More Power

OctOber Quick Hits

BOOtiful Glow Trick or treating is fun, but can be treacherous (and spooky) in the dark. Bring flashlights, glowsticks or reflectors when walking around the neighborhood.

Saving the Heat Time to turn on the heater? Save energy by turning down the heat at night or when you’re away. If you have a heat pump, maintaining a constant temperature works best.

Source: energy.gov

Pumped for Pumpkin Spice up your life with some pumpkin spice and fall cuisines. Find comforting pumpkin-inspired recipes at carolinacountry.com/ pumpkin.

We ♥ Co-ops October is National Co-op Month! Celebrate your co-op by learning about its history and the contributions it makes to your community.

Fleet technicians train to Keep co-op Fleets on the cutting edge

electric cooperatives work around the clock to provide safe, affordable and reliable service to members. This may be most evident when line crews are spotted in the field, maintaining the system or restoring outages after a storm. But behind every bucket truck or other piece of equipment, there’s an often-unsung group of employees there to make sure everything works when it needs to: fleet technicians.

“The work of fleet technicians may often go unnoticed, but their jobs are critical to ensuring equipment is operating safely and in full compliance 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Jimmy Brown, manager of Fleet Services for Statesvillebased EnergyUnited.

Fleet technicians are responsible for everything from oil changes to equipping vehicles with the latest technology, providing fellow co-op employees with the best equipment and best tools to do their jobs. Staying up-to-date on current technology is critical to keeping fleets in top form, and in August, fleet technicians from eight electric cooperatives across the state met at EnergyUnited’s Mocksville office for the 2022 Fleet Training Seminar.

“Fleet technicians undergo training throughout the year to stay on top of new technology and safety protocols, and we’re pleased to play a part in supporting the key role these individuals complete on a daily basis,” Brown said.

The August training sessions included winching and recovery methods, working load limits, ultimate load limits and safety procedures. Sessions also included hydraulic hoses, crimping techniques and safety procedures when working with hydraulics.

Attendees represented Blue Ridge Energy, EnergyUnited, Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Electric, Randolph EMC, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Union Power Cooperative and Wake Electric. Contractors from Utility Lines Construction Services and Asplundh Tree Expert Company were also in attendance.

USDA Offers Support for conservation Projects

NC landowners planning projects to address natural resource concerns can apply for financial and technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Past projects include riparian buffer zones, oyster restoration efforts and urban agriculture projects. Applications are due Oct. 14; for more information, contact your local USDA Service Center (visit bit.ly/usdaoffices for a list by county).

THE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO CLOGGED GUTTERS

FREE ESTIMATES! 1-844-440-9814

ACT NOW 15

% off

your entire purchase*

10

% off

seniors & military

5

% off

to first 50 callers**

See Representative for full warranty details. *One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer Valid at the time of estimate only. 1Subject to credit approval. Call for details

PLUS

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1 www.Leaffilter.com/15off | Promo Code: 73

Cybersecurity Through Cooperation

As cybersecurity threats continue to grow both at home and in the workplace, it’s important to know what we can do as individuals, how we can work with others and measures we can take to reduce our risk of cyber threats.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but good cyber hygiene should be practiced year-round.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are working together and with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national trade association for electric cooperatives, to establish relationships, provide tools, share resources and training information to harden and improve the overall cyber landscape.

You can help too. Good cyber hygiene is equally important at home and in our personal lives. Here are a few cybersecurity tips you can implement at home: ■ Enable multi-factor or two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This extra layer of security allows websites and applications to confirm you’re really who you say you are. The additional authentication may come in many forms, including a confirmation text code on your phone, an email or even a separate authenticator app. By adding this second step, you’re making it a lot harder for hackers to access your accounts. ■ Use secure passwords. This means using unique passwords for all your accounts and ensuring they are at least 15 characters long. Randomly generated passwords or passphrases are typically more secure. You might also consider using some type of password manager. ■ Think before you click. Be careful when clicking links or opening attachments. This is one of the most important ways to protect yourself against scammers and hackers. If you receive a text message or email that seems too good to be true or threatens negative consequences for not taking immediate action or displays a sense of urgency, take extra precaution. We all have a part to play in combatting cyber threats. Electric cooperatives and their local and national partners will continue working together to advance cybersecurity defenses for all co-op members and the local communities they serve.

North Carolina is rife with spooky spots hauntingtales

BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

North Carolina has plenty of haunts and legends that persist through generations. Yet the more obscure, unknown and unexplainable are some of the best stories of this state. In typical Halloween fashion, it’s time to have a good scare, so gather 'round for three truly haunting stories from North Carolina.

COAST Heads Will Swim

Every October, hundreds gather in Ocracoke for Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree. The festival concludes with a militia crew march to Springer’s Point, where Blackbeard lost his life (and head) at the hands of Lieutenant Maynard. Joe Sledge, Outer Banks native and author of “Haunting The Outer Banks,” recalls growing up with Blackbeard’s infamous legacy.

