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May 2021

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familiar with the condition. As many as 25% of those over the age of 50 have some degree of macular degeneration.

The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s vision test.

Nine out of 10 people who have or many patients with macular macular degeneration have the dry form. degeneration and other vision- New research suggests vitamins can help. The British medical journal BMC related conditions, the loss of central visual detail also signals Ophthalmology recently reported that the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving.

A Wilmington optometrist, Dr. Edward Paul, is using miniaturized telescopes which are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

“Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss” said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in

F

telescopes to help those who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating eye diseases.

Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. If you’re a low vision patient, you’ve probably not only imagined them, but have been searching for them. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will give you the independence you’ve been looking for. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in people over 50. Despite this, most adults are not

A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration

56% of patients treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins experienced improved vision after six months.

TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health Formula is now available by prescription from eye doctors. risk factor for developing the disease, heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure have also degeneration accounts for 90% of new legal blindness in the US. While there is currently no cure, promising research is being done on many fronts. “My job

possible to keep a person functioning” says Dr. Paul. Even if it’s driving.

Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas, friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers license and was prescribed bioptic tele lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers and menus in restaurants.

As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses didn’t help too much- it was like look ing through a fog. These new telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. I don’t know why I waited three years to do this; I should have come sooner.”

“Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass.” scope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but much more precise.”

To learn more about bioptic telescopes or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can also visit our website at:

www.DrEdwardPaul.com For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, call us today: (910) 208-9011 and Charlotte

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Volume 53, No. 5

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12

Favorites 4 From Our Readers 6 Viewpoints 8 More Power

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22 On the House 28 Carolina People 29 Carolina Gardens 30 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Music

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12 24 26

Know Your Home

A little knowledge can go a long way in saving energy and preventing unexpected high bills.

Say It Like a Tar Heel

A beginner’s guide to NC place name pronunciation.

Supporting Zuni Culture from Afar ‘Turkey Mike’ and the feather project.

On the Cover Frank and Patti Phelps, members of Tideland EMC, took steps to make their home more energy efficient after their co-op provided a thorough energy audit. Learn how to take control of your home’s energy use on page 12.

Photo by Magnolia Photography.

SWEEPSTAKES

‘Uniquely Southern’ Giveaway You can’t beat a cold Cheerwine on a hot North Carolina day. We’ve partnered with the iconic NC soft drink to offer a cheery, cherry prize pack. See page 30 for details.

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THIS MONTH:

Home Energy Experts We typically devote our May issue to home improvement. And with all of us spending more time at home over the past year, it’s a hotter topic than ever. While you’re sprucing up your house, take some time to better understand how it’s using energy, too . Your electric co-op can help, and we give you some tips to get started on page 12.

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 53, No. 5

Published monthly by

3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Warren Kessler Publications Director Scott Gates, CCC Editor Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Karen Olson House Contributing Editor

—Scott Gates, editor

Tara Verna Creative Director

From Our Readers Pet Photo Feedback We received a lot of comments from readers about our April issue pet photo contest. Here are a few from carolinacountry.com — thank you for all the feedback and suggestions!

Awwwwww … Although I am disappointed my cat didn’t make it in the pics, I will say these are some GREAT photos. Congrats to all who won : ) Sharon McCarthy

Loved this Pet issue — congrats to the winners! You did write there were 1,000 entries. I think it would have been a nice use of space, instead of using such huge pictures, to utilize the space with smaller pictures and highlighting the winners, but then using the additional space just to show some more of the entries. I think that would have been more fun for your readers.

That being said, I will look forward to another issue like this!

Debbie Martin

I’m a little disappointed that there wasn’t one pet from each co-op chosen!

Janelle Parrish

Erin Binkley Digital Media

Pet of the Month Clearly, we all love pet photos. Follow us on social media to keep them coming!

We’ll be sharing a “pet of the month” photo beginning in April on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

April’s Pet of the Month ‘Quincy,’ Union Power Electric Cooperative member Darren Adams.

I’m convinced this contest was rigged worse than the Oscars. No offense to the pets that were chosen, but clearly the judges have a preference towards dogs (and boring ones at that). My cat is better looking and more interesting than all of the animals chosen. Next year, I recommend a new panel of judges.

Erin Editor’s note: To keep our judging as fair as possible, photo contest entries are always presented to our judges without revealing the name, co-op, location or other information about the entrant. This way, photos are chosen based only on the parameters of the contest. We’re also limited by space in the magazine, unfortunately, but you can find more pet photos on carolinacountry.com/extras.

Corrections to our April issue: Curtis Wynn’s column (“Reflections on Two Years of National Service,” page 6) mentions a passing of the gavel to his predecessor; a passing of the gavel to his successor was the intended meaning.

The photo of Harvey the English springer spaniel (page 16) was submitted by Charlie Nicholson of Lexington, a member of EnergyUnited.

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 memberowned, 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.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

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

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. 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 27616-2950.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone: 919-875-3091 Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

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Viewpoints

Home Improvement, the Safe Way

By Dale Lambert

With more time spent at home over the past year, many of us are finding new, creative ways to enhance and improve our homes. Tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be fun and cost-effective, and some projects can also make your home more energy efficient, providing an opportunity to save on energy bills.

So why not roll up those sleeves and get started?

Whether you’re painting the front door with a fresh hue or finally upgrading those patio lights, successfully completing a DIY home project is incredibly satisfying. But many of these projects do not come without risks. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind as you get to work, courtesy of the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

Select a designated work area. The amount of space you’ll need will depend on the size and scope of your project, but make sure you have adequate lighting and ventilation (if necessary). Required tools and equipment should be located Electricity is in your workspace and organized no joke — when for easy access.

Use the right personal mishandled it can protective equipment (PPE). cause serious Investing a few bucks in PPE is essential for most home projinjury or death ects. Stock up on safety goggles, dust masks, ear plugs (or noise reduction ear protectors), gloves and any other kind of protection you’ll need for your project. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Leave electrical work to the pros. Electricity is no joke — when mishandled it can cause serious injury or death — and it’s well worth hiring a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home. If taking on smaller electrical work yourself, always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel and testing the circuit to verify the power is off.

Work slowly and clean as you go. When you rush through a DIY project, you’ll likely end up with less desirable results than you intended, or worse, you could make a costly or dangerous mistake. Take your time and remember that you are in control of the project. You should also clean as you go to ensure a safer workspace.

Be cautious with power tools. Annually, 8 percent of electrocutions in the U.S. are attributed to improper use of power tools.

■ Use ground fault circuit interrupters

(GFCIs) with every power tool to protect against electrical shock.

■ Never use power tools near live

electrical wires or water pipes.

■ Use extreme caution when cutting

or drilling into walls where electrical wires or water pipes could be accidentally touched or penetrated.

■ If a power tool trips a safety device while

in use, take the tool to a manufacturerauthorized repair center for service.

■ Do not use power tools without

the proper guards.

