2021-01-SREMC

January 2021

The magazine of

Carolina Country

Scenes page 10

Published by

Co-op member receives national honor page 6

Know your thermostat page 22

PERIODICAL

South River EMC spotlights non-profits helping in this time of need—see center pages Jan covers.indd 22

12/11/20 3:56 PM

Wear the Colors of Italy’s Legendary Regatta

Raffinato

™

——— Italy

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

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

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

CALL 1-888-444-5949 TODAY!

Cornaro Murano Necklace Stunningly affordable at

$29 + S&P

O

— The New York Times

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

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

1-888-444-5949

Offer Code: RFG318-02. You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Raffinato

™

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. RFG318-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.raffinatoitaly.com

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

CC01-wk.indd 2

12/10/20 1:26 PM

Volume 53, No. 1

28

10

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

34 Carolina Music

32

10 24 28

Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of your best photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Looking Forward, Through a Lens

Photographer Burk Uzzle has made a career of “being there.”

Better Photos Outdoors

A few tips for both beginners and advanced photographers.

On the Cover “This picture was captured in a sunflower field at Old River Farms in Burgaw in October 2019. The sunflowers were absolutely beautiful, and it was such a nice day.” Photographed

by Stephanie Hines of Wilmington.

Our gallery of your best photos starts on page 10.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Picture-Perfect Pets Who doesn’t love a good pet photo? In our April issue, we’ll be sharing the best from our readers. Send us photos of your pets, be they the cutest, ugliest or just plain spoiled.

See page 16 for details.

January 2021 | 3

CC01-wk.indd 3

12/10/20 4:14 PM

Viewpoints

Bridging the Digital Divide

By Maggie Woods

When the pandemic sent me to work from home in March, I was lucky. At home, I had access to high-speed internet that I could afford, a quality laptop provided by my employer, and years of experience working on a computer.

Nearly 40 percent of my fellow North Carolinians, 4 million or so, are not so lucky and don’t have high‑speed internet or a computer at home. The digital divide — between those who have access to the internet and to computers and those who do not — is only increasing due to the pandemic.

The digital divide — between those who have access to the internet and to computers and those who do not — is only increasing due to the pandemic.

There are a lot of reasons why people might not have internet at home. Approximately 246,000 households are considered underserved, meaning about 1 million people of that 4 million either don’t have access to the internet or their internet runs too slowly for them to use it.

But there’s another challenge we must overcome: lack of adoption — people with access to the internet who are not subscribing to it. For some, the price of an internet connection is too expensive. Only about 50% of households making less than $20,000/year subscribe to the internet, compared to 94% of those that make $75,000 or more. Others can’t afford a device like a computer, laptop or tablet, or don’t have the digital skills (or “digital literacy”) needed to use their device effectively. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been in the middle of serious efforts to support their members’ access to and adoption of the internet.

My organization, the Institute for Emerging Issues, in partnership with the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Office, has developed a program called BAND-NC to equip counties to meet broadband needs and build more digitally equitable communities. Since July, with support from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, the John M. Belk Endowment and others, we’ve funded 29 projects in 39 counties and hosted virtual workshops to support counties that want to build

digital-inclusion plans. The communities we’re supporting are trying innovative approaches to address the digital divide — from creating parent academies for remote learning (at Edgecombe County Schools), to hiring a “digital navigator” to set up devices for older adults (at Rufty Holmes Senior Center in Rowan County), to developing online digital literacy courses (through Peletah Ministries in Craven County).

We’ve been impressed with the creativity of communities, but we know our work is just scratching the surface. If we can’t find a way to get families high-speed access at an afford‑ able rate, students are going to fall further behind, adults aren’t going to have as many options for work, and health care is going to suffer. We need to solve these challenges.

Here are three things you can do to help: ■ Tell us how the internet is in your area by taking the

North Carolina Broadband survey. You can access the survey online (bit.ly/nc-broadband-survey) or by calling 919-750-0553.

■ Get connected to local device refurbishers: North

Carolina has two organizations that provide free or low-cost computers statewide. They also take computer donations: Kramden Institute kramden.org 919-293-1133

E2D e-2-d.org 704-657-0408

■ Join a local team working to close the digital divide. Visit

our website (iei.ncsu.edu/band-nc) for information on the BAND-NC spring grant cycle and upcoming workshops, and reach out to get connected to others in your region.

We all need to work together to solve the digital divide, and we hope you’ll join us.

Maggie Woods is a policy and program manager at the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State and runs the BAND-NC program.

She can be reached at mjwoods2@ncsu.edu or 919-513-0803.

4 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-wk.indd 4

12/11/20 12:08 PM

THIS MONTH:

Scenes from Carolina Country Each year we receive hundreds of photos from readers for our annual photo contest. This year, entries neared 700! That’s more than last year and almost twice as many as we received in 2019. Thank you to all who submitted photos. There were so many amazing scenes to choose from, but see some of our favorites starting on page 10.

—Scott Gates, editor

Spoon Lady Love Love the Spoon Lady and her Gang!

We need more groups like hers in downtown A’ville who can sing AND play. She and her group add to Asheville “style.”

Jan Zehr, via carolinacountry.com

Great article. I loved seeing the Spoon Lady at the Roasting Room in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Moravian Cookie Fix We had several readers point out that we did not include contact information with our November cover story on Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies. There are several ways to get your hands on these famous cookies — visit hanescookies.com or call 888-764-1402 to learn more. carolinacountry.com/extras Our “Orange Superfood” article in the November issue struck a chord.

Carolina Country readers sure do love sweet potatoes!

Deborah, via carolinacountry.com

One of the Finest Thank you for acknowledging Historic New Bern (“Carolina’s Finest Awards,” December 2020, page 12).

I serve as an historic interpreter at Tryon Palace, and it is always a pleasure to welcome visitors into our city, even in these challenging times.

Go online to read the original article and check out two new reader recipes starring our state vegetable: a pound cake and a casserole.

Published monthly by

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

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Has your address changed?

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

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

Joseph Anderson, New Bern, via carolinacountry.com

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.

Correction to our December issue Jean Forrest Brooks, who submitted the “Tall Man, Taller Corn” memory (page 25) grew up in Efland, not Enfield. Thank you, Jean, for catching that error.

Try our Sweet Potato Pound Cake!

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

(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 ncstormcenter.coop 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.

January 2021 | 5

CC01-tv.indd 5

12/11/20 12:06 PM

C t o a m

A h p w Th “

More Power

CCEC

Carteret-Craven EC Member Honored for Community Work Bob Dobler received the top award in the 2020 #WhoPowersYou contest

S

awdust fills the air and covers the floor of Bob Dobler’s small workshop off of his kitchen nearly every day. It is something his wife, Judy, has become accustomed to since his woodworking hobby has turned into a full-time job.

Bob spends up to six hours a day handcrafting cutting boards that he sells at craft fairs and through local vendors, with all of the proceeds benefiting BackPack Friends. Over the past seven years, his hard work has resulted in donations totaling more than $55,000 — or more than 6,800 backpacks full of food for children that might go hungry over the weekend.

Each week, BackPack Friends (backpackfriends.org), based in Swansboro, distributes more than 600 backpacks of food to children in Carteret, Craven and Onslow counties.

The need has grown exponentially this year due to COVID-19.

Because of this dedication to BackPack Friends, Bob, a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC), is this year’s grand prize winner of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives #WhoPowersYou Contest.

He was honored along with three other #WhoPowersYou contest

winners from across the United States. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges, using criteria based on nominees’ positive impact on their local communities.

“Bob’s ability to turn a hobby into so many meals for local children is remarkable,” said CCEC Communications CCEC member Bob Dobler received the Director Lisa Galizia. grand prize for work with BackPack Friends.

“We are proud to have Bob as a co-op member and grateful for his dedication to BackPack Friends and the children it serves.”

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives launched #WhoPowersYou in 2016 to celebrate the power of human connections. The annual contest invites co-op members across the country to nominate local heroes making a positive difference in their communities.

Mary Ann LeRay, a member of Jones-Onslow EMC, was the secondplace winner in last year’s contest for her work with The Filling Station, a nonprofit food pantry in Pollocksville.

— Melissa Glenn, CCEC

Carolina Country Gets National Recognition Carolina Country magazine, distributed to families, farms and businesses across the state on behalf of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, received the 2020 Bronze Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in the magazine category.

“We’re honored to be recognized for our work and thank the state’s electric co-ops — as well as our engaged readers — for contributing to the success of the magazine,” said Warren Kessler, Publications Director for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Carolina Country magazine is the largest circulating publication in the state with more than 700,000 subscribers, and has been published continuously since 1946.

6 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 6

12/11/20 11:35 AM

All-New

Introducing the new Lively Flip from the makers of Jitterbug®.

TM

The new Lively Flip makes it easy to call, text, and helps you stay safe and healthy.

EASY TO USE A large screen, big buttons and list-based Plans as low as menu make the Lively Flip the easy way to stay connected to 99 friends and family. With a long-lasting battery and powerful $ month speaker, conversations are loud and clear. An improved 8MP camera with flash, video and a new front-facing lens for Plans as low as* selfies make taking and sharing photos easier than ever. Plus, with Amazon Alexa you can now use your voice to make calls, write texts, and$much more.

99

14

14

*

month2

EASY TO STAY SAFE Feel prepared and protected anytime, anywhere Plans as low as** with our Urgent Response Service. In the event of an emergency or an uncertain situation, you’ll be connected to a highly trained IAED-certified $ 99 month Response Agent who will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need. And with Urgent Care, you can speak to a live nurse or board-certified doctor right from the comfort of your home.

With the Lively Flip, help is available whenever you need it.

