2026-05-TEC

May 2026

Cast your ballot for a chance to win $500!

See Tideland Topics for details along with your voting materials.

Meet Kilowatt Katie!

She’s teaming up with Lineman Larry this summer for more games and cool prizes! Check the back cover for details.

PERIODICAL

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Color Your Own Kilowatt Katie!

Make YOUR linewoman the star of the show! Color her in, cut her out and take her along with Lineman Larry on your summer adventures. Grownups, use the hashtags #TidelandTravels, #KilowattKatie and #LinemanLarry when posting on social media.

Email photos to linemanlarry@tidelandemc.com to enter our contest.

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February May 2026 2026

The magazine of

Small Headline

Big HeadTHE page 10

STORM PREP ISSUE

Published by

NC Youth Tour memories page 7

Discover the Network to Freedom page 24

PERIODICAL

Your Tideland EMC annual report and election ballot inside—see center pages CC05_cov.indd 25

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TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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Experi Please directl Visit ca to find

May 2026

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 58, No. 5

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

8

Donna Natosi Digital Strategist Dan Tomkiewicz Advertising Dan@carolinacountry.com Amadou Fall Executive Vice President & CEO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Senior Vice President & COO Warren Kessler Director of Brand Strategy 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

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

8 16 18

Ready to Serve

NC communities organize for emergency response

Carolina Voices

How do you prepare for severe weather?

Inside the Storm

NC museums that bring weather wonders to life

Favorites 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 5 More Power 15 On the House 18 Carolina Adventures 20 Carolina Gardens 22 Carolina Kitchen 22 Carolina Calendar

On the Cover Weathering storms in North Carolina takes planning and preparation. Simple items to set aside ahead of storms can become literal lifesavers in the event of an emergency. Save this issue for future reference, and get additional information from your local electric cooperative.

24 Where is This?

Social: Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

CAROLINACOUNTRY.COM

Be Storm Ready

Learn storm readiness and recovery basics in an online-only article at carolinacountry.com, courtesy of Coastwatch, the publication of North Carolina Sea Grant.

carolinacountry.com | 1

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From Our Readers

THIS MONTH:

Crape Murder *shudder* I'm a retired North Carolina Landscape Contractor. One thing I would like to add to the Garden Section is a “Garden To-Don’t.”

What aggravates me is pruning crape myrtles. I see so many topped and short. In the landscape industry we call it “crape murder.” The reason so many people do that is to promote new growth. Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, therefore promoting a lot of flowers. That topping ruins the true form of the tree.

Al Freeman, Albemarle Editor’s Note: In a 2020 column on crape myrtles, Carolina Country garden columnist L.A. Jackson recommends visiting crapemyrtle.com (clicking How To/ Pruning) for tips on avoiding the dreaded crape murder.

Carolina Colonials Regarding Moores Creek Bridge and the Battle of Great Bridge, Jeff is correct that Great Bridge was first in time (“From Our Readers: Revolutionary Revision,” April 2026, page 2). But it should also be pointed out that Carolina militia from Currituck County marched north to support the colonials opposing Lord Dunmore at the Great Bridge. A recent book, “A Perfect Frenzy”

by Andrew Lawler, details the events and suggests that the colonials, not Dunmore, burned Norfolk, which was considered by the patriots in Williamsburg to be a Loyalist town. This is good stuff! As Jeff says, both battles were significant!

The Storm Prep Issue As beautiful as North Carolina is, we do see our share of severe weather. From hurricanes to winter storms, if you live here, you learn to be prepared for what Mother Nature can send your way in a moment’s notice. In this issue, we collected information to help readers be prepared for what may come, and in some cases, prepare to help others less fortunate during emergencies. We hope this will be a resource you can set aside with a storm prep kit and refer to as needed—as the wise old adage goes, you have to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

—Scott Gates, editor

Correction to our April Issue In our Quick Hits section (page 6), we noted that the “Zebulon Mudcats” had moved to become the Wilson Warbirds. The team was formerly the Carolina Mudcats — thanks to Wake Electric member George Hogge for catching that.

Jay Lassiter, Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Editor’s Note: Good stuff indeed! Thanks to both Jay and Jeff for adding to our coverage of Revolutionary War happenings in North Carolina and beyond.

CarolinaSNAPSHOTS

THEME

Flowers A Sarah Simmons, Morehead City A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative B Kim Ramsey, Oak Island A member of Brunswick Electric C Megan Moser, Vale A member of Rutherford EMC

A

B B

D Heather Gregory, Winston-Salem

Submit your photo!

July theme: Ice cream (Deadline May 20) Aug. theme: Beach Bound (Deadline June 20) Sept. theme: Harvest (Deadline July 20)

C

D C

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

2 | May 2026

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NCEC_20

PREPARED FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Here for You. When severe weather rolls in, you can count on your electric cooperative to be ready. We’re building a stronger, smarter and more resilient power grid for improved service, no matter the weather.

Dedicated crews, proactive planning, advanced technology and an unwavering commitment to our members—rest assured that when storms strike, we’re here for you.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com NCEC_2026-05.indd CC05_JA.indd 3 1

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Viewpoints

The Importance of Preparation

By Paul G. Spruill

Those of us who have lived in North Carolina all of our lives — even those who may be transplants to the state — no doubt have a storm story or two to tell. Maybe it’s the time you strolled on the beach in a foot of snow, or watched a summer storm darken the sky and roll over without so much as a drop of rain. For many, it may be a more trying moment, like sifting through the destruction of a tornado’s path or struggling to build back from flood damage. Through it all, one thing holds true: we have to be prepared.

That can be said for both electric cooperatives and the members they serve. My co-op, Pantegobased Tideland EMC, has seen its fair share of severe weather on the coast. One storm in particular taught an important lesson about being North Carolina’s prepared, regardless of the perceived threat. electric cooperatives Hurricanes are measured carefully monitor on the Saffir-Simpson scale, measuring sustained weather events with wind speeds. But the scale doesn’t account for storm the most extreme surge, rainfall or coinciding outcomes in mind. tornadoes, which typically produce the deadliest outcomes. Nor does it measure landslide potential. While experts have suggested increasing the scale to 6 to account for wind intensification, experience proves that even a slow-moving Category 1 storm can be highly destructive. I know firsthand. Hurricane Irene impacted my co-op’s territory in 2011. It was a 450-mile-wide, slow-moving Category 1 cyclone that produced an 11-foot storm surge while dumping 14 inches of rain during the 18 hours it stalled over Pamlico Sound. Helene, our state’s deadliest storm, was a tropical storm when it reached North Carolina.

Contact your local electric cooperative for more information about how you can be prepared for severe weather, and notify them of any special power needs, such as essential medical equipment, to help stay safe in the event of an outage.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives carefully monitor weather events with the most extreme outcomes in mind. We work with our materials supply co-op, Tarheel Electric Membership Association (TEMA), to ensure basics like line, poles and transformers are on hand well ahead of a major storm — it’s always easier to plan ahead than to try to acquire materials when they’re needed most.

We also coordinate with contract line crews and other electric cooperatives to ensure help is there in times of need. In the aftermath of Helene, contractors and crews from more than 30 electric co-ops in 11 states traveled to North Carolina to help restore power. This mutual aid was essential in restoring power to communities in an otherwise overwhelming situation.

