2023-05-CCEC

May 2023

The magazine of

Carteret-Craven Electric Co-op

Catch a Breeze,

Fly a Kite page 10

Published by

Save energy with co-op programs page 6

Have you seen Bigfoot? page 18

PERIODICAL

Don’t miss your co-op’s annual meeting on May 4—pages 11–14 CC05-COV.indd 7

4/11/23 12:55 PM

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340

familiar with the condition. As many as possible to keep a person functioning” says 25% of those over the age of 50 have Dr. Paul. Even if it’s driving. some degree of macular degeneration.

Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas, The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers and gives us sharp central vision. When license and was prescribed bioptic tele it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers to recognize faces, read a book, or pass and menus in restaurants. the driver’s vision test.

As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses Nine out of 10 people who have didn’t help too much- it was like look or many patients with macular macular degeneration have the dry form. ing through a fog. These new telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs degeneration and other vision- New research suggests vitamins can help. The British medical journal BMC from a farther distance, but makes driving related conditions, the loss of much easier. I’ve also used them to watch central visual detail also signals Ophthalmology recently reported that television so I don’t have to sit so close. I the end to one of the last basdon’t know why I waited three years to do tions of independence - driving. this; I should have come sooner.”

A Wilmington optometrist, Dr. Edward “Bioptic telescopes can cost over Paul, is using miniaturized telescopes $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we which are mounted in glasses to help build them with an automatic sunglass.” people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions. scope is that the lens automatically focuses “Some of my patients consider me the on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. last stop for people who have vision loss” Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in A scene as it might be viewed by a person with much more precise.” age-related macular degeneration To learn more about bioptic telescopes telescopes to help those who have lost vior to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, sion due to macular degeneration, diabetic 56% of patients treated with a high-dose give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can retinopathy, and other debilitating eye combination of vitamins experienced also visit our website at: diseases. improved vision after six months.

Imagine a pair of glasses that can im- TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health www.LowVisionNC.com prove your vision enough to change your Formula is now available by prescription (910) 208-9011 life. If you’re a low vision patient, you’ve from eye doctors. probably not only imagined them, but have Dr. Edward Paul & been searching for them. Bioptic telescopes risk factor for developing the disease, Dr. Casey Krug may be the breakthrough in optical technol- heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disOffices located in ogy that will give you the independence ease, and high blood pressure have also Wilmington, Asheville, you’ve been looking for. Patients with viand Charlotte sion in the 20/200 range can many times be degeneration accounts for 90% of new improved to 20/50. legal blindness in the US. While there Macular degeneration is the leading is currently no cure, promising research cause of blindness and vision loss in people is being done on many fronts. “My job over 50. Despite this, most adults are not

F

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May 2023

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 55, No. 5

Published monthly by 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Scott Gates, CCC Editor Warren Kessler Creative Director

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Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant

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Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate

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Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Vice President 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, notfor-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.

8 10 18

Home Improvement Wins Carolina Country readers get the job done.

Go Fly a Kite

Fair winds blow for North Carolina kite fliers.

Celebrating Bigfoot

The WNC Bigfoot Festival offers big fun.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers

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.

4 Viewpoints

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

16 On the House

Contact us

20 Carolina Gardens

Phone:

919-875-3091

22 Carolina Kitchen

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

24 Carolina Calendar

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

6 More Power

On the Cover Octopus kites fly overhead at the Cape Fear Kite Festival. Originally held at Wrightsville Beach, the festival now goes airborne at Kure Beach. Learn more about kite flying in NC on page 10. Photo by Bill Russ, courtesy of VisitNC.com.

24 Where is This?

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

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

Last chance for nominations in this year’s 10 categories!

Visit carolinacountry.com/finest by May 5 for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards.

Carolina’s Finest

carolinacountry.com | 1

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From Our Readers

THIS MONTH:

Community Development in Action I am so proud to be a member of Randolph EMC, and I love to brag to my friends about how generous and giving our cooperative is, not only to its members, but to our communities as well! Not only through the educational grants for teachers and scholarships for students, but also through giving to charities. Thank you for your donation to help Robbins Fire Rescue purchase their tanker engine.

Our fire departments cover large fires and emergencies in Moore County, and this will be such a welcome and much needed addition.

Springtime in Carolina Country We typically run home improvement tips in May, as it’s a great time to tackle projects otherwise put off by cold weather. We have an ample share of that in this issue—including DIY success stories from readers on page 8—but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to celebrate spring with a nod to a popular pastime wherever you may live: kite flying. Also, on page 6 we share how electric co-ops are helping members use less energy.

—Scott Gates, editor

Kathleen Causey, Seven Lakes, a member of Randolph EMC Editor’s note: Thank you for writing in about this, Kathleen! That grant was one of two recently made by the co-op to support local fire departments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program. North Carolina’s electric co-ops are national leaders in using this program, which provides rural utilities with grants and zero-interest loans to directly fund local projects that create and retain employment in the communities they serve. Twenty-three NC co-ops have tapped the program to channel a total of $83 million to projects across the state, supporting the creation of more than 6,000 jobs.

Sporting Clays Enthusiast “Golf With a Shotgun” (April 2023, page 26) is an excellent article, and a great description of our wonderful sport and how much fun it is!

