2022-09-CEMC

2022 ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING | OCT. 7, 2022 Notice is hereby given that the Annual Member Meeting of Central Electric Membership Corporation will be held via livestream at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. The following matters will be considered and acted upon: • The reports of officers, directors and committees; • The election of three directors in the cooperative’s districts; • All other business which may come before the meeting. The following members were nominated for directors by the Nominating Committee: • DISTRICT 1: Frank Comer, III • DISTRICT 2: James B. Brooks • DISTRICT 3: Charles E. Cameron, Sr. The election of directors is for a term of three years. James B. Brooks, MembershipCentralSecretary-TreasurerElectricCorporation A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative PERIODICAL September 2022 Central-0922 WRAP.indd 1 8/10/22 11:54 AM

Nominating Committee Members include: Ronnie Lambert, Siler City; William Stone, Cameron; Zelda Howington, Sanford; Michael V. Perry, Sanford; Carolyn Cameron, Sanford; Scott Norton, Bear Creek; C. Richard Williams, Siler City; John S. Blue, Carthage; Bradley Wadsworth, Carthage; Jonathan Gardner, Sanford; Janet Brower, Cameron.

FOR YOUR DIRECTORSVOTE

towaysTwovote:

2022 Nominating Committee

SIGNATURE Vote by mail ballot

OR: Complete, tear off and mail in the perforated, prepaid ballot postcard on the left. Candidate biographies are located on the back cover of this magazine.

OR

I/we, the undersigned, by signing this card, do hereby certify that I/we am/are the Central Electric member(s) whose name(s) appears on the left side of this card.

1 2 District 3District 2 Charles E. Cameron, Sr.James BrooksFrank Comer, III District 1 Let your voice be heard XXXXXXID:PRTXXXXXXID:PRTPASS:123ABC

All those who submit aballot by Sept. 23 willbe entered to win one often (10) $250 gift cards!

1. Visit directvote.net/cemc and use the unique login information provided in the center of this magazine to cast your vote.

The Nominating Committee met June 6, 2022, to consider members for nomination to the cooperative’s Board of Directors. Three members will be elected at this year’s Annual Member Meeting. Each term is for three years.

The committee’s list of nominees was posted at the Central Electric office and is published in the Official Notice on the front of the cover. Your ballot can be found in the center of this magazine and includes all the information you need to vote. Find your election passcode and member number needed to vote at directvote.net/cemc.

You may vote for one candidate per district. Mark your selections by filling in the box next to the candidate of your choice. (EXAMPLE ) Detach ballot and mail. Do not mail to the Central Electric office. Return postcard must be received no later than September 23, 2022. Please allow sufficient time for delivery.

Credentials & Election Committee Members include: James R. Hailey, Cameron; Kevin Williams, Sanford, Frankie Hickman, Cameron; Bill Marsh, Carthage; C. Michael Brown, Siler City; Martha Lindley, Siler City; Tim Sloan, Sanford; James Hurr, Cameron; Connie Lambeth, Pittsboro.

2. Complete and mail in the prepaid ballot postcard included in the center of this magazine.

#12345678JaneDoe,

Central-0922 WRAP.indd 2 8/10/22 11:54 AM

Two ways to vote As a member-owned cooperative, you play a vital role in how Central Electric operates. One of your opportunities as a member-owner is to vote for our board of directors. Our board is made up of members like you, who live in our neighborhoods and work to make the best decisions for our cooperative. Voting is easy with two ways to vote for the board of directors. Visit directvote.net/cemc on your computer, tablet or phone and use the login information on the left outer edge of the mail-in ballot to cast your vote. Your member number (#) is listed above your passcode, the alphanumeric set listed after the word PASS on the second line under your member number.

Cooperatives are democratic organizations, and the board represents members like you in the decision-making process. Director elections are a vital part of the cooperative business model.

Please sign on the line below. Mailed ballots are not valid without a signature matching the name listed on the left side of this card.

SAMPLE VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT

PERIODICAL Published by September 2022 Be energy efficient on vacation page 20 Plant this cool weather crop now page 26 Native American Artifacts of North Carolina page 10 Your Central Electric Board Election Ballot is inside —see center pages The magazine of CC09_Covers (2).indd 8 8/11/22 1:44 PM

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10 3022 Our state’s English settlements date back hundreds of years. But North Carolina’s earliest settlers, Native Americans, had arrived thousands of years prior. Archaeologists and private collectors reconstruct their early history through artifacts such as these, collected from around the state. (Learn where each of these artifacts was found on page 10.) Watercolor by Gary Palmer, a member of Union Power Cooperative. OnFavoritestheCover 10 Connections to the Past Archeologists and private artifact collectors study North Carolina’s earliest societies. 12 Coming Home to Make Meaningful Change Megan Hiner is providing mental health services in northeastern NC. 22 Up, Up and Away Get a taste of Iredell County on the ground and above the trees. 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 20 On the House 26 Carolina Gardens 28 Marketplace 30 Carolina Kitchen 32 Where is This? 32 Carolina Creators CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Carolina Country Scenes Get your cameras at the ready! Send us your favorite photo of people or scenes from around the state to be considered for our annual photo contest. See page 2 for details. Harbor 7/12/22 12:39 PM carolinacountry.com | 1 Volume 54, No. 9 CC09_wk.indd 1 8/10/22 2:12 PM

Mike Finamore, a member of Albemarle EMC Editor’s note: Excellent point, Mike. We’re proud of all of this year’s Youth Tour participants and have posted the full list, along with their sponsoring electric co-ops, at carolinacountry.com/youthtour22.

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 54, No. 9 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 Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant Sarah Thompson Editorial Intern Tara Verna Creative Director Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Keith Alexander Keith@carolinacountry.comAdvertising 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.

Pirate Fan

Send Us Your Photos!

NCVisit

Youth Tour Recognition

From Our Readers

THIS MONTH: Native American Artifacts In September 2003, we ran an article on Native American arrowheads by Ron Harris, a member of the Piedmont Archaeology Society, which is still frequently read on our website. This month, we continue to explore the topic of artifacts and archaeological sites around the state (and hear more from Ron, who was interviewed for the story on page 10). Also, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives played a prominent role in a recent international electrification conference — learn more on page 6. —Scott Gates, editor

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.

Just wanted everyone involved with the July 2022 publication of this magazine to know I truly enjoyed it! The articles “A Taste of the Pirate’s Life” and “Lady Pirates of the Carolina Coast” were especially interesting (pages 8 and 12, respectively). Thank you so much!