■ When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner

or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electrical shock.

Enjoy working around your home this spring, and remember: you should only tackle DIY home projects within your skill and comfort level.

Dale Lambert is CEO for Randolph EMC, located in Asheboro.

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More Power

NC Electric Co-ops Support Expanding Rural Broadband Access

W

hile the pandemic has shone a bright light on the need for broadband access in rural areas, the issue has been a known priority for electric cooperatives for many years.

As community-focused organizations based in rural areas, cooperatives are committed to supporting efforts — including rural broadband connectivity — that provide students, businesses and families opportunities to compete and thrive.

“Statewide broadband access is critical to the success of rural communities and our state as a whole,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and COO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We support broadband availability and affordability for all, and we are exploring solutions and working with partners to close the gaps in rural broadband access quickly, efficiently and at as low a cost as possible.”

Solutions are underway. Several co-ops have formed partnerships with broadband providers to utilize grant funding, including the GREAT (Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology) program from the NC Department of Information Technology.

Beyond these partnerships, cooperatives statewide are facilitating

rural expansion by providing broadband companies with timely access to utility poles at a fair rate. These agreements help providers reach rural areas more quickly and protect electric co-op members from absorbing any costs incurred by the broadband provider to “make ready” co-op poles that need to be replaced or upfitted for broadband infrastructure.

As connectivity expands, and as significant federal and state funding for rural broadband is awarded to broadband providers, electric co-ops are engaging with state legislators regarding recently filed legislation that could shift “make ready” costs to cooperatives and their members.

Electric cooperatives oppose any policy that could create higher electric rates or increase the burden to the very rural citizens for whom broadband expansion funding has been provided to help.

“We look forward to seeing highspeed internet stretch to every rural corner of the state,” Hotchkiss said.

“We will continue to work with policy makers and those who are deploying broadband to ensure that access rolls out quickly and efficiently, while advocating against possible policy changes that could burden rural consumers with unfair costs.”

—Lindsey Listrom, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

Nuclear Power Q&A What’s the long-term plan for used fuel?

In response to “Safe, Sustainable Nuclear Power” in our April issue (page 12), a few readers wrote in with a similar question: Is there a long-term storage plan for used fuel? We asked Scott Brame with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who serves as a liaison to Duke Energy, the operator of the Catawba Nuclear Station. He provided this answer: “On-site storage of used nuclear fuel was not intended to be permanent. The most practical and cost-effective long-term option for used nuclear fuel is deep geological storage. In the 1980s, the U.S. Department of Energy developed an underground used fuel repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The facility was developed

and tested and has no technical obstacles. However, for political reasons, no fuel has been shipped to the site.

A long-term storage option is still necessary. Nuclear power plants have safely stored used fuel on-site for decades, and will continue to do so until the political challenges are resolved.

“The volume of fuel used across our nation after almost 50 years, if stacked end to end, would cover an area the size of a football field to a depth of less than 10 yards. If all the electricity an individual used for 70 years was generated at nuclear facilities, the used fuel from that power would fit in a soda can.”

8 | carolinacountry.com

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Scholarships Available to Lineworkers’ Families Apply by June 30

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hildren of lineworkers living in North Carolina interested in pursuing a college education can apply for one of three scholarships from The Fallen Linemen Foundation. The organization was founded in 2004 to provide financial support to electric utility linemen injured while on the job, as well as to supporting organizations and institutions.

Through fundraising efforts, the Fallen Linemen Foundation established the scholarship program to reflect its belief in education and career development. The three $2,000 scholarships will assist with tuition, fees, books and other related expenses. Those interested in applying can find more information and applications at fallenlinemenfoundation.com; the deadline for applying is June 30, 2021.

Additional scholarship opportunities are available to qualifying students enrolled in an electrical linemen program — contact foundation Board President Kevin Dyson at kevin.dyson@lekson.com for more information.

A Logo with Meaning Within the Fallen Linemen Foundation logo are the letters “FL,” honoring all fallen linemen. An unbroken white line symbolizes the foundation’s unwavering support of lineworkers. The logo’s diamond shape is a nod to the donors who make that support possible, and the Carolina Blue color is a link to NC Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Health Care, as a thank you for all they do in caring for injured lineworkers and all burn victims.

May 2021 | 9

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More Power

Electric co-ops across North Carolina held roughly 100 meetings with legislators in March as part of this year’s Rally in Raleigh. Most meetings were virtual, although some face-to-face meetings did occur if it was possible to do so taking proper COVID-19 safety precautions.

“While our engagement with legislators looks different this year, local co-ops adapted to COVID-19 safety precautions and moved to mostly virtual meetings with their local legislators,” said Jay Rouse, director of Government Affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “This local engagement is critical for us to reach all legislators in a year that could see significant discussions and legislation regarding energy policy, broadband policy, and other issues impacting electric co-op members.”

This year, meetings focused on a variety of issues affecting local communities, including rural broadband access and energy policy. Legislators were reminded that electric co-ops support innovation, but the pace of any change must be balanced with the cost to, and value for, members.

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Co-ops, Legislators Meet During Modified ‘Rally in Raleigh’

Rep. Pat McElraft (R-13), on left, met with CarteretCraven Electric Cooperative’s Communications Specialist Melissa Glenn.

NC Co-op Leaders Meet Virtually for 2021 Annual Meeting In April, more than 330 electric co-op leaders from across the state met virtually for the 2021 Statewide Annual Meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. The event provided an opportunity to discuss both the challenges of the pandemic and the promise of new days ahead. It centered around the meeting theme: “Building a Brighter Future.”

Joe Brannan, executive vice president and CEO for North Carolina’ Electric Cooperatives, kicked off the meeting by addressing that theme and the electric co-op initiatives it represents.

“Together, we are striving toward a Brighter Energy Future: To find new ways to generate low-carbon electricity; to deploy technology to make our systems more flexible and responsive; to work with members to utilize electricity in new ways to benefit both end-users and the co-op,” Brannan said. “What we have lined up at this annual meeting will hopefully continue to spark some ideas on what we need to do next to achieve this potential.”

Keynote speaker and marketing consultant Kelly McDonald discussed how co-op leaders can engage with employees and members during a new, developing phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lead with optimism,” McDonald said. “Because that is the foundation of hope. But also, couple it with transparency. If you have hope and transparency, it fosters trust — and that’s what’s going to take you through.”

Who’s Who at the Annual Meeting STATEWIDE LEADERS The following were elected to 2021–2022 board leadership positions:

NCEMC (power supply) President Greg Puckett, Surry-Yadkin EMC; Vice President Susan Flythe, Cape Hatteras EC; Secretary-Treasurer Greg Andress, Union Power Cooperative.

NCAEC (co-op services) President Suzy Morgan, Wake Electric; Vice President Tom Batchelor, Haywood EMC; Secretary-Treasurer Richard Midgett, Cape Hatteras EC.

