Issuu

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

Surry-Yadkin EMC explains its home energy audit program—pages 11–14 CC02-Cover.indd 23

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340

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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1/10/24 9:57 AM

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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

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

Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate

ed s

Donna Natosi Digital Strategist

es l,

Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Vice President North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses. The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, notfor-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership. Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine? Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost. Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year. Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year. Schools, libraries, $6. Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, NC 888-388-2460.

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

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%

Staying inside

30%

Sledding

15%

Building a snowman

2 | February 2024

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Viewpoints

l n s

A Recipe for Economic Development Success

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

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

“

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

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p d

a i p t a a m

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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.

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Monthly Message | Kim Blackburn

The good kind of audit

A publication for Surry-Yadkin EMC members

February 2024

Colder weather typically results in higher energy bills, and with winter in full swing, we’d like to remind you about a free co-op service that can help you boost efficiency and save money. As your trusted energy partner, we believe savings and efficiency are within reach for everyone, and we want to help you get there. That’s why Surry-Yadkin EMC offers free home energy audits. Many times, member-owners will call after they have compared their electric bill with their neighbor’s, but different homes and different families with different habits use energy very differently. You can take two homes built at the same time by the same company with the same specs, but have four people living in one home and two people living in the other, and you will get very different results in energy use. Some people shower longer than others, some folks like their home a little cooler or warmer than others, some may have additional appliances, some may wash their clothes in hot water, and some may wash in cold water. Maybe the hot water tank is set on a higher setting, or maybe you cook more than your neighbor. An energy audit provides a holistic view of your home’s efficiency. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and ultimately keep more money in your wallet. An energy audit can also identify potential safety issues surrounding electrical wiring and HVAC systems, making your home safer. You could say this is a good kind of audit. So how does it work? First, request the energy audit by completing the form on our website at syemc.com/homeenergy-audits, or by calling and speaking with our Member Support

& Energy Services team. The audit is conducted at your home by one of our trained energy advisors. What to expect during the audit The audit is comprised of three parts: evaluation, energy testing and recommendations. First, our energy advisor conducts a walk-through of your home, examining energy use and identifying problem areas. The advisor will look at specific elements of your home impacting energy use such as doors, windows and insulation levels. The advisor will also examine major appliances including your heating and cooling system and conduct a room-by-room assessment. During the assessment, the advisor will ask questions about your energy use habits and review past energy bills. If further assistance is needed or a member-owner specifically requests one, during the testing phase, the advisor will evaluate the seal of your home by conducting a blower door test to identify the source of any air leaks or drafts. The advisor will also conduct thermal imaging of the home to detect heat loss that is invisible to the naked eye. Thermal imaging can reveal inadequate insulation levels, HVAC airflow, radiant heat malfunction and additional key factors. Power to save is in your hands Finally, the advisor will provide you with a detailed evaluation. This is a written report with a description of your home, an analysis of your energy use, photos of examples of energy loss, recommendations regarding energy consumption and steps you can take to improve efficiency and save money. One of the greatest values of an energy audit is helping you understand how you use electricity and

See AUDIT, page 13

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i a o t t s

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Nancy Dixon, center, is joined by Surry Medical Ministries board members Brenda Scales, left, and Cathy Stevens, as they are presented $8,500 by the SurryYadkin Electric Membership Corporation Community Projects Committee. The money was raised during a Bingo, cake and silent auction event held in October by the committee.

ConnectWith: Community Bingo event supports local donation

SYEMC donates $8,500 to Surry Medical Ministries

n Dec. 5, 2023, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation presented $8,500 to Surry Medical Ministries representatives, the profits from a Bingo fundraiser held in late October. On Oct. 21, over 200 people filled the Surry County Service Center in Dobson to participate in the Bingo fundraiser hosted by SYEMC’s Community Projects Committee. The day of the Bingo, members of SYEMC’s Community Projects Committee, a committee of employees led by chairman Travis Bode, SYEMC’s economic development manager, were joined by volunteers with Surry Medical Ministries (SMM) to put on the Bingo, which included a cake auction and silent auction. Nancy Dixon, executive director at SMM, told the committee during the check presentation that $8,500 will provide 340 patient visits at the nonprofit medical clinic, which serves those who have no health insurance or who have a household income of 200% federal poverty level or less. She shared a couple of stories about patients they had assisted who had nowhere else to turn as she touched

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the hearts of committee members. “This was the first Bingo we’ve had in several years, and I had no idea how many people in the community come out for those fundraisers. I want to thank all of the businesses and individuals who sponsored our Bingo by providing game prizes, door prizes, auction items and concessions supplies, and to the individuals who came and played Bingo and bid on items,” said Bode. “One of Surry-Yadkin Electric’s Cooperative Principles is Concern for Community,” he said. “It is no secret that our staff and our community partners are dedicated to serving and assisting those in need in our service area.” “It’s been a few years since I’ve helped organize a Bingo fundraiser, and I was thrilled with the support we got from both area businesses and individuals who made donations, as well as the community members who came out to play Bingo,” said Wendy Wood, chair of the Bingo event and manager of communications and community relations for SYEMC. “We also appreciated the assistance we got from Surry Medical Ministries

in securing donations and providing additional volunteers for the night of the event. We are hoping to make the Bingo night an annual event.” In addition to the Bingo, earlier in the year SYEMC was able to provide $19,000 checks to Surry County Veteran’s Council and Make-A-Wish Foundation Central and Western NC from the annual charity golf tournament hosted by the Community Projects Committee. Also, in December, the committee provided meals for families in the community who are in need or hosting foster children. Surry-Yadkin EMC, a member-owned not-for-profit electric cooperative, hosts food drives, sponsors families at Christmas, sponsors youth programs like NC Youth Tour, Bright Ideas Education Grants and Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships, and more as part of the Brighter Future initiative to improve and strengthen the daily lives of its member-owners and the communities it serves. For more information on SYEMC and its community programs, visit the cooperative’s website at syemc.com .