There are tried-and-true steps that can be taken well ahead of a storm to ensure you and your family are as prepared as possible, many of which are addressed in this issue of Carolina Country magazine. Know evacuation routes. Set aside an emergency prep kit, with essentials like flashlights, extra batteries, water and first aid supplies — again, those materials that are easy to come by until you need them most. Listen to the stories from storm survivors and first responders. What worked? What didn’t? What was entirely unanticipated? What would they do differently next time?

Preparedness is a moving target, equally informed by past experiences and our day-today lives. That’s why local, state and federal agencies, along with electric co-ops, routinely conduct emergency preparedness drills — not just to practice their plans but to update them.

I encourage you to do the same at home and in the workplace. By working together, we can be better prepared with each story-worthy storm, building back even stronger in the aftermath.

Paul G. Spruill is general manager & CEO for Tideland EMC in Pantego.

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More Power

May

Quick Hits

We

Mom Mother’s Day is May 10! Take time to do something special for the mothers in your life (we have one brunch idea on page 22).

Co-op Milestone May 20 marks the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act (REA), which provided funds to help early electric co-ops power farms, homes and businesses in rural areas.

Wildfire Awareness Spring is a peak time for wildfires, and the NC Forest Service has already reported hundreds across the state.

Visit redcross.org/wildfire to learn about wildfire safety.

Program helps NC homeowners be prepared Hurricanes and tornadoes are known to rip off roofs. But even strong thunderstorms can include 60 mph winds that bring roof cover failures, letting water into homes.

Thus, the FORTIFIED Roof program of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety suggests extra steps be taken at the three stages of roof construction and repairs: Nail it. Seal it. Lock it.

“If you lose a roof, you are likely to lose the entire home,” explains Gina Hardy of the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA).

NCIUA (often referred to as the “Beach Plan”) and roofing contractors are key state partners with FORTIFIED. Roof damage and extended impacts are not limited to hurricane season, nor to just the coastal region.

“Code-plus construction is good for our policyholders and good for all residents of North Carolina,” Hardy notes.

NCIUA even offers grants to install stronger roofing systems during construction and repairs. The grants are funded by a bond program considered the first in the world to “invest

Fortifiedhome.org

Top-Notch Teachers Help honor your local educators with a special note, treat or other gift during Teacher Appreciation Week, starting May 4.

Resilient Roof Construction Protects Homes

Extra steps during roof construction can dramatically improve storm resilience.

in resilience,” Hardy adds.

Other homeowners across the state should check with their insurance representatives to see if they offer incentives or endorsements on policies when Fortified roofs are in place.

Visit fortifiedhome.org for more information on strengthening your roof, or check strengthenyourroof.com if you live in a coastal area.

— Katie Mosher

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More Power

Brighter Future Summit Addresses Theme of ‘Powering Tomorrow Together’ In April, more than 400 electric co-op leaders from across the state met in Raleigh for the 2026 Brighter Future Summit, the annual meeting for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

The summit opened with a leadership transition, as retiring Executive Vice President and CEO Joe Brannan gave a farewell remarks and welcomed incoming EVP and CEO Amadou Fall.

Brannan applauded electric co-op leaders for working together to innovate through their shared Brighter Future vision (ncelectriccooperatives.com/ brighter-future).

“Your leadership in uniting as one voice across the state is the proudest moment of my career. Leaving is bittersweet, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident Amadou Fall will take our organization to new heights,” Brannan said. “The future holds both challenges and opportunities, and Amadou brings the intellect, determination and collaboration necessary to continue us on this path of innovation.”

During his remarks, Fall stressed electric cooperatives’ shared mission to provide safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable power to the communities they call home — and the spirit of cooperation that gives the co-op network strength.

“I think what most excites me about the co-op business model is what we call the ‘Cooperative Difference.’ The fundamental concept of supporting the communities we serve was born out of necessity, and has become all the more critical in a time when costs are rising and many companies are focused on profits,” Fall said.

“The secret sauce for our success is also a part of that Cooperative Difference — cooperation among cooperatives. That open collaboration is what gives us strength as a statewide network. It’s what enables the spark of innovation to grow to an

Executive Vice President and CEO Joe Brannan (left) gave farewell remarks and welcomed incoming EVP and CEO Amadou Fall.

executable strategy. And it’s what will keep us powering tomorrow, together.”

Other sessions included an address from Stephen Bell, senior vice president of Communications for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national trade association representing more than 900 electric co-ops from across the county. Bell discussed critical issues facing electric co-ops today, and credited North Carolina electric co-ops for addressing today’s needs while planning proactively for the future.

Business meetings for the three statewide organizations — North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC) and the Tarheel Electric Membership Association (TEMA) — were also held, where officers were elected and, in the case of TEMA, incoming directors were named (see sidebar).

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Executive Vice President and General Manager Susan Flythe also addressed the group as outgoing NCEMC board president.

“Each of you is in this room because you have a proven track record of serving your members in a way that’s best for them,” Flythe noted. “That

said, the only way we’re going to find success at home is by working together. We’re writing a new chapter together, and it’s only through cooperation and combined strength that we will find success in this new era for our industry.”

Statewide Board Officers The following were elected to 2026– 2027 board leadership positions: NCEMC (power supply): Two-year terms seated in 2026 President: Josh Winslow, Brunswick EMC Vice President: Eddie Oldham, Central EMC Secretary-Treasurer: Don Gatton, Four County EMC NCAEC (co-op services): One-year terms seated in 2026 President: Winston Howell, EdgecombeMartin County EMC Vice President: Eric Locklear, Lumbee River EMC Secretary-Treasurer: Marshall Cherry, Roanoke Cooperative TEMA (material supply): Incoming directors (three-year terms ending April 2029): District I: Thomas Golden, EnergyUnited District II: Jason Loehr, Southside EC (Va.) District III: Jake Joplin, Carteret-Craven EC

6 | May 2026

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More Power

What to Expect This Hurricane Season Predictions are full of variables, from warming water to Sarahan dust

Hurricane Helene strengthened in the Gulf before making landfall on Sept. 26, 2024.

NOAA

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season may trend close to or even slightly below average overall. But it should be stressed, it only takes one storm to bring major impacts and make for a busy season if that storm hits your neighborhood. From Hazel to Hugo, Floyd to Florence, North Carolina has a very long history of devastating storms. And many in the mountains are still recovering from Helene, the costliest one to ever strike the Tar Heel state.

So, what do the numbers look like this year? Early outlooks from hurricane experts generally call for: ■ 11 to 15 named storms

Other factors that can steer the season Beyond El Niño and ocean temperatures, several patterns can influence where storms form and where they track:

■ 4 to 7 hurricanes

■ Bermuda High position and strength can guide storms

■ 2 to 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)

That compares to the long-term seasonal average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. What we don’t know is how many of these storms will directly impact North Carolina or even the United States.

Why activity could be lower The primary reason fewer storms are forecast is a developing El Niño. El Niño is a warming trend of ocean water off the coast of Peru, and when it strengthens, it tends to increase upper-level wind shear over the Atlantic basin.

That extra wind shear often disrupts the structure of developing tropical systems, making it harder for storms to form and intensify, especially later in the season.

The wildcard: very warm ocean water It’s important to note, even in a quieter season, storms that do form can still quickly become dangerous. Atlantic sea surface temperatures and deep-ocean heat content are high and will likely remain so through autumn. Warm water (above 82 degrees) is the key fuel source for tropical systems, and when the heat extends deeper below the surface, it can help storms maintain or increase strength, even if winds churn up cooler water at the surface. That can raise the odds of rapid intensification, when a storm strengthens much faster than normal, just like Helene did in September 2024. This sometimes happens very close to land, leaving less time to prepare. Warm water in the Gulf, western Caribbean, and western Atlantic could also allow storms to form before the official June 1 start.

toward the Caribbean, Gulf, or U.S. East Coast — or keep them out to sea.

