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Catawba Nuclear Station

Q: What type of U.S. power plants were the most productive in 2019?

A: Last year, nuclear plants were the most productive of the nation’s generation fleet: Nine of the 10 U.S. power plants that generated the most electricity in 2019 were nuclear plants, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. These top 10 plants accounted for 5.6 percent of all electricity generation in the country.

“Nuclear generation has been a reliable, safe and affordable energy resource for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives for 35 years,” said Scott Brame, manager of Compliance and Jointly Owned Resources for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “As an emissions-free resource accounting for more than half of the NC electric co-ops’ power, nuclear energy will also play a vital role in meeting co-ops’ net-zero carbon emissions goal as part of their shared Brighter Future vision.”

To learn more, visit: NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter Shivalee Patel

Alex Scruggs

NC Students Receive Youth Leadership Council Scholarships

Students representing Randolph EMC and Union Power Cooperative recently awarded two 2020 Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Scholarships to NC students: Shivalee Patel, a student at Piedmont High School in Monroe, representing Union Power Cooperative; and Alex Scruggs, a student at Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro, representing Randolph EMC.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to recognize these outstanding students for their achievements despite the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Paul Mott, Youth Tour coordinator for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Both Patel and Scruggs will receive a $2,000 college scholarship. They will also join the ranks of previous delegates selected to represent North Carolina on the Youth Leadership Council, a national electric cooperative program that seeks to develop strong leadership, presentation and advocacy skills in young leaders. While this year’s council activities have been canceled at the national level, Patel and Scruggs will be invited to attend North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting this spring, pending any COVID-19 cancellations or changes.

Earlier this year, both Patel and Scruggs were selected to represent their local electric cooperative on the 2020 NC Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., which was originally scheduled to be held this past June, but was later canceled due to the pandemic. The annual tour, which brings together close to 1,800 high schoolers from more than 40 states, gives exceptional students the chance to spend a week in our nation’s capital learning about government, U.S. history and the cooperative business model, while building leadership skills and making new friends from across the state and nation.

Typically, North Carolina’s YLC representative is selected on the first day of Youth Tour by a peer vote based on a live speech competition; this year, however, the speech competition was held virtually. Patel and Scruggs were both named as representatives after tying for the most votes received from their fellow Youth Tourists, the first YLC tie in recent memory.

“Thank you to our Youth Tourists for making this year’s competition a success,” Mott said. “Our Youth Tour delegates have been incredibly supportive and resilient during this time, and we appreciate their flexibility as we’ve worked to transition our tour activities to a virtual environment.”

Virtual Youth Tour In lieu of an in-person trip to Washington, D.C., the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association launched “YTO: ShineOnLine” for 2020 Youth Tour participants. The weekly series brings the vast national network of Youth Tour delegates together with engaging speakers, co-op leaders and elected officials.

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Cookie-Making For the Hanes family, Moravian baking traditions run deep Masters Masters By Pamela A. Keene Photos by Revival Creatives

Evva Hanes the woman behind Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies, started baking almost before she could reach the kitchen table. Today, Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies are shipped around the globe, and they are still hand-rolled and hand-cut in a kitchen on the same farm property where she was born.

Evva, a 7th generation Moravian, says “My mother allowed me to actually help take the cookies off the pans and stack them when I was 5 or 6, but I was much older before I was allowed to handle and roll the dough.” Her ancestors immigrated to North Carolina in the early 1700s, from an area east of what is now the Czech Republic. “Even before I was born, my mother Bertha Crouch Foltz baked Moravian cookies to sell as a way to help support our family that included her, my father and seven children, so baking just comes naturally for me.”

It was a big day when Davidson EMC (now EnergyUnited) electric cooperative brought electricity to Clemmons when Evva was 4 years old.

“Until then we had a wood-burning stove, and Mother was very skilled at getting the temperature right so that the cookies wouldn’t burn,” she says. “These days, things are a bit easier, but we still roll, cut and pack all our cookies by hand. Ours are the only Moravian cookies in the area that are still being made by hand.”

