2022-08-EU

August 2022

The magazine of

Exploring D.C. on the

NC Youth Tour page 10

Published by

Bright Ideas grants in action page 22

Landing big fish for big bucks page 28

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

The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of

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or many patients with macular degeneration and other visionrelated conditions, the loss of central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving.

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

“Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss” said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in telescopes to help those who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating eye diseases.

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

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

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

Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas, friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers license and was prescribed bioptic tele -

lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers to recognize faces, read a book, or pass and menus in restaurants. the driver’s vision test.

As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses Nine out of 10 people who have didn’t help too much- it was like look macular degeneration have the dry form. ing through a fog. These new telescopic New research suggests vitamins can glasses not only allow me to read signs help. The British medical journal BMC from a farther distance, but makes driving Ophthalmology recently reported that much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. I don’t know why I waited three years to do this; I should have come sooner.”

“Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass.” scope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but A scene as it might be viewed by a person with much more precise.” age-related macular degeneration To learn more about bioptic telescopes or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, 56% of patients treated with a high-dose give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can combination of vitamins experienced also visit our website at: improved vision after six months.

TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health www.LowVisionNC.com Formula is now available by prescription (910) 208-9011 from eye doctors.

Dr. Edward Paul & risk factor for developing the disease, Dr. Casey Krug heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disOffices located in ease, and high blood pressure have also Wilmington, Asheville, and Charlotte degeneration accounts for 90% of new legal blindness in the US. While there is currently no cure, promising research is being done on many fronts. “My job

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Volume 54, No. 8

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Favorites 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 20 Energy Sense 26 Carolina Adventures 28 NC Outdoors 29 Marketplace 30 Carolina Kitchen 32 Where is This?

32 Carolina Creators

On the Cover In June, high school students from across North Carolina joined their peers from around the country at this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., which took place in-person for the first time since 2019. Their itinerary included a day at the U.S. Capitol to meet with elected officials. Learn more about their adventures on page 10. Photo by Kevin Allen Photo.

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Witnessing Government in Action

Students find inspiration on the 2022 Youth Tour.

Bright Ideas in Action

Education grants spark innovation in NC classrooms.

Saddle Up and Read

Caitlin Gooch is an equestrian encouraging children to achieve literary excellence.

SWEEPSTAKES

CBC Bluegrass Festival Carolina Country is partnering with the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival to offer a random drawing for two festival packages for the September 10 event in Mocksville. See page 27 for details.

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$ THIS MONTH:

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Warren Kessler * month Publications Director Scott Gates, CCC Editor

Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant Sarah Thompson Editorial Intern Tara Verna Creative Director Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

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Carolina Love Love the magazine. Wait every month to read it cover to cover. Love the recipes, and I love the chance to win $100 for voting on the Carolina’s Finest Awards. [Note: Voting has closed; winners will be announced in the November issue.] Keep it up.

North Carolina is a beautiful state and should be enjoyed by all. I challenge you all to take a road trip but never cross over into another state and just experience the awesomeness that NC has to offer. When I was younger, my friend Sherry and I would open up the NC map, and one of us would close our eyes and circle our right hand three times and point to a place. We would find the closest attraction to that area, and that’s where we would go. We have been to a dentist office close to the coast, to a tobacco barn close to the mountains, and outdoor dramas both on the coast and in Cherokee. We would pack a picnic and head out. Boy those were the days. It was so much fun anticipating what we would truly see — we laughed so much. I challenge you to do the same. Safe travels!

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Youth Tour Adventures For more than 50 years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been sponsoring the annual Youth Tour, an opportunity for high schoolers from around the state to visit Washington, D.C., to see the sights and meet with elected officials. We’ve been wanting to feature Youth Tourists on our cover since 2020, but unfortunately the pandemic made it necessary to host virtual events over the past two years. This year they were back in D.C. to make new friends and create lifelong memories. Learn more on page 10.

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Eclectic Issue Mr. Fall’s article (“Smart, Deliberate Grid Management,” July 2022, page 4) was brilliant and very informative. Loved the pirate story, too.

John Allen, Marion

Corrections to previous issues In our July issue, the photo on page 1 of two pirate reenactors was taken

by Amanda Cherie Photography (amandacheriephotography.com).

Also in our July issue, the recipe for Butter Swim Cornbread Biscuits (page 31) called for 2 tablespoons of melted butter but did not indicate how to use it. After baking the biscuits, brush with the melted butter and let sit for butter to be absorbed.

Cut and serve.

A reader called to alert us of two instances in 2021 issues (June, on page 28, and September, on page 42) where we referred to the “Intercoastal Waterway.” We should have referenced the Intracoastal Waterway.

(The error makes a difference in meaning: inter- indicates between two things, such as the Interstate Highway System, whereas intrameans within.)

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

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

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

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone:

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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.

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Viewpoints

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Broadening Horizons on the 2022 Youth Tour

By Madeline Hiteshue

Madeline Hiteshue, a 2022 Youth Tour participant sponsored

by EnergyUnited in Statesville, was selected by fellow Youth Tourists to represent our state on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Leadership Council.

I

was proud to be chosen to represent our state and EnergyUnited, my sponsoring electric cooperative, at this year’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., and I am excited to be able to continue my journey with the electric cooperatives as North Carolina’s representative on the Youth Leadership Council.

I knew this trip would be an amazing opportunity, and honestly this experience exceeded every expectation. I met new people, explored our nation’s capital, and learned more from our congressmen and women on Capitol Hill.

We spent time learning “This trip showed me how an electric coopthe true impact electric erative runs and about the seven Cooperative cooperatives have and Principles. The other their positive effect on delegates I met on this trip were so nice and our entire country.” never failed to make me laugh. Whether we were going through the Smithsonian museums or the Lincoln Memorial, our group always made sure everyone had a fun time. We were able to explore the city by bus, on foot and even by boat. We enjoyed dinners, dance-offs and karaoke. I was lucky enough to meet two girls on this trip who were so sweet and made this trip so fun. (I mean honestly, how many girls would help you chase down a group of random students from Youth Tour to ask to trade pins in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History?)

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One of the most beneficial activities we participated in was to create and manage our own cooperative, the “H2O Cooperative.” The purpose of the project was to learn how a co-op works, so that we would have first-hand experience prior to the start of our trip. We were able to run for the board of directors, and our peers voted for the representatives. From here, the board assigned managers and prices of snacks for the week. The managers were responsible for restocking the coolers and determining how much product to take for the day, as well as managing our “co-op cash” — our form of currency for the duration of the trip. This was a great way to jump into the co-op world.

This trip opened my eyes and helped me further see our nation as more than just my small town. Students from all over our state and the entire country met to make a difference for our future. This trip showed me the true impact electric cooperatives have — expanding further than my own experience in Mooresville — and their positive effect on our entire country.

I am so thankful and honored to be a part of this community!

Madeline Hiteshue is a senior at Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville.

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Elevate Our Future

The 2021–2022 North Carolina State 4-H Council Officers, along with Associate Director and State 4-H

Program Leader Dr. Mike Yoder, had the opportunity to meet with Majority Leader John Bell during the

conference. The team was gifted a state flag for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H mission.