■ Saharan dust can suppress storm development by drying

the atmosphere and reducing thunderstorm activity.

■ Tropical wave patterns coming off Africa can either

enhance or limit the number of storms that get started.

Be prepared A lower storm count does not guarantee fewer impacts — a “quiet” season doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.” Some seasons with fewer storms have still produced devastating hurricanes. 1992 is a classic example, when Hurricane Andrew caused catastrophic damage despite a relatively quiet overall season.

What to do now: ■ Review hurricane plans and evacuation routes; ■ Check insurance and important documents; ■ Restock emergency supplies and medications; ■ Monitor forecasts as the season approaches; and ■ After the storm, monitor local news and

weather forecasts.

—Al Conklin is chief meteorologist for WBTV in Charlotte.

Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com for Al’s Carolina Country Forecast and get the latest on the 2026 hurricane season. carolinacountry.com | 7

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Katie Mosher

READY TO

NC communities organize for emergency response

By Katie Mosher

H

urricane impacts may be most common along the coast. Yet storm names like Hugo, Fran and Florence stir memories far and wide — Western North Carolina is still recovering from Helene’s flooding and landslides in 2024.

In preparing for whatever storms or emergencies may come next, communities across North Carolina are creating or expanding Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). About 70 CERTs are now in the state, according to the NC Division of Emergency Management.

While the name brings images of disasters, CERT training also includes basic skills, such as how to use a fire extinguisher, pack a first aid kit, and perform hands-only CPR. “The first goal is to take care of ourselves and neighbors,” explains Youngsville Fire Chief Brian Christmas.

MOUNTAIN STRONG

Helene’s legacy will be the neighbors helping each other in the immediate flooding, in the days without power or phone services, and through ongoing emotional grief and physical rebuilding.

“All of our members survived the storm, and most volunteered in unofficial capacities,” notes David Billstrom, town liaison to the Black Mountain CERT. Formally organized in Spring 2025, it is said to be the first CERT west of Hickory. Initial funding from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has been augmented by additional partners.

“In Helene, as a firefighter for a public agency, I had to turn away skilled volunteers because they had no way to serve in an official capacity,” David notes. “CERT provides the structure — and liability protection — that these citizen volunteers need to be able to be part of the solution in emergencies large and small.”

He is proud that the Black Mountain CERT is helping other new teams be established.

The team also has brought back — and improved — a radio network that does not need internet or electricity, offering resilience when “modern” communication fails.

All the certified team members have radios, and the system is available to police and firefighters. CERT members also help the public choose and use radios on the system, known as GMRS.

By Spring 2026, 45 members had completed CERT certification. A dozen or more will take courses this year.

“One of the incredible developments that every member of our program talks about: Each other,” David says.

“They’re not only serving community, they also have created community within the CERT program and support each other.”

Likewise, Helene offered the impetus in 2025 for Henderson County Emergency Management to organize a CERT in conjunction with the Henderson County Rescue Squad.

“One of the key takeaways we discovered was the need to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to be more self-sufficient until emergency personnel could reach

8 | May 2026

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Youngsville CERT

h

Black Mountain CERT

m

Katie Mosher

e

Interested in getting involved with a local Community Emergency Response Team?

To learn more, visit readync.gov and click “Get Involved.”

them,” notes Kimberly Lughart, a rescue squad captain and CERT coordinator.

Training topics, such as basic first aid and triage, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and emergency preparedness, include sessions led by rescue technicians who were heavily engaged in response operations during Hurricane Helene.

Training paid off for members during winter storms this year.

“We were thrilled to hear that many were already putting their training into action, using what they learned to better prepare themselves, their families, and their communities,” Kimberly says.

MUTUAL AID IN THE PIEDMONT

Although 200 miles away, Youngsville CERT stepped up to help mountain communities and the state in the aftermath of Helene.

Reports of people as “missing” had surged as folks panicked when they could not reach loved ones. The state had tasked the 211 hotline with receiving new reports. But updating the thousands of reports required additional work.

The Youngsville team was relatively new, but Brian Christmas offered CERT services and quickly gathered additional volunteers. Across several shifts each day over nine days, 265 people made more than 10,000 calls to update extensive spreadsheets.

In most cases, the family or friends had been located and were safe. Other calls revealed ongoing needs for medical help, water and critical needs. Later, the state reported very few persons officially listed as missing from Helene.

“Helene sparked an interest in people wanting to help,” Brian notes.

Through 2025, Youngsville CERT leaders developed specific roles and committees, even establishing a nonprofit working closely with the fire department. By early 2026, the team had offered trainings in English and Spanish, volunteered at traditional events, and added safety at intersections as the monks’ Walk for Peace went through Franklin County.

Youngsville CERT president Scott Yeakey, who had previous experience in emergency response, led a February training with scenarios simulating a small fire, as well as a tornado-damaged church.

“We are getting them closer to the real world,” he explains.

Karen Lindquist of Wake Forest, who has a business providing flood-monitoring technology, agrees. She found CERT sessions interesting and useful.

“At times it is scary, but I am more able to handle a real situation,” she says.

CERT member Christopher Williams ran the scenarios’ communications command, with radio calls to assign tasks and confirm completion. Alongside skills from his day-job as assistant manager and dispatcher at a towing company, he has 250 hours of CERT training including cybersecurity topics.

“I am the only one in the state with a visual impairment,” he says.

SERVING NEIGHBORS ALONG THE COAST

CERTs also are found in the coastal region. For example, the Hatteras Island team organizes the placement of satellite phone and internet options when regular service is not available, thus letting residents contact loved ones, insurance companies and more.

In New Hanover County, emergency management officials and first responders provide training for the local CERT members.

All CERTs are available throughout the year as residents may experience varied emergencies: ice and snow, flooding, tornadoes and fires.

“Being able to help them prepare is such a great way to give back to the community,” says Kimberly Lughart, a Henderson County native. “We always say: Stronger Together!”

Katie Mosher, a member of Wake Electric, is the former Communications Director for NC Sea Grant.

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4/8/2026 2:14:03 PM

Real People. Real Power.

Cast your ballot in this year’s director election for a chance to win a $500 electric bill credit

Members have three ways to cast their ballot in this year’s contested director election:

1) Mark and mail your ballot in the official voting envelope included in this month’s magazine. Ballots received by May 12 will be considered valid; you may vote for one candidate; ballots will be received and counted by an independent auditor. Your return envelope will be used for prize registration.

2) Place your ballot in an official voting lockbox at any Tideland EMC office through the end of normal business hours on May 11. Ballot boxes will be delivered to the independent auditor on May 12.

3) Cast your ballot at the co-op’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 14, at Beaufort County Community College in Washington. Member registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

Director Election Candidate Profiles Jeff Credle

Mark Carawan

District 2 Challenger

District 2 Incumbent Mark Carawan is a lifelong resident on a family farm in Scranton community of Hyde County, except for four (4) years at UNC-Charlotte. Carawan retired in 2019 as Faculty Lead Instructor, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology Program, Beaufort County Community College (BCCC), with 33 years of continuous service. He established “HYCO Engineering Services” as an owneroperator specializing in electrical engineering solutions in manufacturing processes. Carawan holds an Unlimited Electrical Contractor’s License, NC, and certification in Electronics Engineering TechnologyCET by NICET. He continues to teach as an adjunct instructor at BCCC. Carawan and his wife, Pam, are active members of Mt. Olive Church of Christ.

