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Fun Festivities Celebrate the holidays with your community. Check local town calendars to find light festivals, Christmas markets and more.

Merry & Bright As you put up your holiday lights, remember not to overload one outlet or extension cord with plugs.

Blanket your Home Winter officially starts on Dec. 21. Make sure your house is well-insulated to keep the warm air in and cold air out.

Safe Trees Always place live Christmas trees away from heat sources and keep the base filled with water.

Several of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have partnered with Advanced Energy, the Raleigh-based nonprofit energy consulting firm, to establish a program that provides energy efficiency upgrades to reduce home heating and cooling costs for members in need. Supported by federal funding, selected members use the program to connect with energy experts and resources to make upgrades that result in long-term energy savings.

Called the Enhancing Electric Cooperative Rebate Program (EECRP), participating cooperatives were selected based on a variety of factors, including existing home energy rebate programs. While the program may expand in the future, cooperatives participating in the initial wave included Brunswick Electric, Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Electric Cooperative, Randolph EMC, Roanoke Electric Cooperative and South River EMC.

“Brunswick Electric aims to be more than just an energy provider; we want to be part of the community,” said Brookes Versaggi, communications and member engagement manager at Brunswick Electric. “We’re always proud when we can make a difference in our members’ lives, and we hope for the opportunity to do similar initiatives in the future.”

Since the program’s inception in 2021, 71 cooperative members and their families have received new or upgraded HVAC systems. Heating and air conditioning typically accounts for more than half of total annual energy use in homes, so inefficient systems can lead to higher costs for homeowners.

Beyond HVAC system installations and upgrades, some electric cooperatives were able to fund other efficiency projects using their existing programs. For example, Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation funded plumbing and weatherization improvements for participating

Aire Serve Heating & Air Conditioning

A new HVAC system is installed for a Brunswick Electric member. members. Pee Dee Electric gave eligible members a one-time bill credit for the installation of high efficiency heat pumps. Additionally, many homeowners who participated in the program received new smart thermostats “By increasing energy and upgraded insuefficiency in eligible homes, lation from their cooperative. we can help reduce energy Advanced Energy burden and provide safer, worked with the healthier environments for cooperatives to identify members residents who need it most.” with inefficient HVAC systems living in counties classified as economically distressed. “This program expands Advanced Energy’s service to the local community and makes a positive impact through partnerships with electric cooperatives and local HVAC installers,” said Onté Johnson, project manager at Advanced Energy. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) State Energy Office provides the grants for the energy efficiency upgrades, with funding from the CARES Act in 2021 and the American Rescue Plan in 2022. “This project is an extension of DEQ’s commitment to addressing equity and energy affordability for low-income North Carolinians,” said Beth Schrader, director of the NCDEQ State Energy Office. “By increasing energy efficiency in eligible homes, we can help reduce energy burden and provide safer, healthier environments for residents who need it most.” —Chris Nault, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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In October, approximately 20,000 children from across the state visited the Field of Dreams exhibit at the NC State Fair, where they learned about the positive impacts of agriculture in North Carolina. Field of Dreams, a partnership between North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and the NC Department of Agriculture, highlights the role of the state’s agriculture industry in our everyday lives. The exhibit featured gardens full of dozens of NC-grown crops, helping kids make the connection between the food they see growing and the food they see on their plates.

“There are few organizations out there that have had as big of an impact on rural North Carolina as the network of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Without their foresight, rural electrification would have been a long time coming, and the progress we have made would have been even more hard wrought. I can’t stress enough the importance of what they have done to help make agriculture a $92.9 billion industry in North Carolina, and we are proud to have them partner with us to educate the next generation on how much agriculture means to this state.”

Field of Dreams, which marked its 18th year in 2022, is staffed by local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs as well as employees from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Sarah Ray, public information officer for the NC State Fair, noted that “since its inception, Field of Dreams has helped educate almost half a million kids on the importance of knowing where their food comes from and the positive impact buying local has on our state.”

