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Wayne Lanning exudes Christmas spirit year-round and, as his granddaughter pointed out, looks an awful lot like the jolly old elf. So one year his boss, NC artist Bob Timberlake, made it official and sent Wayne to Santa School. Learn more about Wayne on page 8.

Photo by Revival Creatives.

THIS MONTH:

Happy Holidays

The holidays are upon us, and we can count ourselves all blessed to be spending them in North Carolina. We reflect on what makes this season special here in the Tar Heel State on pages 8 and 9, and you can find recipes to keep your Christmas, Hanukkah or other celebrations going strong on page 22. From all of us at Carolina Country, thank you for reading, and we’re looking forward to sharing more great stories in 2023!

—Scott Gates, editor

From Our Readers

Focus on Reliability

I just wanted to give you and your team a shout out for the Carolina Country magazine you provide. The article titled “Reliability is Key to a Successful Energy Transition” (November 2022, page 4) was very informative. I also enjoyed all the other articles and information as well. Keep up the great work!

Penny Lynch, Leland A member of Brunswick Electric

Family Christmas Memories

When I was a child, one of the greatest joys of the holidays was sitting in front of my grandmother’s decorated Christmas tree. The sweet-smelling cedar coming out of the woodland was placed where all the children could see. The gifts were wrapped in big boxes with Santa paper, and red and green ribbons. I stared at the beauty of the tree, knowing Santa would leave one present for me.

Dorothy Steele, Lilesville

A member of Pee Dee Electric

A Happy, Peaceful Place

This note is in reference to an article in your October issue (“Haunting Tales,” page 8). To have the place I called home referred to as a “haunted” little village broke my heart. My dad, Bud Rudisill, was the last person to move from Henry River Mill Village. It was a happy, peaceful place to grow up in.... We might not have had much, but we didn’t know it. Lots of villagers attended church at Henry River Baptist, and many are resting in the cemetery there. It really insulted me to read this story. We never heard of haunts and voices and people hearing things.... It’s a place just full of wonderful memories of growing up, the wonderful people we grew up with, and my wonderful parents, Bud and Hettie Rudisill.

Nadine Rudisill, Hickory A member of Rutherford EMC

Editor’s note: Thank you for writing in about this, Nadine. The village is a beautiful spot that’s currently undergoing preservation efforts to restore it to its former glory. Readers can learn more about these efforts, as well as how to visit the village, at henryrivermillvillage.com

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800)

Volume 54, No. 12

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 Services Associate

Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer

Keith Alexander Advertising

Keith@carolinacountry.com

Joseph P. Brannan

Executive Vice President & CEO

Nelle Hotchkiss

Senior Vice President & COO

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses. The 26 electric cooperatives are each memberowned, not-for-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year. Schools, libraries, $6.

Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, NC 888-388-2460.

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

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.

Contact us

Phone: 919-875-3091

Mail: 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web: carolinacountry.com

Email: editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address

Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

My family Christmas tree from 1955

Calvin Reyes

McAdenville

Preparing Students for Life After High School

By Mindy Thornlow

When I first applied for the Kenan Fellows Program for teacher leadership, I was thinking of how to help my students who just wanted to get out of school and go to work. I felt that the pressures placed on children to be college-bound made them view college education as a one-size-fits-all solution. I am glad that more and more people are recognizing that this limited perspective does not address the needs of all students.

As a child, I saw how my dad and mom worked hard and succeeded. They did this without the benefit of a traditional American college educa tion. My dad had no high school diploma, and my mom held a business degree from another country. While I celebrate all my students who are college-bound, I often feel the need to provide more relevant possibilities for those who are ready to go to work.

It’s my job to reach all my students and help them on their respective paths.

Fast forward to my Kenan Fellowship, and I can honestly say in almost 17 years as an educator, this was the best team-building professional development I have experienced. The Fellowship taught how to apply newfound knowledge with the young minds in my classroom. Kenan Fellows introduced me to the network of electric cooperatives and how they work during my three-week internship with Asheboro-based Randolph EMC (REMC).

I had one of the best mentors I could have hoped for — Nicole Arnold. Nicole works in the Communications Department and was in my inter view during the selection process with Michael Trent, director of Innovative Energy Solutions at REMC. I mentioned in this interview that my main reason for applying for the fellowship was to bene fit my students, so I could help them learn about opportunities outside of two-year and four-year college degrees.

