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 South River EMC offers you preparation tips for before the storm —see center pages The magazine of
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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. carolinacountry.com | 1 Volume 54, No. 9
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.
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.
THIS MONTH: Native American Artifacts
Jan Risk, a member of Tideland EMC
Send Your Photos!
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.
(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 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).
Us
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
Visit: carolinacountry.com/photocontest NCVisit Town Creek Indian Mound 2 | September 2022
From Our Readers Youth Tour Recognition 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.
Deadline is Nov. 15, 2022.
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.
Thank you so much!
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.
For doctors treating burn victims, the first challenge 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 challenge is to help the patient heal, physically and mentally, to close to the point they were before the burn. This can take a lifetime.
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.
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.
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 difficult 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, physical and occupational therapists, psychiatrists, case managers and social workers to ensure that when patients leave the Burn Center, they have all the support possible.
Advancing Burn Care in North Carolina and Beyond By Booker T. King, M.D.
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 productivity. 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.
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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.
Booker King, M.D., is director of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.
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“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 andOthereconomy.”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 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.”
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.
—Olivia Dela Cruz, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
Joe Brannan spoke during the Electrification 2022 opening session.
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.
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 decarbonization 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 affordability and reliability while pursuing sustainability goals, as well as programs and partnerships with members that achieve beneficial outcomes.
“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.”
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.
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
6 | September 2022 more power
carolinacountry.com | 7 More Power
—Math teacher Cecelia Hampton (right), pictured with fellow math teacher Shannon Osborne
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.
Cecelia Hampton and her students with “Whiteboard World,” her 2019 Bright Ideas Grant winner.
“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.”
“I like to think of Blue Ridge Energy and the Bright Ideas program as spreading ‘glitter’ far and wide across our school.”
“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.
“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.”
Alleghany Teacher’s ‘Bright Ideas’ Take Students on Problem-Solving Adventures
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.
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.
Bright Ideas grants are offered by electric cooperatives in North Carolina to enhance student success and bring creative learning to life.
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.
—Lindsey Davis, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
A t 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 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.
SUNSET BEACH • OCEAN ISLE BEACH • HOLDEN BEACH OAK ISLAND • CASWELL BEACH • BALD HEAD ISLAND LELAND • SHALLOTTE • SOUTHPORT • CALABASH Like the tide, you will return. Book your holiday stay and enjoy seasonal offers at CrystalCoastNC.org. Holidays With A Twist fun for the family!whole MORE DETAILS TO COME AT NCZOO.ORG
See where she first turned a helmet into a crown. Based on a true vacation. Watch her story and plan yours at visitnc.com
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
—Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr. Digital Extras Learn more about Town Creek Indian Mound in a video from NC Historic Sites at carolinacountry.com/extras carolinacountry.com
Notable sites 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.
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.”
“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.
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.”
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.
Found objects 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 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 archae ologists can work together. Detailing the locations of finds helps archaeologists discover excavation sites, learning the how and why of early inhabitants.
“The perspective of professional archaeologists is steward ship; for collectors it’s ownership,” Randy says. “The main question is, who owns the past?”
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,
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.”
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
| 11
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.
“It’s not about what you find, it’s whataboutyoufindout.”
Where We Come From 12 | September 2022
Megan, please meet all o’ my friends across rural NC. All o’ my friends across rural NC, please meet Megan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Jacob Brooks
Jacob Brooks has personally sought therapy in the past. He's battled depression and anxiety. He wishes all y’all well.
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.
Megan Hiner is providing mental health services in northeastern NC
“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.”
“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. 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.”
“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.
“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, 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.
Megan and her husband, Erik with their dog Macy. Eric helped her realize how her home town made her grow into who she is.
Coming Home to Make Meaningful Change
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Enroll in Connect to Save and receive a FREE ecobee3 lite smart thermostat. South River EMC is excited to provide you a new offering through our Connect to Save program: a FREE ecobee3 lite smart thermostat (a $149.99 value) or an ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control for $79 ($170.99 value). You will also receive free installation and a $50 annual incentive if you enroll in Connect to Save before September 30. Enroll now! This offer ends September 30, 2022. 844-577-SAVEmarketplace.connecttosavenc.com/SREMC(7283) Scan to learn more. 157-0166-06-07 Free ecobee3 lite smart thermostat offer valid July 11 – September 30, 2022. While supplies last. Terms and conditions apply, see site for details. Sales tax may apply. ecobee smart thermostat is a trademark of ecobee.
