2023-05-CHEC

May 2023

The magazine of

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

Your Cape Hatteras EC Annual Report inside—see center pages CC05-COV.indd 6

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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.

4 | May 2023

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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

8 | May 2023

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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

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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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Carolina Living

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:

DIY vs. Professional Things to think about before choosing to tackle a project

By Les O’Dell

Homeowners looking at home improvement projects have a lot of decisions to make, such as whether to hire the job out or do it themselves. With pros and cons on both sides, the choice is based upon experience and budget.

“What the decision between DIY or a professional ultimately comes down to is an individual’s comfort level and what they want to accomplish,” says Andrew Brindley of HE Homes. He tells those looking to tackle a project on their own to plan on making a mistake at least once if they’ve never done that job before.

“It comes down to the person,” explains Carl Kuchar of Woodchukar Carpentry. “There are some jobs that are simple for people who have done it before, but are not intuitive to someone who has only watched online videos.”

Take on easy jobs Andrew suggests novice DIYers tackle jobs where appreciation and lessons can be easily garnered online and where mistakes may only be cosmetic.

“With some projects, it is very easy to look up some tutorials, read some articles and know what you are doing,” he suggests. “But when it comes to actual mechanical trades: structural plumbing, electrical and things like that, those are components of a home that if they are not done correctly, can either create a safety issue or cause a whole bunch of damage.”

Carl agrees. “I understand that someone may not be able to afford a contractor, but they definitely need to do their homework and make sure they understand how to do it,” he says.

Andrew gives the example of a plumbing leak. “If you accidentally cut the wrong line, you could have up to 5,000 gallons of water every minute flowing through your home.

While it may cost a little bit more to use a professional rather than making it a DIY project, you have to look at the cost of the whole project.”

Consider necessary equipment “If a homeowner doesn’t have a lot of tools — or the right tools — for the job, hiring a contractor is probably actually going to be cheaper because I’m going to show up with $40,000 worth of tools, including ones designed specifically to do what they are wanting to do,” Carl says, adding that using the wrong tools or even unfamiliar tools may end up costing both time and money.

On the other hand, experts say there are a lot of things homeowners can do themselves: painting, changing faucets and simple repair, but they say to take your time.

The old adage “measure twice to cut once” still holds true.

If, on the other hand, you do choose to hire the job out, it is a good idea to check references and get referrals.

“Honestly, I spend a lot of time fixing other contractors’ work,” Carl says.

Les O’Dell writes for electric cooperative magazines across the country.

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Carolina Living

Liven Your Home with Nature’s Touch Four ways to incorporate nature-inspired décor into your home

By Rue Reynold

Nature has a way of making us feel calm, relaxed and connected to the world around us. By bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside, you’ll create a similar effect while also enhancing a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation. Here are four methods to bring a touch of nature into your home.

Incorporate textures and patterns Natural materials like wood, stone and bamboo are not only beautiful, but have a tactile quality that can make a space feel livelier. You can also add nature-inspired patterns into your décor such as leaf prints, floral motifs or animal prints.

Embrace natural lighting Pull back the curtains, lift the blinds and let that sunlight brighten your home.

Natural light can make a space feel more open and inviting, but if you’re not comfortable leaving your windows uncovered, consider sheer curtains to let in light and block prying eyes.

Add or build nature-inspired décor Elements like rocks, shells or driftwood can create eye-catching center or corner pieces in a home, while artwork or photography featuring natural landscapes or wildlife bring a sense of tranquility. You can also

build your own nature-inspired decor, like a DIY terrarium or a hanging plant holder.

Welcome plants into your home Plants give color, life and even help to purify the air. If you're new to plant care, consider starting with easy, low-maintenance plants such as pothos, succulents or snake plants.

If you don’t have a green thumb, artificial plants never wilt and can be equally as beautiful.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

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12 | May 2023

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CAPE HATTERAS Electric Cooperative | ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Front Cover: 1st Place photo contest winner

by Ken Newman.

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2nd Place photo contest winner

by Michele Borgerelli

Mission Statement Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is a locally owned, managed and governed electric service provider dedicated to the safety of our employees, members and visitors, and a brighter future for the people and communities that we serve.

