2024-04-PEMC

INSIDE COVER 2024 ANNUAL MEETING DETAILS | CENTER ELECTION BALLOT & 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

APRIL 2024

Powering Progress Working towards a brighter future together

INSIDE

2024 BALLOT POSTCARD AND VOTING INSTRUCTIONS CHANCE TO WIN $100 BILL CREDITS 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

pemc.coop | 800.222.3107 PERIODICAL

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Join Our Annual Meeting Livestream You can view our 2024 annual meeting live by visiting Facebook.com/PiedmontEMC on Friday, April 19 at

10 a.m. After the meeting, the video will remain on our

Facebook page and will also be posted on our website

along with the minutes from the 2023 annual meeting at pemc.coop/annual-meeting.

Our goal is to make it easier for our members to

interact with our cooperative, whether you’re paying

your bill, reporting an outage from your phone or

learning about the progress we’ve made over the last

year.

Date and Time Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m.

Join us live at Facebook.com/PiedmontEMC or watch the entire presentation on our website afterward at pemc.coop/annual-meeting.

One of the ways we’ve done this is by offering online

and mail-in voting options for our annual board of

director elections. This makes it easier for you to let your voice be heard from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

The ability to have a say in who runs your local co-op

is part of the cooperative difference. Your vote matters,

even when only one candidate has decided to run in a district, because it helps us meet our bylaw’s

requirements and certify the election.

Since transitioning to a virtual annual meeting platform

several years ago, we’ve been able to share the latest updates from our cooperative with our members in a

way that’s more accessible than ever before. We look

forward to doing the same this year and we hope you’ll

tune in, whether watching live on Facebook or at a later time that works best for your schedule.

After the livestream, you will be able to access all of our annual meeting materials on our website by visiting pemc.coop/annual-meeting.

Thank you for being a member of Piedmont Electric. We look forward to continuing to find new ways to serve

you this year and beyond.

Have a question about the annual meeting? Call us at 800.222.3107.

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Stephen B. Hamlin

President and General Manager

3/11/24 2:59 PM

April 2024

The magazine of

Passing Down Musical

Traditions page 12

Published by

Keeping lineworkers safe page 4

Elvis has left the building page 16

PERIODICAL

Your Piedmont Electric Cooperative report and election ballot inside—see center pages CC04_cov.indd 17

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April 2024

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 56, No. 4

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

12

Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate Donna Natosi Digital Strategist Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Vice President North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses.

The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, notfor-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

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

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

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

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

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

12 16 26 32

Music to Come Home To

Continuing the traditions of Appalachian music.

Burnin’ Love

North Carolina’s love affair with the King of Rock and Roll.

By Rail and Water

Travel at a slower pace on U.S. rail lines and riverboats.

The First Ride Lake life reflections.

Favorites

On the Cover

2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 24 Energy Sense 30 Adventures 34 I Remember 38 Carolina Kitchen

Contact us

40 Carolina Calendar

Phone:

919-875-3091

40 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.

North Carolina native and country and bluegrass legend Jim Lauderdale onstage at MerleFest in 2023. Learn about how performers like Jim are keeping musical traditions alive— as well as where to experience bluegrass and Appalachian music live—on page 12. Photo courtesy of MerleFest/Heidi Holloway.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Carolina’s Finest Where can you find the best hot dog in NC? What’s your favorite festival? Help us find the best in these and eight other categories! Submit nominations for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards. See page 7 for details.

carolinacountry.com | 1

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THIS MONTH:

On the Road Again In this issue we’re looking at our typical April travel theme through a slightly different lens: music. After all, music and traveling go hand-in-hand, whether it’s a road trip tradition to pull out of the driveway with Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” blaring (that’s mine), or if the music is more of a destination. Learn about the latter on page 12, where we talk about Appalachian music, what it means for the state and where you can enjoy it live. And are you among those who made it to an Elvis show in the 1950s? Hear from others on page 16. Also, on page 6 read about how our state’s co-ops were recently represented by an inspiring high school student.

—Scott Gates, editor

From Our Readers

L.A. Jackson

Misleading Milkweed I just read the article “Insects Count” in the March issue (page 10), and I plan to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census and encourage others to do so. I have shared with my Facebook group “Monarchs, Milkweed and More of Wake Forest,” other FB groups and with the NC Wildlife Federation because of their NC Butterfly Highway program.

The article is quite informative, but I noticed that the plant chart on page 11 listed Butterfly Milkweed, which is misleading. NC does have native Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) [also sometimes called Butterfly Milkweed], but I have seen nonnative tropical milkweed labeled Butterfly Milkweed, which is not a recommended variety of milkweed because of negative issues with the health of Monarch butterflies.

On another note, Dr. Adam Dale of the University of Florida, an NC State graduate who grew up in Jamestown, has completed research showing that Monarchs are more readily attracted to milkweed planted around the perimeter of a pollinator garden rather than interspersed.

Thank you for this article, and for all your interesting and informative magazines each month.

Marlin Memories The February “Where in Carolina Country is this?” photo is in Morehead City (see page 40). I used to go there with my grandparents because my grandpa was an avid fisherman. He loved fishing, whether it was out in the ocean or on the end of a pier. I always wanted to take him deep sea fishing one more time before he passed, but we never got the chance. He taught me how to fish, and then he taught me how to use an open-face reel. I always think about him when I’m on the pier fishing with my open-face reel. There’s nothing like fishing, whether you’re on the end of a pier, surf fishing or just straight up fishing from a lake. I miss those days with my Pops, just me and him and our fishing rods. Thanks for sharing the picture and bringing up a great memory for me. Nothing like the Blue Marlin to give you that good ol’ fight of reeling it in.

Candace Walker, Cherryville A member of Rutherford EMC

Ann Rogerson, Wake Forest A member of Wake Electric

Reader Poll Results

We asked our social media followers a polarizing question: Are squirrels friend or foe? Do you ooo and ahhh over their cuteness, or curse their existence? Here are the results! (Along with a few reader comments.)

51%

Friend

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X to participate in future polls.

“We are in a wooded area, and love to watch them jump and play.”

Stephanie Jackie Thornburg

“A squirrel is nothing but a rat with good PR.” Brian Hunter

“I love having them in my yard even if they do eat up all the birdseed I put out. They make up for it with their cuteness.”

Mandy Moore McLamb

“I love them! Especially with rice and gravy!”

Craig Ryan

49% Foe

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Viewpoints

Working Safely for a Brighter Future

By Farris Leonard

This month we take extra time to celebrate electric cooperative line technicians on Lineworker Appreciation Day. Their job is among the top 10 most dangerous in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but through a dedication to safety and training, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are cultivating a highly trained workforce, capable of safely and thoughtfully responding to growth, system maintenance needs, and service interruptions.

It is critical that any response is done so with a high level of safety. Over the past decade, we have focused the function of safety on being proactive, and electric co-ops have made proactive risk management a part of their Through a dedication core values.

The first element of risk to safety and management is identifying training, we are our industry’s inherent risk and not “accepting” these cultivating a highly known risks as just part of trained workforce. doing business. Yes, line work is traditionally dangerous work, but it doesn’t have to be. In the past, safety was solely based on meeting compliance — the minimum — and taking reactionary measures. Fast forward to today. We have adjusted our processes to include measurable goals, implementing action plans for continuous improvement. Part of managing anything is taking a deeper dive into understanding the influences, data comparison and, most of all, actual field application. By studying these areas and asking the hard questions, only then can organizations change and make real impacts on safety.

With this understanding, we can then focus on the bullseye of safety and not just hope to hit the target. Through a better understanding of risks comes a better focus on training, reliability and the continuity of service. For years, North

Carolina’s electric cooperatives have worked with community colleges across the state on line technician training programs and other workforce development initiatives — without these investments in training, a proactive approach to safety wouldn’t be possible.

Through safety training, electric co-ops have implemented processes and expectations that allow time to evaluate for hazards, and discuss mitigation and job process flow. Employees understand they have a shared responsibility not only on the jobsite, but in sharing and shaping their organizations’ safety culture, organizational goals and our future.

Another component of risk management we often don’t recognize is system reliability. New technology is creating a smarter grid, allowing for quicker responses and decreased outage times.

System maintenance and upgrades have also positively impacted reliability, resulting in lower outage occurrences and outage duration, but the most significant impact has been increased safety for our line technicians — system reliability and decreased outage times directly decreases our line technicians’ exposure to risk.

Electric cooperatives have a big responsibility to our communities and the members we serve.

Safety and training support this responsibility by preparing line technicians to respond safely in maintaining reliable service. It assures a brighter future for electric co-ops and their members, as well as a brighter future for our line technicians and their families.

Farris Leonard is director of Job Training & Safety Field Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Digital Extra Along with strides in risk management, lineworker safety gear has improved over time. Watch the evolution (starting in 1875!) on carolinacountry.com/extras.

4 | April 2024

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More Power

Reliability a Focal Point at National Co-op Meeting NC electric co-op leaders met in San Antonio for the 2024 PowerXchange NRECA

Brunswick Electric CEO and General Manager Josh Winslow (center)

NRECA

In March, representatives from all 26 of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives joined thousands of peers from around the country in San Antonio for the 2024 PowerXchange conference, the national annual meeting of electric co-ops. Several discussions and sessions focused on ensuring grid reliability, including opening remarks by Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national trade association for electric co-ops.

“I want to hit the pause button.

Preserve baseload power. Understand the opportunities and the limitations of wind, solar and storage. Appreciate the value of gas plants, nuclear power and hydroelectric dams. Build the transmission we’re going to need,” Matheson said, defining his main goal as continuing to engage federal regulators and elected officials, from Congress to the White House, to restore the point of view that reliability matters.

“It takes time to get this right,” he continued. “And in order to have a strong economy, growth and a better quality of life; we have to get it right.”

Haley Dorsey, Youth Leadership Council (YLC) representative and 2023 Youth Tourist sponsored by Blue Ridge Energy, took to the main stage to address the crowd of more than 9,000 on behalf of YLC. Each year, a Youth Tourist from each state is selected by their peers for YLC, an NRECA-led leadership workshop.