Greg Puckett NCEMC president

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS The North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives awards scholarships each year to Youth Tour participants from the past year: ■ Tyler Gupton (Roanoke Electric) received

the Katie Bunch Memorial Scholarship.

Suzy Morgan NCAEC president

■ Ashley Behringer (Piedmont Electric) received the

Gwyn B. Price Memorial Scholarship.

■ Shivalee Patel (Union Power Cooperative) received the

Youth Leadership Council Scholarship.

■ Alex Scruggs (Randolph EMC) received the Youth Leadership

Council Scholarship.

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Ho m e Yo ur ow Kn A little knowledge can go a long way in saving energy and preventing unexpected high bills

By Scott Gates | Photos by Magnolia Photography unless otherwise indicated

Thanks to energy audit input, Frank and Patti Phelps fixed a fireplace damper, among other upgrades.

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Frank and Patti Phelps are no strangers to energy efficiency. Before a move to North Carolina in 2000, they were living in a solarpowered house in Colorado, at an elevation of 8,000 feet. Proper insulation was key to staying comfortable. When they moved into their current townhome in Washington along the Pamlico River, their living situation certainly wasn’t as extreme, but they felt some work was necessary to make the home more energy efficient.

“Our power bills have always been quite reasonable, but the townhouse was built in the early 1980s,” Frank says. “So we knew we had a lot of air leaks, and we just knew that with a little work we could probably improve the situation.”

The couple heard about energy audits available from their electric co-op, Pantego-based Tideland EMC, and in 2019 Energy Auditor Jim Rapin worked up a report for their home.

“We’ve had energy audits before, but never anything as thorough as Jim did,” Frank says. “He was able to show us where we were losing heat through the walls [with an infrared camera].”

Good data will only get you so far, of course, but Frank and Patti acted on it, adding insulation in the attic, fixing a fireplace damper and installing a heat pump water heater, among other upgrades. As a result, they’re seeing a 7.5 percent savings on their average electric bill, according to the co-op. Another motivation, Patti says, is doing what they can to protect the environment.

Some electric cooperatives across the state offer energy audits, but all will gladly work with members to help them understand how their homes are using energy — and how that can be improved to help cut costs. The keys to staying on top of your home’s energy efficiency are to be aware of potential issues, be informed of how energy is used, and be prepared for what might cause higher energy use.

Be aware

Having a general sense of the state of your home — nooks and crannies and all — is a big part of identifying inefficiencies.

Heidi Smith, manager of Energy Services and Corporate Communications with Tideland EMC, compares an energy audit (what Frank and Patti received) to a road map. It provides an understanding of how a home is functioning and a list of actionable items to whittle away at.

Electric co-ops can also help members interpret unexplained spikes in energy use — what Heidi likens to a check engine light.

“When it comes on, it’s time to start looking under the hood, paying particular attention to your home’s HVAC and water heating systems,” she says.

Co-ops can often spot issues by simply analyzing energy use data.

Frank and Patti Phelps with their EV in their Washington townhome’s garage.

Good data will only get you so far, of course, but Frank and Patti acted on it. As a result, they’re seeing a 7.5 percent savings on their average electric bill.

“I had a member call who received an unusually high bill,” Heidi says. “After asking a few questions about the home, and a quick analysis of the daily and hourly kilowatt-hour readings, I was relatively certain the home’s crossover duct had disconnected. A few hours later the member called back to report that an HVAC technician had, indeed, found the duct disconnected. The repair bill was minimal.”

To avoid any surprises, take a look at potential problem areas —including attic spaces and under your home — a few times a year to make sure issues don’t go unnoticed.

Be informed

Once your home is in top form, the next step to ensuring energy efficiency is being aware of how things like lighting and appliances use energy. Swapping traditional incandescent or CFL light bulbs for LED bulbs is an easy first step.

LED bulbs, which are less expensive than when they first hit the market, use at least 75 percent less energy (and last 25 times longer) than incandescent lighting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Purchasing Energy Star® rated appliances is another way to trim energy use. But one of the biggest potential for savings, according to energy auditors from the mountains to the coast, is proper use of HVAC systems, particularly heat pumps.

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As a result of their energy audit, Frank and Patti installed a heat pump water heater.

South River EMC

“I have spoken to several members who thought they were taking good, frugal, money-saving measures when it came to operating their electric heating system. But in fact, they were increasing their consumption,” explains Aaron Jackson, energy services advisor (aka one of the “Advise Guys”) with Dunn-based South River EMC. “The most common habit I ran into was the belief that turning a heat pump unit off or way down on a winter night, and then bringing the setting up 3 or 4 degrees or more in the morning, was a money-saving practice.”

That morning jolt could cause the unit to run emergency heat to catch up, the equivalent of heating your whole home with an electric space heater. Keeping the unit at a constant temperature through the night, Aaron explains, uses far less energy.

Talk to an HVAC professional if you have questions about how best to set your thermostat for the type of unit in your home. And again, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with how your equipment is working at the start of each heating and cooling season.

“One couple called in about a high bill. If they had gone out to look at the compressor, they would have seen the problem (photo below right),” says South River EMC Energy Services Advisor Eric Gainey, another one of the Advise Guys. “We advise members to check their equipment when they start using it to heat or cool the home. Go out to the compressor to make sure the fan is running as it should.”

Be prepared

Scott Gates is the senior editor of Carolina Country.

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CC05-tv.indd 14

One of South River EMC’s Advise Guys, Aaron Jackson, measures the amount of insulation in a member’s attic.

South River EMC

Knowing how your home typically uses energy is another important piece of the energy efficiency puzzle. Most electric co-ops make energy use data readily available to members through online portals, or can talk through use patterns with those who call in. “Access to detailed meter data is a gamechanger for both members and energy auditors,” Heidi says.

Comparing against past trends can help anomalies stick out — an unexplained spike may point to mechanical problems such as faulty HVAC equipment or an overactive well pump. (Around Christmas is a good time to watch for a predictable uptick: the day the light display is switched on.)

And understanding how weather affects energy use will help in preparing for seasonally higher bills.

“The weather was colder for much longer this year than in recent years,” Aaron says. “Also, the previous winter was fairly mild, which further exacerbated the difference in bill amounts when comparing year to year.”

Energy use data on online portals can be checked against average daily temperatures to put trends into perspective.

Above all, be proactive in understanding your home and how it uses energy to ensure there are no surprises when the power bill arrives. Contact your electric co-op to start a discussion about energy efficiency, and take it from Frank: for those where having an energy audit done is an option, it’s worthwhile — whether pre-construction or for a decades-old home.

“If your co-op offers an energy audit, and you’re willing to make the improvements that are recommended, jeez — it’s a win-win situation.”

“One couple called in about a high bill. If they had gone out to look at the compressor, they would have seen the problem.” (A chunk of ice rimming the compressor)

4/12/21 1:04 PM

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n the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart.

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This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000.

