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October 2024

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 56, No. 10

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

10

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.

10 20 22 26

From Box to Bowl

A co-op partnership puts farm tech in the hands of Duplin County students.

Crack Down on Cybercrime

How to secure connected devices on your home network.

Carolina Voices

What was your favorite Halloween costume?

All About Ava

The Ava Gardner Museum and Festival captures classic Hollywood.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers

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

4 Viewpoints

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

19 Energy Sense

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone:

919-875-3091

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

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6 More Power

30 Carolina Kitchen 32 Carolina Calendar 32 Where is This?

On the Cover Katlyn Foy, an agricultural instructor at James Sprunt Community College, with a bumper crop of greens (holding mustard greens, a wall of collards to her left). The community college, in partnership with Four County EMC, is immersing students in hands-on agriculture with a self-contained hydroponic farm.

Learn more on page 10. Photo

by SP Murray (sp-murray.com).

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 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.

CC10_wk.indd 1

Carolina Country Scenes Send us your favorite photo of people or scenes from around the state by Nov. 15 to be considered for our annual photo contest! Learn more on page 8.

carolinacountry.com | 1

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From Our Readers Inspired Art Youngsville Academy art teacher and Wake Electric member Bridget Flynn shared issues of Carolina Country magazine with students to provide some artistic inspiration. Sixth grader Aoife Linn used watercolor to recreate a photo of Emerald Isle submitted by Ashton Allgood, a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (July 2024, page 2).

THIS MONTH:

Teaching Tech Rural North Carolina is full of surprises. Some I’ve come to expect, like a breathtaking sunrise over rolling cropland, or an award-worthy batch of roadside boiled peanuts. But rural landscapes of quiet woodlands and old tobacco barns are hiding another surprise: innovation is everywhere. I traveled to Duplin County to explore one example of rural innovation at James Sprunt Community College—learn more on page 10.

Also, cybercrime is on the rise, but let’s fight back.

Learn how to do so at home on page 20.

—Scott Gates, editor

Remembering Doc When I got my very first job as a 15-year-old I was a waitress at The Gateway Restaurant in Boone. Doc Watson would sit on a bench [between the restaurant and the theater next door] with a little tin cup as he played music on his guitar. That bench and Doc Watson now sit [across the street] next to the Mast General Store, where it was Hunt’s Department Store when Doc Watson was growing up (see “Where in Carolina Country is this?,” page 32).

Correction to our September Issue The Conetoe Family Life Center works with ECU Health (not East Carolina University) on its Food is Medicine program, which brings fresh produce and health screenings to communities with limited access to healthcare and nutritional resources (“Feeding the Multitudes,” page 11). Visit bit.ly/ecu-food to learn more about Food is Medicine events.

Eula Kirby, Lenoir, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

53%

Too soon!

Reader Poll Results We’re now deep into pumpkin spice season (with the flavor and scent seemingly everywhere), and in late August we asked our social media followers how they feel about that. Is all that pumpkin spice exciting or nauseating? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@carolinacountrymagazine) to participate in future polls.

I love pumpkin spice in some things and all the fall colors but let me enjoy the rest of the summer!

Ginger Carawan I’m not ready and it’s overrated. I like peppermint, caramel apple and apple flavors.

Heather Augustine Not a fan of putting pumpkin spice in everything, but you do you. But what is it with overdoing every seasonal theme? Let me go on record that I don’t care to hear Christmas music beginning in October either!

Sheila Sullivan Willis

47%

Bring it on!

I like Pumpkin spice, but not this early and not in EVERYTHING. Randy Wagner Exciting! I love it, and fall is my favorite season. I buy everything I see in the stores that says pumpkin spice!! It brings me happiness and joy!!!

Jamie Simmons Mozart I love the smell of pumpkin spices, they make me all warm and cozy.

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Viewpoints

A Crash Course in the Cooperative Difference

By Maya Fitch

When I first applied for the NC Youth Tour sponsored by our electric cooperative, Surry-Yadkin EMC, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Upon arriving in Raleigh to meet everyone before the drive to Washington, D.C., I was surprised to find that there were nearly 50 participants, most of us from little-known rural towns all over North Carolina. Many of us gave speeches on what we had learned about electric cooperatives from our local co-ops. After we delivered our speeches, I was proud to be selected by my peers as our state’s representative for the national Youth Leadership Council (YLC).

When we arrived in D.C., I knew very little about the impact of electric cooperatives outside of local community initiatives that my cooperative has — such as assisting those in need with funds through the Operation Round Up program. On Youth Tour, we visited national landmarks and Electric co-ops met with the offices of various North Carolina legislators who ensure that the emphasized the importance of electric co-ops in ensuring voices of smaller that the voices of smaller rural rural communities communities can still be heard on a national level. can still be heard At the All-State Youth Night, on a national level. it was truly eye-opening to see just how prevalent co-ops are in our country. With around one to four representatives from each co-op in the state and almost 50 total participants, North Carolina was far from being the largest group present. I was surrounded by people from faraway states like Montana and Texas, and amazed to meet attendees from Washington state, California and Hawai’i. We mingled in the crowd for hours to trade state pins, constantly asking “What state are you?” or “Do you have Alaska?” (the rarest pin to find, as there was only one representative who traveled from Alaska). The room was raucous and chaotic with thousands of teenagers, but the opportunity to

meet so many people from all over the country (and represent our state with an awesome group cheer) was an unforgettable experience.

As the Youth Leadership Council’s delegate for North Carolina, I will partner with SurryYadkin EMC in the coming months to support initiatives that benefit our local community and continue learning about the importance of cooperative businesses. As NC’s representative, I attend monthly video conferences with other states’ YLC delegates to discuss our engagement with our local co-ops and support each other with ideas to make the most positive difference in each of our communities. In the spring of 2025, I will attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting in Atlanta, as well as the statewide North Carolina meeting in Raleigh, to gain further insight into the larger-scale matters relating to electric co-ops and their vital role in our state and country.

Maya Fitch, a 2024 Youth Tour participant sponsored

by Surry-Yadkin EMC, is a senior at Salem Academy in Winston-Salem.

High school students Contact your electric co-op now for more information about applying for the 2025 Youth Tour!

4 | October 2024

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More Power

Nuclear Power:

Safe, Steady and Emissions-Free The two-unit 2,258-megawatt Catawba Nuclear Station is located on the Catawba River in York County, S.C.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives invested early in nuclear power, and in the nearly 40 years since, it’s proved to be a key part of our mission to provide members with affordable, reliable power. Here’s what has made nuclear power pay off as a sound investment: NUCLEAR POWER

IS SUSTAINABLE

Nuclear power plants emit nothing but water vapor, making them a carbon-free generation source. They also produce more electricity on less land than any other clean-air source.

NUCLEAR POWER

NUCLEAR POWER

IS SAFE

IS RELIABLE

Nuclear plants have strong federal oversight, including permanent onsite inspectors. Multiple systems, protocols and design features keep the plant safe, including a large, expertly trained onsite security force and advanced cybersecurity measures.

