As long as they’re here taking care of us, we’ll be here taking care of them. We’re Civic, a modern f inancial partner for today’s local government community. Learn more at civicfcu.org.
(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 57, No. 10
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
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.
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.
Crunching Numbers for Efficiency Best Bets
How to determine the ROI of home projects.
Beast Fest proves even the darkest tales can create bright traditions.
Patrick Brown, owner of Brown Family Farms in Henderson, helps source produce for the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO), a community organization working to stamp out hunger in a 15-county area in eastern North Carolina. Read more about their work on page 8. Photo by Randy Berger Photography.
Send us your favorite photo of people or scenes from around the state by Nov. 15 to be considered for our annual photo contest! Learn more on page 21.
From Our Readers
Pilot Mountain Pinnacle
A photo of the week featuring Pilot Mountain on facebook.com/carolinacountrymagazine begged the question: Can you climb it? Although Big Pinnacle (the top) is closed, there are several climbing spots and overlooks to be found in Pilot Mountain State Park. Facebook user Jack Hart shared his experience:
I was fortunate enough to climb to the very top along with my brothers in 1974... [it was closed to visitor access soon after for safety and ecological reasons.] If we had known how treacherous the climb would be, we probably wouldn’t have. Ropes, rickety wooden ladders, straight up rocks! And the view from the top was very similar to Little Pinnacle Overlook next to the knob. And me and my wife made the circle at the base of the knob and loved it.
Correction to our September Issue
In “Uplifting Rural Tourism” (page 10), we listed an incorrect meaning for the organization’s acronym. UPLIFT stands for “understanding, planning, linking, innovating, financing and telling.” (We listed “T” for talent, which they certainly have but is not correct.)
THIS MONTH: A Harvest for All
Although it is an unfortunate reality for many in rural North Carolina, some may not be familiar with the term “food desert.” In short, it’s an area where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food. As you all well know, a poor diet quickly leads to poor health, and staying healthy is everything. In this issue, we’re highlighting individuals who are dedicated to fostering better access to food, creating oases in the desert. Also, have you heard of the Beast of Bladenboro? It’s a pretty spooky history, but one with a happy ending. Read more on page 18.
—Scott Gates, editor
River Watcher
I was amazed and delighted to read “River’s Quiet Watcher” (carolinacountry.com/critters). I didn’t know the hellbender existed. What an astonishing creature! I love the name “Allegheny Alligator.”
Once again, Carolina Country gave me new information about my adopted state.
Julia Williams, Denver (NC)
Carolina SNAPSHOTS
THEME
So Creepy
A Bethany Ferrell, Raeford
A member of Lumbee River EMC
B Phyllis Kimble, West Jefferson
A member of Blue Ridge Energy
C Tina Smith, Indian Trail
A member of Union Power
D Dawn Knapp, Rocky Point
Submit your photo!
Dec. theme: Family (Deadline Oct. 20)
Jan. theme: Keeping Cozy (Deadline Nov. 20)
Feb. theme: So Sweet (Deadline Dec 20)
Send us your best shots based on an upcoming theme — we’ll pay $25 for those published in the magazine. 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.
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Easy to get help. Whether you want to learn more about your phone, need a ride or have a health concern, our 100% U.S.-based team is here to help, day or night. And when you add Urgent Response, enjoy peace of mind knowing you can count on us 24/7, even in an emergency.
Controlling Costs on ‘Both Sides of the Meter’
By Marshall Cherry
Affordability is a top priority for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, many of which serve communities with high numbers of income-qualified households. NC electric co-ops serve 98% of the state’s designated “Tier 1” counties, or those with lower-than-average household income and population growth, and higher unemployment rates. We recognize the importance of managing electricity costs, something that — while meeting the evolving needs of our member-owners — requires innovation on both sides of the meter.
Affordability is more than a goal at my Aulanderbased electric co-op, Roanoke Cooperative — it’s a necessity. Roughly 40% of our member-owners qualify as low- or moderate-income, and we serve a region of the state that has experienced declining population growth over the past decade. These realities sharpen our sense of mission and reinforce why managing costs must remain a shared priority.
We’re deploying behind-the-meter tools that empower member-owners to reduce usage and lower bills.