Nicole organized a complete schedule that allowed me to experience the whole purpose of a cooperative. REMC staffers taught me so much, including the finance end of things, how to get supplies across the cooperatives, emergency management during crisis, what the line crews do and how to get critical certifications, to name a few. I am excited to get this information out to the students and share with them what could be in store after high school if they pursue a career with electric cooperatives.

As I roll out my curriculum this school year, I plan to show my students how electricity comes into their homes and “makes things happen,” as the kids would say. I also want them to see electric cooperatives as a career path over a wide range of fields. There are various career possibilities available for those with university or community college educations, and there are positions for those students who may not be interested in pursuing a traditional college education at this time.

The Kenan Fellowship experience allowed me to be honored and treated as the “best of the best” in the education field. This opportunity would not have happened without my students, and they will be the chief ones to benefit from my fellowship. The Kenan Fellowship has helped me fulfill my goal — to help my students make informed decisions in their upcoming adult life after high school. The Kenan Fellows supercharged my mission to shape these young minds. I am so grateful for this experience.

Mindy Thornlow is a science teacher at Trinity High School in Randolph County and is a 2022-23 Kenan Fellow (kenanfellows.org).

WHY KIDS NEED 4-H CAMP

NOW MORE THAN EVER!

WWW.NC4HCAMPS.ORG

4-H CAMP PROMOTES PHYSICAL HEALTH

Combined with activities like swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and more, youth learn how to enjoy physical activity.

4-H CAMP TEACHES INDEPENDENCE

Children are encouraged to push their boundaries, step out of their comfort zones and grow selfconfidence necessary to become independent.

4-H CAMP CULTIVATES A SENSE OF BELONGING

4-H Camp gives young people the opportunity to be themselves while appreciating others with values, attitudes and abilities different from their own.

4-H CAMP TEACHES RESPONSIBILITY

For many, 4-H camp is a first experience cleaning a cabin or setting a table. It may also be the first time campers work with others to overcome challenges.

4-H CAMP BUILDS AFFINITY FOR NATURE

Far from the digital screens at home, 4-H campers are fully immersed in the natural world.

Learn more about our three 4-H centers.

Youth DO NOT need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate.

D ECEMBE r Quick Hits

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.

Co-op Members in Need Benefit From Energy Efficiency Partnership

Several of North Carolina’s electric coop eratives 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, coopera tives participating in the initial wave included Brunswick Electric, Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Electric Cooperative, Randolph EMC, Roanoke Electric Cooperative and South River EMC.

increasing energy efficiency in eligible homes, we can help reduce energy burden and provide safer, healthier environments for residents who need it most.”

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 and upgraded insu lation from their cooperative.

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.

“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 exam ple, Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation funded plumbing and weath erization improvements for participating

Advanced Energy worked with the cooperatives to identify members 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 part nerships 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

Aire Serve Heating & Air Conditioning

A new HVAC system is installed for a Brunswick Electric member.

“By

Electric Co-ops Support NC State Fair’s ‘Field of Dreams’

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.”

—Chris Nault, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

It’s beginning to look a lot like Santa

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 contrib ute 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

Wayne Lanning exudes Christmas cheer year - round

By Leah Chester-Davis

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.

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

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.

He exudes Christmas to anybody that’s around him — and he does it year - round.”

Revival Creati v e

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!”

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.

A Carolina Christmas

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.

Speedway Christmas

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!

25th Annual Santa on the Chimney 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.

Christmas Town USA 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.

National Gingerbread House Competition 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.

House of Morgan Pewter

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.

Weaver’s Department Store 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.

Red Bird Peppermints

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.

Mrs. Hanes’ Hand-Made Moravian Cookies

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.

O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store 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.

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.

By Lori Grossman

Wayne Lanning (left) with Bob Timberlake

Revival Creatives

Revival Creatives

Don McKenzie

Revival Creatives

WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?

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.

THE MODERN SOLUTION

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”!

A Stiltz Homelift is 100% safe. The elevator will not operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way.

A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage. The floor lid is safe to walk on, and a key lock prevents unauthorized use.

A Stiltz Homelift is versatile. Our elevators carry two people, or even a wheelchair. And the small footprint means they fit just about anywhere. Install your homelift through the floor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!

A Stiltz Homelift is clean and quiet. Our self-contained electric drive system is very quiet. No messy hydraulics, no noisy vacuum systems, no basement or attic machine rooms required.

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

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON

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

HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS

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.