The Catawba plant is the workhorse of the co-op generation fleet, providing steady “baseload” power 24/7 at a very low cost. It can run 18 months at a time without having to be refueled.

Did you know?

■ Uranium, used to power the reactors, is an abundant metal

available at a very stable price.

■ One pellet of fuel, about the size of your fingertip, contains the

same amount of energy as 1 ton of coal or 149 gallons of oil.

■ Nuclear energy generates nearly 20% of the 4.18 trillion

kilowatt-hours of U.S. electricity generation.

■ More than half of the electricity NC electric co-ops provide to

members is from nuclear energy, most of which is generated at the Catawba Nuclear Station in York County, South Carolina, operated by Duke Energy.

■ The volume of fuel used across the entire U.S. nuclear fleet for

almost five decades, if stacked end to end, would cover an area the size of a football field to a depth of less than 10 yards.

Booming Energy Jobs North Carolina had the third-fastest rate of energy job growth from 2022 to 2023 (at 6.9%), led by Alabama (9.6%) and Utah (7.8%), according to the U.S. Department of Energy. All told, the nation’s energy workforce added 250,000 jobs in 2023 for a total of 8.35 million energy jobs. More than half of those (56%) were “clean energy” jobs, or those involving technology that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Visit careers.electric.coop to search for electric co-op jobs nationwide.

Source: 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Report

6 | October 2024

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Bees and Bright Ideas Onslow County teacher used grants to build multi-use pollination center Every fall, there’s a buzz across the state as educators and students return to the classroom. For Brandon Dillman and students at White Oak High School in Onslow County, that buzz is a bit louder — literally.

Since 2018, Dillman, who currently serves as K–12 Science Coordinator for Onslow County Schools, and his students have been educating youth on the importance of honeybees and other pollinators through a collection of beehives. This apiary has helped to educate not only the students and faculty of White Oak High School, but also members of the Onslow County community and beyond. Dillman says it wouldn’t be possible without support from local groups, including Jacksonville-based Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation, which has helped fund components of the apiary through Bright Ideas grants.

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives have collectively awarded nearly $16 million in Bright Ideas grants across the state since 1994.

These grants have funded 14,700 projects and impacted more than 3.5 million students.

Dillman’s most recent grant from Jones-Onslow EMC funded a 50-inch touchscreen that serves as a comprehensive data hub. This hub allows students to record and track essential information pertaining to the honeybee colonies.

“This cutting-edge technology will enable us to actively collaborate and share valuable insights with neighboring schools and organizations, fostering a collaborative network dedicated to honeybee education and conservation,” Dillman explained.

The data hub is paired with an observation unit that Dillman created, which allows local community members and classes to observe the beehives and beekeepers in action.

The team calls it their “Honeybee Education Center.”

Josh Conner

t

More Power

“It allows them to be immersed in it. It gives them tools to go off into the future, and … they’re learning skills that can carry them forward.”

Taking the information students learn in their textbooks and applying it to real-life lessons is what Dillman says education is all about.

“It allows them to be immersed in it,” he said. “It gives them tools to go off into the future, and even if they don’t have their own bee colonies, they’re learning skills that can carry them forward.”

A multi-year grant winner, Dillman has used each of his awards to build upon the hives and pollination gardens.

“These grants have supported aspects of this whole thing, so without them, we may have never started this project,” Dillman said.

With the project now benefiting students from elementary to high school, Jones-Onslow EMC says projects like the apiary show the impact that local educators are making in their community.

Digital Extras

Watch Brandon Dillman’s students suit up and get hands-on experience with beekeeping at carolinacountry.com/extras

“Brandon is a shining example of what the Bright Ideas program is all about. He has gone above and beyond with his grant proposals, creating projects that will have a lasting impact for years,” said Krystal Phillips, communications and community relations director at Jones-Onslow EMC. “From the start, Brandon wasn’t just thinking about a one-time project—he wanted to make a real difference for his students. With projects like his bee sanctuary and pollinator gardens, he’s teaching valuable life skills that his students will carry with them.”

—Josh Conner, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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More Power

Poultry Education Nonprofit Hosts UK Delegation Edgecombe-Martin County EMC funds educational tool

NC Center for Poultry Education

In August, a dignitary delegation from the United Kingdom hosted by the U.S. Department of State visited Edgecombe County for something the region uniquely excels at: poultry farming and education.

The delegation visited the NC Center for Poultry Education in Pinetops, an educational nonprofit organization sited on a commercial, family-owned poultry farm owned by S & N Enterprises LLC and served by Tarborobased Edgecombe-Martin County EMC. The Center operates in collaboration with Perdue Farms, Hog Slat, the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, NC State University, the University of Mount Olive and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The centerpiece for presentations during the international visit was a Promethean ActivPanel interactive display, made possible with funds donated by EdgecombeMartin County EMC and a matching grant from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives ($2,000 and $5,000 donations, respectively).

“Our co-op was made aware of the Center’s need for a smart board to better deliver educational and informational outreach,” said Edgecombe-Martin County EMC CEO Winston Howell. “We were determined to meet their need in time for the international delegation visit, and we worked with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives to quickly make funds available. The Center provides invaluable support to FFA, 4-H, and other educational

agricultural programs, and Edgecombe-Martin County EMC was happy to assist its efforts in this way.”

One current focus of the Center is to counter misinformation about the poultry industry that influences consumer behavior and impacts agricultural production.

In hosting the delegation from the United Kingdom, it was tasked with addressing misinformation about animal agriculture in the United States.

“The visit was a success, and we had great conversation with the delegates about our nation’s agricultural system.

The support we received from Edgecombe-Martin County EMC ensured we could put our best foot forward and present materials in a dynamic, engaging way,” said Steven Brake, CEO of the NC Center for Poultry Education. “By improving education at various levels — from primary and secondary to university, extension and professional levels — consumers will make more informed choices, ensuring the industry’s sustainability in the long run.”

C A R O L I N A C O U N T R Y S C E N E S

Photo Contest Send us your best photos of Carolina people or scenes!

We’ll pay $50 for those published in the Carolina Country Scenes section of our January 2025 issue.

Rules Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024 One entry per household Submit high resolution digital photos online; print photos need to be at least 5 x 7 inches.

Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number If you want your print returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (We will not return others.)

I f you did not take the photo you are submitting, please tell us who did so that we can appropriately recognize the photographer.

We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

Payment will be limited to those entries appearing in print only, not entries featured solely on carolinacountry.com Find the full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/photocontest

Send to Online: carolinacountry.com/photocontest No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country Photo Contest 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

8 | October 2024

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SP Murray

Katlyn Foy (center) with continuing education students at James Sprunt Community College.