Jeff Credle is a native of Hyde County and a 1980 graduate of Mattamuskeet High School.

He founded Currituck Oyster Company in 2017, a familyowned and operated oyster farming business committed to raising premium oysters. He resides in Sladesville with his wife Gina. Along with their sons, Zack and Ethan, they continue to manage this business.

Carawan profile continues on page D

Credle profile continues on page D

•

NCDOT, Ferry Division (1980-89 & 2000-2017) Manager of Pamlico Ferry Operations. Working with personnel at Bayview, he oversaw ferry transportation and maintenance to ensure safe and reliable service. He also coordinated operations CAROLINA COUNTRY • TIDELAND TOPICS • MAY 2026 • A

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National Black Bear Festival Harbour Pointe Golf Club at Fairfield Harbour

Journey of Hope Golf Tournament

puts its best paw forward for America’s 250th Celebration Save the date for the 12th annual National Black Bear Fest in Plymouth: June 5 – 6.

Harbour Pointe Event: Saturday, June 27, 2026 8 am: Check-in 9 am: Shotgun start 1:30 pm: Luncheon & program

The wildly successful Black Bear Festival was founded at the epicenter of the black bear universe in Plymouth. Washington County is home to the world’s largest black bears, the highest black bear densities on the planet, as well as the best public bear viewing in North Carolina. This year the festival will lean into Amercia’s 250th Celebration with a roving Spirit of ‘76 Liberty Band, historical reenactors and a fife and drum corps. Events and attractions include a children’s bear train, timed foot races, pontoon boat rides, outdoor kid’s movie, waterslides at the Kid’s Zone, helicopter rides, kayak rentals, lazy river tubing, make-your-own-bear station, tours of the maritime and Bear-Ologoy museums, mechanical bear ride, Papa Bear Car Show, and multiple performances of the play “Tales of Freedom.”

Men & Women Four Person Super Ball Format

The event culminantes with a fireworks spectacular on June 6. There’s a reason it is considered the best fireworks show in the state. A must see!

Harbour Pointe Golf Club is one of four area golf courses holding tournaments to raise funds for the Journey of Hope (JOH) Cancer Support Center. JOH works under the umbrella of the CarolinaEast Foundation. Last year, the tournaments raised more than $69,000 to assist cancer patients in local counties including Craven and Pamlico.

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$90 entry fee includes green fees, cart, buffet lunch and contest prizes 50/50, raffle prizes, mulligans

• • •

Registration and payment due

by Saturday, June 20, 2026.

•

To learn more, call 252.638.5338 or visit harbourpointegolfclub.com

•

• Free pontoon rides: Enjoy a leisurely 30-minute narrated cruise on the Roanoke River sponsored by Cross Trail Outfitters June 5: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; June 6: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

This is a very popular event, so sign up as soon as you arrive at Bear Fest. Life jackets are provided.

For more information, visit nationalbearfest.com B • MAY 2026 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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T n

Official Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting

Annual report to our member-owners Once again Tideland enjoyed a year without any major storm impacts. In fact, the only named storm we prepared for in 2025 was Hurricane Erin, which ultimately delivered a glancing blow to Ocracoke. That close encounter validated earlier Tideland investments to move a large section of overhead infrastructure on Highway 12 westward.

$500 GRAND PRIZE Free gift for the first 100 registered members

As a result, the significant overwash from Hurricane Erin did not impact electric service to the island. It also solidified our plans to move additional infrastructure closer to the Pamlico Sound and away from the fragile blacktop of Highway 12.

These extended periods of relative calm have allowed the co-op to fully focus on infrastructure hardening projects and better manage our utility rightsof-way.

Attendees at our May 14 Annual Meeting won’t leave emptyhanded. There are numerous prize drawings throughout the evening culminating in the grand prize drawing for a $500 electric bill credit. (This is in addition to the $500 electric bill credit prize drawing for members voting by mail).

We always look forward to our favorite prize presentations for the oldest and youngest members in attendance.

Hope to see you there at Beaufort County Community College. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

MAY 2025 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY • A

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our board of directors members serving members

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J. Douglas Brinson President

Clifton Paul Vice-President

Mark Carawan Secretary

David Ipock Treasurer

Garry Jordan

Vincent O’Neal

Dawson Pugh

Paul Sasnett

Wayne Sawyer

Charles Slade

LINEMAN LARRY: CONNECTING WITH YOUNG LEARNERS In 2025, we introduced Tidelanders to the newest member of our team: Lineman Larry.

We received nearly 100 entries in last year’s photo contest. This summer Larry is back with co-worker Kilowatt Katie. Together they are working to make sure Tideland kids are weather savvy and storm ready.

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2025

the year in review

$1.26 million in member margins refunded In December 2025, Tideland EMC issued a general retirement of member capital totaling $661,000.

Those funds represented 100% of the remaining member margins from the 1996 fiscal year.

An additional $603,152 was refunded to the estates of deceased members.

official notice of

2026 annual meeting of members

The $661,000 general retirement was distributed through both checks and electric bill credits. Active account holders received a check in December if their electric account was current and their refund was $50 or more.

All other active members with service in 1996 received a credit on their December statement.

Average annual wholesale power cost adjustment significantly increased With almost six years having passed since Tideland’s last base rate increase, the co-op had to implement significant wholesale power cost adjustment charges in 2025. By year end, the co-op had completed a new rate study and announced a base rate increase for early 2026 implementation.

Tideland awarded $1.4 million grid resiliency competitive grant North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the US Department of Energy, awarded Tideland a grant to harden infrastructure along Ocracoke’s Highway 12 and to convert existing infrastructure to armored submarine cable in areas deemed most vulnerable. The project also supports Ocracoke’s existing microgrid, owned by NC Electric Cooperatives, to further increase service resiliency and reliability.

You are hereby notified that the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members of Tideland Electric Membership Corporation will be held at Beaufort County Community College in Washington, N.C., on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. to take action upon the following matters: 1. the reports of officers, directors and committees; 2. the election of three (3) directors of the cooperative to serve three-year terms; and 3. the transaction of such other and further business which may come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof.

In accordance with the Cooperative’s bylaws, the nominating committee nominated the following members as candidates for seats on the Board of Directors: District 2: Distirct 7: District 10:

Mark Carawan Garry Jordan David Ipock

Jeff Credle was nominated by member petition to stand for election in District 2.