Elk Knob State Park | bit.ly/ElkKnob Elk Knob is home to a high number of natural communities, including many rare or endangered species of flora and animals. Located in the southern Appalachian range, Elk Knob is an excellent spot for any eco-lover whether you’re drawn to mountains, rivers or forests. The area is covered in rich, sweet soils derived from mineral-raden rocks, and the New River is considered to be one of the oldest rivers in the world.
It’s no secret North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and mountains in the nation, but did you know it's also a place to observe the fruits of evolution and untouched habitats? Here are five unique areas to experience nature in ways you may not have before.
Merchants Millpond | bit.ly/millpondstatepark
Located in Columbia, this National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) holds one of the largest wetland restoration projects in the country. The area possesses a dense popu lation of black bears and welcomes more than 100,000 birds on its vast acres during the winter. Untouched trails rich in botany lead to upland pine forests and the open water on Pungo Lake, where you can listen to thousands of swans and snow geese take flight. This refuge also conserves a rare wetland called, “Pocosin,” a word of Native American origins meaning, “swamp on a hill.”
5 Unique Natural Wonders
| linvillecaverns.com
LinvilleMountainsCaverns
By Rue Reynold
ThePiedmontHawRiver in Saxapahaw | thehaw.org
MerchantsCavernsMillpond
by Visit
Photos NC
Gates County holds one of North Carolina’s rarest ecological communities, having 760 acres of seasoned ecosystems that have evolved over 190 years. Untouched wilderness resides in expansive wetlands and a combination of pine and hardwood forests, including numerous species of reptiles, amphibians and rare plants. One of its greatest wonders is the Lassiter Swamp, an area that possesses the final marks of an ancient bald cypress swamp. It also holds mistletoe that has twisted trees into unimaginable shapes. Whether it’s exploring the depths of an underground crystal cavern or navigating miles of conservative marsh land, you’ll discover a new appreciation for the world we live in and the creatures we share it with.
PocosinCoast
Linville Caverns is perfect for anyone seeking an underground adventure. Discovered in the early 1800s, this cavern lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains where groundwater shaped an intricate labyrinth over the centuries. See nature in her rawest form with stalactites and stalagmites lining nearly every surface and colors you rarely see. The cavern is also home to an underground stream of blind fish and a seemingly bottomless pool of water recorded to be over 250 feet deep.
This area holds a rich history as a home to Native American tribes and extends all the way to providing protection to escaped slaves during the Civil War. With territory running through eight NC counties, the Haw River holds incredible biodiversity in every area, including natural heritage habitats and endangered species. What makes this area stand out among others is its easy access to aquatic insect species, so you can see the evolutionary process right before your eyes.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country. Linville
Lakes NWR | bit.ly/pocosinlakes
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NC provides rich adventures for environmental enthusiasts
carolinacountry.com | 15 Carolina Living
MAILINGNAME ADDRESS CIT Y STATE ZIP PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions) 1 Year (12 issues) $12 2 Years (24 issues) $24 Check Enclosed Yes! Please start my subscription. Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue! Subscribe and get Carolina Country in your mailbox every month for just $1 an issue! Co-op Members, check with your electric cooperative to find out if they offer complimentary subscriptions as a benefit of membership. Make checks payable to: “Carolina Country.” Mail to: Carolina Country Subscriptions, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 carolinacountry.com/subscribe 5 Essential Items to Have When Exercising
Tips to
help protect your body during a workout
Baby wipes Baby wipes can cool you off when you get too hot and can also be used as a quick refresher until you hit the shower.