F RO M

B OX TO B OWL

A CO-OP PARTNERSHIP PUTS FARM TECH IN THE HANDS OF DUPLIN COUNTY STUDENTS

BY SCOTT GATES

It’s cool and quiet in the narrow room, dark but for a glowing vertical matrix of red and blue LEDs. Their light merges to cast a purple glow on walls of leafy cabbage and collards.

Katlyn Foy, an agricultural instructor at James Sprunt Community College, walks along the crops, motioning to the back of the room.

“The water tank is there, connected to the irrigation system, and back in the corner is what we call ‘the brain’ — that controls everything, from water flow and light to the nutrient mix,” she explains. “It’s constantly monitoring and adjusting.

There are a lot of moving parts, and it all works together.”

Katlyn is in what looks like a 40-foot freight container on a back corner of James Sprunt's West Park Campus in Warsaw. From the outside, the container is fairly unassuming, aside from an eye-catching paint job declaring “Box to Bowl: Fresh greens growing inside.” On the inside, however, it’s a futuristic, hyperefficient hydroponic farm, growing the equivalent of two acres of crops in half the time.

Four County EMC and James Sprunt, along with support from North

Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, Duplin County and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, partnered on the container farm to offer students a hands-on introduction to agricultural and crop management.

“A large portion of our members work in the agriculture field, and we saw this partnership as an opportunity to introduce technology that could benefit an industry that is very important to eastern North Carolina,” said Greg Sager, vice president of member services at Burgaw-based Four County EMC.

10 | October 2024

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SP Murray

CONTAINER TECH James Sprunt's farm is one of more than 600 similar containers designed

by Freight Farms, growing crops in all manner of external conditions across five continents — from the Canadian wilderness to the Middle Eastern desert. The farms aren’t meant to replace traditional agriculture, but to offer fresh food access 365 days a year to areas that might not otherwise have it.

There’s also the educational component of such a system, which in the case of James Sprunt's farm, is engaging students with both hands-on agricultural experience and cuttingedge farm tech.

There are inherent benefits to hydroponic farming, or growing crops without soil, in a controlled environment like the James Sprunt container, explains Kara Gravinese, innovation and business development analyst for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Josh Conner

SP Murray

S

This futuristic, hyper efficient hydroponic farm grows the equivalent of 2 acres of crops in half the time.

(Left to right) Four County EMC CEO Don Gatton with Kristen Hole, Greg Sager and Katlyn Foy

Nutrients are automatically added to water as needed, and that water is recycled from grow beds as well as condensation from the container’s HVAC system. The container is designed to use around 5 gallons of water a day, or 99% less water than traditional agriculture.

“We’re still assessing the data, but in a high-humidity region like eastern North Carolina, we’re hopeful it will actually be ‘water positive,’ generating more water than it uses,” Kara says.

Depending on operating settings ranging from eco mode to

performance mode, the container farm can produce a yield of crops in around 5 to 6 weeks, from seed to harvest.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to investigate hydroponic technology, including how we can grow food with less resources like land and water, while making more efficient use of labor hours,” Kara says. “Students are also learning business management, gaining an understanding of the economics of running a financially viable farm, and learning how to continued on page 12 carolinacountry.com | 11

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analyze and adapt to data trends.

Those are all valuable skill sets.”

Kara and her team are working with Four County EMC and James Sprunt to interpret data from the farm and find areas to optimize energy consumption and improve efficiencies, both for Katlyn and her students, and for Freight Farms units across the globe.

“Katlyn’s students are learning advanced technical skills for the management of hydroponic farms, and we’re learning right along with them,” Kara says.

BOX BENEFITS The controlled nature of the farm presents opportunities, as well as its own set of challenges. Challenges largely relate to maintaining a clean environment without the use of any chemicals. The crops grow pesticideand herbicide-free, and Katlyn keeps the floor and other components clean with a hydrogen peroxide mixture.

She also ensures anyone working or visiting the container makes cleanliness a priority. That includes taking care not to track in any outside soil, which could introduce the plants to disease or pests. Seeds are sorted before planting to ensure they’re free of outside organic matter or, worse, any sign of pests — like dreaded aphids.

“Thankfully we haven’t had a pest issue, but I have heard from some

container farms that have had aphid infestations,” she says. Then again, she explains, controlling pests in a box can be a lot more straight-forward than in open cropland. “With aphids, you can close the container and raise the temperature to 120 degrees. That kills the insects, and the plants are fine.”

The container is also free of growing seasons, allowing students to experiment with a variety of crops year-round.

“In here we can grow whatever we want, when we want,” Katlyn says on a July afternoon. “Right now I’m growing collards and cabbage, and those are winter crops — I’d normally plant those in August in a greenhouse.”

This flexibility can be invaluable to local or regional restaurants, which may crave access to crops that are out of season or otherwise hard to come by. Kara points to one example of this kind of “premium product” being grown by a hydroponic farm in New Jersey.

“Oishii is a company growing a prized variety of Japanese strawberries in a hydroponic environment,” she says. “These berries are typically found in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, but they’re growing them right in Jersey City, year-round.”

During the fall semester, 90 students across several classes have been able to utilize the James Sprunt container farm for hands-on experience, gaining a better understanding of everything

SP Murray

SP Murray

Grow plugs are placed into the nursery to receive nutrient rich water and special LED lights.

James Sprunt students utilize the container farm for hands-on experience.

from starting seeds and transplanting, to promoting healthy growth through the right balance of nutrients. And at harvest time, it’s all hands on deck. A recent harvest yielded 330 pounds of produce, all of which is donated to local charities.

“This curriculum equips these students, who are the future of agriculture in our state, with the knowledge to adapt and pivot while remaining within the agricultural sector,” said Kristen Hole, innovative electrification specialist at Four County EMC. Katlyn credits support from Four County EMC with making the project feasible, in turn better equipping local community college students for the future.

“Without the support of local cooperatives, students would not be able to learn about agriculture in the capacity that they are right now. I try to do what I can to get students set for the workforce, or to prepare them for university — your education is something no one can ever take from you,” she says. “Even if you don’t go into agriculture, it’s important to learn about and understand. Without it, the world wouldn’t work.”

Scott Gates is editor for Carolina Country magazine. Josh Conner, communications specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, contributed to this article.

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HOW VEGETABLES GROW INSIDE THIS METAL BOX

1

Uses 99% Less Water

Uses Zero Pesticides

Is Equal to 2 Acres of Land

NURSERY 2–3 weeks SP Murray

After placing seeds into ‘grow plugs,’ the seedlings will be moved into the nursery area where they will germinate & start their lives! Here they will be provided with nutrient rich water and special LED lights for 2–3 weeks.

There is enough room to grow up to 4,600 seedlings in the nursery area!

WHAT’S IN THE GROW PLUG?

Freight Farms

2

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• Coconut husk and peat moss • It holds its shape better than traditional soil.

GROWING 3–4 weeks, varies by crop variety

The sturdy seedlings will be transplanted into the cultivation area—this is where they will grow to their full maturity.

The mature seedlings will be placed in plant panels among 4 different grow walls & spaced according to by crop variety/size into 5 grow channels.