Meeting registration will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mark Carawan Secretary CAROLINA COUNTRY • TIDELAND TOPICS • MAY 2025 • C

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balance sheet

comparative statement of income and expense ASSETS

2025

2024

Electric Plant

$175,917,686

$170,498,171

Less Depreciation

(42,439,613)

(40,049,324)

Net Electric Plant

133,478,073

130,448,847

Cash & Investments

20,845,800

20,088,060

Accounts Receivable

8,526,357

7,435,536

Materials, Supplies & Other Assets

3,906,095

4,121,182

Prepayments TOTAL

160,118

198,818

$166,916,443

$162,292,543

LIABILITIES Long Term Debt

$82,118,696

$80,354,898

Consumer Deposits

1,031,130

1,032,578

5,312,496

5,325,302

Accounts Payable

0.3¢

Patronage Capital & Other Equities TOTAL

$166,916,443

$162,292,543

$56,573,166

$52,603,911

2,194,737

2,621,462

$58,927,903

$55,225,373

$33,737,968

$30,412,261

Operations & Maintenance

7,005,507

7,102,766

Administration & General

6,782,275

6,469,809

Non-Operating Income

3¢ Other

DOLLAR EACH10,310,809 WHERE 10,482,124 FROM COMES 67,971,997 65,268,956

Other Liabilities & Credits

WHERE DOLLA

WHERE EACH DOLLAR COMES FROM

25¢ Commercial

6¢ Margins

71.7¢ Residential

12¢ Administrative & General

WHERE EACH DOLLAR GOES

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13¢ Fixed Expense

INCOME Electric Sales Misc. Revenue, Interest & Dividends TOTAL EXPENSE Purchased Power

Fixed Expenses (taxes, interest & depreciation) TOTAL NET MARGINS

7,477,570

7,124,846

$55,003,320 Non-Operating 0.3¢ Income $3,924,583 3¢ Other

$51,109,683 25¢ Commercial

$4,115,691

71.7¢ Residential

Lorem ipsum

2025 margin allocation The margin allocation factor for 2025 is 6.5983¢ per dollar

Tideland-0526 AR INSERT.indd 4

6¢ Margins

12¢ Operations & Maintenance

12¢ Administrative & General

57¢ Power Costs

13¢ Fixed Expense

Allocations represent each member’s share of net margins. These funds are invested in capital improvements and maintenance, reducing Tideland’s borrowing costs.

Allocated margins are eventually returned to members.

If you paid this much for power in 2025

$1,200

$1,800

$2,400

Your share of member margins for 2025 is

$79.18

$118.77

$158.36

4/10/26 1:18 PM

r

Celebrate 50 years of

prehistoric finds at NC’s Fossil Festival in Aurora It’s the 50th anniversary of the Aurora Fossil Museum and what better way to celebrate than to attend the venue’s annual festival on May 23 – 24.

The main attraction at the festival is always the outdoor dig site where you can search for ancient shark teeth, seashells, and fossils.

Fresh piles will be delivered from the local phosphate mine for festival attendees. Sunscreen and protective sun shade gear are recommended. Keep the following dig rules in mind: • •

Screen size maximum is 12 inches x 12 inches, max of 1/4-inch screen no large shovels/digging tools (handles have to be less than 36 inches); a garden trowel and/or small garden rake work best

Traveling Abroad?

While traveling outside of the continental United States, you will not be able to access Tideland’s member portal due to firewall security protocols we have put in place.

To prevent late fees and possible interruption of electric service we recommend you do one of the following: •

Put a credit card or bank account on file with the cooperative and contact Tideland whenever you want to authorize a payment.

You can email us from outside the country or make an international phone call to our 24-hour call center to initiate the one-time payment.

•

Enroll in bank or credit card draft so Tideland can automatically initiate the payment year-round regardless of where you are at any given time.

•

Use Tideland’s member portal payment scheduling service to authorize a transaction before you leave the country.

•

Use your own financial institution’s payment scheduling features to initiate a payment.

•

Make a prepayment on your electric account before you travel.

One of our service representatives will be glad to advise you on what a reasonable prepayment may be based on your past billing history.

Other activities include: • • • • • • •

• •

The North Carolina Fossil Festival Parade includes regional fire and rescue units, floats, antique cars and representation of community and fraternal organizations.

Live music on the North Carolina Fossil Festival stage.

Over 100 vendors, including fossil, mineral, craft, business and community organizations.

Dinosaur shows featuring life-size puppets and exhibits.

A variety of local and regional food and beverage vendors.

“Kid’s Zone” with inflatable slides, moon bounce and other activities.

Displays and activities by science, natural history, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) organizations.

Laser Light Show in the evening and foam and slime parties during the day.

Silent auction featuring fossils and natural history items.

To learn more, visit ncfossilfest.com

CAROLINA COUNTRY • TIDELAND TOPICS • MAY 2026 • C

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Candidate Carawan continued from Page A • • • • • •

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering, UNC-Charlotte First elected as Tideland EMC, Board Officer, May 2020, from among the Board with almost six years of consecutive service as Board Secretary President, Tideland Electric Care Trust, since inception, providing energy assistance and college scholarships Fire Chief, Scranton VFD, 1999-2025 Assistant Fire Chief, 2025-Present 1997 Beaufort County Community College Instructor of the Year Certified since 1990 by NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors to teach relicensing classes for electrical contractors in NC

Regarding his candidacy, Carawan says, “My educational and work experiences in electrical engineering, community services and continuing education credits as a director laid the groundwork for my present and future participation on the TEMC Board. I have enjoyed my service on the board and hope the members of TEMC will continue to support my efforts.”

Candidate Credle continued from Page A •

•

• • •

during severe weather events to protect crews, vessels and passengers while maintaining critical transportation routes.

Hyde County Manager & Emergency Management Coordinator, (1996-1999): Received County Administration certification from the Institute of Government UNC-CH. In his role, Credle developed extensive knowledge of county infrastructure and the importance of planning and maintenance to keep essential services operating. He also led emergency preparedness and response during hurricanes and coastal storms, coordinating resources and recovery efforts to protect residents and vital services.

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Agent (1990-1996): Sold and serviced insurance plans/claims. Licensed in Fire/Casualty/ Life/Accident/Health insurance, he assisted families during difficult times.

US Merchant Mariner Mate, Able Seaman Member/past Master of Atlantic Lodge #294 Swan Quarter, NC Member/past Superintendent of Epworth Church of Sladesville

“Eastern North Carolina has always been my home. If elected, I look forward to continuing to serve our communities as a member of the Tideland EMC board.”

Maintenance

REAL PEOPLE. REAL POW ER .

tidelandemc.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS J. Douglas Brinson, President Clifton Paul, Vice President Mark Carawan, Secretary David Ipock, Treasurer Garry Jordan, Vincent O’Neal, Dawson Pugh, Paul Sasnett, Wayne Sawyer & Charles Slade GENERAL MANAGER & CEO Paul Spruill EDITOR Heidi Jernigan Smith Member Service 252.943.3046 24 Hour Outage Reporting & Automated Services 252.944.2400 Text OUT to short code 85700 Tideland EMC is an equal opportunity provider & employer

Holiday

Closing

Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Our 24-hour call center will remain open and crews are on standby to respond to outages as needed.

schedule

Tideland has engaged Gunnison Tree Services to cut and trim vegetation in our rights-of-way. During May, Gunnison crews will be trimming on the East Lake and Stumpy Point circuit out of our Manns Harbor substation along Highways 64 and 264.

Our contract construction crews with Lee Electrical will be working on pole replacements throughout our Grantsboro district.

D • MAY 2026 • TIDELAND TOPICS • CAROLINA COUNTRY

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On the House

Summer Safety Refresh Good rules of thumb to review

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

We’ve had some intense weather already this year, but with storm season and summer approaching, I’d appreciate a refresh on safety and preparedness—talking points I can share with my family later.

A:

Good idea. It’s never too early to begin thinking about and discussing these topics. I’ll start by summarizing a few relevant, existing On the House articles (all of which can be found online at carolinacountry.com/on-the-house). This issue of Carolina Country as a whole has great insights, as well.

