2023-08-AUG

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

Renee C. Gannon, CCC

Senior Associate Editor

Rue Reynold

Editorial Assistant

Jessie Lang

Editorial Intern

Jessica Armstrong

Graphic Designer

Tara Verna

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.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

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

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us

Phone: 919-875-3091

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

Web: carolinacountry.com

Email: editor@carolinacountry.com

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

Experiencing a power outage?

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

Past

Good Guys

Sewing and Life Lessons

From Our Readers

Moonshine & Motorsports

I thoroughly enjoyed this article and want to follow the trail (“A Lightning-Fast History,” July 2023, page 18). Your writing is spot-on, and the level of detail is informative without becoming overdone. Thanks!

Tommy Killebrew via carolinacountry.com

Culinary Adventurist

Wendy is so talented from her writing, to her recipes and now with her new business. Thanks for sharing it all with us (“From Home Kitchen to Food Business,” July 2023, page 8). Congratulations!

Sharon Fowler via carolinacountry.com

Shared Memories

Thank you, Carolina Country, for allowing Dorothy Steele and others to send in memories (“I Remember: My Cousins and Summer,” January 2012, page 23). LOVE IT! That’s me, with the hairnet on (back, middle)! And my brother in front, and all others are my cousins! I just broke down and cried!

Linda Campbell via carolinacountry.com

Editor’s note: We have a treasure trove of past reader memories available on our website — dive in at carolinacountry.com/IRemember

THIS MONTH: Preserving History

From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has a rich history that we often enjoy exploring in the pages of Carolina Country. This month, we’re highlighting landmarks along two historical corridors that have important connections to African American history in our state: the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (page 10) and the Network to Freedom national trail (page 24). Also, it’s been a busy summer for NC Youth Tourists — share in some of their adventures on page 7.

—Scott Gates, editor

Help Us Find the Finest!

There’s still time to cast your vote for the 2023 Carolina’s Finest Awards! Visit carolinacountry.com/finest by August 7 to vote for the best among our list of finalists in 10 categories:

NC Landmark

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the three (3) $100 gift cards depend upon number of entries received. Entries must be submitted by August 7, 2023. Random drawing will take place August 9, 2023.

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

The MDHearing™ NEO uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Over 800,000 satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. NEO is a medical-grade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more? PLUS... It fits inside your ear.

“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!”

— Don W., Sherman, TX

Called to Service on the NC Youth Tour

By Haley Dorsey

A few months ago, I would have never considered myself to be an extrovert. I would have never agreed to be part of a program that would require so much mental and physical strength. I never took risks regarding representative roles because the tasks of working together and collaborating were largely unfamiliar to me, and I’d certainly never seen myself serving as a spokesperson for my county. And yet, here I am, having completed the NC Youth Tour and taken on a national leadership role.

I was raised on the south side of Chicago, which is a very urban place. My opportunities were limited due to the environmental and socioeconomic obstacles that surrounded my daily life. I remember having no hope for my community as I watched the people within it tear themselves apart. Poverty, narcotics and lack of support were the demons that reigned over my childhood. My family made the difficult decision to leave it all behind less than three years ago and moved to a more rural area: Caldwell County, North Carolina.

In our new home, I was able to thrive with the resources I was given, but I was still operating under the notion that having a sense of community was dull-witted in comparison to being on your own. I thought I understood the importance of working together to get to a common goal, but to my surprise, I was wrong. I took the risk and gave my community a chance because I yearned for the feeling of belonging. I applied for the NC Youth Tour and was sponsored for the experience by my electric co-op, Blue Ridge Energy. I entered the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) speech competition, and to my surprise once again, my community decided to give me a chance.

This trip instilled a sense of independence in me the moment I stepped foot in Raleigh. Our Youth Tour group formed our own cooperative to manage drinks and snacks throughout the trip, and I was elected to its board of directors, given the task of making sure my peers were being treated safely and equally. This was a rigorous duty for me, mainly because it ensured that I would go out of my comfort zone and take charge.

After visiting Capitol Hill, we had a very engaging seminar with Paralympic medalist Mike Schalappi. His inspiring words were unlike anything I’d ever heard. In that moment of awe, hearing what he overcame and accomplished, I realized exactly what I wanted my future to look like.

I’m still far from finished with this journey of serving those around me, but through the Youth Tour I’ve learned that to serve and work together — whether through our electric co-op, our state or our national government — means to share a mutual understanding of our common purpose. I realized the tasks of our elected representatives include bearing our challenges and ensuring they get solved, and working hard every day to make sure the supreme law of the land is upheld. I finally understand what it means to work together and serve this nation.

Haley Dorsey is a rising junior at Hibriten High School in Caldwell County and a member of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track Program.

I’m still far from finished with this journey of serving those around me, but through the Youth Tour I’ve learned what it means to serve and work together.

Reconnecting, Reimagining, and Igniting

In June, more than 120 high school students from across North Carolina attended Citizenship North Carolina Focus. Youth delegates who attend this annual conference are encouraged to develop their leadership and civic engagement skills through participation in workshops and group sessions. By gathering to exchange ideas, delegates gain knowledge and learn through hands-on experiences about the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. This was reflected in this year’s conference theme of Reconnecting, Reimagining, and Igniting our 4-H Community Delegates who attend also have the opportunity to hear dynamic speakers who encourage and promote youth

advocacy and youth voice. Attendees learn about North Carolina state government and the North Carolina General Assembly by participating in a mock General Assembly session. The three-day conference includes a visit to the North Carolina General Assembly

where delegates have a chance to meet and talk with their elected officials.

4-H Citizenship North Carolina Focus is sponsored by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. North Carolina 4-H is Cooperative Extension’s youth development program.

2022–2023 North Carolina 4-H council officers (left to right): Laurelyn Ridge, President; Kennedi Lyons, Secretary/Treasurer; Pierce Williams, Reporter; Lance Williams, Vice President; Camille Clark, Member Engagement

Halifax EMC’s Charles Guerry Retires After Decades of Service

Tucker Lemley named CEO

Halifax EMC Executive Vice President and General Manager Charles Guerry announced his retirement to attendees of the co-op’s annual meeting in May, where members were also introduced to the co-op’s new CEO, Tucker Lemley.

Guerry, who had led the co-op since 2006, was instrumental in developing a maintenance and energy services contract between Halifax EMC and the Town of Enfield in 2007. Under Guerry’s leadership, Halifax EMC also integrated the first utility-scale solar + storage installation to be deployed by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives — among the first of its kind in the country (“Halifax EMC Solar + Storage Project Marks NC Milestone,” September 2021, page 8).

Working alongside the Halifax EMC Board of Directors, he adopted the Operation Round Up program in 2008 and formed the Halifax Helps Board of Directors to administer the funds from that program, contributing more than $661,000 to local non-profit organizations to date.

Guerry’s career with electric utilities spans nearly 50 years, and in recognition of his service, he received resolutions of appreciation from the boards of directors of Halifax EMC and the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I extend my sincere thanks to Charles and offer our best wishes for a fulfilling

and joyous retirement,” said Halifax EMC Board President Basil Williams. “We also warmly welcome Tucker and offer our unwavering support as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.”