At Roanoke Cooperative and other co-ops across the state, we’re deploying behind-themeter tools that empower member-owners to reduce usage and lower bills, like energy efficiency financing programs, smart thermostats, and load control devices. More than 20,000 smart thermostats and nearly 2,000 water heater controls have been deployed in co-op member homes, helping members save through demand response participation by lowering system-wide peak costs without requiring behavior changes.
These efforts not only help manage household energy costs but also reduce wholesale power expenses during peak demand, like chilly evenings when heating systems kick on.
At the same time, co-ops are working together to control costs on the front-end of the system, from saving on basic materials through TEMA, our materials supply co-op, to investing in distributed energy resources such as community solar, battery storage and microgrids. These technologies help manage reliability and cost
at scale, especially during extreme weather or high-cost energy periods.
Some cooperatives have also made bold investments in broadband infrastructure, or partnered to support it, as a critical enabler of affordability and participation in the modern economy. This connectivity supports both digital inclusion and access to tools that can help member-owners lower energy usage.
Electric co-ops’ economic development work is equally critical to sustaining long-term affordability, ensuring that investments in community resilience go hand-in-hand with our roles as energy providers. Since 2015, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have contributed to over 100 economic development projects across the state. resulting in more than $1 billion in new capital investments and 6,000 new jobs.
Like Roanoke Cooperative in the northeastern part of the state, where member-owners face disproportionately high energy burdens and declining population growth, many cooperatives are doubling down on economic development and community investments to reverse historic trends. These realities sharpen our sense of mission and reinforce why managing costs must remain a shared priority across the cooperative network.
Through all of this, we remain focused on our cooperative values — driven by service, guided by input from those we serve, and committed to doing what’s right for our communities.
Marshall Cherry is president and CEO for Aulanderbased Roanoke Cooperative.
O C t OB er Quick Hits
Co-op Strong
October is National Co-op Month! Visit us on Facebook or Instagram (@carolinacountrymagazine) to tell us how your co-op is making the world a better place.
Cyber Strong
It’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Equip your family to defend against cyber criminals with tips from bit.ly/cisa-cyber-safe
Fall Splendor
Leaves are changing color in the high country and soon will be in your neck of the woods, too. Visit bit.ly/app-leaftrack to track peak times.
Seasonal Seasonings
Yep, pumpkin spice is unavoidable now. Lean into the trend and search for seasonal recipes on the new carolinacountry.com/recipes
Pitt & Greene General Manager Named CFC Board President
Mark Suggs, executive vice president and general manager for Farmville-based Pitt & Greene EMC, was recently elected to serve as president of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). Suggs was first seated on the CFC board in 2020.
Created by electric cooperatives more than 50 years ago, CFC provides credit and financial products to electric co-ops across the country. Its 23-member board of directors sets overall policy, establishes programs and develops strategies for CFC. Each of the board’s directors is elected for a three-year term and can serve two consecutive terms.
organization in its mission to finance the needs of the co-op family.”
Pitt & Greene EMC has had a long-standing partnership with CFC, which Suggs credits for enhancing the financial position of his co-op and its service to members.
“CFC proved themselves in the beginning as a trusted friend and adviser in guiding all our financial decisions,” Suggs said. “As president, I am blessed and honored to lead the
Suggs credits learning from some of the industry’s top professionals in developing a strong knowledge base to draw from in his commitment to mentorship and legacy. His time on the CFC board has offered him a broader view of the industry, including a firsthand look at the challenges facing cooperatives across the country.
“The greatest reward is the friendships forged and aid provided to co-ops in their darkest hour,” Suggs said, “when CFC could bring the financial support needed to get them through the toughest of situations.”
Suggs speaks at a 2025 CFC meeting in New York City.
Tech Conference Fosters Invaluable Collaboration Among Co-ops
At the core of the cooperative structure is the principle of cooperation among cooperatives — the belief that working together strengthens each co-op’s ability to serve members and contribute to the success of the broader cooperative network. This year’s Cooperative Technologies Conference and Expo (CTCE) brought that principle to life, bringing together 455 industry leaders and partners from 26 states.
From engaging sessions to hands-on demonstrations, the conference showcased a shared commitment to innovation and to building a brighter future across the state.
“Working together is the backbone of the cooperative network here in North Carolina,” said Matt Epps, vice president of engineering and operations at Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation (LREMC). “The conference offers a unique opportunity to share ideas and explore new solutions. However, we’re not just collaborating [at the conference] — all year long, we’re supporting one another.”
