2023-01-TEC

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(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 55, No. 1 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 member-owned, 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 $6 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.

8Carolina Country Scenes

A gallery of your best photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Passing Down Tradition

A veteran hunter shares his knowledge with youth.

Carolina Calendar

Our calendar of events is back! Check January happenings across the state to find your next adventure.

“This picture was taken one evening as we were walking home from Nana’s house after having just picked a ripe apple … 19-month-old William is munching away. It’s pure joy.” Photographed by Elizabeth King of Mount Olive, a member of Tri-County EMC.

From Our Readers

Multifaceted Artist

THIS MONTH: Carolina Country Scenes

Bonus Heat

I greatly appreciate the helpful energy saving tips you included in the December 2022 issue (“Efficiency Tips for a Festive Holiday Season,” page 17). I bet you get a bunch of additional suggestions, and one that I will offer is to leave the oven door open after you have finished cooking and turned it off. This allows the remnant heat inside the oven to escape into the house to warm it up — you already paid for that hot air in the oven, why not put it to use doing something else! Of course, this approach should not be done with the oven turned on, nor if there are small children, pets, or others that could harm themselves on the hot door!

Thanks for keeping us informed.

Jud Ready, Morehead City, A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

I just wanted to commend you all on your feature of Anjimile in Carolina Creators (December 2022, page 24). What a great, informative, to-thepoint half-pager on this artist who I am not at all familiar with, but I truly appreciate the forward thinking on featuring someone, quite literally, out of the box and certainly not what I expected to read in a Carolina Country edition. Black, immigrant [parents], trans, but also a person of faith (because those two things can be true and exist at the same time), a history of adverse/traumatic shared and lived experience with addiction, etc. I mean the list could go on.

We live in a very political, divisive and, honestly, hateful world because we’re not willing to listen and give up our “right” to be right. Thank you for this simple and refreshing reminder that different is not bad and that we’re all not as different as we think we are.

Janet Anthony, Wake Forest, A member of Wake Electric

If there’s one thing we can count on every January, it’s the amazing reader photos we’re able to showcase for our annual photo contest. This year we had submissions from all corners of the state, showcasing the beauty, heart and soul of North Carolina. We’re also starting a new opportunity to submit photos in 2023, with details below. And we’re pleased to bring our calendar of events section back after a break during the pandemic — you can find it on page 24.

—Scott Gates, editor

Making a Difference

Good people like y’all [Jacob and Dylan] make all the difference! (“A Legal Career in the Making,” December 2022, page 18) Keep it up!

Gray Sotir via carolinacountry.com

This month’s photos, drawn from our reader photo contest submissions, fit the theme “Winter.”

A Icy Reflection

Kyle Bass, Midland,

A member of Union Power Cooperative

B Snow-covered Farmland

Annie Seaboch, Hudson

A member of Blue Ridge Energy

C Stone Mountain State Park

Keith Hall, Elkin

A member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO!

March Theme: In Bloom

Send us your best shots based on the upcoming month’s theme by Jan. 20 — we’ll pay $25 for those published. Submit high resolution digital photos and find full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/snapshots (no emails, please). We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

Purposeful Work Through a Cooperative Career

By Dana Davis

When you think about the cooperative employees in your community, your first thought might be about lineworkers. While lineworkers are often the face of our industry and ambassadors in the community — working diligently to restore power during outages in the worst of storms and inclement weather — they are not alone. When you flip a switch at home, know that there is a team of capable, talented energy professionals from your own community working behind the scenes in offices, at warehouses, and in the field to make sure the lights come on.

Electric cooperatives were built on a legacy of people coming together for the good of rural communities, and that purposeful work still exists today for co-op employees across the state. Cooperatives are complex organizations employing those with backgrounds from accounting, communications and customer service, to engineering, market research and cyber security. As co-ops look ahead to the future, the addition of positions on the leading edge of technology in disciplines like renewable energy and data science will continue to support our innovation and reliability. The wide range of disciplines and experience required for our collective success ensures that North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have an equally wide range of opportunities for fulfilling careers.

There are 26 energy cooperatives located across the state of North Carolina. Each works independently with its community to meet the energy services needs of homes and business, and together to leverage their collective strength to benefit rural North Carolina. Did you know many cooperatives invest in their local workforce by providing lineworkers training through local

community colleges? A bright high school graduate could start a career with the cooperative right out of school, receive classroom and on-the-job training, and give back to the community with the work they do to keep families safe and warm during winter storms, and comfortable during summer heat waves.

When I first began working for the cooperatives 15 years ago, I would explain to friends and family that I work for an energy cooperative that provides safe, reliable power to rural North Carolina. That is still true today, but now I share that I work for a cooperative that advocates for rural North Carolina. Energy is our “super power” — it not only powers rural communities, it empowers them to achieve great things, including supporting education, innovation and economic development. Co-ops aren’t beholden to shareholders, we are accountable to our community, and every day we come together for the good of our state. It is that collective purpose that creates the teamwork and missiondriven workforce that exists at each electric co-op today.

I encourage you to explore careers at your local cooperative — most positions are listed by state at careers.electric.coop. We also recruit at community colleges and universities, with internship opportunities posted at ncelectriccooperatives.com/careers or on your local co-op’s website.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are working toward a Brighter Future for rural communities across North Carolina by providing sustainable, low-cost energy; reliability and innovation; and local community support. Join the dynamic network of engaged, creative and talented cooperative employees who work together to make it all happen.

Dana Davis is vice president of Human Resources for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Energy is our “super power”—it not only powers rural communities, it empowers them to achieve great things…

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.

Randolph EMC Meets Member Needs Following Grid Attack

A North Carolina electric cooperative’s quick thinking restored intermittent power to members after two Duke Energy transmission substations were attacked by gunfire on Saturday, Dec. 3, leaving roughly 45,000 Moore County homes and businesses without power. Of those, 2,768 were Randolph EMC members.

During the extended, multi-day outage, Randolph EMC developed a plan to serve its members while Duke Energy made system repairs.

“Our goal was to get some kind of power flow into all of our service area in Moore County, where members would have some for a period of time,” said Randolph EMC CEO Dale Lambert.

Co-op and contractor crews upgraded a pre-existing tie-line and constructed a new tie-line over nearly three miles. As a result, by 4:48 a.m. Tuesday morning, the co-op was able to begin delivering a rotated, limited capacity of power to 100% of members. The co-op asked Moore County members to conserve energy to reduce load levels and prevent further interruptions.

“I want to commend the REMC team on their ingenuity and hard work to restore some level of power to our members,” Lambert said.

Full power had been restored to all Randolph EMC members as of Wednesday morning, and Duke Energy had completed most restoration efforts by that evening. Randolph EMC thanked Duke Energy for its partnership and communication, the Moore County Sheriff’s Department for its diligence and aid, the North Carolina Department of Transportation for closing a road so co-op crews could build the temporary tie-lines, and its members in Moore County for their patience and kindness to lineworkers during the outage.

