2025-03-REC

March 2025

The magazine of

Gourd-eous

Works of Art page 8

Published by

Co-ops support community growth page 7

Cold floor? Fix it with more than socks. page 15

PERIODICAL

Roanoke Cooperative may have a capital credits refund for you—see center pages CC03_cov.indd 20

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March 2025

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 57, No. 3

Published monthly by 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Scott Gates, CCC Editor Warren Kessler Creative Director Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer

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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.

8 16 18

Glorious Gourds

A local crop makes for an unexpected canvas.

Carolina Voices

Why do you love the North Carolina mountains?

Spring Garden Shows Bloom in North Carolina Three events spark inspiration this spring.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power 15 On the House 20 Carolina Gardens

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

22 Carolina Kitchen

Contact us

24 Carolina Calendar

Phone:

919-875-3091

24 Where is This?

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Social: 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.

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On the Cover The Folk School in Cherokee County is one of many spots around the state where you’ll find artisans working wonders with an unusual medium: gourds. Learn more about how it’s done on page 8. Photo courtesy of the John C. Campbell Folk School.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Carolina Voices Unforgettable things can happen in games on the field, court or rink, and whether it was a game you watched or played in, we’d like to hear about your most memorable sports moment. Learn more on page 17.

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THIS MONTH:

Carolina Gardens As March days begin to give us hints of spring, many begin planning for the coming season’s plantings, whether for colorful landscaping or for a tasty harvest (or so I’m told by those with a greener thumb than mine). This year, consider saving a patch for gourds, which can make for fine fall décor or a natural canvas for inspired artists. Learn more on page 8. Also, we asked readers what they love about the NC mountains—get inspired to go find a mountain view on page 16.

—Scott Gates, editor

From Our Readers Community Culture The story on the Rosenwald Schools (“Documenting History,” February 2025, page 20) was very informative.

[February was] Black History Month, and I appreciate the effort to highlight the history and culture of all members of our co-op. Thanks for publishing this story.

Loneese Powell, Columbus County, a member of Brunswick Electric

Family Connections Our family has enjoyed reading Carolina Country magazine since the late 1960s! As a small child, I partially learned to read with it. Family members that moved away made sure to get a subscription to continue their collection. What a gift it is to now be able to revisit past issues digitally [on carolinacountry.com]! I value the print edition, but sometimes the mail journey is not kind to it, or someone “borrows” it permanently. Always nice to have a backup!

Charles Hill, Clarkton, a member of Four County EMC

Mule Memories I could not resist the charm of the picture and story of Wayne Hussey’s mules Mabel and Jane (January 2025, page 11). I am reminded of our Virginia mule team Grace and Glory, driven and beloved by my late husband Eddie Shelton to farm work, school trips, church rides, wedding celebrations and even that final funeral caisson, including his own last October. Yes, times have changed, but anyone who has been blessed with the mule experience will always smile at the memory. Keep those lines in your hands, Mr. Hussey.

Rebecca Shelton, Fredericksburg (Va.), a member of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative

Serving Veterans Your February cover brought me to tears.

Florence Wilson, Wake Forest, a member of Wake Electric

CarolinaSNAPSHOTS THEME

Farm Animals A Juan Carlos Garcia, Boone A member of Blue Ridge Energy

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B Jodi Rhodes, Clemmons A member of Brunswick Electric C Jana Elliott, Pilot Mountain A member of Surry-Yadkin EMC D Vickie Sealock, Mars Hill A member of French Broad Electric

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B

Submit your photo!

May theme: Dogs (Deadline March 20) June theme: Reflections (Deadline April 20) July theme: Selfies (Deadline May 20)

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Send us your best shots based on an upcoming theme— we’ll pay $25 for those published. Submit high resolution digital photos and find full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/snapshots (no emails, please). We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

2 | March 2025

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Viewpoints

Preserving Our State’s Beauty

By Khalil Porter

An open field, or even the treeless span of ground maintained under your electric co-op’s power lines, may not look like critical habitat. But for thousands of species of pollinators in North Carolina, it’s just that. The flowering shrubs and plants found in grassy areas throughout the state are essential for ensuring biodiversity and maintaining food webs. Most crops, including fruits, vegetables and nuts, depend on pollinators for healthy yields.

Despite the seeming abundance of the moths, bees, butterflies and other insects that keep plants pollinated, many of our state’s pollinators are at risk. Habitat loss and pesticide use are among factors working against them, reducing numbers and making natural habitat scarce.

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives maintain thousands of miles of lines, and as such have a unique opportunity to support pollinators with all that open natural space. By planting native grasses and low-growing plants in rights-of-way, co-ops Digital Extras Visit carolinacountry.com/extras to learn are saving on maintemore about supporting pollinators—as well nance costs and reducing as the fascinating life cycle of the monarch reliance on herbicides, butterfly—from the NC Wildlife Federation. protecting pollinators from harmful chemicals. Increasing habitats through these practices can boost populations of threatened or endangered species, as well as those on the brink like monarch butterflies.

Monarchs are an iconic, migratory species known for their bold orange and black wings, although pesticide use, urban development and a changing climate have reduced monarch populations by more than 80% in the last two decades. Monarchs are under consideration to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, an evaluation that will continue in coming months.

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are supporting efforts to rebuild monarch populations, with environmental stewardship as a

core pillar of our mission. We are a part of the NC Pollinator Conservation Alliance’s energy committee, which shares ideas about creating pollinator habitat in utility rights-of-way and on solar farms. For one, we’ve made a transmission line right-of-way near the Hamlet power plant a Pollinator Pitstop along the state’s “Butterfly Highway,” a statewide conservation restoration initiative of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF). Anyone can join the effort by converting part of a yard, or even a simple container garden, into a pitstop — visit ncwf.org/habitat/butterfly-highway to learn more.

How else can we all contribute to supporting pollinators? When selecting plants for gardens and community spaces, choose native, pollinatorfriendly options, and reduce pesticide and herbicide use to create safer environments for pollinators. Support conservation organizations, like the Conservation Trust for North Carolina (ctnc.org) and Conservation Legacy (conservationlegacy.org), both of which have partnered with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives to preserve our state’s beauty and instill environmental responsibility in the next generation.

Supporting conservation efforts and North Carolina’s pollinators through initiatives like these is simply the right thing to do — for the environment, for our communities and for future generations.

Khalil Porter is manager of environmental affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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More Power

March

Quick Hits Spring Forward Daylight saving time begins March 9, a practice that was first put into place in WWI to conserve fuel and power.

Safety Check Don’t just adjust clocks this month, use it as a reminder to check and change batteries in CO2 and smoke detectors around the house.

Ounce of Prevention Keep children and pets safe in your home; Poison Prevention Week (March 16–22) reminds us that some household hazards are stored in plain sight.

Stormproof Roof Ahead of spring and summer rains, make a visual inspection of your roof. Call a roofer if you spot rotting eaves or missing/broken shingles.

NC Electric Cooperatives Join DOE Grid Management Program The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently named North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives among the first utilities to participate in its Utility and Grid Operator Technical The Eagle Chase residential microgrid Assistance program. will serve as a program testbed.

The program, managed by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and is powered by Wake Electric. “We’ll be Renewable Energy (EERE) and Grid able to apply lessons learned across Deployment Office, seeks to equip currently deployed microgrids as well utilities and grid operators with the as future projects on electric cooperaexpertise and resources needed to tive systems.” accelerate grid deployment and meet Additional electric co-ops particigrowing energy demand. pating in the Key Assist program are The program offers three tracks: Vermont Electric Cooperative and Key Assist, Interconnection Golden Valley Electric Association Assistance and rolling technical (Alaska), as well as Puget Sound assistance. North Carolina’s Electric Energy and a Guam-based municCooperatives is participating in the ipal utility.

Key Assist track, which provides utili“These utilities represent a diverse ties with up to $1 million of technical cross-section of the American grid, assistance to navigate complex grid encompassing both rural and urban integration challenges. landscapes, and serving millions of “Funding through the program will customers,” said EERE Principal be invested in improving microgrid Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff support of the cooperative members Marootian. “This groundbreaking and the electrical grid, utilizing the program, powered by collaboration, Eagle Chase residential microgrid will accelerate grid deployment and in Youngsville as a testbed,” said the integration solutions needed to Erik Hall, director of energy services deliver more affordable, equitable and & technology for North Carolina’s reliable electricity to communities Electric Cooperatives. The microgrid throughout the country.”

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More Power

NC Co-ops Drive Rural Growth in 2024 REDLG funding supported critical services across the state North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are powering progress across the communities they serve, investing in resources and services that create lasting benefits for their members. That commitment continued in 2024, as co-ops were awarded nearly $10.8 million in funding for 17 projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

The figure reflects a continued trend of success for the co-ops’ utilization of the REDLG program. Over the past five years, North Carolina electric co-ops have received more than $39 million through 78 awards.