Ways to restore electrolytes
Non-carbonated drinks
Scan Subscribe!to 16 | September 2022 Carolina Living
You never know what might happen, so have your phone at your side or locate the nearest place you’ll be able to make a call in the event of an emergency. If you’ll be jogging or hiking alone, be sure to tell someone where you’ll be and when to expect you Whetherback.you’re hiking up a mountain or working on planks in a gym, these five tips can assist you in your exercise success.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
Injuries can happen at any time, so take a small list of items just in case. This kit can include bandages, antibiotic oint ment, antiseptic, elastic wraps, pain-numbing spray and hydrogen peroxide to help kill germs.
As you sweat, your body releases electrolytes which can result in muscle cramps and long-lasting fatigue. To help prevent or recover from this, consult your MD for the best option for you, such as electrolyte-rich beverages, foods or salt pills.
First-aid kit
By Rue Reynold Cooler weather and beautiful colors are the perfect recipe for outdoor jogs or a window seat at the gym. No matter where your favorite spot lies, remember that your body is top priority and should always be taken care of. Here are five items to bring with you before starting your workout session.
Source of contact
While carbonated beverages can give you a quick energy boost, these drinks may hinder your performance and create excess sugar you may not want. Staying hydrated is important, so make sure your water or non-carbonated drink is ready to grab when you need it.
September 2022 | ASouth River EMC Communicator South River CommunicatorEMC INSIDE THIS ISSUE September 2022 Steps To Restore Power B Congrats Students! C Field of Honor E Energy Savers F-H
IF THE POWER GOES OUT S evere winds, lightning and even squirrels can temporarily cause the power to go out. We understand power outages of any length can be frustrating, especially when your fridge is stocked with perishable foods. Extended power outages are rare, but when they occur it’s import ant to understand what food safety measures to take to avoid illness. Here are a few food-safety tips to keep in mind before, during and after a power outage.
Before an Outage A good rule of thumb is to keep an emergency supply kit on hand. Be sure to include nonperishable food items like bottled water, powdered milk, canned goods, cereal and protein bars in your emergency kit.
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If you have advance warning that an outage is possible, fill a cooler with ice — just in case the outage spans several hours. Having a cooler ready to go can buy extra time for your refrigerated, perishable items.
South River EMC will be closed on Monday, September 5, for the Labor Day holiday.
If an outage occurs, do not open the refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours.
continued from page A
If it looks like the power outage will last longer than four hours, move important perishable items to an ice-filled cooler.
After an outage
While most perishable foods should be thrown out after an extended outage, there are a few items that are safe to consume after a two-hour exposure to 40-plus degrees:
To learn more about food safety after an emergency, visit ready.gov/food
www.sremc.comB | September 2022
If refrigerated foods have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees for more than two hours, the American Red Cross recommends discarding the items. If any foods have an unusual color, odor or texture, they should be thrown away.
During an outage
The best way to avoid illness from spoiled food during or after an outage is to follow the four-hour rule of thumb. After an outage, always smell and inspect foods before consuming and remember: when in doubt, throw it out.
• hard cheeses that are properly •wrappedbutteror margarine that is properly wrapped • taco, barbecue and soy sauces • peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup and relish
A s we close out the hot month of August, we’re a step closer to closing out the 2022-2023 Bright Ideas application period. The early bird deadline closed August 15, and many teachers have already submitted their bright ideas for chances at a gift card, but there is still time for Theideas.Bright Ideas program is an educational grant program that awards grants up to $2,500 to educators in public, K-12 schools, with innovative, class room-based ideas. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded $14.3 million in grants to 2.8 million students, and that number continues to grow. The cantoupgrantsThere’srobotsprograms,manipulatives,books,Theremethods.variedmanyhavecountiesschoolsareTheselocalperoverativeCooperawards$50,000yeartoeducators.grantsawardedtoinfourandintroducednewandlearningaremathreadingescapeboxes,andsomuchmore.stilltimetoapply,andcanbeforanyamountto$2,500.Thereisnolimithowmanytimesateacherapply.Ifyou’dlikedetails on the program, visit sremc. com/bright-ideas. If you’re interested in applying, visit Southncbrightideas.comRiverEMConly accepts applications online through September 15, so ncbrightideas.comvisittoday!
