2020-09-SYEMC

September 2020

The magazine of

Essential Produce Keeping local markets safe page 10

Published by

Lineworkers receive national honors page 8

Try this cool-season veggie page 26

PERIODICAL

At Surry-Yadkin EMC, safety is a top priority—see center pages September covers.indd 23

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Volume 52, No. 9

Randy Berger Photography

14

10

Favorites 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 22 On the House 26 Carolina Gardens 28 Adventures 30 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Music

24

10 14 24

Safe, Essential Produce Farmers markets are adapting to serve communities during the pandemic.

A Living Museum, A Lasting Legacy

The pioneering spirit is alive at Hart Square.

The Little Beekeeper Laylah Hunt is generating buzz over her honey and syrups.

On the Cover Lisa Penny, with Penny’s Produce in Willow Spring, sells fresh fruits and vegetables at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, where she has adapted new safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more about how farmers are continuing to serve their communities on page 10. Photo

by Randy Berger Photography.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Carolina Country Scenes Our annual photo contest will be here before you know it!

Send in your best to be considered for our January issue.

See page 30 for details.

September 2020 | 3

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8/11/20 4:06 PM

Viewpoints

Protect Your Cyber Health

By Carmen Dietrich

We are certainly living in strange times. Like all of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives, at Lumbee River EMC we have taken unprecedented steps to protect our members and employees from the spread of COVID-19. It seems the challenges may be far from over, but we are all adapting to the threats the pandemic presents, and learning to cope in the new — if temporary — normal.

In the same way, we must protect ourselves against another type of threat that is unfortunately all the more prominent during the uncertainty of a pandemic: cyber scams and hackers. Although we’d like to think cyber criminals wouldn’t bother reaching into our lives — our communities, businesses and even homes — the threat is, unfortunately, very real. With many in our communities facing financial hardships, more folks working from home than ever, and many turning to mobile banking for the first time, cybercriminals see opportunity.

But there’s good news. Just as we are identifying and implementing ways to protect our health during the pandemic, there are specific, proven ways to protect our “cyber health” while enjoying the conveniences that a more digitally connected life can bring.

Next month, October, is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national effort to push back against the hackers out there. Recognizing that all personal devices are potentially vulnerable, including our home computers and smartphones, the initiative stresses: “If You Connect It, Protect It.” Here are four basic tips to put into practice today that will go

far in thwarting opportunistic cybercriminals:

1

Use strong passwords You’d be surprised how many people choose “password” as the secret word to protect their digital life, and hackers know it. The best passwords are at least eight characters long and include different types of characters. Try using a memorable verse from your favorite song and adding a few numbers and special characters ($ ! _ &). If you are like most people, remembering all your passwords is a challenge. Keeping passwords in a notebook might be more secure than using the same password for everything, depending on how secure and hidden those notes are from others.

2

Install software updates Your applications (apps) and operating systems will periodically send updates. Install them — they often include protections against the latest security threats. But remember, those updates come from the apps and not from emails or social media notices. An email containing an update may be a scam. Instead of clicking on the link, go to the app’s website to see if there really are updates available.

3

Use “two-factor authentication” That phrase is just a fancy way of describing a technique that adds an extra layer of security to a password.

One example is with online banking.

If you try to connect with your bank on a computer, it may text a code number to your phone that you type in to complete the sign-in process for

your account. These second factors are extra secure because they are tied to 1) something you have, like your phone to receive a passcode, and 2) something you know, like a password or security question. So if given the option, use them!

4

Think before you click Be cautious of any offer or link that comes through the internet, whether by email, social media or a “pop-up window,” or even a phone call instructing you to get online. Don’t click on a link unless you know for certain what it is.

Even emails from friends should be suspect — hackers can impersonate someone you know to send a computer virus through a link or an attachment. If you have any doubt, whether it’s a link to a software update or an attachment to a funny cat video, give the sender a phone call to find out if they really sent it or if it’s a scam.

One more word of caution against scams: None of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives would ever call their members to obtain account or personal information.

If you ever doubt the identity of someone claiming to represent your electric cooperative, please call your cooperative’s office using the phone number listed on your bill or on the cooperative’s website.

With a little preparation and awareness of what’s out there, we can stand firm against would-be threats.

Whether protecting your physical or cyber health, be safe.

Carmen Dietrich is President and CEO for Lumbee River EMC in Pembroke.

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THIS MONTH:

Safe Travels

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

Fall is upon us, and with it comes an excellent opportunity to get out in cooler weather and explore our state, near and far. In this issue, we hope to inspire a few trips that can happen even in our current reality of social distancing — whether it’s down the street to a local farmers market, into the great outdoors for some fresh air or on an epic drive.

—Scott Gates, editor

Jacob’s Return Seeing the return of “Jacob’s Log” in the August issue was such a treat!! I always enjoyed the wit and wisdom shared by Jacob Brooks in his column.

Congratulations to Jacob on his return to North Carolina and best wishes for a successful legal career.

Thank you to Carolina Country for bringing Jacob back!!

Julia McClure, Sunset Beach A member of Brunswick EMC

Big Question I would like to know and ask of the BBQ restaurants in Lexington: Who is the best BBQ restaurant of them all?

Melissa Bunch, Edenton A member of Albemarle EMC

A Good Team I just wanted to share a picture of a beautiful garden in Surry County grown by a dad and son [David and Jay Campbell, respectively] — all done with a tiller and a hoe. Jay told me he has always been interested in gardening and canning since he was a little boy. And it shows in their hard work. Jay works a full-time job, and his dad is retired. He told me it was a hobby for him and his dad. Everyone asks about their garden, wanting to buy things out of it, but Jay says “No, I’ll give you some.” (He and his daddy never charge anyone for things in the garden.) It’s something they love to do, especially when it comes to the canning part. What a great team — a good daddy and a good son.

Editor’s note: Although our staff have been to several of the barbecue restaurants in Lexington, I’m not sure if we could point to one as better than the rest — they’re all hard to beat, and the restaurants tend to view each other as family. We asked readers to name their favorite barbecue in the state through our second annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, so keep an eye out for that in our December issue.

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.

Annette Burton A member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

Read monthly in more than 700,000 homes

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 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

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

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

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

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

September 2020 | 5

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8/11/20 4:08 PM

More Power

Local Co-op Microgrids Recognized as Industry Leaders Two microgrid projects developed by electric cooperatives in North Carolina have been recognized as innovative leaders in the energy industry. One, at Butler Farms in Harnett County, applies the technology at a farm. The other, Heron’s Nest in Brunswick County, is the state’s first residential microgrid.

Battery storage on Butler Farms

Butler Farms microgrid The Butler Farms microgrid (pictured at top) — developed

by South River EMC, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Butler Farms, a sustainability-focused hog farm (“From Pork to Power,” July 2018, page 8) — recently received a Top Project of the Year Award in the Environment + Energy Leader Awards program.

The farm’s microgrid integrates renewable biogas, solar generation, energy storage and other components to produce electricity that can be used to power the farm and nearby homes.

“Models like this could help [small farmers] diversify and supplement geographies/townships with alternatives for environmental improvement,” one judge said.

The Environment + Energy Leader Awards What is a microgrid? recognize excellence in A microgrid is made up products and services of several electric grid components, interconnected at that provide companies a specific site. By coordinating with energy and environlocal components, North mental benefits, and in Carolina’s electric cooperatives projects implemented by can achieve increased reliability, companies that improved resilience and environmental environmental or energy benefits, and manage the grid in management and increased new ways. the bottom line.

Homes under construction in Heron’s Nest

Heron’s Nest microgrid In Shallotte, the Heron’s Nest neighborhood was recently recognized as a “Power Player” and presented with the Grid Integration Power Player of the Year award by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).

A collaboration between Brunswick Electric and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives (“Life on a Microgrid,” March 2019, page 12), the residential microgrid utilizes a 62-kilowatt (kW) community solar array, a 255-kilowatt hour battery energy storage system, and components in the homes such as smart thermostats, water heater controllers and 3-kW residential solar panels.

