2021-08-PEMC

August 2021

The magazine of

Internet interest needed. Visit join.buildpiedmont.com

today!

Sportfishing with

‘Carolina Flare’ page 12

Published by

Managing a diverse power grid page 10

DIY, or time to hire a pro? page 26

PERIODICAL

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

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

Nine out of 10 people who have macular degeneration have the dry form. or many patients with macular New research suggests vitamins can degeneration and other visionhelp.

The British medical journal BMC related conditions, the loss of Ophthalmology recently reported that central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving.

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

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

F

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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26 Energy Sense 32 NC Outdoors 34 Carolina Calendar 36 Adventures 38 Marketplace 40 Carolina Kitchen 42 Where is This?

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12 16 28 3 0

Sportfishing with ‘Flare’

Boats designed with Carolina Flare help bring up the big ones.

A Tale of Two Gardens

Two coastal NC gardens offer different experiences.

River-Ready Heirlooms

John Hollifield’s bamboo rods are works of art.

Tweetsie Railroad Romance

On the Cover The right sportfishing boat in the hands of a capable captain can land trophy fish off the Carolina coast. This hull features the distinctive “Carolina Flare,” a specialty of Jarrett Bay Boatworks.

Learn more on page 12. Photo courtesy of Jarrett Bay.

And other things you remember.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Kitchen Flops

Have you had a recipe come out less photogenic than expected? Happens to the best of us. Share pictures of recipes gone awry, and we’ll feature our favorites in our December issue. See page 35 for details.

carolinacountry.com | 3

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THIS MONTH:

Gone Fishin’

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

It’s summertime, and the fish are biting.

Whether you take to the seas or prefer the quiet of a river, lake or pond, North Carolina is teeming with fishing spots.

Deep sea sportfishing, bass fishing, fly casting — we touch on a little bit of everything in this issue. Also, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have recently started managing resources on the power grid in a new way. Find out how on page 10.

Volume 53, No. 8

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 Silent Nights What has happened to the country’s Whip-poor-will, which is the lonely bird that calls its name?

Calvin M. Freeman Editor’s Note: We received this response to Calvin’s question from Scott Anderson, bird conservation biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission: “In general and over the long term, yes, populations of Whip-poor-wills are believed to be declining. Unfortunately, our normal source for bird population trends (the Breeding Bird Survey) does a poor job of detecting Eastern Whip-poor-wills, since they are a nocturnal species.”

Want to help track these birds and others in the nightjar family?

Visit nightjars.org to volunteer!

Speedway Spectators Really enjoyed Anne Puetzer’s article about the Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough (“Taking a Lap Among the Pines,” July, 2021, page 14). It brought back a ton of memories for this old Hillsborough native. I did want to add one tidbit to her fine article. For a decade (1963–1973), Orange High

Karen Olson House Contributing Editor

School had the pleasure of playing all their home football games at the speedway. Nothing better than riding the activity bus on Friday night down the back stretch to get ready for a game!

Congratulations on a fine publication.

Ted Andrews, a member of Piedmont Electric Editor’s Note: We also received a call from Michael Davis, Sr., of Roxboro, who had attended the final race at the Occoneechee Speedway in 1968. He remembered that Richard Petty, the winner of that race, was driving a Plymouth Fury. He also shared memories of unscrupulous fans who would climb trees to get a free view of the race; unfortunately for them, if conditions were wet, passing cars would spray mud up into the limbs — splattering the sneaky spectators with red clay.

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.

The Occoneechee Speedway

4 | August 2021

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Viewpoints

Educating a Brighter Future

By Kristie Aldridge

Every August, as children soak up their last summer days, teachers are hard at work planning, arranging classrooms and stocking supplies for the year ahead. Students arrive to a new year filled with potential, and parents are grateful. But throughout the year, teachers often quietly spend their own money to support creative learning and student growth.

In 1994, an employee of Supply-based Brunswick Electric saw this happening in her community, which sparked a “bright idea:” For the state’s 26 electric cooperatives to band together to offer grants to teachers across the state.

The Bright Ideas Education Grant Program advances excellence in education and accelerates student learning by providing NC teachers with funding for innovaNorth Carolina’s Electric tive and creative projects Cooperatives have that otherwise would not be funded. Supporting awarded $13.6 million education, community to K–12 educators, and economic development is important funding nearly 13,000 to North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives innovative projects. because they are rooted in the communities they serve and want to help build a brighter future for their neighbors.

Since that first bright idea in 1994, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives have awarded $13.6 million to K–12 educators, funding nearly 13,000 innovative projects that have impacted the lives of more than 2.7 million students across the state. This year, North Carolina’s 26 cooperatives will collectively award an estimated $600,000 in grants.

Projects funded by Bright Ideas grants encourage learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as life skills, problem solving and community service. Their

impact extends beyond the classroom, with students applying lessons learned at home and in their communities.

Even amid the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented, the Bright Ideas Education Grant Program remained strong. The grants were more important than ever in supporting teachers’ creative ideas for engaging students in virtual learning environments, and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives were grateful for teachers’ resilience and honored to support their creative ideas.

A teacher from Lenoir County recently submitted a final evaluation of her project and expressed her gratitude, saying the grant for building and maintaining a community garden changed the lives of her students. The middle school students learned the importance of patience, determination and compassion, and the project benefited the local community by donating the garden’s crops to an area soup kitchen.

Bright Ideas grants are focused on changing lives and making an impression on students of all ages by facilitating teachers’ abilities to provide children with memorable, hands-on learning experiences.

This year’s Bright Ideas application period is open until mid-September with dates varying by local electric cooperative. Teachers are encouraged to visit ncbrightideas.com to learn more and apply for a grant.

Kristie Aldridge is director of Strategic Communication & Marketing for North Carolina’ Electric Cooperatives.

6 | August 2021

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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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More Power

Students Meet Virtually for 2021 Youth Tour Sessions include meetings with NC Congressional delegates For more than 50 years, high school students representing North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have traveled to Washington, D.C., on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Last year, the event was canceled due to the global pandemic, but this summer the Youth Tour came back as an expanded virtual program.

“When we moved this year’s Youth Tour to a virtual format due to COVID19 concerns, we wanted to make sure we delivered an interactive experience where these talented students could learn and interact with one another,” said Paul Mott, Youth Tour coordinator and grassroots specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Upon meeting the students on the first day of Youth Tour, we knew we had a special group. These students were just as eager to connect with their peers and learn about co-ops, our government, and important life skills as any other group we’ve had in-person.”

