2021-04-SYEMC

April 2021

The magazine of

Picture-Perfect

Pets Starting on page 14

Published by

Safe, sustainable nuclear power page 12

Homemade pet treats page 28 PERIODICAL

Surry-Yadkin EMC may have capital credits waiting for you —s ee center pages April covers.indd 22

3/11/21 4:11 PM

NEWEST FLEET

ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

F NEW ENGLAND

SOUTHEAST

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

ALASKA

With the introduction of our Modern Riverboat Series, American Cruise Lines is elevating the standard for U.S. riverboat cruising. Aboard these brand new ships that feature modern design, spacious staterooms with private balconies, and a grand multi-story atrium, experience the future of U.S. riverboat cruising.

River Cruising Done Perfectly.™

Largest Staterooms

Award-Winning Excursions

O

Spacious Lounges

Call today for your FREE Cruise Guide 2020 World's Leading Small Ships Cruise Line

CC04-wk.indd 2 CAROLINA_COUNTRY_7.875x10.875_ISSUE_APR_2021.indd 1

1-800-459-2596

CRUISERS’ CHOICE

AmericanCruiseLines.com

3/10/21 1:12 PM 2/26/21 12:25 PM

Volume 53, No. 4

28

14

Favorites 4 From Our Readers 6 Viewpoints 8 More Power 26 Energy Sense 30 Carolina People 36 Carolina Gardens 38 Marketplace 40 Carolina Kitchen 42 Where is This?

42 Carolina Artist

36

14 28 32

Picture-Perfect Pets

We asked readers for photos of their pets, and they did not hold back. Here are some of our favorites.

Doggone Good Treats Prepare a spread for an epic pet picnic.

Music and Fish Camps And other things you remember.

On the Cover Bella on her 1st birthday, submitted by Mandy Pierce of Hertford, a member of Albemarle EMC. See more photos of our readers’ pets beginning on page 14.

CALL FOR VOTES

Carolina’s Finest We need your help finding the best of the best! We’re entering our third year of the Carolina’s Finest Awards, with new categories and a new chance to win one of three $100 gift cards. See page 13 for details.

April 2021 | 3

12:25 PM

CC04-wk.indd 3

3/10/21 1:13 PM

THIS MONTH:

Pets on Parade

Leia & her Star Wars buns.

Donna Gray, Harrisburg, Union Power Cooperative

During an editorial planning meeting a few months back, someone posed the question: Would readers be interested in sharing pet photos? Well, we got our answer. Following our call for entries, more than 1,000 of you took the time to send in pictures of your beloved dogs, cats, birds, lizards — and a few hedgehogs. We wish we had room to include more in this issue, but see some of our favorites starting on page 14, and more online at carolinacountry.com.

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 53, No. 4

Published monthly by

3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Warren Kessler Publications Director Scott Gates, CCC Editor Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Karen Olson House Contributing Editor

—Scott Gates, editor

Tara Verna Creative Director Erin Binkley Digital Media

From Our Readers

Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss 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 memberowned, not-for-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Inspired Art Justin Spears, a resident of Hope Mills and a member of Lumbee River EMC, shared this painting with us, inspired by a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service photo that ran in our February issue (“Living with Beavers,” page 28). “I wanted to thank you for the article on beavers — loved a photo so much I had to paint it.”

Spotted at the Pitstop I enjoyed your article entitled “Support Our Pollinators” in the March 2021 issue of Carolina Country (page 16).

Here is a photo of one of the visitors to my “pollinator pitstop.”

Janis Harless, Jefferson, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

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.

Recipes from the Sea Thanks for featuring seafood recipes in your email! [Carolina Country sends additional recipes to email subscribers that you won’t find in print — visit carolinacountry.com/register to sign up.] For more options for NC seafood, you can find recipes from “Mariner’s Menu” — marinersmenu.org — the cookbook from NC Sea Grant.

Katie Mosher, communications director at NC Sea Grant

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year.

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone: 919-875-3091 Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address

Find Rainbow Trout Fillets with Bacon and Onions at carolinacountry.com.

Experiencing a power outage?

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

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

4 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 4

3/10/21 2:05 PM

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

B.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

C

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise.

Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, oneof-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!

Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 Complete Set** $747

ONLY $99

“With depleting mines, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, has become increasingly rare.”

–– Smithsonian.com

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

A.

$99* Save $200 $149 $99* Save $200 $249 Save $498

** Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.

Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collecion.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code STC431-01

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Rating of A+

* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

CC04-wk.indd 5

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STC431-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr aor d i n a r y .®

3/10/21 1:13 PM

Viewpoints

Reflections on Two Years of National Service

By Curtis Wynn

It did not end as I had envisioned. There was no audience of thousands of co-op leaders.

No bright lights. No stage. No ceremonial passing of the gavel to my predecessor. No rounds of applause.

My role as board president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) ended without such traditional fanfare. It was just me, sitting in my office, wearing my Sunday best. With a lone cameraman standing before me, I recently bid my virtual farewell.

My presidency will go down in the annals of history like no other. Not only was I the first African American to serve in this role in the association’s nearly 80-year existence, but I was also the first to do so despite the unpreceMy message was dented disruptions of a global pandemic. clear and without When I walked into apology: We, this role, I entered as an ambassador as the nation’s for change. Derived co-op leaders, from my experience at Roanoke Electric, I need to step up. recognized the need for the nation’s co-op leaders to loosen the reigns on the status quo and embrace the changes of a rapidly evolving industry. My priority was to take advantage of tools we have as cooperatives and pave the way for the adoption of the technological advances that stood to redefine the energy market.

Then, about midway through my presidency, societal challenges flipped the script.

The death of George Floyd. The subject of police brutality.

The symbols and acts of prevailing racism in America. The groundswell of national and global protests.

All of this, for me, was the tipping point.

At that moment in time, I came to terms with another pressing call to action. And my rallying cry for the nation’s electric cooperatives to embrace the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion grew stronger in its resolve and bolder in its approach.

My message was clear and without apology: We, as the nation’s co-op leaders, need to step up. My call for inclusive transformation did not fall on deaf ears, and courageous steps in the right direction followed.

On the national level, NRECA propelled their Advancing Energy Access For All initiative, a collaborative platform in which members can leverage the experiences and best practices aimed at meeting the needs of all members, including those who struggle to pay their bills. Co-op leaders emerged as strong advocates and collaborators in that program, and I am seeing signs of it gaining traction.

Under my leadership, the NRECA membership also passed a diversity, equity and inclusion resolution. It urges NRECA “to encourage the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and demonstrate to its members the value and business advantages of understanding and incorporating DEI into their business practices to achieve greater memberowner loyalty and increased member-owner satisfaction.”

Looking back, I knew the evolutionary changes I envisioned would not play out on cue. But I believe we were able to put in place enough markers to ensure lasting, impactful change beyond my presidency. The DEI resolution is certainly one of those markers.

This experience over the past two years was both memorable and transformative, filled with overwhelming support and encouragement. And for that, I am most grateful.

So, hold the applause. From where I stand, the curtain did not close on the rapid pace of industry transformation and the need to fully embrace DEI so electric co-ops can not only keep pace with industry transformation, but also bring along all of our member-owners in the process. In some ways, it began anew.

With so much at stake, the show must go on.

Curtis Wynn is president and CEO for Roanoke Electric Cooperative in Aulander and recently ended his two-year term as president of the NRECA Board of Directors.

6 | carolinacountry.com

ZoysiaFar CC04-wk.indd 6

3/11/21 2:25 PM

PROTECT YOUR HOME 365 DAYS A YEAR BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

15

10

% & OFF

SENIORS & MILITARY!

5

OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

2

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

%

D

1

’S

GU

TT

NATIO

% & OFF

R

E

N

TH

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER

ER GUA

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND!

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1 www.LeafFilter.com/15off | Promo Code: 73 Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

1

CALL US TODAY FOR

LIFETIME

A FREE ESTIMATE

WARRANTY

1-844-440-9814

The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Valid at time of estimate only. See Representative for full warranty details. Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMT Mercer Group in Ohio.

2

THE ONE-TIME, LIFETIME LAWN SOLUTION

Plant Faster, Easier With NEW SUPER PLUGS!

SAVE OVER 50%

Pre-cut plugs are 10x bigger!

OR... Plant Your Way With FREESTYLE PLUGS!

Stays lush and green in summer

Cut any size plugs from sheets!

7 Ways Our Amazoy Zoysia Lawn TM

Saves You Time, Work and Money!

1 – CUTS WATER BILLS AND MOWING BY AS MUCH AS 2/3 2 – NO GARDENING EXPERIENCE NEEDED – NO DIGGING UP OLD GRASS 3 – GROWS IN POOR, ROCKY, SANDY OR CLAY SOIL – IT DOESN’T MATTER 4 – FOR SLOPES, PLAY AREAS, BARE SPOTS AND PARTIAL SHADE 5 – STAYS GREEN IN SPITE OF HEAT AND DROUGHT 6 – STOPS CRABGRASS AND MOST SUMMER WEEDS FROM GERMINATING 7 – ENDS COSTLY RE-SEEDING AND NEVER NEEDS REPLACEMENT

Zoysia Farm

NURSERIES

Improving America’s Lawns Since 1953

ZoysiaFarm CarolinaCtry HalfPG April2021 Dept5770.indd 1 CC04-wk.indd 7

GUARANTEED TO GROW Or We’ll Replace Plugs FREE!

NOW 3 WAYS TO START YOUR AMAZOY ZOYSIA LAWN! 1) New Super Plugs come in handy trays, pre-cut as individual 3"x3" plugs ready to plant. Enough for 60 sq. ft. from $24.95 + shipping.

2) Freestyle Plugs come in uncut sheets with up to 150 - 1" plugs. Or for less cutting and planting, make each plug bigger and plant them farther apart – your choice. Enough for 300 sq. ft. from $29.95 + shipping.

3) Amazoy-Approved Seed – As the Zoysia Experts for 60+ years, we finally have a Zoysia seed that meets our standards and homeowners’ expectations. Available in 2-lb. bags, enough to cover over 1,000 sq. ft.

ORDER YOUR WAY TODAY!

www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag 410-756-2311

Promo Code

5770

Harvested Daily From Our Farms And Shipped To You Direct!

Amazoy is the trademark registered U.S. Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

© 2021 Zoysia Farm Nurseries, 3671 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787

12/15/20 5:02 PM 3/10/21 1:13 PM

Co-ops Meet Virtually for Annual Meeting

Denny Gainer, NRECA

More Power

Wynn delivers final remarks as national board president

June 2020

The magazine of

gavel in 2019 before thousands of co-op leaders, directors and staff gathered at NRECA’s annual meeting in Orlando. There, he called Outgoing NRECA Board President Curtis Wynn for co-ops to fully examine their future and lead their member communities into the next generation.

As his leadership term came to an end, his message was unwavering: “Act boldly, with purpose and with a sense of urgency; and seize the opportunities that matter to our members so America’s electric cooperatives can be a force for the future.”

Wynn also encouraged co-op leaders and staff to reflect on the NRECA CEO Jim Matheson during societal strife that has occurred opening remarks nationwide, and find ways to help and heal their communities.