One consideration is protecting your home from lightning-driven power surges (“Shielding from Surges,” July 2025), which can disable appliances and devices even if the lights don’t go out. A distinction is between pointof-use surge protection (like a power strip for smaller devices) and whole-home surge protection for larger equipment (like a well pump, HVAC system or water heater), offering more robust defense.

If you’re interested in backup power options, you can learn about some technologies in “Backup Power Options” (July 2023). These include portable and standby generators as well as battery energy storage systems and even certain electric vehicles. Smaller battery units can also double as a quiet, emissions-free power source for picnics, tailgates and the like.

Lastly, it’s important not to overlook moisture management after flooding from extreme weather (“Dealing with Water Damage After the Storm,” November 2024). As water recedes, your house might look fine, but there may be damage or microbial growth hidden in the walls, floors and ceiling that needs to be taken seriously.

OK, with those recaps out of the way, let’s shift gears and talk about other summer safety reminders.

Heat safety | Excessive heat is no joke. If you’re heading outdoors (to knock out home projects, maybe?) and the temperature and humidity are ticking up, be sure to listen

to your body, drink plenty of water (even if you’re not thirsty), and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

If you start to feel faint or dizzy, or experience muscle cramps or heavy sweating, it’s time to — at a minimum — move to a cooler, air-conditioned location out of the sun.

Lightning safety | We touched on lightning above in relation to power surges, but it’s worth addressing more broadly. If lightning is close, it’s critical to get inside as soon as possible. From there, keep back from windows and doors and try not to touch plumbing or anything that’s plugged in.

If you’re unable to make it indoors, avoid staying in or around open areas, water, and isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles.

Water safety | May is Water Safety Month, which can apply to both swimming and boating. A couple of tips to remember are to make sure your children are supervised when around any body of water (drowning can happen quickly and quietly), and to include proper life jackets and flotation devices when boating. If your family spends a lot of time on or around the water, you might also consider getting CPR training, often offered for free at many businesses and community centers.

One other note is that the National Weather Service runs a StormReady program that helps communities plan and prepare for extreme weather. Visit weather.gov/stormready if your community might be interested.

And for all of these topics, don’t forget to check in on friends, family and neighbors — doing so could save a life, literally.

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

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CAROLINA VOICES

severe weather?

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR

No matter how prepared you are, some lessons can only be learned through experience. We asked readers to share tried-and-true storm prep tips—here are a few to consider.

Stay Calm and Clear-Headed

We like to be in control. We control the thermostat, the playlist, our caloric intake(sporadically), and countless other features in our decline towards technological dystopia. And yet, we will never be able to control the weather.

I love our weather in the Carolinas, but periodically we receive imported ice storms from beyond the Arctic Circle or maybe a heatwave shipped overnight first-class from Death Valley. We as a species have survived countless potential catastrophes for millennia, primarily by not losing our heads.

Survival Tip #1: Don’t panic! Mute that bug-eyed weatherman and go check the forecast and weather alerts for your local area. When your panicked mother-in-law calls for the 20th time, gently calm her down and say, “Yes Mom, we have plenty of generator fuel and toilet paper…”

There is no better survival gear like common sense.

Staying calm in the face of an emergency enables you to prepare effectively.

Survival Tip #2: Think ahead! Imagine yourself without power for a week and ask yourself, “What can I do now to prepare that I won’t be able to do then?” Fill the gas cans.

Insulate the pump house. Charge your phone and auxiliary power bank. Find the flashlights and make sure they have good battery life. Stock up on essential groceries, drinking

water and nonperishable foods. Hey y’all, milk and bread are perishable! Instead, purchase canned and shelf stable foods. Wheel your cart with dignity past the frenzy in the bread aisle and begin checking off those severe weatherproof food items from your grocery list.

Survival Tip #3: Look out for each other! One of the ways in which humanity has thwarted extinction has been our practice of working together to overcome obstacles.

But sadly, we are rapidly losing our team spirit and replacing it with an individualistic lifestyle. So check on your neighbors, especially elderly folks who may need help getting their groceries or clearing the ice from their porch.

Let’s take the opportunity to make something good — like showing compassion — emerge from the escalating weather conditions.

Revival Tip #4: Trust Almighty God. There is Someone who is stronger than the weather, and He is more than capable of proving the forecast dead wrong. I think sometimes, though, God lets us experience some violent weather to help us realize just how insignificant we are, to cause us to ask for His protection, and to remind us that He has infinite resources to sustain us through whatever life may bring.

Cameron Halteman, Robbins, a member of Randolph EMC

16 | May 2026

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Start a Personal Checklist

We have lived in Carteret County for almost 60 years and seen quite few hurricanes. Years ago, we started our Hurricane Checklist. It is specifically designed for our family.

Some of the items would not apply to other families. (For example, not everyone would need to be sure to have a good supply of specific medical supplies; not everyone can move cars to an open field away from trees.) Scrabble is a hurricane family tradition, often played by lantern light. Other families might need to add things that aren’t pertinent to us. There is a place for new ideas and lessons learned. We add and delete things from time to time — in February, when we got 19.5 inches of snow, we added a winter storm list. Before a storm we print copies of the list, often printing extra ones for friends and family.

Grady Ormsby, Swansboro, A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Count on Family

My daughter comes and takes me to her house where she has a heating system, a wood-burning stove with a supply of wood, and a generator. I cook and we enjoy each other’s company until it’s time to return home.

Plan Ahead for Your Animals

I prepare by ensuring my generator will start and having some extra fuel set aside in case I need to keep my refrigerator going in the event of a power outage. Loose items around the yard are tied down. Horses are labeled with marker showing my phone number should fences come down. I make sure my house pets stay close to me so I can grab them if we were to need to shelter in the bathroom for a tornado. I usually have a good supply of non-perishable food in the pantry anyway. I monitor weather reports, and if necessary, would evacuate all my animals further inland.

Katie Sanford, Hobbsville, a member of Roanoke Cooperative

Focus on Food Safety

If you’re expecting a power outage, fill any empty spots in your freezer with frozen water in clean milk jugs or whatever’s available — a full freezer keeps its temperature better.

Place a cup of water 3/4 full in the freezer. Once it freezes, put a quarter on top. If the power goes out and your quarter sinks, you know your food is more than likely spoiled.

Gail Rogers, Wadesboro, a member of Pee Dee Electric

Robert Palm, Murphy A member of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (Ga.)

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Carolina Adventures

Hurricane Simulator at Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Greensboro Science Center

Greensboro Science Center

Inside the Storm

NC museums that bring weather wonders to life

By Rue Reynold

From summer thunderstorms to hurricane season along the coast, weather is a powerful force that can shape life in North Carolina.

Understanding how storms form — and how they’ve impacted communities in the past — can help us feel more prepared and connected to the world around us.

Across the state, several museums offer hands-on exhibits and historical insights that turn weather into something you can see, touch and truly understand.

MOUNTAINS Hands On! Children's Museum The Hands On! Children's Museum features the immersive “Eye of the Storm” exhibit, designed to help children experience weather in a safe, engaging way. Through interactive elements, kids can learn what storms feel like and how they form, making big weather concepts less intimidating and more understandable.

318 North Main St., Hendersonville HandsOnWNC.org

PIEDMONT Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium At the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, weather comes alive through interactive outreach programs designed to make science approachable. Visitors

can explore how air, water and sunlight work together to create weather systems through engaging experiments. It’s an especially great stop for families looking to turn complex concepts like atmospheric pressure and cloud formation into hands-on learning moments.