“This year’s Power Players winners showcase innovation in clean energy,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm.

“They are spearheading the visionary projects, innovative programs, and collaborative partnerships that will accelerate the transition to a clean and modern energy future.”

The Power Players awards recognize those who have demonstrated unique innovation and leadership in efforts to integrate clean energy and distributed energy resources into the grid to help achieve carbon reduction and clean energy goals, and meet the needs of their electricity consumers. carolinacountry.com/extras

Learn about microgrids across North Carolina and other innovative electric co-op projects.

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Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise.

Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

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8/7/20 9:39 AM

More Power

NC Electric Cooperatives, CoBank Support Rural COVID-19 Relief Randolph EMC Journeyman Foreman Dennis Kidd was among those honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Brighter World Initiative Volunteers Receive National Honors The volunteer North Carolina co-op lineworkers who traveled to Bolivia last year have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Because of their efforts through the Brighter World Initiative in the spring of 2019, the 120 residents of the remote village of Laphía now have power for their homes and school (“Building a Brighter World,” August 2019, page 10).

The award honors the lineworkers for dedicating more than 100 hours of volunteer service to strengthen communities.

“We are proud of these outstanding volunteers for their commitment to service — these honors are truly deserved,” said North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives’ Senior Vice President and COO Nelle Hotchkiss. “Their efforts are a demonstration of the cooperative purpose, and they represent the power of what can happen when we all work together for the common good.”

Since 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award has recognized volunteers “We are proud of for using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing these outstanding our communities. Led by the Corporation volunteers for for National and Community Service and managed in partnership with Points of their commitment Light, the program honors individuals who to service.” positively impact communities and inspire others to take action.

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and CoBank, a national cooperative bank, are partnering to provide $20,000 in support of rural communities impacted by COVID-19.

“The state’s electric cooperatives were founded on a mission of local service, and we’re pleased that we can provide valuable assistance during this time of heightened need,” said Lark James, CFO for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

The funds will be distributed by the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) to community nonprofit organizations in counties served by electric co-ops at the direction of the local boards of several NCCF affiliate foundations, in support of people and families in rural communities who are unemployed or underemployed.

“We’re deeply thankful for this commitment to our state’s rural communities that need our support during these challenging times,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, NCCF CEO and president. “We’re confident our statewide network and local affiliate foundations are excellent stewards of this gift and will ensure every dollar supports the local community.”

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8/11/20 4:09 PM

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Farmers markets are adapting to serve communities during the pandemic Story by Leah Chester-Davis | Photos by Randy Berger Photography unless otherwise noted

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8/10/20 12:04 PM

A cadre of volunteers, all wearing masks and matching T-shirts, are directing foot traffic on a sunny Saturday morning in late June at the Davidson Farmers Market. Arrows chalked on the sidewalk also provide direction toward a single entry point to the market. Only those who have pre-ordered and are wearing masks are allowed into the cordoned-off space.

Social distancing reminders and directional guidelines help ensure the traffic flow through the market proceeds in a manner that prevents any congregating.

It’s a stark contrast from the pre-COVID lively market that drew the community together as folks shopped the numerous market stalls and chatted with neighbors and local farmers. This is the first day a small number of farmers are back at the market’s regular site. They plan to use this model for a couple of weeks before reopening the market. For the previous couple of months, farmers at this market had pivoted to a drivethrough model where customers pre-ordered and then drove through a designated area where farmers could simply load the produce, meat or other farm products into their customers’ cars with little contact.

Farmers markets are classified as essential businesses in the state, meaning they could remain open.

Many, however, are overseen or regulated by municipalities, several of which closed markets or went to a drive-through or other model until safety protocols could be in place.

The Carrboro Farmers Market has remained open throughout the

pandemic, quickly implementing safe practices. Early on, the farmers market board turned to an expert for advice.

“We hosted an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Peter Gilligan from UNC, who is also a market regular.

He provided us with a wealth of advice for how to safely operate and stay open,” says Market Manager Maggie Funkhouser.

“What he emphasized is now the script for the state and the country.

Social distancing, keeping your hands

Davidson Farmers Market

The year round, state-run farmers markets in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte and Asheville have remained open all along, though in early March they made significant modifications. continued on page 12

Maggie Funkhouser

Leah Chester-Davis

Raleigh Farmers Market

clean, not touching your face, sanitizing surfaces a lot and not giving customers a reason to spend as much time at the market as they ordinarily would,” Maggie says. “We canceled all of our events and didn’t offer things like onsite, ready-to-eat foods.

Most things are prepackaged now.

We are not a pre-order market, but we encourage folks to pre-order and pre-pay whenever possible.”

They also reformatted the market and developed a one-way flow pattern. While socializing and milling around is a favored feature of most markets, Carrboro, along with most other markets, now encourage customers to “get in, get out and get home!”

Carrboro Farmers Market

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Raleigh Farmers Market

“We had to drastically limit the number of vendors,” says Amie Newsome, Charlotte Regional Farmers Market manager.

The market spaced booths 36 feet apart during the state’s “Safer at Home Phase 1.” That allowed only 25 percent of their regular number of vendors.

During Phase 2, they spaced vendors 12 feet apart, which brought them to half capacity in terms of vendors.

“We’ve had all the garage doors open for our enclosed buildings so people could enter and exit freely. People aren’t confined. We put up signs and we put markers on the ground to show people how far 6 feet was,” explains Amie. “It has been very challenging on all fronts.”

The Charlotte market offers both regular market shopping and curbside pickup, depending on the vendor. Several of the farmers transitioned to curbside or online stores so people could pre-order.

“This was really new to a lot of the vendors,” Amie says. “This took more time because they were having to not only do their field work, but they would come in at night and have to do all the online stuff, getting prepped for spacing, collecting all the different items for different customers who were requesting curbside pickup. It affected them greatly.”

While both market managers speak to the numerous challenges and difficult decisions they’ve had to work through and continue to face due to COVID-19, they also point out glimmers of hope.

“We really found out how strong the connection of our vendors and customers was because when this went down, people still came to the market and supported these local, small family-owned businesses,” Amie says.

“Even in this difficult time, I’ve really noticed and appreciated the resilience of our farmer, business and customer community,” Maggie says. “It’s really been very encouraging to me — the strong sense of support and resilience that I feel with the farmers I work with. It makes me feel like if we can make it through this, we can make it through anything.”

Raleigh Farmers Market

With more than 250 farmers markets across North Carolina, there’s a good chance you’ll find one just down the road.

A market directory and guide to what fruits and vegetables are in season is available at ncfarmfresh.com.

You can also visit one of the four larger regional farmers markets, operated by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

■ Western NC Farmers Market, Asheville ■ State Farmers Market, Raleigh ■ Charlotte Farmers Market, Charlotte

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis has her own business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializing in food, farm and lifestyle brands and organizations.

■ Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers

Market, Colfax (near Greensboro)

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Carolina People

A Living Museum, A Lasting Legacy The pioneering spirit is alive at Hart Square

By Leah Chester-Davis

When you travel down a road called Hope, in Catawba County, and turn onto a small lane near a mailbox topped with a bright red heart inside a black square, you are on your way to being transported to another century, to a place in Rutherford EMC’s service territory known as Hart Square Village.

The clang of the blacksmith’s shop rings out as tools are forged from iron on a hot anvil. Melodies of a string band float through the air. Tendrils of smoke curl skyward from the fire that’s been built under a black kettle for soap making. Sue Helmken, with the Piedmont Fiber Guild, is chatting with a crowd about the row of pots she is tending. It’s a lesson on how pioneers used different plant material — rosemary, onion skins, beets, walnut hulls — to dye fibers different colors.

The late Dr. Bob Hart and his granddaughter, Rebecca Hart

There are more than 100 log structures at Hart Square.

At the Propst House, which dates to 1792, Carol Robinson is demonstrating how to spin wool on a large spinning wheel and Linda Canipe is settled into a corner of the front porch. She’s dressed in a calico dress and bonnet and hard at work using a large wooden utensil — an early version of a mandoline — to slice a large head of cabbage to make sauerkraut. It’s been her job for 31 of the 34 years that Hart Square has opened on the fourth Saturday in October for its fall festival.