“As leaders of America’s electric Following his remarks, Wynn cooperatives, it is our role to lead officially passed the gavel to incomthe way to more equitable economic ing national board president Chris Christensen of Montana, who serves opportunities for our members and communities,” Wynn said. “Be inclusive on the board of NorVal Electric Cooperative and runs his family and intentional about addressing the cattle ranch in the northeastern part unique needs of all of your members, of the state. especially those with high energy burdens.” (Read more reflections —Cathy Cash, NRECA, contributed to this article. from Wynn on page 6.)

Denny Gainer, NRECA

In late February and early March, nearly 3,000 electric co-op employees and directors from across the country signed on for the first virtual annual meeting held by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This year’s “PowerXchange” conference provided co-ops the opportunity to share experiences, and learn from energy industry speakers and sessions.

During his opening remarks, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson stressed the advantage electric cooperatives have during a time of political divisiveness.

“We’re grounded in community interests. We stand apart from everyone else in Washington because we are builders, and because we stay above the partisan fray,” Matheson said. “Members of both parties recognize us as leaders who can get things done — as problem-solvers who are invested in the places we serve. As folks you’d better have in your corner.

They listen to us because our goals are inseparable from the goals of the community.”

The meeting marked the end of a two-year term as national board president for Roanoke Electric Cooperative CEO Curtis Wynn. Wynn took the

Carolina Country Receives National Magazine Award

rge W. Hag g eo G

lism Aw rna ar ou

Memorial J ard

WINNER

2020

Brighter Future page 8

of a Get a bird’s-eye view grid neighborhood micro page 9

Great reads from local authors page 26

Published by

age 31 p — for Carolina’s Finest!

Last chance to vote

d

Building a

At its recent annual meeting, NRECA presented Carolina Country magazine with the George W. Haggard Memorial Journalism Award, given each year to the electric co-op publication that demonstrates the most forthright, concise and balanced presentation of ideas advancing electric co-ops and their consumer-members.

“North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have such a great story to tell,” said Warren Kessler, director of Publications for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “For one, we are currently working together on sustainability, reliability and community-oriented initiatives, focused on a brighter future for our members. Recognition received through the Haggard Award is something we share with co-ops across the state.”

This is the sixth time the North Carolina statewide publication has received the Haggard Award. Carolina Country also received the award in 2010, 2006 and 1993. Carolina Farmer magazine, the predecessor to Carolina Country, received the award in 1961 and 1960.

8 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 8

3/11/21 3:46 PM

Why have a stairlift when you can have a homelift?

Stay in the home and neighborhood you love with a Stiltz Homelift.

WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?

Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since.

A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between � loors, slowly. And it fits �its in only floors, one place: your staircase.

Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair.

THE MODERN SOLUTION

A Stiltz Homelift, on the other hand, is an affordable, modern home elevator that is �its just about so compact, it fits anywhere in your house.

It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet.

One look at our unique freestanding rail system, and you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!

A Stiltz Homelift is 100% safe. The elevator will not

operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way.

A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage.

The floor �loor lid is safe to walk on, and a key lock prevents unauthorized use.

A Stiltz Homelift is versatile.

Our elevators carry two people, or even a wheelchair.

And the small footprint means they fit �it just about anywhere.

Install your homelift through the floor, �loor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!

A Stiltz Homelift is clean and quiet. Our self-contained electric drive system is very quiet. No messy hydraulics, no noisy vacuum systems, no basement or attic machine rooms required.

A Stiltz Homelift is an extra pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, books, groceries, vacuum cleaners — even the family pet — up and down between floors �loors with our dual remote controls.

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON

Some Stiltz customers need a homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for the day when the stairs become a challenge.

For a FREE brochure or no obligation home visit

Call 1-833-234-3191 or visit www.StiltzLifts.com FEB21 CAROLINA COUNTRY 10_875x7_875 ADV.indd 1 CC04-wk.indd 9

A Stiltz home elevator gives you the freedom to enjoy every inch of your home, downstairs and upstairs!

®

HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS Stiltz is one of the world’s leading home elevator manufacturers, so you’ll be in good hands.

Your homelift will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals — expert technicians who truly care about your freedom, mobility and health.

• • • • • • • • • •

ordable Affordable Small Footprint Full Safety Features Quie Operation Clean, Quiet Lo Low Power Consumption Freestanding Design Wheelchair Accessible Carry Laundry or Pets Fast F Installation Full Warranty

“Can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”

– Mr. James, Roanoke VA

05/02/2021 10:09 3/12/21 11:23 AM

More Power

‘Could it Happen Here?’

Differences between NC co-ops and the Texas power grid In February, winter storms in Texas crippled the state’s electric grid and left more than 4.5 million customers without power. Amadou Fall, chief operating officer of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), discussed with Carolina Country how NC co-op members and the state’s electric grid are better protected. NCEMC provides electricity to 25 member cooperatives in North Carolina.

Q: A:

How is the Texas power grid different from ours in North Carolina?

The Texas grid is different from ours in two main ways. The first is how it’s connected to other power grids. In North Carolina, our grid is part of the Eastern Interconnect, a broad expanse of connected power infrastructure east of the Mississippi River. To the west is the Western Interconnect. The one exception is Texas: They formed a third interconnection, with very limited power connections on their borders.

Second is how it’s regulated. Texas deregulated its power market in 2002, and consumers there shop for power from available providers. Some providers give consumers the option to purchase power at wholesale prices, exposing them to significant risk when wholesale prices spike, like during the February storm.

Q: A:

How are we protected from exorbitant bills like some received in Texas?

Texas utilities and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are structured and regulated differently. Electric cooperatives are mission-driven to provide power at the lowest possible cost to members, and in North Carolina, our system provides consumers with power at stable prices. NCEMC generates a large portion of its power, which is at a known price. The remainder is obtained through long-term contracts, mostly at fixed costs. That power is delivered to co-ops, then distributed to members. The bottom line is there is long-term price stability in the power we provide.

Q: A:

What is being done to avoid blackouts like parts of Texas experienced?

In North Carolina, the grid is better equipped to manage periods of high demand. Think of the grid as a highway system. In North Carolina, our grid is designed like an interstate, with extra lanes to allow for rush-hour traffic. The Texas grid is more like a two-lane highway. Rather than expand the main road to meet demand, they added toll roads for periods of high traffic. To get on the road, consumers must pay, and the price goes up depending upon how many others want to drive. The thinking in Texas is that during periods of high demand, fewer will opt to use power as prices go up. But that can lead to problems during extreme cold or hot conditions when people need power to stay comfortable — the grid can quickly become overloaded.

Not only is our grid better designed to handle high demand, NC power providers are required by regional reliability organizations to maintain adequate reserves, which helps ensure power is there when it’s needed, and at a stable price.

Q: A:

Did renewable energy play any role during the Texas crisis?

Texas obtains 25 percent of its power from wind and solar, and during the winter storm, a large portion of that generation went offline because it wasn’t properly winterized. But it affected other sources of generation similarly — natural gas pipelines froze and coal plants had issues with coal piles freezing. The failures occurred across all sources of generation because of the extreme weather, coupled with previous decisions made by Texas regulators and utilities to not require winterization of generation and fuel lines.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives obtain power from a diverse portfolio of resources, which are winterized, and include additional measures to protect from hurricanes and other storms. What’s more, our co-ops work together to manage activity across local distribution grids, which enhances grid reliability overall.

10 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 10

3/10/21 4:28 PM

Upper Class Just Got Lower Priced

Finally, luxury built for value— not for false status

U

ntil Stauer came along, you needed an inheritance to buy a timepiece with class and refinement.

Not any more. The Stauer Magnificat II embodies the impeccable quality and engineering once found only in the watch collections of the idle rich. Today, it can be on your wrist.

The Magnificat II has the kind of thoughtful design that harkens back to those rare, 150-year-old moon phases that once could only be found under glass in a collector’s trophy room.

Powered by 27 jewels, the Magnificat II is wound by the movement of your body.

An exhibition back reveals the genius of the engineering and lets you witness the automatic rotor that enables you to wind the watch with a simple flick of your wrist.

It took three years of development and $26 million in advanced Swiss-built watchmaking machinery to create the Magnificat II. When we took the watch to renowned watchmaker and watch historian George Thomas, he disassembled it and studied the escapement, balance wheel and the rotor. He remarked on the detailed guilloche face, gilt winding crown, and the crocodile-embossed leather band. He was intrigued by the three interior dials for day, date, and 24-hour moon phases. He estimated that this fine timepiece would cost over $2,500. We all smiled and told him that the Stauer price was less than $100. A truly magnificent watch at a truly magnificent price!

Try the Magnificat II for 30 days and if you are not receiving compliments, please return the watch for a full refund of the purchase price.

The precision-built movement carries a 2 year warranty against defect. If you trust your own good taste, the Magnificat II is built for you.

Stauer Magnificat II Timepiece $399* Offer Code Price

$99 + S&P SAVE $300!

The Stauer Magnificat II is powered by your own movement

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Offer Code: MAG539-08

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. MAG539-08 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. ®

• Luxurious gold-finished case with exposition back • 27-jeweled automatic movement • Croc-embossed band fits wrists 6¾"–8½" • Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CC04-wk.indd 11

3/10/21 1:13 PM

More Power

Building a Brighter Future

Safe, Sustainable Nuclear Power Nuclear energy is a key contributor to North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ commitment to providing members safe, reliable and sustainable electricity at the lowest possible cost. More than half of the electricity NC electric co-ops provide to members is from nuclear energy, most of which is generated at the Catawba Nuclear Station in York County, South Carolina, operated by Duke Energy.

Affordable and Sustainable Nuclear power plants emit nothing but water vapor, making them a carbonfree generation source. Uranium, used to power the reactors, is an abundant metal available at a very stable price.

Plentiful, Reliable Power

Safety: The Highest Priority

The Catawba plant is the workhorse of the co-op generation fleet, designed to operate over a long period and provide steady “baseload” power 24/7 at a very low cost. It can run 18 months at a time, without having to be refueled. A small amount of uranium packs a lot of punch: one fuel pellet, about the size of your fingertip, contains the same amount of energy as 1 ton of coal or 149 gallons of oil.

All U.S. nuclear plants are subject to strict federal oversight. Multiple systems, protocols and design features keep the plant safe, including a large, expertly trained onsite security force.

Cooling towers Huge, circular concrete structures, 7 stories high with 13 fans on top, cool water used in power production and emit only water vapor.

Used

fuel storage Used fuel rods are cooled in large pools for an average of 10 years before being transferred to 18-foot tall, long-term storage canisters, engineered to keep fuel safe without power or moving parts. All fuel used at Catawba since coming online in 1985 is still onsite.

Reactor

buildings The reactors are encased in layers of steel and concrete.

Each reactor building is made of nearly 4-foot-thick, steelreinforced concrete, one-third of which is buried underground.

Turbine decks Steam created by the reactor turns turbines, which, in turn, spin generators to produce electricity.

Substation

and transmission lines Combined, both units can produce 2,310 megawatts of power, or enough to power 1.7 million households—about one-third of all households in North Carolina.

Rendering is for informational purposes only and is not to scale.

12 | carolinacountry.com

CC04-wk.indd 12

3/11/21 2:29 PM

DR® Power Grader

DR® Stump Grinder

Make Yard Cleanup EASY with

DR® Chipper Shredders!

Make Your Driveway Like NEW!

Make Stumps Disappear!

• Fill in potholes and smoothe out washboard

• Grind away stumps fast

• Loosen & redistribute existing material

• Rotary head takes 360 “bites” per second

• Tungsten carbide-tipped teeth

• Tow with your ATV, UTV, or tractor • CHIP big branches up to 5" thick • SHRED lighter yard & garden waste

• Selfpropelled available

• REDUCE it all to a fraction of its original volume DRpowergrader.com

SA

LE

!