By Leah Chester-Davis

veryone can sense that jolly ol’ Saint Nick is near. Wayne Lanning never considered playing Santa until about 20 years ago. At the time, he was enjoying holiday festivities in his hometown of Lexington with his wife, Jeanie, and young granddaughter, Haley, when she spotted Santa Claus and started calling her grandpa, Santa. His wife looked at Wayne and acknowledged that he, indeed, looked like Santa and encouraged him to grow out his beard.

As his beard grew, his boss, North Carolina’s renowned artist Bob Timberlake, and co-workers at Bob Timberlake Gallery began saying, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Santa.”

When Wayne’s birthday rolled around, Bob, who Wayne considers not only his employer but a dear friend, gifted Wayne a trip to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan.

“Bob sent me to Santa school, paid for my flight there and back, my hotel room, my tuition fee, and bought my first suit,” Wayne says. The school stresses the importance of being Santa and helping contribute to the magic of childhood and special memories, the traditions and customs, and how to interact with children and parents. The weeklong school started an adventure that both men seem to relish and share, and they have collected many stories through the years. Wayne, who has worked with Bob Timberlake for 30 years, makes an appearance as Santa every

year at the Timberlake Gallery Open House in Lexington, and the two often enjoy portions of the season together in Blowing Rock.

“He is the epitome of Santa,” Bob says. “He is jovial, happy, outgoing, friendly. He brings joy wherever he goes. We can be in a restaurant in the mountains in July, and little kids can sense his joy and his realism. They can sense he is really Santa Claus. He exudes Christmas to anybody that’s around him — and he does it year-round.”

Wayne loves people and acknowledges he receives comments throughout the year that he looks like Santa but it’s when he dons the Santa suit (he now owns seven) that he feels a transformation take place.

“My whole attitude, everything about me, changes when I put my suit on,” he says. “It seems like a miracle, something happening to you, where you’ll be able to talk to these children and love them. It’s just hard to describe.”

Wayne makes appearances at numerous places every holiday season—working from just before Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, where you’ll find him at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville.

But it’s the Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem that also holds a special place in his heart. He acknowledges it is his toughest assignment, but the most touching. He tears up thinking about valiant little fighters, who may be quite ill, getting delight out of Santa’s visit. Not only does he take time to visit with children and families, he takes time for photographs with them all.

He often reads the children the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly called “The Night Before Christmas”), and joy is added to his appearance when his wife appears by his side as Mrs. Claus.

R evi val C reat i v e

Revival Creatives

Wayne Lanning (left) with Bob Timberlake

When Wayne walks away from interacting with children, his heart swells when he inevitably hears a young voice declare: “That IS the real Santa Claus!”

Revival Creatives

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.

By Lori Grossman

Red Bird candy puffs. Thin, crunchy, Moravian cookies. And of course — Santa rappelling down Chimney Rock. Here are a few local sights, sounds and shops to make the holidays special. Call or check websites for the latest times and admission requirements.

Concord | charlottemotorspeedway.com 800-455-FANS This is one of the largest drive-through holiday lights displays in the Southeast. And don’t miss the drive-in Christmas movies shown on the Speedway’s 16,000-square-foot TV!

Chimney Rock State Park chimneyrockpark.com | 828-625-9611 This 315-foot-tall rock formation draws over a quarter million visitors each year — including Santa Claus! Watch Santa rappel down Chimney Rock on the first two Saturdays in December.

McAdenville mcAdenville-christmastown.com 704-824-3190 Throughout December, this small town glows with red, green, and white lights and resounds with seasonal music. Drive through or walk.

Asheville | bit.ly/omni-gbread 800-438-5800 No, these aren’t your Nana’s gingerbread houses — they’re amazingly detailed works of art at the annual contest hosted at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

Don McKenzie

Kinston | houseofmorganpewter.net 252-526-1605 Stuck for gift ideas? This family-owned company offers over 800 handcrafted pewter items. They have something for everyone, with free shipping on all U.S. orders.

weaversdepartmentstore.com 256-650-5999 Weaver’s is based in Alabama, but this store’s website is bliss for any fan of the Andy Griffith Show. Collectibles, food items, clothing and more can all be purchased online.