ANNUAL REPORT

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative takes pride in being a community-focused organization. We are pleased to share this 2022 annual report and provide information about the operational and financial health of CHEC, your trusted energy partner.

SAFETY

The safety of employees, members and visitors is always CHEC’s top priority.

Management and staff continued to raise the bar in safety performance by fostering a culture of safety.

The CHEC safety committee launched an expanded effort to educate the public about the inherent dangers of electric power infrastructure. In addition to our normal outreach with school children and first responders, CHEC staff began discussing and meeting with others who may be impacted, by either vocation or recreational interests, by the proximity of cooperative infrastructure. The enhancement of public training on electrical safety was specifically targeted in the cooperative’s Safety Improvement Plan.

The cooperative successfully participated in the reaccreditation process through the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) in the Spring. Later in the year, CHEC was also recertified by the NC Department of Labor staff as a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). CHEC will be recognized for these achievements during our annual meeting.

THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM

In 2022, the number of electric services on Hatteras Island grew slightly by 0.9% over 2021. Overall energy consumption for

2022 was down 4.4% from the previous year. However, a severe cold snap over the Christmas weekend caused peak demand to increase from 39.8 megawatts (MW) in July 2021 to 40.4 MW in December 2022. CHEC continued to leverage demand reduction technologies including smart thermostats and conservation voltage reduction (CVR) during periods of peak energy use to reduce demand charges on the cooperative’s wholesale power bill.

Early in the year, CHEC completed a major project on the 34.5kV sub-transmission line to accommodate the construction of our new operations center on Light Plant Road in Buxton. The building will house the cooperative’s fleet of bucket and line trucks and have crew quarters for our operations personnel. There will be a communal training area with kitchen facilities that will double as a dining hall to feed mutual aid crews that come to assist CHEC during storm restoration. After completion, the existing vehicle storage building will be converted into our new warehouse as our current warehouse has been flooded repeatedly during significant storm events.

Work began by CHEC’s contractor, New River Electrical, to construct and install the hanger, conduit and 115kV transmission cable on the new Rodanthe Bridge. A negotiated settlement with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the NC Department of

Transportation resulted in the delay of the roadbed and sandbag removal along the 1.8-mile stretch of NC Highway 12 that was bypassed by the new bridge. Delaying the removal until after CHEC’s construction ensured both protection and access to our existing transmission lines that provided electricity to all of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. New River Electrical completed their installation work in October. The cutover to the new cable was completed in December.

Once the Rodanthe Bridge installation was completed, CHEC staff and contractors began replacing the substation transformer in Hatteras Village. The existing transformer had been in service only 20 years, but the harsh environmental elements had rendered significant corrosion on the equipment and there was concern of potential failure. This project has been successfully completed.

The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative electric system is unusual among electric cooperatives in having a considerable portion of its total dollar investment in transmission facilities. With over 40 miles of 115kV transmission lines, CHEC has the

New River Electrical completed their installation work in October.

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highest investment in transmission plant per kWh sold out of all North Carolina electric cooperatives and consistently ranks in the top 10 out of all electric cooperatives in the United States. Transmission plant is more costly to construct and maintain than distribution facilities. $27.1 million or 39% of the total physical plant investment of $69.1 million, is in transmission facilities.

ELECTRIC GENERATION

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is a joint owner through NC Electric Cooperative’s generation supplier, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), in the Catawba nuclear plant and the Lee Combined Cycle gas plant in South Carolina. NCEMC also owns and operates two combustion turbine gas plants in Anson and Richmond counties in North Carolina, and the Buxton and Ocracoke diesel-generating plants. The fuel mix pie chart displayed in this report includes NCEMC owned assets and purchase-power agreements.

SEVERE WEATHER & OUTAGES

Despite predictions for another active Atlantic hurricane season, 2022 was average, producing 14 named storms. Hatteras Island was largely spared the wrath of major storms for the third year in a row. We did experience, however, the typical gamut of nor’ easters and even the remnants of one of the costliest weather disasters on record, Hurricane Ian. The total outage time from all causes resulted in 183 minutes of average outage time per member in 2022, compared to our five-year average of nearly 700 minutes per member. Of those 2022 outage minutes, 127 minutes of the total can be attributed to the weather events mentioned above and 36 minutes were due to planned outages for projects and maintenance. Our focus on improving the resilience of the electric grid is a year-round effort, so our members have the reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity they depend on.

