2021-07-BRE

July 2021

WE CAN DO IT! HELP HOLD DOWN POWER COSTS

PERIODICAL

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When the demand for electricity is high, you can pitch in to HOLD DOWN the cost of power!

Volunteering for Beat The Peak and working together helps keep rates affordable for ALL members.

Find out how to do YOUR part on the next page.

6/9/21 3:57 PM

YOU can help HOLD DOWN POWER COSTS

YOUR participation in Beat The Peak helps keep rates affordable for all Blue Ridge Energy members. And it’s easy!

Take EASY actions to reduce electricity use during the peak:

Volunteers simply reduce or shift electricity use for a few hours during peak times.

These occur on the hottest afternoons — when demand for power and its cost rises.

Delay laundry and chores that require electricity.

Participants receive alerts when a peak in electricity is expected, usually a day in advance. Then, they take action, like the steps in the sidebar.

Bump up the thermostat a few degrees.

JOIN today: • SIGN UP for peak alerts online, on our mobile app or text “BTP” to 70216.

• Opt to receive alerts through text, email or mobile app.

Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.

YOU have the power to hold down power costs!

Join Beat The Peak today at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BTP.

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July 2021

Crunch Time at the Demolition Derby page 10

Published by

White Rock Farms gets new tech page 8

Electric vehicle road trip! page 28

PERIODICAL

Check out Blue Ridge Energy’s Smart Rebates program —p ages 17–20 July covers.indd 3

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NORTH CAROLINA

PARKS AND TRAILS FOR HEALTH

Get on the PATH to health and wellbeing at N.C. parks, museums and historic sites.

pathnc.com Sign-up to recieve our newsletter, full of great outdoor opportunies.

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Volume 53, No. 7

14

10

Favorites 4 From Our Readers 6 Viewpoints 8 More Power 22 On the House 26 NC Outdoors 28 Adventures 30 Carolina Calendar 31 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Music

24

10 14 24

Crunch Time

Demolition derbies are back after a quiet year in arenas.

Taking a Lap Among the Pines The Occoneechee Speedway lives on through historic preservation.

Bringing Life to ‘The Carolina Kid’

Car enthusiast Wesley Furr recently realized a childhood dream.

On the Cover Ricky Kimmel of Forsyth County has been competing in demolition derbies since he was 16. Learn more about the allure of smashing cars into each other without “getting in trouble” on page 10. Photo by Randy Berger Photography.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?

We are always on the lookout for great recipes from our readers. And we put our money where our mouth is, offering $25 for those published. See page 33 for details.

July 2021 | 3

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THIS MONTH:

NC Motorsports When it comes to motorsports in North Carolina, most would think NASCAR, and rightfully so—stock car racing is our Official State Sport, with roots primarily in NC (we give a nod to an early dirt track on page 14).

But another motorsport draws fans to arenas across the state, often billed as main events at county fairs: demolition derbies. Learn more about derbies, and meet a few drivers, on page 10. Also, don’t miss the first in our electric vehicle adventures series on page 28.

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 53, No. 7

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

—Scott Gates, editor

Tara Verna Creative Director

From Our Readers Back Issue Bonanza So glad to see recipes from the archives (“Kitchen Corner,” now in each issue’s Carolina Kitchen section). I would love it if the recipe for Black Walnut Jiffy Cake could be published again. The recipe was in one of the fall/winter 1970/1971 issues. I was a newlywed at the time and this cake became an instant hit at our home. However, over the years I lost the original recipe.

Brenda Baker, Carthage, A member of Randolph EMC

I am interested in getting some back issues of Carolina Country Magazine. I am looking for issues from 1992 and 1993. Do you have any issues this far back?

Bob Herring, Raleigh, A member of Wake Electric Editor’s Note: Good news for Brenda, Bob and any others interested in our

archives: All issues of Carolina Country and our predecessor, Carolina Farmer, are now online! We’re talking all the way back to 1946, thanks to the efforts of the Wilson Library at UNC Chapel Hill. You can access back issues here: carolinacountry.com/archives

Phyllis Melton, Thomasville A member of EnergyUnited

Glenn Poplin

Say it Like a Mountaineer Of all the wrong pronunciations I have heard (May 2021, “Say it Like a Tar Heel,” page 24), the one that bugs me the most is when people say Ap·pa·LAY·chian Mountains. It should be Ap·pa·LAT·CHians. I was born and raised in them.

Karen Olson House Contributing Editor

Let’s see some celebrations!

This Fourth of July holiday is shaping up a lot differently than last year, when the pandemic caused many public events to be canceled. We’d love to see what’s going on around the state, so share photos of your own celebrations on social media and tag them with #acarolinacountry4th.

Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses. The 26 electric cooperatives are each memberowned, not-for-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

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

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone: 919-875-3091 Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

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

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

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

4 | carolinacountry.com

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5/20/21 10:52 AM 6/8/21 1:28 PM

Viewpoints

Understanding and Preparing for Cyber Threats

By Brian Burnett

The cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline in May resulted in gasoline shortages that affected North Carolinians and others in our region in a very real way.

The incident brought high-profile attention to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Cybersecurity has long been a top priority for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, including the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), one of the largest generation and transmission electric co-ops in the nation. We take cybersecurity very seriously, and maintain a proactive philosophy in defense and response.

The technical environments used at NCEMC are divided into two different areas: Business Information Technology and Operational Technology. These two areas serve two very differThreats change every ent functions.

The Business IT area day, and a successful supports what most people program must be are familiar with for a normal business to function: the techmonitored, reviewed nology that supports areas and updated on like human resources, finance, training and email communicaan ongoing basis. tions. Each of these areas uses computers and networks that need to be protected from cyberattacks, such as threats from phishing attempts, ransomware and other malware.

An attack on the business environment — which is what happened in the case of the Colonial Pipeline — can impact day-to-day operations and delivery of service, both internally and externally.

The Operational Technology area is what manages, monitors and operates the power generation, distribution and overall management of the power we all rely on. The technology that covers this area is very specialized and is set up a lot differently than a Business IT environment.

However, this technology needs defense to ensure power service is not interrupted. Policymakers typically address the Operational Technology side when discussing cybersecurity — in fact, there is

currently a national 100-day initiative in place to improve cybersecurity across the U.S. power grid.

When it comes to looking at potential cyber­ attacks, NCEMC maintains the philosophy of “not if, but when” to be prepared for any scenario. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely secure any environment that is talking to the outside world via an internet connection, whether a personal connection at home or a business system. The approach must be that of robust, proactive defense, as well as a strong and regularly practiced response plan.