In June, 95 4-H’ers and adults

government and the North Carolina

representing 34 4-H programs across

General Assembly by participating in a

the state attended Citizenship North

mock General Assembly session. The

Focus is sponsored by North Carolina’s

Carolina Focus. Youth delegates

three-day conference includes a visit to

Electric Cooperatives. North Carolina

who attend this annual conference are

the North Carolina General Assembly

4-H is Cooperative Extension’s youth

encouraged to develop their leadership

where delegates have a chance to meet

development program.

and talk with their elected officials.

4-H Citizenship North Carolina

and civic engagement skills through participation in workshops and group sessions. By gathering to exchange ideas, delegates gain knowledge and learn through hands-on experiences about the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. This was reflected in this year’s conference theme of Elevate Our Future.

Delegates who attend also have the opportunity to hear dynamic speakers who encourage and promote youth advocacy and youth voice. Attendees learn about North Carolina state

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More Power

August

Quick Hits Beach Lovers Beat the heat at an NC beach and celebrate National Lighthouse Day (August 7) or National Beach Day (August 30).

School Traffic Safety Drive carefully as kids head back to school, watching for crosswalks and stopping for school buses when stop arms are extended.

Save at the Pump Keep your tires properly inflated.

It is safer, improves wear and it can help boost your gas mileage.

Source: fueleconomy.gov

Tomato Tips Have a bumper crop of summer tomatoes?

Enjoy them year-round by preparing freezable recipes like tomato sauce and salsa, or make sundried tomatoes in a dehydrator or oven.

North Carolina Cooperatives Engage Legislators at Home and on Capitol Hill

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n building a Brighter Future for rural communities, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are committed to providing members with safe, affordable, reliable electricity in an environmentally responsible way, and working to develop the communities they serve. A critical part of making these efforts successful is engaging with elected officials to ensure issues important to rural communities are being properly addressed.

U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis met with NC electric co-op leaders

State Sen. Todd Johnson (center) with leaders from Union Power Cooperative, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Pee Dee Electric

Legislative Conference In May, leaders from North Carolina’s electric co-ops met with federal legislators at home and in Washington, D.C., as part of the NRECA Legislative Conference. Virtual and in-person meetings were held with all 15 members of the NC congressional delegation — 13 representatives and Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.

“Our members of congress look to North Carolina electric co-ops to relay issues that are important to the rural communities we serve,” said Jay Rouse, director of Government Affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“In recent years, virtual meetings have helped keep the dialog going, but the in-person discussions being on Capitol Hill and back at home are invaluable to ensuring our voices resonate when policy decisions are being made.”

Rally in Raleigh In June, 140 representatives from 22 NC electric cooperatives convened in Raleigh to meet with members of the North Carolina General Assembly.

Co-ops met with 76 legislators across the House and Senate.

In meetings with legislators, co-op leaders discussed a variety of topics important to rural communities and Brighter Future initiatives, including: ■

Maintaining reliability of the electric grid while working innovatively toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050;

■

Expanding the deployment of broadband to unserved North Carolinians while ensuring broadband providers work with co-ops to efficiently implement construction plans; and

■

Securing funds from the 2021 $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package for electric grid resiliency and modernization; rural broadband deployment; and rural economic development projects, including site development work.

“Our presence did not go unnoticed, as each meeting left legislators better engaged and aware of the issues that impact co-op members,” said Paul Mott, government affairs specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These relationships will help us as we keep moving toward a Brighter Future.”

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More Power

New Lineworker Training Unit Creates Realistic Experience NC co-ops are industry leaders in using the technology Denny Gainer Denny Gainer

Denny Gainer

A new addition to the lineworker training field at Nash Community College incorporates a more realistic element to overhead line work training: high voltage.

Installed earlier this year, the new Timpson training unit allows lineworkers to train using real-world voltage while keeping the current to a safe, non-lethal level.

“It has always been a challenge to provide advanced training to linemen beyond simulation — there is a quick learning curve transitioning from de-energized work to energized work,” said Farris Leonard, director of Job Training & Safety Field Services (JT&S) for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “This allows lineworkers to train on a live line in a safe way.”

Three classes will utilize energized training this year.

Students of JT&S sessions who trained with the unit report that working on a live line increased focus.

“Working the lines hot really made us all think twice and move once,” said Ethan Hurley, apprentice lineman IV with Randolph EMC. “I think it’s really big step forward.”

Although some investor-owned utilities, including Duke Energy, train on Timpson units, North Carolina’s electric

cooperatives are the first cooperative utilities in the country to utilize the technology. Leonard hopes the technology will be adopted by electric co-ops in other states now that it’s been proven in North Carolina.

“We see training as an investment in people,” Leonard said.

“This unit is a further investment in safety that will sharpen skills and provide real-time feedback during training.”

Big Questions About Our Brighter Future Your residential solar questions answered

Q: A:

What is the average cost of a residential solar installation?

Prices may vary across the country, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory periodically publishes reported photovoltaic (PV) prices. For the first half of 2021, the average price for PV systems in the U.S. was as follows: ■

$2.70/watt (W) to $3.90/W for residential systems (A 10-kilowatt (kW) system, therefore, could cost between $27,000 and $39,000.)

■

$1.60/W to $2.50/W for non-residential systems

■

$0.90/W to $1.90/W for utility-scale systems

Q: A:

What is the life expectancy of solar panels?

While there is no specific end-date for the productive life of a solar panel, production levels will decrease over time. The performance of solar panels is typically warrantied for 20 to 25 years, with a guarantee of 90% production at 10 years and 80% production at 25 years. After the end of the warranty, the solar panels can still produce electricity, but their level of output is no longer guaranteed. In addition to performance warranties, solar panels typically have an equipment warranty that guarantees they will operate 10 to 12 years without failing.

—Tim Lupo, Advanced Energy solar engineer

Editor’s note: What happens to those panels when they reach the end of their lifespan? Advanced Energy will provide answers to that question and more in future issues of Carolina Country.

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WITNESSING

C d f t t m a d Y ( f c b

IN ACTION

T

he scene has been playing out for decades: A group of North Carolina high school students, dressed in their best church clothes, gathers on the gleaming white steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. It’s hot and likely humid — even by North Carolina standards — but there’s an energy about the group that can’t be stifled. They pose for some photos and then head inside, where they’ll learn about the building’s 200-year-old history first-hand, and meet senators and members of Congress face-to-face.

This is the NC Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, and in June it was back in action after two years of virtual events during the pandemic.

The Youth Tour is part of a national program that brings high schoolers, sponsored by their local electric cooperatives, to our nation’s capital for a week of learning and camaraderie. Students learn about the co-op business

Students make new friends, find inspiration on the 2022 Youth Tour By Scott Gates model, witness civics in action, and—in the spirit of the expression “work hard, play hard” — tour the sights and have some fun.

“After two years of not being in D.C. on Youth Tour, we were thrilled to finally resume the more than 50-year tradition of bringing North Carolina’s best and brightest to our nation’s capital,” says Paul Mott, Youth Tour coordinator and government affairs specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “During the week, 29 students who represent the best our state has to offer were given the chance to learn more about our great country and the electric co-ops who serve our communities.”

l n N A c c

Co-op 101 Before being selected to participate in the Youth Tour, students likely hadn’t given much thought to their electric cooperatives. But by the time students boarded the bus in Raleigh, they had a firm understanding of the cooperative business model and how a co-op works, having formed one themselves.

