2022-01-BEMC

January 2022

The magazine of

Carolina Country

Scenes page 10

Published by

Co-op lineworkers test lifesaving skills page 8

What you can learn from a frosty roof page 24

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Volume 54, No. 1

26

10

Favorites 4 From Our Readers 6 Viewpoints 8 More Power 22 Energy Sense 24 On the House 30 Marketplace 32 Carolina Kitchen 34 Where is This?

34 Carolina Creators

32

10 26 28

Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of your best photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Capturing Nature’s Beauty Tips from award-winning photographers.

Quiet Competition

Kayak fishing tournaments build camaraderie on the water.

On the Cover “Two tern chicks on Wrightsville Beach, June 2021. The morning glow was amazing on their downy feathers.” Photographed

by Clarke Cochran of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power Cooperative. Our gallery of your best photos starts on page 10.

Carolina Calendar Events Online Our online calendar features events from across the state — find one near you at carolinacountry.com/calendar

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THIS MONTH:

Scenes from Our State There’s no doubt North Carolina has more than its share of natural beauty, along with vibrant communities that make it a wonderful place to call home.

Thank you to those readers who helped capture scenes from around the state for our annual photo contest. See some of our favorites starting on page 10.

Also, learn about an awe-inspiring lineman competition on page 8.

Dale Jarvis, Fayetteville, South River EMC

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 54, No. 1

Published monthly by

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

—Scott Gates, editor

Tara Verna Creative Director

From Our Readers Flops Fan I have just read my December issue of Carolina Country and I thoroughly enjoyed the “Kitchen Flops” article (page 28). Every cook has had a flop at one time or another so it was easy to relate to these stories!

So entertaining!

Betty Wilder, Wake Forest A member of Wake Electric Editor’s Note: Thank you for the feedback, Betty!

We enjoyed those, too. You can find a few more online at carolinacountry.com/kitchenflops.

Corrections to our Dec. issue: A measurement was omitted from the Nantucket Cranberry Pie recipe (page 41): it calls for ¾ cup of butter, melted and cooled. Also, an editing error made cooking directions confusing for our Maple and Apple Cider Brined Tomahawk Pork Chops (page 13). To cook the chops you have two options, grilling or oven roasting: To grill: Drain and pat dry. Coat with oil or butter and cook on hot grill to desired doneness (145 degrees by thermometer for moist pink medium chops, longer if desired). Oil generously while cooking for a nice char. Let stand 5 minutes before enjoying.

To oven roast: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat with oil and sear chops quickly on each side over high heat in oven safe skillet for 1–2 minutes. Place into hot oven and roast about 6–7 minutes, checking with thermometer (145 degrees by thermometer for moist pink medium chops, longer if desired).

Edgar Serrano Digital Media

Notes from the Kitchen We know our readers enjoy the recipes in Carolina Country, and our December issue was chockfull of them. Did you know there are more than 1,000 recipes archived on our website? Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to explore them all. Here are a few recent comments from our website: Fruit Cake Cookies We call these Lizzie’s and make a batch of about 300 every Christmas season. This recipe is a little different, but just as delicious.

Patricia Nicoletti Creamed Spinach Shrimp Scampi Omgoodness, Wendy, this one sounds delicious! I can’t wait to make and eat this winner!

Audrey

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.

Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese I am a transplant from the Midwest, and I truly appreciate the recipes most of all because I love learning about Southern Food and how to make it for my Southern husband. I’d be thrilled if there were even more each month.

Karen Boyd Flossie Johnson’s Cornbread I love this recipe. I’ve been using it for years!

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.

Robin Smith

4 | January 2022

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Viewpoints

Ne Ta

Engaging Policymakers for a Brighter Future

By Michael Youth

As hometown utilities, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives serve as a local voice for our members, representing and advancing your interests. Each legislative session, representatives from electric cooperatives engage with policymakers and champion issues that matter to rural communities.

The 2021 legislative session was no exception.

Last November, the North Carolina General Assembly and Gov. Cooper passed a $26 billion annual budget. The budget reflects bipartisan compromise and makes strategic investments in North Carolina’s future.

Electric cooperative members have a lot to be thankful for in the budget.

Please join us in thanking your legislators for their hard work.

Budget investments In addition to lowering state taxes, the budget makes significant public investments that will benefit rural communities. In addition to funding state government operations, the budget:

■ Provides funding of

$1 billion for broadband deployment and accessibility for unserved or underserved areas;

■ Advances $100 million for locally adminis-

tered home energy assistance programs;

■ Authorizes the NC Department of

Environmental Quality to disburse millions of dollars to deploy electric vehicle chargers and electric school buses in the state; and

■ Builds the state’s “rainy day” fund for future

emergencies, including storm response, to $4 billion.

Protecting members from unfair costs When electric cooperative representatives advocate for the communities they serve, affordability remains a top concern.

As the budget was being negotiated, big cable companies lobbied for a broadband policy that threatened to increase co-op members’ electric bills to subsidize those cable companies’ profits.

Rural communities have unquestionably gone too long without affordable broadband. While electric cooperatives vocally support broadband deployment in rural communities, shifting costs to your electric bill is not the answer.

We opposed the cost-shifting provision and are pleased that legislators chose not to include it in the final budget. Looking ahead, we will continue to champion rural broadband deployment solutions that do not place undue cost burdens on our members.