HOW MUCH WILL IT GROW? • T here is enough room to grow close Freight Farms

3

Freight Farms

to 8,000 crops in the cultivation area!

HARVEST 1 day

After the crops grow in the cultivation area for 3–4 weeks, it’s time to harvest.

Produce will then be packaged and distributed throughout the school & community!

Freight Farms

Freight Farms

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Real People. Real Power.

National

co-op month Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide each October since 1964, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, inclusive communities.

This year we thought it would be fun to share some Co-op Month trivia specific to the nation’s electric cooperatives. The answers can be found on Page 18 of Tideland Topics.

Vampire power

Appliances that use energy even when they are “shut off” are modern vampires, wasting power and increasing electric bills. One or two devices won’t make much difference on your bill, but with each electronic addition to your home it can begin to add up.

Household vampires • Desktop computers and displays • Printers • Fax machines • Satellite and cable boxes • Remote control TVs • Phone chargers • Video game consoles • Microwaves • Digital clocks • Modems and routers

While some vampire loads are worth tackling, don’t overlook your main energy users: HVAC and water heating. They are the primary drivers of energy costs. Save most of your garlic for those items!

OCTOBER 2024 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY • 15

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Dehumidifiers increasingly impact member energy bills

M

In recent years we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of Tideland served homes that now have crawlspace dehumidifiers. It’s a concerning trend for a number of reasons.

b

We’ll refer to a recent energy audit to address our concerns.

Invisible death Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the No. 1 cause of injury and death following a hurricane. Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including: mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death.

Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure.

For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures like those associated with the use of generators in residential spaces, victims can rapidly become mentally confused, losing muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms. Death is likely imminent if not rescued.

Every new home constructed in North Carolina must now have a carbon monoxide detector. Make sure your home has one too.

In this particular case, the dehumidifier load was fairly easy to isolate because the home is unoccupied and the only items using energy are the crawlspace dehumidifier, a single indoor lamp, and a chest style deep freezer.

During the months of July and August, Tideland territory received over 25 inches of rainfall. That’s more than double the amount of precipitation we normally experience during those months. Those circumstances alone would necessitate the need for longer dehumidifier run times.

The home we visited in August is a two-story residence built in the 1920s. It had an Aprilaire model 1850 dehumidifier capable of

removing 95 pints (11.9 gallons) of water per day with a rated airflow of 245 cubic feet per minute. The unit’s compressor had an operating wattage of 960 watts (8.0 amps multiplied by 120 volts). In conjunction with the compressor operation, there was a 135-watt fan that moves the air across the coil. There was also a 228-watt condensate pump that moves the condensate from the drain pan to the outdoors. Together, these three components were contributing over $100 to the member’s total electric bill.

We want to note that this is a larger dehumidifier than we typically see in a residential setting.

Based on the home’s footprint we are hard pressed to understand why such a large unit was installed by the contractor.

However, even at half that size, the additional energy expenses would be significant.

Even more concerning was the condition of the crawlspace where the dehumidifier was located. The crawlspace was not truly encapsulated.

Article continues on Page D

TRICK OR TREAT Don’t Let an Electrical Mishap Be Your Halloween Trick As you ready your yard and porch for Halloween, make sure the decorations you plug in do not become hazardous. To avoid a Halloween scare, take these safety precautions: • • • • •

Discard any decorations that have cracked or frayed cords or damaged plugs.

Do not put any decorations on power poles, padmount transformers or any other electrical equipment.

Use decorations that are endorsed by a reputable testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

If you are using extension cords outdoors, make sure they are rated for outdoor use.

Secure all cords so they do not become tripping hazards.

• • •

Plug all cords into circuits protected by GFCIs to prevent electrical shock.

Do not use nails or tacks to hang lights or other electrical decor.

Keep decorations away from flammable items like bales of hay, cornstalks or witch’s brew.

Have a safe and festive Halloween complete with safe tricks and tasty treats.

Learn more at:

16 • OCTOBER 2024 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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A w b m o y ti

A m In d el

B tr m u an

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i-

D

Message to members

Rights-of-way

We’re all in for you

maintenance schedule

by PAUL SPRUILL

GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER As Tideland recognizes National Co-op Month, you may wonder what that has to do with you. Well, it has everything to do with you because the cooperative is you. You are not a customer. You are a member-owner of Tideland. That means you have a voice in the operation and governance of the cooperative. Which in turn means you are heard. If it’s important to you, it’s important to our cooperative leadership team.

Our contract construction crews with Lee Electrical will work throughout our system to proactively replace any poles that failed to meet our integrity standards following inspections by our contractor, Osmose.

As a member-owner of Tideland. you also get a return on your member equity through the eventual distribution of capital credits.

In the ensuing years, between equity accumulation and equity distribution, you benefit from the capital investments that improve electric service reliability and resilience for you and your family.

Because Tideland is member-owned, we owe you truth, transparency and accountability. That’s one of the things we love most about our business model. There are no balancing acts to be undertaken between meeting the interests of third-party investors and those we serve. We’re simply all in for Tidelanders.

Each year when this national celebration comes along, the emphasis is usually on just how many co-op businesses exist and how vast their reach is in a broad range of industries like agriculture, housing and consumer financial services. But this year, I find myself more struck by the smallness of our co-op business model. Small enough to care.

Small enough to listen. Small enough to act. Small enough to do big things. Small enough to make your world a brighter place.

Electric co-op trivia

Tideland has hired Gunnison Tree to trim vegetative growth in our rights-of-way. During October, Gunnison will work on Fairfield Harbour circuits #1 and #2. They will also work on the Arapahoe circuit starting at the Silverhill substation and then beyond the Minnesott Beach recloser.

Fall is a popular time to plant new trees and shrubs so they have time to establish root systems before the heat of summer returns.

Before purchasing trees, please take time to conduct a bit of research based on location and the proximity to both overhead and underground power lines. Staying well outside of the utility right-ofway when the tree reaches mature height will help the co-op reduce future tree trimming costs. And be sure root spread will not interfere with underground utilities.

Our Grantsboro office on September 15, 2018

y

s

.

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Dehumidification

Re a l P e o ple .

Real Power.

Article continues from Page 16

Encapsulation means that the addressed. In the meantime, crawlspace is sealed off from direct energy consumption increases and communication with the outdoor sometimes dramatically. environment. Consider for a moment trying to heat or cool your home Before embarking on the journey of with one or two windows open. That owning and operating a crawlspace would be a very expensive proposidehumidifier, we’d like to encourage tion and that’s why we close them you to visit crawlspaces.org. The site before we turn the HVAC unit on. is hosted by North Carolina’s It’s also why generations of parents Advanced Energy Corporation, a have told nonprofit their children energy Getting Started to not stand consulting DESIGNING CLOSED CRAWL SPACES there with the firm. door wide open.