A GROWING FAMILY

In 1952, she married Travis Hanes. In the early days of their marriage, Travis attended college while Evva worked at Hanes Hosiery Mill (no relation) and continued to help her mother bake cookies.

“As she got older, Mother couldn’t roll the cookies, so I took on more of the responsibility, helping every day after work and on Saturdays. We were also raising our two children, Mona and Mike, so it was a very busy time.”

“Ours are the only Moravian cookies in the by hand. by hand.area that are still being made

Ten years later at the birth of her third child, Jonathan, Evva left Hanes Hosiery and turned to cookie making fulltime, shifted her baking kitchen to the family’s remodeled basement. They installed air conditioning and two ovens, making it possible to increase the capacity to bake thousands of Moravian sugar cookies to sell each day.

“At that time, I was only making sugar cookies, but I also developed a serious allergy to flour dust, so I had to ask two neighbors to help me,” she says. “Still, I kept baking and soon added molasses cookies to our choices. By the time Caroline, our fourth child, came along in 1968, we decided to hire two fulltime employees to do the work and get me out of the flour dust. Caroline literally saved my life.”

BUILDING A BRAND

It was time for a business decision. In 1970, she and Travis constructed a dedicated building on the family farm. After several additions, it has become the official home of Mrs. Hanes. By 1985, they incorporated and formally named the company Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies/Moravian Sugar Crisp Co. Inc.

The recipe is the exact same one that her great- great-grandmother brought to America more than 200 years ago, when they settled near Winston-Salem with others who founded the Friedberg Moravian Church and one of the two largest Moravian communities in the United States. Baking these special cookies 125,000 pounds of cookies baked annually

1pound of dough when rolled properly, makes 100 cookies

9,000people tour the Mrs. Hanes’ Kitchens each year*

“I’m so proud of our Moravian traditions we can share with others through ourfamily.

Travis and Evva Hanes

30 fulltime employees many of whom are family members, plus an additional 18 seasonal employees

100,000 cookie fans on the company’s mailing list is part of the tradition still honored today in Moravian communities.

Over the years, she expanded the flavors to include Sugar Crisps, Ginger Crisps, Butterscotch Crisps, Black Walnut Crisps, Lemon Crisps and Chocolate Crisps.

“Today, my children and grandchildren are running the business,” says Evva, who will celebrate her 88th birthday this November. “But Travis and I are very much involved in many ways. I’m so proud of our Moravian traditions we can share with others through our family.”

Their daughter, Mona Hanes Templin, who is president of the company, and her son, Jedidiah Templin, are the most actively involved, but others including cousins, nieces and nephews also work there.

Looking back over her memories of growing up on the farm where she and Travis live and where her family’s cookies are still baked, she smiles.

“Never in my wildest dreams as a young girl, did I imagine that I would be baking Moravian cookies and have such a wonderful husband, children and grandchildren,” she says. “I have been blessed beyond measure.”

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

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Bringing Smiles to Others Katie Haynes is remarkable in more ways than one

p Picking up toys from owner Sue Lucey at a drive drop-off point at Page 158 Books in Wake Forest.

By Donna Campbell Smith | Photos courtesy of Tara and Jody Haynes

In addition to having Asperger syndrome, 20-year-old Katie Haynes has a long list of medical conditions, some very rare and serious — but that isn’t what is remarkable about Katie.

A talented, award-winning photographer, Katie also helps with the family business of rabbitry, raising and showing both pedigreed and pet rabbit varieties. Still not the most remarkable thing about Katie Haynes.

What may be most remarkable about Katie, a Wake Electric member in Wake Forest, is her attitude and her desire to lessen the physical and emotional pain of others like her.

“I was blessed to be given a condition called Asperger syndrome, which is like a mild form of autism,” she writes on her Facebook page. “It means I don’t interact properly in certain social situations. I may have been bullied a lot, but I see beauty in my Asperger’s.”

Five years ago, Katie launched an organization named Smiling While Sending Hope (facebook. com/SmilingWhileSendingHope). Her mission is to bring smiles to others who have Asperger’s or other big health challenges in their lives. Through the program, Katie organizes toy drives, distributes care packages for hospitalized children, and plans holiday parties and back-toschool bashes for them. Katie wants to provide hope and happiness to those she encounters and share her story, to show these children they are not alone.