Funding from 2024 will help finance industrial shell buildings in rural areas and provide first responders with top-of-the-line equipment.

IN 2024

REDLG zero-interest loans went toward:

9 FIRE TRUCKS

3 POLICE CARS

“Cooperatives are rooted in the communities they serve, and through the REDLG program, they are playing a key part in helping these rural areas prosper,” said Ann Fitts, community development specialist and REDLG program lead for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “They know the needs of their members, and through these awards, they’ve been able to help deliver resources that directly impact the lives of many.”

REDLG awards provide zerointerest pass-through loans to rural cooperative utilities to fund local projects that create and retain jobs, boost economic growth and improve quality of life in rural America.

Through the funding, co-ops have helped emergency services, such as fire departments, EMS and police departments, strengthen their capabilities by purchasing new fire trucks and patrol cars and improving emergency service facilities.

These enhancements have not only supported the staff working hard to serve their communities, but also

improved response times, and in some cases, helped lower homeowners insurance rates for local residents.

REDLG funding has also supported employment growth in rural North Carolina by financing the construction of industrial buildings where businesses can relocate or expand their operations. These opportunities help create jobs, increase the tax base and attract investments in co-op communities.

“Being able to deliver funding from the REDLG program to our community partners is exciting because it directly supports the growth and vitality of our rural communities,” said Tasha Rountree, director of community relations and economic development at Blue Ridge Energy.

“By empowering local businesses, organizations and first responders, we’re investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for the people we serve.”

—Josh Conner, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

2 AMBULANCES

2 FIRE STATION UPGRADES

3 INDUSTRIAL SITES

The Collettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department received REDLG funding via Blue Ridge Energy to purchase a new truck in 2023.

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a glorious gourds A North Carolina crop makes for an unexpected canvas

By Margaret Buranen

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Judi Fleming, president of the North Carolina Gourd Society, fell in love with gourds after realizing the wide variety of art she could create with them.

a

About 30 years ago, Summerfield artist Judi Fleming found herself with free time between two errands. Since she was too far away to return home, she decided to visit a local event: a gourd festival. Judi never made it to her second errand.

“I was hooked,” she confesses. “I will do art in any medium, and you can do anything with gourds — painting, sculpture, musical instruments, basket weaving. That’s why I like gourds so much!”

Noting that art supplies aren’t cheap, she adds, “With gourds you can grow your own canvas. It’s very inexpensive art.”

Gourds are grown for food, but only the smaller, ornamental varieties. Besides food and art, gourds are also utilitarian. They can be crafted into bowls, dippers, banjos and other musical instruments. Small egg-shaped gourds can even be put in chicken coops to encourage young hens to lay or to direct hens to nesting boxes.

Growing gourds

Gourds range in size from an inch or two in diameter to giant African varieties that are 80 inches in diameter.

The main types you’ll find are ornamental gourds; bottle gourds — large, inedible hardshell varieties; snake gourds, which can be made into instruments like didgeridoos; and luffa or loofah, which can be peeled and used as sponges.

Judi says there is only one gourd variety that is native to the U.S., the colorful Cucurbita types sold in supermarkets alongside squash and often used for fall décor. The many other varieties were all brought here as seeds by settlers from various countries.

“All gourds grow on vines, and some vines can grow as tall as 100 feet on trellises. You need space to grow gourds, and it’s a lot of work,” Judi explains.

Gourd vines can be left on the ground instead of being attached to a trellis. The disadvantage is that each gourd will develop a flat side where it rests on the ground.

Artists who want perfectly round gourds need those grown on trellises.

Artistic demand

Before gourds can be used for art they must be allowed to dry out. The only thing required for that process is time.

And if you ever come across a seemingly old pile of moldy gourds, those aren’t trash, they’re treasure. The mold that forms on the outside of the gourd helps to draw out the inside moisture, Judi explains.

“When you shake a gourd and hear the seeds inside rattle, then you know it is completely dry. You scrub off the mold, let the outside dry and then it’s ready for art.”

The larger the gourd, the longer it will take to dry out.

The smallest gourds will dry in 40 days. Middle sized ones take about 100 days to grow and three months to dry.

Large gourds take approximately 140 days to reach maturity and up to two years to dry.

Since there are more gourd artists than gourd growers, a market exists for pre-dried gourds. Gourd growers who want to reach these buyers often sell their ready-for-art gourds at festivals and fairs.

Recently retired from her government job, Judi donates some of her gourd art to benefit Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network in Stokesdale. She can’t keep up with demand for her gourd birdhouses.

“They’re designed to be used by North Carolina’s most common songbirds,” she notes.

While established gourd artists sell their work through their own websites or at arts and crafts shows, art galleries offer a select high-end market for some artists. Judi says the record price for a gourd work of art is $35,000. The North Carolina artist uses semi-precious and precious stones in her art.

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John C. Campbell Folk School

For those interested in meeting gourd growers, artists and general enthusiasts, North Carolina has several resources.

The North Carolina Gourd Society, of which Judi serves as president, was established in Cary in 1937 as the first gourd society in the country and the “alpha” chapter of the American Gourd Society.

The society hosts the annual North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival, which in 2025 will be held Sept. 6–7 at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. (This year’s theme is “Happy Holidays” — visit ncgourdsociety.org for the latest information and vendor applications.)

Alston Sykes

John C. Campbell Folk School

Endless possibilities

Another event, the Gourd Gathering (gourdgathering.org), will be held May 28–June 1 in Waynesville. Judi notes that it will have 94 classes, mostly instructive, not competitive.

Other classes can be found year-round, including at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Cherokee County (folkschool.org). As The Folk School affirms: “With gourds, possibilities are as endless as your imagination.”

Margaret Buranen writes for Carolina Country from her home in Kentucky.

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Carolina Living

Declutter Your Life

Five spring cleaning tips to soothe body and soul

By Rue Reynold

Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, renew and reorganize. While many people associate spring cleaning with scrubbing floors and sorting closets, it can also be a chance to declutter your mind and simplify your life. Here’s how you can embrace the spirit of spring cleaning to create more space for joy and clarity.

Sort out your physical space A tidy home often leads to a clearer mind. Begin by assessing your living space and identifying areas that could use attention. Create a game plan by dividing your home into zones and tackle one area at a time. Start with something manageable like a bedroom closet, then move on to larger spaces like the kitchen. Organizing your belongings into categories such as items to keep, donate or discard can also help you make decisions. Consider digitizing important documents to reduce paper clutter and make room for the things that truly matter.

Refresh your digital life Our digital spaces are just as important as our physical ones, so tidying up your devices can be just as rewarding.

Begin by organizing your files, consolidating digital folders and removing unused applications. Unsubscribe from newsletters or notifications that no longer serve you and consider establishing device-free zones or designated times for a digital detox, which can improve productivity and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Clear your mind Mental clutter can be as draining as a physical mess, so try to focus on things that encourage relaxation. Journaling can help organize your thoughts and release pent-up

emotions, while meditation allows you to center yourself and regain awareness in the midst of chaos. Prioritizing tasks with to-do lists or time-blocks can also create a sense of control and clarity, leaving more room for peace and creativity.

Simplify your schedule Letting go of obligations that don’t align with your goals can free up valuable time and peace of mind. Learning to say no is essential to protect your time from unnecessary demands, and planning ahead with a schedule that includes downtime can ensure you maintain a healthy balance.

Foster positive relationships Use the inviting warmth of spring to reconnect and strengthen the bonds with friends and family you haven’t spoken to in a while. Expressing gratitude to those who bring positivity into your life fosters deeper, more fulfilling connections. At the same time, don’t forget to set boundaries with relationships that drain your energy, which could hamper the foundation for your emotional well-being.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s a process that can transform your physical space, mental clarity and overall well-being. By taking time to declutter both your life and your mind, you’ll step into the season feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. Happy cleaning!

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country magazine.

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Carolina Living

Make a Positive Impact

by Planting a Tree Five tips to properly plant a tree in your own yard North Carolina designated its Arbor Day as the first Friday following March 15, marking it as a time for North Carolinians to “beautify and conserve the state’s resources by planting young trees and shrubs.” Consider these tips to celebrate Arbor Day in your own way, and plant a tree in your yard.

Choose the right tree and location Larger shade trees help cool homes in warmer climates, evergreens provide privacy, and fruit trees offer a grocery store right in your backyard. Consider your available space along with conditions that will impact the tree itself, such as soil, sun exposure, drainage and more. When planting near utility lines, contact your electric cooperative with questions about planting distance from utility equipment and right-of-ways.