One thing to point out: Yet during crawl space the vast encapsulation majority of is an investour audit ment. But visits, we do when done not find true properly it H I G H - P E R F O R M A N C E H O M E S vapor should last for barriers the life of the To access Advanced Energy’s 4-page underneath home. In fact, quick reference on closed crawl spaces homes. Yes, once proper and other materials visit crawlspaces.org there may be encapsulation sheets of plastic but most often you is complete it may only be necessary can still see dirt because the vapor to dehumidify the crawlspace one barrier material isn’t continuous, time to get it in balance, thus foregoseamed and sealed. Even fewer vapor ing the expense of purchasing and barriers continue up the home’s maintaining a dehumidifier. footers and foundation walls.

If you already have a dehumidifier That combined with unsealed air and want to reduce energy consumpvents and crawlspace access doors tion we recommend that you check and improper grading creates a the unit’s settings. Be sure to take vicious cycle of dehumidifier operaadvantage of any energy-savings tion. The dehumidifier that was modes or lower fan speed settings. intended to be a cure now becomes Clean air filters regularly. Ensure just another symptom of a problem proper drainage to prevent that has not been holistically condensate build-up.

A Quick Reference on Closed Crawl Spaces

Both scientific research projects and real-world installations demonstrate that properly closed crawl spaces can provide much better moisture control than conventional, wall-vented crawl spaces in temperatehumid climates. Homes with closed crawl spaces (often also called “sealed,” “unvented” or “conditioned” crawl spaces) also can save significantly on energy when compared to homes with wall-vented crawl spaces.

This sheet summarizes key issues that builders, code officials and consumers should keep in mind when deciding how to design or install closed crawl spaces in new construction.

The second sheet provides two sample designs that have been field-tested and extensively monitored.

For more details and information on improving wallvented crawl spaces in existing homes, visit www.crawlspaces.org.

www.tidelandemc.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS J. Douglas Brinson, President Clifton Paul, Vice President Mark Carawan, Secretary David Ipock, Treasurer Rudy Austin, Garry Jordan, Dawson Pugh, Paul Sasnett, Wayne Sawyer & Charles Slade

w w w.c ra w l s p a c e s .o rg

GENERAL MANAGER & CEO Paul Spruill

The recommended components of a good design fall into six major categories:

Moisture Management

■ A roof runoff system to direct water away

from the house

■ Site grading and landscaping that directs

ground surface water away from the house

■ Foundation drains and foundation damp-

proofing or water-proofing to protect the structure from sub-surface water

■ Air sealing of the access door, perimeter wall

and perimeter framing to prevent the entry of moisture-laden outside air and to separate the crawl space from areas under porches or decks

■ An access door that is protected from roof

runoff, at least 4" higher than the exterior soil grade and made of a non-corroding material, especially in coastal communities

■ A fully sealed vapor retarder on the floor and

perimeter walls to reduce evaporation of water into the crawl space

■ Appliance discharge pipes and exhausts

from kitchens, bathrooms and clothes dryers that terminate outside the crawl space

■ A mechanical drying system to reduce

humidity (for example, a supply of conditioned air or a dehumidifier)

■ Drains with backflow valves or sump pumps

to remove liquid water from the crawl space if necessary

■ Flood vents that minimize standby air

leakage, when required

Pest Control

Thermal Insulation

■ A termite inspection gap at the top of the

■ Insulation at the sub-floor or at the perimeter

perimeter wall to facilitate detection

■ Batt insulation in the band joist area of wall-

insulated closed crawl spaces to facilitate inspection or treatment

Combustion Safety

■ Specification of direct-vent (“two-pipe”)

combustion appliances to ensure adequate combustion air for fuel-fired appliances, if applicable. Some manufacturers have directvent cabinets for use with non-direct-vent models. Alternate means of providing combustion air must be approved by the appliance manufacturer and local residential code requirements.

■ For homes on slabs, basements or crawl

spaces, specification of carbon monoxide monitors or alarms if the structure has an attached garage or any combustion appliances

■ For homes on basements or crawl spaces,

optional specification of an appropriately placed raw-gas leak alarm if fuel-fired appliances or fuel lines are in the home

Fire Safety

■ Air sealing of all penetrations in the sub-

wall to provide the R-value required by the local residential code. Note that perimeter insulation may be located on the interior surface, exterior surface or inside the perimeter wall, or the perimeter wall itself may provide the required R-value

EDITOR Heidi Jernigan Smith

■ Insulation at the sub-floor installed without

gaps or compression and in full contact with the sub-floor to achieve nominal R-value

■ Non-porous insulation if the perimeter wall

is insulated

■ Insulation on the crawl space access(es) of

minimum R-2

Radon Control

■ In areas where radon is a risk or where the

local residential code requires control of radon or other soil gases, houses with closed crawl space foundations can be tested, monitored and, if necessary, mitigated with the same techniques used for houses with a slab or basement foundation in the same region.

Member Service 252.943.3046 800.637.1079 24 Hour Outage Reporting & Automated Services 252.944.2400 800.882.1001

■ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes for radon

floor with non-porous materials

■ Documentation of fire-rating to allow

installation of exposed foam insulation without a thermal barrier, if applicable

■ Documentation of fire-rating to allow

installation of exposed facing or backing materials on batt insulation, if applicable

Electric cooperative trivia answers

Tideland EMC is an equal opportunity provider & employer

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Holiday call 811 Always Closing you dig before Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 as well as January 1. Our 24hour call center will be fully staffed for outage reporting and account management.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

18 • OCTOBER 2024 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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Energy Sense

Smart Storage

Pair storage with energy savings in your attic

By Miranda Boutelle

One hiding spot for energy savings in homes is also a common location for storing holiday decorations and infrequently used sentimental items: the attic.

Using your attic for storage is tempting but, if not done properly, can be problematic when trying to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Let’s explore how you can improve insulation levels and properly store items in your attic.

Attic insulation is one of the best low-cost ways to make your home efficient. People often associate insulation with keeping your home warmer in the winter, but it also provides benefits in the summer. Insulation reduces heat transfer from the attic to the house, which lowers energy bills for air conditioning and makes your home more comfortable.

Attic insulation is measured in R-value, which is a measurement of how well a material resists the flow of heat. For attic insulation, thicker is better (the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power). The recommended R-value is typically between R-38 and R-60, depending on regional climate. North Carolina building code requires at least R-38 for ceilings and in the attic. In most homes, the ceiling joists are buried in insulation to achieve the recommended R-value.

The problem with attic storage is it typically doesn’t offer enough space for the recommended R-value. Often, plywood or boards are placed directly on top of the ceiling joists, which isn’t enough space for the insulation.

Insulation can get compacted by people moving items in or out, reducing the effective R-value.

Ideally, the attic would not be used for storage so it can be properly insulated, but that’s not feasible for everyone.

Here are some strategies for maintaining attic storage and recommended insulation levels.

The best location for attic storage is over an unconditioned area of your home, such as the garage. You don’t need insulation in attic spaces over a garage or unconditioned area because you are not heating or cooling the space below.