Over six days in June, students signed on to 16 virtual sessions that covered topics including the cooperative principles, money management, and a virtual tour of a Harnett County microgrid that is a partnership between Butler Farms, South River EMC and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Youth Tour participants also met with their members of Congress, who

(Left to right) Representative David Rouzer (R-7) and Representative Alma Adams (D-12) met virtually in separate meetings with Youth Tourists.

Tom Butler, owner of Butler Farms, provided Youth Tourists with a virtual tour of his hog farm and its microgrid.

discussed how government works and offered career advice to the rising high school seniors.

“Throughout the week, students displayed their intelligence and maturity with the questions they asked of their members of Congress, other speakers and each other,” Mott said.

“These students have a bright future ahead of them, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish.”

Youth Leadership Council Sydney Loflin, a 2021 youth tour participant sponsored by EnergyUnited, was selected by her fellow Youth Tourists as North Carolina’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) winner. As this year’s YLC representative, Sydney will attend the 2022 Annual Meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in Raleigh. She is dual enrolled in HOPE Academy and Davidson County Community College.

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UNC Burn Center’s Acute Burn and Wound Care Unit Celebrates 10 Years In May, the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals acknowledged the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Acute Burn and Wound Care Unit, made possible with funding from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

The Acute Burn and Wound Care Unit opened in 2011, allowing staff to cross-train in burn care, providing space for a new round treatment area and adding 15 beds to increase the Center’s total capacity to 36 beds.

“Through our long-standing partnership with the UNC Jaycee Burn Center, we’re honored to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NC Electric Cooperative’s Acute Burn and Wound Unit and are thankful for the generous sponsors who made it possible,” said Dale Lambert, CEO of Randolph EMC and Burn Center Advisory Board member. “It’s important to provide care for the patients while they are in

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the burn unit and after they go home.

We are fortunate to have such a world-renowned hospital in our state and are proud to have annually supported the Burn Center for over 20 years.”

The virtual celebration featured patient stories; remarks from Lambert; and welcoming words from Dr. Booker T. King, medical director at the NC Jaycee Burn Center.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been a proud partner of the NC Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals since 1972, when the cooperatives’ Board of Directors pledged $40,000 to help create the center. Since then, the co-ops have contributed more than $2.2 million in support of youth burn prevention and education outreach programs, improvements in the pediatric playroom, research for wound care and healing processes and other projects.

Fountain Honored for Burn Center Support Ginny Fountain, retired director of Meeting Planning for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, was recently presented The Twelfth Person Award by the NC Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals. The annual award recognizes an individual who consistently supports the Burn Center, and has also demonstrated a high level of distinction as a role model in terms of integrity, humility, kindness and service.

Over the years, Fountain has worked with three North Carolina cooperative CEOs serving on the Burn Center Advisory Board— Buddy Creed with South River EMC (retired); Randy Brecheisen with Piedmont Electric (retired); and Dale Lambert with Randolph EMC. “I am just a small part of the team who gave tirelessly to make our fundraisers bigger and better every year,” Fountain said.

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More Power

Building a Brighter Future

Boosting Reliability Through Grid Management The nation’s electric grid was initially designed for an amazing —t hough fairly straightforward — t ask: deliver power from large and often centrally located power plants to where it is used. But the grid has become a lot more complex since those early days, and now utilities must plan for and coordinate all manner of resources that are being distributed across the grid.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives now coordinate more than 500 megawatts (MW) of various distributed energy resources either under construction or connected to the grid. As of June 1, 2021, these resources are being managed through a 24-hour Distribution Operator (DO) service.

“From a reliability perspective, we’re now working with all 26 NC co-ops to improve the visibility and dependability of a dispersed, distributed 500-MW resource, bringing

it together for everyone’s benefit,” said Lee Ragsdale, SVP of Energy Delivery for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Operators of the new DO can monitor distributed energy resource activity throughout the state, coordinating with electric co-ops and other utilities to create efficiencies and improve reliability, affordability and sustainability across the grid.

What is being managed?* Microgrids

Utility-scale solar

A microgrid is made up of several electric grid components, interconnected at a specific site and capable of operating connected to the grid or independently in “island-mode” when the grid is unavailable. They work well at locations that have local resources and can benefit from increased reliability and resilience.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives own or purchase energy produced from nearly 300 MW of solar power from larger utility-scale sites. Panels generate power when the sun is shining. When paired with onsite battery storage, energy can be saved and used at times when the grid might need it more.

Community solar

Demand response programs**

There are currently 19 electric co-op community solar gardens around the state with a total capacity of 2.1 MW. These allow members to benefit from the energy output of a panel or panels that are maintained by their co-op, located in their community.

When consumers can reduce energy use timed with when it’s needed most across the grid, the grid as a whole works more efficiently.

Some programs enable utilities to manage energy use of connected devices such as water heaters and smart thermostats.

How much is 500 MW? Combined, the distributed resources being coordinated by the DO generate enough to power 100,000 homes.

* Distributed resources managed by the DO also include other sources of renewable generation, customer-owned generation and battery storage.

** Utilities can also reduce energy consumption by deploying “conservation voltage reduction,” which is a way to use power more efficiently by reducing voltage during system peaks.

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‘Flare’ Sportfishing with

Boats designed with Carolina Flare help bring up the big ones

By Gordon Byrd

Jarrett Bay/Luke Pearson

Standing in the hollowed space where a berth will soon be installed, RV Hodge expands his arms to demonstrate the size of the colossal sportfishing boat. Hodge is the foreman of the crew responsible for constructing the most breathtaking creations delivering out of Jarrett Bay Boatworks, served by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative. Its specialty is competitive sportfishing designs, especially those with the distinctive “Carolina Flare.”

12 | carolinacountry.com August 2021

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Fish on!

Jarrett Bay/Richard Gibson

Gecko Sportfishing

Standing in front of a Jarrett Bay Boat is straining to the neck. The bottom of the boat, “the deadrise,” RV explains, “is V-shaped. Then the flam goes up the side in a tumblehome shape until it rises out in an exaggerated flare.”

[For those new to boat hull design, “flam” is a convex section, “flare” is concave, and a “tumblehome shape” describes a hull that grows narrower above the waterline.]

As you walk alongside the boat in dry-dock, the aggressive lines become more apparent. The enormous bow looks like it is already slicing through waves, like how a Ford Mustang looks like it’s speeding even sitting still.

Once the twin, inboard engines are allowed to propel the offshore boat to the Gulf Stream, the boat’s shape enables a smooth, blistering sprint of up to 40 knots or more.

