2021-06-EU

June 2021

E V E R Y D AY EMPOWERED

2020 ANNUAL REPORT Inside This Issue PERIODICAL

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POWER IN

PROGRESS 2020 was a year that tested all of us on our abilities to be flexible, and for us as your energy services provider, it allowed us to revisit the way we respond to the technological, environmental, economic, political, and social realities that impact the way we do business.

We continued to offer a multitude of ways to pay your bill, whether you prefer in-person, online, or by mail.

n

Our interactive tool, Energy Advisor, as well as our new Demand Response initiatives, Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks, helped our members save even more money on their energy bills!

E D co d th T d th th te th e D d

Our Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiatives wrapped up this year, bringing a smoother and smarter energy management system with it.

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June 2021

The magazine of

See NC by wind or by wave Starting on page 12

Published by

Natural gas: nimble, reliable power page 10

Find ways to save energy outdoors page 26

PERIODICAL

Your EnergyUnited Annual Report inside —s ee center pages June covers.indd 9

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The Best of North

Carolina

Whether you’re looking to explore a state park, visit a museum exhibit, find a fun family outing, or step back in time at an historic site, you’re at the right place!

make it a

STATE cation

F

O

PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

ncdcr.gov/DEAI

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dncr.nc.gov

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Volume 53, No. 6

16

12

Favorites 4 From Our Readers 6 Viewpoints 8 More Power 26 Energy Sense 30 Carolina Bookshelf 32 Carolina Calendar 33 Adventures 36 Carolina Gardens 38 Marketplace 40 Carolina Kitchen 42 Where is This?

42 Featured Photo

12 16 28

28

See NC, From the Air! Change your perspective with an exhilarating airborne experience.

Tubin’ the Tar

Go with the flow on NC’s lazy rivers.

New Life on the Water Tanya Binford’s surprising path to becoming a record-setting sailor.

On the Cover The view from a hot air balloon over Buncombe County. From the mountains to the coast, there are plenty of ways to get a bird’s-eye view of our state — learn more starting on page 12. Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com.

CALL FOR VOTES

Last Call for Carolina’s Finest Get in your votes for the best of the best across North Carolina for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards. Categories include barbecue, burgers and bakeries. See page 29 for details.

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THIS MONTH:

Carolina Country Adventures Typically, we like to dedicate our April issue to travel. But with pandemic restrictions limiting travel options earlier this year, we saved travel for a summer month. So in this issue we explore a smattering of ways to visit destinations around the state and get some fresh air — some very high up, others closer to the ground. We also continue exploring North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ Brighter Future initiative on page 10.

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 53, No. 6

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 Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

From Our Readers

Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO

Place Name Peculiarities I was intrigued by Lori Grossman’s article in the May issue about Tar Heel pronunciation quirks (“Say it Like a Tar Heel,” page 24). Here are a few place names she might want to add to her list.

Excepting perhaps affairs of the heart, Concord has been the scene of no recent conquests. So “Conquered” is not your destination if you’re headed to the city near Charlotte. “CON-cord” is the preferred pronunciation.

Next door to Concord is Rowan County. Dan Rowan of TV’s “Laugh-In” notwithstanding, the county’s name is pronounced “Row-ANN.” And Salisbury, the county seat, is pronounced “SAULS-berry.”

In the East, you will find Beaufort County and the coastal town of Beaufort in Carteret County. Both are pronounced “BOW-furt.” Also near the coast is Tyrrell County, pronounced “terrell.”

Ven Carver, Lansing, A member of Blue Ridge Energy

More Tricky Pronunciations Comments via carolinacountry.com

The best is Mebane in Alamance County. It is pronounced meh-ben.

That one got me when I first moved here. Colfax in Guilford County pronounced call-fax by locals.

Mark Schumacher

I live in Shallotte, pronounced Shalloat. Seems easy to me, but I hear from others what sounds like a small onion like veggie, and a friend in SC who called and asked where exactly I lived “because I knew that even you couldn’t misspell Charlotte that bad.”

Allan Richards

We have a community here called Baton (BAY-ton). News anchors, even the old timers, call it Bah-ton … like that thing majorettes twirl. Sometimes I wonder if it’s on purpose, but we cringe when we hear it.

Cindy Day

Correction to our May issue: A few eagle-eyed readers caught an error in our place name pronunciation article; Cullowhee is in Jackson County — there is no Cullowhee County.

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

Getting You From Point A to Point B

By Suzy Morgan

Last fall, I was faced with a personal challenge: drive an all-electric Tesla Model 3 the nearly 400 miles roundtrip from Wake Forest to Ocean Isle Beach and back. The car belongs to my electric co-op, Wake Electric, and I was to make the trip to check on repairs being made following Hurricane Isaias. You may have heard of “range anxiety” — feeling nervous about having enough charge in an electric vehicle (EV) to make it from point A to B — and you may have experienced it yourself. I had a full-blown case of it!

But I had no need to worry. That Tesla got me to point B after a fun ride, alerting me of charging stations along my route. Once at my destination, I fully recharged at one of Brunswick EMC’s charging stations to make the trip back home.

Over the past two years, electric cooperatives across North Carolina … our chargers have been installing EV chargers in a vast network across the state, are available for ensuring folks like me (who keep a wary eye on the battery level gauge) all to use, some can rest easy on their all-electric of whom may journeys. In fact, using funds from a variety of sources — including not be able to $700,000 from the NC Department charge at home. of Environmental Quality and $1 million from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives — more than 100 charge ports have been installed or are planned as part of this network, making crossstate EV entirely travel possible.

Electric co-ops have taken on this project for a few reasons. For one, as electric vehicles become more affordable, you’ll start to see more on the road. Some estimates* project as many as 25–30 percent of U.S. vehicles will be electric by 2030. For many EV owners, charging is available at home, but there was no clear path forward for charging on the road.

Electric co-ops, which serve 93 counties across the state, decided to blaze that path.

Making more chargers available helps make EV ownership a viable option for co-op members, along with all the benefits EVs provide: lower fuel costs, less annual maintenance and zero carbon emissions.

Second, installing chargers in co-op territory — predominantly rural and suburban parts of the state — gives travelers another reason to make a stop. The charger I used on Ocean Isle may make a beach trip possible for an EV owner, who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to visit.

It’s a way of promoting tourism, as well as the economic development that comes with it, in communities served by electric co-ops.

Third, our chargers are available for all to use, some of whom may not be able to charge at home. Wake Electric has installed 16 EV chargers throughout the communities we serve, including at apartments where EV owners wouldn’t otherwise be able to charge at night. This helps level the playing field for EV ownership, removing a barrier that might prevent some from making the switch to an electric vehicle.

So if you’re considering an EV but still a little uneasy at the thought of bridging the distance between chargers, take a look at the North Carolina electric cooperatives’ charging network. Chances are, we’ll get you where you need to go.

Suzy Morgan is board president at Wake Electric in Wake Forest. She was seated as president of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Visit ncdriveelectric.com for more information about electric vehicles and to find out how your electric co-op is supporting EV ownership. *Deloitte, “Electric vehicles: Setting a course for 2030,” bit.ly/evs-2030

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More Power

Four County EMC’s Mitchell Keel Retiring Keel dedicated 27 years of service to electric co-ops

F

our County Electric Membership Corporation’s CEO Mitch Keel will retire effective June 30, following a 27-year career serving electric cooperatives.

“Working here at Four County EMC has been the highlight of my career,” Keel said. “We have a great board of directors to work with and very capable employees. They want to move the co-op forward, and that makes a big difference.”

A native of Eastern North Carolina, Keel joined Four County EMC in Burgaw as CEO in 2004. During his time with the co-op, he has focused on innovation and deploying new technology as a means of better serving members and the communities they call home.

Under Keel’s leadership, Four County EMC deployed an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project, allowing two-way communication between the co-op and its meters.

More than 200 miles of fiber optic cable, connecting substations and co-op offices, also improved communication between co-op systems and allowed for faster response times during outages.

Four County EMC and its members weathered several storms during Keel’s tenure, including devastating effects from Hurricane Florence in 2018. Nearly 90 percent of the

Keel (right) at a Poletop Rescue competition for NC electric cooperatives

Keel at a Four County EMC annual meeting

co-op’s members lost power following Florence, and widespread flooding slowed restoration efforts. Building on that experience, the co-op recently enhanced a storm response process that includes partnerships with five strategic locations throughout its service territory – camps and community centers where visiting line crews can rest and recuperate during restoration efforts.

“With the unpredictability of Mother Nature, it’s crucial that we continuously improve our emergency plans to ensure that power is restored to our members as quickly and safely as possible,” Keel said of the initiative.

Keel has served North Carolina’s electric cooperatives on several statewide boards and committees throughout his career, including as president, vice president and secretary- treasurer of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Four County EMC, Keel was general manager of Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative in Missouri for 10 years. He also managed electric utility systems for the cities of Kinston and Ayden, and was an electrical engineer for the Greenville Utilities Commission. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and was an honor graduate of the U.S. Army’s electrical engineering school. Keel

also studied electrical engineering at NC State and earned his business degree from Mt. Olive College.

In retirement, Keel and his wife, Cindy, look forward to spending time with their three children and nine grandchildren.

“While we will miss his commitment and leadership, we are in a better position due to his many contributions,” said Four County EMC Board President Franklin Williams. “He has paved the way for the cooperative’s future.”

Don Gatton Named Incoming CEO for Four County EMC Don Gatton, who currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Four County EMC, has been named incoming CEO through a unanimous vote by the co-op’s board of directors. Gatton will assume the role July 6 following CEO Mitch Keel’s retirement.

Gatton has served the co-op for a combined 13 years, both as director of Safety, Training and Loss Control and in his current role. From 2016 through 2018, Gatton served as Job Training & Safety Specialist with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Olive College and a Master of Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology.

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More Power

NC State: Hurricane Season Could Be Above Average The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season could see 15 to 18 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin, according to researchers at NC State University. The Atlantic basin includes the entire Atlantic

Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. That number would put the season above average, even given a recent redefining of what “average” means.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its current measure for average, based on the 30-year period between 1991 and 2020, is 14 named storms, with three major hurricanes.

The previous measure for average, between the years 1981–2010, was 12 named storms.