Effective engagement Effective engagement is critical as we work to achieve our vision of building a brighter future for electric cooperative members, rural communities and the state.

Strong stakeholder engagement and thoughtful legislative leadership produce beneficial public policy.

We are thankful that legislators passed a budget that advances rural interests and protects our members from unnecessary cost shifts as broadband access expands.

Please join us in thanking your legislators for their hard work.

N

Michael Youth is Government and Regulatory Affairs Counsel for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

You can find your legislators’ contact information and send them a note of thanks at ncleg.gov.

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More Power

JANUARY Quick Hits Winter Weather Icy out there?

Stay off roads if possible. Find driving tips and other ways to prepare for winter weather at StormCenter.coop

Soup’s On National Soup Month has arrived, perfect for chilly nights.

Get a jump on it with our stew recipe on page 32.

Day of Service This Martin Luther King Day (January 17), find a community group near you that needs volunteers to lend a hand.

Energy Tip Are your fans winter-ready?

Make sure they’re switched to turn clockwise to circulate warm air around the room.

Speed Under Pressure: Lineworkers Test Lifesaving Skills Pole Top Rescue Competition held at Nash Community College

R i

In November, North Carolina’s top electric cooperative lineworkers assembled at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount to compete for the title of State Champion in the 2021 Pole Top Rescue Competition.

The biennial competition pitted lineworkers against the clock and each other as they demonstrate essential lifesaving skills and provided an up-close look at the speed, technique and safety knowledge required to maintain the lines that power the lives of electric cooperative members.

To advance to this state championship, each competitor had to win a similar competition at their local cooperative.

During the competition, each lineworker executed a Meet the 2021 Pole Top Champs scenario in which a coworker Pictured, top to bottom is unconscious atop a utilFirst Place: Levi Fagan, EnergyUnited, Time: 1:53.37 ity pole. The competitor, Second Place: Jason Helms, Union Power Cooperative, dressed in full climbing Time: 1:57.90 gear, had to radio for help, scale 20 feet up the utility Third Place: Cody Buck, Brunswick Electric, Time: 1:59.83 pole, lower a 105-pound mannequin (nicknamed Not pictured: Chris Griffin of Union Power maintains “Kool”) and begin lifesavthe overall record with his 2014 time of 01:33.47. ing procedures. All North carolinacountry.com/extras Carolina electric cooperative These guys are fast — this is a competition lineworkers must complete this same you have to see to believe! Watch them scenario in less than five minutes to in action on our website. maintain their certification to work on electric co-op lines.

“This championship highlights just The competition was held for the how rigorous and challenging it is to first time at Nash Community College be a lineworker,” said Louis Duke, thanks to a valuable partnership mainspokesperson for North Carolina’s tained with North Carolina’s Electric Electric Cooperatives. “These highly Cooperatives. Nash Community trained individuals play a critical College (nashcc.edu) offers critical role in co-op operations, and we degree and certificate programs in can’t thank them enough for the vital Electric Lineman Technology that service they provide to our members help support the vital line workforce and communities.” across rural North Carolina.

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More Power

Roanoke Electric CEO Honored with NC Rural Leadership Award Recognition comes as Wynn is named CEO of Fla. co-op

C

urtis Wynn, CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, has received the 2021 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award, presented by Governor Roy Cooper and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler each year to an outstanding leader who has worked to advance North Carolina’s rural communities. The award is a milestone recognition for Wynn, who, after leading Roanoke Electric for more than 24 years, was recently named the incoming CEO at SECO Energy, an electric cooperative serving more than 200,000 members in central Florida.

At Roanoke Electric, headquartered in Ahoskie, Wynn earned national accolades for his commitment to implementing services and programs that help local communities and members thrive.

“Curtis Wynn has brought opportunity and innovation to rural North Carolina, making rural communities an even better place to live and work,” said Gov. Cooper. “Thanks to his work, more families, schools and businesses have access to high-speed internet, a critical tool to help rural communities thrive. We are working hard to build on the great work of our rural co-ops and other partners to get even more North Carolinians connected to broadband.”

Wynn has spearheaded a variety of cutting-edge, high-impact initiatives in the co-op’s long-standing efforts to empower member-owners in a region facing economic challenges.

“Curtis Wynn has built a transformative legacy of leadership, from efforts to bring broadband connectivity to rural communities and raising more than $10 million to support economic development projects, to encouraging wealth creation through land ownership and sustainable land management,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

A Florida native, Wynn began his career washing trucks for his rural hometown electric co-op in Graceville, Fla., and his decision to make a career transition stems, in part, from his desire to be closer to his family and home, where he plans to eventually retire.

“It’s been a pleasure serving Roanoke Electric’s member-owners for the past 24 years,” Wynn said. “This has been the highlight of my 42-year career in the electric co-op industry. I am not saying goodbye. A part of me will always be a part of this region and connected to this co-op.”

The impact of Wynn’s leadership on Roanoke Electric and its consumer-members is lasting. During his tenure, the co-op developed the Upgrade to $ave program, which

Wynn has advocated on behalf of electric co-ops throughout his career, including during 2017 testimony to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

provides energy efficiency and smart energy upgrades to homes and businesses that financially benefit both the member-consumers and the cooperative.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the co-op established its sustainable forestry program.

It has helped hundreds of local landowners by providing information and resources to help them better manage and retain their land for the purpose of building generational wealth.