“I am not throwing away my shot.

I’m just like my country, young, scrappy and hungry, so I am not throwing away my shot. Wise words taken from the Broadway musical, ‘Hamilton,’” Dorsey began her speech.

“I took my shot this year, from explaining to my cooperative members the simplified steps it takes to become a leader through my love for classical literature to explaining the important principles of a

cooperative and the tasks they are faced with as a great establishment with influence,” Dorsey said. “And now I’m here standing in front of you all today, to remind you of the ever-growing young leaders in this community. In my community.”

Representatives from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives shared insights in breakout sessions at the annual meeting, including Josh Winslow, CEO and general manager of Brunswick Electric; and Jason Caudle, COO of TEMA, a co-op organization that provides materials and supplies needed to operate and maintain the electric system.

At the TechAdvantage Conference, an event focused on co-op innovation and technology held in conjunction with PowerXchange, several representatives from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives presented during breakout sessions: TW Allen, manager of Engineering and Edge of Grid Assets for Tideland EMC; Jacob Barlow, senior project engineer for Randolph EMC; Don Bowman, COO/VP Engineering for Wake Electric; Tim Gubitz, manager, DER Engineering,

YLC representative Haley Dorsey

for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives; Angela Hare, VP of IT, Member Services and Metering for Central EMC; Jeff Loven, CEO of French Broad EMC; and Donald Webb, manager of Engineering and Operations for French Broad EMC. Digital Extra Watch YLC representative Haley Dorsey’s inspiring speech at carolinacountry.com/extras.

6 | April 2024

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More Power

Black Excellence-Themed Hurricanes Jersey Has a Co-op Connection

2024

Josh Lavallee / Carolina Hurricanes

In February, the Carolina Hurricanes released a Black Excellence jersey in honor of Black History Month, featuring a design by North Carolina artist Mike Jones. Jones is the son of Michael Jones, safety coordinator for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Jones drew inspiration for the design from “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” a poem by the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

“A rose from concrete can be symbolism for not letting somebody deter you from blossoming or being successful, even if it’s in an environment where it doesn’t seem possible,” Jones said. “No matter the circumstances or adversity faced, you don’t let it become who you are and you can still become something beautiful.”

The Black Excellence jersey and shirts featuring the design sold out quickly. Proceeds from sales

Jones was featured in-game on PNC Arena’s center scoreboard.

will support the Durham Success Summit, a nonprofit providing professional development resources to young Black men.

Jones also partnered with Charlotte FC in 2023 to create a special edition

Black Excellence jersey, worn by Charlotte FC in their soccer match the week of Juneteenth to celebrate the Black culture and community of the Carolinas.

Nothing could be finer ...

Carolina Country is proud to offer up our annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, showcasing the best North Carolina has to offer. We’re leaving it up to you, our readers, to pick the best of the best! We’re taking nominations now through May 15.

We’ll announce three finalists in each category in our July 2024 issue for another chance to vote (and another chance to win a $100 gift card).

Nominations are now open in the following categories

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest, or mail in your nominations to Carolina Country’s Finest, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616, for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the three $100 gift cards depend upon number of entries received.

Entries must be submitted by May 15, 2024. Random drawing will take place after May 16, 2024.

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More Power

Natural Gas Generation:

Power When You Need It One of two NCEMC natural gas peak generating plants

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) and the state’s electric cooperatives maintain a diverse power portfolio that includes natural gas-fired generation—a critical part of our fuel mix. But what makes natural gas so important?

NATURAL GAS

IS RELIABLE. Natural gas has the flexibility to be dispatched quickly any time, day or night, when power is needed.

NATURAL GAS

SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY. Natural gas’ flexibility makes it easy to ramp up and down to balance intermittent energy sources like solar and wind power, which supports future renewable energy growth.

NATURAL GAS

IS AFFORDABLE. Natural gas is an affordable and domestically sourced energy option that allows electric co-ops to deliver on a promise of providing electricity at the lowest possible cost.

Powering Our Lives This is the first in a series about what powers our lives—the diverse power portfolio that helps ensure a reliable grid.

Future topics will include nuclear power and renewable energy.

Help keep your lineworkers safe!

It’s the law*: Stop before you post that sign.

Staples, nails and tacks used to hang signs and fliers create dangerous obstacles for electric lineworkers.

Their jobs are dangerous enough —help us keep them safe! * Unlawful posting of advertisements is a Class 3 misdemeanor per NC Statute 14‑145.

8 | April 2024

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MUSIC TO COME HOME TO

Continuing the traditions of Appalachian music By Jessie Lang

For many involved in Appalachian, bluegrass and old-time music, the community is what makes it special, often nurtured through jams and sessions. These informal gatherings provide a place to learn new tunes or songs and connect with others in a welcoming atmosphere.

Folklorist Ron Pen describes traditional music as “the music that America comes home to.”

Our state is a regional hub for traditional music, largely due to the rich musical traditions of the Appalachian

Mountains and the Piedmont. The history of Appalachian music and its preservation is crucial to North Carolina’s cultural legacy, and there are many ways for people to get involved.

Roots of rhythm North Carolina is the tradition bearer of much of this music, rooted in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Doug Orr and Fiona Ritchie’s book, “Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia” (UNC Press, 2014), tells the story of the journey of immigrants from Scotland through Ulster, then to America — down the Philadelphia Wagon Road to the Southern Appalachians. More than a quarter of a million immigrants came into America in the 1700s,

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carrying their ballads, fiddle tunes and stories with them.

Ballads from the United Kingdom and Scots-Irish fiddle tunes mixing with African music and instruments (like the banjo), and Cherokee rhythms and melodies, eventually developed into the Celtic, old-time and bluegrass traditions we enjoy today.

Families that settled here continued passing down the musical and storytelling traditions to new generations.

“North Carolina has a major role in it, maybe more than any single state,” Doug says. Many immigrants settled in the Piedmont and western mountains of North Carolina.

Preserving tradition The rich cultural heritage and legacy of traditional music illustrates the need to preserve one of our state’s proudest traditions. Doug has been at the forefront of these efforts by creating the Swannanoa Gathering (swangathering.com), a folk arts workshop series hosting five weeks of themed music instruction at Warren Wilson College since 1992.

Recognizing the mountainous setting and musical history of Western North Carolina as a perfect place for a traditional music camp, his dream grew rapidly. It now attracts over 1,500 people from across the world each summer to study with incredible musicians. Their Youth

Scholar program passes down the legacy by providing scholarships.

The most important feature of the Gathering illustrates the community of traditional music. “Students leave with the spirit of the community of the music,” Doug explains. “Each night, the moon’s coming up over the mountains, the fiddle tunes are in the air, the beer tent is flowing and friendships are being made.”

“

Each night, the moon’s coming up over the mountains, the fiddle tunes are in the air, the beer tent is flowing and friendships are being made.”

Laura Boosinger, a traditional musician (banjo player, guitarist and singer) and former executive director of the Madison County Arts Council, enjoys exposing audiences to the music and its importance.

“This is an important part of our American history, and I love being able to share the music with audiences who don’t have a point of entry into the music,” she says.

This love and reverence for Appalachian music has carried Laura through her extensive career, performing worldwide with acclaimed musicians David Holt (host of the PBS Show “David Holt’s State of

Jim Gavenus

Blue Ridge Music Trails

Josh Goforth and Sheila Kay Adams

Lightnin' Wells

Music”), mountain swing fiddler Luke Smathers and virtuoso Josh Goforth, among others.

Studying Appalachian music at Warren Wilson College, she was welcomed into the rich musical traditions of the families of Haywood and Madison counties. Laura was intrigued by their stories and how “these mountain traditions stay so attached to families.”

Music has taken Laura around the world, but one of the things she’s passionate about is passing down the music through her work at the arts council and the Madison County Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program.

“I think it’s my responsibility since people shared this music with me, I should also communicate it to folks and try to help kids get along in the music,” she adds.

JAM (jamkids.org), founded by the late Helen White in Sparta in 2008, is an after-school program providing inexpensive group instruction in traditional music. It’s grown substantially, with over 50 programs currently running across North Carolina and surrounding states.

The Madison County JAM program thrives, serving 50 to 60 students each year, many staying involved through high school.

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On Stage in 2024 North Carolina is a hotspot for experiencing Appalachian, bluegrass and old-time music live and up close.

Here are a few upcoming events.

MerleFest

April 25–28 Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro merlefest.org Shindig on the Green

Heather Cardwell

The Local Honeys

that make our area of Appalachia so unique,” explains JAM Executive Director and President Brett Morris.

“To lose that would be a real tragedy.”

Brett believes JAM helps children “be proud of where they’re from and get away from the negative stereotypes of Appalachia.”

In the Piedmont, the nonprofit PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music (pinecone.org), offers youth bluegrass camps and jams to carry on the music.

“By teaching the next generation how to play, we’re giving them the tools to continue moving it forward,” says PineCone Membership Coordinator Lynda Dawson.

Music for all Blue Ridge Music Trails (blueridgemusicnc.com), an initiative of the North Carolina Arts Council and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, operates as a resource for traditional artists and visitors of the western 29 counties of North Carolina.

Their efforts to sustain and promote artistic traditions “foster an ecosystem where people can find authentic music and artists can rely on that as part of their income,” says Brandon Johnson, program manager at the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership.

One of these preservation efforts is the Mountain Dance & Folk Festival in

Asheville, started by musician Bascom Lamar Lunsford in 1928, continuing today as the longest-running folk festival in America. The Trails initiative created the Fine Tuned program, pairing young musicians with mentors for professional development.

Music and Dance Director at the NC Arts Council Jamie Katz Court describes North Carolina’s abundance of creative traditions perfectly.

“I hope people recognize how rich and varied the arts community is here, and how lucky we are to have programs happening in every county in the state.”

Across North Carolina, many organizations, festivals and fiddler’s conventions nurture this community.