This is what the Carolina Flare was designed for. Its unique history was shaped at the cross-section of a geographical phenomenon, a burgeoning charter fishing industry and

A red drum

advancing technologies. This trifecta of independent, yet simultaneous occurrences provided the right time for a remarkable fishing development.

Deep sea access

Even the infamous Black Beard and his pirate crew took note of the geographical phenomenon. Black Beard’s hideout, Beaufort, where Jarrett Bay Boatworks is located, is situated on the mainland at the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks, one of the closest points to the Gulf Stream where the continental shelf

plunges to depths 100 times the shallows just 30 miles in. This is where the Gulf Stream current rushes northward. Here, the big fish live.

It is in these conveniently located shores that North Carolina’s charter fishing industry was first hatched.

According to Lawrence E. Babits, professor of maritime history and nautical archaeology at East Carolina University, the Carolina Flare may have been invented before the charter fishing industry developed. But, without a doubt, the charter fishing industry popularized the design, and Brady Lewis — who started building ships on Harkers Island in the 1920s — is the boat builder credited with the design used today.

Choppy waters splash up the flare and then are cast aside, keeping the captain, crew and anglers comfortable and dry. The large bow and slicing hull create a relatively smooth ride as the boat speeds toward deeper water.

It is in these deep, Gulf Stream waters where the Carolina Flare really shines.

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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

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

A mahi mahi

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

Jarrett Bay/Scott Taylor

Fish raisers

carolinacountry.com/extras

Jarrett Bay

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.

Jarrett Bay/Luke Pearson

Built for speed

Near Cape Lookout

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.”

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.

14 | August 2021

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Now, THIS is a Knife!

This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!

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

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A Tale of T

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

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,

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

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

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Two Gardens 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

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

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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.

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.

Arboretum of New Hanover County

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.

18 | August 2021

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The Lively Mobile Plus is a truly mobile medical alert that doesn’t require a landline or a base station. It offers you two-way communication with the Lively Team. They can dispatch emergency services or connect you to a board-certified doctor or a registered nurse at the touch of a button.

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Based on device cost, activation fee, plus 12 months of service among competitors with similar products and services (comparison conducted on 3/4/21). 4Fall Detection is an optional feature and may not always accurately detect a fall. Users should always push their button when they need help, if possible. Fall detection only available with purchase of Ultimate Health and Safety Plan. 5Monthly service fee excludes government taxes or assessment surcharges and may change. Urgent Response Service tracks an approximate location of the device. Urgent Response or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. Urgent Care, provided by FONEMED®, is not a substitute for dialing 911 and should not be used in a case of emergency.

FONEMED’s registered nurses and contracted physicians, through MDLIVE, offer advice regarding healthcare decisions and may prescribe certain medications and make diagnoses. We are not liable for any act or omission, including negligence, of any FONEMED employee or contractor. Waterproof rated for up to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. LIVELY is a trademark of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

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6/22/21 3:45 PM 7/8/21 12:03 PM

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Together, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for 2.5 million people and local communities with a commitment to:

Innovative, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost Community support and economic development Utilizing existing and new resources to achieve a goal of net-zero emissions

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

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5/7/20 9:55 AM 7/9/21 6:41 AM

Connection

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2021

No-sweat energy-saving tips to try this summer Are you looking to beat the heat and save on your electric bills this summer?

We’ve got some simple tips that make saving energy and money no sweat at all.

By joining some of our energy-saving programs and being more aware of your energy habits, your energy bill could be cooling off before you know it.

Simple programs designed to help you save

Energy-saving habits to remember

We know you already have a lot on your plate, so why not let us do the heavy lifting for you?

When you join our smart thermostat savings program, we’ll make slight adjustments to your Nest thermostat through your in-home WiFi to help you save.

Looking for even more ways to save? Keep these tips in mind to help you put money back into your wallet.

Similarly, our load management program helps you spend less by automatically cycling off your air conditioner and water heater throughout the day.

When you join Beat the Peak, you’ll get convenient reminders sent right to your phone when times of peak demand are expected so you can cut back on energy use and help keep rates low.

Learn more about these programs and others by visiting pemc.coop/save-energy-money.

•

Remember that fans cool people, not rooms. Only keep fans running if you’re spending time in the room.

•

Keep your thermostat set to 78°F in the summer so you can stay comfortable while still saving money.

•

Replace traditional light bulbs with LED alternatives for a quick, inexpensive way to update your home’s efficiency.

Continue the savings by reading our full list of 101 energy-saving ideas by visiting pemc.coop/101-energy-saving-tips.

Free public WiFi available Piedmont Electric is providing free WiFi hotspots at our Person and Caswell County office parking lots and at the Cherry Grove Ruritan Club parking lot, in partnership with RiverStreet Networks. Individuals can access the internet from the safety of their vehicles. The free access name is PEMC-Free-WiFi at both locations. No password is needed.

Locations for free WiFi access: • Cherry Grove Ruritan Club: 7152 Cherry Grove Road, Reidsville, NC 27320 • Person County: 1125 Oxford Road, Roxboro, NC 27573 • Caswell County: 64 Rascoe Dameron Road, Burlington, NC 27217

IMPORTANT DATES

August A peak demand month As temperatures rise, so does energy use.

Be mindful to conserve energy on hot weekday afternoons from 1-6 p.m.

August 16 Bright Ideas early bird deadline

September 6 Labor Day Piedmont Electric offices will be closed and employees will be on call.

Bright Ideas final deadline

22 Working together to keep rates low 23 Recommended just for you 24 Unclaimed capital credits and Bright Ideas grant update

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: RiverStreet Networks broadband service is now available in Person County!

See all the latest updates on this initiative at pemc.coop/RN.

AUGUST 2021

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

R ju

WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP RATES LOW

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use during peak times, we can help reduce the price our cooperative pays for this power.

These savings are then passed on to you, our members, in affordable electric rates.

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Cutting back on energy used during peak times not only helps us all save money, but it’s also good for the environment by reducing emissions and conserving natural resources.

This helps to keep our community healthier and happier, so everyone wins.

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STEVE HAMLIN President & General Manager

What exactly is our peak?

As your cooperative, our primary goal is to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. That’s why we work so hard to offer you programs designed to help you easily save energy and money during your daily life.

You have probably heard talk about peak times.

Today, I want to take a few moments to explain more about what that actually means.

Why is our peak important?

Peak times are periods of the day with the highest demand, or energy use, that determines a large part of the cost of the power we provide. Peaks generally occur on weekday afternoons in the summer from 1-6 p.m. and winter weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m.

How can you reduce energy use during peak times?

