INSIDE COVER OUR COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES | CENTER PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022 October is National Co-op Month when we celebrate our community, the cooperative difference and the members who make everything we do possible. EmPOWERing Our Members PUTTINGMEMBERS FIRST SINCE1938 PERIODICAL INSIDE COVER Putting the Cooperative Principles Into Action INSIDE BACK COVER Supporting Our Community BACK COVER What It Means to be a Member of a Cooperative www.pemc.coop | 800.222.3107
CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
National Co-op Month is the perfect time to revisit the seven principles that set cooperatives apart from other organizations. These values guide us through every decision we make as we serve our members.
A cooperative is a self-governing organization controlled by its members. This allows us to offer services, programs and policies that fit our members’ specific wants and needs. We conduct regular surveys and online focus groups to provide us with your input on what you’re looking for from your co-op.
COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
Turn to the inside back cover to read a special story about how we recently served our community!
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives and employees so they can effectively contribute to the development of the cooperative. Piedmont Electric provides education about energy efficiency, safety and more through our newsletters, website, social media and emails.
without discrimination.5432176 MEMBERS VOTE EACH YEAR FOR OUR BOARD OF LOCAL DIRECTORS. IN JANUARY, PIEDMONT ELECTRIC LINEWORKERS TRAVELED TO VIRGINIA TO HELP SOUTHSIDE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE RESTORE POWER DURING A WINTER STORM OUTAGE. OUR CO-OP GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY EVERY DAY BY GIVING ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN NEED THROUGH OUR HELPING HAND FOUNDATION, SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS, AND BY EMPOWERING EMERGENCY RESPONDERS THROUGHOUT OUR SERVICE AREA AND MORE.
AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE
Cooperatives are open to everyone who is able to use its services. Anyone who moves into Piedmont Electric’s service area is allowed membership
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Piedmont Electric members vote for directors from our membership, ensuring that our board is made up of members just like you who live in and understand our community. AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
We’re stronger together. We have mutual-aid agreements with other electric cooperatives so that when Piedmont Electric needs extra hands after a major outage, neighboring co-ops assist us. Likewise, we’ll be there to lend a helping hand to other co-ops when they are in need.
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
VOLUNTARY
SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
Empowering our current and future members ensures a brighter and stronger future for all of us. We show our commitment to our communities by supporting a wide range of youth programs and community programs through Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation and our USDA REDLG program.
As a member-owned organization, any revenue exceeding expenses, called margins, are used by the cooperative to hold down costs and then given back to those we serve in the form of capital credits. Credits are paid back to members based on their electricity purchases from the cooperative. Since 1975, Piedmont Electric has returned more than $30.5 million in capital credits to our members.
PERIODICAL Published by October 2022 Tips to stay cyber safe page 7 Insulate for energy savings page 16 Haunting Tales of North Carolina page 8 Piedmont Electric spotlights value of electricity and how you can save— pages 11–14 The magazine of
Local Community Support
North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for our 2.5 million members and local communities. Electric
Reliability & Innovation
Sustainable, Affordable Energy
Leveraging new technologies and innovation to deliver reliable electricity across resilient, co op operated electric grids.
Cooperatives.com/Brighter
Pursuing a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using new and existing resources to ensure electricity continues to be delivered at the lowest possible cost.
POWERING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Enriching the lives of our local members through continued education initiatives, economic development and communityfocused activities.
NC
8 2022 Henry River Mill Village in Burke County is one of the spooky spots we explore on page 8. Though it has its share of ghost stories, the village, undergoing restoration, is a great destination to explore and get a taste of what life was like in an early 1900s textile mill village. Photo by Walter Arnold Photography. OnFavoritestheCover 8 Haunting Tales North Carolina is rife with spooky spots. 18 Encore Performer Lady tulips can stand the test of time. 20 Queen of the Drive-In Sherry Barnes turned tragedy into a triumph. 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 16 Energy Sense 18 Carolina Gardens 21 Marketplace 22 Carolina Kitchen 24 Where is This? 24 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. 10
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2022
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.
Email: editor@carolinacountry.com
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.
Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.
Published monthly by
Joseph P. Brannan
Mail: Carolina Country Photo Contest 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616
Fred Caruso Fayetteville A member of South River EMC
I enjoyed the article, but what really caught my eye was the author’s line at the end of the article. KUDOS to Jacob for helping de-stigmatize mental health issues and services!
Arrowheads of the Piedmont
Executive Vice President & CEO
Send us your best photos of Carolina people or scenes! We’ll pay $50 for those published in the Carolina Country Scenes section of our January 2023 issue.
Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer
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.
Experiencing a power outage?
If you want your print returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (We will not return others.)
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.
Editor’s Note: You can find “Indian Arrowheads of the Piedmont,” from our September 2003 issue, online at carolinacountry.com/arrowheads
article, and for openly sharing your personal experience in order to encourage others!
Senior Vice President & COO
Scott Gates, CCC Editor
We retain reprint and online rights for all Paymentsubmission.willbelimited to those entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on Findcarolinacountry.comthefulltermsand conditions carolinacountry.com/photocontestat
Carolina Country Scenes Photo Contest
RULES
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!
Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address
Contact us
Tara Verna Creative Director
Senior Associate Editor
All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.
Web: carolinacountry.com
Submit high resolution digital photos online; print photos need to be at least 5 x 7 inches.
If you did not take the photo you are submitting, please tell us who did so that we can appropriately recognize the photographer.
Mail: 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616-2950
Keith Alexander Keith@carolinacountry.comAdvertising
In the article “Coming Home to Meaningful Change” (September 2022, page 12), Jacob Brooks introduces readers to Megan Hiner, the owner of Mindful Tides, PLLC. Their friendship dates back to their teenage years. Megan eventually returned home to offer mental health counseling services to people in need in northeastern North Carolina.
2 | October 2022
Hope RandolphHaywoodCounty commissioner
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.
Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?
3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950
Volume 54, No. 10
From Our Readers
I knew by adding this line Jacob was promoting the value of therapy for mental health issues. Thank you, Jacob, for your well-written
Phone: 919-875-3091
Renee C. Gannon, CCC
Warren Kessler Publications Director
Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant
Personal Touch
When we first started planning our cover story for this month, we came up with a long list of spooky spots around the state, including the Devil’s Tramping Ground in Chatham County, the Maco light in Brunswick County and the Great Dismal Swamp. Although these didn't make the cut this time, we hope you'll enjoy the three we highlighted on page 8. Also, learn about fleet technicians — the often-unsung heroes at your electric co-op — on page 6.
SEND TO Online: Nocarolinacountry.com/photocontestemails,please.
Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number
(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)
THIS MONTH: Spooky Spots
Nelle Hotchkiss
—Scott Gates, editor
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.
In your September issue, you mentioned a September 2003 article on Native American arrowheads by Ron Harris and said the article is still frequently read on your website. How can I find this article?
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4 | October 2022 Viewpoints
■ Education, Training and Information
As a member of the cooperative, you are an owner in the company
■ Open and Voluntary Membership
■ Members’ Economic Participation
Also, because we are owned by the members we serve, electric co-ops are committed to our communities. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are investing in worthy programs focused on strengthening rural communities and advancing education through opportunities like the NC Youth Tour and the Bright Ideas educational grant program. And by partnering with economic development agencies across the state, we are doing our part to support job creation and businesses seeking to start, expand or relocate, building a brighter future for us all.
By Greg Puckett
Because we answer to our local members, electric co-ops are able to quickly respond to your changing needs, and we’re deploying innovative technologies to do so in new ways. Working with other electric co-ops across the state, we are creating a future that allows us to continue our mission of providing safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity — powering and empowering the people and communities we serve.
■ Autonomy and Independence
Why Membership Matters
world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, dating back to the first modern cooperative founded in England in 1844. These principles are:
■ Democratic Member Control
■ Concern for Community
In each of these, our members and our communities play an important role in the decision-making process at the cooperative. As a member of the cooperative, you are an owner in the company and can actively participate by electing directors who represent you — or even serving on that board if you choose. That’s one reason we see it as so important to keep you informed of happenings at the co-op, in many instances in the pages of this very magazine.
Co-op membership has several other benefits, including getting a return on your investment through capital credits. Cooperatives, unlike investor-owned utilities, are not-for-profits and are operated in a fashion that any margins or revenue remaining after all expenses have been paid are returned to members in the form of capital credits.
Greg Puckett is executive vice president and general manager for Dobson-based Surry-Yadkin EMC. He also serves as president of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.
October is Co-op Month, giving you, as a member of an electric cooperative, a reason to celebrate. But what does it mean to be a co-op member? How is it different than being a customer?
■ Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Membership is a key component of the cooperative business model and how we operate. As a member, you and your voice are important to your electric cooperative, and your participation as a member is Co-opsequitydemocracy,self-responsibility,valuesareCooperativesvital.basedontheofself-help,equality,andsolidarity.aroundthe
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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.
Quick Hits
EnergyUnited
USDA Offers Support for conservation Projects
“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 StatesvillebasedFleetEnergyUnited.techniciansare 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
e
“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.
from eight electric cooperatives across the state met at EnergyUnited’s Mocksville office for the 2022 Fleet Training Seminar.
lectric 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.
October is National Co-op Month! Celebrate your co-op by historyaboutlearningitsand makescontributionstheittoyourcommunity.
Fleet technicians train to Keep co-op Fleets on the cutting edge
Pumped for Pumpkin Spice up your life with pumpkin.atpumpkin-inspiredFindandpumpkinsomespicefallcuisines.comfortingrecipescarolinacountry.com/
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 withAttendeeshydraulics.represented Blue Ridge
Trick or treating is fun, but can aroundreflectorsglowsticksBringin(andtreacherousbespooky)thedark.flashlights,orwhenwalkingtheneighborhood.
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.
Source: energy.gov
We ♥ Co-ops
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).
6 | October 2022 More Power
BOOtiful Glow
■ 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.
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 coopera tives, to establish relationships, provide tools, share resources and training information to harden and improve the overall cyberYoulandscape.canhelptoo.
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.
Cybersecurity Through Cooperation
Good cyber hygiene is equally important at home and in our personal lives. Here are a few cybersecu rity tips you can implement at home:
■ 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.
