2025-06-REC

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NC Sports

Past and Present

by

Representing co-op members on Capitol Hill page 7

Have you tried NC’s ground steak? page 20

Scott Gates, CCC Editor

Warren Kessler Creative Director

Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor

Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant

Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer

Tara Verna Creative Services Associate

Donna Natosi Digital Strategist

Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com

Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO

Kristie Aldridge, CCC Senior Vice President & COO

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 $6 per year.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year. Schools, libraries, $6.

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

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

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

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us

Phone: 919-875-3091

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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.

Carolina Voices

What’s the greatest sports moment ever?

A Winning Museum

Native sluggers are memorialized at the NC Baseball Museum.

T-ball: A rite of childhood passage.

Walter “Buck” Leonard, from Rocky Mount, was a first baseman for the Homestead Grays from 1937 to 1945, when Black players could only be part of what was called the “Negro League.” Leonard was a homerun leader in the league. He’s one of seven players from NC inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Learn about others on page 16. Photo courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Our “I Remember” section is always a reader favorite, and we’d love to hear your stories! Submit a photo and 200 words that describe it — we pay $50 for those we publish. Visit carolinacountry.com/contact for details.

From Our Readers

A Father’s Homecoming

My dad worked as a pipe fitter at Southern Railway in Spencer, North Carolina. When he was laid off from his job in Spencer, he commuted to Atlanta for a while to continue to provide for our family. He would leave every Sunday via the train and return on Friday afternoon via train. My mother would take me every Friday to greet him at the Salisbury Train Depot, and they would let us go right out to the track. I remember so well watching for the light of the train and hearing that whistle; my daddy was home.

Lucy Buchanan, Indian Trail

A member of Union Power Cooperative

THIS MONTH

For the Love of the Game

You can’t beat a good game, from T-ball to pro sports, whether you’re on the field or just watching the action. We cover a lot in this issue, including readers’ memories of the best sports moment (I’m an Auburn fan — it was the winning touchdown of the 2013 Iron Bowl, although some may disagree). Also, don’t miss NC State Women’s Basketball Coach Wes Moore’s thoughts on electric co-op sponsored sports camps on page 4.

Home Sweet Nest

Brunswick Electric recently replaced the utility poles by the Twin Lakes in Sunset Beach. Ospreys built a nest on top of one of the poles last year and returned to it this year. Thank you to the crew for thoughtfully placing the new pole next to the old pole and leaving the nest intact. Bird lovers were happy to see the ospreys return to the nest after the crew departed.

Susan Silk, Sunset Beach, a member of Brunswick Electric

Carolina SNAPSHOTS

THEME Reflections

A Betty McIntyre, Rockingham

A member of Pee Dee Electric

B Kenneth Vaughn, Raleigh

A member of Wake Electric

C Joyce McBriarty, Leland

A member of Brunswick Electric

D Leslie Chism, Maxton

A member of Lumbee River EMC

E Diana Wiggins, Hobbsville

A member of Roanoke Cooperative

Submit your photo!

Aug theme: Cats (Deadline June 20)

Sept. theme: Fairs & Festivals (Deadline July 20)

Oct. theme: So creepy (Deadline Aug. 20)

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.

Coaching for the Future

As a college head coach for more than 35 years, I’ve been blessed to coach a lot of great players. ACC Championships and the recent trip to the NCAA Final Four has been rewarding, but seeing girls grow into successful young women makes me most proud. Having two first-round picks in the WNBA this year was a special moment as well.

The NC State Wolfpack Women’s Basketball program has enjoyed a great relationship with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives for more than 20 years. Their sports camp scholarship program has made it possible for more than 25 middle school girls to attend our basketball camp each year. The experience of being an overnight camper not only maximizes the basketball experience but also gives them a glimpse into life on a college campus.

We can help young girls from across the state attend our camp and discover their true potential on and off the court.

While I admit we’re not going to make an individual a great player in just a few days of camp, I do believe we can lay a foundation and a spark that will fuel future growth in the game of basketball and in life. Our coaches and players work with them on the fundamentals of the game, but also share their journeys and experiences that brought them success at a high level here at State.

Students: Learn More

Rising sixth and seventh graders are attending basketball camps this month. Mark your calendars to apply for a 2026 sports camp scholarship between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2026!

Because of this partnership with North Carolina’s 26 electric co-ops, we can help young girls from across the state attend our camp and discover their true potential on and off the court. We’ve had many success stories of former campers making and excelling on their middle and high school teams. We’ve even had many alumni campers receive college scholarships and perform at the highest level in Division I programs. Then, once the ball stops bouncing, these young ladies often return to their communities as strong, educated leaders.

We’re excited to welcome a new class of extraordinary students to our camp this summer. Athletic skill and potential are not bound by where you live, what school you attend, or your family background. Thanks to North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, we can help girls from all over the state attend our camp and discover their true potential in basketball and in life.

Wes Moore is NC State University’s head women’s basketball coach and one of the top head coaches in NCAA women’s basketball.

Visit NCElectricCooperatives.com/sports-camps to learn more.

June Quick Hits

Love You, Dad

Father’s Day is June 15!

Remember to show the fathers in your life how much they’re loved.

Thunderstorm Safety

Head indoors when you hear thunder; lightning can strike as far as 25 miles away from its parent thunderstorm.

Safe Social Media

Wait until you get home to post vacation photos. Sharing photos while out of town can make a wider audience aware of your travel plans, while alerting potential criminals to an unguarded home.

Move Over, Please

It’s NC law: Safely move one lane away from any law enforcement, emergency vehicles and utility vehicles on the side of the highway.

Two nC Co-ops Support Amazon.com Projects

Amazon.com is expanding its footprint in North Carolina with several distribution facilities in development, two of which are being facilitated with support from electric co-ops. Four County EMC contributed to site development at a Wilmington fulfillment center, and Jones-Onslow EMC (JOEMC) has invested in and will serve a Jacksonville site.