South River EMC Communicator September 2022 | C CONGRATS, STUDENTS! C ongrats to all our students who received A's on their report cards! South River EMC would like to take this opportunity to recognize 15 of those students who received at least one A on his or her recent report card, and were drawn to win a $25 gift Theycard. are: John Daniels Cape Fear High Skylar Williams Beaver Dam Elementary JaVon Murphy Mac Williams Middle Adyson Honeycutt Midway Middle Hunter McGeachy Gray’s Creek High Cierra Rayner Clinton High Giulianna Copare Fayetteville Christian School Bijou Chukwu Plain view Elementary Antonia Crawford Lillian Black Elementary Dakota Bedard Midway High Kent Evans Riverside Christian Academy Nicholas Aponte St. Ann Catholic School Katelyn Evans Riverside Christian Academy Skylar Beal Stedman Elementary Apollo Gladden St. Ann Catholic School
The "Give Us An A" program occurs twice a year and we collect recent report cards with at least one A. Then 15 of those students are randomly selected to receive a $25 gift card. The next deadline will be in February, so if your students are keeping grades up, keep an eye out for the next deadline!
BRIGHT IDEAS CAPTURE ATTENTION
Participation is completely voluntary, details can be found at sremc.com/watt-watchers
Members Can Offset Energy Demand Peaks
Depending on what is showing and who is playing in town, students may also have the opportunity to take in a game or theater show.
YOUTH TOUR IS BACK
outh River EMC is once again offering current high school sophomores and juniors a week-long, funfilled and educational trip to Washington, D.C. This trip — the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour — will take place in June 2023. The Youth Tour is not like other trips to Washington, D.C., though, while it offers monument and museum visits, there is also a boat ride down the Potomac, a youth day program, as well as meeting with members of Congress.
S
For details, cooperative-youth-toursremc.com/electric-visit or call 910.892.8071 x 2151.
www.sremc.comD | September 2022
The cost of the trip is covered by your local electric cooperative, in this case, South River EMC. The Cooperative will accept up to three students to attend this memory-making trip. Students who attend the Youth Tour as part of the South River EMC contingent will also be eligible to receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
Watt Watchers is a program that helps curb demand on the electric grid during peak times. When you sign up, you provide contact information to receive alerts and take action to lower electricity use in your household during peak periods of just a few Simplehours.actions help. For example, adjusting the thermostat a few degrees, or shifting the time you use large appliances for laundry or dishes.
Being a Watt Watcher helps keep members’ bills lower, owing to less power demand, which impacts South River EMC's electric costs and member's rates. With members working together to level the Cooperative’s energy use, it can reduce wholesale power cost, a savings passed on to you.
South River EMC Communicator September 2022 | E
and
Energy appliancesStar-certifiedcanhelpyou save energy and money, when used Energyappropriately.Star-certified clothes washers deliver on efficiency and performance using 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water. Energy Star-certified clothes dryers incorporate advanced features, using 20 percent less energy than standard models. With an Energy Star-certified refrigerator, you can maximize energy and cost savings without sacrificing the features you Awant.dehumidifier with the Energy Star uses more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans to remove the same amount of moisture as a similarly sized standard unit, but uses nearly 15 percent less energy. In fact, the annual energy saved by one of these models could power an Energy Star-certified refrigerator for nearly two months. Energy Star means initial energy savings are possible, but to make the most of it, you will need to use appliances efficiently as well. South River EMC offers a rebate on Energy Star-certified refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, and dehumidifiers. For details visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.