Of the predicted storms this season, seven to nine may become hurricanes, with two to three possibly being major storms.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Visit ncstormcenter.coop for tips on how to prepare.

Pee Dee Electric CEO Elected to National Board Donnie Spivey, CEO and executive vice-president of Wadesboro-based Pee Dee Electric, was recently elected to represent North Carolina on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board of Directors. NRECA works on behalf of more than 900 local electric co-ops across the country.

“I am honored to have been selected to represent the electric cooperatives of North Carolina,” Spivey said. “I look forward to serving as a voice for North Carolina on the national level, as well as gaining perspective that I can bring back and apply here at home.”

Spivey began his career at Pee Dee Electric in 1985 as a staff assistant, and was promoted to District Manager in 1993. In 1999, he was promoted to CEO and executive vice-president. He is a past president of the NCEMC board of directors

and currently serves as chair of the Power Supply Committee. In addition, he is a member of the boards of directors of NCAEC and ACES Power Marketing. Spivey also serves as secretary of the Board of Directors of Sandhills Utility Services, Inc., which owns, maintains and operates the electric distribution system on Fort Bragg Army Base.

In 2013, Spivey was appointed

by Governor Pat McCrory to serve on the NC Rural Electrification Authority Board of Directors and currently serves as Chairman of that Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Wingate University.

Spivey’s two-year term will begin with the adjournment of the NRECA Board of Directors’ 2022 annual meeting, currently scheduled for March 6, 2022, at which time Roanoke

Donnie Spivey

Electric Cooperative President and CEO Curtis Wynn will step down from his current role on the national board (see “Reflections on Two Years of National Service,” April 2021, page 6).

Has it Been 75 Years Already?

Carolina Farmer first hit mailboxes this month in 1946 A lot happened back in June 1946. The Blue Angels made its first performance in the sunny Florida skies. The BBC began broadcasting for the first time since the start of World War II. And Carolina Farmer—the precursor to Carolina Country magazine—was first mailed out to members of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. In 1969 we debuted our new name (see “A Look Back at 50 Years of Carolina Country,” January 2019, page 8). Through it all, we’ve taken pleasure in sharing stories about the people and places that make North Carolina home. We’re looking forward to what the next 75 years will bring.

Our first cover featured a peach orchard in Montgomery County.

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More Power

Building a Brighter Future

Nimble and Reliable: Natural Gas Plants Most may be familiar with natural gas as an option, where available, for heating homes and lighting stovetops and fireplaces. But North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are using the resource for a much bigger job: generating power while helping to ensure reliability across the power grid.

The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), which supplies power to 25 NC electric co-ops, owns two natural gas plants. The Anson and Hamlet plants, located in Anson and Richmond counties, respectively, use combustion turbines — large jet engines similar to what you’d find on a plane — to quickly ramp up power when it’s needed.

A reliable resource ■ The plants are used as “peaking” units, providing power during times of high demand.

■ Natural gas generation can also be used to supplement

renewable sources of power when not available, such as solar on a cloudy day.

■ Backup batteries provide power to control the turbines

Plant facts ■ Both plants came online in 2007.

should the plants themselves lose power.

■ Each plant has six units; the Hamlet Plant’s sixth unit

was added in 2014.

■ Combined, the plants provide a capacity of

672 megawatts.

■ The plants use a 1:1 mixture of demineralized

water and natural gas for fuel, a mixture that helps reduce emissions.

■ Each plant stores a total 900,000 gallons of water onsite

in two above-ground tanks.

■ The plants are heavily automated, and can be run with

few employees or even started remotely from on offsite control center.

The Anson Plant

Main parts of a natural gas plant (Anson Plant shown)

Combustion turbine units

Fuel tanks

Switchyard

Water tanks

Control building

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See NC

From the Air! Change your perspective with an exhilarating airborne experience

By Renee Gannon and Pamela A. Keene

VisitNC.com

“It feels just like flying in your dreams … an unforgettable, dynamic experience.”

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Thermal Valley

Aerotow hang gliding with Sara Sardano and pilot Craig Pearson at Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Sometimes you just need to raise your sights for a different perspective. There are plenty of ways to take to the wide open skies above our state — from hot-air ballooning and paragliding to hang gliding where the Wright Brothers launched aviation. Whether in the mountains, Piedmont or along the coast, North Carolina has plenty of options to get a view from above.

Dancing with the wind Aerotow hang gliding and paragliding

VisitNC.com

In the mountains, thermals — rising, heated air — serve as your passage for flight. At Thermal Valley Hang Gliding (thermalvalley.net or 828-292-7473), situated between Morganton and Lenoir, the pilot for the tandem hang-gliding experience knows exactly where those thermal columns push up, leading to an exciting flight.

Owners Craig and Laura Pearson want to share their joy of free flight with the public, and hope some participants catch the flying bug and return for advanced training to become solo pilots. After a 15-minute ground school session on flight expectations, then helmet and safety glasses fittings,

the passenger on this tandem ride slips into a body hammock nestled under the glider’s canopy and above the pilot.

The tandem hang glider is towed into the air behind a light aircraft. At about 1,500 feet, the tow rope is released, freeing the glider to swerve and move up and down with the wind and thermals as fuel.

The 360-degree scenery of the mountains and foothills stretches to a view of the downtown Charlotte skyline on clear days. The quiet is punctured by just the wind and fun chit-chat with the pilot (and a few loud “woo-hoos”). Passengers also learn basic controls of the glider. The flight can range up to a mile high and lasts on average 10–35 minutes, before descending and landing on the runway like an airplane.

Aerotow hang gliding is “a way families can share a memorable experience and walk away with a positive feeling for hang gliding,” Laura says.

And feel the freedom of flight.

Thermals also fuel the fun north of Wilkesboro at the Sky Retreat’s Blue Ridge Paragliding Center (theskyretreat.com or 704-907-6963).

Owners Dima and Merin Sazinas have traveled all over the world as professional ballroom dancers and paragliders, but, thanks to Google Earth, found a home overlooking the Blue Ridge valley where their passion for paragliding (and dancing) could be shared.

Located at 3,300 feet, an engine isn’t needed for flight here, just patience (or “para-waiting,” as Dima quips). For a “butter smooth” safe June 2021 | 13

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tandem flight, a steady south to southwest wind is ideal. But that isn’t a daily occurrence. With the ever-changing weather conditions, Dima and his crew fly just shy of 100 tandem flights a year. He provides a two-week window to interested flyers, then a two-day notice once conditions look good for flight. When conditions are right, the tandem paragliding experience is worth the wait.

Once in the air, Dima and his tandem partner lift to about 3,800 to 4,300 feet. To go higher, he says, will give you a view of just the treetops. At this elevation, gliders go sightseeing at the nearby Cascades waterfall and to the Dark Sky Observatory in Ronda, as well as gain a bird’s eye view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

When talking to Dima about paragliding and the freedom it provides, you notice why he has a passion for it. Dima smiles and explains that with every maneuver, the air is your partner, you are “dancing with the wind.”

A view of the Piedmont Hot air ballooning

VisitNC.com

Powered paragliding at Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks

For a quiet, leisurely float above the verdant landscape in Iredell County, check out Big Oh! Balloons in Cleveland (bigohballoons.com or 704-872-7761). For the past 40 years, Big Oh! owners Charles Page and Kristie Darling have been taking folks on hot-air balloon rides to cross an item off their bucket list, celebrate birthdays, become engaged or even get married.

“People have so many fantasies about hot-air ballooning, and many different reasons for wanting to soar,” says Kristie. “Our rides feature smaller baskets — where passengers stand with the pilot during the flight — so the rides can accommodate two to three people for the one-hour journey.”

The couple can also coordinate rides for larger groups.

“Statesville and Iredell County are home to balloon manufacturer FireFly Balloons; we have about a dozen balloon pilots that partner with each other. We’ve had as many

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Sky Retreat

VisitNC.com

Ballooning over Candler

Paragliding near Wilkesboro Kitty Hawk Kites

“During flight you’ll feel like you’re suspended in space, gently supported by a cloud …”

Hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks

as 21 balloons launch at one time for group rides.”

Even if you’re not into taking flight, visit Statesville for the 47th Annual Carolina BalloonFest from Friday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17. That’s when the county celebrates the colorful sport with dozens of hot-air balloonists offering tethered and free-floating rides, plus arts and crafts and entertainment. The event raises funds for charity.

Sailing over the dunes

Hang gliding and parasailing

Coastal North Carolina’s fame as the birthplace of aviation carries on through the Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School, with multiple locations on the Outer Banks. Offering hang gliding

along the same sandy dunes where Wilbur and Orville Wright took their first flight, the school replicates the experience in modern terms.

“We’re not just offering rides, we’re offering full-fledged hang-gliding instruction,” says Wolf Gaidis, flight park manager and lead instructor at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School at Jockey’s Ridge. “Everyone does ground school for the first 25 or 30 minutes, then we take them out to the dunes for a couple hours and several attempts at flying a hang glider.”

Harnessed-in students fly solo, launching their hang gliders with the wind in their faces, running along the dunes.

“During flight you’ll feel like you’re suspended in space, gently supported by a cloud — a wow experience — before gently landing on the sand,” Wolf says.

Parasailing is also available, providing a peaceful, bird’s-eye view while being towed by a boat below.

For longer rides at higher altitudes, Kitty Hawk Kites has inland sites for tandem hang gliding, where a student and instructor fly together.

“The gliders are pulled up by an ultralight via a tow rope and when they reach an altitude of around 2,000 feet the instructor releases the glider from tow for a 10- to 15-minute ride back to the ground,” Wolf says. “It feels just like flying in your dreams … an unforgettable, dynamic experience.”

Renee Gannon is the senior associate editor for Carolina Country.

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

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Tu

T a r e h t ’ n i b Go with the flow on NC’s lazy rivers

By Tara Verna

Tara’s daughters, Isabella (background) and Rosalina, tubing the Tar River in 2017.

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Margarita Galvan

Most of the tubing crew (left to right): the Verna’s: Lino, Isabella, Tara, Rosa and Leo. And their cousins, the Galvan’s: Sandro (blue shirt) and Marco.

