2024-02-EU

February 2024

The magazine of

Remembering

How We Met page 18

Published by

Co-ops drive economic development page 6

Serving veterans through agritherapy page 8

PERIODICAL

EnergyUnited explains the “power grid backbone”—see center pages CC02-Cover.indd 10

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

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

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

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

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

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February 2024

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 56, No. 2

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

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

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Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate

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Donna Natosi Digital Strategist

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Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

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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.

8 18

Plant, Grow, Heal

A Hendersonville farm helps veterans heal through agriculture.

Carolina Voices

We asked readers: where did you first meet your sweetie?

Favorites

On the Cover

2 From Our Readers

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.

4 Viewpoints

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.

16 Energy Sense 20 Carolina Gardens

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

22 Carolina Kitchen

6 More Power

Contact us

24 Carolina Calendar

Phone:

919-875-3091

24 Where is This?

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.

Our readers shared photos from early days with their sweethearts, including (from top left, clockwise) Deborah Harris and her husband; Grace and Ed Gentry; Blaka and Leonard Abee, and Virginia Vick and her husband. Read their stories and more on page 18.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Carolina Voices We loved the responses for this month’s Carolina Voices, and we’d like to hear more for our June issue, paying $50 for published submissions. Learn more on page 19.

carolinacountry.com | 1

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From Our Readers

THIS MONTH:

Veteran Health

Culinary Adventures I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the article Wendy Perry wrote about Brunswick stew (“Brunswick Stew by the Gallon,” January 2024, page 8). She writes with such creativity and color, once you start reading you cannot put it down. Her articles on hog killing and molasses reminded me of growing up in rural NC. I look forward to more of her stories in the future.

With several bases throughout the state and many military communities served by electric cooperatives, North Carolina has the third-largest military presence in the country—and almost 800,000 veterans. One way in which North Carolinians are supporting our veteran population is through agritherapy, or using agriculture to benefit the mental, emotional and physical well-being of veterans and their families. Learn more on page 8 (and don’t miss love stories from our readers on page 18).

—Scott Gates, editor

Steve Wheeler, Raleigh

Rules to Live By I enjoy reading your magazine every month. It always has interesting articles about NC and its great folks.

In your November issue you had an article about a gentleman who was a CEO of one of the electrical cooperatives (“Jones-Onslow EMC’s Jeff Clark Retires,” page 8). In the article he listed a set of guidelines to live by.

Interesting that they were very close to my own set of guidelines, developed over the years as an Army Officer.

Maybe you could reprint them in a future magazine, because at this time in our tumultuous world, we could always use a reminder of how to treat others and serve to make the world a better place to live.

Roy Brown, Fayetteville, a member of Lumbee River EMC Editor’s note: Thank you for the note, Roy—those rules resonated with us, as well. You can find them on our website at carolinacountry.com/clark-retirement.

Reader Poll Results

Jacob’s Log 2009 2023 I have enjoyed reading the musings by Jacob Brooks since he was in high school (“On the Shoulders of Giants,” January 2024, page 20). I wish him well, and hope he keeps in touch with your readers. The latest from St. Croix sounds interesting.

Jim Frazier, Advance, a member of EnergyUnited

‘Hot, hot, hot!’

I read Jacob Brooks’ appreciation of the late Ken Peacock with a lump in my throat. If Ken ever had a bad day, he never showed it. He loved his family, loved his friends, and loved Appalachian State University.

During Ken’s tenure as chancellor, I was a local reporter and always looked forward to covering any speech or event of his. That’s when he would declare, with a twinkle in his eye, “Appalachian is hot, hot, hot!” He did a lot to make it that way.

Nan Chase, Fries, Virginia

We asked our social media followers how they like to spend a snow day, and it looks like most of us would prefer to stay warm inside, maybe with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book (or magazine). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X to participate in future polls!

55%

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30%

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15%

Building a snowman

2 | February 2024

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Viewpoints

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A Recipe for Economic Development Success

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By Susan Cashion

We are fortunate to live in a state where the economy is strong and economically attractive to investors from the United States and abroad. For the second year in a row, our Tar Heel State was named America’s Top State for Business by CNBC. Announcements by Apple, Toyota, Wolfspeed, ThermoFisher, and many others show that some of the world’s most prominent companies are choosing and building their futures in our state.

Becoming an economically strong state did not occur overnight. It took the vision of state leaders to focus on the basic needs of North Carolinians.

When people love where they live — with good educational opportunities, quality healthcare and a place where they can raise their families — the equation is complete to make our state attractive North Carolina’s 26 to economic development. Our state has electric cooperatives the workforce and have made more strong communities where businesses can than $100 million be successful. Adding in the scenic beauty in economic from our mountains development to our coast, it is easy to understand why grants and loans.

North Carolina is ranked so highly.

Electric cooperatives focus on making our communities strong and attractive places to work, to live, and to raise a family. This focus is one of many distinctions that make up what we call the Cooperative Difference.

One of my roles at Piedmont Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Orange County, is to oversee the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have consistently been among the top awardees from all 50 states in providing funds from the REDLG program to help promote economic development. At Piedmont Electric Cooperative, we have focused our REDLG program of zero-interest loans on emergency services and education. We see the lasting partnerships with our fire departments, emergency services

and educational institutions as our way of making our communities stronger. Strengthening these community entities is a key ingredient for attracting economic developers.

In rural areas, our communities need our help and the USDA’s REDLG program has allowed Piedmont Electric Cooperative to make loans for 36 fire trucks, 7 fire stations, 6 ambulances, 4 school projects, a public library and an economic development warehouse. Of the 36 fire trucks, 10 have been for towns and cities and 26 have been for volunteer fire departments. Early on we learned that an added benefit of supporting fire departments is that new and reliable equipment helps lower their North Carolina Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which lower the cost of homeowners’ premiums.

Since our first REDLG loan in 2014, our projects have exceeded more than $19 million in loans and we have established almost $6 million in a revolving loan fund that can expedite loan requests. We have made REDLG loans in all six counties that we serve, supporting all of our territory.

Multiply these projects from Piedmont Electric Cooperative by the 25 other electric cooperatives in the state, and the impact of this program is clearly visible. In fact, since 2015, North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives have made more than $100 million in economic development grants and loans that have contributed to 6,000 jobs created in rural NC through more than 100 projects across the state.

As we transition into an environment with higher interest rates, we look forward to using this essential tool to finance economic development activities and to strengthen the communities we serve.

Susan J. Cashion is vice president of Compliance and administrative officer for Hillsborough-based Piedmont Electric Cooperative.