Including

FREE EASY

DRchipper.com

DRstumpgrinder.com

GoDRpower.com Request your FREE PRODUCT CATALOG Online or Toll-Free at 888-213-0239

SHIPPING FINANCING

Some limitations apply. Go online or call for details.

2021

Categories include: Nothing could be finer ...

Carolina Country is proud to offer up our second annual Carolina’s Finest Awards, showcasing the finest North Carolina has to offer.

We need your help!

We’re leaving it up to you, our readers, to pick the best of the best. Visit carolinacountry.com/finest

by June 30 and cast your votes in the categories below. Each voter will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards.

CC04-wk.indd 13

  BBQ

  Main Street/Downtown

  Burger

  Family Friendly Outing

  Bakery

  Public Garden

  Festival

  Iconic NC Landmark

  Weekend Getaway

  Made in NC Product

Vote for your favorites at

carolinacountry.com/finest

by June 30 for a chance to win $100!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete online entry form at carolinacountry.com/finest, or mail in your votes 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 June 30, 2021. Random drawing will take place July 1, 2021.

3/11/21 2:30 PM

Picture-Perfect

PETS

There sure are some goodlooking pets out there!

Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our very first Picture-Perfect Pets photo contest. The judges chose from more than 1,000 photos of dogs, cats, birds, lizards, horses, fish and hedgehogs (to name a few) throughout North Carolina.

—The editors carolinacountry.com/extras

See even more pet photo contest winners online, including our picks for funniest, most spoiled and best dressed.

Theo the tuxedo kitten tries on his new bow tie.

Amber Houston, Hickory, Rutherford EMC

14 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 14

3/11/21 2:09 PM

Trigger the German short-haired pointer takes a break from picking peanuts by playing in the dirt.

Andy Adkins, Enfield

Reese the seal-point Ragdoll loves treats, walks outside and high-fives.

Becca Hallman, Wake Forest

tie.

Walter the cavapoo has a HUGE personality.

Julie Thompson, Bolivia, Brunswick Electric

April 2021 | 15

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 15

3/9/21 8:51 AM

Prickly Pear the hedgehog snuffles through the clover.

Maylee Collins, Wake Forest, Wake Electric

Ruby the long-haired chihuahua loves the sun.

Kimberly White, Granite Falls, Blue Ridge Energy

Harvey the English springer spaniel keeps an eye out for trespassing squirrels.

Maylee Collins, Wake Forest, Wake Electric

16 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 16

3/9/21 8:51 AM

Peanutt the Guinea pig purrs when petted and squeaks when she hears a knife chopping up food for her.

Elise Magner, Matthews, Union Power Cooperative

Winston the veiled chameleon loves to climb everything, munch on asparagus, and curl up his tail for a nap.

Ashley Levins, Raleigh, Wake Electric

Trouble the cat chose the perfect backdrop to showcase her brilliant eyes.

Don Butler, Clinton, Four County EMC

April 2021 | 17

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 17

3/9/21 8:52 AM

All of the girls in her house wear bows, including Miss Kitty.

Alexis Metz, Raeford, Lumbee River EMC

18 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 18

Griffin contemplates his first trip to the beach.

Emma Long, Waxhaw

Mack the golden retriever loves his daily walks.

Find him on Instagram: @adventures.of.mack.

Kathryn Bowe, Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative

3/11/21 2:09 PM

!

N IO T C U D O R P Y C N E G EMER

Actual size is 40.6 mm

Rush Production of U.S. Silver Dollars Tied for 3rd Lowest Mintage in History

3,000,000

Tied for 3rd Lowest Mintage (1 million)

2,000,000

Buy More and Save!

We’re currently selling these coins for $51 each. But you can secure them for as low as $48.95 each when you buy 10 or more and mention the special call-in-only offer code below. Call 1-888-201-7639 now!

Date: Mint: Weight: Purity: Diameter: Mintage: Condition: Certified:

2021 San Francisco (S) 1oz (31.101 grams) 99.9% Silver 40.6 mm 1,000,000 Mint State-69 (MS69) Emergency Production

2021(S) Emergency Production American Eagle Silver Dollar NGC MS69 Early Releases —$51 1-4 coins — $49.95 each + s/h 5-9 coins — $49.50 each 10+ coins — $48.95 each SAVE over $20 on 10 or more coins!

FREE SHIPPING on 3 or More!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-201-7639 2015-P

2020-P

2021-S

0

2020-S

1,000,000

2017-P

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Silver Eagle. It’s also the final mintage to feature the coin’s original eagle design

by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. “Lasts” are always a big deal for collectors—almost as big as low populations. This Emergency Production release is both. In fact, it’s tied for the third lowest bullion Silver Eagle mintage ever! But how do we tell which coins are from the Emergency Production run?

4,000,000

2016-P

The End of an Era

2017-S

Due to the pandemic, the West Point Mint—the U.S. Mint branch that normally strikes Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Silver Eagles—temporarily locked down.

Demand was skyrocking, and so the U.S. Mint turned to its other branches, ordering them to strike special “Emergency Production” runs of Silver Eagles. It was great news for silver buyers, and even better news for collectors. Here’s why:

Silver Eagles have no mint mark to tell us where they were produced. But thanks to some skilled detective work, the experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services, were able to certify our coins as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during this Emergency Production run. What’s more, a number of these coins have been graded as Mint State-69 (MS69) condition—just one grade point away from perfection—and sealed with labels certifying them as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during the series’ 35th anniversary!

1966

Emergency Production!

Certified “Struck at” with Special Anniversary Labels

1994

O

ne of the most popular ways to buy silver is the Silver Eagle— legal-tender U.S. Silver Dollars struck in one ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the world, demand skyrocketed.

But there was a problem...

Offer Code ESE205-01

Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. ESE205-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors.

Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

CC04-wk.indd 19

3/10/21 1:13 PM

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for our 2.5 million members and local communities.

Sustainable, Affordable Energy Pursue a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using new and existing resources to ensure electricity continues to be delivered at the lowest possible cost.

Reliability & Innovation Leverage new technologies and innovation to deliver reliable electricity across resilient, co-op operated electric grids.

Local Community Support Enrich the lives of our local members through continued education initiatives, economic development and community-focused activities.

NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

NCECAd-01-2021-final.indd CC04-wk.indd 20 1

11/30/20 3/10/21 12:57 1:13 PM PM

Carolina Living

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors

Spring Refresh Pair pops of color with natural materials in your home If you’re ready for a change in season, redecorating your home is a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Making changes can be easier than you expect when you give natural materials a leading role in your design. Elements like plants, wood and organic textiles allow you to express your own style while paying homage to the great outdoors.

One downside of natural materials such as wood and stone is that they usually aren’t particularly colorful. If you prefer neutrals anyway, you can layer in different shades of white and add a few pale shades of one color, such as pink, to freshen a room. But if you like a lot of color, then pair natural materials with brighter colors.

Peppy color choices include citrusy shades like lime greens and lemon yellows. If you like blues, try pops of turquoise. You can also easily incorporate color through decorative items such as pillows, themed door wreaths, vases and artwork.

Speaking of art, handmade items can elevate the character of a room when compared to mass-manufactured wares. For example, choose a single piece of bright artwork you love from a talented artist rather than multiple pieces of mass-produced art from a retailer. Consider showcasing your new item with a special light or pretty frame.

Here are other ways to incorporate natural and handcrafted materials into your spaces: Hardwood flooring The floor is often the largest design element of a room. Consider changing out old carpet to artisan-crafted hardwood. Products like Carlisle Wide Plank Floors are crafted one board at a time, so the emphasis is on the wood’s natural beauty. You can choose a custom look, from wood species and grade to texture and color, or opt for a more universal finish.

Natural textiles Linen and rough cotton fabrics bring distinctive textures that maintain an organic vibe. Natural textiles can also be quite durable, making them practical selections for often-used spaces.

Elements to consider changing include window treatments, bedding and decorative throws.

Natural stone When many people think about stone, features like countertops come to mind. But incorporating stone in more unexpected ways often can make an even bigger impression. For example, you might choose a coffee table or end tables that feature stone accents.

Plant life Incorporate fresh flowers and houseplants as part of your design. Pick up bouquets of spring flowers such as tulips, hyacinths and daffodils at your local grocery store or display flowers cut from your own yard. For new houseplants, consider lighting, watering and other care requirements.

Bromeliad lend a tropical touch and often just need watering once a week.

If you are short on table display space, go vertical and hang plants such as Boston Ferns, English Ivy and String of Pearls — all trail prettily.

—FamilyFeatures.com

April 2021 | 21

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 21

3/10/21 2:02 PM

Carolina Living

Amazing Makeovers

Shelter dogs transformed by love and grooming Many animals at shelters are often perceived as “damaged goods” because of their appearance.

To better their chances at being adopted, pet industry enterprises Wahl and Greater Good Charities donated funds and grooming supplies to shelters nationwide. Here are some top winners from their Dirty Dogs Contest.

Toko When Toko was turned over to his rescue, he was scared to let anyone touch him. After dedicated attention, Toko’s true bubbly personality won over a grooming employee, who gives Toko lots of cuddles.

Patterson Patterson came to his rescue with a broken jaw. For weeks, he wore a soft muzzle that left his skin irritated. His first grooming was a delicate process, but Patterson is a trooper. He was later happily adopted.

Buddy Buddy started out as a playmate to a little girl, but as she got older, Buddy went from playing tea party to being very neglected. A rescue provided medical care and grooming, and an elderly gentleman adopted him. They are now best friends.

Stein Stein spent much of his life alone and outside. After medical care and his makeover, Stein flourished. This handsome guy now lives with a loving family.

—Brandpoint carolinacountry.com/extras

Be sure to check out Carolina Country’s own pet photo contest winners, starting on page 14, with even more pet photo fun online.

22 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 22

3/9/21 8:52 AM

February 2021 ice storm damage

The SYEMC office will be closed Friday, April 2, in observance of Good Friday and Easter.

Member Moment: McCall encourages other members to designate additional contacts

By Wendy Wood

S A publication for Surry-Yadkin EMC members

April 2021

To make an appointment, call 800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org and use Sponsor Code: Dobson.

ara McCall’s first experience with the electric cooperative was as a child when she would visit her grandmother’s home in Wilkes County. Now, as an adult and a 33-year member-consumer of Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation, McCall is reflecting on her time as part of a rural electric utility and encouraging other members to consider adding an additional contact to their accounts.

“I remember as a kid walking to where my mailbox is now,” said McCall of her time spent with her grandmother, who lived on property near her current Hays home.

“She would get a postcard and she would read her meter and mail it back.”

All of McCall’s experiences with SYEMC haven’t been positive, in fact her first experience as a member-consumer was one of those “not very good” experiences. “When we built this house, we had a beautiful tree out front, and the manager then cut that tree,” she said. “He said, ‘I just thought you’d want it cut.’ But he never asked us first.”

She said SYEMC did make it right by replacing it with a beautiful pen oak tree that still stands in that spot of her yard.

Two other rough times with the co-op were when her family was without power for seven days. One of those times was in September 1989 when Hurricane Hugo made landfall and ripped through North Carolina, causing about $11 billion in damage and killing 67 people in its wake. The other time was in

December 1994 when the area was hit with a major storm that affected the east coast, causing more than $21 million in damage during Christmas week.