During the four-day conference in Wilmington, sessions covered topics like emerging technologies, innovative energy solutions and improving reliability. Cooperative leaders also discussed key issues affecting co-ops
and their members, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
“I believe here in North Carolina, the cooperatives are good at staying ahead of the curve and collaborating, which helps,” said Lee Sawtell, IT systems engineer at Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative. “By sharing ideas and adopting new technologies, we can respond more quickly to challenges.”
With new energy technology emerging every year, the ability to keep pace with these advancements and ask essential questions is what makes CTCE valuable for many attendees.
Epps, who has attended the event for 15 years, said the conference’s growth has helped him build connections with other co-ops and return home with knowledge that makes a difference.
“Every year I walk away with something new — whether it’s an idea from a session, a tip from another co-op, or a contact I can call when I run into a challenge,” Epps said. “That kind of collaboration is what makes this event so valuable.”
—Josh Conner,
North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
Demand for Electricity Growing Despite Economic Pressures
Global electricity demand is forecast to grow 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), among the highest rates in the past decade. Demand surged by 4.4% in 2024.
China and India are expected to drive 60% of the increase in global electricity consumption over 2025 and 2026, according to IEA. In the United States, the rapid expansion of data centers is expected to keep annual electricity demand growth above 2% in both 2025 and 2026, more than double the average growth rate over the past decade.
Natural gas-fired generation will continue to displace coal and oil in many regions, although renewables are expected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity as early as this year, according to IEA. Nuclear power output is expected to reach record highs driven by output in Japan, the United States and France.
“The strong expansion of renewables and nuclear is steadily reshaping electricity markets in many regions,” said Keisuke Sadamori, IEA director of Energy Markets and Security. “But this must be matched by greater investment in grids, storage and other sources of flexibility to ensure power systems can meet the growing demand securely and affordably.”
Jim Musilek, vice president of Innovation & Business Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, chats with a conference attendee.
Josh Conner
Finding meal
the
next
COMBATING FOOD DESERTS IN RURAL NORTH CAROLINA
BY JASON FRYE | PHOTOS BY RANDY BERGER
FOR MANY NORTH CAROLINIANS, FRESH FOOD IS AS CLOSE AS THE backyard garden, the farmers market or a grocery store a short drive away. For others, it’s a different story. In rural communities, urban enclaves, and small towns, accessing fresh food and hot, nutritious meals can be difficult, and this challenge persists. Welcome to North Carolina’s food deserts, where some folks face empty pantries and few options, while others are stepping up to meet their needs.
“A food desert, like a real desert, is resource-free, and if you’re in one, you might not know where that next oasis — that next meal, that next lifeline — might be,” says Angel Jones, COO of Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO), a community
organization working to stamp out hunger in a 15-county area in eastern North Carolina. “In food deserts, residents lack places to buy fresh, heathy food. In addition, they may face economic constraints or lack transportation to a grocery store or
farmers market.” Food deserts reflect more than the lack of access to and availability of fresh food. They speak to deeper issues, including food insecurity.
“That’s when there’s ‘more month than money,’ and when you ask, ‘Where’s my next meal coming from? Can I feed my kids tonight? Tomorrow?’” Angel says. “Hunger and the fear of hunger are real issues. When a student’s hungry, they can’t think. When a worker’s hungry, they can’t perform like they need to. Persistent hunger is not the sort of thing you can just move past; it has real impacts on the individual and the community.”
Reaching out
To connect with food assistance providers or to seek volunteer opportunities and ways to give, visit GRRO at grronc.org, take a look at Second Harvest Food Bank at secondharvestwnc.org, and check on Ripe for Revival’s schedule at ripeforrevival.com.
In rural communities, urban enclaves, and small towns, accessing fresh food and hot, nutritious meals can be difficult, and this challenge persists.
Across the state, organizations like GRRO, Second Harvest Food Bank, Ripe for Revival and others are trying to change this reality. Their efforts — mobile grocery stores, meal and pantry-stocking deliveries, school partnerships, food banks and more — bring meals, food security and nutritious ingredients to the people most affected.
“If there’s a need we know about, we find a way to fill it,” Angel says. According to Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves an 18-county region from the foothills through the Piedmont Triad, the need is great and growing. They say that despite organizations like them working
John McNeil, Steve Richardson and Musa Waller load up food at the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) distribution center in Rocky Mount.