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Electric Co-ops Are ‘Powerful Engines of Economic Development’ For nearly a century, electric cooperatives have been essential to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. America’s electric cooperatives made modern living in rural America possible. In the early 1930s, nearly 90% of American farms lacked electricity. By the early 1950s, more than 90% of America’s farms enjoyed the benefits of co-op provided power. Today, electric cooperatives power more than 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states.

Electric cooperatives continue to have a significant impact on the nation’s economy, contributing $554 billion to U.S. gross domestic product between 2018 and 2022 for an average of $111 billion annually, according to a recent study by Strategen Consulting commissioned by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. (CFC). This report quantifies what many American families and businesses know well — electric cooperatives are powerful engines of economic development in their local communities.

For the same five-year period, electric cooperatives generated an average of nearly 623,000 jobs annually for Americans nationwide providing $51 billion in pay and benefits. By comparison, FedEx, the nation’s fifth largest private employer, directly employs 547,000 workers worldwide.

Since electric cooperatives serve 92% of the nation’s “persistent poverty counties,” the co-op contribution

to local economies is particularly critical. Between 2018 and 2022, electric co-ops collectively returned $7 billion to their members, further benefitting the communities they serve.

Much of the economic impact can be traced to investments electric cooperatives made in the nation’s infrastructure. Between 2018 and 2022, these investments totaled nearly $409 billion nationwide, including $75 billion on capital expenses, $304 billion in operational costs and $24 billion toward maintenance activities.

These investments are also being used to enhance the reliability of the grid, hasten energy innovation and deploy renewable energy. Electric cooperatives own more than 1.6 GW of renewable capacity and have long-term power purchase agreements for another 9.8 GW. Using federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as two sustainability bonds totaling $800 million issued by CFC since 2020, electric cooperatives are poised to expand their efforts to responsibly meet tomorrow’s energy needs.

The economic benefits of electric cooperatives underscore the ingenuity of the cooperative model: consumer-owned, community-focused non-profit organizations working to power and empower communities across the nation.

—Jim Matheson, NRECA CEO; and Andrew Don, CFC CEO

Summary of National and Local Economic Impact of Electric Cooperatives, 2018–2022

EMPLOYMENT IMPACT

LABOR INCOME

TOTAL SALES OUTPUT

CONTRIBUTION TO GDP

622,832

$51 BILLION

$226 BILLION

$111 BILLION

423,728

$33 Billion

$158 Billion

$75 Billion

American jobs annually Local jobs annually

Nationally per year Locally per year

Nationally per year Locally per year

Nationally per year Locally per year

Notes: Local impacts are those that occur specifically in counties served by electric co-ops and are therefore a subset of national impacts, rather than an addition.

Total sales output measures the gross value of all economic activity that occurs as a result of electric cooperative expenditures. Source: Strategen Consulting, Inc. 6 | February 2024

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Middle School Students on the Court In early December, a group of middle schoolers from across North Carolina were showered with cheers and applause from a sold-out crowd at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh. Just five months ago they were on this very court, practicing and playing alongside the Wolfpack Women’s basketball team.

These Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship winners — selected

by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives to attend the NC State Women’s basketball camp this past summer — came together for a reunion and a moment of recognition.

“Sophie had an amazing experience at basketball camp last summer, and was so excited to be recognized on the court alongside her fellow scholarship winners and attend her first women’s college basketball game,” said Denise Hodes, whose daughter Sophie was selected for a camp scholarship by Monroe-based Union Power Cooperative.

For more than 20 years, North Carolina’s 26 not-for-profit electric cooperatives have awarded scholarships to young women to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives also partner with the UNC Men’s Basketball team to send middle school students to their annual Carolina Basketball School each summer.

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

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—Josh Conner, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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A Hendersonville farm helps veterans heal through agriculture Adobe Stock

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Plant, Grow, Heal

By Vanessa Infanzon

Flat Rock resident and retired veteran Diane Colvin started volunteering with Veterans Healing Farm in Hendersonville a year ago. During that time, she’s spent a few hours a week on the farm with bee hives, medicinal herbs and tomato plants.

Diane supported every branch of the military through various roles for 24 years. She’s enjoyed the comraderie at Veterans Healing Farm; it reminds her of days in the military, working as a team accomplishing something together.

“We all have something in common, even if we’re not talking” she says. “It’s an understood respect for each other.”

Veterans Healing Farm (veteranshealingfarm.org) was founded in 2013 by John and Nicole Mashie to “enhance the mental, emotional and physical well-being of our nation’s veterans and We’re not a production their families.” Two full-time employfarm. The process ees, Executive is where the healing Director Alan Yeck and Director of comes, working Operations Megan Landreth coorditogether in the soil.” nate the events and programs offered on the farm. The programming is free, and the funding is 100% dependent on donations. Veterans, family members, caregivers and volunteers make up the community at Veterans Healing Farm.

The nonprofit achieves its mission through three distinct areas: agritherapy, or physical and emotional therapy through agricultural work; events; and workshops.

In fulfilling its focus on agritherapy, the farm grows about 5,000–6,000 pounds of produce a year on five

of its nine acres. Everything from asparagus, cucumbers, okra, peppers, squash and more are donated to local organizations such as the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, IAM Food Pantry, Safelight Women’s Shelter, The Storehouse, and Veterans Restoration Quarters. Providing food for these pantries is a bonus and not the intended outcome.

“We’re not a production farm,” Alan explains. “The process is where the healing comes, working together in the soil.”

The Bee Squad cares for nine beehives on the farm.

The Medicinal Herb Squad grows 68 different medicinal plants with the help of 65 volunteers. The newly created Tomato Squad grew 115 different varieties of tomatoes in the greenhouse in 2023. No previous knowledge of bee keeping or farming is necessary, Alan says. Seasoned volunteers provide direction and mentorship to any veteran interested.

An Annual Veterans Resource Fair is held on the Saturday during Memorial Day Weekend. The outdoor event has attracted more than 700 people for live music and 35 booths such as Brothers and Sisters Like These and PGA Hope. The event connects veterans to free resources that help with legal matters, send veterans on fishing retreats, or start them on a writing journey and other organizations that provide services to veterans.

Throughout the year, Veterans Healing Farm brings special events. In November 2023, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and 9/11 Memorial spent four days on the farm. Several ceremonies and

8 | February 2024

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a i p t a a m

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Alan J. Yeck

Alan J. Yeck

Veterans Healing Farm

Alan J. Yeck

Veterans Healing Farm

Adobe Stock

presentations surrounded the event, including an art display with work from more than 20 Vietnam veterans.