CHEC’s outage map, available on chec.coop, shows member’s reported electrical outages happening anywhere on Hatteras Island. NCEC’s outage map, which shows outages statewide, can be found at ncelectriccooperatives.com.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

The cooperative continues to remain financially strong. The cooperative sold 135 million kWh in 2022, down from 141 million in 2021. CHEC distributed capital credits to current and former members in the amount of $1,878,751. Operating margins for 2022 were $2,184,548, which is higher than budget, but lower than last year’s record margins of $3,294,750. Margins were expected to be lower due to persistent inflation, labor shortages and supply chain issues.

To ensure the continued financial health of the cooperative, CHEC regularly monitors the cooperative’s cost-of-service and revenue requirements. CHEC took advantage of a free study offered by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. The results of the study were favorable in that we will not implement a rate increase in 2023. However, the cooperative’s greatest cost is wholesale power, which comprises more than 50% of our cost to provide electric service to Hatteras Island. Fuel cost volatility, legislative and regulatory requirements continue to put upward pressure on wholesale power cost. We will continue to monitor forecasts and the financial health of the cooperative to ensure that we are able to provide reliable service to Hatteras Island at the lowest possible cost.

At the beginning of 2022, CHEC and 18 other NC electric cooperatives finalized the sale of their investment in Diversified Energy, an independent propane gas supplier in parts of North Carolina and New York. The sale proceeds were sufficient to cover all financial obligations of the company and recover all equity investments made by the 19 cooperative owners. The 2022 margins were bolstered by the distribution of one-half of CHEC’s investment in the company in the amount of $550,000. CHEC expects to receive the final equity distribution at the end of this year.

COOPERATIVE BUSINESS MODEL

An electric cooperative’s corporate structure is one of member ownership. The cooperative belongs to the communities that it serves. Cooperatives typically serve communities that are not considered profitable by the neighboring investor-

owned utility. As a result, CHEC operates as a not-for-profit electric service provider and our loyalty is to our members. A portion of excess margins are refunded each year to past and current members, in the form of capital credits. Retained earnings are used to reduce borrowing requirements of the cooperative and are also refunded in future years.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative encourages member participation. Ballots are mailed each year providing all members the opportunity to vote in the annual election of directors. The participation rate by CHEC’s members is good, with a response of more than 23%. The 2023 Annual Meeting of Members will be held on Monday, May 22, at the Cape Hatteras Secondary School located on NC Highway 12 in Buxton. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a short business meeting.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

CHEC continues to offer in-person member service as well as an interactive voice response (IVR) system called Autocue.

Members can check their account, balance, due dates and pay by check or credit card by calling our main number day or night.

Autocue provides this service in both English and Spanish.

The cooperative offers a mobile app for Android or Apple phones, allowing members to view bills, sign up for alerts, track daily use, view payment history and make payments. Members can also sign up to receive alerts via text or email concerning their account. Members have unlimited access to view their account and make payments by using our online Customer Service Portal at chec.coop.

CHEC is constantly searching for more ways to connect with members. We invite you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cooperative news, community events, energy-saving tips and outage updates.

CHEC utilizes the community-run radio station, Radio Hatteras, to provide emergency information during and after major events, as well as other important information about your cooperative.

CHEC supports Radio Hatteras by ANNUAL REPORT 2022 3

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providing the station with space for antennas and equipment. Tune in to Radio Hatteras on 99.9FM and 101.5FM to hear the cooperative’s daily public service announcements.

Email notification for outages and other important information continues to function well. For members that have provided their email addresses, CHEC is now offering the convenience of e-billing.

Near the end of the year, CHEC began offering outage text alerts for members with cellphone numbers listed on their account.

This notification tool was enabled just in time for the required planned outages during the Rodanthe Bridge cutover work. More recently, we have been able to use this service to inform members of weather-related power outages and communication outages affecting the island.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

System reliability and resilience continues to be a high priority. The electric grid has evolved substantially in recent years and will continue to change as new advancements are transforming the ways co-ops and other utilities transmit power and our members use it.