Birding chirping …t urtles sunning themselves …f eet dangling from a bright orange tube into water the color of sweet tea …k ids laughing and splashing …a cold sip of a drink …t he silvery flip of a speckled perch …j eez it’s hot! ... bouncing off the tube for a quick cool, dip …c lambering awkwardly back on …g azing up into a canopy of kaleidoscopic greenery …o h, look! A heron! Ah, the magic of tubing a lazy river in North Carolina!

Something for everyone

I’ve been tubing down the Tar River in northeastern North Carolina a few times. Each trip has been a welcome respite from stress, the pandemic, daily life — in other words, magic. You’d have to work hard to be unhappy on a lazy river, as it offers something for just about everyone.

My kids found joy in splashing and dunking one another; beaching their tubes on large rocks along the way for a picnic; leaping from said rocks or half-submerged trees to cool off.

Writer Tara Verna, living the life.

I loved watching their antics, feeling the pull of the gentle current and the water flowing over my feet — closing my eyes to drink in the sun and feeling goosebumps while passing under the shade of a towering oak. My sisterin-law took a continuous stream of photos with her phone, tempting fate by holding it over the river, straining to get that “perfect” selfie or action shot.

My husband kept the cooler tube close, indulging in snacks and drinks and sun with a little too much abandon, until his skin was approaching lobster-done.

Great blue heron

Although our trip lasted about three hours and only covered 1.5 miles, the Tar River is actually 215 miles long and averages 3–6 feet deep. It winds its way southeast, from Roxboro through places like Louisburg, Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Greenville.

In the past, it was used as a major route for tar-laden barges as they headed to the sea, hence its “tar” moniker. Today, it’s home to an amazing number of species that rely on this river ecosystem, including bald eagles, osprey, beavers, deer and more.

Son Leo (back) and his cousin Sandro

June 2021 | 17

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tuckshot.com

Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing

Getting ready to float down the Toe River

Miles of adventure

The Tar River is one of more than 40,000 miles of rivers and streams in North Carolina, so there is certainly plenty to choose from. You can go it alone or rent your equipment from a company like Tar River Life (tarriverlife.com). Most of these companies offer tubing as well as kayaking or canoeing. A few allow children as young as 3, but most encourage ages 5 and up. They’ll typically have you park your car at the end point and bus your group to the start. After you finish, you’ll have a short walk back to your car.

You’ll find something unique about all of them. The Tar River trip offers a high bank at the end and if the water is deep enough, my kids love running and cannon-balling into the river. I love the stone, graffiti-covered wall at the end where we take our “after” shot, imagining we look like a rock band rather than simply drippy, tired and sunburned — but happy.

After coping with the stresses of a pandemic for more than a year, it might be just what the doctor ordered to capture a little vitamin D and downtime on a lazy river. Megan Greer, general manager of Tar River Life, finds her own version of healing in the river.

“As a staff, we tend to take the river for granted,” she says. “But after this past year, it has rekindled our passion to see people enjoy it so much — we feel so much gratitude.”

Tubing rapids on the Tuckasegee River

Tubing tips Leave your keys in your car, or attach a spare in your wheel well with a magnetic clip.

Make a day of it by arriving late morning.

Bring your own rope to tie off of a bank for lunch.

Take your time and be “lazy.”

Rent a cooler tube. You’ll supply the cooler and munchies. But you can attach it to your tube and have a ready supply of drinks (no glass) and sandwiches along the way.

Rent a dry pouch for your phone.

Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Keep a set of dry clothes in your car.

Tara Verna is the creative director for Carolina Country.

Plan your trip

With thousands of miles of river to explore across the state, there’s likely a lazy float waiting to be had not far from you. Here are a few outfitters to help get you on the water — call ahead to confirm availability.

MOUNTAINS

Deep Creek Smoky Mountain Tubing, Bryson City bit.ly/deepcreektubing | 828-488-6055 French Broad River Zen Tubing, Asheville zentubing.com | 855-936-8823 Green River Silver Creek Tubing, Saluda silvercreektubing.com | 828-894-2331

Toe River Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing, Bakersville bit.ly/toerivertubing | 828-688-9290 Tuckasegee River Dillsboro River Company, Sylva bit.ly/tuckasegeetubing | 828-507-2428 Yadkin River North Carolina River Riders, Ronda northcarolinariverriders.com | 336-244-6220 PIEDMONT

New River High Mountain Expeditions, Boone bit.ly/hme-tubing | 828-202-1981

Dan River Dan River Adventures, Stoneville bit.ly/danrivertubing | 336-548-0080

Oconaluftee River Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft, Cherokee cherokeetubeandraft.com | 828-497-4545

Tar River Tar River Life, Bunn tarriverlife.com | 919-496-9237

Cousin Sandro leaps off the Tar River’s banks, at the end of our journey.

carolinacountry.com/extras Watch videos from rivers around the state to get a feel for what tubing has to offer.

18 | carolinacountry.com

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5/10/21 1:48 PM

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

T

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

If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

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The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.

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. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

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Secure Your Freshly Struck 2021 U.S. Silver Dollars NOW!

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he American Eagle Silver Dollar is the most widely secured silver bullion coin on the planet. Also known as the U.S. Silver Eagle, this legal-tender Silver Dollar contains one Troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver backed by a U.S. government guarantee. And if you’ve been watching the markets, you know that in the last year, silver is up, up, UP...

Silver Up 80% In Last Year Take a look at this chart. Since the spring of 2020, silver has gone up more than 80%!

And as recently as February 2021, silver has set a new eight-year high. This skyrocketing value has taken the precious metals world by storm. But what caused such a drastic increase in silver’s value, and what does it mean for you? $28 $27 $26 $25 $24 $23 $22 $21 $20 $19 $18 $17 $16 $15 $14

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Uncertainty Drives Demand Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the stock market crashed, then set new records; cryptocurrencies became all the rage; and the U.S. national debt reached an all-time high.

To pay back that debt, some experts are warning that the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policies may increase inflation—meaning your hard-earned dollars not go as far as they do right now. And in times of uncertainty, people often turn to precious metals to weather the storm.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Mint has also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to struggle with producing enough pure, U.S. silver to satisfy demand.

They’ve even had to strike multiple “Emergency Production” runs to keep up!

What This Means for You Silver values are up, and silver is in high demand. In addition, many experts believe that the price of silver could continue to increase in the next 12 to 24 months. And while no one can accurately predict the future, there are two questions you should be asking yourself right now: 1) Do I own enough physical silver?

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Carolina Living

Cordless drill

Mikita Tools

String trimmer

Drilling Down

Echo

4 cordless tools for Father’s Day gifts

Leaf blower

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Finding a useful gift for dads and husbands can be tricky. Ideally, you want them to use it and to enjoy using it. If your dad or husband likes to work on home projects, getting him a rechargeable cordless tool can be a great choice.

String trimmer A string trimmer is a quick way to trim weeds and grass near walls, bricks and rocks.

If your father or husband uses an old gas trimmer around the yard, it’s time for a change. Two-stroke engines pollute the air and require regular maintenance. Electric trimmers are more energy efficient and quieter. You can find a variety of models between $50 and $150, and it’s worth paying a little more to get a highly rated model that will last longer.

Power drill As one of the most-used power tools, a drill should be everyone’s first cordless tool. Using a corded drill can mean constantly moving the cord around furniture, other tools or

your own feet, which can be dangerous. Cordless drills are easy to use, and the technology has improved so they have more power and hold a charge longer. Lightduty drills are smaller and less powerful but easy to use for smaller projects.

Leaf blower If your father or husband uses a gas-powered leaf blower, you can do him (and the neighbors!) a favor by giving him a cordless leaf blower, which is more energy efficient, much quieter and less polluting.

Flashlight Today’s LED flashlights can produce 20 times as much light as the old incandescent ones. And they come in a variety of options, from tiny keychain lights to headlamps to waterproof

spotlights. A flashlight can usually give better light than a cell phone, especially if you’re working in a tight space like under a sink. A flashlight often comes as part of a cordless tool set, or you can buy a single unit that recharges using a USB port on a charger, a USB wall socket or a mobile phone battery.

Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric co-ops.

Flashlight

Brad Thiessen

Rechargeable cordless tools can be easier and more convenient to use than corded versions. For example, a power drill is something you usually use often and walk around with.

On the other hand, a table saw is usually not the first choice of cordless tools because it doesn’t need to be moved repeatedly.

Quality cordless tools are usually less expensive if you buy them as part of a set. And since each line of tools uses a unique battery, you can’t mix and match between brands. You can of course, buy one rechargeable tool or you can also buy him a cordless starter kit with a few helpful tools and a battery, then he can add tools as needed. Here are a few cordless tools to consider as gifts:

June 2021 | 21

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Carolina Living

Traveling with Pets Protect them on all your road trips

Pets are beloved members of many families, and many also drive with their furry friends, from trips to the veterinarian’s office to long adventures. Here are some precautions: For dogs ■ A proper restraint will protect your

pooch in case of an accident. The Center for Pet Safety recommends a quality, crash-tested harness.

■ Allowing your dog to stick their

head out the window is more dangerous than it seems. It can cause painful debris to get into their eyes, nose and mouth.

■ Never allow your dog to sit on your

lap. Use a barrier to prevent a dog making its way to the front.

For cats ■ Use a proper carrier with enough

room for them to move around.

■ Make sure your cat is wearing a

harness and leash before exiting the vehicle.

If your animal gets hurt or becomes ill, you can search by zip code for American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited clinics at healthypet.com (Click on “Hospital Locator” in the blue box).

Also, some companies, including Erie Insurance, offer coverage to help with vet costs if your pet is hurt in a car accident.

—StatePoint.net

Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue!

Subscribe and get Carolina Country in your mailbox every month for just $1 an issue!

Co-op Members, check with your electric cooperative to find out if they offer complimentary subscriptions as a benefit of membership.

Yes! Please start my subscription.