Doug Parsons via carolinacountry.com

Carolina SNAPSHOTS THEME

Rainy Days A Puddle Jumping

Phillip Stith, Winston-Salem, A member of Carteret-Craven EC B Umbrellas in the Mist

B

Patricia Joynes, Boone, A member of Blue Ridge Energy C Dodging Raindrops

Eric Kozen, Burgaw, A member of Four County EMC D Glistening Bells

Jason-Bauder, Raeford, A member of Lumbee River EMC E Raindrops on My Window

Jody Wolf, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., A member of Blue Ridge Energy

A

C SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO!

July Theme: Patriotic

D

E

Send us your best shots based on this theme by May 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.

2 | May 2023

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Viewpoints

Bright Ideas Grants Foster Success for Students and Teachers

By Elizabeth Babcock

When I first learned about the funding opportunities made possible by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives’ Bright Ideas education grant program, I wanted to improve our school’s computer lab by purchasing software and online subscriptions that would enhance instruction and support classroom teachers. Funding provided through the program over the years has done that, and so much more. The grant program has been a blessing for our entire school.

Bright Ideas grants funded a project that helped us procure some of the first eBooks in our rural school. Our computer lab has become a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lab. We now have technology-based learning that goes beyond online games and documents to the ability to create 2D drawings and turn those into 3D prints so students have an actual model to hold, use and share The grant program with others. has been a blessing Bright Ideas grants have helped us fund a variety of for our entire school. other meaningful, hands-on projects. Many of these projects started small, and the grant program has allowed us to build on what we started with so that we can continue to add on to, edit, revise and improve project expectations and reach more students each year. Programmable robots, for example, have been used for countless engaging activities to provide learning opportunities in all subject areas. Students have used these robots for launches, obstacle courses, moving objects, making music, recording messages, creating characters, dancing — and, of course, for fun!

Engineering kits have also been funded by Bright Ideas grants. These are some of our students’ most treasured projects. Students build a crawling robot from scratch, and they are able to make changes to improve the robot design. Students race others and are challenged to see how they can make them the fastest. They also have a weight challenge, where students

solve problems to see how much weight they can get their robot to pull. And through the drawbot project, we learn about artists like Jackson Pollock, and students design a robot that mimics the style of that artist.

Bright Ideas also funded several projects from Osmo that have changed our school. Osmo kits make iPads even more interactive with reflective pieces and stands. There are dozens of interactive apps and activities that cover concepts in all areas of our kindergarten through fifth grade curriculum. (Osmos are also a parent night favorite, and some of the teachers love the Words games so much that we catch them playing with them during breaks!)

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Osmo project is the difference it’s made for one particular student. She struggled to make connections and engage in her regular classroom setting, but with the support of Osmo, she is now able to connect and learn in her classroom.

Our goal with our students is to motivate and encourage them to be successful and productive members of society who think critically and solve problems. Like hundreds of schools across the state, we couldn’t do this without the support of the Bright Ideas education grant program.

Elizabeth Babcock is instructional technology facilitator at LaFayette Elementary School, served by South River EMC.

Applications for Bright Ideas education grants are now being accepted. Visit ncbrightideas.com to learn more.

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More Power

for the well pump, for example, turn it off, and see what energy use looks like the next day.

Data can also be used to set high use alerts, or for tracking energy use for members using a pay-as-you-go prepaid energy feature.

Blue Ridge Energy's Usage Tracker tool

Co-op Programs Help Members Save Energy As member-owned, not-for-profit utilities, keeping costs low for members is a priority for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and their boards of directors. Helping members use energy more efficiently is one way co-ops across the state are achieving this, using a range of resources including home energy audits, energy use data and, in some cases, energy efficiency loan programs.

“Using less energy in your own home is one way to immediately reduce costs,” said Chris Powell, coordinator of public relations for Albemarle EMC. Energy audits Powell conducts 75 to 100 free energy audits a year for Albemarle EMC members, typically following unusually high bills. During an audit, Powell inspects the house with an eye for how it’s using energy. He starts by checking the heating and cooling system, going straight to the thermostat.

“The heating and air system is a home’s largest user of energy, typically followed by the water heater,” Powell explains. “We encounter a lot of heat pumps that are underperforming or are just running on backup heat.”

Following an audit, Powell provides members with a report listing his

findings, along with recommended fixes, including if an appliance needs to be serviced.

Energy use tracker Another tool available to co-op members is energy use data. Member service representatives can typically access it, and it is often available for members to explore online. Using graphs, a home’s energy use can be compared with high and low temperatures over the course of a day or month. In many cases, any energy use anomalies will stand out, especially to a trained eye.

“Looking for that correlation between temperature and usage is the first step in diagnosing a problem,” said Jon Jacob, energy solutions manager for Blue Ridge Energy. His co-op’s Usage Tracker tool shows members daily home energy use data, along with daily temperatures.

“Heating and cooling systems are often the reason for higher than usual bills, but in some cases devices like water heaters or well pumps may be running constantly due to an otherwise unseen issue.”

Even a leaky faucet or damaged pipe can create problems, causing a well pump to run constantly. If data show a steady source of unknown use, Jacob can test things out with a member. They can find the breaker

Energy efficiency loans Although not all electric co-ops offer energy efficiency loan programs, some use the tool to help members improve their home’s energy use. Roanoke Cooperative, for example, makes cost effective upgrades to member-owners’ dwellings with little to no upfront costs through its Upgrade to Save program — costs are repaid over time on monthly electric bills. The co-op works with certified contractors and quality control inspectors while overseeing projects to ensure improvements are installed correctly.