Always concerned about honing our storm restoration capabilities, we continually explore new technologies and construction techniques to both harden our infrastructure, making it less susceptible to storm damage, and integrate smart grid devices, to improve response time when outages do occur.

To this end, CHEC has applied for a significant funding opportunity as a part of the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA). CHEC was accepted to be part of NRECA’s consortium on Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP). The first project falls into the grid resilience category for the hardening of our 115kV transmission line in Buxton by replacing nine wood poles with concrete poles and caissons.

If awarded, this grant will pay for 70% of eligible project costs.

The second project falls into the smart grid category for installing a communicationassisted traveling wave relay system and making upgrades to the Waves 115kV station. This project will improve fault location accuracy on the 115kV transmission line. The relay system determines when a fault will trigger the reclose protection scheme. These upgrades were necessitated by the addition of nearly three miles of underground transmission cable recently installed on the new Rodanthe Bridge. If awarded, this grant will cover 50% of eligible project costs.

Reliable electric service is critical to the safety of our members and visitors, as well as to our local economy. Although CHEC does not own any of the communication infrastructure on Hatteras Island, reliable communications for the safety and well-being of our members, and for the operation of the electric utility, is equally important. CHEC relies on this infrastructure for our 800 MHz radio system,

3rd Place photo contest winner

by Deborah Bennett

outage reporting, meter reading and for communications with our substations and other critical assets.

In May 2022, Hatteras Island experienced a communications outage that resulted in the loss of cellular, internet and landline telephone capabilities for 15 hours. CHEC’s satellite phones worked intermittently.

Many of our non-resident property owners received notifications from their alarm systems or smart thermostats that led them to erroneously believe the power was out. As a result, trucks were dispatched to unoccupied homes that were only lacking in internet service.

Since May 2022, we have had several additional communications outages. CHEC has implemented backup measures to ensure that we are able to fulfill our most critical functions. We have acquired a Starlink satellite, which provides internet service for those tasked with member service and communications. With the help of Dare County, we have acquired radios that work with Dare County’s 800 MHz radio system with a redundant microwave system on each tower. Lastly, we have worked with NC Electric Cooperatives to make plans to extend the cooperative fiber network from Nags Head to Buxton to provide dedicated fiber for NCEC and CHEC operations. This investment in critical infrastructure was recently approved by the NCEC board of directors and construction will commence once all the necessary permits are acquired.

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for the utility industry, but another threat, grid security, emerged at the end of the 2022 with the significant publicity surrounding the Moore County attack on several Duke Energy substations. Three electric cooperatives have been impacted by similar attacks, including the one in Moore County. In each case, the electric cooperatives have responded quickly to restore power and are working with law enforcement on the investigations.

Securing and protecting the grid is a top priority and CHEC collaborates with our North Carolina cooperative network, industry partners, government agencies, local officials, and law enforcement to

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share information and strengthen our system. CHEC is constantly enhancing and reinforcing our defenses with new technologies and best practices to protect member data and cooperative operations.

FOCUS ON A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

CHEC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been planning for a brighter, more sustainable future for a long time. We have spent the past decade reducing our dependence on carbonintensive power generation, and as a result, our current fuel mix is more than 50% carbon free. More than half of the power supplied to us from our wholesale power provider comes from emissions-free nuclear generation, an extremely reliable, safe and affordable source of electricity. Our early investment in nuclear energy has allowed members to benefit from the lowest carbon electricity in the Southeast.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, including CHEC, will continue its commitment to providing reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while also advancing the pursuit of responsible sustainability goals. Together, our target goals are a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. To meet these goals while maintaining reliability and affordability, we will continue to prioritize emissions-free nuclear as a key part of our energy future.

The low-cost, low-carbon future our members desire will stem from innovation and new technologies leveraged across cooperative-operated distribution systems, including new consumer and commercial solutions.