“During the orientation sessions, students learn what a co-op is and the seven Cooperative

Hiteshue Selected for YLC As this year’s YLC winner, Madeline will attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in Raleigh, as well as NRECA’s 2023 PowerExchange in Nashville.

Read more about her Youth Tour experience on page 4.

Kevin Allen Photo

Youth Tour participants have returned home to share memories from the trip, but the journey is just beginning for Madeline Hiteshue, a member of EnergyUnited and a senior at Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville. Hiteshue was selected by her peers to represent North Carolina on NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC), which brings together one Youth Tourist from each state to participate in a national leadership workshop.

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Principles they’re guided by, giving some thought to how their local electric co-ops demonstrate those principles in the community,” Mott says.

Students also formed the “H2O Co-op” to manage snacks and drinks during the trip. The group elected a five-member board of directors, which then interviewed students interested in the co-op manager position. Once the manager was hired, they selected an assistant manager to load coolers each day and collect “Co-op Bucks” from Youth Tourists for snacks and drinks (everyone received 25 Co-op Bucks for the trip). The board of directors could adjust prices throughout the trip based on demand.

Once in D.C., Youth Tourists also learned about national and international co-op programs from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the trade association serving the nation’s electric cooperative network.

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A trip to the Hill One of the highlights of the trip each year is a visit to the Capitol for a tour and an opportunity to meet North Carolina’s elected officials and members of their staff. This year, NC Youth Tourists met with Rep. Ted Budd; Rep. G.K. Butterfield; Rep. Virginia Foxx; Rep. Richard Hudson; Rep. Kathy Manning; Rep. Greg Murphy; and staffers for Sen. Richard Burr, Sen. Thom Tillis, Rep. Patrick McHenry and Rep. David Price.

“One thing that inspired me was talking to North Carolina’s representatives,” said Vivian Villa Tapia, a 2022 Youth Tourist sponsored by Central Electric. “All of their stories and speeches made me want to become more like them, and to help strive for change in America.”

Elected officials fielded questions from students and discussed topics including their motivations for serving as an elected official and advice for young adults moving into a professional

career, as well as dispelling misconceptions about how elected officials work together on the Hill — they operate in a more civil manner than many assume.

Congressional staff members, often not much older than the Youth Tourists themselves, discussed where they went to college and how they came to work in Washington, D.C., stressing that there’s no one path to work in government.

“

We’re the next generation, meaning the country is in our hands.... We have to be the voice of reason and change.”

“Ensuring students can learn about our government in Washington, D.C., is critical to supporting the next generation of leadership in our nation,” says Rep. Hudson. “Meeting with the Youth Tour each year is always a honor, and I appreciate North Carolina’s electric cooperatives for once again providing this opportunity to students across our state.”

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Kevin Allen Photo

Photos: Kevin Allen Photo

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North Carolina Electric Cooperatives Washington D.C.

WANT TO BE A YOUTH TOURIST? Find out more information about the trip from a national perspective at youthtour.coop, and if you’re interested in applying, contact your local electric cooperative for more information.

Seeing the sights For many Youth Tourists, the trip marks their first to Washington, D.C., and their time there is well spent. This year’s itinerary included a Potomac River cruise on the Spirit of Washington; tours of the National Cathedral, Old Town Alexandria and monuments on the National Mall; visits to Smithsonian museums and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

There were also plenty of opportunities for students to relax and have fun, including bowling, dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and meetings with other Youth Tourists from around the country to share experiences and trade state pins.

“Every day was a different experience and allowed you to see what Washington, D.C., had to offer, while also building bonds with people you never knew existed before the Youth Tour — not only from North Carolina, but from all over the U.S.,” says Miciah Freeman, a 2022 Youth Tourist sponsored by Roanoke Electric.

Ask Youth Tourists what they’ll carry with them from the trip, and they’ll be quick to mention the unique experiences, friendships made and a new appreciation for electric co-ops. But many hit on another takeaway that can stick with them for years: inspiration to better their communities and our country.

“We’re the next generation, meaning the country is in our hands,” Freeman adds. “We have to be the voice of reason and change.”

Scott Gates is the senior editor of Carolina Country.

12 | August 2022

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7/11/22 3:59 PM

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7/11/22 3:39 PM

Powering

ADVENTURE

From cost savings and convenience to lower emissions and a great driving experience, electric vehicles have something for everyone.

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are accelerating access to the benefits of driving electric with an expanding network of more than 100 charging ports in destinations from the mountains to the coast. See how driving electric can power your adventures at NCDriveElectric.com.

NCDriveElectric.com

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7/11/22 3:50 PM

Carolina Living

K

eeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech savviness many parents find intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family’s personal information could be at risk as well.

Learn how to protect your children and family in this digital age with these tips: Elementary-age children Encourage open communication. Have conversations about what your kids see and do online and talk with them about potential dangers. Avoid lecturing in favor of an open exchange of information.

also important for kids to understand how their privacy settings work. For example, settings that allow exposure to friends of friends make their visibility to strangers much broader than they may realize.

■

Help manage their online reputation. Behaviors that once resulted in a day or two of hallway chatter can now live forever. Documenting mischief online is only fun until it spills over into real life and everyone sees those mistakes in full color — including prospective future employers.

■

Be clear about your position on bullying. From the safe distance of a screen, it’s easier for kids (and adults) to say things they’d never say in person. Teach your kids to handle problems constructively offline and avoid engaging in attacks on others through social media, email and other platforms.

■

■

■

Make their inherent interest in privacy work in your favor. Kids in this age group, particularly toward the middle school years, understand the concept of privacy and value it immensely. Use that context to help them understand what goes online is there to stay. Talk about what kinds of information should always be kept private, including identifying details like addresses and social security numbers.

Stay alert. Not all apps are completely safe (even the ones you can access from trusted stores) and not all filters are foolproof. Keep close tabs on what your kids are downloading by reading comments and reviews, and regularly monitoring what kind of content they see.

Middle school and high school kids ■ Continue talking about privacy. You can never have too many conversations about privacy. What seems like harmless sharing on social media can be quite revealing.

For example, frequent posts about visits to a favorite store or restaurant can allow a predator to begin tracking behavior patterns that make your child a target. It’s

Getty Images

Protecting Children in a Digital Age

College students ■ Reinforce the risks. Once they’re on their own, kids may feel more liberated to make their own choices online.

However, college students are easy prey for identity theft and worse. Remind them what’s at stake if they fail to protect their identity and private information, like where they live and what they do on a regular basis.

■

Teach smart practices. With all the independence that comes with college life, this is an ideal time for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her online security, including learning about virus protection, updating software, avoiding scams and backing up data.

For more practical advice for everyday family matters, visit eLivingtoday.com.

—FamilyFeatures

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Carolina Living

Make Memories Last a Lifetime Preserving precious moments to share for generations

By Rue Reynold

S

pending time with loved ones or visiting new places are experiences you never want to forget. Recording such events allows you to relive these moments long after they’ve passed. Here are a few ways to preserve memories to share for generations.

Audio or video recording Live recordings allow you to keep the exact thoughts in your mind or event you witnessed. The feeling of hearing a child’s first words or a graduation speech is something you can hold onto for years to come.

Photography A picture may be worth a thousand words, but your experiences are invaluable. Photography is one of the simplest ways to capture memories as they happen. It also allows you to appreciate all the little things you might have missed in the background while focusing on the main subject.