“relentlessly to close any funding for food supply gaps” through grant writing, partnerships and community support, “nonprofits cannot [fully] fill the gap.” Federal assistance programs, like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which are vital to combating hunger. “SNAP provides nine meals to every one meal a food bank can offer.”
This makes the work of these organizations not just important, but essential. Second Harvest works with 500 community-based groups like food pantries and shelters, BackPack programs and meal distribution to students and seniors, citing a rising need. From April 2024 to July 2025,
they distributed 37.7 million pounds of food, including 4.3 million pounds of fresh produce. GRRO cites similar numbers, with volunteers and staff driving 50,000 miles a month to deliver food and meals, impacting more than 100,000 individuals and families, and distributing more than 20,000 pounds of food weekly (that’s a million pounds a year) across their 15-county region.
In other pockets of the state — the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, the coastal plains and Sandhills, and our cities and suburbs — groups fill similar needs, distributing tens of thousands of meals and tons of food.
Continued on page 10
Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/nextmeal to watch GRRO COO Angel Jones discuss how her organization is working with the community to combat food deserts.
In 2018, Will Kornegay started Ripe Revival, a for-profit business helping farmers find buyers for “imperfect” produce, and in 2021 he expanded that initial vision and started Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit branch of the business that operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can mobile markets. These portable grocery stores visit communities across a 16-county area stretching from the Triangle to the coast, offering a solution to food insecurity regardless of what, if anything, you can pay for groceries and goods. They sell local produce, meat and dairy goods at more than two dozen sites each week, setting up shop outside churches, banks, libraries, senior centers and other locations. Like GRRO and others, their funding comes from grants provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Coastal Credit Union Foundation, Smithfield Foods, United Healthcare and other organizations, as well as donations large and small.
“Hunger isn’t an issue that’s going away anytime soon, but together we can ensure that as many North Carolinians as possible have food today and know where tomorrow’s meal is coming from,” Angel says. “One meal deserves another, and when we share what we grow and what we know, we can connect our neighbors with what they need to live healthy lives where they don’t need to worry about how they’ll eat tomorrow.”
Jason Frye is a food and travel writer from Wilmington who writes Moon North Carolina and other travel guidebooks, and contributes to other media outlets across the state. Follow him on Instagram @BeardedWriter.
Culinary Education, To Go
A new culinary trailer is making the rounds in eastern North Carolina, outfitted with a commercial kitchen and resource area. The mobile unit, funded by Coastal Credit Union and Coastal Credit Union Foundation, bridges the gap between food access and education by offering cooking demonstrations, tastetesting experiences and essential kitchen skills instruction.
The initiative builds on work already being done through a Ripe for Revival mobile market the foundation funded last year (see “Power Through Partnerships,” September 2024, page 13).
"We believe that food access should come with knowledge, opportunity and dignity," says Emily Nail, executive director at Coastal Credit Union Foundation. "By bringing culinary education directly to communities and offering job training programs, we’re creating sustainable solutions that go beyond nutrition — we’re opening doors for personal and professional growth."
Programming is planned for participants of all ages to promote healthier choices while fostering dignity and community empowerment. Visit RipeForRevival.com for more information on Coastal Credit Union’s Mobile Market and Culinary Trailer programming.
HEMC’s 2025 Capital Credit Retirement
Electric cooperatives provide electric service to member-owners at the lowest possible cost without a profit motive. This business model allows for the return of margins (money left over after all operating expenses have been paid) to our member-owners in the form of a refund that we call capital credits.
Haywood EMC is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors authorized a general retirement of $728,500. This amount is in addition to this year’s estate retirements at an estimated amount of $301,000. That’s a total of more than $1 million that’s flowing back to our member-owners and into the local economy in the eight counties we serve. This is the seventh year in a row your cooperative has returned more than $1 million to our member-owners.
Who Gets Capital Credit Refunds?
The refund is derived from member-owner margins allocated during the years 1994 through 2019. If you had service with Haywood EMC in these years you are among those who will receive a refund. All capital credits prior to 1994 have been returned to the member-owners with valid addresses.
When to Expect Capital Credits
Checks are mailed in mid-November to member-owners due a retirement of $250 or more as well as prior member-owners that no longer receive service with a valid address. For amounts less than $250 or in the case of a delinquent account, the credit is applied to the memberowner’s electric bill in either October or November.