Jan Risk, a member of Tideland EMC

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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.

Thank you for providing Carolina Country magazine on a monthly basis. It is always informative and enjoyable to read. When reading the cover article on the NC Youth Tour there was no mention or listing of who the students were and what communities they represented. Other than the mention of one or two students, it would have been nice to have their achievement recognized. Thanks again for providing a nice easy read on topics reflecting our local communities.

Start rounding up your best photos and stories of Carolina people or scenes for our 2022 Carolina Country Scenes photo contest. We’ll pay $50 for those published in our January 2023 issue. Deadline is Nov. 15, 2022. Visit: carolinacountry.com/photocontest Town Creek Indian Mound 2 | September 2022

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Burns are particularly difficult to treat. Our skin is our largest organ, and it has an equally large job to do. It keeps fluids inside and protects us from infection. When burns break down that barrier, which can happen in a matter of seconds, it opens patients up to the possibility of serious and lifethreatening infection.

For doctors treating burn victims, the first chal lenge is to save the patient’s life by repairing the burned area — this can take anywhere from months to more than a year. The second chal lenge is to help the patient heal, physi cally and mentally, to close to the point they were before the burn. This can take a lifetime. For more than 40 years, the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill has been providing that kind of immediate and long-term care to burn patients, saving hundreds of lives and restoring thousands, both children and adults, to health and productiv ity. And since the Burn Center first opened in 1981, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have offered financial support to help ensure it remains focused on providing the best, most supportive burn care possible. Through the support of electric co-ops, we’re able to meet the challenges that come with being one of the top five busiest burn centers in the country. Our patients include lineworkers who have been injured on the job, children who have been burned by household hazards, and others who have experienced major, life-changing trauma that can take years to recover from.

Booker King, M.D., is director of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.

By Booker T. King, M.D. Through the support of electric co-ops, we’re able to meet the challenges that come with being one of the top five busiest burn centers in the country.

One such patient who came to the center in early 2020 was the victim of a random assault that left her with burns over 80% of her body. She underwent close to 20 operations and diffi cult physical therapy before being able to return home after 11 months in the hospital. She’s now an advocate for burn patients, joining in the efforts of our team of physicians, nurses, phys ical and occupational therapists, psychiatrists, case managers and social workers to ensure that when patients leave the Burn Center, they have all the support possible. On the research side, the Burn Center is able to leverage its position as one of the largest and most comprehensive burn centers in the world to the benefit of others in our field. Through electric co-op donations, we were able to fund a research fellow dedicated to clinical research, who is tasked with analyzing vast amounts of data from the Burn Center to better understand effective treatments in burn care. In this way, we are advancing burn care here in North Carolina as well as for others in clinics around the world. Your electric cooperative, as one of the 26 electric co-ops across the state, is a vital partner in the development, growth and support of that work.

Advancing Burn Care in North Carolina and Beyond

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At the opening session, Joe Brannan, CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, emphasized the cooperatives’ focus on members in developing programs and strategies to power a brighter future.

Lee Ragsdale, senior vice president of energy delivery for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, led a panel on grid resilience, and the technology, planning and investment to support it, in a rapidly electrifying society.

Travis Bode of Surry-Yadkin EMC and Todd Moore of Pee Dee Electric led a pre-conference workshop on elec trification in the agriculture and food industries, sharing details about partner ships with local commercial members that have integrated innovation and new electricMarshalltechnologies.Cherry,president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, led a workshop on practical approaches to community decarbonization, as well as a panel titled “Equity at Scale: Programs and Partnerships to Advance Solutions for Impacted Communities.”

“We are working together toward a shared goal: a decarbonized economy achieved through a variety of solutions at a pace and cost that doesn’t leave anyone behind,” Brannan said. “Our efforts should go beyond not leaving anyone behind to inviting all people and busi nesses to engage in new energy solutions that benefit them and balance the needs of the grid. We have a tremendous oppor tunity to innovate and reshape the energy industry from being the backbone — to also being the brains — of our society andOthereconomy.”speakers from electric cooper atives shared insights on topics ranging from consumer electrification programs, to grid resilience, to equity in the energy transition.

Nikki Hensley, innovation and business development analyst for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, was a panelist in a discussion on the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles, and ensuring that EV adoption is accessible to all, including underserved communities.

Jim Musilek, vice president of innova tion and business development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, spoke to audiences on two panels about agricul tural electrification and utility programs that accelerate end-use electrification.

“Achieving net-zero energy across the U.S. by 2050 will involve an energy transformation that is unprecedented in speed, scope and scale. Working together, we can succeed in this transition.”

6 | September 2022 more power CC09_tv.indd 6 8/10/22 2:08 PM

“Much is at stake as we take on the global challenge of decarbonizing our economy,” Brannan said in his remarks.

September Quick Hits A Grand Day Do something grand for Grandparents’ Day this September 11! Children can connect youngerlove — withwisdom — andcanGrandparentsorgrandparentswitholderadults;sharegenerations. Farm Traffic As farmers prepare for harvest, be aware farmwithsharepreparedandtotheroadslow-movingvehicles. School Days Set a consistent bedtime for duringneedsleepgettingthey’retochildrenschool-agedensurethetheyforsuccesstheweek. EV Week Considering going electric? driveelectricweek.orgVisit to find in-person and online events to learn about electric vehicles during National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 23–Oct. 2. NC IConferenceeInternationalInsightsLeadersCo-opShareatlectrification

n June, the Electrification 2022 International Conference & Exposition brought together more than 1,500 stakeholders in Charlotte to chart the future of energy. The second semi-annual conference, hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), drew innovators from around the world to discuss the path to decar bonization and the role of beneficial electrification in achieving a net-zero carbonSeveraleconomy.representatives from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives spoke at the event, sharing insight into how cooperatives are leading innovation that supports a Brighter Future vision — a shared mission of maintaining afford ability and reliability while pursuing sustainability goals, as well as programs and partnerships with members that achieve beneficial outcomes.

—Olivia Dela Cruz, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

Joe Brannan spoke during the Electrification 2022 opening session.

Hampton won her first Bright Ideas grant in 2004, for a project that paired older and younger students to create a recycling effort using red wiggler worms and lunchroom garbage in order to develop a better understanding of our impact on the environment. Since then, she has won close to $11,000 in Bright Ideas grants for more than a dozen projects covering several subjects, ranging from math and history to science and technology. She said the projects have helped students schoolwide delve deeper into learn ing and make broader connections.