Here at Piedmont Electric, we try to make it easy for you to reduce energy use during peak times without disrupting your life. That’s why we have developed programs that make it simple for you to save. Check out the next page of our newsletter for more information on a few of these programs.

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Generally speaking, avoiding or delaying the use of big energy users in your home like your air conditioning, heating unit, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and other large appliances helps save during the peak. Also, reducing your hot water use helps as your water heater does not have to replace the hot water you use.

It’ yo

Even small changes you make at home can add up to big savings. When we work together as a cooperative, we all win.

When we all work together to lower energy

Now that you know a little more about our cooperative’s peak, help us all save by reducing energy use when you receive a Beat the Peak notice.

You can either text BTPEAK (first and last name) to 800.222.3107 or send an email to BeatThePeak@pemc.coop with your name and email address.

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AUGUST 2021

7/9/21 3:15 PM

Recommended just for you

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

EV time-of-day

Just like your favorite streaming services recommend new shows and movies based on what you’re most likely to enjoy, we have program recommendations based on your lifestyle.

Want to learn which Piedmont Electric programs we recommend for you?

First, think about some of your energy goals. Do you want to lower your bill or receive bill credits for helping the cooperative save money? Maybe you want to practice green living by incorporating eco-friendly habits in your daily life?

Next, head on over to pemc.coop/my-piedmont-programs to take a short, one-minute quiz.

When you’re finished, you’ll get more information about the programs that will best fit your lifestyle and help you achieve your energy goals.

Smart thermostat savings program

Time-of-day

It’s easier than deciding what to watch on your next movie night!

Load management Learn which energy-saving programs are right for you at pemc.coop/my-piedmont-programs or call us at 800.222.3107 to speak with one of our friendly member service representatives.

AUGUST 2021

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CONNECTION

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Someone you know could be missing out on unclaimed capital credits As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we return any profits, known as margins, to members each year as capital credits. In December 2020, we retired the capital credits from 1993 and notified all members. However, sometimes members move out of the area and we are unable to locate them to return their capital credit.

We always attempt to contact former members that are owed money, but if a capital credit remains unclaimed, we are required to send it to the state treasurer after four years. Piedmont Electric also must follow the same procedure for any other funds returned to members.

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

You can also visit nccash.com to find any funds sent to the state treasurer.

A little help goes a long way for community teachers The amazing teachers in our community deserve the best, which is why we’re so passionate about Bright Ideas education grants. Since the program began in 1994, our cooperative has given more than $550,000 to local teachers, principals and school counselors to help support them in their efforts as they teach the youth of our community.

Each year, local educators can apply for grants of up to $2,000 for innovative classroom projects that help their students learn in new ways. Our 2020 winners were especially creative, in some cases coming up with virtual projects to keep students engaged during periods of distance learning.

Ashley Knott, a teacher at North End Elementary in Roxboro, received funding for her project, Drums Alive! Through this program, the students exercised during PE class through drumming activities. This allowed them to be active; improve coordination; increase attention and concentration; and promote social emotional learning all while staying socially distant.

If you’d like to apply for a 2021 Bright Ideas grant, there’s still time! Submit your Bright Ideas grant before the early bird deadline on Aug. 16 to be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards in a statewide drawing. The final deadline is Sept. 6.

Visit pemc.coop/brightideas to submit an application.

Not an educator? You can help support community initiatives like Bright Ideas by rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar amount and donating it to the Helping Hand Foundation. Your pennies can help support the educators and students in our community! Visit pemc.coop/donate to set up a one-time or recurring donation today.

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

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

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

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

Voice instructions will direct you through the system.

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

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

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

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

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

AUGUST 2021

7/9/21 3:16 PM

BRING ON THE HEAT! On the House

FREE WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS IF THE TEMPERATURE HITS 100° ON LABOR DAY!* 100° Means you get your windows and doors

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Energy Sense

Do it Yourself?

When to DIY and when to hire a pro

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

When it comes to home do-it-yourself — or DIY — projects, I recently asked myself, “Why hire someone to do a mediocre job, when I can do a mediocre job myself?” That may sound odd, but I recently hired a contractor to remodel my kitchen. Needless to say, I was not happy with the quality of the work. Unfortunately, hiring a contractor based on positive online reviews and references doesn’t always guarantee quality work.

When to DIY

One reason to DIY (do it yourself) instead of hiring a contractor is if you’re convinced you can do a better job.

Naturally, this depends on the scope of the project and how knowledgeable you are about the work. And there are additional reasons to tackle a home efficiency project yourself: ■ You can’t find a contractor that is available and

reasonably priced.

■ You need the work completed in a tight timeframe or

during odd hours.

■ You’re certain you can save a lot of money.

■ The job is one you’d really enjoy doing yourself.

When to hire a professional

On the flipside, there are also several good reasons to hire a contractor (and not tackle projects yourself): ■ Specialized equipment is required. For example, the best

wall insulators use a fill tube, which results in a higher R-value performance. Some contractors use an infrared camera to review wall framing and air leaks.

■ Specialized materials are needed. Attics need proper

ventilation, and contractors might have easier access to attic insulation baffles or roof vents.

■ There’s a safety issue. I was once moving insulation

in our attic and accidentally stepped onto the sheetrock ceiling and fell through to my waist. My legs were dangling in the air, and the room below was littered with broken sheetrock and insulation. I wasn’t hurt, but could have been. As I repaired the damage, I regretted the decision not to hire a contractor.

■ Expertise is required beyond the homeowner capability,

like tuning a furnace or repairing holes in a sheetrock wall to match the wall around it.

■ Tackling the project yourself will save little or no money.

I discovered years ago that some contractors could install insulation cheaper than I could buy it.

As you consider whether to do the job yourself, be sure to research the tools and supplies you’ll need. Fortunately, there are amazing resources online.

When you search for information like “how to insulate an attic” or “how to air seal a home,” you’ll find fact sheets and video tutorials from contractors, home improvement shows, big box suppliers and material manufacturers. YouTube videos often show experts making the installation of anything seem simple, but beware, some of these videos are aimed at other experts and not DIY homeowners.

To ensure you’re getting technically sound information, visit the Energy Star® website (energystar.gov). Also, if you have a good energy auditor in your area, they can be another great source of information. An energy auditor can provide specifics about the materials you’ll need as well as information about local contractors and suppliers.

Our advice: Don’t tackle energy efficiency projects yourself unless you’ve thoroughly researched it and have become very knowledgeable. Another benefit of doing the research upfront is that it will help you even if you decide to hire a contractor. You’ll be able to identify a knowledgeable contractor and hire one who knows you recognize a quality job. Good luck!