“Can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”

– Mr. James, Roanoke VA

‘Tis the Season to Spice Up Holiday Favorites

Add a little sugar, spice and everything nice to traditional treats

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 marbleinspired 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 choc olate 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.

Add Sweet Gestures to Gift-Giving

Four ways to give your loved one a customized experience

By Rue Reynold

Seeing the joy and surprise on a loved one’s face after receiv ing 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.

Holiday Efficiency Crossword Puzzle

Complete the crossword puzzle below to learn how you and your family can be more energy efficient this holiday season.

1. down: Decorate your with energy-saving LED lights.

2. across: Smart or programmable 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 is not burning.

5. down: Open blinds and curtains during the day to let natural in to warm your home.

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

1

3

The holiday season is a fun, festive time of year! It’s also a time when we use more electricity. 2 4

5 6

Festive Desserts to Light Up a Gathering

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 holidayinspired recipes.

—Family Features

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

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.

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.

Yield: 6 individual cheesecakes

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.

If you’re anything like my dad, you give your family everything. Your name, your time, your values — the people in your life know they can depend on you for practically anything. In exchange for imparting all of this energy and experience, you expect nothing in return.

e point? You deserve to treat yourself once in a while. You do so much for the people you care about. Now it’s time to focus on you for just a few minutes. at’s where the Men’s Due Volta Watch comes in. is astonishing innovation provides a digital readout that’s powered by a precise quartz engine, combining both analog and digital timekeeping.

Out tted with a stopwatch, alarm, a.m./ p.m. settings, and day, date and month complications, this timepiece stands out from the crowd. With its large face and handsome, masculine design, this watch is perfect for the back nine and the happy hour afterwards. Water-resistant up to 3 ATM, this timepiece won’t wimp out if you have a run-in with a water hazard.

Other hybrid watches can sell for thousands of dollars, but because we’ve built more than 1 million watches, we know how to create real value. at’s why we can o er this timepiece for just $59! If you’re not completely satis ed with this watch, return it for a full refund.

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Efficiency Tips for a Festive Holiday Season

By Miranda Boutelle

The holidays are a magical time when we come together with our loved ones to share food, gifts and quality time. It’s also the most expensive time of year for many of us. Along with the expense of gifts, meals and travel comes colder weather and darker nights that lead to more electricity use and higher bills. One way to reduce the financial burden of the most wonderful time of year is by implementing efficiency tips to use less energy at home and lower your monthly bills.

Home practices

If you are hosting guests, your household will consume more electricity than normal. Be prepared with efficiency basics:

■ Have your thermostat programmed at 68 degrees when you are home, and set it lower when you leave the house or go to sleep. If you have a heat pump, maintaining a constant, moderate setting is the most cost-effective practice.

■ Run the clothes washer on cold with full loads.

■ When not in use, turn off lights and the TV; fully shut down computers and gaming systems instead of putting them in sleep or standby mode.

■ Lower the thermostat when guests are over or when cooking food for a long period, when central rooms tend to heat up.

Cooking Efficiency

Whether you are making holiday treats or a feast, here are a few tips to help lower energy use in the kitchen:

■ Use the oven light to check food. Every time the oven door is opened, the temperature inside is reduced by up to 25 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When possible, make use of a slow cooker, microwave, toaster oven or warming plate, which use less energy than an oven and stovetop. A toaster oven can use up to half the energy of the average electric stove over the same cooking time, according to DOE.

■ Let hot food cool to room temperature before placing it inside the refrigerator. This ensures you don’t increase the temperature inside your fridge and cause it to use more energy to cool down. You can also take some of the stress and expense out of your holiday cooking by asking guests to bring a dish.

Out-of-town efficiency

If you’re visiting family and friends during the holidays, prepare your home to use less energy while you’re away:

■ Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill, according to DOE. Switching your water heater to vacation mode will reduce wasted energy by keeping the water at a lower temperature. If your water heater does not have vacation mode on the dial, you can adjust it to the lowest setting.

■ Set your thermostat to around 55 degrees so you’re not wasting energy to heat the home while you’re away.

■ Instead of leaving lights on all day, consider upgrading a lamp or fixture to a smart lightbulb. This allows you to control lights from afar and set a schedule for the light to go on and off. Another option is to repurpose your holiday light timer for one of your living room lamps.

Holiday lighting

This year, make the switch to LEDs for all your holiday lighting. LED holiday lights consume 70% less energy than conventional incandescent light strands. For example, it costs 27 cents to light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days with LEDs compared to $10 for incandescent lights.