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“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.”
“Where did Blackbeard's body get buried?” Joe says. “It is possible the crew was placed in a shallow commu nal 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.”
Heads Will Swim
“I once said you can't swing a boat oar on Ocracoke without it going through a ghost,” he says. “The living
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.
COAST
For those visiting — after you’re chased through Springer’s Point by Blackbeard’s figure — venturedisembodiedtooneofthe island’s
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.
North Carolina is rife with spooky spots
hauntingtales
In typical Halloween fashion, it’s time to have a good scare, so gather 'round for three truly haunting stories from North Carolina.
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.
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.
ReyesCalvin NCVisit 8 | October 2022
and the dead in little Ocracoke Village, well, they may not always be friends, but they are definitely neighbors.”
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.
Visit carolincountry.com/extras to watch Michael Greene’s thermal video of what could be Bigfoot in the Uwharrie National Forest.
Digital Extras
ReyesCalvin
carolinacountry.com | 9
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Do you feel that chill in the air? When the seasons change, it’s a good reminder to update your home to maximize your energy efficiency so you can keep your energy bills low. Take a few moments to implement these low-cost and no-cost energy-saving tips so your home is prepared for chillier days and nights.
National Co-op Month
Insulate Your Windows
Cooler Weather is on the Way: Is Your Home Ready?
Electricity is a great value, flip the page to learn more.
Check for Air Leaks
It can be hard to see air leaks around your home, so you have to go out of your way to check for them. The easiest thing to do is hold a small, light piece of paper or tissue near potential gaps in doors or windows. If the paper or tissue moves, there’s a good chance you have outside air coming into your home which makes it harder for your heater to maintain a comfortable temperature. You can seal these leaks with caulk from your local hardware store and lower your bill in the process.
Insulate Your Water Heater
If you don’t have the most efficient windows, consider buying a low-cost window insulation kit. These kits contain a thin plastic film that you attach to your windows to help maintain a more comfortable temperature in your home. Then, when the weather gets warmer, you can remove the film with no damage to your windows.
Make sure the flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use. If you have a glass screen, close that as well. Open fireplaces allow heat to escape.
The Value of Electricity
To learn more tips on how to prepare your home for cold weather, consider scheduling a free home energy analysis with one of our energy experts. Learn more at pemc.coop/home-energy-analysis.
Close the Fireplace
October
OCTOBER 2022 CONNECTION | 11 Connection PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2022
October 16
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Shift your energy use in the morning away from 6-10 a.m. to an earlier or later time.
Winter Time-Of-Day Rate
Did you know that ceiling fans are an energy-efficient option in the fall and winter too? If you reverse your ceiling fans to turn clockwise during colder months, the rotation will push warm air down and pull cooler air up so you stay comfortable without adjusting your thermostat.
12 The Value of Electricity 13 Scary Good Savings 14 How to DirectorsNominate IMPORTANT DATES
Just like you wrap yourself in a blanket to stay warm, your water heater can also benefit from an insulation blanket. By wrapping a water heater blanket around your tank, it will work more efficiently, helping you save money.
Schedule Begins
• For the price of a pumpkin spice latte, you can cook soup in your crock pot for 208 hours
• For the price of a box of full-size candy bars, you can watch Hocus Pocus 762 times
.
As you can see, your dollar goes further even as the days grow shorter! When it feels like rising costs will never end, remember the true value of electricity when it comes to powering your life.
*Calculations are based on a 50-inch LED TV that uses 26 kWh annually, a $15 box of candy bars, a 1,500-watt space heater that costs $0.08 per kWh, a $60 Halloween costume, a crock pot that uses 31 kWh annually, and a $5 medium pumpkin spice latte.
Supercharge the Power of Your Penny
These days, we’re all feeling a strain on our wallets as everyday expenses continue to grow. One expense that hasn’t is your Piedmont Electric Cooperative bill as your co-op has not changed its residential rate since 2014. It’s during these times that we’re reminded of the value of electricity. With fall officially here, we thought it’d be the perfect time to examine how the cost of electricity* compares to our favorite fall purchases.
The Value of Electricity
Want to make your penny stretch even further? Our time-of-day rate can help you do just that. By signing up, you’ll pay half-price for your power during off-peak hours, which includes, weekends and most holidays. Learn more by visiting pemc.coop/timeofday
. PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 12 | CONNECTION OCTOBER 2022
• For the price of a Batman Halloween costume, you can use your space heater for 495 hours on chilly nights.
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If hot water costs give you a fright, consider participating in our water heater load management program. When you join, we’ll install a load control switch on your electric water heater to reduce usage.
Want to carve out even more ways to save? Log in to your free SmartHub account to track your energy use and sign up for daily energy use alerts so you have more insight into how to save money.
During the winter, we limit the control of your tank to a maximum of four hours, and in most cases, you won’t notice since your tank keeps a reserve of hot water ready for when you need it. By participating, you’ll save on water heating costs and receive a $1 monthly credit on your bill. Learn more at pemc. coop/load-management.
Time-of-Day Rate
On average, members save more than $20 per month just by participating in the program. You can take advantage of these fang-tastic savings yourself by visiting pemc.coop/timeofday.