Dig safely Before digging, remember that proper tree placement requires factoring in underground utility lines, overhead power lines and proximity to sidewalks, driveways and homes. Dial 811, the national call-before-you-dig number, to locate underground utilities. Also consider contacting

an arborist or tree care professional to make sure you’ve weighed all the important factors.

Break ground Dig a hole that’s roughly 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball of your tree and equally as deep as the root ball. Be sure the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) is partially visible when planted.

Add mulch Mulch helps maintain moisture and improve soil conditions while controlling weed growth. Place a 2- to 3-inch layer in a 3-foot radius around the base of the tree without touching the trunk itself.

Keep soil moist Keeping the soil moist typically means watering just once per week, barring rain, but may require more frequency during especially hot weather.

Visit eLivingToday.com to find more tips for giving back to Mother Earth.

—Family Features

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12 | March 2025

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MARCH25

Flashes Investing in Growth and Connectivity Dear Member-Owners, At Roanoke Cooperative, we’re here to serve you and make things better for our community. Over the years, we’ve faced challenges, including navigating the complexities of serving one of the lowest densities of metered accounts per mile of line in North Carolina and some of the most stagnant growth.

Historically, our region has had lower levels of industrial activity, which has shaped our financial landscape.

However, our collective efforts are starting to bear fruit, and we are seeing positive changes.

Since launching fiber investments as part of our growth strategy in the mid-2010s and extending the service to more member-owners in the 2020s, our wholly owned subsidiary, Fybe, has connected over 6,200 subscribers, including more than 4,100 memberowners of Roanoke Cooperative.

Beyond broadband, these fiber

investments support the electric grid, expand educational opportunities, and drive economic development. As we continue to extend service availability to all member-owners—a milestone we expect to reach within the year— we are beginning to see these efforts translate into tangible benefits for the cooperative and our community.

Our work with economic development professionals in the region is also starting to pay off. In February, we acknowledged the completion of a new substation on our system— an essential development that will support our efforts in working with industrial services and strengthening infrastructure for future growth. In late 2024, we began working with some of the largest industrial services to ever come online at Roanoke, creating opportunities for growth and helping to balance the financial responsibilities that have historically been carried primarily by residential member-

owners. This is just the beginning, and we believe these early Marshall Cherry successes have PRESIDENT AND CEO the potential to lead to more advancements in the future.

We remain dedicated to fostering economic growth and strengthening our community. As our economic development efforts gain momentum, we will continue working toward a more resilient and sustainable future, ensuring that these initiatives create lasting benefits for all member-owners.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and remain committed to working together for a stronger future.

Sincerely, Marshall Cherry President and CEO

As our economic development efforts gain momentum, we will continue working toward a more resilient and sustainable future, ensuring that these initiatives create lasting benefits for all member-owners.

Roanoke Cooperative MARCH 2024 A

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Ms. Sonya Askew-Williams’ Journey with

ROANOKE COOPERATIVE At Roanoke Cooperative, we take pride in providing excellent service to our member-owners and fostering strong connections within our community. One such member-owner and community partner is Ms. Sonya Williams, a dedicated resident of Northampton County and a true Roanoke Champion.

Ms. Williams originally hails from Hertford County, where Roanoke Cooperative was not her electric provider. However, upon moving to Northampton County in 2016, she was introduced to Roanoke Cooperative and has had a wonderful experience ever since. As the Manager of Community Health Improvement at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital, Ms. Williams is deeply committed to serving her community.

She also oversees the hospital’s chaplains and volunteers and has been a licensed ordained minister for 10 years. With nearly 39 years of service in healthcare, her passion for community engagement aligns perfectly with Roanoke Cooperative’s mission.

When Ms. Williams first switched to Roanoke Cooperative from her previous provider, she was met with skepticism from those around her. Many warned her about potential dissatisfaction, but she quickly discovered that Roanoke Cooperative exceeded expectations.

She appreciates the service reliability, the timely outage notifications and the overall efficiency of the cooperative.

Even during severe weather events, she has never experienced a long-term power outage.

As an active user of the Go RC & Fybe app, Ms. Williams enjoys the convenience of managing her account, monitoring usage and accessing alerts.

She takes advantage of Roanoke Cooperative’s smart grid devices and automatic bank draft, making her a Roanoke Champion by utilizing five out of 12 high-impact services that contribute to efficiency and savings.

One of her favorite smart devices

is the ecobee smart thermostat, which allows her to monitor and adjust her home’s temperature remotely. She appreciates how it helps conserve energy, especially during vacation periods or peak demand times. While her sons occasionally complain about the programmed temperature settings,

When Ms. Williams first switched to Roanoke Cooperative from her previous provider, she was met with skepticism from those around her.

Many warned her about potential dissatisfaction, but she quickly discovered that Roanoke Cooperative exceeded expectations. she reminds them that these small adjustments contribute to long-term savings and sustainability.

Ms. Williams also enjoys the Carolina Country magazine, where she discovered the Youth Leadership Camp opportunity for her son, Braxton. He attended the camp at Fort Monroe and had an enriching experience, which was made possible through Roanoke Cooperative’s commitment to youth development.

She loves flipping through the pages of Carolina Country, reading stories about the people and places that make rural communities so special.

Beyond electricity, Ms. Williams has also benefited greatly from Roanoke Cooperative’s Fybe Internet and phone services. In today’s world,

R H

As w ef staying connected is more important than ever, and she has found Fybe to be a reliable and affordable solution.

She recalls a frustrating experience with her previous phone service provider, which required a 21-day wait for maintenance. In contrast, after switching to Fybe, she found customer service to be prompt and efficient. Any technical issues she encounters are quickly resolved over the phone with step-by-step guidance from knowledgeable technicians.

Whether it’s streaming her favorite shows, keeping in touch with family, or managing her work responsibilities, Fybe keeps her seamlessly connected.

When asked what she would tell others about Roanoke Cooperative, Ms. Williams confidently states that every member-owner’s experience may differ, but the services provided are worthwhile. She encourages others to explore the cooperative’s offerings, as she has found them to be reliable, cost-effective, and beneficial. Given the choice, she would select Roanoke Cooperative over her previous provider without hesitation.

Ms. Williams exemplifies what it means to be a Roanoke Champion.

Her engagement with Roanoke Cooperative’s services, her dedication to her community, and her enthusiasm for spreading awareness about the cooperative’s benefits make her a valued member-owner and partner.

We are honored to serve her and look forward to continuing to support her and all our member-owners with reliable, community-driven service.

B MARCH 2025 Roanoke Cooperative

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Roanoke Cooperative Launches Program to Help Farmers Electrify Irrigation Pumps As part of Roanoke Cooperative’s commitment to providing innovative energy solutions, we are excited to introduce a new program designed to help farmers transition to more efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems.

The North Carolina Beneficial Electrification for Agriculture program (NC BEA) helps farms replace dieselpowered irrigation pumps with electric models, reducing energy costs and improving operational efficiency.

Understanding that such a transition is a significant decision, NC BEA offers free technical guidance to help farmers evaluate their options and apply for financial assistance through the Rural Energy for America Program grant (REAP).

è Ease of Use. Electric motors are simpler to start and control, providing more reliable operation. è Environmental Benefits.

Reduced air emissions and ground contamination contribute to a healthier farm environment.

Get Started Today

To take advantage of NC BEA’s free technical assistance, farmers can

complete a one-page application to begin the process. For more information or to request an application, contact Roanoke Cooperative’s Member Services at 252-209-2236 or info@ roanokecooperative.com.

Roanoke Cooperative is here to support farmers in making the most of this opportunity. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Program Benefits and Assistance Available

Through NC BEA, farmers can access: è Free Energy Audits: Identify potential savings from switching to electric irrigation. è Free Grant Preparation Assistance: Support with registration and documentation. è Free Grant Writing Assistance: A team to write and submit the REAP Grant application.

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REAP grants, available until March 31, can cover 25% of the cost of replacing traditional diesel or gas-powered pumps with electric models.

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Why Electrify Your Irrigation System?

Making the switch to electric-powered irrigation offers several advantages, including: è Lower Costs. Electric motors require less fuel and maintenance compared to diesel engines.

è

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Capital Credits Listings | Please call 1-800-433-2236 or 252-209-2236

Do You Have a Capital Credits Refund?

The following pages contain names of former member-owners of Roanoke Cooperative. If you know any of these people, please pass the word on to them so they can claim their refund. Persons wishing to claim a refund will be required to contact Roanoke Cooperative to verify their identity to substantiate their claim. In addition, Roanoke Cooperative continues to retire Capital Credits that accumulate to the estates of deceased member-owners. If an application for a Capital Credits refund has not been submitted to the cooperative on behalf of a deceased member-owner, the proper representative for such deceased member-owners may apply at the cooperative’s office and the cooperative will process the application. For more information, please call 1-800-433-2236 or 252-209-2236. Please note that proof of identity will be required to claim a refund check.