As of publication, local law enforcement officers, assisted by State Bureau of Investigation and FBI agents,

continue to collaborate and ask the public to come forward with any helpful information.

“Grid security is a serious matter and a top priority for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives — including cyber and physical attacks,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and COO of Association Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “What occurred in Moore County serves as a reminder that securing the grid is an ongoing process. Electric co-ops are working with industry stakeholders; federal, state and community partners; as well as law enforcement to maintain our vigilance and enhance security protocols to prevent or mitigate any future disruptions.”

Gameday Recognition

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives have long supported the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern NC (RMHC-ENC, rmhcenc.org) through fundraisers and initiatives like an October presentation at an ECU football game. Tylen McGill and his family received a game ball, accompanied by Susan Flythe, executive vice president and general manager of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (right) and Caleb Turik, family services coordinator at RMHC-ENC (left).

Winston Howell, CEO of Edgecombe-Martin County EMC and RMHC-ENC board member, celebrated the co-ops’ partnership with the House during a halftime radio interview.

“We’re very appreciative to have a program and organization like the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern NC here in our community that impacts all of the co-ops and our members,” he said.

Randolph EMC

ECU

everyday

From the to the epic

A Landmark Year for North Carolina’s Trails

No place on earth has trails like North Carolina. Our state’s most unique natural resource, these thousands of miles of trails are deeply woven into our history and our culture. Discover your next trail at GreatTrailsNC.com and follow @GreatTrailsNC .

Students Use Robots to Learn about Erosion

Co-op grant sparks bright ideas

At Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro, students are using programmable robots to learn about ecosystems, erosion of shorelines and how they can take action to protect the environment. This is all thanks to a project by Digital Learning Coordinator Marley Knapp and STEAM teacher Jessica Hoffmire, who received support from Randolph EMC through the Bright Ideas education grant program to implement their “Making Waves for the Environment” project.

The hands-on project taught students about the effects of water on banks and shores by challenging them to code and then maneuver programmable spherical robots through bins of water to create waves. The immersive experience gives students a chance to combine science with their own creativity and expression, prompting conversations and providing students with a deeper understanding of science standards.

“This Sphero Robotics project combines hands-on learning and coding with understanding erosion in the natural world,” said Nicole Arnold, a representative of Randolph EMC. “And if this weren’t enough, it’s incredibly fun!”

With this technology, fourth graders learned how to generate waves, which were used to measure and gather data on erosion and wave impact. Additionally, students created and designed ways to decrease erosion on banks and shorelines and were able to share their findings, come

up with their own ideas for improvement, and work with their peers toward a common goal.

“The exploration that the kids are experiencing gives them the opportunity to make decisions and solve problems as a team,” Knapp said.

The Bright Ideas education grant program has been supported by North Carolina’s cooperatives since 1994. Since then, over $14.3 million has been given to thousands of projects in schools across the state. Nearly three million students have been impacted, including the bright students in this STEAM class.

—Olivia Dela Cruz, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

A student holds a blue spherical robot readied for generating waves.

Carolina Country

Scenes

A gallery of your best photos

Thanks for all of the annual photo contest entries! The judges chose from hundreds of photos of people and places throughout NC. In addition to these images, we’ll run more as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com/potw). Our Facebook and Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.

—The editors

 Bunny Love | A sweet little girl takes her bunny out for a ride at a family farm in Monroe.

Tracy Vargas, Indian Trail, Union Power Cooperative

 River Fog | A foggy fall morning along the New River in Ashe County.

Linda Slade, West Jefferson, Blue Ridge Energy

 Waterfall Feels | Great Falls Mill Waterfall at sunset in Rockingham. Louann Fields, Rockingham, Pee Dee Electric



Stetson

Taylor

|

Stetson

3-year-old



The Lone Hunter | Minutes after sunrise, a lone hunter fires the first shot during opening day of dove season.

Jason Brady, Fayetteville, Lumbee River EMC



Sunny Sunflower | These bees made this sunflower look extra happy in my garden this July.

Richard Harris, Snow Hill, Pitt & Greene EMC



I Scream, You Smile | During our vacations at Oak Island, our granddaughter, Peyton, loves to stop at The Berry Patch in Ellerbe. A cone of their homemade ice cream always brings a smile!

Sherril Lowe, Asheboro, Randolph EMC, Photographer Meridith Lokey

Night Sky Shooting Star Taking in the Milky Way in the Green Swamp.

Nick Noble, Southport, Brunswick Electric



Fabled Oyster Reef | Check out Cross Rock in the Newport River— an ever constant reminder to love and respect our beautifully diverse and fragile ecosystem along our coastline.

Sarah Simmons, Morehead City, Carteret-Craven Electric



Little Way Farm | After morning prayer and just as the sun is rising, hens are moved as part of rotational grazing of the farm animals. The picture captures the “romance” of the family farm and the hard work without which the romance would be nothing more than a fleeting thought.

Philip Toomey Siler City, Randolph EMC

Sports a Stetson

Our

grandson, Stetson, sports his

hat and reports to work to feed the cattle.

Lail, Hickory, Rutherford EMC, Photographer Lindsey Stamey

Like millions of older Americans, I struggle with mobility. For years, I watched my quality of life slip away, as I was forced to stay home while friends and family took part in activities I’d once enjoyed. I thought I’d made some progress when I got a mobility scooter, but then I realized how hard it was to transport. Taking it apart and putting it back together was like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Once I had it disassembled, I had to try to put all of the pieces in the trunk of a car, go to wherever I was going, and repeat the process in reverse. Travel scooters were easier to transport, but they were uncomfortable and scary to drive, I always felt like I was ready to tip over. Then I found the So LiteTM Scooter Now there’s nothing that can hold me back.

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a scooter that’s designed with seniors in mind. They created Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that makes it virtually impossible to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly, the scooter automatically slows down to prevent it from tipping over. The battery provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the So LiteTM Scooter is the most portable scooter ever—but it can hold up to 275 pounds—yet

weighs only 40.8 pounds without the battery! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat, trunk or even on an airplane. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. Best of all, it’s designed with your safety in mind, from the newest technology and superior craftsmanship. Why spend another day letting your lack of mobility ruin your quality of life? Call now and find out how you can get a So LiteTM Scooter of your very own.

Zumba Gold for the Golden Years

Elizabeth Moakler is a Zumba instructor bringing her energy to the comfort of home

By Rue Reynold

With a homebase in Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative member Elizabeth Moakler inspires others to keep their bodies moving and encourages anyone to do Zumba regardless of age or physical capabilities.