In March, representatives from Four County EMC gathered with community and business leaders in Pender Commerce Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of what will be Amazon’s largest and most technologically advanced fulfillment center in North Carolina. It is expected to open by early 2027 and will feature state-ofthe-art, AI-driven robotics technology while bringing more than 1,000 jobs to the region.

A decade ago, Four County EMC provided Pender County with a $2 million zero-interest loan to support the development of Acme Smoked Fish, Pender Commerce Park’s first anchor tenant. That foundational investment helped establish the commerce park as a regional hub for major industries.

“We congratulate Wilmington Business Development CEO Scott

Satterfield and his team for their tireless work in bringing Amazon’s robotic fulfillment center to Pender Commerce Park,” said Jimmy Smith, director of Economic and Community Development at Four County EMC.

Amazon’s last-mile distribution facility in Jacksonville is under construction at the Jacksonville Business Park, which JOEMC has supported through feasibility studies, due diligence work and grant funding. The facility is expected to create an estimated 200 jobs.

“Jones-Onslow EMC is proud to power Amazon’s new facility, supporting job growth in our community and improving access to everyday goods for local consumers,” said JOEMC Vice President of Power System Reliability Optimization and Control Aaron Spencer.

Amazon’s fulfillment center in Pender County Wilmington

Co-op Leaders Engage Members of Congress

In April, more than 100 leaders representing North Carolina’s electric cooperatives joined 2,000 others from around the country at NRECA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The group engaged key congressional leaders to advocate for smart energy policies on Capitol Hill.

NC co-ops met with 13 members of Congress — 11 representatives, as well as Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd — and three members of congressional staffs. Co-op leaders addressed several key issues during meetings, including:

■ Meeting growing demand with reliable, affordable power;

■ Supporting programs for electric co-ops and rural America, including FEMA Public Assistance, Elective Pay energy tax credits, DOE infrastructure programs, and the RUS Electric Loan Program; and

■ Advancing smart energy policies, including reforming environmental permitting, protecting hydroelectric power and defending against wildfires.

Joe Brannan, CEO for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, joined other G&T cooperative leaders in a meeting with members of the National Energy Dominance Council, a task force created by the White House to

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis joined Sen. Ted Budd in meeting with NC co-op leaders.

find ways to champion domestic energy production. Discussions focused on energy reliability and collaboration to meet rapidly growing demand.

“Changing administrations always bring a wave of uncertainty and new policy ideas that directly impact how electric cooperatives serve their members,” said Sharla Wells, vice president of External Affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These face-to-face meetings between elected officials and leaders from co-ops serving communities in their districts are invaluable, and will have long-reaching influence on policy decisions to come.”

Most anyone you ask has a sports memory that’s near and dear to them, whether it was a game they saw or played in. We asked readers to share theirs, and here are some of our favorites.

Winning Baskets

A few years ago I had the pleasure of witnessing the best show of sportsmanship ever. I was at a girls’ basketball game in Elizabeth City. Near the end of the game, the other team put in a player who obviously wanted to play and be a part of the team but lacked skill. Her teammates quickly passed the ball to her and blocked our team so she could get a shot. Well, she missed. Her teammates caught the rebound and stepped up their encouragement to her. Our girls quickly caught on to what was happening and also began encouraging her.

The girl shot again … and missed. Our girls got the rebound but passed it to this young lady. She went to shoot again but before she did, one of our girls repositioned her so she could hopefully make the basket. This time, she made it, and the gym went wild — BOTH sides were cheering.

At this point, time out was called; we had a young lady who was very similar in skill to the young lady on the other team that our coach put in. We had possession of the ball, and our girls began doing the same thing for the young lady on our team. First attempt, yep, she missed. We caught the rebound, our ladies stepped up the encouragement, and the other team did the same for our young lady. Second attempt, basket missed again. We had seconds left in the game. The ball was given to our girl again and on the third attempt — BASKET MADE!!! Again, the gym went wild. There were cheers all around, as well as many of us in the bleachers with tears in our eyes. I’ve seen many great sports moments, but this particular one tops them all.

World Series Triumph

I’m a transplant to the area (military and work), but even after almost half my life, I’m loyal to the Minnesota teams I grew up with. They’re much maligned for a lack of recent championship runs, but the situation was l different when I was 7 years old in 1991.

That fall, the Twins and the Atlanta Braves played what’s remembered as one of the greatest World Series in baseball history. The legendary Kirby Puckett’s walk-off homer in the 11th inning of game six set up the next night’s game seven triumph for the home team.

The call for that hit, “And we’ll see you tomorrow night!” is in the pantheon of sports announcements.

Even if that’s the last Minnesota championship run I see in my lifetime, it’s worth it for that fist-pumping, hanky-waving epic walk off in the fall classic’s penultimate matchup that cemented the underdogs’ hope in another chance at glory that would not go unfulfilled.

Patrick McLoughlin, Winnabow A member of Brunswick Electric

Saving the Flag

In my 83 years of life, I have seen a lot of sporting events. I have seen high school, college and professional games. I have watched baseball games decided in the last inning by a walk-off hit or home run; basketball games decided by a buzzer beater; football games decided by a field goal in overtime.

All of these were great sports moments, but the one moment that will always stand out in my mind as the greatest occurred on April 25, 1976. It was not a game-changing event but a lifetime event for our country.

On that day, in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, two protesters ran onto left-center field and tried to set fire to an American flag after the start of the fourth inning. Rick Monday, the Cubs center fielder, ran to the flag and grabbed it up preventing the destruction of the flag. This act by Rick Monday was one of the greatest sports moments ever. It did not change the outcome of the game, but it did change the view of sports enthusiasts, who now have more respect for the American Flag and for an athlete who had the courage to show respect for the flag, his country and baseball.