Alleghany Teacher’s ‘Bright Ideas’ Take Students on Problem-Solving Adventures

Since 1994, electric cooperatives in North Carolina have supported 14,000 projects statewide, benefiting millions of students. Applications for Bright Ideas grants for the 2022–2023 school year are being accepted now at NCBrightIdeas.com.

—Math teacher Cecelia Hampton (right), pictured with fellow math teacher Shannon Osborne Cecelia Hampton and her students with “Whiteboard World,” her 2019 Bright Ideas Grant winner. carolinacountry.com

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Bright Ideas grants are offered by electric cooperatives in North Carolina to enhance student success and bring creative learning to life.

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“I like to think of Blue Ridge Energy and the Bright Ideas program as spreading ‘glitter’ far and wide across our school,” Hampton said. “It has stuck with us and turned up in the most amazing places!” Her partnership with her local electric co-op has provided new tools for Hampton to innovate the ways her students learn, taking students on interactive experiences through history and setting them up for success as they advance through grade levels. Her most recent project in 2021, “Dive into Digital,” equips students with Wacom electronic drawing tablets and digital scanners to take any paper project and turn it into a digital masterpiece.

“From worms wiggling to Wacom tablets, I have had the privilege of joining in the joy and wonder of learning,” Hampton said. “The Bright Ideas grant program has provided me with the opportunity year after year to furnish my students with quality, hands-on, problemsolving adventures.”

—Lindsey Davis, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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The impact of these projects expands well beyond Hampton’s classroom. As teachers have moved classrooms, and because projects are utilized year after year, the benefits reach schoolwide and are growing every year.

“Mrs. Hampton is the most decorated Bright Ideas teacher in our service area,” Rountree said. “We’re proud to continue Blue Ridge Energy’s 28-year tradition of supporting educators like Mrs. Hampton and investing in the future of our local students through the Bright Ideas program.”

Tasha Rountree, director of community relations for Blue Ridge Energy, says that supporting students and teachers is part of their mission as a community-owned cooperative to power a brighter future, now and for generations to come.

Sparta Elementary in Alleghany County, enthu siasm for learning lights up every corner of the school. Many of the sparks that kindle that enthusiasm emanate from sixth-grade math teacher CeceliaHampton,Hampton.whohas been teaching for 31 years, believes in making learning interactive and relevant for her students. To put her creative ideas into action, she turned to her local electric cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy, and the Bright Ideas education grant program.

“I like to think of Blue Ridge Energy and the Bright Ideas program as spreading ‘glitter’ far and wide across our school.”

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Hardaway-Dalton spear point Stone pipe Old Town burnished jar Randolph stemmed spear point Palmer corner-notched spear point Carved stone face Archeologists and private artifact collectors study NC’s earliest societies By Emory Rakestraw Native American Artifacts of North Carolina These are just a few examples of artifacts that can be found around the state. Visit bit.ly/unc-artifacts to view 3D models of more from UNC’s archaeology program. Late Woodland Period (A.D. (TownMontgomery1550–1700)CountyCreek) Middle Woodland Period (A.D. Jackson300–1000)County Middle Woodland Period (500 B.C.–A.D. 500) Montgomery County Late Paleoindian Period (8500–7900 B.C.) Stanly (HardawayCountysite) Late Woodland Period (A.D. Stokes1500–1600)County Early Archaic Period (8000–6000 B.C.) Stanly County (Hardaway site) to Connectionsthepast 10 | September 2022 CC09_JA.indd 10 8/11/22 1:06 PM

1550–1700)PeriodCountyPaleoindianPeriodB.C.)

“The Clovis is the oldest and earliest prized Native American point. They’re very hard to come by,” Ron says. He has 50 of them.

In Gilead, Town Creek Indian Mound was settled as we know it today between the years 1000 to 1150, and has under gone consistent archaeological research for more than half a century. The Pee Dee people flourished there as part of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture, a regional civilization that shared cultural traits including earthen mounds, widespread trading and reli gious“Theseceremonies.peoplewere living a woodland lifestyle and exper imenting with gardening,” explains Rich Thompson, site manager of Town Creek Indian Mound. “We also have jewelry made with shells from the coast, Mica elements from the mountains, and copper, which I was told came from the Great Lakes area.”

It's only natural to wonder how these materials wound up here, and Rich describes it as a highway system composed of waterways. Canoes allowed Native Americans to estab lish trade routes. While goods were swapped, the rocks that make up the Uwharrie Mountains were the preferred stone for toolmaking, significant to both Town Creek, Hardaway and beyond.

“It’s not about what you find, it’s whataboutyoufindout.”

Notable sites

facepoint

In 1951, at the age of 10, Ron Harris found his first arrowhead. Featuring a pointed tip, flaked scars and composed of fine-grain rock, he immediately knew what lay in his palm. Today,

—Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr.

“The perspective of professional archaeologists is steward ship; for collectors it’s ownership,” Randy says. “The main question is, who owns the past?” He encourages collectors to keep detailed records of their findings, such as numbering artifacts to coincide with GPS points. Both seasoned and novice collectors can benefit from Piedmont Archaeology Society (csasi.org/states/nsc) meetups, which provide opportunities to buy artifacts and form“Theseconnections.meetupsare also great for meeting other collectors, and sometimes you can even buddy up with people and they will invite you to go on [pre-approved] excavations,” Ron says.

The Hardaway archaeological site, situated in the Uwharrie Mountains outside of Badin, inspired Randy’s Ph.D. disser tation. Hardaway is the oldest excavated site in the state. Artifacts found here indicate occupation that could date to the Paleoindian Period (9,500 – 7,500 B.C.), and the original excavator, the late Dr. Joffre Coe, wove together chronolo gies of consistent settlement. Randy has re-examined much of the Hardaway material, which serves as a guidebook for identifying similar artifacts across the eastern United States.

For someone like Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr., who chairs the anthropology department at East Carolina University in Greenville, these finds by private collectors can link to “diagnostic projectile points” (a variety of pointed tools for different uses). In this way, private collectors and archae ologists can work together. Detailing the locations of finds helps archaeologists discover excavation sites, learning the how and why of early inhabitants.

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For novices, it’s important to remember objects found on state land belong to the state. Most arti facts that belong to collectors have been found on their privately owned property or purchased at meetups. If you’re unsure where to start, a tip of advice is to look on“Throughoutriverbanks. time, these societies have been set up within a short distance of fresh, moving water,” Rich explains. For him, the thrill of excavation — for both hobbyists and professionals — revolves around one central theme. “If you’re the person in the trench, you could discover an artifact that hasn’t seen the light of day in thousands of years. It’s a connection to the past and a feeling of knowing you’re the next in line to have contact with that artifact. It creates a fellowship.”

