2024-02-HXEMC

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

Halifax EMC awards Bright Ideas grants to local teachers—pages 11–14 CC02-Cover.indd 12

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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.

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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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FEBRUARY 2024 For outages: 1-800-690-0522 halifaxemc.com

facts

H A L I FA X E L EC T R I C M E M B E R S H I P C O R P O R AT I O N

this issue Electric Lines 12 Director Elections 13 Energy Tip 13 Halifax Helps 14

Bright Ideas education grants awarded

H

alifax EMC awarded $8,211 in Bright Ideas education grants to six local teachers to fund creative, engaging projects for their students. More than 445 students at schools in Halifax and Warren counties will benefit from these grants. The grant funds go to support special classroom projects focusing on music, language arts, entrepreneurship, and nature.

This year’s local Bright Ideas grant winners: • Cameron Callahan, Vaughan Elementary, Warren County, “Calm Classes” • Alicia Wills, Littleton Academy, Halifax County, “Blue Jay Bubbly Bliss” • Cherita Smith, Warren County Middle, Warren County, “Make a Joyful Noise!”

• Kelly Allen, Littleton Academy, Halifax County, “Being an Author Ignites My Spark” • Richard Denmark Hamilton, Littleton Academy, Halifax County, “Get Lost in the Woods!”

• Chelsea Garner, Littleton Academy, Halifax County, “The Hive is Alive!”

Since the Bright Ideas grant program began in 1994, Halifax EMC has contributed more than $200,000 to local teachers. Grants are awarded for projects in all subject areas, such as music, art, history, reading, science, math and more. Bright Ideas grants support local teachers with creative ideas to increase innovation, expand learning opportunities and enhance student success in K–12 classrooms.

Halifax EMC is one of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina offering Bright Ideas grants to local teachers. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives collectively have awarded more than $15 million in Bright Ideas funding for over 14,200 projects supporting teachers and benefiting more than 3.5 million students.

Bright Ideas grant applications are accepted by Halifax EMC each year from April through mid-September, and winning proposals are selected in a competitive evaluation process by a panel of judges.

The application process will reopen for interested teachers in April 2024. Follow Halifax EMC at @HalifaxEMC on Facebook to see how programs, such as Bright Ideas, are impacting local students and communities. To learn more about Bright Ideas grants, visit ncbrightideas.com or follow the program @NCBrightIdeas on Facebook and Twitter.

Hali-facts FEBRUARY 2024 11

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Hali-facts

Published monthly by Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, Enfield, NC. Comments, articles, and photographs are welcomed.

“Ensuring the safe and efficient heating of our home becomes top priority.”

Tucker Lemley Chief Executive Officer Board of Directors BASIL WILLIAMS

President, District 2 ROBIN WILLIAMS

Vice President, District 7 BARBARA BRAYBOY

Sec.-Treas., District 3 MACON ROBERTSON

Asst. Sec.-Treas., District 8 At-Large FREDERICK DUNN

District 1 HARRY WILLIAMS

District 4 ROBERT HARRIS

District 5 STANLEY BROTHERS

District 6 SANDERS COX

District 8 At-Large

Business Hours 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Locations Enfield/Macon: (252) 445-5111 halifaxemc.com

Tell Us...

Halifax EMC is your electric cooperative.

Your comments and questions are very important to us. Please tell us how we may improve our service.

Return your comments/ questions along with your payment, or e-mail them to tellus@ halifaxemc.com.

Remember to include your account number for these types of questions.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Electric Lines

W

hen outdoor temperatures drop, our electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures.

Naturally, ensuring the safe and efficient heating of our home becomes a top priority. This month we’re sharing valuable tips to help you navigate the winter months efficiently, saving money while prioritizing safety.

Follow these tips to keep your home warm and secure during the colder months (and save a little money along the way): • Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp. A simple adjustment to your thermostat can make a significant impact on your energy bill.

by Tucker Lemley Chief Executive Officer

before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy. Use the low heat setting on your dryer. You’ll use less energy with a longer dry cycle at a lower heat setting than with a shorter cycle at a higher temperature.

• Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.

Have a professional inspect your HVAC system to identify and address any issues before they become major problems. Make sure your furnace filter isn’t clogged and dirty - replace it as needed. Don’t block air returns with furniture or other large objects.

• When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs.

Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.

• Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.

• Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use.

Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy.