Unclaimed Capital Credits
Because unclaimed capital credits must be sent to the State Treasurer, it’s a good idea to make sure Haywood EMC has your up-to-date address if you should move off-system so future refunds make their way to you.
You can help us find former member-owners who may have outstanding capital credits check by visiting HaywoodEMC.com. If you recognize a name on the list, please ask that person to call the local Haywood EMC office to update their contact information.
Capital credits represent your ownership in Haywood EMC and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits you enjoy as a member-owner of an electric cooperative because it puts your money back where it belongs—with you.
Brighter Together:
Celebrating National Co-op Month
October is National Co-op Month, an annual celebration of what makes co-ops different and the difference co-ops make.
You can see the cooperative business model in action across a variety of industries, from agriculture to grocery to utilities. Electric cooperatives like Haywood EMC are based in the communities they serve, independent and governed by a board of directors, which is elected by their members, not shareholders.
Although independent, Haywood EMC is part of a network of 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina sharing a vision to build a brighter future for co-op members and communities through commitments to reliable, affordable and sustainable electric service, as well as community and economic development.
While working toward our Brighter Future vision, we will continue to uphold the seven guiding principles of cooperative businesses:
Autonomy and independence
Concern for community
Cooperation among cooperatives
Democratic member control
Education, training and information
Members’ economic participation
Voluntary and open membership
The principle of concern for community is woven deeply into programs like Bright Ideas Education Grants, Project HEMC, Sports Camp Scholarships and our rural economic development work. As your local, non-profit, member-owned power provider, we are working to strengthen the areas we serve while building a brighter future for our member-owners.
To learn more about Haywood EMC and the value of coop membership, visit haywoodemc.com
2026 Youth Tour with Haywood EMC
Are you a high school student interested in spending a week in Washington, D.C., learning about government, U.S. history and the cooperative business model, while building your leadership skills and making new friends from across the state and nation? If so, we invite you to apply for the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour! Haywood EMC is currently accepting applications from local students to attend the week-long trip in June 2026.
Youth Tour gives high school students the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C., and learn more about how they can make a difference as young adults. Tourists will pay their respects at historic monuments and memorials, meet with North Carolina’s members of Congress on Capitol Hill and tour a variety of Smithsonian museums, all while building a peer network with young leaders from across the country.
Haywood EMC will sponsor two local students to join North Carolina’s delegation on the 2026 trip. The all-expenses-paid tour is hosted by electric cooperatives nationwide and is a tradition more than 50 years strong. About 1,800
Apprenticeship in Action
The work of a lineman requires extensive training and years of dedicated apprenticeship. Recently, our Apprentice Linemen participated in hands-on training at our Waynesville training yard, led by Haywood EMC’s Manager of Operations, Brian Noland.
We are thankful for our team of experienced Linemen who play a crucial role in mentoring and developing the next generation of linemen. Their expertise and commitment ensure that the cooperative continues to thrive for years to come.
students from more than 40 states are expected to participate in 2026, with North Carolina sending approximately 45 students to represent our state’s electric cooperatives. Visit haywoodemc.com/youthtour for more information and to apply online.
Help a Neighbor in Need with Project HEMC
For nearly 20 years, Haywood EMC’s Project HEMC Round Up program has assisted members of the community as they experience hardships in paying energy costs. Through the generosity of their neighbor, these individuals or families in need find relief through the program.
Any Haywood EMC member-owner can participate in contributing to Project HEMC by opting in to have
their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest whole-dollar. For example, if your bill’s total is $86.81, then your bill would be rounded up to $87.00 with $0.19 being contributed to Project HEMC. The yearly average amount donated by participating member-owners is less than $7.00. If you would like to participate in this program, please give our office a call at 828-452-2281.
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Crunching Numbers for Efficiency Best Bets
How to determine the ROI of home projects
By Miranda Boutelle
For many people, a house is the largest purchase they make in their lives. As such, it’s important to maximize the benefits of any investments made in our homes. Energy efficiency upgrades are potential investments that can save money by reducing the energy used in your home and pay for themselves over time — but calculating the true return on investment before starting a project can provide valuable insight and peace of mind.
Using return on investment is a common method to determine the benefit of an upgrade. It measures the gain or loss of an investment relative to the cost. ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit — the total cost of the investment subtracted from total revenue generated — by the cost of the investment and multiplying by 100 to find the ROI percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the investment.
If you take out a loan, home equity line of credit or use a credit card, add the borrowed money and interest rate into the investment cost.