“It seemed to take forever,” McCall said of the power restoration efforts. “We were the last ones on the road to get our power back. It was very frustrating.”

During the storm, she said she used her wood stove in the basement to cook and she would travel to her father and stepmother’s home in North Wilkesboro to shower. She didn’t do any Christmas baking that year due to the storm’s effects.

“I didn’t like losing our meat and stuff in the freezer,” she said, noting that her family was probably able to absorb that loss better than others might have been, but it still hurt.

But in recent years, the outages

See McCall, page E

A Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 1

3/10/21 2:26 PM

ConnectWith: Field, office employees who are the face of the co-op

Employees recognized for hard work

E

ach April, nationally, administrative professionals and linemen are recognized on different days for their hard work.

B Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 2

At Surry-Yadkin EMC, the office staff and the field employees, including our linemen, are hard at work providing professional, dedicated service to

our members.

We wanted to take this time to recognize our employees and thank them for their service.

April 2021

3/10/21 2:26 PM

syemc.com

Surry-Yadkin EMC employees work in the fields of accounting, administration, communications, human resources, member services, information technology, engineering, dispatch, billing, staking, substation, lineworker, right-of-way, inspection and maintenance/fleet.

SYEMC employees Jessica Bannister Austin Barker Lee Bedsaul Debbie Benge Kimberly Blackburn Travis Bode Sarah Bowen Bryan Bowman Ricky Bowman Tommy Brock Roga Bryant Matthew Burke Kathi Cave Dillion Caviness Celia Chavez Brandon Childress Andrea Contreras Megan Cox Anna Culler Gaye Davis Holly DePrisco Brock Dodson Susan Duncan Dean Durham

Beth Flinchum Patrick Frazier Bailey Galyean Patrick Gwyn Jaye Hall Caleb Harris Alexis Hawks William Hawkins Rhonda Hill Sheldon Howlett Angie Johnson Brad Johnson David Johnson Garrett Johnson Bryon Kennedy Sam Kidd Kendall Kirkman Mary Lilly Karen Lloyd Cindy Loredo Caleb Lowe Kelly Martin LaQuanda Martin Neil Martin

LINEWORKERS BRING THE LIGHT.

David Mauldin Mike Mills Landon Moore Melena Moser Kenny Mosley Nick Newman Jeff Nixon Jody Norman Josh Norman Randy Parlier Greg Puckett Wendy Quesenberry Eric Sawyers Kathy Sawyers Tony Shinault Tyler Stoltzfus Chris Tolbert Katelyn Tripp Misty Utt Wendy Wood Glenn Woods Toliver Wright Tyler Yarboro

Administrative Professionals Day April 21, 2021

for being awesome!

Lineworker Appreciation Day On April 18, remember to #ThankALineworker.

April 2021

Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 3

C 3/10/21 2:26 PM

syemc.com

Manager's Message | Greg Puckett

Mission statement, principles guide daily co-op business Dear Valued Member, In this day and age of a “smart” world with fast technology, it’s hard to imagine a time when our area had no access to electricity. It’s important for our members to understand where we came from and where we are headed as an electric cooperative and industry.

Investor-owned utilities (IOUs) as they were first growing the power grid focused their funds on populated areas, leaving the rural areas like ours with little to no power. Factories and employers followed the power to urban areas.

As late as the mid-1930s, nine out of 10 rural homes were without electric service. This kept rural economies from growing, and dependent solely on agriculture. Seeing a need and economic advantage to bring power to rural farmers and families, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 7037 on May 11, 1933, establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).

In 1934, the Rural Electrification Act passed, providing for a lending program so that farmer-based cooperatives could apply for loans to begin building electric infrastructures. Then in 1937, the REA drafted the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act, a model law that states could adopt to enable the formation and operation of notfor-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives.

In 1940, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation was founded by a local group of farmers. Seven months after SYEMC closed on the first loan from the REA, we energized our first lines on February 22, 1941.

Then eight months later, we held our first annual meeting. The 2021 annual

meeting in October will be our 80th business meeting of members.

In 1965, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, formed in 1891 as a state government agency, brought electric cooperatives and IOUs together to draw out maps defining assigned service territories, because towns and cities had begun expanding into formerly rural areas. Those assigned territories are still in observance today, with some open territory areas where property owners can choose their power supplier as new construction takes place. Once a utility is chosen, that is the assigned utility for that property.

Eighty years after our formation, when we supported the community by providing electricity to anyone who wanted it — no matter the cost — SYEMC continues to support its members and the community through economic development and community outreach projects.

Our mission is to provide outstanding service that powers our rural communities. We continue to focus on professional development for our employees and work toward strategic goals in order to strive to meet that mission.

The cooperative business model by which we operate centers around seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect the core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater good of the community. This model also includes educating our members, the community at large and training our employees and board of directors.

1. Open and Voluntary Membership — Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of members.

2. Democratic Member Control — Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

3. Members’ Economic Participation — Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

4. Education, Training and Information — Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, manager, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.

5. Autonomy and Independence — Cooperatives are autonomous, independent organizations controlled by their members.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives — Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.

7. Concern for Community — While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.

Over the next few months, I want to share with you what it takes to operate Surry-Yadkin EMC’s system, including our operations and financial needs, and how that affects our members and our community.

I want to invite you to join me as we explore the cooperative business model of which you, our members, are a part.

Cooperatively yours,

Greg Puckett Executive Vice President & General Manager

For members on Time-of-Day rate, please note On-Peak Hours change April 16 to 2 to 6 p.m.

D Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 4

April 2021 3/10/21 2:26 PM

n

syemc.com

McCall From page A

have improved thanks to improvements made to the system, McCall said. “I got up yesterday morning and got a shower, because I figured we would lose power,” she said during an interview in February when a major ice storm had been forecast. “There was ice on the trees and my deck, but my lights never flickered.”

In July 2018, McCall’s husband died suddenly, but she didn’t realize until two years later that the employees at SYEMC couldn’t discuss the home’s account with her because she wasn’t listed on the account.

“For all the time we’d been out here, I paid the bills. I was the social and financial secretary,” McCall said of her role in the marriage. “I wrote checks for a long time, and then I started doing them online.”

It wasn’t until January 2021 that McCall found out her name had never been on the account. She called the SYEMC office to go over her high bill for the month of December when she was out of town visiting family in West Virginia.

“I thought my power bill was astronomical, so I called and Kathi (Cave) said she couldn’t talk about it because my name wasn’t on the account,” McCall said. “I thought it was an archaic rule, especially if someone got COVID and was in the hospital, so I wrote a letter to Greg (Puckett, executive vice president and general manager).”

As a cooperative, only one member can be listed as the account holder due to only one member per account having a vote in annual meeting elections.

Additional contacts can be listed on accounts so that someone other than just the member can discuss the account with SYEMC employees.

McCall said Cave was able to tell her how to have the account switched into her name, and she reached out to the Wilkes County Clerk of Court for an affidavit of collection, disbursement, and distribution, which she’d never had to get when her husband died.

“I have worked with Gaye Davis, and my name is now on the account as a member and my son’s name is an additional contact,” McCall explained.

“I just wonder how many people don’t know. I worry about if a husband dies and the couple doesn’t have a child to advocate for the elderly wife, if her name wasn’t on the account then who will be able to speak to the cooperative,” she said. “What if someone had a medical emergency and their family member called and they weren’t on the account so they couldn’t talk to them. Those people need to be aware they need to have two people on their account.”

In February, after getting the appropriate paperwork from the clerk of court and getting the account changed, McCall made her first payment as a member with the bill in her name.

“Everyone I’ve worked with has been great,” McCall said.

She said she encourages other members to go ahead now and designate an additional contact on their account, because they never know when something might happen to keep the member from being able to speak on their behalf about their account.

Throughout the situation, McCall said, “Everybody, Kathi, Mary (Lilly), Gaye, Greg, Eddie Campbell (SYEMC

director) is a good friend of mine …

I’ve felt valued as a customer. It is important we can talk to somebody.”

Members can add additional contacts to their account by calling the SYEMC office at 336-356-8241 or 800-682-5903.

r o f g n i k loo u o y e y r g r A e n e e sav o t s y a more w y? e n o m d an As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, members can access Touchstone’s “101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money.”

To find energy efficiency tips and the link to “101 East Ways to Save,” visit syemc.com/content/cost-saving-tips

April 2021

Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 5

E 3/10/21 2:26 PM

syemc.com

Returning money to our members

A

s a not-for-profit electric cooperative, any margins, or profits, made beyond our operating costs are returned to our members as capital credits. The following names include former members of SYEMC for whom there is no current forwarding address.

To claim their capital credits, these former members must contact SYEMC at Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation 336-356-8241. If you recognize someone on the list, please have them contact us.

Crispin Abillar Jr D J Abt Howard J Adams Douglas D Adams William B Adkins Luther D Akers Edna B Alley Linda C Allred Lenwood Ammons Steve C Anders Robert F Antone Eddie Arnder Kimberly A Ashburn Rocky L Atkins Wilveria B Atkinson Kenneth P Avery Ronald Ayers Jonathan Bailey Michael Bailey Leslie K Bailey Jay W Baldock David Barber David Barfield Harold L Barnette Robert E Batton Daryl Bauguess James A Bauguss Adam Beamer Leonard Beasley Allen Beasley Theodore Beck George Becker Beechnut Park Robert J Bell Jessie E Belton Ben Lar Properties Allen J Bennett Parks H Benton Carlton E Best Grady Billings Janice C Bingman Gary D Bledsoe Jerry W Blevins Blue Ridge Foothills Bennie L Bolin Jessie Bolt Darrell W Bondurant Barry W Bottoms Craig Bowers Stephen L Bowles Opal Bowman Ronnie L Bowman Richard C Bowman

F Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 6

Russell K Boyd James G Boykin Larry D Brim Emma G Brinson Johnny R Britt Toni P Brooks James D Brown Roy K Brown Peggy G Bruner Michael D Bryant Steven Bryant Earl R Bryant Jonah W Buelin Jerry F Bundy Curtis Butcher Hazel Byrd Richard H Byrd David M Byrd Billy C Calhoun Shelly B Calloway Michael S Caplan Dale E Carpenter Betty Carter Terry Carter I Keith Casey Cynthia G Cassels Jason L Casstevens David W Caudle Mickey Cave Bernice T Cave Christoph J Cave Ceilidh Farms Inc Dennis L Chambers Melvin E Chandler Kenneth D Chandler Chappell’S Body Shop Steven J Childress Kenneth M Chilton Marie Chilton Robert B Cobb Melvin C Coe Tabitha T Cole Alexis S Coleman Duke Collins Richard F Collins Richard D Collins Constance P Collins James C Combs Communications 3600 Cleo C Cook David Cook Darlene H Cook Sheila Core

Charles G Couch Linville Couch Sara L Cox Levonda R Craft Vickie Cress Mark Crissman Michael A Cross Paul Crouse David Cruise Francisco J Cruz Mack R Dalton Gail V Daniel Keith B Danner Donald G Darnell Michael Darnell Annette Darnell Connie C Daughenbaugh Charles Davis Harold W Davis Raymond R Davis George G Davis Tomas P Delgado Patricia B Dennis Jeffrey P Dixon David E Dobson Karen A Dodson Shelby J Donathan Edgar E Dotson D Michael Draughn William Dunham Richard E Durgin Jr Gary W Eades Robert G Easter Eco Knit Inc Spencer Edmonds Frances G Edwards Robert L Edwards Michael D Edwards John D Eldridge Iii Denise Eller Edwin Ellis Georgia Ellis Robert C Epping James Lee Ester Sharon Euson Veronica J Evans George J Evans Falcon Cable Media Bill H Farmer William H Felty Robert B Finger Jeffery D Finney Omar D Fischer