The International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass Festival has been held each fall in downtown Raleigh for the past 10 years (it will hold its last festival in Raleigh in 2024) and bills itself as the largest urban bluegrass festival in the world.

“IBMA has really provided a vehicle for bluegrass to be seen by a larger audience,” says Lynda Dawson. It draws thousands to Raleigh, along with substantial revenue.

Another internationally recognized festival is Wilkesboro’s MerleFest, founded by iconic native guitarist Doc Watson in 1988. Both festivals engage youth through tailored performance

Select Saturdays in July and August Pack Square Park, Asheville folkheritage.org Mountain Dance & Folk Festival

Aug. 1–3 Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa folkheritage.org Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival

Sept. 14 Mocksville cbcbluegrass.com World of Bluegrass Festival

Sept. 24–28 Downtown Raleigh worldofbluegrass.org

and educational opportunities.

The success of Doug’s book “Wayfaring Strangers” also provides hope for the future. It’s the fastestselling book in the history of UNC Press, and its success indicates strong interest in the music.

“Many of our great traditions in this country could easily be lost because we’re a transient culture,” Doug says.

“The songs are deeply rooted in our history and persevere. It’s our responsibility to continue that tradition.”

Jessie Lang was a Carolina Country editorial intern in 2023 and has played traditional music since the age of 9. She is currently studying publishing, public relations & music at Belmont University in Nashville, graduating this May.

Digital Extras

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras to listen to Jessie and her sister perform a rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger.”

14 | April 2024

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’ n i n r u B e v o L

a’s love n li o r a C h t r No he King affair with t Roll of Rock and

O

n a March night in 1956, country music star Eddy Arnold was scheduled to perform for the Lexington Civitan Club’s annual fundraiser. But as fate would have it, a last-minute cancellation sent a young, not-yet world-famous Elvis Presley to North Carolina as a replacement. Over 5,000 screaming fans were in attendance at the local YMCA gymnasium, police reportedly turned thousands away at the door, and Lexington has been all shook up ever since.

It seems that the people of Lexington can’t help falling in love with the King of Rock and Roll, even six

ders ywood Saun

By Trudy Ha cotty Moore Photos by S

decades later. After the traveling Broadway-style “Elvis’ 56,” sold out, and a successful Elvis tribute concert was held in 2019, people began begging for more.

With overwhelming interest, Lexington organized its first NC Tribute Festival to the King in 2022 and the town was all-in.

Lexington isn’t the only place Elvis stopped in the Tarheel State in his early performing days. In the spring of 1955, he was a relatively unknown performer when he toured with the Hank Snow All-Star Jamboree for multiple shows at the New Bern Shrine Auditorium, followed by appearances in Asheville, Raleigh and

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e

erformanc

Opposite

Thomasville. In February 1956, he sent teenage girls swooning at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, where the press dubbed him a folk singer and a “good looking youngster.” Fresh off the recent release of “Heartbreak Hotel” and television appearances, his East Coast tour included stops in Greensboro, High Point, Wilson, Burlington and Winston-Salem.

“You can’t really define Elvis,” says Morgan Brinkle, executive director of the Lexington Tourism Authority. “He’s such a timeless, classic figure, and had such a huge impact on not only the music industry, but the world, from his rebellion to his music — everything.”

People are still fascinated with Elvis, and some people who attended that fateful 1956 concert are still in love with him, like lifelong Lexington resident Ramona Yarborough (who was 15 at the time).

“He was very new to us. He was unique,” Ramona says, now in her 80s. “We hadn’t heard all of that before, rock and roll.” Ramona attended the concert with her friend, Nancy Hunter, and remembers that it was packed, with people hollering and waving their hands, everyone thrilled that he was there. Later that year Elvis performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, and cameras would only rarely show anything but from the waist up. “Nowadays they show everything. Then, they wouldn’t even show him moving.”

“We ran up and down Main Street that night, trying to find him,” Ramona says. The concert promoters had said that he would be staying at the March Hotel, but he was actually at the Lexington Hotel. Ramona remembers being with a gang of friends, but being separated by the crowd. “Finally we invaded the place,” she says. “I guess that’s the only way you can say it.”

Her friend Nancy got to meet the King.

Long after Elvis “left the building,” sightings are still the subject or rumor and whispered about in small towns across the state. According to legend, he stopped in Lefler’s Cafe outside of Mount Gilead for a sandwich when the main road used to go by there. Amanda Keith, owner of Burnsville’s

exington p om Elvis' L : Scenes fr

and above

NuWray Hotel, the oldest continually operating hotel in the state, heard rumors around town that Elvis stayed there before buying the property, though his name isn’t in the guest book. Still, the NuWray has one of its nicer rooms decked out with Elvis memorabilia, a suite fit for a king.

For the inaugural festival, merchants and small businesses on Lexington’s Main Street decorated their windows with Elvis decor and life-size Elvises.

There were glitzy, pink and sparkly displays and some were more traditional. “Everyone had a lot of fun with the cutouts,” Morgan says. “You would drive by and it really looked like someone was standing in the window.”

But it isn’t just the business owners that have a burning love for Elvis. It’s estimated that approximately 1,400 people attended the first festival in 2022, many decked out in Elvis gear, each with their own spin on it.

“We see all kinds. Folks come dressed to the nines, like they are going to a Broadway show,” Morgan says. “We love seeing the little old ladies that come in with blue jean jackets, blinged with rhinestones and lots of glitter — everything head to toe Elvis, Elvis hat, Elvis purse, earrings, you name it. One of the kids wore a poodle skirt to one of the shows.”

Elvis hasn’t been spotted in Lexington since 1956, but the city and the rest of the Tarheel State still love him as much as a barbecue sandwich.

Well, at least almost.

Ramona plans to attend the festival this year, being held April 26–28. “I think it’s going to be something that I need to review,” she says. “I think a lot of it will come back to me.”

Even for those with suspicious minds, the Elvis Festival is worth a visit.

“I think he’s always going to be around and always have a presence here,” Morgan says. “He’s such a timeless figure, and his music is timeless.

Everybody loves it.”

Trudy Haywood Saunders is a freelance writer and author of two mysteries for young adults. She lives with her husband and daughter in Montgomery County and is a member of Pee Dee Electric.

carolinacountry.com | 17

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2024

Rates Changing May 1

IMPORTANT DATES

In last month’s newsletter we discussed the conclusion of the cost-of-service study, the details of which staff and the board of directors are in the process of finalizing.

April 8

After a thorough cost-of-service study conducted by a third-party rate consultant firm, our staff and board of directors are finalizing the details to ensure that the rates we charge align with our mission of delivering exceptional service and reliability to you, our valued members.

• Residential rate simplification: We’re streamlining our residential rate structure from three tiers to two, aiming to make your bills more straightforward and easier to understand. The tiers will continue to help lessen the impact of weather on your power bill.

As your trusted electric cooperative, we constantly strive to ensure that our rates remain fair and ensure we can continue to provide exceptional service. In our ongoing commitment to transparency, we want to inform you about some upcoming changes to your electric rates, effective May 1.

• Consistent rates year-round: We’re moving towards a consistent rate structure for both summer and winter billing periods. This adjustment reflects evolving energy use patterns and costs throughout the year, ensuring fairness and predictability for our members.

As of the publication of this newsletter, the exact details have not been finalized.

However, we can share with you some general changes you can expect to see starting next month.

Piedmont Electric has always and will continue to strive to provide exceptional service at the lowest possible cost. We know that this rate increase will impact members, but we have waited as long as we can to increase rates without sacrificing service.

This change is essential to sustain our electric system, allowing us to fund necessary maintenance and provide reliable service.

• Drop in the wholesale power and TIER adjustment (WPTA): While the WPTA line item will remain on bills, you will notice a significant decrease.

• Increase in electric rates: Most rate classes will see a modest increase in the base rate.

• Little to no change in your bottom line: With the WPTA going down and rates going up, we expect there to be little change in what you’ll pay for the same energy usage from April to May.

Rest assured, we remain committed to minimizing the impact of rate changes on our members. If you or someone you know is seeking ways to save energy and money or needs assistance with bill payments, please reach out to us at 800.222.3107 or info@pemc.coop. We’re here to help find solutions that work for you.

Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to power our communities.

Lineworker Appreciation Day Join us in thanking our lineworkers by using #ThankALineworker on social media.

April 17 Voting Ends Last day to vote for board of directors.

April 19 Annual Meeting Livestream Tune in at 10 a.m. on our Facebook page or anytime after on our website.

April 22 Earth Day

20 Investing in Our Planet, Investing in Our Future 21 Honor Earth Day Your Way 22 Join Us in Celebrating National Lineworker Appreciation Day!

Need more time or help paying a bill?

Contact us at 800.222.3107 for options.

APRIL 2024

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

H

Investing in Our Planet, Investing in Our Future

Do wo Ea

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, it’s a good time to remember that our commitment to the planet is a priority not just on April 22, but every day. We know that promoting sustainability not only benefits the planet but our members as well and we are proud to do our part in the following ways.

Sa

W pr m ca

Offering Energy-Reducing Programs Our energy-saving initiatives like our time-of-day rate, load management and smart thermostat savings program are designed to be good for the earth and good for your wallet! Participating in these programs not only helps you save money month-to-month and lower your carbon footprint, but it also helps our whole cooperative to lower overall energy use and reduce the need for future power plants.

To sig air pr ad

Fo wa Pe sa

When we lower our usage, particularly on high peak days, this can help combat higher wholesale power costs which benefits every member.

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Promoting Electric Vehicle Use We know that many of our members are looking to make more sustainable choices in their lives by replacing their gas-powered cars with electric vehicles.

To help make it easier to adapt to life with an EV, we are proud to offer money-saving EV time-of-day rates and rebates to our members.

