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September Quick Hits

A Grand Day Do something grand for Grandparents’ Day this September 11! Children can connect with grandparents or older adults; Grandparents can share wisdom — and love — with younger generations.

Farm Traffic As farmers prepare for harvest, be aware and prepared to share the road with slow-moving farm vehicles.

School Days Set a consistent bedtime for school-aged children to ensure they’re getting the sleep they need for success during the week.

EV Week Considering going electric? Visit driveelectricweek.org to find in-person and online events to learn about electric vehicles during National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 23–Oct. 2.

NC Co-op Leaders Share Insights at International electrification Conference

Joe Brannan spoke during the Electrification 2022 opening session.

In 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 decarbonization and the role of beneficial electrification in achieving a net-zero carbon economy.

Several 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 affordability and reliability while pursuing sustainability goals, as well as programs and partnerships with members that achieve beneficial outcomes.

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.

“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 businesses to engage in new energy solutions that benefit them and balance the needs of the grid. We have a tremendous opportunity to innovate and reshape the energy industry from being the backbone — to also being the brains — of our society and economy.”

Other speakers from electric cooperatives shared insights on topics ranging from consumer electrification programs, to grid resilience, to equity in the energy transition.

Travis Bode of Surry-Yadkin EMC and Todd Moore of Pee Dee Electric led a pre-conference workshop on electrification in the agriculture and food industries, sharing details about partnerships with local commercial members that have integrated innovation and new electric technologies.

Marshall 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.”

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

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.

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.

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

—Olivia Dela Cruz, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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

At Sparta Elementary in Alleghany County, enthusiasm for learning lights up every corner of the school. Many of the sparks that kindle that enthusiasm emanate from sixth-grade math teacher Cecelia Hampton.

Hampton, who has 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.

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

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 learning and make broader connections.

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“I like to think of Blue Ridge

Energy and the Bright Ideas program as spreading ‘glitter’ far and wide across our school.”

—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.

Connections to the past

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.

By Emory Rakestraw

Carved stone face

Late Woodland Period (A.D. 1550–1700) Montgomery County (Town Creek)

Old Town burnished jar Late Woodland Period (A.D. 1500–1600) Stokes County

Palmer corner-notched spear point

Early Archaic Period (8000–6000 B.C.) Stanly County (Hardaway site) Randolph stemmed spear point

Middle Woodland Period (500 B.C.–A.D. 500) Montgomery County

Stone pipe

Middle Woodland Period (A.D. 300–1000) Jackson County Hardaway-Dalton spear point Late Paleoindian Period (8500–7900 B.C.) Stanly County (Hardaway site)

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, 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.

“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.

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 archaeologists can work together. Detailing the locations of finds helps archaeologists discover excavation sites, learning the how and why of early inhabitants.

Found objects

Notable sites

The Hardaway archaeological site, situated in the Uwharrie Mountains outside of Badin, inspired Randy’s Ph.D. dissertation. 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 chronologies 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.

“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 arrowhead or spearhead looks like, other stone tools are less obvious.”

In Gilead, Town Creek Indian Mound was settled as we know it today between the years 1000 to 1150, and has undergone 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 religious ceremonies.

“These people were living a woodland lifestyle and experimenting 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 establish 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. 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. “The perspective of professional archaeologists is stewardship; 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 connections. “These meetups are 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. For novices, it’s important to remember objects found on state land belong to the state. Most arti“It’s not about facts that belong to collectors have been found on their privately owned property what you find, or purchased at meetups. If you’re unsure where to start, a tip of advice is to look it’s about what you on riverbanks. “Throughout time, these societies have been set up within a short distance of find out.” fresh, moving water,” Rich explains. For him, the thrill of excavation — for both —Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr. 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.” 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. Digital Extras Learn more about Town Creek Indian Mound in a video from NC Historic Sites at carolinacountry.com/extras.

Coming Home to Make Meaningful Change

Megan Hiner is providing mental health services in northeastern NC

By Jacob Brooks

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

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. 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 outside.”

Lead by her convictions, Megan began working for agencies 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.

“Time spent with Veteran’s Affairs was incredibly rewarding,” she says with sincerity. “I assisted countless veterans struggling with their mental health and housing insecurity. I also worked at a center designed to support housing insecure and truant teenagers.”

“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.”

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.

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.”

One person specifically in that community was a handsome 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.

“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.”

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.

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

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.

ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes

Roanoke Electric Cooperative

The Power of Preparation

By Glenn Brown, coordinator of Safety and Loss Control

With severe weather events occurring more frequently, now more than ever, it makes sense to be prepared. During a prolonged power outage or other emergency, this means having enough food, water and supplies to last at least a few days.

