A Tale of Two Gardens Two coastal NC gardens offer different experiences

Built for speed

Materials for building boats have changed since the Vikings of Scandinavia or Lapitas of the Pacific Islands took to the open seas in wooden vessels. Although the Carolina Flare is often still made with wood, it is strengthened and sealed with carbon-fiber saturated in epoxy resin. Fishing technology has advanced as well. And the power that propels these boats, in particular, has increased in profound ways.

“I remember when 18-knots was a fast boat. Now, you’ve got to go at least 40-knots to be considered fast,” RV reflects.

RV explains the natural limits to speed. “Weight, horsepower and safety limits speed,” he says, “and Jarrett Bay overbuilds for safety.”

New building materials were employed to save 40,000 pounds in weight to give one of their latest creations, a monstrous 90-foot behemoth, the fighting edge in competitive fishing tournaments. The massive boat screams from port toward the best fishing grounds with diesel engines so powerful they can match the speed of some much smaller and lighter vessels.

Now the reel work begins.

Fish raisers

Out there in the thousand-fathom waters, even the most elegantly designed boat would not be any good unless it raised fish. A “fish raiser” is a competitive boat that somehow convinces large predator gamefish to strike at the fisherman’s bait.

Veteran charter fishing Captain Ernie Doshier, a resident of Ocracoke Island and member of Tideland EMC, explains the mystery of a fish raiser. There is something about the hum of the engine, the wake from boat, the churning of the props through the water; the big fish are curious to come up and find out more.

But those curious fish are confounded by the decoy school of rigs presented by the outriggers, which dip different lures or baits off the side of the boat to simulate many tasty snacks. This is called trolling, and it continues until, in the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream, the streaking shadow of a billfish — perhaps a sailfish or marlin — is seen below.

Once those big fish begin to rise from the depths, the outriggers and rods work together to tease up a bite.

Several lines trail the boat. Some lower on the deck trail a short distance. The boat’s mate manages these rods, while the captain watches the higher, longer lines trailing in the distance.

“Fish on!” is the universally engaging call that means the objective of the Carolina Flare has been achieved — and the fight to reel in a prize-winning fish ensues.

If the hooked fish is ready to engage, the angler will climb in the fighting chair and, for an endurance battle, harness up to conserve energy.

The big fish will often jump into the air and then plunge down, trying to drag the boat with it. In the Gulf Stream, visibility can be up to 50 or even 60 feet down. The fish’s every move, thrash, pull, dive and jump is visible from the bridge.

Pulling in the big one is a thrilling experience for anyone, but it doesn’t take landing a trophy fish to make a memorable trip.

“If your clients have had a good and enjoyable day on the water, that’s the bottom line,” Ernie says. “If you happen to get a shot at a billfish — and then are lucky enough to catch one — that’s a bonus.”

Jarrett Bay/Luke Pearson

carolinacountry.com/extras You don’t want to miss RV Hodge’s insider tour of an 84-foot custom sportfishing boat from Jarrett Bay Boatworks.

Working on the “flare” at Jarrett Bay Boatworks

Jarrett Bay Jarrett Bay/Scott Taylor

A mahi mahi Near Cape Lookout

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Gordon Byrd is a veteran who works for UNC Pembroke. While not working or writing, he spends most of his time with family and church.

Editor’s note: Jarrett Bay Boatworks Co-founder and President Randy Ramsey is currently Chair of the UNC Board of Governors; his relationship with the article’s subject matter, as well as the author’s employer, did not affect reporting.

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A Tale of

Two coastal NC gardens offer different experiences

Story and photos by Leah Chester-Davis

A visit to

Wilmington is packed with possibilities. Among them, nearby Wrightsville beach, the charming Riverwalk, a wide range of restaurants and shops, and two mustsee gardens: Airlie and the Arboretum of New Hanover County.

Airlie Gardens is the more historic and expansive of the two, with its 67 acres and massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and exuding coastal Southern charm. The Arboretum, much smaller with only seven acres, packs both personality and a pleasing array of plants in several types of gardens that both inspire and educate. It’s a treasure for anyone seeking to learn more about gardening or for those simply wanting to enjoy a beautiful space.