Ron, who lives in Taylorsville and is a member of EnergyUnited, has a vast collection of Native American artifacts — some discovered, some traded and some significant, like his collection of stone Clovis points dating back 10,000 to 12,000 years, which denote the earliest inhabitants of present-day North Carolina.

Emory Rakestraw is a Wilmington-based freelance journalist. Her love for North Carolina and its history has inspired a wide range of stories available at emoryrakestraw.wordpress.com

“It’s not about what you find, it’s about what you find out,” Randy says. “Everyone has a frame of reference for what an arrow head or spearhead looks like, other stone tools are less obvious.”

Digital Extras Learn more about Town Creek Indian Mound in a video from NC Historic Sites at carolinacountry.com/extras carolinacountry.com

Due to vast Native American settlements throughout North Carolina, objects are still waiting to be unearthed. But with slightly differing goals, there can be friction between archaeologists and private collectors.

Found objects

Equipped with her Master of social work, Megan returned to NC and picked up where she left off. She returned to Albemarle Hopeline in the fall of 2017 and quickly started working on her licensure. From there, she took a position working with local health departments in Camden, Currituck, Martin, Pasquotank and Washington counties.

One person specifically in that community was a hand some fella named Erik Alnes. Erik works for the NC Division of Coastal Management, where he manages three different reserve lands on the Outer Banks. They were married earlier this year! Megan credits Erik’s individual journey for refreshing gratitude in her rural roots.

Megan began working for agen cies such as Albemarle Hopeline (albemarlehopeline.org), a domestic and sexual violence agency serving Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, Currituck, Chowan and Gates counties. In the fall of 2015, she went a little further south to Florida State for a master’s in social work.

I also worked at a center designed to support housing insecure and truant teenagers.”

When asked what called her home, a familiar somberness fills the air. “I came back after losing some loved ones in my family. They needed me, so I came home. But I stayed because I was able to find a fantastic community.”

Jacob Brooks has personally sought therapy in the past. He's battled depression and anxiety. He wishes all y’all well.

Megan Hiner is providing mental health services in northeastern NC

Hey hey, North Cackalacky. I’ve got another servant leader y’all need to meet. She’s just another big-hearted North Carolinian making a difference.

“Time spent with Veteran’s Affairs was incredibly reward ing,” she says with sincerity. “I assisted countless veterans struggling with their mental health and housing insecurity.

“It was great to see people who really deserve and need support, get support. Seeing folks who were once really struggling begin achieving crucial milestones is incredibly powerful. Generally, mental health services are incredibly stigmatized in our world. In reality, we all need support.”

By Jacob Brooks

Where We Come From 12 | September 2022 CC09_JA.indd 12 8/11/22 10:16 AM

Megan, please meet all o’ my friends across rural NC. All o’ my friends across rural NC, please meet Megan. A pillar of many communities in northeastern North Carolina, Megan Hiner is the proud owner of her own clinic, Mindful Tides, PLLC, where she provides counseling services to folks in need. Megan and I go back to the Washington Youth Tour in 2009. She had never heard of Alleghany High School or my co-op, Blue Ridge Energy. I had never heard of Camden County High School or her co-op, Albemarle EMC. But, like the other 30 rising seniors on the trip, our small public high schools and local co-ops set us on a path for success. Megan’s journey took her to Raleigh. She began her undergrad career at Meredith then transferred to NC State. Graduating with a degree in communications, she realized her calling was in the public sector. “I care about identifying systems that are not working and making structural change,” she says. “I realized I was in an echo-chamber where the same voices were being heard. I wanted to make real, meaningful change for folks on the Leadoutside.”byherconvictions,

“I did not really realize what home meant to me until I met my husband,” she explains. “He moved around a lot growing up. His story helped me reflect and be thankful for the strong foundation I was able to build in such a small community.”

Coming Home to Make Meaningful Change

Megan and her husband, Erik with their dog Macy. Eric helped her realize how her home town made her grow into who she is.

Well Megan, it was so great catching up with you. Huge congratulations to you and Erik! Excited to see what y’all will do next.

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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.

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

Central sends youth to leadership camp

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The cooperative recently sponsored Brett Mills, Madelyn Travis and Nicole Jozefowicz to attend Cooperative Leadership Camp hosted by the NC Cooperative Council. The week-long camp was held at Camp Monroe in Laurel Hill, NC, featuring energetic and interactive doingthethataisexercises.leadershiprecreationpresentations,workshops,outdoorandbuildingThecampdesignedtoprovidelearningexperienceconcentratesoncooperativewayofbusinessandbuilding

a better understanding and appreciation for the cooperative model. Brett, Madelyn and Nicole were chosen to attend the camp on behalf of the cooperative due to their strong work ethic in the classroom and extracurricular involvement in their schools and community.

SEPT. 2022

Monthly newsletter from Central Electric Membership Corp. Monthly newsletter from Central Electric Membership Corp. NEWSCentral

Brett Mills, Madelyn Travis and Nicole Jozefowicz represented Central Electric at the 2022 Cooperative Leadership Camp held at Camp Monroe. The camp featured team building and leadership exercises, as well as curriculum focused on the cooperative business model. Scan this QR Code with your phone’s camera to watch a video and learn more about leadership camp!

Central Electric sponsors three local high school students each year to attend Cooperative Leadership Camp. If you will be a sophomore, junior or senior during the 202324 school year, the application period for next year’s camp will begin in March and run through May 2023. For more information about this great program, visit CEMCPower.com.

SEPT. 5 the Central Electric office will be closed for Labor Day. Crews will be on-call. SEPT. 16 is the deadline for Bright Ideas applications. Central is awarding $15,000 to local educators to help bring creative and innovative projects into their classroom. Apply at NCBrightIdeas.com.

Each of you are also an important part of our coop as well as our community. We hope that you will read through the materials included with your newsletter this month and learn more about what the co-op is doing to better this great place that we call home. We also hope that you will take part in our upcoming Annual Meeting of the Members. You can register your participation in the meeting by submitting either an online or mail-in voting ballot, and then be sure to join us at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 for the meeting live stream.

From the desk of CEO & General Manager Eddie Oldham Community is important and that is what the co-op is all about. Your co-op has been here for you from the start, and we’re still here for you today, just as we will be tomorrow. Thank you for your participation in this year’s Annual Meeting and for being a part of this great co-op!