By tracking your energy use, you can see the direct impacts of making adjustments to your energy habits and joining the programs listed above. To get started, visit pemc.smarthub.coop or download the SmartHub app on your tablet or smartphone.
It’s the spookiest time of the year, but the real scare is opening up your bill and seeing a higher number than expected. Your local cooperative is here to help you better manage your electricity bill so you can avoid the tricks and instead treat yourself to savings.
Pay a lower rate for the energy you use during off-peak hours when you join our time-of-day program. During the winter months, this means avoiding excess energy use on weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Weekends, most holidays and up to 20 hours of every weekday are considered off-peak, so most of the time you’ll pay half-price for your power.
Don’t Let Phantom Energy Haunt You! When your electronic devices or appliances are plugged in but turned off, they still pull electricity. Known as phantom load or vampire energy, it’s spooky how much these devices can contribute to your energy bill. Use our phantom load calculator at pemc.coop/phantom-load-calculator to see how much vampire energy your home is producing so you can start saving now.
SCARY GOOD SAVINGS
SmartHub
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OCTOBER 2022 CONNECTION | 13
Load Management
Any fifty (50) or more members of the Cooperative, acting together, may make additional nominations in writing over their signatures, in like manner listing the nominees separately with respect to the Directorate Districts from which they are nominated, on or before January 14 preceding the annual meeting at which such directors are to be elected. Any member nominated by petition as a candidate for any Directorate must meet the qualifications to serve as a director set forth in section 4.02 before the nominee’s name may be placed on the ballot for election at the annual meeting.
The following is an excerpt from our bylaws pertaining to nominations.
Interested in Serving?
Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for our system to recognize new cell phone numbers in the text outage alert program.
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC CONNECTION
Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the phone number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.UsetheSmartHub
The Committee shall nominate at least one (1) nominee for each such District and may nominate more than one (1) nominee for each such District. The Committee shall show clearly each nominee(s) and the Directorate District for which they are nominated. In addition, the Committee shall nominate each three (3) years at least one (1) candidate and may nominate more than one (1) candidate for the "at large" position.
Stephen B. Hamlin
(D) POSTING OF NOMINATIONS
Published monthly for the members of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. Piedmont Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
President & General Manager
Opt in for text alerts by texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107. Once you’ve opted in, report an outage by texting “#out” to 800.222.3107 or "#status" for an update on your outage.
The Nominating Committee selects qualified candidates for the ballot from each directorate district in the next election cycle. If you are interested in being considered for nomination, first, check the qualifications to serve as a director in Section 4.02 of the bylaws. Piedmont Electric’s bylaws can be found at pemc.coop/bylaws. If you feel you meet these qualifications, email Piedmont.Board@pemc.coop with your name, address and interest in a director position to verify your membership and qualifications and determine if your directorate district is up for election this year. If your district is up for election, you will be provided with contact information for your member of the Nominations Committee. Or, if you are qualified, you can follow the instructions in the bylaws above to be nominated by petition. Again, you should email Piedmont.Board@pemc.coop to verify membership and to learn the particulars of the petition process.
(B) NOMINATIONS BY PETITION
Bill R. Barber, Chair
14 | CONNECTION OCTOBER 2022
Piedmont Electric is your local electric cooperative and we are guided by a board of directors made up of 10 Piedmont Electric members from across our service area. These board members provide guidance, oversight and help craft the strategic direction of the cooperative along with cooperative staff. This process sets us apart from other types of utilities and helps ensure that the local needs of Piedmont Electric members are heard and met. Directors are elected on a three-year rotation and are nominated by a nominating committee and follow the requirements below.
DIRECTORS
David Poythress, Secretary
Once the signatures of the members on any petition and the qualifications to serve of the nominees are verified, the names of all nominees for each directorate district and the names of each nominee for the at large directorate, if it is to be elected before the upcoming annual meeting, shall be posted at the principal office of the Cooperative. The Posted Notice of all nominees shall show the directorate for which each nominee seeks election as director and may indicate those nominated by the nominations committee and those nominated by petition.
Hillsborough and Roxboro Drive-Thru Hours: Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Randy Kinley, Vice Chair
Richal Vanhook, Treasurer
(C) PROVIDING NOTICE OF ELECTIONS
The Secretary shall communicate to the members through any publication routinely used by the Cooperative for communication with the membership on a monthly basis or by electronic means at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting, the names of all nominees for each such district, showing separately those nominated by the Committee and those nominated by petition, if any.
2500 NC Highway 86 South
SECTION 4.06. Nominations.
Caswell Drive-Thru Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Offices are closed except for scheduled appointments.Reportoutages, make payments and access account information by phone 24-hours-a-day by calling 800.222.3107. Voice instructions will direct you through the system.
(A) NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
app to report an outage or online at pemc.smarthub.coop/#reportanissue:
IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT, CALL OR TEXT 800.222.3107
Steven P. Bailey, Stephen C. Long, V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson, Elizabeth Townsend & Cyrus Vernon
Serving on the Piedmont Electric Board of Directors
Revised 3/18/19
The Committee shall ensure that all members nominated meet the qualifications to serve as a director set forth in section 4.02. The Committee shall meet as necessary in order to complete its nominations no later than thirty days preceding the deadline for nomination by petition as is set forth in the following subsection to provide the opportunity for any qualified member who desires to be placed on the ballot at the upcoming annual meeting but not nominated by the Committee, to seek nomination by petition as set forth in the following subsection.
