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October 2020

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Find this free online tool o n the Blue Ridg e Energy mo bile app or under “My Account” at BlueRidgeEn ergy.com.

9/9/20 4:21 PM

October 2020

A Trip to the Real

Mayberry page 10

Published by

Know your Election Day deadlines page 6

Finding comfort in rural churches page 24

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4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 22 Energy Sense 28 Carolina Gardens 30 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Featured Photo

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10 14 24 26

Greetings from the Real Mayberry 60 years ago, Andy Griffith introduced the world to his hometown.

Discerning Details in the Data Wake Electric member Derek Ellington is a master of digital sleuthing.

In the Quiet of the Country Reflections on the power of the country church.

On the Cover If this doesn’t get you whistling, we don’t know what will. This month “The Andy Griffith Show” turns 60. Although scenes from the fictional Mayberry were filmed clear over in California, the show has introduced millions to a very real part of North Carolina. Read more starting on page 10. Photo courtesy of TAGSRWC Archives.

Milking Chores

Memories of a milk cow named Bessie.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Carolina Country Scenes Give us your best shot! Send us your favorite photo of people or scenes from around the state to be considered for our January issue. See page 31 for details.

October 2020 | 3

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Viewpoints

Our Time to Shine

By Emily Nail

Happy Co-op Month! If you’re reading this in Carolina Country magazine, you’re very likely a member of one of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives. Cooperatives are such amazing businesses. Not only do we strive to provide the best products, services and support to our member-owners, we try to do that in our community and for other cooperatives, too.

Co-ops around the world operate according to the same set of seven Cooperative Principles, which have been in overdrive the past 10 months. While 2020 has brought more than its share of hardships, 2020 has also been the year for cooperatives to shine by putting their member-owners first. It’s just how we operate, in good times and bad, and it’s long proven to be a rocksolid business model.

Let’s look at a few industry sectors in North Carolina to see how co-ops have dug in and implemented their Cooperative Principles amid the trials this year has brought.

Electric Co-ops. Today, when we flip a switch, we expect it to turn on our lights, fans or other electric appliances. If it doesn’t, we call our electric company. In North Carolina, electric cooperatives provide service to 2.5 million people. This is almost a quarter of our state’s population and almost 50 percent of the land mass. Electric cooperatives teamed up during the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias to restore power — our coastal community was hit hard, and our inland cooperatives sent support.

Electric co-ops are also working together with members, employees and local groups to help those in need during the pandemic.

Credit Unions. Yes, credit unions are cooperatives. They are member-owned financial institutions where each person with an account has a vote, owns a share, and has the power to drive financial success of the organization alongside the staff.

In North Carolina, there are 61 credit unions (CUs) with almost $60 billion in assets and more than 4.6 million members. Credit unions across the state have offered loan forgiveness, waived overdraft fees, and allowed for higher loan volume for those suffering from job loss or a natural disaster.

Credit unions transitioned from brick and mortar locations to virtual services to continue member financial education and transactional service amid the pandemic. Credit unions stepped up to give back during the financial strain on households.

Telecommunications.

Another amazing sector setting high standards in our state are the seven communication cooperatives that, during this unsettling time, have provided free broadband access to virtual learners, people working from home, and others who needed hot spots to communicate.

Communication cooperatives serve over 150,000 member-owners across 30 counties in the state. The memberowners of these co-ops might not

Learn more about the seven Cooperative Principles at ncelectriccooperatives.com/who-we-are.

have access to landlines or broadband if it were not for their cooperatives.

Retail. Retail co-ops have proven to be essential services in recent months. They include our food cooperatives, agriculture supply cooperatives and other retail cooperative establishments. These co-ops have kept the shelves stocked for all of their members to have access to the supplies that they want and need. And they’ve done this in new and innovative ways by providing delivery, taking orders online, and even having volunteers pack up these orders. These cooperatives have taken on new distribution channels to accommodate their members, and they’ve done it in the blink of an eye.

Insurance (mutual). Insurance cooperatives — working tireless hours to provide our healthcare and insure our valuable possessions — are covering the bills to keep us healthy and keep our houses fixed up after natural disasters, not to mention getting our cars on the road again after accidents.

Our cooperatives are organizations that are making this state a better place to live. Be proud of your membership, join others, and own it.

Emily Nail is executive director for the Cooperative Council of NC, an association of cooperatives across the state. Contact her at Emily.Nail@ccnc.coop.

4 | carolinacountry.com

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THIS MONTH:

Wholesome Hometown Andy Griffith is loved the world over, but likely more so here in North Carolina. While “The Andy Griffith Show,” drew inspiration from the actor’s hometown of Mount Airy, Mayberry made a lasting mark on Mount Airy as well.

Read how the two became intertwined starting on page 10. Take comfort in other parts of this issue, including reflections on rural churches (page 24) and an easy recipe for apple butter (page 33).

—Scott Gates, editor

Mutant Cucumbers My husband went to the garden this morning to pick tomatoes and cucumbers. Imagine our surprise (horror) to see this triple conjoined cuke! With all of the craziness in 2020, even the cucumbers are reacting! :-) Vickie Kline, East Bend A member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

Rave Recipe Review The Chinese Chicken Salad (September 2020, page 33) is really yummy.

I didn’t have ramen so I used riced noodles and Knorr chicken-flavored seasoning. Delicious! The dressing from this recipe could be used on all kinds of things.

Lisa C. Stevens via carolinacountry.com

Correction to our September issue

Old North Inspiration

Shadows lengthen as the sun takes a rest Behind the mountains, bidding adieu.

It hides the daylight like a thief in the night, Until the new dawn makes its debut.

I love the Old North State, her mountains, rivers and lakes, I’m sure you’ll love her too.

Come visit, my friend, you’ll come back again, For you’ll see what I tell you is true.

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.

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 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.

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

Raleigh, NC 27616

Published monthly by

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.

Photos from Hart Square (“A Living Museum, a Lasting Legacy,” page 14) were taken by Leah Chester-Davis.

Thank you, Leah!

Jones-Onslow EMC member Libbie Adams shared this poem with us by her uncle, 87-year-old Johnny W. Howard. Born and raised in Onslow County, John later moved to Indianapolis, but “his roots are still buried very deeply here in our beautiful state.”

Go to carolinacountry.com/extras to read the full poem, but John ends it with the stirring words:

(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, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

October 2020 | 5

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NC GreenPower

More Power

Blue Ridge Energy’s Jason Lingle (fourth from left) at the Cove Creek ribbon cutting.