Walk through the village and nearly each of the 100 structures features one or more of the nearly 200 artisans and tradespeople, most in period costumes, bustling with demonstrations of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of early American life.

Potters, broom makers, tinsmiths, bakers using a beehive oven, woodworkers, bookbinders, herbalists, surveyors, hide tanners—it all lends to the aura of stepping back in time with guests becoming part of the pioneer experience.

Hart Square is billed as the world’s largest collection of 18th and 19th century structures. It showcases

elements of life gone by in nearly every building, from the jailhouse, to individual homes, to the chapels, to the schoolhouse, a general store, the cotton gin and more.

“The beds are made, the table is set, the corner cupboard filled, all the tools hanging,” says volunteer Powell Sigmon. “It’s as if the pioneers who inhabited it are gone for the day.”

The beloved Dr. Hart

While Hart Square is no doubt impressive, it’s the story and the person behind it that amazes.

“It all started by accident,” said the late Dr. Bob Hart [interviewed for this article last fall], who was a family physician for 50 years in Hickory.

“You can do a lot in 50 years.”

A conservationist at heart, back in 1967 Dr. Hart purchased land with the idea of establishing a refuge for wildlife and a respite from his busy medical practice. About 20 years later, shortly after he won the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year, he said a friend told him about an old log cabin that would look good on his property.

“So we moved it and put it by one of the ponds.” Before long, he’d added a well and outhouse, then the log

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Looking toward the future

DeWitt Blackwell, Coke Gunter and Brad Dozier boil peanuts each year for the fall festival.

Linda Erickson of Davidson, member of the Piedmont Fiber Guild

barn that went with the house. “Then you have to have something to put in it,” he added.

Others began letting the doctor know about log structures in the Catawba River Valley region. He took to the sky in his airplane to spot them.

“It was a domino effect,” he said.

Now, more than 100 structures are packed with authentic-to-theera items. The impressive collection represents the life of people’s ancestors and a part of North Carolina history. While it certainly gives a glimpse of life from another era, it’s also a log structure rescue project; without Hart Square many of these structures would already be lost to dilapidation or demolishment. Each piece of each structure was dismantled, numbered, transported and then rebuilt by Dr. Hart and friends.

Dr. Hart passed away in March, although his legacy continues through the Hart Square Foundation, his family and countless friends and volunteers.

Lessons from history

While Hart Square Village is like stepping back in time, it’s clear that the place is about more than old log homes. It’s about people. The world’s largest collection of log structures is indeed impressive, but it’s the stories behind them and the lessons they hold that are remarkable.

The history, the detail, and a commitment to the authentic nature of a structure were important to Dr. Hart and his wife, Becky, and remain so with the Hart Square Foundation.

His interest connecting generations was paramount.

“I’m trying to educate this younger generation so they appreciate what their great grandparents and all have done,” Dr. Hart said.

On the Friday before the 2019 festival, the village teemed with students who were treated to glimpses of life in an 18th and 19th century village. Laura Warren, a teacher at nearby Startown Elementary, brought her students.

“We wanted to come here because of the local heritage,” Laura says.

“Just being able to have a living museum and being able to walk through it and see real examples, for things to be tangible, to put images with facts. It brings North Carolina history alive, not only for those who study it in the fourth grade across the state but for others. This works for any grade level.”

“There is nothing like this anywhere,” says Powell, who, with his wife Virginia, contributed funds to help build the new education center.

“I have been around the world but I’ve never seen a place like this. I think it is a national treasure.”

The Hart Square Foundation is looking toward the future. At the helm of the foundation is Dr. Hart’s granddaughter, Rebecca Hart, who serves as its executive director. Just as her grandfather jumped into collecting and curating log structures that became an entire village, Rebecca and her staff are looking to tap the pioneering spirit of North Carolina’s heritage to offer creative ways to educate and inspire current and future generations. They hosted more than 3,500 school children last year for educational field trips packed with hands-on activities such as blacksmithing, apple cider making, creating cornhusk angels and learning about old-time music.

The education center, designed to be the gateway to Hart Square Village, opened in early 2020 and is used to facilitate year-round educational programming, and host corporate retreats and musical performances, with the hopes to include a craft school to share the trades and crafts of the time period.

Ever-growing circle inspires others

To Rebecca, it’s all part of the ever-growing circle of people and resources that results from a labor of love.

“This is a great place for people to learn. It’s a living, learning library,” she says. “There is something for everyone to connect to at Hart Square, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history lover or artist.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis has her own business, ChesterDavis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializing in food, farm and lifestyle brands and organizations.

Annual festival

Hart Square plans to hold its 35th Annual Festival October 24, 2020. This year’s tickets sales will be limited to 50 percent capacity; visit hartsquare.com or call 828-528-5029 for updates.

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BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

From a better driving experience and exciting tech, to reduced emissions and more convenience, electric vehicles have something for everyone.

See how driving electric can fit your life at NCDriveElectric.com.

Providing cooperative members and travelers with solutions for driving electric is one of the many ways North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are creating a Brighter Future for people and communities.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

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Surry-Yadkin EMC’s office will be closed on Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

Payments can be made at the kiosk, syemc.com or smarthub.

Oil containment tank being installed at Double Creek substation site

Wendy Wood | SYEMC

This retired 2013 white Ford F-150 will be the grand prize in the Annual Meeting prize drawings on Oct. 27. In addition, several bill credits and gift cards will be given away.

2020 Annual Meeting, election details slated

A publication for Surry-Yadkin EMC members

Vote for chance to win a Ford truck, prizes

By Wendy Wood

September 2020

New EV fast charger installed at Circle K. Story on page B.

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s announced in the August edition of Carolina Country, the 2020 Annual Meeting will have a different format and date than in previous years. This change has come due to the uncertainty of COVID-19’s impacts in the fall and the need to protect the safety and health of Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation’s members and employees. The election of board members also will be handled in a new way this year.

Due to continued increased numbers of COVID-19 cases in the Surry-Yadkin EMC service area, and the limitations of how many people may be allowed in a public gathering, officials with the co-op have decided that the Annual Meeting will not be open to members. Instead, the meeting will be streamed live on the Surry-Yadkin EMC Facebook page, and the video will be available on the SYEMC website.

Board election results will be announced during the Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. as well. With one of the Seven Cooperative Principles being

Democratic Member Control, the board of directors, made up of elected cooperative members, is encouraging members to exercise their right as a member and return their ballot.

On Sept. 22, Survey & Ballot Systems, a third-party election platform, will manage the elections. Each member will receive an election package that will include biography information on the director candidates, a ballot which can be filled out and mailed back, and information on how to vote online.

The election period will remain open until 5 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Each member who returns a ballot will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win prizes. The grand prize will be a white 2013 Ford F-150 truck retired from the SYEMC fleet. The truck is fourwheel-drive, 6-speed transmission with a 3.7-liter V6 flex-fuel motor.

Other prizes will include a variety of gift cards and bill credits ranging from $50 to $250.

The drawing for the prizes will be held during the live stream of the Annual Business Meeting.

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ConnectWith: Electric vehicle owners locally and traveling

EV fast charger installed at Circle K on I-77 SYEMC, SwimRun NC partner to bring EV charger to Hanging Rock SP

By Wendy Wood

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hrough partnerships in the community and with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, Surry-Yadkin EMC continues to grow its electric vehicle charging network. In July, a new fast charging unit, the first of its kind for a 121-mile stretch of I-77, was added to SYEMC’s system.

The new DC fast charger has been installed in the southwest corner of the Circle K parking lot at the I-77/ Zephyr Road, Dobson, interchange, and can fully charge an all-electric vehicle in about 30 minutes.

Prior to the new fast charger, SYEMC had three Level 2 chargers on its system. One at the SYEMC headquarters at 510 S. Main St., Dobson; one at the Fairfield Inn on CC Camp Road in Elkin; and one at the Hampton Inn at the I-77/Zephyr Road interchange, Dobson. Those three chargers were installed in 2018.