In following best practices, NCEMC has continued to build on the foundation of our cybersecurity program, focusing on improving response capabilities as well as updating policies and procedures, which also include considerations for any potential ransomware attack like the one that crippled the Colonial Pipeline. A critical part of developing a strong cybersecurity program is having the buy-in and support of senior leadership, which in many organizations is one of the biggest hurdles. Fortunately for NCEMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, senior leadership is truly invested in the support of cybersecurity programs and doing what is best to assure the best possible security for our organizations and our service to members.

Cybersecurity is not a one-and-done solution. It is not a matter of implementing tools and processes and then walking away. Threats change every day, and a successful program must be monitored, reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are committed to meeting that requirement, and dedicated to providing secure, reliable service to the communities we serve.

Brian Burnett is the manager of Cybersecurity for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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6/10/21 2:01 PM

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More Power

White Rock Farms Receives Funds to Improve Efficiency, Reduce Emissions Pee Dee Electric partners to bring new tech to livestock farm Through a partnership with Wadesboro-based Pee Dee Electric and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, White Rock Farms has received a $25,000 grant from the Beneficial Electrification League, an innovation-focused national collaborative. White Rock Farms, a livestock farm in Anson County, consists of hog facilities, chicken houses and a Jersey dairy.

“White Rock Farms will save on diesel fuel, have less downtime and more productivity.“ The grant will deploy industryleading electric technology to save money for the farm and reduce emissions, while also making the electric grid more robust and serving as a test case for future projects nationwide.

“It is very rewarding for Pee Dee Electric to assist White Rock Farms in obtaining this grant, which provides an affordable and environmentally friendly solution to a need they had at their farm,” said Pee Dee Electric CEO and Executive Vice President Donnie Spivey. “This project also stands to demonstrate how this emerging technology is not only viable but a winning solution for all involved.”

White Rock Farms will use the funds to convert an animal waste lagoon pumping system from a diesel engine to a large single-phase electric motor. The single-phase motor will provide a more affordable electrification option than the typical three-phase power used to manage livestock wastes. By utilizing a 60 horsepower single-phase motor and pump combination, the motor will operate more cleanly and efficiently and will require less maintenance.

“If you live in an area served by a single-phase distribution system and you need a big motor, you have limited options: Bring in three-phase power, which can be cost prohibitive, use a phase converter or bring in a diesel engine to do the work,” said Jim Musilek, director of Innovation and Business Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “This new option — using a large-horsepower single-phase electric motor — is a game changer, and in this case it’s a winner for everyone involved. White Rock Farms will save on diesel fuel, have less downtime and more productivity.

Local emissions will be virtually

eliminated, and Pee Dee Electric and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives will be able to demonstrate that this technology is a viable option.”

White Rock Farms is one of five organizations across the country to receive part of $100,000 in funding offered through the Beneficial Electrification League (be-league.com), a nonprofit organization created by electric cooperatives that works to advance beneficial electrification through smart policies, best practices, technological education and business model innovation. Diane Huis, senior vice president, Innovation and Business Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, serves on its advisory board.

“Not only will the new pump allow for cost savings, but it will also be another step towards the goal of being carbon neutral or better,” said Roddy Purser of White Rock Farms.

“We want to utilize new technologies like this so our farm can be a model for future farmers who are looking to integrate similar practices.”

— Cathy Page, Pee Dee Electric

What is ‘beneficial electrification’?

Beneficial electrification is the transition to using electric power in place of fossil fuels, providing a wide range of benefits from improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions to cost savings and increased productivity. As technology advances, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, including Pee Dee Electric, are exploring opportunities to electrify devices, equipment and processes and make them more efficient, smarter and cheaper.

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Electric Vehicle Q&A Our recent coverage of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging options has generated a few questions from readers. Here are some answers, from industry experts.

Q: A:

How quickly are we adding EV charging stations?

The electric cooperative’s charging network across North Carolina has been steadily growing since 2016, with more than 100 charging ports available across the state. Last year, 20 charging stations (typically with one or two ports) were added, and this year we’re on track to install a similar number. Including co-op chargers and others in the state, there are currently more than 2,000 public charging ports in North Carolina, according to Advanced Energy. (Learn about chargers at hot spots on the coast on page 28.)

As for national numbers, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is tracking trends. During the first three months of 2020, individual EV charging outlets and charging stations grew 7.6%, according to NREL.

Q: A:

How many EVs are in North Carolina?

North Carolina is currently home to about 26,500 EVs, and that number is primed to take off as new models and vehicle types are introduced, according to Advanced Energy’s Jacob Bolin. In the pickup market, Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Tesla’s Cybertruck and newcomer Rivian’s R1T are all expected to arrive soon.

Q: A:

EV batteries contain minerals like cobalt and lithium. What is being done to ensure they’re sustainable?

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives often work with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in researching and developing new technology in our industry.

As EPRI puts it, “there is a push to take cost, complexity, and consequences out of the entire battery supply chain while maintaining the power, energy and lifespan (cost) required by an automotive-grade electric vehicle battery.”

EPRI is also researching strategies to address the removal, disposal and recycling of the type of lithium ion batteries used in EVs. July 2021 | 9

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6/10/21 3:10 PM

Crunch e m i T

Demolition derbies are back after a quiet year in arenas

By Thomas Pope | Photos by Randy Berger Photography unless otherwise indicated

Ricky Kimmel says the most he’s ever put into a car is $1,500.“I drug one out of the field just the other day to start working on it.”

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e

The appeal of demolition derbies for racers is likely what inspired Ricky Kimmel to “probably a coupla hundred” victories over the past 40 years.

“You can run into somebody and not get in trouble for it,” says the racer from Stanleyville, an unincorporated community in Forsyth County.

The same primal pull is probably true for spectators who pack grandstands across North Carolina. From the mountains to the coast, watching cars being pounded to smithereens is a strong drawing card. The action is most prevalent in the fall, which coincides with dozens of county carnivals, as well as the North Carolina State Fair.

“When they drop the green flag, it’s hammer down,” says Jimmy Brown, a demo derby veteran from Clemmons.

“If you ain’t ever drove one, it’s the biggest rush a man will ever get.”

Derby-ready junkers

Drawing a crowd

A strong local contingent is key to making a show a success because friends and family are an incentive for the competitors, Billy explains, whose outfit is based in Cleveland County. Those folks, of course, are the ones buying tickets that help fund the purse.

Eric Hylton Photography.

There’s nothing very complicated about a demo-derby car. It often starts out as a high-mileage vehicle dragged out of a junkyard or purchased from a dealer who knows it won’t sell. They come in all shapes and sizes, from fourto eight-cylinder entries, to mini-vans and SUVs. Some competitors prefer big, durable junkers known as “old iron” — pre-1980s Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, etc. — to the Detroit offerings that replaced them, or “80s-up” cars.