A Homerun to Remember

On this spring day, in my 83rd year, my thoughts turn to years playing baseball. Good memories of making the hook-slide into second base, dust in the teeth, the sweet burn of the slide through uniform pants and stirrup socks, the slap-tag of the gloved ball by the fielder.

Playing in youth Babe Ruth League, I was a pitcher and was on the mound one afternoon. Coach Pearson had put me in as starting pitcher, a righthander with a pretty good fastball. Sometimes I did not have the best control of it, but I kept hearing Coach hollering from the dugout, “Throw hard, Jimmy! Just throw hard!”

I had walked a couple of batters, many of my pitches going inside. Coach finally came out, put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Alright now, Jimmy. You’re throwing too

Treasured UNC Keepsake

My most memorable sports moment took place in 1957 when the North Carolina Tarheels claimed the NCAA National Championship. It might seem unlikely that a 12-year-old girl would be so captivated by a basketball game, but in my high school, basketball reigned supreme.

Watching a college game on our 12-inch Motorola blackand-white television was an exciting event! The win over South Carolina in the ACC tournament was thrilling, but the unforgettable moment came when UNC defeated Kansas for the NCAA Championship. It was an incredible 54-53 victory after three overtimes. The names Lennie Rosenbluth (UNC) and Wilt Chamberlain (Kansas) are etched in my memory, as well as the legendary UNC coach, Frank McGuire.

The Tarheel players were each awarded watches for their part in the championship win, and Coach McGuire received a new Carolina Blue and white Cadillac! I felt like part of the celebration when I received an 8x10 photo in the mail. I don’t quite remember how I knew to send 50 cents in an envelope to get the picture, but I was incredibly proud of it. It’s a treasured keepsake to this day.

Judy Lee, Newton Grove, a member of South River EMC

many balls on the inside. Move your right foot to the left on the pitching rubber, about the width of your foot. You’ll get them over the plate.”

Well, I did, and it worked! I even started getting some strikeouts.

In later years, playing in a men’s league, I had improved as a hitter and was playing shortstop. When I came up to bat, I was making contact with the ball but kept pulling them foul. Remembering that pitching adjustment, I gave up the 34-inch Micky Mantle model bat for a heavier 36-inch bat with a fat handle. With that bat I hit my one-and-only homerun, over the centerfield fence.

All these years later I can still feel the satisfying pop of that homerun. It feeds my soul even yet.

Rev. James Cockerham, Nebo A member of Rutherford EMC

SEPTEMBER’S QUESTION: What’s your most embarrassing moment?

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: July 15

Online: carolinacountry.com/voices

Mail:

Carolina Country —Carolina Voices 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616

Tactical Meets Practical

Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.

Precision Takes Time

Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.

Why Pay for a Name?

Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.

Limited Offer – Act Now

Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.

Watch Specifications:

• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band

• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock

• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼”

Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch

$399 $59* + S & P Save $340

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

Flashes Flashes

for the Annual Meeting

You are invited to the virtual Annual meeting and memberowner celebration on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025

Roanoke Cooperative will host its 86th Annual Meeting & Member-Owner Celebration, held virtually via Zoom meeting on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Participants can join via phone or video conference. Stay tuned for specifics on accessing the Zoom meeting— links and instructions will be posted on social media, the co-op website and in member-owner communications over the coming weeks.

The hour-long gathering will kick off at 9 a.m. with the official business meeting, during which the election of three board members is on the agenda.

Before the meeting, memberowners must vote by mail or online beginning July 20.

Stay tuned for the link to the virtual annual meeting. You can access the meeting through the online meeting platform, Zoom. Links and instructions will be shared via the co-op’s social media, website and member communications over the coming weeks.

Roanoke Cooperative will have drawings for lots of exciting prizes.

Energy Efficiency

TIP OF THE MONTH

Take advantage of the warmer weather to reduce home energy use. Avoid using your oven and use a grill instead. Not only will cooking outdoors eliminate the energy used to power the oven or stove, but it will also avoid raising the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for additional air conditioning.

You can also avoid using the oven with tasty, no-bake recipes. Get creative in the kitchen and explore new ways to save energy!

Source: energy.gov

Investing in the Power of Our Youth

As summer approaches, I am excited to highlight a special focus for Roanoke Cooperative and Fybe: investing in our youth.

At Roanoke, we believe our young people are not just the future — they are the energy behind the progress we see today. That’s why, alongside our fellow electric cooperatives across North Carolina, we proudly support a range of programs aimed at building leadership, confidence and opportunity for students in our communities.

Each year, we sponsor youth to attend basketball camps at UNC and NC State University, giving them the chance to sharpen both their athletic and leadership skills. We have also seen tremendous success in selecting students to represent Roanoke Cooperative at two of the nation’s premier youth development experiences: the NRECA Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., and the Cooperative Council of the Carolinas’ Cooperative Leadership Camp.

support local economic growth and build the kind of communities where families want to stay, work and thrive.

We are also preparing for a digital future. As we build out our broadband network through Fybe, we are developing a base of digital navigators —  individuals trained to help our memberowners maximize the full potential of highspeed internet across our service territory. Our youth are key to this movement. We need their ideas, energy and talents to shape the digital future of our communities.

As a former participant of the Cooperative Leadership Camp myself, I know firsthand how these experiences can shape a young person’s future. I’m proud to see us continuing that tradition by empowering new generations with the same opportunities that helped mold my own leadership journey.

Our support doesn’t stop there. Through the Bright Ideas Grant Program, we help teachers bring creative classroom projects to life, nurturing curiosity and innovation among students. We also participate in STEM camps, host youth groups, and collaborate with our statewide association to host summer interns — all part of a growing strategy to connect education with real-world career pathways.