The new fast charger was funded by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, with revenue for use charges benefitting SYEMC. On the stretch of I-77 from Wytheville, Va., to Cornelius, N.C., there are no other similar fast chargers.

Electric vehicle owners will be able to locate the ChargePoint charger on their digital map program, and plan

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Wendy Wood | SYEMC

(Top photo) A ChargePoint DC fast charger has been installed at the Circle K on Zephyr Road at the I-77 Dobson exit. (Here) Travis Bode, left, key accounts and energy services coordinator for SYEMC, delivers a Level 2 charger to Hanging Rock State Park Superintendent Robin Riddlebarger, right, and SwimRun NC coordinator Jeff Beckelhimer of Industrial Electric, which will handle installation.

their trip to include a charge at Circle K. In addition to the new fast charger, a fourth Level 2 charger will be installed at Hanging Rock State Park’s visitors center in Danbury. Funding for the infrastructure and installation have been provided by the Swim/Run NC nonprofit group which hosts an annual fundraiser to benefit needs at the state park.

This charger will be the second one at a North Carolina state park by an NC Electric Cooperative. South River EMC in Harnett County has an EV charger at Raven Rock State Park.

Considering driving electric?

National Drive Electric Week 2020 is Sept. 26-Oct. 4, and Surry-Yadkin EMC is joining a nationwide celebration to highlight the many benefits of driving electric. The installation of the new EV charging stations is part of SYEMC’s involvement in A Brighter Future initiative launched this year and the growth of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives’ pledge to create a statewide EV charging network.

Electric vehicles have a lot to offer.

They are fun to drive, with faster See Charger, page D

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syemc.com

Manager's Message | Greg Puckett

Safety, good health in the field, in the office a priority for SYEMC Dear Valued Member, In a day and age where technology is key for most of us, having power to one’s home or business is an essential part of daily life. When Gov. Roy Cooper outlined in his executive orders which businesses were considered essential or nonessential, electric utilities were one of those essential listings.

As Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation’s mission is “to provide outstanding service that powers our rural communities,” our employees are the cogs in the wheel that keep this essential service running and in keeping power to our members.

Keeping our employees safe and healthy is a priority at Surry-Yadkin Electric, and that has continued to be a focus throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. We have continued to provide safety and health training to our linemen and our office employees, including enforcing social distancing, mask wearing and washing hands and cleaning office spaces and trucks frequently.

In addition to COVID-19 training, our linemen recently went through

their annual pole top and bucket rescue testing, which is a mandated safety requirement. This testing is regulated by the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Sheldon Howlett, SYEMC’s safety coordinator, works with a job training & safety specialist at NC Electric Membership Corporation to set up a testing date, and the two of them monitor the linemen’s times.

The training and testing ensures that each lineman is capable and informed on how to rescue a fellow lineman from an aerial position, whether on a pole or in a bucket, if that lineman were to become incapacitated while working.

The time required to be certified is five minutes or less on each – the pole rescue and the bucket rescue.

In addition to being tested for certification, every other year the linemen with the fastest two times recorded travel to Raleigh to represent SYEMC at the state competition for a chance to win cash prizes.

Sheldon said from a safety standpoint, the annual testing helps the linemen stay familiar with the rescue

procedure because in a real-life incident, linemen are the only first responders that can help another lineman.

In the case of a lineman being injured, they also will put out a mayday call, which is monitored by office personnel so 911 can be called to assist.

All office personnel responsible for answering an outside call are given a Mayday emergency message procedure form. This form is to be kept in sight where they will be using the phone.

New employees are introduced to the procedure and it is reviewed with the safety coordinator. In addition, all office employees periodically review the procedure with the safety coordinator either verbally or via email.

In addition, every couple of years, the safety coordinator verifies with all local counties that procedures and contact information for the 911 centers in the service area haven’t changed.

If there have been changes, the form is revised and re-distributed to all employees.

It is important our office staff and our field staff remain safe, and during this COVID-19 time, it is as important that they stay healthy so we can ensure these essential workers are available to keep your power on.

Our member services representatives are ready to answer your calls and help you, and our linemen are ready to respond when needed, especially as summer storm and hurricane season are in full force. We also can assist in business needs for our members.

Remember, we’re here for you, and we’re looking out for you.

Cooperatively yours,

Wendy Wood | SYEMC

(Above, left) Lineman Toliver Wright rescues a dummy hanging from a utility pole during a recent pole top rescue test. (Above, right) Staking technician Sam Kidd operates a bucket truck to rescue an “unconscious lineman” during recent testing.

Greg Puckett Executive Vice President & General Manager

September 2020

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$1.1 million in capital credits refunded

Surry-Yadkin EMC members who were cooperative members in 1994 will be receiving capital credit refunds in the form of a credit to their account during the months of August and September.

The SYEMC Board of Directors has approved retiring the remainder of 1994 capital credits. That retirement of capital credits and estates being refunded amounted to $1.1 million going to members.

Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation operates as a notfor-profit organization, meaning it operates at cost. When the cooperative has excess revenue in a year, that money is allocated as capital credits to members served during that year.

The capital credit allocations are calculated for each member based on their proportion of revenue billed during a given year. The capital credits are then refunded, or retired, to members as financial conditions allow.

Members from 1994 who are no longer served by SYEMC will receive their refund as a check in the mail.

For questions about this capital credit refund, contact the SYEMC office at 336-356-8241 or 800-682-5903.

Thank you.

Thank you to Surry-Yadkin EMC members on behalf of the Operation Round Up board, and the beneficiaries of the Operation Round Up funding.

Operation Round Up program is a fund to which SYEMC members can opt to round up their bill payments to the nearest dollar. The money contributed is then used to support various nonprofits in the community, as well as those who may have suffered from a house fire or catastrophic illness.

A board of SYEMC members then meets three to four times yearly to determine which organizations will benefit from the funding.

As of late July, 10,756 SYEMC members had volunteered to round up their bills in support of Operation Round Up. In addition, the Round Up program accepts one-time payments. In April, with the ongoing financial struggles in the community from the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects, SYEMC sent out a reminder about Operation Round Up and that one-time donations are accepted.

Since then, 12 members have provided significant one-time donations for the fund.

For the first time, the Round Up board met virtually to ensure the funding was distributed to organizations who need it in SYEMC’s five-county service area.

The board voted to distribute $20,000 for the 2020 second quarter, with the total distributed in 2020 as of July being $33,500.

Organizations supported by Oper-

Charger From page B

acceleration and a more responsive, zippy feel behind the wheel. Powering a car with electricity is cheaper than powering it with gas, so they cost less to run.

Electric vehicles are also convenient. Most people charge their vehicles at home, which eliminates trips to the gas station, and they also tend to have fewer parts, which means less maintenance and no oil changes. They also contribute to a brighter environmental and economic future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and supporting local commerce and tourism.

SYEMC is taking steps to make it more convenient than

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Members make a difference

ation Round Up include area school social workers who use the funding to support the needs of children and their families; Foothills Food Pantry; Lifeline Pregnancy Center; Mountain Valley Hospice; Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina; Grace Clinic of Yadkin Valley; SEAMS Ministry/Pilot Mountain Outreach Center; The Salvation Army of Surry County; YVEDDI/Meals on Wheels; Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry; Yokefellow Ministry; Wilkes Ministry of H.O.P.E.; Surry County Foster Parent Association; “Nichols for Kids” in Wilkes County; Surry Medical Ministries; Ebenezer Children’s Home; area school backpack programs; King Outreach Ministries; The Shepherd’s House; Helping Hands; Solus Christus in East Bend; The ARK in Elkin; Yadkin Christian Ministries; and The Legacy Center. Many of these organizations are better equipped to evaluate the needs of area residents and distribute funds appropriately.

In addition, eight families have received assistance with bills due to house fires or catastrophic illnesses this year.

In these cases, Round Up funds do not directly go toward electric bills.

Without the help of SYEMC members, these community groups wouldn’t have received much needed funding.

Any members interested in participating in the Operation Round Up program can do so by reaching out to a Member Services Representative at 336-3568241 or 800-682-5903.