Journaling Keeping a written record of your goals and past events is an excellent way to see how much you’ve grown and what changed from the past to the present. A journal can also be a source of inspiration to share with loved ones.

Scrapbooking Organizing your photos and personalizing the blank space around them is the ultimate marriage between imagination and context. A scrapbook is especially meaningful down the line when future generations read it as if they’re reliving the memories through your eyes.

Living in the present allows you to appreciate the here and now, but preserving some of your precious moments can also touch hearts far into the future.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue!

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

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

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16 | August 2022

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U c

AUGUST 2022

CONNECT E N E R G Y U N I T E D ' S M O N T H LY M E M B E R N E W S L E T T E R

IN THIS ISSUE GRID MODERNIZATION

EnergyUnited-0822.indd 1

THOMASVILLE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

7/11/22 11:28 AM

THOMAS GOLDEN GRID MODERNIZATION FOR ENHANCED RELIABILITY Grid modernization has become a bit of a catchall phrase lately — and it’s a term that often gets thrown around without much elaboration to it. To those who may need a refresher: Grid modernization refers to changes made to accommodate for advancements within electric generation, transmission and distribution. Said more simply, it’s an effort to make our grids “smarter” by upgrading their technology and assets.

Initiatives like our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Field Asset Inventory and Distribution Automation Switching have helped us increase meter reads to a 99.7% success rate over the past 20 months. These systems collect nearly 30 million data points a day to help us locate outages, ensure accurate billing and enhance reliability.

We have been working on many of these upgrades for the last 10 years, starting with our original AMI project and continuing through today where we are installing remotely operated distribution switches utilizing our new AMI communication system. It’s exciting to see the fruits of our labor and the benefit it continues to provide to our membership.

Current grid updates include replacing our electric poles to a sturdier, safer material for our neighborhoods and for our linemen. It’s no easy task, but it’s an investment that will lead to safer pole-top climbs and reduce the rate of incidents. You may even see this shift taking place as you drive around your community. And if you do, don’t be shy about giving us a honk and a wave.

Of course, ensuring dependable energy is every electric company’s goal. And our 99.99% reliability rating is proof that making these adjustments is vital to member satisfaction and quality power. As time goes on, there are sure to be even more innovations to grid modernization, and there’s no question that we’ll be here to implement them.

Sincerely,

Thomas Golden, CEO

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7/11/22 11:29 AM

811

D AY

811 day is celebrated on August 11 and serves as a reminder to make sure you take the step to call before digging. Doing so can help you avoid unnecessary outages, keep yourself and others safe, prevent damaged infrastructure, and of course, stave off the hassle of having a halted project on your hands!

Learn more at Call811.com

SAVE MONEY WITH

PEAK TIME PERKS! Our Peak Time Perks program is a resource that helps members avoid peak event prices by allowing , EnergyUnited to adjust members smart thermostats during a peak event. A thermostat will never be adjusted more than 4 degrees at a time, but this small adjustment can lead to big energy and cost savings. In addition to the cost savings that come with these thermostat adjustments, members will also be credited $50 just for signing up and $20 additional dollars every year following!

CONGRATS TO THESE NEW PEAK TIME PERKS MEMBERS

Be a part of the Peak Time Perks movement and enroll your smart thermostat today! Learn more by scanning the QR code here!

EnergyUnited-0822.indd 3

The following members won a Visa gift card for signing up and sharing the benefits of Peak Time Perks during our spring giveaway. Thanks to all who helped us spread the word!

Brian Haggerty of Cornelius

Tina Ash of Mooresville

Emily Chance of Statesville

Rob Bansek of Huntersville

Jonathan and Denise Foster of Taylorsville

Mary Ann Gallaher of Lexington

Adam Stoltenberg of Huntersville

Susan Gilbert of Statesville

Jennifer Hraczo of Huntersville

Casey Brown of Statesville

Matt Hammill of Stanley

Dan Akers of Cornelius

7/11/22 11:29 AM

MEET THE

CANDIDATES

2022

Part of being a member-owned electric services provider means that you have a voice in the leadership of our cooperative. This year we have two candidates running for a Board of Directors seat for both District 1 and District 3. It’s an important time for our co-op and one we hope you feel compelled to be a part of and , vote in this year s election.

Get to know the nominees on the following page for the upcoming Board of Directors election and cast your vote between August 10 and September 10, 2022, by 5 p.m. EST.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES

JERRY ANDERSON

District 1 Eligible for a three-year term

DISTRICT 1

Jerry Anderson has served on the EnergyUnited board of directors since the cooperative was created in 1998 by the merger of Davidson EMC and Crescent EMC. Prior to that, Anderson had served on the Crescent EMC Board of Directors since 1984. During his tenure on the EnergyUnited and Crescent boards, Anderson has served as both secretary and treasurer.

In addition to his service to EnergyUnited, Anderson was a partner in CR Anderson Lumber Company. He is a member and past president of the North Davie Ruritan Club, a former trustee of the Davie County Hospital board of directors, served on the board of directors at Yadkin Valley Economic Development, and he is a former Davie County commissioner.

Anderson is a lifelong member of Sandy Springs Baptist Church where he is a deacon and a Sunday school teacher.

He is married to Dianne. They have two children and four grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys his grandchildren and classic cars.

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ROBERT HERMAN

District 1 Eligible for a three-year term Robert Herman lives in Bethlehem in Alexander County. He is a retired industrial engineer and vice president from the Von Drehle Corp. based in Hickory. Currently he is serving as a board member and vice president of the Newcomers Club of Catawba Valley where he leads the membership committee. Herman is running for the first time for the District 1 board seat of EnergyUnited.

Herman has served on several boards and councils, including Iowa State University Industrial Engineering Advisory Council and as the Iowa Interdenominational Reconciliation Liaison for the Promise Keepers organization.

He was a unit commissioner in the Boy Scouts of America, Smokey Mountain Council, and has attained his Eagle Scout. He has also served on the board of directors of his family restaurant business, functioning as treasurer and chair of the Compensation Committee.

Herman is a graduate of Purdue University in Industrial Management and has an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. He has attained certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt and Senior Professional in Human Resources as well as in Production and Inventory Management. During his free time Herman enjoys hiking, gardening and boating with his granddaughter on Lake Hickory.

7/11/22 11:29 AM

d y s n . s s n t e

n m d r n g d

Craig Black graduated from East Davidson High School and earned a degree in Marketing and Operations Management at UNCC. He lives in Mooresville with wife Kathy and daughters Abby and Maggie, and is a member of Mooresville High Athletic Boosters, a trustee at Central United Methodist Church, and a member of Top of the Lake Rotary Club.

Black’s 31-year career in the printing industry has focused on strategic planning. His many achievements have produced significant results.

Black has completed 120+ hours of education through national cooperative organizations, designed to equip directors with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly changing electric utility industry. Black has earned the title Credential Cooperative Director and been awarded the Board Leadership Certificate. He is currently finalizing the Director Gold Credential, the highest level of director certification.

DISTRICT 3

r d n r f p e

CRAIG BLACK

District 3 Eligible for a three-year term

Black served as a director during the cooperative’s recent governance review and helped develop and execute the cooperative’s strategic plan, which includes many projects and processes that focus on providing safe, reliable energy at competitive prices, while offering more information for members to better manage their energy spending.