PO Drawer Hillsborough,1179NC 27278
It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint a Nominations Committee consisting of ten (10) persons who are members but are not directors or close relatives of directors, and who are so selected that each of the Cooperative's Directorate Districts and the at large directorate shall have one representative thereon. The Committee shall meet and nominate candidates for each of the Cooperative's Directorate Districts to be elected at the next annual meeting and the at large director if that directorate is to be elected at the next annual meeting.
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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.
use
I
Think of insulation as a cozy sweater and air sealing as a windbreaker for your home.
Air sealing can be done as a DIY project, but it is challeng ing to pinpoint and properly seal air leaks. Consider hiring a contractor to complete a blower door test and seal leaks.
Typically, air sealing is done around plumbing and elec trical penetrations with spray foam or caulk. If using spray foam around gas appliances, temporarily turn off pilot lights. Spray foam is extremely flammable.
Wall insulation can be installed during construction or a remodel. If your home wasn’t insulated when it was built, you can have the insulation blown in by a contractor. Blown-in options include cellulose, fiberglass and foam.
t isn’t pretty, but insulation and air sealing typically provide the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to home energy efficiency improvements. When installed together, they can save you money and make a big difference in comfort and energy use.
Attics can be insulated using batts or blown-in insulation. Recommended R-values in North Carolina range from R-30 to R-60 (although our state spans a few climate zones, so check specifics at bit.ly/r-valuezones). If you use your attic for storage, you can build a raised platform with room for insulation underneath. Add insulation and weatherstripping to access doors or hatches.
If you are planning a DIY approach for air sealing, do your research about best practices for the proper home ventilation. Before going the DIY route, contact two or three local contractors for a project estimate. Sometimes the contractor can get cheaper bulk pricing on insulation.
Air sealing prevents drafts and air infiltration from outside. It can improve efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality.
MadeInsulationEasy
Know your recommendedregion’s‘R-value’
Making insulation and air sealing a priority adds comfort, efficiency and savings to your home.
Your home should also be insulated between the floor and crawlspace or unheated basement. If your basement is heated, install insulation in the box sills — the area between the foundation floor of the home’s main level. Consider building and insulating the exterior walls in the basement or installing foam insulation on foundation walls. Check your local building code requirements. Recommended R-values for floor insulation range from R-19
DIY considerations
Air sealing prevents drafts and air infiltration from the outside of your home. Consider air sealing before adding more insulation to areas of your home, such as the attic.
to R-30 (again, based on what part of the state you live in). Also, insulate heating and cooling ductwork located in unconditioned spaces to prevent energy waste.
You know that cozy sweater is no match for winter winds, so you need an extra layer to stop it from ripping through. The same goes for your home.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
16 | October 2022 Energy Sense
Sheet metal and high-temperature heat-resistant caulk should be used to seal gaps between framing, chimneys and metal flues.
Insulation rating
If you are considering a DIY approach, protect yourself when going into spaces with insulation. Wear a properly fitted mask or respirator. Wearing a Tyvek suit and gloves are also recommended. Kneepads can come in handy and make the crawling more bearable.
Insulation is rated in R-value. The “R” stands for resistance to heat transfer. The higher your R-value, the slower the heat transfer or less wasted energy. There are several different types of insulation, including fiberglass batts, blown fiber glass, cellulose and foam. Each has its own R-value listed on the packaging. To determine the R-value of your existing insu lation, multiply the number of inches by the R-value per inch for the type of insulation.
The typical locations for insulation are the attic, walls and floor. If you have a forced-air heating or cooling system, your ductwork should be insulated, too. You want a consistent thermal barrier around your home for maximum efficiency. A bonus to insulation is it can reduce noise from the outside of your home.
By Miranda Boutelle
Where to insulate
Attic insulation minimizes energy waste and can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home. Combined with air sealing, it also can prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in colder climates.
Importance of air sealing
F Shrubs and small trees that need to be relocated can be transplanted now. Moving them in the fall will give their roots time to establish themselves before leaf growth starts next spring.
“Lilac Wonder” is another pretty species tulip.
Story and photos by L.A. Jackson
ost hybrid tulips, while gorgeous, are fleeting flowers in North Carolina — planted in the fall, they are one-shot wonders that usually grace gardens for only a single spring. This is because, in our region, there are usually not enough winter days of extended cold to stimulate tulip bulbs into flowering spring after spring.
If deer are a problem in your area, stay vigilant because they could munch on these pretties. Planting them close to the house can help keep Bambi at bay, and an early spring spraying of a commercial deer repellent will add an extra layer of protection.
There are many lady tulip variations. For starters, “Lady Jane” is a charmer with its bicolor coat of outer red and inner white petals — an appealing look that is echoed by the similar, well-named “Peppermint Stick.” “Tinka” also has comparable colors, but it blushes more, having its rich red contrasted with a pale yellow. For a real zinger, go with the popular “Cynthia,” a sassy selection that combines stop sign red on the outside of the petals with taxi cab yellow on the inside.