As a fitness veteran of 25 years who specialized in high to low-impact aerobics, Elizabeth began teaching Zumba in 2007.

What makes Zumba stand out from other dance aerobics is the music. While Latin tunes commonly accompany Zumba’s flare, Elizabeth also incorporates “oldies but goodies,” disco and suggestions from her participants that span many genres. Music is a motivation and something that can be enjoyed by all.

The benefits of Zumba have also been known to increase brain activity, strengthen memory and improve balance due to its movement and choreography.

Misconceptions of Zumba Zumba is not about regimens, knowing how to dance or even needing a lot of space. You can have zero rhythm, awkward movements, and only a half-bathroom and still dance Zumba simply by standing still and shaking your booty.

It’s exercise in disguise. Steps are not important and neither is perfection, Elizabeth explains. She calls mistakes, “impromptu solos” and encourages movement above all else.

That said, exercising is difficult for many people, and it can be hard to find the motivation to keep up with it. “You don’t have to do it every day,” Elizabeth says. “Everyone will have a burnout and that’s okay. Whether it’s four times a week or once a week, there’s value in keeping your body moving and mind engaged. All you need is the mindset to want to do something.”

More than just a workout

Elizabeth’s Zumba Gold classes (the “Gold” indicates it’s designed to better meet the needs of seniors) offer much more than most online exercise programs. Joining her class means joining a community that looks out for one another, celebrates birthdays and events in an individual’s life and, best of all, cares about each other’s well-being beyond the exercise routine.

Health and comfort is top priority in Zumba Gold. Elizabeth incorporates adaptive choreography that replaces intricate or difficult moves, allowing participants to dance Zumba, even while sitting in a chair if needed.

“Give it a try,” Elizabeth says. “Don’t be afraid to try something new in your life because you don’t know what joy it will bring you. You don’t need to have your camera on. Just give me two to three classes to get you hooked.”

Elizabeth’s online Zumba classes are an easy, one-click sign-up. Send Elizabeth an email and receive links every Sunday to join her weekly classes hosted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m. That one click gains access to Elizabeth’s live class and a community with a warm welcome.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Email Elizabeth Moakler at emoakler@carolina.rr.com and say, “I want to try Zumba at home” to receive weekly links to her free live Zumba classes.

From Guilty Pleasure to Guilt-Free

Four ways to turn your favorite snacks into healthy treasures

By Rue Reynold

If the regret of eating certain meals or snacks has you avoiding your favorite foods, here are a few tips to turn guilty pleasures into your new healthy favorites without sacrificing flavor.

Air fry or bake

Deep fried foods offer a wonderful crispy skin, but usually possess large amounts of oil that can be unhealthy over time. Air-frying uses little to no oil and cooks food by circulating hot air, making this method healthy while offering a similar level of crisp. Oven-baking is even better because it often retains more nutrients than air-frying.

Homemade all the way

Processed goods often contain many sugars, fats or artificial ingredients not good for the body if consumed in excess. Creating a traditionally unhealthy snack from scratch at home is often healthier because you’ll possess full control of what goes into a meal and can even add nutrients or other flavors.

Add a little fiber

Fiber comes in many forms, from fruits and vegetables to grains. It promotes healthy bowel movements thanks to its nourishing abilities for the colon. Fiber can also increase the feeling of being full so you consume less calories, and has been known to lower cholesterol levels and decrease blood sugar. Adding fiber to a dish can be as easy as adding a little flaxseed or a side of leafy greens.

Substitution is your friend Replace ingredients such as dairy, flour, sweeteners and oil with more nutritious alternatives to make a dish an instant guilt-free treasure. Sweetening with honey, for example, offers many health benefits while also reducing the amount of processed sugar you add to your drink or recipe. Substitutions aren’t always seamless replacements, however, so remember to research best practices and ratios before substituting ingredients in a recipe.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

R eal People. Real Power.

Bridge cable energized

On Dec. 6, Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) completed work to attach transmission lines to the new jug handle bridge in Rodanthe. Electrical and fiber optic cables now run through conduit under the 2.4-mile long span that bypassed the S-Curves section of N.C. 12, which has been subject to ocean overwash for decades. CHEC completed the project two months ahead of schedule.

Photo by Kerry Hooper, Jr.

At press time last month, we did not yet have the details of the 2022 capital credit refund available for publication. The member refunds were subsequently processed on Dec. 2. Details can be found in this month’s Message to Members on Page G.

Space heater safety

Despite efficiency gains in home heating equipment, we continue to see electric space heaters regularly used in Tideland-served homes. They are also a common sight in many office settings.

Aside from operating cost concerns, there are safety risks associated with the overuse of space heaters. Most household wiring is not designed to continuously operate a space heater, especially on the highest watt setting. If wiring becomes overheated, the insulation covering the wire gets softs and the weakened wire becomes a fire hazard. During energy audits we frequently spot evidence of burn marks or melting on outlet covers.

• Space heaters should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips.

• Use the lowest wattage setting if you plan to use the space heater for an extended period of time.

• If the breaker trips when you use the space heater don’t ignore the warning. The circuit could be damaged or be undersized for space heater use.

Middle Schoolers: Apply now for a summer basketball camp scholarship

Tideland is once again accepting applications for full scholarships to basketball camps at two North Carolina universities this summer.

Middle school boys can apply for a scholarship to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and middle school girls can apply for a spot at the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp held at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The UNC camp will be held June 17-21. The NCSU camp will also be held in June but specific dates are not yet available. Tideland will award one scholarship per camp.

Campers will work closely with college basketball coaches and camp staff to develop fundamental skills that help the young athletes perform and excel both on and off the court.

Campers will stay in dorms overnight during the camp sessions.

To apply, students must be a rising sixth- or seventh-grade student at a qualifying school and reside in a Tideland EMC served household. Applicants will be judged on their academics, extracurricular activities and an essay. The application period begins in January and applications must be submitted by March 31.To learn more and apply, visit tidelandemc.com/ my-community/basketball-camp.

The Touchstone Energy Sports Camp scholarship program provides a unique educational and athletic opportunity for our state’s youth and further demonstrates your electric cooperative’s commitment to the communities we serve.

New HVAC efficiency standards

Tideland’s heat pump rebate will be updated to require minimum 16 SEER equipment

Beginning in 2023, all new residential central air-conditioning and air-source heat pump systems sold in the United States will be required to meet new minimum energy efficiency standards.

The most recent minimum energy efficiency standards for these equipment types went into effect in 2015, and for the first time, separate standards were set for cooling central air conditioners sold in the northern parts of the United States and those sold in the southern parts.

The new standards continue to set different cooling efficiency levels for air conditioners in the south,

New rebate requirement:SEER 16

and they also require an increase in the heating efficiency of all airsource heat pumps.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 first gave the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) authority to develop, revise, and implement minimum energy conservation standards for appliances and equipment. EPCA requires DOE to periodically amend energy conservation standards for certain equipment, but only if the amendments are energy-saving, technologically feasible, and economically justifiable.