“Blackbeard, the angry grimacing pirate with fuses in his beard coming at you with a cutlass, was a wellknown image for us. His figure was sold in stores, along with his treasure and pirate ship, all in miniature and on display,” Joe says. “Almost all the legend of Blackbeard is lore. But his death — the basic story of him being roused up at dawn with the threat of two ships in the water off Ocracoke — that is well documented.” During the bloody battle on Nov. 22, 1718, Blackbeard suffered a reported 20 stab wounds and five bullet holes. Even after being decapitated, it’s rumored his body swam around the ship three times in search of his head. By that point, Maynard had attached it to the bow of the ship.

“Where did Blackbeard's body get buried?” Joe says. “It is possible the crew was placed in a shallow communal grave somewhere nearby, which would be today's Teach's Hole on Springer's Point. So, if there is a ghost of Blackbeard, that's a likely place.”

For Joe, he prefers the Blackbeard tale of a mysterious light in shallow waters. A light that’s chased fearful kayakers and gives all who see it a sense of dread. More than just pirates, Ocracoke itself is quite haunting.

“I once said you can't swing a boat oar on Ocracoke without it going through a ghost,” he says. “The living and the dead in little Ocracoke Village, well, they may not always be friends, but they are definitely neighbors.”

For those visiting — after you’re chased through Springer’s Point by Blackbeard’s disembodied figure — venture to one of the island’s 80 cemeteries. Keep your eyes out for Augustus Abner McGuire, a ghost donning a full diving suit, or Mad Mag Howard, a screeching ghost at Howard Cemetery.

PIEDMONT Camping with Bigfoot

Guttural howls in the night, a sasquatch with a sweet tooth and a now-viral Bigfoot video; this and more bring Bigfoot researchers and TV Shows like “Finding Bigfoot” to the Uwharrie National Forest. Lee Woods has been conducting his own research here for over 16 years.

“I heard about a lady who was having something throw rocks at her house late at night, then about a month later she saw the creature. I was contacted about this two weeks later and that’s how I got into my research in Uwharrie,” Lee says. “I have had four Bigfoot encounters here over the last 16 years.”

In 2009, Michael Greene captured a now-viral video that appears to show a sasquatch-like figure creeping between trees under the cover of night. The thermal imaging video is known as “Squeaky Thermal” to Bigfoot groups and today has more than 19,700 views on YouTube. (And Michael didn’t just film Bigfoot — apparently Bigfoot also stole a Zagnut candy bar from his tent.)

“To the folks who don't think it's real, all I can say is spend some time deep in the forest and just see what happens. Will they have an encounter? Maybe not, and then again maybe they will,” Lee says. “Bigfoot doesn't work on man's time and doesn't show up on cue like they show on TV.”

As to why Uwharrie is linked to Bigfoot, Lee says he and others truly can’t pinpoint a why. Perhaps it’s because the Uwharrie range is more than 500 million years old, perhaps Bigfoot just enjoys peace and quiet. Even if you don’t have a sighting, you can always stop by the Eldorado Outpost (eldoradooutpost.com) to purchase an “I Believe” t-shirt.

MOUNTAINS Henry River Mill Village

Fans of the film adaptation of “The Hunger Games” might know Henry River Mill Village as District 12. The former textile village in Burke County was initially erected in 1905 and remained prosperous until 1963. In 1977, the main mill building caught fire, and the last resident moving out by 1987. For many years the town sat abandoned, home to vandalism and trespassers inventing their own ghostly tales. In 2017, Calvin Reyes and his family purchased the 72-acre property.

“We were looking for land in the southeast and this kept popping up. We decided to look at it and fell in love, we had no idea what we were going to do with it but knew we wanted to save it,” Calvin says. “People ask me all the time, ‘Is it haunted?’ and I say, ‘I guess that’s up for you to figure out.’ Private groups can rent the property and we do our own investigations.”

Paranormal investigator Michael La Chiana is one of those people. Even though an abandoned mill town might seem scary, he notes the energy is peaceful and quiet.

“In March 2021, we booked an overnight stay in the newly renovated #12 house. A beautiful renovation of the original duplex home in the village,” Michael says. “I arrived before my friends, went inside, and heard a loud ‘hello’ and loud coughing. I looked in all the rooms and found no one.”

The majority of unexplainable encounters center around the Company Store with several people hearing the voices of young children and the names Sarah and Emily. Although Calvin sees the property as historic over haunted, he has had one truly frightening encounter.

“The only time I’ve been terrified, I was taking a buddy of mine into the Company Store at night, kind of as a joke,” Calvin says. “We’re walking around — it’s naturally creepy — and as we walk upstairs, we hear footsteps running across the room, but we were the only ones there.”