Margaret P Fletcher Howard W Fletcher Jill U Foster Ruby L Foster Shirley P France Kenneth G Frazier D A French Annette Frost Marty Fulk Michael R Fulk Marty B Fuller Lantz P Gaffney Tony Gainous Patricia E Galileo Randy Galyean Alex Garza Bobby J Gentry James S Gibbs Iii James L Gillespie Hilda W Gilley Dale R Gilliam Leona M Gilliam I R Goco Stevie W Goin Joe Gonzales Ann B Goodnight Clint A Gould David M Graham Flossie H Graves Stanley D Gray Daniel T Greene Mario Gregorio Leland R Gregory Charles L Griffith John W Gunter Nina E Gwyn Michael S Hale Joey Haley Dale Hall Thomas V Hall Mark T Hall William R Hall Scott R Hall Rebecca L Hall Janie M Hall Thelma F Hancock Larry Hanks Deborah M Hanks Benjamin A Hardin Danny E Hardy Judy Hardy Jack S Harlowe Dorothy H Harp

Patrick Harper Carl D Harris Ronnie L Harris Linda Harrison Teresa M Harrison Richard Harrold Kenneth R Hartley Barry L Hartman Vestal Hauser Linda Hawkins Kevin D Hawks Olen Hawks Peggy J Hawks Christine H Hawks James E Hayes Jr Henry D Haynes Michael D Healy Eugene Heath Carol G Hemric Heritage Builders Melissa L Hernandez Bruce W Hicks Nancy H Hicks Brenda B Hicks Richard C Hill Nancy M Hilton Kathy J Hines Kay N Hinton Barbara H Hitchcock Frances Hodge Beulah Hodges Jack L Hodges Jr Hardin R Hodges William J Hopkins Virginia C Hunley Rassie S Hunter Leonard Huston Terry M Hutchens Timothy L Hutchens Wilson L Hutchens Michael W Hutcherson Harry C Inman Charlene B Johnson Carol M Johnson Jimmie L Johnson Nora Johnson Raymond Johnson Terry W Johnson James L Johnson Ira B Johnson Jr Cindy P Johnson Michael D Johnson

April 2021 3/10/21 2:26 PM

syemc.com (Unclaimed Capital Credits continued) To claim their capital credits, these former members must contact SYEMC at 336-356-8241. If you recognize someone on the list, please have them contact us.

Charlie F Jones Roy C Jones Mildred B Jones Janie W Jones Kathy A Jordan Keith Jordan Frances Jordan Speas Joyce Mike Joyce Andres Juarez Serge Kalognomos Kimberly L Kaper Delmar G Keaton Maxcine G Kelley Linne D Kelly Gene Kennedy Audrey R Key Danny L Key Grover T Key Linda F Key Larry B Key David A Kiger Dorothy T King Timothy A King Gary K King Jr Charles R Kirkman Anthony M Krause Keene K Kruckenberg Alicia Landaverde Robert R Lane Eric J Lapradd Donnie J Large Rickey L Lashmit Howard H Lawrence Tim Lawrence Brenda S Lawson Bryan L Lawson Charles C Lawson Ann Lawson Jack A Layne Raymond E Ledford Deidree R Leonard Michael O Levan Pamela M Lewis Ethelyn H Lewis Larry W Lineberry Barbara J Longbottom Loyd Lyons Steven E Mabe Richard A Macdonald Glenn Mace Jr Cynthia J Mack Marilyn J Mansolino Maple Grove Grocery Ella M Marion Roy J Marion Sheila T Marshall Donald W Marshall James M Marshall Collier L Marshall Douglas E Martin Gregory D Martin Jerry W Martin Ramon Martinez Angela H Mastin

Steven T Mathis Jerry W Matthews James M Mauldin Cheryl A McBride Robert I McCarthur Susan L McGarry Thomas M McGuire James R McKnight Jr Jonathan McLellan Joseph R Medley Adam S Merilic Kevin B Michael Hewson A Michie Cynthia Milano Donald W Miller Leslie J Mills Vernon J Mininger Harley G Minnich Ted Minton Kenneth Misenheimer Harold Mitchell Kenneth W Moncus Danny R Monday Brian Monk Scott W Mooney Terry A Morrell Patricia L Morrison Paul J Morton Mourning Dove Ranch Paul W Mullins Barry W Mullis Marilyn Mullis Denise Murphy Jerry W Myers Fern M Myers Robert T Myers Nanny’S Kountry Kitchen Norma R New Kim D Newell Jerry L Newman Richard Nieves Donald Norman Frances C Nunn Arlene B Nunn Gwenda Oldson James C O’Neal Gary O’Quinn Ronald G Pack Ronnie Pack Grace O Padgett James Page David Palocios Danny W Pardue Daniel Pardue Sheila L Pardue John B Paris Michael S Parks Randall Parks Terry Patterson Janene S Payne James K Penn Ricky E Perdue Michael G Perry Julius H Petty Tom J Phillips

Roger Phillips Jimmy L Phillips Pilot Graphic Corp Lester G Pinnix Randall D Pitts Sr Ernesto Ponce J L Porter Kathryn C Porter William A Poteat Premier Rack & Mfg Thomas L Puryear Craig M Quesenberry Raimund Rael Jose H Ramos Nancy M Randolph Jack Rasnick Blanche H Ratliff Madgalene Reavis Richard Redl Ronnie Renegar Jimmy L Riggs Larry D Ring Michael S Ring Perry L Roberson Susan M Roberts Gary L Robertson Christoph Rocco Lloyd C Rose Connie M Routson James C Rowe Kenneth Royal Grace Russell R W Russell Bernice Sales Manuel Salgado Pamela J Sanchez Larry W Sapp Jr Betty L Schugg Kathy W Schuh Robert Scofield Merlin Scofield Donald R Scott Jimmie R Scott George R Seeley Bill R Senter Dorothy A Senter Charles Setar Michael J Shelton Dwight H Shelton David K Shelton Mabel B Shore Henry Shores Edra J Shreve Paul E Shrewsberry Jr Rick L Shropshire Larry R Shumate Jeffrey M Shumate Jesus L Silva Robert Simmons William H Simmons Ruth N Simmons Kenneth L Simpson Singletree Inn Maxton R Sink Phillip D Sizemore

Raymond Sizemore Dorothy C Slate Rachel G Smith Cindy Smith Judy V Smith Richard A Smith Gary M Smith Larry N Smith Janet L Smith Terry L Smith Jim Smith Connie L Smith John W Smith Kenneth E Smith Delmer L Smith Phillip C Smith Scott E Snow Joseph F Snow Lisa Snow Sarah T Snow Chadwick D Snow Mary E Solana Clyde R Spaugh Marvin L Speaks Oscar L Speas Debbie Speas Sprint Mid-Atlantic Glenda Stalvey Charles C Stanley Joyce Stanley Rosalind L Stanley Timothy J Starkey Thomas R Stevens Stevens Roofing Systems Sherry L Stewart Garrett Stewart Lori P Stinson Vicky G Stone William O Storms Arthur R Stowers Arthur L Stowers Jr Surry Water Company Robert Sutphin E H Swaim Sharon L Sweat Vernon J Tackett Sizemore M Tara Jesse M Tate Sr Clinton T Tate David Taylor Jack Taylor Teresa S Taylor Nellie Taylor David W Taylor Jean Thomas Roger D Thomas Scottie A Thomas I Larry D Thomas David A Thomas Molly Thompson Arvil E Thompson Diana Thompson James P Thornton S W Thrasher Jr Mary R Tilley

April 2021

Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 7

Timothy W Tilley Tobaccoville Groceryinc Gabriel R Torres Ralph K Trivette John Tuit George R Turnage Georgia W Tutterow Alfredo Urquiza James E Utley Jr Timothy R Vaden Joel R Valentine William H Van Eaton J F Vaughn Ray A Veach Francisco Vega Elisa Vega Kirk R Vernon Michael Vestal Terry D Vestal Virginia-Carolina Paving Benjamin T Vogler Jr Tommy Joe Wagoner Thomas C Wagoner Bill Waldrup Keith P Walker Gary W Walkup Martin E Wall Teresa A Wallace Thomas G Wallace Brian P Webb Thomas M Weber Shirley D Welch Barry G West Timothy C Westmoreland Betty S Whitaker Jerry L Whitaker Jimmy R Whitaker Dora C White Jarvis R White Billy White Mitzi G White Mary M Whitman Christoph H Whitman Erlene Whitney Robert H Wiles Shane B Wilkins Jeffrey A Willard Ronald L Willard Della M Williams Gary L Williams Kenneth P Williams Ronnie L Williams Brenda Williams Jackie R Wilson Susan E Wilson Steve Wood Timothy D Wood James R Wood Gregory M Woodward John C Wright Johnny D Yarbrough William H Yates Jr John P Zeisel

G 3/10/21 2:26 PM

syemc.com

Co-op staff, industry contacts provide needed climbing gear for Ugandan lineman

Member Connections is a monthly publication intended for the members and friends of Surry-Yadkin EMC.

By Wendy Wood

S

urry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation employee Jeff Nixon, senior apparatus technician, recently coordinated donations to provide lineman’s climbing gear for a lineman in Uganda.

Nixon explained that the need came to him through fellow church member and missionary Brian Tyndall. Tyndall and his wife, Carla, of Ennice, are the founders of Uttermost Evangelism. In January 2020, Nixon traveled with Tyndall and others from their church to Guyana to help with church construction and training for local pastors.

Each year, Tyndall travels to Africa to conduct outdoor crusades at different locations approved by the governments there. Locals from those areas assist Tyndall in setting up the equipment he needs for the crusades.

Tyndall reached out to Nixon early in 2021 before his trip to Uganda to let him know, Charles, one of the men who works part-time with him in Africa had recently taken a lineman’s job with a Uganda power company.

Because of limited resources in the country, it is difficult to acquire the climbing equipment Charles needed for his job. So Tyndall, knowing that Nixon works at Surry-Yadkin EMC as a lineman, reached out to him for ideas on where to find the tools.

“I was excited to be able to help Brian get the tools that a brother lineman in Uganda would need to start his career in line work,” Nixon said.

The challenge was putting the project together in just a week, so that Tyndall could take the tools with him to give to Charles when he arrived in Uganda.

Nixon shared the project and his intention to provide the tools for Charles with his supervisor, manager and a few co-workers at SYEMC. “They all loved the idea and were eager to offer the funds needed to buy the tools with their own money,” Nixon said.

“You can always count on all of my co-workers to help out when there is a need for assistance, whether it is for a co-worker, co-op member, food pantry,

H Surry-Yadkin-0421.indd 8

Board of Directors Lee Von (Toby) Speaks, President Willard Swift, Vice President Karoline Overby, Secretary David Miller, Treasurer Board Members Brenda Hardy Stephen Hutson David Pendry Alvin Reid, Jr. Eddie Campbell Stephen Joyce

Charles, a new lineman in Uganda, whose last name has been withheld to protect him and his family, uses brand new lineman’s climbing gear donated

by Jeff Nixon, senior apparatus technician at Surry-Yadkin EMC, and several of his co-workers and industry contacts. The gear was delivered by Brian Tyndall of Ennice, founder of Uttermost Evangelism.

or community need.”