What does it take to convert a street-legal machine into a car that’ll withstand a lickin’ and keep on tickin’?

It depends on how much a competitor is willing to spend on something he or she is going to tear up. Ricky says the most he’s ever put into a car is $1,500.

All the glass is removed, as are the interior components (save the driver’s seat, obviously) and dashboard. Ricky prefers to install new timing chains, distributor caps, rotor buttons and spark-plug wires to ensure performance come showtime.

He and Jimmy Brown, both of whom are derby regulars at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, say they can have a car ready in just one week’s time.

“I drug one out of the field just the other day to start working on it,” says Ricky, whose daughters Kayla and Kelsey have also participated in derby action.

In many cases, the prize money is paltry enough that it discourages significant auto upgrades by the entrants.

But the rules differ depending on the promoter who has booked the show, and as is usually the case, the more money that’s at stake, the more racers are willing to spend — and tempted to stretch the rules. A hefty winner’s purse in the Carolinas can go as high as $5,000, according to Billy Monroe, the co-owner of Carolina Derby Promotions.

“You can take anything and do halfway decent,” said Lumberton’s Larry Allen, a member of Lumbee River EMC. Larry is a retired derby competitor who, with a dedicated group of friends, helped boost the count at his hometown county fair from four cars to 44. “You just need a smart head. Just go have fun and try not to kill somebody.”

“When they drop the green flag, it’s hammer down.”

—Jimmy Brown July 2021 | 11

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Get in on the action

Many demolition derbies were canceled or postponed during the peak of the pandemic, but venues are getting events on the calendar once more. Here are a few upcoming demolition derbies around the state. Check with each venue to confirm dates and times.

I started tearing into stuff.

I loved it.”

—Ricky Kimmel “I think just being in front of everybody is a kick for these guys,” Billy says.

His group holds events in Shelby; Gastonia; Statesville; Lancaster, South Carolina; Wytheville, Virginia; and other small towns. “It’s drawn big crowds in Shelby since the mid-80s. It’s one of those things that everybody’s just enjoyed going to year after year.”

“The biggest thing is to have a set of rules and go by them,” he continues. “If it’s wrong, it’s wrong, and you’ve got to make them fix it or not let them run.”

“If you’ve got to cheat to win,” Jimmy opines, “you ain’t won.”

Demolition derbies were virtually non-existent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on large public gatherings. That was only the second year the 58-year-old Ricky hasn’t raced; the other, 2009 when he underwent chemotherapy and surgery because of cancer.

“They took out 12 to 14 inches of my colon,” Ricky said. “I like to tell people I relate it to racing: They took out two curves and a straightaway.”

When Ricky made his derby debut at age 16, he was so nervous that he couldn’t steady himself to climb in the car. People “had to pick me up and put me in the window so I could slide in,” he remembers.

“I had chickened out three or four times before that, and my dad would end up driving the car I’d built. Finally, he’s like: ‘I’m not doing it anymore.

If you don’t run tonight, it’ll just sit here in the pits.’ As soon as the green flag dropped, all the nervousness went away and I started tearing into stuff. I loved it.”

The Farm at Uwharrie July 2, Troy bit.ly/fb-thefarm Bowman Gray Stadium July 17 & Aug. 7 (8 p.m.), Winston-Salem bowmangrayracing.com Alleghany County Demolition Derby Aug. 21, Sparta bit.ly/lasr-demo Iredell County Agricultural Fair Sept. 4 & 11 (7 p.m.), Troutman iredellcountyfair.org Carolina Classic Fair Oct. 1–2, 7–8 (7:30 p.m.), Winston-Salem carolinaclassicfair.com Hickory Motor Speedway Oct. 2 (7 p.m.), Newton hickorymotorspeedway.com Cleveland County Fair Oct. 2 & 9, Shelby clevelandcountyfair.com Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Oct. 9 (1 p.m.), Goldsboro waynefair.com North Carolina State Fair Oct. 22–23 (7:30 p.m.), Oct. 24 (2:30 p.m.), Raleigh ncstatefair.org

Thomas Pope is former sports editor for The Fayetteville Observer, where he received several awards over more than 40 years covering motorsports. He is co-author of three NASCAR-related books and is currently a senior editor for Speedway Illustrated magazine.

Above left: Ricky won these trophies 19 years apart. The smaller one came from a demolition derby held at the end of May in which he took first place.

Ricky often gives his trophies away to kids watching in the stands.

carolinacountry.com/extras Get behind the wheel at the NC State Fair for a bird’s eye view of this action-packed hobby.

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On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise.

Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

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ng a Lap i k Ta

Among the Pines

The Occoneechee Speedway lives on through historic preservation Photos and story by Anne Puetzer

G

rowing up in North Carolina, I’ve seen my fair share of NASCAR tracks. But this one was different.

The secluded Occoneechee Speedway, tucked in a cedar and pine forest along the Eno River, was an unplanned stop during a family day trip to Hillsborough. When the shady, tranquil walk brought us to an opening in a tall, rusty fence originally intended to keep unticketed on-lookers from catching a glimpse of a race, what we saw completely surprised us all. As we stared down at the dirt track my family reacted: “Wow!” “That looks fun!”

And most unexpected, from my teenage son: “Hey, cool! I’m pretty sure this is the race track from [Disney/Pixar’s] ‘Cars 3’!”

A rowdy past

As we sat in the grandstands (well, the younger children happily ran up and down pretending to serve us snacks from the old concession stand nearby) it was easy to imagine the roar of 10,000 fans, and cars racing past at speeds up to 90 mph in large clouds of dust. A few old cars stationed along the track further enthused my children, and again the conversation turned to the movie,

“Cars 3” (I’ll come back to that).

Occoneechee Speedway is one of NASCAR’s original tracks — and the only surviving dirt track from its inaugural 1949 season. Drivers raced 100 laps at its first race in 1949, and the track went on to host 31 additional NASCAR races. Richard Petty won the final race at this location on September 15, 1968. He drove a ’68 Plymouth 167 laps with an average speed of 87.6 mph, winning $1,600.

The Eno River is located only a few yards off the far side of the track, opposite the grandstands. A curve at the bottom of the track closely

follows a bend in the river. Standing on the bank we had to wonder: could a car spinning out of control end up in the river? Apparently, they did.

From track to trail

Named for the Occaneechi, a tribe of Native American Indians who lived near the location 300 years ago, the 0.9-mile track is seamlessly incorporated into other trails that run along the Eno River in Hillsborough.

The speedway was untouched for many years, but in the 1990s, volunteers from the Historic Speedway Group restored several of the

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Richard Petty won the final race at this location on Sept. 15, 1968. He drove a ’68 Plymouth 167 laps with an average speed of 87.6 mph, winning $1,600.