The Roanoke Connect initiative is bridging the digital divide by bringing broadband connectivity to the region for the first time. After years of laying the groundwork, connections to high-speed internet service are now underway.

The impact of Wynn’s vision and legacy stretches beyond the borders of North Carolina. As immediate past president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Wynn had the distinction of being the first Black board president in the organization’s history and leading the organization through the unprecedented disruptions of the global pandemic. During his tenure, he was a tremendous voice for the nation’s electric cooperatives to embrace the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the NRECA membership passed a diversity, equity and inclusion resolution in 2020.

In addition to leadership roles at Roanoke Electric and NRECA, Wynn has served on various local, state and national boards of directors. His greatest sense of achievement, however, comes from Roanoke Electric.

“I would say my proudest accomplishment is the growth I have seen in our team, and how they have stepped up to address the many challenges the industry has thrown our way over the years,” Wynn said. “They did so by embracing our core values beyond anyone’s expectations, really wanting to make a difference in the community we serve.

Leaving that behind makes me feel good about what lies ahead for Roanoke Electric.”

Wynn’s last day at Roanoke Electric was December 13. The board of directors has appointed the co-op’s chief operating officer, Marshall Cherry, to serve as interim CEO. —Louis Duke, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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Scenes CAROLINA COUNTRY

A GALLERY OF YOUR BEST PHOTOS

A Mountain Rainbow Taken from the Clingman’s Dome parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the camera was pointing toward Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Cherokee National Forest.

Rodney Hendrickson, London, KY

Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest! The judges chose from hundreds of photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Carolina Creators” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com/potw), Facebook and where there’s an archived collection. Our Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.

—The editors

10 | January 2022

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Gone Turtlin’?!

We had a slow afternoon of fishing off of Moccasin Creek, but we were able to catch this large snapping turtle while attempting to catch a catfish. You can tell by my nephew’s expression that he was rather large. After snapping a few photos, we removed the hook and let him swim away.

Jon McReynolds, Wake Forest, Wake Electric

Mud Minis These are my sons, Gabe (age 5), and Grant (age 2), having the time of their lives in Lewiston.

Chelsie Blowe, Ahoskie , Roanoke Electric Photographer Casey Byrum carolinacountry.com | 11

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All Decked Out Sunrise at the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the Manteo waterfront. Winter sunrises at the Outer Banks are the best.

Alan Trammel, Chapel Hill

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Casting Cousin My cousin casted into the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful fall evening in Pine Knoll Shores.

Many Mouths To Feed

Emily Bedsworth, Pine Knoll Shores, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Nhat Vu, Mint Hill, Union Power Cooperative

Bluebird feeding time in my backyard.

Lisa Pho

In Memory of “Cap” On my Deddy’s birthday, my oldest son, Jace, my youngest son Ryker and I went to the Pee Dee River to spread some of his ashes. “Cap” was everything to Jace as he was to me. Jason Bud Sweet was a true wonder, a man of nature with a heart of gold!

Kaylee Sweet, Hamlet, Pee Dee Electric

Ste

Our Thi

Tay 12 | January 2022

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Dapper Champ My “grand-dog” Champion is a 3-year-old pit bull and quite dapper in his hat and shirt. The sweetest, most laid-back pitbull you’ll ever meet, he gets his feelings hurt easily and will go pout in the corner when he does!

Lisa Reeves, Hickory, Rutherford EMC Photographer Hilary Reeves

Tunnel Travelin’ Tot My grandson Mason having fun at Stokes Family Farm.

Rebecca Lewis, Troy, Randolph EMC Photographer Amy McLawhorn

S

T so th ta p P

Ta fo

Stetson and Fred Our 2-year-old grandson, Stetson Lail, with Fred the cow.

This picture was taken by K. Smith Photography.

Taylor Lail, Hickory, Rutherford EMC carolinacountry.com | 13

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he ger

Cape Lookout Moonrise This photo was taken at a unique moonrise at Cape Lookout. Late in the year, the full moon will rise further north than it normally does, giving an interesting angle on the lighthouse—an incredible sight to witness!

Wick Smith, Beaufort, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Winterscape Mount Carmel Road, Lexington.

William Deal, Lexington, EnergyUnited 14 | January 2022

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Sweet Girl One of our sweet girls laying her egg in the nesting boxes. She gives us an egg each day, and is the only one of our Barred Rock girls left. She’s a beautiful, active lady who loves worms, bugs, chicken scratch (corn especially), and taking dust baths in the warm sunshine!

Micah Junket, Mount Pleasant

Falling for Fall Tiny World My neighbor’s daughter came over and help meand gather Her smile I love to wanderoffered aroundtomy yard find leaves. all the hidden exactly “pick me up” needed worlds that existwas if you slowthe down enough tothat see Ithem. finish one of my least favorite fall chores!

This is one tinytoexample.

Lisa Hall, Waxhaw, Union PowerElectric Cooperative Chris Rodermond, Hillsborough, Piedmont

The Importance of Farming My wife’s uncles were digging ditches in the field to allow water to drain so that crops do not drown. Spending time around family I have learned a lot about farming and how much it means to parts of North Carolina. It is something we should continue to educate others on.

e

.