CHEC supports all energy solutions that are a fit for our members, uphold the safety and reliability of our grid and improve the diversity of our resources while CURRENT FUEL MIX GRAPH Coal 7%

Hydro 2%

Renewables 8%

Purchases 19%

Natural Gas 19%

Nuclear 54%

also ensuring that costs are not shifted to members without access to the latest technologies. Our nation’s electric grid is shifting from a model where large, centrally located generating plants produce power and push it to the far corners of the grid, to a model that incorporates more distributed energy resources and technologies, like home solar. This is an exciting time in our industry, and we want our members to make a choice that is right for them.

CHEC has created a new toolkit designed to simplify complex questions about solar power as a home energy resource.

The toolkit was launched in response to increasing member interest in solar and is available at chec.coop/solar.

CHEC believes that electric vehicles will play a significant role in the future of transportation, and we are preparing for that future now. We offer members rebates and special rates to support increased EV adoption. These “time of use” rates allow members to save by charging during off peak hours, enabling CHEC and members to work together to use the grid more efficiently.

We also allow members to borrow our allelectric Nissan Leaf to experience driving an EV firsthand. To view all EV programs, or to schedule your test drive, visit chec.coop/ev.

Our commitment is also demonstrated through our collective effort with the electric cooperatives statewide to expand EV charging throughout rural North Carolina, bringing opportunities for increased tourism and commerce to co-op communities.

CHEC has installed three public charging stations on Hatteras Island, including two Level 2 stations, in Waves and Hatteras, and a DC Fast station in Avon. In addition, CHEC applied for and was awarded two grants in 2022 from the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Program to install two new charging stations on Hatteras Island. A Level 2 station will be installed on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds in Buxton and an additional DC Fast charger will be installed next to the exiting station in Avon.

In 2022, CHEC continued to meet the North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS). Through NCEC, CHEC purchased renewable energy and renewable energy credits (RECs) from

various solar, wind, biomass, swine, and poultry waste projects.

CHEC’s 50kW community solar garden in Hatteras also continues to earn RECs to help the cooperative comply with the REPS law. The educational component of the project is an added bonus from which both Hatteras Island schools and the Hatteras Island Ocean Center benefit. You can view the real-time production of the project by visiting the Sunny Portal at chec.coop.

A significant part of the REPS law continues to be met through energy efficiency programs that help our members reduce their monthly electricity bill. CHEC sells ecobee thermostats at a discount to members who participate in our demand reduction (DR) program. For members who have a Nest thermostat, we offer a “Bring Your Own Thermostat” program that also allows you to enroll in our DR program. All electric homes in both programs receive a monthly credit for participation.

CHEC offers prepaid metering, allowing members to pay when and how they want.

This program allows members to closely monitor their use with options to receive daily communications about kWh use, account balances and high use alerts.

The cooperative helps members save money by issuing rebates for qualifying Energy Star appliance purchases and for the secondary refrigerator/ freezer turn-in program. CHEC also offers low-interest loans with financing options for commercial and residential members to purchase high efficiency heat pumps and other energy efficiency improvements. For more information on any of our member energy programs, visit chec.coop/energysolutions.

These programs and solutions will help make our sustainability goals a reality.

Because we live and work in the community that we serve, we have strong relationships with our members and can work with you as we shape the future of the electric grid and make power more reliable, affordable, and sustainable for everyone.

All these efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to building a brighter future for the people, businesses, and communities of Hatteras Island.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 5

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS The cooperative is governed by a member-elected board of directors.

These leaders are members who live in and are actively involved in the communities of Hatteras Island. Directors are elected to rotating three-year terms. All incumbent directors have obtained the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director certification through training and education, and most have obtained the Board Leadership Certificate as well as the elite Director Gold status.

The functions of the board of directors are to establish strategic goals and objectives of the cooperative, set governing policy, approve budgets and select a general manager to carry out the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. The board of directors meet regularly to carry out their responsibilities. Meeting dates are posted on our website at chec.coop.

President

Richard A. Midgett

Vice President John R. Hooper

Secretary/Treasurer Dan G. Oden Jr.

ANNUAL

MEETING Director

Angela Conner Tawes

Director

May 22, 2023

Bryan Mattingly

Cape Hatteras Secondary School NC Highway 12, Buxton.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a short business meeting.