M Yo

Ol m to EN

We have also installed several EV charging stations in our service area so it’s easier for you to reliably charge your EV on the go. We have: •

A fast-charging station at the Mebane Arby’s

•

Two fast-charging stations at Carrboro Plaza

•

So Effi m

A level-2 charging station at our Hillsborough office

Maintaining a Mix of Energy Sources Our goal is to provide our members with reliable energy in a sustainable way. To do this, we maintain a diverse energy portfolio, which currently includes: •

46% nuclear

•

39% natural gas

•

8% renewable energy

•

7% coal

Beyond that, we are on track to meet our goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by 2030 and to have net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We know that investing in our planet is a long-term commitment and it’s one that we’re proud to celebrate on Earth Day and every other day of the year.

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3/11/24 2:47 PM

Annual Report 2023

Powering Progress

Piedmont-0424 AR INSERT.indd 1

3/12/24 8:38 AM

Powering Progress

“Powering Progress” is not just a slogan but a commitment that echoes through every aspect of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. Through innovative programs, energy-saving initiatives and community partnerships, Piedmont Electric strives to enhance the quality of life in the community we serve.

We are powering progress in our communities by providing reliable and affordable electricity and actively engaging with members to address their evolving needs. At Piedmont Electric, you are not just a customer, you are a member. That makes you a part of the cooperative with a voice in our operations and a stake in our success.

Your influence is felt through your direct participation in electing our local board of directors, and your thoughts matter as we continually seek your input through surveys, online focus groups and interactions with our dedicated team.

We actively listen to your needs, shaping programs and services that benefit you, helping you save energy and money. By prioritizing the well-being of our members, electric cooperatives play a pivotal role in advancing progress and resilience in local communities.

At Piedmont Electric we envision a future where we create superior value for our members in an ever-changing energy environment.

Together, we are shaping a future where our communities thrive, and you have the reliable energy partner you deserve.

Mission: To enhance the quality of life in our communities by empowering and partnering with our members.

Vision: Create superior value for our members in an ever changing energy environment.

Piedmont-0424 AR INSERT.indd 2

3/12/24 8:38 AM

Powering Progress: By the Numbers

Your local cooperative provides the power for so many of the things that make our communities a great place to live, work and raise a family. From homes to hospitals, school yards to barn yards, shopping malls to science class, pizza to picnics and everything in between we power the most important part of Piedmont Electric Cooperative: You!

3,667 miles of line

34,000 accounts

That electricity flowed across enough powerlines to stretch from Hillsborough to Albuquerque, N.M. and back.

Serving more than 34,000 accounts across Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties.

More than 430 members have installed solar on their property.

12% commercial and industrial

507,000,000 kWh We purchased more than half a billion kWh of electricity to power our members in 2023.

We powered your shopping, dining, working, learning, recreation and more.

More than 1,700 of those accounts chose to use our time-of-day rate and shift electricity use away from peak times. This saves money for the member and the co-op!

88% residential Of those accounts, nearly 9 out of 10 are places someone called home.

Piedmont-0424 AR INSERT.indd 3

99.96% Through hurricanes and ice storms, we kept power on 99.96% of 2023.

3/12/24 8:38 AM

McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Company, of Macon, Georgia, audited the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The auditors have issued an unqualified opinion on those statements. The complete Independent Auditor’s Report is available for inspection at the cooperative’s headquarters office in Hillsborough, N.C. The Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations contained in this report are derived from the audited financial statements and reflect a continued strong financial position.

Until retired as capital credits, our 2023 total margins of $5,001,911 will be used to upgrade and expand Piedmont Electric’s system to provide you, our members, with optimum service.

Financials

HOW YOUR DOLLAR IS SPENT COST OF POWER 52.8%

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 13.6%

DEPRECIATION COSTS 11.3%

MEMBER SERVICE, SALES AND ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE 6.9%

NET MARGINS 6.5%

CAPITAL CREDITS reflect each member’s ownership in Piedmont Electric.

Any margins or revenues related to the sale of electric service remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to the co-op members in proportion to their total bills. The allocation factor, which determines your share of the co-op’s margin for 2023, is 6.63%.

INTEREST ON BORROWED MONEY 4.9%

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE 4.0%

CAPITAL CREDITS EXAMPLE Year 2023 allocation

6.63%

Excluding sales tax, if your total bills are

$500

Your capital credit allocation will be

$33.15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Operating Revenues

Operating Expenses

2023

2022

$76,232,248

$67,085,281

Cost of power

$40,493,078

$34,104,858

Net operating margins

16,898,946

14,449,625

Interest

(3,719,922)

(3,183,438)

Other operating expenses Depreciation

Net non-operating margins

Total Net Margins

CAPITAL CREDITS*

Capital Credits Retired to Members

18,840,224 (8,633,858)

456,745

$5,001,911

18,530,798

2022

$205,891,592

$195,720,653

14,648,068

18,828,057

$236,031,416

$231,156,517

Members’ equity

$75,248,377

$70,943,014

Current liabilities

19,129,542

28,859,636

Assets

Total net utility plant

Other property and investments

463,263

$3,459,518

2023

2022

$662,646 629,923

1,230,425

Total Retired

$1,292,568

$1,900,351

Current assets

Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

2,147,242

Members’ Equity and Liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Deferred credits

$669,926

142,779,287 (1,125,790)

$236,031,416

14,470,371 2,137,436

132,416,061 (1,062,194)

$231,156,517

AT YEAR ENDING…

2023

2013

2003

Number of members served

34,291

31,167

28,847

Miles of line energized

Total kWh purchased *These amounts reflect actual capital credits retired and may not reflect future capital credits.

Piedmont-0424 AR INSERT.indd 4

13,344,514

(8,269,932)

Estate retirements

General retirement

2023

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Total kWh sold

3,667

507,506,646

488,721,620

3,500

494,631,508

462,587,739

3,296

459,283,893

424,920,652

3/12/24 8:38 AM

Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation A core principle of the cooperative model has always been our collective strength. In that spirit, the Helping Hand Foundation has used the small monthly donations from thousands of members rounding up their monthly power bill to help assist thousands in our communities.

Organizations that received a grant in 2023

From helping low-income families and seniors stay warm in the winter through energy assistance programs to encouraging new and innovative learning with local students, the foundation has provided much-needed resources to those in our community.

B3 Community Program

We thank everyone who is currently or has contributed to the foundation in the past.

If you are interested in helping improve our communities, please consider making a recurring or one-time donation to the foundation by visiting pemc.coop/donate or by calling 800.222.3107.

4-H of Caswell County 4-H of Orange County 4-H of Person County

Bright Ideas teacher grants

Caswell County Broadband

College and community college scholarships

Energy assistance county programs

Family Reading Partners

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County

Kingdom Reins Ranch & Stables

Orange Soil & Water Conservation

Piedmont Electric’s food and clothing drive

UNC Jaycee Burn Center

Washington Youth Tour

A special thank you to the foundation board members who have so graciously volunteered their time.

Keith Epstein, President Gwen Vaughn, Vice President Heidi York, Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Cabe Doris Carver Aaron Nelson

HELPING HAND FOUNDATION REPORT BEGINNING BALANCE 1/1/2023 Contributions Received Interest Earned

$105,967 183,243

2,965

TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE

$292,175

Grants and Assistance Funded

(165,002)

ENDING BALANCE 12/31/2023

$116,483

Operational Expenses

10,690

Interested in helping those in your community? Visit pemc.coop/donate, email info@pemc.coop or call 800.222.3107 to learn more.

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Powering Progress: Looking back at 2023

Each year the staff of Piedmont Electric works tirelessly to continue to improve service to our members. Check out a few of the ways we continued to improve our exceptional service to you.

Celebrating 10 Years of REDLG

facilitates efficient communication and introduced a live chat feature online, providing members with instant support and real-time assistance. Additionally, the upgraded website ensures that members can seamlessly access information and services on the go. Our new website and phone system underscore Piedmont Electric’s dedication to powering not only homes but also the vital communication links that keep members informed and engaged.

Piedmont Electric marked a significant milestone last year as we commemorated 10 years of collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program. Over the past decade, this invaluable partnership has allowed us to play a pivotal role in advancing community development initiatives, with a special focus on enhancing emergency response services and supporting local Rock-Solid Reliability schools. Since the inception of our REDLG program, Last year the co-op initiated and completed a series we have facilitated the allocation of more than $19.5 of projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and million in USDA funding to local organizations for efficiency of our electrical infrastructure. These projects various community improvement projects including include a circuit upgrade on NC-86 to facilitate Chapel the purchase of 36 fire trucks, 6 ambulances and Hill Transit’s EV buses and other fleet vehicles. The the construction of 7 fire stations, 2 schools and a co-op also began construction of the new Eubanks public library. Our ongoing commitment to the REDLG Substation in Orange County. Other important projects program not only reflects our dedication to community include preparations for the North Roxboro transformer development but also our unwavering focus on the and protection upgrade and Mebane Oaks substation well-being of our residents. conversion to 100 kV. These projects strengthen service reliability, ensure the resilience of our infrastructure Continued Support for Rural and proactively address the challenges and Broadband opportunities in a dynamic energy landscape.

Piedmont Electric remains steadfast in our commitment to bridging the digital divide by actively supporting initiatives to enhance rural broadband access. Last year, Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation donated $25,000 for Caswell County’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program.

By investing in broadband expansion projects, we are helping contribute to closing the digital gap, empowering rural communities with improved access to educational resources, telemedicine, business opportunities and essential services.

Project Success: Full Deployment of New Meters

By the end of 2023, approximately 99 percent of the meters on our system were successfully replaced to deliver the best possible service to our valued members. These enhanced meters help with faster outage responses, provide enhanced information for our members and optimize the efficiency of our electric grid.

Powering Member Communications

We enhanced member communications last year, debuting a new phone system and mobile-friendly website. The implementation of a new phone system

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Powering Progress:

Looking ahead in 2024 and beyond Being a local co-op helps us better understand what our members will want and need as our community continues to grow. This understanding helps us develop plans to continue to provide excellent service to our members for years to come.

Building a Brighter Future

Piedmont Electric is committed to providing electricity to members at the lowest possible cost while also enhancing sustainability, setting a significant goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this target and ensure reliability and affordability, Piedmont Electric and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are prioritizing emissions-free nuclear energy and coordinating a growing number of renewable resources, natural gas and new technologies through advanced grid operations.