Many of the workshops on the farm concentrate on anxiety, sleep disorder and inflammation — three predominant issues within the veteran community — although professional instructors, some veterans and some not, teach classes on a variety of topics. Canine, equine, music and neurofeedback therapy are available, as well as therapeutic workshops such as art, canning, jam-making and mushroom growing which are offered for free.

“Everybody leaves having created something to take with them and the knowledge of how to do it,” Alan says.

Two years ago, Veterans Healing Farm started planning two-hour and one day suicide prevention workshops and opened them up to the public.

“While veterans are disproportionately affected, it’s a crisis in the nation,” Alan says. “We open it up to anyone in the community.”

The veteran community is invited to partake in the farm’s offerings, on their terms. Visitors enjoy the peacefulness of the creek while others participate immediately.

“We just want people to come,” Alan says. “Some people can jump right it in, and some people, we recognize, are weary, leery and tired. They just want to check it out at first because of what they’ve been through. But if I can get them there once, the likelihood of them returning is tremendous.”

In addition to work being done at Veterans Healing Farm, which is focused on agritherapy, veteran-owned farms across the state are certifying their products through the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Homegrown

by Heroes program (farmvetco.org/hbh). The branding designation is open to all veterans and current service members who fit certain qualifications.

Haze Gray Vineyards (hazegrayvineyards.com), a nine-acre vineyard in Surry County, is one of 138 agricultural businesses in North Carolina enrolled

in the program. Deane Muhlenberg, Haze Gray’s co-owner and winemaker, served in the Navy for 30 years as an aviator. Since 2019, he’s been part of Homegrown by Heroes. Deane recognizes how the branding program raises awareness in the community as well as attracts other veterans to the farm. Currently, a 30-year Army veteran is apprenticing at Haze Gray, with the intent to open his own vineyard in the coming years.

“Homegrown By Heroes helps other veterans think about a path into agriculture,” Deane says. “It opens up conversations with people about what it’s like to be a veteran farmer.”

Vanessa Infanzon moved to Charlotte for college and never left.

When she’s not writing about business or travel, she’s paddle boarding on the Catawba River.

Digital Extras

Find a Homegrown by Heroes participating farm near you with an interactive map at carolinacountry.com/extras.

carolinacountry.com | 9

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Carolina Living

Unlock Fitness Goals with a Power Circuit A beginner’s guide to circuit exercises

By Rue Reynold

In the dynamic world of fitness, circuit training stands out as a versatile and time-efficient exercise method. This total-body workout is a blend of strength and cardiovascular training, and involves moving through a series of exercises with minimal rest between each.

The engagement in circuit exercise leads to balanced muscle development, enhanced cardiovascular health and increased overall strength, making it popular among beginner and seasoned fitness enthusiasts alike.

Here are a few ways to get started on your own circuit training regimen.

1

5

2

6

Consultation and evaluation Before diving into any new fitness routine, you should consider consulting with a fitness coach or healthcare provider. This ensures a safe and personalized approach based on your health and fitness goals.

Remember to also warm up before starting any exercise.

Strengthen with your bodyweight Begin with bodyweight exercises to build a solid foundation. Squats, lunges, push-ups and planks are all excellent choices for a beginner's circuit. These exercises focus on fundamental movements, preparing the body for more advanced routines.

3

Begin slowly and progress gradually The key to successful circuit training is to move at a steady pace. Start your journey with a circuit that includes a manageable number of exercises and repetitions. As you build strength and stamina, you can gradually increase the intensity and complexity of your circuits.

4

Include cardio intervals To maximize the cardiovascular benefits of circuit training, incorporate short bursts of cardio exercises between strength-training segments. Jumping jacks, high knees or jogging in place are good activities to start. These intervals elevate the heart rate, which contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

Listen to your body Pay attention to how your body responds to each exercise. If you experience pain (not to be confused with the normal discomfort associated with a challenging workout), it's important to modify or skip that exercise.

Trust what your body is trying to tell you. Its signals are your guide.

Now it’s time to lace up those sneakers, embrace the challenge and take that next step toward a stronger, healthier you.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

Prioritize form over speed Maintaining proper form is crucial, especially for beginners. Focus on executing each exercise with precision rather than rushing through them. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also ensures optimal muscle engagement for effective results. carolinacountry.com | 11

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Carolina Living

W W

Four Ways to Honor and Support Black History Month

By Rue Reynold

As February unfolds, so does an opportunity to honor and learn the importance of Black History Month and the profound contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Let's dive into the significance of this special time with meaningful ways to pay homage and support this rich and diverse community.

Immerse yourself in history Seize this month as an opportunity for a deep dive into the vast and rich history of African Americans. Engage with literature, documentaries and conversations that broaden your understanding of their strength, pain, sacrifice, legacy and enduring contributions.

Engage in commemorative activities Participate in the multitude of events, discussions and workshops hosted by numerous organizations throughout Black History Month.

This involvement provides a unique opportunity to gain insights, share perspectives, and honor the remarkable achievements of the African American community.

Support Black-owned businesses Stand behind Black entrepreneurship by actively supporting local Black-owned businesses. Whether it’s dining at a Black-owned restaurant or shopping at Black-owned stores, your patronage contributes to economic empowerment and strengthens the foundations of diverse communities.

D P

February One Monument at North Carolina A&T University

Amplify Black voices Utilize your platforms to support and strengthen Black voices and stories.

By sharing literature, art and achievements from the African American community on social media, you play a role in fostering widespread awareness, appreciation and a celebration of Black excellence.

Through honoring influential figures and pivotal events, we not only pay homage to the past but also actively contribute to paving the way for a future that embraces diversity, equality, inclusion and unity.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

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12 | February 2024

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1/11/24 4:31 PM

FEBRUARY 2024

CONNECT E N E R G Y U N I T E D ' S M O N T H LY M E M B E R N E W S L E T T E R

HAPPY VALENTINE’S

DAY

IN THIS ISSUE ATOM POWER

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

UNDERSTANDING THE POWER GRID

1/10/24 2:34 PM

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

THOMAS GOLDEN Every year for Valentine’s Day, an estimated 145 million greeting cards are exchanged in the U.S. alone, according to Hallmark, making it the second largest holiday for greeting cards after Christmas (from womensday.com). And while this holiday typically takes on a more personal tone, for the sake of this letter I’d like to put a "friendly" spin on it. This season offers us the opportunity to share how much we appreciate and care for the people around us, and that includes you, our members.