16 NEWS CENTRALSeptember 2022 POINT OF VIEW

Co-op is community

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I know I speak for all of our employees when I say that we are thankful to be a part of this community. We are fortunate to live in the same place where we work, which makes our ties to this community that much stronger.

Community is important and that is what the coop is all about. Your co-op has been here for you from the start, and we’re still here for you today, just as we will be tomorrow. Thank you for your participation in this year’s Annual meeting and for being a part of this great co-op!

In this monthly edition of “News Central,” you will notice a common theme – community. You’ll also notice in the Annual Report and Annual Meeting cover wrap materials included in your Carolina Country packet this month that the theme of this year’s Annual Meeting and 2021 Annual Report is “Your Community, Your Power, Your Service.” Community is essential to who we are here at Central Electric. We serve our community not only by being an essential service provider to you, our members, but also being a resource and advocate for bettering and enriching the lives of individuals throughout our small, but quickly growing, pocket of North Carolina. Throughout the year, we engage with our community through many different co-op specific programs and events. While our core job is keeping the lights on, our passion lies in serving our members as well as the communities we live, work and play in. This service focus is at the heart of who we are. Whether through economic development, volunteering or donations to local causes, we invest in this community because it’s our home too. We go to church with our members, we shop at the same grocery stores and our children attend the same schools. Little league baseball games, dance recitals, the YMCA, you name it, we are there, listening to and interacting with our members. That’s essential to what we call the “Cooperative Difference.” You can find each of us right here in our community.

Until next time,

Students rewarded for classroom efforts

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Five outstanding students earned a Visa® gift card for receiving at least one “A” on their recent report cards. The reward is in connection with Central Electric’s “Give us an A” program.

Jimmie Lynn Godfrey Southern Lee

Two local students recently participated in basketball camps at two of the state’s largest college campuses, thanks to Central Electric’s Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship program.

Ryan Oakley of Whispering Pines attended the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Cameron Hawthorne of Carthage attended the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at NC State University in Raleigh. Campers stayed in dorms, experienced life as a college student, and also developed fundamental skills that will help them excel on and off the court. At both camps, coaches and student-athletes worked directly with campers to improve their basketball skills and practice working as a team. Check back in January 2023 for more information on 2023 camps!

17NEWS CENTRAL September 2022NEWS CENTRAL

Local students learn skills at basketball camp

Ryan Oakley Cameron Hawthorne

Local students from kindergarten to college with a grade of at least one “A” are invited to submit a copy of their most recent report card. Four times each school year, Central Electric will draw from the entries and award a $25 Visa gift card to four winners with at least one “A” and a $50 Visa gift card to one winner with all “A’s.” If you have at least one “A” on your next report card, visit the Education Programs section at CEMCPower.com by Nov. 18 to enter the next random drawing.

Caroline Oakley New Century JacksonWesternLavengoodHarnett

Levi Scott South Harnett Callie JordanFoglemanMatthews

Johnsonville Elementary School – $2,202.51 to supply materials needed for the Special Education Johnsonvilleclassroom.

Ruritan Club – $2,335.00 for maintenance to the memorial and to replace flag Thepoles.CARE Group, Inc. – $3,000 to help purchase books, snacks, advertisements and STEAM packets for children. Union Taylor Community Action Assoc. Center – $3,000 to pay for water connections to the community center.

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NEWS CENTRAL 128 Wilson Road P.O. Box 1107 Sanford, NC 27331 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CONTACT Phone: (919) 774-4900 Bill Payment: (866) 488-5011

DIRECTORS

Five N Two Food Pantry $3,000 to help purchase a newer Helpingtruck.Hands Clinic, Inc. – $3,000 to purchase glucose monitors and bilingual education Johnsonvillematerial. Community Center – $3,000 to help with repairs to the facility and replacment of chairs.

Franceine Atiebrah, Executive Director of Helping Hands Clinic in Lee County, accepts a grant for $3,000. The funds will help purchase glucose monitors and educational materials.

Eddie Oldham CEO & General Manager Rebecca G. Cogan, President Tommy Dalrymple, Vice President James B. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer W. Phillip Thompson, Asst. Secretary Charles E. Cameron, Sr., Frank Comer III, Dr. Nancy G. Holmes, Henry Outz, Tim Priest and Henry Randolph. James Taylor, Editor This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (877) Text(800)24-hours766-6769aday446-7752‘PWR’toopt-in and ‘OUT’ to report an outage FOLLOW US @cemcpowerCEMCPower.com 18 September 2022 Thanks to the Operation Round Up program, almost $34,000 is being put back into the local communities to provide assistance for worthy projects.

Another Choice for Black Children, Inc. – $3,000 to purchase beds, night stands, lamps, washer and dryer.

YMCA Sandhills-Saleeby Family – $3,000 to help purchase supplies for summer camp. Western Harnett Lion’s Club $3,000 to send three to five visually impaired or blind campers to Camp Dogwood for one week.

Making a positive difference in the community

Chatham County Literacy Council, Inc. – $3,000 to help meet budget goals for EOSL FACESProgram.of Chatham County $2,000 to pay for summer camps for Chatham County children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend.

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By Connor Sill and Jonathan Susser

You may be interested in saving on energy-related expenses while on the road, too. If you’re driving to your destination, keep your tires inflated properly to improve vehicle effi ciency and safety. When cooling off in the car at highway speeds, it’s more effective to use your AC than to roll down your windows, which can increase air resistance, or drag.

In addition to keeping your home cool on these hot summer days, your cooling system also acts as a humidity control device. If it’s off, the high outdoor humidity could leak indoors and impact furniture or clothing, and could lead to indoor mold or mildew growth. Keeping it at 78 to 80 degrees will ensure the system runs enough to dehu midify but not so much that you waste energy and money.

Turning off the appliance completely may sound like a better option, but it could have unintended consequences.

Another way to reduce your cooling system’s energy use is to clean up around the outdoor unit. Do you have any grass clippings, bagged leaves, tarps, etc. nearby? If so, relocate these items farther away to support the unit’s heat exchange capability and allow it to run more smoothly.

Give Your Home a Break While on Vacation

Heading back inside, make sure interior doors are kept open so that conditioned air can better circulate, but close all windows so it doesn’t escape. Furthermore, drawing your blinds or shades before you depart will minimize the heat that makes its way into your home; the more heat enters, the harder your cooling system must work to main tain its target temperature. Closing blinds also increases privacy and could have a security benefit.