This makes it the perfect spot to tuck away items for storage.

If that isn’t an option, consider minimizing the number of stored items or the storage area’s footprint. A great way to do this is by building an attic storage platform. A raised platform allows the space underneath it to be fully insulated. These platforms are available in ready-to-install kits, or you can buy materials and build them yourself.

Allow enough space underneath the platform to achieve the proper R-value. Use lumber to build a frame perpendicular to the existing joists and cover it with plywood or oriented strand board. Once your storage area is set up, add insulation inside the platform to bring the R-value up to the proper level.

Your attic might also have trusses that allow you to build shelves and maximize space by storing items vertically.

Always wear a dust mask or respirator when working in the attic. Don’t forget to weatherstrip the attic hatch to ensure a tight seal (see “Batten Down the Hatch,” October 2023, page 20). Take a look around your attic to see if you can find any hidden opportunities for energy savings.

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

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Crack Down on

By Ryan Newlon

CYBERCRIME How to secure connected devices on your home network

E

very day, we are integrating more smart devices into our home networks, often without a second thought. From smart light bulbs to connected kitchen appliances, our homes are becoming increasingly interconnected. While controlling our environments with a smartphone can open up a world of convenience and efficiency, it also brings a host of security concerns that must be considered.

“October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and while we should always be vigilant of the latest cyber threats and risks, this is a great time of year to consider simple steps we can take to make our digital lives more secure,” says Brian Burnett, director of cybersecurity for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

When you bring new connected devices into your home, it’s crucial to understand what you’re adding to your network and how to do so securely.

If you connect devices without understanding the implications, you could be opening the door to potential problems. Remember, manufacturers typically prioritize functionality and profit over security. They deliver the basics of what you need, leaving you responsible for securing the rest.

To help you navigate this complex landscape, here are a few tips to help you secure connected devices on your home network.

Secure your router (or modem). Your router comes with a default ID assigned by the manufacturer.

Consider changing the router name to one that is unique to you. You should also change the router’s default password to a stronger one that is at least 12 characters long and includes letters, numbers and symbols. Speaking of passwords ... Be smart about passwords. Remember to change default login passwords on all devices, and use strong, unique passwords for every device and online account. Avoid reusing passwords, and if you have trouble remembering them, enlist the help of a password manager. These services automate passwords, creating and saving passwords that are complex, random and secure. Some are free, some are available for a low subscription fee, so research which one might be best for you and your family. Know what you’re connecting to your home network. Understand the purpose of each device on your network. If possible, keep your most critical devices on a separate network from your smart home gadgets to minimize risk. Many routers allow you to create a secondary (guest) network, which can be used to separate your smart devices from other connected electronics, like your laptop. This will prevent a hacker who finds their way in through, say, a smart doorbell account (it’s been done) from accessing every other device on your network.

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Is Your Identity Secure?

Take steps to protect yourself from a recent data breach

“

Cyber threats don’t stop at our front door, which is why electric cooperatives are deeply committed to staying on top of the latest cybersecurity practices.

“

Set devices to update automatically. Most device manufacturers roll out updates to resolve bugs and enhance functionality. You should be able to select an “automatic update” option to ensure your devices include the latest security patches and features.

Feeling overwhelmed? Find a cyber buddy. Connect with a family member, friend or even a neighbor in your community who is tech-savvy. You can also check to see if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers support.

Taking steps toward better cybersecurity habits is about ownership, vigilance and proactive measures. With so much technology at our fingertips, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Remember: it’s a journey, so if you find managing multiple devices cumbersome, consider simplifying your digital surroundings. Being proactive now can prevent cyber issues down the line.

“Cyber threats don’t stop at our front door, which is why electric cooperatives are deeply committed to staying on top of the latest cybersecurity practices,” Brian says. “North Carolina’s electric co-ops support each other in these efforts, and we belong to a national network of hundreds of co-ops, all working together to learn about the latest risks and share our experiences.”

Staying informed in this digital age can turn challenges into stepping stones that increase our overall security. Together, we can secure our digital lives and support each other through the complexities of the modern age. Let’s take these steps together and build a safer digital future for everyone.

Ryan Newlon is principal, cybersecurity for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

In August, a Florida-based background check company called National Public Data acknowledged that the personal information of nearly 3 million Americans had been stolen in a cyberattack. What’s worse, much of that data had been offered for sale on the “dark web,” including names, email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and mailing addresses.

With access to this information, a criminal could commit fraud like opening credit accounts in someone else’s name, collecting unemployment insurance, or accessing Social Security benefits. 

Was your information a part of this breach? Take these steps to be sure.  See if your name was part of the breach. Never enter your full social security number on a site that claims to help with this. A reputable cybersecurity firm, Pentester, offers a search tool at npd.pentester.com that only requires your name, state and birth year.  If your name isn’t on the list, still consider using an identify theft protection service to make sure your information stays secure.  If your name is on the list, don’t panic, but do take action.  Strongly consider placing a credit freeze with each of the three credit bureaus.

(Yes, you’ll have to place a freeze with each separately.) This will prevent each bureau from sharing your credit report with others, which is a necessary step when doing things like buying a car or opening a credit card. You can unfreeze your accounts at any point if you need to make such a transaction. Place a freeze online or contact each by phone: Equifax | equifax.com | 1-800-525-6285 Experian | experian.com | 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion | transunion.com | 1-800-680-7289  If you have not done so already, visit ssa.gov/myaccount to create a personal “my Social Security” account with the U.S. Social Security Administration. This ensures no one else will create an account with your information, and allows you to check for any suspicious activity and manage Social Security benefits.

If you think someone has gotten into your accounts or has your personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

There, you’ll find more steps to take to find out if your identity has been misused, and how to report and recover from identity theft.

—Scott Gates, Carolina Country

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CAROLINA VOICES

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE

HALLOWEEN COSTUME? There’s a certain satisfaction in pulling together that perfect Halloween costume, or helping kids or grandkids transform into superheroes, royalty or (in one reader’s case) a kindly grandma.

We asked readers to share their favorite costumes and can only say: bravo. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do.

All for One and One for All

Ask me my favorite holiday, and I will respond “Halloween.” Always has been. I love getting dressed up and sometimes start planning my costume shortly after the new year. We often celebrate in the neighborhood with pizza while handing out treats to the ghouls and goblins making their rounds. Attached is a picture of my husband, mom and me as the three musketeers!

Margaret Matthews, Emerald Isle A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

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Christmas in October

My favorite Halloween costume was a homemade gingerbread house. My youngest son, who was 4 years old at the time (2021), LOVED gingerbread houses (or “candy houses,” as he called them). Ever since the previous Christmas, he was hooked. He loved to draw them, color pictures of them, build them out of blocks or Playdough, and occasionally Graham crackers and whipped topping with sprinkles and berries. He even requested a gingerbread house birthday cake that year.

