2023-05-MAY

For many patients with macular degeneration and other visionrelated conditions, the loss of central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving. A Wilmington optometrist, Dr. Edward Paul, is using miniaturized telescopes which are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

“Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss” said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in telescopes to help those who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating eye diseases.

Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. If you’re a low vision patient, you’ve probably not only imagined them, but have been searching for them. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will give you the independence you’ve been looking for. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in people over 50. Despite this, most adults are not

familiar with the condition. As many as 25% of those over the age of 50 have some degree of macular degeneration. The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of

to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s vision test.

Nine out of 10 people who have macular degeneration have the dry form. New research suggests vitamins can help. The British medical journal BMC Ophthalmology recently reported that

possible to keep a person functioning” says Dr. Paul. Even if it’s driving.

Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas, friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers license and was prescribed bioptic tele-

lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers and menus in restaurants.

As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses didn’t help too much- it was like looking through a fog. These new telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. I don’t know why I waited three years to do this; I should have come sooner.”

“Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass.”scope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but much more precise.”

56% of patients treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins experienced improved vision after six months.

TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health Formula is now available by prescription from eye doctors.

risk factor for developing the disease, heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure have also

degeneration accounts for 90% of new legal blindness in the US. While there is currently no cure, promising research is being done on many fronts. “My job

To learn more about bioptic telescopes or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can also visit our website at:

A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration

3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Scott Gates, CCC Editor

Warren Kessler

Creative Director

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Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant

Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer

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Creative Services Associate

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.

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From Our Readers

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.

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.

SNAPSHOTS Carolina

THIS MONTH: 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.

Sporting Clays Enthusiast

THEME

Rainy Days

A Puddle Jumping

Phillip Stith, Winston-Salem, A member of Carteret-Craven EC

B Umbrellas in the Mist

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

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO!

July Theme: Patriotic

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 emails, please). We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

“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

When combined with the

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 with others.

Bright Ideas grants have helped us fund a variety of 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.

The grant program has been a blessing for our entire school.

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

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

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.

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

Blue Ridge Energy's Usage Tracker tool

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“Wow, I didn’t realize what I was missing!” — Tina R., Atlanta

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.

BEACH HOUSE OVERHAUL

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.

Traci Smith, China Grove, a member of Brunswick Electric

FAMILY LIBRARY

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!

Amy Pelman, Wake Forest,

a member of Wake Electric

RUSTIC RECYCLING

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!

Dyanna Myers, Elloree, S.C., a

NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD SHED

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.

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

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

member of Haywood EMC

Rebecca Wroten, Supply, a member of Brunswick Electric

Go fly a

Fair winds blow for North Carolina kite fliers

By Joan Wenner

As 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.

Kites

through the ages

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.

ƒ 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.

ƒ 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.)

ƒ Kites increased in popularity in the 18th century, and were also utilized by physicists and meteorologists for scientific purposes (including Benjamin Franklin).

ƒ 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.

Kitty Hawk Kites

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Extension 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

Picnic-Perfect Recipes Ripe for Spring

Spring forward with these light and healthy outdoor dishes.

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.

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

—Family Features

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.

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

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

Combine mustard, honey, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well. Add Brussels sprouts, apricot and onion; toss to coat.

Yield: 4 servings

4 ounces tomato bruschetta topping

2 ounces fresh baby arugula

¼ cup balsamic glaze

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

Portobello Mozzarella Sandwiches

Aramark

Aramark

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.

or call 800-637-3804

Elon Graham Saxapahaw

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Mebane

‘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.

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.

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.

Donna Campbell Smith

Donna Campbell Smith

Mount Ida overlooks downtown Marion.

The SheSquatchers tell stories of Bigfoot sightings.

The author with a Bigfoot enthusiast.

Deborah Brown

Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package!

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Compact Cannas

Enjoy the blooms on a smaller scale

Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

In 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

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

L.A.’s website of the month: 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

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.

A black swallowtail caterpillar enjoying a fennel feast.

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

Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

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

Digital Extra

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

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)

courtesy of Dori

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

Recipe

Grassau of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power Cooperative.

May Events

MAY 13

Bath Fest Street fair, music Bonner's Point, Bath

MAY 19–20

Albemarle Rockfish Festival

Edenton Marina, Edenton

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

MAY 19–21

North Carolina Potato Festival Downtown Waterfront, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104

MAY 20

Art in the Park Art exhibition and sale Park Ave., Blowing Rock 828-295-4636

THROUGH MAY 7

HerbFest 2023

Downtown Wake Forest 919-570-0350

THROUGH MAY 21

Connecting Visions

Art exhibition

Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001

MAY 5

Howl at the Moon Party

New wine release

Marked Tree Vineyard, Flat Rock 828-513-3773

MAY 5–6

Antiques Street Fair

Cameron 910-245-3212

MAY 5–6

Plant Sale

Arboretum at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons 336-682-6792

BBQ Festival on the Neuse

Downtown Kinston 252-523-2500

MAY 6

Fried Apple Pie Festival

Alleghany County Fairgrounds, Sparta 336-372-5473

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

MAY 6–7

Burlington Carousel Festival Burlington City Park 336-222-5030

MAY 7

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

MAY 12

20th Annual Tourism Day Music, food, yarn spinning I-26 West NC Welcome Center, Mars Hill 828-689-4257

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival Elkin Municipal Park, Elkin 336-526-1111

MAY 20–21

Ole Gilliam Mill Crank Up Ole Gilliam Mill Park, Sanford 301-670-1596

MAY 21

Concert in the Park Memorial Park, Blowing Rock 828-295-4636

MAY 28

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

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.

MAY 19–20

Albemarle Rockfish Festival

Edenton Marina, Edenton

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