Adams, Emily J, Windsor, NC Allen, Luther, Roanoke Rapids, NC Alston, F Earl, Dudley, NC Artis, Luther, Roanoke Rapids, NC Askew, Robert E, Winterville, NC Askew, Timothy D, Murfreesboro, NC ATT Microwave Tower, Stanfield, NC Austin, Roosvelt, Ahoskie, NC Aycock, Margaret K, Roanoke Rapids, NC Bailey, M S, Ahoskie, NC Baker Lands Bark , Winton, NC Bales, N D, Severn, NC Banks, Vesta, Winton, NC Barmer, Rose M, Ahoskie, NC

Barnack, Jacqueline G, Murfreesboro, NC Barnes, Cynthia Y, Ahoskie, NC Barnes, Ervin R, Windsor, NC Barnes, Frank C, Roanoke Rapids, NC Barnes, George D F, Severn, NC Barnes, Ray, Aulander, NC Barnes Mini Mart, Ahoskie, NC Barnhill, William C, Sunbury, NC Barrow, Charles L Jr, Tarboro, NC Bazemore, Thadious Jr, Windsor, NC Beamon, Virginia H, Sunbury, NC Bell, Stanley T, Murfreesboro, NC Bellflower, C E, Pleasant Hill, NC Benjamin, Betty A, Jackson, NC

Benthall, Eugene V, Halifax, NC Bero, Edward D, Hobbsville, NC Bertie Co Land Fill, Windsor, NC Best Western Roanoke Rapids, Battleboro, NC Bloom, Howard, Jackson, NC Blowe, Michael R, Ahoskie, NC Bonanno, Alma, Conway, NC Bond, Branda L, Raleigh, NC Bond, Tammy E, Windsor, NC Boone, Don, Ahoskie, NC Boone, Gayon L, Gates, NC Bracy & Medford, Rich Square, NC Bracy, John C, Ahoskie, NC Britt, William Jr, Murfreesboro, NC Britton, Doris, Rich Square, NC Britton, L P Jr, Wilmington, NC

Brown, Ellarean B, Roanoke Rapids, NC Brown, Henry, Murfreesboro, NC Brown, Margarett, Eure, NC Bryant, Jessie S, Hillsboro, NC Bryant, Susan S, Halifax, NC Bunch, Charlie E, Windsor, NC Bunch, David L, Windsor, NC Burgess, Clarence L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Burgess, Horace L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Burke, Mike, Kelford, NC Byrd, Annie, Merry Hill, NC Byrd, Shelia, Aulander, NC Byrum, James E, Sunbury, NC Cale, Carolyn P, Merry Hill, NC

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Capital Credits Listings | Please call 1-800-433-2236 or 252-209-2236 Callis, Charles L, Henderson, NC Cannon, Edna C, Enfield, NC Carroll, D H, Rich Square, NC Carter, Connie A, Roanoke Rapids, NC Carter, Debra, Murfreesboro, NC Carter, John III, Sunbury, NC Cash & Carry Groc, Wilmington, NC Casper, Robert, Gates, NC Casper, Tommie, Kelford, NC Center Tob Whse, Windsor, NC Cherry, Raleigh, Lewiston, NC Cherry, Raleigh C, Lewiston Woodville, NC Clark, Shirley L, Aulander, NC Clary, Harvey, Roanoke Rapids, NC Clary, Rudolph, Roanoke Rapids, NC Clay, Jacqueline, Roanoke Rapids, NC Cobb, Joseph, Windsor, NC Cobb, Marion J, Windsor, NC Colston, Charles R, Murfreesboro, NC Comfort, Donnell M, Murfreesboro, NC Conner, James W, Roanoke Rapids, NC Cooper, Durwin J, Windsor, NC Cooper, Vernette, Gatesville, NC Copeland, William P, Lumberton, NC Copeland, William R, Ahoskie, NC Cotton, Walter A, Battleboro, NC Cowan, Roosevelt, Lewiston, NC Crawley, Jeffery T, Littleton, NC Croft, Chiquita, Aulander, NC Cuffee, Estella, Windsor, NC Darlington, Ph Parsonage, Roanoke Rapids, NC Daughtry, Louise, Roanoke Rapids, NC Davis, Cordelia, Ahoskie, NC Davis, Norman L Jr, Roanoke Rapids, NC Dawson, Willie, Seaboard, NC Deans, Nora T, Everetts, NC Deloatch, Joseph M Jr Roanoke Rapids, NC Deloatch, Leo, Conway, NC Dickens, Eddie, Louisburg, NC Dickens, R W, Roanoke Rapids, NC Dickens, W W, Roanoke Rapids, NC Dilday, Horace C Jr, Ahoskie, NC Dozier, Levon, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Droughn, Dorothy L, Conway, NC Dunlow, Carolyn, Williamston, NC Dunlow, David, Aulander, NC Dunlow, James W, Windsor, NC Early Farms Dryer, Lewiston Woodville, NC Eason, Louis N, Gatesville, NC Edwards, Frank, Halifax, NC Ellis, J L, Weldon, NC Eure, Charles D, Gates, NC Evans, Randy, Windsor, NC Evans, Terry, Gates, NC Evans, Walter, Elizabethtown, NC Everett, Romie, Ahoskie, NC Everette, James E, Windsor, NC Farmer, Hazel, Newport, NC Fleetwood, David, Roper, NC Fleetwood, Katherine C, Conway, NC Flythe, Doris W, Murfreesboro, NC Freeman, Irene, Gates, NC Futrell, Cleo, Candor, NC Gardner, W M, Roanoke Rapids, NC Garvey, Joan C, Roanoke Rapids, NC Gary, Doris, Murfreesboro, NC Gates Co Jc’s Ball Park, Sunbury, NC Gates Co Rural Health Ser, Gatesville, NC Geilich, Mary A, Ahoskie, NC Giddings, Gloria, Murfreesboro, NC Godsey, Ronnie N, Roanoke Rapids, NC Gore, Harold S, Como, NC Grady, Lonnie R, Dover, NC Grant, Bobbi J, Halifax, NC Green, Blake, Wilmington, NC Green Star Grocery, Scotland Neck, NC Groh, Robert L, Corapeake, NC Halifax Co Broad, Roanoke Rapids, NC Hall, Claudius, Elizabeth City, NC Hall, W N, Merry Hill, NC Hardee, Hilton, Littleton, NC Harden, George R, Windsor, NC Hardison, Tyrone, Manns Harbor, NC Harmon, Linwood, Ahoskie, NC Harrell, Haywood E, Scotland Neck, NC Harrell, John, Aulander, NC Harris, Annie, Gates, NC

Harris, Clara B, Murfreesboro, NC Harris, Larry E, Windsor, NC Harris, Paul, Scotland Neck, NC Harris, Paul Jr, Scotland Neck, NC Harris, William H, Aulander, NC Harrison, David L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Harrison, Tony, Aulander, NC Hawkins, Louise, Enfield, NC Hawkins, Terrante M, Roanoke Rapids, NC Henderson, Henry, Kelford, NC Herbin, Beulah M, Burlington, NC Hicks, Stanley, Murfreesboro, NC Hill, Katherine, Murfreesboro, NC Hinton, Mary T, Murfreesboro, NC Hobbs, Nora, Woodland, NC Hoggard, Jeff, Windsor, NC Hoggard, Ruby B, Windsor, NC Hoover, Robert H, Rich Square, NC Horstmann, George, Murfreesboro, NC Horton, Robert, Knightdale, NC Howard, Richard, Scotland Neck, NC Hufton, William E, Windsor, NC Hurdle Grocery, Aulander, NC International Paper, Windsor, NC Jackson, D Gerald, Ahoskie, NC Jackson, Donald M, Gates, NC Jackson, L T, Roper, NC Jacobs, Louise, Lewiston, NC Jeff’s Country Store, Merry Hill, NC Jenkins, Robert, Ahoskie, NC Jernigan, Richard, Ahoskie, NC Johnson, Danny, Woodland, NC Johnson, Emily, Ahoskie, NC Johnson, Lloyd L, Cary, NC Johnson, William M, Halifax, NC Johnston, Walter III, Gatesville, NC Jones, B M, Belvidere, NC Jones, Carl C, Halifax, NC Jones, Horace E, Eure, NC Jones, Kathleen P, Roanoke Rapids, NC Jones, M K, Ahoskie, NC Jones, Seamon, Windsor, NC Jordan & Jordan, Windsor, NC Jordan, Margaret C, Murfreesboro, NC Jordan, Paul, Windsor, NC Kearney, Robert L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Kimball, Waverly Jr, Littleton, NC

Knight, Carlton, Gates, NC Knight, Mary E, Roanoke Rapids, NC Lane, Wesley J, Gates, NC Langley, Morris G, Roanoke Rapids, NC Lanier, Mary B, Jackson, NC Lassiter, Acie, Ahoskie, NC Lassiter, Danny, Aulander, NC Lassiter, Earl, Conway, NC Lassiter, Huff M, Aulander, NC Lassiter, Julian P Jr, Harbinger, NC Lawrence, Daisy, Murfreesboro, NC Lawrence, Tillie, Murfreesboro, NC Leabhart, Owen, Aulander, NC Lee, Edna G, Gates, NC Lewis, Tamara K, ?