NC Solar+ Schools Program Grows in 2020 Blue Ridge Energy sponsored past recipients of the grant program Ten K–12 schools across North Carolina were awarded funds through NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools grant program for 2020, the first full-scale year for the program following a five-year pilot period. Two of the schools are in Stanly and Union counties, served by Pee Dee Electric and Union Power Cooperative, respectively. The schools are currently raising a portion of funds required to install an educational, 3-to 5-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) solar array on each campus.

Alleghany High School in Sparta and Cove Creek School in Watauga County, both served by Blue Ridge Energy, were recipients of Solar+ Schools grants in 2017. Cove Creek held a ribbon-cutting for its 5-kilowatt solar PV installation in May 2019. The two were among the initial schools that are served by an electric co-op to participate in the program (see “Jones-Onslow EMC Supports Solar School,” December 2017, page 6).

“We were thrilled to assist both Alleghany High School and Cove Creek with these exciting and innovative projects, and we were glad they applied for and were selected

to be part of this program,” said Blue Ridge Energy Director of Energy Solutions Jason Lingle. “These projects will educate the students about new and emerging technologies in the energy space that should help shape a brighter future for all of us.”

Each school installation includes a weather station, real-time data monitoring, an associated curriculum and training for teachers.

“By the end of 2020, we will have reached more than 31,000 students across North Carolina, and we look forward to helping educate students about energy with these installations,” said Vicky McCann, vice president of NC GreenPower.

The Raleigh-based NC GreenPower is administered by Advanced Energy, a nonprofit that focuses on energy efficiency for residential, commercial and industrial markets, and electric transportation. Applications for 2021 Solar+ Schools grants will be available in January.

For more information ncgreenpower.org/solar-schools

Know Your Options for Election Day Electric co-ops across North Carolina and the nation are dedicated to making our voices heard at the polls. Plan to vote in the upcoming election to support issues important to our communities.

Register to vote in North Carolina

by October 9, 2020, to make your voice heard on Election Day. And once registered, North Carolinians have more than one way to cast a ballot.

Visit ncsbe.gov/voting for more information about your options.

VOTE

Early, in-person Available Oct. 15–31

By mail

Oct. 27 deadline to request an absentee ballot

Get voting-related news at

In-person on Election Day Nov. 3

@nccoopsvote

6 | carolinacountry.com

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More Power

Settlement Funding Helps NC Co-op Members Drive Electric $700,000 will fund expansion of EV charging network

E

ight of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives recently were awarded a total of more than $700,000 in funding by the NC Department of Environmental Quality to install 10 high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in rural and suburban communities throughout the state.

Funding for these projects comes from the first phase of $30 million available through the state’s $92 million share of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s settlement with Volkswagen for unlawfully falsifying vehicle emissions.

Over the past year, electric co-ops have been building out an EV charging network across the state, which currently includes nearly 60 Level 2 and DC Fast charging stations located in communities from the mountains to the coast. The 10 newly funded DC Fast charging stations will fill critical charging gaps along interstates and highways.

“These projects encourage not only the environmental

and cost savings benefits of electric transportation, but also promote education, commerce, tourism, economic development and improved quality of life in our communities,” said Diane Huis, senior vice president of innovation and business development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Additional settlement funding through a partnership with the NC Department of Public Instruction will provide $277,000 for an all-electric school bus. The new bus will serve a route in southwestern Randolph County, with Randolph EMC providing related electrical infrastructure and NCEMC providing a DC Fast charger for the bus on the campus of Southwestern Randolph Middle School Visit ncdriveelectric.com for more information on these projects and what benefits your local electric co-op offers EV drivers.

NC ELECTRIC CO-OP

EV Charging Network

85 95

40 85 40

77

85 40

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26 40

95

DC Fast Charger Stations

Level 2 Charging Stations

VW DC Fast Settlement Charging Stations

Current as of August 2020

Online Extra at carolinacountry.com Co-op Lineworkers Through the Ages

What better time than Co-op Month to look back on how electric co-op lineworkers have served their members through the years, from the early days of electrification in the 1930s to the ever-evolving modern era (pictured). carolinacountry.com/extras Watch the video on our website.

Drive Electric Week Are you considering going electric?

National Drive Electric Week, which runs September 26 through October 4, provides an opportunity to learn more about EVs through online and in-person events.

Visit driveelectricweek.org to learn more.

8 | carolinacountry.com

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“There’s a lot of Mount Airy in The Andy Griffith Show, but there’s a lot of Mayberry in the current Mount Airy,It’s a fuzzy area and hard to tell which is which, but it’s all good.”

Mary Dowell, owner of Snappy Lunch

Andy Griffith Homepla ce

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Mayberry

Squad Car Tour

60 years ago, Andy Griffith introduced the world to his hometown

By Marla Hardee Milling | Photos by Craig Distl unless otherwise indicated

When “The Andy Griffith Show” debuted on October 3, 1960, viewers didn’t readily know they were getting a glimpse of Andy’s memories of growing up in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Andy wove the small-town character of his hometown into the fictional town of Mayberry, which was created on a Hollywood movie set.

Now, at the show’s 60th Anniversary, “Mayberry” is a household word and synonymous with a simpler, more wholesome time when a town’s problems could be solved within a half hour.

The well-loved whistled theme song, strong storylines and memorable characters — Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, Aunt Bee, Opie, Gomer, Goober, Thelma Lou, Otis, Helen Crump, Floyd the Barber, Howard Sprague and all the rest — create a sense of calm among those who continue to faithfully enjoy reruns of the show. The storylines reflect an allegiance to the Golden Rule and looking after your neighbors.

It’s fun to recognize the “winks” that Andy gave folks back home.

Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry County Arts Council, says there are Mount Airy references embedded throughout episodes of the show.

“He definitely took his hometown with him,” Tanya says. “Every street mentioned in the show is a street in Mount Airy. He also mentioned communities outside of Mount Airy — Toast, Flat Rock, Dobson, Bannertown — and Pilot Mountain is called Mount Pilot in the show. In one episode, he mentioned the cannon at the triangle. It’s not there now, but there was a cannon at a place called the triangle when he was growing up.”

Tanya says one of her favorite photos at the Andy Griffith Museum is of Andy reading a newspaper.

“When you look closely, it’s the Mount Airy News,” she says. “He’s reading it on the set.”

Nashville writer Jim Clark, who co-founded The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) in the late 1970s, says “names of people, businesses, streets, and

nearby locations are the main ways Andy added touches of Mount Airy to give Mayberry an authentic flavor of a small town in North Carolina, and as a way to say ‘hey’ to folks back home.”