The gardens are near one another, just a mile apart, making it easy to visit both. Both offer educational experiences.

Airlie Gardens

Historic Southern Charm

Airlie has a long history, dating back to the late 1800s when it was part of a larger estate and privately owned by Pembroke and Sarah Jones, who transformed it into a picturesque garden. The couple entertained such notables as Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Flagler and W.K. Vanderbilt. Later owned by the Corbett Family, Airlie played a role in the state’s first Azalea Festival and will be part of the Cape Fear Garden Club’s garden tour during the April 2022 festival.

Now owned by New Hanover County as a public garden, its size and location along Bradley Creek, its mix of live oaks, magnolias, azaleas, camellias, sculptures, tree-lined trails, and elegant vistas give it a stately appearance. It is a beautiful place to walk, or visitors can hop on a tram to travel throughout the estate while being treated to the history of the place by friendly tram operators.

Airlie is beautiful anytime of the year though it delivers springtime enchantment with thousands of azaleas, camellias, tulips and other spring blooms. The signature Airlie live oak is nearing 500 years old, and is a popular backdrop for weddings and other events.

One of the more recent additions is the Butterfly House that serves as a seasonal home to native butterflies and plants. It is a popular spot from May through mid-October for visitors of all ages.

Another point of interest is the Bottle Chapel, a tribute to the artist Minnie Jones Evans, who was employed at Airlie for 25 years, was

Airlie Gardens

A Tale of Two Gardens

Airlie Gardens

self-taught, and became internationally recognized. No doubt the garden inspired her, as evidenced by one of her quotes: “Green is God’s theme color — he has 600 and some shades of green.”

To enhance the educational experience of the garden, Nature Discovery Kits are available for elementary age children or anyone who would like one. They include activities such as making a stick-bound journal and documenting observations, learning basic birdwatching skills and the “Build a Nest Challenge,” and a plant scavenger hunt.

Airlie is a favored spot for bird enthusiasts. It’s part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, offering a Coastal Region site to observe a wide range of species. The Bradley Creek Overlook is a great place to view coastal birds. Bird Hikes are available at 8 a.m. on select days and advance tickets are required.

Arboretum of New Hanover County

Arboretum of New Hanover County

Hands-on Education

The small Arboretum of New Hanover County is designed to be a teaching garden in a lovely setting. Extension educators, Master Gardeners, and Friends of the Arboretum are actively involved in the garden and plant clinics are held frequently to answer home gardeners’ questions.

The Arboretum features several specialty gardens, and each is equipped with educational signage that provides helpful information. Plants throughout the garden are labeled with both scientific and common names, which is a useful

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Airlie Gardens

300 Airlie Road, Wilmington airliegardens.org or 910-798-7700 Gardens open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed certain holidays and Mondays in winter). Advance tickets are required, unless you are a member: $9 general admission; $5 for New Hanover residents and members of military; $3 for children. Check the website for special events such as a summer concert series. Arboretum of New Hanover County

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Arboretum of New Hanover County

6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington arboretum.nhcgov.com or 910-798-7660 Gardens open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free admission. Check the website for information on special events throughout the year. feature for the visitor who may want to add a plant like it to their own garden.

The raised bed garden, with a wide range of vegetables, provides a glimpse of what is possible in your own backyard, along with information on how to attract beneficial insects to your garden. A composting area is included at its edge with a how-to guide.

Other garden areas are the pollinator, native plant, herb, rain, camellia, rose, and Military Memorial Contemplation Garden. A Japanese Garden is tucked into the far back corner. Japanese lanterns and orange torii gates lend traditional features and welcome visitors to the tranquil space. The many plants — Japanese maples, Hinoki cypress, deodar cedar, satsuki azaleas, Japanese iris, sweet flag, Japanese ferns, various ornamental grasses, among others — give the visitor an idea of what can be created in a relatively small space.

Sculptures, a children’s playhouse, and brightly painted toadstools add a touch of whimsy to other spots. A StoryWalk will keep children engaged as they learn about the natural world.

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.