All these initiatives align with a larger goal: strengthening our workforce development pipeline.

Why It Matters to Our Member-Owners

Some may wonder why we invest in these programs. Simply put: a strong future for our youth means a stronger future for all of us.

When we help students connect to opportunities here at home, we are also working to keep talent in our region,

The energy landscape is evolving as well. A future driven by clean energy and expanded broadband access presents unprecedented opportunities for growth. By investing in our youth today, we are not only preparing them for new career pathways — we are positioning our region for long-term prosperity and retaining the talented young leaders who will drive that progress forward.

This summer and beyond, you’ll hear more stories about the incredible young people connected to Roanoke Cooperative and Fybe. Their journeys inspire us — and remind us that when we invest in youth, we invest in the future of our communities.

Let’s Continue to Power Progress Together

By preparing young people for careers in energy, broadband and technology, we are ensuring that Roanoke Cooperative and Fybe have the skilled workforce needed to keep services reliable and affordable for years to come.

In service,

Marshall Cherry PRESIDENT AND CEO

Finding the Answer in Windsor

How the Bertie County YMCA is Shaping a Community

Tucked away in the charming town of Windsor, the Bertie County YMCA is more than a gym—it’s a place where growth, resilience and community thrive. You might miss it if you’re driving through town, but that’s changing soon.

“A visitor once told me they passed right by and didn’t even know which building it was,” said the YMCA’s CEO and Executive Director Casey Owens. “That’s when I knew—we needed a better sign.” The Y is currently working on just that, with the help of a skilled craftsman who teaches masonry at a Virginia prison and comes down to work on the sign on his days off. It’s one more example of how this place brings together unlikely resources to build something beautiful.

When Casey took the helm over a decade ago, the YMCA’s future was uncertain. “They welcomed me but said, ‘We’re not sure how we’re going to make payroll next month,’” he recalled. With a little faith and a lot of hustle, he got connected to key funders and turned things around. Today, the Y is not only financially healthy but thriving—and constantly reinvesting in its people and programs.

Recent years have brought major changes: brand-new gym equipment, fresh paint in YMCA colors, a revamped front room and updated lighting. Many of the upgrades were done in-house, with staff and summer camp counselors rolling up their sleeves to install flooring and apply wallpaper.

“The front room used to feel closed off. Now it’s bright and welcoming,” says Casey. A back area is being transformed into a turf-covered HIIT space to keep up with demand for high-intensity training.

But the beating heart of the Bertie County YMCA is its summer camp, a program that began with just 10 kids and now expects to serve 120 this year. Hosted at Bertie Middle School, the camp offers access to a gym, cafeteria and outdoor space—resources that have helped the program blossom. The schedule

balances academic enrichment with licensed teachers, creative arts and crafts and field trips that turn summers into lifelong memories.

Each week of camp has a unique theme—like “Summer Olympics,” complete with color-coded teams and medals, or “Christmas in July,” to spread cheer under the summer sun. Field trips are a highlight, from local museums to past adventures in Washington, D.C. “We had a great time—but I told them we’re staying closer to home this year,” Casey jokes.

A big focus for the YMCA has been making camp accessible to more families. Over the years, they’ve restructured pricing, added sibling discounts and are working to introduce designated pickup spots to help working parents with transportation.

“We’ve really tried to meet families where they are,” Casey explains. “When you consider how many are managing multiple children or dealing with financial uncertainty, it’s important we do everything we can to make sure camp is within reach.”

Inclusivity is also at the core of everything the YMCA does. “We don’t turn people away,” Casey emphasizes. “We believe in making space for everyone—regardless of background, ability, or need.” From hiring diverse staff to intentionally designing programming that engages kids across all age groups and interests, the summer camp reflects the larger mission of the YMCA: to be a place where everyone belongs.

The impact is clear. “We plan our days so well that by the time the kids get home, they’re falling asleep in the car,” Casey adds. “That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”

This summer, the Y expects around 20 staff members and volunteers to lead the charge. Orientation is already on the calendar, and new additions are set to help reengage older campers. “We want every child, from age 4 to 13, to feel seen, supported, and excited to show up each day.”

And the work doesn’t stop when summer ends. The YMCA also supports year-round programs like ballet, hip-hop, karate, yoga, Pilates and a new “MixxedFit” class that’s already drawing a crowd. The annual dance recital, hosted at the local high school, is a community favorite packed with proud parents and energetic performances.

Looking ahead, there’s plenty on the horizon. With space getting tighter during busy seasons, Casey dreams of expanding—even imagining a second building connected by a catwalk for events and specialized classes. “We’re not at full capacity every hour of the day,” he says, “but we’re getting there. Until then, we’ll keep getting creative with the space we have.”

As the Bertie County YMCA continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: this isn’t just a place to work out. It’s a place where the question may not always be why, but Y—and that, it turns out, might just be the answer.

More Than Workshops: How Angela Battle is Bridging the Digital Divide

Angela Battle radiates an energy that’s impossible to ignore—and when it comes to digital literacy, her passion practically bubbles over. As the Digital Health Navigator for Roanoke Cooperative, Angela brings more than 30 years of technical training experience to rural eastern North Carolina, transforming communities one “light bulb moment” at a time.

For Angela, nothing beats the joy of seeing someone’s eyes light up when they grasp a new concept—especially when that someone is a senior citizen who once felt overwhelmed by their smartphone or tablet. “That still does it for me,” she says with a smile. “After all these years, it never gets old.”