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The Occoneechee Speedway, 1949

buildings on site. On September 1, 2002, the Occoneechee Speedway trail opened to the public. It is currently under the care of the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust.

While many abandoned race tracks remain just that — abandoned — Hillsborough certainly has not forgotten its past. This track is now on the National Register of Historic Places, an honor given to only a handful of other racing venues.

On the screen

After our outing, we watched several videos of races at the Occoneechee Speedway. We were amazed at the transformation — my youngest children had a hard time believing it was the same racetrack.

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And much to my teenage son’s delight, he was on the right track, as they say. The fictional Thomasville Speedway, a dirt track in “Cars 3,” was inspired by a combination of both the Occoneechee Speedway and the North Wilkesboro dirt track.

And in paying further homage to our state’s racing roots, Junior Johnson, who raced often at the Occoneechee Speedway, voiced one of the movie’s main characters.

Writer and photographer Anne Puetzer, a member of Wake Electric, lives with her husband and their five children in Wake County.

Find the track

The raceway, not visible from any road, is a short ¼-mile walk from the parking area located at 320 Elizabeth Brady Road in Hillsborough.

Visit bit.ly/track-trail for more information, including hours (the site is closed after sunset).

carolinacountry.com/extras Watch some Occoneechee Speedway highlights from 1951.

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Power your next adventure with an EV. With exciting tech, reduced emissions and more convenience, electric vehicles have something for everyone.

As EV charging options expand statewide, there are more opportunities to escape than ever before. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are providing cooperative members and travelers solutions for driving electric. See how driving electric can fit your life at NCDriveElectric.com.

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You can get money back from Blue Ridge Energy’s Smart Rebates program when you purchase one of the following qualifying EnergyStar® appliances or home projects! These help reduce your electricity usage, which helps you save on your monthly bill for years to come.

Appliances ENERGY STAR Refrigerator (min. 15 cu. ft.) $25 ENERGY STAR Freezer (min. 10 cu. ft.) $25 High Efficiency Heat Pump or Mini-Split (16 SEER or greater)* $150 Geothermal Heat Pump (19 SEER or greater)* $250 Weatherization Duct Sealing or Replacement Air Sealing* Insulation* Building an ENERGY STAR home*

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THE

Perspective Recognizing T he Blue Ridge Family

From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

At Blue Ridge Energy, we often call our employees the “Blue Ridge family.” Family is a fitting word to describe the people who work here. Each day, this group displays a tremendous passion for their job and heart for service and dedication to our members.

Seeing this drive from our employees is something that I am very proud of. Being a cooperative is special and it takes a special group of people that work each and every day to support our mission to make life better for the members we serve.

After many years of service, we are anticipating a sizeable amount of workforce retirements in the coming years.

Recruiting talent to Blue Ridge is a top priority in making sure that we continue making life better and Powering a Brighter Future for our membership. As these retirements approach, we recognize that this award from Business North Carolina, along with other efforts, will help attract more people to our culture, business model and this corner of the state to work at Blue Ridge.

I’m honored that our Blue Ridge Energy family has once again been recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as one of the top employers in the state. This is Blue Ridge Energy’s fifth time to receive this recognition, which is based on workplace policies, business philosophy, systems and employee culture, involvement in local communities, and best employer practices to recruit and retain top talent.

While it’s challenging to replace the quality of people leaving Blue Ridge Energy in the coming years and the decades of knowledge acquired in their roles, I’m optimistic about our future and ability to continue providing the very best service. We are proud to have been named one of the top employers in the state of North Carolina and we look forward to serving you, our members, as an organization you can be proud of for years to come.

Blue Ridge Energy, like many organizations, faces challenges in the years ahead. Our cooperative has long been led by an excellent group of people from a wealth of backgrounds, working to serve our members and push the cooperative forward as a leader in the business, economic and community landscape of northwest North Carolina.

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P C M C O R

Membership MAT TERS

6/9/21 3:56 PM

Ridge hnson

Members receive notice of capital credits allocations

Capital c redits: allocations vs ref unds During the month of July, members will receive notice of capital credits allocations from the previous year. This notice will come on the back of your July billing statement, or via direct notification for FlexPay members who do not receive statements. Please be aware this is NOT a refund — refunds were issued in May. Here’s more about the difference between capital credits allocations and refunds: • Allocations are based on the amount of electricity a member purchased the previous fiscal year. This annual allocation amount is added to your overall membership capital credits balance, which reflects all the years in which you had service with Blue Ridge Energy.

• Refunds occur when your Board of Directors approve a capital credits retirement. This involves refunding a portion of your overall membership capital credits balance. The rotation of these funds over time allows the cooperative to build and maintain power lines, substations, rights of way, and other areas to ensure safe and reliable electric service. It also reduces the need for loans, which keep costs down for members while still allowing for refunds to the member-owners of Blue Ridge Energy.

Capital credits are a benefit of belonging to a cooperative. This not-for-profit business model is used by thousands of cooperatives to balance debt and equity to help keep member rates low and provide reliable electric service.

Your annual capital credits allocation notice communicated in July is NOT a refund, but rather one of the first steps in the annual process. Refunds were issued in May.

Planting in Right-of-Way A reas Planting new trees can be one of the best ways to accent your property and add beauty to the landscape around your home. Before taking a trip to the plant nursery, it’s important to consider the location of power lines and right-of-way areas.

Included below are plant and tree suggestions that are low-growing. While they’re safe to plant around rights-of-way, we encourage you to call 811 at least three days before digging for your safety. Keep these tips and guidelines in mind to assure that the balance of beauty and electric reliability is maintained for years to come.

What is a Right-of-Way? Blue Ridge Energy is one of the top performers in the nation when it comes to keeping the lights on, with a 99.98 percent reliability rating. An important aspect of this rating involves managing the tree and large shrub growths within our power line rights-of-way.

It is imperative that these power line “avenues,” ranging from 30 feet (15 feet on each side of the power line) for our distribution power lines to as much as a 250-foot corridor for our large transmission lines, remain clear.

Plants to consider: Shadblow Serviceberry, American Hornbeam, Eastern Redbud, Fringetree, Flowering Dogwood, Crape Myrtle, Common Smoketree, Chinese Witch Hazel, Sourwood, Common Winterberry, Japanese Red Maple, Amur Maple, Saucer Magnolia, Radiant Crabapple, Dwarf Fruit Trees, Amelanchier Canadensis, Carpinus Caroliniana, Cercis Canadansis, Chionanthus Virginicus, Cornus Florida Var Rubra, Lagerstroemia Indica, Cotinus Ooggyria, Hammelis Mollis, Oxydendrum, Euonymus Bungeanus, Acer Palmatum Var Atropurpureum, Acer Ginnala, Magnolia Soulangeana, Malus Radiant

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Think safety...