Henry River Mill Village (henryrivermillvillage.com) is open daily to the public and those seeking their own experience can even take a guided paranormal tour.

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.

Calvin Reyes Digital Extras Visit carolincountry.com/extras to watch Michael Greene’s thermal video of what could be Bigfoot in the Uwharrie National Forest.

Unlimited Talk & Text only $1999/mo.*

Our easiest Jitterbug® phone ever.

The Jitterbug® Flip2, from the makers of the original easy-to-use cell phone, has big buttons and an exclusive Urgent Response button on the keypad. EASY TO USE Today, cell phones are hard to hear, difficult to dial and overloaded with features you may never use. That’s not the case with the Jitterbug Flip2. A large screen, big buttons and one-touch speed dialing make it easy to call family and friends. The powerful speaker ensures every conversation will be loud and clear. A straightforward list-based menu makes navigating the phone simple. EASY TO ENJOY Wherever you go, a built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a built-in reading magnifier and LED flashlight help you see in dimly lit areas. With all the features you need, the Jitterbug Flip2 also comes with a long-lasting battery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power. EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in an uncertain or unsafe situation with Urgent Response Service. Simply press the Urgent Response button to be connected with a highly trained Urgent Response Agent who will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7. The Jitterbug Flip2 is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with reliable nationwide coverage. With no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime.

Flexible and a ordable plans

$1499/mo. * 300 minutes 10¢ per text

$1999/mo. *

Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts To order or learn more, call 1.866.469.7183

Most reliable nationwide coverage No long-term contracts Keep your current phone number 100% U.S.-based customer service No hidden monthly fees

Available in-store or online at: lively.com/flip

*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of Lively device and one-time setup fee of $35. Urgent Response or 911 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response tracks an approx. location of device when device is turned on and connected to the network. Lively does not guarantee an exact location. Urgent Response is only available with the purchase of a Lively Health & Safety Package. Consistently rated the most reliable network and best overall network performance in the country by IHS Markit’s RootScore Reports. By enabling Alexa on the Jitterbug Flip2, you acknowledge that Lively is not responsible for Amazon Alexa’s functionality or services. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Screen images simulated. Appearance of device may vary. LIVELY and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. ©2022 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

5 Interactive Activities that Strengthen Bonds

Break routines and rediscover what matters

By Rue Reynold

As school activities pick up and your own schedule changes, sometimes it can be difficult to break a newly found family routine or catch up with a friend beyond, “How’s it been going?” Here are five fun activities that can strengthen bonds and be the spice everyone needs to reawaken their inner light.

1Cooking and baking Time in the kitchen can go from routine to an adventure

4Handcrafts Whether it’s painting, needlework, paper crafts, soapwhen loved ones get involved. Spice things up by requiring “secret” ingredients in meals or picking a new dish or food item no one has tried before. Spending time creating meals and desserts gives everyone the chance to catch-up, have meaningful discussions, and is a great opportunity to try something new that the group can experience together.

2Escape rooms Venturing into an escape room can be the ultimate knitted clothing). Crafting together is a great opportunity to bond with loved ones, encourage one another and can even help relieve stress after an overwhelming day. bonding experience for friends and family because it utilizes teamwork, communication and allows each person to individually shine. From secrets hidden in laboratories to mysteries cloaked in the darkness of a spooky dungeon, escape rooms can take on various themes that will lead to a new adventure each time. Escape rooms also have a variety of difficulty levels, so budding sleuths of all abilities have a chance to crack the case and solve the mystery. making or woodwork, there is something for everyone. Engaging in handcrafts provides everyone the chance to express themselves, be creative and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, regardless of age or skill level. Completed projects can be given as gifts or have practical uses in your home (such as body soaps, quilted blankets or

5Weekend get-together Planning to spend time together in advance makes a weekend with friends or family more exciting because the world becomes an open book. From morning catchups and daylight outings to party games and late-night talks, there are many opportunities to strengthen bonds in meaningful ways. New experiences await closer to home than you might think. Not only will you create memories that will last a lifetime, but you may also discover sides to yourself (and others) that you didn’t know were present.

3Explore Visiting new places with loved ones doesn’t have to be restricted to vacations or study trips. Any unexplored road, unvisited store or even unknown restaurant is an adventure. Take this opportunity to break away from the usual routine and explore new places with friends or family.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Save at the Pump

Five ways to maximize fuel economy

By Rue Reynold

With prices of groceries, utilities and other essentials to consider, the cost of gas is the last thing you want to add to your list of expenses. Here are five ways to save money next time you’re out for a drive.

Maintenance your vehicle regularly Keep your engine in top shape, tires inflated and air filter clear to help your vehicle perform at its best, thereby reducing gas mileage.

Keep your windows up Driving with your windows down allows wind to “drag” your car back and feel like it’s carrying more than it is. Therefore, your engine works harder than necessary and burns more gas.