14

Plans as low as

P

$

$

1499

Plans as low as2

P

$

$

1499

Most dependable nationwide coverage

Amazon Alexa voice services

Available at:

No long-term contracts

1499

$

To order or learn more, call

1-866-469-7199 No cancellation fees ever

100% U.S.-based customer service

greatcall.com/Flip

*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and one-time setup fee of 35. Urgent Response or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response tracks an approximate location of device when device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. Urgent Response is only available with the purchase of a Lively Health & Safety Package. GreatCall is not a healthcare provider. Urgent Care is provided by FONEMED® and is not a substitute for dialing 9-1-1. GreatCall is not liable for acts or omissions of any FONEMED employee or contractor. Urgent Care and GreatCall Link are only available with a Preferred or Ultimate Health & Safety Package. Amazon Alexa integration with Lively Flip requires Alexa registration and is subject to Alexa’s Terms of Use. By enabling Alexa on the Lively Flip, you acknowledge that GreatCall is not responsible for Amazon Alexa’s functionality or services. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. GREATCALL, LIVELY, and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

DLGRC_020534_R1_20201227_LIVELY_FLIP_CAROLINA_COUNTRY_JAN.indd 1 CC01-wk.indd 7

month 2

Plans as low as

EASY TO ALERT LOVED ONES The GreatCall® Link app keeps all your loved ones informed about your well-being when they download the app to their smartphone. After you press the Urgent Response button for help, they will receive an alert that lets them know you’ve contacted Urgent Response. You can stay active and independent while they feel more connected and reassured.

Buy now and get a FREE Car Charger, a $25 value!

month2

11/18/20 10:32 AM 12/10/20 1:26 PM

2

More Power

NC Electric Cooperatives Recognized for Clean Energy Innovation

W

ake Forest-based Wake Electric received the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster’s 2020 Cleantech Community Award for its work on Eagle Chase, a new residential microgrid in Youngsville that provides added power resilience and reliability for neighborhood residents.

“We are excited to be able to offer a residential community its own microgrid, and provide a resiliency like no other subdivision in the state,” said Wake Electric Vice President of Engineering and Operations Don Bowman. “Through this project, 31 homes are going to have over 36 hours of backup power for both reliability and a local resource when the grid is constrained with capacity.”

Three additional electric co-ops were nominated for awards, which recognize and honor those driving cleantech innovation and deployment.

Burnette

Brunswick Electric was nominated for a Grid Innovation Award for Heron’s Nest, a residential microgrid it has developed in Shallotte that supports sustainability, resiliency and reliability for the neighborhood’s 30-plus homes.

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative was nominated for a Cleantech Community Award for its customer‑owned generation program, which provides reserve power generation that can be called on to avoid grid interruptions and blackouts.

Roanoke Electric Cooperative was nominated for a Grid Innovation Award for its Upgrade to $ave and community solar programs, both of which help members benefit from energy efficiency and sustainability efforts.

Learn more about the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster and the Cleantech Innovation Awards at researchtrianglecleantech.org.

Co-op Leader Named ‘Cleantech Champion of the Year’ Mike Burnette, senior vice president and COO for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, has been named 2020 Cleantech Champion of the Year.

The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies commitment to supporting the cleantech industry.

“Of all my responsibilities, I have derived the most satisfaction from working with [North Carolina’s electric cooperatives] to innovate clean energy projects that create positive impacts for the environment and their local economies,” Burnette said.

“The reward of improving the quality of life for our members and their communities is without measure.” carolinacountry.com/extras

Mike Burnette discusses the work that led to his award.

The Value of Electricity Electricity remains a good value

$5.30

average cost of a Big Mac® value meal

The cost of powering your home rises slowly when compared to other common expenses. Looking at price increases over the last five years, it’s easy to see electricity remains a good value!

Percent

4.0

3.7%

3.5

3.0%

3.0

2.6%

2.5

$3.87

2.0

average daily cost of power

0.4%

1.5 1.0 0.5 0

Electricity is expressed on a d aily basis using EIA 2018 Average U .S. Monthly Residential Bill of $117. Big Mac® is a registered trademark of McDonald’s Corporation. McDonald’s C orporation does not endorse or sponsor this material. Sources: Economist.com and EIA, 2018 data.

Rent

Medical Care

Education

Electricity

Average Annual Price Increase 2014-2019.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

8 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 8

12/10/20 4:30 PM

How to Be Cut Off From Civilization When it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the stainless steel River Canyon Bowie Knife—now ONLY $49!

Y

ou are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you.

You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you.

This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”

With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21stcentury construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers.

What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an BONUS! Call today and you’ll outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that also receive this genuine leather sheath! won’t cut into your bank account.

This quintessential American knife can be yours to use out in What customers are saying the field or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. about Stauer knives...

A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an  amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for “First off, the shipping was fast long. So call today! and the quality is beyond what Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your I paid for the knife. Overall I hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 60 days am a satisfied customer!” for a complete refund of the sale price. But we believe that once — D., Houston, Texas you wrap your fingers around the River Canyon’s handle, you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier.

River Canyon Bowie Knife $79*

Offer Code Price Only $49 + S&P Save $30

1-800-333-2045

When you use

Your Insider Offer Code: RCK384-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

TAKE 38 % OFF INST ANTLY! your

INSIDER OFFER CO DE

Not shown actual size.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. RCK384-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Rating of A+

• Full tang 4 ¼" stainless steel blade, 9" overall length • Genuine horn, wood and bone handle • Polished brass guard and spacers • Includes leather sheath

Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices ™

CC01-wk.indd 9

12/10/20 1:26 PM

Scenes CAROLINA COUNTRY

A gallery of your best photos

Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest! The judges chose from nearly 700 photos of people and places throughout North Carolina.

In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Photo of the Month” magazine feature.

And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com/potw), where there’s a collection of all pictures that have appeared Facebook and there. Our Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.

—The editors

Hide and Screech This Eastern Screech Owl made its home in a hollowed-out tree at the top of my dirt road. Every time we would turn onto our road, we would look for the little owl, hoping to see it carefully watching us go by or taking baths in the rain puddles.

Haley Hodges, Elkin, Surry-Yadkin EMC

10 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 10

12/10/20 3:04 PM

s The Sunflower Seed Job A nosy but ambitious raccoon trying to plot a path to my bird feeder to pilfer its tasty sunflower seeds.

Joel Miller, Hickory, Blue Ridge Energy

y

s

ery ok ing

Riding Down the Aisle I attended a wedding where the groom and groomsmen rode in on horseback. I absolutely had to get that shot.

Joseph Harper, Dudley, Tri-County EMC

January 2021  | 11

CC01-tv.indd 11

12/10/20 3:47 PM

Peaceful Plank (Upper right) The Pamlico Sound was completely calm that December morning. This coloring only lasted about 10 minutes, but it sure was breathtaking.

Andrea Gruber, Broadway , Central Electric

Magoo and Chuckles (Middle right) Our small horse farm has new residents — two 6-week-old, bottle-fed calves: Magoo (left) and Chuckles (right).

Daniele Summerfield, East Bend, Rutherford EMC

Beneath the Summer Stars Given the current state of the world, everything seems to be out of balance, but looking up at the summer stars that night in Jefferson reminded me of the good that still exists in this world.

Riley Curtis, Waxhaw

New Spin on an Old Well Before the start of classes, it is a tradition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to take a sip from the Old Well in order to get a 4.0 GPA. I captured a unique photo of this iconic landmark using a bicycle with Christmas lights attached to it.

Parker Shoaf, Linwood, EnergyUnited

12 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 12

12/11/20 11:35 AM

Int

r

LOoduct W ory P AS rice!

$3

1 25 ea c

h

Actual size is 40.6 mm

This Is the End

The U.S. Silver Dollar Is About to Change...Forever!

E

ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the word secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. Minted in one Troy ounce of 99.9% pure U.S. silver, these legal-tender coins are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world... and they’re about to change forever.

Final Release of Original Silver Eagle Design

Since 1986, the design of the “Silver Eagle” has remained unchanged: Adolph A. Weinman’s classic 1916 Walking Liberty design paired with former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s stunning eagle reverse. But in mid-2021, the U.S. Mint plans to replace the original reverse. This initial release is the FINAL appearance of the U.S. Silver Eagle’s original design! $27 $26 $25 $24 $23 $22 $21 $20 $19 $18 $17 $16 $15 $14

9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 01 01 01 202 02 02 02 202 02 02 202 02 02 T 2 OV 2 EC 2 AN EB 2 AR 2 PR 2 AY NE 2 LY 2 UG PT 2 CT 2 C O N D J F M A M JU JU A SE O

Silver Trend Chart: Price per ounce based on monthly averages.

Collectors are Already Going Wild for This “Final” Release!

For any popular coin series, two dates tend to rise to the top of demand: the first and the last. This coin represents not just the final issue of perhaps the world’s most popular silver coin, but also its 35th anniversary — an additional draw for collectors, who are already chomping at the bit, ready to secure as many coins as possible.

And it’s not just about the special anniversary and “last” that has them excited...

Higher Values + Slowed Production = DEMAND!

In the last 12 months, average monthly values of silver bullion have increased nearly 38%! At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the U.S. Mint slowing production of freshly struck Silver Eagles. Add in the final issue of the original design, and you have a trifecta of demand that has buyers around the world ready to pounce.

Timing is Everything This is a strictly limited pre-release offer for one of the world’s most popular silver coins. As the last mintage to feature the original, 35-year-old design, it represents the end of an era at a time when silver values have seen a massive increase.

Once word gets out that these 2021 U.S.