Katie also uses social media to share articles and stories about scientific breakthroughs, businesses that make accommodations for those with autism and other cognitive disorders, and even articles about dealing with bullying, something Katie has experienced. In addition, she brings awareness to Asperger’s and other chronic children’s illnesses through workshops and presentations.

Katie shares her own medical story on her Facebook page, “Katie’s Brave Medical Journey.” She posts about going for tests and treatments for her many chronic illnesses that include postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The long list is mind-boggling to read. With an upbeat voice, she writes about her experiences as she deals with her medical conditions, shares her triumphs, and frankly educates her readers about her challenges.

Katie, through her programs, gives away hundreds of care packets including Vogmasks®, reusable face masks that come in fashionable colors and patterns. She has organized a prom dress donation drive for Joy Prom (a full-scale prom night for special needs individuals). In addition, Katie visits young patients in hospitals and in their homes to let them know, “there is someone else out there who cares.”

A patient ambassador for Duke Children’s Hospital, Katie is featured in its fundraising campaigns. You may have even seen the life-sized cardboard cutouts of Katie in your local Walmart store. There are 15 of the cutouts across the state used in Walmart’s campaign to help raise money for Duke Children’s Hospital.

In 2019, Katie was named a “Hero for Life” by the Me Fine Foundation in recognition of her volunteer work. This organization helps families with medical finances whose children are patients at Duke Children’s Medical Center, UNC Children’s Hospital, and WakeMed Children’s Hospital.

What does Katie see for her future? She hopes to make Smiling While Sending Hope a nonprofit and continue to grow that organization. While attending college, Katie is studying photography and after graduation, hopes to fulfill a dream of becoming a photographer for Disney or NASCAR.

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

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ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes

Roanoke Electric Cooperative

A MESSAGE FOR YOU

Curtis Wynn PreSIDeNT & Ceo

A season of gratitude and reasons for hope

When many of us look back on this year, the list of what we remember most will likely go something like this: Coronavirus pandemic. Sickness and death. Economic malaise. Job loss. Self-quarantine. Political upheaval. Uncertainty. Worry. Fear. The reasons for despair could go on and on.

But there is another side to this narrative that also played The pandemic disrupted various aspects of our lives. I am out this year, one in which hope shined rays of light in the grateful that our co-op was able to step up to the plate and darkness. And for that, we as a community can be grateful address challenges this disruption brought to bear. this Thanksgiving season. The co-op team responded immediately to the need for

Despite 2020’s unforeseen challenges, I am thankful for free internet service, installing dozens of Wi-Fi hotspots the many ways we were able to embrace a spirit of caring and throughout our service territory. support for each other. Together, we, as a We also did not turn a blind eye to community, rallied to help our neighbors devastated by Hurricane Isaias, which took I’m grateful that our many of our member-owners struggling financially, because of the economic a direct hit to our service territory. Not co-op was in the hardships caused by the pandemic. I’m only do I appreciate our line technicians position to return grateful that our co-op was in the position who worked tirelessly to restore power, but $1.5 million in capital to return $1.5 million in capital credits also our community members who reached credits ... when many to its membership, when many needed it out to help the displaced families in Bertie County secure temporary housing, clothing needed it most. most. That was the largest amount retired in the co-op’s 82-year history. and other necessities so they can begin to Just last month, the co-op marked rebuild their lives. another historic milestone for which we can all rejoice. We

That giving spirit also came in to play among those who officially relaunched Roanoke Connect, the start of a major participated in the co-op’s Operation Round Up, a voluntary undertaking to bridge the digital divide in the region. program that “rounds up” electric bills to the nearest dollar There is no doubt 2020 will go down in history as a year and contributes the difference to worthy causes. Through of unprecedented worldwide economic and social disruption. your charitable giving, member-owners have been able to But, even in darkness, I hope you will join me in not losing raise $19,730.85. These contributions enhanced educational sight of the many reasons we have to be grateful. When you opportunities for local schools and providing much-needed really start counting your blessings, you may find that list equipment for our volunteer fire departments. going on and on.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month:

Keep cold air out to save energy. Seal air leaks around pipes and any gaps around chimneys and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.