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Fly Fishing in the Tuckasegee River

Fish Like a Pro

Embrace these habits to catch bigger fish

Anyone who has put time in fishing knows that the big one isn’t always caught by the most experienced angler. In other words, there can be a lot of luck in fishing. On the other hand, if you want to consistently catch more fish and bigger fish (and create your own luck), you can set yourself up for greater success if you follow these tips.

Go to the fish. It sounds obvious but it’s important. Conditions in some areas produce an outsized number of fish or trophy-size fish. For example, professional bass fishing tournaments tend to be conducted on big bodies of water known for their big numbers. Before you head out, read fishing reports online. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ website offers coastal reports (bit.ly/coastal-reports). The regional summaries estimates catches of various fish by interviewing hundreds of anglers throughout the coast. Resources on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s website (bit.ly/fish-attractors) include a map that shows ponds and lakes where fish attractors have been placed. Wobbling is good. Big fish zero in on wounded fish for an easy meal. Lures that mimic wounded motions include the Original Floating Rapala, a lure created with natural balsa wood that recreates the wobbling motion of a wounded bait fish.

Use needle-sharp hooks. Many fish have hard mouths so you need to use a hook that will hold on when a fish bites down on your bait. Fishing pros like Ott DeFoe and Jacob Wheeler rely on needle-sharp hooks to win major bass tournaments.

Focus on structures. Have you ever noticed when you go to a party how everyone hangs around the island in the kitchen? Fish are no different, really — they like to hover around rocks and reefs, hang around dock and pier posts, and hide in weed beds.

Keep asking why. In a fishing magazine article, pro angler Mike Iaconelli was asked about why he loves fishing and why bass pros are so good at it. Iaconelli said he looks at fishing like solving a puzzle. When he catches a fish, he asks himself, “Why did that happen?” so he can learn from it and keep catching more.

Replace your fishing line. Don’t take a chance. Check your line regularly for nicks and abrasions, according to professionals at Sufix, and get in the habit of replacing your fishing line annually if you fish frequently.

Dangle big lures. In general, big fish are kind of lazy. They want to eat as much as they can while spending the least amount of energy getting their food. It’s hanging out on the couch all day and having a fully stocked fridge within just a short reach. So, when you’re going after bigger fish, try using bigger lures.

—Brandpoint

Fishing the sea

Learn more about the fun (and big rewards) of charter fishing, starting on page 12.

Health from Home

Availability of telemedicine continues to grow

If there is a silver lining to the challenges the pandemic created for families and seniors, it may be the expansion and affordability of virtual care. The ability to see a doctor today with little notice, using your phone, computer or tablet, offers a new level of flexibility in accessing health care.

Virtual care, or telemedicine, can span a wide range of services to address a family’s health needs without going to a doctor’s office and provides easy access to experts and specialists. Telemedicine services are covered by most insurance providers.

From care for specific illnesses to managing ongoing concerns, here are some ways that telemedicine might be a good fit for your family’s health care needs. To learn more about telemedicine, you can visit websites such as teladoc.com and your own insurance company’s website. Everyday illnesses In the past, if your doctor’s office couldn’t get you in to help treat conditions like allergies, sinus infections or other common illnesses, urgent care was one of your few remaining options. Now, virtual care can address non-emergency needs and everyday illnesses in place of urgent care.

Specialty care Even with a referral, it can take weeks or months to get an appointment with some specialists. One example is dermatology. Instead of waiting months to be seen by a dermatologist, with a virtual provider, you can seek and receive treatment in a matter of hours.

Mental health As a result of the pandemic and related social implications, many organizations have been reporting substantial upticks in requests for mental health support. Phone and video visits for mental health have been shown to be as effective as in-person treatment, according to the Telemental Health Institute.

Wellness care Most people think of their health needs in terms of reactive care for known problems, but it can also be useful for wellness care, such as nutrition. Registered dietitians can provide virtual consultations to help ensure everyone, including family members with special dietary needs, receives proper nutrients.

Get that second opinion If you’re unsure about a diagnosis, need help choosing treatment, have medical questions or concerns, or want an expert’s advice or second opinion, some virtual care providers can connect you with leading specialists to give you the answers and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your family’s health.