Drive within the speed limit The faster you drive, the more gas is burned regardless of the distance you travel — gas mileage typically decreases rapidly at speeds over 50 mph. Stay within the speed limit to maximize fuel efficiency. Plan the most efficient route The shorter the drive, the more you’ll save on gas mileage. Make a to-do or shopping list and find the quickest path to your destination before heading out. If you have to visit multiple places, research the shortest routes available to you from one destination to another.

Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle Hybrid vehicles use a combination of gas and electricity as a fuel source, so they won’t use as much gas as traditional gas-powered cars. If you want to avoid gas mileage completely, electric vehicles are also an option. Research, calculate overall costs and maintenance expectations, and consider your budget before purchasing your next vehicle. Visit fueleconomy.gov to compare gas mileage between vehicle types and learn more ways to boost fuel efficiency.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Love Carolina Country? Don’t miss an issue!

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

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

Yes! Please start my subscription.

NAME

MAILING ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions)

1 Year (12 issues) $12 2 Years (24 issues) $24 Check Enclosed Scan to Subscribe!

Energy Vampires Word Scramble

Energy vampires could be lurking in your home! These are electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not being used.

Unscramble the bolded words for tips on slaying energy vampires. Check your work in the answer key below.

When you’re finished playing that new video game, unplug your eagm oncloes.

Tell your parents to unplug the efcfeo kmrea when they’re finished brewing.

When you’re done watching your favorite show, unplug the seotnivile.

Switch oerwp istrsp to the off position when appliances are not in use.

Answer Key: game console, coffee maker, television, power strips

Create Classic Dishes with a Twist

Experience familiar flavors in a new way

Gathering to enjoy a meal at the family table or a sweet treat at the end of the day is what time with loved ones is all about.

Visit CountryCrock.com for more ways to elevate weeknight meals and desserts.

—FamilyFeatures.com

Penne alla Vodka

Without the vodka A flavorful dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. 1 box penne pasta 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup chopped white or yellow onion ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic ½ cup tomato paste 1 pinch red pepper flakes ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 16 fluid ounces heavy cream ¼ cup water ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves ½ teaspoon kosher salt Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In pan over moderate heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic. Cover and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook until tomato paste starts to lightly brown.

Add apple cider vinegar and stir well. Cook over high heat until liquid is reduced by about half.

Add heavy cream and water; stir to incorporate tomato paste evenly. Bring to simmer.

Toss in cooked pasta. Add Parmesan, fresh basil and salt. Strawberry Shortcake Personalize this sweet treat by adding whipped cream and strawberries to suit individual tastes. Strawberries 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced 6 tablespoons sugar Whipped cream 2 cups heavy cream, directly from refrigerator 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Shortcakes ¾ cup chilled heavy cream, plus additional for brushing, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cups flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted 1 tablespoon sugar

To make strawberries: In bowl, toss sliced strawberries and sugar. Let berries sit 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving.

To make whipped cream: In chilled bowl, using electric hand mixer or stand mixer on high, whisk chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until heavy cream thickens and stiff peaks form.

To make shortcakes: Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

In small bowl, mix ¾ cup heavy cream and lemon juice; set aside 2–3 minutes, or until it begins to curdle.

In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter and heavy cream mixture.

Knead dough a few times then shape into 1-inch tall circle. Cut circle into eight wedges. Transfer wedges onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops of biscuits generously with additional heavy cream and sprinkle sugar on top.

Bake 10–12 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through baking. Biscuits should be golden brown. Cool before assembling.

Split each biscuit in half. Spoon strawberries over half of biscuits. Add dollop of whipped cream on top. Layer other biscuit half on top followed by more strawberries and whipped cream.

Now, THIS is a Knife!

This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!

EXCLUSIVE FREE

In the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart. Our Aussie friend would approve of our rendition of his “knife.” Forged of high grade 420 surgical stainless steel, this knife is an impressive 16" from pommel to point. And, the blade is full tang, meaning it runs the entirety of the knife, even though part of it is under wraps in the natural bone and wood handle. Secured in a tooled leather sheath, this is one impressive knife, with an equally impressive price. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-

with purchase of Down Under Knife

blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99, 8x21 power compact binoculars, and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Down Under Bowie Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Down Under Bowie Knives for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers at a price that won’t drag you under. Call today! Down Under Bowie Knife $249*

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

êêêêê “This knife is beautiful!”

— J., La Crescent, MN êêêêê “The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”

— H., Arvada, CO

Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $150

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DUK336-01

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

Rating of A+

Stauer ®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK336-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount Not shown is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

•Etched stainless steel full tang blade ; 16” overall • Painted natural bone and wood handle • Brass hand guards, spacers & end cap • Includes genuine tooled leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary. ®