Black supports EnergyUnited’s rural economic development initiatives as well as the EnergyUnited Foundation, which has given millions to charity.

VOTING PROCEDURE There are two ways to cast your ballot.

EMAIL If we have your email address, we will email you a ballot on August 10, 2022.

U.S. MAIL If we don’t have your email, we will send a paper ballot to your registered address on August 10, 2022.

EnergyUnited-0822.indd 5

MARTIN OAKES

District 3 Eligible for a three-year term Martin Oakes recently completed terms on the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) board, the Centralina Council of Governments board, the Gaston-ClevelandLincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization board and as a Lincoln County Commissioner.

Martin actively helped recruit a new County Manager at Lincoln County and chaired the search committee for a new CEO at Centralina.

Martin currently serves as a board member and treasurer in four other groups at various levels.

Martin retired eight years ago from his own business, Byte Design, building computer business models for large (>$500M sales) corporations, including Boise Paper, International Paper and MacMillan-Bloedel.

Prior to that, Martin was CFO and VP of Sales at several IT startups.

Martin has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, from McMaster University (Canada), with IT specialties. He and Elsie attend Salem United Methodist Church in Denver, NC, and enjoy free time with their two grown children and five grand-daughters.

RONNIE HARRISON

District 2 Duly elected to a three-year term Ronnie Harrison, an incumbent, was the only person nominated to serve as a Director in District 2. In accordance with EnergyUnited’s bylaws, Board President Max Walser dispensed with balloting and declared Ronnie duly elected to a three-year term. Congratulations, Ronnie!

Dispensing with balloting in uncontested elections reduces election-related costs and helps EnergyUnited provide its members with safe, reliable power at the lowest possible cost.

7/11/22 11:29 AM

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

F

THOMASVILLE

&

Welcome to Thomasville, North Carolina, where there is something for everyone! Located in the heart of North Carolina, this beautiful town established in 1852 is easily accessible from the I-85 corridor with plenty of lodging options for you and your family. Here you can find a wide variety of antiques, interesting shops and incredible food. Thomasville is home to the largest Memorial Day Parade in the Southeast, many enticing murals, an affordable public golf course, Civil War Trail landmarks, North Carolina’s longest-running street festival “Everybody’s Day” and some of the best train watching in the country!

The Big Chair: Thomasville Furniture Industries (TFI) was started here in 1904 as a chair company before becoming a furniture manufacturing company in the 1960s. The Big Chair, located in the heart of downtown Thomasville, is a 30-foot replica of a Duncan Phyfe armchair and the city’s most recognizable landmark, and why Thomasville is also known as the “Chair City.” In 1960, the Thomasville Chair gained national attention when vice-presidential hopeful Lyndon B. Johnson stopped to greet local supporters from atop the chair while on a campaign whistle-stop.

A place in history: Thomasville is located on a main Norfolk Southern railway system between Charlotte and Raleigh. Its prime location in almost the center of the state led the founder, John W. Thomas, to establish the city in 1852. During the Civil War, Thomasville became a place for refugees and a hospital for injured soldiers. Thirty-four of those soldiers were buried in the Thomasville City Cemetery, making it the only known burial site of both Union and Confederate soldiers together.

Business friendly: Thomasville is a city where you can find people who care — about their businesses, their products and their customers. They work hard to produce goods and services that cater to you. Most famous for its plethora of antique shops, Thomasville is home to “blasts from the past” that are sure to entice and entertain folks of all ages.

The hometown feel: There is something magical about this city — its hometown feel leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. The center city area has landmarks and walking trails, there are tons of local shops, plenty of places to stay, beautiful venues, summer-league baseball and generally a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. This sense of community is at its peak during Christmastime, when the streets are festively lit, antique animatronic figures are brought back to life and even the Big Chair is adorned with a Santa hat and Merry Christmas pillow.

As a 2013 All-American City, Thomasville knows the importance of looking to the future, while maintaining its rich history. Come enjoy historic Downtown Thomasville, catch a HiToms baseball game, eat local cuisine and enjoy numerous shopping options from antiques to modern crafters.

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7/11/22 11:29 AM

FOOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

SIXTY SIX GRILL & TA P H O U S E

KATRINA H.

The food is always good! Absolutely love their grilled chicken and chicken tenders.

But tonight I was super impressed with our waitress Kelly. She took great care of us, anticipated our needs, and never let our drinks run out. It's been a while since we have had such great service, so I was very thankful tonight!

NICKI M.

Best restaurant in Thomasville by far for many reasons, but most notably for the variety of items offered on the menu, the overall atmosphere of the restaurant itself, and also the great attitudes of the entire staff. Each staff member is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu items including the daily specials and drinks offered from the bar.

TAMMY B.

Sixty Six Grill and Taphouse is a Thomasville neighborhood favorite! They focus on the freshest ingredients and craft-worthy combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and treat you to a good time. With dog-friendly patio seating, outstanding service, and specialty drinks, it’s always a good time at Sixty Six Grill and Taphouse! Don’t believe us?

Just check out these reviews!

Thomasville has all kinds of restaurants but this is the best place to eat if you want a great steak and an adult beverage! Just make sure you go early or you will wait!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR

ANNUAL MEETING!

EnergyUnited-0822.indd 7

Join us for the results of the Board of Directors election:

WHEN

September 15 at 5:00 p.m. EST and September 16 at 7:30 a.m.

WHERE

Facebook Live & WSIC Radio

7/11/22 11:29 AM

DON’T MISS THE EARLY BIRD DEADLINE FOR

BRIGHT IDEAS!

Since 1994, EnergyUnited and the Bright Ideas program have funded more than 13,500 projects for local teachers across 19 counties in North Carolina, impacting over 2.8 million students.

Teachers must explain their goals, creative elements, implementation and the budget of the project for the chance to receive a grant of up to $2,000.

Apply by August 15 to take advantage of the Early Bird Deadline, and be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards.

The final deadline to apply is September 15.

JOIN US FOR THE BEST

E V ENT Curious to learn more about driving an electric vehicle (EV)? Join us this September for a chance to ask questions, ride in an EV, learn about the cost savings and even have a little fun!

CR

WHAT: This event will feature electric vehicles on display, ride and drives, vendors, food and more!

WHEN: September 24, 2022, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Career Academy & Technical School (Troutman, NC) Stay tuned, more information to come!

EnergyUnited

@EnergyUnitedEMC

EnergyUnited Electric Cooperative

ENERGYUNITED.COM

EnergyUnited-0822.indd 8

EnergyUnitedEMC

1-800-522-3793

7/11/22 11:29 AM

Carolina Living

Electronics Word Scramble You can be more energy efficient by turning off unused electronics. Many electronics consume energy even when they’re not being used. Unplug them to save energy.

Unscramble the letters below to reveal electronics you can turn off when not in use.

Use the pictures for clues and check your work in the answer key.

1. RCOEMUTP 2. MGAE NOESCLO 3. LCAEB XBO 4. EWROP PRTIS 5. ONSILEETIV

ANSWER KEY: 1) COMPUTER 2) GAME CONSOLE 3) CABLE BOX 4) POWER STRIP 5) TELEVISION

carolinacountry.com | 17

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7/12/22 12:29 PM

Carolina Living

Refreshing Treats in Summer Heat End the season with a bit of spice and a sweet aftertaste

If you're in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice that beats the summer heat, look no further than these revitalizing recipes. Cool down after fun in the sun with a fresh, sunny day snack or a tropical-inspired dessert that will make everyone stand in line for another scoop.