Director

Briggs McEwan

Director

Tami Thompson

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DECEMBER 2022 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31

2022

OPERATING REVENUE

2021

$20,554,697

$20,596,761

Patronage capital & operating margins Patronage Capital and Operating Margins

2,184,548

Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Margins

584,880

166,197

Capital Credits from Associated Organizations

443,542

386,382

$3,212,970

$3,847,329

55,767,519 4,867,292 540,000 591,175 11,277,763 12,165,003 5,198,372 777,440 208,452 955,407

58,164,806 4,611,888 612,000 583,516 5,942,717 690,891 2,369,469 593,384 184,118 1,118,566

$92,348,423

$74,871,335

46,386,111 39,968,221 1,685,411 500,000 84,000 3,147,473 557,207

44,997,990 25,532,368 629,740 500,000 83,045 2,630,209 498,003

$92,328,423

$74,871,335

Purchased Power Depreciation Interest Exp O & M Exp Customer Acct Exp A & G Exp Taxes & Other

9,799,183 2,030,468 1,183,127 2,541,112 780,594 2,008,855 26,810

9,118,110 1,974,962 946,697 2,520,100 763,135 1,979,007 —

Total Expenses

$18,370,149

$17,302,011

Patronage Capital or Margins

Assets

Net Utility Plant Investment in Associated Organizations Investments in Economic Development Projects Special Funds Temporary Investments and Cash Notes and Accounts Receivable Materials and Supplies Other Current and Accrued Assets Prepayments Deferred Debits

Total Assets Liabilities And Other Credits

Patronage Capital Long Term Debt Notes and Accounts Payable Accumulated Operating Provisions Consumer Deposits Other Current and Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits

Total Liabilities and Other Credits 2022 EXPENSES

2022 Expenses

11%

3,294,750

4

6% 4% 1%

11%

14% 53%

15%

Purch. Power

Interest

O&M

Customer Acct

Depreciation

Taxes & Other

5%

A&G

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 7

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MANAGER’S MESSAGE CHEC’s core job is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members.

We have worked hard to earn your trust and respect by providing exceptional service and commitment to our community. CHEC continually monitors how our members perceive our service by participating bi-annually in the National Survey on the Cooperative Difference. CHEC has consistently ranked among the highest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) scores out of all participating electric cooperatives in the country. We will participate in this survey again at the end of this year and thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to this important survey.

CHEC’s board of directors and employees are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our members and visitors on Hatteras Island. Our commitment to this community has been well established over our 78 years and is always a primary focus of our activities.

In 2022, CHEC received matching grant funds from CoBank, a cooperative lender, to purchase a new scoreboard for Hatteras Island Baseball League’s Burrus field in Buxton and to benefit the Buxton-Frisco Pathway Committee’s fundraising efforts to build their pathway. CHEC also received matching grant funds from NCEC to

CAPE HATTERAS ELECTRIC CO-OP

purchase a Lund University Cardiac Assist System (LUCAS) device that delivers consistent chest compressions during CPR for the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS).

The HIRS provides lifesaving CPR and first aid courses to CHEC employees and the community free of charge. NCEC also awarded CHEC a matching grant to assist the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Lighthouse Historical Society to move and refurbish the original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Fresnel lens that will be displayed in the gallery following the museum’s current renovations.

CHEC continues to seek opportunities with local non-profit organizations to apply for a zero-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Funds can be used to pay for new equipment or community facilities that benefit communities on Hatteras Island. Once the non-profit repays REDLG funds to CHEC, the money remains with the cooperative in a revolving loan fund and can be loaned out again for other economic and community development projects on the island. Please contact us if your non-profit organization would like more information about the REDLG program.

Our commitment to community also extends to our local schools. From support

through academic scholarships and Bright Ideas education grants to opportunities like the Youth Tour, Cooperative Leadership Camp and Touchstone Energy Basketball camps, we are committed to supporting the development of tomorrow’s leaders. CHEC also assisted the Cape Hatteras Secondary School with matching funds required for NC GreenPower’s Solar +Schools grant program that brought a 5kW solar array and educational package to the school.

As a locally owned and operated business, we are proud of our role in helping bring good things to our community. While the larger environment in which we operate is constantly changing, one thing remains constant. Working together with you, the members we serve, we will continue to operate in a way that our members expect and deserve.