To date, more than 1,700 member-owners have participated in the program with average savings of more than $70 per month. In addition, its Roanoke SolarShare program provides health and safety repairs to economically disadvantaged member-owners. Health and safety upgrades made through the program total more than $160,000 in grant funds.

“I believe that Upgrade to Save is one of the most important programs at Roanoke Cooperative,” said Roanoke Cooperative Coordinator of Community Development Susan Williams. “It provides much-needed energy efficiency upgrades to member-owners that may not be able to afford them otherwise.”

—Scott Gates, Carolina Country staff Digital Extras

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras to learn how you can conduct your own home energy audit.

What you can do Interested in making your home more energy efficient? Contact your electric cooperative to learn more about services available in your area.

6 | May 2023

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

WINS Carolina Country readers get the job done

In recent years we’ve heard some unfortunate—though sometimes comical—stories from readers about when things went wrong. Vacation fails, recipe fails, and yes, home improvement fails (May 2019, page 18). We’re well overdue to celebrate some successes!

Thank you to all who took the time to share beloved projects. There’s a lot of good work being done out there—check out a few of our favorites.

BEFORE

BEACH HOUSE OVERHAUL

FAMILY LIBRARY

My husband and I are currently remodeling my grandparents’ house at Holden Beach. One room at a time.

We love spending the time together doing these projects and seeing the before and after. This is one of the rooms we’ve completed.

When we bought our house, our upstairs landing had a big closet with wire shelving and bifold doors. My darling husband had a different vision. He replaced the shelves with handmade wooden ones, painted the walls and took off the doors to create the Pelman Family Library!

Traci Smith, China Grove, a member of Brunswick Electric

Amy Pelman, Wake Forest, a member of Wake Electric

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A

BEFORE

RUSTIC RECYCLING

NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD SHED

We added a master suite to our home. We tore down a more than 100-year-old barn and used the tin for the ceiling in the bedroom, the door for the closet, the light from the barn above my vanity, and pecky cypress boards from the subfloor for the bathroom door. The walls and floors were rough-cut pine boards that I hand-sanded and routed to fit together. I used cedar shakes to make a shower wall.

It could not have come out any better if a pro had done it, and I am so proud of the finished product!

In summer of 1999, we purchased a property with a burned-out house used for storage. Within walking distance of the Intracoastal and a short drive to Holden Beach, it was a dream come true.

Over 20 years, the house was rebuilt in stages, thanks in part to friends and family. We gutted out the interior, added doors and windows and stuccoed the outside.

After retirement, we moved in full time. It was tight quarters in our 700-square-foot house! We hired a contractor to add on 720 square feet, including a living room, bedroom, walk-in closets and bathroom. All of the masonry work was done by my husband.

We have also renovated the kitchen and added an enclosed sun porch. So much time and patience, but well worth taking a scrap of nothing and turning it into a beautiful home.

Dyanna Myers, Elloree, S.C., a member of Haywood EMC

Rebecca Wroten, Supply, a member of Brunswick Electric

A GLIDER FROM THE PAST I fell in love with this glider style over 20 years ago at a campground in Myrtle Beach. Never seen another until I came across plans to buy in a magazine. It was a great project during the winter months. I added extra support to the seats, and modified the legs due to the lay of the land. I spend a lot of spare time relaxing in this glider.

Dan Savage, Statesville, a member of EnergyUnited Digital Extra Visit caroliancountry.com/extras to see more inspiring DIY wins.

AV INSTALL We upgraded the location of the TV from the built-in shelf area to on top of the mantle. With the assistance of my father, we ran power from the attic inside the wall to have a seamless look with no hanging cords, and then added some shelves in the old space to balance the look.

Daniel Houser, Iron Station, a member of Rutherford EMC

carolinacountry.com | 9

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Kite

Go fly a

A

s the outdoors beckons, the age-old popular pastime of kite flying and the art of making them emerges. Where there’s wind, there are colorful kites able to fly. It is an activity almost anyone can do (and if you tell someone to “go fly a kite,” you won't be punished). Plus being in and enjoying the fresh air is something that virtual reality and avatars so far can’t match.

From the simple to the highly intricate, kites can be seen all around North Carolina — pretty much yearround, though more so from April (officially National Kite Flying Month) through October — and are a sight to behold at organized festivals or gatherings at many state and local parks.

Kite basics

The American Kitefliers Association (AKA) says for adults and kids to build a successful kite, focus on creating a structure that is both strong enough and light enough to fly in a variety of wind conditions, while also paying attention to attributes like balance, bridling, wind speed and turbulence.

Some kites will fly better than others in particular wind conditions, which is why there are a variety of designs. At beaches, for instance, the air above the land gets heated faster and starts rising with signs of low pressure created, according to the association.

The best weather for kite flying is a good clear wind coming from behind— light breezes (4–10 miles per hour) are ideal. High-altitude

meadow winds are desireable, too.

North Carolina has an abundance of kite-friendly conditions at its beaches, mountains and Piedmont areas, perfect for everyone to hone their kite flying skills.