In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, I want to remind members of our community about the power of preparation. While you don’t have to achieve a “doomsday prepper” level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety, and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics.

Here are general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency: è Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (one gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, batterypowered radio and phone chargers. è Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends (i.e., via text, social media, third party, etc.). è Fill your car with gas. è Have some extra cash available; during a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work. è Store important documents such as birth certificates, property deeds, etc., in a safe place away from home (for example, a bank safe deposit box). è Keep neighbors and coworkers apprised of your emergency plans. è Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location that family members know about. Caring for vulnerable family members

If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check in on them. If a severe weather event is expected, consider having your relative stay with you if feasible, otherwise, call them daily. If you have an infant or young children, make certain that you have ample formula, diapers, medication and other supplies on hand to weather an outage lasting several days or more. Keeping four-legged family members safe

For families with pets, having a plan in place in the event of a prolonged outage or an emergency will help reduce worry and stress especially if you need to make a decision during an emergency. è Bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other emergency. Pets can become disoriented and frightened during severe weather and may wander off during an emergency. è Microchip your pet and ensure the contact information is up to date. è Store pet medical records on a USB drive or in an easy-to-remember location. è Create an emergency kit for pets (include shelf-safe food, bottled water, medications and other supplies).

At Roanoke Electric, we care about your safety. Planning for an emergency situation today can give you more confidence to deal with severe weather and potential outages in the future. For more information about storm prep, please visit roanokeelectric.com.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jernigan House Bed & Breakfast: A Local Hidden Gem

Ahoskie is a town known for its warm greetings and quiet, small-town hospitality. So when John and Dee Fritz decided to run their first bed and breakfast, many didn’t think that the Jernigan House Bed & Breakfast was the perfect fit.

While an attractive place to the residents that call it home, Ahoskie isn’t much of a destination for tourism. “People in Ahoskie would never imagine in a million years that a bed and breakfast would ever succeed in Ahoskie,” John said.

Thirty-three years later, the idea that resulted from John’s confusion standing in a major hotel unable to find his room number, birthed something unique for those traveling for business.

“Working for Honeywell at that time, I traveled a lot,” John recalled. “Standing in confusion, it was in that moment where it finally clicked. I said to myself, there has got to be something better for the business traveler.”

Living in Pennsylvania where there were more than 200 bed and breakfasts at the time, he rushed home to his wife, Dee, with the idea of purchasing a bed and breakfast.

While she wasn’t thrilled about the idea initially, and against the advice of their accountant, Dee agreed to go on a journey with John to find the perfect bed and breakfast – including going to B&B school. Learning about B&B life

“There were 15 to 20 retired couples when the Fritzes started B&B school and each day we went back, there were less and less couples still remaining,” laughed John.

What made them keep coming back? John attributed it to his distinct memory in the hotel courtyard.

“Most people who think of bed and breakfasts locations, they think of attractions and destinations for tourists,” Dee said. “That’s not what we were looking for. We wanted to cater to the business traveler. And so we did nothing that we learned while in that course.”

What the Fritzes did do over the next eight years was come up with an eight-point marketing plan – consisting of the eight things that were most important to them.

“After a year of doing market research and attending B&B school, our accountant said that it was time to start our search,” John said. “So I hopped on the internet.”

Dee admitted that going from setting up remote offices for Honeywell, to having 10 people standing in her kitchen waiting for breakfast was a daunting idea. However, the dynamic shift worked out better than she anticipated the day she drove to Ahoskie.

“We had looked at a few places and we found this building on the internet,” John stated. “The only had a picture of the front of this house online and we just happened to be traveling to see our son and his family in Atlanta and I said we may as well come and take a look at the house in Ahoskie. It was on our way.” Finding the Jernigan House

The couple remembered pulling into town that December and parking in the front yard of the property. When they came in, they couldn’t help but notice the red walls that were prevalent throughout the home except for the yellow kitchen.

John recalls that just as he stood in the middle of the courtyard when he got the idea, he knew Ahoskie was the place after standing on the top porch in the back.

“We interviewed everyone in town including the CEO of the hospital at that time,” Dee explained. “We thought about all the nurses and doctors coming into town that needed a place to stay. We knew the need was here.”

After making four trips back to Ahoskie with their eightpoint plan, the Fritzes purchased the Jernigan House in 1998.