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PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions)

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Make checks payable to: “Carolina Country.” Mail to: Carolina Country Subscriptions, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 Or subscribe online at carolinacountry.com/subscribe

22 | carolinacountry.com

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5/7/21 12:05 PM

EVERY D AY EMPOWERED

ANNUAL REPORT

2020 EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 1

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TA B L E O F CONTENTS

Letter from the CEO & President

4 Our Promise to You

6 Executive Staff and Service Areas

8 2020 in Review

10 2020 Accomplishments

12 Brighter Future

14 EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 2

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Doing Better Together

15 Corporate Profile

16 Our Community Connections

18 Cost Savings

20 The Power of Your Dollar

To say that this past year has been an unusual one would be putting it lightly. But despite the various hurdles and losses that we’ve faced there is a certain amount of solace in the fact that we’ve faced them together.

As we reflect on the events of 2020, we feel an immense sense of gratitude to each and every one of our members. You kept us motivated and connected to one another, and we are grateful for your membership in our electric cooperative.

We feel incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished as a co-op.

We hope this year’s annual report shows you that 2020 wasn’t all bad, and in many ways set the groundwork for some pretty exciting things ahead. In fact, this year’s design is crafted with that in mind. Let the joyful and light illustrations within these pages serve as a reminder that hope, community, and brighter days are on the horizon, and may feel even nearer than we expected.

22

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A LETTER FROM THE

CEO & PRESIDENT

W

hile the start of a new decade typically brings hope, we quickly saw the world come to a standstill in 2020.

Together, we confronted a number of difficult hurdles: a public health and economic crisis, issues of injustice and civil unrest, and severe weather events that caused even more disruption for millions across the country.

In moments like these, it is easy to fall prey to pessimism, or the sense that we individually or as a co-op can’t make a difference. But helplessness is corrosive to hope, and in the past year we realized that hope plus hard work are key elements to help navigate this disruption. What’s clear is that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to harness technological advancements, sustainable initiatives, and community programs to define the world we want to live in. And for that, we as a co-op remain optimistic.

The past year taught us all to be flexible and to make the most of less than ideal situations.

In March of 2020, we closed all our front offices due to the COVID

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 4

pandemic while maintaining employment for all of our team members. Our new Transitional Service Delivery Model prioritizes public safety, member service, and cost savings for the cooperative.

2020 also taught us even more about grace and compassion, and gave us the opportunity to help our members who had fallen on hard times, by temporarily suspending disconnects and offering nine-month repayment plans for those who were in arrears.

This year reinforced what we already knew to be true: the importance of community. And we were able to continue implementing the infrastructure to support it. We upgraded our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology and continued our smart grid and sustainability efforts. And all for the sake of one core truth: to keep your Every Day Empowered, especially in the midst of hard times.

& 5/10/21 4:03 PM

Even though we now find ourselves in a new year, we can’t help but look back at 2020 with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose. The year granted all of us insight and much perspective along with a lot of progress. We look forward to sharing our year in review with you in this annual report, and appreciate your choosing us as your local connection.

Here’s to a brighter year ahead, filled with Every Day Empowered.

Sincerely,

&

H. Wa y n e Wilk in s Dr. Ma x Wa ls e r

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OUR PROMISE

sa

TO YO U

in A lot has changed since our founding back in the 1930s, but one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to our core values, mission, vision, and purpose. It’s through these tenets that we’ve defined ourselves as an energy services provider and a community leader — and at over 80 years strong, we don’t intend on breaking that tradition anytime soon.

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 6

co

ex

5/10/21 4:03 PM

safety

To keep our employees, members, and communities safe we operate with safety protocols to protect the good of all involved.

Safety is first on our list because it’s the foundation of our co-op and our community.

integrity

We trust each other, and through a collaborative effort, decisions affecting all aspects of our business are made — and full cooperation to support these efforts is expected.

It’s a different approach to business, and one that we will always live by.

commitment

We are dedicated to our members, customers, employees, communities and to ourselves. We do what we say we will do and maintain our tradition of citizenship and service with actions that demonstrate care for the people we serve.

excellence

Like they say, there’s always room for improvement and our pillar of excellence is no exception. We continually strive to improve our products and services so that we all can prosper both as individuals and as a corporation.

our mission EnergyUnited is a member-owned business committed to delivering reliable energy services at competitive prices.

our vision EnergyUnited strives to be the leading energy services cooperative.

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 7

our purpose To improve the quality of life for our members, customers, and communities.

5/10/21 4:03 PM

EXECUTIVE

S TA F F

H. Wayne Wilkins

John McMurray

Chief Executive Officer

Vice President, Energy Delivery

Thomas Golden

Brett Alkins

Chief Operating Officer

Vice President, Energy Services

Alec Natt

Pam Britt

Chief Financial Officer

Vice President, Human Resources

2020 Board of Directors DI STRIC T 1

D I ST R I C T 2

Jerry Anderson

Dr. Max Walser

D I ST R I C T 3

Craig Black

President

Edgar Cartner

Ronnie Harrison

Vice President

Treasurer

Ann Eller

Jeanette Overby

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Brian Sisson

Glenn Smith

5/10/21 4:03 PM

OUR

S E RV I C E A R E A

DI STRICT 1

D I ST R I C T 2

D I ST R I C T 3

STOKES

ROCKINGHAM

2 WILKES YADKIN FORSYTH GUILFORD

1

DAVIE

ALEXANDER IREDELL DAVIDSON RANDOLPH

CATAWBA

ROWAN

3 LINCOLN

CABARRUS GASTON

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 9

MECKLENBURG

MONTGOMERY

5/10/21 4:03 PM

2 02 0

IN REVIEW

Check out our 2020 highlights!

AMI project completed

133,000+

meters deployed at a 99.7% daily read rate.

This is a stark improvement over the declining read performance of the old system.

7.2 million

data points are delivered from the Sensus AMI system. Data is being used for engineering planning and proactive outage prevention.

6

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 10

EV charging stations

We were awarded grants to install two new DC fast charging stations in Statesville and Mocksville, which builds on the existing EV infrastructure in our service area.

5/11/21 2:10 PM

COVID response

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we continually supplied power to our members regardless of financial circumstances, offered long-term repayment plans, and provided essential financial relief.

Additionally, we offered masks and other PPE to our employees, educated our community on effective social distancing, and continued to update our website and publications to remain a helpful resource to our members.

reduced energy costs

Launched our Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks programs which engaged close to

2,000 members

plus: Extended a nine-month repayment plan to those members who had accumulated balances during these difficult times.

These members have been automatically enrolled in our repayment plan option.

To help with financial hardships, we issued our Capital Credits refunds in August rather than December to provide our members with quick, timely access to capital when it was needed most.

Laid groundwork for expanding our DC fast charger capabilities to support more electric vehicles.

Sold our propane business to leverage strong market conditions and secure a solid return on our members’ investment.

Our HR team implemented new social distancing protocols as well as provided an outlet for employees in need of support.

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2 02 0

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1

keeping you connected

pr po pr fo

Keeping you connected to power is always at the top of our to-do list. And in 2020 our biggest event was Tropical Storm Zeta, with approximately 44,000 members experiencing an outage during the peak of the storm. To keep our members informed, we pushed all major storm communications through our social media channels and website.

2

managing costs & saving energy

Our interactive Energy Advisor tool gives you the power to monitor energy spending, all while providing simple solutions to lower your monthly bill. This became especially important as many of us transitioned to working from home. In doing this we may have noticed our home electric bills go up, but our Energy Advisor and Demand Response Programs (Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks) helped you better manage your energy spending.

em th

We also worked to save you energy (and some paper) with our e-billing initiative. In 2020 we awarded randomly selected individuals with perks and rewards, just for signing up through our e-billing contest.

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5/10/21 4:03 PM

3

providing power, progressing forward

Our operations team worked hard to complete our Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) upgrade, a task that had been underway since 2019. This system is designed to better collect data, troubleshoot energy surges, and provide instant reads on electricity usage.

4

empowering the community

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 13

Keeping our communities empowered took many forms in 2020, including our grants made through the EnergyUnited Foundation. And with the help of those who rounded up their bills with Operation Round-Up, we’ve been able to award grants to nonprofits, and help those facing financial hardships. 2020 was our biggest year ever; we granted over $500,000 to individuals and nonprofits

5/10/21 4:03 PM

PAV I N G T H E WAY T O A

BRIGHTER FUTURE Energy efficiency and conservation take on more and more gravity with each passing year. And more than we think, our small actions can result in big changes. Enrolling in our e-billing program to save on paper and postage or our Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks programs are just a few ways to make a collective impact on energy conservation.

Beat the Peak & Peak Time Perks

T

his past year we launched Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks to help put energy spending truly in your hands. Together, these programs engaged nearly 2,000 members and granted more than $30,000 dollars in bill credits.

• More than 650 thermostats were participating to shave the peak during times of high demand for energy.

• Over 1,000 members were actively engaged to Beat the Peak, reducing the usage of their appliances during peak events.

• Our partnerships with industryleading smart-home technology providers helped us to manage Peak Events more efficiently and we plan to include a greater number of manufacturers in 2021 to get even more customer engagement.

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 14

Energy Advisor

O

ur interactive Energy Advisor tool gives you the power to monitor energy spending, all while providing simple solutions to lower your monthly bill. And if you, like us, noticed an increase in your energy bill while working remotely, these tools are even more of a benefit to help manage your spending.

As always, in 2020 we continued our efforts to transition our paper billing to e-billing, which in turn decreased paper waste and postage costs.

5/10/21 4:03 PM

DOING BETTER

TO G E T H E R

W

e’re excited to announce our first-ever paperless copy of our Sustainability Report. After all, we can’t talk the talk if we’re not willing to walk the walk. Our 2020 Sustainability Report, which can be found on our website or by scanning the QR code below, has an abundance of updates on initiatives and technologies that can help us all be a little bit greener. In our report you will find:

• Practical tips to help you, our members, save both energy and money.

• News on our growing electric vehicle fleet and the charging stations to support our members across our 19-county service area.

Check it out by scanning the QR code below with your smartphone’s camera or by visiting: EnergyUnited. com/sustainability-report

• Demand response tools like our Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks programs to help put the power in your hands.

• Updates on our renewable and low-carbon initiatives as we aim to further diversify our energy portfolio.

• Advancements in our co-op’s technology.

• Plans to expand our Community Solar program.