Get airborne

Kites for children of different ages can be made or kite kits purchased (see kittyhawk.com for some examples).

AKA’s publication “Kiting” offers kit plans, and its website (kite.org) lists more than a dozen plans and instructions for free. For example, there is a simple paper butterfly kite, and a trash bag kite that couldn’t be easier. All you need are “two sticks, a bag, string and scissors, and you have a kite!”

North Carolina offers several kite flying festivals throughout the year, so find one near you and take to the skies.

Kitty Hawk Kites

Fair winds blow for North Carolina kite fliers

By Joan Wenner Here are just a few: Rogallo Kite Festival Nags Head | June 16–17 252-441-7132 Wright Kite Festival Kill Devil Hills | July 14–15 877-359-8447 Mile High Kite Festival Beech Mountain | Sept. 2–3 828-387-9283 Cape Fear Kite Festival Kure Beach | Nov. 3–5 910-458-8434 Kites with Lights Nags Head | Nov. 25 877-359-8447

Joan Wenner, J.D. is a longtime boating and general interest topic writer residing in Pitt County. Comments welcome at joan_writer@yahoo.com.

Kites

through the ages

The first kites may have been constructed by cultures in Malaysia, Indonesia

and the South Pacific as fishing instruments made of natural materials like leaves and reeds, according to AKA. In 450 B.C., a Chinese philosopher carefully crafted a wooden bird to “fly” on a tethered line. (There is some debate whether this is considered a true kite, and early written accounts point to earlier kite flying in China, in 200 B.C.) Kites increased in popularity in the 18th century, and were also utilized by physicists and meteorologists for scientific purposes (including Benjamin Franklin).

The Wright Brothers (who were said to be very skilled at flying kites), discovered box kites provided enough lift to raise a man off the ground and built a box biplane. The rest, as is often said, is history.

10 | May 2023

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MEMBER News C A R T E R E T- C R A V E N E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Powered by our members!

Jen Smith Customer Service - Dispatcher

Vegetation management integral to reliability

What is the right-of-way?

A right-of-way is the land the co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace or repair underground and overhead power lines. Rights-of-way enable the co-op to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder power line installation, maintenance or operation.

ROW areas are typically on public lands or located near a business or home.

that means we strive to keep our costs in check to keep our rates affordable. This extends to our approach to vegetation management. If trees grow too close to power lines, the potential for expensive repairs also increases. Effective tree trimming and other vegetation management efforts keep costs down for the entire cooperative membership.

Why is vegetation management important?

Fallen trees and branches are a major cause of power outages during storms. That's why the cooperative has a comprehensive vegetation management program that includes trimming trees on a continuous cycle. Our crews work carefully to strike a balance between trimming for safety and using pruning standards to keep trees healthy.

“While the trimming may seem excessive to some, it is done with storm damage mitigation in mind,” said CCEC Vegetation Management Coordinator Brent Toler. "A methodical tree-trimming and right-of-way maintenance program for power lines is crucial to delivering reliable electric power to our members.”

Falling trees and limbs can cause wires to break or sag to the ground, presenting a very real danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Overgrown trees or Our offices will be limbs near power closed Monday, May lines also pose a danger to 29. Find us online 24/7 members doing at ccemc.com. tree trimming and to unsuspecting children who could come in contact with a live line while climbing a tree.

As you know, CCEC is a not-for-profit cooperative, and

on the web

Crews clear the right-of-way in Pine Knoll Shores.

How can you help?

You, too, can help keep the power on at your home and in your neighborhood. Here are a few tips you should follow to help prevent outages and give our field workers easy and safe access to electrical equipment:

Ò Use grass, gravel or 2-inch rock around electrical equipment, but do not change the grade.

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

The cooperative’s right-of-way (ROW) maintenance plan is an important part of providing reliable service, minimizing outages and enhancing safety for our members, employees, contractors and the public.

Ò Before you dig, call 811, to have underground power lines located and marked.

Ò Trees, plants, shrubs and fences should be planted so that at maturity, they remain a minimum of 15 feet away from electrical equipment. Choose trees that are less than 25 feet in height at maturity under power lines.

“Many people try to hide equipment behind landscaping, but our crews still need access to work on or replace this equipment during outages or service problems,” Toler said.

“Placing all trees, plants, shrubs and fences a minimum of 15 feet away from electrical equipment will prevent your landscaping items from being removed or trimmed for access to equipment.”

To find trees and shrubs that won’t interfere with the co-op's equipment, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program at arborday.org.

May 2023 11

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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Thursday, May 4 • Glad Tidings Church, Morehead City Program 5:00 p.m. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Registration Begins

Information Booths • Food Service

6:15 p.m. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Broad Creek Middle School Jazz Band 6:40 p.m. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Croatan High School Chorus 7:00 p.m. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Business Session Opens Call to Order • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Anthony Nelson

Board President

Invocation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pastor Tim Marriner Glad Tidings Church

Presentation of Colors & Pledge • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • West Carteret High School NJROTC National Anthem • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Croatan High School Chorus Welcome & Introduction of Guests ����������������������������������������������������� Board President Approval of 2022 Minutes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Board President Scholarship Winners• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jeremy Ganey & Leigh Ann Jones

Foundation Chair & CCEC Liaison

Registration Closed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • C&E Committee Chair

Election Attorney Named Acting Chair �������������������������������������������������������������������� Board President Nominating Committee Report ������������������������������������������������������������������������� Paul Gainey Committee Chair

Election Results • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jamie Norment

Board Attorney

Meeting Adjourned• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Board President Awarding of Prizes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CCEC Employees

Attend and win! Up to $1,000 in electricity, a pickup truck retired from the co-op's fleet, plus $75 cash prizes for 18 lucky members. And, the first 600 members who register will receive a 5-gallon bucket.