Pick up a few light timers so you don’t have to remember to unplug your lights every evening. You can also choose to upgrade to smart holiday lights that offer a wide range of app-controlled options, including time, colors, music and modes.

Lower your energy bills this holiday season with these simple efficiency tips. Happy holidays!

This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

A Legal Career in the Making

Dylan Blackburn is building on his Sampson County roots

Story and photo by Jacob Brooks

Howdy, North Carolina. Dropping by just to visit, sit a spell, and tell a tale. Not a tall one. A reg’larsized one about a fella sitting a few rows behind me in Judge Mark Davis’ Judicial Process class.

One doesn’t encounter a lot of twangs in Van HeckeWettach Hall in Chapel Hill, so when I heard a “flatlander” chime in one day, I introduced myself. Friends, please meet a local Spivey’s Corner boy done good, Dylan Blackburn.

A proud graduate of Midway High School in Sampson County, Dylan speaks fondly of his rural roots: “There’s such a sense of community. It can be homogenous at times, but it’s a tight-knit community. The culture is its own. Ya know, the hollerin’ contest and, of course — ” I prepare my eyes for rolling. “ — Eastern NC barbecue.”

“You could be a little more open-minded there, Dylan,” I reply, knowing Lexington style to be the superior of the two.

“I am. I opened my mind to try it. I found it insufficient.”

We share a few moments of calm reflection for the sake of our friendship.

From high school, Dylan’s journey led to Campbell University, where he double majored in economics and business. After graduation, his experience representing South River EMC on the 2013 NC Youth Tour inspired a move to our nation’s capital.

Our shared interest in models of judicial interpretation led us to enroll in Judicial Process taught by Judge Davis, a grad uate of both UNC School of Law and Duke School of law, who has experience at the Superior Court, Appeals Court and Supreme Court of North Carolina. It’s fair to say we had both an impartial and knowledgeable teacher in Judge Davis.

“Stepping in someone else’s shoes, I’m advocating for an outcome running counter to my preference. In those moments, my ability to empathize and find compassion grows."

“Growing up where I did, I thought a career in Washington, D.C., too distant and unreachable,” he explains. “Youth Tour made D.C. approachable.”

During brief stints working for two North Carolina congressmen, his time spent speaking with constituents stands out.

“I think most folks have preconceived notions of what they’ll experience when calling their elected representatives. People were usually shocked to find someone from Samson County on the other end of the line.”

Dylan’s work in D.C. coincided with trying times for our country. “COVID was horrible. It was such a turbu lent time. Navigating those decisions and trying to serve in times of crisis was extremely tiring and difficult, but it was also rewarding.”

So, from the Capitol rotunda to the rotunda in Van Hecke-Wettach Hall, Dylan continues to serve.

“Obviously we can’t argue our individual opinions,” Dylan reflects on the course. “We must make wellreasoned, legal arguments, but I didn’t expect us to be challenged as much as we were. Stepping in some one else’s shoes, I’m advocating for an outcome running counter to my preference. In those moments, my ability to empathize and find compas sion grows. Exercises like that make us better lawyers and citizens.”

Dylan directs to me, “I mean, you know, you were in there.”

I nod in agreement. We sit in our shared memory as “almost graduates” before the air morphs us back into “still law students.”

“Hey, what’d you get on that paper?” Dylan asks.

I chuckle, “Man, I dropped the class right before the paper was due. Bit off way more than I could chew.” We laugh.

Upon graduation, Dylan will be starting his legal career in Charlotte at K&L Gates. Who knows what chapter he’ll write after that one?

Jacob Brooks made a C in his tort law class. He’ll catch grief from Mamaw Carol when she finds out. The quart jar Papaw Jerry gave him is half full.

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Eco Tour on the Half Shell

A Hatteras oyster company offers a close-up view of aquaculture

Story and photo by Mike Zlotnicki

I’m sure most readers have heard of fishing guides. Some may have heard of eco tours. A few may have heard of oyster farming, where these bivalves are grown from justhatched to market-sized in leased water columns.

Now there’s an outfit in Hatteras that’s combining all three. Sticky Bottom Oyster Company (stickybottomoysters.com or 252-256-2222), a member of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, is offering a local sound-side eco tour on the way out to their oyster farm, where the process of farming oysters is explained with the opportunity to wet a line. My wife, Renee, and two of my daughters, Olivia and Nicole, and I were lucky enough to be the “test family” for the tours. It was enjoyable and educational.