As the co-op’s new CEO, Lemley joins Halifax EMC with 17 years of experience working for electric cooperatives, most recently as vice president of finance and administration for Peace River Electric Cooperative in Wauchula, Florida, as well as serving as CFO for Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative in Live Oak, Florida. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Saint Leo University in Florida and an MBA in accounting from the University of North Florida.

Originally from North Florida, he and his family recently relocated to Nash County from Wauchula. In Florida, he was an active member of his local First Baptist Church and enjoyed working in the children’s ministry. He was also an active board officer for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and the Hardee County Education Foundation.

Pitt & Greene EMC Leader Elected as National Board Officer

Mark Suggs, executive vice president and general manager for Farmville-based Pitt & Greene EMC, was recently elected to serve as an officer on the board of directors for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).

Suggs will fill the board’s secretary-treasurer post. He was first seated on the CFC board in 2020 and recently began his second three-year term.

Created by electric cooperatives more than 50 years ago, CFC

provides credit and financial products to electric co-ops across the country. Its 23-member board of directors sets overall policy, establishes programs and develops strategies for CFC. Each of the board’s directors is elected for a three-year term and can serve two consecutive terms.

“CFC is fortunate to have a very experienced and knowledgeable board that is dedicated to the success of the electric cooperative network and provides excellent strategic guidance for the

organization,” CFC Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Brad Captain said.

“Everyone at CFC looks forward to working with Mark in his new leadership role on the board.”

Charles Guerry

Tucker Lemley

Mark Suggs

NC Youth Tour 2023 Scrapbook

This summer, 43 students representing North Carolina’s electric cooperatives traveled to Washington, D.C., on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour — the 59th year NC

Blue Ridge Energy Member to Represent NC

Haley Dorsey, a 2023 Youth Tour participant sponsored by Blue Ridge Energy, was selected by her fellow Youth Tourists to serve as North Carolina’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) representative. As this year’s YLC winner, Haley will attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in Raleigh, as well as the 2024 national electric co-op PowerExchange conference in San Antonio. Haley is a rising junior at Hibriten High School in Caldwell County and a member of Blue Ridge Energy’s Leadership Track Program. Read about her perspectives on the Youth Tour on page 4.

The group at the Washington National Cathedral

Meeting with Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

(Left to right) Haley Dorsey (Blue Ridge Energy), Naomi Udenze (Union Power Cooperative), Eva Charbois (Piedmont Electric) and Sean Lane (EnergyUnited) during the Capitol tour

John Boal Photography

Hayley Dorsey

Powering a Brighter Future

Beyond powering the everyday, North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are dedicated to creating a Brighter Future in the places we all call home. See how we are partnering with teachers, our members and local leaders to broaden horizons for students and empower local communities.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Community

Preserving

Past the

Community leaders are restoring a Brunswick County chapel

By Emory Rakestraw |

Photos by Brent Gallant

Alfonso Beatty in the doorway of Reaves Chapel during the restoration process.

IN THE TOWN OF NAVASSA, IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY, Reaves Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has served as a community landmark since the 1860s. Its bell would ring out to signify a time for worship, to share celebrations — a comforting sound chiming over the coastal corridor of floodplains.

Alfonso Beatty grew up hearing that bell and attending community programs at the chapel, which served as a focal point for the town throughout the Jim Crow Era. But services stopped in 2005, and as the chapel became dilapidated, it seemed the bell would cease to ring — perhaps forever. Al and his brother George knew something had to be done.

“Once they shut the door, the church sat there and started deteriorating,” Al says. “We felt ashamed to lose the history, and development was encroaching upon the church.”

A study group was formed, and in 2013, the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation was created, where Al serves as president.

In 2016, The Coastal Land Trust joined the effort. A memorandum of

understanding was formed with the Historic Wilmington Foundation, providing more resources for restoration. In 2022, two renowned restorers from Wilmington took on the project.

“They both worked diligently and got the chapel to a pretty good place. The church has original stained glass windows — we removed those and sent them off to get restored,” Al explains. “The original bell, we had to take it off and store it while we were working to stabilize the church. We tried to save as much as we could, but we had to get new siding. All of that is in process and in place, and now we’re waiting on permits.”

Eponymously named after Edward Reaves, a man formerly enslaved at Cedar Hill Plantation, Reaves Chapel

is one of the most historically notable African American structures of the area. It was originally built by formerly enslaved descendants of the Gullah Geechee people from the west coast of Africa, who were brought against their will to tend rice fields along the Southeast Atlantic coast. Originally located on the bluffs of the Cape Fear River, in 1909 the congregation enlisted logs and a team of oxen to move the chapel to its current location on Cedar Hill Road.

The chapel itself is simple, with a classical wood frame structure, colored glass windows and propped on four cornerstones. Few Civil War and post-Civil War era structures remain in this area, with Reaves Chapel being one of the only examples.

“When the church was in its original location, about a mile from where it is now, the community used to meet there on Sundays, and everyone would dress up in their Sunday best,” Al says. “They’d go to worship, but also, the African American community didn’t have a lot of structural places they could go. Schools and churches were it. We were segregated. After worship, a lot of the congregation would look forward to meeting each other on the property and catching up. It was a sense of community, and people look forward to that.”

As the chapel rounds its final stages of restoration, Al predicts by early 2024 it will be ready to welcome visitors. It will also tie into the ongoing Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail currently in the works (see sidebar), serving as a stop-off point of interest. For Al, this project has now spanned 18 years, and he’s encountered both challenging and rewarding aspects.

“The most rewarding is to see the church now from the condition it was in. If we had a hurricane in 2022, the church would not have survived,” he says. “To grow up with the patrons of the church and realize the amount of blood, sweat and tears, and putting their last little savings to dedicate to the church and now have it be restored the way it is, I can see them smiling. It will be a shining example of the resiliency of our African American parents, of what they have contributed to the community.”

With the help of organizations like The Orton Foundation, The Coastal Land Trust, The Historic Wilmington Foundation and Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation, the chapel has now been leveled, the roof repaired and the steeple restored and returned, there’s new custom siding, and ongoing landscaping and interior restoration. And most importantly, the bell will soon ring again.

Emory Rakestraw is a Wilmington-based freelance journalist. Her love for North Carolina and its history has inspired a wide range of stories available at emoryrakestraw.wordpress.com.

A Cultural Corridor

Reaves Chapel is within the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (gullahgeecheecorridor.org), a National Heritage Area established by Congress. Its purpose is to preserve, share and interpret the history, traditional cultural practices, heritage sites, and natural resources associated with Gullah Geechee people of coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

In Brunswick County, a proposed 30-mile greenway/blueway heritage trail would highlight local Gullah Geechee sites by connecting existing and proposed riverfront walkways, kayak launches, parks and multi-use paths. This generational effort is being supported by research and grants from dozens of organizations, including the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO).

“The WMPO applied for and received an NCDOT Paved Trails and Sidewalks Feasibility Study Grant in 2023 to evaluate options for the greenway,” said Abby Lorenzo, deputy director for the WMPO. “Community involvement will be a crucial element of the feasibility study. Outcomes of the study will include trail alignment and cross section recommendations, as well as identification of potential impacts to environmental features. This information will assist each locality in advancing portions of the trail as future funding for design and construction is identified and committed.”