Plug devices into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button

• Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers. Start the dishwasher

• If you supplement your heat by using a space heater, limit its use to one room at a time. If you leave continued on page 14

12 FEBRUARY 2024 Hali-facts

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Interested in Serving on the Halifax EMC Board of Directors?

Are you considering running for the Halifax EMC Board of Directors?

Follow these easy directions. Visit halifaxemc.com for more details.

DoYou You Live Live Here?

Do Here?

01

you live in one of IfIf you of the the districts districtslisted listedbelow, below,you youcan can run for your district’s run district’sdirector directorseat. seat.

District31 • • District • District52 • District District78 At-Large (The entire area as described • • District in Districts 1-7)

Qualifications

Qualifications Director qualifications are cited in the cooperative’s

02

Director(Section qualifications arecan cited in the on cooperative’s bylaws 4.02) and be found our website. bylaws 4.02) andkey canpoints: be found on our Here are(Section a few abbreviated Here areinagood few abbreviated •website.

Be a member standing key points: • Be a member in good • Primary resident located standing in the district you’re • running Primaryin.resident located in the district for which youemployed are seeking election.

• Not

by Halifax EMC employedaby Halifax EMC Candidate Not complete • • Must Board Member • Package Board Member Candidate Must complete (found atahalifaxemc.com) Package (found at halifaxemc.com)

How to Run

03

Nomination by petition. Obtain an official Halifax EMC How to Run Petition form and collect at least 30 signatures from Nomination by petition.

Obtain anOne official Halifax Halifax EMC members in any district. signature EMC Petition form andalso collect at least 30 signatures per membership.

Must include member’s name from Halifax EMC members in any district.

One printed legibly, member number, and the listing of signature per Must also include nominee(s) andmembership. the directorate district(s) they would member’s name printed legibly, member represent. Petitions due in the Enfield officenumber, by 5 pm and the listing of nominee(s) and the directorate March 21. district(s) they would represent. Petitions due in the Enfield office 5 p.m., March Nomination byby a member of the 15.

Committee on Nominations. This Committee, consisting of nine Nomination theFebruary Committee Nominations. members, willby meet 1 to on nominate candidates This Committee, consisting of nine members, will for the board districts 3, 5 and 7. meet February 6 to nominate candidates for board districts 1, 2 and 8 At-Large.

QUESTIONS? Call 252-445-5111 or email tellus@halifaxemc.com.

Halifax EMC’s 85th Annual Meeting is scheduled to be held Saturday, May 18.

Hali-facts FEBRUARY 2024 13

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continued from page 12

the room, unplug the space heater.

When used incorrectly, space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills and present fire risks in your home. If you’re using space heaters to warm a small area, remember to use the 3-feet rule to reduce the risk of a home fire.

• If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually to prevent the buildup of creosote, which can lead to chimney

fires. Use a sturdy screen to keep sparks and embers from escaping, and never leave a fire unattended.

As we navigate the remaining winter season together, Halifax EMC remains committed to providing reliable and affordable energy. We encourage you to embrace these tips to create a warm and energy-efficient home while prioritizing safety for yourself and your loved ones.

Local non-profits awarded Halifax Helps Grants

H

alifax Helps, Inc., the administrative organization for Operation Round Up® through Halifax EMC, recently awarded over $17,000 in grants to six local organizations.

The following organizations received grants at an awards presentation held at Halifax EMC’s Enfield office on Tuesday, December 19, 2023: • Halifax Academy Patron Organization, “Playground of Possibilities” • Historic Episcopal Church of the Advent, “Parish House Updates” • Hollister Community Center, “Building Safety and First Response” • Sylvan Heights Bird Park, “Education Department Programming Augmentation” • New Providence Christian Missionary Baptist Church, “First Aid Response and Safety” • Rho Tau Omega Chapter—Scholarships and Service Projects, Inc., “Special Needs of Childhood: Food and Emotional Sustainability” Through the generosity of Halifax EMC members who choose to round their electric bill up to the nearest dollar each month, Halifax Helps has awarded 285 grants totaling over $704,000 to local organizations over the past 15 years. Proof that we can spark change with spare change!

Halifax Helps was established in 2008 to support community projects that address emergency response, economic development, education, energy efficiency, or the environment. Grants are awarded semi-annually, and the grant guidelines and applications are available at halifaxemc.com.

The next deadline for submissions is March 29.

14 FEBRUARY 2024 Hali-facts

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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.

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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.

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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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We are storm ready.

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When severe weather strikes, North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are here for you. This winter, our dedicated local teams are ready to respond to keep your family warm and connected.

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