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4/5/21 11:47 AM 11/30/20 4/8/21 12:57 3:39 PM PM

Connection

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION MEMBER NEWSLETTER | MAY 2021

April showers bring May savings

IMPORTANT DATES

The sun is shining and spring flowers are blossoming. Here at Piedmont Electric, that means savings are in bloom too! This spring, explore our money-saving programs to help you save now and in the warmer days ahead.

May

Smart thermostat savings program If you’re someone who tries to keep your energy use low in the summer months, our smart thermostat savings program can help! This program helps you reduce your energy use during the hottest months of the year plus pays you bill credits during the summer months.

When you sign up, Piedmont Electric will make slight adjustments to your Nest thermostat settings via in-home WiFi on very hot afternoons. Of course, you always have the final say in your home’s temperature, so you can adjust it back at any time.

How it helps you save: • A $50 instant rebate just for joining • A monthly bill credit of $2.50 from June through September • Lower energy bills, thanks to more efficient thermostat use Visit pemc.coop/thermostat to learn more.

Air conditioning load management Another way to combat the costs associated with hot summer days is to join our air conditioning load management program.

When you join, we’ll install a load control switch on your meter which will cycle your unit off for a short time during periods when our co-op has high energy use.

How it helps you save: • A one-time $25 credit, just for joining • A monthly bill credit of $2.50–$7.50 from June through September depending on which level you join • Lower energy bills, thanks to more efficient AC use Learn how to join at pemc.coop/load-management.

Water heater load management The cost it takes to heat your water can be a sneaky culprit of higher bills. Help control this by joining our water heater load management program.

National Electrical Safety Month

May 9 Mother’s Day

May 31 Memorial Day Piedmont Electric offices will be closed and employees will be on call.

18 RiverStreet Networks Update 19 Green living, made easy 20 Facilities charge and rider changes for 2021

Once you’ve signed up, we’ll cycle your electric water heater off when the energy use is at its peak for our co-op. Your tank keeps a reserve of hot water ready to use, so in most cases you won’t notice a difference when it’s turned off.

How it helps you save: • A one-time $25 credit, just for joining • A monthly bill credit of $1 all year long • Lower energy bills, thanks to more efficient water heating Sign up at pemc.coop/load-management.

To learn more about these programs, visit pemc.coop or call us at 800.222.3107.

Are you planning a home renovation project this spring? There may be changes we need to make on our end as a result. Calling 800.222.3107 or emailing info@pemc.coop first can help you save time and potentially money!

Learn more at pemc.coop/home-electrical-changes.

Beat the peak Our alert program helps you and our entire membership save money! When you join, we’ll remind you to reduce your energy use during times when energy use is high for our co-op. Learn more at pemc.coop/btp.

MAY 2021

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

RiverStreet Networks Update

G

Our broadband pilot program with RiverStreet Networks continues to make progress.

We We

Person County

Ex

A wireless internet expansion project is underway in Person County as the result of RiverStreet Networks acquiring NC Lightleap in 2020. NC Lightleap had been selected by Person County in their earlier efforts to develop a network solution with the buildout of communication towers.

RiverStreet Networks will offer service in large portions of Person County with overlap in parts of Caswell, Durham, Granville and Orange counties in North Carolina and Halifax County in Virginia.

The green areas on the map to the right show the areas potentially available for service. In an effort to express your interest and get on the list, let your voice be heard by visiting Join.BuildPiedmont.com today! RiverStreet Networks representatives will follow up with you when the service is available in your area.

Caswell County We are pleased to announce that funding coupled with interest from members in Caswell County has resulted in the future buildout of a wireless network to 2,918 households and businesses in Caswell County. This is made possible by funding awarded to RiverStreet Networks from the NC GREAT Grant Program in the amount of $1.5 million. RiverStreet Networks will provide the match for this project of $1.1 million. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress in Caswell County in future Carolina Country magazines.

While these projects will take time to complete, Piedmont Electric and RiverStreet are committed to bringing a better internet solution to those who need and want it.

Make sure your appliances are protected with

Power surges can damage your expensive appliances in the blink of an eye. By signing up for our Strike Guard program, you can either lease or purchase powerful surge protectors that will help protect your valuable equipment.

For more information on how to sign up, visit pemc.coop/strikeguard or call 800.222.3107.

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MAY 2021

4/9/21 2:03 PM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

Green living, made easy We know many of our members are looking for ways to add green initiatives in their everyday lives.

We’re here to make it a little easier to help you meet your green energy goals!

Explore three of our environmentally friendly programs to see if they are right for you.

Support solar power Are you interested in exploring solar power? Our community solar program offers you the chance to be a part of solar energy without the commitment of installing and maintaining your own panels.

For $2.50 per panel per month, you’ll receive a credit for the energy your panel(s) produces. Community solar is a great way to support green energy. You can subscribe to the energy from a maximum of 15 panels.

To learn more about how to sign up and to see an estimate of the solar production you can expect, visit pemc.coop/communitysolar.

Cruise into energy savings If you own an electric vehicle (EV) and would like to lower your energy bill, consider joining our EV time-of-day rate program. As a participant, you’ll pay a lower rate when you charge your EV overnight.

You’ll pay less than half our regular rate for off-peak power and receive a $50 credit just for signing up!

Visit pemc.coop/electric-vehicle-rate to learn how to join.

Time-of-day rates Pay less for the energy you use plus help your co-op save money when you switch to a time-of-day rate! With this rate, you pay a lower rate for the energy you use during times when energy use is low for our co-op.

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

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

On average, our members save about $20 per month on this rate. Best of all, you can try this rate risk-free for a year! If you don’t save compared to our regular rate, we’ll give you the difference back. Learn more and sign up at pemc.coop/timeofday.

MAY 2021

Piedmont-0521.indd 19

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4/9/21 2:03 PM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

Facilities Charge and Rider Changes for 2021 At Piedmont Electric we work hard to keep rates low for our members and are pleased that our energy charge for residential members will not change; however a small increase to our facilities charge and some of our riders was necessary.

In 2020 we conducted a cost of service study to ensure that the cooperative maintained its healthy financial position. The results of the study showed that while we are able to keep OFFICIAL NOTICE our residential rate the same, a small increase to our facilities charge would allow for continued financial stability. As an at-cost, not for profit electric ENERGY EFFICIENCY RIDER FACILITIES CHARGE cooperative, our goal will continue to be providing PREVIOUS CHARGES NEW CHARGES PREVIOUS CHARGES NEW CHARGES you with exceptional service at the lowest cost RESIDENTIAL 0.0477 ¢/kWh 0.0511 ¢/kWh RESIDENTIAL $36.00/month $37.00/month we can. Our staff works hard to keep costs under COMMERCIAL 0.1069 ¢/kWh 0.1475 ¢/kWh SMALL $38.00/month $39.00/month control including efforts to limit our peak energy & INDUSTRIAL GENERAL consumption which impacts our largest expense THREE PHASE $84.00/month $85.00/month wholesale power costs.

