

Using a new 8-million dollar technology, studies show it can relieve severe joint discomfort in just days.

And when compared to a leading prescription, this relief was stronger and longer lasting at the 30 day mark.

So what’s the secret behind this new pill called VeraFlex? It’s called immune modulation and it may be the biggest breakthrough we’ve had in years.

The Science Behind Relief Research shows that the joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort associated with arthritis is caused by inflammation which attacks healthy cartilage and protective tissue.

And according to top medical professionals, this inflammation is caused by two inflammatory enzymes released by the body’s immune system.

The active ingredients in VeraFlex help to block the production of these enzymes, resulting in a dramatic decreasing in swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.

Right now, the leading over-thecounter pills are only able to block one of these enzymes!

“VeraFlex users can generally expect more flexibility in three days...their joint pain alleviated in five days... and in just seven days, a tremendous improvement in overall joint function that may help them move like they did years prior” explains Dr. Liza Leal, developer and spokesperson for VeraFlex.

Piling on the Clinical Research Remarkably, the key ingredient in VeraFlex is protected by 8 patents and is backed by over 8-million dollar in research. It’s also been studied in two clinical trials.

In the first, 60 participants with rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis were randomly placed into four groups.

Two groups were given the patented ingredient in This new technology is now encapsulated in this pill.

VeraFlex, one was given It reprograms the body to block painful inflammation the drug Celecoxib, and instead of creating it. the last group a placebo.

The results were moniThe Univestin in VeraFlex is one of tored at 30, 60, and 90 days. the only known substances which has The data collected by researchers been proven successful in blocking both enzymes, resulting in phenomwas stunning.

The groups taking the VeraFlex enal relief from the worst kinds of ingredient saw staggering improve- discomfort.

The accelerator, a unique extract of ments in arthritis symptoms such as aloe vera, maximizes the delivery of flexibility, discomfort and function.

And even more astonishing they the plant based Univestin extract to experienced a dramatic reduction in every joint in the body because it is pain by the 30-day mark that was proven to improve nutrient absorpeven better than Celecoxib, a power- tion for maximum results.

Aloe Vera also is proven to support ful drug!

A second study was conducted to the body’s immune system which ensure the data was accurate and manages inflammation, further supagain the results participants experi- porting relief. enced taking the VeraFlex compound blew away researchers.

This time it beat out the drug Naproxen. Shockingly, both men and women experienced a reduction in joint stiffness two days faster than when using Naproxen.

“I have to admit I was surprised when I read the initial findings” explains Leal. “But when you look at the science it just makes sense. It’s going to change everything.”

Faster Delivery, Maximum Absorption VeraFlex is comprised of two patented ingredients: Univestin, a powerful immune modulator which blocks the enzymes which cause your joints to hurt and an absorption enhancer (accelerator) that ensures maximum potency.

Research shows that severe joint discomfort arises when the immune system goes haywire and releases COX and LOX into your blood stream, two enzymes that causes tremendous swelling and inflammation around cartilage and protective tissue.

Over time, this inflammation overwhelms the joint and it begins to deteriorate resulting in a daily battle with chronic pain.

Unfortunately, modern day pain pills are only able block only one of these enzymes, resulting in marginal relief and continued suffering.

How to Claim a Free 3-Month Supply Of VeraFlex Due to the enormous interest consumers have shown in VeraFlex, the company has decided to extend their nationwide savings event for a little while longer. Here’s how it works...

Call the VeraFlex number and speak to a live person in the US. Callers will be greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly person approved to offer up to 3 FREE bottles of VeraFlex with your order. VeraFlex’s Toll-Free number is 1-800-858-1851. Only a limited discounted supply of Veraflex is currently available.

Consumers who miss out on the current product inventory will have to wait until more becomes available and that could take weeks. They will also not be guaranteed any additional savings. The company advises not to wait. Call 1-800-858-1851 today.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.

CC07-wk.indd 29

6/9/20 2:10 PM

Marketplace

Vacation Rental

Real Estate

EMERALD ISLE WATERFRONT: Sunset View, Easy Sound/Beach access 3-bed, 2-bath, July-August-Sept $1400.00 weekly 267-566-8425

SELL YOUR LAND FAST! No agents. No Fees.