The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 established the first minimum efficiency requirements for central airconditioning and heat pump equipment sold in the United States. These standards went into

effect in 1992, and later updates went into effect in 2006 and 2015.

In Southeast states, including Tideland territory, the minimum SEER rating in 2023 will be increased from 14 SEER to 15 SEER for AC units with below 45,000 BTU cooling output. AC units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity will have a minimum of 14.5 SEER rating in 2023. Higher SEER ratings indicate more energyefficient equipment.

In addition, the new standards require an increase in the heating efficiency of air-source heat pumps—measured by the equipment’s heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). The minimum HSPF will be 8.8 HSPF compared with the 8.2 HSPF required by the previous standard that dated back to 2015.

As a result of the new heat pump standards, Tideland’s heat pump rebate requirements will also be raised. For heat pumps manufactured after Jan. 1, 2023, we will provide a $75 rebate for 16 SEER ratings, $150 rebate for 17 SEER ratings and higher, and a $300 rebate for geothermal (water source) heat pumps.

It is estimated that 76 million primary occupied U.S. homes (64% of the total) use central airconditioning equipment, and about 13 million homes (11%) use heat pumps for heating and cooling. When defining the new standards, DOE calculated that, in total, households using central air conditioners or heat pumps will collectively save as much as $12.2 billion on energy bills during the 30-year period following implementation of the standards.

High School Seniors

Time to apply

Tideland EMC is now accepting college scholarship applications from high school seniors in Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, Pamlico, Dare and Craven counties. Applicants must be the dependent of a Tideland EMC member.

The co-op will award eight $1,000 scholarships. Two of the scholarships will be designated for students who plan to attend community college.

Students have until Friday, March 3, 2023, to apply. An application may be downloaded at tidelandemc.com.

For more information, contact program coordinator Heidi Smith at 252.944.2410 or heidismith@ tidelandemc.com.

Space heater math

Space heaters can play a useful and even cost-saving role when properly utilized. For example, briefly using a space heater in the morning while showering or getting dressed can be more cost effective than raising the thermostat to warm up your whole house when you just want the temperature increased in a small bathroom. However, using a space heater for prolonged periods or as a home’s primary heating source can quickly increase your electric bill. Let’s look at the math:

At a 1,500-watt setting, a space heater will cost 18¢ per hour to operate. At that setting for eight hours of use the cost is $1.44. During a 30-day billing cycle that eight hours per day would consume $43.20 worth of electricity. If used 24 hours a day for 30 days that one single space heater would add $129.60 to the monthly bill. And as noted on page B, overuse of a space heater can easily damage outlet wiring, contributing to a house fire.

One final note: all electric resistance space heaters are created equal in terms of “efficiency.” A watt is a watt is a watt. The only real differentiation is related to safety features and thermostatic control options so choose wisely.

The nation’s largest co-op microgrid nears completion in Hyde

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives have partnered with the nation’s second-largest egg producer, Rose Acre Farms, and Tideland EMC, to develop an agricultural microgrid that will deliver a variety of benefits, including enhanced environmental sustainability and power grid resiliency.

Phase I of the project was completed in 2022 following the installation of a 2-megawatt solar array and a 2.5-megawatt Tesla battery pack that allows the energy generated by the panels to be stored and dispatched

when needed. The solar production is expected to offset about a third of the energy consumed by the farm, which is Tideland’s largest commercial account.

In addition to this new source of green energy, about 60% of the power Rose Acre already receives from Tideland comes from emissions-free nuclear and renewables. This helps Rose Acre meet sustainability goals that many of their customers require from vendors and in turn reduce their own carbon footprint.

2 MW SOLAR ARRAY AT THE ROSE ACRE EGG FARM

Phase II of the project will soon be complete with the installation of a microgrid controller, which will expand the project’s capabilities to include utlization of the facility’s existing backup diesel generators.

In the event of a power outage, the microgrid components will allow Rose Acre’s food pro-

duction operations to continue. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives will further benefit from the project by dispatching the stored energy to help reduce load during times of peak demand when energy is most expensive.

Rights-of-way maintenance schedule

Tideland has hired Lucas Tree Experts to trim trees in our rightsof-way.

During January, Lucas will have two crews working on the Bonnerton circuit which feeds out of our Edward substation. Once that circuit is complete one of the crews will head to Ocracoke to begin work and the other will begin trimming out the Lowland circuit which also serves out of our Edward substation.

Lee Electrical line construction crews will continue working on the Rose Bay circuit out of our Ponzer substation in the Rose Bay and Scranton areas.

Meter safety inspections continue with work wrapping up in Fairfield Harbour and moving on to Pamlico County services fed by our Silver Hill substation.

Remember to support these important system maintenance operations. Proper tree care leads to greater system reliability.

Please observe proper distances when planting trees and erecting fences and other structures. And always call 811 before you dig to have underground utilities located before beginning an excavation or construction project.

Message to members

$1.43 million in member capital refunded in 2022

by PAUL SPRUILL GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

In fiscal year 2022, Tideland Electric Membership Corporation retired $1.43 million in member equity through capital credit refunds. Retirements to the estates of deceased members of the electric cooperative represented $614,000 of that total. Tideland’s board of directors further authorized a general retirement of $816,911 to those members and former members of the cooperative that received electric service in 1991 or 1993.

Capital credits represent member margins that are collected through electric bill revenues and reinvested in the cooperative’s utility infrastructure. At the end of each year, Tideland’s expenses are deducted from revenue to determine the cooperative’s net operating margins for the year.

lenders thus reducing borrowing costs for the entire membership.

UnitedHealthcare UCard Payments

A Decade of Refunds at a Glance

The general retirement was issued through a combination of checks and electric bill credits during the month of December. Active account holders received a check if their electric account was current at the time of distribution and if their refund was $50 or more. All other Tideland members with active accounts received an on-bill credit if they had service with the co-op in either 1991 or 1993.

2022$1,430,911 2021$1,380,490 2020$1,078,000 2019$480,000 2018$1,246,848 2017$957,354 2016$1,112,409 2015$2,397,405 2014$676,158 2013$648,538 TOTAL$11,408,113

Those margins are proportionally assigned to each Tideland EMC member as capital credits based on a percentage of what each member paid for electricity during the calendar year. By utilizing member capital to maintain the electric system, Tideland is able to minimize its reliance on outside

Checks were mailed to former members at their last known address for refunds of $50 or more. That’s why it is important to keep the co-op updated about future address changes in the event you leave the Tideland service area. Undelivered or unclaimed refunds are eventually escheated to the North Carolina Department of Treasury. You can search for unclaimed refunds by visiting nccash.com.