Some examples he provides includes episodes referring to watching the Mayberry Bears play ball, named after the Mount Airy Bears; a school crossing at Rockford and Haymore, which was a real location close to Andy’s boyhood home; and a character named Evin Moore, who was a real-life cousin of Andy’s. He also named characters for his first cousin Lorraine Beasley and her husband Earlie Gilley.

Double date at the Snappy Lunch The Snappy Lunch at 125 N. Main Street is the oldest continuous eating establishment in Mount Airy continued on page 12

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Modern-day Mayberry “There’s a lot of Mount Airy in ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ but there’s a lot

of Mayberry in the current Mount Airy,” Jim Clark points out. “It’s a fuzzy area and hard to tell which is which, but it’s all good. They had positive influences on each other.”

Tanya at the Arts Council credits Jim for planting the seed for the annual Mayberry Days Festival,

experience. There’s also a version of Wally’s Tow Truck, along with a re-creation of the Darlings’ mountain cabin and truck.

You’re likely to see one or more of the small fleet of early 1960s Ford Galaxie squad cars parked in front of Wally’s. These cars are replicated to look like the ones Andy and Barney drove on the show.

Slide into the passenger’s seat (or back seat) and relax while a tour guide fills you in on Mount Airy/Mayberry history as you ride around, including a trek to an enormous, openface granite quarry and a visit to the front of Andy’s childhood home at 711 E. Haymore Street.

If you’re staying the night, the Mayberry Motor Inn has Squad Car Tour a bounty of keepsakes in its “Aunt Bee Room.” The room is filled with a twin bedroom which began 30 years ago. They suit that belonged to actress Francis both attended an auction in Raleigh Bavier, as well as an assortment of her for belongings of Francis Bavier, belongings: gloves, glasses, dress, hat, the actress who played Aunt Bee, sewing materials and more. where Jim asked Tanya if Mount Airy Inn owner Alma Venable also was planning anything special to dresses up to look like Aunt Bee commemorate the show’s during the Mayberry Days Festival.

30th Anniversary.

Back to Mount Airy That conversation sparked action Mayberry-themed stores line Main and led to Mayberry Days, a multiStreet, including Opie’s Candy Store, day event held in late September Floyd’s City Barber Shop, Mayberry each year. Cast members like Betty on Main gift shop, Barney’s Café, Lynn, who played Thelma Lou and Mayberry Antique Mall, Mayberry who lives in Mount Airy, take part Kitchen, Mayberry Country and sign autographs. While many of Store and more. the original cast have died, Clark says Next stop is a true “must-see” the event is like a family reunion for for show aficionados. The Andy people who love “The Andy Griffith Griffith Museum offers a variety of Show” and come to the festival memorabilia — from audio and video every year. recordings to show scripts, costumes, Of course, you don’t have to be in photographs and props. Emmett town during this festival to experiForrest, a childhood friend of Andy’s, ence the charm of Mount Airy and its carefully collected, preserved, curated connection to the show. and donated the core of the museA fun way to explore is to begin at um’s contents.

Wally’s Gas Station at 625 S. Main Emmett was another one of those Street. Here, you’ll find candy and people who got a shoutout from Andy, novelties in the former gas station who named show character Emmett as well as an adjacent replica of the Clark after his friend.

Mayberry Courthouse and Jail to Marcia Biggs

(it opened in 1923). It’s also the only business still in operation that Andy mentioned by name on the show.

That reference was made in “Andy the Matchmaker” (filmed as Episode 9 but aired as Episode 7). Deputy Barney Fife became depressed about never having any crimes to investigate, so Sheriff Andy Taylor and Miss Ellie at Walker’s Drug Store faked a robbery to keep Barney busy. Barney took the task to heart and ultimately captured a real criminal. At the end of the episode, Barney excitedly races over to show Andy his picture on the front page with news of the arrest. Andy’s strumming his guitar and stops to compliment Barney and then he says: “You want to double date? I’m going to take Miss Ellie to the picture show Saturday night, do you and Miss Rosemary want to go with us? After the show we can go down to Snappy Lunch and get something to eat and some coffee. Want to?”

Mary Dowell, who still operates Snappy Lunch, says her late husband was watching the show when it originally aired on November 14, 1960.

“Charles told me when he heard him say that he almost fell off the couch,” Mary says. “That’s our claim to fame from Andy. He also mentioned Weiner Burger, but it’s been out of business.”

Snappy Lunch is also known for its famous pork chop sandwich created by Charles Dowell, who began working at this eatery as a teen and ultimately became its owner. During his career, he was a visible presence in town as he prepared the grilled pork chops at the front window where passersby could watch. He topped the meat with chili, coleslaw, mustard, onion and tomato and served it in a bun, just as they continue to be sold today.

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Plan your trip 800-948-0949 visitmayberry.com

Dixie Griff ith

Marla Hardee Milling has written more than 900 published articles and four non-fiction books. She’s a native of Asheville, where she lives with her family (and faithfully watches “The Andy Griffith Show” reruns).

Dixie Griffith

“We have an exhibit as part of the museum that’s called ‘Mount Airy to Mayberry and Back,’ ” Jones says.

“We added the ‘and Back’ because of a frequently asked question: Did Andy ever come back? And yes, he did. We have added photos of him at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.”

The Playhouse building once housed the elementary school where student Andy performed on stage.

The Playhouse is adjacent to the Museum, and out front there’s a familiar scene: the TV Land life-size statues of Andy and Opie as they appeared in the show opener. The bronze figures, smiling at each other, depict Andy in his sheriff’s uniform beside his barefoot TV son. They appear headed to their favorite fishing hole, poles tossed back against their shoulders.

and Dixie Andy, Sam

Andy Griffith: A Real Dad, Too

By Lori Grossman

Jon Eckard

Before Andy Griffith moved to California to bring Mayberry (and Mount Airy) to the masses, he attended UNC Chapel Hill, where he enrolled in drama and musical theater classes and met Barbara, his first wife. Just before his TV show hit the airwaves, the Griffiths adopted two children, Andy Jr. (who went by Sam) and a daughter, Dixie, who grew up with the show. She says she never visited the set because she was so young, but she does remember watching it on TV as she grew older.

“There were times in certain episodes when Opie ended up getting in trouble in some way, even if it was very innocent,” Dixie says. “Sheriff Taylor would have a talk with Opie up in his room. I could almost relate to [Opie’s] fear of punishment, because my dad was a very strict disciplinarian. He was a very moral man and had high standards of what was right and wrong.”

