2022-01-SREMC

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

PERIODICAL

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Our Thi

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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

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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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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

.

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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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Carolina Living

Senior Fitness

Stay active in your home with online workouts Seniors, especially those who don’t drive or who prefer to stay in their homes, may feel challenged in figuring out how to stay motivated or participate in a workout class if they can’t get there. Fortunately, nowadays there are many online options where they can attend a workout with a qualified instructor.

For example, the free exercise classes offered through the Silver&Fit® program cater to senior fitness. Its halfhour classes include videos on strength/bodyweight, yoga, dance, tai chi, mixed formats, and flexibility and balance, at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

The classes premiere Monday through Saturday, and can also be watched later. People can view them at facebook.com/SilverandFit or youtube.com/SilverandFit. Dr. Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT, and AVP of Digital Fitness Solutions with the Silver&Fit program, shared four tips for choosing an online class:

3

1

4

Find a class tailored to your fitness level There’s nothing more discouraging than trying to follow a fitness instructor who’s doing movements at a speed you can’t keep up with. If you’re just starting out, find beginner classes offering a lower level of intensity.

As your fitness improves, add intermediate level classes.

Older adults should seek instructors who specialize in the specific needs of your age group, such as maintaining and building muscle, maintaining flexibility, and improving balance.

2

Look for credentials There are thousands of instructors teaching classes on social media or fitness websites, but the wrong instructor can result in injury or a bad experience. Top instructors

may have certifications such as Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, or others. Such certifications are earned through organizations such as the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Select an instructor who motivates you Data shows that 50 percent of sedentary people who start a new exercise program drop out after six months. An instructor who inspires you is key to your success. Top factors to look for include enthusiasm and encouragement, a “real” personality, music you like, and a sense of community. If your online community allows for commenting, share your fitness goals with the group to get additional encouragement.

Find classes that work with your routine Are you more likely to stick with an 8 a.m. class, a noon class, or an-end-of-day class? Finding a time that best suits your schedule increases your chances of sticking with a new program.

Even if you’re not ready to take the big plunge to a 30-minute class today, just get going. Try 10 minutes of exercise and work up to your goals. Just getting started will give you a sense of accomplishment and can eventually result in real health improvements. As always, before you start any new exercise routine, talk with your doctor.

— NewsUSA

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Carolina Living

Divine Design

5 steps to create your dream closet Whether you’re a stylist with an eye for fashion who chooses each garment carefully or the laid-back type who can rock the first outfit you find each morning, the closet can provide a location for inspiration. Turning bland closet space into an eye-catching room calls for a little planning and do-ityourself creativity. Here are steps to get you started. For additional DIY ideas, visit closetmaid.com.

1

Plan it out Creating the perfect closet space begins with your ideas. Look at your current closet and think about how you want the space to look and the type of storage you need. It’s easy to get discouraged here, so once you’ve visually reviewed your closet, step away. Go into another room, sit down and begin sketching out your ideal closet.

Use colored pencils so you can begin the process of choosing complementary colors for your closet’s door frame, walls and backdrop.

2

Focus on practicality Once you’ve sketched your ideal closet, compare your ideas with the space you have available and adjust your plans to fit your footprint and budget. This step allows you to get creative with ways to maximize your space and use every available inch to create a closet with the function and aesthetic you desire. Don’t forget to measure the space for shelving (width, depth and length). Your measurements will come in handy, whether you envision new shelving or buying new containers to sit on shelves.

3

Ongoing organization A beautiful closet likely won’t mean as much to you if it isn’t functional on an ongoing basis. Do you have a lot of sweaters, but they aren’t in view? Do you need more space for shoes? Are there other items you’d wear more but you forget about them? You can keep your clothes and footwear organized in a stylish manner with options such as vertical sweater holders, open shelving and rotating shoe holders. You can find organization products at your local hardware store, big box retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, and retailers that specialize in home organization.

4

Details mean a lot Little touches can add up in a big way. Upgrade your light fixture, for example, and look for other ways to personalize the space for a look that’s all yours.

Ideas include shelving to display treasured photos or keepsakes, or make room on the wall for a vision board to draw inspiration from as you begin each day. Consider buying non-slip velvet hangers that are all black or all white for a visually clean look. Non-slip hangers are easier on clothes, too.

5

Change up the color Introduce personality into your closet with rich color.

Add accent color on the walls behind your clothes or incorporate color with the structural elements. You can help make the space pop by complementing the colors of your wardrobe. For example, if you wear a lot of blue, consider painting the door frames or backdrop the same shade of blue you have hanging in the closet.