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5/10/21 4:03 PM

C O R P O R AT E

consolidated balance sheets

Assets

PROFILE

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 16

BY THE

NUMBERS

UTILITY PLANT 2020 Electric plant in service $ 628,099,722 $ Property and equipment 468,119 Subsidiaries Construction work in progress 27,588,978 Less accumulated depreciation 247,679,173 TOTAL UTILITY PLANT 408,477,646 OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS Restricted property and investments Investments in associated organizations Goodwill Investment in leases Other assets Notes receivable TOTAL OTHER PROPERTY & INVESTMENTS

2019 603,142,975 30,996,293 15,633,098 252,582,849 397,189,517

1,077,920

870,174

28,828,754

18,454,563

- - 3,036,518 4,395,920 37,339,112

1,582,265 14,335 2,680,599 4,112,500 27,714,436

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 34,465,030 Consumer accounts receivable, 12,438,951 less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,385,590 and $1,471,752 for 2020 and 2019, respectively

Other accounts receivable 2,861,866 Unbilled accounts receivable 17,128,177 5,905,463 Inventories and supplies 898,362 Current maturities of notes receivable Current investment in leases - Other current assets 1,442,867 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 75,140,716 DEFERRED CHARGES 10,878,299 TOTAL ASSETS $531,835,773

12,800,679 15,275,175

335,779 14,132,571 6,358,141 795,000 35,473 1,655,657 51,388,475 12,280,646 $488,573,074

5/10/21 4:03 PM

r r

reliability rate

99.97%

EQUITIES EQUITIES 2020 2019 Member Member shares shares 560,795 $ 550,375 $ Patronage Patronage capital capital 20,230,043 29,264,127 Other equities Other equities 220,002,517 180,086,427 Accumulated Accumulated comprehensive comprehensive

(19,739,783) (22,739,424) gain/(loss) gain/(loss) TOTAL EQUITIES TOTAL EQUITIES 221,053,572 187,161,505

CURRENT LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES 13,632,249 15,043,509 Current maturities of Current maturities of long-term debt long-term debt 22,962,930 26,174,569 AccountsAccounts payable payable 3,534,896 3,542,880 Consumer

Consumer deposits deposits

Otherliabilities current liabilities 13,065,012 9,657,961

Other current

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 53,195,087 54,418,919 TOTAL CURRENT

LIABILITIES 42,560,657 39,209,541 DEFERRED CREDITS DEFERRED CREDITS $$531,835,773 $488,573,074 TOTAL EQUITIES

TOTAL EQUITIES

AND LIABILITIES AND LIABILITIES

Equities and Liabilities

NON-CURRENT NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES LIABILITIES Long-term Long-term debt, lessdebt, current less current 182,536,959 176,591,710 maturities maturities Accumulated Accumulated obligationobligation for pensions for pensions 10,689,074 9,174,410 and benefits, andless benefits, less current amount current amount Other non-current Other non-current 21,800,424 22,016,989 accrued accrued liabilitiesliabilities TOTAL NON-CURRENT TOTAL NON-CURRENT 215,026,457 207,783,109 LIABILITIES LIABILITIES

OTHER EXPENSES OTHER EXPENSES Advertising, marketing 815,462 827,765 Advertising, marketing, and salesand sales Product and services 8,112,656 10,050,596 Product services laborand labor 15,633,178 15,386,416 Other G&A expenses

Other G&A expenses

Depreciation and amortization 22,889,615 22,068,510 Depreciation and amortization

7,936,100 8,822,529 Interest Interest 381,068 335,868 Other Other TOTAL EXPENSES 55,768,079 57,491,684 TOTAL EXPENSES 4,179,643 9,281,019 NET OPERATING MARGINS NET OPERATING MARGINS NON-OPERATING MARGINS NON-OPERATING MARGINS 2,478,612 3,796,653 Interest income Interest income 1,862,712 2,289,427 Other income Other income Gain onof disposal of property 36,290,873 197,690 Gain (Loss) on (Loss) disposal property 40,632,197 6,283,770 TOTAL NON-OPERATING TOTAL NON-OPERATING MARGINS MARGINS MARGINS BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 44,811,840 $ 15,564,789 9,200,000 PROVISONS FOR INCOME TAXES NET MARGINS $ 35,611,840 $ 15,564,789 NET MARGINS

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 17

Consolidated Statements of Revenues, Expenses, and Patronage Capital

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 2020 2019

Operating $284,076,664 $299,399,433 Operating revenue revenue 224,128,942 232,626,730 Cost of sales Cost of sales Gross 59,947,722 66,772,703 Gross profit onprofit sales on sales

5/10/21 4:03 PM

OUR COMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS EnergyUnited is committed to serving the communities that came together to shape the electric cooperative we all know and love today. While our primary service is providing safe, affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy to our members, we also believe in the importance of giving back. That’s why we choose to invest in outreach programs each year that provide unique opportunities for EnergyUnited members and community members who reside within our 19-county service area.

EnergyUnited Foundation

T

he EnergyUnited Foundation plays a critical role in providing support for those who are facing financial hardship each year, but last year proved to be a time of extraordinary need for many families. To address these needs, the Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in grants to individuals and nonprofit organizations throughout our service area.

Highlights include donations to 196 households and to the following nonprofit organizations:

United Way of Iredell County

$ 10,000.00

The Life Center of Davidson County

$ 5,000.00

United Way of Davidson County

$ 10,000.00

St. Francis Springs Center

$ 10,000.00

SCAN of Iredell

$ 10,000.00

Lexington Housing Community Development Corp

$ 10,000.00

Church of the Ascension Food Pantry & Book Bag Program

$ 10,000.00

Speak Life and Live Inc.

$

J. Smith Young YMCA

$ 10,000.00

Cover the City Project

$ 1,000.00

Carolina Comfort Coalition at Serenity House

$ 10,000.00

Top of the Lakes Rotary Club – Mooresville

$ 5,000.00

G4G Ministries

$

4,720.00

2,955.00

$ 98,675.00

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5/10/21 4:03 PM

scholarship and grant programs

U

nfortunately, the 2020 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour was canceled due to the pandemic; however, EnergyUnited selected two outstanding students to recognize as our 2020 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour winners: Gavin Gallimore of Lexington (Central Davidson High) and Toni Winiker of Davidson (William A. Hough High). Congratulations again to our 2020 winners, Gavin and Toni!

The pandemic also forced the cancellation of our 2020 Touchstone Energy Sports Camps. While we were saddened by the cancellation of the Roy Williams and NC State Women’s Basketball Camps, ensuring the safety of our studentathletes and all participants was certainly the top priority. Caleb Brown of Alexander Graham Middle and Riley Elliott of Central Davidson Middle were both selected as our 2020 Sports Camp winners.

We were also honored to award two $5,000 Empowering the Future Scholarships in 2020. Sophia Leeman of William A. Hough High and Madison

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 19

Mascarro of the Early College of Forsyth County were selected as our two winners.

All of these students went above and beyond each day in the pursuit of academic success and also in support of their communities. They didn’t just excel in the classroom; they also exhibited a sincere commitment to community service.

We understand that excellence in the classroom is often inspired by the teachers who demonstrate a strong sense of commitment and enthusiasm. So, in 2020 we awarded more than $40,000 to 40 teachers via the NC Bright Ideas Education Grant program. 2020 winners received funding from EnergyUnited for many innovative projects to help facilitate safe remote and socially distant learning.

Congratulations again to our 2020 scholarship and grant winners!

5/10/21 4:03 PM

W H E R E C O S T S AV I N G S

M E E T I N N O VAT I O N W

e are always striving (and succeeding) to provide you with the lowest possible cost for your electricity. And while we keep operating costs low by keeping a lean employee base, we also understand the need to update outdated technologies to provide energy- and cost-efficient solutions for all, today and well into the future.

In addition to updating old meters to the latest AMI technology, this past year we implemented the first phase of our NISC Enterprise software. We also started planning our Little Mountain Substation, which will include the latest equipment to better serve our growing customer base and notify our delivery systems more quickly of outages and downed lines.

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 20

ba

We have welcomed new members into our co-op over the past six years with 2,316 new service installations. This is record growth for us and served as an even bigger reminder that our efforts to remedy antiquated technologies were not in vain.

Mother Nature also placed some hurdles for us in 2020 in the form of inclement weather. When Tropical Storm Zeta hit in late October 2020, we knew we had quite a task ahead of us. But thanks to the improved technologies that we had in place, we were able to restore power to over 44,000 members in just 3 ½ days, which is no small feat.

5/10/21 4:03 PM

WAY S T O

We have many convenient payment options available for members. Looking for more information about ways to pay your bill without any associated fees? Visit EnergyUnited.com/ pay-electric to learn more.

bank draft

PAY

pay online Automate your payments

Log in to the member account portal

pay by phone Dial 1-833-284-5048 and follow the voice prompts

pay by mail

EnergyUnited, P.O. Box 1831, Statesville, NC 28687

third-party pay centers Visit EnergyUnited.com/pay-electric to find a popular retail location near you

payment kiosks or drop boxes Located outside of our main offices

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 21

5/10/21 4:03 PM

THE POWER OF

YOUR DOLLAR

cost of power

operations and

72%

We�re proud to provide our members with safe and reliable energy at the lowest cost of any co-op in the state. As a matter of fact, nearly 3/4 of our expenses go directly to the cost of acquiring power, which makes for happy members receiving the best possible value for their energy.

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 22

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EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 23

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margins

debt interest

depreciation

operations and maintenance

72% 15% 7% 3% 3%

EnergyUnited.com 1-8 00-522-37 93 567 Mocksville Highway Statesville, NC 28687

EnergyUnited-0621 AR.indd 24

Facebook:

EnergyUnited

Instagram:

@EnergyUnitedEMC

YouTube:

EnergyUnited Electric Cooperative

Twitter:

@EnergyUnitedEMC

5/10/21 4:03 PM

Carolina Living

Lake and Pool Electrical Safety Crossword Water and electricity never mix! When you’re cooling off in the water, remember to practice electrical safety. Complete the crossword puzzle, then check your answers against the key at the bottom.