So it seemed an obvious choice when he asked to be, not a gingerbread man, but a gingerbread house for Halloween. I worked my crafty hands and with his specific candy requests we created the perfect costume. We had the best time wishing people “Merry Christmas” as we trick-or-treated around the neighborhood. He was glowing (literally) as the house was equipped with lights, as well as his sweet smile! We did, however, realize that his arms weren't long enough to get the candy from one hand to his bag — I'm no architect — but it didn't stop him from filling up his candy bag with the help of big brother and friends.

It was a costume we still talk about each year with smiles.

And sometimes it makes its way down from the attic with our Christmas decorations and the sweet memories circle around again.

Mary Beth Barts, Newport A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

A Family Legacy of Haunting

I sure do remember my favorite Halloween costume: It was October 2004. My family has always loved Halloween, and helped Pleasant Grove and Albertson VFD with their trails.

I was about 8 years old when they started helping Glenwood Farms with their haunted house. I hate to admit it, but I was a little scared of all the horror stuff, but they talked me into hiding in a big 152-quart cooler, and I would pop out and scare people.

Needless to say, I was hooked.

For Halloween in 2004, William, my brother, was dressed as Leatherface [from Candy for Grandma “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”] so I Being an old lady was my favorwanted to be Leatherface, too. The picture shows ite Halloween costume because me in the middle with William on the left and Daddy on the right. Notice my plasmy mom spray-painted my hair tic chainsaw — I was one happy little boy. I will always remember this as one of the gray, and my grandpa made me a best times of my life. I was with my daddy and brother, and I had on my favorite walker out of pvc pipe. My grandma Halloween costume. gave me her glasses and curlers, I met my future wife, Laramie, at Glenwood Farms when we were 13, and we also. That Halloween was SO continued to help Glenwood Farms each year until they closed. The next year fun because I got lots of candy, or so Daddy had the opportunity to purchase an old farmhouse. We all decided and I was in the newspaper! In we would open our own haunted house, so now my family owns and operates conclusion, my favorite Halloween a successful haunted house named Marr Branch. You can see my favorite costume was an old lady. costume has a lot of meaning to me as we continue Marr Branch Haunted House Brooklynn Carter (age 10), Sanford (marrbranchhauntedhouse.com).

A member of Central Electric

Jon-Blaney Jones, Mount Olive, a member of Tri-County EMC

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Souped Up

My favorite Halloween costume is one I made my grandson (who is now 20), when he was three years old. I always made my grandchildren costumes every year, and when I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween (thinking he would say a ninja or something like that) he said, “a can of chicken noodles soup.”

Okay, so I made him a costume that year and won first place.

Mary Park, Littleton A member of Halifax EMC

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Carolina Voices DECEMBER’S QUESTION:

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Submit your answer (roughly 200 words) and any related photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue.

We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish in the print version of the magazine.

Deadline: Oct. 31 Online: carolinacountry.com/voices No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country—Carolina Voices 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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AVA GARDNER FESTIVAL The celebration of Ava Gardner’s life runs Friday, Oct. 4– 6 at the Ava Gardner Museum in downtown Smithfield, 325 E. Market Street.

The event will include tours, talks and screenings of Ava’s films. Call 919-934-5830 or visit avagardnerfestival.com for more information.

Ava

ALL ABOUT

“

lthough no one believes me, I have always been a country girl and still have a country girl's values," Ava Gardner (1922–1990) wrote in her autobiography, “Ava: My Story.”

“Because I was promoted as a sort of a siren and played all those sexy broads, people made the mistake of thinking I was like that off the screen. They couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Born in the small Johnston County community of Grabtown, just outside of Smithfield, Ava Gardner lived that iconic Hollywood star life, but never forgot her roots. Named as one of the top 25 female legends by the American Film Institute, her tobacco farm upbringing served her well in the rough and tumble world of movie

THE AVA GARDNER MUSEUM AND FESTIVAL CAPTURES CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

BY RENEE C. GANNON PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHNSTON COUNTY CVB

making, taking off with her breakout role as femme fatale Kitty Collins in the 1946 film “The Killers.” Many of her hit movies had a connection to home, including when she played Julie LaVerne in the 1951 film “Showboat,” which is based on North Carolina author Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel.

Her role as Maria Vargas in the 1954 film “The Barefoot Contessa” almost mirrored her own life, as a peasant girl discovered for stardom.

Ava never forgot where she came from, often visiting family and friends throughout Johnston County. Her community most certainly never forgot Ava. THE AVA GARDNER MUSEUM AND FESTIVAL Dr. Thomas Banks became a lifelong friend of the soonto-be legend from what started as a joke by his 12-year-old self and ended in a kiss on the cheek from college student Ava. That fateful day, according to Ava Gardner Museum

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L

d, l

history, young Tommy shouted out “Hey, Girlfriend!” to Ava while she stood around with friends. She surprised him by chasing the young man down and planting one on him in front of his friends, a moment that would never be forgotten. Over the years, he watched as Ava began her film career and stardom. He collected newspaper articles and saved autographed photos, letters and memorabilia that she would send through their lifelong correspondence.

Thomas’ wife, Lorraine, joined him in adding to his collection and also became friends with Ava. The couple even visited her in London, where the discussion of donating their vast memorabilia collection for an exhibit about “the hometown girl makes good” began. Ava Gardner agreed with Thomas and Lorraine’s plans to exhibit the ever-growing collection.

The quest to showcase Ava in her home state of North Carolina took off in the early 1970s, when Doris Cannon, a writer for the Smithfield Herald, began a campaign to honor Ava Gardner in Smithfield. The team formed when Thomas contacted the newspaper looking for Ava photos for his collection.

A temporary exhibit honoring Ava opened in 1979, with a more permanent home for the collection found in 1981 at the old Brogden School Teacherage building, where Ava had attended school (and where Thomas Banks and Ava first met). In 1985, Ava visited the family farm in Grabtown. She and her sisters drove to the Teacherage building, hoping to visit the exhibit, but the building was not yet open, and she declined to bother someone to unlock the door, noting “I know what’s in there, I lived it.”

Thomas passed in 1989. His wife scattered some of his ashes at the Teacherage in honor of all his hard work to create the Ava Gardner Museum. In 1990, Lorraine agreed to donate the Banks collection to the city of Smithfield with the opening of the permanent museum. Finally, in October 2000, a renovated 6,400-square-foot building in downtown Smithfield opened as the Ava Gardner Museum.

In 2007, the annual Ava Gardner Festival began on the first weekend of October to commemorate the museum’s opening.

Each year, the festival showcases exhibits, heritage tours, guest speakers and film screenings of Ava Gardner’s movies. For 2024, new exhibits will feature additional movie costumes, and a showcase called “Archiving Ava,” which will display some of Ava’s person belongings and keepsakes she kept from her 44-year Hollywood career.