Roanoke Rapids, NC Lewiston Supply Co, Chapel Hill, NC Lewter, Virginia, Murfreesboro, NC Little, Donald A, Roanoke Rapids, NC Liverman & Blowe Poultry, Aulander, NC Livermon, Doreen, Ahoskie, NC Lowther, Veronica, Gates, NC Lyles, Donna B, Halifax, NC Lyons, Lydia, Roanoke Rapids, NC Majette, Selma, Durham, NC Majette, Willa B, Raleigh, NC Martin & Lassiter, Conway, NC Martin, A C, Pendleton, NC Martin, Florence, Murfreesboro, NC Martin, Larry E, Roanoke Rapids, NC Matthews, Lisa T, Windsor, NC Mayhew, Margaret W, Aulander, NC McDaniel, Edward L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Mcdaniel, Roger M, Raleigh, NC Mcdonald, Vivian H, Murfreesboro, NC Mcguire, Jack W, Sunbury, NC Medlin Farm & Garden, Roanoke Rapids, NC Medlins Small Engine, Roanoke Rapids, NC Mentzer, William R, Roanoke Rapids, NC Miller, Benjamin, Sunbury, NC Miller, Lewis C, Murfreesboro, NC Miller, Ronald L, Gates, NC Miller Brothers, Aulander, NC Mills, James H Jr, Purlear, NC

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Capital Credits Listings | Please call 1-800-433-2236 or 252-209-2236 Mitchell, Frankie, Aulander, NC Mitchell, James R, Ahoskie, NC Mitchell, Stanley A, Murfreesboro, NC Monahan, Barbara, Roanoke Rapids, NC Moody, Thomas Jr, Gates, NC Moore, Archie, Hobbsville, NC Moore, Doris, Roxobel, NC Mooring, Johnny R, Conway, NC Morris, A L Jr, Woodland, NC Morris, James L, Murfreesboro, NC Morris, T L, Gates, NC Morrison, Joseph, Murfreesboro, NC Morse, Ray, Gates, NC Newsome, G Eley, Ahoskie, NC Newsome Charles, Ahoskie, NC Newsome Drive Inn, Murfreesboro, NC Nichols, Graylen, Ahoskie, NC Nixon, Greg E, Lewiston, NC Northeaster Agri Sup Inc, Aulander, NC Nowell, James, Eure, NC Owens, Jessie, Windsor, NC Parker, Betty J, Conway, NC Parker, Carl B, Wilson, NC Parker, Clarice, Murfreesboro, NC Parker, Lee A, Murfreesboro, NC Parker, Lottie M, Ahoskie, NC Parker, Nellie, Eure, NC Parker, Randall D, Murfreesboro, NC Parker, R M, Murfreesboro, NC Parker, Ronnie L, Gates, NC Parker, Timothy, Murfreesboro, NC Paul, Robert Jr, Roanoke Rapids, NC Pearce, Carolyn, Ahoskie, NC Pearsall Operating Co, Rocky Mount, NC Peele, Emma, Lewiston, NC Perry, Johnnie, Merry Hill, NC Perry, Mary, Ahoskie, NC Peterson, Maryland, Halifax, NC Phillips, R P Jr, Roanoke Rapids, NC Phipps, Linda, Ahoskie, NC Pierce, Ann M, Elizabeth City, NC Pierce, Mae, Windsor, NC Piland, Bill, Gates, NC Piland, Stephen R, Ahoskie, NC Pillmon, Dennis, Aulander, NC Pine Top Dryer Inc, Raleigh, NC

Plyler, Tim, Gatesville, NC Pope, David W, Rich Square, NC Portervint, Gail E, Corapeake, NC Powell, Dennis M, Colerain, NC Prichard, Kenneth, Washington, NC Pugh, Linberg, Lewiston, NC Pugh, Linberg, Windsor, NC Pugh, Lindberg, Windsor, NC Rascoe, Jp, Hertford, NC Rascoe Farm Dryer, Windsor, NC Ray, Jackie, Matthews, NC Revelle, Joseph, Merry Hill, NC Reynolds R J Tob Co, Merry Hill, NC Riddick, Lee, Corapeake, NC Riddick, Paige, Gates, NC Riddick, Roy, Windsor, NC Riddick, Sarah B, Merry Hill, NC Robinson, Richard W, Lewiston, NC Rodgers, Emmit, Gates, NC Rodwell, Fleming B, Littleton, NC Romero, Henry, Lewiston, NC Rooks, Sarah C, Roanoke Rapids, NC Roscoe, Charles C, Windsor, NC Rose, Thomas R, Gates, NC Rowland, Joseph P, Roanoke Rapids, NC Ruffin, Lucy E, Windsor, NC Sanderlin, Truman, Windsor, NC Sanders, Donna B, Pilot Mtn, NC Saunders, James, Lewiston Woodville, NC Saunders, Lillie M, Ahoskie, NC Savage, Floyd Z, Gates, NC Savin & Hill, Ahoskie, NC Sawyer, Lee S, Winton, NC Sexton, Gwendolyn, Rich Square, NC Sierra Lounge, Windsor, NC Simmons, Parthenia D, Halifax, NC Six Sisters Chick Ranch, Murfreesboro, NC Skinner, Kelly M, Ahoskie, NC Smith, Jerry L, Nags Head, NC Smith, John T, Cary, NC Smith, Shirley, Murfreesboro, NC Smith, Shirley, Roanoke Rapids, NC Spain, Ray, Kinston, NC Spears, Particia, Gates, NC Speller, Betty R, Windsor, NC Spivey, F Edgar, Hobbsville, NC Spivey, W B, Rocky Mount, NC Spoolman, Louise H, Raleigh, NC

Spruill, Charles E, Aulander, NC Spruill, Robert H, Windsor, NC Stallings, Margaret P, Belvidere, NC Storey, James A, Roanoke Rapids, NC Strickland, Larry W, Weldon, NC Strickland, Leon D, Halifax, NC Sumpter, Edwin A, Halifax, NC Tabron, Bennie, Gaston, NC Tayloe Dryer, Aulander, NC Taylor, Francis, Merry Hill, NC Taylor, Rose L, Gates, NC Taylor, R T, Windsor, NC Taylor, Susan T, Gates, NC Taylor W, W A, Aulander, NC Taylor’s Drum Hill Market, Gates, NC The Country Mart, Windsor, NC The Friendly Market, Murfreesboro, NC Thomas, Shirley, Ahoskie, NC Thompson, H L, Windsor, NC Thompson, Jimmy, Woodland, NC Thompson, Melvin, Battleboro, NC Thompson, Monique, Roanoke Rapids, NC Todd, Martha S, Henderson, NC Townsend, George L Jr Sunbury, NC Tri-County Auto Sales, Aulander, NC Tripp, F Earl, Aulander, NC Turner, Ann L, Ahoskie, NC Turner, Bobby, Roanoke Rapids, NC Umphlett Rose Store, Eure, NC Underdue, Melvin C, Weldon, NC United Farmers Coop, Ahoskie, NC Urquhart, Burgess, Lewiston, NC Vann, Joseph, Windsor, NC Vaughan, Charles J, Woodland, NC Vaughan, Gladys, Jackson, NC Vaughan, James W, Jackson, NC Venson, Don, Gates, NC Very, Eugene C, Windsor, NC Vinson, George R, Woodland, NC Vottie’s Country Kitchen, Enfield, NC Wade Larry Tr Pre, Pay, Halifax, NC Walden, Mamie, Jackson, NC Walden’s Rest Home, Enfield, NC Walker, J T, Enfield, NC Ward, William R, Windsor, NC Warren Bros, Halifax, NC Watford, Jasmine, Windsor, NC