On behalf of the board of directors and employees of CHEC, I want to thank you for your patronage in 2022 and for the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting on May 22.

Susan E. Flythe Executive vice president and general manager

P.O. Box 9 47109 Light Plant Road, Buxton NC 27920 Phone: 252-995-5616 | Toll Free: 800-454-5616 | Fax: 252-995-4088 Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. chec.coop

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Carolina Living

Electrical Safety Quiz May is National Electrical Safety Month!

Take this quiz to test your safety skills.

Check your answers in the key below.

1. It’s safe to plug in several devices to one electrical outlet as long as you use a power strip.

A. True B. False 2. Smoke alarms should be tested

.

A. Every month B. Every other month C. Every six months 3. E xtension cords are safe to use year-round if the cord is not frayed or damaged.

A. True B. False 4. When unplugging a device from an electrical outlet, always hold the

while unplugging.

A. Cord B. Plug C. Device 5. It’s never safe to play near power lines, but it’s OK to play near pad-mounted transformers (those big green boxes you see in neighborhoods).

A. True B. False 6. Where is the most dangerous place to use electricity?

A. Near other electrical equipment B. Outdoors C. Near water

Answer Key: 1. B 2. A 3. B 4. B 5. B 6. C

carolinacountry.com | 13

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Carolina Living

Picnic-Perfect Recipes Ripe for Spring Spring forward with these light and healthy outdoor dishes.

Visit fyp365.com for more picnic-perfect recipe ideas.

—Family Features

Aramark

Apricot Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw

With less than 10 ingredients, you can make this simple, healthy dish fresh before heading out the door.

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups trimmed and shredded Brussels sprouts 1 cup dried apricot, diced 1 cup red onion, trimmed and diced

Portobello Mozzarella Sandwiches

Find your local farmer’s market at ncfarmfresh.com to pick up fresh mushrooms (typically in season through May) to add the taste of spring to this delightful sandwich.

Aramark

Between the welcome of the sun’s rays and the beauty of nature, springtime is a beloved season to enjoy an outdoor meal. Whether your warm-weather adventures take you to a nearby park, a neighbor’s patio or your own backyard, satisfy those spring cravings with these plant-forward dishes.

Tomato Bruschetta Topping ¼ pound fresh plum tomatoes, cored and diced 2 tablespoons red onion, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 pinch ground black pepper 1 pinch fresh garlic, peeled and finely minced Sandwiches 4 ciabatta rolls (4-by-4 inches), split in half 1 pound fresh portobello mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed, sliced thin 3 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ cup mayonnaise 2½ tablespoons prepared basil pesto 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thin 4 ounces tomato bruschetta topping 2 ounces fresh baby arugula ¼ cup balsamic glaze

Combine mustard, honey, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Add Brussels sprouts, apricot and onion; toss to coat.

For the tomato bruschetta topping, combine tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl. Set aside.

For the sandwiches, preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat.

Toss sliced mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Grill mushrooms until fork-tender, about 3–4 minutes on each side. Let cool.

Mix mayonnaise with pesto until combined. Spread 2 tablespoons pesto mayonnaise on cut sides of each roll.

For each sandwich, layer ¼ of grilled mushrooms, mozzarella slices, tomato bruschetta topping, arugula and balsamic glaze.

Top with other roll halves. Cut diagonally in half to serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Yield: 4 servings

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Savor Life’s Sweet Moments.

Relish the sites and sounds of summertime in Alamance County. While visiting, explore our area and downtowns to linger over coffee, shop in unique gift shops & boutiques and enjoy a new dining experience.

Save The Date:

Slice of Summer - June 10 | July 3rd in the Park - July 3 Burlington Sock Puppets Baseball Musical Chairs Countywide Outdoor Concert Series

You’ll find small surprises lead to big memories in Alamance County.

Elon burlington Mebane

Graham Saxapahaw

Learn more at VISITALAMANCE.COM or call 800-637-3804

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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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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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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

$

Edenton Marina, Edenton

Da

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

99 Unlimited Talk & Text month*

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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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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

$

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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

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Connecting Visions

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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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