Thank you again to the participating members.

ever to drive an electric vehicle. The co-op is partnering with other electric cooperatives across North Carolina to build an electric vehicle charging network that allows EV drivers to easily travel throughout our state and visit co-op communities.

Surry-Yadkin EMC also offers special rebates and electric rates to members who are EV owners, including a $500 rebate while funding is available and the Residential Timeof-Day Service – Plug-In Electric Vehicle rate. The RT-PEV rate allows EV owners to charge their vehicles at home and use electricity at home for less per-kilowatt-hour.

For members considering driving electric, contact SYEMC at 336-356-8241 or 800-682-5903, visit ncdriveelectric.com/co-ops/surry-yadkin-emc/ or syemc.com.

September 2020

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System inventory slated to begin in September In September, Davey Resource Group (DRG), a division of the employee-owned cooperative of Davey Tree, will begin a 12- to 18-month process of conducting a full system inventory for SYEMC. Originally the project was to kick off with a meeting of SYEMC leaders and DRG in mid-March. A pilot inventory on one of the feeders out of Fairview substation was scheduled to begin May 1. The Coronavirus outbreak delayed that in-person meeting and pilot start date, with the project now scheduled to begin with the pilot inventory in September.

In conjunction with the inventory, SYEMC will be implementing a new barcode system, while DRG handles the inventory and pole numbering changes. The system change will include renumbering the poles using GPS coordinates to update the GIS mapping system.

The GIS technology upgrades will improve the accuracy of the mapping system. This will make outage predictions more effective, reduce outage restoration times, improve the accuracy of inventory and allow data analysis to be run on the system.

Over the next 12 to 18 months, SYEMC members and property owners will be seeing DRG and SYEMC employees out in the field working on this system inventory. The DRG

Employees with Davey Resource Group conducting a system inventory over the next year to year and a half will be easily identifiable with DRG logos and magnets on their vehicles noting they are contractors for SYEMC.

trucks will have messaging identifying them as SYEMC contractors, and the DRG employees will be clearly identifiable with the Davey Resource Group logo.

Right-of-way clearing underway throughout SYEMC service area Trees and vegetation interfering or growing too close to the power lines can create inconvenient and dangerous situations, including damage to equipment or vegetation, blinking lights, fire threats, power outages and safety threats to the general public.

Each year, Kenny Mosley, rightof-way coordinator for Surry-Yadkin EMC, makes a list of roads and areas to be trimmed as part of SYEMC’s commitment to provide outstanding and reliable service to its members.

Areas for 2020 which are underway or still scheduled to be trimmed are Dobson, Bryan and Marsh townships (Kapps Mill, Zephyr Road, Poplar Springs and Haystack) and Lowgap (Stewarts Creek township).

Thus far in 2020, SYEMC’s rightof-way crews and contractors have completed trimming in the North Elkin area (Elkin and Marsh townships), Mount Airy (Pilot and Longhill townships), Lowgap (Stewarts Creek and Franklin townships) and Salem Fork (Dobson and Franklin townships).

These scheduled areas of trimming each year are not the only type of maintenance SYEMC completes to

maintain the rights-of-way. Herbicide spraying is another piece of the puzzle to maintaining the right-of-way.

This year’s herbicide spraying began at the beginning of August. SYEMC contractors will be spraying areas in and around Mount Herman Church Road, Slate Mountain Road, Albion

Church Road, Blue Hollow Road, Athey Simmons Road, N.C. 67, Ridge Road, Butner Mill Road, Flint Hill Road, Shoals Road and other roadways in those regions.

For questions about SYEMC’s rightof-way program, call Kenny Mosley at 336-356-8241.

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syemc.com

Poplin retires after 27 years with SYEMC

By Megan Cox

Member Connections is a monthly publication intended for the members and friends of Surry-Yadkin EMC.

O

ver the last 75-plus years of service, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation has been through a multitude of changes.

One area that has remained consistent is the dedication the employees have put towards the cooperative and its members.

It is not uncommon to find SYEMC employees who have put in 25-plus years. There is a group of them. Johnny Poplin, journeyman lineman, retired August 3 after contributing nearly 28 years at SYEMC. Prior to becoming an employee at SYEMC, Poplin worked at Pee Dee Electric Cooperative for five years, where he started as a groundman and left as a class C lineman. After his career at PeeDee, he moved to Pike, where he installed load controls on the cooperative system and then worked on the Duke system with a line crew.

His career at SYEMC began in 1993.

He had many role changes during his tenure with SYEMC, starting on a line crew, working in the maintenance and service departments, serving in the foreman role twice and finishing his career in the staking department.

Johnny said one of his favorite memories while being part of the SYEMC team was in 1997 when he went to Raleigh to represent the cooperative at the pole top rescue competition. He also enjoyed the friendships he has made with co-workers while at

Megan Cox | SYEMC

Johnny Poplin retired Aug. 3 after nearly 28 years with Surry-Yadkin EMC.

Surry-Yadkin EMC. Of Poplin, Ricky Bowman, vice president of operations, said, “Johnny Poplin is a great guy after you get to know him … a throwback lineman from the Pee Dee, always a hard worker and a top ‘A’ lineman. He is loud and proud to be a lineman from Surry-Yadkin. A big man with a big heart and always loyal to the brand. We’re going to miss him.”

August 3 was Johnny’s last day. He said he plans on spending time with his wife, Jean, relaxing and not having to worry about getting a trouble call.

Johnny has four children, Nancy, Jennifer, Jessica and Austin, as well as six grandchildren. He loves hunting, fishing, and gardening and plans to enjoy doing a lot more of it when he retires.

#WhoPowersYou: Nominate your local heroes For the fifth year, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is sponsoring the #WhoPowersYou contest. This is an opportunity to celebrate local heroes making a difference in co-op communities. Surry-Yadkin EMC members are eligible to participate.

The contest is online. Local heroes can be nominated by Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation members and employees who submit photos and stories about fellow members who are making a positive impact in their communities. Nominees are eligible to win a cash prize of up to $5,000.

Nominations for the contest are accepted from Sept. 8 to Oct. 9, 2020. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges, and then winners will be announced in November.

The 2019 winners of #WhoPowersYou were Danna and Denny Hiner. The couple founded an organization that provides basic needs to kids.

To enter a co-op hero, visit www.WhoPowersYou.com during the nomination period. Individuals nominated must be 18 years or older and a permanent, legal U.S. citizen resident. The nomination will include sharing a photograph and answer three questions about how the nominee makes a difference in his/ her community as well as the nominee’s name and email address.

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Board of Directors Lee Von (Toby) Speaks, President Willard Swift, Vice President Karoline Overby, Secretary David Miller, Treasurer Board Members Brenda Hardy Stephen Hutson David Pendry Alvin Reid, Jr. Eddie Campbell Stephen Joyce Greg Puckett, Executive Vice President and General Manager Wendy Wood, Editor

Surry-Yadkin EMC 510 South Main Street Dobson, North Carolina 27017 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 www.syemc.com Office Hours Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

To report an outage, day or night 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 An Equal Opportunity Employer Connect with SYEMC syemc @SurryYadkinEMC SurryYadkinEMC

Serving the Yadkin Valley since 1940.

September 2020

8/10/20 2:40 PM

John Colaneri

Carolina Living

Renewable Energy Sources Word Search The electricity that powers our homes is generated by a variety of fuel sources, including renewables. Renewable energy comes from natural resources, like the wind and the sun. Can you find all the renewable energy-related words in the puzzle below?

WORD BANK ■ Hydropower

■ Geothermal

■ Wind

■ Biomass

turbine ■ Renewable ■ Solar panels ■ Wind energy

■ Generation ■ Solar

energy

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Carolina Living

Tasty Fish Dishes Make seafood a fresh, healthy and local part of your diet

One option that checks a lot of boxes for meals is seafood. Offering nutritious protein, it is tasty and can be paired with so many cuisines and flavors. To encourage people to enjoy seafood’s benefits, the “Eat Seafood America” campaign offers these reasons to add it to your menus.