Nixon coordinated with friend and business owner Tim Sawyers, operator of AGP Utility Tool & Repair, a local business who SYEMC works with for equipment and service, and Sawyers donated the climbing boots and quoted the prices for the other tools needed.

Sawyers reached out to Wade Summerlin with Utility Service Agency in Charlotte, one of his equipment suppliers, and Summerlin was able to provide some of the tools needed through his company.

The remainder of the tools needed were paid for by Nixon and his co-workers and delivered a few days before Tyndall headed to Africa.

“It was a great way to help people like Charles in other countries develop and maintain their country’s infrastructure and provide the benefits of electricity and a better quality of life, along with meeting their spiritual needs,” Nixon said.

Greg Puckett, Executive Vice President and General Manager Wendy Wood, Editor

Surry-Yadkin EMC 510 South Main Street Dobson, North Carolina 27017 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 www.syemc.com Office Hours Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

To report an outage, day or night 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 An Equal Opportunity Employer Connect with SYEMC syemc @SurryYadkinEMC SurryYadkinEMC

Serving the Yadkin Valley since 1940.

April 2021

3/10/21 2:26 PM

t

Carolina Living

Overcoming the Mask

Improve your conversations through mindful communication

I

t can be plain hard to communicate through masks and social distancing due to the pandemic. For people with hearing loss, this is an especially trying time. According to 2020 research by Auditory Insight, hearing aid companies reported that usage of online hearing tests have increased at least 500 percent since the pandemic began.

“With COVID-19 and masks, everyday tasks are a source of frustration, such as asking a question at the grocery store deli or talking to someone from behind a customer service desk,” said Bill Schiffmiller, a lifelong hearing aid user and founder and CEO of Akoio, a hearing wellness company. “He also pointed out that masks reduce the loudness of the voice, muffle pronunciation and eliminate visuals like facial expressions and lip reading.”

Data shows people who can’t hear others begin to stay away from other people, and social isolation can lead to anxiety and depression. Among those 55 and older who have hearing loss, 58 percent don’t use hearing aids.

Here are some ways to help you address hearing issues and help you better communicate. You can find more hearing resources at akoio.com.

Help someone hear you better patient. Remember the increased challenges people with hearing loss are facing now. If communication becomes too difficult through a mask, have a backup plan such as pen and paper or a smartphone note-taking app.

■ Be

■ Try a standard medical mask. High-frequency hearing

loss is common, according to audiologist Dr. Shivani Patel, and it makes female voices difficult to hear. In this situation, research has found standard medical masks tend to transfer sound best.

background noise. Music, construction, other conversations, heaters and fans can make it challenging to communicate when wearing a mask.

■ Minimize

“cavernous” rooms. An environment with mostly hard surfaces, such as a large meeting room or gymnasium, offers minimal sound dampening and can make hearing comprehension more difficult.

■ Avoid

body movements to indicate your thoughts and feelings. For example, use hand gestures and lift your eyebrows to show surprise and interest.

■ Include

When you’re having trouble hearing people know. Tell friends and family what you’re experiencing and be clear and direct in expressing your thoughts. Ask whether they have noticed your hearing troubles and listen to their feedback. Describe specific instances and circumstances when your hearing is affected most. Armed with this knowledge, your loved ones can help you manage various situations.

■ Let

a plan of action. Set an appointment to have your hearing checked by an audiologist and be sure to inquire about his or her COVID-19 precautions before making an appointment. Also, if you already wear a hearing aid, be sure to carry extra batteries.

■ Determine

hearing wellness a priority. Hearing is important to a person’s mental and physical wellness, and untreated hearing loss can have multiple health consequences.

■ Make

—FamilyFeatures.com

April 2021 | 23

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 23

3/9/21 8:52 AM

Carolina Living

Lime-Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice

Seafood for Cautious Kids Reel them in with zesty shrimp dishes

W

hen families ponder seafood recipes, an important aspect to consider is the kid-friendliness of a dish. One way to do this is to make shrimp-based options that provide familiar tastes in appetizing ways.

For example, you can take your family’s taste buds on an international trip with tasty Cuban Shrimp and Rice Tacos for an easy-to-prepare meal bursting with the flavors of citrus and herbs. Increase the fun by serving with toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese and shredded lettuce to allow kids to garnish their tacos their way.

Lime-Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice is an Asian-inspired option with additions of bok choy, lime juice, fresh ginger root and mango for zesty flavor. Both dishes require half an hour or less in the kitchen, leaving more time for fun and relaxation in the evenings.

Plus, you can add to the convenience of these meals by incorporating an easy option like quick-cooking rice or quinoa to add taste and texture. Boilin-bags speed up your preparation even more. You can find meal ideas at successrice.com.

—FamilyFeatures.com

2 bags jasmine rice 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed 8 baby bok choy, trimmed and quartered ½ cup diced fresh mango 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons lime juice Prepare rice according to package directions. Let cool completely.

In wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook shrimp, bok choy, mango, ginger and salt, stirring, 3–5 minutes, or until shrimp start to curl and bok choy starts to wilt.

Stir in cooked rice and cook 2–3 minutes, or until well coated. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Cook 2–3 minutes, or until rice is heated through.

Yield: 4 servings

Cuban Shrimp and Rice Tacos 1 bag jasmine rice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup orange juice 3 tablespoons lime juice 8 corn tortillas, warmed 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Prepare rice according to package directions.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shrimp, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper; sauté 2–3 minutes, or until shrimp start to curl.

Stir in rice, black beans, orange juice and lime juice. Cook 5–8 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Serve shrimp and rice in warm tortillas garnished with avocado and cilantro.

Yield: 4 servings

24 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 24

3/9/21 8:52 AM

CC04-wk.indd 25

3/10/21 1:21 PM

Energy Sense NRCS/SWCS photo by Lynn Betts

No-till growing can be done on commercial farms as well as home gardens.

Cereal rye is one of many cover crops that can be planted in the no-till garden over the winter to help build soil health.

Save Energy in the Garden Skip the tilling for efficiencies all around

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

The weather is warming and gardens are getting attention after a cold winter. But can home gardeners save energy when planting? Using a few techniques, the answer is yes.

One approach to gardening we’ve been excited about lately is no-till, also known as no-dig. No-till gardens have been gaining ground with farmers in recent years, partly because of the energy savings. The principles behind no-till gardening work well for large farms, as well as smaller home gardens. No-till can be done without chemicals. Research shows that this approach can produce more fruits and vegetables within a few years, and they get better over the long term. Best of all, this approach to gardening takes less time and effort — and you won’t even have to fire up the rototiller!

Two ideas are at the heart of no-till gardening. First, don’t break up the soil. We usually think that by breaking up the soil and mixing it up, we keep weeds from growing.

But tilling can bring weed seeds that are deep in the soil to the top where they can germinate and grow. Tilling also destroys microbes in the soil that bring nutrients to the plants.

The second idea is to spread thick layers of compost and other mulch on top of the soil. When compost and other mulch are spread on top, they feed the soil from above, the same way leaves in a forest fall to the ground, decompose and turn into rich soil over time. When you build up the soil by spreading layers of compost and other mulch on top, the weed seeds are kept dormant. Mulch keeps the soil moist, so less water is used to irrigate, which means less electricity use for pumping water from your well or community water system.

Your no-till garden can be planted at ground-level or in raised beds. Start by laying weed-blocking material on top of the old dirt. Sheets of cardboard are often used because they will decompose over time. Then spread at least 4 inches of weed-free soil or compost on top.

If the soil under the cardboard is reasonably loose, you can probably start planting right away. Your garden may be less productive the first year, but will grow healthier and have less weeds every season from then on. If the ground is heavily compacted or clay, you may have to till in some compost or healthy soil before laying down the cardboard and give it a year for the new mix to get looser.

In the fall, you can cut the dead plants at ground level and leave the roots in the ground to decompose over the winter. You may also want to plant a cover crop, like peas, fava beans or barley late in the growing season. Setting up a no-till garden takes a fair bit of work, but it will require less maintenance in the future and get healthier every year.

If you’re ready to try your hand at planting a no-till garden, many colleges and universities offer extension classes for folks who are not enrolled as students. You can also watch a variety of videos online that can guide you through setup and long-term care.

Here are a few additional tips that can help you reduce energy use related to gardening: ■ Drip systems lose less water to evaporation.

■ Timers are a convenient way to control irrigation, but be

sure to override the timer and shut off watering cycles when a rain shower can do the job.

■ Purchase a rain barrel for energy efficient watering.

■ Learn how to store your produce to reduce waste

(see “Put Up Your Harvest,” March 2021, page 22).

We hope these tips will help you prepare for a more energy efficient garden this season. Happy planting — and eating!

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

26 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 26

3/10/21 2:02 PM

Oxygen. Anytime. Anywhere.®

BREATHE EASY. LIVE FREE. Take a deep breath. That’s the feeling of freedom you’ll get with Inogen One, the lightweight, portable oxygen concentrator you can wear. Compact and powerful, it can deliver hours of consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge, whether you’re moving around the house or traveling to visit family.

So when it comes to oxygen therapy, forget the hassle of heavy, inconvenient oxygen tanks and enjoy your newfound freedom—thanks to Inogen One. • No more bulky, heavy oxygen tanks, refills, or delivery disruption concerns.

• Hours of consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge.

•

Inogen One G4 is one of the smallest, lightest oxygen concentrators available, weighing as little as 2.8 lbs.

•

Safe, ultra-quiet operation.

•

Meets FAA requirements for travel.

•

Ideal for stationary or mobile use.

• Clinically-validated for use 24/7.

• Intelligent Delivery Technology® ensures oxygen therapy is delivered efficiently and effectively in all modes of use.

Call now to speak with an Inogen Oxygen Specialist and request your FREE info guide.

1-855-241-4518

or visit us at www.GetInogen.com/discount *30-Day risk free trial applicable for purchases only.

Restocking fee may apply.

MKT-P0225

CC04-wk.indd 27

3/10/21 1:13 PM

Doggone Good Treats W Prepare a spread for an epic pet picnic

By Wendy Perry

e do love our furbabies, and making them homemade treats is one way we can show them how special they are.

Although there are some foods they shouldn’t be fed, many “people foods” are just fine for them. And as you will see, some of our recipes can be enjoyed by both dogs and cats.

These recipes feature #GotToBeNC goodies like sweet potatoes, honey, all-natural peanut butter, pork, beef, chicken and backyard eggs from a neighbor’s coop. From our coastal region, we couldn’t pass up using delicious Bogue Sound watermelon … and sweet shrimp too! Pet recipes are simple and just perfect for getting kids in the kitchen for some creative fun. And with the exception of catnip, little people (and big, too) can taste these creations (although you’ll find some to be rather bland).

Disclaimer: Some pets may have health issues or allergies to certain foods. If unsure, we recommend you speak with your veterinarian about any of our recipes or ingredients.

Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

“Sir Bentley Jackson” bakes his own puppy treats.

Photo by Nel Leslie, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Did one of these recipes send your pet over the moon? Snap a photo of them chowing down and share on our Facebook (@carolinacountrymag) or Instagram (@carolinacountrymagazine) page!