Silver Dollars can already be locked in at such a great price, you’ll be facing far more competition. Call today and secure yours now ahead of the crowd!

Don’t Wait — Call NOW!

Collectors around the world are already standing by, ready to secure these coins.

Don’t wait. Call now to lock in your price, and your 2021 U.S. Silver Dollars will ship directly to your door shortly after their release in mid-January, 2021. Plus, the more you buy, the more you save!

2021 American Eagle Silver Dollar BU 1-4 Coins$32.74 ea. + s/h 5-19 Coins$32.65 ea. + FREE SHIPPING 20-99 Coins- $32.38 ea. + FREE SHIPPING 100-499 Coins- $32.20 ea. + FREE SHIPPING 500+ Coins- $31.25 ea. + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING on 5 or More!

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

Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-201-7639 Offer Code LSE301-01 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. LSE301-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk.

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

CC01-wk.indd 13

12/10/20 1:26 PM

“Snow Bird” of the Middle Latitudes A dark-eyed Junco finds winter shelter in a Kousa dogwood in Boone.

Elizabeth Morris, Boone, Blue Ridge Energy

The Better the Clouds, the Better the Sunset While at Sunset Beach, many storm clouds gathered due to an impending hurricane. The better the clouds, the better the sunset. I combined the beautiful nuclear sky with a wild and marshy foreground.

Samuel Doejaaren, Matthews

14 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 14

12/11/20 11:34 AM

Tiny World I love to wander around my yard and find all the hidden worlds that exist if you slow down enough to see them.

This is one tiny example.

Chris Rodermond, Hillsborough, Piedmont Electric

ue

y

Nature’s Prop A few days after a hurricane at Sunset Beach, a tree had washed up on shore. A few men set it upright, giving me an opportunity.

Kim Garner, Carolina Shores, Brunswick Electric January 2021 | 15

CC01-tv_converted 15

12/9/20 1:10 PM

First-time Flyer

Miss Carolyn Ann Heads Out In Calabash, the shrimp boat Miss Carolyn Ann was heading out for the day. To me, shrimp boats say “North Carolina” because a lot of people and restaurants enjoy those shrimp!

My youngest child, 2-year-old Adelaide, had a fantastic day flying kites for the first time, one in each hand, on “the sandhills” at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Mark Head, Sunset Beach, Brunswick Electric

Anne Puetzer, Rolesville, Wake Electric

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Picture-Perfect Pets One perk of spending more time at home is more time with your pets. Right? Well, even if they’re not always the best roommates, we’d like to see pictures of your darling dogs, cats, birds, lizards or whatever other pet companions are out there. Whether they’re cute, not so cute or just plain spoiled, we will pay $50 for each photo published in our April 2021 issue.

Rules

Send to

Deadline: February 15, 2021

Online carolinacountry.com/petpics No emails, please.

One entry per household Digital photos should be a minimum of 1200 x 1800 pixels; prints a minimum of 4 x 6 inches.

Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number with your entry.

Mail Carolina Country Picture-Perfect Pets 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

Text should not exceed 200 words.

We retain reprint and online rights. Payment will be limited to those entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com.

16 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 16

12/11/20 11:49 AM

Carolina Living

Boost your mood and productivity with houseplants.

Breathe Easy

Simple ways to keep your indoor air fresh Americans today are focused on cleaning and sanitization — not to mention the air they breathe — more than ever. Indoor air quality has been a growing concern for some time.

According to a study published in the journal “Science of the Total Environment,” indoor air quality can be worse than the air outdoors. Invisible pollution is added to indoor air through normal activities such as cooking, cleaning and practicing hygiene.

With social distancing measures, people are spending more time at home, so being proactive is even more essential. Consider these steps to help maintain fresher air.

all year long. It includes a filter that captures dust, allergens and other microscopic particles to help keep the air clean and the system running efficiently. Set a reminder, starting with January 2021, to check the filter monthly. At a minimum, it should be changed every three months. During heavy use — such as winter and summer — change it more often. A clean filter helps the system run better and saves energy.

Go green with plants With more people at home, houseplants are a great clean air solution with multiple benefits. According to houseplant specialists The Sill, houseplants boost your mood and productivity, which is essential for anyone spending long hours working at home. The pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) is highly rated for removing indoor air toxins as well as the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), which absorbs toxins through its leaves and produces oxygen. Both plants are attractive and easy to maintain.

Indoor Air purifiers These devices can filter dust, smoke and floating pollen from the air. When choosing one, look for the Energy Star® label so you know it’s energy efficient. You may also see the AHAM Verifide seal, which means that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has tested the model.

Change HVAC filters regularly Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment

Portable air purifier

If you’re looking for a permanent air purifier in your home, LG’s PuriCare 360 is among products available with both certifications already mentioned.

It is also certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

You can also carry portable air purifiers from the car to the office.

Look for a chargeable compact version light enough to carry with one hand. Whether you are looking for permanent or a portable product, you’ll also want to consider costs of the products and their filters, and their noise levels at various settings.

Lower moisture levels Mold and mildew are common culprits that reduce air quality and can trigger asthma and allergies. In your home it’s important to control moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth. When bathing or showering, always use a fan or crack the window.

In moist spaces like basements, be mindful about opening windows, running fans and keeping rooms dry. Be aware of your whole home’s humidity levels and use a dehumidifier when necessary to remove moisture from the air.

—Brandpoint

January 2021 | 17

CC01-EB.indd 17

12/9/20 12:43 PM

Carolina Living

T r C K b

The Road to Success 4 steps to land your dream job

For some, the new year brings a firm resolution to either find a job or find a better job. It’s important to know that the way you present your accomplishments can make all the difference in attracting hiring managers and recruiters. Here are four steps you can take to stand out and land your next opportunity.

1

Organize!

First, commit to a certain amount of time weekly you will spend on your search. You can block out time on your personal calendar, in a computer folder or on a spreadsheet. Use it to also make notes about jobs, including follow-up steps for any positions you have applied for. It’s important to keep your job hunt information organized and in one place.

2

Network, network, network You’re roughly four times more likely to land a job at a company where you have connections, so now is the time to lean into your community. In addition to talking with people at companies you’d like to work for, chat with friends, relatives and former co-workers, teachers and instructors.

Naturally, you’ll want to use discretion in case the person could tell your present employer about your search.

That said, you’d be surprised what can happen when you share your interest in other job opportunities.

3

Polish all social media LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet and basic membership is free. Tune up or create your LinkedIn profile to present yourself in a way that helps others learn more about your experience and goals. To make your profile more discoverable to recruiters and get a conversation started, include a profile photo, list your relevant skills and tell your professional story in your summary. Highlight samples of your work in the LinkedIn’s Featured section.

In addition to being able to privately let recruiters know that you’re open to new jobs, you can add an #OpenToWork photo frame on your profile photo. This lets LinkedIn’s broader community of more than 700 million professionals (worldwide) know you are looking.

When your profile comes up in a search or you engage with a post on your feed, professionals beyond your connections will see you are #OpenToWork and can refer you to available jobs.

 Networking and social media can both play an important role in furthering your career.

Many, if not most, hiring managers also check candidates’ profiles on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

If your account is public and you’ve posted anything offensive, potentially risqué, or any references to drugs or alcohol, take it down. Post messages and photos that promote the best part of you and emphasize accomplishments or activities that relate to the job or field you seek.

4

Build your skill set Consider taking a course at the local college or community college or find courses online to brush up on your existing skills and build new ones, from soft skills like communication and problem solving to hard skills like data science. It’s also a good idea to practice job interviewing (virtual or in person) with a friend or relative.

—Brandpoint

18 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 18

12/9/20 12:44 PM

January 2021

South River EMC

Communicator Pandemic Effects on Non-Profits

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

W

hen COVID-19 brought the shutdown in March 2020, shelves were emptied, workers were displaced, schools were shuttered, and even if we did not realize it, non-profits also took a hit.

Many non-profits rely on fundraising and donations from local communities, but with income limited, shelves bare, and the inability to gather imposed, different solutions had to be found.

We recently spoke with the Beacon Rescue Mission in Dunn and the Salvation Army of Fayetteville, to see how each organization is coping with an issue they both handle, sheltering.

South River EMC offices will be closed January 1 in celebration of the New Year.

Beacon Rescue Mission

Defining A Brighter Future

C

Scholarship Opportunities

D

"Normally, we house around 40 individuals, families in the shelter, but when this started we had to shut it down," said Amos Love, director of Beacon Rescue Mission. "We realized everything we would have to do to make it (the shelter) fit protocols and there just wasn't the ability to continue."

Staying at the Beacon Rescue Mission would mean shared spaces at times, like the kitchen, and since that could not allow for distancing

Service Options, All Situations E Energy Smarts

F–H

continued on page B

South River EMC Communicator

South River-0121.indd 1

January 2021 | A

12/10/20 2:09 PM

PANDEMIC EFFECTS ON NON-PROFITS, continued from page A and time for cleaning, those people who would typically reside at the facility, are now being placed at hotels while they work to get back on their feet.

The money for hotels wasn't part of the budget, but it had to become part as the virus continued and that meant the organization had to step up a little differently.

When it comes to food, Beacon Rescue typically provides food in an onsite pantry for residents to use. Now, food is bundled and delivered for the residents to prepare in the kitchenettes of their rooms.

The rest of the pantry food was distributed among the orgainzation's thrift stores. The thrift stores, which serve as income for the organization, are also accepting food donations for the pantries.

For Thanksgiving, the annual meal was unable to be served, but families cooked and donated from their personal meals by delivering plates to the hotel.

"By the end of the evening, the hotel had about 10 or 12 extra plates of food," said Love. "The community has come together as never before."