Call 811 before digging

Homeowners can make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call — even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without first calling to mark all underground facilities can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, cause harm to you and others, and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

For your safety, please call 811 at least three business days before any digging project. In fact, it’s required by law to notify local utilities regarding digging projects. This one call will get all participating utility underground lines marked for free and help you prevent problems or injuries. Simply call 811 and answer a few questions about your location and the type of work to be done. Underground line markings by each utility will be completed in a timely manner.

Be sure to keep the ticket number 811 gives you for future references or to track your request online at: nc811.org/positive-response. Remember, know what’s below before you dig — always call 811!

Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson EDITOR Renée R. Whitener PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Jacob Puckett

Membership

DISTRICT OFFICES (828) 754-9071 Caldwell (828) 264-8894 Watauga (336) 846-7138 Ashe (336) 372-4646 Alleghany (800) 451-5474 Wilkes (800) 448-2383 PowerLine* *PowerLine is an automated account information and outage reporting system.

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On the House

The Perks of BatteryPowered Boating Electric outboard motors are growing in popularity

By Jonathan Susser

Torqeedo offers some of the lightest electric outboard motors in their power class.

Q:

With gas prices on the rise recently — and the stress of finding gas during the shortage a couple of months ago — my family is looking to electrify more of our home gear. In particular, we’ve been considering an electric-powered fishing boat. What are our options here?

A:

Well, you’re definitely looking in the right direction. Two big advantages of batterypowered equipment are price stability and convenience. Electricity prices fluctuate less than gasoline (and they’re lower overall), and you can usually use any ol’ electrical outlet to plug in and charge up!

On top of these benefits, there’s typically less maintenance to worry about (thanks to there being fewer moving parts) and no gas or oil — and the associated storage and transportation — to deal with.

Electric technology isn’t new to boating; it has been used in some form for more than a century. Over the last few decades in particular, though, battery-powered trolling motors (those used more for maneuvering and positioning) have become commonplace.

Even more recently, electric outboard motors (those that give you additional oomph and are designed to be the primary power source of a boat) have been growing in popularity, with expanding options for johnboats (see page 26 for some johnboat basics), bass boats, dinghies, pontoons and the

like. Popular manufacturers include Torqeedo, Pure Watercraft, Minn Kota, Elco and ePropulsion.

Given their more rapid advancement in the market, we’ll focus mainly on electric outboards in this article, but a trolling motor may be sufficient to meet your needs.

So, first off, why are outboard motors getting the battery treatment?

In addition to the perks noted above, there are certain performance benefits. For example, you’ll get better torque and a quieter ride, so you’re less likely to scare off fish.

You’ll also have more lakes and reservoirs to explore. Some bodies of water don’t allow gas-powered boats to launch.

Downsides to electric outboard motors tend to be price and runtime, but these drawbacks should wash away as the technology continues to develop and become more available.

The purchase price of electric outboard motors is generally higher than similar gas-powered models (and batteries may be a separate expense); however, the smaller the motor, the more cost-competitive it will be. Also, as mentioned earlier,

you will save money over time thanks to the reduced maintenance and increased reliability.

When it comes to runtime, just like with battery-powered trolling motors, a few factors play a role — namely your speed and power consumption.

Most outboard models include a digital display that provides key metrics to keep you informed. You’ll likely be fine all day when gliding along at a leisurely pace. Turn up the throttle, though, and you might have to return to the dock a bit sooner than you would like.

One more note about sizing terminology: Electric outboard motors are usually rated in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW), not horsepower like conventional gas-powered outboards.

Therefore, manufacturers will often provide a horsepower equivalent for their products.

If you’re not quite ready to make the switch to an electric outboard motor, definitely keep it in mind for the future, and be on the lookout for electric-only fishing tournaments near you!

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

22 | carolinacountry.com

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6/9/21 12:30 PM

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6/9/21 1:10 PM

Carolina People

Donna Furr

Bringing Life to ‘The Carolina Kid’ Car enthusiast Wesley Furr recently realized a childhood dream

By Leah Chester-Davis rr Donna Fu

I

n the summer of 1974, teenager Wesley Furr settled in one evening at his parent’s home in Concord to watch the ABC Movie of the Week. The opening scene of “The California Kid” with stars Martin Sheen, Vic Morrow, Michelle Phillips, and Nick Nolte created high drama and tension. But it was the car, for which the movie was named, that most captured Wesley’s attention.

In the distance the car is headed toward the viewer. It is moving slowly through a town, the driver attempting to get the sheriff’s attention. The car, a 1934 Ford 3-window coupe hot rod, not only captured the sheriff’s attention, it drove straight into Wesley’s psyche and parked there for the next 45 years.

“The black car, red flames, the chrome coming right at you, very slow; it was the most important thing in the whole movie,” says Wesley. “I just kept watching scenes to see that car.”

It sent Wesley on a quest that, while started when he was a teen and then set aside, resumed a couple of years ago. It ended up becoming a project extraordinaire for this Union Power Cooperative member during the past year’s pandemic. It also brought many people and things in Wesley’s life full circle, giving him a satisfying sense of accomplishment and nostalgia.

Despite rebuilding a 1936 Ford as a teen with the help of his cousin, Tommy Carter, and even winning car shows with it, Wesley sold the car because it wasn’t the car of his dreams.

As Wesley re-watched the movie in 2019, he lamented to his wife, Donna, that he hadn’t pursued obtaining the 1934 Ford. With her encouragement, he

e

The engin

set out to find one.

When he secured the winning bid on e-Bay for one in California, he considered it a good omen. He had the car transported to his home in Concord.

“When I saw the car rolling off the transporter, I thought: California to Carolina. This car should be The Carolina Kid,” says Wesley.

While Wesley had not done the mechanical work on his earlier car, that didn’t dissuade him. He turned to YouTube and studied video after video on every aspect, be it mechanical issues such as re-wiring most of the car, or designing side hoods to cover an exposed engine and provide the siding on which to apply those eye-catching flames. He also figured out how to disassemble the engine to paint it a color to match a black and red car, and then reassembled it so that it would run.

“Each step takes months when you have to educate yourself before attempting to do the work you know very little about,” he explains.

When it came to redoing the inside

of the car, Wesley couldn’t help but think of his dad, Bobby Furr, who had owned an upholstery business.

“It gave me a good feeling to use his old tools to upholster the car, remembering him upholstering my ‘36 Ford 45 years ago,” he says.

Wesley even tracked down the owner of The California Kid to seek permission to copy the flames for what would become “The Carolina Kid.” “He not only said yes, but had his son photograph the flames for me.”

Using graphics software, Wesley created full-scale images then worked with another Union Power member, Mark Dyer of National Graphics Installations, to print and install them.