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

26 | August 2021

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Actual size is 40.6 mm

The Biggest Event In Silver Dollar History!

he American Silver Eagle has been the most popular silver coin on the planet since its introduction in 1986. Its beautiful, iconic design inspires collectors, and investors love it because it’s struck in one full ounce of 99.9% fine silver, and guaranteed for weight and fineness by the U.S. Government. Now in 2021, for the first time ever, the coin’s design is changing.

The Most Important Coins in the Modern Era

When President Ronald Reagan signed the Liberty Coin Act into law, he didn’t know American Eagles would have the impact they’ve had, year after year. The coins were so popular that between 1986 and 2020, over 535 million were struck.

That’s more than HALF A BILLION coins, easily making Silver Eagles the most bought coins in the world. Hugely popular now, Silver Eagles may soon become even more popular!

Collectors Crave Firsts

Collectors covet coins with Key Dates.

Key Dates mark significance in a coin’s history...firsts, lasts, lowest mintage,

new finishes and new designs. Now, for the first time in over three-and-a-half decades, the Silver Eagle is getting a new design, leading to a historic “first” unlike anything we’ve seen. The iconic Heraldic Eagle reverse is being replaced by a beautiful new “Eagle Landing” design.

This is arguably a bigger deal than even the actual introduction of the coin because there’s so much more interest now than in 1986, with investors and collectors!

If You Knew Then What You Know Now...

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7/8/21 12:03 PM

Carolina People

John wraps the silk thread on the guides for the rod.

River-Ready Heirlooms John Hollifield’s bamboo rods are works of art

By Margaret Buranen | Photos by Kurtis Miller Photography

Q

ualifying for membership in the Southern Highland Craft Guild isn’t easy. Nor is earning certification as a Fly Fishing Instructor. John Hollifield of Sapphire, in Transylvania County, has developed the skills for both.

John’s dad taught him to love fishing when he was about 6 years old. By age 8, he was tying his own flies.

“I enjoy using things I make myself and making things for other people,” he says.

That enjoyment and aptitude for using tools led John to starting making graphite fishing rods in 1980. In 2011, he began making rods from bamboo.

But not just any bamboo. The kind that has both the strength and flexibility needed for fly fishing rods is called Tonkin Cane. It grows only in southeast China.

John makes bamboo fly rods by hand. He spends around 60 hours to craft the kind of rod an experienced fly fisher would dream of owning and handing down to their grandchildren as an heirloom.

John starts by cutting a 12-foot-long bamboo cane into a rod-length piece, then into appropriate section lengths.

He cuts these round sections into six parts, each at a 60-degree angle, and glues them together.

Later, the guides that hold the fishing line on are secured with pure silk. John applies spar, a marine varnish that resists UV light and moisture, to the entire rod.

Then the metal parts — the rod seating and the ferrules that hold the rod’s sections together are glued on. Between every step, John sands and polishes the rod smooth.

The most challenging parts of creating a fine bamboo fly rod are “making sure the ferrules fit properly and getting the tapering so the action of the rod is what you’re looking for,” John explains. The ferrules must release easily when the rod is taken apart for storage or travel. But if they don’t fit snugly, the rod will shake.

“You can have a beautiful blank [the rod’s shaft], but a rod with a poor ferrule is a bad rod,” John says.

When customers spend $2,400 to $6,700 for one of John’s fly rods, they usually want to personalize it. That’s why he mastered engraving.

The metal parts of the rod, such as the ferrules, are made of nickel silver. John engraves on them whatever designs customers want — names, initials, company logos.

Animals are frequently requested.

“I’ve engraved everything from a buffalo to a French breed of dog used to find mushrooms. Trout, mayflies, grizzly bear, golden retrievers, an Arabian horse, even a kudo, which is an African antelope,” he recalls.

To add these custom details, John peers through a 30-power stereo microscope. He uses a handheld pneumatic engraver’s tool to chisel away excess metal within the design.

John also teaches people to make bamboo rods and to fly cast. It took him about a year to earn a fly fishing instructor’s certificate from Fly Fishers International.

“I was self- taught as a fly caster until I started making bamboo rods,” he explains. “Then I realized that to better understand what makes a good fly rod I needed to understand what makes a good fly caster.”

John has fished Idaho’s Snake River and other iconic fly fishing locations in Western states. But as for his favorite spots?

“Anywhere in the mountains [of North Carolina], from the Tennessee line back to Asheville.”

Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.

Visit hollifieldbamboo.com or contact John at 828-557-9790 or john@hollifieldbamboo.com for information about his custom fly rods, or about lessons in fly casting or crafting fly rods.

28 | August 2021

CC08_tv.indd 28

7/8/21 3:52 PM

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I Remember

Night Reading and Ironed Shirts During WWII my grandparents, Rev. D.P. and Alice Buie Morris, lived on a farm across from Silver Springs Baptist Church in Stanly County. When the REA came, my grandmother, a voracious reader all her life, treasured being able to read at night. She loved her Kelvinator refrigerator, but kept cooking on her wood stove. The best thing about having electricity was her electric iron. For years she had to heat flat irons on the stove, then iron my grandfather’s starched and sprinkled, white shirts. A lot of times those shirts were worn when he was baptizing in rivers. She praised her iron and the electricity that made it hot.

She praised her iron and the electricity that made it hot.

Ruth Moose, Pittsboro

Tweetsie Railroad Romance Tweetsie Railroad, the Wild West theme park, has been a family destination in the High Country since 1957.

Beginning in the mid 1980s, our family — mom, dad and three teenage daughters — operated a snowball concession in the train depot. The seasons were long and filled with seven-day work weeks. Over time, we became part of the Tweetsie family that included the management, employees and vendors. Even now, more than 30 years since we spent our summers at Tweetsie, Chris Robbins, theme park president, sends us an annual VIP card.

Two of our teenage daughters had a problem working the service counter one summer because they both were attracted to the same male co-worker. To keep the peace, I had to put the boy off limits to both. The girls were always flirting with the sheriff and the cowboys who entertained the crowds on the main street where the historic steam trains loaded. Later as an adult, one of those girls married the man who had been the Tweetsie sheriff in her teenage years. Some of the dance hall girls also married cowboys, and thus the Tweetsie family has grown over some 60 years.

Monty Joynes, Boone, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Send Us Your Memories We love sharing photos and memories dear to our readers. Submit your photo, plus roughly 200 words that describe it, online or by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want it returned (only one entry per household, per month). Include your name, mailing address, phone number or email address, and the name of your electric co-op. We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish. Online: carolinacountry.com/contact U.S. Mail: I Remember, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616

Family Fishing Memories I grew up on a farm in rural northern Montgomery County in a small community called Ophir. I was one of 11 children born to Dock and Hazel Gooch.