In short, with just a little care, lady tulips can become reliable repeat performers in the spring garden. If kept happy, they can even naturalize and spread by way of stolons or offsets.
Cynthia is a species tulip that can be a beautiful repeat performer in spring gardens.
L.A.’s website of the month: MrMaple Nursery (MrMaple.com) is an online garden shop in East Flat Rock specializing in Japanese maples as well as many other ornamental trees and shrubs.
Garden To-Do’s for October
M
Although an oddity, the lady tulip won’t be that hard to find. I have even spotted “Cynthia” at big-box garden shops in the early autumn. There are, of course, online avenues, and three good e-retailers to check are: Brent and Becky’s Bulbs (brentandbeckysbulbs.com); Terra Ceia Farms (terraceiafarms.com); and John Scheepers, Inc. (johnscheepers.com).
However, exceptions exist, and one particularly pretty example is the lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana), variously cate gorized as a species, botanical, heirloom or miscellaneous tulip. Although humble in height — about a foot tall — and with smallish flower heads, it can still be a real cutie in the spring garden. And a definite plus the lady tulip has over bigger, fancier hybrids is that, true to its temperate East Asian origins, it doesn’t need an extended winter chill to wake up its inner flower power spring after spring.
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com
Encore Performer
Lady tulips love full sun, and they prefer neutral soil, which can be easily pH-balanced in acidic growing grounds with an annual light dusting of lime in the winter. Good drainage is essential, meaning these springtime dazzlers will perform well in raised beds, rock gardens and even containers.
Lady tulips can stand the test of time
There are other species of tulips that, like the lady tulip, can settle into a southern garden and flower for many springs to come. Tulipa bakeri “Lilac Wonder,” with its pinkish petals surrounding simmering yellow flower centers, is a fairly common offering at garden centers in the fall. The bright yellow blooms of Tulipa sylvestris make this cutie worth considering, too, but while it is more of an online find, this European native is worth the hunt for history buffs because it was a garden favorite of Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello home.
18 | October 2022 Carolina Gardens
F Vegetable plants that were afflicted with cucumber or tomato mosaic virus this growing season should be pulled up and tossed away —not composted. Also, these diseases can overwinter in perennial weeds, so do a fall cleanup in the veggie patch to remove these pesky plants as well to help prevent the reoccurrence of mosaic virus.
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in her heart. STATELINE MOVIE TIME DRIVE-IN 3851 Dothan Rd., Tabor statelinemovietime.comCity910-499-1756
BY LORI GROSSMAN
Stateline’s Haunted
L
“When I was in speech therapy, those kids didn’t laugh at how I sounded,” Sherry says. “I wanted to do something for them and their families when I got better, but I didn’t know what. So I prayed on it.”
The glory days of drive-in movies were in the past, but Sherry, a Brunswick Electric member, was determined. And she knew just where to build it. She already owned some land on Dothan Road between Tabor City, North Carolina and Longs, South Carolina, but some trees had to go first.
She wanted to do something outdoors that was family-oriented. Something that would get the kids away from their phones and laptops for a while. When the idea of a drive-in movie theater came, it was a total“Neversurprise.ina million years did I think I would do this,” she says.
Sherry was both saddened and inspired by the sick children she met while slowly recovering in Duke Hospital, and later in physical and speech therapy.
“I look back and think it was like a dream that I did all this,” Sherry marvels. “God was looking over me. I prayed over it and it happened.”Astheopening night approached, she acquired a state-of-the-art digital projector, which she nicknamed “The Beast,” and put it in her “she-shed.”
OF THE Sherry Barnes turned tragedy into a triumph
Lori Grossman Carolina DRIVE-INQUEEN
Before November 2011, Sherry was a land developer for a Myrtle Beach real estate agency. One afternoon, she and a friend were hit by a drunk driver. Sherry’s friend died the next day. Sherry’s injuries were so severe that doctors told her if she did survive, she would never walk again.
Trail 20 | October 2022
“I’m grateful,” she says. “God gave me the surgeons who put me back together. It’s been girl-power, backed by God.”
“My spinal cord was severed in several places,” Sherry remembers. “Plus, I had head, neck and hip injuries. I still need to have more surgeries on my hands, too.”
ife can change in the blink of an eye. No one knows that better than Sherry Barnes.
Sherry’s drive-in, State Line Movie Time, opened on May 9, 2019. Besides first-run movies, there are plenty of fun activities, such as hula hoop contests, pennies from heaven, bubble mania, fireworks, and a roasting pit for cooking hot dogs and marshmallows. Special events include live bands, car shows and a haunted trail, and Sherry is always thinking of new events and games for her customers. Her health isn’t 100% yet, but you won’t hear her complain.
“I called some contractors and they brought out four pieces of heavy equipment — dozers and things,” Sherry
She needed to get it done, so the next morning, she cleared out those trees herself. She graded the surface so rainwater would drain, and then spread crushed rock. Sherry researched how to construct berms (mounds of earth) that also helped drainage. As if that wasn’t enough, when the 40-foot-by-50-foot movie screen had to be repainted, she did that, too, suspended in a harness.