Clemmons | hanescookies.com 888-764-1402 Everyone loves them — even Oprah! Indulge your cookie craving with your choice of six flavors: sugar, chocolate, ginger, lemon, butterscotch and black walnut.

Brevard | optaylors.com | 828-883-2309 John Taylor is the big kid who owns this store, plus locations in Hendersonville and Greenville, South Carolina. No video games here. Show your kids the toys you loved.

Lexington | piedmontcandy.com 336-248-2477 It wouldn’t be an NC Christmas without these yummy candies from Piedmont Candy Company. They’re allergen-free, kosher, non-GMO, and 100% cane sugar.

Freelance writer Lori Grossman currently lives in Texas, but carries memories of North Carolina in her heart.

Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for more details about each listing.

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, 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”!

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.

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!

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.

pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, books, groceries, vacuum cleaners — even the family pet — up and down between floors with our dual remote controls.

Some Stiltz customers need a homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for the day when the stairs become a challenge.

and a good time to make sure your aging loved ones are safe in their homes. If you or a loved one would like to learn about how owning and installing a home elevator is easier and more affordable than ever, please contact Stiltz today.

Stiltz is one of the world’s leading home elevator manufacturers, so you’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.

– Mr. James, Roanoke VA

By Rue Reynold

The holiday season is a time to spend with family while indulging in seasonal goodies. Classics are timeless for a reason, but a bit of cinnamon can be a pleasant surprise amongst a platter of traditional vanilla and chocolate. Here are a few other ways to evolve your favorite holiday snacks.

Cookies Elevating this already versatile snack can be a challenge when so many variations exist today. However, don’t let that stop you from experimenting with flavors you enjoy that you may not have often seen in stores or at your local bakery. One easy way to take a new spin on a cookie is to create a thick cream or icing in a flavor of your choice, and then sandwich the creation between two cookies. Pick a single cookie flavor or mix it up with two different types of cookies.

Hot chocolate As one of the most common beverages enjoyed during chilly weather, hot chocolate is a classic that doesn’t have many variations, which makes elevating this delightful drink easy. Surprise family and guests with a marble- inspired take by using white chocolate and your choice of dark or milk chocolate. For adventurous spirits, try a pure white chocolate beverage and add a dash of nutmeg, cinnamon or pumpkin spice to echo the taste of the holidays.

Fudge With a reputation of creamy decadence, fudge is popular all year round, and the holidays are no exception. While chocolate is the most common flavor of fudge, consider marble fudge to ease tastebuds in a new direction or be adventurous with uncommon flavors such as peppermint, or cookies and cream. Don’t forget to stuff fudge with nuts, wafers or your choice of cookie for a pleasant crunch and surprise flavor. Cakes Like cookies, there are many options for cakes that fit nearly every occasion and palate. Whether it’s the classic fruit cake or a decadent molten chocolate cake, the possibilities are nearly endless. To evolve a versatile dessert like cake, think closer to home. Add vanilla wafers inside single-flavored cakes or strawberry shortcakes for a surprise crunch or incorporate fruity flavors into chocolate confectionaries for a fresh delight. Options are not limited. Regardless of the cake style and flavor, adding one simple element can create a new experience.

Eggnog With a creamy texture, custard-like flavor and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s no wonder eggnog is one of the go-to beverages during the holiday season. Similar to hot chocolate, eggnog has a classic taste that’s not often experimented with beyond the choice of alcohol or alcoholfree. Give eggnog an instant new look by substituting oat milk, rice milk, chocolate milk or strawberry milk for normal milk.

Make recreating your favorite holiday delights a new tradition for everyone to enjoy — but don’t forget to keep some classics on the table to satisfy nostalgic tastes.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

By Rue Reynold

Seeing the joy and surprise on a loved one’s face after receiving a thoughtful present can make the stress of holiday blues well worth it. Here are a few tips to make the time extra special.

Pick their favorite color It sounds simple, but choosing a loved one’s favorite color can make a gift go from “This is great” to “This is for me.” Whether it’s represented in the gift itself or the packaging you put it in, incorporate the color and make your loved one feel that much more special.