Salvation Army of Fayetteville The Salvation Army of Fayetteville had a slightly different experience.

"We have had to reduce the number of residents we allow

B  |

South River-0121.indd 2

January 2021

in our shelter. We keep a room "offline" or unavailable for use, in case one of the residents does come down with COVID," said Alison Henion, community relations and development coordinator. "As the weather gets colder, we do have our 'white flag' nights—if the weather drops below 32 degrees, we open our shelter doors to the public."

But, with COVID-19, the Salvation Army has had to cut the number by half to be able to follow all social-distancing protocols.

Meals are served a little differently too.

"Our meals at the shelter are now on a to-go basis as folks are no longer permitted to eat in our dining room," said Henion. "All staff at our corps building, community center, shelter and family store are doing what we can to stay safe by wearing masks, washing hands, and more."

Meanwhile, the pandemic has added to the Salvation Army's budget by over 300 percent, with new expenses popping up.

Want To Help?

Each organization has made changes to meet the needs of the community while remaining safe. The need is still there, so you can help in the following ways: The Beacon Rescue Mission The Beacon Rescue Mission offers faith-based programs that address not just the physical needs of food, shelter, and clothing, but focus on the source of why a person becomes homeless.

Donate to Beacon Rescue Mission's food pantry at one of their thrift stores.

The Salvation Army of Fayetteville 1. Donating: Financial donations can be made to Alison Henion at 910.483.8119 and press 5, or sent to The Salvation Army, PO Box 110, Fayetteville, NC 28302.

Non-monetary donations can go to the Family Store located at 433 Robeson St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 2. Kettles: Kettles will be unmanned due to COVID restrictions, but they will be in stores and you can donate to the virtual kettle at bit.ly/virtual-kettle.

3. Angel Tree: Adopt Angels from Cross Creek Mall, the Walmart on Ramsey Street, or the Walmart in Hope Mills.

www.sremc.com

12/10/20 2:09 PM

Defining A Brighter Future

For Our Members And The Community

A

s we begin this new year, South River EMC is pursuing efforts to build a brighter future for our members and the community we all share – a brighter future that continues our commitment to delivering reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while also advancing responsible sustainability goals.

Along with the rest of North Carolina’s electric cooperative network, last July we announced our new Brighter Future vision, a long-term roadmap for providing sustainable, affordable energy; reliability and innovation; and continued local community support to enrich the people and communities we serve.

Our vision centers on achieving two voluntary sustainability goals: a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

coordination of resources across the electric grid, as well as innovative solutions and technologies to make the grid as flexible and efficient as possible. In addition, they encompass our efforts to electrify devices and processes as an alternative to fossil fuels and use electricity in new and exciting ways.

As a locally based cooperative, South River EMC remains committed to not only powering, but also empowering this community. That’s why our Brighter Future vision extends far beyond delivering reliable, affordable, sustainable electricity to include community support efforts like education initiatives and economic development activities that truly demonstrate

the cooperative difference. Our structure affords us unique opportunities to make local investments and engage with local people, businesses, and community leaders to work together to meet changing needs.

The brightest part of our future will always be our members, like you. We look forward to continuing to serve you and to building a brighter future, now and in the years to come.

To reach these goals, we will continue to rely on emissions-free nuclear, an extremely reliable, safe and affordable source of electricity that currently fuels more than half our power, along with natural gas, which can be dispatched quickly when needed. We are bringing more renewable energy resources online while investing in new technology, such as battery storage, to make renewables like solar power more versatile and reliable.

Both our carbon reduction goals also rely on the advanced

South River EMC Communicator

South River-0121.indd 3

January 2021 | C

12/10/20 2:09 PM

Scholarship Opportunities Available

T

he South River EMC scholarship application closes January 28. It is an opportunity for three high school seniors to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Information can be found at sremc.com/ scholarships.

son, Central Carolina, Johnston or Fayetteville Technical community colleges and you could receive a $500 scholarship.

This scholarship is available to any member taking a full course load at the community college, including new or continuingeducation students.

There are several other scholarships, however they are school specific or part of other programs we offer. Perfect for planning if you have younger children!

When there, you might read about the other scholarship ooportunities the Cooperative has, such as our community college scholarships. Awarded for the fall, you apply through Samp-

Five Ways to Stay Cozy

B

aby, it's cold outside!

When you're feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways you can keep comfortable without turning up the thermostat.

1. Whether you’re experiencing extremely cold winter temps or you simply “run cold,” an electric blanket can deliver quick warmth. Electric blankets can include a variety of features, like timers and dual temperature settings (if someone else prefers less heat). This winter, consider an electric blanket instead of turning up the heat.

2. One of the easiest ways to stay cozy at home is to keep your feet warm. Our feet play a critical role in regulating body temperature,

D |

South River-0121.indd 4

January 2021

so when your feet are warm, your body automatically feels warmer. Try a pair of comfortable wool socks or house slippers to stay toasty.

3. On winter days when the sun is shining, take advantage and harness natural warmth from sunlight. Open all curtains, drapes and blinds in your home to let the sunshine in—you’ll be able to feel the difference.

4. Another way to make your home cozier is to use a humidifier. Cold air doesn’t

hold water vapor like warm air, so by adding humidity inside your home, you can feel a little warmer. A favorable level of humidity inside your home can also help clear sinuses, soften skin and improve sleep.

5. Beyond adding visual appeal to your home, area rugs can also provide extra insulation and a warm surface for your feet on cold winter days.

Use large area rugs in rooms where you spend the most time. You’ll enjoy the new colors and textures of the rug, and the additional warmth will help keep your home comfortable.

These are just a few ways you can stay cozy this winter without turning up the thermostat.

Don’t forget the hot chocolate!

www.sremc.com

12/10/20 2:09 PM

Service Options For All Situations Members like you have been looking for different ways to do business during the pandemic.

Lucky for you, South River EMC has always tried to stay ahead in our offerings.

An example is the multiple ways to pay for members. Before the pandemic, members could walk in and pay with cash, check or credit card. And, while this has changed over the past few months, members have always been able to mail in their payment, use the phone system to pay with a credit card or e-check, pay online with a credit card or e-check, have their account drafted, or use a pay station.

South River EMC Communicator

South River-0121.indd 5

Members are also able to use our drive-thru, as well as a kiosk.

We have also added to our selection of ways to communicate about your bill, request service or ask questions. You can always call our offices, send an email, request a video chat session, use live chat or visit one of our offices (an appointment might be required).

Many of the resources you need to conduct business are available to you on our website, sremc.com.

Under the Service Options section you can review your bill and pay it online, complete an

application to start service, request an in-office appointment or a video chat, update information, stop service, or request repair of a streetlight or outdoor light.

For any of those services, which require additional information, it can be supplied via email or fax in most cases.

South River EMC is looking out for you and has also updated our web site to better meet your needs, by making a flawless transition between devices.

Be it a desktop computer, tablet, or smart phone, you have the ability to access our website similarly across devices.

January 2021  |  E

12/10/20 2:09 PM

ENERGY smarts

What Improvements Can Do For You Heating and cooling your home can be costly. As you have heard and read, it is the highest contributer to your electric costs each month.

There are many ways to reduce these costs And many can help you save, but in different ways.

For example, you've heard talk of the Amish heater through the years, and how it will save money and keep your family and home warm.

An Amish heater is simply a space heater, which uses electricity to heat an area. It is not able to heat your entire home with only one system and the cost can add up trying to heat your home. Check out the space heating calculator on our rebates and efficiency page.

Also, you must be careful when using so that flammable items, such as clothes and curtains, do not get too close to the heater.

Meanwhile, you could make some different purchases and improvements, which could make you more comfortable and save money in the new year.

Begin by weather stripping and caulking to prevent air infiltration, or the loss of inside air, outside, or vice-versa. Also, insulation can be installed to prevent heat transfer, or the loss of heated inside air outside.

Making your home more comfortable allows you to adjust your thermostat, and by setting it lower in the winter, you could be saving. And with these improvements, you could be

F  |  January 2021

South River-0121.indd 6

warmer, and isn't that satisfying?

Better yet, you could be eligible for a rebate as well!

You could begin shopping for a new HVAC system. HVAC units tend to have a lifespan of at least 10 years, but the older they are, the more inefficient they become.

Heating and cooling systems need to be serviced annually to keep running as efficiently as possible. However, even that won't keep them running forever.

When you shop for an HVAC system, do not just go for the cheapest unit. Get estimates, and make sure you compare them to ensure you get the appropriate sized unit for the best cost. Also, consider the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating.

The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. For ex-

ample, your unit might be a 13 SEER currently, and when you bought it, it was code. Now, the code SEER is 14, but purchasing a 17 SEER or greater, really helps you save.

The SEER rating measures cooling efficiency, which might not seem important now, but it contributes to the efficiency of the system overall. And you know, when you purchase any type of appliance, it comes with two costs; the purchase price and the cost of operation.

Why not purchase a higher efficiency system, which helps cut down on one of those costs?

South River EMC offers rebates for insulation and weatherization improvements, as well as the purchase of high efficiency electric HVAC systems.

For complete details, visit sremc. com/rebates-efficiency-tips or call 910.892.8071 x 2152 for high-efficiency HVAC systems.

www.sremc.com

12/10/20 2:09 PM

ENERGY smarts

Are You Looking For Ways To Save?

It's okay to admit it, everyone likes to save money and one such way could be something relatively easy-- how you heat and use hot water.

For example, with water heating being the second highest electric cost each month, and with what we need hot water for, might it make more sense to begin by purchasing a more efficient unit?