Make time for self-care

Using telemedicine is a form of self-care, just as anytime you address your mental and physical needs. Other ways to care for yourself mentally and emotionally include making time for enjoyable activities, such as listening to music, painting, drawing and working with wood. Carve out time to connect with family and friends and help your kids to do the same.

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Annual Report 2020

Executive Message

Dear Member-Owner, 2020 was quite an unusual and difficult year for everyone. Throughout the year, our commitment to provide reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to our memberowners has remained the same, and as always, we powered through all of the ups and downs 2020 sent our way.

As the year progressed, we all learned to keep our event plans flexible, adjust our work safety protocols and most important, we continued to support our member-owners and our community in many different ways. Our concern for community has never been more important than throughout 2020, as we have all faced a time of unprecedented challenges and are working together to overcome them. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our member-owners who have helped us provide critical aid and support to our community in response to COVID-19.

Here are a few of the ways we continued to support our member-owners and community. „ Between May and August, we temporarily suspended disconnections and late payment fees to member-owners experiencing income loss due to

COVID-19. „ Continued to offer bill payment support to member- owners experiencing income loss due to COVID-19 through our Project HEMC (Helping Each

Member Cope). „ As a benefit to our member-owners, especially those that may have been affected by COVID-19, the

Haywood EMC Board of Directors approved an earlier-than-usual capital credits retirement/refund in September of more than $1 million for those who were member-owners during the years 2010–2019. For over 80 years, regardless of the circumstances, Haywood EMC has been committed to serving the community.

Haywood EMC is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors, representing the co-op’s eight directorate districts. Current board members pictured here with Vice President and CEO Tom Batchelor are President, Larry Clark; Vice President, Roy Stamey; Secretary/Treasurer, Lucas Sorrells; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Steve Foster; James P. Boyette, Dr. Kenneth Israel, David Noland and Clay Talley.

Proudly Powering Your Needs

Haywood Electric Membership Corporation is proud to serve nearly 27,800 member-owner accounts. We are owned by the member-owners (customers), who benefit from the services our organization provides: affordable, reliable and safe electricity. Cooperative member-owners have a voice and a vote in cooperative matters by elected board members. Haywood EMC is one of more than 900 notfor-profit cooperatives in 47 states that provide electric service to 56 percent of the nation’s landmass.

Haywood EMC is much more than an energy company; concern for community is a core principle of our business model. In short, Haywood EMC seeks to improve the quality of life for our member- owners and their communities. We are a private, independent, not-forprofit electric utility business owned by the people we serve. We are incorporated under the laws of the state of North Carolina in which we operate and were established to provide at-cost electric service. Haywood EMC is governed by a board of directors elected from the membership which sets policies and procedures that are implemented by the Cooperative’s management.

Operating at cost is a key component of the cooperative’s business model. Haywood EMC works hard to mitigate rate increases and if necessary, strives to keep rate increases as low as possible; Haywood EMC member-owners have not had a rate increase in over three years, since April 1, 2018. Keeping electricity affordable is a priority for the cooperative and we are proud that we have been able to absorb increases passed along from our energy supplier related to escalating fuel costs for previous years. Nonetheless, due to the cost of state and federal environmental regulations, upgrading aging transmission power systems to meet federal reliability and security requirements, protecting the integrity and financial stability of the organization, as well as looking out for the safety of our employees and member-owners, sometimes rate increases are necessary.

We Love Our Member-Owners!

Here at Haywood EMC, we love serving you, our member-owners. As a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are focused on making a difference for our member-owners and our communities. Here are just a few ways we’re showing our member-owners the love all year-round: „ Capital Credits: Because Haywood EMC is a not-for-profit entity, we share profits back with the people we serve. These “capital credits” are one of the tangible benefits of being a member- owner of an electric co-op and a big part of what makes us different from other utilities that generate profits for shareholders. „ Energy Savings: To help our member-owners manage their energy use and budget, we provide tools and services that give you more control and more information. See how programs like our Prepay service and SmartHub can work for you. We also offer efficiency tips, energy audits and other resources aimed at helping you save both energy and money. „ Concern for Community: From supporting teachers and students with our Bright Ideas education grants to giving back to local organizations, Haywood EMC is committed to strengthening the communities we call home and building a brighter future for everyone. To learn more, visit haywoodemc.com.