Seafood is available year-round at grocery stores. Of course, it’s good to buy local if possible, and the fall is a productive time for fishing in North Carolina. If you can’t buy directly from a fisherman, fish market or a pier, inquire at your local grocery or farmers market as to fresh or frozen NC fish.

Seafood works for a variety of cooking methods, such as these recipes for grilled Easy Shrimp Skewers and a stovetop One-Pan Dish. You can even use slow cookers and pressure cookers to prepare seafood-based meals in a pinch.

Research published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” showed eating seafood two to three times per week can improve brain, eye, heart and prenatal health. Seafood also provides one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health.

Purchasing seafood supports about 2 million American jobs for men and women.

You can find more ways to enjoy seafood at eatseafoodamerica.com and seafoodnutrition.org.

—FamilyFeatures.com

One Pan Fish Dish ⅛ cup canola oil ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium onion, quartered 2 cups broccoli florets 1 lemon, half of it sliced and half of it juiced Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 pound white fish (such as snapper, grouper, flounder or barramundi) 4 tablespoons olive oil Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

In pan over medium heat, heat canola oil about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, onion and broccoli to pan; cook 5 minutes, uncovered. Drizzle lemon juice over vegetables and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place fish on top of vegetables in center of pan and place two lemon slices on top of fish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cover pan and cook on medium heat 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness of fish.

Drizzle olive oil over fish and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Easy Shrimp Skewers 10 wooden skewers

2 medium zucchinis, cut into large chunks

2 medium bell peppers (any color), cut into large chunks

2 red onions, cut into large chunks

1 cup cherry tomatoes 10–12 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on Olive oil Sea salt, to taste

1 lemon, juice only In bowl, soak skewer sticks in water at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on grill. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Build skewers by alternating zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and shrimp, pushing ingredients closely together. Brush each with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, to taste.

Cook skewers about 9 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes until veggies and shrimp are seared but not overcooked. Remove and place on large platter.

Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

Yield: 5 servings

20 | carolinacountry.com

CC09-all.indd 20

8/11/20 4:28 PM

The World’s First Guardian Angel Coin 1,680-Year-Old Coin From The First Christian Empire

W

e’ve carried angel coins in our pockets for generations.

In 1465, the British Gold Angel served as a good luck charm, with coins received from the hands of monarchs believed to protect against disease and poverty. During the French Revolution, it’s said that the designer of the French “Lucky” Angel coin was saved from execution by divine intervention.

Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have carried one of these coins, but lost his the day before the fateful Battle of Waterloo.

Even sea captains and fighter pilots have carried “guardian” angel coins with them to ensure a safe return.

But the history of Angel coins dates back to ancient times—to the days of the first Christian Empire...

Actual size is approximately 18 mm

Own an Ancient Piece of Christian History The Face of the Roman Empire’s First Christian Capital During Constantine’s reign, coins would feature the patron gods and goddesses of the city in which they were struck. Thus, the obverse of the First Guardian Angel Coin displays a helmeted bust of the goddess Constantinopolis.

Constantine’s Angel of Victory

Constantine was the world’s first Christian emperor, having merged worship of the sun god Sol Invictus with the worship of Christ. During his reign, he moved the empire’s capital to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinopolis.

The city would be the world’s first Christian capital, and remained the capital of the Roman/Byzantine Empire for the next 1,000 years.

To mark the occasion, Constantine minted special coins bearing the Angel of Victory, bearing her scepter and shield while watching from on high. The world’s first Christian Emperor had given the world its very first Guardian Angel coin.

Struck between A.D. 330 and 337, this ancient Bronze Constantinopolis Guardian Angel coin is a genuine, authentic piece of Christian history.

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CC09-wk.indd 21

8/7/20 9:39 AM

On the House

Get a Jump on Cold Weather Plan now to save money when temperatures drop

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

Winter and its customary high energy bills have a way of sneaking up on me. What are some tips for saving money this year?

A:

Winter is coming, but it doesn’t have to mean huge expenses. Heating systems in general can be big energy hogs, so it makes sense to start there when looking to save.

Here are some no- and low-cost steps to consider.

Thermostat When you’re home, keep your thermostat at as low a temperature as you can tolerate. Try adding a few clothing layers and knocking the temperature down a bit so your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust the temperature depending on your schedule. And make sure the fan setting is on “auto,” not “on.”

For gas, oil, propane, natural gas and electric furnace HVAC systems, you can save up to 10 percent off your monthly heating and cooling bill by turning back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day.

For HVAC systems equipped with a heat pump and electric resistance furnace, it is best to maintain a constant thermostat temperature in the winter. This will prevent the more energy intensive electric strip heat from coming on to rewarm the home quickly when you return the thermostat to your desired setting.

Filtration Check and replace your heating system’s air filter according to manufacturer specifications. Typically, this will be every one to three months. If you are considering a higher efficiency media filter, consult a heating contractor to ensure it is optimized for your system.

Motors Noisy fans and pumps typically indicate age and inefficiency. The cause could be as simple as a loose bolt in need of adjustment or something more serious, in which case you might benefit from installing a more efficient fan motor or compressor.

Ducts and vents Duct sealing and sealing cracks and holes can be a big help to your wallet. Check the ductwork for proper

connections and any damage, blockages or disconnections.

Just like with water lines, all parts of the ductwork should be leak-free.

Is the insulation (either inside or outside the ductwork) still present? If not, patching holes and fastening in place will help maximize the efficiency of your heating system.

When your system is running, is air coming from each supply register? If not, there may be a hole or disconnection in that duct. Also, make sure all supply registers and return grilles are clean and unblocked. If needed, go over them with a vacuum or rearrange furniture to allow for better air movement and heating system efficiency.

Gas furnace At the gas furnace/air handler, check the exhaust vent condition for fit, damage or blockages, and examine the gas line for kinks and holes. Do you experience any exhaust smells, odors or carbon monoxide alarms when the heat is on? If in doubt, contact a heating contractor for assessment, tune-up and repair.

Heat pump (all-electric) Is the system’s outdoor unit on level ground and free of grass clippings, mulch and plants? Keep any shrubs at least two feet away to maximize the efficiency and airflow around this component.

Does the system run all the time and not provide heat?

Does the outdoor fan not run at all, yet heat still comes out of the system? If either of these scenarios is occurring, you’ll likely need a heating contractor to investigate.

Wrapping up Take notes during your self-assessment. If you end up deciding to have your heating system serviced, your notes will help your contractor better understand what is and isn’t working. The fall can be a great time for a checkup: The weather is less extreme, and it’s often a slower season for contractors, so they may have more availability and lower prices.

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

22 | carolinacountry.com

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Carolina People

The Little Beekeeper Laylah Hunt is generating buzz over her honey and syrups Story and photos by Leah Chester-Davis

T

hirteen-year-old Laylah Hunt knows that a good story is one way to create some buzz for food buyers as they stop by her family’s booth “The Little Beekeeper” at the Flavors of Carolina food show held in Concord each spring.

Hosted by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and designed to put North Carolina products in front of hundreds of domestic and international buyers, food entrepreneurs get a rare chance to tout their tasty creations.

“It was so interesting because I got to tell my story over and over and I got to meet all kinds of new people,” Laylah says, who very well may have been the youngest businessperson at the event (though being a trailblazer for her age group is nothing new to the curly haired, smiling, outgoing middle school student.)

Her family’s product, The Little Beekeeper, is named for the moniker she earned three years ago when she became the youngest certified beekeeper in the state after completing the introductory beekeeping class taught by the Gaston County Beekeepers Association and passed the certification exam. Laylah got her start when she attended classes on occasion with her Mom, Cindy. When her Dad, Johnnie, signed up for the class the following year, Laylah decided it was time to learn more.

“I begged him to take me with him so I could take the class, too. I took it pretty seriously. I have a whole

notebook filled with notes,” she says. She also gained a mentor, Burton Beasley, who she says makes bee school fun. “He takes it to a whole other level.”

The family’s original intent was beekeeping as a hobby.

“We wanted to help the environment and keep pollinators on our property,” Cindy says.