No Commissions. www.sellyourvacantlantfast.com 843-564-8438.

BEAUTIFUL OCEANFRONT RENTALS...Best Value in Indian Beach N.C. Each 2bdrm/1 bath & sleeper sofa includes all the comforts of home. Large oceanfront deck and private steps to the beach. On the sound side, pier, dock, shelter, playground, picnic benches, and boat ramp facility. Visit our website to view our beachfront rentals: www.oceanfrontvaluerentals.com or call 1-800-553-SURF (7873)

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

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

PROSPERITY HOME NETWORK! Earn Unlimited Direct/ Residual Commissions! HOT/PROVEN! Call (858) 901-4066 www.ProsperityHomeNet.work

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

SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES $99 no monthly investment www.paparazziaccessories.com/143765 Facebook: Pamlico Paparazzi VIP or (252) 501-0384

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

Free

Business Opportunities

FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH/GOVERNMENT UNITING. Suppressing “Religious Liberty”, enforcing a “National Sunday Law”. Be informed! Need mailing address only. TBSM, Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 1-888-211-1715.

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

$11,495 - 30x40x10

EASTERN

DIVISION

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

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

Painted Enclosed Built Price (Not Shown)*

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

Call for pricing.

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)

Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue!

Subscribe and get Carolina Country in your mailbox every month for just $1 an issue!

Co-op Members, check with your electric cooperative to find out if they offer complimentary subscriptions as a benefit of membership.

Yes! Please begin my subscription.

NAME

MAILING ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

NAME

PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions)

1 Year (12 issues) $12

2 Years (24 issues) $24

ZIP

Check Enclosed

Make checks payable to: “Carolina Country.” Mail to: Carolina Country Subscriptions, P.O. Box 27306, Raleigh, NC 27611-7306 Or subscribe online at carolinacountry.com/subscribe

30 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-wk.indd 30

6/9/20 3:41 PM

Your land can earn up to Arco Steel Buildings 1-800-241-8339

BBB A+ rating for 40 years!

Highest Quality Low Prices!

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

$50 per acre!

FREE

There’s no cost or commitment to list any property, big or small.

All sizes available!

40

Years

FLEXIBLE

Make your property available only when it’s convenient for you.

SAFE

$4M insurance policy included. Background checks for all guests.

Get started today. It’s FREE!

OUTDOORACCESS.COM/NC

Call (919) 892-9960

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

DO YOU HAVE HEARING LOSS?

No more frustration with telephone calls! CapTel NC service allows you to LISTEN and READ captions of everything during your phone calls!

Toll Free: (844) 519-4806 Website: captelnc.com

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator.

The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. No cost is passed on to the CapTel user for using the service. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

July 2020 | 31

CC07-wk.indd 31

6/9/20 4:13 PM

Carolina Kitchen

S

T o v o

No-Churn Cantaloupe & Coconut Ice Cream With vanilla bean

S

Nothing says summer like the combination of sweet, ripe cantaloupe and creamy coconut. Close your eyes and you might even think you’ve landed on a tropical island. No need to pull out the ice cream freezer for this one. Fun to make as popsicles too!

1 can (13.5 ounce) full-fat coconut milk 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1 can (11.6 ounce) sweetened, condensed coconut milk* 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped 2 cups roughly chopped ripe cantaloupe pulp with juice Toasted coconut, optional

1

Put the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Remove coconut fat solids from the chilled can of milk and place in deep mixing bowl for about 20 minutes. (Save the liquid for use in smoothies, muffins, oatmeal or cocktail mixes.)

Whip with mixer until fluffy. Blend in coconut milk, condensed milk and vanilla bean.

Fold in cantaloupe. Pour into loaf pan or bowl and freeze. Garnish with toasted coconut at serving time.

C b c a

*

Y

*You can sub regular condensed milk Yield: Makes about 2 quarts

Savory Bay Crackers With browned butter

Browning the butter releases a whole new depth of toasty, buttery flavor in these crackers. Seasoned with a touch of Old Bay, they keep perfect company with our Seafood Cocktail — and with soups, salads or as a snack. Use one kind of cracker, or a variety like we did.