12 ccemc.com

Carteret-Craven-0523.indd 12

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P

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

y

2022 Financial Statement Revenues

Residential Commercial | Industrial Public | Other Non-operating Miscellaneous

2021

2022

$52,935,747

$52,996,360

$12,865,672

$13,254,610

$

629,009 $ 993,459 $ 1,725,901

$

$69,149,788

$ 70,087,411

2021

2022

$ 7,047,193

$ 6,988,900

$ 4,495,532

$ 5,018,649

$ 6,333,948

$ 6,861,327

$ 2,288,048

$ 2,217,053

Total Expenses

$63,135,425

$66,951,412

Operating Margins

$ 6,014,363

$ 3,135,999

Total Income

Expenses Power Taxes, Interest, Depreciation Administration | General Operation | Maintenance Customer Service | Accounting

$42,970,704

627,499 $ 1,463,026 $ 1,745,916

$45,865,483

Statistics

Total Electric Services in Place............................................................................... 45,344 New Services ...................................................................................................................678 Miles of Transmission.............................................................................................63 miles Overhead Distribution..................................................................................... 1,198 miles Underground Distribution...............................................................................1,251 miles Total Energized Line..........................................................................................2,512 miles

Protect your home from surges Damage can happen in a flash. Lightning can impact whatever is in its path, from appliances to electronics or an entire electrical panel.

Lightning isn't the only cause of surges; accidents involving power poles, birds and animals can also generate damaging surges. Surges can also be generated within your home or business by large appliances or motors switching on and off. Even when equipment or appliances are turned off, high voltage surges can still cause damage.

The best way to protect appliances and sensitive

electronics in your home is with a PowerGuard surge suppression device.

CCEC offers for lease or sale PowerGuard surge suppressors that are installed at the electric meter of your home. This device protects the motors and compressors on appliances in your home from surge-related damage.

We also recommend that you purchase additional plug-in surge suppressors to protect your home's sensitive electronic equipment.

Visit ccemc.com/LightingandSurge for more information.

May 2023 13

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Minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Members Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) hosted its 82nd annual meeting of the membership virtually on May 5, 2022.

CEO Jake Joplin and CCEC Board President Ben Ball shared highlights of 2021 and an overview of the co-op’s current activities and future plans.

The meeting also included videos highlighting two programs funded by Operation RoundUP, CCEC’s Bright Idea’s Education Grant program and CCEC’s High School Scholarship program.

The CCEC Board of Directors authorized a remote annual meeting because of the ongoing pandemic. This change was allowed by the CCEC bylaws. The Credentials and Elections Committee, made up of non-director CCEC members, approved the use of a remote meeting format.

Credentials and Elections Committee Members were: Ron Howard, Pam Mizell, David Bryant, Shelia Moore, Paul Gainey, Clark Edwards, Bob Peoples, Sam Jones, Amy Rivera, Karen Willis, Robin Finch, Dom Baccollo, Eric Floyd, Richard Buslovich, and Timothy Black.

Normally, the annual meeting is where the winners of director elections are announced or, if candidates are running unopposed, are elected with a single vote from the board secretary. In 2022, all candidates ran unopposed.

The candidates were: Ben Ball, District 2; Amy Lock, District 5; and Thom Styron, District 8. In accordance with the cooperative's bylaws, the board secretary cast one vote for each of those candidates during the May 2022 board meeting, and that action was announced at the virtual annual meeting.

CCEC members who registered before the May meeting were entered into a drawing for giveaways, including 18 $75 cash prizes, up to $1,000 in free electricity and a retired co-op pickup truck.

The winners of $75 cash were: Ronnie Acha, Newport; Tamara Alexander, Harkers Island; Frances Baugh, Morehead City; Tricia Burchette, Newport; Henry Harris, Atlantic; Thomas & Edna Hutchins, Newport; Barbara Kelley, Havelock; Thomas and Virginia Kroll, Emerald Isle; Erich & Elaine Kuntze, Emerald Isle; Albert Marshall, Havelock; Reginald & Nina Miles, Havelock; Sharie Millard, Newport; Keith Oates, Morehead City; Douglas Pittner, Swansboro; Sue Ross, Swansboro; Pablino Sanchez, Morehead City; Carl & Linda Skinner, Newport; and Carol Taylor, Beaufort.

The winner of up to $1,000 in free electricity was Janis Matthews of Emerald Isle.

Karen Davis of Emerald Isle was the winner of the retired co-op truck.

Are you prepared for hurricane season?

May 1-7 is Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina. CCEC is joining the National Weather Service and state officials in encouraging all North Carolinians to prepare now for storms, in advance of the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1. Here are simple steps to get ready and stay safe this storm season:

è Outline a communication and evacuation plan for your family. If you have pets, include them in your plan.

è Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/CarteretCraven to stay informed about outages and other storm information.