My parents worked hard to provide, and each child Left to right: Hazel had certain chores to do Gooch, Steve Gooch and daily depending on age.

Dock Gooch in 1980 But come the weekend after Labor Day each year, we all went to Holden Beach for a weekend of fun.

Not only did our large family go, but our dearly loved MamMaw, aunts, uncles, cousins and some friends went too. On Saturday, the women watched the children playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean while the men fished. If the catch was good, the men cleaned the fish and the women made all the trimmings for a big fish fry. Oh! How good everything was.

Daddy, Momma, MamMaw, three brothers, two sisters, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends have passed away, but there are still a large number of us, and the family grows each year. Brother Steve Gooch has made sure the family tradition of the annual Gooch fishing trip still goes on. A few things have changed. The location is now Carolina Beach for that September weekend. Everyone has four-wheel-drive trucks, and they line up on the beach, sometimes 20 or more, while everyone enjoys a day of fishing and visiting. A beautiful sight to see and memories still being made. I know Daddy and Momma are smiling.

Linda Karriker, Troy, a member of Randolph Electric

30 | August 2021

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NC Outdoors Thomas Harvey

NC’s Voice of Bass Fishing Dustin Wilks turned a hobby into a career on the water

By Mike Zlotnicki

I

first met Dustin Wilks when he was 16 years old and had a growing reputation as the Raleigh wunderkind of local bass fishing back in the mid-1990s. He knew he wanted to fish for a living, and by the time he was a senior at NC State, he qualified for his first Bassmaster Classic in 1999. He went on to qualify for the biggest tournament in bass fishing six more times in his 12 years on the tournament trail.

“I enjoyed my time as a touring tournament fisherman for the most part,” says Dustin, who now lives in Rocky Mount with his wife and two daughters.

“I simply love fishing, and tournament fishing was the only way I could figure out how to make a living at it at that time. I got to see all the best lakes in the country, see almost every state, and get to know and make friends with the top professionals in the world — and make a good living at it along the way.

“I actually enjoy driving and seeing everything, but traveling with all my gear was stressful when it came time to stop at hotels,” he continues. “My last four or five years I had a camper, and that was much more comfortable and safer, with less time worrying about someone making off with my tackle.”

Dustin’s last year on the trail was 2012, and he and his wife, Mary, wanted to settle down and start a family, but Dustin still wanted to make a living on the water. After a few years of tweaking, “Catching

Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount casts for largemouth bass on the Tar River.

Bass with Dustin Wilks” has emerged as a popular angling offering on the Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network. His target audience is bass anglers who want to learn new techniques and baits.

“I get comments almost weekly from fans saying it is the best fishing show on TV, and that’s what really keeps me wanting to make it better each season,” Dustin says. “Part of the winning formula for the show is lots of actions and tips. I try really hard to have a minimum of 20 fish each show, and I’m constantly giving tips the entire time. I’ve trained my cameraman to focus less on me and more on the baits and the fish. He is getting better each year and does a great job.”

Dustin says they always film the show as the day unfolds, and fish with the best lures for the conditions — not forcing any particular product. Each lure used is the best choice for that moment in time.

“So having some of the best fishing companies to work with, I’m confident I have everything in my Caymas boat to have a great day on the water,” he says.

Most of Dustin’s shows are shot here in North Carolina. He usually

decides where he’s going the night before, and sometimes the morning of the shoot.

“I love going to new places, and NC has so many lakes and rivers that I can often fish a place or at least an area that I’ve never been to before,” he says. “I’ve filmed all over, from Canada to Florida, but most are filmed here to stay close to the kids.”

One of the “coolest things” Dustin has found about having a fishing show is that it often airs between other shows hosted by anglers he considers “pure legends.”

“This past quarter, my show aired right after ‘Fishing with Roland Martin.’ I mean how cool is that?” he says. “I was just a very young kid when I first started watching him — a dream come true looking back to when I was a kid watching these guys.”

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

carolinacountry.com/extras Watch a “mini-episode” of Dustin’s show for a few minutes of bass fishing action.

32 | August 2021

CC08_tv.indd 32

7/9/21 3:57 PM

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7/8/21 12:04 PM

Carolina Calendar

Boogie on Broad Dancing, Band of Oz Aug 5, Edenton

Cassette Rewind Band ’80s tribute show Aug 28, Mount Airy

August Events MOUNTAINS Horn in the West Revolutionary War outdoor drama Aug 1, 3–7, Boone 828-264-2120 horninthewest.com

The Hodnett Family Band Faith and fiddling music Aug. 1, Spruce Pine 828-765-9531 altapassorchard.org

Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair Bluegrass music, clogging Aug. 6–7, Burnsville 828-682-7413 yanceychamber.com

Reevestock Music Festival Jazz, rock, country Aug. 6–7, Elkin reevestock.com

Art on the Greene Variety of media Aug. 7–8, Banner Elk 828-387-0581 bannerelk.com

Bob Timberlake Art Exhibition 50 years of originals Through August, Lexington 336-249-4428 bobtimberlake.com

Farmers Day Kids rides, tractor parade Aug. 5–7, Robbins 910-948-2431 robbinsfarmersday.com

PreddyFest Bluegrass Festival Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Aug 6–7, Franklinton 919-906-0641 preddyfest.com

House in the Horseshoe Day History demos, displays Aug. 7, Sanford 910-947-2051 historicsites.nc.gov

Southeast Dirt Modifieds Title series racing Aug. 7, Fayetteville 910-990-3488 fayettevillemotorspeedway.com

Exit 180

Conversations, live music Aug. 8–10, Highlands bit.ly/owh-writers

Band plays rock, country Aug. 14, Mocksville 336-753-6705 mocksvillenc.org

NC Bluegrass Festival

ACE Party Band

Southern Writers Series

Including Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson Aug. 12–14, Marion evansmediasource.com

R&B, pop classics, R&B Aug. 14, Mocksville 336-753-8326 wfitzsimons@daviecountync.gov

Cruso Quilt Show

Sunset Picnic

Displays, boutique Aug. 27–28, Canton 352-552-4119 crusonc.org/quiltshow

PIEDMONT Postcard Exhibit Vintage cards, clothing Through August, Southern Pines 910-692-2051 moorehistory.com

Murder mystery hunts Aug. 20, Fayetteville 910-486-0221 capefearbg.org

Tea with Seagrove Potters Visit artisan studios Aug. 21, Seagrove 336-879-4145 teawithseagrovepotters.webstarts.com

Bob Timberlake Art Exhibition 50 years of originals Through August, Lexington Know Before You Go Check information from the contacts listed for the most up-todate information. We strive for accuracy, but postponements and cancellations are possible.