Sticking with safety and security, hold off on having any dishwasher and washer/dryer cycles run while you’re away. You may save yourself time by not coming back to dirty dishes or laundry, but you also could end up returning to something much worse, such as a bad water leak. Turning off your well pump or water valve can add to peace of mind, too. Also, consider using motion detection or timer-based lights and having a friend pick up any packages, mail or leftout trash bins to make it less obvious that you’re not home.

Simple steps to save energy while away

A: Yes, there are several actions you can take advantage of before leaving to limit your home’s energy use. Dealing with your heating and cooling system is your best initial step, since space heating and air conditioning typically make up about 50% of house hold energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. You can give your AC a breather by setting the thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

And using the recirculate function in the summer can help your car AC run more efficiently, sending precooled air back through the system versus cooling hot, outside air.

Finally, remember that the steps you normally take to save energy at home can work the same at a vacation rental property. Just something to keep in mind even though you won’t be paying the power bill.

Q:I’m going on vacation soon and was wondering what steps I can take now to save energy while I’m gone. Any advice?

Connor Sill is a marketing and communications intern and Jonathan Susser is a content developer for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

20 | September 2022 On the House CC09_JA.indd 20 8/9/22 1:39 PM

WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?

THE MODERN SOLUTION

Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since. A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between floors, slowly. And it fits in only one place: your staircase. Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair.

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Stiltz is one of the world’s leading home manufacturers,elevatorsoyou’ll be in good hands. Your homelift will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals — expert technicians who truly care about your freedom, mobility and health. have a stairlift when you can have a homelift? Stay in the home and neighborhood you love with a Stiltz Homelift.

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON Some Stiltz customers need a homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for the day when the stairs become a challenge.

A Stiltz home elevator gives you the freedom to enjoy every inch of your home, downstairs and upstairs!

A Stiltz Homelift is clean and quiet. Our self-contained electric drive system is very quiet. No messy hydraulics, no noisy vacuum systems, no basement or attic machine rooms required.

A Stiltz Homelift is an extra pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, books, groceries, vacuum cleaners — even the family pet — up and down between floors with our dual remote controls.

A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage. The floor lid is safe to walk on, and a key lock prevents unauthorized use.

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A Stiltz Homelift is 100% safe. The elevator will not operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way.

Why

A Stiltz Homelift is versatile. Our elevators carry two people, or even a wheelchair. And the small footprint means they fit just about anywhere. Install your homelift through the floor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!

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A Stiltz Homelift, on the other hand, is an affordable, modern home elevator that is so compact, it fits just about anywhere in your house. It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet. One look at our unique freestanding rail system, and you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!

– Mr. James, Roanoke VA

The settlers also brought distilling knowledge. By 1908, more than 400 distilleries were operating in the area, but various temperance movements and prohibition quieted the operations until just recently. One local distillery, Southern Distilling (southerndistillingcompany.com), showcases past and present distilling techniques to produce more than 24,000 barrels of spirits a year. The town’s revitalized downtown district is also worth a prolonged visit, offering a plethora of local galleries, dining, breweries and shopping options (visitstatesville.com).

Just after sunrise and about two hours before sunset are ideal for flight due to the stable winds found during those times. My flight window began around 3 p.m., when 25 balloons started inflating outside of Statesville. It takes about 30 minutes to inflate the “envelope,” or balloon, using propane burners that heat the air to provide lift. One by one, pilots and passengers climbed into baskets and began the ascent under a multitude of colors and designs.

Fort Dobbs Historic Site Despite my slight fear of heights, I've found ways to overcome it over the years on precarious hikes, ziplines, and on hang gliding and paragliding trips. But ballooning? Well, that intimidated me. No buckled straps, no helmets, and I wouldn’t be in control. But the view of Iredell County spanning Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock from about 1,000 feet up was worth the short bit of anxiety I felt as I held tightly to the wicker basket’s edge. The colors of the foothills below as the sun slowly set in the pale sky were breathtaking from my perch beneath the hot air balloon (called Pat O’Lantern), a grin ning orange pumpkin floating above the fields outside of Statesville.

Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country. Digital Extra Watch clips of Renee’s hot air balloon flight at carolinacountry.com/extras.

Up, Up and Away

Get a taste of Iredell County on the ground and above the trees photos by Renee Gannon

Southern Distilling Company

Ballooning Statesville may be best known as the Balloon Capital of the East, where 20-plus balloon pilots call home, and flights can lift off 365 days a year — a tradition dating back to 1969 when the first rose from a local field. The annual Carolina BalloonFest (carolinaballoonfest.com), held this October 14–16, celebrates the area’s long-standing hot air tradition.

What would those peasants think today when sighting a colorful array of balloons floating across the countryside? Magic, I imagine.

Story and

22 | September 2022 Carolina Adventures CC09_JA.indd 22 8/9/22 1:39 PM

Historic crossroads Statesville, located in the western Piedmont, has served as a crossroads for settlers and travelers for more than 250 years. Trading routes and wagon trails later became today’s I-77 and I-40 interchange.

Pilot Patrick Grogan (Tree Top Flyer Ballooning, 704-450-4571) has been ballooning for more than 20 years. He owns the Pat O’Lantern and a neon, rainbow-swirled balloon named Neon Dreamz. A typical hour-long flight covers up to 15 miles while the balloon flies at various altitudes to catch the steering wind currents. It’s basically sailing, but in the air instead of on the sea. As the flight was nearing its end, Pat and his chase team pinpointed possible landing sites among the farm fields and rural roads below. He describes it as an adult game of Leapfrog — once the balloon heads down, the team posi tions in front, then the balloon flies toward and over them, and the chase resumes to the next road or field fit for land ing until we are finally on terra firma in a cow pasture. After the flight, Pat and the other pilots continue a tradi tion that began in 1783 after the first successful hot air balloon flight in Paris: a champagne toast with pilot and passengers. Imagine, Pat quips, that peasants back then thought “the balloon was a demon because it spewed a foul odor and smoke.”

In 1756, Fort Dobbs rose in a field of tall grass in Iredell County to defend western North Carolina and its settlers. The fort played a key role in the Anglo-Cherokee War in February 1760. Today, the Fort Dobbs Historic Site (fortdobbs.org) stands again to offer visitors a glimpse of war and peace.