Beneficial Electrification

One of the biggest ways we are building a brighter future is by supporting beneficial electrification and advancing initiatives that promote energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance the overall well-bring of a community. We are helping facilitate Chapel Hill Transit’s adoption of electric buses and fleet vehicles by offering a special off-peak rate and designing a transformer to power the charging stations. In addition, we continue to promote the use of electric vehicles as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, offering members EV rebates and special rates. Moving forward, Piedmont Electric will continue to champion the adoption of electric technologies contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy future for our members and communities.

SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

Protecting the Bottom Line for Members

Piedmont Electric is committed to keeping our members wellinformed and empowered to manage energy costs effectively in the face of a rising cost environment. Your cooperative is dedicated to working diligently to keep rates as low as possible.

In addition, we will continue to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our members while maintaining operational efficiency, providing innovative solutions to manage energy and leveraging a balanced energy portfolio. Rest assured that your cooperative is committed to safeguarding the financial well-being of our members both now and in the future amidst the challenges of this ever changing economic landscape.

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Board Of Directors CASWELL

5

6 PERSON

GRANVILLE

4 9 3

7

ORANGE

ALAMANCE

DURHAM

2 8

1

DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3

David Poythress, Secretary Randy Kinley, Chair Cy Vernon

DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6

Stephen Long

Steven P. Bailey, Vice Chair Darren Chalk

DISTRICT 7 Jimmy Thomas DISTRICT 8 V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson DISTRICT 9 Richal Vanhook, Treasurer

800.222.3107 pemc.coop facebook.com/piedmontemc Piedmont Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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twitter.com/piedmontemc

3/12/24 8:38 AM

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Honor Earth Day Your Way Do you have any plans for Earth Day this year? If not, there are plenty of ways to honor the planet in a way that works for you and Mother Nature. We’ve rounded up some ideas to help you celebrate the planet not just on Earth Day, but year-round as well!

Save Energy… and Money

Get a Free Home Energy Analysis

When you sign up for one (or all) of our energy-saving programs, it will be easier for you to save money on your monthly bill. But beyond that, it can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

If you’re unsure about which home updates will make the biggest impact, enlist the help of an expert! You can schedule a free in-home energy analysis done by an energy specialist to get recommendations for home comfort improvements. Schedule yours by visiting pemc.coop/home-energy-advisor.

To save during the hottest part of the year, consider signing up for our smart thermostat savings program and air conditioning load management program. Both of these programs offer bill credits during the summer months in addition to helping you lower your bill.

For year-round savings, consider our time-of-day rate, water heater load management program and Beat the Peak program. All of these are designed to help you easily save money on energy costs.

Want to maximize the impact of our programs? Try practicing energy-efficient best practices every day. To learn helpful habits, visit pemc.coop/energy-saving-tips.

Go Paperless With Your Bill One of the easiest things you can do to benefit the planet on Earth Day is to switch to our paperless billing option. Log in to your SmartHub account and move the “Printed Bill Status” slider to the “OFF” position to make the switch. This will help reduce the amount of paper and postage we use and is a simple change that has a lasting impact.

Make Energy-Efficient Updates Around Your Home Older appliances are typically less efficient, so they use more energy compared to newer models. If it’s time to upgrade the appliances around your home, look for ENERGY STAR® models to maximize efficiency.

Some home upgrades may qualify for our Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program. Learn more by visiting pemc.coop/loan-program.

Ready to Enroll?

Give us a call at 800.222.3107, email info@pemc.coop or chat with us on our website at pemc.coop.

APRIL 2024

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CONNECTION

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PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

#ThankALineworker for National Lineworker Appreciation Day

#ThankALineworker

On Monday, April 8, electric cooperatives across the country will celebrate, thank and honor the lineworkers who are responsible for keeping the lights on in our homes and businesses. When the rest of us hunker down inside during inclement weather, our brave lineworkers go out into the elements to restore power to our communities.

While we recognize their hard work year-round, the second Monday of every April is a special time to thank them for everything they do to help us provide reliable electric service to our members.

It’s because of their hard work and dedication to keeping the lights on that you can feel confident you’ll have the power you need to focus on your family, work and other important aspects of your life.

To help show your appreciation for our lineworkers, we hope you’ll join us by using #ThankALineworker across social media platforms on April 8. This is a small way to recognize the hard work they do year-round, so spread the love with a message they’ll see!

What Does It Mean to Be a Piedmont Electric Lineworker?

Part of what makes our lineworkers special is their passion for this job. We asked one of our lineworkers, Jacob Denny, to share why this job is important to him:

My job is important to me because first, it allows me to be a provider for my family.

Second, I get to experience a brotherhood like no other, and lastly, I get to give back to a community and the people that have helped me become the man I am today.

- Jacob Denny, Roxboro Crew - A Class Lineman

PIEDMONT ELECTRIC CONNECTION Published monthly for the members of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. Piedmont Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Hillsborough and Roxboro Drive-Thru Hours: Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stephen B. Hamlin President & General Manager

Caswell Drive-Thru Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Offices are closed except for scheduled appointments.

Available by phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Report outages, make payments and access account information by phone 24-hoursa-day by calling 800.222.3107.

You can also pay your bill online at pemc.smarthub.coop.

DIRECTORS Randy Kinley, Chair Steven P. Bailey, Vice Chair David Poythress, Secretary Richal Vanhook, Treasurer Darren Chalk, Stephen C. Long, V.Kay Scurlock-Ferguson, Jimmy Thomas & Cyrus Vernon

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CONNECTION

Opt in for text alerts by texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107.

Once you’ve opted in, report an outage by texting “#out” to 800.222.3107 or "#status" for an update on your outage.

Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the phone number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.

Use the SmartHub app to report an outage or online at pemc.smarthub.coop/#reportanissue: with your SmartHub login.

Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for our system to recognize new cell phone numbers in the text outage alert program.

2500 NC Highway 86 South PO Drawer 1179 Hillsborough, NC 27278

22

IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT, CALL OR TEXT 800.222.3107

APRIL 2024

3/11/24 2:47 PM

Unplug and Reconnect

with North Carolina 4-H Camps this summer!

NC 4-H Camps offer a 6 day, 5 night residential camping experience completely TECH free starting at $535/week!

We offer three unique and beautiful facilities in convenient locations across the state.

Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, team building and high ropes, swimming, arts & crafts, talent show and more.

All camps are owned and operated by NC State University and are American Camp Association accredited, adhering to the highest standards for safety and quality.

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center

Winston-Salem Greensboro Manteo Raleigh

Eastern 4-H Center

Asheville

Charlotte

Jacksonville

Millstone 4-H Camp

Learn more and register at nc4hcamps.org

Wilmington

EST. 1964

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Energy Sense

Karolina Grabowska, Pixabay

Apps to Help You Save Energy Energy efficiency at your fingertips

By Abby Berry

There are a number of reasons why people are interested in cutting back on energy consumption, and actively practicing energy efficiency and conservation provides multiple benefits. For parents, being more conscious about energy use teach kiddos about sustainable habits for the future. And I think we can all agree that saving money on our monthly utility bills is a great reason to monitor home energy use.

Regardless of why you’re interested in using less energy, there are several smart phone apps that can help you do just that!

Smart thermostat apps: Heating and cooling make up a large portion of the average home’s energy consumption (and cost!), so saving on heating and cooling can make a big impact on bills. Smart thermostats and their accompanying apps are handy and promote energy efficient behavior — and these devices have become much more affordable over the years. You can purchase an Energy Star®-certified smart thermostat for as low as $100, which can save you 8% on annual heating and cooling costs, about $50 per year. The device will quickly pay for itself, and you’ll gain insight into better ways to heat and cool your home. Plus, the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere can equate to real savings. We recommend trusted brands and devices, like Google Nest, ecobee and Honeywell Home smart thermostats.

Energy cost calculators: If you’re wanting to reduce energy use at home, it’s important to know where your consumption is going. Energy cost calculators can help pinpoint your energy use with a few simple steps and

identify areas to save. The concept is pretty simple: just plug in the wattage of your various appliances and how often you use them to see which are using the most energy.

Most energy cost calculator apps are free and can be downloaded to any Apple or Android device. If you browse the app store, you’ll find multiple energy cost calculator apps, but most are similar in functionality. Be sure to read the app’s reviews and download the one that best aligns with your energy efficiency goals.

JouleBug app: If you’re competitive and enjoy gamifying — well, everything — the JouleBug app is right up your alley. JouleBug makes energy conservation simple and fun through personal tasks and badges earned within the app, group challenges you can tackle with friends, and communities you can join to learn about local sustainability efforts. The JouleBug app is free and can be downloaded to Apple or Android devices, and it’s an easy tool to make saving energy fun.

These are just a few apps that can help you find new ways to save energy. Smart light bulbs are typically paired with apps for convenient control of home lighting; smart plugs also come with apps to help you control how you power everyday devices and electronics.

Whether you use an app or not, saving energy is always a smart idea that can help you save money on your monthly bills while supporting a more reliable, sustainable grid.

This column was written by Abby Berry of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Visit CarolinaCountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

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by

Rail By Pamela A. Keene

and

Water

Travel at a slower pace

Think about your last vacation. What do you remember?

Did you hurry from one activity or place to another, getting a birds’-eye view of too many things to really enjoy the journey?

If so, there’s good news. Use 2024 to do something different: ride the rails to multiple destinations or board a riverboat on the country’s waterways.

“There’s a growing trend called ‘slow tourism,’ a chance to enjoy the journey, make memories, eat like a local, participate in experiences and discover the heart of a destination,” says Berkeley Young, president of Young Strategies Inc., a tourism research and consulting firm that works with destinations across the country. “You can travel by road, rail or boat; set your own pace; and create lasting memories — all without a passport.”

Ride the Rails

With more than 21,400 miles of routes and more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, travel via Amtrak connects people to big cities, small towns,

national parks, historic sites, popular travel destinations and off-the-beaten path adventures.