But this isn’t just a job for Angela— it’s personal. She’s back in the community she grew up in, teaching her neighbors, church family and familiar faces from the local grocery store how to navigate the digital world. Her workshops are as much about empathy and empowerment as they are about tech skills. From the moment she steps into a room, Angela is on a mission to create a no-judgment zone where participants feel safe, supported, and seen. Whether she’s comparing smartphones to flashlights and typewriters to make concepts relatable, or walking someone step-by-step through accessibility settings, she meets people exactly where they are—and lifts them up.

ConnectED, funded by grant support, allows Angela to offer these workshops free of charge to both host sites and participants. Designed especially for seniors, the courses start with the basics—getting to know your device—then move into online safety and security, and finally, telehealth literacy: teaching participants how to manage their healthcare online. Her sessions are flexible and communitydriven, often held in churches, libraries, nutrition sites and senior centers across Bertie, Hertford, Gates and Northampton counties.

Angela’s background in corporate training and education means her workshops are tailored to diverse learning styles, incorporating notes, visuals, videos and hands-on support. But more than anything, it’s her warmth, humor and encouragement that keep people coming back—and spreading the word. “The goal,” she says, “is to catch as many as we can. And if we don’t catch you in the general workshop, I’ll catch you one-on-one.”

Her upcoming workshops include

sessions at Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church and the Ahoskie Nutrition Site, with plans to roll out in Gates County this June and more summer dates on the horizon. With Angela leading the way, digital literacy in these communities isn’t just improving—it’s thriving.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Allen Speller Chairman

Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Cooperative

P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910

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

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

For online bill payment: roanokecooperative.com

Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit us at roanokecooperative.com

Robert “Nat” Riddick Vice Chairman

Delores Amason Secretary-Treasurer

Kenneth Jernigan

Asst. Secretary-Treasurer

Marva Bond

Carolyn Bradley

Columbus Jeffers

Darnell Lee

Cynthia Vaughan

President and CEO: Marshall Cherry

Editor: Tammy Piland

Efficiency Tips for New Homes

From cutting edge to tried-and-true

Prioritizing energy efficiency when building a new home can create future savings and make living more comfortable. It might cost a little more up front but will pay off in the long run.

Let’s explore two approaches: Following an energy efficiency certification plan or adding energy efficient designs and equipment to your construction project.

There are several efficiency certifications available for newconstruction homes that may qualify for discounted homeowner’s insurance, tax credits and other incentives.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification ensures the home uses less energy while prioritizing sustainable resources and healthy indoor air quality. LEED-certified homes use 20% to 30% less energy than the average home — with some homes saving up to 60% — and can cost the same as non-LEED homes with proper planning, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Passive House certification requires the home to be so efficient it needs little to no heating and cooling equipment while remaining comfortable for its occupants. To achieve up to 90% less energy use than the average home, the certification focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the building envelope (all components that separate the indoors from the outdoors) including proper insulation levels, air sealing and high-efficiency windows.

Energy Star® NextGen Certification for New Homes recognizes houses that are 20% more efficient than the average home and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 80%.

Although various certifications are available, you don’t have to follow a set guide. Consider adding these

energy efficiency principles to your new home build.

Advanced framing techniques maximize the amount of insulated area and save on material costs in wood-framed homes. This technique can save up to $500 for a 1,200-square-foot home and $1,000 for a 2,400-square-foot home on material costs, between 3% to 5% on labor costs and up to 5% on annual heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Choose a contractor who is familiar with these techniques, and check with your local building officials to ensure compliance with local codes.

The importance of a home’s orientation is often overlooked. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, homes oriented to the path of the sun use less energy for heating and cooling to reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

If you are building or buying a new home that doesn’t allow options for orientation or framing, you might

be able to request higher insulation levels in the attic. Increasing the insulation levels likely won’t cost much more for materials and labor, but it can help you use less energy and save money in the long run.

Heating and cooling equipment should be properly sized using energy modeling tools that calculate the home’s heating and cooling needs. Investing in a more efficient building envelope that is well insulated and air sealed can reduce the home’s heating and cooling load, making it possible to have a smaller, less expensive heating and cooling system. This saves money on equipment costs and lowers energy use.

Optimizing the efficiency of a new home requires a whole-house approach. Analyze all systems and how they work together to ensure maximum efficiency for a safe and comfortable home.

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

Mark Gilliland

A WINNING MUSEUM

Native sluggers are memorialized at the NC

Baseball Museum

If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve heard of Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Gaylord Perry and Enos Slaughter. What do they have in common? All three are native North Carolinians and—in addition to Luke Appling, Rick Ferrell, Buck Leonard and Hoyt Wilhelm—all make up the NC natives who are members of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame (see sidebar).

Although Wilson has never had a major league team, it’s been home to the North Carolina Baseball Museum since it opened in 2004. Located down the third base line at historic Fleming Stadium, this place is a mecca for any baseball fan. All levels of our nation’s pastime are represented here, from little league and college to professional women’s teams, from the Negro leagues to minor leagues.

Perhaps the most famous baseball player of all hit his first professional home run in North Carolina.

“In 1914, 19-year-old George Herman Ruth was signed by the then minor league Baltimore Orioles,” explains museum curator Marshall Lamm. “He joined the team during spring training in Fayetteville. The Orioles trained at a ball field at the Cape Fear Fairgrounds. It was on the fairground’s field that Ruth made his professional debut on March 7. That outing is famous for Ruth hitting his first home run.”

And it was on that trip to Fayetteville that many say Ruth gained his famous nickname. The Orioles stayed at the Hotel Lafayette, where young George enjoyed riding in the elevator. He followed Orioles manager Jack Dunn around so much that team veterans called him “Dunn’s baby,” later shortened to “Baby” or “Babe.”

Unlike the “Babe,” not all players become legends. Some are what Marshall calls “one-gamers.” A part of the museum honors those players, too. One is Herb Cobb.