RENEWABLE ENERGY RIDER Piedmont Electric’s energy peak accounts for more than half of the costs we pay for electricity from our provider. In the summer, our peak occurs 1-7 p.m. when air conditioning units are typically running full blast. In the winter, our peak occurs between 6-10 a.m. when people are getting ready for their day.

This is the seventh year in a row that our residential energy charge component has remained the same.

We are proud that our rates remain below the state and national average.

As your local cooperative we’ve kept rates dependable and steady while also making improvements to our system to increase reliability, returning capital credits to our members and delivering exceptional service.

PREVIOUS CHARGES NEW CHARGES

RESIDENTIAL

$0.48/month

$0.64/month

COMMERCIAL

$2.66/month

$3.53/month

INDUSTRIAL

$17.75/month

$23.55/month

STORM DAMAGE RECOVERY RIDER PREVIOUS CHARGE NEW CHARGE

0.080 ¢/kWh 0.210 ¢/kWh

SMALL QUALIFYING FACILITIES

$3.75/month

$5.00/month

SMALL & MEDIUM RENEWABLE GENERATION NET METERING RIDER PREVIOUS CREDIT

NEW CREDIT

3.47 ¢/kWh

3.47 ¢/kWh

SMALL QAULIFYING FACILITIES PURCHASED POWER PREVIOUS CREDIT

NEW CREDIT

3.47 ¢/kWh

3.47 ¢/kWh

PUBLIC CHARGING STATION SERVICE

Effective May 1, 2021.

LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

14.00 ¢/kWh 27.00 ¢/kWh

Detailed to the right are the annual changes to various riders and rates charged by the cooperative. Piedmont Electric must comply with state energy efficiency and renewable energy standards. Each year, your cooperative adjusts these riders up or down to reflect the cost of complying with these requirements.

Also detailed are changes to the cooperative’s storm damage recovery rider, facilities charges, renewable generation net metering rider and what we pay to those who generate solar. Visit pemc.coop/rates to see the complete listing of our rates.

Effective May 1, 2021.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we return any margins to members each year as capital credits.

If you know someone who used to be a Piedmont Electric member but is not one any longer, help them out and search for their name at pemc.coop/capitalcredit. They could have money waiting for them!

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

Hillsborough and Roxboro Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Caswell Office Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Report outages, make payments and access account information by phone 24-hours-a-day by calling 800.222.3107.

Voice instructions will direct you through the system.

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

20

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

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

Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.

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

MAY 2021

4/9/21 2:03 PM

Meet the Watch That Shook Up Switzerland A watch that revolutionized timekeeping at a price equally as radical.

I

Wear it today for only

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n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer.

Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market.

The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “[Piezo timepieces]...it would shake the Swiss watch industry to its very foundations.”

—Foundation For Economic Education With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece.

Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.

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4/8/21 3:44 PM

‑

,

.

On the House

Cleaning Up the Crawl Space Eliminate moisture and potential hazards

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I recently went into my crawl space for the first time in a while to grab some electric lawn equipment and noticed that it’s a mess. Most worrying are condensation on ducts and exposed electrical wires. What can I do to sort through these concerns?

A:

Ah yes, the crawl space.

Many of us peek inside only a few times per year, and I know what I find occasionally startles me as well.

Wet Crawl Space Ducts The moisture you saw dripping from your ductwork is sometimes referred to as “sweating” ducts. You may also be finding water droplets where the round duct connects to the rectangular plenum/box or by joints and connections in the supply ductwork.

People often assume these issues are caused by problems with your cooling system. They could be, but they’re more likely the result of high humidity coming from the ground of your crawl space or through wall vents. Uninsulated or minimally insulated ductwork will make things worse. (If you are worried about your cooling system, have your HVAC contractor check your equipment’s fan speed and refrigerant charge during your next routine service.)

Sweating ducts are not a year‑round nuisance; they are usually seasonal, popping up as the weather gets warmer and more humid. You have a couple of options for addressing them.

One is to make sure the ground of your crawl space is covered, a task you may be able to tackle yourself. Installing a 6-mil or thicker polyethylene vapor barrier on 100 percent of the crawl space floor serves two purposes: It keeps soil-borne moisture out of the space and creates a draining surface for water that does get in, for instance from a plumbing leak. You’ll want to extend the poly at least 6 inches

up the foundation walls and piers in the middle.

The other is to consider closing your crawl space, which will likely require the help of a contractor. A closed crawl space has no atmospheric vents to the outside and can limit moisture concerns while potentially making your home healthier and more comfortable. There are a few steps that go into closing your crawl space, and you can learn more at advancedenergy.org/crawlspaces.

Open Electrical Connections Exposed electrical wires are definitely a cause for concern — you don’t want to risk electrocution or shock.

You may be seeing the connection between two wires (with red or yellow wire nuts visible) or shiny copper wire (maybe the insulation has been chewed through, cut off or scraped off, or maybe there’s no wire nut covering the end of the wire).

But these aren’t things you should normally be able to see. These observable pieces should be hidden in a junction box under a cover plate — this is according to North Carolina building code and resources from the Electrical Safety Foundation International and U.S. Department of Energy. An approved electrical contractor will likely be needed for this fix.

Once you get these issues tidied up, you and your home will be better off, and you’ll have less to fear the next time you venture into the dark depths below your living space.

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

Before

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22 | carolinacountry.com

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4/9/21 1:19 PM

Say It Like a Tar Heel

A beginner’s guide to place name pronunciation

By Lori Grossman

I live in Texas, but you’ll notice that my bio says I carry memories of North Carolina in my heart.

Those memories involve a childhood visit with my “Uncle” Walter, who had a fascination for North Carolina place names.

Actually, Walter was my dad’s cousin, but he asked my brother and me to call him Uncle Walter because it was more “homey.” I took to him right away because he was so much like my dad. Both of them were curious about the world around them.

My first lesson in Tar Heel pronunciations came on a drive from Pinehurst (where Walter and his wife, Thelma, lived) to the Uwharrie National Forest. He slowed the car to a crawl as we neared the entrance and asked me to read the name on the sign.

“You-Harry?” I guessed.

“No, but you’re close,” Uncle Walter said. “You say it you-WHAR-ee.”

I was hooked. Already awestruck by the tall pine trees and beautiful scenery, now my 8-year-old self

“I was hooked.

Already awestruck by

the tall pine trees and beautiful scenery,

now I wanted to learn

how to talk like a native

”

North Carolinian.

wanted to learn how to talk like a native North Carolinian. I wanted to discover other mysterious place names and maybe find out why they were pronounced that way.

Over the next two weeks, Uncle Walter and I spent several hours poring over a North Carolina state map and discussing the correct/ local way to say a city or place name.

I’d heard of Raleigh (Raw-Lee) before, probably while watching an Andy Griffith Show rerun. But when Uncle Walter pointed to a city south of Raleigh that had two names, I was unsure.