Source: energy.gov

Power line safety tips you should know this winter

Inclement winter weather brings with it potential dangers of fallen electric utility poles or sagging wires.

“Just as with any storm, winter storms can lead to serious hazards such as downed power lines and flooding,” said Glenn Brown, safety coordinator for the co-op. “We want to urge member-owners to keep safety top of mind for themselves and their families.” Keep these steps in mind:

1If power lines and poles are down in your area, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous.

2Never touch them and stay away from objects touching fallen lines.

3If someone has contacted a power line, do not try to rescue them. You can’t offer more assistance if you become a victim.

4Report damaged or fallen poles/ lines to Roanoke Electric Co-op at 252-209-2236 or 1-800-358-9437.

Holiday Closing

Roanoke Electric Co-op offices will close on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business operations will resume on Monday, Nov. 30. Feel free to use any of the following services during that time: To report outages:

è Call 1-800-358-9437 è Text “oUTAGe” to 352667.

To make a payment:

è Use our automated system at 252-209-2236. è Download our mobile app by texting “roanoke” to 797979. è Text “PAY” to 352667.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

NOTICE

End-of-year schedule and bill payments

As this year comes to an end, roanoke electric Co-op advises member-owners of its upcoming end-of-year process. The co-op will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, to conduct endof-year procedures. During this time, no payments will be accepted at any of the co-op’s office locations, through its phone system or at any of the payment kiosks. member-owners are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid late-payment fees or service interruption. It is particularly important that member-owners with prepaid service accounts make their payment prior to Dec. 31, 2020. The office will also be closed New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. All co-op operations and payment systems will resume as normal on monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Please contact our office at 252-209-2236 for any questions or concerns.

Need financial assistance this winter? Here’s where you can find help

The cost of keeping warm during the winter often poses a financial challenge for many low-income households. To address this concern, Roanoke Electric Co-op collaborates with government agencies to provide its membership with much-needed financial resources.

Eligible member-owners seeking assistance can apply for such funding through the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Commonly referred to as “LIEAP,” this program helps residents pay a portion of their electric bills.

Member-owners must apply for the financial assistance through various local help agencies, according to Johnetta Chavis, supervisor of the co-op’s member services department. “Once the member-owner has visited their local help agency, the agency will contact our office to request the supporting documentation to complete the application.”

As in the past, households with a family member aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020. All other member-owners can apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

LIEAP offers a one-time vendor payment to help households pay their heating bill from Dec. 1 – March 31. Households must meet the following criteria to be eligible: è Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria. è Meet an income test. è Have reserves at or below $2,250. è Be responsible for its LIEAP heating costs.

For more information about LIeAP and the application process, visit ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/ low-income-energy-assistance.

Where to go for assistance

Choanoke Area for Development Association: è Weatherization CADA Ahoskie è Emergency housing 252-332-2692 and shelter CADA Rich Square è Section 8 housing 252-539-4155 è Energy Assistance CADA Roanoke è First home buyers Rapids program 252-537-1111 è Single family rehab CADA Windsor è Mortgage assistance 252-794-3107 è Early Head Start è Parenting è Employment Department of Social Services: è Crisis Intervention è Food and Nutrition

Program Services è Low Income Home è Backpack program

Energy Assistance è Medicaid

Program/DHHS è Work First è Assistance with medications è Adult protective services è Community Outreach è Child protective services è Aging and Adult Services è Food pantry è Emergency Assistance è General assistance: medicines, etc. è Child Care Services è Blind service

Gates County DSS 252-357-0075

Bertie County DSS 252-794-5320

Halifax County DSS 252-536-2511

Hertford County DSS 252-358-7830

Northampton County DSS 252-534-5811

Perquimans County DSS 252-426-1806

Roanoke Connect update

Roanoke Electric Co-op has resumed construction on its relaunched Roanoke Connect broadband initiative. Note the following insights and updates:

è Installations have begun with fixed wireless and we are beginning to install fiber-to-the-premise in

November. è The Federal Communications

Commission uses maps that show areas where there is no broadband coverage. Those maps dictate where the co-op can apply for grant funding. Those grant-funded areas are what the co-op will target first with fiber installations. è Construction is to begin east of Jackson and will move to the

Conway/Mapleton area, in keeping with GREAT Grant funding requirements. è The co-op will also target areas with high density and demand.