The Griffiths lived in California, where the show was filmed, but they spent summers back home in North Carolina.

“We went to my dad’s estate on Roanoke Sound,” Dixie remembers. “The time in North Carolina was far superior and fantastic.”

They whiled away those idyllic summer days boating, picnicking, playing volleyball and water skiing. Dixie and her brother also played parts in the historical outdoor drama, “The Lost Colony.”

“My mother [a Troy native] played the lead female role when she began in the late ’40s, and my father started out in a minor male role,” Dixie says.

After two years, Andy Griffith played the role of Sir Walter Raleigh. Later, his children took more minor roles.

“In 1972, I started out as a ‘colonist child’ making a whopping $10 a week,” Dixie laughs. “My dad was fully supportive and delighted that we were in the show.”

Summers also included fishing, but it wasn’t like fishing in Mayberry.

“We fished off of our boat and went deep-sea fishing on a big rented boat,” Dixie remembers. “We’d go out fishing for bluefish. And I didn’t like to eat fish, either!”

These days, Dixie stays connected to the show and North Carolina through Mayberry Days, the big annual celebration in Mount Airy. Dixie joins in to portray “Skippy” of Daphne and Skippy, the “Fun Girls” from Mount Pilot.

“We wear red lipstick and wander down the street during the parade, giggling and having fun,” Dixie says. “There’s lots to do, and if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll love it!”

Freelance writer Lori Grossman currently lives in Texas, but carries memories of North Carolina in her heart.

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Carolina People

Jessica Coates

Discerning Details in the Data Derek Ellington is a master of digital sleuthing

By Gordon Byrd

T

ucked away in the town of Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, a sleuth extracts evidence of corporate fraud from a business executive’s laptop; or he uses GPS to re-create the scene of a crime; or he recovers the contents of a lost-loved-one’s cellphone to share their family photos, voice memos and digital legacy with those left behind.

Derek Ellington does it all in his home office. A certified fraud examiner, private investigator, and self-proclaimed “cyber ninja,” Derek, a member of Wake Electric, has taken the stand as an expert witness countless times. Family law frequently calls upon his services to untangle a soap operalike drama involving intrigue and infidelity. Corporate lawyers have him on speed dial to investigate allegations of white-collar crimes.

His CSI-style work provides a lot of interesting cases. Much like the forensics in the TV show “Law & Order,” Derek presents his findings in often high-profile criminal cases.

“Data doesn’t lie,” Derek says. “Most of what I do is explain how I retrieved the data and what the context of the data is.”

Context is key Context is very important with data. Derek tells of some embarrassing photos of a father being touted by the opposing attorney as “indecent.” The photos were retrieved from the man’s laptop and seemed to suggest he was unfit to have custody of his children.

“We found these photos,” Derek says with a sly grin on his face, “because the man’s attorney wanted to figure out what the fuss was about.”

The photos were not entirely embarrassing, but they were puzzling. The man had taken a photo of himself standing, facing the camera. The next photo was a profile.

Both photographs were taken within a minute and they were never sent or copied. Derek found that these photos were taken at 9:02 p.m. on January 3, 2012.

“That is when it clicked. These were his ‘before’ photos taken just after the season premiere of [the personal fitness TV show] ‘The Biggest Loser,’ season 13.”

Derek has made appearances on and provided technical assistance for several TV shows and documentaries.

Embarrassing, but not incriminating.

“Understanding the context of the data is the real important thing,” Derek explains. “Knowing how the data got there and why it is there is just as important as the data itself.”

Personal digital legacy Although criminal investigations are interesting, Derek speaks most passionately about the beautiful humanity that can be saved in someone’s digital legacy. But he has noticed a shift in how society views the privacy and permanency of data.

“As our personal media becomes digital, people have less of an appreciation for saving their media. When you have the fast-paced Twitter and Facebook feeds, you lose the idea that you should save those photos, those moments.”

A person’s digital legacy is like the physical photo albums, diaries, newspaper clippings, and recipe books we used to hand down — generation to generation — as heirlooms. Derek makes a point to bring up true stories of grieving families being able to hear a dearly-deceased laugh again on a voice memo or short video. So much more than a dusty photo album, a digital legacy will not fade if stored properly.

Phone smarts The smartphone has become the most important thing for helping loved ones recover many sentimental and practical information.

“If I can get into your phone, I can access your banking information, emails, light bills and passwords for all manner of important information,” Derek explains.

“The last thing family members want when a loved one dies unexpectedly is to have to figure out passcodes and worry about lost photos and information,” Derek continues. “Sharing your passwords and planning your digital estate as well as your physical estate, are considerate and helpful steps to take.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Gordon Byrd is a veteran who works for UNC Pembroke. He tries to keep things interesting with some writing and a lot of time with his family and church.

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he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.

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BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Together, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for 2.5 million people and local communities with a commitment to:

Innovative, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost Community support and economic development Utilizing existing and new resources to achieve a goal of net-zero emissions

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

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A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY

matters MEMBERSHIP

October 2020

Blue Ridge Energy begins utility-scale solar project

Blue Ridge Energy has announced that work is progressing on its utility-scale solar project as it begins approval processes with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

This new facility will be located on approximately 50 acres in the Granite Falls community of Caldwell County and will produce over 19 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually that will help control wholesale power cost to keep rates stable for the members served by Blue Ridge Energy.

Site preparation studies and electrical system impact studies are currently underway, with the county permitting process taking place this fall and winter.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2021, with the system completed and online in the summer of 2021.

The project is part of the electric cooperative’s Brighter Future initiative, after which the solar facility is named. The Brighter Future initiative includes a goal of 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net carbon of 0 percent by 2050 by adding solar, reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuel vehicles, battery storage for electricity, special rates and pricing programs for members to encourage energy efficiency.

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The purpose of the utility-scale solar project is to add additional carbon-free solar electricity for member consumption and to help keep rates stable. It may also help the cooperative provide alternative rate options to benefit the membership in the future and help the cooperative manage peak power demands for electricity.

The project joins the cooperative’s five existing community “shared solar” facilities in which members subscribe and receive a credit on their bill based on the output of the facilities. Blue Ridge Energy will continue offering its Community Solar option to the members that are interested in seeing a more direct benefit of solar offsetting the actual usage for their home.

“Looking to the decade ahead and beyond, we remain focused on providing you electricity that is reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible,” said Doug Johnson, chief executive officer of Blue Ridge Energy.