Ian Slade, Wake Forest, Wake Electric carolinacountry.com | 15

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Flower Children Best friends sharing a tender moment in the sunflower field at Dorthea Dix Conservatory Park in Raleigh.

Alya Jakubowicz, Raleigh, Wake Electric

Nature Finds a Way I took this photo while walking through the woods behind my house in late March while looking for deer antler sheds.

Austin Heine, Eastover, South River EMC

Room with a View We escaped the heat and headed up to Round Bald, straddling the border with NC and TN, for a night out under the stars for my birthday. Adventures are the best birthday gifts.

Kate Kedzierski, Morganton, Rutherford EMC 16 | January 2022

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JANUARY 2022

S

Power in

numbers

Each month we’ll answer a question that has been on a member’s mind, because we bet you might also want to know. Send your questions to brookes.versaggi@bemc.org.

è

Q

What is the current breakdown of the sources of electricity delivered by BEMC?

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– Mary in Leland

A

We’re starting from a good place to reach our sustainability goals.

The current energy mix is more than 55% nuclear, 25% natural gas, 5% coal, and the rest is market purchases and renewables. And we look forward to adding more renewables in the future.

– Corey Thurlow, COO BE M

Misc.* Coal Natural Gas

ricity So lect ur ce sE C'

o you’ve turned the thermostat down a few degrees, only run full loads of laundry, and are generally conscientious about your energy use. But taking the time to methodically perform a DIY energy audit can help you save even more. Start with the areas that make sense for you.

Air Leaks: Check for gaps along the baseboard or edge of flooring, and where the walls and ceiling meet. Check windows and doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets. Seal any leaks you find with caulk or weather stripping, and consider foam gaskets for electrical outlets.

Attic Insulation: Make sure your attic hatch is insulated, weather stripped and closes tightly. In the attic, determine if pipes and ductwork are sealed, and close any gaps with an expanded foam caulk or similar permanent sealant. Check to see if there is a vapor barrier under the attic insulation, such as tarpaper or a plastic sheet. If not, consider painting the interior ceilings with vapor barrier paint. This will reduce the amount of water vapor that can pass through the ceiling, preventing structural damage and improving the effectiveness of the insulation. Make sure that attic vents aren’t blocked by insulation, and that the entire attic floor is covered with insulation with an R-value of 38.

Crawl Space or Basement: If yours is unconditioned and open, you should have insulation under the living area flooring with a recommended R-value of 25. If your sub-space is enclosed with heating and cooling appliances and ductwork, you should probably insulate the sub-space perimeter rather than the living room floor. The insulation at the top of the foundation wall and first floor perimeter should have an R-value of 19 or greater. If the basement is intentionally conditioned, the foundation walls should also be insulated to at least R-19. Your water heater, hot water pipes and furnace ducts should all be insulated.

More detail on conducting your home energy audit is available at energy.gov, and as always, BEMC energy experts are available to answer your questions at (800) 842-5871.

Because You Want to Know...

Nuclear

s

You Can Do a Basic Home Energy Audit and Save!

*Renewables and Market Purchases

If every member turned off one lightbulb during a three-hour Beat the Peak event, we could potentially save $100,000 on our wholesale power bill for that month.

January 2022 | 17

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An Update From our College Scholarship Recipients

A

ustin Booth, who graduated from West Columbus High School, and Helen Rippy Roehner, who graduated from North Brunswick High School, were the recipients of college scholarships from BEMC last spring.

We thought we’d check in with them.

“I’m at NC State, working towards a major in Civil Engineering,” Austin reports. “Classes are really interesting, and not unexpectedly, it requires a lot of studying to stay on top of things. Coming here from a small town was a little bit of a culture shock, but it’s been easy to make friends, and everyone wants to help each other, kind of like a big family. When we’re not studying my friends and Booth Roehner I play intermural soccer, which really helps to blow off stress, and go to Bible study.

In my future career I want to be involved in big construction projects, making a difference in how people move around and work. I want to say thank you to BEMC for the scholarship. It really shows that, by investing in the next generation, you are committed to seeing youth succeed.”

“I am loving UNC Chapel Hill,” Helen reports. “The independence is great, and there is so much going on, so many opportunities to meet people. I came in with my Associates degree, which gives me the chance to explore different majors, and right now I’m focusing on Biology and Exercise and Sports Science. I’m hoping to go to dental school and one day practice pediatric dentistry. Classes are about what

I expected, and I’m pretty good at time management so I’m still able to do other things. I was really excited to be selected to serve on the Hospital and Family Relations Committee for Carolina for the Kids, a university organization that works with UNC’s Children’s Hospital. Thank you, Brunswick Electric, for helping to make this happen.”

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1 2 3 4 5

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Austin enjoying a break from studies.

Pa

ac

Helen sporting her college sweatshirt.

Want to Apply?

Brunswick Electric will award two scholarships of $5,000 each to two high school seniors, one from Brunswick County and one from the Columbus County area, in the spring. The scholarship awards will be based on a combination of academic achievement, participation in community or school-related activities, SAT scores, letters of reference and submission of a 1,500-word essay. Completed applications must be submitted through the student's guidance counselor by March 17. For more information visit bemc.org/scholarship-highway.

18 | January 2022

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Five Reasons to Consider PrePay Power PrePay Power, our pay as you go payment system, offers a variety of advantages!

1 2 3 4 5

You pay for power in advance of when you need it.