A standard water heater has a tank full of water that it heats at periodic intervals, ready whenever needed. But, that is inefficient, especially if you aren't home all day. So, consider a water heater timer.

Eventually, the water heater goes out, it does happen and is not a fun experience. Do you replace it with what you already had, or do you try something new?

A heat pump water heater, or maybe even solar water heating could be options, and they could be options that save you energy and money.

Maybe your interest is in solar water heating? Solar water heating typically uses a roof-mounted system to use the sun's energy to heat your water. They also require a battery back-up for days when the sun does not shine. Although costs have come down, you really want to see if this type of unit is for you. If you want a return on investment you need a good solar resource and you would need to use a fair amount of warm water.

Replacing your water heater with a different type can help you save.

Another way to save, and perhaps unconventional to think of at this time of year, is that if you have a pool, purchase a more efficient pool pump.

Typically, pools come with a single speed pump, and when pumps

are replaced, they are done so with a single speed pump.

If you want to save though, you have to replace that pump with a more efficient unit, like a variable, or two-speed pool pump.

Either of these options allow you to set a more specific flow of energy and water to do the work your pool needs.

A two-speed, gives you two settings to select from, while a variable speed gives you even more. But both give you more control to set the water and energy use, which contribute to your electric and water costs.

It's sales time, keep an eye out for deals on a variable or twospeed pool pump.

South River EMC offers rebates on energy efficient water heaters and pool pumps, visit sremc. com or call 910.892.8071 x 2152.

Heat pump water heaters are two to three times more efficient than standard water heaters, using the surrounding warmth to heat water. They are a bit more expensive to purchase than your standard unit, but they make up for it in savings. Their lifespan isn't all that different from standard water heaters, but they do require location in places that remain in the 40–90 degrees Fahrenheit range year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the water heater.

South River EMC Communicator

South River-0121.indd 7

January 2021 | G

12/10/20 2:09 PM

ENERGY smarts

Starting Small Can Bring Savings Making small changes can help improve your costs each month, for example, purchasing Energy Star certified appliances.

Energy Star certified appliances undergo rigorous testing to show that they save energy.

And when you have an appliance like a refrigerator, which runs all the time, saving a little energy can add up.

Energy Star appliances are typically more expensive to purchase, but the cost savings is found in the energy savings they provide. And on top of that, learning to use appliances

more efficiently can help you save even more.

South River EMC even offers rebates on certain Energy Star certified appliances.

Can you save even more if you're considering moving?

That is yet another way to save, by purchasing or constructing a high efficiency residential option, or HERO, home.

HERO homes are approximately 30 percent more efficient than homes built to the NC building code.

This is due to slightly better insulation, fenestration, air sealing, equipment, and lighting packages, which deliver these even greater savings.

Now, there are two ways to do this, and you have to choose one of these ways to have your home certified.

The prescriptive path is straightforward but inflexible, involving complying fully with a list of specific requirements for things like insulation, high-efficiency lighting, window U-factors, whole house tightness and duct leakage testing, among other things.

Then there is the performance path, which is more flexible. It requires an energy cost analysis as proof that the home you are building will have energy costs that are less than or equal to that same home built to the HERO Code’s prescriptive requirements. Higher efficiency equipment will not help you, because the HERO Code is focused almost solely on improvements in the thermal enclosure.

This is for newly constructed homes. For complete details visit sremc.com/hero-program, or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.

South River EMC

Communicator

PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 910.892.8071 800.338.5530 www.sremc.com

Follow Us! southriveremc

H  |  January 2021

South River-0121.indd 8

www.sremc.com

12/10/20 2:09 PM

CEC-DMR-31928 - Jan 2020 Carolina Country Full Page (Nest).indd 8 CC01-wk.indd 19

12/4/2020 9:00:52 AM 12/10/20 3:40 PM

Carolina Living

Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend 1 medium yellow onion 8 ounces fresh button or crimini mushrooms 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained 1 package (1 ounce) reduced sodium taco seasoning mix 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes 1 can (11 ounces) yellow kernel corn, drained

Blends are Friends Cook food once, enjoy it twice

C

ooking a base dish that can be enjoyed today and used for a different meal tomorrow can save you valuable time and extend your grocery budget.

Doing so also brings you comfort to know you’ve planned ahead and made a “double-up” meal.

For example, you can bake fish for tonight’s dinner, and eat fish tacos for tomorrow’s lunch. Or you can make a “blend” or base to create multiple meals. The mushroom-beef blend here makes your beef go further by using mushrooms’ ability to mimic the texture of meat. For additional blend recipes, visit mushroomcouncil.com.

In food processor, pulse onion and mushrooms to coarse texture. Set aside.

In large frying pan, brown ground beef. Drain fat. Set aside.

In same frying pan, heat oil. Add mushroom mixture and sauté 3–4 minutes, or until most moisture has been released. Add black beans and mix.

Add beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes and corn to black bean and Mexican mushroom-beef blend. Mix and cook until heated through.

Yield: 8 cups

—FamilyFeatures.com

Mexican Lasagna Nonstick cooking spray 16 yellow corn tortillas 6 cups Mexican mushroom-beef blend 1 cup shredded, low-fat Mexican cheese blend Sour cream (optional) Chopped cilantro (optional) Salsa (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place four corn tortillas on bottom of dish and layer 2 cups Mexican mushroom-beef blend on top. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas as top layer. Top with cheese. Bake uncovered 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and lasagna is heated through. Top with dollops of sour cream, cilantro and salsa as desired.

Yield: 6–8 servings

Blended Tacos 1 cup sour cream 6 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice 8 yellow corn tortillas 2 cups Mexican mushroom-beef blend Optional toppings Diced avocado Shredded lettuce Shredded cheese Salsa

In small bowl, mix sour cream, cilantro and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate.

Warm tortillas in microwave or on stovetop, according to package directions.

Spoon 1/4 cup Mexican mushroom-beef blend into each tortilla. Top with sour cream mixture and avocado, lettuce, cheese and salsa as desired.

Yield: 8 tacos

20 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 20

12/9/20 12:38 PM

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for our 2.5 million members and local communities.

Sustainable, Affordable Energy Pursue a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using new and existing resources to ensure electricity continues to be delivered at the lowest possible cost.

Reliability & Innovation Leverage new technologies and innovation to deliver reliable electricity across resilient, co-op operated electric grids.

Local Community Support Enrich the lives of our local members through continued education initiatives, economic development and community-focused activities.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

NCECAd-01-2021-final.indd CC01-wk.indd 21 1

11/30/20 12/10/20 12:57 1:26 PM

ecobee

On the House

Know Your Thermostat Make the most of it for comfort and savings

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

Smart thermostats, like this ecobee, can optimize performance on their own.

We’re in the middle of winter, and I want to make sure I am getting the most out of my thermostat. What should I look for to stay comfortable while not breaking the bank?

A:

Thermostats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and functionality levels. To maximize your comfort and energy savings, the first thing to do is identify what kind you have.

While many recommendations apply to all thermostats, some devices can take care of steps for you. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to distinguish between three types: traditional, programmable and smart.

With traditional thermostats, you must manually adjust your home’s temperature at any given time. Programmable thermostats allow users to set temperatures based on a schedule, with Wi-Fi versions granting remote control, usually through a mobile app or online dashboard. Smart thermostats go further and may be able to learn your heating and cooling preferences over time, change temperatures based on occupancy levels, detect temperatures in different parts of your home using sensors or take advantage of voice control, which can be particularly beneficial for people experiencing mobility, vision or dexterity challenges.

(Note: The breakdown above is not universally used, and you may also see any Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat called “smart.”)

Thermostat basics Once you know what type of thermostat you have, there are several things to keep in mind to align with your comfort and energy-saving goals. A general rule of thumb for the winter is to have your thermostat on the lowest temperature you are comfortable with (and lower if no one is home); the U.S. Department of Energy suggests a maximum of 68 degrees. In other words, the difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat setting should be as small as comfortably possible. This will limit how much your heating system runs.

If you have a heat pump, try to avoid bumping the temperature up too much at any one time. Doing so can trigger the AUX heat light and cause the system’s heat strips to energize, which use a lot of energy. Your home also doesn’t heat any faster with a higher setpoint temperature. If possible, stick to as constant a temperature as possible during these colder months.

Smart savings Wi-Fi and smart thermostats give you more convenience and flexibility, so consider investing in the upgrade if your home has a traditional thermostat. Smart thermostats in particular tend to be more forgiving than others because they can optimize performance on their own, and many of their features can more easily promote comfort and energy savings.

If you have one, make sure you are using all it has to offer. For example, the device may be able to automatically move to a more energy-friendly temperature when it detects the home is empty. Smart thermostats can also connect to other smart home devices, such as lights or smart speakers, for additional possibilities.

If you’re in the market for a new thermostat, check for compatibility with your existing heating and cooling system. Do some research, talk with friends and neighbors, and ask your electric cooperative whether the model you have your eye on will meet your needs.

And no matter what kind of thermostat you have, consult the owner’s manual for installation and setup instructions. Online videos can also be a great place for tips and tricks.

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

22 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 22

12/11/20 12:26 PM

1,100+ STORES NATIONWIDE

All the Power at a Fraction of the Price With Bauer, you’ll get everything you want in tools at an everyday low price. Whether you’re building a deck, outfitting your shop or working in the yard, Bauer has the tool for you.

OVER 175 TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

SUPER COUPON

FREE TOOL BAG WITH ANY PURCHASE OVER $50

CORDED TOOLS

CORDLESS TOOLS

12

99 $ VALUE

BATTERY POWERS

40

TOOLS

ITEM 57487

Use Online & In-Store

*14853517* 14853517

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Valid online and in-store. Receive a free Tool Bag with any Bauer purchase over $50 not including taxes and after applying any other applicable offers or discounts. Not valid on prior purchases.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/29/21.