1 2

3

1 Down: When possible, use operated devices when near a lake or swimming pool.

2 Across: Never bring devices near a lake or pool. If they come in contact with water, electric shock could occur. Devices should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources.

t

3 Down: If you hear , immediately exit the water. Storms may be near.

4

4 Across: All outdoor electrical outlets should be covered to keep them .

Answers: 1) Down: battery 2) Across: electrical 3) Down: thunder 4) Across: Dry June 2021 | 23

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5/10/21 1:48 PM

Carolina Living

Cooking Your Favorite Seafood Stumped on timing?

Use the 10-minute rule.

Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan

C

rab legs for a birthday. Scallops for an anniversary.

Salmon for when family are in town. Many people enjoy eating seafood at restaurants as go-to celebratory meals.

However, cooking seafood at home can be intimidating.

But seafood dishes are surprisingly simple to prepare.

“Whether it is shellfish or a fillet of your favorite fish variety, seafood makes any day special,” said Linda Cornish, president of Seafood Nutrition Partnership.

“Plus, you can feel good about enjoying immune-boosting food rich in vitamins A, B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as calcium, selenium, iron, zinc and more.”

Seafood Nutrition Partnership and its partners from the Eat Seafood America! campaign offer these kitchen tips:

½ acorn squash, cubed ½ medium red onion, chunked 2 cups baby. multicolored potatoes, halved ½ cauliflower head, chunked

The 10-minute rule Measure the fish at its thickest point. Cook it on medium-high (about 375 degrees) for 10 minutes per inch, turning halfway through the cooking time. A thin fish like sole or pollock cooks in about 4 to 5 minutes, while a thicker tuna steak might be 15 minutes.

Yield: 4–6 servings

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1 side of salmon or 4 fillets ½ cup pesto

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

On a large sheet pan, place acorn squash, red onions, potatoes and cauliflower. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat well and place in single layer around the edges of the pan.

Add salmon to the sheet pan and spread with about half the pesto. Roast at 400 degrees for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is fork tender and fully cooked through.

Top with the remaining pesto and serve.

The flake test Insert a fork at an angle at the thickest point and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it’s done, and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance.

Create foil packets Foil makes cleanup extra simple. You can use shrimp or a piece of fish, and veggies such as bell pepper, green beans, cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Layer fish on top of veggies onto a large piece of foil, season to taste, add some lemon slices and a drizzle of olive oil. Fold it up before cooking it in the oven, on the grill or even campfire.

Steam on the stovetop Fill a deep pot with 1 to 2 inches of water, add wire rack and bring to a boil. Add seafood and cover to cook. Seafood like lobster, crab legs and shrimp will turn pink or red when done, so look for the bright color and then enjoy.

This delicious salmon recipe only takes about 15 minutes of preparation. For additional seafood recipes, visit seafoodnutrition.org.

—Brandpoint.com 24 | carolinacountry.com

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5/11/21 3:07 PM

We just made windows and doors

MORE AFFORDABLE. HERE’S HOW As a division of Andersen, one of the largest and oldest window companies in America, we’re often able to offer bigger discounts than smaller contractors and most window companies.

We offer a number of exceptional financing options that allow you to finance your entire project or just a portion of it.

Our low monthly payment options won’t hurt your wallet, so you’ll still have money to do other projects around your home.

From replacing your windows and doors in stages to choosing a different window style, our Project Consultants are experts at finding ways to save you money.

Now until June 30th

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Buy one window or door, get one window or door

40% OFF

1

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Call today for your FREE Window and Door Diagnosis!

704-626-1644 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 6/30/21, 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

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5/10/21 8:31 AM

Energy Sense

Three Ways to Save Energy Outdoors Find efficiencies outside

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

It’s summertime, and after far too many months cooped up, many North Carolinians are spending more time out in the yard, in gardens, and on decks and patios. We often use this column to discuss ways to save energy indoors, but there are ways to save outside of your home as well­ — here are three:

1

Outdoor Lighting If you have security lighting, there’s a good chance you can save a little energy. Some security lights can be 500 to 1000 watts. That’s the equivalent of 40 to 80 indoor LED bulbs — quite a lot of energy! Adding timers, motion sensors and light sensors can reduce your bulb energy use. Plus, when you use your lights less often, your neighbors may appreciate a little less light pollution!

Switching to LEDs is another great strategy. Solar lights are also a good way to light walkways, a water feature or your deck — without having to buy any electricity at all.

2

Grilling Using your oven can raise your kitchen’s temperature by up to 10 degrees, increasing the need for running your air conditioner, so grilling outdoors is a great way to save energy. If you like to grill most of your meals, you may want to consider the fuel you use. If natural gas is available, it’s usually much less expensive than propane. Natural gas is also convenient because you don’t have to refill any tanks like you would with propane. On the downside, if you don’t already have gas lines running to your patio or deck, the cost of installing them can be prohibitive.

Other fuel types, like charcoal briquettes or wood, take more preparation and can be fussy to work with, and charcoal grills emit three times as much carbon as gas grills.

Whichever fuel type you choose for your grill, you can save energy by keeping the lid closed during cooking, rather than cooking with the lid off at higher heat.

3

Pumps and maintenance Many of us have one or more pumps that service our yard or reside on our property. Pumps can supply water for a swimming pool, your lawn and garden, or your septic system or well. It’s easy to let maintenance slip, which cuts the pump’s efficiency and shortens its life.

Maintaining pumps involves cleaning the filters or checking oil and belts. If you have multiple pumps and need to hire a professional for assistance, try to do all the maintenance at once to reduce the overall cost. You may also want to consider replacing older pumps with energy efficient Energy Star®-rated ones before they break down. While you’re at it, check for leaks in the water lines, which make your pumps work harder and longer.

Hopefully these ideas will help you enjoy your outdoor living space this summer — and help you save energy!

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency.

Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

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5/10/21 1:47 PM

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air.

Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.

• No heavy oxygen tanks • Ultra quiet operation

• Lightweight and easy to use • Safe for car and air travel

• Full range of options and accessories • FDA approved and clinically validated

Call 1-855-862-4205 or visit inogen.com for a free consultation and info guide.

MKT-P0244

CC06-wk.indd 27

5/7/21 12:25 PM

New Life on the Water

Tanya Binford

Tanya Binford’s surprising path to becoming a record-setting sailor

By Pamela A. Keene

After a romantic date in 1996 on a sailboat in San Francisco Bay, Tanya Binford was hooked on boating. But it would be a couple of decades before her real on-the-water adventures began.

“I always dreamed of just sailing away after that first time on a sailboat, but my life certainly took a very different turn in 2014.”

Tanya, who never boated growing up, accomplished what less than 2,000 people have done since the mid-1980s, typically with at least one other person on board. She circumnavigated the Great Loop up the Eastern Coast of the United States, becoming the first female to boat the 5,500-mile route solo. Her six-month journey took her from North Carolina, up along the East Coast and through three of the Great Lakes, south along the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida, then back up the East Coast.

“Circumnavigating the Eastern United States has become popular since the late 1990s,” says Kim Russo, director of the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association, based in Summerville, South Carolina. “But what Tanya has done, especially by herself, is a true accomplishment. She must really have a strong sense of adventure to do such an amazing journey.”

Approaching age 50, Tanya was working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Tucson when the death of a dear friend caused her to reassess her life.

“I had too many friends and colleagues who had died before retiring and being able to live their dreams,” she says. “I asked myself, would I have any regrets as I lay on my own deathbed?

That was a turning point, and reignited my dream of sailing.”

Enter Annabelle

In 2010, it became necessary for her to see patients virtually, freeing her to live wherever she chose. She took the opportunity to move to Southport, North Carolina, with her son.

“I immediately felt at home in Southport, and within a month I’d bought a house. That was the beginning of my journey. My son and I came here to learn about boats.”

Fast forward to 2014. The deal she’d struck with her employer in Arizona several years before allowed her to take a sabbatical for her extended boat trip. Her goal?

Navigate The Great Loop on her

own boat, Annabelle, a small trawler equipped with a sleeping berth, galley and bathroom.

“It was about right for me, but tight quarters with other people on board,” she says about the 25-foot, 2008 Ranger Tug. She learned about navigation, general boat maintenance and safety on the water. She also connected with other “Loopers” (people who were in process of doing The Great Loop or had completed it). “[I met] so many supportive boaters who were willing to share their experiences — good and bad,” Tanya says.

“Without connecting with these people, some of whom became my friends along the way, I never would have made it.”

The voyage begins

By April 2014, she was ready to depart. Armed with her boating experience, navigation charts, a tentative schedule with reservations at various marinas and plenty of advice from other people, she headed out of Southport, north into the Intercoastal Waterway.

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5/10/21 2:52 PM

“The next six months were filled with all kinds of challenges and opportunities,” she says. “I learned how to repair the engine; I survived strong storms and dense fog; and I took plenty of time to enjoy the journey.”

The trip included many one-night stays in marinas or on moorings, but she also had extended overnight stops just because she wanted to get to know more about the communities she passed by.

“I couldn’t imagine being in all these places without learning more about them,” she says. “The thrill of seeing the Statue of Liberty from a boat and cruising the Chicago river through the towering skyscrapers of downtown Chicago can’t be replicated.”

Asked about the challenges, she relayed several stories about negotiating the canals and locks.

“My toughest was in the Erie Canal.

The lockmasters for the most part were helpful, but the pressure on me to manage my own vessel, tie off correctly and hold my own was pretty intense.”

Crossing her wake

In November 2014, almost six months from the day she left, Tanya ‘crossed her wake,’ meaning she had come full circle and returned to Southport.

She had earned the coveted gold flag awarded by the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association to signify completion of the Loop.

Once home, she wrote the book “Crossing the Wake,” an account of her journey. She returned to work for a few more years, but last November, she retired to embark on her next adventure.

“I’ve sold everything and have my new canal barge waiting for me on the Saone River in France,” she says.

There’s a longing in her voice. “I’d be there already, but with the pandemic I have to be patient. The positive is that the delay allows more time for French lessons. The wait will be so worth it to begin this next stage of my

life, living in France and exploring the canals and rivers there.”

She adds: “I never would have dreamed my life would turn out this way.”

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

The 5,500-mile Great Loop

Visit greatloop.org to see an interactive map of the route followed by Tanya and other Loopers, and to learn more about America’s Great Loop. Her book is available at crossingthewake.com.