— FamilyFeatures.com

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January 2022

South River EMC

Communicator STEM PREPARES STUDENTS

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cience, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM — no longer a buzzword, but a way of life.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Schools are still finding ways to add STEM into their class curriculum. Linwood Starling, a teacher at Pine Forest High School, did so with a Bright Ideas grant and is giving his students a lot more options for study.

"I have been teaching 15 years, the last nine years I have been with Cumberland County Schools, particularly Pine Forest High," he said. "Prior to that, I taught at a community college."

Dissecting a sheep kidney to compare muscular outlines and how organ systems work together.

Being in public education, Starling realized how much better learning was when students had more hands-on opportunities.

Students would have the ability to see and use several concepts for a goal, giving them a more real-world learning experience. continued on page B

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Basketball Camps

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Student Programming

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Right-of-Way Maintenance E F-H

Energy Smarts

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y, ur

STEM continued from page A However, those hands-on opportunities tend to require money that isn’t always in the budget. And teachers are looking for ways to put materials in the classroom more than ever.

“I heard about Bright Ideas grants through an email from our district's grant coordinator,” said Starling. “I think I might have applied before ... but this was my first time receiving a Bright Ideas grant.”

He wrote his grant for 26 items to get students more involved, including a thin man chart, a digestion biokit, a neulog graphic display bundle, and more. The grant totaled over $2,300 in classroom supplies to improve lessons.

"I was actually surprised when I found out that I received this grant, as I know grants are always a longshot, and with

so many people applying with such amazing ideas," he said. "It was like being a small child and going to a large toy store, as I knew that my students would have the same feeling, when we begin doing more labs and activities with the new equipment."

Once the equipment arrived, it was all hands-on deck.

"It was a quick introduction since as soon as the materials arrived, my students began to put them into use with activities. I like for my students to dive head first into their learning because this is how the real world works most of the time," said Starling. "My students have loved the new equipment and like I said, it gives them more of an opportunity."

With STEM being such a part of today’s careers, the ability to have the experiences that Starling is providing his students with helps them reach their fullest potential.

A student doing a little hands-on work.

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January 2022

“The resources and equipment have given my lessons a more hands-on collaborative learning approach,” he said. “I have the ability to challenge my students with more real-world learning opportunities, which allows them to tie in our objectives with things they will see around

them and even on the news. It helps to break down the walls in the classroom, giving my students freedom for their learning abilities.”

It has also given rise to interest in different career pathways that students may have not considered otherwise. And students can get even more exposure if they attend the Academy of Technology, where they focus on Internet technology and computers, or the Academy of Emergency Medicine, which focuses on nursing and other healthcare fields.

"I have seen an increase in the overall scores during testing because hands-on learning allows the students to retain more information in ways that just memorizing data and objectives do not," said Starling. "But it's not only on test scores, that you can see the results, we are now able to have classroom discussions where you can see the students' full understanding of the material and how they refer back and relate the discussion to the lab or activity."

And it won't stop there, Starling is always looking for new ways to incorporate STEM topics and resources into his classroom.

If interested in learning about Bright Ideas grants at South River EMC, visit sremc.com/bright-ideas or email connections@sremc.com.

You can also visit the North Carolina Bright Ideas web site at ncbrightideas.com.

www.sremc.com

12/8/21 3:06 PM

Save Energy In 2022 South River EMC offers numerous ways to help you save energy and money, but using them is up to you.

The mid-cycle alert. If you have an email address on file you should receive a report in the middle of your billing cycle. This report gives your current energy use, as well as a projected use for your billing cycle.

By making changes or improvements, you can save energy and money before the end of your billing period.

GUESS WHAT'S BACK? BASKETBALL CAMP

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his year, South River EMC will have a chance for current fifth and sixth graders to apply for the Touchstone Energy Basketball camps offered at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill.

The camp opportunity gives boys and girls a unique experience to attend basketball camp on one of two of the state’s largest college campuses.

Students statewide are encouraged to apply for one of 50 all-expenses-paid scholarships to attend the Carolina Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Academy at North Carolina State University in Ra-

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leigh. Both camps are typically held in June.

The overnight camps are held in the summer, and campers work closely with coaches and players to develop fundamental skills, helping them perform and excel both on and off the court.

Campers must: Be a rising sixth or seventh grader. This means the student should currently be in fifth or sixth grade.

Attend a school in the Cooperative service area.

Winners will attend the camps courtesy of South River EMC. The Cooperative funds one scholarship to each camp.