In the past decade, Tideland has retired $11,408,113 in member equity.

In early December 2022, Tideland received its first phone call from a member who was enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plan. The member asked if the co-op accepted payments via UnitedHealthcare’s UCard program. We soon learned that other utilities were fielding similar phone calls so we reached out to UnitedHealthcare to learn more.

According to the company, the UCard can be used when participants:

• Visit a provider like your Primary Care Provider or dentist

• Fill a prescription

• Check in at the gym

• Buy healthy food and overthe-counter products

• Pay utility bills

• Spend earned rewards

The program is scheduled to begin in January 2023. Tideland can process payments from any card issuer connected to the VISA, MasterCard or American Express networks.

If the UCard is not associated with one of those networks and you choose to make a UCard payment via a third-party payment processing vendor like Walmart, please take into account that it can take up to seven or more business days for the payment to be received by Tideland. Therefore, if you are past due on your electric account or within a week or two of your due date, you may want to avoid the use of a third party vendor.

Questions? Give us a call at 252-943-3046.

New Years

SAFETY RESOLUTIONS

Consider these safety-themed resolutions this year. They will help keep you and others safe!

Do not drive distracted, especially near or in work zones. Do not place a cell phone on bedding or under a pillow. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 9-1-1.

If you are in a car accident involving a downed line, do not get out. Do not take on electrical work if you are not qualified. Never use a portable generator indoors, in a garage or in an enclosed area.

Test GFCI outlets monthly to ensure they are working. Ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code.

Look up and look out for overhead power lines when working outside. Call 8-1-1 prior to your next digging project.

• Position the space heater away from the electrical outlet to prevent hot air from blowing back on the outlet which will further compromise outlet wiring.

• If you see burn marks on the outlet discontinue use of the outlet and call an electrician.

• Never leave a space heater underattended.

• Never run space heater cords underneath rugs or through doorways.

Real People. Real Power.

tidelandemc.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

J. Douglas Brinson, President

Clifton Paul, Vice President Mark Carawan, Secretary David Ipock, Treasurer Rudy Austin, Garry Jordan, Dawson Pugh, Paul Sasnett, Wayne Sawyer & Charles Slade

GENERAL MANAGER & CEO Paul Spruill

EDITOR

Heidi Jernigan Smith

Member Service 252.943.3046

24 Hour Outage Reporting & Automated Services 252.944.2400

Tideland EMC is an equal opportunity provider & employer

Holiday Closing

Our offices will be closed Jan. 2. Our 24-hour call center will be fully staffed for outage reporting and account management.

Holiday Closing

• Make sure space heaters are a safe distance away from draperies and household furnishings.

Winter Reminder

Remove window air-conditioning units so windows can be properly closed.

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 as well as January 1. Our 24-hour call center will be fully staffed for outage reporting and account management. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warm Up Winter with Hearty Italian Classics

Bring color and excitement to the dinner table

Cool, crisp days call for comfort foods such as the classic flavors of traditional Italian cooking. Whether you’re Italian by heritage or simply by heart, learning the art of Italian cuisine could be easier than you think.

—Family Features

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

With fettuccine

This easy-to-make recipe takes 35 minutes and is a hit with kids.

1 tablespoon butter

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 jar Alfredo sauce

1 package (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed

1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine pasta

Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Cook chicken, in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally, until chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temp of 165 degrees). Remove chicken and set aside.

In same skillet, add sauce and broccoli; stir. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Stir in chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 2 minutes.

In separate pan, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.

Serve chicken, broccoli and sauce over hot fettuccine and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Yield: 4 servings

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Chicken

If you’re a seafood lover, reimagine this dish by swapping in a mild white fish like halibut, cod or snapper.

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, plus additional for garnish

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 jar (24.7 ounces) marinara sauce

6 thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 1½ pounds)

2 cups multi-colored grape tomatoes, halved

2 stems cherry tomatoes on the vine

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In small bowl, whisk olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano until combined.

Combine 2 tablespoons oil mixture and chicken in resealable plastic bag. Let stand 5–10 minutes at room temperature to marinate.

In medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil mixture over medium heat. Add onions; cook 3–4 minutes or until crisptender. Stir in marinara sauce. Pour mixture into lightly greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

Arrange chicken breasts in dish, overlapping if necessary. Top with grape tomatoes and cherry tomato stems. Spoon remaining oil mixture over tomatoes.

Bake, covered, for 25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees and tomatoes start to burst.

Sprinkle with Parmesan, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Yield: 6 servings

Bertolli

‘Be Out There’

Photo

tips

by NC wildlife photographer Neil Jernigan

By Donna Campbell Smith

Whether searching for North Carolina’s black bear in Alligator Wildlife Refuge, wading thighdeep in a swamp to set camera traps to capture starlit images, hiking in Cherokee elk territory, or canoeing on a pond near his home for prothonotary warblers, Neil Jernigan is excited about photographing wildlife.

Neil modestly admits to having won around 10 or 15 wildlife photography contests through the years, including the 2008 grand prize in the contest held by Wildlife in North Carolina magazine, published by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Viewers can see his excitement on his YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/NeilJernigan). Without fail, he expresses awe and exuberance at seeing the creatures he photographs. Neil not only shares his images, but also his knowledge. He lists the equipment used in his video descriptions, gives tips in his narratives and offers workshops.

“Everything in my life seemed to direct me to photography,” Neil explains. “I grew up hunting, fishing, and spending a lot of time outside in nature. We always had cameras to document. My mom ran a scrapbook business, so taking pictures was very important to remember everything, and we documented our lives for our family to look back on in the future.”

Neil purchased his first camera when he was 15 with

Visit neiljernigan.com to learn more about Neil, including upcoming workshop dates.

money earned working in the tobacco field. He created a wedding and portrait photography business his senior year of high school.

“I operated that business for a few years, knowing that ultimately I wanted to photograph wildlife full time.”

Neil says to be successful in wildlife photography, you need to know as much about your subjects as possible.

“Being a good naturalist will make you a great photographer. Things like knowing where your subjects will be and what they eat is more valuable than camera settings. The more you know about your subject, the easier it will be to photograph them.”

He goes on to say that having the knowledge of settings and your equipment is very important. Jernigan says that over the years he has learned that pre-visualizing an image before it happens is extremely beneficial. Being able to go to certain settings without really thinking about it comes with time.

“I’ve had some pretty close encounters over the years — bears, wolves and elk,” he says when asked if he’s ever felt in danger while photographing large game. “I’ve never felt threatened or felt in danger.” He does recommend taking bear spray when photographing bears. (So far, he’s not had to use it.)