“How would you say it?” he asked.

Whenever confronted with an unfamiliar word, I tried to sound it out. So, timidly, I said, “FEW-Kway vuh-REE-nuh?”

“Very good,” he said, smiling at me.

When I asked why one city had two names, he said it used to be two cities and they’d become one. I thought it (Fuquay Varina) sounded like a lady’s name, with her last name first.

So far, we’d been hopscotching around the map, looking for unusual place names. Now, Uncle Walter suggested a new strategy.

24 | carolinacountry.com

CC05-tv.indd 24

4/12/21 1:06 PM

Fuquay Varina

Cullowhee

Cape Hatteras

FEW-Kway vuh-REE-nuh

CULL-uh-whee

HAT-rihs

“That’s enough for today,” he said, folding the map. “Next time, we’ll go east to the Outer Banks.”

A few days later, Uncle Walter and I “hit the road.” When I saw the long, thin barrier island, it reminded me of a similar place — Padre Island — just off of the Texas coast. I knew that the Outer Banks, like our Padre Island, had weathered many hurricanes. Uncle Walter told me that it was a special place, with lots of interesting things to see. Like the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

“If you wanted to sound like a local, you’d pronounce it BODY,” he told me. “And I’ll bet you’ve heard of Cape Hatteras before, haven’t you? Well, the residents would know you were a tourist if you didn’t call it HAT-rihs.”

It was a good place to end our make-believe travels. A few days later, my family left for Texas. But not before I showed dear Uncle Walter the name of my hometown and asked him how he would say it.

“San AN-tonio?”

“No, but you’re close,” I said. “It’s all one word. Sanantonio.”

My family’s visit wouldn’t last long enough for us to see all the places he wanted to show us, so why not plan a make-believe trip?

“Sounds like fun!” I agreed. “Where will we go first?”

Checking the map, we chose a route west, which happened to contain some tricky place names. When we got to Asheville, he told me that the county name didn’t sound like it looked. Spelled Buncombe, it was pronounced BUNK-um. Then there was Cullowhee County — home of Western Carolina University. The locals called it CULL-uh-whee.

At the far western border with Tennessee was the Appalachian Mountains. The pronounciation may seem tricky, but in North Carolina its decidedly ap-a-LATCH-UN.

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

carolinacountry.com/extras Our state is full of quirky place names and pronunciations. What’s your favorite?

Find this story online and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Coming Soon

Carolina Calendar During the pandemic, we’ve put our events section on hold as happenings around the state have been canceled or postponed.

But as folks adapt and learn to gather in safe ways, we’re happy to feature events in upcoming issues once more.

To be included on the events section of our website and considered for print, all event listings can be entered at carolinacountry.com/calendar. For accuracy, we do not accept events scheduled more than three months in advance, and ongoing events must be submitted monthly.

We look forward to seeing you out and about once more!

carolinacountry.com/calendar

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Supporting Zuni Culture from Afar ‘Turkey Mike’ and the feather project

By Janet Smith | Photos by Mike Davis

M

ike Davis, a member of Four County EMC, is an eclectic curator. His house in Elizabethtown is a collector’s paradise, filled with sports cards, vintage bottles, German war memorabilia, all things turkey-related, and more. While he says he can’t put a dollar amount on his collections, he knows some items are quite valuable (like his Michael Jordan cards and the Johnson Brothers’ antique platters). Mike’s enjoyment, however, comes from cultivating the collection, not the monetary value. And there’s one collection he continually gathers solely to give away — wild turkey feathers.

Mike has devoted almost 20 years to collecting then donating wild turkey feathers to Native American tribes in need. These tribes use the feathers in important religious ceremonies, and Mike’s assistance helps them keep their traditions alive.

Collection for a cause

Mike has always called Bladen County home and grew up turkey hunting; it’s a part of who he is. He hunted turkey with his father and enjoyed carrying on the tradition with his son, now in college. He has been a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) since 1997, an organization devoted to “the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.”

Mike Davis (right) was honored by the Zuni for donating more than 2.6 million turkey feathers to their tribe.

In 1999, while reading its bi-monthly newsletter, “The Turkey Call,” he read an ad about the Zuni Feather Project that started his collection for a cause.

The Zuni Tribe, a Native American tribe located in New Mexico, is the largest in the Pueblo nation. The agriculturalbased Zuni have always used the feathers of wild turkeys in their sacred ceremonies, and continue to use turkey feathers in ceremonies throughout the year, as well as in daily life.

However, the turkey population in the region isn’t large enough to provide the number of feathers needed for these traditions. The Zuni turned to the NWTF for help, and the result was the creation of the Zuni Feather Project.

This project was truly turning one person’s trash into another’s treasure. Members were asked to donate their wild turkey feathers to the NWTF, who then forwarded them to the Zuni and other tribal nations in need.

Mike participated in the project every year, enjoying helping his fellow man.

‘The feather guy’

The official NWTF project ended in 2008, but that hasn’t stopped Mike. He continues gathering the feathers, sorting and storing them in his shed. Mike now averages 250,000 feathers per year, equal to 100 birds. Every October, he loads up the boxes in his trailer and makes the long drive to New Mexico.

Although the National Wild Turkey Federation started The Zuni Feather Project, Mike has carried on the tradition.

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“I love history and I know how important these feathers are to the Zuni nation,” Mike says. “I consider it an honor to help them carry on the traditions of their ancestors.”

Word of Mike’s arrival to the reservation spreads quickly, with the announcement, “The feathers have arrived!”

Roads are then blocked off to accommodate the hundreds of tribal members who line up for the feathers.

Below left: An example of a prayer stick, similar to the type used in Zuni religious ceremonies.

Mike has now donated over 2.6 million feathers and has been honored by the Zuni for his efforts. How does one man collect so many wild turkey feathers?

“Word of mouth,” Mike says.

News of his project has spread throughout the Bladen County area over the years, and now people will approach him and say: “Are you the feather guy?”

Last year was a little different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A spike of positive cases caused a quarantine of the reservation, but that didn’t stop Mike. He boxed up his wild turkey feathers and shipped them via UPS, at a cost of hundreds of dollars. Mike admits it was less expensive than making the trip to New Mexico, but he missed seeing the people he now calls friends.

“When I arrive every October and see the joy when they get something they need and may not otherwise get, I am satisfied,” he says.

Janet Smith is a communications specialist at Four County EMC and editor of the Four County Connection monthly newsletter.

If you are interested in donating wild turkey feathers for the Zuni Nation, contact the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 866-855-7902.

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Carolina People

Foodscaping Tips From a Pro

C

G

S

Brie Arthur is a master of practical gardening advice

I v S s

By Pamela A. Keene

Y

Brie Arthur/BrieGrows.com

Brie plants lettuce among ornamental plants

Brie’s tips for foodscaping ■ Start small and only plant what you think you’ll eat.

■ Consider planting garlic next to roses to help

discourage bugs.