Visit culinary.net and ncsweetpotatoes.com for more refreshing summertime recipes.

—FamilyFeatures.com

Piña Colada Sweet Potato Ice Pops Find local sweet potato growers at gottobenc.com to add fresh richness to your ice pop.

½ ¾ ¾ 2 1

cup coconut cream cup mashed and cooked sweet potato cup diced pineapple tablespoons honey tablespoon lime juice Coconut flakes (optional)

In a food processor or high-speed blender, mix coconut cream, sweet potato, pineapple, honey and lime juice. Transfer batter to freezer molds and place in freezer 3–4 hours.

Top with coconut flakes, if desired.

Yield: 8 small ice pops

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa Enjoy with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness.

1¼ 1¼ 2 ½ 1 1 2 1

cup fresh pineapple, diced cup fresh mango, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, diced jalapeño, finely chopped tablespoon coriander tablespoons lime juice tablespoon lemon juice Sea salt, to taste Fresh cracked pepper, to taste Tortilla chips, for serving

In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

With a rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Serve with tortilla chips.

18 | August 2022

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7/11/22 1:49 PM

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Energy Sense

Ready, Set, (Your) Thermostat!

The right settings can help save energy

By Miranda Boutelle

H

eating and cooling account for about half the energy used in a typical home, so it’s a great place to use less energy. When used wisely, your thermostat can help reduce wasted energy.

Here’s some information on thermostat types, common operational misconceptions and best practices you can start today.

Misconceptions about thermostats A common misconception is the higher you turn your thermostat up or down, the faster your home’s temperature will change. Turning your thermostat down to 55 degrees to cool your home faster is like repeatedly pushing the elevator button and expecting it to come faster.

It’s likely you will forget you adjusted it, and waste energy by over heating or cooling the home. Set your desired temperature for heating and cooling, or program

Ecobee

Types of thermostats Mechanical thermostats are easy to control by adjusting a dial or sliding a switch. The downfall is you must make temperature adjustments manually, which is easy to forget. They are inefficient because they typically heat or cool the home beyond the set point.

If your cooling is set to 72 degrees, a mechanical thermostat may actually cool your home to 70 degrees before it turns off, wasting energy. Then it might not come on again until the home reaches 74 degrees. That four-degree temperature change is noticeable and can lead people to adjust the thermostat setting down even more, which wastes more energy.

Also, some mechanical thermostats contain mercury.

You can determine that by removing the front plate and looking for small glass bulbs. If your thermostat contains mercury, replace it and find a way to properly recycle it.

Digital thermostats are more accurate, efficient and some are programmable, which is a great option for people who don’t have reliable broadband access.

Smart thermostats, which require an internet connection, are Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Programming is easier, and you can track and manage use and temperature data.

Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature. Some have geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on the distance your smartphone is from home.

your thermostat so you don’t make extreme adjustments.

Many people believe it takes more energy to heat or cool a house instead of leaving it the same temperature.

The larger the temperature variance between inside and outside, the more energy your system uses. Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Best practices Use these cooling tips from the DOE to add efficiency and savings to your home: ■

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

■

Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the house.

■

When on vacation, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer.

■

In the summer, fans allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees warmer without feeling it. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room.

■

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

20 | August 2022

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6/29/22 3:22 PM 7/11/22 3:39 PM

“Learning Science with LEGO®”

Bright Ideas in Action

Education grants spark innovation in NC classrooms

By Sarah Thompson

For nearly 30 years, the North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have given more than 600 annual grants to support teachers creating innovative ways for students to learn through the Bright Ideas program. Since 1994, co-ops have issued more than $14.3 million in grants that have benefited well over 2.8 million students. Teachers can apply for grants every year to fund experiential projects and new classroom resources. Here are a few of this year’s projects, inspiring students across the state.

Rutherford EMC

Teacher: Danna Ritchie,

Catawba Heights Elementary School Participating Students: 50 LEGO is more than a toy. Through Bright Ideas, students were given LEGO bricks to build race cars and compete against their peers as an example of force and motion. This project made the second graders excited to learn and gave the teacher a new resource to use with her future students.

“ Teacher: Roger Brown,

Bertie Middle School

Participating Students: 450

Through this project, students learned how to play the drums and apply their skills and understanding of rhythm to their own music. The project exposed students to a variety of cultural genres of music such as Cuban, African, Poco and Latin.

The students performed a drum circle influenced by these genres, and capped off the project with a 30-minute concert in front of their peers and community.

22 | August 2022

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“

“Drumming Around the World”

Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Sarah Thompson is the 2022 editorial intern for Carolina Country.

“

7/12/22 1:04 PM

“STEM Innovators”

“Time to Cook”

Lumbee River EMC

Teacher: Sylvia Beckham,

Seventy-First Classical Middle School Participating Students: 170

It’s difficult to teach students how to engineer, invent and innovate without the right materials. Middle school STEM Innovators are assured a wide variety of STEM projects and resources to let their imagination run wild. Some of the projects of this year’s STEM Innovators included solar powered cars, rocket building, 3D printing and coding LEGO robots. Next year, teacher Sylvia Beckham plans on teaching seventh graders how to build and fly drones. These projects are possible because of the classroom training kits made available by the support of Lumbee River EMC.

Albemarle EMC

Teacher: Jennifer Robinson,

Moyock Middle School

Participating Students: 200

“STEMulating the Mind” Tri-County EMC

Teacher: Rebecca Richards,

Grantham Elementary

Participating Students: 300

Through teacher Rebecca Richards’ project, students learned how to program, code and engineer using supplies provided

by Sphero Mini Education, as well as the help of local businesses in the industry.

These resources allowed students to practice problem-solving strategies and challenged them to hone real world skills.

Through this project, students learned the basics of cooking from budgeting for food, planning meals, reading recipes and, of course, how to create delicious meals. In class, the students made cinnamon sugar biscuits, cinnamon roll waffles and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and bacon. The hope of this project is to encourage students to explore foods and gain confidence in the kitchen.

“STEAM Education” Haywood EMC

Teacher: Sam Yancey, Haywood County Schools Participating Students: 200

Through this initiative, students from second through fifth grade learned how to upcycle household and classroom materials using Strawbees-brand sustainability stations. This project helped students become experts in finding alternative uses for plastic materials. They were given the freedom to tinker, create and combine recycled materials to produce sustainable and innovative objects. Teacher Sam Yancey hopes this experience will shape the newest inventors that will remake the world into a better place by creating something new with something old.

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7/12/22 1:17 PM

Carolina People

Caitlin Gooch Claim to fame: Caitlin started riding horses at age 3 and has leveraged her love of animals as a way to promote literacy.

Caitlin Gooch is an equestrian encouraging children to achieve literary excellence

By Rue Reynold

W

endell native Caitlin Gooch began life with a love for animals and helping others. She became invested in her community at an early age, and while volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, Caitlin discovered literary deficiency cases in children growing at an alarming rate.

Having only a few horses and nothing else, Caitlin took the reins and worked from the ground up to make a change. That passion created Saddle Up and Read (saddleupandread.org), a nonprofit that blends education, inspiration and interaction all in one to increase literacy in children with the assistance of horses.