Applications are scored on academics, extracurricular activities and an essay that must accompany the application.

The application period runs from January 2 to March 31.

Eligible students interested in the scholarship can contact the Cooperative at 910.892.8071 or download an application from sremc.com/basketball-camps.

Have permission from a parent or guardian to attend. An information sheet must be signed.

Provide their own transportation to and from camp.

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NEW YEAR, NEW GRADES

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new year, means it is time for another chance at the 'Give Us An A" program.

The program recognizes students who achieve at least one A on their most recent report card. Simply make a copy of the report card and send it to: South River EMC “Give Us An A” PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 Or email it to: connections@ sremc.com.

You must include the member’s name, address, South River EMC account number and daytime telephone number. Report cards will not be accepted without this information.

The drawing is held for students achieving at least one A on their report card, and 15 names will be drawn to receive a $25 gift card.

The program is open to students who are members, or children of members, of South River EMC.

Don’t miss an opportunity to celebrate good grades. Report cards should be submitted by close of business February 8.

INTERESTED IN POLITICS? A program for high school students

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o you have a high schooler interested in government and its inner workings? If so, South River EMC has an opportunity for your student to learn, which also will look good on college applications.

The Youth Legislative Assembly is an opportunity for students ages 14-18 in grades 9-12 to get an inside look at the world of state politics.

The event, which takes place at the General Assembly in Raleigh, is a three-day, two-night look into how government works.

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January 2022

Students who attend are selected for committees or positions in the student general assembly as they follow a bill from the point of proposal, debate and final vote.

The Cooperative is offering one scholarship to this event, which will take place April 8-10.

The scholarship includes hotel, T-shirt, and meals.

and from the event.

Attire for the event is professional clothing for the daytime events and casual for most evenings.

South River EMC will accept applications online at sremc.com/YLA until February 15.

Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation to

All transportation to and from the assembly will be handled by Youth Legislative Assembly staff.

For more information, please contact South River EMC at connections@sremc.com.

www.sremc.com

12/8/21 3:06 PM

YOUR 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

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lans for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Members are underway.

With such a well attended virtual meeting in 2021, the plan is to continue with the 2022 Annual Meeting virtually.

The meeting is planned for Thursday, April 21, so mark your calendars. Attendees will once

again receive a $10 bill credit, as well as being entered to win a door prize bill credit.

What better way to join the Annual Meeting than from your own home, or patio?

HOW RIGHT-OF-WAY CLEARING HELPS YOU

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outh River EMC’s Rightof-Way, or ROW, program is important to the reliability and safety of electric service to Cooperative members.

ROW is a strip of land owned by another party where utilities place their facilities. The utilities must be given access to this land and as such, are responsible to maintain the area to ensure the facilities are clear of limbs, branches and general foliage found growing on and into power lines.

Currently, South River EMC has a three-year rotation of trimming vegetation along the 3,211 miles of overhead line, which includes 122 miles of high-powered transmission lines, which give our 46,000 members electricity.

South River EMC periodically trims trees to keep them from growing into the power lines.

This not only improves reliability, but safety as well. Although we make great effort to keep branches out of power lines, it is important that before climb-

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ing any tree, you first inspect the area to ensure there are no power lines anywhere near the branches.

In fact, the Cooperative is required to cut 15 feet of clearance on either side of the electric pole, 30 feet of clearance total.

Power lines deliver electricity from substations to your home.

When lights blink, this may be due to a branch or limb bumping the wire. There have also been trees that grow so close to energized electric lines, that it burns the leaves. This could cause a fire, so these branches and limbs need to be cut back.

The main focus in cutting is to clear the lines of any issues, and that does not always mean a beautiful product is left behind.

The Cooperative will cut it in order to prevent future growth, however, South River EMC is not responsible for stump removal.

When it comes to clean up, the Cooperative is responsible for cleaning maintained lawn areas, which means, if a tree is cut in your front lawn, where you obviously have flowers planted, it will be picked up. However, if it is a wooded area, with no discernible clearing, the Cooperative might leave the cuttings there.

In short, the Cooperative does what is deemed necessary to provide reliable electric service.

Please be careful what you plant and where you plant it.

The Arbor Day Society has some great information on their website, arborday.org.

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12/8/21 3:06 PM

ENERGY smarts

Heating And Cooling For Less?

How you heat and cool your home plays a part in your energy costs, but so does the age of your system, the efficiency of it, the efficiency of your home overall, and your thermostat settings.

That's a lot of factors at play, so take control of the ones you can and help keep yourself comfortable for maybe a little less money each month.