Let’s put the calculation to work on a few home project examples. Keep in mind, the numbers used below are hypothetical. Prices will vary based on the scale of your project and the cost of labor and materials in your area. Adding insulation and air sealing your home are some of the most costeffective home improvement projects and can save money year-round by reducing the energy needed from your heating and cooling systems. Air sealing and insulation can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11% on total energy costs, according
to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, with higher savings in the north and south because of more extreme temperature swings. Attics, walls, rim joists or floors over crawlspaces should be insulated. The ROI will vary based on your location, existing insulation levels and project cost.
Let’s say you spend $3,000 to insulate your home, saving $330 per year for the next 20 years. Your net profit is $3,600. Then, divide the net profit by the total cost of the investment, $3,000, and multiply it by 100. That’s an ROI of 120%.
The energy efficiency impact of new windows in your home depends on the difference in efficiency of the new windows and the existing windows. You will see the most improvement when you go from the least efficient — single pane with no storm windows — to the most efficient new windows. The exact ROI for your home will also depend
on your location, energy costs and the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
Upgrading single-pane windows to Energy Star®-rated windows can save about 12% of your annual energy use, according to EPA estimates. Let’s say you replace your existing windows for $5,000, saving $360 per year for the next 20 years. The ROI is 44%.
Windows and insulation upgrades have the added benefit of making your home quieter and more comfortable. They can also add value if you sell your home.
Most of us have limited funds for investing in our homes. Compare costs and potential savings to make the best decisions for your home and your bank account.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit CarolinaCountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
When legends
roar,
communities
n a chilly winter night in 1953, much of North Carolina was enjoying the serenity and beauty the season had to offer — but the same can’t be said for one community. Whispers drifted through screen doors and down quiet dirt roads. The small southeastern town of Bladenboro was on edge. Strange things were happening in the darkness, and fear was creeping into every corner of the community.
Dogs, cats, small farm animals and livestock were turning up dead in ways that baffled farmers and sent shivers through families. The killings were described as “vampire-like” — the work of something neither man nor creature could fully explain. Whatever the culprit was, it struck silently and left a disturbing sight behind. It was the kind of news that sent shutters closing and lanterns flickering out early.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a large cat-like creature between four and five feet in length, with movement the definition of stealth itself and the power of something far bigger than a housecat. Some thought it looked like a black panther while others compared it to a bear. Many swear the cries were the most unnerving of all, an eerie, almost human-like wail said to resemble a baby or a distressed woman — only louder, sharper and far more unsettling.
Word of the “Beast” spread far beyond Bladenboro’s borders. Soon, over 700 armed hunters and trappers from local and global communities poured into the town, joining local farmers determined to track down
Beast Fest proves even the darkest tales can create bright traditions
By Rue Reynold
the elusive creature. Armed search parties swept through farmland, fields and woods, vowing to capture or kill the Beast on sight.
However, as quickly as the killings began, they suddenly stopped — but not because this elusive predator was captured. It was never found.
Whether the culprit was a wild predator, a misidentified animal or something far stranger, the “Beast of Bladenboro” remains a mystery to this very day. Over the years, there were occasional reports of big black cat sightings, but no explanation ever put the story to rest. Some dismiss it as a hoax, while others — especially those who lived through it — swear the tale is true.
The “Beast of Bladenboro” slipped further into the shadows of local legend, but in Bladenboro, the story has never been, and will never be, forgotten.
A town that never forgot its beast
Decades after the frightening nights of the 1950s, Bladenboro faced a different kind of challenge.
“Bladenboro used to be a cotton mill town,” says Charles Ray Peterson, chairman of Bladen County, thinking back to earlier times. “It used to be booming, then it just kind of … fell off.”
The once-bustling cotton mill town had grown quiet, its economy slowed and its streets no longer carried the same energy they once had. Yet the story of the Beast never disappeared. Instead, it lingered like a whisper from the past, waiting to be reshaped into something new.
In 2008, the community decided to reclaim its legend.
Boost the Boro, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to strengthening Bladenboro, stepped forward to lead the effort. They saw an opportunity not to dwell on the fear of the past, but to build something joyful from it. An annual festival was born, with a name that tips its hat to the legend: Beast Fest.
“We just wanted to share the gem we have in Bladenboro,” Charles says. And share they did. What began as a small, one-day event soon grew into one of the largest fall festivals in southeastern North Carolina.