“He was born in Pinetops in 1904,” Marshall says. “He played for the Milwaukee Brewers, then a farm team for the St. Louis Browns. Cobb got his call in mid-April 1929 to join the Browns for a series against the Detroit Tigers.

“Cobb’s only appearance in the ‘bigs’ came on April 21. All four Browns pitchers got shelled by Detroit’s hitters including their starting pitcher, Winston-Salem native, General Crowder.”

Herb Cobb came in to pitch the 8th inning, with the Tigers already leading 12–3.

“He was clearly nervous,” Marshall says. “Cobb faced the bottom of the order … he gave up four runs, three hits, suffered two balks, and gave up a homer to Detroit’s pitcher.”

Cobb was sent back to Milwaukee. Years later, his great-grandson visited the museum and brought a picture of Herb Cobb to add to the display.

BUCK LEONARD 1st Baseman, from Rocky Mount
Player photos courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Far from being “one-gamers,” Kannapolis brothers Kyle and Corey Seager have played a total of 22 seasons in the major leagues. Kyle has retired, but Corey, shortstop for the Texas Rangers, is the only player to ever win World Series MVP honors in both leagues.

From Buck Leonard to the Seagers, North Carolina’s baseball legacy lives on. Play ball!

All levels of our nation’s pastime are represented here, from little league and college to professional women’s teams, from the Negro leagues to minor leagues.”

Learn More About the Greats

Check out these resources to learn more about hall-of-famers from North Carolina.

North Carolina Baseball Museum

300 Stadium St., Wilson

Located at Historic Fleming Stadium (home of the Wilson Tobs), the museum showcases exhibits and memorabilia from across the history of baseball as it relates to North Carolina. Visit ncbaseballmuseum.com to learn more or plan a visit.

NC Sports Hall of Fame

5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh

Explore this Raleigh museum or visit ncshof.org to take a virtual tour of the hall of fame, which preserves the legacy of the state’s most talented athletes across sports.

National Baseball Hall of Fame

25 Main St., Cooperstown, New York

Visit bit.ly/NCbball for more information on the seven NC natives inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Freelance writer Lori Grossman currently lives in Texas, but carries memories of North Carolina in her heart.
RICK FERRELL Catcher, from Durham

SMELL

T-BALL : A RITE OF CHILDHOOD PASSAGE AND CORN DOGS the STOP

I drove by our community ballpark the other day and saw that the All-Star baseball games were well underway. It’s hard to believe that the little league baseball season has already come and gone. It seemed like just yesterday when I saw what seemed to be thousands of parents and grandparents crowded around baseball diamonds to encourage their future major league players. Please don’t question me — I’m sure most parents at the ballpark will tell you their child is going to make it to the big leagues. Triple A at the very least.

It seems to me that all ballparks have one thing in common: the bigger the field, the more serious the game becomes. That’s why my favorite game is the one with the smallest field: T-ball. Hands down, it’s the best game to watch in the world.

I like T-ball because most kids don’t even know the rules, nor do they care. It’s wonderful, organized chaos with colorful uniforms and imitation leather gloves. The coaches try their best to coach, but the parents, most of whom never played baseball in their lives, are screaming instructions at their kids like they're managing the New York Yankees in the World Series.

“Run, Jacob, Run!” … “No, no! Go back, Jacob, go back!” … “Keep your foot on the base.” … “Touch him with the ball!”

I don’t think you hear comments like that in the major leagues. And you certainly won’t hear: “Pay attention!” … “Put your hat back on!” … “Pull up your pants!” … “Quit throwing rocks!” … “Do you have to potty?”

I’ve seen an umpire stop a game because several players from both teams had to go to the bathroom. Forget T-ball, that was pee-ball.

When you watch a T-ball game, you’ll quickly notice that there are about two or three kids on each team who

understand what’s going on. The rest of them would probably rather be home playing Nintendo, especially if they’re playing in the outfield.

All three of my boys began their T-ball careers in the outfield, specifically right field. The old saying, “he was out in left field” would be more accurate if it was, “he was out in right field.” For those of you not well versed in this culture, right field is T-ball purgatory. You play right field because balls are rarely hit in that direction, making it the perfect place for players who are too young or uninterested in the game. But playing right field is as boring as a lecture on microeconomics. So you can see kids entertaining themselves by looking for bugs, throwing dirt, and in extreme cases, lying on the ground with their gloves over their faces. My youngest son Brad had a unique habit of counting all the people in the bleachers, which was quite a feat because he could only count to 10. On the rare occasion when a ball is hit into right field, the right fielder never makes the play alone. He will almost always get help from the first baseman, second baseman, center fielder, and probably the left fielder. They usually end up in a scrum, fighting over the ball like dogs over hamburger meat. When one of them finally comes up with it, the runner is rounding third.

I videotaped Brad’s first T-ball game years ago and watched it the other day. It’s amazing how totally uninterested he was. That’s because the only reason he was “playing” was because his friends were out there. He undoubtedly got more enjoyment running around the ballpark than he did playing in right purgatory. So when he was in the game, he often carried his outfield shenanigans to the infield, sometimes bringing play to a complete halt. He particularly enjoyed harassing his first and second base teammates. He would duck-walk between the bases, turn his hat backwards and get right in their faces until the

coaches physically put him back in his proper spot.

A lot of parents would have been embarrassed with their child’s on-field behavior, but I found it quite entertaining. That’s because Brad was my third son to play T-ball. I’m a slow learner, but after two kids, I finally came to a realization about my boys being baseball stars. It wasn't gonna happen. Now I see T-ball for what it’s supposed to be — a way for kids to have fun, and for parents to judge their children's interest in the sport going forward.

I also had the foresight to record a post first-game interview with my son on video. Here’s a partial transcript:

“Brad, did you have fun playing T-ball?

“Yes sir.”

“Did you hit the ball?”

“Yes sir.”