There’s the type of system, be it an air source heat pump, a geothermal heat pump or a ductless mini-split heat pump.

Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, so do your research and find the one that is going to work best for your home.

Your system’s age contributes in that the older a system is, the more energy it tends to use. The same can be said for the most efficient systems 15 years down the line. By being

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prepared to purchase a new system when your current one begins to have trouble, or starts costing more money to run, can help you save.

Efficiency, measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating in warmer climates, measures the cooling capacity for the unit. The higher the number, for example 17 SEER, the more efficient the model is, which helps you to save energy and money. When in the market for a new unit, look for a higher rated SEER. Home efficiency is also important, because if you have leaks in your home, the air you are paying to heat or cool it, is getting out. Make sure insulation isn’t patchy, and that weather stripping is complete and not split and broken. Caulking, another part of weatherization, should not be cracked, and should be present to prevent air infiltration.

As for thermostat settings, keep them consistent and around 68 degrees in the winter. That means anytime your home temperature falls below 68 degrees, your unit will come on to make that difference up. The higher you have a thermostat set in the winter the more your system will run. A lower setting in the winter not only helps you save energy, but also money.

Heating and cooling is the biggest part of your electric bill each month. By picking a more efficient unit, making some improvements, and setting and forgetting your thermostat, you can be comfortable while saving.

For details on rebates offered

by South River EMC, visit sremc.com/energy-starheating-cooling or call 910.892.8071 x 2222.

www.sremc.com

12/8/21 3:06 PM

ENERGY smarts New Year, New Appliances?

Maybe it wasn’t the plan, but it is what happened. Sure, you want a good deal, but what’s better than an Energy Star certified appliance?

The price tag might be a little higher, however, an Energy Star appliance can make that up in energy savings. Appliances must undergo rigorous testing, and show that they save mon-

ey while using no proprietary technology, in order to receive the Energy Star.

So, what does that mean? It means your Energy Star certified refrigerator is saving you nine percent each and every day.

Meanwhile an Energy Star certified clothes washer uses 25 percent less energy and

33 percent less water; dryers, meanwhile, use some 20 percent less energy. A little higher in purchase cost, but that's made up in energy savings.

South River EMC offers a bill credit on Energy Star certified appliances. For details, visit sremc.com/energy-starappliances, or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.

A Word On Space Heaters Many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can take a toll on energy bills. The truth is, whether you should use one really depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs.

If you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, like inadequate insulation, drafty windows and exterior doors, or an inefficient heating system, space heaters are not a practical solution.

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Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home.

If you’re on a tight budget, caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors is a low-cost, easy way to save energy. Depending on your home size, adding insulation can be a great next step.

Loose fill insulation typically costs around $1+ per square foot. Insulation upgrades and weatherization practices are eligible for rebates from South River EMC.

Remember in addition to safety concerns, space heaters can greatly increase your energy bills if used improperly.

By taking proactive energy-saving measures you can reduce your heating and cooling bills for years to come.

For details on energy efficient upgrades and the rebate offers available, visit sremc.com/ insulation-weatherization or call 910.892.8071 x 2222.

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ENERGY smarts What A HERO Means For You The high efficiency residential option, or HERO home, is some 30 percent more efficient than homes built to code.

This HERO alternative requires slightly better insulation, fenestration, air sealing, equipment, and lighting packages to deliver a home built tighter from the ground up.

There are two ways to achieve this HERO rating: • The Prescriptive Path. A straightforward but inflexible option, it involves complying fully with a list of specific requirements for things like insulation, lighting, window

U-factors, whole house tightness and duct leakage testing, among other things.

River EMC also offers several rebates on HERO homes, as follows:

• The Performance Path. A more flexible option, it requires an energy cost analysis as proof that the home being built will have energy costs less than or equal to that same home built to prescriptive requirements.

Higher efficiency equipment will not help you, because the HERO Code is focused almost solely on improvements in the thermal enclosure.

Contractors who build a new HERO certified home that receives electricity from South River EMC, are eligible to receive a $400 rebate.

If this is something you’re interested in learning more about visit energycodes.gov, South

Members who move into a new HERO certified home served by South River EMC are eligible to receive a $200 rebate.

For details on the rebate and program requirements, visit sremc.com/hero-program or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.

Water Heating Thoughts Before Purchase South River EMC offers rebates on two types of water heating, heat pump and solar.

These options can be two of the most efficient for homeowners and here’s why: Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating it directly, which means they can be 2-3 times more efficient than standard water heaters.