The HEROs Homes that are a high-efficiency residential option, or HERO, are 30 percent more efficient than homes built to code. It’s because a HERO home has better insulation, fenestration or windows, air sealing, equipment, and lighting packages. HERO homes are built better from the ground up. If you’re considering building a home, consider a HERO home, details on the code can be found at energycodes.gov
Energy-saving homes, appliances practices contribute
South River EMC offers rebates on HERO homes built on their lines. For details, visit sremc.com or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.
all
ENERGY smarts www.sremc.comF | September 2022
Energy Star Appliance Savings
to savings
First, units are large and responsible for heating and cooling varied spaces, which may or may not be sealed tightly. The size of the unit itself plays a part in energy costs, too small and the unit runs constantly, too large and it cycles on and off frequently, which wears down the unit and can result in humidity
ENERGY smarts South River EMC Communicator September 2022 | G
Second,problems.efficiency of your home and of the unit heating and cooling it. If your home isn’t sealed tightly, and there are areas of infiltration, you’re losing the air you pay to heat and cool. That adds up. The efficiency of a unit in warmer climates, revolves around the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating. The SEER rating measures the cooling efficiency of a unit. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it is in warmer climates.
Research so you're ready when the time comes to purchase.
Making Smart Heating And Cooling Choices
Heating and cooling, the biggest contributor to your electric bill each month, can be attributed to a few items.
Third, age and use. No matter the efficiency and the care you take of your unit, the older it gets, and the less efficient it becomes. Your thermostat settings also play a part in the costs, because the lower you can set a thermostat in the winter, and the higher you can set it in the summer, impacts how often the unit runs. For example, if your thermostat is currently set at 72 degrees, and you’re seeing elevated costs, it can be attributed to how often your unit is running. Try setting it another degree or two higher, and if you’re in the house, run a fan. Fans do not cool air, but they can move cool air around Sometimes,you. your heating and cooling unit has just run its course. Prepare and replace to make the most cost-effective choice. A higher SEER rating can make you eligible for a rebate from South River EMC. Details on the rebates offered by the Cooperative, can be found at energy-star-heating-coolingsremc.com/ or by calling 910.892.8071 x 2222.
The R-value of insulation is a measure of the insulation's ability to resist heat. The higher the R-value, the greater its
The type of house insulation you need depends on where you put it and if you need to control moisture. Keep your space dry with faced insulation, which uses a sheet of paper to control moisture vapor between walls and floors. Unfaced installation doesn’t have a paper moisture shield. It’s often used over existing insulation in the attic, where moisture control isn’t Sprayneeded.foaminsulation could be considered to fill cavities, gaps, cracks, expansion joints and other sources of air leaks. It helps resist moisture that can lead to mold or mildew and provides increased sound and thermal insulation. Rolls are easy to transport and can be cut to the length you need. Use these to cover large areas. Batts come in pre-cut lengths, which makes installation fast and easy, especially for framed spaces. These insulation panels also provide excellent noise control.
Beyondinsulation.thehomeinsidethehelpYouness.effective-cancontrolclimateyourwithrightattics and walls, imagine a home insulation solution that creates a snug “housing envelope” controlling heat, air, moisture and sound. Don’t forget garage door insulation, as well as other overlooked potential spots to control your indoor environment. Even the smallest gaps and cracks can be filled with spray-on insulation.
Tip: Batt insulation packages contain more square feet than rolls. Blown-In insulation is installed using blowing machines. It makes adding insulation to your attic a breeze.
ENERGY smarts www.sremc.comH | September 2022 South River CommunicatorEMC PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 800.338.5530910.892.807128335 sremc.com Follow Us! southriveremc
Improvements Help Savings Weatherization and insulation improvements can help improve comfort and costs.
There are different kinds of insulation, and what type of insulation works best for space, what resistance value, or R-value, does your insulation need to have?
South River EMC offers rebates on insulation and weatherization improvements, and details can be found at insulation-weatherizationsremc.com/or by calling 910.892.8071 x 2222. Attic with spray foam insulation Rolling out batts of insulation
A little home improvement, like weatherizing with caulk and weather stripping, is only part of the equation. Caulk is for non-moving pieces like around plumbing penetrations and window sills, while weather stripping is for moving pieces, like doors and windows. The other part of that equation is insulation, and that should make you do some research.
Visit TheNerdyFarmWife.com to learn more about the melt and pour and cold process methods of soapmaking.