Watson, Fred, Murfreesboro, NC Watson, T, Washington, NC Webb, Edna, Roanoke Rapids, NC Webb, Paul, Roanoke Rapids, NC West, Bernice, Roanoke Rapids, NC Weyerhaeuser Inc , Plymouth, NC Whitaker, Eva M, Roanoke Rapids, NC Whitaker, Manyour, Roanoke Rapids, NC Whitaker, Mcarthur, Roanoke Rapids, NC Whitaker, Susie B, Roanoke Rapids, NC White, Carol, Woodland, NC White, Douglas R, Aulander, NC White, Earl, Murfreesboro, NC White, Louis A Jr, Windsor, NC White, Robert, Ahoskie, NC White, Robert W, Roanoke Rapids, NC White, Warren, Windsor, NC Whitely, A B, Ahoskie, NC Whitley, Michael L, Roanoke Rapids, NC Whitley, R O, Murfreesboro, NC Wiggins, Mamie E, Lewiston, NC Williams, Bobby L, Murfreesboro, NC Williams, Cicero Jr, Murfreesboro, NC Williams, James E, Windsor, NC Williams, J H, Windsor, NC Williams, John H, Windsor, NC Williams, Larry J, Aulander, NC Williams, Marlene C, Eure, NC Williams, Shelia, Ahoskie, NC Williamson, Lois E, Tyner, NC Williams Ruth A, Windsor, NC Williford, Charles R, Ahoskie, NC Williford, Joe M, Roper, NC Windsor Auto Sales, Windsor, NC Winslow, Murray, Ahoskie, NC Wolford, Billy R, Gates, NC Wood, Linad, Murfreesboro, NC Woodford, David, Aulander, NC Wright, Albert W, Roanoke Rapids, NC York, David, Windsor, NC

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Take Your Budgeting to a Whole New ‘Level’:

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Levelized Billing Offers Budget-Friendly Energy Payments

NC C

Managing household expenses can be challenging, especially when utility bills fluctuate due to extreme weather. Fortunately, Levelized Billing provides a smart solution to keep your energy payments predictable and stress-free. By smoothing out seasonal variations, this payment option allows you to take control of your budget and avoid unexpected financial strain.

What is Levelized Billing?

Levelized Billing calculates your monthly energy payment based on a rolling average of your usage over the past 12 months. Instead of experiencing billing spikes in summer and winter, your payment remains relatively steady, giving you financial peace of mind.

How is Levelized Billing Different from Budget Billing?

While both Levelized Billing and Budget Billing offer predictability, they operate differently: è Levelized Billing adjusts your payment monthly based on a rolling 12-month average of your usage, ensuring your bill reflects actual consumption trends without large, year-end adjustments. è Budget Billing sets a fixed monthly payment based on estimated annual costs, which is reviewed periodically and may lead to larger adjustments at the end of the billing cycle. è With Levelized Billing, payments remain closely tied to your energy habits, offering a more dynamic and accurate approach.

FAQs What happens if my energy usage changes significantly?

Your payment adjusts gradually to reflect the new trend, preventing drastic fluctuations.

Can I opt out of Levelized Billing?

Yes, you can opt out at any time.

Does Levelized Billing save me money?

While it does not reduce overall energy costs, it helps distribute payments evenly, making budgeting easier.

Ready to Enroll?

Signing up for Levelized Billing is simple: è Online: Log into your member portal and complete the enrollment form. è By Phone: Call our office at 252-209-2236 for assistance.

Take the stress out of energy billing and enjoy consistent payments year-round with Levelized Billing. Enroll today!

Benefits of Levelized Billing è Predictable Payments: No more seasonal surprises—know what to expect each month. è Stress-Free Budgeting: Plan your expenses with confidence. è Flexibility: Adapt your plan as your energy needs change.

Eligibility for Levelized Billing To qualify, customers must meet the following criteria: è At least 12 months of billing history. è An account in good standing with no past-due balances.

How It Works è Your monthly payment is determined based on a rolling 12-month average of your energy usage. è Each month, your bill adjusts slightly to reflect recent consumption. è You enjoy predictable, manageable energy payments year-round.

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Apply Now!

Get Ready to Spring Forward

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 9.

Proud to partner with

Applications accepted through March 31, 2025

Energy Efficiency TIP OF THE MONTH March is an ideal time to service your home cooling system, ensuring it runs efficiently when the heat of summer arrives. Routine maintenance, like cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels and inspecting parts, can improve your system’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. By addressing potential issues early, you can avoid costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit. Scheduling service in the spring helps you beat the peak-season rush, giving you faster access to qualified technicians. A well-maintained cooling system can save energy and keep your home comfortable all summer long. Source: energy.gov

Visit us at roanokecooperative.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller

Marva Bond

Chairman

Carolyn Bradley

Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Cooperative

Robert “Nat” Riddick

Columbus Jeffers

P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910

Delores Amason

Office: 252-209-2236 or 1-800-433-2236

Secretary-Treasurer

For outages call: 1-800-358-9437 or Text “OUTAGE” to 352667

Kenneth Jernigan

For online bill payment: roanokecooperative.com Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Vice Chairman

Asst. Secretary-Treasurer

Darnell Lee Cynthia Vaughan President and CEO: Marshall Cherry Editor: Tammy Piland

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Electronics Efficiency Fill-in-the-Blank You can help save energy at home by using electronic devices more efficiently. Read the energy-saving tips below and fill in the blanks with the correct word that completes the efficiency tip.

Psst! Check your work in the answer key below.

1. U se a(n)

with an on/off switch when powering multiple electronics to easily manage energy use.

A. power strip B. extension cord C. remote control

2. For devices that require

use rechargeable ones, which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

A. power cords B. lights C. batteries

3. Unplug electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like

.

A. lamps B. ceiling fans C. phone chargers

4. U se the sleep or power management mode on your to save on energy costs.

A. computer B. refrigerator C. oven

Answer Key: 1. A 2. C 3. C 4. A

s

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Carolina Living

Navigating Nature’s Highways Seeing the world on monarchs’ wings

By Rue Reynold

With wings as vivid as a sunset, a creature glides effortlessly over golden fields and green meadows.

The warm air lifts it higher, guiding its travel across vast landscapes.

Below, wildflowers sway, offering sweet nectar and soft petals as a resting place during its journey.

Though delicate in appearance, the monarch butterfly is a traveler of incredible endurance, embodying transformation, perseverance and the interconnectedness of nature.

A lifelong voyage The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of North America’s most recognized and admired insects. Its bright orange wings — lined with black veins and white spots — serve as both a striking display of beauty and a warning to predators that it is toxic. But what makes monarchs truly remarkable is their annual migration: a journey spanning thousands of miles, completed over multiple generations.

Each year, the first three generations of monarchs live only four to six weeks, continuing the northward journey from Mexico to southern Canada or northern America. The fourth generation is known as the “super generation” and lives up to eight months, long enough to make the incredible return flight to the

forests of central Mexico where the cycle begins again.

From meadows to mountains Monarch butterflies thrive in open fields, meadows and gardens where milkweed grows. It is their sole egg-laying site and the only food source for their caterpillars.

After metamorphosis inside a chrysalis, adult butterflies emerge, ready to travel.

In the fall, millions of monarchs travel south to seek refuge in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico.

They cluster together in massive numbers, creating breathtaking displays of orange and black. As spring arrives, they begin their journey north, stopping to lay eggs along the way so the next generations can continue the migration.

Despite their resilience, monarch populations are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. Conservation efforts, such as North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Butterfly Highway (see page 4) and habitat restoration programs by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, aim to provide safe spaces for monarchs by planting milkweed and protecting overwintering sites.

These initiatives help ensure that future generations of monarchs can complete their epic journey.

Monarch Butterfly Facts 1. Monarchs migrate up to 3,000 miles each year.

2. No single monarch completes the journey—each generation instinctively continues where the last left off.

3. M onarchs navigate using the sun as a compass, even on cloudy days.

4. Feeding on milkweed makes monarch butterflies toxic to predators.

5. Help monarchs by planting native milkweed, but avoid invasive tropical varieties!

Folklore and mythology Butterflies worldwide have long been the symbols of rebirth, change and metamorphosis. However, in Mexico, monarchs arrive just in time for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), bringing both beauty and comfort because they are believed to carry the spirits of loved ones returning home.

More than just a butterfly, the monarch represents endurance and the deep connections between nature and culture. By protecting their habitats, we ensure these winged wonders continue to grace our skies for generations to come. To learn more about monarch butterflies, visit ncwf.org/blog/monarch.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country magazine.

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On the House

Better Winter Wardrobe Options for Your Home Stay warm with more than just socks

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I experienced some less-than-pleasant conditions at home this winter, including cold floors and dry air. Any suggestions for addressing them? Could they indicate larger problems?

A:

Simple solutions certainly exist for these common winter occurrences: slippers or socks for cold floors and humidifiers for dry air. But these steps (no pun intended) only mask the symptoms and don’t tackle their root cause. Humidifiers can even introduce problems of their own, as too much moisture can attract pests and lead to condensation, staining and unwelcome microbial growth.

The culprit behind your discomfort is likely air leakage.

Air leaks allow warm air from your home to escape, and they bring in drier, cold air from outside. Gaps and cracks in your floors or ceilings (e.g., from wiring, plumbing, an attic access, HVAC vents), drafty windows or doors, and leaky ductwork can all contribute.