“When he put the name ‘The Carolina Kid’ on the door of the car, I was as happy as a kid with a birthday cake,” Wesley says. “And it only took 45 years to get there.”

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.

carolinacountry.com/extras Watch Wesley and Mark, of National Graphics Installations, installing the iconic flames on The Carolina Kid.

24 | carolinacountry.com

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folding and unfolding– when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

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The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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7, or

NC Outdoors

Spend a Day on the Water Without owning a boat

Olivia Zlotnicki of Garner

By Mike Zlotnicki

It’s been said that the two happiest days of a boat owner’s life are the day one buys a boat, and the day one sells the boat. There’s probably some truth to that, but you don’t have to find out the hard way. There are ways to get on the water without taking on the highs (and lows) of boat ownership.

Within a few miles of you (give or take), there’s probably a facility — municipal park, state park or utility company — that has watercraft for rent on a daily basis. Many have small johnboats, 12 to 14 feet in length, and some also offer deep-cycling batteries and electric motors as well. So, for less than the price of a round of golf, you can spend a day on the water.

For instance, Lake Benson Park in Garner has a boathouse with rentals including kayaks and johnboats. They’re open on weekends from April to October. The lake is about 650 acres and has a variety of fish. Boat rentals are $8 per hour or $40 for a day. Over in Orange County, University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir are operated by Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). They also have seasonal rentals. Rates vary slightly depending upon if you are an OWASA customer, but at most a boat is $8 an hour and a motor and battery are $22 for the day.

They usually open for weekends at the end of March.

Rental tips Equipment for electric boats-only lakes is both standard and specialized. Standard because you probably have some of it on hand; specialized because space in the craft and afloat is limited (but not necessarily limiting).

These smaller craft typically lack storage space, so leave the

triple-decker tackle box at home.

A couple of small bags or boxes of seasonal lures should suffice, and it adds to the fun of scaling down.

Ditto for rods and reels. I like to pack three outfits, at least two of them spinning rigs.

When renting a boat (or using your own), you’re required to have a throwable flotation device like a seat cushion. Go ahead and bring an extra if you are renting, and two if you’re using your own boat. The extra 2 or 3 inches are a huge difference in comfort when sitting on the bench seats in a johnboat. Veterans often use commercially available seats that clamp onto the bench and have firm back support. The best seats will swivel, which allows for easier casting.

Careful, though — they can also slip if you lean too far back.

One of the best tools for fishing any lake, hands down, is a portable fish finder unit. The model I use has a suction cup transducer and uses D-cell batteries for power. It costs about $100 and is worth every penny.

Just as on any larger reservoir, having an idea of bottom contour, structure and depth allows for optimal lure choices and presentations.

The water awaits!

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

S y

S th ch

A y fl o

In Memoriam Eddie Bridges of Greensboro, former wildlife commissioner and founder of the NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation, passed away on May 18 at the age of 87.

Among his honors include being selected as the state’s Conservationist of the Year in 1993, the national Conservationist of the Year in 2004, and the Field & Stream Conservation Hero of the Year in 2012. For his contributions to NC sportsmen and sportswomen, Eddie was inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 with a class that included former NC A&T football coach Rod Broadway, former ACC commissioner Gene Corrigan, PGA player Davis Love III and NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Eddie accomplished many things in his career. His idea of lifetime hunting and fishing license sales, and the subsequent creation of the Wildlife Endowment Fund, was perhaps his greatest vision. The fund works by spending the accrued interest, not the principal, on programs and projects that benefit fish and wildlife. Since the fund’s inception, the Wildlife Commission has spent more than $50 million in interest on programs and projects.

Photo of Eddie reprinted with permission from the News & Record of Greensboro

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W s y a

6/10/21 2:07 PM

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6/8/21 1:28 PM

Four County EMC

Advanced Energy

Carolina Adventures

Feel confident driving your EV to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, knowing that there’s a ChargePoint DC fast charger nearby.

EV charger available at the Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub

EV Adventure: Charging Up Along the Coast

By Jacob Bolin and Jonathan Susser

A

s the weather gets warmer, many of us have the beach on our minds. For drivers of electric vehicles (EVs), escaping to the North Carolina coast is becoming more convenient. Whether you’re planning a brief getaway or a longer road trip, you’ll find plenty of options to plug in thanks to expanding charging infrastructure from your local electric cooperatives and other groups and businesses.

Quick bite, fast charge If you’re heading to Wilmington along I-40, how about a stop for lunch off Exit 385 at the Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub in Wallace? A fan favorite, Mad Boar (madboar.com) hosts several DC fast chargers that offer the perfect opportunity to charge up while you eat or listen to live music. For Teslas, you’ll find eight Supercharger stalls, and for other EVs, there’s a ChargePoint station provided by Four County EMC. “The electric vehicle charging stations located next to our Mad Boar restaurant have proven beneficial on so many levels,” says Mills Bryant, assistant director of hospitality. “Because we’re located right along Interstate-40, it’s the perfect stopping point for travelers headed to the nearby North and South Carolina beaches — or to any East Coast destination, for that matter.

It’s awesome to see the charging stations full, and many of our customers tell us they schedule their travel and electric vehicle charging around a stop at Mad Boar!”

Recharge and recover How would you like to wake up full of energy? With an EV, you can do just that (with a battery, of course). Level 2 charging is a great amenity for hotels and lodging establishments, letting your EV sip electrons overnight as you rest and dream about the day ahead.

When you’re journeying to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the Atlantis Lodge (atlantislodge.com) has you covered with two stations available for guests (your dog will love the venue, too). In North Topsail Beach, Hampton Inn Sneads Ferry (bit.ly/hilton-sf) has a publicly accessible charging station thanks to Jones-Onslow EMC. Catching waves, fish and a plug Halfway down Hatteras Island, you’ll find a ChargePoint DC fast charger.

Installed by Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative in 2019, this central location by the Avon Fishing Pier (bit.ly/avon-pier) puts you within walking distance of the water. You should have time to fit in a stroll or a round of mini-golf while your EV replenishes. Because it’s a fast charger, remember to move your car when it’s done to let others take advantage.

If you’re seeking more adventure, hop across the street to Hatteras Island Boardsports (hiboardsports.com), where you can rent a paddleboard, kayak or surfboard. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (bit.ly/CHlighthouse), the tallest lighthouse in North America!

“We have drivers coming from all over the country,” says Laura Ertle, director of public relations and marketing at Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative. “We’ve also seen an increase in the variety of vehicles that are charging. When we first brought the chargers online, it was mostly Chevy Bolts and Teslas, but now we’re seeing everything from hybrid minivans to high-end, all-electric vehicles from Audi, Porsche and BMW.” Admirers of Ocean Isle, Holden Beach and Emerald Isle shouldn’t feel left out, either. Brunswick Electric and Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative have installed Level 2 stations just minutes from the beach. With so much to see and explore, the time will fly by while your EV picks up a full charge.