“Train travel can be a good alternative to driving or flying, and these days, customers have many options when taking a trip by rail,” says Kimberly Woods, senior public relations manager at Amtrak’s Washington, D.C., office. “Diverse destinations and the variety of routes and accommodations broaden choices whether you’re traveling with children, as a couple, solo or with a group of friends.”

Amtrak is the only national passenger rail service in the U.S., and in 2023, more than 28 million customers chose Amtrak nationwide, according to the company’s annual report.

“We’re seeing a strong increase in people who choose to travel with us because of the convenience, the chance to see more of the country than

flying, and the simple novelty of being on a train,” she says.

North Carolina has several dedicated lines for trips within the state, including the Piedmont line from Raleigh to Charlotte, and the Carolinian, which can take passengers from Charlotte to New York with several local stops along the way. NC stations also service lines running to Savannah and New Orleans.

Visit ncbytrain.org for local deals and itineraries.

Amtrack leisure travelers can opt for overnight travel on several long-distance trains. The configurations of accommodations can include several types of service. First class offers private rooms with chairs that convert to upper and lower berths, larger bedrooms, family suites and accessible bedrooms. Coach cars have extra legroom and dedicated luggage storage.

The white-tablecloth dining car features traditional chef-curated menus. Customers can visit a café car to purchase more casual options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Passengers can also bring their own food, beverages and snacks.

Basic Wi-Fi is offered, and passengers can travel with small pets or bring their bicycles.

In addition to direct routes, spur lines fill in across the lower half of the country. The Amtrak USA Rail Pass includes hop on/ off access for 10 segments over 30 days for a single fare.

“When you travel by train, you can be as busy or relaxed as you want,” Kimberly says.

“You’ll have space to work, read, watch movies on your devices, have good old-fashioned faceto-face conversations or just sit back and look out the window to enjoy the scenery.”

Rolling Down the River

The sight of a paddle-wheeler cruising down the Mississippi River conjures up romantic images of an earlier time in America’s history when waterways transported pioneers and settlers westward. Today, traveling by riverboat or small ship has been significantly modernized, yet the romance and adventure remain.

Companies that book riverboat cruises in the U.S. include American Cruise Lines (americancruiselines.com); American Queen Voyages (aqvoyages.com); RiverCruiseUSA (rivercruiseusa.com), which represents a wide range of river cruise lines; and Viking River Cruises (vikingrivercruises.com), an international cruise line that offers limited U.S. vacations.

“People today love the different twist on vacations in the United States that our small ships offer, and traveling the country’s waterways by riverboat opens a whole new experience that’s like a flash back in time,”

says Alexa Paolella, manager of public relations for American Cruise Lines. “No passport is required, and your hotel travels with you from port to port, so you unpack once. It’s a much more relaxed pace for discovery with more time to explore small river towns and picturesque shoreside villages, especially the places large cruise ships don’t go.”

American Cruise Lines’ fleet of 19 ships sail America’s coastlines and rivers. Accommodations vary from 90 to 180 passengers, depending on the vessel.

Classic paddle-wheelers and modern riverboats navigate the Mississippi and Columbia rivers.

The company’s small cruise ships transport guests along both coasts of the country with itineraries in Alaska and Puget Sound to cruises exploring the New England coast all the way to the Florida Keys. It has also added national park tours to its offerings.

Many of the company’s itineraries are themed around music, history or cuisine that explore the distinctive characteristics of each ship’s ports of call.

“All our cruises offer a variety of experiences and activities ashore each day, providing access to larger cities but also the opportunity to relish the unique experiences only found in the smaller towns along the way,” Alexa says. “Onboard, curated entertainment and chef-prepared daily meals complement the comfortable and relaxing travel that comes with sailing on America’s waterways.”

Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes for magazines and newspapers across the Southeast and nationally.

Locals Know Best If you’re looking to stay closer to home or take a tried-and-true road trip, state and local visitors bureaus can help make the most of your journey.

“Some of the best planning resources are state tourism divisions and local convention and visitors bureaus,” Berkeley Young says. “Their job is to know their states, towns and counties and to provide easy ways to take a vacation that suits your interests and lifestyles.”

Visit NC (visitnc.com) is the one-stop spot for travel planning around North Carolina. Every state has a similar dedicated tourism department with staff whose job is to promote visitation by creating numerous trip plans for all interests such as music, culinary, cultural and historic. Research them first before drilling down to specific stops along the way via city/town or county-specific visitors bureaus and welcome centers.

“State and local agencies work with local attractions, accommodations, dining and special events and maintain extensive information about what to do, the best times to visit, outdoor activities and much more,” Berkeley says.

“They have access to information about recommended routes and many times offer promotions for hotels, restaurants and attractions.”

Key travel planning resources include state tourism and economic departments and local convention and visitors bureaus.

Berkeley explains that true leisure travel is about the experience, but many vacationers are in a hurry to get where they’re going and miss the interesting discoveries along the way. “Just remember: Don’t sweat the tiny details.

Determine the path you want to explore, book your transportation and some lodging, and get out there,” he says. “Fill in your itinerary as you go along. Meet locals and eat local. Be adventuresome; go find the real America.”

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1-833-495-2518 stiltzlifts.com 3/11/24 3:00 PM

Carolina Adventures

Sun in Shadow

Don’t miss the partial eclipse on April 8

By Lori Grossman

A

solar eclipse wasn’t always an occasion for curious wonder.

In ancient China, people panicked, fearing a dragon was eating the sun. General George Washington had to warn his troops of a coming partial eclipse on Jan. 9, 1777. If he hadn’t, he wrote, “this event, without previous knowledge of it, might affect the minds of the Soldiery, and be attended with some bad consequences.”

So it’s probably a good thing that we now have a firm grasp on the physics of when the moon passes between the Earth and our view of the sun.

The last total solar eclipse seen from our part of the world was fairly recent, on Aug. 21, 2017. That one crossed over the far southwestern part of the state, while most of North Carolina saw a partial eclipse. Only seven years later, on April 8, another celestial show is on its way.

For parts of the country, this day will mark an impressive total eclipse, with the moon covering the entirety of the sun. Here in NC, we’ll have a partial view, but a partial eclipse is well worth the effort, says Kenneth Brandt, director of the Robeson Planetarium and Science Center in Lumberton.

“Partial eclipses are still cool to see, as during most of the eclipse, you’ll be able to see the ‘crescent sun’ projected through small openings, like those in a colander.”

If you can’t travel to the path of totality, catch the partial eclipse at one of these locations, listed by percentage of totality.

Whether you view the eclipse at home or away, be sure to wear special eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses won’t protect your eyes from permanent damage. Many local libraries will be handing out free glasses.

And if you miss this eclipse, or if it happens to be cloudy, future partial eclipses affecting parts of the state (though not as impressive as this year's show) will occur in August 2026, and January of both 2028 and 2029. Our kids and grandkids could enjoy the next total eclipse in North Carolina — on May 11, 2078!

Digital Extras

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for instructions on how to build your own solar eclipse viewer.

88% Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, West Jefferson ncparks.gov | 336-246-9653 Visitors can view the eclipse with a park ranger from 1–3 p.m. at the Sunset Overlook. Eclipse glasses will be available.

86% Gorges State Park, Sapphire ncparks.gov | 828-966-9099 Ranger-guided half-mile hike to the Bearwallow Valley Observation Deck. Meet at the Visitor Center at 1:30 p.m., Only 30 pairs of viewing glasses available, so bring your own.

84% Lake Norman State Park, Statesville ncparks.gov | 704-528-6350 Event from 2–4 p.m. Limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available. Join park staff at the swim beach.

80% Dismal Swamp State Park, South Mills ncparks.gov | 252-771-6593 View with a park ranger from 1–2 p.m. There will be several activities, including a craft project. Pre-registration required. Limited glasses available.

80% Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, Rocky Mount imperialcentre.org | 252-972-1266 Weather permitting, Tar River Astronomy Club members will set up telescopes for viewing.

If you bring a shoe box or something similar, staff will help you make an eclipse viewer.

From 1–5 p.m.

80% Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill moreheadplanetarium.org | 919-962-1236 Outdoor sun-viewing stations. Science educators will be there to assist. Eclipse glasses available for $2.

79% Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head ncparks.org | 252-573-6108 Join park staff to view the eclipse.

Complimentary glasses available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Begins at 1 p.m.

76% Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach ncparks.gov | 252-726-3775 Park staff will have special viewing glasses and other safe-viewing equipment. Stop by the Visitor Center patio between 2:30 and 4 p.m.

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SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina

Sweepstakes

C O A S T A L

G E T A W A Y

Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry.

UpcountrySC.com

Carolina Country is partnering with Beaufort Hotel to offer a random drawing for a coastal getaway package that includes: A two-night stay in luxurious waterfront accommodations Breakfast or Brunch for two each morning, $20 credit per person. $100 dining credit at 34° North Restaurant Chilled bottle of Prosecco with North Carolina chocolate truffles by Brasstown Chocolate.

Two round-trip tickets to Cape Lookout National Seashore

by Island Express Ferry Service.

One Beaufort Hotel Signature Mesh Bag for shelling.

Two-hour kayak rental for two with Beaufort Paddle.

Tiki Boat Cruise for two by Cruisin’ Tikis Beaufort.

Visit CarolinaCountry.com/BeaufortHotel

by April 30 to enter the random drawing.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/beauforthotel for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving the one (1) 2-night weekend stay resort package (estimated retail value of $2,500) depend upon number of entries received.

The winner will receive an IRS Form 1099 in the amount of the prize and is liable for any and all taxes related to accepting the prize. Booking exclusions apply and reservations are subject to space availability. Entries must be completed online at carolinacountry.com/beauforthotel by April 30, 2024.

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I s

A w t f s

T HE

FIRST RIDE Lake life reflections by Joe Hobby

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VisitNC.com

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3/12/24 4:30 PM

I won’t get much sleep tonight.