1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia SchieleMuseum.org

Greensboro Science Center At the Greensboro Science Center, weather is part of a broader interactive science experience. These exhibits allow visitors to explore natural science concepts, including weather patterns and environmental systems. It’s a dynamic space where learning happens through doing—perfect for curious minds of all ages.

4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro GreensboroScience.org

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences dives into one of the state’s most impactful weather events—hurricanes.

Exhibits focus on how scientists predict hurricane paths, offering insight into forecasting tools and the challenges of tracking these powerful storms. It’s a fascinating look at the science behind the forecasts we rely on each year.

11 West Jones St., Raleigh | NaturalSciences.org

COAST North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport Coastal weather history takes center stage at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Here, visitors can learn about historic storms that have shaped the North Carolina coastline and impacted maritime life. Through stories and artifacts, the museum highlights the resilience of coastal communities in the face of severe weather.

204 E Moore St., Southport NCMaritimeMuseumSouthport.com

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center At the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, weather history is preserved through a powerful timeline of storms dating back to 1899. This exhibit connects visitors to generations of coastal experiences, showing how communities have weathered and adapted to more than a century of storms.

1785 Island Rd., Harkers Island | CoreSound.com

Whether you're tracking hurricanes or simply curious about how clouds turn into storms, these museums offer meaningful ways to explore the science and stories behind North Carolina's ever-changing skies.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country magazine.

18 | May 2026

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The Bracelets That Italy Can’t Get Enough Of Own the jewelry that’s the toast of Italy

le Price Impossib acelet Each Br

59

“The renown of Italy’s jewelry, with its sensual beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship, is founded on the goldsmithing skills passed down through generations.” – The New York Times

A.

B.

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guess I was a little bored. For the past hour, I’d been on the phone with Daniele, the head of my office in Italy, reviewing our latest purchases of Italian gold, Murano glass and Italian-made shoes and handbags.

“Daniele,” I said, “What is the hottest jewelry in Italy right now?”

His reply? Woven gold bracelets studded with gems. He texted me some photos and I knew immediately that this was jewelry that Raffinato just had to have.

R    ’ LARGEST   -  Presenting the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, two designs that are prime examples of Italy’s finest artisanship. Each of these bracelets includes more than 20 brilliant cut gems of DiamondAura®, our Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, in a setting finished with 18 karat Italian gold.

What is DiamondAura®? Why, it’s a sparkling marvel that rivals even the finest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity: The book “Jewelry and Gems: The Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative: “The best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved.

The best part about these bracelets? The price. Because of our longstanding connections in Arezzo, the mecca of Italian goldsmithing, we can offer both bracelets together for just $99, a fraction of the price you’ll pay anywhere else for similar jewelry.

Order today. These bracelets are one of our hottest sellers this year, and with disruptions in the supply chain, we can only guarantee that we have 1,273 861 of these bracelets on hand for this ad.

Make the next gift you give your loved one a trip to Italy with the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, stunning accessories that are sure to turn heads.

Jewelry Specifications: • Made in Arezzo, Italy. 18k gold finish • DiamondAura®, the Ultimate Diamond Alternative® • Fit wrists up to 7 ¼" Italiano Fantasia Bracelet Collection A. X Bracelet (¼ ctw) $399 $59* + S&P Save $340 B. Woven Bracelet (⅓ ctw) $299 $59* + S&P Save $240 Set of Both $698 $99* + S&P Save $599 *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

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4/8/2026 2:17:14 PM

Carolina Gardens

Tiny Tomatoes

Consider cherry and grape (there’s a difference) Story and photos by L.A. Jackson

The warming spring has many a veggie grower dreaming of summertime bounties, especially harvesting “great big ol’ ‘maters.” And while I, too, envision a sliced slab from big beefsteaks such as Brandywine or Cherokee Purple completely smothering a hamburger on a bun, I always save room in the garden for cherry and grape tomatoes. These tiny tomatoes make up in quantity — and taste — what they lack in size.

Don’t think cherry and grape tomatoes are the same because they do have differences. Cherry tomatoes tend to be round with thin skins and juicy insides, meaning these homegrown tidbits can be a delicious, delightfully squirty mess if you don’t chomp down on ‘em just right. Grape cultivars are a bit oblong — like a grape — and typically have thicker skins, which helps them store longer.

How you prefer your harvest is another consideration to keep in mind because these minute ‘maters can be determinate or indeterminate.

Many determinate selections are often

tagged “patio” tomatoes because their typical short statures make them container friendly, with crops being yielded in a matter of weeks, not months. Typical cherry cultivars include Baby Boomer, Tumbler, and Gold Nugget, while Candy Bell, Sweet Olive and Mighty Sweet are common grape choices.

Indeterminate tiny tomatoes usually grow tall and lanky, so they need supports such as stakes or cages. These are the long-haul types, producing fruits through the summer, if the plants are kept happy and healthy.

Black Cherry, Sungold, and Super Sweet 100 are popular cherry picks, while grape goodies include Juliet, Jelly Bean, and Golden Sweet.

All of the cultivars mentioned above are easy online finds as seeds, but if you prefer to start with plants, there should be cherry and grape tomato selections to pick from at your local,

Grape tomatoes

friendly garden shops now, too.

Like their big brothers, tiny tomatoes are sun worshipers, so find a spot that basks in ol’ Sol’s rays for at least six to eight hours. The planting site should also be well draining and liberally enriched with compost or a quality soil conditioner. Sprinkle standard 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 fertilizer around the tomatoes at planting time and add another round when they start to produce fruits.

Ground moisture is also important to produce big crops of tiny tomatoes, so water frequently during the heat of the summer and add a 3-inch covering of mulch around the plants.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine.

L.A.’s website of the month: With National Arbor Day being April 24, help support the Arbor Day Foundation (shop.arborday.org) by perusing their extensive offerings of bare-root and potted woody ornamentals.

Garden To-Do’s for May Want a good bang for the botanical buck? Glorious gladioli are easy to grow—and easy on the pocket. Now is prime time to plant them, so pick an amended, well-draining, sunny spot in the garden, dust it with time-release bulb fertilizer, and drop glad corms in holes that are about 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Water these blooming beauties regularly because dry soil will cause gladioli to underperform. Cultivars that stretch over 3 feet high can be tipped over in stiff breezes, so add a support stake to each hole at planting time.

Gladiola

□ Don’t think blossom end rot is just a tomato-centric disorder. Squash, watermelons and peppers can also come down with this ugliness. Since it is caused by stress related to wide fluctuations of soil temperatures and moisture content, maintain mulch around these delectable edibles and keep them on a consistent water schedule.

□ A dollar doesn’t buy much these days, but in the garden, having a buck in your pocket is still worth something. The dollar bill is a shade over 2½ inches wide and about 6 inches long, so if you need to roughly measure row widths, pot diameters, or planting distances and depths—and your tape measure is lost in the shed—a single note can come in pretty handy.

20 | May 2026

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2026

Nothing could be finer ...

Carolina Country is proud to offer up our annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, showcasing the best North Carolina has to offer. We’re leaving it up to you, our readers, to pick the best of the best! We’re taking nominations now through May 15. We’ll announce three finalists in each category in our July 2026 issue for another chance to vote (and another chance to win a $100 gift card).

STEEL MOBILE HOME ROOFING

Built for Strength.

Strenght. Designed for Life.