PrePay Power gives you control over your energy usage and provides flexibility, allowing you to choose when and how much to purchase.

There’s no monthly bill or deposit; you always know how much you’re spending on electricity.

It’s easy to add money to your account any time of day or night; through the free SmartHub app, by calling the automated payment system, or at a Bill Payment Terminal.

As you become more aware of your energy consumption, you become a smarter energy consumer. You naturally become familiar with the activities that use the most energy, and which use less.

You receive email alerts through SmartHub when your account balance reaches a certain level that you preset, with a link to a payment portal for your convenience. You can check your current account status anytime and view, in a layout of your choosing, your energy consumption by hour, day, week, and month. You also receive high energy use email notifications to help you control your usage.

PrePay power gives you freedom from a monthly bill, the knowledge and control to become a smarter energy consumer, and the ability to know exactly how much you are spending on electricity in real time. To learn more and to sign up call (800) 842-5871 or stop by one of our offices.

If you can, it’s a good time to make a Warm Homes, Warm Hearts donation If you’re looking for a way to help fellow members who need a hand, please consider giving to the Warm Homes, Warm Hearts utility assistance program.

Each year Brunswick Electric matches donations up to $50,000, so your generosity works twice as hard.

Funds are distributed through Brunswick Family Assistance and the Columbus County Department of Aging, and they determine eligibility to receive assistance.

Please make your check payable to Warm Homes, Warm Hearts and mail it to: WHWH Campaign, c/o BEMC, PO Box 826, Shallotte, NC 28459. Please do not enclose your donation with your electric bill payment. And, thank you.

ATTENTION: BEMC recently reduced the number of Districts and associated Directors from 10 to 9, and retained the one at-large Director for Brunswick County. View the full map and listing at bemc.org/directors.

January 2022 | 19

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

Sherry Skumanick

I

started working in the Call Center six years ago; the training for that position is extensive because you have to be able to answer members’ questions about anything related to the co-op. Three years ago, I transferred to Member Engagement and Communications, which I love because it allows me to get out into the community and see the good that Brunswick Electric does, like Bright Ideas Education Grants. Over the past three years, with support from the co-op, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Liberty University Sherry shooting an internal interview and also became a with the help of Kevin Gore, Human Certified Cooperative Resources Specialist.

Communicator. I want our members to know that we are so much more than a power provider. Our economic development efforts and our support of local non-profits are just a few of the ways we work to improve where we live. We’re your friends and neighbors, we want to help you, that’s why we’re here. And please know, we don’t like it when your bill is high either. It’s our job to help you lower it.

BEMC offices will be open on December 31 and closed on January 3 for the New Year's holiday. Offices will also be closed on January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Applications Due January 15 Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 can apply now through January 15 to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, taking place in Washington, D.C., from June 18-24, 2022. BEMC will be sending two students on an all-expense-paid trip, joining students from across the country to meet elected representatives, visit historic sites and museums, and learn about our nation’s history and the cooperative business model. Extensive COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Applications and more information are available at bemc.org/electric-cooperative-youth-tour.

Community Grants Applications Due February 15 Eligible groups may apply for grants up to $2,500 each year for projects that fall into these five key areas: è Family services è Civic and Community Programs è Cultural and Arts Programs è Emergency Services è Economic Development For more information and to apply, visit bemc.org/ community-grants.

CUSTOMER SERVICE ( 800) 842-5871 | OUTAGE REPORTING (800) 682-5309 Shallotte (910) 754-4391 Southport/Oak Island (910) 457-9808 Whiteville (910) 642-5011

P.O. Box 826, Shallotte, NC 28459 www.bemc.org email: newsletter@bemc.org

AUTO BILL PAYMENT 24/7 (866) 934-6830 This institution is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Frederick Tedder

David Gore

PRESIDENT

S E C R E TA R Y T R E A S U R E R

John Ward

Larry Fowler

VICE PRESIDENT

A S S T. S E C R E TA R Y T R E A S U R E R

Deborah Ahlers

Glenn Humbert

Calvin Duncan

Perry Sellers

Moses Herring

Dan Strickland

Joshua L. Winslow

Dennis Worley

CEO/G ENER AL MANAGER

AT T O R N E Y

20 | January 2022

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Energy Sense

Steps to Restoring Power When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when winter weather or another natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result.

Our line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible. Here’s what’s going on if you find yourself in the dark:

1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

2. Distribution Substation A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist further down the line.

3. Main Distribution Lines If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments.

4. Tap Lines If local outages persist, supply lines (also known as tap lines) are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes.

5. Individual Homes If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired.

Always call or go online to report an outage to help co-op line crews isolate local issues.

22 | January 2022

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12/9/21 12/8/21 12:36 2:38 PM

On the House

Keeping the Heat Inside (And the frost up top)

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I’ve noticed that some homes in my neighborhood have frost on their roofs, but mine doesn’t. Should I be concerned?

A:

Good observation.

Assuming the general location and sun exposure of the homes are comparable, a lack of frost on your roof could indicate that heat is leaking out of your house, and warming up and thawing the ice and snow above.

This situation isn’t a major concern, but it can be associated with some negative outcomes. For example, there’s an energy penalty because your heating (and maybe cooling) system will need to work harder to replace the conditioned air that is being lost to the attic and outside.