Supply-based Brunswick Electric contributed $1,200 to the effort through its Community Grants program.

— Tori Jones, Brunswick Electric

(Left to right) Carl Parker and Brayton Willis

Proposed North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/ Blueway Heritage Trail

Why have a stairlift when you can have a

you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!

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

WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?

Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since. A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between �loors, slowly. And it �its in only one place: your staircase. Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair.

THE MODERN SOLUTION

A Stiltz Homelift, on the other hand, is an affordable, modern Homelift that is so compact, it �its just about anywhere in your house. It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet. One look at our unique free standing rail system, and

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

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

A Stiltz Homelift is an extra pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, groceries and vacuum cleaners — up and down between �loors.

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON

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

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

– Mr. James, Roanoke VA

Did you know?

Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the US. More than a quarter of Americans age 65+ fall each year. The average hospital cost for a fall injury is $35,000.

HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS

Stiltz is one of the world’s leading Homelift manufacturers, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals — expert technicians who truly care about your freedom.

Why choose Stiltz?

• Affordable

• Small Footprint

• Full Safety Features

• Clean, Quiet Operation

• Low Power Consumption

• Freestanding Design

• Wheelchair Accessible

• Carry Laundry or Pets

• Fast Installation

• Full Warranty

One of the Good Guys

TV survivalist

Wes Harper is putting positivity into the world

By Jacob Brooks

I tell you what, North Carolina, you just never know who’s going to come your way over here at Carolina Country magazine.

All my friends across rural NC, please meet a new old friend of mine: Wes “The Assassin” Harper. Wes is a member of Halifax EMC, as well as a family man, successful business owner and survivalist on Discovery’s hit reality television show “Naked and Afraid.”

We sat down to talk about his success on the show, his new cookbook, his forthcoming novel, seeking higher truths and being a good man.

When asked how he originally embarked on this journey he recalls, “My wife and I were watching the show, and a few drinks later, she signed me up.”

“Did y’all have a bet on how many days you’d ‘survive’?” I ask. “Was there an over/under between y’all?”

Wes laughs. “Oh no. I knew I had to go all 21 days or she wouldn’t let me come home. Mostly because she knew I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t see it through.”

Survive he did. He’s now appeared in approximately 40 episodes of the show and has earned legend status from fans across the country.

When asked about the bond formed with fellow contestants, Wes notes his friendship with Gwen, his first partner in South Africa.

“We clicked the first 30 seconds together. Similar life experiences — both of us married with five kids. We knew we’d have shortcomings and challenges, but knew we would figure it out. We’re now lifelong friends and vacation together.”

Waylon, Wes’ son (and fellow App State Mountaineer, as it happens), got a taste of the survivalist life. “The show did a 14-day challenge for kids of former contestants,” Wes says.

“And how’d he like it?” I ask.

Wes takes a beat and responds with a smile. “‘Never again, Dad. This is your bag.’” While his kids may not join him in the jungles or plains on rough terrains, they do cheer him on from the couch. “At first, they were embarrassed about my butt being on TV. Now they have friends over and host watch parties.”

Wes is hanging up his “Naked and Afraid” boots (or lack thereof) this year. He’s embarking on a new journey in publishing.

“I’ve got a cookbook out. It’s easy to follow, has a ton of great recipes in it and plenty of pictures (see Carolina Bookshelf on page 26). I’m also working on publishing a murder mystery novel.”

Twenty-five minutes into our conversation, I can tell Wes and I are cut from a similar cloth. I ask him what kind of mark he’s trying to leave on the world.

Wes takes a deep breath. “I know this may sound silly, but I believe good guys exists. Good dads. Good husbands. People who want to do good. They’re out there. We don’t hear about them as much because these stories don’t get many clicks or likes, but they’re out there.”

As for where he gets that inspiration?

“You know, my folks were always quick to help people, and I saw that,” he says. “They were encouragers in our home and community. And, most importantly, they were quick to encourage me to encourage someone else. So I really give them a lot of credit.”

Our conversation hangs on a real note. “I’m also a cancer survivor. I had prostate cancer. And, in being open about it, I’ve had tons of men reach out seeking advice or guidance while they go through it. So I think the mark I’m trying to leave is to put a little more light in the world and be one of the good guys.”

Marlana Semenza Carolina People

Creating Educational Enrichment in Everyday Activities

Seven ways to prepare your children for kindergarten

Being ready for kindergarten is about far more than writing names and reciting ABCs. It’s also about building a foundation for deeper conceptual thinking, curiosity, creativity, and social and emotional skills that can help children in life.

For parents, this transition can be nerve-wracking and raises questions about how to best prepare their child for the next step in their educational journey. Here are seven ways to build strong routines and foundations for early learning.

1 Language and literacy

Practice writing by making place cards for the dinner table. For younger children, it can be the first letter of each person’s name or fun scribbles on the card. Early scribbles are a part of developing writing skills.

2 Mathematics

Count while you work and encourage your child to do the same. Asking your children to put away toys and counting the toys together will make tidying more engaging and fun.

3 Science

Make yard cleanup fun. As you tidy the yard, talk about the leaves, why they turn colors and why they fall to the ground. Afterwards, pile them up and jump in.

4 Executive function

Incorporate your children in planning for the family. Help your child stay organized with a daily or weekly chart, and have them make the chart with you. For younger children, you can use drawings or pictures instead of words.

5 Creative expression

Make up songs or repeat favorites as your children go through a few basic chores such as putting clothes away or making the bed.

6 Responsibility and emotional development

Build a sense of responsibility and care for others with real or pretend pets. Take the dog for a walk, feed the cat or even water the pet rock. Taking care of a pet can help children develop a sense of responsibility and empathy for others. Be sure to always supervise and teach children about the proper handling of an animal.

7 Health and well-being

Create daily routines that help your children practice fine motor skills while simultaneously doing a few chores around the house, such as setting a table, helping you cook by mixing or stirring, putting their clothes on or brushing their teeth.

Visit GoddardSchool.com for more actionable parenting insights, guidance and resources.

The Goddard School

Produce Shopping on a Budget

Five strategies to save on fresh fruits and veggies

Creating flavorful favorites on an appropriate budget can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple steps that can put smiles on hungry faces without leaving a dent in your finances.

Make a list and stick to it. When buying fresh produce, remember some items have a shorter shelf life. Limiting purchases to items on your list can help lower grocery spending while avoiding food waste.

Buy local. Transportation cost is one of the biggest factors in the price of produce, which means buying from farmer’s markets or locally can help reduce your total at checkout.

Stock up on seasonal produce. Although you can find most produce at any time of year, this isn’t always an affordable choice. Knowing when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season can save you money and allow you to use the freshest ingredients in family meals.

Know your produce department. The front or feature table of the produce department often offers the best deals. Don’t forget to look at the end caps on each produce aisle, which sometimes display seasonal items.

Be in the know. Throughout each week, a “hot buy” may come into the store that didn’t make it into the weekly ad. This happens if a crop is

doing well or if items are at the end of their seasons. Chat with the produce manager at your local store and he or she may inform you of special prices. Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com for more strategies to save money on groceries. —Family Features

Spot the Biggest Energy User

We use electricity every day, but we rarely think about the appliances and electronics that consume the most energy. Can you spot the biggest energy users?