1 lb. unsalted butter 16 ounces crackers (like saltines, crispy round and club-type) Seasoning mix 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt 1 tablespoon dried parsley

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

3 2 2 ½ ½ 2

tablespoons brown sugar teaspoons garlic powder teaspoons onion powder teaspoon cracked black pepper teaspoon crushed red pepper teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

For the browned butter, heat butter over medium heat in a heavy bottomed sauce pan, whisking and watching closely as it melts. Continue heating for about 6–7 minutes until butter smells toasty and has turned golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Cool to room temperature.

Combine ingredients for seasoning mix and add to browned butter. Stir to mix well.

Put crackers in a large bowl. Pour seasoned butter over crackers, and gently toss with hands for about two minutes to make sure the crackers are well coated.

Put in a large baking pan (we used a foil, lasagna-sized pan). Toast in oven for about 25 minutes, gently stirring every few minutes. Let cool before storing.

Keep in airtight container up to a week.

32 | carolinacountry.com

CC07-tv.indd 32

6/9/20 1:53 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Spicy Seafood Cocktail

This is one of those recipes where exactness isn’t important — use all of one seafood or whatever combo you like. Go with your favorite vegetables and what’s in season. Whether a light snack, brunch, lunch or supper, this cocktail will cool you off on a hot summer day.

Spicy sauce Seafood mixture 2 quarts favorite Bloody 2 pounds North Carolina Mary mix* or V8 wild-caught shrimp 1 bunch green or red onions, 1 pound bay scallops chopped 6 small lobster tails, 1 bunch radishes, roughly chopped chopped

2 firm avocados, 3 stalks celery, diced cut into small pieces 1–2 tablespoons horseradish

½ cup chopped cilantro 4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning Garnishes Zest of 1 lemon, lime, ½ pound lump crabmeat orange and juice of ½ each Cilantro (Cut the remaining halves into wedges for guests’ cocktails.)

Cracked black pepper Combine and chill the spicy sauce ingredients. A few minutes before serving, add about four pounds of cooked shellfish of your choice (or use our suggestions above) and gently stir in the avocados and cilantro. Sprinkle with crabmeat and more cilantro. *We used NC’s Bruce Julian Bloody Mary Mix. Yield: 8–12 servings

From Your Kitchen

Grilled Romaine Toss ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed 1 teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 8 plum tomatoes, quartered 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

Grilled Romaine 4 romaine hearts 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Dressing ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add tomatoes and onions; toss to coat. Transfer to a grill wok or basket.* Grill, covered, over medium heat for 8–12 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Set aside.

For the grilled romaine, cut the romaine hearts in half lengthwise, leaving ends intact. Brush with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the romaine halves cut sides down, directly on the grill. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 3–4 minutes on each side or until leaves are slightly charred and wilted.

For the dressing, place the oil, vinegar, garlic and brown sugar in a food processor; cover and process until smooth.

Coarsely chop the romaine; divide among 10 salad plates.

Top with tomato mixture; drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with cheese if desired. *If you do not have a grill basket, use a disposable foil pan. Poke holes in the bottom with a meat fork to allow any liquid to drain.

Yield: 10 servings

Recipe courtesy of Nicole Thompson of Sanford, a member of Central Electric

Send Us Your Recipes

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.

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.

July 2020 | 33

CC07-tv.indd 33

6/10/20 3:41 PM

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

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

June winner

The June “Where Is This” photo by Carteret-Craven EC member Rosemary McHenry features The Brock Mill House, located on Market St. in Trenton (NC Highway 58 S within Jones County). According to Rosemary, the mill dates back to the late 1700s; and in 1917, a turbine generator was installed at the mill to provide electricity to the town of Trenton. Many folks reported passing the mill on trips to the Southern Outer Banks. Last year, one reader, John Smith of Kenly, noticed the American flag in poor condition, so he replaced it with a brand-new flag, leaving a note “Courtesy of John W. Smith, U.S. Navy veteran.” We thank you, Mr. Smith, for your service to the country and to this flag.