è Bookmark our live outage map at outage.carteretcraven.coop to see a real-time look at power outages across our service territory.

è Enroll to receive outage text alerts. CCEC members can be notified when the power goes out at your home or business. Text CCEMC to 1.800.682.2217.

è Sign up for local weather alerts. You can also visit ReadyNC.org for real-time weather and traffic information.

Offices

Carteret-Craven-0523.indd 14

Contact

1300 Highway 24 Newport, NC

252.247.3107 1.800.682.2217

450 McCotter Blvd.

Havelock, NC

ccemc.com customerservice@ccemc.com

4/10/23 6:50 AM

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4/10/23 4:18 PM

On the House

‘The Ceiling Is the Roof’ for Home Upgrades Roof work can lead to other energy savings

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I’ll be replacing my damaged roof soon and was wondering if I might be able to knock out other home improvement projects at the same time. How might I go about doing this?

A:

Although Michael Jordan’s “ceiling is the roof” comment left some scratching their heads, home roof projects do present opportunities for additional enhancements — some might even say the sky is the limit. One perspective we like to promote is the home-as-a-system approach. It’s the idea that all of the systems in our homes interact with one another to influence our whole experience. Change or update one, and others will likely be affected, which can impact things like comfort, safety, health, durability and energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Solution Center (bit.ly/doe-basc) offers a framework for whole-home and smaller-scale improvement projects to help maximize their features and benefits. They recommend proactively keeping these six steps in mind: Step 1: Ensure your home can accommodate the

proposed improvement.

Step 2: Ensure your home meets ventilation standards

for fresh air.

Step 3: Ensure moisture protection.

Step 4: Ensure any air leaks or drafts are blocked.

Step 5: Improve comfort and reduce energy costs by

adding insulation where appropriate.

Step 6: Upgrade equipment and appliances that might be newly accessible.

So, how does this relate to getting a new roof? Roof work can represent a great opportunity to group additional upgrades together for the surrounding area, which could become easier to access. For example, to help keep heat inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer, you might want to include radiant barriers or air seal and further insulate the attic space, which could reduce drafts, lower energy usage and enhance comfort.

You could also look at upgrading your ventilation system and HVAC equipment. If changes were made to air sealing and insulation, make sure any combustion appliances are appropriately tested to work safely and efficiently; repair or replace if needed.

Indoor moisture prevention can be strengthened by confirming that your gutters and downspouts are clear, in good shape and taking water away from your home.

Adjustments to landscape grading could be considered as well to help stop outdoor moisture from entering your home.

Overall, the measures you pursue will depend on your particular home, setup and needs. Getting a home energy assessment prior to your roof replacement can be an extremely valuable way to help navigate the possibilities available to you. Reach out to your local co-op or nearby contractors with certifications from the Building Performance Institute (bpihomeowner.org) for guidance.

Hopefully this information gives you ideas to think through. With a little more planning and strategy, repairs and upgrades can be more satisfying and less stressful than before.

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

16 | May 2023

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Considering home solar?

Connect with your local energy experts.

Get answers to questions like “What’s the impact to my energy bill? How do I get started?” From home solar to energy efficiency, your electric cooperative is here to help you reach your home energy goals.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Solar

NCEC-May ad-home CC05-wk.indd 17 solar.indd 1

4/11/23 4/10/23 12:23 3:41 PM

Deborah Brown

Deborah Brown

Carolina Adventures

Mount Ida overlooks downtown Marion.

Donna Campbell Smith

Donna Campbell Smith

The author with a Bigfoot enthusiast.

The SheSquatchers tell stories of Bigfoot sightings.

Donna Campbell Smith

Celebrating Bigfoot The WNC Bigfoot Festival offers big fun

By Donna Campbell Smith

The seat of McDowell County, Marion, is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and edged by the Pisgah National Forest. Some say Bigfoot lives in those mountains. John Bruner is one of the folks who believes, and it was his idea to organize a festival celebrating Bigfoot. The first annual festival was held in 2018 and tens of thousands of folks flocked to the town to take part in the festivities.

The two-day event had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. John brought it back in 2022, and not even the predicted rain put a damper on the fun. Festival goers fall into several categories: those who believe, those who have encountered one and know, and others who are skeptics but are open to the possibility.

Of course, none of those categories are required to take part in the festival.

Come because it’s just good family fun.

This year’s Western North Carolina Bigfoot Festival (marionbigfootfestival.com) will be held in Marion on May 26 and 27. The festival will start Friday night with an Education Expo featuring Bigfoot expert speakers and ending with a question-and-answer session. Saturday

the downtown streets will be closed to vehicles. A shuttle service will bring festival goers to the main streets that will be lined with hundreds of vendors selling everything Bigfoot related one could imagine. Of course, there will be food vendors as well as the local eateries. The main stage, set up in front of the courthouse, will offer all day entertainment including live music, story tellers, and the annual Bigfoot Calling Contest. A play area with bouncy houses will entertain the children. Attendees can have their picture taken with the big hairy man and one may even sing a song while he plays a guitar.

Dr. Tim Mounce, best-selling author of creature-filled children’s books (squatching.com) and podcast host of “All Things — Unexplained,” was a vendor for the first time at the 2022 festival.

“I had such a great time at the WNC Bigfoot Festival in Marion, North Carolina!” he says. “As a vendor, I was able to meet so many amazing people and hear so many wonderful stories.