Kitty Shrimp & ‘Grits’ Bites These crunchy seafood treats will make your cats happy. Grits aren’t great for them, but when corn is ground into meal, it’s safe for making these little shrimp nuggets.

You can sub canned tuna for the shrimp if preferred. My dog loves these, too!

1/3 pound shrimp 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup white cornmeal 1/2 cup flour 1 tablespoon catnip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put shrimp and water in microwave safe bowl and cook about 3–4 minutes until done. Cool.

Put shrimp and ½ cup of the shrimp broth in processor with remaining ingredients. Whirl until the mixture makes a ball. Pinch small pieces and place on sprayed baking pan. Bake 5 minutes. Toss about and bake for another 5 minutes. Cool and store in airtight container for about a week.

Yield: about 24 bites

28 | carolinacountry.com

CC04-EB.indd 28

3/11/21 2:54 PM

Furbaby Watermelon Colada Coolers These fruity treats can be enjoyed by both doggies and kitties (and you, too)!

Plain yogurt Purèed watermelon Grated coconut Candy molds*

Using a small brush or end of a spoon, “paint” the inside of silicone molds with yogurt.* Scatter with a little grated coconut. Spoon pureed watermelon over and freeze. Once frozen, store in zippered container for instant ice cold treats for your furbabies. *If you don’t have molds, no worries!

Just make in a Pyrex dish, freeze, slice and bag.

Do De Bacon Cheeseburger ‘Brittle’ We call this brittle since that’s what it looks like, but this savory treat isn’t sweet at all. Our canine taste testers really loved this frozen refreshment! But isn’t everything better with bacon? Most cats are lactose intolerant so this one is best for your doggies.

Unsalted beef or chicken broth Several slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Grated cheese Minced parsley

Exact measurements not required. Pour broth in a container so that it is about 1/2" to 3/4" deep. Scatter with crumbled bacon, cheese and parsley. Freeze until solid. Turn dish upside down over a tray for it melt a bit and comes loose. Break into pieces and put in freezer container for cold treats!

Sweet Tater & Peanut Butter Doggie Ice Cream This recipe won second place (miscellaneous category) at the NC Sweet Potato Festival a few years ago. Dogs with diabetes, obese canines or those under a year old should not be given honey unless approved by your vet.

Since not all kitties can tolerate sweet potatoes, we suggest keeping this one for your doggies.

1 cup low or nonfat plain Squirt of honey yogurt Optional garnishes: crushed ½ cup sweet potato pulp, peanuts, banana chip cooked and mashed crumbles ¼ cup all natural peanut butter Combine all ingredients together in small bowl. Portion into small cups or muffin tin; freeze. Pop out onto serving plate and scatter with peanuts and/or banana chip crumbles for a little crunch!

Yield: about 12 bites

carolinacountry.com/extras

Is your furbaby hungry for more? Try our Doggone Good Chicken Salad and Deviled Eggs. Find this dog- and cat-friendly recipe on our website.

April 2021 | 29

CC04-EB.indd 29

3/10/21 1:00 PM

We dev if m ing sca

2 1 ½ ½

Dr ½ 1

Fo C dre O bel F chi you fro G

Carolina People

Author, Advocate, Entrepreneur Etaf Rum’s creativity takes different forms in Rocky Mount

Story by Bridgette A. Lacy | Photos courtesy of Etaf Rum

P

alestinian-American writer and Rocky Mount author Etaf Rum has been juggling the crafting of her second novel and blossoming as an entrepreneur with several businesses including Books and Beans, a coffee and sandwich shop with a mini-bookstore.

Etaf is the New York Times bestselling author of “A Woman is No Man,” the story of three generations of women living in a cloistered Palestinian-American community in the heart of Brooklyn.

The former Nash Community College English professor is an avid reader. She is known for her popular Instagram site @booksandbeans, where she shares her favorite books.

Now, she carries about 40 books with rotating titles in her shop. She likes a wide array of literary genres that highlight different cultures and ethnicities.

“Diversity is important to me,” the 31-year-old author says.

“I like educating people about different human experiences.”

Books and Beans has become a popular spot in the trendy Rocky Mount Mills, a renovated mixed-used development transformed from a 200-year-old mill in eastern North Carolina.

“It honors the history of the cotton mill,” Etaf says. “A very minimalistic style, it’s infused with fresh plants. The book covers are the pop of color in the place.”

Etaf moved to North Carolina after her family arranged a marriage to her cousin. She was born and raised in New York, but lived what she describes as an un-American life in most ways. She attended an Islamic all-girls private school and never left the house without her parents. She divorced her first husband and has since remarried, and lives here with her two children and a stepdaughter.

Her autobiographical 2019 first novel was inspired by growing up as a Palestinian girl.

Etaf leads story time at Books and Beans

Etaf and her husband, Brandon Clarke, own several businesses in Rocky Mount Mills, including Books and Beans.

“Whenever I expressed any desire to go outside the prescribed path of marriage and motherhood, or whenever I wanted something that only men in our culture were permitted — like freedom — I was often told that I couldn’t.

When I asked why I couldn’t do the same things men could, the reason was always the same: ‘Because a woman is no man.’ ” But she’s no longer that 19-year-old, taking orders from her parents.

“It wasn’t until I was older, I wasn’t really living the way I want to, that I allowed myself to step out of the conventions of my upbringing.”

Etaf and her husband, Brandon Clarke, also co-own Barley and Burger, a beer and burger joint, and The Tipsy Tomato, an artisan pizza restaurant, all in Rocky Mount Mills.

“Etaf Rum is character and strength exemplified, representing the qualities needed to propel a community like ours toward increased success,” said Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson. “Her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are sparking economic development throughout the city, and I am grateful her talents are shining here in Rocky Mount.”

Meanwhile, Etaf is working on a second novel scheduled for release in 2022.

“It’s about an independent, strong-minded Arab American female who has everything she ever wanted.

But then something in her life goes wrong, and it starts to dismantle everything she’s built,” she says. “It’s a mother/ daughter story.”

Etaf covers some of the same terrain of her first novel, although her current work is less about a culture clash and more about identity.

“It’s more modernized, and more accessible to the everyday woman.”

Bridgette A. Lacy is a freelance writer and the author of “Sunday Dinner: A Savor the South cookbook” by UNC Press of Chapel Hill.

Reach her at bridgettelacy@att.net.

30 | carolinacountry.com

CC04-EB.indd 30

3/10/21 3:22 PM

Make your home more comfortable than ever

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair.

To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

NOW

also available in Genuine Italian Leather (and new Chestnut color)

Three Chairs in One Sleep/Recline/Lift

ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+

Pictured: Italian Leather chair chestnut color. Chestnut color also available in DuraluxTM fabric

You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep.

Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back REMOTE-CONTROLLED EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO A STAND-ASSIST POSITION

pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain.

The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort.

Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian leather, stain and water repellent custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor.

New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather and long lasting DuraLux™. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-632-7056

Please mention code 114748 when ordering.

Genuine Italian Leather

Chestnut

classic beauty & durability

Long Lasting DuraLux™

Chestnut

Burgundy

Tan

Chocolate

Blue

stain & water repellent

MicroLux™ Microfiber

Burgundy Cashmere Chocolate

breathable & amazingly soft

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

CC04-wk.indd 31

Indigo

46556

Footrest may vary by model

3/10/21 1:13 PM

I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

Hiking Surprise

Sharyn as a little girl, with crutches for po lio

The Life of an Egg Basket I didn’t grow up on a farm, but we always had a big garden and a barn with every kind of animal you can imagine. My job was mostly playing since I was the youngest in our family and had polio in my legs.

One of the highlights of my day as a little girl was to go with Grandmaw to gather eggs. She had a large basket that she would let me tote out to the barn, but when she filled it with eggs, she had to carry it back to the house. She didn’t want small hands to drop her eggs.

I can still remember all the things her basket was used for. It made many trips to the garden and back with ‘maters, okra, field peas, corn, greens, turnips, new taters, radishes and hot peppers.

One year for Easter, Grandmaw let my mama have her basket.

Mama painted it a pale yellow and tied a big light green satin bow on the handle. Mama had bought some little, tiny fuzzy chicks at the dime store and dyed the prettiest eggs I had ever seen. I thought the Easter bunny loved me more than anyone else because he gave me such a beautiful basket. I never realized it was my Grandmaw Long’s.

After her death, the old basket sat alone on a shelf on the back porch until I pulled it down one day. I thought about how Grandpaw would plant a row of Zinnias in the garden because Grandmaw loved fresh-cut flowers on the kitchen table.

Then it dawned on me that I needed to paint that basket for my son. I chose a shade of blue and it made him happy, just like it had done for me so many years before. Looking back now, I wonder if there was something magical about Grandmaw’s old egg basket. Did she know how much joy it would bring — not only to her, but to me and my son as well? I think so.

Sharyn Estridge, Monroe, a member of Union Power Cooperative

This picture is of my son, Rick, me and Itzy, on top of Satulah Mountain in Highlands, North Carolina, with a gorgeous 365-degree panoramic view.

In 1980, my husband brought me home a picture book on animal skat, making our kids go on “poop hikes” identifying whose skat was whose. The girls were appalled, but Rick found it fascinating.

One day, young Rick hiked the trail in front of our house down the mountain to Lower Satulah Waterfall. He lay on a rock at the foot of a high waterfall enjoying God’s world, and then started back up the trail he had come down an hour or so before. But halfway up, in the center of the trail, he almost stepped in a big goopy, still steaming, brown mess of berries and grass. Rick knew it was bear poop and knew the bear had just done it!

He nervously looked around, his heart beating so loudly he couldn’t have heard a bear if it growled at him. But remembering what the skat book said to do, he whistled and loudly talked to all the nearby critters that might be listening, as he rapidly hiked back up to our house.

Arriving home safely, he told his sisters: “Nah, I wasn’t scared, but if I HAD seen that bear, it’s a good thing I had my knife, cause I’ve always wanted a bear-skin rug!”

O g o a S

d f s

Judy Blitch Gartside, Broxton, Georgia, A member of Haywood EMC

Send Us Your Memories We love sharing photos and memories dear to our readers. Submit your photo, plus roughly 200 words that describe it, online or by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want it returned (only one entry per household, per month). Include your name, mailing address, phone number or email address, and the name of your electric co-op. We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish. Online: carolinacountry.com/contact U.S. Mail: I Remember, Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616

32 | carolinacountry.com

CC04-EB.indd 32

I

3/10/21 1:00 PM

s t u b

h

A

The Mother’s Day Gift I grew up in the small, rural town of Chadbourn, where I still reside. When I was a little girl, my mama and her two sisters would take turns hosting Sunday dinner at their homes. One Sunday, we had lunch with my Aunt Berniece. Corningware dishes and bowls had recently made their big debut when I was about 10 years old.

My aunt served some of her good, homestyle southern foods in a set of Corningware bowls. My mama was carried away with the new set of dishes. (By the way, all the women in my family, including myself, love dishes!)

e

One day the next week, I went into Lowe’s, a locally owned hardware store, with my granddaddy. As I followed him down one of the aisles, there it was: a four-piece starter set of Corningware bowls! The bowls were white with a small blue flower known as cornflower.

Mother’s Day was fast approaching.

When I went home that night, I told my daddy what I had found in the hardware store. Mama always made sure that I had what I needed and never bought for herself, so I wanted to buy her something extra special.