Today, Beast Fest stretches across a day and a half on the last Friday and Saturday of October, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the county, the state and beyond. The festival begins with an opening ceremony on Friday, where the town’s black-cat mascot, Bob the Beast of Bladenboro, makes his grand entrance atop a firetruck, sometimes joined by his smaller counterpart, Little Bob. From there, the quiet streets that were once shuttered in fear now come alive with energy. Vendors line the roads with food, crafts and local goods. Live music fills the air.
Families find their own magic at the event’s various activities and carnival rides. The local fire department holds live demonstrations, from firefighting to CPR, giving the audience a chance to learn and participate. Bladen Community College joins in as well, showcasing skill demonstrations and highlighting programs that connect education with the spirit of the town. And Bob the Beast and Little Bob roam the festival grounds, stopping for photos, teasing passersby, and turning what was once a frightening story into a playful mascot for all ages.
What began as a way to draw people back to a struggling town has become a cherished tradition, one that not only revives Bladenboro's streets, but also reminds its people of what can be built when a community unites around both its history and its hope for the future.
OCT. 24-25
Beast Fest 2025
For two days each fall, the shadows of the past give way to music, laughter and community pride. The Beast of Bladenboro lives on, not in fear, but in celebration.
DOWNTOWN BLADENBORO
Admission: Always free
A festival that gives back
Boost the Boro, Inc. puts every dollar raised at Beast Fest back into the community. Over the years, proceeds have funded recreation parks, helped schools, supported the town and even contributed to holiday decorations that bring joy to residents year-round. The festival has brought foot traffic back to a town that once thrived as a cotton mill community, with more people strolling the streets, eating in local restaurants and visiting shops.
The scholarships alone have made a tremendous difference — four to six are awarded every year, each worth $5,000, helping students across the county pursue their dreams without the heavy burden of tuition costs. But the festival’s generosity doesn’t stop there. It hosts fundraisers two to three times a year to help families in need. One such event took place in 2024, where an incredible sense of love and spirit raised $23,000 in a single weekend for two local women battling cancer.
Perhaps one of the most visible impacts of Beast Fest’s success is the transformation of the town itself. After Hurricane Florence’s devastating floods in 2018 left parts of Bladenboro damaged and in need of renewal, proceeds from the festival and its fundraisers played a vital role in helping families, supporting neighbors and tearing down old buildings to build new ones above flood level. The community has always been Bladenboro’s priority, so it was no surprise when that same community came together to celebrate the city’s own restoration with a new Town Square.
“The new town square is probably because of Boost the Boro,” Charles added. “We got behind the county, and the county bought the old buildings to give them to the town to tear down. So it was a joint effort thing, but it's really, really nice.”
This revitalized center has become a gathering place for residents and a symbol of what the community can accomplish when it comes together.
The spirit of Bladenboro
Once a booming cotton mill town, Bladenboro faced years of economic decline. But with the determination of its residents and the support of events like Beast Fest, the town is rebuilding and looking toward the future.
“Now you can actually see people walking the streets again,” Charles says. “[Boost the Boro] has really had an impact on our small community, and we're getting ready to add and build some more, as well.”
The Beast of Bladenboro may never be caught, its story may never be solved, but one thing is certain: what once caused fear now brings joy, pride and opportunity, proving that even the darkest legends can inspire the brightest traditions.
Visit BoostTheBoro.org to learn more about the Beast of Bladenboro and the festival that celebrates it.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country magazine.
Send us your best photos of Carolina people or scenes! We’ll pay $50 for those published in our January 2026 issue.
RULES
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2025
One entry per household
Submit high resolution digital photos online; print photos need to be at least 5 x 7 inches. Include your name, electric co-op, mailing address and email address or phone number
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now to
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Make the switch today! Scan to learn more.
CAROLINA COUNTRY SCENES Photo Contest
Sauerbraten Meatballs
With Gingersnap Gravy
Traditional sauerbraten is rich, sweet and savory — but takes days to make. Our shortcut?
These flavorful, saucy meatballs bring all the taste in a fraction of the time.