“Did you catch the ball when it came to the outfield?”

“Yes sir.”

“Oh, I must have missed it. When did you do that?”

“When you wasn’t looking.”

And with that, he looked over his shoulder and made what he considered to be the most important statement concerning the game.

“Dad! I’ve gotta go now. If I’m not back in the dugout I’m gonna miss my treat!”

Interview over.

Hopefully, other parents can learn this lesson faster than I did. It’s just a game — treat it that way.

Take time to enjoy the moments that will vanish all too fast. It’s T-ball, a rite of childhood passage. Take time to stop and smell the corn dogs.

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

Celebrating Ground Steak

A humble sandwich, now revered as a part of culinary history

Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, ground steak sandwiches cemented a foothold in the northwestern Piedmont area of North Carolina as families and local diners across the Yadkin Valley kept it as a staple meal for almost 100 years.

Travis Frye knows firsthand the power of ground steak. As tourism coordinator for the town of Dobson and Surry County Tourism Development Authority, and a native to the area, he remembers his great-grandmother Vera Love preparing it.

“I would walk onto the front porch and could hear the ground steak sizzling on the skillet, the delicious smell emanating from its simple ingredients,” he says. “I just assumed everyone ate ground steak, only to find out later … that this was a very local dish. It became so popular as this melt-in-your mouth cousin to the hamburger that … it is still served in local restaurants with each having their own unique stories and recipes.”

Ground Steak Trail

It is believed that ground steak got its start in the early 1930s at the old Canteen Restaurant in Mount Airy before spreading to diners in nearby Pilot Mountain, Elkin and Dobson. Cooks with limited resources would stretch the ground beef supply by boiling or browning the meat, adding flour and water (or milk) and seasoning with salt and pepper, then placing the tender, loose-meat patty on a bun with slaw and sometimes mayonnaise and a tomato slice. (Local tip: Don’t confuse it with a sloppy joe)

Things have evolved over the years with ground steak, now served as an entrée with sides and even mixed in egg

groundsteaktrail.org or yadkinvalleync.com

336-356-2110

omelets for breakfast. But the core recipe remains.

“It was an affordable sandwich for blue collar workers in the local textile factories, be it from home or a local diner,” Travis explains. “Now it’s a multi-generational meal.”

Today, 16 restaurants across Surry County serve the dish, each with a different flavor twist. Freddy Hiatt, owner of the Dairy Center in Mount Airy, adds a little extra black pepper to his ground steak.

“We make about 150 sandwiches a day, still with mayo, slaw and a slice of tomato,” says Freddy. He also offers his homemade chili as a topper, a highly recommended addition.

Travis believes ground steak is still served in restaurants because of its culinary history in the region.

“It makes us unique; it creates memories, conversations, stories; and at least for me, reminds one of home and those who have impacted your life. Each place on the trail has a story to tell.”

Ground Steak Festival

That story culminates on June 14 with the annual North Carolina Ground Steak Festival, held in downtown Dobson in the historic courthouse square. Central Café and the Rock Ruritan Club will serve ground steak sandwiches during the day, while visitors enjoy local arts and crafts, bluegrass and old-time string music, games and other activities during the day.

“If you really want to discover Dobson and the history of Surry County, look no further than the Ground Steak Festival. We really want to share the story of Surry County, through culinary, music and craft,” Travis says. “After that first bite of a ground steak sandwich, we hope people come back for more.”

Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country.
Ground steak sandwich at Cousin Gary’s
Dairy Center’s Freddy Hiatt starts the process of creating ground steak.
Digital Extras
Watch Dairy Center’s Freddy Hiatt walk through the making of a ground steak sandwich.
SURRY GROUND STEAK TRAIL & THE NC GROUND STEAK FESTIVAL
Renee Gannon
Renee Gannon
Rachel Gannon

Summer Farmers Market Tempura

With dipping sauce

Everybody loves light and crispy tempura! Side burner on your grill? That’s perfect for frying outside. Or your stovetop works. Use a few veggies, or a variety like we did… whatever suits!

Sauce

1 cup broth (we used vegetable)

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

Batter (use cold ingredients)

2 eggs, beaten well

1¾ cups cold seltzer water

1½ cups cold cake flour

Cooking oil (peanut or vegetable)

8 ounces mushrooms

8 ounces okra

1 small sweet potato, peeled cut into ½-inch slices

2 bunches green onions, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces

From Your Kitchen

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings

It is said that bacon makes everything better —100% in this case. Just take care that it doesn’t burn!

36 Toothpicks

3 dozen chicken wings (could include drumettes)  Salt and pepper to taste

18 slices of bacon, cut in half for smaller pieces

Vegetable oil (for the grill)

½ cup honey-chipotole barbecue sauce

1 jalapeño pepper, minced and seeded

Guacamole, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Prepare grill for indirect heat. Soak toothpicks in room temperature water for 20 minutes.

Pat chicken dry; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

1 large zucchini, cut into sticks

1 bunch broccolini, trimmed

Handful of fresh green beans

Handful of sliced carrots

1 cup each cubed watermelon and cantaloupe

For the sauce, warm the broth. Add the other ingredients. Set aside.

Heat the cooking oil to 350 degrees. As oil heats, create the batter by combining the eggs with water. Remove foam with spoon and discard. Gently add in flour, stirring as little as possible. A few lumps are ok. Sit in a bowl of ice to chill. Dip vegetables and fruits into cold batter, coating lightly. Place into oil and fry, uncrowded, until lightly golden and crispy (2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a rack to drain.

Yield: About 4 servings

Wrap each piece snugly with bacon, securing firmly with the soaked toothpick.

Oil the surface of the grill. Grill chicken over direct heat for 4–6 minutes or until bacon is lightly browned— turn the chicken frequently so that it browns evenly. Move chicken to the other side of the grill.