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

carolinacountry.com/finest

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.

June 2021 | 29

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5/10/21 1:47 PM

Carolina Bookshelf

Exploring North Carolina’s Lookout Towers

In the 1920s and 1930s, forestry organizations built dozens of lookout structures in Western North Carolina as the backbone of a firefighting system. Many of these lookouts survive in North Carolina today, and represent some of the best destinations for hikers who want to see the Blue Ridge Mountains’ incredible views. Part hiking guide and part photography collection, this book contains stories and folklore of the fire lookouts and their inhabitants, a detailed guide of hikes to each, and details about the views at the top. In all, it leads hikers to panoramic vistas from 28 historic fire lookout towers as well as eight historical/former fire lookout towers. Lookout towers can be dangerous, and many are not routinely maintained. The book’s author, preservationist Peter J. Barr, based in Asheville, includes a safety reminder to assess structures and risk. Nature photographer Kevin Adams, based in Waynesville, augments Barr’s text throughout with 200 full-color photographs of the towers and the views. 450 pages for both hardcover, $39.95 and softcover, $29.95.

800-283-3572 blairpub.com

North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Written by an experienced insider, the latest edition to Insiders’ Guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a comprehensive source for in-depth travel and relocation.

The updated guide provides tips on lodging, including unique vacation rentals, along with restaurants, events, fun things to do with the kids, nightlife, fishing spots and shopping. Some attractions listings are known favorites, while others wait to be discovered and cost little or are free.

The Outer Banks is a true arts community and the arts and culture section offers details on the many eclectic galleries there. The recreation chapter runs the gamut for outdoor activities, from windsurfing, hang gliding, scuba diving and parasailing to golf, tennis, in-line skating, sightseeing cruises, ATV excursions and beachcombing. There’s also advice on how to live and thrive in the area, covering retirement, real estate, education and health care. The book is written by Kip Tabb, a freelance journalist living on the Outer Banks. Insider Guide Series. 352 pages, softcover, $22.95; e-book, $16.49.

Hiking North Carolina

Keeping social distancing in mind, this newly revised edition of Hiking North Carolina is full of less-visited hikes. You’ll find details of more than 500 hikes across the state. These trails range from national forests and the Appalachian Trail to Piedmont forests, military and state parks, plus wildlife refuges and national seashores at the Outer Banks.

Hikes to NC’s most visited locations include alternate starting points and strategies to escape crowds. Choices include challenging backpack trips, handicapped accessible adventures, waterfall hikes and urban greenway escapes. Easy family walks include close-to-home sections of the Mountains-toSea Trail. Trail info includes difficulty ratings, elevation gains, descriptions and fullcolor photos. The trail finder organizes the options and entries provide trailhead directions with GPS coordinates and GPS compatible maps for hundreds of hikes. Safety and trail etiquette are also covered.

The guide is written by veteran travel author Randy Johnson, based in Banner Elk. 384 pages; softcover, $17.07.

Blue Marlin

New York Times best-selling author Lee Smith brings her storytelling magic to this semi-autobiographical novella that follows the always-curious 13-year-old Jenny. After the discovery of her father’s illicit affair with a mysterious local artist, Jenny is sent off to live with her church-going cousins while her parents attempt to recover their marriage. Then her father proposes a family vacation down to Key West. At the Blue Marlin Motel, Jenny, her beautiful mother, and chastened father share their stay with movie stars in town to film “Operation Petticoat.”

Jenny is a bit of a sleuth, so her observations to uncover the secrets of stars such as Tony Curtis also end up revealing the secrets of her own fractured family. Jenny confronts the frailty of family life while vying for the attention of actor Tony Curtis and a role in his movie. The author delivers wry humor and honesty to her flawed characters with Southern dignity. She lives in Hillsborough. 123 pages, softcover, $15.95; e-book, $13.99.

800-283-3572 blairpub.com

1

randyjohnsonbooks.com

800-843-2665 barnesandnoble.com

carolinacountry.com/bookshelf Find more books about and from NC online.

Prefer to support independent bookstores? You can cross-reference books and local shops where they are sold by visiting indiebound.org.

D

Carolina Bookshelf features select books that relate to North Carolina by setting or topic or that are by NC authors. To submit a book for a possible mention, please mail a copy of the book, along with a description of its topic, purchase information and your contact information, to Carolina Bookshelf, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616.

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5/10/21 1:08 PM

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Carolina Calendar

Vertical Mile Challenge Also half-mile run June 19, Hiddenite

Kayak for the Warriors Kayak/paddle board race June 5, Pine Knoll Shores

U.S. 301 Endless Yard Sale 100 miles of vendor sales June 18–19, Selma

June Events MOUNTAINS

PIEDMONT

Artists in Residence

Are We There Yet

Shows, meet artists at studio Through June, Blowing Rock artistsatedgewood.org brhs.air@gmail.com

Travel photos 1930s–1970s Through June, Raleigh 919-814-7000 ncmuseumofhistory.org

A Very Magical Family Reading

Branching Out

Puppetry, magic tricks June 10, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

NC artists nature exhibit Through June, Cary 919-447-4000 theumstead.com

Charity Horse Show

Favorite Photographs

Horses, riders compete June 10–13, Blowing Rock 828-295-4700 brchs.org

Including Allen Thomas Jr.’s works June 1–17, Wilson 252-291-4329 wilsonarts.com

Vertical Mile Challenge

Full Frame Documentary Festival

Also half-mile run June 19, Hiddenite 828-632-1308 rockyfacepark.com

Nearly 100 films online June 2–6, Durham 919-687-4100 fullframefest.org

Weekend of Live Music

Bynum Front Porch Series

Traditional, innovative tunes Jun 19–20, Spruce Pine 828-765-9531 altapassorchard.org

Live music, food truck Fridays through June visitpittsboro.com

A Night of Comedy

Classics to Custom Car Show and Antiques to Chic

Jason Allen King, Tara Brown June 24, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

Includes vintage shopping June 5, Sanford 919-718-4659, ext. 1400 kplaudate@downtownsanford.com

Art is in the Air

U.S. 301 Endless Yard Sale

En plein air, downtown June 25–27, Brevard mj@explorebrevard.com facebook.com

100 miles of vendor sales June 18–19, Selma 919-989-8687 johnstoncountync.org

Juneteenth Celebration Music, prayer honoring emancipation June 19, Marshville marshvillesjune19th@gmail.com

Three Little Pigs Triathlon

6 for 60

Swimming, biking, running June 19, Smithfield 919-631-9847 fsseries.com

Battleship anniversary tours June 5–6, Wilmington 910-399-9117 battleshipncfriends.com

100th State Annual Singing Convention

Music in the Brewery

Professional, amateur gospel June 25–27, Benson 919-894-4389 gospelsingingconvention.org

COAST Summerfest Movies At park, for kids Thursdays through June, Shallotte 910-754-4032 townofshallotte.org

First Friday Artwalk Music, artists demonstrations June 4, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104 elizabethcitydowntown@ embarqmail.com

Indie Bookstore Day Giveaways, contests June 5, Elizabeth City 252-335-7243 visitelizabethcity.com

Kayak for the Warriors Kayak/paddle board race June 5, Pine Knoll Shores 252-808-2998 k4tw.org

Country/rock cover band June 11, Elizabeth City 252-599-1099 visitelizabethcity.com

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament June 11–20, Morehead City 252-247-3575 thebigrock.com director@thebigrock.com

Corolla Cork & Craft Tastings, live music June 16, 23 & 30, Corolla 252-435-2947 visitcurrituck.com

Under the Oaks Art Festival June 22–23, Corolla 252-435-2947 visitcurrituck.com

60th Old Homes Tour Private homes, gardens June 25–26, Beaufort 252-728-5225 beauforthistoricsite.org

Bocce, Beer & Bites Tournament, DJ June 26, Elizabeth City 252-333-1510 visitelizabethcity.com

Know Before You Go Check information from the contacts listed for the most up-todate information. We strive for accuracy, but postponements and cancellations are possible.

carolinacountry.com/calendar See and submit more events online.

32 | carolinacountry.com

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5/11/21 2:26 PM

Carolina Adventures

Big Screens Under the Stars Drive-in movies are making a comeback

By Lori Grossman

I

’ll admit: the last time I was at a drive-in movie was back in high school.

And at that age, I was more interested in talking about boys, eating popcorn and enjoying the night air from the back of a pickup than what was playing on the big screen.

For a time, it seemed drive-ins were fading from the landscape, relegated to fond memories. But drive-ins were making a bit of a comeback before the pandemic began, and now, with social distancing still a necessity, most are filling their parking lots. Two in particular — Albemarle’s Eden Drive-In and Henderson’s Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre — were included in Architectural Digest’s list of the 25 most charming drive-in movie theaters left in America.

This isn’t a full list of NC drive-ins, but it’s a start. Check for the latest showtimes with the drive-in of your choice before you go.

The Drive-In at Carraway Village

Sunset Drive-In • Shelby sunsetdriveintheatre.com • 704-434-7782 Plans to be open for the season starting on Memorial Day weekend. Cash only. Outside food is allowed if you clean up, and there is a concessions menu on their website. No grills or pets.

Lexington Cinema and Drive-In

Hounds Drive-In • Kings Mountain houndsdrivein.com • 704-739-4424 Two 50-x-100-foot screens show current releases on Friday and Saturday. Pets must be on a leash. No outside food or drinks, so check out the concession menu on their website. No waiting—26 restrooms!

Badin Road Drive-In • Albemarle badinrddrivein.wordpress.com 704-983-2900 Built in 1948, closed for a time, then re-opened in 1994. Double features Friday and Saturday with current releases on two screens. Cash only. Concession options are listed on their Facebook page.

Triangle Drive-In • Raleigh triangledrive.in • 919-363-4050 Located near Barnes and Noble at Triangle Town Center, this drive-in opened in response to the pandemic. Shows family-friendly films on Friday and Saturday. Tickets and concessions must be ordered online, from food trucks or you can visit the mall’s food court. They plan to remain open throughout the summer.

State Line Movie Time • Tabor City statelinemovietime.com • 910-499-1756 Owner Sherry Barnes dreamed about building this drive-in, then did most of the work herself. It opened in May 2019 and is open every night, year-round. One big screen shows double features. Only cash at the gate.