Abominable

Boogie on Broad

Movies in the Park Series Aug. 21, Mocksville 336-753-6705 mocksvillenc.org

Dancing, Band of Oz Aug 5, Edenton 252-333-0655 mainstreetedenton.com

Post-Plague Pirate Party

First Friday ArtWalk

Scavenger hunt, sword play Aug. 27–28, Waxhaw 704-363-6557 museumofthewaxhaws.org

Demos, live music Aug. 6, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104 visitelizabethcity.com

The Plaids

Seafood Street Festival

’70s, ’80s and ’90s tunes Aug. 27, Bermuda Run 336-998-8155 club.clubcorp.com/clubs/ bermuda-run-country-club

Dancers, car show Aug. 7, Windsor 919-452-1981 planevents4u@yahoo.com

Cassette Rewind Band

Magicians, mermaids Aug. 13–15, Beaufort 252-241-9049 beaufortpirateinvasion.com

’80s tribute show Aug 28, Mount Airy 336-786-7998 surryarts.org

Billy Joel Tribute Featuring Mike Santoro Aug. 28, Mocksville 336-751-3000 daviearts.org

COAST Corolla Cork & Craft Tastings, live music Wednesdays through August, Corolla 252-453-9040 visitcurrituck.com/events/cork-craft

V

Beaufort Pirate Invasion

Lingerin’ Live Saturdays Music, wine bar Aug. 14, Elizabeth City 252-679-7223 visitelizabethcity.com

Battleship 101 Learn about shipboard life Aug. 14, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

Dirt Track Racing Refreshments, souvenirs Aug. 27, Elizabeth City 252-771-5151 visitelizabethcity.com

N d ( o O S c

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

34 | August 2021

CC08-wk-new.indd 34

7/9/21 2:19 PM

sweepstak

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Kitchen Flops Likely delicious, less than photogenic

Have you had a recipe come out, well, unsightly? Or maybe downright embarrassing? Make the best of it by sending us photos and stories about those baking and cooking flops that were so bad, they’re good. If you can share the recipe and an example of what it was supposed to look like, we’d appreciate that, too. We will pay $50 for each photo or story published in our December 2021 issue.

RULES Deadline: September 30, 2021

Text should not exceed 200 words.

One entry per household

If you would like us to return your photo print, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (We will not return others.)

Digital photos should be a minimum of 1200 by 1800 pixels, prints a minimum of 4 x 6 inches.

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

We retain reprint and online rights.

Payment will be limited to those entries appearing in print, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com.

SEND TO Online: carolinacountry.com/ kitchenflops No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country — Kitchen Flops 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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VIP Sweepstakes Carolina Country is partnering with the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival — voted best festival in the 2019 Carolina’s Finest Awards — in a random drawing to send winners to this year’s festival. Two winners will receive a festival package that includes:

Festival wristbands for you & 4 friends or family members Lunch tickets for you & your guests A VIP/handicapped parking pass

Enter to win by August 15 CarolinaCountry.com/CBCBF NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the two (2) available festival packages (estimated retail value of $100) depend upon number of entries received.

Offer only good for the 2021 festival being held September 11, 2021, in Mocksville, NC. Entries must be completed online by August 15, 2021.

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featuring music from: Scythian • Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road • His & Hers • BackPorch Bluegrass plus:

Free Kids’ Activities • Unique Vendors • Delicious Foods • Classic Car Show • Auction Free admission for active duty and support services personnel with appropriate ID.

Visit cbcbluegrass.com for festival details and to purchase tickets.

7/9/21 11:11 3:04 PM 7/8/21 PM

Carolina Adventures

VisitNC.com

Sam Dean

Earth to Sky Park

PARI

Seeing Brilliance Above Dark Sky Parks offer views of outer space

By Pamela A. Keene

W

hen you really want to see what space looks like — outer space — visit one of the two designated International Dark Sky Parks in North Carolina. Expect to see expansive views of the Milky Way, satellites, planets and thousands of stars with the naked eye.

Powerful binoculars can reveal 150,000 stars, and large telescopes can enable humans to see moons of planets, other galaxies and so much more.

“This August is a good time to sky watch,” says Steve Bruton, observatory host at Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory in Burnsville. “One of the most popular astronomical experiences, the Perseid Meteor Shower, takes place mid-month. That’s also when Jupiter, Saturn and the Milky Way make their early evening appearances. However, any time you come to the sky park, you’re in for a stunning show — as long as it’s not raining.”

Earth to Sky Park Burnsville | mayland.edu/esp | 828-766-1214

The Earth to Sky Park, which is run by Mayland Community College, is an environmental educational park. The park’s Bare Dark Sky Observatory’s Sam telescope, named for Samuel Phillips, is the largest dedicated solely for public use in the Southeast. Custom-built, the Newtonian telescope has a 34-inch mirror for viewing far-away stars, Saturn’s rings, galaxies and constellations.

The Bare Observatory, named for Warren and Larissa Bare, is currently open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting, by pre-paid ticket and is available for private rentals during the week. In addition to the Sam Scope, it has eight viewing stations around the building that allow guests to bring their own equipment.

“Standing more than 10 feet tall, the Sam Scope can really focus in on so many objects in the night sky, such as comets, moons of some of our solar system’s planets, nebulae and other galaxies,” Steve says. “When the park is open, people can set up their personal telescopes around the grounds, and when we’re not, we encourage people to

park outside the gates and bring their own equipment in to get an amazing view of the night sky.”

The park’s 60-seat Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium is scheduled to open by the end of 2021. Its 36-foot projection dome will showcase night skies from around the globe as well as astronomy programs and laser light shows.

Steve says that visitors come from across the country to view the night sky.

“It’s just dark here,” he says. “In fact, we’re probably one of the darkest places east of the Mississippi.”

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute Rosman | pari.edu | 828-862-5554

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) located in Transylvania County, a former NASA facility, is North Carolina’s second Dark Sky Park. Admission is by appointment via the website.

“PARI’s focus is on educational outreach including summer camps, school field trips and the general public,” says Ken Steiner, special projects consultant. “Research is for professionals as well as students.”

The facility has multiple instruments, including two 26-meter (84-foot) radio telescopes and several optical telescopes.

“The significance of Dark Sky designations is, in part, to bring awareness to preserving darkness,” says John Barentine, director of conservation for the International Dark Sky Association (darksky.org). “And the clear benefit in these places is that we can truly see all the beauty of the night sky while maintaining them for the benefit of future generations.”