Sticky Bottom is a three-way partnership between Ricky Jones of Frisco, Todd Ballance of Hatteras, and Gerald Fitch of Reidsville. Todd works on the water full-time: Ricky splits time between piloting the ferry to Ocracoke and tending to the oysters, and Gerald gets in work for

the company when he can.

We met Todd one July morning where a 25-foot Carolina Skiff awaited us. Before setting out, he gave an education in oysters. He explained that just-hatched oysters are called spat, which take seven to nine months to grow into marketable 3-inch oysters.

“The company we buy spat from has brood stock and different types of oysters that have different attributes,” Todd says. “They have temperature-controlled spawning tanks and they can manipulate the temperature to make the oysters spawn. Their oyster are triploids, they’re hybrids and they are sterile. It makes them disease resistant.”

Their oysters grow in bags in floating cages (which have blue caps that they can take off in case a hurricane is imminent, allowing the cages sink

to the bottom to be retrieved after the storm). Oyster cages are in 4- to 8-foot-deep water with six bags of oysters per cage.

At the dock is a large PVC pipe that that rotates and is perforated with three different diameter holes, which cleans the oysters and classifies them by size.

The area has a rich past, evident along a canal on our way out: Todd pointed out where Native American settlements used be, as well as a spot where a porpoise factory once rendered fat into oil.

When we arrived at the oyster lease, Todd noted that the rows of floating cages provide cover for many species of mollusks and finfish — and for those who hunt them. His point was immedi ately illustrated as a cage, winched onto the boat, released tiny crabs, shrimp and fish onto the deck. Watching them get tossed back in the water was kind of sad, as pinfish and sheepshead eagerly awaited an easy meal.

After the trip, I was able to talk to Ricky. (If ever in Frisco, be sure to check out Tavern on 12, where Ricky’s brother Steve serves some great food.)

“We are starting our third year now and still have a lot to learn — there’s a lot of trial and error,” Ricky says. “One of the main interesting things about oysters is that one oyster filters 50 gallons of water per day, so the more aquaculture farming we can get going will just help clean our waters.”

Mike Zlotnicki is associate editor at Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. He lives in Garner with his wife, three daughters and two German shorthaired pointers.

Digital Extras

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for one of Todd Balance’s favorite recipes: Oysters Rockefeller..

(Left to right) Olivia and Nicole Zlotnicki get a lesson in oyster farming from Todd Ballance.

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Notice: Classified ads will be discontinued in 2023.

NURSERY STOCK & SEED

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.

Easy Pimento Cheese Ball

It’s hard to beat a good ol’ cheese ball, a throwback to days gone by when it was a staple at gatherings. Faye Gay was one of my mama’s best friends and has been making this cheese ball for decades. I tweaked only slightly since it’s just that good!

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (we used triple cheddar blend)

1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained

3 tablespoons onion, finely minced

Dash of salt

Dash of cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

²/₃ cup minced nuts*

Combine all ingredients, except for nuts, and make into a ball. Roll in nuts and chill for several hours or overnight. Sit out about 30 minutes before serving to soften.

Serve with crackers and celery sticks. *Use any nuts. We like pistachio for flavor and color too. Yield:

‘Steak’ Crostini

Visit your grocer’s deli for rare London broil sliced thin to make these delicious open-faced appetizers. All the beefy flavor, but easier on the wallet.

1 baguette, sliced about ¹/₃-inch thick on the diagonal 2–3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 package (5.3 ounces) Boursin Cheese (we used garlic), softened 1 cup sprouts

¼ pound thinly sliced rare London Broil (or roast beef)

3 tablespoons pepper jelly, melted ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced Blue cheese crumbles

Poppy seeds Freshly ground black pepper

Spread 1 side of bread pieces with butter. Toast on each side, using the high heat of a cast iron skillet, grill or broiler.

Spread a dollop of the cheese onto toast pieces. Scatter with sprouts, then a piece of the beef. Brush with pepper jelly. Scatter slivers of onion over toasts. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles, poppy seeds and a dusting of freshly ground black pepper.

Best to serve immediately or toast will become soft.

Yield: Makes about 20 pieces

Spicy Shrimp Butter

Serving this buttery dip lets you stretch the budget while offering guests a taste of the sea. Look for NC harvested wild-caught shrimp whenever possible (or use crab instead of shrimp if preferred).