Your comfort, in terms of temperature and air movement, could also be impacted. Poor insulation coverage in your attic — which could be contributing to the escaping heat — could trigger cold and drafty spots in parts of your home. Moisture and condensation problems could arise too, including microbial growth, discoloration, dust and mold. You may even start to see paint peeling or bubbling.

While the above consequences aren’t ideal, a more serious winter issue is known as ice damming.

Ice dams are rare in our climate, fortunately, but they can occur when the snow on a roof goes through cycles of thawing and refreezing, eventually creating a buildup of ice that can seep into your home and cause water staining and related damage to your roof and ceiling.

All in all, a lack of rooftop frost is probably worth looking into.

If you had an inkling that something was awry but didn’t see any signs, you could check your monthly energy bill for clues. Winter and summer bills are generally higher than other times of the year because of the need for heating and cooling, respectively.

But if this year’s winter expenses are substantially higher than last year’s, something may be going on that needs fixin’.

The solution for this heat-leaking problem likely requires a combination of air sealing and insulating. The undertaking may be a weekendwarrior project that you tackle on your own, or you may prefer the help of a contractor. If using the latter, be sure to ask friends, neighbors and the internet for references.

You’ll want to start by sealing any and all gaps, cracks and holes between your attic and living space. (Thankfully winter is a more pleasant time to spend in the attic than summer!) You may have to maneuver around insulation to locate them, and dirty insulation (with dark spots indicating that

the insulation is acting like a filter) may be a sign that a hole is nearby.

Alternatively, there may be holes above cabinets or around showers that are clearly visible from above.

After covering and air sealing, go back and make sure the insulation is present and consistent throughout the space, including the attic access door. Aim to have at least 13 inches of insulation, though around 15 inches can be best if you want to maximize savings.

Why should air sealing be done before insulating? Air sealing and insulating can be thought of as a windbreaker and sweater, respectively. You want the windbreaker in place first to make the sweater more effective.

Hopefully this sequence of steps does the trick, and you start seeing bill savings, experiencing better comfort and spotting that frosty rooftop shine once again.

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

24 | January 2022

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Capturing

Nature’s Beauty Tips from award-winning photographers

F 2 S a

By Margaret Buranen For the past three years, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (ncwf.org) has sponsored a wildlife photography contest to capture the natural beauty of the state, through the eyes (and lenses) of amateur photographers. Two past winners, Christopher Austin and Nancy Cozart, shared their photos with Carolina Country, as well as tips for aspiring nature photographers.

Craggy Gardens 2019 Scenic Winner by Nancy Cozart Shot with a Nikon D 610 D digital camera, 35 mm Nikkor lens, aperture at f2.8, shutter at 1/160 of a second, ISO 200.

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Tips from the pros “Don’t let your camera control you. Learn how to control it.” —Nancy “The biggest thing is patience.” —Christopher Their favorite NC spots for nature photography:

Fox at Night 2021 Trail Camera winner by Christopher Austin Shot with a Canon Rebel camera with an 18 mm wide angle lens set at f10, 1/200th of a second and low ISO.

Patience pays off

Brunswick County EMC member Christopher Austin of Bolivia served in the U.S. Army for 21 years. He took photos of people and places he served, just for memories. About 15 years ago, he bought a “fairly decent” digital camera and started trying to take better pictures.

The camera he uses now is a Canon 5D Mark 4 with either a 100-400mm zoom lens or a 150-600 mm zoom lens. He keeps the 100-400 mm lens on the camera, and the camera stays in a backpack, convenient to grab.

“I always have my camera with me,” Christopher says. “You don’t have to have a super-expensive camera to take great pictures. A woman in our local camera club has a very simple camera she takes along when she walks dogs.

She has taken some fantastic pictures.”

Patience is the key to getting great photos, he explains. “We saw some woodpeckers building a nest. I sat there for five or six hours, with my camera focused on the nest, a remote cord to click the shutter [when the birds appeared],” Christopher says. “Do your research so you know animals’ habits, especially with birds.”

For his 2021 winning photo “Fox at Night,” Christopher relied on a stationary trail “camera trap” with an infrared sensor. When an animal walks past, the sensor triggers the camera’s

shutter and flash. Animals usually raise their heads at the flash, but don’t run away. The second shots, after the flash recycles in two seconds, turn out to be some of the best.

A lifelong love

In the 2019 NC Wildlife Federation photo contest, Nancy Cozart of Stanley won the “Best of NC Scenery” category for her dreamy landscape of Craggy Gardens Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Black Mountain. Nancy took the photograph on a stormy, foggy day in August.

“I couldn’t resist the foggy and somewhat slippery hike to capture this image. It’s a beautiful hike no matter what time of year,” she explains.

For Nancy, photography “has been a lifelong love. I’ve had a camera in my hands since I was 10 years old.”

That was 52 years ago, when her parents bought her a basic Kodak Brownie camera to keep her entertained on a long car trip to Mexico. She still has the black and white snapshots she took on the trip.

To take her photos, Nancy relies on a Nikon D610 digital camera with a Sigma contemporary zoom 150-600 mm lens.

Her other go-to lens is a Nikkor fixed 35mm. She uses it for close-ups or in low light situations because it is so fast.

She rarely uses a tripod.