SHOP TOOLS

OUTDOOR POWER TOOLS

LEARN MORE AT BAUERPOWERTOOLS.COM hft_carolinacountry_0121M-REG175254.indd 1 CC01-wk.indd 23

11/23/20 4:25 PM 12/10/20 1:26 PM

Carolina People

“Dr. Alma Cobb Hobbs” by Burk Uzzle

Looking Forward, Through a Lens Photographer Burk Uzzle has made a career of ‘being there’ Story by Bridgette A. Lacy

F

or celebrated North Carolina photographer Burk Uzzle, each and every face is a new frontier.

“It’s a new opportunity, it’s a gorgeous invitation,” says the 82-year-old Wilson resident.

Burk, a self-taught photographer, is recognized for his photos of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Woodstock album cover, along with the landscape of America.

The former Life Magazine photographer describes his work as a “nuanced composition blending American culture, individual psyches of particular places and people, and an atypical way of seeing ourselves, our values and our community.”

“Burk is definitely a national treasure,” said Jethro Waters, the director and filmmaker of “F11 and Be There,” a documentary on Burk released in 2020. It reveals the many lenses of Burk as he comments on social justice, the human condition and the magic of making prints. The filmmaker captures Burk’s philosophy of not assuming who people are and being open enough to capture their light.

Burk started his career selling freelance photographs to local newspapers including The News & Observer. He then

moved to Atlanta to work with freelance photographer Jay Leviton. During a telephone interview with Burk from his home in Wilson, he recalled when an editor from Jet magazine, a weekly that focused on black life, called and wanted “a photo of an interesting young black preacher in Atlanta.”

“I took a photo of Martin Luther King Jr., sitting on a couch,” Burk Photographer remembers. It was his first magazine Burk Uzzle assignment but it wouldn’t be his last.

The documentary photographer took some of the most iconic images of the investigation of King’s murder and his funeral.

Eventually Burk moved to Texas and landed images of a hurricane tearing through Houston in the news section and a feature of a Wyoming sheep farm in the feature section of the same edition of Life Magazine. The editors quickly hired the versatile freelance photographer.

After several years, the agile photographer returned to working for himself.

“I never took assignments,” he says. “I didn’t want editors telling me what photos to take. I would go and take photographs and then shop them around.”

Major magazines around the globe ran his Woodstock music festival photographs. One of his shots graced the album cover. It’s his most famous photograph.

His prints hang in the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh; the Ackland Museum in Chapel Hill and the Nasher Museum in Durham as well as the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Burk moved back to his native North Carolina about 15 years ago. He wanted to live in a mid-size town and discovered Wilson. Locals will recognize his photos of self-taught artist Vollis Simpson and his flying contraptions affectionately known as whirligigs.

Trista Reis Porter, the executive director at the Greenville Museum of Art, says Burk’s work is striking. The museum commissioned Burk to create a 2017 exhibition, “Perceptions and Recognitions: African Americans of Eastern North Carolina,” which featured 25 photographs of the area’s business owners, politicians, dancers, and musicians. It’s a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

“It’s really different from his earlier work,” Trista says.

“He was trained as a documentary photographer. These are more staged portraits. The subjects are members of our black community. It was a big moment for the museum and his career.”

As for Burk’s favorite work? “It’s always the next one I shoot,” he says. “I like looking forward and not back.”

Bridgette A. Lacy (bridgettelacy.com) is a freelance writer and the author of “Sunday Dinner, a Savor the South cookbook” by UNC Press.

carolinacountry.com/extras See a trailer for “F11 and Be There,” a film about Burk’s iconic photography over the past 65+ years.

24 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 24

12/10/20 3:09 PM

Goodbye 2020 Window & Door

Event Goodbye 2020 Event ends January 31st!

Buy 1 window or door, get 1 window or door

40% OFF

1

and

• With all that 2020 threw at us, we’re happy to see it go and give you a HUGE discount!

NO NO Payments NO Interest Money Down

• January is the perfect time for affordable windows.

Draft-stopping Renewal by Andersen windows and doors are among the best ways to help make your home more comfortable this winter. Don’t suffer through the cold temperatures and high heating bills.

• Our Fibrex® composite material is so strong we’re able to build thinner frames with a greater glass area that allows more natural light into your home.

for 1 year!

1

• For your safety and peace of mind, we’ve adjusted our operations to serve you in the safest way possible.

H

HHH H

704-626-1644

Call for your FREE Window and Door Diagnosis CarolinaReplacementWindow.com

Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 4 or more windows and/or entry or patio doors. Buy two windows and/or doors, get the second two windows and/or doors, of equal or lesser value, 40% off. Discount applied to lowest priced window and/or door products in purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers. Initial contact for a free Window and Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 1/31/21, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only, and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender. S&L Windows and Doors, LLC d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas. NC Residential Builders License #80213. South Carolina Residential Builders Commission #571. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2021 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2021 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. All sales, marketing and installation of windows is conducted by Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas, an independently owned and operated affiliate operating in NC and SC.

1

CC01-wk.indd 25

12/10/20 1:26 PM

Carolina Adventures

Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

Hope Plantation, Windsor

Edenton Tea Party

Elizabeth II Replica

Drive-through History

The Historic Albemarle Tour is a rich cultural resource Story and photos by Donna Campbell Smith

T

he winter months can be a great time for a road trip, when the crowds of summer fade away. A drive through northeast North Carolina carries you through a neat patchwork of fields ready for springtime planting — corn, soybeans, peanuts and tobacco — with acres of woodlands and swamps, edged by black-water creeks and rivers. And you may notice along the way some brown signs indicating a self-guided driving tour rich in history: the Historic Albemarle Highway.

The Historic Albemarle Tour (HAT), the oldest heritage trail in the Southeast, winds through 17 northeast and coastal counties, leading travelers to over 29 sites of historic, cultural and environmental significance. The counties reach north to the Virginia/North Carolina border and south to the Pamlico River; it reaches east to the Outer Banks and west to Interstate 95. The tour includes plantations, museums, historic homes and buildings, maritime museums, lighthouses and 14 wildlife areas that include state parks and refuges.

Coastal history Our history lesson begins in Manteo, which celebrates the state’s first European settlement in the 1500s with Roanoke Island Festival Park (roanokeisland.com), featuring interpretative and interactive displays. Board a replica of the Elizabeth II ship, and visit an American Indian village and an explorer’s camp to experience what life was like in the sixteenth century. A trip to the coast also offers lighthouses and lifesaving stations as well as museums and historic sites.

As colonists later trickled down from Virginia to tame the Carolina wilderness, towns grew up near the rivers — Roanoke, Chowan and Pamlico — and the shores of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. Visit Edenton, Windsor, Plymouth, Tarboro, Halifax, Williamston, Washington, Aurora and Belhaven to name a few; stepping back to a time when colonial planters and shippers were the backbone to the economy of the colonies.

Eclectic collections Visit some unexpected museums like the Fossil Museum in Aurora (aurorafossilmuseum.org), which houses a collection of marine fossils collected from a local phosphate mine. In downtown Belhaven is Memorial Museum (bit.ly/BelhavenMuseum), which began as the private collection of Eva Blount Way. It is filled with curiosities and antiques from around the world, some dating back 200 years. Elizabeth City is home to The Museum of the Albemarle (museumofthealbemarle.com). Learn the history and culture of the Albemarle region through their collections and historical interpretations.

The great outdoors Wildlife walks at many of these sites add to the experience.

Boardwalks in Plymouth and Columbia offer strolls along the river banks and into wetlands. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/alligator_river) has 152,000 acres to explore by car, canoe or foot. North Eastern North Carolina is home to black bears, red wolves and alligators. In addition, northeastern North Carolina is home to 145 species of wild birds, 48 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 40 species of mammals.

No matter which route you travel in the region you’ll find something amazing noted by the brown HAT signs.

The Historic Albemarle Trail offers so much you can’t take it all in at once, so plan several trips.

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

Learn more about the Historic Albemarle Tour and plan your route at historicalbemarletour.org. If planning indoor stops at museums or towns, call ahead for the latest on hours and accessibility during the pandemic. carolinacountry.com/extras

Get more resources for planning your Historic Albemarle Tour, including a video overview of sites and attractions.

26 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 26

12/10/20 4:32 PM

THIS BRA HAS IT ALL! Lacy Front Hook Bra was $

Full Coverage & Support Without Painful Under Wires!

1999

only

9

$ 99

SAVE 50% FREE SHIPPING when buying 2 or more bras

Soft Lacy Stretch Cups Fit B-DD Available in White, Nude & Black Soft Underband Won’t Chafe Front Hook Closure

Dual Stay-Put Straps

Smooths Back Bulges

We have worked with our team of designers to come up with the perfect bra that offers full coverage, support & comfort all in one! We started with a super-soft polyester & cotton blend that won’t irritate skin and accented it with soft elegant lace that provides extra coverage. 2 row adjustable front hook design makes it easy to put on & take off, and we added an elastic band in the straps to keep them from falling off your shoulders. Polyester, cotton, nylon & spandex import stretches to fit cups B-DD. Source Code 79884 © Dream Products, Inc. (Prices valid for 1yr.)