When people sign up at register.roanokeconnect.com, the location shows up on a map that the co-op uses to determine the areas that will provide the best return on our investment. By being able to generate cash flow, this will allow the co-op to move into even more remote areas. è The co-op’s current fiber deployment consists of 1,500 miles, with plans to make service available to about 38,000 total subscribers. è The project is expected to take four to five years to complete.

If you have not already done so, please be sure to sign up at register.roanokeconnect.com.

How to shop safely this holiday season

While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, consumers are urged to exercise caution when making purchases. Take note of these recommendations: è Only shop on sites with current security certificates. è Connect via secure, password-protected networks or cellular. è Read emails carefully and proceed with caution. è Take advantage of third-party payment services like

PayPal or Apple Pay and use pre-saved payment details.

ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes

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

Visit us at roanokeelectric.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller Chairman robert “Nat” riddick Vice Chairman Delores Amason Secretary-Treasurer millard Lee Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Carolyn bradley Chester Deloatch Columbus Jeffers Kenneth Jernigan Darnell Lee Editor: brittany Tann President and CEO: Curtis Wynn

More Cooking, More Convenience (and Savings) Finding efficiencies in the kitchen

By Jonathan Susser Q:Like many others, I got caught in a bit of a baking binge during the Safer at Home order. And now with the holidays coming up, how can I avoid higher energy bills if I’m using my oven so much?

A:Cooking and baking have certainly had their moments in the spotlight this year, and that should only continue as the weather gets colder and holidays approach. Fortunately, there is a menu of options to help you save time and money while in the kitchen.

Do you have a convection setting on your oven? Unlike a conventional oven, convection ovens/settings use a fan and an exhaust system to move hot air around the interior of the appliance. This feature helps heat food more evenly and evaporate moisture more quickly. Not all foods benefit from convection, but it can be useful for roasting, toasting or dehydrating, baking pies or pastries and making trays of your family’s favorite cookies (yum).

Convection ovens are less energy intensive than conventional ovens and can produce energy savings for two reasons: 1) your food will cook faster (about 25 percent faster) and 2) you’ll be able to set the oven to a lower temperature (typically, you’ll want to subtract 25 degrees Fahrenheit from a recipe that calls for a conventional oven; your oven may even do this for you).

If you don’t have a convection setting and aren’t in the market for a new oven, do not fear. There are other steps you can take. One is to cook multiple meals/items in your oven at the same time, which will reduce how much it runs overall. While it may take 10 to 15 percent longer to bake several dishes at once, it will be far less time and hassle than baking them separately.

If using this technique with a convection oven, make sure there is enough space for the hot air to circulate and that the fan isn’t blocked. Trays and pans with lower sides are a safer bet for those browned and crispy finishes.

Smaller cooking appliances, such as toaster ovens, can also be swapped in to lend support where feasible. Nowadays these can do much more than just make toast; they can roast vegetables or meat, cook pizza, reheat leftovers and more. They also use less energy and may be easier on your back than your standard oven, and some have convection capabilities.

That reminds me: As tempting as it may be to open the oven door to heat your home or kitchen, let your wholehouse heating system do that job and minimize injuries, hazards and possible poor air quality.

And here’s one final thing to keep in mind, particularly for the holidays: food waste. We waste a lot of food over Thanksgiving — as a country, on the order of 170 million pounds of turkey, 30 million pounds of stuffing and 40 million pounds of mashed potatoes. All this waste hurts our wallets and the environment.

This year, aim to stay on top of your portions by gauging how much food you’ll need based on your guest count. And compost, share or freeze any extras when you can!

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