The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Janie Ferrell of Maysville, a Carteret-Craven EC 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.

MUSIC

Cory Goble

Carolina

July’S FEATURED TRACK

“What You Wanted”

By the Moore Brothers Jake’s smooth, soulful vocals and brother Isaac’s inventive harmonies weave together to create a rhythmic, hypnotic song about the hurt someone leaves behind when they go. Just released in May, this captivating single follows their debut single, “Too Far Away,” which received two Grammy Nominations in 2019 for Pop Duo of the Year and Pop Song of the Year. “What You Wanted” was written by Jake and produced by both brothers.

Born and raised in Hickory, the Moore Brothers create real music for real people. Their music is about everyday life, romantic love and the challenges it holds.

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

CC07-wk.indd 34

6/10/20 7:41 AM

DLGRC_0

Easier is better with a Jitterbug.

48 48 48 Plans with data as low as*

Plans with data as low as

17

Plans with data as low as*

17

17

$

$

Plans with data as low as

$

Plans with

Plans with

17

Plans with data as low as2

17

$

48

Plans with data as low as

17

17

month

**

1748 $1748

$

month

Plans as low as

Plans with data as low as

17

$

Plans with data as low as**

Plans with data as low as**

data as low as data as low as* No long-term contracts $ No $ 48cancellation 48fees $ 48

Plans as low as

Plans as low as

month2

month2

1499 $1499 $1499 1

$

48 month

1

Plans with data as low as

Plans with data as low as

2

2

1748 $1748 $1748

$

1

2

* Plans as low as Plans as low asand Plans as low as Large screen big buttons Simple $ menu with$YES/NO navigation $ month month Powerful month speaker Long-lasting battery Plans as low as Plans as low as Plans as low as** Built-in camera with flash $ $ Reading magnifier$with LED flashlight month month 5Star button for emergency help, 24/7

Simple menu Large, 5.5” screen Long-lasting battery Mobile Internet access Voice Typing makes texting easy Built-in 13MP camera with flash 5Star® Service for emergency help, 24/7

1499 1499 1499 2

2

2

1499 1499 14 99 1

2

EASY From the makers of the original, easy-to-use cell phone comes the Jitterbug® Flip and the Jitterbug Smart2. Both phones have large screens, simple menus and powerful speakers. The Jitterbug Flip is the easy-to-use cell phone that is perfect for staying connected to family and friends. The Jitterbug Smart2 is the simplest smartphone ever for anyone who wants to text, email, get directions, and browse the Internet with ease.

and our highly-trained Urgent Response Agents will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need.

AFFORDABLE Talk plans are as low as 14⁹⁹ per month for the Jitterbug Flip and plans with data are as low as 17⁴⁸ per month for the Jitterbug Smart2. There are no long-term contracts to sign and no cancellation fees. Plus, coverage is powered by the nation’s largest and most dependable wireless network.

SAFE Turn your Jitterbug Flip or Jitterbug Smart2 into a personal safety device with our exclusive 5Star Service. In any uncertain or unsafe situation, simply press the 5Star button

Friendly customer service representatives are happy to help you figure out which phone is best for you.

To order or learn more, call 1-866-841-5144 and get a FREE Car Charger, a $25 value!

Nationwide coverage

No long-term contracts

Available in-store or online at:

100% U.S.-based customer service and technical support

No hidden monthly fees

Keep your current phone number

For more information, visit greatcall.com/Phones

*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and a one-time setup fee of $35. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. 5Star is only available with the purchase of a Health & Safety Package. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. GREATCALL, 5STAR, and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. © 2020 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

DLGRC_019145_R2_20200627_CAROLINA_COUNTRY_JULY.indd 1 CC07-wk.indd 35

5/20/20 4:50 PM 6/9/20 2:10 PM

CC07-wk.indd 36

6/9/20 2:10 PM

ect

Saving money is no sweat with Piedmont Electric Save money during these hot summer months by joining our smart thermostat savings program and signing up for time-of-day rates. Read on to see how both programs can benefit you.