■ Grow enough to change your grocery-shopping habit.

■ Pick a few crops you enjoy eating; don’t try to grow some

of everything.

Brie Arthur/BrieGrows.com

ou’d never know Brie Arthur grows food crops on her one-acre homesite in the Raleigh suburbs.

“We produce just about all the fruits and vegetables we need, but there’s no reason to create separate raised planting beds,” says the horticulturist, lifelong gardener and author. “We’re not farming, so why plant everything in rows?

It’s just as effective to plant lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, blueberries and other produce among our landscape.”

Brie, who teaches other people how to landscape for food through webinars and her website, briegrows.com, developed her technique in response to homeowners’ associations that tried to eliminate home vegetable gardening.

“So often their covenants prohibit growing vegetables in a homeowner’s front yard, but when I questioned the HOA, I found out the truth about their objections: raised beds that often looked upkept or eventually deteriorated. That was an easy fix: just plant food crops among the existing landscape.”

Brie has made a living out of pushing the envelope. As a youngster growing up in Michigan, she came from the only family of non-farmers in her 4-H program.

“All my friends were showing animals, but I had to grow plants and flowers. It was the start of my love affair with plants.”

She majored in landscape design and horticulture at Purdue University, eventually moving to Raleigh with her

husband, David. In her subdivision, she ran into resistance when she wanted to grow food crops in her yard. At the time, she was just getting started in her career, and growing vegetables was a necessity.

“During the recession we really couldn’t afford fresh produce because of other financial constraints,” she says.

“David and I wanted to use our landscape to grow food, but we were told we couldn’t.

“Don’t tell me I can’t do something,” she says with a sly smile. “That just makes me work harder to find a way to succeed. And you know what? That same subdivision’s HOA actually gave us Yard of the Year, and all the while, I was growing fruits and vegetables. They never even realized.”

Her decision led to her career of helping home gardeners optimize their space and produce edibles. Today, she has written two books: “The Foodscape Revolution” and “Gardening with Grains.” She also presents dozens of webinars about home gardening and foodscaping to professional landscaper groups, garden clubs, master gardener meetings and community groups.

“Pre-pandemic, I was always on the road, so at least now I’m home more,” she says. “Webinars still require a great deal of preparation and every one I do is region-specific and customized for the audience.”

She’s also a regular contributor on the nationally syndicated PBS program, “Growing a Greener World.”

At home, Brie continues to grow produce in her landscape. “I have an army of young helpers. The neighborhood kids love to come over and garden with me.

To them, I’m the cool neighbor.”

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

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T t c t w

s n A s m c c p y

h n i b n b t

i

Brie Arthur/BrieGrows.com

s

Carolina Gardens

Climbing Beauties Go vertical with black-eyed Susan vines Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

In the March issue of Carolina Country, I extolled the visual virtues of black-eyed Susans, aka Rudbeckia sp. (“The New Suzies,” page 28), but unfortunately just didn’t have room to swoon over black-eyed Susan vine.

Totally unrelated to clan Rudbeckia, this pretty vine (Thunbergia alata) can still be an equally charming addition to any garden — no matter which way it grows.

Black-eyed Susan vine is not a stranger to Southern gardens. This native of east Africa found its way to America in the mid-1800s, touted as a short vine that didn’t aspire to stretch much over eight feet long, while covering its heart-shaped leaves with cheerful swaths of summer blooms painted in solid colors of orange, yellow or white.

Although a perennial in its homeland, black-eyed Susan vine will not survive winters in our state, so it is grown as an annual. Being nailed by the first autumn frosts is probably not a bad thing, because this plant has become a bit weedy in some parts of the southernmost United States.

Black-eyed Susan vine thrives in the morning sun, so the more

exposure to ol’ sol early in the day, the better. However, some light shady comfort from the high heat of summer afternoons will result in a more even display of blooms through the long growing season. Water will, of course, also help relieve heat stress, so have the garden hose handy during extended stretches of dry, hot weather.

Whether starting with seeds or transplants, they should be set in a site with well-worked, organicallyenriched soil. A light dusting of complete fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 will provide a nutrient kick to see this vine on its merry way.

Anything vertical — trellis, arbor, fence, a simple pole — will aid in this pretty’s quest for upward mobility.

A black-eyed Susan vine likes to climb, but without support, it is perfectly happy to let gravity be its descending guide instead, tumbling from the tops of terrace gardens

Black-eyed Susan vine

or dripping from the rims of raised planters and window boxes.

Finding black-eyed Susan transplants might take some searching, but they certainly aren’t strangers to quality garden centers. Seeds are easy finds both locally and online, with horticultural heavyweights such as Burpee (burpee.com) and Park Seed (parkseed.com) offering selections in standard colors as well as interesting variants sporting new hues such as light pink and dark rose.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com.

Garden To-Do’s for May With soil temperatures warming up nicely now, grab some gladiolus corms and start digging them into conspicuous corners of the garden where their blooms can be readily seen this summer. And don’t be so eager to tuck the corms away all at once. Staggered plantings will result in an extended flower show. Glads do best in well-draining sites located in full sun. To help keep these pretties from pooping out in the summer heat, add mulch and water weekly. Finally, for more flower power, apply a time-release bulb fertilizer at planting time.

F

Finish filling up the veggie garden this month with warm‑season edibles, which include tomatoes, lima beans, green beans, watermelons, cucumbers, peppers, okra, eggplant, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkins.

F

Like fresh herbs but don’t want to make long-term commitments of garden space? Grow annual herbs like summer savory, dill, cilantro, anise, nasturtium, basil and borage.

Although parsley is a biennial, it can be added to this group, too.

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2021

Categories include: Nothing could be finer ...

Carolina Country is proud to offer up our third annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, showcasing the finest North Carolina has to offer.

We need your help!

We’re leaving it up to you, our readers, to pick the best of the best. Visit carolinacountry.com/finest

by June 30 and cast your votes in the categories below. Each voter will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards.

  BBQ

  Main Street/Downtown

  Burger

  Family Friendly Outing

  Bakery

  Public Garden

  Festival

  Iconic NC Landmark

  Weekend Getaway

  Made in NC Product

Vote for your favorites at

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by June 30 for a chance to win $100!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest, or mail in your votes to Carolina Country’s Finest, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616, for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the three $100 gift cards depend upon number of entries received. Entries must be submitted

by June 30, 2021. Random drawing will take place July 1, 2021.

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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. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. 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.

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May 2021 | 31

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Carolina Kitchen

Hummingbird Ice Cream Parfaits With toasted pecans and buttercream whip

Such a southern thing, the hummingbird cake. Although its history is shrouded in mystery, its key ingredients have remained the same over the years. Try our ice cream-layered twist on this fruity cake. ½ gallon butter pecan ice 2 tablespoons butter, cream, softened softened 1 can (8 ounces) 1 teaspoon crushed pineapple, vanilla extract drained 1 tablespoon 2 bananas, peeled powdered sugar and cubed 2 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons allspice or 1 cup roughly apple pie spice chopped pecans 4 ounces cream cheese, Salt softened 3–4 cups cinnamon graham ½ pint whipping cream cereal, crush half

Cinnamon

Fold pineapple, bananas and spice into softened ice cream.