The single biggest thing that sets us apart is you, our members. As a not-for-profit, we are committed to providing you with the most reliable energy at the lowest possible cost, not because it benefits stakeholders, but because it’s what’s right for our members.

makes maintaining this reliability stat no easy feat. And yet, our commitment to you does not waiver. This year, we will continue our third year of copper replacement which helps prevent outages and reduce line losses over time, among many other infrastructural improvements.

Though this year is just getting off the ground, I am excited for all that 2024 holds. We value you and always work with your best interest at heart. After all, our cooperative is a powerful thing, and the community and love that energizes it, equally so.

Sincerely,

Thomas Golden, CEO

Our initiatives are carried by that same drive: to keep our members happy with 99.9% safe, reliable energy. As a cooperative, we maintain more than 11,000 miles of energized power lines. To put this number in perspective: If this infrastructure was stretched out over a straight line, it would cover about the same distance as from Charlotte to Perth, Australia. That

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

AT O M P O W E R , I N C .

Established in 2014, Atom Power, Inc., has grown from inventing the world’s first ULlisted commercial solid-state digital circuit breaker, The Atom Switch™, to using this technology to establish larger electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across North America and abroad.

distribution site. We also installed chargers at Mecklenburg Paint Company to help them transition their fleet to EVs. Beyond local partners, we've seen significant growth nationally. Last year, we completed a deployment at LA LIVE – a major events center where they host the Oscars.

Headquartered in Huntersville, NC, we recently sat down with Atom Power founder Ryan Kennedy to learn more about his business and the future of electricity in our state and nation.

What has been Atom Power’s experience with EnergyUnited?

Ryan, would you mind giving us a quick overview of Atom Power?

The first four years of Atom Power were spent developing the first commercial ULlisted digital solid-state circuit breaker, the Atom Switch. This technology uses a semiconductor to interrupt current flow instead of a mechanical device, which means there are no moving parts involved when opening and closing a circuit. Other integral components include voltage and current sensors, power supply, control board and communication supply. This all translates well to large-scale situations because we can create a universal system with digital, software-defined energy patterns. This made the transition to EV charging a natural shift.

We’r e a co o p e r a t i ve m e m b e r o f EnergyUnited and have a manufacturing facility that requires a lot of energy, so having access to reliable and sustainable energy is critical.

What is your vision for the future of the region’s EV charging infrastructure?

Atom Power is committed to supporting North Carolina and helping deploy reliable EV infrastructure across our state and the nation. I’m a Charlotte native and graduate of UNC-C so I feel honored to call on the great talent pool and location to help lay the groundwork for this future. We want to help businesses thrive with cost-effective EV fleets, help companies provide reliable EV charging within workplace campuses to promote higher in-person attendance, and of course, ultimately help create a greener future for all.

Where and how many Atom Power chargers are currently installed or in service?

Locally, we recently partnered with FritoLay to help establish the company's first 100% electric fleet at their Charlotte

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RY DAY E

E EV

M

W ERE D PO

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH February is Black History Month; a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to this country.

Black History Month allows us the opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who have struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship and the continued plight for racial justice within American society. It grants us the chance to pause and recognize the triumphs, contributions and lived experiences of African Americans today, and every day. Here we highlight some of our own EnergyUnited employees on what Black History Month means to them.

"

LaQuisha Parks

VP of Energy Services & Corporate Communications

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“Black History is American history. The month of February is a moment in time to celebrate the notable accomplishments, significant contributions, indelible marks, meaningful impacts and some of the forgotten successes that black people have made and those we continue to make in this country, and in the world. It is a moment in time to honor our greatness and strengthen the fabric of our existence by celebrating not only our inventions but our traditions, culture and the very essence of our humanity. My very existence stems from successful entrepreneurs, business owners, engineers, janitors and farmers. For me, it’s a moment in time to bask in the beauty of my make-up, to reflect on the relevance of my framework and to proudly and unapologetically commemorate the events that serve as catalysts for Black History in my own family and beyond.

It’s a moment in time to pay homage to those who created pathways from pain, opportunities from opposition, and the right to vote. It’s a moment in time to remember that freedom is not free. It’s a time that I celebrate the legacy and the love of my people, united with all people, as one people.”

"

1/10/24 2:34 PM

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Justin Crews

Distribution Designer

" " "

“February is National Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Black Americans and their myriad contributions to all aspects of American culture and progress. While representation matters every day, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our many achievements throughout our nation’s history, as well as share our collective stories and experiences! It is an opportunity to understand Black stories, uplift Black voices and recognize those who have had influence in our culture and history. As a Black man, I am accustomed to hearing and experiencing the negative stereotypes pertaining to the Black race. Black History Month serves to me as a breath of fresh air, if you will. For this brief amount of time, Black culture is recognized for its positive contribution to this world, reminding us that there is a lot of greatness that has come out of the Black race and a lot of greatness that is still to come!”

"

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Maria Prato HR Coordinator

“Black History Month is a significant celebration for me as it honors the invaluable contributions of African Americans throughout history. It’s a time to reflect on resilience, achievements and cultural richness. We are encouraged to evaluate our present, reflect on our past and plan for our future. It serves as a good reminder of our indelible imprint on world history. I see it as a time to shed light on how the Black community continues to advance culture, industry and society amid social injustices.”

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G E T T I N G TO K N O W T H E N E W

V P O F I T: RYA N G A R D N E R Ryan was fortunate to know at an early age that he wanted to work in IT, and joined the Army as an Active Army Reserve Soldier at 18, working Signal Corps in an IT-related MOS. He then earned his associate degree from Forsyth Tech in 1999 once he left active-duty training. While at Forsyth Tech, Ryan interned at an IT company in Greensboro, which gave him even more hands-on training and experience, and by the time he earned his degree, he was offered a position with that company.

His ambition steered him toward earning his bachelor’s degree. He attended night classes at High Point University and later graduated with a major in CIS at Gardner-Webb University, all while he was in a systems/ network administrator role in Charlotte. His career led him back to Winston-Salem where he accepted a position as an adjunct professor teaching IT at Forsyth Tech all while working a full time job as well. His leadership, communication, and presentation skills grew as he mentored students who had a passion for starting a career in IT. After three years, Ryan was encouraged and sponsored by leadership at NorthState to further his education.

Ryan continued his education at Wake Forest University where he would finally round out his education with an MBA. Ryan has always been driven to better himself and be the best that he can be, a quality that he looks forward to bringing to the IT department at EnergyUnited.