All of Saddle Up and Read’s programs are free to attend and enjoy. Farm Reading Sessions can help instill personal growth, responsibility and confidence as children read and interact with horses.

Rotcelis Rose Photography

Saddle Up and Read

Where you’ll find her: Keep an eye on Saddle Up and Read’s Facebook (facebook.com/saddleupandread) and Instagram (instagram.com/saddleupandread) pages to keep up to date on events in your area.

The Literary Outreach program involves children checking out at least three books from a partnering library to be entered into a random drawing. Winners are given a certificate to visit Caitlin’s farm to enjoy the full Farm Reading experience.

Caitlin also travels to parks and neighborhoods with books and her partner, Man-Man the miniature horse. As children interact with Man-Man, Caitlin excites their interest in reading with flash cards and a reading session.

“I want people to know this is something they can do,” Caitlin says. “They can do whatever it is they feel their heart is telling them to do, whether it’s to change the world or change themselves.”

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Digital Extra

Read the full version of the article at carolinacountry.com/extras.

24 | August 2022

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Carolina Adventures

Discovery Place

Fun for All at NC Children’s Museums

Beat the summer heat with delights for kids and adults

By Margaret Buranen

A

visit to a children’s museum is a cool way to spend a hot summer day. North Carolina has some fine museums designed to spark learning, fun and amazement in kids of all ages, including those listed here. (See museums’ websites for information on admission prices, parking, café hours, directions and general policies.)

Discovery Place Science Center 301 N Tryon St., Charlotte sciencediscoveryplace.org Science and technology exhibits for all ages. Great new exhibits on oceans and the human body. Rainforest with real plants, animals — and humidity of the tropics.

Hands on labs, IMAX theater presentations.

Discovery Place Nature 1658 Sterling Rd., Charlotte naturediscoveryplace.org Insect Alley, adjacent butterfly pavilion (live insects), Naturalist Lab with scopes for close-up specimen viewing, Creature Cavern, Paw Paw Nature Trail to explore. Fort Wild has logs, boulders and wheelbarrows so kids can build forts. For kids of all ages.

Discovery Place Kids 105 Gilead Rd., Huntersville kidsdiscoveryplace.org/huntersville Lots of hands-on exhibits and role play activities: vet’s clinic, full sized fire truck, race car and car repair shop and more.

Best suited to kids age 8 and younger.

Discovery Place Kids 233 E. Washington St., Rockingham kidsdiscoveryplace.org/rockingham Artists’ studio, water table and air tubes for learning basic science, treehouse. For kids age 8 and under.

Discovery Place Museum of Life and Science 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham | lifeandscience.org Located within an 84-acre park. Trail with life-sized dinosaur models; live animals include black bears, red wolves, lemurs; amazing butterfly conservatory; two-acre hideaway woods with treehouses; wind exhibit with model sailboats, and much more. For all ages.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange St., Wilmington | playwilmington.org The climb-on pirate ship and cargo ship exhibit reflect Wilmington’s history as a port city. Separate toddler and baby tree house exhibit. Visitors activate engaging exhibits on the human body. Hands-on artists’ studio, grocery store, scientist’s lab. Best for younger kids.

Marbles Kids Museum Marbles Kids Museum 201 East Hargett St., Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org Sprawling “around town” play area, money exhibit with large piggy bank, hands-on workshop and craft center, ice hockey-themed play area, and electric power station exhibits.

Kaleideum North 400 West Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem north.kaleideum.org Outdoor environmental park with live animals and gardens, hands-on exhibits allow kids to build and create while learning science. Best for toddlers to age 10.

Kaleideum Downtown 390 S Liberty St., Winston-Salem downtownkaleideum.org Hands-on exhibits of folk (non-battery) toys demonstrating science, doughnut factory, theater prop shop, artists’ studio, climbing lobby. Best for toddlers to age 10.

Exploration Station Children’s Museum 210 E. 2nd St., Lumberton robesonpartnership.org/exp-stat Hands-on exhibits and play areas to develop creativity and interest in science and math. Best for infants to 5-year-olds.

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum 116 Green St., Fayetteville | fascinate-u.com Set up as a mini-city, hands-on exhibits allow kids to role play at the diner, TV station, farmers’ market and grocery store.

Best for kids age 8 and younger.

Catawba Science Center 243 Third Ave. NE, Hickory | catawbascience.org Salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, digital planetarium, treehouse of four seasons for kids under 5, hands-on exhibits demonstrate physics principles, nanotechnology, sustainable farming and more for older kids and young teens.

Special butterfly habitat.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences 11 West Jones St., Raleigh | naturalsciences.org Interactive exhibits for all ages in nature research and nature exploration centers, living conservatory with plants and animals from a tropical forest. Website has links to branches at Whiteville, Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Greenville and Contentnea Creek.

Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.

26 | August 2022

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NC Outdoors

Photo: Big Rock Tournament

Fishing for the Big Bucks

Big Rock tournament winners took home a record purse

By Mike Zlotnicki

I

t was over barely after it started, though it took a week to ensure.

The crew of boat Mercenaria caught a 572.6-pound blue marlin on the first day of the 64th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, and it managed to hold up as the heaviest blue marlin weighed in for the week.

The tournament, held in June and sponsored by Jarrett Bay Boatworks (see “Sportfishing with ‘Flare’,” August 2021, page 12), has roots going back to the day the first recorded blue marlin was caught off the North Carolina coast in 1957. At that time, the community in Morehead City pulled together the prize of a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars — the prizes have since grown to exceed $1 million, and more than $5.8 million in prizes were awarded this year.

Most competing boats sailed out of Morehead City and Beaufort, or Hatteras and Outer Banks ports. All are fishing the Gulf Stream, and most boats are 40 to 70 feet in length. There is an outboard motor division, and those boats are about 23 to 36 feet in length. (They are considered “small,” and only one time has an outboard powered boat won the tournament.) It costs a little over $50,000 to enter all levels of the tournament for maximum return. This year, 266 boats competed and had 226 billfish releases.

Prize winners Before the Mercenaria’s crew won the big prize at the end of the tournament, they also won the Fabulous Fisherman Division for weighing in the first blue marlin over 500 pounds, good for $777,750 on day one. The Cherrystone, Virginia, boat also won the Super 20 Division, good for $1,156,000, and other divisions for a grand total of $3,489,813 — a tournament record.

Other winning crews included the Wall Hanger’s angler, Stacy Allen, who claimed second place for her 556.4-pound blue marlin, earning her team $426,288.

High Yield landed in third place with a 536.8-pound catch taking home $283,525.

Pelagic Hunter II won the Outboard Division and went home with $42,500.

In the 25th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament presented by Truist, 215 boats and 800 lady anglers competed for their piece of the $318,750 purse.

Can Do Too won with two blue marlin releases worth 800 points and $108,800. Second place went to MJ’S for releasing two blue marlin earning them $24,225. All In took third place worth $16,150 for releasing two white marlin and one blue.

The ladies of the Capt. Stacy, chartered by the Delta Health Foundation, fished from the iconic headboat.

Nearly 40 ladies from the Carteret Healthcare Oncology Center and cancer patients had the opportunity to compete in the tournament aboard Capt. Stacy.

Overall, the 215 boats racked up 50 released billfish and caught 47 gamefish.