Review each grouping below, then circle the one that you think consumes the most energy. Check your work in the answer key.

Save Energy!

• Wash clothing in cold water and air-dry when possible.

• Only run full loads in the dishwasher.

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Unplug electronic devices when not in use.

Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Delights

Create your own savory seafood dishes with easy-to-make recipes

While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner.

Visit SuccessRice.com for more fun and easy recipes.

—Family Features

Shrimp Pad Thai

With jasmine rice

Swapping out traditional rice noodles for jasmine rice gives this dish an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic.

1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked (or one boil-in-bag)

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped

4 lime wedges

Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.

In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat ½ tablespoon oil and quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve.

Add remaining oil to wok or skillet over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir fry 5 minutes or until shrimp are cooked.

Add reserved sauce and rice; stir fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.

Divide completed meal between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Yield: 4 servings

Crab and Rice Cakes

These easy-to-prepare, crispy crab cakes are served with a zesty aioli for a taste of the coast.

Crab Cakes

1 cup brown rice, uncooked (or one boil-in-bag)

2 eggs

1 pound lump crab meat

2 tablespoons seafood seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 lemon, zest and juice only

Lemon wedges (optional)

To make crab cakes, prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.

In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crab meat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate for 5 minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties.

In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towellined plate.

To make aioli, stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice.

Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

Thomas Kinkade Light of

Innovation Embraces a Timeless Masterpiece

You don’t need a home on the coast to enjoy this spectacular view of a venerable old lighthouse and the flowering path welcoming you to a cottage on the water’s edge. In this masterful work by acclaimed artist Thomas Kinkade, you can almost feel the mist and hear the surf crashing against the rocks. Now you can lose yourself in its beauty as you navigate every minute of your day with up-to-the-second, tech-driven precision.

Because the clock is in sync via radio waves with the official source of U.S. time in Fort Collins, Colorado, it is 100% self-setting and accurate to the second. You never need to adjust the time, even for Daylight Savings. When darkness falls, a built-in sensor cues hidden LED lights to illuminate the glass-encased face. The classic copper-toned housing is crafted of weather-resistant metal, ideal for indoor or outdoor living.

Make this magnificent, heirloom-quality timepiece yours now in four payments of $36.25, the first due before shipment, totaling $145*, backed by our unconditional, 365-day money-back guarantee. Send no money now—order today!

Teach Your Children Well

Kids and grandkids can be energy efficiency champions

By Miranda Boutelle

When I was a kid, I dreamed of one day having a home where I could pay my own electric bill — said no one ever. But educating kids and grandkids on energy use and costs can help engage them in your family’s goal to use less electricity. They can be energy efficiency champions if you ask them to help. Here are some ways you can teach kids to use less electricity.

Show them how to read the electric bill. Focus on what you can control: kilowatt-hour (kWh) use. If they are old enough, teach them how to do the math. You can calculate kWh use by multiplying wattage by hours used and dividing by 1,000. Multiply this by the kWh rate found on your electric bill to estimate how much you spend on power for each household appliance.

For example, if you have a space heater that uses 1,500 watts and is on for four hours a day for a month, it uses 180 kWh. With an average kWh rate of 13.7 cents in the United States, the space heater costs about $25 a month to operate. That same space heater costs about $74 a month if it is on for 12 hours per day. Your kWh rate may be lower or higher depending on where you live.

For household appliance wattage, look for the amount stamped on the bottom, back or nameplate. If the nameplate does not include wattage, figure it out by multiplying the voltage by the amperage.

To teach children the impact of saving energy, have them help you conserve with the household’s biggest energyconsuming appliances: heating and cooling. Teach kids to dress appropriately for the seasons, even when they are indoors, which allows you to set the thermostat to balance comfort and savings. Turn off fans when you leave a room: fans cool people, not the air around them.

The second-highest use of electricity is typically the electric water heater. Use a shower timer so bigger kids can monitor how long they are in the shower. Teach them to wash their clothes with cold water. If you have a gas water heater, look at the gas bill to find opportunities to save.

Other ways to save include turning off the lights when you leave the room, or better yet, switching to LED lighting. Even little changes can add up throughout the year. If your child needs a nightlight to sleep with, make sure it’s an LED bulb.

Powering down gaming stations and computers is another way to save. In the kitchen, keep the refrigerator door shut. Teach kids to take a quick peek and shut the door while they think about their snack options.

After teaching your kids about electric bills and showing them how to save electricity, make a game out of your family’s energy conservation efforts. Challenge the family to use less energy than last month or the same month last year. Use the savings to reward them with a treat or let the winner pick the game night activity or film for family movie night.

You can also teach children where the electricity for their home comes from. Check out your electric co-op’s website or give them a call to find out what energy sources power your home.

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

In the kitchen, keep the refrigerator door shut. Teach kids to take a quick peek and shut the door while they think about their snack options.

Teach kids to dress appropriately for the seasons, even when they are indoors, which allows you to set the thermostat to balance comfort and savings.

Mike Teegarden

Mike Teegarden

I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

A Different Kind of Magic

I remember the scent of salt air and cigarettes, the way they mingled in the cool winter air with my husband’s cologne. Most of all, I remember the initial disappointment in finding the Sky Wheel closed for maintenance, irritated with our decision to avoid the hustle of tourists by forgoing the summer and visiting in the off-season months. I had wanted our children to experience the magic of neon lights illuminating the night, determined to create a lasting memory they could forever cherish, as I had.

I didn't count on finding something so much more than the fascination of twinkling lights and crowds of unknown people: It was in the silent slumber of a town in waiting that we were enchanted.

I remember the night the Sky Wheel was closed, and how, as we walked past closed-up shops along the empty boardwalk, taking in the night air, we found a different kind of magic.

We found each other.

Year after year, the winter months still beckon us to return to Myrtle Beach, plaguing our memories with the promise of peace from the distractions of everyday life; and infecting our thoughts with the craving for what once was.

Diane Chattaway, Spring Lake A member of South River EMC

My family owned a home in the country near the Ashe and Wilkes County lines. My parents, Robbie and Tony, and younger brother Joe had built it by hand and filled it with items near and dear to them. Mom was a native of Wilmington and always loved going home to North Carolina. Dad was a New York boy, who grew up on Long Island there, but fell in love with the North Carolina countryside.

My parents spent as much time as they could in that mountain home, and on one fateful night, my dad died there. His death was not gruesome nor terrible. He and my mom were talking while they watched TV that night. Suddenly, dad just stopped talking. My mom, a registered nurse, knew immediately that something was wrong and rushed to his side. She did what she could, but there was no bringing him back.

When she summoned up the courage to go back to the mountain house, Mom found it to be as lovely, warm and welcoming as she had remembered it. She had feared the home would be a constant reminder that her partner of nearly 50 years had died there, but quite the opposite, she found it most welcoming, and in fact asked her daughter to bring her young grandson up from Florida to learn to love life on the mountain, too. And he did. Her younger son, too, began going back to the country house and enjoyed teaching hunting and archery skills to his nephew.