Built in 1917 as a wedding gift for Robert & Jesse Jernigan, the building has been meticulously restored to maintain its architectural authenticity and “Casual Elegance”. Aside from

the Jernigans, the Fritzes are the only other family to live in the historic home.

“We started off with only two rooms,” Dee stated. “I can remember having contractors come here Monday through Friday every day at 8 a.m. to start renovations. We even had some of the guests to help us with some of the renovations because they were just as excited as we were. All our contractors except one have been local. It felt like we had an entire group of folks going through this process with us.”

The Fritzes also recollected the major interest shown by the community in seeing the bed and breakfast operation in the small town. “When we had our grand opening in May 1999, more than 500 people showed up to walk through the doors that Sunday,” Dee said. “We never expected that level of interest from the community.”

Today, the Jernigan House offers five elegant guest rooms/suites in a stately colonial revival style home known as a “Southern Colonial”. There is also a new common area that has been renovated to provide shade and comfort to enjoy a casual or business conversation in the open air.

“Locals can feel free to stop by to eat their lunch or just enjoy the private garden in the back,” Dee said.

A Community Pillar

As the only bed and breakfast in Ahoskie for more than 30 years, the Jernigan House is a historic pillar in the town; offering a place to stay to everyone from out-of-towners on business to line workers needing a place to stay during major storm restoration efforts.

“During times of natural disaster that sometimes knocked out power to thousands of member-owners, the Jernigan House has helped us accommodate additional help from sister co-op crews,” said Marshall Cherry, Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s president and CEO. “I cannot express enough how much of a vital resource it has been.” During prom season, teens and their families can also be observed taking photos throughout the garden area. There’s even a wedding wall in the stately home with all the weddings that have been hosted at the Jernigan House.

“It has been such a joy to see prom attendees and their dates, and brides and grooms come and make lifelong memories,” Dee expressed. “Nothing beats seeing a bride coming down those steps and there’s not a dry eye in the building.”

While the Fritzes have enjoyed providing the southern hospitality many have grown to expect and love, they have decided to sell the Jernigan House.

“We’ve made a lot of good friends over the years,” John stated. “But after 25 years, we know it’s time for the next chapter of our lives. This isn’t just a part of your life, it is your life and we’ve loved it for over two decades. We will miss the interaction with our guests turned friends, and we hope to have someone special take over and continue this great operation.”

For more information about the Jernigan House, contact the Fritzes at (252) 209-5455. “ NOTABLE & QUOTABLE What comes to mind when you think about the co-op’s efforts to build a brighter future for member-owners?

“I’m very excited about all the co-op’s programs and services. You all seem to be ahead of the curve with programs like the EV Program and the solar and broadband initiatives. I hope that you all can continue to expand on programs like these.”

“—Roanoke Electric Co-op member-owner Christopher R. Martin of Northampton County

You’re Invited!

Co-op to Host Energy Solutions Expo, Oct. 7

Come experience the latest energy-saving technologies at Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s second annual Energy Solutions Expo on Oct. 7 at the Ahoskie Amphitheater.

“This special event is one of the ways the co-op is addressing the pocketbook issues of great concern to many in our community,” said Roanoke Electric Co-op President & CEO Marshall Cherry. “It will present opportunities for us to learn about the latest innovative technologies that can help all of us save money and energy.”

Event highlights will include guest appearances from elected officials and a technology showcase, featuring everything from electric vehicles to an array of smart energy-efficiency devices for the home.

The outdoor expo, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Our faucets and appliances use a lot of hot water. You can lower your water heating costs by using less hot water in your home. Water heating accounts for a large portion of home energy bills.

Source: Dept. of Energy

Save the Date: Power Hour Webinar

Roanoke Electric Cooperative will continue its Power Hour webinar series this fall. The hour-long virtual event will take place on Sept. 14. Please visit our website and social media platforms for details.

Holiday closing

Our offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. To report outages:

è Call 1-800-358-9437 è Text “OUTAGE” to 352667.

To make a payment:

è Use our automated system at 252-209-2236. è Download our mobile app by texting “Roanoke” to 252-479-7929. è Text “PAY” to 352667.

ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes

Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Electric Cooperative P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910 Office: 252-209-2236 or 1-800-433-2236 For outages call: 1-800-358-9437 For online bill payment: roanokeelectric.com Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Visit us at roanokeelectric.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller

Chairman Robert “Nat” Riddick

Vice Chairman Delores Amason

Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth Jernigan

Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Marva Bond Carolyn Bradley Columbus Jeffers Darnell Lee Cynthia Vaughan Editor: Brittany Tann President and CEO: Marshall Cherry