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Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.
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*Variations: Make this a vegetarian soup by leaving out the meats. Love creamy soups? Swirl in a bit of half and half or heavy cream before serving, or purée some of the soup and stir in.
½ teaspoon salt
22 | October 2022
Once done, season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. We find that if using salted broth, with the natural flavors of these ingredients, little to no additional salt and pepper is needed.
3 tablespoons pumpkin or apple pie spice
Foptionalreshparsley to garnish, optional
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2–3 parsnips, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
½ cup chopped dates
Beat eggs with oil until fluffy, about 2 Combineminutes.sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and spice. Beat in a cup at the time until all has been incorporated into egg mixture. Using spatula, fold in remaining ingredients.Pourinto a 9-by-13-inch prepared pan. Bake for about 45–50
1¾ cups sugar
2 sorghumtablespoonsmolasses
3 large eggs
1 can (29 ounce) puréed tomatoes,
Enjoyminutes.as-isor with a dollop of whipped cream, lemon or other curd, on a pool of applesauce, or with ice cream dusted with cinnamon.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Fall Fruitcake
1 cup vegetable oil
3 pears, peeled, cored, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 pound ground chicken*
1 package (12 ounce) smoked sausage, cut in ½-inch cubes*
Several bay leaves
4–5 cups chopped cabbage
The arrival of fall and the changing weather brings a shift in produce at our farmers markets. Root vegetables provide nourishment with so much depth of flavor — simply throwing them in our slow cooker calls for little seasoning, just their own natural goodness. This recipe makes ample soup to freeze for busy nights.
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 medium turnips, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 large sweet potato, cut in ¾-inch cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
Harvest Time Cabbage & Root Vegetable Soup
Yield: Makes 5–6 quarts
Carolina Kitchen
Combine all ingredients except parsley in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on high 4–6 hours or low 6–8 hours until vegetables are tender, stirring periodically. Time will vary depending on your pot.
Who says you need to wait until the holiday season to enjoy fruitcake? So moist from all the fruits, this lightly spiced cake is reminiscent of ginger bread and tastes like autumn on a plate. It is easy to omit or change up some of the fruits, as well.
2 large carrots, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 teaspoon rum extract, optional
3 Gala apples, peeled, cored, seeded and roughly chopped
½ cup raisins
²/₃ cup chopped nuts, any kind, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2½ cups all-purpose flour
Place loose heaping tablespoons of mixture onto sprayed or parchment-lined baking pan about 1 inch apart. Don’t make piles too thick or your crackers will be chewy in the middle. Dust with seasoning if using. Bake about 6–7 minutes until a little brown around the edges. Remove to cooling rack.
Best if enjoyed soon after baking but will keep in refrigerator for several days in covered container.
Break cauliflower into small pieces and steam in microwave about 5 minutes. Once tender, pulse in food processor to “rice” consistency. Spread between layers of paper towels and roll up to remove as much moisture as possible. (You will need about 2 cups of riced cauliflower.)
Salt-free “everything” seasoning, optional
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
carolinacountry.com | 23
Ranch, Cheddar and Cauliflower Crackers
Digital Extra
½ teaspoon of salt 2 large eggs 1 cup margarinebuttersoftenedor
Send Us Your Recipes
1 teaspoon baking soda
Carolina Kitchen
½ cup of sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 bag (10–12 butterscotchounce)chips
An often overlooked flavor, a mention of butterscotch may conjure fond memories of pudding cups and hard candies. Forgo your oh-so-common chocolate chip cookies for these rich, crispy butterscotch beauties loaded with chips. And don't forget the milk!
Drop by rounded tablespoon or roll in balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Leave room for spreading.
Crispy Butterscotch Cookies
From Your Kitchen
Counting carbs? Even if not, these crispy crackers with the subtle flavor of cauliflower are perfect to enjoy alongside soup or just as a snack. You might just get your picky little ones to eat a vegetable with these!
Once dried and cooled, combine with remaining ingredients except seasoning.
Variations: Other cheeses that work well include mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss and asiago.
1 medium cauliflower
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
¾ cup brownpackedsugar
Bake for 9–12 minutes or until golden; cool on baking sheet.
Recipe courtesy of Andrea Kyker of Franklinville, a member of Randolph EMC.
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
1 cup walnutschoppedorpecans
Yield: Makes about 2 dozen crackers
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, butter, sugars and vanilla extract until creamy.
We take food seriously. Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient.
Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well. Stir in the butterscotch chips and nuts.
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.
By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616
in Carolina Country is this ?
The August “Where Is This” photo by Tideland EMC member Rachel Hollowell features the Weathered Soul Shoppe, located on NC Highway 99 in Pinetown, just outside of Belhaven. This Beaufort County store, known as the “Cool Shoppe for the Coolest People,” features antiques, rustic furniture and hand-painted decorative items, with a large selection of locally made art, crafts, jewelry and soaps. Readers commented that the store is fun to browse for treasure. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Ryan Mooney of Rougemont, a Piedmont Electric member.
Neal Thomas
carolina creators
where
Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our December issue, will receive $25.