But she and her children noticed something was a bit odd. When they were downstairs in the storage room, bathroom or garage, or even in the yard, they all heard the sound of footsteps above, footsteps that seemed to mirror the unusual walking noise her husband made. Tony had to have the big toe on his right foot amputated due to an infection from having stepped on a chunk of pointed metal. After his foot healed, he learned to walk again without much of a limp, but when he walked, you could definitely tell who was coming.

We’d rush upstairs to see if we could figure out why these distinctive noises were happening. Was it wind rushing through the house, joints expanding, squirrels loose on the roof? Nothing ever made itself evident as a cause. After we stopped looking for a cause to the noises, we simply came to accept them as a reminder that Dad was still there with us.

Cynthia Thuma, Boca Raton, Florida

Molasses Memories

I grew up on a small tobacco farm in Surry County. We grew almost everything we ate, including, in some years, molasses. We had an old horse-drawn cane grinder set up on a tree stump at the edge of a field. The grinder or press extracted the juice from the cane, and the juice was cooked in a big open vat over a fire.

I remember one year when I was about 4 or 5 years old, my daddy decided to attach the tongue of the grinder to our new Farmall Cub tractor rather than hitch up the horses. He tied the steering wheel with bale hay wire to keep it going around and around and set the throttle to a slow speed. He sat me up on the tractor seat, and I “drove” the tractor while he and my older brothers fed the cane stalks into the grinder.

That was a fun time, especially when Mama served the molasses on her delicious biscuits. Much of my early life was filled with memories of hard work and harsh conditions, but this is a very happy memory.

Sewing and Life Lessons

My grandmother, Pauline Ricketts (“Nanny”), was a tiny woman with a big personality, a big heart and a big kitchen. When I was little, we traveled from North Carolina to her house in Maryland several times a year.

Much of my visit was spent playing with a “Francie” doll house, left over from when my aunts were little girls. It had original dolls with their clothes, including outfits my grandmother and aunts made. I still have the doll house and handmade clothes, 30 years later.

During one visit, my grandmother and aunt helped me sew accessories for the doll house; the picture is of my aunt sewing with me. We are in Nanny’s laundry

room, surrounded by fabric. On Nanny’s refrigerator was a magnet that read, “She who dies with the most fabric wins.”

Before she passed away, my grandmother made two quilts for my infant son, so now my second son has one, too. But only one quilt has a patch Nanny hand-sewed after a stroller ride, when the fabric caught under a wheel and tore. That patch is my favorite part. I can still see her bent over it, stitching. An act of love — one among many.

Ralph Cox, Pilot Mountain, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

My Aunt helping me sew in Nanny’s laundry room

The Cox brothers

Jessi Waugh, Pine Knoll Shores A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Finding Freedom

The Network to Freedom Trail includes several spots in NC

By Jessie Lang

North Carolina is well known for making history, whether that’s establishing the first public university, launching the first airplane flight or providing refuge for enslaved freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad system. From the Piedmont to the coast, our state offers 20 iconic locations on the Network to Freedom national trail. Here are six key stops to learn more about the harrowing journey from enslavement to freedom.

Somerset Place

2572 Lake Shore Road, Creswell

Near the coast, Somerset Place was one of North Carolina’s largest antebellum plantations with the state’s third-largest enslaved population on one property. Operating for 80 years, the plantation is near several other Network to Freedom sites on the coast.

Colonial Park

101 West Water Street, Edenton

Fans of author Harriet Jacobs will love this site. Serving as the river network departure point for the Maritime Underground Railroad, the waterfront was developed by African American watermen who could arrange passage to northern states for fugitive slaves. Jacobs wrote of her 1842 escape by ship (under the pseudonym Linda Brent) in the 1861 classic “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself.”

Roanoke Island Freedom Colony Memorial Garden

1122 Fields Drive, Manteo

For history buffs, this location on the Network to Freedom Trail is especially significant to the Civil War. In the 1862 Battle of Roanoke Island, the Union seized control of the Outer Banks and used this location to provide protection for escaped slaves. Word spread quickly, and the number of escapees grew so much that the population required a camp for new arrivals. Due to wounds received fighting in the war, the treacherous journey and disease exposure, many freedom seekers died soon after arrival and were buried in mass graves within the grounds of the current Memorial Garden.

Great Dismal Swamp

2294 U.S. 17 N., South Mills

Covering one million acres across North Carolina and Virginia, the Great Dismal Swamp was a route to freedom for many runaway slaves. Some purchased their freedom by working on the canal — the oldest continuously operating canal in the United States; some found refuge by living off the land (establishing “maroon communities”); and others used it as a stopping point on their way north while securing passage on a ship. The remote location and historical significance leave an impact on visitors to this site.

Orange Street Landing

Orange Street on the Cape Fear River, Wilmington

A stop on the southern coast includes the site of underground railroad activity on the Cape Fear River. Vessels entering the port gave bondsmen access to those with abolitionist sympathies. A large escape in 1862 involved 22 slaves commandeering three sailboats. After rowing for 28 miles all night, they were rescued by Union ships and then enlisted into the Union Navy.

Guilford College Woods and Snow Camp Historical Drama Society

Guilford College Campus, Greensboro

301 Drama Rd., Snow Camp

In the Piedmont area, the Guilford College Woods tells the story of abolitionist Quakers who aided runaway slaves escaping to Indiana. To learn more about the Quaker efforts in the Underground Railroad, pair the trip with a visit to the Snow Camp Drama Society’s production of the “Pathway to Freedom” each July, which tells the story of the Quaker efforts in abolition.

Jessie Lang is the 2023 editorial intern for Carolina Country.

Great Dismal Swamp

Harriet Jacobs

Somerset Place State Historic Site

Clinical trials show a new hair loss breakthrough can help both men and women naturally regrow a thick, full head of hair – without drugs, surgery, or side effects

Thousands are rushing to get a new hair restoration method based on surprising new studies from the University of California.

It is the world’s first and only hair loss solution that revives dead hair follicles. And studies confirm it helps men and women regrow a thick, full head of hair, even after years of balding.

Now, with news of this breakthrough spreading like wildfire — the manufacturers are struggling to keep up with overwhelming demand.

That’s because, unlike other methods, it is prescription-free, drug-free, and has no side effects. And while hair transplants can cost $4,000 or more, this new approach costs pennies on the dollar and doesn’t involve going to the doctor’s office.

Instead, it leverages cuttingedge technology to prevent hair loss, fills in embarrassing bald spots, and Re-Nourishes thinning hair — with results you can see and feel in 30 days or less.

As Jeanne F. from San Diego, CA reports: “When my husband began to use this product, all he had on top of his head was fuzz. His hair began to grow after 30 days and now it is about 2 to 3 inches long!”

Surprising Truth About Hair Loss

It is commonly believed that hair loss is hereditary.

Unfortunately, most people think there is nothing they can do to stop it. However, while many doctors will tell you that thinning hair, a receding hairline, and bald spots are due to your genetics, this is not the whole story.

“While genetics play a role, it’s not the main reason you lose hair,” says Dr. Al Sears, the nation’s top anti-aging doctor. “And surprisingly it’s not just your age, thyroid, hormones, stress, or a vitamin deficiency, either.”

The latest scientific research reveals that hair loss is primarily caused by the stem cells in your

hair follicles dying.