Jacob Bolin and Jonathan Susser work for Advanced Energy, the Raleigh-based nonprofit energy consulting firm.

More EV adventures Over the coming months, we’ll continue to explore the growing charging network from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives — stay tuned for EV-friendly destinations in central and western North Carolina. Visit ncdriveelectric.com to learn more about EVs.

28 | carolinacountry.com

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Carolina Calendar

Eric & Addie Variety of traditional music July 31, Spruce Pine Know Before You Go

ArtWalk Art demos, live music July 2, Elizabeth City

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

July Events MOUNTAINS Blue Ridge Craft Trails Showcasing artists in studios July 1–31, Hendersonville 800-828-4244 bit.ly/brct2021

Zach Williams Faith-inspired country rock July 1, Franklin 828-524-1598 smokymountainarts.com

Music on Main Activities, live music July 2, Sparta 336-372-5473 alleghanycountychamber.com

Parade & Fireworks July 3, Marion 828-652-2215 marionnc.org

Red, White & Brew Artisans, live music July 3, Murphy facebook.com wherencbegins.com

Art on the Greene Local, regional works July 3–4, Banner Elk 828-387-0581 bannerelk.com/events

Into the Woods Musical comedy July 9–10, 16–17, Franklin 828-524-1598 smokymountainarts.com

Don Pedi Innovative dulcimer music July 10, Spruce Pine 828-765-9531 altapassorchard.org

Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival Handcrafted wares July 16–18, Sugar Mountain 828-898-5605 averycounty.com

U.S. 21 Road Markets Over 100 miles of roadside sales July 23–25, north from Harmony 336-657-0463 takeabreakfromtheinterstate.org

Jerdon Mountain Challenge 30-mile bike race July 24, Old Fort 828-606-5107 blueridgeadventures.net

Fireworks Show

4th of July Festival

July 4, Aberdeen 910-944-7275 townofaberdeen.net

Activities, entertainment July 1–4, Oak Island, Southport 910-457-5578 nc4thofjuly.com

Gene Watson Country music July 23–24, Liberty 336-622-3844 thelibertyshowcase.com

Dragon Boat Festival Teams compete in races July 24, Salisbury 704-633-4221 rowanchamberdragonboat.org

Good Ol’ Boys Bluegrass, mountain music July 25, Spruce Pine 828-765-9531 altapassorchard.org

Eric & Addie Variety of traditional music July 31, Spruce Pine 828-765-9531 altapassorchard.org

PIEDMONT Branching Out NC artists explore nature Through July, Cary 919-447-4000 theumstead.com/art

COAST Cork & Craft Tastings, live music Wednesdays, Corolla 252-435-2947 visitcurrituck.com

The Lost Colony Outdoor drama about settlers Daily, except Sundays & July 4 252-473-6000 thelostcolony.org

Dragon Town Family fun finding dragons Through July, Oriental 252-249-3340 museum@dockline.net

ArtWalk Art demos, live music July 2, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104 visitelizabethcity.com

Yo, Ho, Ho and a Bottle of Run 5k and fun run July 3, Beaufort 336-707-8276 beaufortpirateinvasion.com

Fireworks Show July 4, White Lake 910-862-4368 elizabethtownwhitelake.com

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, live music July 5, Corolla 252-435-2947 visitcurrituck.com

Crystal Coast Watermelon Festival Food trucks, crafts July 10, Cape Carteret 252-393-8483 townofcapecarteret.org

Bob Timberlake Art Exhibition 50th anniversary show Through July, Lexington 336-249-4428 bobtimberlake.com

The Lure of Southern Pines Vintage postcard exhibit Through July, Southern Pines 910-692-2051 moorehistory.com

Denton Antiques Festival Vintage wares July 1–5, Denton 336-859-4231 townofdenton.com

There are more than 250 farmers markets in North Carolina.

For one near you, visit ncfarmfresh.com/farmmarkets.asp.

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

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6/10/21 2:01 PM

Marketplace Vacation Rental

Real Estate

OCEANLAKES CAMPGROUND MYRTLE BEACH SC 3Br 1ba $1200/week 336-242-3003

WANTED: SELF STORAGE FACILITIES under 100 units.

We pay cash and can close in 30 days or less. Text Sue: 704-221-1698.

CALABASH NC, Crow Creek, Rte 17, first floor condo, 3 Bedroom 2 Baths screened patio, pool and hot tub. jowob113@gmail.com, 732-681-2710 $105.00/day Beautiful Oceanfront Rentals...Best Value in Indian Beach N.C. Each 2bdrm/1 bath & sleeper sofa includes all the comforts of home. Large oceanfront deck and private steps to the beach. On the sound side, pier, dock, shelter, playground, picnic benches, and boat ramp facility. Visit our website to view our beachfront rentals: www.oceanfrontvaluerentals.com or call 1-800-553-SURF (7873) HATTERAS CABANAS –O ceanview –S urf Fishing –D ogs Allowed Call Manager office 1-800-338-4775 ask for info on #23 ATLANTIC BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDO, breathtaking view. 1/BD, 1½ /BA, $100.00. 816-931-3366.

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

Business Opportunities “SOCIAL DISTANCE MARKETING!” Profit/Thrive In Today’s “New Normal” Economy! Text moreinfo To 41242 — www.41242.biz

Miscellaneous

Connect with Carolina Country Don’t miss out on your favorite content, including Carolina Music. Sign up for email updates on our website!

PAYING CASH FOR OLD COMIC BOOKS AND OLD TOYS. Call Alex 704-616-6567 CASH PAID FOR OLD FISHING LURES–Call Rick Hutton 704-695-4917 PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR—$12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills—$12.95. Both $24.

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

NOW HIRING QUALIFIED DRIVERS—local and regional positions available, competitive pay, excellent benefits, Requirements—25 years old, minimum 2 years experience driving with class A CDL, clean driving record, inquire @ cmcct1@yahoo.com, 336-468-2856 or apply online at cmccommoditytransport.com To place a classified ad: carolinacountry.com/classifieds

For Sale ANTIQUE UPRIGHT PUMP ORGAN, original finish. $800 336-846-9159 or 336-869-2275 Text

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

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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6/9/21 12:46 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Fluffy Lemon-Almond Custard

Hot oven + sultry summer day = no fun. Thankfully, this light dessert can be fixed in the evening to enjoy the next day, or thrown in the oven while fixing breakfast. Tasty warm or chilled.