Neil offers a final tip to amateur photographers: “I have the secret to wildlife photography. It’s really simple. You have to be out there! The more time you spend in the field, the better you will be. You can’t get that rare once-in-a-lifetime photograph by sitting on the couch watching TV.”

Donna Campbell Smith lives in Franklin County. Learn about her and her work at donnacampbellsmithwrites.com

“Things like knowing where your subjects will be and what they eat is more valuable than camera settings.”

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch

Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39

Going over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an e ervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat. Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone. If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.

is elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridot in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is nished in tarnishresistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.

You could easily spend $400 on a sterling silver ring set with peridot stones. But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for a ording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Verdant Peridot Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Verdant Peridot Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

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Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your ngers. Call today!

 Marching Mares | My family’s Outer Banks vacations always include watching the unique wildlife there, such as the wild horses living north of Corolla. I found this group of mares walking together, and loved how they kicked up sand with each step.

Kim Steffan, Mebane, Piedmont Electric

 The Window Watcher | While taking a few butterfly photos, I found one of our cats, Pebbles, watching from the window. I highly doubt it would have tasted good, if that's what she was thinking.

Jett Furr, Stanfield, Union Power Cooperative

 Tufted Titmouse | I saw this Titmouse on the window after we put out a bird feeder. It probably couldn't see me through the glass, because it let me get amazingly close.

Keith Anderson, Wake Forest, Wake Electric

 Miss Kitty’s Sunset | This sunset lit up the sky the evening ahead of Hurricane Ian. Miss Kitty, our retired show calf turned pet cow, seemed to appreciate its beauty.

Jana Richardson, Ramseur, Randolph EMC



Sunrise Sky | My 13-year-old daughter Haley took this on the way to school near Dunbar in Edgecombe County.

Debra Page, Battleboro, Edgecombe-Martin EMC, Photographer Haley Page

Snow Day | A snowy day in rural Randolph County. Susan Barry, Thomasville, EnergyUnited



 Country Road, Take Me Home | My first winter living in North Carolina, I came across this beautiful country scene during my morning walk. Having come from a busy suburb outside of Chicago, this peaceful rural setting was a welcome relief from the usual congested traffic and bitter cold I had been used to at this time of year, and a reminder of why I was now here, and not there!

Joni Eskridge, Nebo, Rutherford EMC

 Harvest Time Reminiscing | My friend, 86-year-old Louise Kauffman, hasn’t missed helping during canning season in the six or seven years I’ve known her. In spite of health issues, she’s always requested to help. I have found, and think she already knew, there’s a special kind of peace found in conversations about old times with new friends during harvest time.

Joe Barr, Mount Airy, Surry-Yadkin EMC

Warm Clothes Wherever You Go

‘Electric’ isn’t just for blankets

By Jonathan Susser | Photos by Venture Heat, ventureheat.com

Q:I enjoy working and spending time outdoors and was fortunate enough to receive a heated jacket for the holidays. I had never seen a jacket with a battery and charger before, though, so I’m not quite sure what to make of it all. Is this a new clothing trend?

A:Heated clothing is one of the more unique electrified technologies that have entered the market. It’s also interesting for us, because this column usually focuses on saving money through energy efficiency and electrification, and here we’re adding an energy expense. But convenience and comfort are important as well, and you’ll certainly be gaining in those two areas.

Heated clothing has actually been around for nearly a century — starting in aviation in the 1930s and 1940s — but only more recently has it been going mainstream thanks to improvements in battery chemistries. It’s often found at outdoor locations like construction jobsites and farms, but it’s turning up more for leisure wear, too, with a growing number of products. Popular items include jackets, gloves, socks and vests.

The jackets function through heating elements dispersed throughout the garment. These elements are usually composed of thin wires that produce heat when an electric current passes through them. A compartment in the jacket stores the battery pack — its location varies by brand — and there’s usually a button that can be pressed to change the output of the heat. The higher the heating power, the shorter the runtime of the battery, though you’ll likely get at least a couple of hours even on maximum settings.

Some manufacturers use the same battery pack for clothing as well as compact hand tools. So, if you’re not going to be wearing the jacket, or maybe just not applying the heating elements, you may be able to use the battery to power a ratchet, light, drill, saw, spot blower and lots more.

As hinted at earlier, one thing to keep in mind is that because you are

adding a battery-powered feature, you’ll be paying for the electricity to charge the battery. Battery pack sizes vary, but an example jacket model could be 12 volts and 2.5 amp-hours. In kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the unit of energy you pay for on your electric bill, that comes out to just 0.03 kWh ([12 x 2.5]/1,000).

The charging itself uses a generic wall outlet and can take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours depending on the battery and charger.

The heat you get from the jacket, while nice, likely won’t feel like a sauna, so you may still want extra layers based on how cold it is. But whether you’re doing work around the yard, going camping or hunting, or braving the elements for your favorite outdoor sporting event, enjoy the benefits of your new gift.

Jonathan Susser is a content developer for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

Stay warm with this heated down jacket from Venture Heat. Or try a vest (right).

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

The MDHearing™ VOLT uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price.

Over 800,000 satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. The fact is, you don’t need to spend thousands for a hearing aid.

The MDHearing VOLT is a medical-grade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time-consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?

Passing Down Tradition

A veteran hunter shares his knowledge with youth

Story and photo by Mike Zlotnicki

It was a blustery 35 degrees as our two trucks rolled across a dike and stopped near a private pond in Harnett County. I was alone in my truck, my friend Carlton Williams had several passengers in his — old friends Emsley Griffin and his son, Eason Griffin, along with Hoss Griffin and his nephew, Case Walker.

Once parked, Carlton donned waders, unloaded a creek boat (sort of a wide-beam kayak) and loaded a bag of decoys in it. He pointed out our blind site as a barred owl hooted off in the distance.

Carlton, as he does several times a season, was determined to get the boys on some ducks. The last two Saturdays of duck season in North Carolina are for youth, as well as veterans and active-duty military.

After putting out 25 decoys, Carlton beached his craft and used a battery-powered chainsaw to gather some limbs to “brush out” a blind for the hunters. Each boy had a shotgun and close adult supervision.

“Y’all get loaded up,” Carlton told the boys. “You got about a minute until legal shooting light.”

With that, Carlton unpacked a camp stove and put some bacon in a skillet. He forgot a pan for serving, so each piece of bacon was hung on a greenbrier vine when done. He had brought the bacon back from a waterfowl trip to North Dakota, declaring it the best he’s ever eaten.

A pair of wood ducks buzzed the hunters before they were ready. Then,

a lone ring-neck duck checked out the decoys but flew on.

“Ring-necks are my bread-andbutter,” said Carlton, who was sitting about 10 yards behind the hunters. “They decoy well. We’re starting to get a little light on the decoys. They like to see where they’re landing.”