As a participant, I was lucky enough to have fun exploring this gem of a mountain town and the surrounding area.”

Dr. Tony Blevins was also a first-time festival goer last year. His own audio encounter with what he believes was a Bigfoot has ignited a keen interest in the cryptid. (“I heard him yell. Over and over,” he says of his experience that occurred while on a run.) His personal thought on Bigfoot is that it is a North American wood ape. Retired, he describes himself as an adventure seeker and cryptology enthusiast. Tony says the best part of the festival for him was meeting people and listening to their stories.

Plan your visit with enough extra time to follow Tim’s example and explore Marion and the surrounding area. Enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and all of its attractions including Pisgah National Forest, which offers mile-high peaks, waterfalls and some of the most beautiful vistas in the state. Nearby Lake James State Park has boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping and picnicking.

Donna Campbell Smith has authored several books, including “My Neighbors from the Woods,” a novel about Bigfoot. Learn more at donnacampbellsmithwrites.com.

18 | May 2023

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4/6/23 4:18 PM

Carolina Gardens

Compact Cannas Enjoy the blooms on a smaller scale Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

I

n flower and foliage, canna lilies (Canna sp.) can make big statements in the landscape, but maybe too big at times. Some cannas grow upwards of 6 feet or more, and in a grouped setting, they are awesome, bordering on formidable.

Heck, I’ve even seen expansive stands of such cannas large enough to hide my truck behind.

For backyard growers not thrilled about gardening in the shadows of such biggies, there’s another way to go. Along with big, bodacious creations, dwarf cannas have also been a goal for many plant breeders.

Cannas that restrain themselves to 3 feet in height or less aren’t particularly new to the gardening world, but, to me, it sure seems like more and more of these compact cuties are showing up in garden shops these days. They are becoming ordinary enough that even big box retail stores with nursery centers have gotten in on the fun.

When the cultivar “South Pacific Scarlet” (26 to 32 inches tall) was honored as an All-America Selections

(AAS) winner in 2013, it helped shine a light on the possibilities of petite cannas. This was reinforced when little sister “South Pacific Orange” also became an AAS winner in 2018.

Awards aside, the advantages of compact cannas are obvious, particularly if you have limited garden space.

Since they will play nicer among other small ornamentals, it is easier to fit them into the flower garden. Dwarf cannas are also prime candidates for potted plantings to help doll up a deck, patio or gazebo.

Growing cannas in containers makes them seasonally mobile, meaning they can be moved to a sheltered place during the winter.

This is important in upper elevations of Western North Carolina, where the cold months have a frostier bite.

In other parts of our state, compact cannas are usually hardy enough to

Look down on “South Pacific Scarlet” canna lily’s beauty—in a good way.

weather typical winters in the garden, but do add a few inches of protective mulch in autumn, just in case.

Like their big brothers, gardengrown dwarf cannas put on their best bloom displays under full sun tucked in beds heavily amended with organic matter. Also, don’t let these pretties dry out — they need at least an inch of water weekly in the summer. And when it comes to nutrients, compact cannas are little piggies, requiring gobs of compost or light applications of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer every six weeks through the growing season for peak performance.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com.

.A.’s website of the month: L Sandy Mush Herb Nursery (sandymushherbs.com) in Leicester, NC, specializes in herbs (of course), native plants and perennials, but also has an exceptionally large selection of scented geraniums. Ordering is by mail or telephone only.

Garden To-Do’s for May

A black swallowtail caterpillar enjoying a fennel feast.

Enjoy home-grown dill, fennel and parsley? You should still be able to find established plants now, so prepare a garden bed and have at it. Then, fill up another bed further away with the same herbal helpers. The reason for this repetition is their foliage often attracts big, fat green caterpillars with black stripes and yellow dots. These are immature black swallowtail butterflies, so instead of using insecticides on such beauties-to-be, if you find any on “your” plants, simply move them to the second bed containing “their” plants so they can bulk up and eventually flit away as pretty butterflies.

□ Haven’t plunked down any peanuts, pumpkins, okra or sweet potatoes in the veggie garden yet? It shows what a sharp backyard grower you are. These edible delectables are heat seekers, and they really shouldn’t be planted until May, when the soil has turned into a warm, growth-encouraging planting patch.

□ Your fine-feathered garden friends will be working overtime with spring activities this month, so don’t forget to clean the birdbath and refill it with fresh water at least once a week.

20 | May 2023

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Carolina Kitchen

Grilled Korean Ribeye Steak Sandwiches With spicy gochu mayo

Hello May! Time to fire up those backyard grills and soak up longer evenings outside.

With a tasty charred steak sandwich in hand, slathered in spicy mayo, what could be better?

Make extras to freeze —we guarantee you’ll want these again soon!

4 boneless ribeye steaks, ¼-inch 4 baguette rolls, split and buttered Marinade ½ cup tamari or soy sauce ¼ cup mirin (rice wine) 3 tablespoons sesame oil ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 piece of ginger (1-inch) peeled and zested 1 heaping tablespoon garlic paste Freshly ground black pepper Sauce ½ cup mayonnaise 1 heaping tablespoon gochujang sauce Toppings 1 big bunch scallions, trimmed Shredded lettuce Thinly sliced seedless cucumber (slice with vegetable peeler) Combine marinade ingredients and pour over steaks in a zippered bag. Marinate, turning occasionally for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Reserve marinade.