Cover and cook for 20–30 minutes or until the chicken is done, basting with barbecue sauce twice during the last 5 minutes. Sprinkle with jalapeño slices. Serve with guacamole and lime slices.

Yield: 6 servings

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

Enjoy your shindig with this simple, makeahead side made for snacking. Prepare ingredients a day ahead and stir together at serving time for guests to “walk and talk” while feasting.

10–12 ears of fresh corn (6–8 cups)

6 tablespoons Mexican table cream

6 tablespoons mayonnaise (we use Duke’s)

1 bunch green onions, chopped (1 cup)

²/₃ cup cilantro, loosely packed

3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

2 tablespoons juice and zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons juice and zest of 1 orange

1 tablespoon chili powder, divided 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled and divided Salt and pepper to taste

Shuck and wash corn. Lightly roast on the grill or on gas stove burners. Cool and cut corn from cobs into mixing bowl.

While the corn is cooking, mix the cream with mayonnaise. Set aside.

At serving time, combine onions, cilantro, garlic, zest with juice and 2 teaspoons of chili powder with corn. Stir in crema mixture. Fold in ¾ cup of the cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.

Spoon into cups. Garnish with chili powder, plus the remainder of cheese and cilantro.

We used fun 4-ounce ice cream cups for serving.

Yield: Serves 6–8

Recipes by Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry (WendyPerry.com), home economist, blogger and NC food artisan, unless otherwise noted.

Digital Extra

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

Recipe courtesy of Nicole Thompson of Sanford, a member of Central Electric
Walking Mexican Street Corn

June Events

JUNE 21–22

Battle of Ramsour’s Mill Living History Weekend Reenactments, demonstrations, tours, crafts Battleground Park, Lincolnton 828-777-8707

MAY 31–JUNE 28

Juneberry Jams Festival

Music, food, guest speakers, games Juneberry Ridge, Norwood 704-474-7398

JUNE 5–8

NC Trail Days 2025

Themed hikes, paddle excursions, bike rides, live music

Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center, Elkin 336-835-3607

Historic Jockey’s

Ridge State Park Festival

Drone light show, live music, games Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head 202-352-1742

JUNE 6–7

Keli Wagner Lady Angler Big Rock Tournament Downtown Morehead City 252-247-3575

JUNE 6–8 Ocrafolk Festival

Berkley Manor Grounds, Ocracoke Island 252-921-0260

Over There & On the Homefront World War II living history exhibits Cedarock Park, Burlington 336-229-2410

JUNE 6–15

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Sportfishing tournament series Downtown Morehead City 252-247-3575

JUNE 7

Classics to Customs Car Show Downtown Sanford 919-499-0276

The Great Trent River Raft Race Union Point Park, New Bern 252-637-3111

April’s winner

JUNE 20

Helping Hands Concert Series

Performances by John Oates & Jim Lauderdale

Hayes Auditorium, Banner Elk 828-898-5398

JUNE 20–21

301 Endless Yard Sale

Various town along US-301, Smithfield 919-989-8687

Carolina Summer Show

Musical variety show

Old Rock School Auditorium, Valdese 855-222-2849

JUNE 22

Bee Jublilee Bees, honey, education, food Granville County Expo Center, Oxford

JUNE 13

Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike

Guided after hours hike Grandfather Mountain, Linville

JUNE 14

Special Olympics

Motorcycle Ride

Benefit ride for Special Olympics NC Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville

JUNE 14–15

June Bloom Lavender Festival Sunshine Lavender Farm, Hurdle Mills 919-414-4982

JUNE 26–28

Tarzan the Musical Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, Snow Camp 336-534-0321

JUNE 27–28

High Country Quilt Show

Bake sale, basket raffle

First Baptist Church, Maggie Valley 828-926-1535

JUNE 27–28

Old Homes Tour & More Private homes, gardens, artists’ studios Beaufort Historic Site 252-728-5225

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 June 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 August 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

The April “Where Is This” photo by Brunswick Electric member Hailey Cumbie features Woody’s Grocery, located on Holden Beach Road (Highway 130) in Civietown near Shallotte in Brunswick County. Opened in 1932, readers from across the state recognized this landmark as the “welcoming sign” to Holden Beach, the place to stop for snacks, drinks, a fishing license and bait for a day at the beach. Woody Fulford inherited the store from his father in 1954, and it remained open until 2014 when he passed. Nick Payne remembered asking Woody if he had worms for fishing about 20 years ago. “We ain’t got no worms, haven’t had any in years,” replied Woody. “We got potted meat if you want to try it.” Nick replied that potted meat wouldn’t stick on a hook. And Woody informed Nick: “Well, you won’t have to worry about cleaning any fish!” The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Doug Dodson of Mebane, a Brunswick Electric member.

Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion 8-Day

Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. These quality tours feature complete sightseeing, professional Tour Directors, and great itineraries. Discover for yourself why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen Caravan Tours since 1952.

See the greatest national parks of America’s Southwest! You’ll enjoy 2 nights in national park lodges near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, 2 nights at Lake Powell Resort, and 2 nights near Zion National Park.

The #1 in value. Your Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion tour is fully guided with all hotels, activities, and some meals. You’ll explore Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Antelope Slot Canyon, Sedona, and more!—Book now for choice dates:

Scan for Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion 8-Day Tour $2195

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Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides. Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Our 73rd year of excellence. Caravan has operated fully guided tours of superb value under the same family management and ownership since 1952.

“Brilliant, Affordable Pricing” Arthur

Grand Canyon

Your local electric cooperative is a not-for-profit organization, delivering electricity at the cost of doing business, never to make a profit. Our focus is on people, and the network of 26 electric cooperatives across the state is committed to serving you and the communities we share for generations to come.

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93 counties across NC

2.8M members served

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