Item

Order Now Toll-Free

1-800-530-2689 M-F 6am-1am CST S-S 6am-9pm CST

White (25) Black (101) Nude (21)

Connect With

DreamProducts.com website offers may vary

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

CC01-wk.indd 27

❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard

❑ American Express ❑ Discover®/NOVUSSMCards

Exp. Date

Card#

____Lacy Front Hook Bra(s) @ $9.99 ea.

$

Name ______________________________________________________

*Add applicable State & Local SALES TAX on the Subtotal

$

Address ____________________________________________________

Add $4.00 Handling (no matter how many ordered) Shipping Add $4.95 1st bra when buying 2 or more

Please Print Clearly

$4.00

City ____________________________ST ______ Zip _____________

$

Daytime Phone # ____________________________________________

Total $

Email ______________________________________________________

FREE SHIPPING 79884

*We may be required to collect sales tax.

Please visit DreamProducts.com FAQ page if you need more information.

#370250 - (Indicate Quantity & Color Under Size) S (32-34) M (36-38) L (40-42) XL (44-46) 2XL (48-50) 212 213 214 215 216

Size Color

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

Source Code

receive this offer on the web, you 79884 To MUST input the source code when ordering

12/10/20 1:26 PM

NC Outdoors

The arced shape of the foliage on the bank frames a variety of flies in this shot, taken on the Roanoke River.

This photo uses some fill flash to eliminate patch shadows.

Better Photos Outdoors

A few tips for both beginners and advanced photographers Story and photos by Mike Zlotnicki

W

ith the advent of inexpensive digital cameras — and especially smartphones with “advanced” cameras — photography has grown much easier for the unschooled masses. I’ve taken photos to support stories for years, but I’m not a professional photographer, by any means. So for this column, I asked two of my outdoors partners, Alex Webb, 68, of Hillsborough and Thomas Harvey, 32, of Cary, who are also excellent photographers, for tips on capturing those “Kodak Moments.”

Alex shot news and sports for years as well as shooting for fun.

Thomas is a self-taught photographer who excels both outdoors and in the studio. They both had the same initial suggestion: Learn to shoot manually.

“Learn to shoot in manual mode,” Alex says. “Knowing how aperture, shutter speed and ISO relate to each other for given situations will allow you to better use other modes on today’s cameras. Shooting college football for a daily newspaper in the days before digital photography taught me very quickly how best to utilize manual settings. Keeping up with the action under changing light conditions was challenging.”

Thomas concurred. “Pay attention to your light source(s) — be it the sun, flash or anything else,” he says.

“Understanding, controlling and manipulating light is key to making excellent photographs. Moreover, you must understand the basic ways in which you can exploit exposure through balancing ISO (your film/sensors’ sensitivity to light), shutter speed — the length of time your film/sensor is exposed — and aperture (measured in stops, the amount of light your lens lets through to your sensor). The best way to see this reciprocal relationship is to shoot in full manual mode.”

Even modern smartphones these days allow for manual exposure, Thomas points out.

Given that learning to shoot manually can’t really be covered in this short space, I also asked for some more general advice for using digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and phone cameras.

“Early on, I struggled with the proper use of depth of field,” Alex admits, referring to what is in sharp focus in a given frame. “But by using the depth-of-field preview button, I learned to choose an aperture that gave me the results I wanted and could see the results before taking the

shot in case I needed to adjust it.”

Thomas stresses lens focusing.

“While exposure is important, it is nothing without proper focus,” he says.

“Take the time to understand how your camera’s AF system works and apply the correct setting before anything else. Also keep in mind that the lower your f-stop, the higher the likelihood you miss focus as the focal plane narrows. While we all are tempted to shoot wide open all the time, consider using f/8 as a starting point to ensure sharp, in-focus outdoor images.”

Thomas also stresses making photographs “with intention.” He recommends slowing down to think through what you want your final image to be, and let that help you when composing and exposure.

Alex has a simple but valuable tip.

Go wide [focal length] or go long.

Wide lenses give context of the scene, while telephoto lenses bring home details.

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

carolinacountry.com/extras

Get additional tips and see more examples of great outdoor photography online.

28 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-EB.indd 28

12/11/20 2:42 PM

ADVERTISEMENT

Weird Herb Shocks Doctors With Relief of Leg and Feet Pain, Burning, Tingling, Numbness 6 clinical studies show it is effective. Lost but now rediscovered. Thousands of new users report amazing relief from leg and feet problems in just 30 to 90 days – with no side effects. Available in all 50 states without a prescription.

A re-discovery from the 1600s is causing a frenzy within the medical system. A weird herb has been shown in six clinical studies (and by thousands of users) to be very effective for leg and feet pain, burning and numbness – with no side effects – at low cost – and with no doctor visit or prescription needed.

This weird herb comes from a 12-foot tall tree that grows in Greece and other countries in Europe. In the old days, people noticed that when their horses who had leg and feet problems ate this herb – it was almost like magic how quickly their problems got much better. They called it the “horse herb”. Then somehow with Europe’s ongoing wars, this herbal secret got lost in time.

“It works for people who’ve tried many other treatments before with little or no success. Other doctors and I are shocked at how effective it is. It has created a lot of excitement” says Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. Its active ingredient has been put into pill form and improved. It is being offered in the United States under the brand name Neuroflo.

herb is taking America by storm since it was announced last week.

HOW IT WORKS

Here’s why you have pain now: Your arteries have weakened. Your arteries can’t carry enough blood, nutrients and oxygen down to your legs and feet. This damages your nerves and causes your burning, tingling and numbness.

The herbs in the pill Neuroflo strengthen your arteries that carry blood, nutrients and oxygen to your feet and legs. It improves your circulation so oxygenated blood goes to the nerves and repairs them.

This makes your nerves grow stronger so your pain fades away and your legs and feet feel much younger again.

Until now, scientists could not combine these herbs into one pill without losing their full potency, but finally, they have succeeded.

Katerina King from Murrieta, California says, “I had hands and feet tingling and snapping and burning feeling. It made my life very uncomfortable. I had a hard time walking, my legs felt like they each weighed 50 pounds. Once I got in my car WHY ALL THIS EXCITEMENT? and my feet felt so heavy I couldn’t even Researchers have found an herb orig- drive the car. With Neuroflo I have no inally from Greece that has been shown more tingling, cold or burning painful legs in six placebo-controlled medical stud- and feet. It went away.” ies (543 participants) to be effective and WHAT DOCTORS ARE SAYING safe. This natural compound strengthens blood vessel walls and reduces swelling “Now I finally have a natural solution I to stop the pain and suffering. can recommend to my patients who sufPoor blood flow in the legs and feet is fer from leg and feet problems and pain. one of the common problems that devel- I’m delighted because previous treatops as we age. Millions of Americans suf- ments were not effective, but Neuroflo fer from neuropathy and chronic venous has worked for every one of my patients insufficiency (CVI), edema, and other leg/ with no side effects” says Dr. Eric Wood, feet problems – millions have these but N.D. are undiagnosed.

Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. says “This is Today’s treatments don’t work for a new and different. It works for people high percentage of people – and they have who’ve tried many other things before. side effects that make them hard to tolIt is natural with no side erate or that people do not want to risk. effects.

Don’t give up This includes prescription drugs, over the hope for your leg and feet counter pain pills, surgery and comprespain, burning, tingling sion. and numbing. This pill Already popular in Europe, this natural is working for countless

RE-DISCOVERED LEG AND FEET PROBLEM SOLUTION: In Greece in the 1600s, this herb was originally called “horse herb” because it was fed to horses with ailing legs. It has now been re-discovered and is giving soothing comfort to Americans who have leg and feet pain, burning, tingling and numbness.

people after other treatments have failed them. I highly recommend it.”

“Neuroflo is a terrific choice for people with leg and feet issues. The clinical trials in support of this herb show it is very effective for safe and fast relief,” said Dr. Wood, a Harvard trained doctor who has appeared on award winning TV shows.

Now you can get a good night’s sleep - peaceful, restful sleep – with no pain, tingling, zinging, itching or zapping. Improve your balance and coordination. No side effects – safe to take with other medications. Enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies again. Be more active, have more fun, enjoy life more. Don’t risk irreversible damage to your feet and hands. Don’t get worse and wind up in the hospital or a nursing home.

Neuroflo is GUARANTEED to work for you – or you will get full refund with a 90day unconditional money-back guarantee. It is NOT sold in stores or online. No prescription or doctor visit is required.

50% OFF FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS

This is the official release of Neuroflo for Carolina Country readers. Therefore, everyone who calls within the next 10 days will receive 50% OFF their first order. A toll-free hotline number has been set up for local readers to call for this 50% OFF savings. The number will be open starting at 7:00 am today and only for the next 10 days.

All you have to do is CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-975-6487 and provide the operator with the special 50% OFF discount approval code: NEF158.

Important: Due to Neuroflo’s popularity and recent media exposure on ABC, CBS and FOX NEWS, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not get through immediately, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 10 day deadline for 50% OFF will have to pay more for Neuroflo.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Results based upon averages. Models are used in all photos to protect privacy.

CC01-wk.indd 29

12/10/20 1:26 PM

Marketplace

Vacation Rental

Real Estate

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

WE PAY CASH FOR NORTH CAROLINA LAND – Local family of landowners buying hunting land, timberland, farmland tracts, any size. We buy for long term so we pay more! Fast closings. Free, no obligation offer at: WWW.NCLANDBUYERS.COM or 910-239-8929

NEAR MT. AIRY (MAYBERRY) in heart of Yadkin Valley wine country near Blue Ridge Parkway. Southern charm home, 4 queen beds, 2½ baths, WiFi, VERY QUIET. $100 up. 336-326-5362

Business Opportunities “THINK AND GROW RICH!” However ... ACTION Generates Wealth! www.SocialDistantMarketing.biz COMMISSION BASED FINANCIAL SERVICES SALES opportunity. Earn while you learn. Paid Training. aliciadavis@primerica.com

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

Miscellaneous PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR—$12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills—$12.95. Both $24.