Ryan is the proud father of two sons, Jaxson and Blake and together they love watching and playing sports. Welcome aboard, Ryan! We are thrilled to have you!

LO V E YO U R

HEART

Help promote American Heart Month throughout February and National Wear Red Day (February 3) to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans. Better yet, take note of these healthy heart tips to keep your ticker happy.

1.

Choose not to smoke, or quit smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels and can cause heart disease.

2. Schedule regular check-ups. Annual physical exams will allow your doctor to monitor your risk factors for heart disease and help you make necessary lifestyle changes.

3. Get active. You should get at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity each week, a guideline that only 1 in 5 adults meet.

Source: American Heart Association

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I

d o ,

d

IF THE POWER GRID HAS A BACKBONE,

T H I S I S I T.

In January, our Every Day Empowered story examined the 11,000-plus miles of power lines that are owned, operated and maintained by EnergyUnited. However, if the power grid has a backbone, you could make a wellreasoned argument that it would be made up of its utility poles. If you are an EnergyUnited member or live in one of the many communities served by the cooperative, you will see them each day while driving or spending time with family and friends. We know this because EnergyUnited owns more than 180,000 poles with 80,000 attachments. That amounts to more than 17 poles per mile of line.

Economic Impact of Utility Poles While some communities express varying sentiments surrounding the use of utility poles that are either focused on service quality or aesthetics, our previous story in January offered a glimpse of the economic impact of this infrastructure. As we noted last month, overhead line construction costs today range between $160,000 and $200,000 per mile of line, while underground line construction can cost as much as $1 million per mile of line.

If the cooperative installed underground lines exclusively and its line construction costs were five times more expensive across the board, that difference would certainly be felt by EnergyUnited members in the form of higher rates. However, the impact of such a change would also be felt by cable and broadband customers who benefit from the cost-effective solution of attaching cable and fiber infrastructure to existing utility poles that are owned by EnergyUnited. In fact, the impact for these customers would be even more significant.

Pole Replacements In 2023, EnergyUnited replaced more than 1,000 poles, some of which had been in place for as long as five decades. If a pole does not pass an inspection that evaluates its structural integrity, the cooperative moves forward with a cost-effective, reliability-focused measure to replace the pole. On average, it takes a four-man crew about four hours to replace a pole, depending on the the pole’s condition.

During a major outage, severe weather and poor ground conditions can have an extreme impact on grid infrastructure, resulting in dozens of broken poles across our 19-county service area. One broken pole can leave thousands of members without power. However, thanks to our investment in technologies such as distribution automation, as well as our supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and advanced distribution management system (ADMS), we are often able to backfeed power in these situations to restore service to as many members as possible while the poles are being replaced.

Our continued investment in the cooperative’s operational “backbone” illustrates our deliberate focus on core service pillars such as safety, reliability, affordability and sustainability. This member-focused approach is a key principle that distinguishes The EnergyUnited Way of doing business and also demonstrates what it takes to keep our members Every Day Empowered.

r u

S AV I N G M O N E Y W I T H

5

MY ENERGYHUB The My EnergyHub app offers you the ability to pay energy bills, access all of your energy use data and manage account notification preferences. My EnergyHub empowers you to better manage and save energy conveniently, from the palm of your hand. Sign up for My EnergyHub at EnergyUnited.com/MyEnergyHub

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EMPOWERING THE FUTURE

O N E S C H O L A R S H I P AT A T I M E We are now accepting scholarship applications!

College is one of the best times of a young person’s life. What’s not so great, though, is figuring out how to handle tuition and book costs. Every year, EnergyUnited grants $5,000 to two high school seniors with plans to continue their educational pursuits. This program not only demonstrates EnergyUnited’s continued commitment to the community but also rewards individual students who are emblematic of our core cooperative beliefs. If you or someone you know seems to be a good fit for this program, we strongly encourage you to apply.

The application is available now through March 31 on our website.

Visit EnergyUnited.com/scholarship-program to learn more and apply!

SCORE BIG THIS SUMMER!

DEADLINE

EnergyUnited is giving two students an opportunity to hit the hardwood alongside their favorite college coaches this summer, thanks to its Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship program. Learn more about the all-expenses-paid scholarships for 5th and 6th graders by scanning the QR code!

MARCH 31

SUSTAINABILITY CORNER DISPOSAL 101

Did you know that some materials require special handling? This is very important to remember as improper disposal can lead to negative environmental impacts.

Flammable or reactive household chemicals can release toxic fumes or even explode if mixed in the trash, causing fires or injuring workers. Dumping solvents into septic systems or landfills may contaminate ground and surface waters, ruining drinking water and killing fish and wildlife. Here is a list of a few materials that require special handling.

•

Batteries

•

Medicines (including prescriptions, needles)

•

Household chemicals

•

Paint

Please check with your local municipality to make sure you’re disposing of these materials according to local guidelines.

Source: wastetodaymagazine.com

EnergyUnited

@EnergyUnitedEMC

EnergyUnited Electric Cooperative

ENERGYUNITED.COM

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EnergyUnitedEMC

1-800-522-3793

1/10/24 2:34 PM

Carolina Living

Winter Safety Word Search Did you know most home fires happen during colder months?

Play it safe this winter season.

Read the safety tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

A P I R P A J G F W D C Q T W U L B S G W N N P T S A T A T R L A Y P J I U Q P Q N G E O C T W R Y J D X A R X D B L Z J F T P M K G C I B T L T C F X B K Y Z S E M B Q G E B D B G B W B Z H K T Z H J H R M X C V X J E B X S X B Q C K V A V I M A B O K A T C S I K F E X Y T Q Y K J S F N Q V T J W L E V J A N V U W C B A P A W R T R E L E C T R O N I C S O W Z B K R Y X S B V A Q O U E S D R O C N O I S N E T X E P I F J R W K J B Q P U B D T Z

Never overload electrical outlets with too many electronics.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month.

Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

Keep flammable items at least three feet away from a space heater.

Extension cords should only be used temporarily.

Damaged or frayed cords should be thrown away.

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Carolina Living

Share the Love with 5 Date-Night Crafts

These DIY activities can add a little extra color to your love story

By Rue Reynold

As February ushers in the season of love, what better way for couples to bond than through creative and personalized DIY crafts? Here are five delightful craft activities to try at home, ensuring quality time together and the creation of memorable keepsakes.