“Utility-scale solar power has become more economical in recent years and is one of the fastest ways to reduce carbon emissions to put our country on the right path to a clean energy future” — Doug Johnson

9/9/20 4:19 PM

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From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

Being there for our members 2020 has created unique hardships and challenges for our membership and the employees working to serve you each day. In good times and bad, being there for our members is a top priority and it’s reflected in the efforts of the employees at Blue Ridge Energy. It makes me proud to share with you, that your cooperative has achieved a score of 90 in electric utility customer satisfaction on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) — the cooperative’s highest score ever, which ranks it among the top utilities in the nation for consumer satisfaction.

Earning this score is no small task and it requires a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to be an asset to the members of Blue Ridge. Meeting the challenges we face requires passion for local communities and a love for the people that live there. While we’ve seen this dedication reflected in recent ACSI scores, it is even more evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you know? A recent ACSI score of 90 marks the highest score achieved in Blue Ridge Energy history and ranks the cooperative among the top utilities in the nation for consumer satisfaction.

In March, it became clear that COVID-19 would be no small bump in the road. Meeting the challenges faced across our service area requires doing business in new ways, keeping people safe and working to help soften the financial impact the virus has on our members.

The “In This Together” Relief Fund helps to alleviate the financial stress on families and individuals struggling to pay their electric and Propane and Fuels bills. Seeing our staff work hard to make this program available, makes me proud.

I am even more proud of the number of employees and board members stepping up to the plate without being asked and donating to the relief fund.

Being a member of the Blue Ridge family always requires a love for people and a passion for the communities we serve. While this year has been difficult at times, know that our staff and board of directors will continue working to find ways to make a positive impact and keep you, the member, as its top priority.

Bl an $7 Ch En Ag Vo th aw N. En sta fu As

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MEMBERSHIP matters 9/9/20 4:19 PM

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Blue Ridge Energy awarded funding for new electric vehicle charging station A new electric vehicle (EV) charging station is coming to Boone! Blue Ridge Energy will be installing a DC Fast Charger at its Watauga District office located at 2491 US Hwy 421 South.

Installation is expected to be complete by the end of the second quarter of 2021.

Johnson, Blue Ridge Energy CEO. “Our members are increasingly interested in the convenience, cost savings and environmental advantage of electric vehicles, and we are proud to support expansion of this technology by securing funding for this local project.”

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are working to Blue Ridge Energy applied for create a statewide network of and was awarded a little over EV charging stations, enabling $73,000 to fund a DC Fast the increased adoption of EV Charger as part of a U.S. technology. Cooperatives Environmental Protection Agency settlement with primarily serve members in rural locations, and their Volkswagen. In North Carolina, expanding charging network the Volkswagen funds were DC Fast Charger located at the Caldwell district fills gaps in charging awarded and distributed by the office in Lenoir. A second fast charger will be infrastructure in rural and N.C. Department of coming to the Blue Ridge system soon. tourist-visited areas, Environmental Quality. The creating environmental and economic benefits state’s electric cooperatives jointly applied for the for communities. funds as coordinated by the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives.

For more information about the benefits of driving electric, visit NCDriveElectric.com/BlueRidge or “This charging station will help increase local commerce, reduce emissions and bring the benefits of BlueRidgeEnergy.com/EV. driving electric to our community,” said Doug

ut

Changing: renewable energy charge

ke

The NC REPS charge on your bill is decreasing beginning on October bills. This charge is for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard law passed by the 2007 North Carolina General Assembly. It requires all utilities to generate and distribute more electricity from renewable resources and to encourage energy efficiency by their consumers.

Energy’s electricity consumed by its members is now produced from renewable resources. (This is in addition to the cooperative’s community solar production).

Expenses to comply with the NC REPS law fluctuates annually according to renewable and energy efficiency projects by wholesale power providers.

Members will see the following changes: the residential fee will move from $1.03 to 84 cents; the commercial fee will move from $5.95 to $4.70 and the industrial fee will move from: $37.39 to $30.45.

Your cooperative has coordinated with its wholesale power supplier to meet NC REPS in the most efficient manner possible. Currently, 10 percent of Blue Ridge Page 19

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9/9/20 4:19 PM

Longtime member service director to retire; Lingle and Spencer promoted Sandra Hicks, 45-year employee with Blue Ridge Energy, is retiring in January as director of member services responsible for overseeing member and customer care for the cooperative and its propane and fuels subsidiary.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson

EDITOR

Reneé R. Whitener

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons

DISTRICT OFFICES Caldwell Watauga Ashe Alleghany Wilkes PowerLine®

(828) 754-9071 (828) 264-8894 (336) 846-7138 (336) 372-4646 (800) 451-5474 (800) 448-2383

Toll Free

(800) 451-5474

(PowerLine® is an automated account information and outage reporting system.)

(for members outside of the service area.)

To report an outage at any time, call one of the numbers listed above.

OFFICE HOURS:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Night deposit available.

Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +

Page 20

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Hicks has worked her entire career in member service, with one of her most significant accomplishments achieved recently when she led Blue Ridge Energy to a top spot in the nation for electric utility customer satisfaction on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

Sandra Hicks, retiring Director of Throughout Member Service her career, Hicks achieved many advancements and led the research tracking and service improvements for Blue Ridge Energy. As a recognized leader, she was asked to speak about customer service across the country as she led the effort that maintained steady satisfaction results year after year.

In preparation for her retirement and to support future Blue Ridge Energy strategy, the cooperative has announced Jason Lingle as Director of Energy Solutions and Crystal Spencer as Director of Marketing.

Lingle will lead the workforce and services they provide in all district front offices as well as the member/ customer contact center and energy solutions operations. He will also be developing and executing strategies to provide new energy products and

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

services to electric members and propane and fuels customers of Blue Jason Lingle, Director of Energy Solutions Ridge Energy to meet current consumer needs as well as to prepare and respond to the energy industry market.

Lingle, who holds his Master’s in Business Administration from East Carolina University and undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, joined Blue Ridge Energy in 2007.

Spencer, an Ashe County native, joined Blue Ridge Energy in Crystal Spencer, Director of Marketing 2018 with 20 years of marketing experience, including 12 years in the telecommunications cooperative space. Spencer will lead marketing and economic development efforts for Blue Ridge Energy.

She is assuming Hicks’ research role to stay attuned to member/ customer satisfaction, trends and interests. She also will manage the cooperative’s efforts to support economic development within its service territory.