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

Coastal Skies A third NC International Dark Sky site at Cape Lookout National Seashore/Harkers Island may be on the horizon. Visit ccgazers.com/preserving-the-night-sky for more information.

36 | August 2021

CC08_tv.indd 36

7/9/21 1:07 PM

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Marketplace

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

WANTED: SELF STORAGE FACILITIES under 100 units.

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

Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue!

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

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

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Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

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Carolina Kitchen

S

S s i f

J a w w

a

NC Charcuterie Board

D 1 p r

Charcuterie boards are as hot today as fondue pots were in the ’70s, but easier to serve from. Give yours a North Carolina theme with local products and recipes spotlighting the state’s foods, from okra to mountain trout. Add local cheeses and veggies and dig in!

t G a

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

Mountain Trout Snack Spread

The creamy texture of this spread balances out the smoky fish flavor of the trout, and you can make it ahead of time.

8 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped softened ¼ cup green onion tops, 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped sour cream ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup smoked trout, coarsely chopped with skin removed Put the room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream and trout in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the herbs and black pepper, and pulse just until combined but flecks of the green herbs remain.

Put the mixture in a covered container and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight. Serve with celery sticks or crackers.

The spread can be made up to 2 days ahead of serving.

Yield: About 2 cups

p F

N t

Pepper-Chive Crackers

Homemade crackers can include any flavors you like, and add a rustic touch to appetizer spreads. You can also control the salt level. Rolling thin makes them crunchy, but they’re still pretty good even if you don’t quite hit the mark. For a richer flavor, substitute unsalted butter for the shortening.

2 2 2 ½

cups all-purpose flour teaspoons sugar teaspoons salt teaspoon cracked black pepper

½ 2

⅓–²⁄₃

teaspoon dried chives tablespoons chilled shortening (or butter), cut into chunks cup milk

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, pepper and chives. Add the shortening and use a pastry blender to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough milk to make a smooth dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead briefly into a ball. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into approximately 2-inch squares. If they’re unevenly shaped, it’s OK. Transfer the squares to baking sheets (an offset spatula is good for this).

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and just beginning to brown, but still mostly white. Let cool on the baking sheets before storing in airtight bags or serving.

Yield: About 35 crackers

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Y

Carolina Kitchen

Spicy Pickled Okra

Select small okra pods for these pickles. Pickling salt, available in supermarkets and hardware stores, is very fine, pure salt. (Table or iodized salt may darken the brine or the pickles.) Only use jars meant for home canning; don’t use old mayonnaise jars or other types of jars.

From Your Kitchen

4 hot peppers (Habanero 3 pounds fresh okra, or, if you dare, Carolina stems trimmed Reaper) 3 cups white vinegar 4 large cloves garlic, peeled 3 cups water 4 teaspoons whole brown ⅓ cup pickling salt mustard seeds Just before you plan to fill them, wash 4 pint canning jars, lids and rims, and sanitize them either by submerging in simmering water for several minutes or putting them through the dishwasher. Set aside.

Put enough water in a boiling-water canner to cover the jars and bring to a boil.

Cut peppers in half. Remove seeds for less heat, if desired.

Drop 1 pepper (both halves) into each jar. Add 1 garlic clove and 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds to each jar. Pack the whole okra pods into the jars. Stuff them in tight, but leave about ¼ inch of room at the top.

Bring the vinegar, water and salt to a boil, then pour it into the jars over the okra, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.

Gently poke between the pods with a wooden skewer to release any air bubbles. Add the lid and screw on the rim.

Process at a boil in the canner for 15 minutes. Remove and place on a rack or folded dish towel. When cool, store in a pantry.

For best flavor, store for about 4 weeks before opening.

Note: If you don’t want to can the pickles, allow the jars to cool completely to room temperature after filling, then store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 4 pint jars

Butterscotch Pie with Meringue Topping

Practice Safe Canning New to canning? Visit carolinacountry.com/safecanning to learn more about proper food preservation.

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

Fruit Cocktail Pie Each month, we’re taking a look back at some old favorites from our recipe archive. For August, check out “Fruit Cocktail Pie” from 1969.

See this recipe and more at carolinacountry.com/kitchencorner.

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.

Take your time to savor the rich, smoky-sweet flavor of this pie, topped with billowy meringue. You can also top it with fresh whipped cream and fancy it up by drizzling some butterscotch topping over it!

1 refrigerated pie crust 1 cups whole milk 1⅓ cups brown sugar, lightly packed 5½ tablespoons flour Pinch salt 3 egg yolks

4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 large egg whites, room temperature ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar ½ cup sugar

Follow directions to bake store-bought crust.

Heat milk to medium heat in a pan on the stove. Mix flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Beat egg yolks; add to flour and sugar.

Gradually add this mixture to warm milk; cook over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla; stir well and pour into baked crust.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

For the meringue, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar, a little at a time, on high until you have stiff, glossy peaks and sugar is dissolved. Spread over hot filling, sealing edge to the crust.

Bake 12–15 minutes or until meringue is golden. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour and then refrigerate for 3 hours or more before serving.

Yield: 8 servings

Recipe courtesy of Ruby Hyatt of Statesville, a member of EnergyUnited

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where

in Carolina Country is this ?

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

July winner The July “Where Is This” photo by Wake Electric member Laurence Pearlman features the unique Hills of Snow shop on the corner of South Brightleaf Boulevard (Highway 301) and Massey Street in Smithfield. This Johnston County icon, says Pearlman, with its “whimsical architecture of days gone by,” is a popular spot for snow cones, especially during the hot days of summer. Among its “101 flavors of pure enjoyment,” reader Carrie Trusell recommends the Bubblegum Coconut flavor. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from David Whitlock of East Bend, a Surry-Yadkin 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.

carolinaartist ‘After the Storm’

By Hannah Cole When Hannah Cole moved from Brooklyn, New York, to Asheville in 2015, the lush mountains around her had an immediate influence on her work. “The very first thing I did was go out and buy eight new tubes of green paint,” she says. “Nature is everywhere here.” Paintings like her “After the Storm” show nature on its own terms, thriving in urban landscapes.

Hannah remembers first taking an interest in art around age 7, and has been a professional artist for 16 years — first painting in oil, now preferring acrylic. Her favorite part of being an artist is the community of peers she’s formed, both learning from and offering support to other artists.

That collaboration recently expanded to the literary world as well; “After the Storm” is featured on the cover of the new paperback version of NC author Ron Rash’s “In the Valley.” hannahcole.net | traceymorgangallery.com

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