Therefore, a more durable, long-term approach would be to manage these air leaks and keep heated air inside and cold air out. Here are specific areas to assess.

Ducts and vents Have your ductwork checked for proper or airtight connections and any holes, damage, obstructions or disconnections. Ideally, all parts of your ductwork are leak-free, like your plumbing pipes, but a typical house loses around 20% to 30% of the air that travels through its ducts because of the above complications, according to EnergyStar®.

If you notice air not coming from a particular supply register (make sure all of these are clean and unblocked), it could indicate an issue with that duct (or maybe you’ll find a long-lost toy). A home energy or heating and cooling contractor can work to seal your ducts, though it is also a task you may be able to do yourself.

In addition to checking for gaps in your ductwork, see if the insulation (either inside or outside) is still present. If it’s not, consider patching holes and fastening in place to help maximize the efficiency of your heating system.

Around the attic Another valuable area to examine for unintended openings is between your attic and living space. You may have to maneuver around insulation in your attic to locate holes, though dirty insulation may signal that one is close by.

Everything that comes through the ceiling (e.g., wiring, plumbing, venting, piping and ducting) is likely to have a gap, crack or hole around it that lets warm, comfortable air pass through. Holes above cabinets or around showers may be easier to spot.

After air sealing, go back and make sure the insulation is consistent throughout the space, including the attic access door. Aim for at least 13 inches of insulation everywhere.

At this point, adding blown-in insulation will be more effective than using batts.

Floors The suggestions for above your living space (attic) apply to below it as well. Floors in existing homes are traditionally insulated with fiberglass batts between the floor joists.

In addition to air sealing caps, cracks and holes in this area, fixing insulation that has fallen to gravity and gone missing can improve the effectiveness of your floor’s thermal blanket.

If your comfort problems persist, you could consider closing your crawlspace with insulation attached to the foundation walls. This is a major undertaking and entails much more than just shutting your crawlspace vents, but it can greatly enhance your living environment.

The ideas discussed in this article should help in any and all parts of your home. Along with improving your comfort, they’ll likely save you in energy and pest management, too.

Jonathan Susser is a content developer for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

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CAROLINA VOICES

WHY DO YOU

LOVE

THE

Photo by Barbara Gomez, Riverview, Fla. A member of Haywood EMC

NC MOUNTAINS?

There’s something about the mountains of Western North Carolina—be it the unending layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the mysteries of shaded hollers or the warmth of WNC towns—that cause folks to wax poetic. As the region continues to recover from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene, we asked readers to reflect on why we love the mountains.

Resilience and Selflessness

The love of a place, of a specific region, becomes indelible when a connection is forged in childhood. From my earliest memories, the NC mountains have been an almost magical refuge. Feeling the piercing cold around my little girl ankles and bare feet in a clear spring-fed stream, I peer under stones to discover quiet friends — salamanders, crawdads, snails. My hand reaches to press on a bed of green moss, soft and firm, found on the overhanging rock.

Breathing in the smell of wet leaves, I look up at the hills surrounding me and have the sensation of being enveloped in a warm and safe paternal hug. As a child, this is what I experienced — this physical grounding created a core understanding that we are part of this beautiful world, that we belong.

As an adult, the connection to the land and people of Western NC remains. After my family emerged from an

inner room of our Piedmont home where, sheltering from the storm on the last Friday in September 2024, we gradually realized our communication with loved ones in the mountains was disrupted. Images then began filtering through our computer screens of unimaginable destruction. The safe feeling I had always experienced in the valleys of our beautiful mountains was shattered. Through the heartbreak, my love grew as I saw the good people of Western NC and surrounding areas band together to help one another, mourn loss, and start the work of healing and repair. We experienced how love for place, love for the NC mountains, can allow service to rise over despair. This resilience and selflessness of the mountain community and friends, this of all things is the reason I love the NC mountains.

Jessica M. Benton Lobdell, Hillsborough A member of Piedmont Electric Cooperative

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Respite From Our Worries

In just a two-hour ride, I can escape the familiar.

The NC mountains have been a gift to me from an early age. My first recollections of sleeping in a tent, eating dinner over a campfire, and singing under the stars were from summer camp and later as a camp counselor. From that time until now, I have run to the hills for recreation, restoration and reassurance.

While at UNC-Greensboro, I grew deep friendships on mountain retreats. Since then, I’ve witnessed the exchange of vows in this breathtaking setting, lounged on cabin vacations, and made memories at the Biltmore Estate with family home for the holidays, and out-of-town guests.

Each of us needs a respite from our weights and worries. That’s why I love a winding road trip to the NC mountains. There, I can reflect and regain a sense of the bigness of the world and all it has to offer while healing under the safe covering of fragrant evergreens and starlit heavens.

Each visit to the NC mountains leaves me stronger, which explains so much about the determined, resilient people who call them home.

SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina

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

Catherine Plough, Monroe A member of Union Power Cooperative

rviee, MC

h e

UpcountrySC.com

Rocky Mountain Transplant

I grew up in Denver, Colorado, in the shadow of the rugged Rocky Mountains.

When I first moved to Athens, Georgia, a friend asked me if I wanted to go to the mountains. I was unaware there were mountains near Athens.

As we drove into the Blue Ridge Mountains, I actually chuckled and told him that those were not mountains.

Where was the timberline?

We became hiking partners and best friends and spent almost every weekend over 20 years hiking all over these beautiful mountains. I have found these mountains to be so friendly, green and welcoming. I especially love that in the winter, the tops of the mountains have bare trees that look like long eyelashes — so much more lovely than the rocky crags out west.

Sadly, my friend is gone now, but upon retirement I packed up and moved here to live in paradise.

Diane Winstanley, Hayesville A member of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Carolina Voices JUNE’S QUESTION:

What’s the greatest sports moment ever?

Whether it was a big game you were in, or one you watched, we want to hear about it! Tall tales excepted.

Submit your answer (up to 300 words) 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: April 15 Online: carolinacountry.com/voices Mail: Carolina Country—Carolina Voices 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

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Carolina Adventures

Butterfly weed attracts monarch butterflies.

Tammy Dorfman

Home featured in the Hillsborough Garden Tour

Catawba rhododendron

Spring Garden Shows Bloom in North Carolina

By Tara Verna

North Carolina’s colder-than-normal winter included a January storm that swept freezing temperatures and snow into our region. So it stands to reason that residents may be more than a little eager to take part in an upcoming spring home and garden show. Here’s a sampling from across the state.

Mountains Garden Jubilee

May 24–25, Hendersonville bit.ly/hgj2025

Piedmont Hillsborough Garden Tour May 3, Hillsborough Cost: $40 in advance bit.ly/hgc2025

Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardenThe Hillsborough Garden Club celebrates ing shows in Western North Carolina, “100 Years of Gardening Together” on its offers nearly 200 plant and craft vendors, 2025 garden tour which meanders through transforming Hendersonville’s historic 10 cultivated private gardens as well as downtown into a garden wonderland for 3 public ones. A few of the highlights include: an estimated 200,000 attendees.

Local and regional nurseries, orchards n An undeveloped lot turned into a and crafters will offer a wide variety of certified wildlife habitat; plants and handmade delights, and gardenn A serene garden of deer-resistant, ing experts will be on hand to share the shade-loving plants and a canopy of latest gardening tips and techniques. mature pines and magnolia trees; Others Garden Shows of Note Growing in the Mountains Spring Plant Sale May 2–4, Asheville bit.ly/gitm2025 Official Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show April 11–13 | Sept. 12–14, Raleigh Cost: $12 bit.ly/raleigh-ihs

n A four-acre woodland preserve with

nearly a dozen garden rooms including a permaculture ecosystem that provides edibles and medicinal plants; and n The public NC Botanical Garden’s

Wonder Garden, where children can build with natural blocks, dig in the dirt and write notes to the fairies.

Coast Coastal Home and Garden Show March 1–2, Morehead City Cost: $5 bit.ly/fb-coastal2025

This is one of the larger shows around with 12,000-square-feet of exhibits, so if you’re looking for inspiration, you should be able to find it here. Pick up ideas for outdoor living, gardening and landscaping, sunrooms and yard décor, even new ways to eliminate pests. Plus, you can pick up swimming pool or hot tub tips, the latest in yard tools and equipment, hardscape and landscape ideas with custom built outdoor kitchens and grills and the newest in renovation ideas and supplies.

Remodeling? Professionals will be on hand to share the latest trends in color and style designs. Redesign your bathroom, kitchen or turn your backyard into a tropical oasis.

Tara Verna is the creative services associate for Carolina Country.