And that’s to be expected because yesterday, I put my personal watercraft in the lake, tuned up and ready for summer. Since the weather forecast promises a warm, clear morning, it’s time for the season’s first ride on the jet ski. That always means a sleepless night of anticipation for me.

From the first time I ever rode a jet ski, something resonated inside. I’m not the guy who jumps wakes and zig zags across choppy water, even though my chiropractor would love that.

Instead, you will find me on the lake in the early morning when the day is new and the water is as smooth as a baby’s skin. That’s when I’ll be carving long, lazy turns, exploring sloughs, and looking at houses I can’t afford. All the while listening to the low, steady drone of the motor. It’s a peaceful, tranquil feeling.

At last, the sun peeked over the eastern horizon. I got up, ate a quick breakfast, and walked out on the deck.

The world was still quiet. Lake Norman looked like a watercolor painting. It was time to go over a short checklist. A charged cell phone, my driver’s licence and boat registration — check. Finally, I grabbed a cheap pair of sunglasses. I highly recommend wearing them for a jet ski ride. Over a period of time, I have amassed a drawer full of them, so I’m totally unfazed if they blow off my face and into the water. I slipped on my life jacket, grabbed the keys and headed down the steps to the dock.

Once on the pier, I approached the Kawasaki and pulled off its cover. The ski’s red and black colors shone deeply, still gleaming from a recent wax job. I unhooked it from the port, inserted the key and started the engine. It cranked instantly, as if it couldn’t wait either.

Together we slid into the water.

For the next 3 to 4 minutes I headed up the channel just above idle speed.

This is a trick my mechanic gave me to prolong motor life — warm it up properly! It’s difficult to do. The teenager in me wants to rock and roll immediately, but the adult makes sure I finish a slow dance first. I’m not sure, but I think it’s called maturity.

Finally, it was time. I turned the jet ski around and took a minute to take in the view. The water stretched out calmly for miles. The sky was a soft blue. Slowly, I got to a comfortable speed, allowing the ski to plane out smoothly. Then after about a quarter mile, I squeezed the accelerator hard.

It leapt out of the water. In an instant I was going 60 miles an hour. I screamed like a kid on a roller coaster.

Houses zipped by as I began to make long wide turns. Within a few seconds I was on the main channel, which seemed to be completely deserted, except for a few fishermen. I slowed down to about 40 miles per hour, which is my perfect cruising speed, and began to look around.

Lake Norman is a beautiful place, especially when you thread your way up some of the creeks that feed the main channel. Eventually, the homes become few and far between, giving you an opportunity to truly admire God’s handiwork. Oak and hickory trees were festooned with new green

leaves. Occasionally a striped bass would break the water to get its morning meal. Once I was deeper in the backwater, I cut off my ski, and just listened for a couple of minutes. It was silent. Peaceful, perfect silence. I marveled at it all. It never gets old.

I headed back towards the main channel and began to sing. It’s not uncommon for me break into a song or two on a morning ski ride. Today it was the Allman Brothers, the Beatles and Steely Dan. It’s a good thing the roar of the engine drowns me out.

This always reminds me of an old commercial for motorcycle insurance where the rider is singing, and the announcer says, “If you ride, you get it.” That’s a true statement — on a motorcycle and a jet ski.

Finally, it was time to get back to the house. So, I turned around, and with one more burst of speed headed home. After about a half mile, I looked to my left, and the wind blew my sunglasses off into the water. It’s no big deal — I didn’t even look back.

There was too much in front of me to see.

Joe Hobby is a comedian and a syndicated columnist who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. Find more of his stories on his blog (mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com) and follow him on Facebook @Joe Hobby Comedian-Writer.

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3/11/24 3:12 PM

I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

A Beach Reunion In the 1950s, after Hurricane Hazel almost cleared Ocean Isle Beach [in October 1954], Odel Williamson offered ocean front lots for $1,500 if you promised to build within two years. My parents and two of their friends from Charlotte bought lots on the east end of the island as that is where the two-car ferry and pier were originally located.

Through the years, we filled the four-bedroom, two-bath home to the brim with family and friends. Some of my fondest memories were of the Betts Family Reunions where my father, his parents, siblings, cousins, dog Friskie and cat Honey Cat all gathered, as seen in the photo. The laughter still resounds in my head and I’m so thankful to my parents for building these enduring relationships.

We ate pounds of shrimp from Holden Brothers or Sheffields, had watermelon spitting contests off the back deck and enjoyed my grandmother’s mouth-watering sponge cake. Lunch was a loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter and jelly left on the table.

We had no TV, so puzzles, card games, even studying

the encyclopedia questions for an end-of-the-week quiz and prize were our evening entertainment. A trip to Shallotte or Myrtle Beach was a true highlight.

My father taught me how to float over the waves and instilled in me a deep love and respect for the ocean. More than once I had my face rubbed in the sand but went back for more! I am still always on the lookout for sea creatures that I don’t want to come in contact with and am happy to say that, so far, so good!

A lot has changed since that time, one of the three original homes is gone. It gave way to a beautiful new place complete with an elevator. I can only hope it can house as many wonderful heartwarming memories as ours has for so many years.

Marianna Betts Rothschild, Atlanta, a member of Brunswick Electric

Wooded Playground The wooded area around our home was my playground growing up. There were two white pines in our front yard too fat to put your arms around. My siblings and I would hide behind them in a game of hide-and-seek.

In the fall, we would stuff the needles up our sleeves and become scarecrows. The branches were just a ladder, waiting to be climbed. Sap stuck to my fingers, and I gathered bark as I made my way up the tree. Once at the top, the branches transformed into a comfortable seat. The view was extraordinary. I could see the tops of houses, fields of sugar cane and Table Rock.

At night, fireflies blinked their beacons, inviting new adventures. Once caught, we would use their tails to make fluorescent faces on the trees. One night, after

taking about 20 hostage, we made a lantern with a jelly jar.

They escaped during the night into the bedroom, causing quite a stir!

Below our house was a crooked trail that led into the woods. A makeshift bridge crossed the creek at the end of the trail. Once at the creek, we would plug snake holes with rocks, often spending hours packing gray clay into rocks and branches as we prepared a swimming hole.

When finished, it looked as if beavers had done the work.

One day when I arrived at the creek I saw a cottonmouth snake winding through the water. He stretched open his mouth and it looked like it was filled with cotton! I picked up the biggest rock I could find and aimed for his head. He turned away and disappeared from sight.

When I look back on our outdoor adventures, I can’t believe our wooded playground is now a town. It seems like only yesterday I was a child climbing trees, catching fireflies and swimming in that creek.

Gale Franklin, Hudson, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

34 | April 2024

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3/11/24 3:13 PM

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carolinacountry.com | 37

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3/12/24 2:36 PM

Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen Peanut Butter Brownie Explosion Bites

Wendy’s Deviled Crab Carteret

With chocolate drizzle

Being able to use any type of crabmeat makes this recipe budget-friendly. Use fresh NC crab when possible. Wonder why it’s called “deviled” crab? Because of the heat!

1 stick softened butter, divided 3 cups crushed Ritz® crackers, divided ½ cup minced green bell pepper ½ cup minced red bell pepper ½ cup minced celery ½ cup minced green onion 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 1 large egg, slightly beaten 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred) ¼ cup cream or evaporated milk ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon Old Bay® seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 pound crabmeat, picked for shells

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using fingers, mix 4 tablespoons of butter into half of the cracker crumbs and set aside.

Melt remaining butter in a medium skillet and sauté vegetables until tender. Cool.

Combine the other half of the crumbs with remaining ingredients. Stir in vegetables.

Place mixture in sprayed shell pans or ramekins (or foil clamshells), top with buttered crumbs, dust with Old Bay and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.

As a variation, bake in a casserole dish to serve as a dip alongside crackers or chips for entertaining. Freezes great.

Yield: Makes about 1 dozen

Spring Strawberry Slaw With Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Spring has arrived when strawberry fields are bursting full of fruit! Swing by your local farm and pick some gorgeous red berries to make this citrusy strawberry slaw sing! Serve alongside our deviled crab.

Slaw 1 bag (10-ounce) angel hair slaw 1 cup English cucumbers, thinly sliced, unpeeled 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced 2–3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 5 radishes, chopped 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 teaspoons kosher salt ½ cup packed fresh dill, chopped ½ cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped

Honey Citrus Vinaigrette ¼ cup honey ¼ cup light oil (like sunflower or grapeseed) 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Zest of 1 lime, lemon and orange 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Pinch of salt and black pepper

Combine slaw ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinaigrette. About 20–30 minutes before serving time, toss the two together.

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.

Buckeye fan? Imagine combining that soft peanut buttery goodness with a fudgy brownie and the soft melty insides of chocolate lava cake. Yeah baby!

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided and room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons warm water 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional) 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 11 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided 1½ tablespoons coconut oil, divided ²/₃ cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup peanut butter ½ cup powdered sugar Hershey’s Kisses® Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a mini muffin pan well.

Combine the 8 tablespoons of butter with the sugar. Add the warm water and espresso powder. Mix well.

Crack 2 eggs into the mixture along with the vanilla. Melt 7 ounces of chocolate with the coconut oil. Stir into the mixture, and slowly add the three dry ingredients.

Pour the batter into the muffin pan and bake for 14 minutes.

While waiting, mix the peanut butter, 4 tablespoons of butter, plus the powdered sugar into a thick, sticky dough.

When the brownies are done, let cool briefly, then remove from pan.

Insert a chocolate into the center of each muffin. Spoon about a tablespoon of the peanut butter dough on top.

For the chocolate drizzle, melt 4 ounces of chocolate with ½ tablespoon coconut oil. Place in a plastic baggie, snip the end, and drizzle.