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

gluten free

²⁄ ₃ ¾ ½ 3 3

cup almond meal or flour* Zest of 3 lemons, reserve cup sugar some for garnish teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice large eggs, separated (about 2 lemons) tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon almond extract melted and cooled Sliced almonds for garnish 1 can (12-ounce) evaporated milk Whipped cream, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch pie pan.

Combine the meal, sugar and salt.

Whisk egg yolks with butter. Add in the milk, zest, juice and extract. Fold dry ingredients into milk mixture.

Whip the egg whites with mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whites into the mixture until well combined. Pour into prepared pie dish.

Bake 25–30 minutes until about set. Turn off oven and let sit inside oven for 5–10 minutes. Scatter with sliced almonds. Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream if you like and a bit of lemon zest.

I

W

T p f s

*Both work great. Flour will provide a more custard-like texture versus the meal.

Yield: One 9-inch custard, serves 6–8

Grilled Succotash Salsa

We Southerners surely do know how to fix succotash. For the summer, we’ve stirred up a version to enjoy chilled as part of supper on the patio.

1 cup butterbeans or other field peas 1½ cups fresh corn on the cob 1 cup chopped tomatoes ½ cup diced red onion ²⁄ ₃ cup sliced pickled peppers, chopped (we used Mt. Olive Sweet n’ Hot Pickled Peppers) 2–3 tablespoons oil (we used bacon drippings, but use your favorite)

3 tablespoons juice from pickled peppers Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons ketchup ¾ teaspoon ground cumin ¾ teaspoon oregano ¼ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup thinly sliced fresh okra ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro Cook butterbeans until just done but not too soft. Drain.

For the corn, we roasted 3 cobs on the grill (can also be done on gas stove burner); if preferred, you can skip roasting and use all raw or a combination.

Combine cooked butterbeans and corn with tomatoes, onion and pickled peppers.

Stir in oil, juices, ketchup and seasonings. Chill. This can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

At serving time, stir in okra and cilantro.

Serve with chips or pork skins or as a side dish.

Yield: About 5 cups

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I c

Y

Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

Italian Crab Salad Stuffed Peppers With basil butter

This month, we’re all about enjoying our time out on patios and porches. That means little to no cooking. This simple crab salad works for this theme (and for our taste buds too). If possible, find yourself some fresh NC crab and stir up a bowl of this good stuff! ½ cup pine nuts, toasted ½ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ cup fresh parsley, loosely packed 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ½ cup half and half 1 teaspoon garlic paste or 2–3 cloves, minced

1 dozen small mini sweet peppers ½ pound crabmeat ½ cup diced celery ½ cup diced radishes ½ cup thinly sliced green onions 3 tablespoons capers, drained ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

In a food processor, quickly pulse nuts, cheese and parsley into coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Using a fork, combine butter and basil.

Whisk together the mustard with cream and garlic.

Slice peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.

Pick through the crab to remove any shell pieces.

Combine crab with remaining ingredients. Stir in mustard mixture.

Spread peppers with layer of basil butter. Top with crab mixture.

Dust with nut and cheese crumbs. Refrigerate until serving time.

Yield: 24 pieces

Peanut Butter Cookies

gluten Peanut butter stars in this simple, four-ingredient recipe. These soft cookies crumble into your mouth. free Combine their peanutbutteryness with a cold glass of milk. Who needs flour when flavors shine through so true?!

1 cup peanut butter 1 egg

1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet.

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Use a teaspoon to scoop small heaps of dough onto your cookie sheet.

With a fork, lightly crisscross each cookie, pressing the dough down a bit.

Bake for 6–8 minutes.

Yield: 25–30 cookies

Recipe courtesy of Katie Martin of Danbury

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.

Tater Dipped Chicken Each month, we’re taking a look back at some old favorites from our recipe archive. For July, check out “Tater Dipped Chicken” 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!

July 2021 | 33

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6/8/21 1:45 PM

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

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

June winner

The June “Where Is This” photo taken by South River EMC member Dale Jarvis features a mural located on the corner of South Main St. and East Allenton St. (NC 73 and NC 731) in downtown Mt. Gilead. Artist Scott Nurkin recently repainted the mural, which illustrates Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. The arrow featured in the mural points the way to the area once inhabited by the Pee Dee tribe just outside of this Montgomery County town. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Robin Holt of Wanchese, 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.

Carolina

July’S FEATURED TRACK

“Tu”

MUSIC

By Justin Castellano

Chris Charles

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

CC_07-wk.indd 34

Justin composed this piece and named it “Tu” in an oldworld reference to God. The single shimmers with adroit fingerpicking and helped him become a top five finalist in Guitar World’s Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2020 contest. The previous year, he dropped “Cloud Fascination.” The EP’s five songs showcase his Spanish guitar stylings and include the playful “Head in the Clouds.”

He explained that scenes from outdoor venues he performed at had inspired him to enjoy nature.

“Although I understand what forms clouds and the science that surrounds them, they still hold such majestic wonder and beauty,” Justin says. He began plucking guitar strings seriously at age 12. Based in Swansboro and a member of CarteretCraven Electric Cooperative, he enjoys performing and creating music in his home studio.

6/9/21 12:46 PM

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Affordable, flexible plans

lively.com/smart

*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a Lively device and a one-time setup fee of $35. $300 savings calculation based on comparing the lowest monthly fees published for the nation’s top major wireless carriers. Urgent Response or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. Lively does not guarantee an exact location. Urgent Response is only available with the purchase of a Health & Safety Package. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. LIVELY and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. ©2021 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

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Seven easy tips

to lower your energy costs

Clean or change HVAC filters regularly to improve air flow and efficiency.

Use the microwave to cook food faster and reduce energy use. Or, grill outdoors in nice weather.

Adjust your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise in summer. Then, bump up your thermostat setting to save on cooling costs.

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Switch to energyefficient bulbs, like LEDs, to reduce lighting costs by as much as 80%.

Set your water heater temperature to 120° and choose showers over baths.

Wash clothes in cold water and do full loads.

Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.

Check out Usage Tracker, too! This FREE tool shows your usage and costs, even factoring in the weather. You can also set a daily usage level and receive notifications if your home exceeds it. You’ll find Usage Tracker under “My Account” at BlueRidgeEnergy.com or on the Blue Ridge Mobile App.

Visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com/101 for even more ways to save from your trusted energy advisors.

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Simplify your life with Bank Draft With Bank Draft, your monthly electric bill payment is deducted from your bank account. Now, that’s convenient!

You’ll still receive a copy of your bill each month. The balance even comes out on your bill’s due date, giving you at least two weeks’ notice.

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Enroll online today at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BankDraft.

You can also stop by your district office or call 1-800-451-5474. An energy specialist will help you set it up, using your selected checking or savings account or credit card.

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