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

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

WE BUY AND SELL LAND: Timberland, Farmland, Recreational Land, etc. North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, New York, Virginia, More. Free Offers, Quick Cash Close, No Obligations www.owacc.com or 912-375-3366 ow@owacc.com

Arco Steel Buildings

CASH FOR YOUR HUNTING LEASE - TOP DOLLAR PAID – Local, mature hunter looking for multiple hunting leases anywhere in NC. 50 acres minimum. I am also a landowner and will respect your land. Insurance provided to landowner. Will pay in advance on all leases.

910-239-8929

BBB A+ rating for 40 years!

DEVELOPER NEEDS TO PURCHASE TRACTS OF LAND for development in areas close to major cities in NC/SC. 704-625-0146

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

1-800-241-8339

Highest Quality Low Prices!

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

All sizes available!

40

Years

Arco Building Systems

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

30 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-wk.indd 30

12/10/20 4:58 PM

$11,495 - 30x40x10 Advertise in the Marketplace Call Keith Alexander for more information

1-800-662-8835, ext. 3041

EASTERN

DIVISION

NURSERY STOCK & SEED GROW HALF DOLLAR SIZE MUSCADINES & BLACKBERRIES, FREE CATALOG. 200 varieties fruit, nut trees, vines & berries.

1-800-733-0324. ISON’S NURSERY, Brooks, Georgia 30205 www.isons.com

Painted Enclosed Built Price (Not Shown)*

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

Call for pricing.

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

www.nationalbarn.com

1-888-427-BARN (2276)

Protective Sleeves: 100% Guaranteed

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

armchaps.com • 651-492-4830

Steel Mobile Home Roofing Leaks? Roof rumble?

High energy bill?

Contact us at 800.633.8969 or roofover.com Mobile Home Roofover Systems Since 1983

January 2021 | 31

CC01-wk.indd 31

12/10/20 1:26 PM

Carolina Kitchen

C

Eggnog Chess Pie

T g e E

With sliced banana and cream

It seems fittin’ to use up that last bit of holiday eggnog in a good old southern chess pie. ‘Nog and bananas go together like mac and cheese, so partake of pie while toasting toes in front of a cozy fire as you settle into the New Year.

7 cups banana-nut, granola-type cereal 1 stick butter, softened 4 large eggs 1²/₃ cups sugar 2 tablespoons cornmeal 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted and slightly cooled

½ cup eggnog 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1 ripe banana Whipped cream, optional Grated nutmeg, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the crust, roughly crush cereal in a food processor. Combine with butter by hand. Place into a 10-inch pie plate. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes.

For the filling, use a mixer to blend eggs, sugar and cornmeal together. Add butter, eggnog, vinegar, vanilla and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Thinly slice the banana over bottom of crust. Pour the egg mixture over banana. Bake about 40 minutes, until filling is set. Chill. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream and dusting of nutmeg!

Yield: 1 10-inch pie

Roasted Grape and Cheese Crostini

C c

With spiced pecan crumbs

Sometimes we just need “a little something” to nibble on — roasting grapes and serving over warm, softened cheese on crostini is our new favorite! The grapes become nice and “jammy” and oh-so-good with a drizzle of herbed oil, vinegar and honey. No exact measurements needed for this one. ½ pound seedless table grapes, same or mixed variety 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (We used sunflower oil.)

Sea salt 8–10 ounces Brie, Camembert or other rind cheese Balsamic vinegar Honey Crumbled pecan pralines Fresh thyme, optional Baguette, sliced thin and toasted Preheat oven (or toaster oven) to 400 degrees. Wash and dry grapes. Pull from the vine and place into a roasting dish; drizzle with oil. Scatter with a light dusting of salt. Roast 35–45 minutes, shaking a little along the way. Grapes will shrivel and skins will split as they roast. This can be done ahead of time.

When ready to serve, warm cheese in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, until soft and oozing. Using spatula, move onto serving dish. Place grapes over and around cheese. Drizzle with vinegar and honey. Scatter with pecans and a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired. Serve with toasted bread.

Yield: Approximately 8 servings

Unless otherwise noted, recipes on these pages are from Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, who chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

32 | carolinacountry.com

CC01-tv.indd 32

12/11/20 11:34 AM

o W I *

Y

Carolina Kitchen

Creamy Parslied Wild Rice Soup The herbs in this aromatic soup will have your house smelling soooo good! Nice and creamy, yet dairy-free, this soup is vegetarian, but it’s easy enough to throw in some chopped rotisserie chicken if you like.

Enjoy with our roasted grape and brie crostini.

1 head garlic, cloves peeled and minced 3 bay leaves 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning 2 teaspoons dried thyme Salt and cracked black pepper as desired 3–4 large, colorful bell peppers, seeded and quartered Fresh parsley, chopped

Tara Verna

1 cup wild rice blend 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans creamed corn 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 1 10-ounce bag shredded carrots 3 large stalks celery, chopped 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

From Your Kitchen

Combine all ingredients, minus peppers and parsley, in a slow cooker. Cook on high 2–3 hours, or on low 5–6 hours.* While cooking, toss peppers with oil and roast in 450-degree oven until lightly charred. Roughly chop.

When ready to serve, garnish with peppers and parsley.

If soup is too thick, add more broth to preferred consistency. *Cooking times may vary by slow cooker.

Yield: 6–8 servings

dairy free

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Set it and forget it — the convenience factor is huge with this one.

Coupled with the resulting cheesy goodness and the slightly crusty, barely browned top — your family will be craving a repeat!

1 8-ounce box of macaroni, cooked and drained 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1½ cups milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded, medium cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded, sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup melted butter 2 eggs, beaten Black pepper to taste Thinly-sliced cheddar cheese

Coat slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients (except thinly-sliced cheese), stirring well. Pour into crockpot. Place thin slices of cheese on top. Set cooker to low and cook 3½ hours without stirring.

Yield: 6–8 servings

Recipe courtesy of Janice Terry, Albemarle, a member of Union Power Cooperative

Send Us Your Recipes

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions. Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Beef-Lima Casserole Each month, we’ll take a fun, nostalgic look at old favorites from our recipe archive. For January, check out “Beef-Lima Casserole” from 1970. See this recipe and stay tuned for more at carolinacountry.com/kitchencorner.

carolinacountry.com/recipes We take food seriously. Search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient, with a new recipe featured every week!

January 2021 | 33

CC01-tv.indd 33

12/10/20 4:32 PM

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by January 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 February issue, will receive $25.

December winner

The December “Where Is This” photo by Wake Electric member Larry Pearlman features Lee’s Grocery Store and Sinclair Station, located on Highway 39 just east of Zebulon in Wake County. Libby Cox wrote that she and her sisters often walked to the store to buy penny candy and visit with her Aunt Annie and Uncle Wade Lee, who owned the store in the 1940s–1950s before the current owners, the Upchurch family. Many readers drive by the landmark to and from the Carolina Mudcats baseball stadium. One reader commented that it is such an inviting place to just sit on the benches and sip on a bottle coke with peanuts, a reminder of simpler times. Today, children shout “I spy a dinosaur” as their family car zips down the road. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Rob Forster of Wake Forest, a Blue Ridge Energy member.

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

Carolina

January’S FEATURED TRACK

‘Postcards from Her Forest Boy’

MUSIC

By Daniel Horton

???????

In this tune about reluctantly letting a girl go, singer-songwriter Daniel’s soft voice showcases heartfelt lyrics. He wrote the song after a mutual break-up phone call with a Texas love who was just too far away (or as he writes, “911 miles away, to be exact”). It’s one of 14 tracks on his new debut album, “Atlas and his Flannel Coat.” His talent for poetic expression and musical phrasing is also evident in “Re: Christmas Song,” “The Singer Sung,” and “The Hennessy Prodigal Interlude.” Daniel’s stage name is Nothing More Cruel and his musical passions are primarily indie-folk. In addition to bright acoustic guitar, the 18-year-old artist from Waxhaw (and Union Power Electric Cooperative member) plays harmonica.

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

CC01-wk.indd 34

12/11/20 12:15 PM

ADVA NCED DIGITA L HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY

Now Rechargeable!

BUY 1 GET 1

FREE

Reg: $599.98

Only $299 99

Each When You Buy a Pair – LIMITED TIME ONLY!

SHOP AT HOME! Skip the Clinic with Remote Care

How can a rechargeable hearing aid that costs only $29999 be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more?

“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!”

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Digital Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

— Don W., Sherman, TX

CHARGE AT NIGHT AND GO ALL DAY NOW WATER RESISTANT

The MDHearingAid® VOLT+ uses the same kind of Advanced Digital RECHARGEABLE Hearing Aid NEW Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price.

Over 500,000 satisfied MDHearingAid customers agree: High-quality,digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to Charging Case cost a fortune. The fact is, you don’t need 30-Hour Battery Life Water Resistant to 3 Feet to spend thousands for a hearing aid.

MDHearingAid is a medical-grade, digital, 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL! rechargeable hearing aid offering If you are not completely satisfied with sophistication and high performance, and your MDHearingAids, return them works right out of the box with no timewithin 45 days for a FULL REFUND! consuming “adjustment” appointments.

For the Lowest Price Call You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other Nearly Invisible company provides such extensive support. www.MDVolt.com Now that you know...why pay more?

1-800-805-4615 Use Code

KL57

and get FREE Shipping DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED

CC01-wk.indd 35

Proudly assembled in America!

12/10/20 1:26 PM

CC01-wk.indd 36

12/10/20 1:26 PM