Brew up admiration Gather plain ceramic mugs, acrylic paint, dishwasher-safe Mod Podge and paintbrushes to let your creativity flow as you personalize designs or heartfelt messages onto your mugs. Leave at least one inch of space between the rim and the paint.

Consider using painter’s tape to help block off this area. When you’re satisfied with your masterpiece and it has completely dried, apply two to three coats of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge and set aside to air dry for at least 28 days. Morning coffee or tea will become a daily reminder of you and your partner’s creative sides.

Illuminate the moment For romantic ambiance, try making scented candles together. Collect soy wax flakes, fragrance oils, candle wicks, wick holders, and candle dye if you wish to add color. Melt the wax, add the fragrance, pour into molds and let the candles set.

Once done, light up your handmade candles during evenings for a cozy atmosphere that reflects your favorite scents.

Rue Reynold

Capture your love story Transform memories into a tangible treasure by creating a personalized photo album. Gather a blank photo album, printed photos, and scrapbooking materials such as stickers and washi tape. Arrange the photos to your preference, adding creative touches with decorations and funny or heartfelt messages that relive memories. Use a glue stick or photo corners to secure the pictures in a beautifully crafted album that tells your unique love story.

Preserve precious moments Create a memory jar to cherish special moments. Collect a Mason jar, colored paper or notecards, pens and scissors. Cut the paper or notecards down into small strips, then one by one, write down things related to your relationship on the paper. These can be memories, notes, events or affirmations. Fold the paper and place it in the jar. Over time, your memory jar will fill with cherished experiences, creating a beautiful keepsake to revisit on special occasions.

Nurture the culinary bond Bring the joy of experimentation and exploration into your relationship by cooking up something out of the box. Choose a mouth-watering recipe that involves ingredients or cooking methods neither of you has tried before. Gather the ingredients, divide tasks and tie your aprons.

Whether it's a favorite dish with a twist or something entirely new, the shared experience will create lasting memories.

From personalized mugs to quirky moments in the kitchen, each project becomes a symbol of your shared love and creativity. Incorporate these craft ideas into your February plans and enjoy the journey of creating together.

Craft on, couples!

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

14 | February 2024

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Energy Sense

Efficiency Tips for Manufactured Homes

By Miranda Boutelle

I

f you live in a manufactured home, there are several tasks you can complete to improve comfort and use less energy. I started my career in energy efficiency as a weatherization technician in Wisconsin. In this role, I helped people in manufactured homes by air sealing, duct sealing, adding insulation and installing new windows, showerheads, faucet aerators and lightbulbs.

More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, according to the National Association of State Energy Officials. Manufactured homes represent 15% of housing in rural areas, and only 3% in urban areas.

Knowing how manufactured homes are built helps us understand where we can seal in savings around the house. These homes are constructed in factories and then transported and set up on-site. Construction in a factory reduces costs, making manufactured homes an affordable option. That lower price point can come, in part, from the use of less expensive equipment and fewer materials, such as lower-efficiency heating equipment or less insulation.

If you are considering buying a manufactured home, Energy Star®-certified manufactured homes are 30% more energy efficient than standard models, with a variety of options that increase the home’s energy efficiency.

If you already live in a manufactured home, you likely know that manufactured homes are constructed in sections. One section is a single-wide home, two are combined to make a double-wide home and three make a triple-wide home.

In my experience, the biggest issues were in the duct systems, which deliver heating and cooling throughout the homes. The ductwork is typically located in the cavity between the floor and the transport barrier, which protects the underside of the manufactured home while it is transported from the factory to the site. One long duct usually runs the length of each section of the home, with the registers or vents cut into it.

The first step is making sure all registers are accessible, open and not covered by furniture, rugs, dog beds or anything else.

More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, according to the National Association of State Energy Officials.

Next, check your ductwork by removing the registers and looking inside. Anything inside the duct will restrict airflow, so check that it is free and clear. Use a mirror and flashlight to look into the duct or take a picture by sticking a camera or phone inside and snapping some shots with flash in each direction. I’ve pulled all kinds of things out of ducts over the years, from garbage to toys to shoes.

If you have a double-wide or triple-wide, you will likely have a crossover duct, which joins the ducts in each section. The crossover duct is typically a large flexible duct with an inner liner, insulation and an outer cover to protect the insulation. Damaged or disconnected crossover ducts allow the air you pay to heat to escape under the home. Often, damage is done by animals chewing or scratching to get inside the warm area. An inspection of the crossover duct requires crawling under the home.

That’s a dirty job and often a tight spot, so you might choose to hire a professional.

Another place to check is the joint joining the sections of a double-wide or triple-wide together. This is often covered by trim when the home is placed. You can caulk around the trim or remove it and caulk underneath to reduce air leakage.

Weatherstripping doors and windows to make sure they seal tightly will also reduce drafts and save energy. Some homes can benefit from additional insulation in the attic or under the floor. Those projects typically require specialized equipment or help from a professional.

Weatherization assistance programs, like the ones offered by the company I worked for in Wisconsin, provide discounted and no-cost energy-saving upgrades. Check with your county or electric co-op for more information.

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

16 | February 2024

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CAROLINA VOICES

Where did you first meet your sweetie?

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and love is in the air. In our December issue we asked readers to share stories from their early days of courtship, and the submissions ranged from funny to tear-jerking. Thank you to all who took the time to write in! Here are some of our favorites.

Ride of a Lifetime

I was sitting in the front yard of my brother’s house in the Happy Valley area of Caldwell County with a friend of mine when two guys came driving by in a convertible. They stopped and asked us if we wanted to go for a ride. We had never seen them before, but what 15-year-old girl wouldn’t want to go for a ride in a convertible in the ’50s?

I got in the back seat with the guy named Ed Gentry — my friend rode in the front with the driver. We rode around for a while, knowing we needed a ride back to

Boone, where my friend lived. They asked us if they could take us home and we said yes.

Ed and I stayed in touch … we dated a few times, nothing serious … until he was a called into the Army.

After graduation I moved to Amarillo, Texas, to live with my sister for seven months before returning to Lenoir.

While I was in Texas, I heard Ed had married — but that’s not the end of the story.

I came home on a Friday and asked how Ed was liking married life, but found out he hadn’t gotten married and was expected to be home the next day. We were at church on Sunday, and he asked to take me home. That was late January 1953. We were married March 1953. We raised five children and were married almost 57 years until he passed away in 2009. We believe God had a plan — now that’s the end of the story.

Grace Gentry, Lenoir, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Don’t Judge Him by His Car

The story of us began where I worked, in customer service. He frequented there often and he was always groomed and smelling nice. He had to work downtown somewhere, he looked so professional. He would be the topic of conversation as I would comment on his dress and the scent that lingered after he left.