“This discovery is a true breakthrough because by reviving these stem cells on your scalp, you can stop hair loss dead in its tracks and trigger new hair growth, even in areas that have been thinning for years,” explains Dr. Sears.

Now, at his world-famous clinic, the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Palm Beach, FL, Dr. Sears and his team have used this game-changing discovery to develop a brand-new hair restoration formula that is taking the country by storm.

Sold under the name ReNourish, it is flying off the shelves with men and women of all ages raving about the results it delivers.

“Your hair grows in three phases,” explains Dr. Sears. “First, you have the anagen phase, the hair growing phase. Then the catagen phase, when hair gets ready to shed. And finally, the telogen phase, where your hair is pushed from the follicle and falls out.”

As you get older it becomes harder for your hair follicles to complete this three-phase cycle. The results? Your hairs get stuck in the telogen phase. This is when they start falling out and stop regrowing, no matter what you try.

This process doesn’t happen overnight, says Dr. Sears.

“At first, your hair dries out, becoming brittle, thin, and harder to style. Then, you start finding hairs on your pillow and down the drain. Finally, you’re left with bald spots that age you prematurely.”

you can revive dead stem cells and improve the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.

For example, the key nutrient of Re-Nourish was tested on a group of severely balding women.

After 6 months, nearly 70% of the women saw significant improvement in hair growth. Their hair was noticeably fuller, thicker, and healthier looking. Most exciting of all, they grew new hair on parts of their scalp that had been bald for years.

In another study, Italian researchers gathered a group of both men and women with thinning hair and applied the core ingredient of Re-Nourish. After 12 weeks, they reported a staggering 74% increase in hair growth.

“It’s really mind-boggling that my hair started growing back,” says Zan R., another Re-Nourish customer.

“I have seen a significant improvement in hair growth. Previously, you could see thinning areas at the back of my head and now hair has grown over it,” says Peter W. from Ontario, Canada.

And Susan D. from Fort Pierce, Florida reports, “My hair was thinning. So, I began to use ReNourish every day on the front part of my scalp. Now I have thicker hair.”

Regrows Hair In Just 30 Days

Scientists now know that stem cells are the lifeblood of your hair follicles.

Research from the University of California shows they’re the reason you’re able to grow hair. However, these stem cells aren’t always active. In fact, studies reveal they’re only active during certain phases of the hair growth cycle.

Fortunately, Re-Nourish puts a stop to this. It revives the dead stem cells in your hair follicles and reactivates your hair’s three-phase cycle, triggering new growth in as little as 30 days — even in areas that’ve been balding for years.

Reawakens Dead Hair Follicles

For years, scientists couldn’t figure out why hair follicle stem cells died.

However, a study from the University of California finally found the answer.

It has to do with T-cells — an important immune cell in your body. The researchers discovered these T-cells are the only way to command hair follicles to grow new hair.

More importantly, they showed that T-cells helped revive the stem cells in your hair follicles — spurring new growth, filling in bald spots and natural hairline.

Re-Nourish uses a unique blend of all-natural ingredients. By spraying it on your hair once per day, scientific studies show

With results like this, it’s no surprise that demand for ReNourish is soaring. Thousands of men and women are scrambling to get their hands on the limited supply available.

Re-Nourish is not currently available in any store at any price. But we’ve secured a small batch for our readers.

Try Re-Nourish 100% Risk-Free

To secure the hot, new ReNourish formula, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-547-3071 TODAY. “It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Re-Nourish, all orders are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you all your money back.”

Call NOW at 1-800-5473071 to secure your supply of Re-Nourish. Use Promo Code CCRN723 when you call. Lines are frequently busy, but all calls will be answered!

Breakthrough research proves this discovery helps fill in bald spots, re-nourishes thinning hair, and leads to noticeable growth in as little as 30 days.

Americans can finally grow thick, lustrous hair

“This will help your thinning hair and receding hairline in just 30 days” says top US Doctor

Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food

In their latest cookbook, award-winning author Jim Casada and writer Tipper Pressley — both Appalachian natives preserving culture through food — engage readers with the rich culinary traditions of southern Appalachia. Generations of “passed down” recipes offer glimpses into a culture that is defined by its food. Take a journey of pure delight through this Highland homeland with stories of celebrations, Sunday dinners and ordinary suppers. The narrative material and recipes offered share a deep love of place and a devotion to this distinctive cuisine. The book is a tempting invitation, in the vernacular of the region, to “pull up a chair and take nourishment.” Including over 200 historic recipes and a glossary of Southern Appalachian food terms, this cookbook is sure to enthrall chefs and history enthusiasts alike. Paperback, 192 pages, $23.99.

historypress.com

The Civilian Conservation Corps Cookbook

Relive history through the recipes, kitchen lore and stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in author Amy Bizzarri’s new cookbook through American Palate. The CCC was a voluntary government work relief program during the Great Depression that offered 3 million unemployed, unmarried men the job of restoring and conserving America’s public lands, forests and parks (including the gorgeous public lands of North Carolina). The wages weren’t the only draw: the program also threw in three square meals a day served in the camp mess hall. The CCC Cookbook features recipes that sustained workers and families during the Great Depression. Budget friendly, with ingredients from your pantry and local grocer, these recipes from historical nonfiction author Amy reflect the “make do” attitude of Depression-era home cooks. Including stories and photographs of the CCC, this cookbook is full of wit and wisdom. Paperback, 176 pages, $23.99. historypress.com

Killin’ It in the Kitchen

Join author, survival expert and local celebrity Wes Harper in making delicious homemade meals using simple ingredients with powerful tastes. Wild game, easy-tocook favorites and Wes’ own tips and tricks will entice you back into the kitchen or push you out on the back deck for a grilling adventure. Wes believes that getting familiar with the food you’re putting in your body, instead of warming leftovers, is the best way to enjoy food. Making his home in North Carolina for the past 27 years, Wes created a name for himself as a contestant on “Naked and Afraid,” earning the nickname “The Assassin” (see Carolina People on page 14). Recipes, woven with personal photos and stories, include Venison Vegetable Stew and Pork Ribs. If you’re ready for a culinary adventure, Wes’ cookbook is the perfect pick. Paperback, 38 pages, $19.79.

wesharper.com

Savor the South cookbooks

Carolina Bookshelf features select books that relate to North Carolina by setting or topic or that are by NC authors. To submit a book for a possible mention, please mail a copy of the book, along with a description of its topic, purchase information and your contact information, to Carolina Bookshelf, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616.

The “Savor the South” cookbook series by UNC Press publishes single-subject volumes celebrating iconic foods and traditions of the American South. Each book in the series is chockfull of recipes and cultural history from our unique region. “Sunday Dinner” and “Southern Holidays” focus on special-occasion meals common in the South, respectively by Carolina Country contributors Bridgette A. Lacy and Debbie Moose. “Sunday Dinner” brings families together on Sabbath day with recipes such as Grandma’s Fried Chicken and Summer Fruit Salad. “Southern Holidays” features 50 recipes from 17 holidays throughout four seasons, including Coconut King Cake (Mardi Gras) and Moravian Sugar Cake (Christmas). If you’re looking for ways to expand your recipe palate for special occasions, these two entries in the series are great additions to your collection. “Sunday Dinner” paperback, 132 pages, $18; e-book, $9.99. “Southern Holidays” paperback, 126 pages, $15; hardcover, $20; e-book, $9.99. uncpress.org Digital

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!

✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower

✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option

✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub

✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more aff ordable walk-in tub!

Divide and Conquer

Crowded houseplants can spawn new offspring

Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

It’s a natural fact that happy houseplants grow, but often it is to a point that they become much too cramped in their containers. Dividing such squished plants is one good option. The good news is that this will usually invigorate the original plant as well as its offspring. The better news is that you will wind up with more of the same pretty plant.

Some of the more popular houseplants that can be propagated — and from a tight pot, liberated — by division include spider plant, pothos, jade plant, bromeliads, anthurium, Chinese evergreen, areca palm, Boston fern, cast-iron plant, philodendron, aloe, peace lily, caladium, dieffenbachia, streptocarpus, pepermonia, oxalis and snake plant.

For some houseplants, division simply means separating smaller plants that have sprouted beside the main plant. To do this, remove the plant from its pot, thoroughly wash any soil from the base clump, and then carefully untwist, cajole or otherwise coax the roots (or, for some plants, young bulbs) apart. Snips might be necessary to “solve” some Gordian knots, but use them sparingly.

Other houseplants form thick masses of fine, hair-like roots, and untangling such messes will only make you cross-eyed and grumpy. This is where simple surgery comes into play by cutting up the root ball. Many plant-propagating gurus swear by using a sharp knife to divide root clumps, but I love my fingers too much to abide. Rather, I prefer a small-toothed saw, such as a miter or Japanese pull saw, to do the deed. Either works quite well (while leaving me able to count to 10 on my fingers).

The divided plants should then be tucked away in their own new, spacious containers. The temptation to use high doses of fertilizer to jump start these plants is great, but I have had regular success by just treating them to a quality potting soil that is chock-full of organic nutrients.

Placing the divided plants outside in the invigorating warmth of a fading summer is a good idea, just as long as

they are in locations of slight to high shade. Remember, however, to bring your pretties inside this fall before nighttime temperatures fall into the low 50s.

Be sure to irrigate the separated plants at least once a week. However, even with regular waterings and being tucked away in shady conditions, some wilting might occur, but this is natural during their resettling period.

L.A.’s website of the month: Brent and Becky’s Bulbs (brentandbeckysbulbs.com) in Gloucester, Virginia, is a top-notch regional nursery specializing in summer- and spring-flowering bulbs as well as a good online source for perennial, annual and tropical plants.

Garden To-Do’s for August

For the best selection, now is a good time to buy peony tubers, with the end of this month into September being a prime planting time. Pick out the chubbiest tubers you can find that have at least four to five pinkish “eyes” on each. Don’t plant them too deep — no more than an inch below the soil’s surface to allow the tucked-away tubers to experience the beneficial chill of winter they need to develop and bloom properly. Also, if possible, site your pretties-to-be in an area that greets the morning sun but is somewhat shaded from the harshest afternoon rays during the growing season.

Sure, the summer sizzle might be in full force, but now is a good time to start planting such cool-season veggies as broccoli, cabbage, rutabagas, Brussels sprouts, carrots, collards, cauliflower, radishes, lettuce, kale, parsnips and mustard greens.

□ Add even more dazzle to the fall landscape by checking with local nurseries for the blooming plants of such firecrackers as rudbeckia, helenium, heliopsis and helianthus.

Now is a good time to buy peony tubers of such pretty cultivars as “Do Tell.”

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

Peace lily can be easily divided.

Chicken Piccata

This is a recipe that, as they say in sports, punches above its weight — easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but good enough for company. Find jars of capers, which are the pickled buds of a plant, in the olives and pickles section of the supermarket. This dish goes well with rice or penne pasta.

¹/₃ cup olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced

5–6 green onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

¼ cup dry sherry

¹/₃ cup chicken broth

½ cup lemon juice

1½ cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons butter

From Your Kitchen

2 pounds chicken breast, thin sliced and boneless

1½ tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, green onions and garlic. Stir and cook until the vegetables are soft but not brown, 2–3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the sherry, chicken broth and lemon juice. Set aside.

In a large, flat dish, such as a pie pan, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Return the frying pan to medium heat and add the butter, plus more olive oil if the pan seems dry. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shake off excess, and place in pan. Cook until brown, about 4 minutes, then turn over to cook the other side. If there isn’t enough room for all the pieces, work in batches, removing cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.

When all the chicken is cooked, return it to the pan if you removed any, then spread the onion mixture over it and sprinkle on the capers. Pour in the lemon juice mixture and stir to loosen any chicken stuck to the pan. Simmer for a minute or two, until the liquid is reduced by about ¹/₃ and has thickened slightly.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Yield: Serves 4–6

The avocado is optional, but adds a nice creaminess to the filling. If the arugula is too peppery for you, substitute up to ¼ cup of chopped parsley.

6–8 fresh small cocktail tomatoes (such as Campari brand)

¾ cup fresh arugula, chopped

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Arugula-Feta Stuffed Tomatoes

With chopped pistachios

3 tablespoons avocado, chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Chopped roasted pistachios for garnish

Slice off the stem end of the tomatoes and carefully remove the pulp using a sharp knife and a spoon. Discard the pulp and set the tomatoes aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the arugula, feta and avocado, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour the olive oil mixture over the arugula mixture and toss gently, breaking up any large bits of feta. Taste the filling, then add more salt, if needed. Feta varies in saltiness; you may not need more.

Place the tomatoes on a serving plate and stuff with the arugula mixture. Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve.

Yield: 6–8 appetizer servings, depending on size of tomatoes

Honey Bun Cake

Reminiscent of a cinnamon roll and sporting a name based on vending machine fare, this Honey Bun Cake definitely doesn’t taste like it came from a convenience store. But it is sweet!

2¼ cups flour

1½ cups sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup sour cream

Filling

1 cup brown sugar

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 stick butter, softened

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9-by-9-inch baking pan.

Mix the softened butter, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla and eggs until well combined.

Add flour, sugar and baking powder. Pour ¹/₃ of the batter in the bottom of the baking pan and spread.

In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients and then sprinkle over the cake batter in the baking pan.

Add in the second ²/₃ of the batter carefully.

Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top has begun browning and a knife comes out clean.

Cool cake completely.

Combine glaze ingredients and pour over cooled cake. Dust with cinnamon.