Azalea Garden Tour April 4–6, Wilmington Cost: $50 bit.ly/AGTWilmington

18 | March 2025

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Carolina Gardens

Daylilies, Decoded Delight in the details of container labels Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

“Pretty” is the defining factor many gardeners rely on when it comes to buying daylilies. But beyond this desirable quality, much like the shadows and whispers lurking in an irresistible mystery novel, there are strange codes often found on container labels and online descriptions that, to the knowing, can help determine what makes a pretty daylily perfect for a particular garden scheme. Here’s how to crack the code and shop like a pro: EE—Extra Early. A bloom period indicator, EE defines daylilies that are the first to flower in the spring.

This eager starter is followed by E (Early), EM (Early Midseason), M (Midseason), LM (Late Midseason), L (Late) and VL (Very Late) daylilies. Obviously, selecting a wide range of these time travelers can extend the pleasure of a daylily garden for months.

RE—Rebloom. Such daylilies have a fabulous first flush of flowers, and then do it again with a second or continuing show. For the best displays, they need a little help in the form of deadheading, additional fertilizer and regular waterings when the rains don’t come.

EV—Evergreen. These daylilies remain stubbornly in foliage through typical North Carolina winters.

One step down, an SEV selection is semi-evergreen, meaning it might retain its leaves in a mild winter but probably won’t if temperatures turn abominably cold. And no matter what the winter is like, a DOR (Dormant) daylily will lose its foliage after the first autumn frosts. It is a good idea to mark the locations of SEV and DOR daylilies before the growing season winds down so they won’t be dug up during the planting frenzy to come the following spring.

FR—Fragrant. Some daylilies are sweetly scented in perfumed pleasures that can range from a slightest of slight lovely smells to obvious olfactory awakenings. Daylilies that are deemed to be intensely aromatic are occasionally tagged VFR — (Very Fragrant).

TET—Tetraploid. There are two types of daylilies, tetraploids and diploids (DIP), with tetraploids having twice the sets of chromosomes

‘Nona’s Garnet Spider’ Daylily M SEV DIP EXT

versus diploids. Without wading deep into DNA gobbledygook, TET cultivars tend to have larger flowers with brighter colors supported on stronger stems. This doesn’t mean diploids are visual wimps: among their ranks are some of the prettiest pinks, as well as many of the more popular spider and double-flowered daylilies.

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

.A.’s website of the month: L The Living Seed Company (livingseedcompany.com), a family-run, e-garden store in Weaverville with a wide variety of open-pollinated organic and heirloom seeds for vegetable and ornamental gardeners.

Garden To-Do’s for March

‘Forty Carats’ Daylily M DOR TET EXT

Night-blooming daylilies? You bet. They even have their own special codes!

NOC is for Nocturnal daylilies, a delightfully strange group that blooms late in the day and persists through the night. Some Nocturnal daylilies flaunt their flowers well into the new dawn, meaning they remain enjoyable sights to see as you stroll in the garden with your morning coffee. Extended (EXT) represents a large group that opens like regular daylilies—in the morning—but stay in bloom for 16 hours or more, way past normal daylilies’ bedtime at sunset.

□ If you are anxious to get your spring veggie patch growing, this month is a good time to plant asparagus, carrots, cabbage, Swiss chard, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, potatoes, turnips, spinach, rutabagas and/or radishes in gardens across the state.

□ For dependable, extended service, change the oil in your lawn mower about every two years. It’s an easy chore, but if you aren’t mechanically inclined, your local, friendly small engine repair shop can do the deed.

20 | March 2025

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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

Cauliflower au Gratin With crispy onion topping

This cheesy side pairs with just about anything.

Serve it with a simple supper, or let it hold its own with more elaborate meals, too.

Patient-Pleasing Meatloaf With ‘Dang Good’ sauce

This may be the best meatloaf you’ve ever had! Found in a recipe box decades ago when I was managing a hospital kitchen, it was always a patient and staff favorite. If you like a little “crust” on your meatloaf, ditch the loaf pan for as much surface area as possible.

2 pounds meatloaf mix (or 80/20 ground beef) 1½ cups breadcrumbs* 1 large onion, finely chopped ¾ cup ketchup 2 eggs 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon baking soda 4 tablespoons water 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce 1 sauce can of water ¼ cup yellow mustard 3 tablespoons each brown sugar and molasses ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a bowl (meat through salt) and mix well. Place into an oiled baking dish and form into a loaf, making indentions to puddle sauce. Combine baking soda and water and brush loaf to make it extra crusty. Let stand 20 minutes before baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine sauce ingredients (tomato sauce through vinegar) and lightly drizzle most of the sauce over the loaf, enough to pool around it. Reduce remainder on a low simmer as extra for cooked loaf.

Bake 40–50 minutes until the interior reaches 165 degrees. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with reduced sauce. *Crumb options: cracker or stale breadcrumbs, panko, packaged stuffing mix or crushed pork rind Yield: 6 servings

From Your Kitchen

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss florets and garlic with oil. Spread onto sheet pan. Dust with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, turning once, until slightly fork-tender. Remove and put into a sprayed baking dish. Mash garlic cloves with a fork.

Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees.

Heat cream or milk with mashed garlic in a saucepan until it just starts to boil.

Remove from heat and add cheese, butter and mustard, stirring until the cheese melts. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.

Bake about 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Scatter with the fried onions and bake 5–7 minutes more until browned. Serve immediately while warm.

Yield: 6 servings

Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup

Upon arrival in America, Irish immigrants found corned beef a reliable substitute for the salted pork they were accustomed to. Cabbage made for an affordable accompaniment.

Here’s a fun twist on these Irish-American staples. Serve with cornbread if you like.

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 cups beef (or chicken) broth 2 cans (12-ounce) corned beef, chopped 3 medium potatoes, cubed 2 cups cabbage, chopped ¼ teaspoon black pepper 8 ounces pasta, such as macaroni

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets 4–6 cloves garlic Olive or avocado oil Salt and pepper 1 carton/can (16-ounce) half-and-half or evaporated milk 2 cups Swiss cheese, grated 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 cup canned fried onions Paprika, optional

1 can (16-ounce) diced tomatoes Salt to taste 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped, optional

Cook until potatoes are not quite done.

Add noodles and tomatoes. Cook until noodles are done. Add more broth if a thinner soup is desired. Salt to taste and sprinkle parsley on top.

Yield: 6 servings

Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently (about 30 seconds).

Pour broth into the pot and add corned beef, potatoes, cabbage and pepper.

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

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

Recipe courtesy of Nina Dunnavant of Bonlee, a member of Central EMC

22 | March 2025

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March Events MARCH 15–16

Gem and Mineral Show Gastonia Farmers Market, Gastonia MARCH 16–23

Fringe Arts Festival Various locations, Asheville 828-254-2621 MARCH 22

Assault on Blackrock 7-mile trail race competition Pinnacle Park, Sylva 828-506-2802

MARCH 1–2

Camellia Show Competition, exhibits, demonstrations, Q&A Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Fayetteville, 910-308-7478

Spring Art Show of Greenville Brushstrokes First Christian Church, Greenville

JAN. 19–MARCH. 16

MARCH 2

MARCH 15

MARCH 23

Dome Sweet Home

Mardi Gras Parade

Luxury domes open to public Stock + Grain Assembly, High Point 336-884-7862

Downtown, Asheville 828-279-4132

Croatan Buck Fifty Ride

Duo Baldo

FEB. 27–MARCH 1

Rice Festival

Carolina Jazz Festival Various locations, Chapel Hill 919-962-1039 MARCH 1–2

Sky Valley Zip Tour Sky Valley Zip Tours, Blowing Rock 828-264-0002

Mardi Gras on Middle Lane Downtown, Beaufort 252-528-8640

Winter Reds Red wine tastings Participating wineries, Yadkin County 336-679-2200

Cycling competition Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro 252-725-1438

MARCH 5–8

Quilt Show

Various locations, Leland 202-355-3695

Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville 828-506-7476

MARCH 14–15

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Carolina FiberFest Competition, vendors, food NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh MARCH 14–16

Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, Emerald Island 252-354-3424

Vintage Market Days Competition, vendors, food WNC Agricultural Center and Davis Event Center, Fletcher 917-224-4035

Musical comedy team Old Theater, Oriental 252-617-2125 MARCH 29

Spring Festival Downtown, Vass 910-245-4677 MARCH 29

No Man’s Land Film Fest All-women adventure film festival The Appalachian Theatre, Boone 828-865-3000

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 March 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 May 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.

January’s winner The January “Where Is This” photo by Hunter Villano features the iconic Dairy Queen (DQ), built in 1947 on Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte. Readers recognized the ice cream shop as a favorite from childhood, high school dating and into adulthood. Some noted that the art deco-laden DQ is the oldest in the state and the third oldest in the Southeast. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Julie King of Rich Square.

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