August’s winner
Send your answer by October 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.
carolinacountry.com/creators
CouncilArtsBuren/NCVanZoe
Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where
Neal Thomas, of Wendell, is a basket maker. His medium is white oak, and he follows the wood throughout the entire process, cutting the trees and splitting the logs himself. He picks trees by touch, drawing on 45 years of experience. Once split, he uses a sharp blade to deftly extract and shape strips of the oak to weave the basket. It’s a precision skill, one he learned in his 20s, from a man named Herman Holden. Now, he carries on the tradition, crafting the baskets and setting up shop at the NC farmers market where he’s been a regular for many years.
Sign up for email updates to guess next month’s “Where Is This” ahead of print publication: carolinacountry.com/register
Online: carolinacountry.com/where
Learn more about Neal and watch a video of his process, from tree-felling to weaving.
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the NC Arts Council are proud to bring exciting NC creators to readers of Carolina Country.
dncr.nc.gov/fallinoneplace North Carolina Arts, History & Nature Fall in One Place
We’ve put together a selection of fall fairs and festivals across the state. Whether you’re looking for carnival rides and games, arts and crafts or outdoor music – or if you’re just here for the food – you’re sure to find something on our list that strikes your fancy. all in one place
Find it
at dncr.nc.gov/fallinoneplace #FallinOnePlaceNC. NC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
The leaves are changing and a wide range of colorful events are sweeping our state. Autumn is a perfect time to take in everything North Carolina has to o er, from the gorgeous weather to local foods to traditional music.
4-H Fun Leads to Lifelong Lessons
The percentage of members who participate in this easy contribution by rounding up their bill. Visit pemc.coop/donate to learn more on how you can help.
“I’ve been coming for four years. Each year it feels like another home for me. I see new and old friends each year,” said camp participant Kelen Lloyd, age 13. “One of my favorite activities is canoeing.”
Thanks to the generosity of our members, our Helping Hand Foundation has helped our community with energy assistance, education grants for teachers, college scholarships for students and more.
assistance
1,314
To learn more about the Helping Hand Foundation, please visit pemc.coop/helping-hand-foundation
“We are so grateful to Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation because it allowed many first-time participants to experience a variety of different activities,” Smith said. “This opportunity allowed participants to gain a baseline understanding of how each of them is important to the community and what they can do to make a difference.”
Jonathon Smith, the 4-H agent who leads the camp, explained that the camp’s goal is to inspire and propel the kids to be more involved in 4-H and become active in the community.
$710,000
This past summer, Orange County 4-H hosted local youth for a summer camp. This year, 17 campers attended, making this a record-breaking number for the Participantscamp.
The number of students impacted by Bright Ideas grants in our six counties since the foundation began.
thanks
were able to experience activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, yoga and more. Campers were able to learn and implement leadership skills, build relationships and make meaningful memories.
78.6%
Part of what makes our cooperative special is that our employees and members are neighbors. We’re all part of the same community and willing to lend a helping hand when one of our own is in need.
Piedmont Electric helped make this camp possible with a $2,100 donation from the Helping Hand Foundation.
The amount of money the foundation has awarded to local organizations in support.
34,592
OUR CO-OP, OUR COMMUNITY
and
The number of families individuals in our communities who received the financial they needed during the pandemic to the foundation.
As outlined in the seven cooperative principles, one of our core values is showing a commitment to our community. Motivated by our members, we formed the Piedmont Electric Helping Hand Foundation to make it easier to offer support to those who need it.
To help join us in our efforts to give back to the community, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation to directly benefit your friends and neighbors. To learn more about how to make a one-time or recurring donation, visit pemc.coop/donate.
Think being a Piedmont Electric Cooperative member is no different than being a customer of any other electric utility? Think again! Here’s what makes being a member of a cooperative so special.
As a not-for-profit business, our goal is not to make more money for shareholders. Instead, all of our members are also owners, and our primary goal is to provide safe, reliable electricity at an affordable price and with exceptional service for you.
Money Returns to Our Members
Every Member Matters and Has a Voice
Your local co-op returns margins back to members in the form of capital credits. The amount you receive is based on your electricity use in the year of the margins. In December we will issue capital credits to those who were members in 1995 and 1996. To see if you have unclaimed capital credits, visit pemc.coop/capitalcreditAccess to Money-Saving Programs
When members work together to lower energy use, we can all save money. To make it easier for you to save, we’ve developed energy-saving programs for all of our members. Explore ways to pay a lower rate for the energy you use, get credits back on your bills and more by visiting pemc.coop/use-less-save-more
Community Benefits
www.pemc.coop 800.222.3107
Piedmont Electric is proud to put our members and communities first. We invest in our communities by offering scholarships to students, providing zero-interest loans to local emergency responders, supporting our teachers and building sustainable infrastructure like EV charging stations. Since you live right here in our communities, as a member, you benefit from these initiatives. You’re a Member-Owner
THE DIFFERENCE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
COOPERATIVE
As part of our co-op, you can let your voice be heard in our yearly board of directors election. As a cooperative member, you have a say in our leadership, how we operate and the direction we take. We also conduct monthly surveys and annual focus groups to get feedback from those we serve to make better decisions.