Yield: 9 servings

Recipe courtesy of Frances Phillips of Sanford, a member of Central Electric

Recipes by Debbie Moose unless otherwise noted. Learn more about Debbie at debbiemoose.com

AUG. 6

Old Baldy Run for the Light

1-mile, 5k and 10k races

Bald Head Island

MAY 26 – SEPT. 1

Fireworks by the Sea

And Boardwalk Blast

Cape Fear Boulevard and Carolina Beach Ave., Carolina Beach 252-473-2127

JUNE 2 – AUG. 26

The Lost Colony Outdoor theater play

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo 252-473-2127

JULY 1 – AUG. 1

Horn in the West Outdoor theater play

Horn in the West Amphitheater, Boone 828-264-2120

JULY 25 – AUG. 20

Little Treasures

Art gallery and mixed media

Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001

AUG. 2 – 6

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, Blowing Rock 828-295-4700

AUG. 3

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head 252-251-4314

AUG. 4–5

Mt. Mitchell Arts & Crafts Fair Burnsville Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-7413

AUG. 5

Music on Main

The Judy Chops performance Main Street, Sparta 336-469-4758

AUG. 6 Bear Town Exchange

Vendor and flea market New Bern Farmers Market, New Bern 315-430-7951

AUG. 6

Old Baldy Run for the Light 1-mile, 5k and 10k races Bald Head Island 910-457-7481

AUG. 12

Summer Artisan Markets

Meet artists and see works in progress Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City 866-336-1037

Tea with Seagrove Potters

Participating Seagrove Pottery Shops, Seagrove 336-873-7412

AUG. 12–13

Iredell-Statesville Coin Show

Ancient coins and jewelry show Statesville Civic Center 704-775-4672

AUG. 15–19

Plein Air Festival

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 828-295-9099

AUG. 19

Ola Belle Reed Festival

Bluegrass and old-time music

Creeper Trail Park, Lansing 318-278-4711

AUG. 19

Riverview Lions Festival and Duck Race

Riverview Community Center, Creston 336-384-4502

AUG. 22 – SEPT. 24

From the Mind’s Eye

Art exhibition and mixed media Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001

AUG. 26

Saturdays in the Park

West End Mambo performance Crouse Park, Sparta 336-467-4688

AUG. 26

Rhythm & Hope

Community Concert

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds 336-724-7875

AUG. 27

Sights & Sounds Concert Series

Performance by Leva Jakobaviciute and Itamar Zorman

North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh 919-821-2030

where in Carolina Country is this?

Send

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 October 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

The June “Where Is This” photo by Blue Ridge Mountain EMC member Aaron Shaki features a wall with decorated, glaze-fired bricks located at the Watauga County Public Library on Queen Street in Boone. Shaki explained that children and adults submitted ideas and drawings, and Shaki’s mother, Vicki, painted the ideas on the bricks. The bricks were used to build a permanent wall for the library. Several readers noted that the mosaic fundraising campaign sold 800 bricks and raised much-needed funds for future library programs and building additions. As a weekly library patron, five-year-old Joziah Campbell immediately recognized the illustrated brick wall. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Mike Stanley of Vilas, a Blue Ridge Energy member.

June’s winner

Two simple phones. One caring team.

Always

– Patricia P.

Easy | Our easy-to-use Jitterbug® phones feature large screens, simple menus, powerful speakers and Urgent Response buttons. The Jitterbug® Flip2 has big buttons and one-touch speed dialing while the Jitterbug® Smart3 has voice typing, video chat and internet access.

Helpful | Our specially trained caring team is here for you day or night. Whether you want to learn more about your new phone, need a ride or have a health concern, we’re here to help. And with Urgent Response, enjoy peace of mind knowing you can count on us, even in an emergency.

ALL–NEW

Plans as low as

$1999 /mo.1

When you call us, we treat you like family.

Data plan required for Jitterbug Smart3.

• We can help you learn about your new phone

• We can look up and dial numbers for you

• We can connect you to a nurse for medical advice

All plans include:

• We can alert family members in an emergency

• Unlimited Talk & Text

• 24/7 access to our 100% U.S. based caring team

• Fast and reliable nationwide coverage

ALL–NEW

Plans as low as

$1999 /mo.*

Data plan required for Jitterbug Smart3.

All plans include:

• Unlimited Talk & Text

• 24/7 access to our 100% U.S. based caring team

• Fast and reliable nationwide coverage

• No long-term contracts

Affordable | We offer flexible and affordable plans with unlimited talk, text and 24/7 access to our 100% U.S. based caring team for as low as $19 99 per month.* With no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. Buy in-store or online at:

To order or learn more, call 1.866.368.0096 or visit lively.com/phones

• No long-term contracts

*$5/mo. discount when you enroll in paperless billing. Full price $24 99 /mo., plus taxes and fees. Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of Lively device and one-time setup fee of $35. A data plan is required for the Jitterbug Smart. Pricing may vary. For details on current pricing, visit lively.com. Not all Health & Safety Services are available on all plans. See Health & Safety Plans for details. See lively.com/link for details. Ask Lively, Urgent Response and Nurse On-Call are available 24/7. Customer Service available during normal business hours. Urgent Response or 911 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response tracks an approx. location of device when device is turned on and connected to the network. Lively does not guarantee an exact location. Lively is not a healthcare provider. Nurse On-Call is not a substitute for dialing 911. Emergencies will be transferred to a 911 call center, or members may be directed to call 911. See terms for details. Consistently rated among top wireless providers as fast and reliable by IHS RootScore Reports. Lively Rides provides a service through which you can request a ride to be arranged through the Lyft Platform. Ride fares are applied to your monthly Lively bill. Screen images simulated. Appearance of device may vary. Lively and Jitterbug are trademarks of Best Buy Health, Inc. ©2023 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

Aloha Satellite

866.670.2836

Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I ). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units All offers, packages, programming, promotions, features, terms, restrictions & conditions and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details

VIA SATELLITE: Pricing: $64 99/mo. for two years. Aſter 2 years, then month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $13.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE pkg or higher) and certain other add’l fees & charges. Additional Fees & Taxes: $7/mo. for each additional TV connection on your account. Wireless upgrade with HD DVR $99 00. Applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, custom installation charges, equipment upgrades/add-ons, and certain other add’l fees & chrgs. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. $10/mo. Autopay and Paperless Bill Discount: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles (pay $10 more/mo. until discount begins). Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), protection plan, transactional fees, and Federal Cost Recovery Fee are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details

EquipmentNon-Return-Fees: If you cancel your service, you must return your leased equipment. Failure to return any equipment will result in fees of $45 for each standard DIRECTV Receiver, each HD DIRECTV Receiver, each Genie Mini and each Gemini receiver and $135 for each DVR, HD DVR, Genie® HD DVR and/or Genie 2 DIRECTV Receiver. GEMINI DEVICE: To use the Device, you will need an Internet connection, your use of which is subject to the fees, restrictions, terms, and limitations imposed by your Internet service provider.Gemini Device(s) will deactivate aſter 90 consecutive days without internet connection. If that happens, you will not be able to receive service through that Device until you (re)connect to the internet.

VIA INTERNET: Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-stream-tos-eula-policy/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Requires high speed internet. Minimuminternet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Residential customers only. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Pricing: $64.99/month. Aſter 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled.

Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $13 99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE pkg or higher) and certain other add’l fees & charges. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Customer Agreement. GEMINI/GEMINI AIR DEVICE: First device included for well-qualified customers, otherwise $120 for new Gemini/Gemini Air or $49 99 for Certified Restored Gemini. Applicable taxes due at sale. Additional Gemini/Gemini Air: Additional device for well-qualified customers $10/mo. for 12 mos., otherwise $120 each or $49 99 for each Certified Restored Gemini. Purchased Gemini/Gemini Air may be returned within 14 days of the Ship Date for a full refund however all monthly fees, including additional monthly fees, will continue to apply. Additional Gemini/Gemini Air purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. If you cancel your service in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included Gemini/Gemini Air within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Gemini/Gemini Air purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Programming subject to blackout restrictions.

All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details.

©2023 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.