2025-03-TEC

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

Tideland EMC members: Sign up for high energy use alerts—pages 11–14 CC03_cov.indd 24

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Unplug and Reconnect with North Carolina 4-H Camps this summer!

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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.

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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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Real People. Real Power.

Now we are begging you

It turns out that fewer than 7% of our residential members have signed up for high energy use alerts. Why? It is your best defense against an unexpectedly high electric bill and could even save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in emergency home repairs. Reach out to us today to enroll in this free service.

Call 252.943.3046 or email heidismith@tidelandemc.com.

Scholarship

deadline March 3 High school seniors have until Monday, March 3, to submit their college scholarship applications to the Tideland Electric Care Trust. The Trust will award eight scholarships: six to students attending a four-year college or university and two to students attending a community college or trade school. To apply visit tidelandemc.com/my-community/ college-scholarships.

MARCH 2025 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY • 11

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Remembering Cindy Hubers Beat the buzzer to apply for the 2025 Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship Program Tideland EMC is currently accepting applications for full scholarships to renowned basketball camps at two North Carolina universities this summer.

Young men can apply for a scholarship to attend the Carolina Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (June 25-28), and young women can apply for a spot at the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp held at North Carolina State University in Raleigh (June 15-18). Please make sure you can attend those dates before applying!

To apply, students must be a rising sixth or seventh grade student and residing in a Tideland EMC served home.

Applicants will be judged on academics, extracurricular activities and an essay.

Applications must be submitted

by March 31. To learn more visit tidelandemc.com. You may also reach out to Heidi Smith at 252.944.2410.

On Jan. 16, we lost a beloved member of our Tideland family with the passing of employee Cindy Hubers. She graced us and the co-op membership with 25 years of devoted service. And make no mistake about it: Cindy knew she was serving members and not customers. She was the living embodiment of what a cooperative truly is.

For the vast majority of her time with Tideland, Cindy worked the overnight shift in our 24-hour call center. However her presence during the daytime hours was most often marked by the comforting and yummy scent of fresh baked cinnamon rolls wafting

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our members or a co-worker moved her, Cindy was quick to write it down and share with fellow team members not only to celebrate a meaningful moment but to inspire others.

Cindy never lost the ability to learn or be in awe of something new. That youthful joy was on full display as she engaged with her expansive family that included husband, Don, four children, and 14 grandchildren to whom she was eternally devoted.

Cindy’s earthly journey was detoured more than once by cancer, but she fought it with a determined resilience that belied her quiet demeanor. Cindy’s final cancer journey led her to her heavenly home where she was no doubt immediately greeted by her mother, Miss Cindy and her famous cinnamon rolls Ann, who preceded her in death at the from the co-op kitchen. She never age of 97 in 2022. failed to make a batch to welcome a new employee but most often When she submitted what would she did it to express her heartfelt be her final photo for Tideland’s love for her co-workers. annual employee Christmas video, Cindy asked that we be Cindy considered it an honor to sure to include the Bible verse that work at Tideland because it gave appeared in the framed photo. It her the opportunity to make a difread: “As for me and my house, ference in someone’s life, no matter we will serve the Lord,” Joshua how small, through the power of 24:15b. She lived that scripture human connections. And when daily and has left generations to those beautiful touchpoints with follow suit.

12 • MARCH 2025 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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Message to members

Second-coldest January in more than 30 years

by PAUL SPRUILL

GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER January 2025 was the second coldest January in Tideland territory since 1992 when we began tracking degree day data for our area. Only January 2018 surpasses it in the past 33 years.

January 2025 required 41% more home heating than January 2024. It required 51% more home heating than December 2024 and 256% more home heating than November 2024.

That translated into unusually high home heating costs in January. Fortunately, as we went to press, February 2025 was shaping up to be one of the warmest Februarys on record.

What I can’t get over is that fewer than 7% of our membership has signed up for free high energy use alert notifications. These notifications can immediately alert you to a problem with your HVAC system, ductwork, water heater and any number of malfunctions that could result in a high bill.

Here are just two recent examples where a high energy use alert could have saved individual members hundreds of dollars.

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Member’s electric bill jumped from $239 in January 2024 to $629 in January 2025. Their December 2024 bill had also tripled from the previous month. The cause: a complete loss of

refrigerant from a twoyear-old heat pump when a hole developed in the copper line. The member would have known about it on Nov. 29 if they had been signed up for a high use alert.

•

For three months a member’s electric bills continued to grow: $459 to $742 and then $901. With no phone number on file to reach the member our energy auditor drove out to the home. The cause of the problem? A disconnected crossover duct underneath the multisection manufacutred home. The member would have noticed it when it first happened in October if they had been signed up for a high energy use alert.

Most often when we ask members why they haven’t signed up they reply, “I haven’t had a problem before.” That’s exactly why it is so important to enroll in this free service. These alerts are like an energy security system always standing guard and notifying only when something unusual occurs. Otherwise it could take days, weeks or even months before you discover a hot water leak, a faulty HVAC system or a downed piece of ductwork.

Remembering Janice Baynor Tideland EMC lost another member of our co-op family with the passing of retiree Janice Baynor on Jan. 18. "Janice Kay", as she was known by those closest to her, served the co-op for 35 years, dating back to when the Pantego service area was known as Woodstock EMC, prior to the merger with Pamlico-Beaufort EMC to become Tideland. She was the co-op’s manager of finance at the time of her retirement.

Former co-workers distinctly remember those few occassions when Janice needed to set you straight, which meant calling you by your first and last name with her hands on her hips and a slight tilt of the head. She was never mean-spirited when she served up a dose of reality. but you got the point.

And we loved her for her truth-telling.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. We miss her dearly.

Please enroll today. Encourage friends and family members to do the same. This one ounce of prevention can save you a great deal of heartache and money.

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The 2024 energy year in review Warmer all the way around

Monthly, since 1992, Tideland analyzes heating and cooling degree day data for our territory. That data helps us when we are assisting members in analyzing their monthly energy consumption as it applies to home heating and cooling.

Our year-end analysis for 2024 showed a much milder year for home heating needs than the historical average (20% lower). However on the cooling side, there was an overall 10% increase over historical norms.

When compared with our 2023 year-end figures, your home’s HVAC system had to run at least 5% more to maintain indoor temperature settings. And we know systems worked overtime in January 2025. So if you have not had your HVAC system routinely serviced now would be a great time in preparation for air conditioning season.

You can track your own daily and hourly energy consumption via the member portal at tidelandemc.com to see how outdoor temperatures impact your bill.

We hope you will do so today.

If you have a smart thermostat, like an Ecobee or Nest, you have the added benefit of being able to track HVAC system runtimes on your thermostat’s virtual dashboard.

Real P e o ple .

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14 • MARCH 2025 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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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

16 | March 2025

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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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