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Extreme winter weather impacts reliability When 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. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times — in the morning and early evenings — and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid. At Surry-Yadkin EMC, we work closely with our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, North Carolina EMC, in resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch, but the electric grid is much larger than your local co-op and G&T. In winter months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if an unexpected event like a sudden snow or ice storm or equipment malfunction occurs. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call for rolling load reduction measures to relieve pressure on the grid, and Surry-Yadkin EMC will inform you about the situation. Surry-Yadkin EMC and our G&T take proactive steps to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather, including regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts and disaster response planning; but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable. To help keep the heat on for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid (and save a little money along the way): • Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your

Audit From page 11

more importantly, identifying ways to use it more efficiently. Additionally, making improvements and upgrades based on the evaluation can increase your property value — all the more reason to schedule an audit for your home. The recommendations that our energy specialists make for your home depend on the depth of the audit. It is 100% up to you, the member-owner, to make any needed changes to improve your efficiency. During our time of offering free home energy audits, we’ve helped our member-owners find a number of causes for their higher energy bills. These include: • HVAC unit frozen over or low on freon • HVAC unit using auxiliary/emergency heat only • A/C not producing any cold air but still running • Auxiliary/emergency heat on while the A/C is running • Excessive thermostat settings • Forgotten space heaters left plugged in • Baseboard heat left on during the summer months • Multiple freezers that are on, but not being used or running nonstop • Dehumidifiers that are industrial size

heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp. o Pro tip: 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. • Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers. o Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy. • Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation. o Pro tip: Make sure your furnace filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed. • When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs. o Pro tip: 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. • Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use. Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy. o Pro tip: Plug devices into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button. As we face the challenges posed by winter weather, understanding its impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme cold, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also each contribute to the resilience of the power grid, keeping our local community warm and connected. • Water leaks • Well pump running 24/7 • Pool pumps running 24/7 • Ruptured bladder tank/well pump • Hot water leaks • Bad pressure switch/pressure tanks • Windows and doors need weather stripping • Lack of insulation Free energy audits are just one of the many perks of your co-op membership, so we hope you’ll take advantage of this valuable service. If you’re looking for more ways to save, check out our additional efficiency offerings such as time-ofday rates and rebates on our website. These programs and services are designed with Surry-Yadkin EMC member-owners in mind, putting the power to save in your hands. Cooperatively Yours, Kim Blackburn

Manager, Member Support & Energy Services

February 2024

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syemc.com

Applications open for summer basketball camp scholarships Many young basketball players dream of playing under the bright lights of a college arena, showcasing their skills on the hardwood. Surry-Yadkin EMC is helping make that dream a reality for two lucky students by once again partnering with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and N.C. State University. Through the Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship program, Surry-Yadkin EMC will provide one rising sixth or seventh grade girl with a scholarship to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State. Boys who are rising sixth or seventh graders can apply for a scholarship to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both camps will be held in June. The scholarships cover all expenses at the overnight camps, which provide a glimpse into life on a college campus. Campers stay overnight in dorms, learn fundamental skills that will help them excel on and off the court and receive individual and group instruction from Division 1

coaches to enhance their basketball and team-building abilities. To apply, students must complete and submit the online application by March 31. Eligible applicants must be in sixth or seventh grade during the 2024-2025 school year. For more information and the application, visit syemc.com/youth-programs. “Athletic skill and talent are not bound by where you live or how much money you make,” said N.C. State University Women’s Basketball Coach Wes Moore. “Thanks to this partnership with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, we are able to help kids who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to come to our camp, find and discover their true potential.” More than 50 students will be awarded Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships from electric cooperatives in North Carolina. Now in its 21st year, the scholarship program demonstrates the electric cooperatives’ commitment to building a brighter future through continued support for education and community programs.

Innovation Award presented

Member Connections is a monthly publication intended for the members and friends of Surry-Yadkin EMC.

Board of Directors Karoline Overby, President Eddie Campbell, Vice President Brenda Hardy, Secretary David Miller, Treasurer Board Members Lee Von “Toby” Speaks Willard Swift Stephen Hutson David Pendry Alvin Reid, Jr. Stephen Joyce Greg Puckett, Executive Vice President and General Manager Wendy Wood, Editor

Surry-Yadkin EMC 510 South Main Street Dobson, North Carolina 27017 336-356-8241 | 800-682-5903 www.syemc.com Office Hours Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. To report an outage, day or night 336-356-8241 | 800-682-5903 An Equal Opportunity Employer Connect with SYEMC syemc

The eTRU (electric transportation refrigeration unit) pilot project that is a partnership between Surry-Yadkin EMC, Hollar & Greene Produce and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives recently won a 2023 CleanTech Innovation award in the Transportation category. Here, Eric Baker, plant manager at Hollar & Greene’s Mount Airy facility, accepts the award from Travis Bode, manager of economic development for SYEMC, and Bryon Kennedy, vice president of member services and public relations at SYEMC. A full article on the award, which was published in January’s Carolina Country, can be found at syemc.com.

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Energy Sense

Efficiency Tips for Manufactured Homes By Miranda Boutelle

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.

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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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1/10/24 10:00 AM

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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. 3–26

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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1/10/24 9:57 AM

We are storm ready.

NCElectricCooperatives.com

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.

Powering a Brighter Future, no matter the weather.

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