Add their initials Whether you write, carve, engrave or sew them on, initials are one of the easiest ways to personalize a gift. Your loved one can look on in pride knowing the gift is for them and no one else. A blast from the past Sometimes the best gift that says “you” is a physical representation of the past that touches your loved one’s heart. Simple gift ideas include their very first guitar pick made into a keychain, a small figurine or sculpture of a beloved pet that has passed, or even a token of a past accomplishment.

Stage the reveal Make the event unforgettable by revealing the gift in a way your loved one would enjoy. Perhaps they take joy in scavenger hunts or solving riddles, or maybe having a pet carry the gift would melt their heart. Think about their interests, favorite activities or games, and customize the reveal. Whether it’s in the color or the reveal, a simple gesture can make gift-giving a whole new experience.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

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

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The holiday season is a fun, festive time of year! It’s also a time when we use more electricity. Complete the crossword puzzle below to learn how you and your family can be more energy efficient this holiday season.

1. down: Decorate your 2. across: Smart or programmable with energy-saving LED lights. can help control heating costs

if you’re traveling during the holiday season. 3. down: Save energy by using a to turn off holiday lights at night. 4. across: If you have a fireplace, ask an adult to close the damper when a 5. down: Open blinds and curtains during the day to let natural is not burning. in to warm

your home. 6. across: Lower the thermostat when your family has visiting during the holidays.

1

2 3 5

4

6

ANSWER KEY 1. Down: Tree 2. Across: Thermostats 3. Down: Timer 4. Across: Fire 5. Down: Sunlight 6. Across:Guests

Make memories at this year’s holiday celebration with sweet surprises the whole family can enjoy. Start up the fireplace, wear your favorite slippers, wrap up in a warm blanket and snuggle on the couch after indulging in these treats that reimagine the flavors of the season.

Visit ViolifeFoods.com and Culinary.net for more holiday- inspired recipes.

—Family Features

White Hot Chocolate When it’s cold outside, bundle up and feel the warmth and comfort this hot beverage offers. 2/3 cup white chocolate baking pieces 1 3-inch cinnamon stick 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 cups half and half, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Whipped cream (optional)

Ground cinnamon (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate baking pieces, cinnamon stick, nutmeg and 1/4 of the half and half. Stir over low to medium heat until white chocolate is melted.

Add remaining half and half. Stir and cook until heated through. Remove from heat. Discard cinnamon stick.

Add vanilla and almond extract. Stir until mixed through.

Pour into your favorite mug(s). Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Vegan

Pomegranate Cheesecake Cap off a gathering of friends and family with a deliciously sweet dessert that adds a pop of color to the table. Crust 10½ ounces vegan gingerbread biscuits 6 ounces plant-based butter ¼ teaspoon salt Cheesecake 0.07 ounces agar-agar powder 3½ ounces canned coconut milk 2 packages vegan cream cheese 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla Pomegranate Syrup 3 tablespoons cornstarch 10 ounces pomegranate juice, divided

Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

To make crust: In blender, blitz gingerbread biscuits until they form powder. Add butter and salt; blitz again until combined.

Place in six individually greased tart tins and smooth over base with back of spoon. Refrigerate to set.

To make cheesecake: In small pot over low heat, dissolve agar-agar in coconut milk, whisking constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat and set aside.

In large bowl, mix cream cheese, maple syrup, lemon juice and vanilla; slowly pour over warm coconut milk, whisking until combined and creamy. Divide evenly among tart tins and refrigerate four hours.

To make pomegranate syrup: In small bowl, combine

cornstarch with 3 ounces pomegranate juice. In small pot, boil remaining pomegranate juice for five minutes. Pour in cornstarch and pomegranate mixture; whisk five minutes until syrup forms. Cool.

When cheesecakes have set, remove from tins and serve on plates. Pour pomegranate syrup on top and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

As a member of an electric cooperative, you’re part of something bigger. Beyond powering the everyday, we’re committed to building a brighter future through impactful support for education, economic development and energy innovation – always in service to you.

Connect with your local electric cooperative to learn more.

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