Melt and pour
Cold process
Hot process This method mirrors the cold process almost exactly, but rather than wait for saponification to complete on its own, you significantly speed it up by applying heat. While hot processed soap should also be allowed to set before using, it takes much less time to complete compared to cold processed soap. The downside to this method is not being able to easily design elaborate patterns. To learn more about hot process soapmaking, check out “Hot Process Soap Making” by Heidi Villegas.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
friend
Make Your Own Unique
The melt and pour method is the easiest way to make soap. You buy a premade soap base, melt it down and then add color, fragrance or oil. Once it hardens, it’s ready to use. This is a great method for absolute beginners, children and those who are hesitant to work with lye (the solution used to make soap from scratch).
carolinacountry.com | 17 Carolina Living
By Rue Reynold
No matter which method you choose, research and prepare thoroughly before attempting to make soap. Take each step one at a time and you’ll soon have a shelf (and gift bag) full of amazing handcrafted creations.
The cold process is the most common method for hobbyists because you have complete control over what goes in your soap and how it looks. This is a made-from-scratch process that’s done by mixing fats (oils and butters), sodium hydroxide lye, fragrance or color. Combining fats with lye begins a chemical reaction called saponification which breaks down the fats for them to bind with the lye. After setting the soap mixture aside, saponification and water evaporation can take up to 30 days or more for handmade soap to dry and reach its maximum mild state. Always be in a well-ventilated room and wear protective goggles and gloves when working with lye, which is a strong chemical that can burn skin or cause harm if the fumes are inhaled.
4 Methods to Soap a
Create handcrafted soaps for yourself or gift them to
Milling Also known as French milling or hand milling, this method combines cold process, hot process and melt and pour. Soap is first made using either the cold process or hot process method. Once complete, the soap is grated and then melted as you add additional color, fragrances orMillingingredients.isoften alternated with the term “rebatch ing” because they follow the same process, but they have different meanings. “Milling” indicates creating your own soap starting from the cold process or hot process method. “Rebatching” refers to reshaping an old soap, taking a premade commercial soap and adding your own spin to it, or fixing a soap that may not have gone as planned during the original cold process or hot process attempt.
Soapmaking can be a rewarding hobby to get into for gift-giving or a personal treat. To help get you started, here are four methods to create the soap of your dreams.
1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 tablespoons ketchup
1 cup dry French green lentils or brown lentils
Cheeseburger Turnovers These cheeseburger turnovers provide the lasting energy little learners need.
18 | September 2022 Carolina Living
SchoolPowerRecipesKid-FriendlytoThroughDays
This family meal makes it easy to incorporate vegetables without sacrificing taste.
1 tablespoon mustard
1 jar (24 marinarounces)asauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
Dill pickle slices, halved 1 egg, beaten Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are tender. Drain. Stir in ketchup and mustard. Separate biscuit dough. On ungreased baking sheet, flatten biscuit dough to form 6-inchSpoonrounds.beefmixture onto one side of flattened dough. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with dill pickle half. Fold dough overWithfilling.fork tines, press dough edges to seal. Cut two slits in top of dough to releaseRepeatsteam.with remaining dough, beef mix ture, cheese and pickles. Brush each turnover with egg wash. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
1 cup shredded cheese
Toppings: Fresh basil Parmesan cheese Red pepper flakes Cook lentils according to package directions. Drain then return to pot and add marinara and vegetableStirbroth.welland simmer over low heat about 10 minutes. Cook penne according to package directions. Top cooked pasta with lentil marinara, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
1 can flaky biscuits
1 box cauliflower penne
Lentil Marinara with Veggie-Based Penne
Energy-fueling meals the whole family can enjoy A menu of filling, delicious recipes is just what your family needs to make each school day a successful educational adventure. Satisfying lunch and dinner ideas can give loved ones the fuel they need to take on afternoon lessons and power through homework. (Foil or insulated containers can help keep food warm if packing for a school lunch.)
Culinary.net
Visit Culinary.net and VeggiecraftFarms.com for more family-friendly recipes. —FamilyFeatures.com
1 pound ground beef
TWO
Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel con dent in the strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars FREE when you purchase the Grizzly Hunting Knife. Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock. Our first release of more than 1,200 SOLD OUT in DAYS! After months of waiting on artisans, finally gotten some knives back in stock. Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold! cations:
It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure. Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, “Whoa bear! Whoa bear!” I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods. I was pretty shaken, but otherwise ne. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. at was more than enough adventure for one day.