But the attention Laylah received as The Little Beekeeper resulted in requests for their honey, and it has turned into a full-blown business. The family, members of Rutherford EMC, now has 30 hives with plans to add more.

Laylah has been interviewed by WBTV, the CBS affiliate in Charlotte, and was recognized on the cover of Lake Norman Woman magazine for its 8th Annual Amazing Lake Norman Girls issue.

The Little Beekeeper products — local raw honey and elderberry syrup — are now in 35 stores and can be ordered from the company website, thelittlebeekeeper.com. While Laylah’s major responsibility is checking the hives, she is learning business basics beyond the meet-and-greet sales experience at trade shows.

A self-professed entrepreneur, she has a beeswax lip gloss under development. When she came up with the idea, her parents asked her to find out what ingredients she needed, to shop around for prices, determine types of containers and labels she would need, and to give them a cost analysis. When Laylah participates in trade shows and other events, her parents ensure she hones analytic skills and people skills.

“We are a small family company, and we are trying to teach her about having a good work ethic and to be a good, well-rounded human being,” explains Cindy.

With the product being named for her and the company’s logo an illustration of her likeness, Laylah takes her role seriously, not only as a representative for the company, but as an ambassador for the tiny insect that captivates her interest.

“It’s fascinating to see how they work in perfect harmony,” Laylah says. “You can learn a lot from bees, especially because of how small they are but how big of an impact they have on the world.

Without bees, almost all of our fruits and vegetables would perish. It would be super, super terrible if bees ever went extinct. So that’s like a good little memo that you are never too small to make an impact.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis has her own business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializing in food, farm and lifestyle brands and organizations.

24 | carolinacountry.com

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CC09-wk.indd 25

8/7/20 9:39 AM

Carolina Gardens

Fall for Loose-leaf Lettuce Keep things growing with this cool-season veggie Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

The summer vegetable garden is beginning to wind down, but there are still opportunities with home-grown edibles to be had — it’s time to switch gears and get growing with cool-season vegetables. One of my favorite veggies to crank up this time of year is loose-leaf lettuce, which is easier to grow than the common head lettuce and more nutritious. Plus, it’s very tasty—salads and sandwiches just don’t have the edible oomph without it.

The potted pleasures of ‘Truchas” (left), “Breen” (right) and “Drunken Woman” (background).

September is a good month to start loose-leaf lettuce by seed or plants, but in the upper elevations of our state, go with starter plants early this month to get a good crop and “Black Seeded Simpson” are pretty little plants, so going before any early hard freezes bite. For the rest of the adding them to containers six inches in diameter or larger state, starter plants are also a good idea to be munching on on decks and patios creates feasts for the tummy as well crunchy lettuce as soon as possible. as the eyes.

Although they take longer to mature, seeds do have the Looking for more visual zing? Try “Red Sails,” “Red Oak” advantage of being easy to find. In addition, you will have or “Lollo Rossa,” all popular cultivars that sport frilly folimore cultivar choices to pick from if you go with seeds age dipped in shimmering shades of crimson. rather than starter plants.

Last year, just to grow something different, from One key to success with lettuce seeds is to plant them Johnny’s Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds.com), I tried two properly — they germinate better when kissed by sunlight. eye-catching romaine varieties that are close in looks and In an open, well-worked, heavily amended spot in the taste to the loose-leaf clan: “Truchas,” a dusky delight with vegetable garden, scatter the seeds on top of the ground smooth, dark leaves and the similar, but lighter colored and lightly press them into the soil. Keep the seeds evenly “Breen.” And from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange watered and, when plantlets begin to sprout, thin them out (southernexposure.com), I just couldn’t resist the frizzy to a couple of inches apart. To extend harvest time, pick sass of “Drunken Woman” (although no telling how it got the outer leaves first on mature plants. that name).

While the veggie patch is the typical place to grow L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. loose-leaf lettuce, I’ve started turning some into potted Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com. pleasures. Even common varieties such as “Green Oak”

Garden To-Do’s for September

Daffodils on parade.

F

The beginning of autumn will find garden centers starting to offer seasonal selections of fall-planted, spring-blooming bulbs, and while buying early will get you the best selections, planting early will result in a poor flower show next year. Let the soil cool down so the dormant bulbs won’t be encouraged to start growing too soon. Late October well into November is the best planting time.

Keep your store-bought bulbs in a cool, dark place. The refrigerator makes an ideal “chiller” as long as the bulbs are kept away from ripening fruits, which emit ethylene gas that has detrimental effects on the bulbous sleeping beauties.

F

Indoor plants that have vacationed out on the porch or patio this summer should be returned inside before nighttime temperatures dip into the 50s. While moving them, check their leaves carefully for bugs and (especially) clusters of insect eggs.

F

Herbs from the garden such as chives, oregano, parsley, mint, lemon balm or thyme that have served you well in the kitchen this growing season can be divided, potted up and brought inside to grow on sunny window sills to continue providing fresh zest for winter dishes.

26 | carolinacountry.com

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Darryl Cannon

Pamela Keene

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Tail of the Dragon

CAROLINA COUNTRY

adventures

Ron and Nancy Johnson

Take a Dragon by the Tail Test your skills on a legendary road in Western NC

By Pamela A. Keene

Brace yourself for a big, big ride — 318 curves, switchbacks and turns on 11 miles of blacktop. The Tail of the Dragon challenges motorcycles, sports cars and even minivans to the ride of a lifetime as it winds its way along U.S. 129, into Tennessee from Deal’s Gap at the NC state line.

“It’s one of the greatest motorcycle roads in the United States,” says Ron Johnson, who more than 20 years ago trademarked the name “Tail of the Dragon,” mapped and named all 318 curves, and now runs the Tail of the Dragon T-Shirt Shack store at the south end of the highway. “We’ve seen people come here from around the world — Australia, Asia, all over Europe — who have this ride on their bucket lists. They’re never disappointed.”

With descriptive names like Copperhead Corner, Leo’s Lair, Little Whip, Radar Corner, The Hump aka Gravity Cavity and Guard Rail Cliff, the road defies common sense for adventurers who chase speed and thrills. The posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour, but when the sports car clubs and bike rallies take the road, it’s anybody’s guess.

Florida native Ron and his wife, Nancy, weren’t bikers when they decided to move to his family’s Robbinsville vacation home full time in the early 1990s. As a retired fireman, he was ready for a change of pace and a slower lifestyle.

“Then a biker friend told us about this amazing stretch of road near our house, and he came up to ride it,” he says.

“Within two weeks, Nancy was online and found us bikes. I didn’t know anything about motorcycles, so mine sat in our basement for three weeks before I finally took it out on the road. I learned to handle that cruiser on the Dragon.”

The couple got hooked on biking, riding the Dragon and other winding mountain roads in the area. They also started selling Tail of the Dragon T-shirts under a tent at the Dragon’s scenic overlook.

“We did that for about three years, then a developer built carolinacountry.com/extras

With 318 curves in a mere 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon needs to be seen to be believed. Watch the video on our website.

an office at the start of the road at Deal’s Gap to sell lots, so we put up a tin shack there. When he closed his office we bought three acres and built our store in 2008.”

An iconic metal dragon — about 12 feet tall and 22 feet long — stands out front. The store sells T-shirts, helmets, beverages and snacks. A large map of the Cherohala Skyway, another legendary drive, adorns one wall. Another wall features stills from movies and photos of actors who have experienced the Dragon. The wall includes photos from “Deliverance,” the dam that Harrison Ford jumped off of in “The Fugitive,” Jodie Foster’s “Nell,” and Robert Redford’s “A Walk in the Woods.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, but in 1971, James Taylor and Dennis Wilson filmed ‘Two-Lane Blacktop’ up here,” Ron says. “It’s the story of two guys in a 1955 Chevy who drive across the country and challenge locals to drag races. It wasn’t very well known, but we have screen shots of the road from the movie.”

There’s even a “Wall of Woe” showing various riders laying down their bikes. (It’s right above the display selling helmets.)

The Dragon has become a renowned destination for road rallies, with sports car clubs and motorcycle groups setting up planned events.