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

5 tablespoons butter, softened ¹/₃ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons chili sauce

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons Old Bay

1 teaspoon soy sauce Couple shakes of Texas Pete

2 green onions, finely diced

¼ cup green pepper, finely diced ¼ cup celery, finely diced

2 cups (about ½ pound) cooked shrimp, finely chopped

Using mixer, blend together cheese, butter, mayonnaise, sauce, powders, Old Bay, soy sauce and Texas Pete. Once creamy, fold in remaining ingredients.

Chill at least 1 hour before serving for flavors to marry (several hours is best).

Garnish with a dusting of Old Bay.

Set out 30 minutes before serving to soften. Serve with crackers, chips and celery.

Yield: Serves 8–10

Unless otherwise noted, recipes and photos on these pages are from Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, who chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com

Easy Pimento Cheese Ball (left) and Spicy Shrimp Butter

Many of us tend to feature a “surf and turf” meal during our Christmas gatherings. This year, still maintain traditions while being mindful of food budgets with these recipes that give tradition a bit of a twist!

Clementine

Cornbread Shortbread

Little bags of clementines appear in stores come fall and winter — an early sign that the holiday season is upon us. Some remember having them tucked into our stockings with nuts and other fruits back in simpler times. If you like something not quite as sweet as most, you’ll enjoy this shortbread. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Crust

1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

Zest of 1 clementine ½ cup solid coconut oil ¼ cup clementine juice (about 3)

Topping

2 large eggs

¼ cup clementine juice (about 3) ²/₃ cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, combine mix, flour, sugar and zest. Cut in oil and add 1 tablespoon of juice at the time until well incorporated. Spread down firmly in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking.

Bake for about 16 minutes and cool.

For the topping, beat all ingredients (except powdered sugar) together until combined. Pour over cooked crust.

Bake until set and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

Cool. Then dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Yield: Makes about 20 pieces

From Your Kitchen

Digital Extra

Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient.

Potato Latkes

For Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, traditional foods like these latkes are often fried. The oil used represents the miracle of the oil that burned in the Temple of Jerusalem for eight days instead of just one.

3–4 medium potatoes, grated

1 medium onion, grated

2 eggs

½ cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ cup oil (canola or olive oil— add more if needed as you fry)

Grate potatoes in food processor or by hand. Place in a bowl and add remaining ingredients (except for oil). Mix well.

Pour oil into a large skillet and heat. Get nice and hot and then lower heat. Using a tablespoon, add dollops of potatoes into the hot oil and flatten a bit. Let fry until edges become brown and crispy. Flip them over and fry on the other side. Latkes should be a golden-brown color and crispy on the outside. It usually takes about 2–3 minutes per side.

Drain on paper towels after frying. Serve with applesauce or sour cream. Yield: 24

Recipe courtesy of Zachary Lane of Durham, and his mother Janet Lane

Send Us Your Recipes

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

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by December 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online: carolinacountry.com/where

By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616

Sign up for email updates to guess next month’s “Where Is This” ahead of print publication: carolinacountry.com/register

Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our February issue, will receive $25.

October’s winner

The October “Where Is This” photo by Piedmont Electric member George Jones features the Pisgah Inn, located on Mount Pisgah at Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 408 near Canton. Known as the “Peak of the Parkway,” the inn first opened in 1919 and has served as a favorite getaway for many travelers over the years. The inn’s observation deck offers 180-degree views of the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains from about 5,000 feet above sea level. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Sharon Plyler of Lincolnton, a Rutherford EMC member.

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where

carolina creators

Anjimile

Raised in Dallas, Texas to Malawi-born parents and now residing in North Carolina, Anjimile knows that appreciation is as important as practice when it comes to music. When composing, Anjimile draws upon a collective musical past, including the African pop beloved by his parents, time in youth choir, influences from ‘80s music and even contemporaries and now label-mates, Big Thief. Lyrically, he delves deeply and thoughtfully into the human condition; his album Giver Taker addressed the conflict between faith and life as a trans person, as well as the hopeful victory of overcoming addiction. Anjimile’s releases include their Reunion EP, and a cover of Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s “Ever New,” and “Stranger,” his debut single on the label 4AD.

carolinacountry.com/music

Come Hear NC, an initiative of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is proud to bring exciting NC creators to readers of Carolina Country.

Learn more about Anjimile and listen to the debut single “Stranger.”