UpcountrySC.com SAVORSEASONSTHE in SouthUpcountryCarolina Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry. October 7-9 FESTIVAL Ava Gardner Museum 325 E Market St., Smith eld, NC 27577 919-934-5830 avagardner.org AvaGardner MAKE IT YOUR NATURE The outdoors is really a reflection of you. It’s up to all of us to do our part to help preserve the natural beauty of our state. Join us in following the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles, so our spaces can remain beautiful and enjoyable for years to come. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE STICK TO TRAILS AND OVERNIGHT RIGHT TRASH YOUR TRASH LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE KEEP WILDLIFE WILD SHARE OUR TRAILS CC09_wk.indd 23 8/9/22 12:39 PM

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For backyard growers fond of slinging seeds— which, by the way, are cheaper than transplants— liberally sow the plants-to-be a half inch deep in rows about a foot apart. When seedlings start appearing, thin the newbie plants to about six inches apart. Use scissors to do the deed because pulling out young plants could disturb the fragile roots of ones left behind.

Plant now for an extended harvest Story and photos by L.A. Jackson Spinach can be grown in either the spring or fall in North Carolina, but since it bolts in hot weather, the best time to plant is now — as summer begrudgingly gives way to autumn, when the warm soil encourages growth, while the coming cool will ensure an extended harvest of tasty leaves.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com.

26 | September 2022 Carolina Gardens CC09_JA.indd 26 8/10/22 1:07 PM

Fall for Spinach

Spinach transplants can easily be found now in garden centers and will obviously move up the date of your begin ning harvest. In the higher elevations of our state, at this time of year, they are probably the best way to get in a decent crop before hard freezes come calling.

Since spinach is a fast grower, it needs about an inch of water a week to develop properly, so have the hose handy if Mother Nature doesn’t oblige. Also, mulch will help preserve ground moisture as well as discourage weeds. When the spinach leaves reach pickin’ size (about five inches long) go for the older, outer ones first. As autumn strengthens, frost will start to creep into the spinach patch, but this won’t be an immediate concern because these hardy plants can withstand temperatures down into the lower 20s. In fact, a light dusting of frost will actually sweeten the leaves just a bit. As far as which spinach to try, Bloomsdale Long Standing has been a garden standard for years, but for me, its deep crinkles and crannies make this selection tough to wash clean and too friendly for hiding bugs. Instead, I opt for cultivars having smoother leaves, with Teton, Seaside or Space being my usual go-to picks.

First harvest the older, outer leaves of spinach when they are about five inches long.

F Houseplants have had their fun outside this year, and now is the time to bring them indoors before the chill of late fall arrives. During this transition, carefully check each plant for insects and especially insect eggs, which could hatch in balmy room temperatures and cause problems for your tucked away pretties.

Proud of your garden? Enjoy a little friendly competition? Consider combining these two pleasures by entering some of your best botanical efforts at the NC State Fair’s Flower and Garden Exhibits’ contests in Raleigh. The Fair will be here before you know it (October 13–23), so look over all your garden ornamentals and produce for possible contenders and start babying them into blue ribbon shape. This includes fruits, vegetables, houseplants, cut flowers and floral arrangements. Visit ncstatefair.org if you want to check out the Flower and Garden competition categories and rules.

Garden To-Do’s for September

Like all leafy veggies, spinach thrives on nitrogen. Summer plantings have probably sucked much of the nitrogen from the garden’s soil, so after reworking a sunny growing site, refurbish it further with a generous jolt of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer followed up with an additional, light dusting of these nutrient nuggets in about a month. Don’t want to keep watching your calendar? A single appli cation at planting time of time-release fertilizer high in nitrogen will also work.

F As perennials and woody ornamentals are preparing to slip into their winter dormancy period, don’t encourage new growth that probably won’t have a chance to harden off before the first frosts bite. So, save the fertilizing chores for next spring, and resist the urge to prune trees and shrubs.

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Roughly crumble the cookies in zippered bag using rolling pin or can (about 2 cups crumbs) and set aside. Whip the cream to medium peak stage.

1 bag (12 ounces) broccoli slaw, large pieces of broccoli cut small 2 stalks celery, cut into ¼-inch pieces

2 packages (3 ounces) ramen (vegetablenoodlesorchicken)

1 bag (8 ounces) frozen shelled edamame, cooked per instructions

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Pinch salt

30 | September 2022

With gingersnap crumble

Traditionally, a “fool” is an English dessert of puréed fruit folded into custard. Take a shortcut and throw together our 10-minute contemporary version that uses whipped cream instead of the more labor-intensive custard. Nibble at this light dessert alongside our crispy fried shrimp toast and Asian salad. Also fun for little chefs to make!

1 box (10 gingersnapounces)cookies

2 teaspoons sesame oil 3–4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 slice fresh ginger (about an inch), grated 1 package ramen noodle seasoning

½ cup toasted sunflower seeds ½ cup sesame sticks Break up noodles and put in bottom of a large bowl. Mix together remaining salad ingredients. Combine all dressing ingredients and toss with salad. Pour over 24Covernoodles.andrefrigeratehours.Atservingtime, toss, garnish and enjoy!

Garnish ½ cup salted peanuts

4 large ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced (1 cup puréed) 2 heaping tablespoons orange marmalade Juice of half an orange Zest of half an orange

1 bag (8 ounces) snow peas, blanched and drained

1 bunch scallions, cut into ½-inch pieces

Yield: 8–12 servings 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!

Dressing ¾ cup vegetable oil (we used sunflower) ¹/₃ cup rice vinegar ¼ cup sugar or honey

Asian Ramen Salad

Salad

Chill at least an hour until ready to serve.

Yield: Serves 4 CarolinaMarinatedKitchen

This cold salad offers a variety of textures, making a unique side dish. Feeding a crowd or in the mood for leftovers? The size of this recipe fits the bill! Plan to create a day ahead so the ramen has time to soak in the savory dressing.

Mango Marmalade Fool

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Dice ¼ cup of the sliced mango and set aside. Purée remaining mango in processor with marmalade and juice. Line up four dessert bowls (approximately 6 ounces each) and drizzle a tablespoon of purée mixture in bottom of each. Divide crumbs in dishes over drizzle, saving a bit for garnish. Set aside ½ cup of the whipped cream and fold remaining cream together with purée. Spoon purée-cream mixture over crumbs. Top each with 1 tablespoon of diced mango. Put a dollop of the saved whipped cream on top. Garnish with crumbs and orange zest.

