Viewpoints

THIS MONTH: Carolina’s Finest

Hearing from readers is one of our favorite parts of producing Carolina Country each month, and our annual Carolina’s Finest Awards always stand out as a great way to hear what you, our readers, think is the best in the state. This year’s winners do not disappoint, so turn to page 8 to learn about the top picks across 10 categories. Also, Election Day is coming up! Learn more on page 7.

—Scott Gates, editor

From Our Readers

Inspiring Burn Care Being a burn survivor, I would like to say a big “Thank You” for the incredible story of Dr. King and the UNC Burn Center (“Advancing Burn Care in North Carolina and Beyond,” September 2022, page 4). I was burned in June 2011 and was transferred to the burn center. There I met Dr. King and his awe-inspiring staff. I underwent 11 surgeries in three months under the watchful eyes and calm hands of Dr. King. He prayed with me before surgery, his team alleviated all of my fears and the nursing staff was phenomenal. The aftercare team, especially Michelle and Chelsey, didn’t wait until I went home to care for me — I saw them daily. They provided me with materials to keep me busy. It was hard for my family to come because of the miles but the UNC family made me feel SPECIAL. Thanks to all who cared for me, and to Dr. King. I rave your name to all when I describe my experience. God bless you all and never change — you Tarheels are the best!

Rebecca Garner, Robbins, a member of Randolph EMC

Sought-after Baskets We had several readers ask where they can find baskets made by our October issue’s Carolina Creator, Neal Thomas. You can typically find Neal at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh (Exit 297 off I-40; visit bit.ly/statefm or call the farmers market at 919-733-7417 for more information).

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Carolina Country Scenes Photo Contest

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.

RULES

Deadline: Nov. 15, 2022 Submit high resolution digital photos online; print photos need to be at least 5 x 7 inches. Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number If you want your print returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (We will not return others.) If you did not take the photo you are submitting, please tell us who did so that we can appropriately recognize the photographer. We retain reprint and online rights for all submission. Payment will be limited to those entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com. Find the full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/photocontest.

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(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 54, No. 11 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 Tara Verna Creative Director Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO

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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. 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.

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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.