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A:
Yes, there are several actions you can take advantage of before leaving to limit your home’s energy use.
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.
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.
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
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.
Turning off the appliance completely may sound like a better option, but it could have unintended consequences.
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. 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.
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.
Simple steps to save energy while away
Give Your Home a Break While on Vacation
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?
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 maintain its target temperature. Closing blinds also increases privacy and could have a security benefit.
By Connor Sill and Jonathan Susser
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 dehumidify but not so much that you waste energy and money.
A Stiltz home elevator gives you the freedom to enjoy every inch of your home, downstairs and upstairs!
– Mr. James, Roanoke VA
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.
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.
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. 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.
you love
“Can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
THE MODERN SOLUTION
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. home neighborhood with a Stiltz Homelift.
and
WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?
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”!
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 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!
HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS
• Affordable • Small Footprint • Full Safety Features • Clean, Quiet Operation • Low Power Consumption • Freestanding Design • Wheelchair Accessible • Carry Laundry or Pets • Fast Installation • Full Warranty For a FREE brochure or no obligation home visit Call 1-833-240-7072 or visit www.StiltzLifts.com
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.
Why have a stairlift when you can have a homelift? Stay in the
Southern Distilling Company
22 | September 2022 Carolina Adventures
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 positions in front, then the balloon flies toward and over them, and the chase resumes to the next road or field fit for landing until we are finally on terra firma in a cow pasture. After the flight, Pat and the other pilots continue a tradition 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.”
on
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. 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.
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 grinning orange pumpkin floating above the fields outside of Statesville.
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. 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. 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).
What would those peasants think today when sighting a colorful array of balloons floating across the countryside? Magic, I imagine. 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. taste of County the and above the by Renee Gannon
Up, Up and Away Get a
Iredell
ground
Fort Dobbs Historic Site
trees Story and photos
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.
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
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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.
Garden To-Do’s for September 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.
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.
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.
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com. First harvest the older, outer leaves of spinach when they are about five inches long.
Don’t want to keep watching your calendar? A single application at planting time of time-release fertilizer high in nitrogen will also work. Spinach transplants can easily be found now in garden centers and will obviously move up the date of your beginning 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.
26 | September 2022 Carolina Gardens
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. 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.
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.
Fall for Spinach Plant now for an extended harvest Story and photos by L.A. Jackson
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.
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1 box (10 gingersnapounces)cookies
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
Chill at least an hour until ready to serve.
2 packages (3 ounces) ramen (vegetablenoodlesorchicken)
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.
Dressing ¾ cup vegetable oil (we used sunflower) ¹/₃ cup rice vinegar ¼ cup sugar or honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pinch salt
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.
1 bag (12 ounces) broccoli slaw, large pieces of broccoli cut small 2 stalks celery, cut into ¼-inch pieces
Garnish ½ cup salted peanuts
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Salad
Asian Ramen Salad
Mango Marmalade Fool
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!
30 | September 2022
Yield: Serves 4 CarolinaMarinatedKitchen
With gingersnap crumble
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
1 bag (8 ounces) frozen shelled edamame, cooked per instructions
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!
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.
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!
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.
2 teaspoons sesame oil
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.
Carolina Kitchen Beef With Black Pepper
Send Us Your Recipes
Yield: about 7–8 servings Recipe courtesy of Champa Codipilly of West End, a member of Pee Dee Electric.
Crispy Fried Sesame Shrimp Toast (pictured above)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
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.
1 teaspoon sugar
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 cilantro. Serve immediately alongside warmed pepper jelly, duck sauce or sweet chili pepper sauce.
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. From Your Kitchen
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.
*We used sliced Hawaiian bread for fun and a bit of sweetness.
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
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
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
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
carolinacountry.com | 31
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (washed and dried)
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. at carolinacountry.com/potw
July’s answer carolina creators See more photos
A member of Tri-County EMC “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.”
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 ?
Homeplace Sunset
Photo by Betty Rose, Mount Olive
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