This simple and delicious beef dish from Sri Lanka does not call for the trademark curry powder and spices used in most Sri Lankan dishes. To manage heat, this recipe uses a seeded jalapeño pepper instead of the traditional hot red chilies. You can also adjust the black pepper. Typically served with rice or bread, it can be served with naan as well.

1 egg white 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari 4–5 scallions, chopped 1 teaspoon cornstarch 3 cloves garlic, sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed, plus extra for garnish 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Beef With Black Pepper

Send Us Your Recipes

In a saucepan, combine beef, black pepper, turmeric, salt and water and sauté over medium heat until beef is cooked. There should be very little gravy. Remove from heat.  In another saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and add garlic, ginger, onion, tomato, black pepper and salt and cook until onions are tender. Next add the prepared beef and cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: Makes 24 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

From Your Kitchen

Carolina Kitchen

Pinch of salt 6 slices white bread* Vegetable oil for frying Pepper jelly, duck sauce or sweet chili pepper sauce (optional for serving)

1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs

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.

If you like to add shrimp toast to your Chinese take-out order, it probably never crossed your mind to make it. But this crispy appetizer is not hard to make — you can even prepare the paste, freeze and fry up a fresh batch anytime the notion strikes you.

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

carolinacountry.com | 31 CC09_tv.indd 31 8/11/22 1:14 PM

2 pounds beef cut into 2-inch strips  2 teaspoons ground black pepper ½ teaspoon turmeric Salt to taste ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons oil (we used olive oil) 4 cloves choppedgarlic, 1 slice of ginger, about an inch, chopped 1 medium onion, sliced 1 medium tomato, sliced  ½ teaspoon black Saltpepperto taste 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and cut into lengthwise strips

Crispy Fried Sesame Shrimp Toast (pictured above)

¼ cup toasted sesame seeds ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (washed and dried)

1 teaspoon sugar

*We used sliced Hawaiian bread for fun and a bit of sweetness.

Yield: about 7–8 servings Recipe courtesy of Champa Codipilly of West End, a member of Pee Dee Electric.

Combine breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients (except bread and oil) in processor. Pulse into a smooth paste. Divide paste among the 6 slices of bread and spread evenly to edges. Sprinkle with crumb mixture and lightly press into paste. Cut each piece diagonally into 4 triangles.Addabout ¹/₈-inch oil into a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Gently place pieces of toast into hot oil, crumb side down. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Gently turn with spatula and fry the other side for about 1 minute. Place on paper towels to drain. Garnish with chopped cilan tro. Serve immediately alongside warmed pepper jelly, duck sauce or sweet chili pepper sauce.

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Homeplace Sunset Photo by Betty Rose, Mount Olive A member of Tri-County EMC

The July “Where Is This” photo by Haywood EMC member Donna Keener features two curious-looking fiberglass steer by the roadside. They serve as the welcome committee to Puncheon Camp Creek Ranch, located at the intersection of Old Clear Creek and Rhodes Roads near Edneyville in Henderson County. Ranch owner Boyd “Bub” Hyder started creating this private, western-themed “town” in 1992. Its Main Street includes a general store, chapel, gas station, stable, bank, city hall, a hotel and saloon, as well as other buildings and fiberglass oddities. Several readers recognized these two heifer greeters as a cool part of their hikes at nearby Bearwallow Mountain. The winning entry chosen at random from more than 200 correct submissions came from Sarah Proctor of Shelby, a Rutherford EMC member.

July’s answer

“A beautiful sunset at my homeplace with the old barn that was loaded with memories of work and play growing up. Lots of adventure existed for free.”

See more photos at carolinacountry.com/potw

Send your answer by September 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 November issue, will receive $25. where in Carolina Country is this ?

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2022 Graduates: YOU could WIN the Annual Meeting Scholarship! If you’re a 2022 high school grad and the child of a Central Electric member (or a member yourself), submit YOUR entry to win a Thescholarship!$2,000winner’sname will be drawn at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 16. Find application details at CEMCPower.com. ANNUAL TOMEETINGMEMBERCOMINGYOULIVE!Participateinthebusinessofyourcooperativefromthecomfortofyourownhome. Date: Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. Link: Facebook.com/CEMCPower Visit Facebook.com/cemcpower at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, to watch your Annual Member Meeting live. The video will remain on our Facebook page after the live broadcast and will also be posted on CEMCPower.com. Central-0922 WRAP.indd 3 8/10/22 11:54 AM

Henry HenryTimothyOutzPriestRandolph 128 Wilson Road Sanford, N.C. cemcpower.com800-446-775227332|

Central-0922 WRAP.indd 4 8/10/22 11:54 AM

Cooperatives are democratic organizations and the board represents members like you in the decision-making process. Director elections are a vital part of the cooperative business

DISTRICT 3 Charles E. Cameron, Sr. (unopposed) Charles E. Cameron, Sr. is senior pastor of Covenant Christian Church in Vass, where he has served for the last 28 years. He retired from the NC Department of Health and Human Services where he worked with the Division of Services for the Blind and the Division of Youth Services for over 35 years. He served as a volunteer at Morrison Correctional Facility as a Yokefellow Volunteer for over 25 years. He also conducted the worship services for the medium security side of the facility two Sundays each month. He conducts Pastors and Leaders Conferences in Western Kenya, Africa twice a year. He is married to Zandra Cameron and they have three adult children.

DISTRICT 2 James B. Brooks (unopposed) James B. Brooks has been on the Central Electric Board of Directors for 61 years, serving as SecretaryTreasurer for much of that time. He has attended state and national conventions and has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold education certificates. James lives in Siler City where he continues to operate his farm. He is a retired rural mail carrier, an active member of First United Methodist Church, and on the Farm Bureau Insurance board. James has three children and four grandchildren.

DISTRICTmodel.1Frank Comer, III (unopposed)

Luther Frank Comer III has been a Central Electric member for 44 years. He has served as a director for 22 years, serving District 1 in Lee County. He has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold education certificates. He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters. They reside on Cedar Lane Rd. in Lee County. Luther Frank is a Tool and Die/Mold maker and raises Angus beef cattle. He is a life-long member of Cameron Baptist Church. He serves as Deacon Chairman, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee Board and Personnel Committee.

Central MembershipElectricCorporationATouchstoneEnergy®Cooperative®

Central Electric Current Board of Directors

Meet the CANDIDATES

Rebecca G. Cogan, President Tommy Dalrymple, Vice President James B. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer W. Phillip Thompson, Assistant Secretary L. Frank Comer, III Charles E. Cameron, Sr. Dr. Nancy Holmes