“The best time to come up and experience the Dragon is on a weekday, because unless there’s an event scheduled, you can approach it at your own pace,” Ron says. “Plus there are plenty of pull-offs if you feel like you’re holding everyone else up behind you.”

So, what’s Ron’s single most important piece of advice?

“That’s simple: Just stay in your lane.”

Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes for magazines and newspapers across the Southeast and nationally.

Plan your trip tailofthedragon.com | 800-768-7129 (M–F, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.)

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Marketplace

Vacation Rental

Gold Maps

Miscellaneous

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

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

CAROLINA COUNTRY SCENES

Photo Contest Send us your favorite photo (North Carolina people or scenes) and the story that goes with it. We will pay $50 for each one published in the Carolina Country Scenes section of our January 2021 issue. Judges will select more for our “Photo of the Month” feature throughout 2021, and we’ll pay $50 for each of those.

Rules Deadline: November 15, 2020 One entry per household Digital photos should be a minimum of 1200 by 1800 pixels Prints a minimum of 4 x 6 inches

If you did not take the photo you are submitting, please tell us who did and, to the best of your ability, when it was taken so that we can appropriately recognize the person/organization.

Include your name, electric co-op, We retain reprint and mailing address and email address online rights. Visit carolinacountry.com/photocontest or phone number for full terms and conditions.

If you want your print returned, Payment will be limited to those include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (We will not return others.) entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com.

Send to Mail: carolinacountry.com/photocontest Carolina Country Photo Contest 3400 Sumner Blvd.

No emails, please.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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Carolina Kitchen

Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake

This gluten-free cake is the perfect citrus dessert for a savory Asian meal, but it’s also an ideal pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.

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¾ cup butter, melted 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry (or fresh) 1⅓ cups sliced or slivered almonds or combination ¾ cup dark brown sugar

Wash whole mandarin oranges and cover with water in a sauce pot. Simmer for 1 hour until tender. Once oranges have cooled, cut in half and remove any seeds.

Purée in food processor, rind and all. This can be done ahead of time.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line bottom of 9-inch springform pan with parchment. Grease sides.

Combine puréed orange, almond meal, sugar, vanilla, butter flavoring and salt.

Stir in slightly beaten eggs.

Pour butter over parchment paper. Scatter with mandarin orange slices and almonds. Pour batter over and spread to sides. Bake about 45–50 minutes.

Remove cake from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Flip onto cake plate.

Scatter with brown sugar and cover loosely with foil so sugar will melt.

Yield: 8–10 servings

Pork and Shrimp Egg Rolls

These egg rolls originated from a set of Chinese cookbooks gifted to our recipe editor, Wendy Perry, by her aunt. Don’t be intimidated — they are so easy to make. If you want low carb, skip the wrappers. Serve with duck sauce or peach jam mixed with hot pepper jelly.

Cornstarch mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon molasses 2–3 tablespoons water Filling 2 tablespoons oil 2 pounds ground pork, cooked and crumbled 4+ tablespoons minced garlic or 2 tablespoons garlic paste 6 cups shredded cabbage

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.

2 cups shredded carrots 2 bunches green onions, chopped 2 stalks celery, finely diced 1–2 pounds small shrimp, cooked 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 3–4 tablespoons everything bagel mix Wrap and roll 1 package egg roll wrappers 1 egg, beaten + 1 tablespoon water Cooking oil for frying (peanut preferred)

Whisk the cornstarch mix together. Set aside.

Heat oil to medium high in wok or large heavy pot.

Add cooked pork and stir with garlic for a minute. Add cabbage, carrots, onion and celery.

Cook about 3 minutes, stirring until crisp-tender. Throw in the shrimp, sesame oil and everything bagel mix. Give the cornstarch mix a stir and pour it in, stirring to glaze mixture.

Set aside to cool.

To wrap, place wrappers with one corner pointing towards you. Put 2 tablespoons of filling across wrapper. Fold bottom corner over filling; fold 2 sides in; then roll to close.

Brush edges with egg wash to seal. Fry in medium hot oil until crisp brown, about 3 minutes.

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen

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Carolina Kitchen

Hot and Sour Soup

From Your Kitchen

With rotisserie chicken

Some recipes for this tasty soup can take hours and require hard-tofind ingredients. This simple version takes only 30 minutes from prep to table when using time-saving rotisserie chicken.

1 rotisserie chicken, skinned, deboned and chopped 8 cups chicken broth 1 (8-ounce) carton shiitake (or portabella) mushrooms, sliced thin 1 (8-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and sliced thin 1" piece of ginger, peeled and grated 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 5 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (located in produce section in tube)

1 tablespoon garlic paste (located in produce section in tube) 1 tablespoon white pepper 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar 3–4 tablespoons soup broth 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 eggs, beaten in bowl 4 green onions, chopped 1 package won ton wrappers, sliced into thin strips and fried about 2 minutes

Heat the chicken in the broth until warm over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, pastes, pepper and brown sugar. Simmer about 5 minutes for flavors to infuse.

Ladle tablespoons of soup broth into small bowl. Cool, then whisk in cornstarch. Stir slurry into soup. Continue cooking the soup 7–8 minutes until thickened.

Slowly whirl eggs into soup. Remove from heat and serve.

Garnish with chopped green onions and crispy fried wonton wrapper strips.

Yield: About 8 servings

carolinacountry.com/extras It’s so easy to make homemade chicken broth with rotisserie chicken bones. Find out how on our website.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Quick, crisp and refreshing, this salad is always a hit. If you eat it right away, the ramen lends a bit of crunch. Or refrigerate the salad for 2–3 hours before serving and the noodles will soften.

Salad Dressing 1 rotisserie chicken, meat ¼ cup olive oil removed and shredded ¼ cup sesame oil 1 bag (24-ounce) chopped 3 tablespoons rice cabbage with carrots vinegar 4 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons white 1 (3-ounce) package of sugar chicken-flavored ramen 1 tablespoon soy sauce noodles 1 teaspoon ground 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, black pepper toasted 1 ramen flavor packet 3 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted First, crunch up the ramen package until the noodles are in little pieces. Set aside the flavor packet for the dressing.

To toast the salad’s sesame seeds and almonds, add to a dry skillet and stir constantly over medium-high heat until you notice some browning. Remove from heat.

Toss chicken meat, cabbage, onions, ramen noodles, sesame seeds and almonds together in a large bowl.

For the dressing, whisk the olive and sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, pepper and flavor packet together in a small bowl; drizzle over the salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours before serving if you like.

Yield: 6 servings

Recipe courtesy of Karen Brois, Raeford, a member of Lumbee River EMC

Send Us Your Recipes

-

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

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, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

September 2020 | 33

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Ea

Us an bro po ov qu the or ve ski Dr so

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by September 6, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online:

carolinacountry.com/where

By mail: Where in Carolina Country?

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.

The winner, chosen at random and announced in our October issue, will receive $25.

August winner

The August “Where Is This” photo by Abby Seavert features a painted tobacco barn located at the intersection of Red Hill and Nickens Roads in Cameron. The barn is one of many painted by artist and Cameron native David Ellis. He gathered a group of New York City and Tokyo artists who traveled to Moore County 17 years ago to reinvigorate these old barns with art. Ellis and his team brought a much-needed splash of color to the area in an effort known as the Barnstormer Murals. Farming equipment and tractor trailers were also hit with splashes of color. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Mimi Gannaway of Charlotte, a Union Power member.

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

Carolina

September’S FEATURED TRACK

“Marsh Girl”

MUSIC

By Casey Noel

Shana Leigh Photography

Inspired by the bestselling novel “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Casey penned this haunting musical tribute about a young girl growing up abandoned and alone in North Carolina marshland. Her ethereal voice rings against a backdrop of eerie, swampland sounds to create a sense of both foreboding and hope. It’s one of six tracks on Casey’s new debut EP, “Not Just Pretty Words.” Even though she’s played guitar since she was five years old, Casey’s main passion was competitive ballroom dancing until age 17. She then decided to focus on music, and credits key industry professionals for helping her blossom as a songwriter and singer.

1

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

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