Combine the mayonnaise and gochujang for the spicy mayo sauce and set aside.

Prepare hot grill. Place steaks over high heat and sear until lightly charred on each side to desired doneness, or cook in an oven or stovetop in a hot cast iron skillet.

For the toppings, dip scallions in marinade and cook alongside steaks until wilted and lightly charred. Cut up and toss with lettuce. Slice cucumber.

Lightly toast rolls. Place steaks on rolls and top with gochu mayo, lettuce/scallions and cucumber.

Yield: Makes 4 sandwiches

Marinated Asian Carrot Salad Bright and crisp, this sweet and tangy salad makes a perky side dish not only for our Grilled Korean Ribeye Sandwiches, but for just about anything. You can even use on pork, chicken or fish sandwiches. Best served cold.

Dressing ¹/₃ cup grapeseed oil ¹/₃ cup rice wine vinegar ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger (optional) Zest of 1 lime Juice of half a lime 1 heaping tablespoon garlic paste Recipes by Wendy Perry unless otherwise noted. Learn more about Wendy at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

Salad 1 bag (10-ounce) shredded carrots 1 large daikon radish, peeled and shredded 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup cilantro, loosely packed and chopped Toasted sesame seeds or “everything” seasoning Whisk together all dressing ingredients.

Combine carrots, radish and onion in a large mixing bowl. Toss with dressing.

Refrigerate several hours or overnight. At serving time, stir in cilantro and sesame seeds or seasoning.

Yield: 6 servings

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

From Your Kitchen Maple-Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Move oatmeal to the back burner — try quinoa, a stellar source of protein and fiber. Coupled with nuts and berries, this light, healthy bowl smacks of cinnamon and syrup. Yum! 1 cup prepared quinoa ¼ cup plain almond milk or water 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 pinch sea salt ½ tablespoon ground flax seeds 1 tablespoon butter ¼ cup blackberries (or other fruit)

Recipe courtesy of Dori Grassau of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power Cooperative.

Add your quinoa to a small saucepan with almond milk or water. Then mix in remainder of ingredients and heat until warm.

Consider batch cooking the quinoa ahead of time for a week’s worth of breakfasts (¼ cup dry quinoa per morning).

Yield: 1 serving

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

22 | May 2023

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May Events MAY 13

Bath Fest Street fair, music Bonner's Point, Bath MAY 19–20

19

Albemarle Rockfish Festival

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Edenton Marina, Edenton

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Beaufort Music Festival Gallants Channel, Beaufort 252-342-9801

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MAY 19–20

Albemarle Rockfish Festival Edenton Marina, Edenton

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MAY 19–21

Clear Living Waters

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Art exhibition and sale

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MAY 6–7

Burlington Carousel Festival

Downtown Wake Forest 919-570-0350

Arboretum at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons 336-682-6792

Burlington City Park 336-222-5030

Elkin Municipal Park, Elkin 336-526-1111

MAY 7

MAY 20–21

BBQ Festival on the Neuse

An English Spring

Ole Gilliam Mill Crank Up

MAY 5

Fried Apple Pie Festival

Howl at the Moon Party

Alleghany County Fairgrounds, Sparta 336-372-5473

New wine release Marked Tree Vineyard, Flat Rock 828-513-3773 MAY 5–6

Antiques Street Fair Cameron 910-245-3212

MAY 6

Get Your Rear in Gear—Raleigh 5K WakeMed Soccer Park, Raleigh

1730 Newbold-White House Opening Tours and gift shop Historic Site, Hertford 252-426-7567

Ole Gilliam Mill Park, Sanford 301-670-1596

MAY 12

Memorial Park, Blowing Rock 828-295-4636

Music, food, yarn spinning I-26 West NC Welcome Center, Mars Hill 828-689-4257

month2

Unlim Talk &

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

Concert of English composers and poets First United Methodist Church, Elizabeth City

20th Annual Tourism Day

$

month 828-295-4636

Plant Sale

Downtown Kinston 252-523-2500

1999

Unlimited Rock $Park Ave., 99Blowing Talk & Text

MAY 5–6

Art exhibition Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001

Data plan required

Art in the Park

HerbFest 2023

Connecting Visions

Unlim Talk &

month2

MAY 20

THROUGH MAY 7

THROUGH MAY 21

1999 $19

$

MAY 21

Concert in the Park

MAY 28

Artists in Residence at Edgewood Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock 828-295-4636

Visit carolinacountry.com/calendar for more information about each event, including links to the most current information, or to submit your own event.

where in Carolina Country is this?

Send your answer by May 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 June issue, will receive $25.

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

March’s winner The March “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Renee Gannon features the old Jackson Springs Hotel located off Highway 73 and Hotel Street in the Jackson Springs community of Moore County. Opened in 1890, visitors came for the natural mineral springs. Reader Staci Mills said the water won second best medicinal water at the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904. The hotel, noted reader Velta Zegel, once hosted Annie Oakley when she participated in the shoots at the old Gun Club, in what is now part of nearby Pinehurst. After a fire in 1932, the hotel never recovered. Many in the area refer to it as the “Old Yellow Building.” The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from John Honeycutt of Pinebluff, a Pee Dee Electric member.

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