This year’s festival includes the showing of “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” at the local amphitheater and “Mogambo” at the Howell Theater, as well as a discussion at the museum theater with Film Historian Rob Davis on 100 years of filmmaking. On the festival’s final day, the museum will present the premiere of the “Ava Gardner Centennial Documentary Short.”

The museum’s memorabilia collection continues to grow, with film scripts and posters, lobby cards, Gardner family and personal artifacts, portraits, costumes

and other items honoring the life and career of one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. In 2022, the Ava Gardner Mural on the side of the museum was unveiled, created

by Greensboro graffiti artist/muralist Brian Lewis, aka JEKS (see his Andy Griffith mural in our August 2024 issue, page 28).

The mural overlooks a rose garden — yellow roses were a particular favorite of Ava’s. After their divorce, her third husband, Frank Sinatra, sent her a bouquet of yellow roses every year on her birthday. Although he didn’t attend her funeral in 1990, he did send one final bouquet, along with a note that read, “All my love, Francis.”

Ava’s gravesite is located just two miles from the museum in Sunset Memorial Park, not far from the tobacco farm she once called home.

Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country.

The Ava Gardner Mural created by JEKS

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visit waterfurnace.com/MainStreet Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit.

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Carolina Kitchen

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

gluten free

Crispy Topped Sheet Pan Fish With glazed sweet potato fries

Sheet pan suppers: there’s no quicker, easier way to get a healthy, yummy meal on the table.

This version of “fish and chips” checks that box and is family-friendly, too.

Crumb topping 1 bag (2-ounce) pork rinds 1½ cups parmesan cheese, grated 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (we used Old Bay) 1 tablespoon dried dill weed Fish 2 pounds (or so) thick boneless white fish fillets (we used cod) Salt and pepper ¾ cup mayonnaise Potatoes 3 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut into ½-inch wedges ¹/₃ cup oil 1 tablespoon favorite seasoning blend (we used Italian) Cumin Brown sugar Salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking pan with foil.

Combine all topping ingredients and pulse in a food processor into fine crumbs. Place fish pieces onto a plate and top with salt, pepper, mayonnaise and crumbs. Set aside.

Toss sweet potatoes with oil, seasoning and a sprinkling of cumin. Scatter in a single layer on the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

Turn wedges and lightly dust with salt and sugar. Nestle fish pieces among potatoes and return pan to oven. Continue baking 15–18 minutes or until the fish is done and the crumbs are browned.

Serve immediately.

Note: The topping is best made and used at the time of cooking.

Yield: 4–6 servings

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

Marinated Red Cabbage and Pineapple Slaw Red cabbage’s deep hue reveals a more nutritious choice than its green counterpart, thanks to more Vitamin E, C and beta carotene. And its earthy taste delivers big flavor in this pickled slaw, the perfect topper for hot dogs and more. Plus, it’s extra pretty with splashy yellow pineapple mixed in!

1 small head of red cabbage, shredded 1 medium red onion, cut into thin slivers 3–4 green onions, chopped 2–3 celery sticks, diced 1 can (8-ounce) crushed pineapple in juice 1 can (8-ounce) pineapple tidbits in juice Salt and pepper to your taste ½ cup sweet pickle juice ¹/₃ cup light oil Toss all ingredients together, putting aside a few tidbits of green onion for garnish.

Let the slaw marinate for several hours or overnight before serving. Keeps up to about 10 days in the refrigerator.

Yield: 8 servings

From Your Kitchen Pistachio Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

The salty tang of seasonal nuts meets the bright flavor of cranberries and the two invite oats and cinnamon along for the ride. No complaints about this union!

1 cup butter, softened 1¹/₃ cups light brown sugar, packed ¾ cups sugar 3 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup dried cranberries 2 cups oats, quick ¾ cups shelled pistachios, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugars; add eggs

Recipe courtesy of Pam Rowell of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power

and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Slowly add this dry mixture to your creamed ingredients to make the cookie dough.

In another bowl, combine cranberries, oats and pistachios. Stir.

Slowly add the cranberry mixture to the cookie dough until the cranberries, oatmeal and pistachios are evenly distributed throughout. The dough may seem dry (this is okay).

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on rack.

Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe. Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

30 | October 2024

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Todd Bush

October Events

OCT. 12

Intercultural Festival Riverwalk Park, Belville 910-842-6566 OCT. 12–13

Celtic Festival Fort Defiance, Lenoir 828-758-1671 OCT. 18–19

Historic Hertford Ghost Walk Downtown Hertford 252-426-5657

OCT. 19–20

OCT. 19

Woolly Worm Festival Historic Banner Elk School, Banner Elk 828-898-5605

AACA Auto Show Big Rock Landing Deck, Morehead City 919-413-2138

Liver Mush Festival

OCT. 4–5

OCT. 5

OCT. 12

Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival

Autumn Fest

Oriental Village, Oriental 502-345-4771

Clay Street, Mebane 919-304-3737

StreetFest and Fireworks

Valley Hills Antique Power Club Tractor Show

OCT. 5–NOV. 24 (weekends)

Catawba Meadows Park, Morganton 828-413-1055

16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville 704-896-5555

Bill’s Creek Community Center, Lake Lure 828-375-7480

Antiques Street Fair

OCT. 5–27

Historic Downtown Cameron 910-245-3212

NC Grape Festival

Pumpkin Extravaganza

Lu Mil Vineyard, Elizabethtown 910-866-5819

Downtown Sanford 919-718-4659

Carolina Renaissance Festival

OCT. 4–6

Red Wolf Farm, Maiden 828-999-8099

Ava Gardner Festival

OCT. 6

Film screenings, food, exhibits Ava Gardner Museum, Smithfield 919-934-5839

Wine Festival Thistle Meadow Winery, Laurel Springs 336-359-2995

Bill’s Creek Music Festival

Dismal Day Dismal Swamp State Park, Camden 252-771-8333

Uptown, Shelby 704-484-4750 OCT. 26

Fall Festival Camp Albemarle, Newport 252-726-4848

The Barbecue Festival Uptown Lexington 336-956-1880

Blowing Rock Halloween Festival Main Street, Blowing Rock 828-295-5222

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 Oct. 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 December 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.

August’s winner The August “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Renee Gannon features music legend Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson sitting on a bench with his favorite Gallagher guitar at the corner of King and Depot Streets in downtown Boone. The late Grammy-winning musician was born down the road in Deep Gap. He started MerleFest in nearby Wilkesboro in memory of his son, Merle, and the annual festival still welcomes top musicians from across the country. The bronze “Man of the People” statue, created by the artist Alex Hallmark, serves as a perfect spot to grab a selfie with Doc. In the winter, the statue often sports a scarf around his neck. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Terri Burris of Statesville, an EnergyUnited member.

*

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Powering a Brighter Future

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for 2.5 million cooperative members and communities through:

Reliability & Innovation Leveraging new technologies and innovation to deliver reliable electricity across resilient, co‑op operated electric grids.

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Enriching the lives of our local members through continued education initiatives, economic development and community‑focused activities.

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