Two Canada geese flew by, and since goose season was open, the boys shot — and missed. Another duck came in and was missed as well. (The boys were not shy about pulling a trigger.) Carlton finished with the bacon and started venison breakfast sausage patties he made. After few minutes, the hunters wandered up and started eating bacon and sausage sandwiches. I asked Hoss Griffin about the morning and his high school buddy.

“Well the thing about Carl is, he’s second to none in bending over backwards in putting this together,” he said. “Obviously, if it wasn’t for Carl this wouldn’t be possible. We don’t have the ducks where we’re located. There’s a few but nothing like you experience here. Brought the boat and decoys, cooking us breakfast.”

At 9:15 a.m., a flock of ring-necks came to the decoys and Case dropped

one with his Weatherby Upland shotgun. At 11:00 a.m., a flock of ring-necks circled out of range six times before landing across the pond. We drove back to Carlton’s house, and I asked why he took the time to take kids out.

“I want to keep the tradition of kids getting into the outdoors and share that knowledge that took me years to learn,” he said. “So it continues on. Duck hunting is a good starting point for kids because there’s a lot of activity. Not as much sitting still and being quiet. There’s a little more interaction with wildlife, working the birds with decoys and calling and getting a response from wildlife. It’s more excitement for someone starting out.”

Before heading back to Wadesboro, Case decides he want to get his duck mounted. In his last selfless act of the day, Carlton goes to his freezer and gives each boy a dressed duck to take home. A kind end to a memorable morning.

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

Mike

Carlton Carlton uses his duck call to lure a flock of ringed-neck ducks to the decoy spread.

Fully

Fully guided tour. Includes all meals, all activities, all hotels. Tax and fees extra.

Book online now at caravan.com

StormCenter.coop

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.

Rotisserie Chicken French Onion Soup

Few things please the palate like a bowl of flavorful French onion soup stuffed with caramelized onions and topped with the cheesiest toasted bread. We upped the protein content by adding rotisserie chicken.

4 cups chicken broth from bouillon paste

4 cups beef broth from bouillon paste

8 tablespoons butter

6 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced

1–2 tablespoons sugar

¾ cup Marsala wine, optional**

1 rotisserie chicken, skinned, deboned and chopped

Several sprigs fresh thyme (plus a bit for garnish)

Several bay leaves

2 tablespoons Worcestershiresauce

2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon white pepper

8 thick slices baguette or French bread

About 2 cups cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, Gouda or similar)

Prepare broths.

Heat butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook uncovered for 50–60 minutes, stirring often, until lightly browned. Add sugar during the final 10 minutes and stir to caramelize the onions. Add Marsala to deglaze the pot and evaporate the alcohol.

Add broth, chicken and remaining ingredients except bread and cheese. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20–30 minutes. Taste for salt. Depending on the broth used and sauces, you may prefer not to add any salt.

Toast bread. At serving time, place on top of soup, scatter with cheese and pop under broiler to melt. Best if enjoyed immediately.

**No Marsala? You can substitute: ½ cup white grape juice, ¼ cup sherry vinegar and 2 teaspoons vanilla.

Recipes by Wendy Perry unless otherwise noted. Learn more about Wendy at WendysHomeEconomics.com

Winter Broccoli and Dried Cherry Salad

This vibrant, fresh salad makes a solid sidekick to a pot of soup on a chilly winter’s day. Consider doubling up on the piquant dressing — it keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator — or sub your own favorite.

Dressing

½ cup good olive oil

¼ cup good balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons fruit juice (we used apple cider)

2 tablespoons honey

1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons minced garlic or garlic paste

½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Fresh cracked black pepper

From Your Kitchen

3P Bundt Cake

With pineapple, pumpkin and pecans

Oh, we love cakes with unusual flavors and textures! This hearty cake delivers with its spice-laden pumpkin, bright notes of soft pineapple, crunchy pecans and a thick layer of streusel.

Streusel topping

5 tablespoons butter, melted

5 tablespoons brown sugar

5 tablespoons flour

²/₃ cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon cinnamon Cake

1¼ cup brown sugar

1 stick butter, room temperature

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée

½ cup crushed pineapple, reserving juice and extra fruit

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon clove

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ginger

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

Salad

2–3 large broccoli crowns (about 6 cups), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 small bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 bag (10 ounces) angel hair coleslaw cabbage

1 package (5 ounces) dried cherries

1 medium red onion, cut into thin slivers

1½ cups thinly sliced celery

Arils of 1 pomegranate

Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to mix. Makes about 1 cup.

For the salad, blanch broccoli and asparagus; cool and dry with paper towels. Combine all salad ingredients except pomegranate in large bowl. Pour in dressing and toss to coat salad. Chill for several hours before serving. Scatter with arils at serving time.

Yield: About 8 servings

Digital Extra

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras to find our bonus recipe for Light ‘n’ Crispy Glazed Doughnuts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease Bundt pan. Combine streusel ingredients and set aside.

Cream brown sugar and butter until well combined. Then add eggs through pineapple until incorporated. Add dry ingredients bit by bit, being careful to not overmix. Batter will be slightly thick. Spoon a layer of batter in bottom of Bundt pan, smoothing evenly with a spatula. Top with streusel mix over batter. Layer remaining batter, smoothing once more. Tap cake pan on counter several times to settle.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, using a toothpick to test for doneness. Let cool in pan 30 minutes. Invert cake on plate and cool for an hour.

Mix glaze, adding more juice to thin or a bit less if you like it thick. Drizzle over cooled cake. Top with pecans and a bit of pineapple if desired. Let cake sit a few hours before cutting.

Submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Smirlock of Hertford, a member of Albemarle EMC.

January Events

Scott Avett: After the Fact

Painting exhibition

Through Jan. 21, Greenville 252-758-1946 gmoa.org

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

Through Jan. 8, Cary 919-462-2052 boothamphitheatre.com

Hot Cocoa Crawl

Through Jan. 15, Elizabeth City 252-335-5330 visitelizabethcity.com

Yarn Bombing Street art that displays knitted or crocheted yarn or fiber.