Meatballs
1 cup finely ground gingersnap crumbs, divided
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
½ cup minced yellow onion
2–3 cloves garlic, grated
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup carrot, grated
1 egg white
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Gravy
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup golden raisins
2 heaping tablespoons brown sugar
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoon dried thyme
8–10 juniper berries, optional
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Mix ¼ cup of crumbs with the other meatball ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overworking the mixture, which can make the meatballs tough. Shape into 1-inch balls and arrange on a baking rack set over a foil-lined pan. Bake for about 20 minutes. While meatballs bake, combine gravy ingredients with the remaining ¾ cup gingersnap crumbs in a large skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally until thickened. Remove bay leaves and berries. Add meatballs, tossing gently to coat. Serve hot.
Yield: 20 meatballs
From Your Kitchen
Pumpkin Biscuits
With Whipped
Cinnamon-Honey Butter
Here’s a throwback recipe from our October 1974 edition. Apparently, its creator received 53 awards for her cooking, beginning with “pone” bread in a frying pan over a fireplace at age 8. We paired her muffin/scone-like biscuits with some Cinnamon-Honey Butter.
3 cups self-rising flour
1 tablespoon shortening
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup cooked mashed pumpkin
Cinnamon-Honey Butter
¼ cup salted butter, softened
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Mix the flour and cut in the shortening. Stir in sugar and pumpkin and mix
Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Donald Grady Hall of Siloam, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC.
well. Dump onto a floured counter and fold over a few times. Pat gently until 1–1.5-inches thick. Cut into biscuits. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden.
For the butter, whip all ingredients until smooth.
Creamy Dilled Mashed Potatoes and Apples
Just a couple of tweaks elevate ordinary mashed potatoes to extraordinary … like the surprise of apple and fresh dill. Serve as a side for saucy mains, including our Sauerbraten Meatballs.
1 tablespoon oil
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 large onion, cut into thin slivers
3 pounds gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 gala apples, peeled, cored and cubed
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon base
1 can (12-ounce) evaporated milk
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper
Couple pinches of nutmeg
Heat oil with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion over medium heat until golden brown, stirring often to prevent burning (about 20 minutes). Set aside.
Put potatoes, apples and chicken base in a large pot and cover with water (about 4 cups). Boil gently until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and freeze the flavorful broth to use as a base in the coming months for soup, gravy or breads. Or just to sip warm with cornbread! Add remaining butter to potato mixture and stir to melt. Drizzle in the milk a little at the time and mash to desired consistency. You may not need the entire can. Fold in dill and nutmeg, if using. Taste to add salt and pepper as needed. Spoon into serving bowl and top with caramelized onions.
Yield: Serves 4–6
Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry (WendyPerry.com) is a 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.
October Events
OCT. 3–5
Seafood Festival
Downtown Morehead City 252-726-6273
OCT. 4
Bailey Park Latin Fest
Bailey Park, Winston-Salem
Hola Charlotte Festival
Uptown Charlotte 704-759-4428
OCT. 4–5
Fall Festival
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown 1-800-365-5724
OCT. 10–12
Leaf Festival
The Village Green, Cashiers 828-743-3434
Hickory Oktoberfest Downtown Hickory 828-322-1121
OCT. 11
Dog Festival
Perquimans County Recreation Center, Hertford 252-426-5657
OCT. 11
Festival Cultural Latino
Clement Park, Wallace 910-463-2751
Music Festival
Bill’s Creek Community Center, Lake Lure 828-375-7480
Dark at the Ballpark Trick-or-treat, live music, fireworks Burlington Athletic Stadium 336-222-5030
OCT. 25–26
Carolina Kite Festival Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach 252-247-7011
OCT. 26
Latin American Festival Town Square, Clayton 919-553-6352
Visit carolinacountry.com/calendar for more information about each event, including links to the most current information, or to submit your own event.
where in Carolina Country is this?
Send your answer by Oct. 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.
Online: carolinacountry.com/where
By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616
Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our December issue, will receive $25.
Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where
The August “Where Is This” photo by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative member Sarah Simmons features a mural-covered window on a building located along West Blount Street in downtown Kinston. The mural celebrates the Kinston-Eastern North Carolina agricultural and BBQ history. While the building is currently vacant, it is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places as part of the Kinston Commercial Historic District. According to the registrar, the two-story brick building constructed around 1911 first housed the Ellis Carriage Works, before moving on to automobiles. This historic district featured many businesses related to carriage manufacturing and the automobile industry. The mural threw quite a few readers off the location, with answers ranging from Raleigh to Charlotte to Lenoir. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Joyce Jackson of Pink Hill, a Tri-County EMC member.
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