Bring your own cooler and grill if you pay $10 for a cooler pass when you buy your admission. Leashed pets are welcome.

Lexington

lexingtoncinema.com • 336-237-0029 First-run movies every night, except Monday.

Limited concessions menu on website.

Cost: $15 per vehicle. They show a mix of new and older movies.

Eden Drive-In • Eden edendrivein.wordpress.com • 336-623-9669 Two screens showing double features every Friday and Saturday. You’ll find information about showings on their Facebook page, plus a menu with your favorite drive-in snacks. Good assortment of drinks and ice cream flavors. Go old-school and order a milkshake with your burger.

Chapel Hill

carrawayvillagedrivein.com • 919-441-1685 This one-screen drive-in opened last October. It shows a mixture of current films, Film Fest contenders and productions of iconic musicals. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the show. No outside food or drinks. Food trucks will be onsite for special events (check Facebook page), and a few concession items can be ordered online at bit.ly/cvdi-menu.

Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre Henderson

raleighroaddrivein.com • 919-336-9300 Once known as “The Moon-Glo Drive-In,” it opened in 1949 and is the oldest operating drive-in in the state. Open year-round with showings Thursday through Saturday.

Check out the helpful page for first-time visitors on the website. Order snacks at concession window or online. You’ll be paged or texted to pick up your food.

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

June 2021 | 33

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

34 | carolinacountry.com

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5/7/21 12:25 PM

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CC06-wk.indd 35

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5/7/21 12:25 PM

Carolina Gardens

Squash the Vine Borer

Get the jump on these pests to prevent problems Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

As spring matures into summer, vegetable gardeners are starting to have halcyon dreams of the coming harvest — but wait! Down in the squash patch — plants are dying! the offending borers (which can fatten up to about an inch long) and kill them with a needle, if you want, but I personally don’t have the desire to get down on all fours and perform surgery on a plant to dispatch such bothersome bugs.

A better way to stop squash vine borers in their tiny tracks is to start weekly sprayings with insecticidal soap at the bases of young plants. This will discourage adults from laying eggs and smother any that do make it onto the plants.

Another tactic to prevent destructive egg laying by the moths is to cover young squash plants with a lightweight row cover, such as Reemay, to physically keep them from the plants. However, since squash is best pollinated by insects, this barrier should be pulled back when the plants begin producing flowers.

Other good cultural practices to try out include the obvious: Severely infested plants should be yanked

Melissa McMasters

Odds are strong this calamity is the dastardly work of squash vine borers. Scientifically known as Melittia cucurbitae, I call them “#$%#*>!!”

The problem starts with orangecolored, wasp-like intruders with dark wings flitting about squash foliage.

They aren’t actually wasps, but rather squash vine borer moths looking to lay their tiny, rust-brown eggs on the plants’ stems and foliage. When the larvae hatch, they bore into leaf stems, where they then begin chewing the dickens out of them from the inside. This is what causes foliage on your squash and zucchini plants to wilt and die. (Pumpkin planters take note — vine borers can be a big problem for you, too.)

Areas where larvae enter stems can be found in the form of small holes that usually have yellowishbrown yuck around them. You can carefully slit stems at the holes, find

Squash vine borer moth

up and tossed in the trash — do not compost them. Also, rotate squash to other parts of the veggie garden every other growing season. In addition, since immature squash vine borers overwinter in the soil, till the veggie garden in late December and again in early February to expose these little nasties, as well as other hibernating bad bugs, to the frigid cold.

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

Garden To-Do’s for June

Saddleback caterpillar

Seen any weird-looking caterpillars in the garden lately? If so, observe but don’t touch.

Strange as it may seem, there are actually caterpillars that can sting. Bristling with hollow barbs or hairs filled with venom for defense, these caterpillars aren’t aggressive, but they also aren’t something you want to brush up against — they can inflict pain similar to a wasp or hornet attack, and if you are allergic to such stings, you could have even bigger problems.

In our state, two of the strangest looking that pack really mean stings are the puss caterpillar and saddleback caterpillar (see left).

Puss caterpillar

F

If you need to spray insecticides, don’t do it on a windy day. Also, wait until late in the afternoon, when the activity of friendly pollinators such as bees and butterflies is at a minimum.

F

Now that summer heat is upon us, create interest in the water garden by adding tropical water lilies.

F

Run out of space in the garden for ornamental plants? Think about hanging ‘em high. Hanging baskets in semi-shady spots such as porches and entryways will also liven up the landscape. For starters, consider planting any combination of begonias, impatiens, ivy, creeping Jenny, ferns or fuchsias.

36 | carolinacountry.com

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5/10/21 1:46 PM

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5/7/21 12:25 PM

Marketplace

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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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June 2021 | 39

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Carolina Kitchen

Egg Salad à la Linda Linda Miller’s egg salad is legendary among volunteers working at animal rescue events in Raleigh. Here is her recipe, tweaked to use bread-andbutter pickles. You can also use dill or sweet pickle cubes, or a combination.

But no matter which pickles you pick, drain them very well to prevent soggy salad. Serve on sliced bread, in pitas or scooped alongside tomato wedges.

6 ½ ½ ¼

½ ½ ¼ 4

hard-cooked eggs, peeled cup diced celery cup diced red onion cup chopped bread-andbutter pickles, drained well teaspoon black pepper, or to taste teaspoon salt, or to taste cup mayonnaise teaspoons Dijon mustard Chives, chopped (optional)

Slice the hard-cooked eggs into a large bowl. Chop up the eggs or use a pastry blender to cut them up.

Add the celery, onion, pickles, pepper and salt, and combine. Stir in the mayonnaise and mustard.

Cover and refrigerate. Keep cold until serving. Sprinkle with chives. cup

Yield: About 4 cups

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

nd

the

Pimento Cheese Biscuits

The boom in locally made pimento cheese provides lots of options for these biscuits. (Try jalapeño!) When the biscuits are completely cool, they can be put in bags and frozen. Serve as-is with butter, or slice and fill with sausage patties, sliced tomatoes — or it’s hard to go wrong with more pimento cheese!

2 cups flour ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 tablespoon baking powder

½ cup chunky 1 teaspoon salt pimento cheese

¾–1 cup milk Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne pepper, if using. Add the pimento cheese and use a pastry blender to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk about ¼ cup at a time until the mixture forms a wet, but not soggy, dough. You may not need a full cup of milk.

Drop by large tablespoons onto the baking pan, placing the biscuits close together. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops and bottoms are lightly brown.

Yield: About 8 biscuits

40 | carolinacountry.com

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Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Fruity Snack Bars

Granola bars make great travel fuel, but they’re often too sweet or chewy. Make these dairy-free bars any way you like them! Substitute chopped nuts or mini-chocolate chips for the fruit. Pack the bars straight from the freezer and they’ll be thawed when the hungries hit.

2 1 ¼ ¼ ½ ⅓

cups rolled oats cup flour teaspoon salt teaspoon cinnamon cup packed brown sugar cup dried cranberries

⅓ cup dried blueberries ⅓ cup chopped dates 1 package (16-ounce) silken tofu ¼ cup oil ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan and a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar, breaking up any clumps of sugar with a fork or your hands. Stir in the cranberries, blueberries and dates.

In a medium bowl, mash the tofu until no large pieces remain.

Stir in the oil and vanilla.

Add the tofu mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. The batter will be thick. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 20–30 minutes or until lightly brown and cooked through.

When done, remove the pan from the oven and cut into 12 pieces. Place the pieces on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. If you prefer a crispier bar, turn off the oven and leave them up to 15 minutes longer.

Let the bars cool completely, then eat immediately or place in airtight bags and freeze.

Yield: 12 bars

Angel Food Cheesecake Cookies

These light, fluffy cookies combine the airy taste of angel food cake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. A perfect dessert to finish off a summer meal!

1 stick salted butter, room temperature 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese 1 egg

1 1 1 ½

teaspoon vanilla extract box angel food cake mix teaspoon cinnamon teaspoon nutmeg

Soften cream cheese and butter on counter before beginning.

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract.

Beat in the angel food cake mix, adding slowly in small amounts. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour until slightly firm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and nutmeg. Scoop tablespoons of chilled batter onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. If batter sticks, flour your fingertips to make transfer easier. Sprinkle each cookie with a dash of spice mixture if you like.

Bake for 12 minutes. The cookies will be soft. Cool completely and dust with more spice mixture.

Yield: Make 24–36 cookies

Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Carter of Winnabow, a member of Brunswick Electric

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.

Homemade Berry Ice Cream Each month, we take a look back at some old favorites from our recipe archive. For June, check out “Homemade Berry Ice Cream” from 1970.

See this recipe and 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!

June 2021 | 41

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W ea

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

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

May winner

The May “Where Is This” photo by Tideland EMC member Kim Dysinger features the old Boat Works located near the intersection of Trent Road and Highway 55, near Merritt, between Bayboro and Oriental in Pamlico County. This dilapidated building proved to be a bit too obscure for many readers, with wrong answers dotted across the state.

The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Alison Klakowicz of Oriental, a Tideland EMC member.

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

scenes CAROLINA COUNTRY

featured photo

N

Dr. Seuss-Like Flowers Strolling through my backyard in Belhaven after a late spring rain, I was captivated by the Dr. Seuss-like flowers of the mimosa tree.

Submit your photos at carolinacountry.com/photos

CC06-wk.indd 42

Ginny Mason, Bath, a member of Tideland EMC

5/11/21 2:34 PM

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S AV E T H E

D AT E Our Annual Meeting is just around the corner! Join us for our virtual meeting on September 16, 2021, to learn more about the state of our co-op and to hear the result of the Board of Directors election.

Visit our website for more information

notice of redistricting EnergyUnited’s Board of Directors recently revised the cooperative’s three director districts to equitably represent the cooperative’s members.

The three newly revised director districts are each represented by three directors serving staggered three-year terms so that the term of one director from each of the three director districts expires each year. Review the Director District Map to determine what director district you live in.

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OUR 2020

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

Making smarter choices today, for a brighter tomorrow. To see how, scan the QR code or go to EnergyUnited.com/sustainability-report

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