Yield: 22 bites Recipe courtesy of Annushka Mehta of Matthews, a member of Union Power Cooperative

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

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

38 | April 2024

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3/11/24 4:48 PM

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3/11/24 3:00 PM

Visit Lexington

April Events

APRIL 20

TarWheel Cycling Event College Park, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104 APRIL 25–28

Beaufort Wine & Food Festival 129 Middle Lane, Beaufort 252-515-0708 APRIL 26–27

Garden and Art Tour Outdoors, Wake Forest APRIL 26–28

APRIL 26–28

Tribute Festival to The King Edward C. Smith Civic Center, Lexington

Showcase of Woodcarving Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte 704-807-4101

APRIL 2

APRIL 8

APRIL 20

Growers & Makers Market

2024 Eclipse Adventure Day

Boling Chair Park, Siler City 919-542-8296

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City 866-336-1037

Spring Family Festival

APRIL 5

Solar Eclipse @ PARI

April First Friday ArtWalk Downtown, Elizabeth City 252-338-4104

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Rosman 828-862-5554

APRIL 6

APRIL 12–14

Blowing Rock Trout Derby

Outdoor Adventure Festival & Expo

Broyhill Park, Blowing Rock 828-295-4636

Community Market Kickoff Event and Food Truck Rodeo Wilson’s Mills Community Park, Wilson’s Mills 919-938-3885 APRIL 7

Main street & various locations, Pilot Mountain 336-444-2016 APRIL 13

Marshall Tucker Band Concert Armfield Civic Center, Pilot Mountain 336-444-2016

Mill Prong Preservation Annual Meeting

APRIL 19–21

Historic site tour 3062 Edinburgh Road, Red Springs 704-968-1404

Various locations, Hendersonville 828-693-9708

Carnival games, music, gem mining Camp Albemarle, Newport 252-351-1136

RockyFest Rock climbing, games, food, crafts Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, Hiddenite 828-632-1308

Tribute Festival to The King Edward C. Smith Civic Center, Lexington 336-236-4218 APRIL 27

Master Gardener Spring Garden Show Perquimans County Recreation Center, Hertford 252-482-6585

Clenny Creek Heritage Day

APRIL 27–28

Live music, food, historic interpretation McLendon Cabin & Bryant House, Carthage 910-639-7959

Military Vehicle and Collectors Show

PettyFest

APRIL 28

Meet the NASCAR legend Petty Museum, Randleman 336-495-1143

A Woman’s Voice: Music by Women

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

Denton FarmPark, Denton 336-859-2755

Edenton United Methodist Church, Edenton 252-482-3269

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 April 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online: carolinacountry.com/where By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our June issue, will receive $25.

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.

February’s winner The February “Where Is This” photo by Randolph EMC member Wendy Brady features the 17-foot Blue Marlin statue and fountain located on Evans Street, along the Morehead City waterfront known as Big Rock Landing. This 1,200-pound bronze sculpture, created by sculptor Kent Ullberg and erected in 2013, is the exact size and weight of a previous Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament winning catch. Morehead City hosts the annual multi-million-dollar tournament every June. Past tournament winners are etched in stones around the fountain. Reader Cynthia Babiak notes that the statue is one of 12 located along the city’s Fish Walk, which honors the coastal town’s fishing history. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Wanda Strickland of Edenton, an Albemarle EMC member.

CC04_wk.indd 40

Di M of

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Discover the Spirited Story of Stock Car Racing and Down-Home Distilling

?

Discover North Carolina’s NEW Moonshine and Motorsports Trail and experience our state’s history of perseverance and innovation like never before.

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3/11/24 3:00 PM

Powering education.

15.8 MILLION

$

in classroom grants awarded

For 30 years, Bright Ideas Education Grants from electric cooperatives across North Carolina have empowered educators to bring learning to life for local students.

See how North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are powering a Brighter Future for students and communities at NCBrightIdeas.com.

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3/11/24 3:00 PM

Three ways to vote

How to Vote

Voting for our board of directors is easy! You can:

As part of our member-owned cooperative, you play an important part in how Piedmont Electric operates, especially by voting in the election of our board of directors. Our board is made up of members like you who work and live in our communities and who care about making the best decisions for our co-op.

Vote by mail ballot

Doe, Jane #12345678 PRINT ID XXXXXX

PASS:123ABC PRINT ID XXXXXX

• You may vote for one candidate per district.

• Mark your selections by filling in the box next to the candidate of your choice. (EXAMPLE ) • Detach ballot and mail. Do not mail to the Piedmont Electric office.

Return postcard must be received by Survey & Ballot Systems no later than April 17, 2024. Please allow sufficient time for delivery.

District 3 Cy Vernon

District 7

District 8

Jimmy Thomas

V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson

Please sign on the line below. Ballot is not valid without a signature matching the name listed on the left side of this card.

I/we, the undersigned, by signing this card, do hereby certify that I/we am/ are the Piedmont Electric member(s) whose name(s) appears below and on the left side of this card.

SIGNATURE __________________________________________________________________

Example vote by mail ballot

• Log in to SmartHub at pemc.smarthub.coop 1 and vote from your SmartHub account.

• Visit directvote.net/pemc on your computer, 2 tablet or phone and use the unique login information located at the center of this magazine to cast your vote.

• Complete and mail in the prepaid ballot 3

postcard included at the center of this magazine. Vote early to allow time for postal Let Your Voice delivery if you choose the mail in-option.

Be Heard

As part of a member-owned cooperative,

you play an important role in how Piedmont

Three ways to vote

Electric operates, including the election of our board of directors. Our board is made of members like you who live and work in

our communities and who care about our

Voting for our board of directors is easy! You can: •

Log in to SmartHub at pemc.smarthub.coop and vote from your SmartHub account.

•

Visit directvote.net/pemc on your computer, tablet or phone and use the unique login

provided at the center of this Your mail-in ballot has allinformation the information you need magazine to cast your vote. to vote, including the election passcode and member • Complete and mail in the prepaid ballot Voting is Important postcard included at the center of this number needed to vote at directvote.net/pemc. magazine. Vote early to allow time for postal Casting your ballot is important even when

cooperative.

there is only one candidate in a district as

delivery if you choose the mail in option.

Members who vote will be entered into a drawing for requirements. This year, only candidate per bill credits. All votes must be received one ofone two $100 district requested that the nomination committee add April p.m. their name to theby ballot.

Your vote17 for at these5 candidates your vote helps us meet our bylaw’s election

helps certify the result of the election.

2024 Nomination Committee The Nominating Committee met on Dec. 2, 2023 to consider members for nomination to the cooperative’s board of directors. Three seats on the Piedmont Electric board of directors are up for election in 2024.

The seats are currently held by Cy Vernon (District 3), Jimmy Thomas (District 7) and V. Kay ScurlockFerguson (District 8). Please keep in mind that there is no voting during the annual meeting. All voting will be conducted online or by mail-in ballot.

Nominating Committee JOE CURRIN

Chapel Hill, District 1 GREG MARTIN

CORY MELTON

MARTIN A. DAVIS

Timberlake, District 7

GREGORY RUDD

ALVIS LONG

DIANNE MURPHY

SYLVIA WADE

Mebane, District 4 ADAM SARVER

Roxboro, District 5

Piedmont-0424 WRAP.indd 3

A presentation of the cooperative’s past year’s business and its future plans are on the agenda as well as the announcement of the election of new directors. The following members have been nominated by the Nominating Committee to represent the following districts:

Roxboro, District 6

Mebane, District 2

Yanceyville, District 3

Piedmont Electric’s annual meeting of the members will be held at our Hillsborough office on Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Members can tune in live by visiting Facebook.com/PiedmontEMC. After the meeting, the video will remain on our Facebook page and will also be posted to our website at pemc.coop/annual-meeting.

Hillsborough, District 8

DISTRICT 3 Cy Vernon

DISTRICT 8

V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson

DISTRICT 7

Jimmy Thomas

Rougemont, District 9

David Poythress Secretary, Board of Directors

3/11/24 2:59 PM

Members who vote will be entered into a drawing for one of two $100 bill credits. Flip to the center of this issue of Carolina Country for voting instructions and your ballot. All votes must be received

by April 17 at 5 p.m. Vote early to allow time for postal delivery if you choose the mail-in option.

Meet the Candidates

The following candidates are running for a seat on the Piedmont Electric board of directors.

Once elected, these individuals will each serve a three-year term helping to govern our cooperative. You can learn more about each candidate by reading their bios below. Voting instructions can be found on the postcard at the center of this magazine.

DISTRICT 3 UNOPPOSED

CY VERNON (DISTRICT 3) Cy has been a member of Piedmont Electric for the past 54 years.

He has been a director for 10 years and holds the certification of Director Gold. He resides with his wife, Janice, in the Milesville community of Caswell County. They have two sons who teach in Alamance County. Cy is an active member of Westside Fellowship in Elon and the Caswell County Historical Association serving as vice president. He is a retired teacher and FFA advisor working at Bartlett Yancey High School for 35 years. Cy currently works with his son to operate an apple tree business in the Camp Springs community.

DISTRICT 7 UNOPPOSED

JIMMY THOMAS (DISTRICT 7) Jimmy has been a member of Piedmont Electric for 38 years.

He and his wife, Janine, live in the Timberlake Community in Person County. Jimmy graduated from NCSU with a degree in applied agriculture. He returned home to continue growing their family business with his brother and father where they produce grain, flue-cured tobacco and have an independent farrow-to-finish swine farm. Farming has given Jimmy a passion for advocacy and has allowed him to serve on many national and local boards. Jimmy is a member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church where he serves as a Sunday school teacher and deacon.

DISTRICT 8 UNOPPOSED V. KAY SCURLOCK-FERGUSON (DISTRICT 8) Kay is a member of Saint Mary’s Community.

She graduated from Orange High School, NC A&T University and North Carolina Central University. Employment with Orange County, Durham City and Piedmont Community College provided 30 years of experience in budgeting, personnel management, oversight, and policy enforcement. She has been affiliated with Piedmont Electric for over 30 years and a member of the Piedmont Board of Directors for three years. She has received her Credentialed Cooperative Directors Certificate (CCD). She is married to John Ferguson.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

pemc.coop

Piedmont-0424 WRAP.indd 4

800.222.3107

Remember, your vote matters, even when only one candidates has decided to run in a district because it helps us meet our bylaw’s requirements and certifies the election.

3/11/24 2:59 PM