“By the time I get it set up, the birds have flown away. And I move around a lot while I’m shooting.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alligator River Wildlife Refuge Asheville Bird Island Blue Ridge Parkway Boone Catawba River Park Chimney Rock Mountain State Park Currituck Wildlife Refuge Doughton Park Ft. Fisher State Park Grandfather Mountain State Park Hatteras Hwy 64 from Brevard to Franklin (gorgeous waterfalls) Kill Devil Hills Lake Lure Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Pilot Mountain Pisgah National Forest Roan Mountain State Park

While Nancy is excited about an upcoming trip to photograph the Outer Banks, she says great photos can be shot anywhere. “It’s not what or where you shoot, but how you shoot,” she explains.

That means paying attention to weather conditions, wildlife habits and habitats. Nancy loves to take pictures on cloudy days, with no shadows to consider, and in early morning light.

“Don’t be in a hurry to shoot, especially with birds. Wait and they’ll settle down,” she says. “And always watch before you back up,” Nancy cautions, recalling that while stepping backwards once for a better shot, she fell into a ditch.

Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.

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NC Outdoors

Quiet Competition Kayak fishing tournaments build camaraderie on the water Story and photo by Mike Zlotnicki Henry Veggian works a lure in hopes of catching a largemouth bass on an Orange County reservoir.

Dr. Henry Veggian has lived quite the interesting life. He grew up in New Jersey. Graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. A musician, he fronted the heavy metal band Revenant in the ’90s and later worked as a guitar technician for the band Clutch.

Today, Henry spends his 9 to 5 in the classroom as an English professor at UNC Chapel Hill. But on weekends, he trades his pen for a paddle and can be found in his kayak, either fishing for fun or competing in kayak bass fishing tournaments. His hobby had an unlikely start.

“I was brow-beaten and persuaded by friends,” he says with a laugh. “I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t see the point. I went reluctantly into tournament fishing. I fished my first tournament at Jordan Lake in 2012. I love fishing from a kayak, but I was worried about the tournament scene being a little exclusive, and it wasn’t. It was very open. People were nice and friendly, and there was a sense of camaraderie.”

The “conventional” bass tournaments, where anglers blast around in boats that can cost upwards of $85,000, can be hypercompetitive, with anglers rarely sharing information about hot areas or productive lures. Once a boater launches their boat, they are on the water. Henry says the kayak anglers are different.

“With kayaks, guys beach their kayaks and they hang around and talk,” he says. “There’s like a built-in sense of community, just because of the boating technology we use. Guys are saying: ‘I’m going here, and I’m throwing this.’ You really don’t hear [power]boaters sharing that information.”

There are four kayak fishing organizations in North Carolina; Henry’s primary club is Carolina Kayak Anglers (CKA).

“We raise a lot of money for veteran’s causes, and that’s important to me,” he says. “My heart is there, and I use to be a director. In addition to the work it does with veterans, CKA is also statewide, so we fish from one end of North Carolina to the other. We’ll go from Lake James to Kerr Lake. Border lakes, southern lakes. The highlands. That’s what’s great about these tournaments. You get to go out and fish waters you may have never fished.”

Henry fishes from a Jackson Bite FD kayak (FD denoting “Flex Drive”), which propels the craft by pedal propulsion.

Tournament kayak fishing also differs from the conventional tournaments in other ways. Conventional boats have live wells where bass are held until the anglers return for the weigh in, and the most pounds wins. Kayak tournaments measure the length of the fish, and then it’s immediately returned to the water after a quick photo.

“It’s called ‘catch, photo and release.’ We call it CPR,” he explains. “It’s one of the unique properties of kayak tournament fishing.”

Kayak tournaments use a documentation system that involves taking a photograph of the fish and uploading it to a judging site, or a short video showing the release after the fish has been on a measuring board. The photo or video contains GPS data that show exactly when and where the fish was caught. Each angler also includes a unique identifier in the photo — a card with a code that’s usually released the night before the tournament.

“It’s an additional safety feature to prevent any manipulation or cheating,” Henry explains.

When asked about his favorite body of water, after some thought Henry names Cane Creek Reservoir in Orange County.

Not only for the fishing, but for the scenery and seclusion.

“Kayak fishing, whether it’s tournament fishing or just going out to your favorite lake, is the most fun you can have fishing,” he says. “And anyone can do it.”

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.

28 | January 2022

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INSTALLING EXISTING PEWS can be a low cost way to replace pews damaged by floods and other devastation, go to cheapusedpews.com to view inventory or call 910-590-4364 or can email ebland@commercialrefinishers.com.

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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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12/7/21 1:30 PM

Carolina Kitchen

C

E … r D y

H i t s

Salt ‘n’ Pepper Fry Bread

Fry bread has a long history that is mostly traced to Navajo Indians in the mid-1800’s.

It’s possible that your grandma may have made these tasty little breads. They make a satisfying side for soppin’ up our Neck Bone Stew, a unique tortilla for open-faced tacos, or a donut-like dessert when piled with sugar, fruit, whipped cream or ice cream.

3 1 1 1½

Sunday Supper Neck Bone Stew With winter root vegetables

Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of hearty stew on a frigid winter’s day? Especially when it’s this pork stew with winter root vegetables and aromatic herbs. Snuggle in your house and fix up this deliciousness with fry bread for dip’n.