Spencer earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an undergraduate degree from Garner-Webb University.

MEMBERSHIP matters

9/9/20 4:19 PM

ur Yo e r fo uid

G ow ll N old a C EG E FR

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Don’t Fear the Basement

Boost comfort, efficiency downstairs

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

B

asements are a key, though often overlooked, area when you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Moisture is a common problem in both basements and crawl spaces (see “Have a crawl space?” below), and can lead to mold, rot and lowered effectiveness of insulation. (It should be noted that as you make efficiency improvements, you can solve moisture problems, but you could potentially make them worse if you’re unsure of the work you’re conducting.)

Look carefully for signs of water damage or moisture buildup, such as rotting wood, mold, a stain on a wall or floor or a musty smell. Any untreated wood in contact with a cement floor or wall could be rotting. Search online for “test basement walls for moisture” and you’ll find a simple test you can conduct yourself.

Before making improvements, you should also consider whether radon or carbon monoxide could be a problem.

If you live in an area where radon has been a problem, you should conduct a radon test through a licensed professional or purchase a DIY home test kit. Carbon monoxide problems can be deadly. If you have any type of combustion occurring in the basement, whether it’s a furnace, water heater or even a fireplace, make sure they have adequate ventilation and that you have working carbon monoxide detectors nearby.

If you have a forced-air heating system, your basement is abundant with opportunities for improving ductwork.

Unless you’re in a newer home or the ductwork has been tested and sealed in the last decade, your ductwork is likely leaking. Sealing these leaks helps your system distribute air more efficiently and should make your home more comfortable. The best way to seal ducts is with duct mastic. Metallic tape is the next best solution. Do not use duct tape. An energy auditor or HVAC professional can test your home’s ductwork and identify any leaks.

As you look at the ductwork, ask yourself if rooms throughout the home are heated or cooled unevenly. If so, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional. Sometimes minor modifications to the ductwork can make a big improvement in comfort.

You’ll find lots of air leaks in basements, particularly where pipes and wires enter or exit the space. Air often enters the home around the sill plate, which sits on top of Have a crawl space?

Many NC homes are built on crawl space foundations, which come with unique moisture management issues —a nd solutions. Visit crawlspaces.org for more information from Raleigh-based Advanced Energy.

Most experts now recommend rigid foam board insulation on foundation walls instead of fiberglass or mineral wool batts.

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Adding a larger egress window can bring more natural light into your basement.

the foundation. If you can get to the sill plate, apply caulk around it. You can also increase efficiency by sealing any gaps or leaks around basement windows.

Insulation is an effective tool for reducing energy use and improving comfort, but when insulating a basement, the strategy and installation must be done correctly to prevent mold or exacerbate moisture problems.

The place to begin in basements is the rim joist, which is right above the sill plate on the top of the foundation wall.

Rigid foam board can be carefully fitted between the joists.

Insulated basement walls make a room more comfortable. If you’re building a new home, there are advantages to insulating the outside of the foundation wall, but this isn’t practical for most existing homes. You can insulate the inside of the foundation wall if you’re sure moisture is not leaking through the wall from the outside.

Experts do not recommend fiberglass insulation in contact with the foundation, which was a common practice for decades. Instead, they prefer sprayed-on foam or rigid foam board applied directly to the foundation wall. A wood-framed wall can be butted up against the rigid foam and insulated with fiberglass or mineral wool batts. The bottom plate of the wall, which sits on the concrete floor, should be pressure treated wood.

As you can see, there are several steps you can take to make your basement more efficient. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, be sure to talk to a professional first.

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

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In the Quiet of the Country Reflections on the power of the country church

By Ken Garfield

Volunteers work in Goldston United Methodist’s community garden, an effort to revitalize the rural congregation.

These are challenging times for rural America. Many young people are moving to cities in search of opportunity.

Sadly, many family farms are closing because there is no “next generation” to run them.

The future is equally daunting for rural churches, indeed for churches in all corners of our country: Church membership has declined 20 percent since 1999, according to the analytics firm Gallup. Nearly half of all Americans are unchurched.

I’m aware of all that, having covered religion for The Charlotte Observer for a dozen years. But the moment Rev. Darren Johnson began singing “I’ll Fly Away” at my mother-in-law’s funeral is the moment those dire trends faded away.

As he sang “some glad morning when this life is o’er,” I turned to see the comforting smile on my wife’s face. Then and there I understood the sacred power of the country church.

It’s not the size of the church that matters, it’s the sweetness. God lives in the farms and fields, preachers and

“ hen and there T

I understood the

sacred power of the

country church. It’s not the size of the

church that matters, it’s the sweetness.”

congregations doing His work, one soul at a time.

Vibrant fellowship For 18 years, Rev. Johnson has pastored Hebron Baptist Church, located beside a cornfield in the farmrich county of Iredell. He once sang bass in a gospel group, Proclaim, which explains why he sometimes sings in the church choir, and at funerals.

The northern Iredell community is served by EnergyUnited. The church was founded in 1897, its wooden arbor still used for tent meetings, a testament to its heritage. Rev. Johnson, 55, son of a preacher, grew up six miles from the church. He knows the reality: Membership since he arrived has declined by 200 or so, due to the lack of residential growth in that part of the county. The average age of the congregation is over 60. The church’s long-standing motto — “In the quiet of the country” — may not be an enticement in these days of churchgoers drawn to bells and whistles and fancy gyms.

Like rural churches everywhere, Hebron is trying to grow by expanding programs for young families with children, and looking for creative ways to reach out to neighbors. Church members, for example, handed out 800 free barbecue chicken plates in the nearby community of Harmony.

Connecting with a younger generation (or two) and with your neighbors is key, Rev. Johnson says.

Rev. Darren Johnson

Goldston United Methodist

“These ministries provide opportunities for fellowship, Bible study and discipleship for kids and young people, while giving parents an opportunity to be disciples as well,” he explains.

Despite all that it faces as a rural church, there is a vibrancy to Hebron, and a grace to its pastor. Our family felt it in our time of need.

Personal pastoral care When Parkinson’s disease put my wife’s brother, Bristol, in a wheelchair, the Hebron Baptist men built a ramp at his

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home. Rev. Johnson visited Bristol even after he could barely communicate. He figures he spends more than half his time offering pastoral care in homes, nursing homes and funeral homes.

Powerful sermons are important. But to me, a pastor who sits at a bedside or leads a prayer before surgery is doing the most important part of God’s work here on earth. When Bristol passed away at age 70, Rev. Johnson shared this promise from the Book of Romans, that even in our grief, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. My wife, Sharon, chose those verses to honor her brother. Rev. Johnson was privileged to be the messenger.