Nominations are now open in the following categories: Barbecue

Main Street/Downtown

Festival

Musician or Band

Iconic NC Landmark

Salon/Barber Shop

Local Lore/Legend

Seafood Restaurant

Made in NC Product

Winery

Nominate your favorites at

CarolinaCountry.com/Finest

by May 15 for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest, or mail in your nominations to Carolina Country’s Finest, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616, for a chance to win. All contact information will remain confidential. One entry per person, drawn by random; odds of receiving one (1) of the three $100 gift cards depend upon number of entries received. Entries must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Random drawing will take place after May 16, 2026.

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©2026 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses.

carolinacountry.com | 21

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4/10/2026 1:32:34 PM

Carolina Kitchen

All-American Surprise Cheesecake Apple Pie Bites

All-the-Way Carolina Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

These no-cook bites of Americana will bring joy to your Memorial Day gatherings. As for the surprise? A bit of caramel crunch hidden inside.

Magic Shell® caramel topping 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened 4 boxes (15-count) Fillo pastry cups 3 tablespoons butter, softened 2 teaspoons salt, divided 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 cup room temperature water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 unpeeled apples (we used Honeycrisp) 1 tablespoon apple juice 1 teaspoon apple pie spice 2 cans (14-ounce) fried apples, drained 24 pieces caramel candy, crumbled Squeeze some Magic Shell into a small bowl, then use a pastry brush to coat the inside of each pastry cup. Refrigerate.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in water. Slice unpeeled apples into small pieces and add to the water mixture. After 5 minutes, drain and rinse. Pat dry, put into a closed container and refrigerate.

Stir apple pie spice and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt into fried, drained apples. While stirring, gently chop the apples a bit with a spoon into smaller pieces. Set aside.

Using a hand mixer, blend cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla and juice.

Using a small spreader, coat the inside of the chilled cups with the cream cheese mixture.

Top with caramel candy crumbs, then dollops of the apple mixture. Return to refrigerator.

To serve, garnish with a small slice of apple.

Yield: Makes 60 bites

From Your Kitchen Baked Egg Soufflé

The day before you’d like to serve the soufflé, place croutons and cheese into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan.

Mix together all other ingredients and pour over the croutons and cheese.

1 bag (10-ounce) angel hair coleslaw ¼ cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons sweet pickle juice 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Oil 1 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, diced 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup ketchup ¼ cup water 1 large head iceberg lettuce American cheese slices Yellow mustard Crispy fried onion rings (we used Funyuns) Toss angel hair slaw with mayonnaise, juice, relish, salt and pepper. Refrigerate.

Oil a skillet and brown beef with onion over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.

Stir in seasonings, ketchup and water.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Gently break apart lettuce so you have “wraps” several leaves thick. Nest in a dish.

Place slices of American cheese over each. Top with warm chili burger meat.

Drizzle with mustard and top with slaw.

Garnish with onion rings and serve!

From the fancy looks and sounds of this egg soufflé, you’d never guess how easy it is. Within 10 minutes, you can throw this together and then bake it the next morning— decidedly on point for a Sunday/Mother’s Day brunch!

4 cups seasoned croutons 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 3.5 cups milk 8 eggs 1 teaspoon dry mustard ½ cup chopped onions 1 teaspoon salt

Raise the flag and pass the napkins! There’s everything to love about our Carolina ATW burger tucked into a crunchy lettuce wrap. We married the burger and chili, topped it with mustard, a dollop of slaw and crunchy onions.

Recipe courtesy of Sharyl Pickering of Wake Forest

Yield: Makes about 12 wraps

Refrigerate overnight.

Bake at 325 degrees the next day for 1 hour or until golden.

Unless otherwise noted, all recipes are by Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry, a home economist, blogger and NC food artisan.

(WendyPerry.com)

Yield: 12–15 servings

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

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

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

22 | May 2026

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4/8/2026 2:23:00 PM

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May Events MAY 8

MAY 9

Great White at Celebration on the Sound

Foothills Folk Art Festival

Legendary classic rock band Crystal Coast Civic Center 252-222-6268

LaurelFest Food trucks, craft vendors, bounce houses Laurel Hill Community Center 910-773-1930 MAY 8–10

Atlantic Beach Music Festival Atlantic Beach Circle | 252-726-2121

ALCOVETS Balloon Festival Cedarock Park, Burlington 336-229-4225

APRIL 24–MAY 3

MAY 2

MAY 9

HerbFest

Wooden Boat Show

Mamas & Mimosas

Downtown Wake Forest 919-740-8576

NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort 252-504-7741

Downtown Mebane 336-269-6154

MAY 1–2

Spring Heritage Festival

Car Show

Strawberry Festival

Hart Square Village, Vale 704-228-3791

Spring Hill OFWB Church 919-221-1484

NC Fried Apple Pie Festival

Families Learning together

Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary School | 252-514-1322

Spring Antique Street Fair Historic Downtown Cameron 910-245-3212 MAY 1–3

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend Various wineries and cideries Hendersonville 828-693-9708

Higgins Fairgrounds, Alleghany County | 336-372-5473

Brews & Q’s BBQ & Beer Fest Tanger Outlets, Mebane 984-484-6051

MAY 2

Apple Blossom Festival

MAY 8

Downtown Taylorsville 828-632-2999

Tourism Day Celebration Building demonstrations, fun displays, live music I-26 West NC Welcome Center, Mars Hill | 828-689-4257

Arts and Crafts Festival

MAY 16

Arts Around the Square Downtown Graham 336-513-5510 MAY 20

Yoga + Wine Night Hinnant Family Vineyards, Pine Level 984-242-9190 MAY 22–24

White Squirrel Weekend Downtown Brevard 828-884-3278 MAY 23–24

Garden Jubilee Downtown Hendersonville 828-233-3216 MAY 23–31

Rhododendron Ramble Grandfather Mountain, Linville 828-733-2013 MAY 29

Hands-on history, pirates, crafts, music Historic Bath | 252 945-3985

Carousel Festival Burlington City Park 336-570-1444

Primitive skills and crafts, blacksmithing, woodworking, plant foraging Turtle Island Preserve, Boone 336-669-4965

Bath Fest

MAY 2–3

MAY 9–10

Lake Lure Town Center 828-221-9002

MAY 8–9

MAY 16

Downtown Newton 828-409-0854

Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike Grandfather Mountain, Linville 828-733-2013

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 May 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 July 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.

March’s winner The March “Where Is This” photo by Central Electric member Nancy Adams features a peace sign created from hubcaps, located along Union Church Road between Carthage and Vass in Moore County. Readers commented that the artwork, created by Scott Frye at his family’s farm, has been on display for years, and many have wanted to stop and snap a photo. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from John Goldsmith of Carthage, a Central Electric member.

24 | May 2026

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4/8/2026 2:19:29 PM

Color Your Own Lineman Larry!

Make YOUR lineman the star of the show! Color him in, cut him out and take him along with Kilowatt Katie on your summer adventures. Grownups, use the hashtags #TidelandTravels, #KilowattKatie and #LinemanLarry when posting on social media.

Email photos to linemanlarry@tidelandemc.com to enter our contest.

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4/10/26 10:46 AM

Help Lineman Larry welcome new team member Kilowatt Katie!

Help Katie learn more about Tideland territory and the great members we serve.

Color and cut out your own Katie and Larry figures for an entire summer of fun.

Submit your Kilowatt Katie and/or Lineman Larry photos to: LinemanLarry@tidelandemc.com

by August 1, 2026 for a chance to win:

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4/10/26 10:46 AM