A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it, at a higher temperature, to heat water

in a storage tank. These units require installation in locations that remain in the 40–90-degree range year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet of space around the water heater.

You'll want to make sure your installer has worked with heat pump water heaters before.

Meanwhile, solar water heating can be used in any climate, and the fuel used, the sun, is free. There are several options for systems such as active or passive, direct or indirect, and more. You want to make sure you have a good solar resource, and that you use enough hot water to make an effective

South River EMC

purchase. You will want to ensure there are no building covenants, since solar collectors are typically located on the roof. And you’re not free from electric water heating costs, it is recommended to have an electric water heater back-up, for those cloudy days. Check with installers to see what options they give you for your home if considering solar, and make sure they are not trying to oversell you on a system, compare pricing.

For details on water heater rebates visit sremc.com/ energy-efficient-water-heating or call 910.892.8071 x 2153

Communicator

PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 910.892.8071 800.338.5530 www.sremc.com

Follow Us! southriveremc

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www.sremc.com

12/8/21 3:06 PM

Carolina Living

Winter Energy Efficiency Crossword Did you know there are several ways you can fight the winter chill and save energy at home? Complete the crossword puzzle below to learn how to save energy during winter months.

1 Down: Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow 2 Across: If you have a

at home, ask an adult to close the flue when a fire is not burning.

3 Down: Unplug phone and tablet

1.

in to warm your home.

when they’re not in use.

4 Across: Instead of turning up the thermostat, wear additional layers of to stay warm.

5 Down: Always turn off

when you leave a room.

6 Across: Ask an adult to check the This should be replaced regularly.

2.

4.

for your home’s heating system.

3.

5.

6.

Answer Key: 1 Down: sunlight 2 Across: fireplace 3 Down: chargers 4 Across: clothing 5 Down: lights 6 Across: air filter

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Carolina Living

Fueling School Days Egg-cellent fare will get kids cracking Affordable and easy to prepare, eggs are a key ingredient for successful days in the classroom. They keep kids full and energized to conquer school days.

As one of the only foods that naturally have vitamin D, eggs offer a nutrient critical for building strong bones. Eggs also help the body absorb nutrients like vitamin E and carotenoids that are found in plant foods, making them a perfect partner for veggies. Additionally, they’re one of the best sources of choline, critical for brain health and development at every age and stage.

What’s more, between learning and down time, many kids spend a lot of hours in front of electronic screens.

The lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks can help protect their eyes from harmful blue light.

These recipes are easy to prepare ahead of time. To find additional egg recipes, search #ProteinPrepSchool on social media or visit incredibleegg.org.

Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Nonstick cooking spray 10 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup cooked quinoa* 1 cup tomatoes, quartered ½ cup finely chopped broccoli florets ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, crack eggs. Whisk until well combined. Stir in cheese, cooked quinoa, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and basil, if desired, until well combined.

Use a ¼-cup measuring cup to divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups. Bake 16–18 minutes until eggs are set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Refrigerate leftovers up to three days or freeze up to one month.

Yield: 6 servings *Note: Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah,” is a good source of protein, minerals and vitamins.

It’s usually found near the rice in grocery stores.

It is soft and a bit fluffy when cooked.

— FamilyFeatures.com

Veggie and Cheese Frittata Fingers Nonstick cooking spray 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup red bell pepper, diced ½ cup yellow onion, diced ½ cup zucchini, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped 12 large eggs 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté bell pepper, onion and zucchini until tender. Add garlic and spinach; cook until wilted.

In bowl, beat eggs then add sautéed vegetables, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish.

Bake 25–30 minutes until fully set. Allow to cool.

Cut into seven strips, then cut down the middle to create 14 pieces.

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.

To freeze, place cooled frittata fingers in freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. When ready to eat, microwave 60–90 seconds, or until warmed.

Yield: 4 servings

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12/9/21 12:17 PM

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

B.

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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

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

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

We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

“With depleting mines, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, has become increasingly rare.”

–– Smithsonian.com

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

A.

Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $149 +s&p Save $150 Complete Set** $747 * $299 +s&p Save $448 ** Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.

Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collecion.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code STC588-05

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Rating of A+

* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

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12/7/21 10:38 PM

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.

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NCECad-0

Strong storms meet a stronger network.

With ongoing grid innovation and dedicated teams statewide, we’re ready to respond no matter what this winter season brings.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com

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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.

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12/8/21 3:06 PM

Make your home more comfortable than ever

Your upgrade from couch to first class has been approved.

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“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

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Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more.

More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings.

And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand.

You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to

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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.

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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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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

h

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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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.

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