“I think he likes you,” they would say. “Nope, he’s not my type,” I would respond, “but he sure smells nice.”

One day I finally agreed to go out with him. Boy, was I surprised when he showed up in a car older than mine with no color to it — maybe it was faded gray —all I remember is the crack in the windshield. OK, no problem, it’s just a ride, just a means of transportation. Our plan was to have an afternoon lunch in Virginia, which was an hour’s ride.

“How can I ride an hour with him … the car has no console, where is the radio?” I thought. “Let’s just eat somewhere local, like right down the road or something,” I suggested, and we did.

I ended up married to this handsome and loving guy — he often jokes that he knew he had me when I went on our first date with him in his old beat-up car with no paint on it, a cracked windshield and no radio console. Thanks coworkers, you know who you are. It was the best decision I ever made.

Deborah Harris, Elizabeth City, a member of Albemarle EMC 18 | February 2024

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Destined from Childhood

He was 10 and I was 6. I was visiting family. We saw each other then went our separate ways. Who knew our paths would continue to cross? Six years later, we met for the second time. This time was different. He was a handsome 16-year-old and I was a skinny 12-year-old. A mutual friendship was developing, but no sparks of romance. I didn’t see him again for two more years. He joined the Navy. On his first furlough, he came to see his father. Our fathers worked together at a prison camp.

I looked out the window and saw the most handsome man in a navy uniform walking up. When I opened the door, I saw that this was indeed the same 10-year-old that I saw eight years ago. Except this time, he was no longer a boy, but a handsome sailor. From then on, we were together every time he was on furlough.

I finished high school in 1951, and on Oct. 6, 1951, we married. We were married just over 70 years until Jesus called him home. We have five children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Virginia Vick, Sanford

Pajama Party Connection

I first met my sweetie in 1959 at an uncommon place.

A friend invited me and other sophomore girls to her Sweet Sixteen pajama party. Several girls, with night clothes in tow, got off the school bus at the birthday girl’s home to spend the night.

One of the invited guests had her boyfriend drive her to the party later. None of us had yet changed into our pajamas, so the escorted guest thought it safe to bring her date/fiancé, Leonard Abee, inside and introduce him to the other girls.

Despite being engaged to the prettiest girl in my class, Leonard informed me years later that when he saw me at that party, a thought ran through his mind: “What if I’d marry her?”

Shortly following the pajama party, the engaged couple broke up, and Leonard began dating another PJ party

attendee. However, that PJ party girl went away to college, and apparently, Leonard took that as a call to end ties and break her heart.

Eventually, Leonard asked me for a date.

I turned him down the first time, but he asked again. I accepted. We dated 11/2 years and married on April 25, 1963.

For 60 years we’ve been admitting: “We met at a pajama party.”

Blaka Abee, Connelly Springs, a member of Rutherford EMC

Out of the ‘Friend Zone’

I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay area, and my husband is from Seattle. My husband’s best friend married my sister, and at their wedding I was the maid of honor and my (now) husband was one of their groomsmen. I didn’t know much about him until the couple had a second wedding reception up in Washington, where my (now) husband and I spent the entire weekend together helping with décor and family. Still, I “friend-zoned” him.

Fast forward two years, he was in New York for grad school, and I was living in California with my parents. He applied for his dream job (which happened to be right near my house in California!), praying, “God if you want me to date Olympia, get me this job internship.” He got the job, and then he moved into my parents’ house for the summer. We started dating two weeks later, and the rest is history.

Olympia Rusu, Pinnacle, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC

JUNE’S QUESTION:

What do you love about Carolina beaches?

Submit your answer (roughly 200 words) and any related photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue. We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish in the print version of the magazine.

Deadline: March 31 Online: carolinacountry.com/voices U.S. Mail: Carolina Voices / Carolina Country 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616 carolinacountry.com | 19

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Carolina Gardens

The Rapid-Response Veggie Plant radishes now for a quick payoff Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

If you are in a rush to crank up this year’s veggie patch, get growing with a pack of radish seeds. Now is a prime time to start radishes in the Piedmont and Coastal sections of the state, while gardeners in western counties might wait at least until the end of the month.

Once planted, radishes are rapid-response vegetables. Popular cultivars such as “Early Scarlet Globe,” “Sparkler,” “Easter Egg,” “Cherry Belle” and “Pink Beauty” can be harvested in less than a month.

That’s rapid!

And although they might take up to two months to mature, daikon radishes, which typically look like long, white carrots, are worth planting, too, because they resist going to the pungent side better than common radishes as springtime heat begins to build. “April Cross” and “Summit” are two typical, easy-tofind daikon cultivars.

Plant radish seeds a half-inch deep in well-worked soil. Don’t just scatter the seeds because, when thinning young plants, you could easily disturb the roots that remain. For efficient production, space the seeds about

two inches apart in beds rather than lining them up in rows. Fertilizer can, of course, boost your yield, but using a high-nitrogen product will result in loads of lovely leaf tops and skimpy radish roots.

Since radishes grow fast, you can start successive plantings every two weeks. This can continue until temperatures creep into the 70s when the warming weather will begin to increase their pungent punch.

Irrigation can help temper your radishes’ bite, so water the maturing plants at least once a week if Mother Nature does not provide.

Also, organic mulch will help retain moisture and prevent stress, resulting in milder tasting radishes.

If after doing all of the above your radishes still tingle the taste buds too much, grab a vegetable peeler.

The volatile oils that put a peppery pop in radishes are concentrated

Harvested and washed, these radishes are ready for kitchen duty.

most in the skins and outer layers of flesh, so simply slice off these hot spots.

The roots are the main reason most gardeners grow this veggie, but if you would like to add a little extra zip to salads, steamed greens or stir-fries, toss in some young radish leaves. They are as delicious as they are nutritious, having three times the amount of vitamin C as the roots and being an excellent source of calcium.

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

.A.’s website of the month: L Woodlanders (woodlanders.net). Looking for interesting, imported perennial and woody ornamentals suitable for Southern gardens, or dependable native beauties? This Aiken, South Carolina, nursery has been a go-to source for sharp backyard growers since 1979.

Garden To-Do’s for February

A snowbound yucca plant

While we do reside in the sunny South, snow is still not a stranger to Carolina Country gardens. So, if the flakes fly, and they lightly dust your landscape plants, just sit back and enjoy the wintry scenery. However, if snowfall is substantial, use a broom or leaf blower to remove as much of the white powder as possible from evergreen plants to prevent the extra weight from breaking branches. Do this sooner rather than later, before the snow has a chance to partially melt and then refreeze into solid, clinging chunks of heavy ice.