4 tablespoons oil (add a little bacon drippings if possible) 3–4 pounds lean pork neck bones 4 cups water 2 cups spiced apple cider Several stems fresh sage (about 1 cup loosely packed) 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 1 cup dried navy beans 2 large turnips, cubed 3 large carrots, cut into ¾-inch pieces 3 stalks celery, cut into ½-inch pieces ½ medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped Salt and black pepper to taste

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium high heat. Season neck bones with salt and pepper and sear on all sides, being careful not to crowd so they will brown, not steam.

Add water, cider, sage, onion and navy beans. Lower heat to a slow simmer and cover. Cook about one hour, stirring occasionally and checking for tenderness of meat and for soft beans.

A little before beans are fully cooked, add turnips, carrots and celery. Cook about 30 minutes more.

Add cabbage and cook about 15 minutes until tender. Taste and season as you like.

Yield: 4–6 servings

cups all-purpose flour tablespoon baking powder teaspoon salt cups hot tap water Peanut oil for frying Salt and pepper for seasoning Butter, optional Molasses, optional

l t c i

u

Y

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

Add hot water and combine with a spoon or hands. The dough will be sticky. Shape into a ball; cover and let stand on counter at least 45 minutes.

Place ball onto board and divide into 16 pieces. Using hands and fingers, shape into 4–5-inch thin rounds. (I like to oil my hands with pan spray to keep them from sticking.)

Heat ¼-inch oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat (cast iron preferred).

Fry until golden brown on each side (We preferred darker “almost burnt” bread so cook some of both to please all!). Drain on paper towels and immediately dust with salt and pepper.

Serve with softened butter drizzled with sorghum molasses if you like.

Store in a sealed container. Will keep up to 3 months in freezer.

Yield: Makes about 16 pieces

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

32 | January 2022

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12/7/21 1:14 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Crispy Girl Scout Cookie Butter Mint Fudge

Each January, we look forward to the appearance of our annual treats … Girl Scout cookies! We all have our favorites, but their biggest seller remains the thin mint. Set aside a few to make this crispy, fudgy treat.

During off season, substitute thin mint “grasshopper” cookies from your grocery store.

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1½ cups white chocolate chips 1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk

From Your Kitchen

6 tablespoons butter 1½ teaspoons mint extract 4–5 drops green food coloring 12 thin mint cookies, roughly crumbled

Heat chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals, stirring, until softened, about 1½ minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter and ½ can condensed milk. Fold in cookies, saving about ½ cup for scattering on top.

Repeat with white chocolate chips. Mix in remaining condensed milk, 3 tablespoons butter, extract and food coloring. Stir until well combined.

Line an 8" x 8" dish with wax or parchment paper. Spoon dollops of chocolate and green chocolates throughout the dish. Swirl them together using a knife or skewer. Scatter with the reserved cookie crumbs and press lightly into fudge. Chill 2 hours and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Store refrigerated in covered container 2–3 weeks or in freezer up to 3 months.

Yield: About 64 pieces

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi With mushrooms and spinach

The soft, dumpling-like gnocchi amid a creamy sauce bolstered by the earthy flavors of parmesan and mushrooms — this is comfort food done right.

1 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces sliced mushrooms Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flour 1½ cups milk

.

1 cup chicken broth ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ½ rotisserie chicken (remove skin and separate meat) 1 box (17.5 ounces) gnocchi 2 cups raw baby spinach ¼ cup grated parmesan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sauté mushrooms in olive oil in a large, oven-proof pan (we used cast iron); season with salt and pepper and remove from pan.

Melt butter in same pan; whisk in flour for three minutes.

Then whisk in milk and broth.

Simmer mixture and continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Time to add the nutmeg, chicken, gnocchi, mushrooms and baby spinach, just until it wilts.

Sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Add another 5 or so minutes to brown the top at the end if you wish.

Recipe courtesy of Maureen Mains of Creston, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

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Send Us Your Recipes

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

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.

carolinacountry.com | 33

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12/8/21 4:44 PM

Ne Ta

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by January 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 February issue, will receive $25.

December winner

December

The December “Where Is This” photo by Jones-Onslow EMC member Faye Johnson features a stone church building, presently known as Peace Chapel of Deliverance, located on W. Garner Road in Garner. According to Johnson, this Wake County church was established in 1868 as Wake Baptist Grove Church. In 1974, Wake Baptist Grove Church built and moved into a new sanctuary on E. Main Street. Based on the submitted answers, quite a few readers see stone churches across the state, including Indian Trail, Kenly and Wake Forest. The winning entry chosen at random from all the correct submissions came from Rene Gerner of Snow Hill, a Pitt & Greene 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.

carolinacreators Paige King Johnson

carolinacountry.com/music Learn more about Paige and listen to her new single “Baby Don’t.”

CC01_wk.indd 34

Born and raised in Angier, as a young girl Paige King Johnson imitated music stars such as Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline while playing her baby Taylor guitar, a gift from her grandpa.

As a high school sophomore, she founded a local dinner theatre where she and a five-piece house band performed. Later, in Nashville, she graduated from Belmont University in just three-and-half years, eager to play her music fulltime. In her new country single, “Baby Don’t,” Paige’s warm-honey vocals take full charge in a potent song about attraction. Paige has dropped other popular singles in recent years, and has won key awards from the Carolina Country Music Awards, a production of the Carolina Country Music Association. The singer-songwriter continues to draw fans who appreciate her personalitypacked shows and vibrant songs.

12/8/21 6:55 AM

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