As my mother-in-law, Marie, spent the last years of her life at home, the last months in a recliner, she was comforted by visits from Rev. Johnson and members of her Hebron family.

Children came to sing carols at Christmas. Fruit baskets brightened her day. The weekly bulletin sent the old-fashioned way — by snail mail — helped fill the long days. Marie’s caregiver, Phyllis, had the church drop

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off tiny crosses for Marie to place in plastic baggies with an encouraging note: “When your fingers touch the cross inside the quilt, be mindful of God’s love and grace for you.”

Eight months after Bristol’s passing, we gathered in the same funeral home parlor to say good-bye to Marie. She was 97. Once more, Rev. Johnson was there to console us, this time with a solo rendition of the hymn whose power never wanes. As he sang of a land where joy will never end, I felt called to share this reflection.

Sowing seeds of change The troubles plaguing rural churches are well-known, and efforts to turn the tide are crucial. The Duke Endowment (dukeendowment.org) encourages rural churches to embrace new initiatives such as holding summer literacy programs for children. Another focus for many rural churches is encouraging clergy to take better care of themselves through exercise and proper diet — crucial for often overworked solo pastors. The

Charlotte-based private foundation also awarded a $415,000 grant to launch Seeds of Change. The mission is to challenge rural churches to think outside the box — to open up their campus and buildings in creative ways.

In Goldston in eastern North Carolina, population 350, Goldston United Methodist Church planted a community garden, its bounty free to all. Members even hosted Tomato Sandwich Suppers (salt, pepper and mayonnaise included).

“Gardening,” says Goldston UMC’s Rev. Lucas Nelson, “is one of the greatest signs of hope. Planting seeds.”

Hope?

Our family felt it in a tender embrace, a note of encouragement, and a visit from members of a church that is flourishing in all the ways that matter most. We heard it in the voice of a country pastor singing about some glad morning.

Ken Garfield is a Charlotte-based freelance writer/editor. Reach him at garfieldken3129@gmail.com.

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I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

Milking Chores Pictured in this photo is my son Richal Vanhook, who now serves as board treasurer for Piedmont Electric in Hillsborough. Richal was eight in 1966. He had to milk the cow before going to school and before nightfall because I was out of town on a job.

Richal brought the milk home to be processed for churning in an upright wooden churn. His three sisters churned the milk for buttermilk and butter for home use. The excess was sold for profit.

The cow’s name was Bessie. We no longer have Bessie, but still have beef cows on the farm.

Lawrence Vanhook of Cedar Grove A member of Piedmont Electric carolinacountry.com/iRemember

We love sharing photos and memories dear to our readers. See more stories and submit your own by visiting us online.

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26 | carolinacountry.com

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In June, when summer was in full swing, more than 200 4-H’ers and adults representing 56 4-H programs across the state attended Citizenship North Carolina Focus, which was held virtually this year.

Youth delegates who attend this annual conference are encouraged to develop their leadership and citizenship skills through participation in workshops and group sessions. By gathering to exchange ideas, delegates gain knowledge and learn about the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. This was reflected through this year’s conference theme of Focus On Your Future.

Delegates who attend also have the opportunity to hear dynamic speakers that encourage and promote youth advocacy and youth voice. Through various conference sessions and facilitated discussions, delegates learn from leaders across the state and from other conference attendees.

4-H Citizenship North Carolina Focus is sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives.

4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

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Carolina Gardens

How to Ruin a Deer’s Lunch Beat spring intruders with fall plantings Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

“Aaugh!!”

While this full-throated utterance made famous by Charlie Brown is the universal spoken standard for total frustration (where cussing isn’t allowed ), you wouldn’t think such an invective could ever invade the blissful, peaceful world of a spring garden. But it does.

And it happens every year, especially to gardeners who carefully, lovingly tuck away tulip bulbs into their garden grounds in the fall and spend the dreary winter months with excited expectations of colorful, gorgeous blooms opening in all their visual glory to signal the start of yet another enjoyable new growing season — only to find gnawed nubs where cheerful flowers are supposed to be.

Deer!! Aaugh!!

It is an unfortunate fact of life that deer do love to chew through tulips. But, short of a nasty 12-gauge intervention, what’s a gardener to do? The obvious answer is: don’t serve up tulip delicacies. Instead, plant spring-flowering bulbs they hate. In particular, daffodils (Narcissus sp.) top the list of bulbous plants that deer can’t stand to eat.

Daffodils do add dazzle to spring gardens, but there are other fall-planted, deer-resistant bulbs such as fritillarias (Fritillaria sp.), glory-of-the snow (Chionodoxa sp.) hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalus), Siberian squills (Scilla siberica), snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) that can also get in on the fun. And as a bonus, like daffodils, these beauties are not particular

Grape hyacinths can complement— as well as help protect — tulips.

favorites of feasting rabbits, which, in some parts of the state, can be as bad as deer.

I should note that bulbs tagged with the term “deer (or rabbit)-resistant,” usually means that if Bambi or Thumper is hungry enough, they will at least nibble. It’s kinda like you heading to the refrigerator with an ultraempty stomach and only finding leftover broccoli-liver casserole. Think about it.

But let’s just say, even with this sizeable list of alt-tulips to pick from, you still insist on planting tulips, too. There are liquid deer-repellents that can be sprayed on these Dutch treats to help keep munching beasts at bay — that is, if you can stand them because many of these formulations, at best, stink.

A prettier way to deter deer from chomping on tulips is to interplant them with any of the bulbs just mentioned that they don’t like. Such a mix will confuse, even assault, their taste buds to the point they could take their dining reservations elsewhere.

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

Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com.

carolinacountry.com/extras

Try these methods to keep deer and other pests at bay and your yard off the menu.

Garden To-Do’s for October Autumn is a good time to brighten up the yard (as well as planters) with pansies. For maximum bloom power, select a sunny site and plant in well-worked, organically enriched soil. Since they can produce cheerful blossoms over several months, encourage such longevity by scratching in a dusting of time-release fertilizer after the pansies are planted and then adding a low-nitrogen, diluted fertilizer solution to the growing ground monthly through the winter.

F

Deadheading spent pansy blooms will also promote further flowering. Unfortunately, like tulips, pansies are adored by deer, but using liquid deer-repellent and planting close to the house or in a fenced area will help defend these pretties.