□ Popular late spring/summer-blooming woody ornamentals such as beautyberry, butterfly bush, summersweet, crape myrtle and rose-of-Sharon blossom on new growth, so give these pretties a pruning this month for more flower power later in the growing season.

□ Winter can be a slow time at small engine repair shops, so if your leaf blower, weed eater, lawn mower, tiller or any other such motorized garden helper was acting ornery last year, now is a good time to get it serviced before the spring rush.

20 | February 2024

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Carolina Kitchen

Orange Chicken Meatloaf One of our favorite Asian dishes is Orange Chicken. And who doesn’t love a good meatloaf?

We married these two for a simple sweet and savory crowd-pleaser.

1½ pounds ground chicken 1 egg ½ cup evaporated milk ¾ cup plain panko breadcrumbs 2–3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon freshly zested ginger 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce 2 teaspoons white pepper Juice and zest of 1 orange

Toasted sesame seeds or Everything Bagel seasoning Glaze 1 cup orange marmalade ¹⁄₃ cup thick BBQ sauce (we used NC’s Bone Suckin’ Sweet Southern) ¹⁄₃ cup rice vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all loaf ingredients except seeds. Let stand 5 minutes. Whisk together glaze ingredients. Mound loaf mixture onto a parchmentpaper-lined baking pan. Using fingers, poke indentions on top to hold the glaze while baking. Baste with half of the glaze and sprinkle with seeds.

Bake about 30 minutes until 165 degrees in center. Remove from oven and brush with glaze. Pass the extra for spooning.

Note: We prefer to not use a loaf pan so there is more exposed area for a “crispy” crust.

Yield: 6–8 servings

From Your Kitchen Be My Valentine Popcorn Balls

Not unlike Rice Krispie treats but sub popcorn for cereal and add Jell-O® for flavor. Wrap them in cute Valentine treat bags to give as gifts or store in a container.

No refrigeration needed.

1

5

1 12–13

box (3-ounce) cherry Jell-O (any red flavor; used as powder) tablespoons butter (plus extra for hands) bag miniature marshmallows cups popcorn (depending on how gooey you like it)

Pop the popcorn and dump into a big bowl. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat on the stove. Add the marshmallows, stirring until melted and combined. Pour in the dry Jell-O powder and mix well.

Recipe courtesy of Joan McGillem of Havelock, a member of CarteretCraven Electric Cooperative Drizzle mixture over popcorn and combine until nice and pink. Butter your hands well and moving quickly, shape the popcorn into tennis-ballsized spheres.

Yield: 12 servings

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

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

Crispy Orzo With cilantro and toasted pine nuts

Instead of rice, try this sizzling side dish with our Orange Chicken Meatloaf. Although it’s pasta, orzo is sometimes confused with rice.

By the time your meatloaf has baked, this will be ready to spoon alongside.

1 can (14-ounce) unsweetened coconut milk 4 quarts broth (chicken or vegetable) 1 piece of fresh ginger, thumb-sized and peeled 1 package (16-ounce) orzo 2 tablespoons oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 bunch green onions, trimmed and diced 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped 1 package (4-ounce) pine nuts, toasted Bring coconut milk, broth and ginger to a boil. Add pasta and cook per package directions. Drain (you can save this flavorful broth for making soup).

Heat oils in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Remove piece of ginger and put orzo with salt into hot oil, spreading and pressing into the oil. Do not disturb for several minutes, as you want it to start browning. Toss and repeat until lightly browned and crispy. Stir in half the onion during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Scatter with remaining onion and toasted pine nuts.

Best if served immediately.

Yield: 6–8 servings

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

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

22 | February 2024

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Appalachian Ski Mountain

February Events

FEB. 10

NC Black Heritage Festival Marketplace, dance teams, fashion show Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord 704-920-3976 FEB. 15–17

Carolina Jazz Festival Various locations, Chapel Hill 919-537-1358 FEB. 17

Gone but not Forgotten Exhibition of Oriental’s history Oriental’s History Museum, Oriental 252-617-7100

Feb. 17–19 President’s Day Family Weekend Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock

FEB. 17–19

President’s Day Family Weekend

FEB. 3

FEB. 3

FEB. 3–26

Jonnie Mercers Pier Dogfish Tournament

Living in Color Opening Ceremony

Living in Color

23 E. Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2743

Dance performance, music, spoken word The Chapel Event Center, Raleigh 919-996-3255

FEB. 3

Artists at Work: Warrenton Heritage Quilters

FEB. 3–4

North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh 919-814-7000

Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City 252-499-0132

FEB. 3

FEB. 3–14

Crystal Brown Black History Gospel Festival

Ironwood Estate Orchids Annual Open House

Mebane Arts and Community Center, Mebane 919-304-3378

Ironwood Estate Orchids Greenhouse, Hickory 828-294-3950

Carolina Chocolate Festival

Black History Month art exhibition The Chapel Event Center, Raleigh 919-996-3255 FEB. 8

Black Transfigurations Art exhibit by Mikael Owunna, Q&A James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Teaching and Visualization Studio, Raleigh 919-515-2011 FEB. 9–11

Mardi Gras Celebration 500 Front Street, Beaufort 252-528-8640

Ticket deals and fun food Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock 828-295-7828 FEB. 20 – MARCH 24

It’s All About the Story, Vol. X Art exhibition, concert by Mary Rocap Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001 FEB. 24

Tidewater Camellia Club Show New Hanover County Arboretum, Wilmington 910-393-1803 FEB. 28 – MARCH 2

North Carolina Rice Festival Various locations, Brunswick 202-355-3695

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

where in Carolina Country is this?

Send your answer by Feb. 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 April 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.

December’s winner The December “Where Is This” photo by Brunswick Electric member Wesley Green features the Old Brunswick County Jail, located on Nash Street in Southport, across the street from the Old Smithville Burying Ground. The old jail served its purpose from 1904 to 1971. Many readers report this is a “cool landmark” to visit to learn its colorful history. Cynthia Boes happily reported that visitors can have a mugshot taken in one of the jail cells. Reader Bill Willetts’ father served as sheriff at the old jail. Some say the jail is haunted, and it is a stop on a local ghost tour. The building now serves as a museum operated by the Southport Historical Society. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Allen Dearry of Oak Island, a Brunswick Electric member.

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