TIME-OF-DAY RATES If you want to pay less for the energy you use, then a time-of-day rate could be perfect for you. With a time-of-day rate, you pay a lower rate for the energy

r

you use during off-peak hours. Saturday, Sunday, most holidays, and 19-20 hours of every weekday are considered to be off-peak times.

In order to save money with a time-of-day rate, you don’t have to use less energy, you just shift your energy use to off-peak hours instead. You will want to avoid using energy during on-peak hours which are 1-6 p.m. during the summer and 6-10 a.m. during the winter.

As a result, you’ll pay less for the energy you do use and the whole cooperative will save money. You can even try out this rate risk-free for a year! If you don’t save compared to our regular rate, we’ll give you the difference back. Learn more and sign up

e

m er

SMART THERMOSTAT SAVINGS PROGRAM

by visiting pemc.coop/timeofday.

Are you using your smart thermostat to its full potential?

If you aren’t a part of our smart thermostat savings program yet, then you are missing out! As a participant,

Try risk free for a whole year!

you’ll receive a $50 sign-up rebate and get paid for allowing Piedmont Electric to adjust your thermostat by a few degrees on very hot summer afternoons which also helps you save in energy costs.

Of course, you’ll always have the final say in your home’s temperature so you can change your thermostat back at any time. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, you’ll need a Nest or Ecobee model and home Wi-Fi to participate.

Once you sign up for the program, you’ll get an initial $50 rebate and then you’ll receive monthly bill credits of $2.50 from June through September. Learn more by visiting pemc.coop/thermostat.

For even more ways to save money, visit our website at pemc.coop/use-less-save-more to see all of the programs available to our members.

Piedmont-0720 WRAP.indd 3

6/9/20 5:57 PM

BUNDLE AND SAVE! When you combine our programs and rebates, you can maximize your savings.

Our goal is to help our members save money and energy by offering a variety of programs to fit every lifestyle. But don’t limit yourself by just signing up for one! Combine these programs together to maximize your savings.

HOW TO BUNDLE OUR PROGRAMS When you sign up for our load management program, it helps you control your use of major energy users like your water heater and air conditioning unit. Then, by signing up for our time-of-day rates, you can save even more by only using those appliances during off-peak hours when you pay a lower rate.

A/C load management $25 CREDIT UP TO $7.50/MONTH*

Water heater load management $25 CREDIT $1/MONTH

(*JUNE-SEPT.)

Smart thermostat savings program $50 CREDIT $2.50/MONTH* (*JUNE-SEPT.)

Time-of-day rate RISK-FREE TRIAL FOR 1 YEAR

And don’t forget about our rebates! When you sign up for these programs, you’re eligible for the following rebates to help put even more money back into your wallet: $200 CREDIT

When you install an electric heat pump with a SEER of 15 or higher and have a total electric home, you qualify for $50 per ton, up to $200 per system.

$100 CREDIT

By notifying us of your EV or plug-in hybrid ownership, you’ll receive a $50 credit on your bill plus receive an additional $50 credit on your bill when you join our EV time-of-day rate.

$50 CREDIT

With our smart thermostat savings program, you’ll receive a $50 sign-up credit on your bill plus receive monthly bill credits of $2.50 from June to September.

$25 CREDIT

Receive a $25 bonus credit when you join our air conditioning load management program plus receive monthly bill credits of up to $7.50 from June to September.

(UP TO)

(UP TO)

All of this sounds great, but what is the experience like for an actual member? We’re glad you asked!

“As longtime members of Piedmont Electric, we’d heard about some of these programs in the past, but just recently decided to sign up for a time-of-day rate. Within the first month of being signed up for this special rate, we saw a savings of about $100 on our energy bill without noticing a difference in comfort level and with only small changes to our energy habits. If you’re thinking about signing up for this rate or any of Piedmont Electric’s programs, we’d highly recommend signing up today!”

- Craig & Linda from Efland

www.pemc.coop

Piedmont-0720 WRAP.indd 4

Ready to bundle and save?

Visit pemc.coop/bundle-and-save

800.222.3107

6/9/20 5:57 PM