Through Mar. 30, Hendersonville 828-388-0247 steap.net/about-3-2

Kwanzaa—Making A Difference

African dance, kids village Jan. 1, Durham 919-560-2729 aadekwanzaafest.com

TINA

The Tina Turner Musical Jan. 3–8, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com

First Friday at GreenHill Jan. 6, Greensboro 336-333-7460 greenhillnc.org

Merry Time for Tots

Maritime-themed activities for ages 2–5 Jan. 11, Beaufort 252-504-7740 ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com

Dreamfest

Celebrating MLK’s vision Jan. 13–16, Cary bit.ly/dreamfest2020

Anthony Hamilton Multiplatinum soul storyteller Jan. 13, Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com Jackson Park Bird Outing Jan. 14, Asheville 828-684-0812 blueridgeaudubon@gmail.com

Hidden Battleship Behind the scenes tour Jan 14, Wilmington 910-399-9100 battleshipnc.com

Partners in Performance

Young Artist Recital

Violin and piano child prodigies Jan. 14, Oriental 252-617-2125 pamlicomusic.org

34th Annual MLK Parade Jan. 16, Elizabethtown 910-876-7905 abullock1951@gmail.com

Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Includes cornbread contest Jan. 20, Beaufort 252-728-1638 bit.ly/chowder2023

WinterFest

Polar bear plunge, chili contest Jan. 26–29, Blowing Rock 828-295-7828 blowingrockwinterfest.com

Winnie The Pooh Jan. 26, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

African American Cultural Celebration 22nd annual event Jan. 28, Raleigh 919-814-7000 ncmuseumofhistory.org

STOMP

Eight-member percussion troupe Jan. 30, Morganton 828-433-7469 commaonline.org

Extras

where in

Carolina Country is this?

Send your answer by Jan. 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

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

November’s winner

The November “Where Is This” photo by Surry-Yadkin member Rhonda Brindle features the “Plott Hound,” sculpted by Asheville artist Todd Frahm in 2017. The statue, located in the Robert and Viola Forga mini-park in the Hazelwood area of Waynesville, honors the official North Carolina State Dog. The Plott family developed and brought the breed to Haywood County in the late 1700s to protect early settlers from bears. David Plott notes that the bench located near the dog statue is dedicated to his late Aunt Helen Plott Luckadoo. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Nancy Culbreth of Plymouth, a Tideland 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

NC Chinese Lantern Festival Nov. 18–Jan. 8, Cary

BOOST BLOOD FLOW TO YOUR LEGS, FEET, AND HANDS WITH A 95% SUCCESS RATE

VERIFIED BY CLINICAL STUDY

A re-discovery from the 1600s is causing a frenzy within the medical system. A weird herb has been shown in six clinical studies (and by thousands of users) to be very effective for leg and feet pain, burning and numbness – with no side effects – at low cost – and with no doctor visit or prescription needed.

This weird herb comes from a 12-foot tall tree that grows in Greece and other countries in Europe. In the old days, people noticed that when their horses who had leg and feet problems ate this herb – it was almost like magic how quickly their problems got much better. They called it the “horse herb”. Then somehow with Europe’s ongoing wars, this herbal secret got lost in time.

“It works for people who’ve tried many other treatments before with little or no success. Other doctors and I are shocked at how effective it is. It has created a lot of excitement” says Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D.

Its active ingredient has been put into pill form and improved. It is being offered in the United States under the brand name Neuroflo.

WHY ALL THIS EXCITEMENT?

Researchers have found an herb originally from Greece that has been shown in six placebo-controlled medical studies (543 participants) to be effective and safe. This natural compound strengthens blood vessel walls and reduces swelling to stop the pain and suffering.

95% Reduction in LEG SWELLING, Verified in Clinical Study

Says Dove Medical Press & Development and Therapy

... meaning, discomfort, water retention, leg swelling, tiredness and circulation improved in 95% of test subjects

Poor blood flow in the legs and feet is one of the common problems that develops as we age. Millions of Americans suffer from neuropathy and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), edema, and other leg/ feet problems – millions have these but are undiagnosed.

Today’s treatments don’t work for a high percentage of people – and they have side effects that make them hard to tolerate or that people do not want to risk. This includes prescription drugs, over the counter pain pills, surgery and compression.

HOW IT WORKS

Here’s why you have pain now: Your arteries have weakened. Your arteries can’t carry enough blood, nutrients and oxygen down to your legs and feet. This damages your nerves and causes your burning, tingling and numbness.

The herbs in the pill Neuroflo strengthen your arteries that carry blood, nutrients and oxygen to your feet and legs. It improves your circulation so oxygenated blood goes to the nerves and repairs them. This makes your nerves grow stronger so your pain fades away and your legs and feet feel much younger again.

Katerina King from Murrieta, California says, “I had hands and feet tingling and snapping and burning feeling. It made my life very uncomfortable. I had a hard time walking, my legs felt like they each weighed 50 pounds. Once I got in my car and my feet felt so heavy I couldn’t even drive the car. With Neuroflo I have no more tingling, cold or burning painful legs and feet. It went away.”

WHAT DOCTORS ARE SAYING

“Now I finally have a natural solution I can recommend to my patients who suffer from leg and feet problems and pain. I’m delighted because previous treatments were not effective, but Neuroflo has worked for every one of my patients with no side effects” says Dr. Eric Wood, N.D.

WORKS IN AMAZING WAY: A prickly plant was used in Europe in the 1600s to revitalize ailing legs. Lost over the centuries, it is now making a comeback as US doctors rediscover its impressive results – sending relief to thousands of users with:

• Burning, Tingling, Numbness

• Swollen, Achy Feet

• Painful Legs & Feet

• Varicose Veins

for safe and fast relief,” said Dr. Wood, a Harvard trained doctor who has appeared on award winning TV shows.

Now you can get a good night’s sleep - peaceful, restful sleep – with no pain, tingling, zinging, itching or zapping. Improve your balance and coordination. No side effects – safe to take with other medications. Enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies again. Be more active, have more fun, enjoy life more. Don’t risk irreversible damage to your feet and hands. Don’t get worse and wind up in the hospital or a nursing home.

Neuroflo is GUARANTEED to work for you – or you will get full refund with a 90-day unconditional money-back guarantee. It is NOT sold in stores or online. No prescription or doctor visit is required.

50% OFF FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS

This is the official release of NeuroFlo for readers of Carolina Country. Therefore, everyone who calls within the next 10 days will receive 50% OFF their first order. A toll-free hotline number has been set up for local readers to call for this 50% OFF savings. The number will be open starting at 7:00 am today and only for the next 10 days.

Swollen legs are a warning sign. They mean blood and fluid is forced out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. This causes non-stop pain. This is where Neuroflo’s active ingredient is such a big help.

Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. says “This is new and different. It works for people who’ve tried many other things before. It is natural with no side effects. Don’t give up hope for your leg and feet pain, burning, tingling and numbing. This pill is working for countless people after other treatments have failed them. I highly recommend it.”

“Neuroflo is a terrific choice for people with leg and feet issues. The clinical trials in support of this herb show it is very effective

All you have to do is CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-323-0499 and provide the operator with the special 50% OFF discount approval code: NEF158.

Important: Due to Neuroflo’s popularity and recent media exposure on ABC, CBS and FOX NEWS, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not get through immediately, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 10 day deadline for 50% OFF will have to pay more for Neuroflo.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results based upon averages. Models are used in all photos to protect privacy.

If your tired, achy legs and feet are preventing you from moving easily... Now, a prickly herb has been discovered to….