A worthy cause Since 1986, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has contributed more than $7.5 million to charitable causes in eastern North Carolina. In 2021, the tournament raised more than $1 million for the first time. Recipients include a variety of community improvement projects, marine conservation initiatives and education programs.

And what happens to the fish? Only blue marlin that might place are brought to the scale. This year, the tournament had a 96% release rate. Fish such as tuna, dolphinfish and wahoo go home with the anglers, and the few marlin that aren’t released are used for scientific study by university marine labs.

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 | August 2022

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7/11/22 1:57 PM

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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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7/11/22 4:59 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Asparagus and Sugar Snaps With ginger dressing

Add grilled chicken or fried cubes of tofu to make it a light main dish. But don’t overcook the asparagus and sugar snap or snow peas for this salad! They should be bright green and still have some crunch.

1 pound asparagus, woody ends removed ½ pound sugar snap or snow peas 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar ½ teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste 1½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated ¼ teaspoon garlic, grated ¼ cup grated carrots

Pesto Potato Salad

Prepared pesto is easy to find in supermarket produce sections, and there are even kinds that branch out beyond traditional basil-parmesan. Feel free to try any you like in this quick-to-make potato salad. The skin of new potatoes is tender, so there’s no need to peel unless you prefer a less rustic look.

2 pounds new potatoes ½ cup prepared pesto ¼ cup sundried tomatoes in oil ½ cup chopped red onion 3 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon salt or to taste Place the potatoes in a large pot, add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool until you can handle them, then cut into about 1½ -inch chunks. Place in a large bowl.

Drain and lightly press sundried tomatoes between paper towels to remove excess oil. Chop the tomatoes and gently toss with the potatoes, pesto, red onion, olive oil and salt. Taste, then add more salt if needed.

For best flavor, let the potato salad sit at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight then bring to room temperature before serving.

Yield: Serves 6

Bring a large pot of water to boil, then drop in the asparagus and sugar snap peas. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the vegetables are bright green.

Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking. Let them drain well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and salt until well combined. Whisk in the ginger and garlic. Taste and see if you want more salt.

Place the cooled asparagus and sugar snap or snow peas, plus the carrots, in a large serving bowl or platter and pour the dressing over.

Use tongs to gently turn and toss the vegetables with the dressing.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours and bring to room temperature before serving.

Yield: Serves 4

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

30 | August 2022

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7/8/22 1:12 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Tom’s Turkey Meatloaf

From Your Kitchen

Our neighbor Tom uses whatever veggies live in his refrigerator crisper for this recipe, but we made it with sweet potato, spinach, onions and green bell peppers. Just end up with 2 cups of vegetables overall, and be sure they’re finely chopped or shredded.

2 tablespoons butter 2 pounds 85-percent lean ground turkey* ½ large onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon thyme ¼ cup celery or green bell ½ cup panko breadcrumbs pepper, finely chopped 3 tablespoons oatmeal 1 clove garlic, 2 teaspoons cornstarch finely chopped 1 egg 1½ cups additional vegetables 2 teaspoons such as: peeled and Worcestershire sauce shredded sweet potatoes, shredded carrots, chopped Glaze mushrooms, chopped ½ cup Memphis-style fresh spinach (not barbecue sauce frozen), chopped 1 heaping tablespoon fresh arugula Dijon mustard Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover a rimmed sheet pan and baking rack with foil, and put the rack in the sheet pan.

Place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter.

Sauté the onion, celery or green pepper and garlic until the vegetables are soft and have released their liquid. Pour everything in the pan, including liquid, into a heatproof 2-cup measuring cup.

Add your choice of additional vegetables until you get 2 cups total.

Put the ground turkey in a large bowl and add the vegetables, thyme, panko, oatmeal, cornstarch, egg and Worcestershire sauce.

Use two spoons to stir until combined; don’t overmix or mash.

Put the meatloaf mixture in the center of the foil-covered rack and gently press it into an even 2-inches thick. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients and spread half of it over the meatloaf. Bake for 30 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on the meatloaf.

Bake for 30 to 40 more minutes, or until the meatloaf registers 165 degrees in the center with an instant-read thermometer. *No leaner, or the meatloaf will be dry.

Yield: Makes 1 meatloaf, serves about 8

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

Mississippi Mud Cake

A relative of “Mississippi Mud Pie,” this cake’s fudgy, dense interior is reminiscent of, well, Mississippi river mud. Though its origins are unclear, one thing is for certain: one bite of this rich creation will nip your chocolate (and sugar) cravings in the bud!

2 2 1 3½ 1 ½ ½ 3 1 1

cups sugar cups flour stick butter tablespoons cocoa cup water cup shortening (we used butter) cup buttermilk eggs, unbeaten teaspoon vanilla teaspoon baking soda Dash of salt

Topping 1 box (3½ cups) powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 stick butter 3½ tablespoons cocoa 6 tablespoons milk 4 cups miniature marshmallows ½ cup nuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-by-13inch pan. Mix sugar and flour into a mixing bowl. Put butter, cocoa, water and shortening in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Pour over sugar and flour and beat well. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, salt and mix. Pour pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until done.

For the topping, measure sugar and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Bring butter, cocoa and milk to boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add to sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Once the cake has baked, remove from oven and layer the marshmallows evenly on top. Place the cake back into the oven for about 3 minutes, or until the marshmallows melt slightly.

Remove from oven and drop spoonfuls of icing onto the top of the cake, using a knife to swirl the marshmallow and frosting together.

Sprinkle the nuts on top.

Yield: 8–12 servings

Recipe courtesy of Mildred Ann Barwick of Scotland Neck, a member of Halifax EMC.

Send Us Your Recipes Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions. Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

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7/12/22 12:17 PM

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by August 15, 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

Sign up for email updates to guess next month’s “Where Is This” ahead of print publication: carolinacountry.com/register Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our October issue, will receive $25.

June’s answer The June “Where Is This” photo by South River EMC member Dale Jarvis features historic Yates Mill on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, probably one of the most-photographed spots in southwestern Wake County. The restored 1756 gristmill still grinds wheat and corn, and the county park location has an easy trail to explore around the Yates Millpond. Visitors can learn more about the mill and its restoration at the visitor’s center and museum located inside the building, as well as at various interpretative exhibits within the 174-acre park. Reader Ann McConnell noted that her great uncle John Lea served as the last miller to operate the mill. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Dora Mason of Linden, a South River 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 Larry & Joe Zion McKnight

Larry & Joe were destined to make music together. Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela, and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from Winston-Salem and is a Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old-time musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in South America, got stranded back in his stomping grounds during the pandemic. Larry works construction to make ends meet. Joe’s acclaimed “latingrass” band Che Apalache was forced into hiatus, and he shifted into action working with asylum-seeking migrants. This Durham-based duo performs a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, guitar, maracas, and upright bass to inspire joy and unity.

Digital Extra

Come Hear NC, an initiative of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is proud to bring exciting NC creators to readers of Carolina Country.

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Learn more about Larry & Joe and listen to their version of the Venezuelan folk song “Caballo Viejo” at carolinacountry.com/music.

7/11/22 4:27 PM

#DiscoverSummerNC

Summer is a perfect time for wandering back roads and experiencing new adventures.

Whether your summer plans include a staycation or a vacation, we’ve got you covered with uniquely North Carolina events and attractions to visit in all 100 counties.

ncdcr.gov/summer

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7/11/22 3:39 PM

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