Place back in freezer for several hours or overnight to firm.

For buttercream whipped topping, use a mixer to combine cream cheese, whipping cream and butter until peaks are almost stiff. Blend in vanilla and sugar.

For the pecans, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add pecans and toast them, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Pour onto parchment paper to cool and sprinkle with salt.

To assemble the parfaits, put some of the cereal in the bottom of each glass. Add a scoop of ice cream and repeat layers. Top with whipped cream, dust with cinnamon and garnish with the buttery, toasty pecans.

Yield: About 6–8 servings

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

Smoky Okra Fries With cinnamon honey drizzle

Fries and a burger, ho hum. Flip a switch on those boring fries by using okra! Easy to make and best when hot, these okra fries are still tasty at room temperature. Add the sweet and savory honey drizzle over these crispy fries—woo hoo!

1 pound fresh okra, washed and dried well 3 tablespoons preferred oil (we used sunflower oil) Smoked paprika Sea salt (we like flaky salt for this one)

Drizzle ½ cup honey 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper (adjust to your heat level) ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Slice okra in half lengthwise. Pile on baking sheet and toss with oil. Spread out so the fries are not crowded (this helps them roast and keeps them from steaming). Roast about 8 minutes, toss and continue roasting for another 5–8 minutes until nice and crisply browned.

While the okra roasts, create the drizzle by combining honey, pepper and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.

Remove the fries from the oven and dust with paprika. Sprinkle with salt.

Drizzle with the cinnamon honey.

Yield: About 4 servings

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Shrimp and Grits

Everything Pork Smash Burgers With toasty hoop cheese

When the burger craving comes upon us, nothing else will do. Smash burgers: those delectable little patties with a bit of crunch — the kind we seek out at our favorite hole-in-the-wall burger joints. We used NC ground pork for these, topped with hoop cheese.

2 pounds ground pork (at least 80/20 fat) 2 tablespoons ‘everything bagel’ seasoning 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon black pepper

¾

1 1

cup vegetable oil in bowl Buns (potato or brioche) stick melted butter pound wedge of hoop cheese

Place griddle or large cast iron skillet on grate. Preheat grill to highest heat.

Combine pork and seasonings and mix as little as possible.

(The more you handle, the tougher the meat will cook.)

Divide into 12 balls. Roll in bowl of oil and place onto hot griddle. Do not move for at least 1 minute. Flip, then using the bottom of a mason jar, “smash” the burger to make it thin. Cook about 2 minutes, turn and cook the other side about the same.

Stack in pan to the side to keep warm.

For the buns, brush the insides with melted butter. Grill the buttered sides while the burgers cook. Place burgers onto “ungrilled” outsides of buns (buttered side out).

Put mounds of hoop cheese into hot skillet. As it melts, scoop a portion with spatula onto each burger and eat as is or add toppings.

Yield: 12 burgers (or 6 doubles)

Endlessly versatile, this rich southern staple can put your brunch on the map with its silky-smooth grits and savory bacon. Top with a dollop of hot sauce, a squirt of lemon juice or simply pile on more bacon — you can’t go wrong!

4 1 1 2

cups water cup grits stick unsalted butter cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)

8 slices bacon, chopped (or ½ cup bacon bits) 6 teaspoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons parsley 1½ tablespoons minced garlic

Bring 4 cups of water to boil in a medium saucepan.

In the meantime, peel and devein shrimp if necessary. You can also fry bacon at this time, drain well, chop and set aside.

Reserve a tablespoon or so of the bacon grease for cooking your shrimp.

Add grits to boiling water, cover and cook until water is absorbed, about 10–15 minutes. Thoroughly mix butter and shredded cheese into grits, set aside.

In the frying pan with the bacon grease, add shrimp, lemon juice, parsley and minced garlic, mixing so that the shrimp is coated. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until shrimp turns pink. Add bacon (or bacon bits).

Spoon cheesy grits into a bowl and top with shrimp and bacon mixture.

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe courtesy of Wendy McMillian of Asheboro, a member of Randolph EMC

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.

Strawberry Pie Each month, we take a look back at some old favorites from our recipe archive. For May, check out “Strawberry Pie” 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!

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W e

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by May 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 June issue, will receive $25.

April winner

The April “Where Is This” photo by EnergyUnited member Kim Howell features the Community Barn Quilt Mural at the West Rowan Farm, Home and Garden Store on Highway 801 South in the small Bear Poplar community near Mt. Ulla (formerly Steele Feed and Seed). According to several readers, the 504-square-foot, 142-squares mural is part of the Rowan County Barn Quilt Trail. Artist Elsie Bennett drew the mural, and community members painted in the squares, with each square telling a personal story. It is said to be the largest community-created barn quilt mural in the nation. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Monique Eckerd of Boone, 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

May’S FEATURED TRACK

“Soul Message”

MUSIC

By Rissi Palmer

Chris Charles

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

CC05-wk.indd 34

Sometimes two people need a breakthrough to hear one another, and this sweetly alluring song is about listening with your heart. Rissi’s romantic song was inspired by a spat back early in her marriage and wise advice from her grandmother. It’s one of eight tracks on her recent album, “Revival.” Raised in a musical family that enjoyed country and R&B, this multifaceted singersongwriter first gained national attention as a country music artist who charted song videos such as “Country Girl.” Although you can hear hints of back-porch country, “Revival” is decidedly more R&B and pop and showcases this Durham-based musician’s versatility.

Have you recently released a great album or know someone who has? Send the band or musician’s name and their website to editor@carolinacountry.com for consideration in Carolina Music.

4/9/21 3:12 PM

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EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in an uncertain or unsafe situation with Urgent Response Service.

Simply press the Urgent Response button to be connected with a highly trained Urgent Response Agent who will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7.

The Lively Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with reliable nationwide coverage. Friendly customer service representatives will help figure out which phone plan is best for you, and with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number.

MOTHER’S DAY

Powered by the nation’s most reliable wireless network.

NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS No cancellation fees

50

% OFF

1

OFFER STARTS 5/2/21

To order or learn more, call

1-866-490-3370 No long-term contracts

Keep your current phone number

Available in-store or online at:

100% U.S.-based customer service

No hidden monthly fees

Affordable, flexible plans

greatcall.com/Flip

¹50% off regular price of 9999 is only valid for new lines of service. Offer valid 5/2/21 through 5/29/21. ²Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of GreatCall device and one-time setup fee of 35. Urgent Response or 911 calls can be made only when cellular service is available.

Urgent Response tracks an approx. 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. 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. GREATCALL, LIVELY, and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. ©2021 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

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