F

If you have a small, immature tree or shrub that is not parked where you want it to be, now is the time to prep it for a proper move late this winter by root pruning to make the transition easier on the plant and planter (you) early next year.

28 | carolinacountry.com

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C A R O L I N A C O U N T R Y S C E N E S

Photo Contest Send us your best photo (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 Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number

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.

We retain reprint and online rights. Visit carolinacountry.com/photocontest for full terms and conditions.

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

Send to Online: carolinacountry.com/photocontest No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country Photo Contest 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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Carolina Kitchen

Slaw of a Different Color

Salting and draining the cabbage prevents that pool of liquid that can collect in the bottom of the bowl. Be sure to taste before adding salt to the finished slaw — even after rinsing and draining, the cabbage remains slightly salty. You can shred (rather than chop) the cabbage and carrots if you prefer a finer slaw.

4 cups coarsely chopped red cabbage 1 tablespoon salt 8 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder

1½ teaspoons whole cumin seeds 2 small serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped ½ cup finely chopped carrot ½ cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley

Toss the cabbage with the salt and place in a colander over the sink. Let drain for 1 hour.

Then rinse the cabbage with cold water, drain it, squeeze gently to remove moisture and spread on kitchen towels to dry for about 15 minutes.

While the cabbage drains, put the oil, vinegar and garlic powder in a small bowl and stir to combine. Lightly crush the cumin seeds in your palm and add to the mixture, then stir in the chopped serrano pepper.

Put the drained-and-dried cabbage in a large bowl.

Stir in the carrots and onions, then the vinegar-based dressing. Taste, then add salt if needed. Sprinkle chives or parsley on top and serve.

Yield: Serves 4–6

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

Saucy Chicken Sliders

Sweet, smoky and tender — that’s this recipe. Preparing it in the slow cooker makes it easy, too. You can also serve the chicken atop rice or in tortillas, and the recipe can be doubled for a crowd.

8 boneless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds) 1 cup sliced red onion 1 cups Memphis-style barbecue sauce 2½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1½ teaspoons smoked paprika ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro 6–8 small slider rolls Slaw (optional)

Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Spread the onions on top.

In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, vinegar, paprika and chili powder. Pour the mixture over the chicken and onions. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

When the cooking time is done, use a knife and fork to shred the chicken in the cooker, then stir in the parsley or cilantro.

To serve, put the chicken in the rolls and top with slaw, if desired.

Yield: Serves 6–8

32 | carolinacountry.com

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen Want to preserve your apple butter?

If you can your butter, it will last for a year or more.

Check out “Home Canning for Beginners” from NC Cooperative Extension at bit.ly/canit-nc.

Erin Binkley

Sweet Potato-Apple Salad

Fall flavors come together in this dish that’s a twist on traditional Waldorf salad, minus the heavy dressing. Boiling the potatoes is an option, but roasting provides more depth of flavor. Cubed, cooked butternut squash would work in this salad as well.

2 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup chopped Granny Smith or other tart apple, unpeeled ½ cup chopped celery ¼ cup chopped green onions ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon dried cranberries ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice Salt and black pepper to taste ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Easy Apple Butter

4 cups unsweetened applesauce 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and roast until a fork pierces them but they are not soft. Do not overcook. Let them cool until you can handle them, then peel and cut into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add the apples, celery, green onions, walnuts and dried cranberries. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and cinnamon. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss to combine.

Yield: Serves 6

carolinacountry.com/extras Craving some treats with a terrifying twist? Go online for three Halloween hit recipes that take their orange coloring from nutritious sweet potatoes, including these Boo-tiful Brownies!

1 ½ ½ ¼

teaspoon cinnamon teaspoon orange zest teaspoon ground cloves teaspoon allspice

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Over medium heat, stir frequently until bubbling. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 1 hour, covered. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat.

While still hot, quickly ladle into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼-inch head room. Wipe jar lids clean, place on a clean towel and screw lids to finger tight. Allow to cool overnight, away from drafts.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Yield: Fills 3–4 mason jars (8-ounce)

Recipe courtesy of P.W. Walker, Stoneville, a member of EnergyUnited

Send Us Your Recipes

NC SweetPotato Commission

Sweet trivia Did you know NC supplies more than 40 percent of the sweet potatoes in the United States? Learn more about our state vegetable in our next issue.

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.

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

October 2020 | 33

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where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by October 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 November issue, will receive $25.

September winner

The September “Where Is This” photo by Camilla Johnson features a log cabin homestead located near the Tuskeegee Baptist Church on Fontana Road outside of Robbinsville in Graham County. This iconic scene in the Great Smoky Mountains is reminiscent of many you see in the mountains of North Carolina. So much so that many readers believed the cabin to be in other places, including Cades Cove along the North Carolina/Tennessee border and the Brinegar Cabin in Traphill, near Stone Mountain State Park. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Karen Hurd of Morganton, a Rutherford EMC 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.

scenes

CAROLINA COUNTRY

featured photo

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

This goldenrod solider beetle’s portrait was taken by my son-in-law, Mathias Engelmann, at Doughton Park in North Carolina. Closely related to lightning bugs, these beetles are important pollinators.

Barbara Hall, Iron Station, a member of EnergyUnited

Tr a fr d c a tr b & th a

S

Submit your photos at carolinacountry.com/photos

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Here for you wherever you are Whether at home or at work, outside, or in, these convenient options provide you with 24/7 access to services.

My Account - Pay your bill and manage your personal account online. Sign up or log in at BlueRidgeEnergy.com today.

Outage texting - Report a power outage quickly 24/7. Enroll by texting START to 70216. Or, report it on the mobile app.

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Call us - Pay by phone at 800-451-5474.

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Blue Ridge Mobile App - Access the services above and more! You can even set customized alerts. Download the FREE app today.

Want even more convenient online and account management services?

Find them all at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

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Join our National Drive Electric Week celebration!

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Have questions?

To learn more, join us online Sept. 26 - Oct. 4 as we explore the world of EVs, things to consider and the benefits.

A video will be released each day covering topics, such as: • Experiencing a virtual EV test drive

Videos released daily .

Blue Ridge Energy Solutions Manager Jon Jacob (left) and Energy Solutions Advisor Susan Greer (bottom right) share information about North Carolina’s new EV charging stations with Evan Fitzgerald from North Carolina Electric Cooperatives.

• Taking a look under the hood To view the vide os, cruise on over to our social media channels or go to BlueRidgeEnerg y.com/EVWeek2 020.

• Talking with local EV drivers • Learning how charging your EV works

Learn more about charging stations!

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