On Saturday, my daddy carried me to the hardware store. He parked across the street, gave me money, and sent me in the store all by myself. I didn’t waste a minute of time. I went straight to the dishes and told Mrs. Lowe, the storeowner, what I wanted to buy. She had a sweet smile on her face and fixed me right up.

One Sunday, which was Mother’s Day, I proudly gave the present to my mama. She was so surprised and happy about her gift. Mama died on May 25, 1992, and now I proudly use the “starter” set of Corningware. It will be handed down to my daughter or my granddaughters.

Marilyn Bullock, Chadbourne, a member of Brunswick Electric

Ice Cream Road Trips On hot summer days, long after the day’s work was done, my Dad would gather us all up in his big, mid-70s model, maroon Mercury Cougar. The five of us — my mom, dad, my older brother, my younger sister and I — would take an evening drive listening to the songs playing on the radio on our way to Sullivan’s Drive-Up ice cream establishment in the next town over.

Sullivan’s offered soft-serve ice cream cones piled high with the creamy delight. It was a wonder they didn’t topple over with your first taste! And the flavors! Pistachio, the color, a soft green, was my Dad’s favorite. I loved the simple but delicious, creamy vanilla.

We would return to the car with our sweet, refreshing treat and watch the skies. It seemed my Dad would always plan these special evenings around the time the darkening sky, colored with hues of orange, blue or pink, would open up with beams of light. A summer display of heat lightning in the distance just beyond the treetops! We had front row seats to this wondrous event!

I lost my Dad just over a year ago, but as the summer heat returns, I think of him and the special times we shared.

Anita Serafino Hurwitz, Waxhaw, a member of Union Power Cooperative

Music and Fish Camps Some of my fondest memories as a small girl were of my grandpa, Prior Jolley, taking me to the long, old and crooked Iron Bridge over the Broad River in Cleveland County below Boiling Springs. I was afraid of it, but felt safe with grandpa.

He would tell me stories of the flood that washed it away and the animals, buildings, trees, etc. that they watched floating down it. He lived in the nearest house up the hill from it. He and grandma had 11 living children. I loved hearing all the stories he would tell about them, especially about my dad, Lewis Jolley. His job everyday was having to check and care for the fish traps first before going to the fields to work. When the catch was good or he had saved up enough in his holding place, they sold the fish to a man who had a building that was not enclosed beside the river near the bridge. They would have a fish fry and dance in the warm months on Saturday nights — the beginning of the fish camps we North Carolina people enjoy so much.

Horace and Earl Scruggs as teenagers, and my uncles, who lived in the first house near the river on the next country road over, would take their guitar and banjo and play.

Rosita Jolley Jones, Dallas, A member of Rutherford EMC April 2021 | 33

CC04-EB.indd 33

3/10/21 1:00 PM

Carolina Adventures

Bigfoot cast

Hiking trail at Medoc Mountain State Park

Haunted Mrs. Beasley doll

Stephen Barcelo

A Brush with the Paranormal Bigfoot is helping put Littleton on the map Story and photos by Donna Campbell Smith

I

n north-central North Carolina, the small town of Littleton has an unusual attraction: the Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum, aka the Bigfoot Museum. It is owned and operated by Stephen Barcelo and his wife, who moved to Littleton from Long Island. Why the move?

“To get away from the high cost of living in New York,” he explains.

The Barcelos got a great deal on an old fixer upper in the heart of Littleton, the beautiful historic Alston House. Stephen says the house in part dates back to the 1850s. There is a stream flowing under the house, and the upstairs has a secret room.

Before he even moved in, he began to feel, see and hear things — he was not alone while he worked on renovations.

The house is apparently haunted by friendly ghosts.

Stephen has had previous experience with the paranormal, so he doesn’t find his co-residents alarming. While in New York he worked as a photojournalist for the “New York Daily News” and covered many stories involving ghosts.

He decided to open part of his home as a museum and to offer ghost tours.

Included in the museum’s displays are haunted dolls, a coffin (available for rent) and a haunted hay crane — just to list a few unusual artifacts. One of the most popular items in the museum is the haunted Mrs. Beasley Doll, displayed in a locked glass case to protect her from prying fingers. It seems she gets a bit uncomfortable staying in one position all of the time, and she will move of her own accord.

And of course, there’s Bigfoot. The museum has plaster impressions of Bigfoot footprints on display and a huge statue of the big guy. There have been reports of Bigfoot

sightings in the nearby Medoc Mountain State Park (bit.ly/nc-medoc), hence the museum’s attention to the cryptid. Sightings have been reported as recent as March, according to Stephen — you can get the latest on his YouTube channel (bit.ly/s-barcelo).

But you don’t have to be a believer to enjoy what the state park offers: camping, hiking, bridle trails, fishing and paddling.

Littleton also boasts a thriving theatre group, the Lakeland Theatre Company, offering regular performances and events. (Their building, along with several other buildings with reported paranormal activity, is on the Haunted Littleton Ghost Tour, although the tour is temporarily on hold during the pandemic). The theatre has also hosted the Littleton ParaCon paranormal conference. The next is tentatively scheduled for fall, but check the museum’s website for updates on timing due to the pandemic.

Littleton is about 10 miles south of Lake Gaston.

Whether you’re vacationing at the lake, camping at Medoc Mountain State Park or looking for a unique day, be sure to visit the Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum and Littleton’s other haunted sites. It is well worth the drive.

Donna Campbell Smith is a Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Franklin County.

Know the lingo Cryptozoology is the study and research of creatures that have yet to be proven to exist (often referred to as cryptids). Paranormal refers to events which cannot be explained by science, including cryptozoology, ghosts and UFOs.

carolinacountry.com/extras

Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum 328 Mosby Ave., Littleton, NC 27850 crypto-para.org or 631-220-1231

Watch a recent interview by Stephen Barcelo, museum owner, about an alleged Bigfoot sighting in Medoc Mountain State Park.

Open during limited hours due to the pandemic: 1–6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

34 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 34

3/10/21 2:01 PM

Edema Open Toe Slippers Only

$ 1999 pair

New & Improved!

Source Code. 79885 © Dream Products (Prices valid for 60 Days)

Helps Make Your Entire Body Feel Better!

SlipResistant Sole!

Ladies’

Adjustable Memory Foam Comfort That Changes With You!

Opens Wide For Step-In / Step-Out Ease!

Perfect Adjustable Comfort For: • Sore, Sensitive, Swollen Feet • Bunions, Gout & Heel Spurs • Tired Aching Feet!

Men’s

All Day Comfort!

Spacious Edema Open Toe Slippers provide an adjustable, non-binding fit with sherpa lining, memory foam insole and slip-resistant sole. Machine washable import made with a polyester, cotton upper.

FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING! Order Now Toll-Free

1-800-530-2689 M-F 6am-1am CST S-S 6am-9pm CST Connect With

DreamProducts.com

Edema Open Toe Slippers

Indicate Number Of Pairs Ordered Under Size S (5½-6½) M (7-8) L (8½-9½) XL (10-11) Size Code (212) (213) (214) (215) #371668 Ladies’ S (7-8½) M (9-10) L (10½-11½) XL (12-13) Size Code (212) (213) (214) (215) #371669 Men’s

____ Pr(s) Edema Open Toe Slippers @ $19.99

FREE Shipping & Handling

website offers may vary

PRIORITY PROCESSING (optional) Add An Additional $2.95

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

CC04-wk.indd 35

(Receive within 3-6 days of receipt of order)

FREE $2.95

*Add Applicable State/Local Sales Tax $ 79885

*We may be required to collect sales tax. Please visit DreamProducts.com FAQ page if you need more information.

$

Please Print Clearly

Total $

Send order to Dream Products, 412 Dream Lane, P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690

❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard

❑ American Express ❑ Discover®/NOVUSSMCards

Exp. Date

Card#

Name _______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City ______________________________ST _____ Zip _____________ Daytime Phone # _____________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________________

Source Code

79885

To receive this offer on the web, you MUST input the source code when ordering

3/10/21 1:13 PM

Carolina Gardens

Easter Lilies 101 Help these beauties thrive outside

By L.A. Jackson

A

fter Easter, what do you do with an Easter lily? Certainly not a toss-away plant, Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) can be saved and easily transitioned to outdoor gardens this spring, where it has the hardiness to not only survive but thrive.

First, two words of caution: 1) While your Easter lily is showing off inside, keep it away from cats, as even eating a few leaves can be very harmful to your feline friends; and 2) place the plant in a location where it won’t be brushed up against because the flowers’ golden yellow anthers are instant stain makers on both skin and clothes.

Here are a few pointers to help Easter lilies thrive outside:

■ If your Easter lily came in a pot

wrapped in fancy foil, remove it to prevent water retention from turning the container into a bulb-killing bog.

■ The best place inside for an Easter

lily while it is waiting to head outdoors is in a bright room but out of direct sunlight. Snip off flowers

as they fade, and water the pot only when its soil surface feels dry to the touch.

■ After the threat of frost has passed,

your Easter lily can be planted in the garden. Pick a sunny site that has good drainage and, if possible, some light midafternoon shade to shield these beauties from the worst of the summer heat to prolong their flower displays.

■ An Easter lily bulb should be

planted about six inches deep in well-worked soil that has been enriched with compost or other organic amendment.

Easter lilies

time-release fertilizer next spring when new shoots just begin to pop from the soil. Also, at this time, remove old mulch and replace it with a fresh organic soil covering.

■ To help even out soil moisture

and keep the roots cool during the summer, add a two-inch layer of mulch around your Easter lily.

■ Cut back any of the original foliage

■ Finally, don’t expect your Easter

■ For a better display of flowers,

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

lily to blissfully bloom during the Easter season next year. In the garden, it will naturally begin to flower in early summer.

as it starts to turn brown. New leaves should sprout during the summer. In autumn, when this foliage fades to yellow, prune it even to the ground.

add a dusting of a low nitrogen,

Garden To-Do’s for April For clematis to put on a proper flower show, remember, this divine vine has specific, essential requirements, including at least five hours of full sun a day. Also, the root zone should be kept cool and moist (not boggy) during the summer heat. Planting in well-worked, well-amended soil and adding three to four inches of mulch will take care of this need.

Finally, go easy on nitrogen. Use either a low-nitrogen fertilizer or one that has time-release nitrogen because too much of this nutrient will result in plenty of new foliage, but lessen the number of beautiful blooms.

F

Cool-season veggies such as spinach, carrots, radishes, collard greens, parsnips and lettuce that were seeded outside last month should now be thinned to their proper spacing requirements.

F

Remember to set aside an area for the little gardeners in your family.

Show them how to prepare the soil and then help the tykes grow such easy annuals as zinnias, sunflowers, pole beans or pumpkins.

F

If you haven’t given your dog or cat a flea and tick treatment in the last month, put any of their brushings around the bird feeder, and see how fast the fuzz flies away as building material for nests.

36 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 36

3/10/21 2:01 PM

In February, over 250 4-H adults from across the state gathered virtually for North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference 2021.

During this Friday night – Saturday evening conference, attendees had the chance to participate in workshops geared towards providing training in a variety of areas ranging from connecting virtually with 4-H’ers to how to improve teamwork.

Twenty-eight workshops were offered in addition to four general sessions.

The Alice Aycock Poe Health Center presented on the 4 dimensions of wellness and how these related back to the 4-H pledge. In addition, a curriculum share fair was hosted for attendees on Friday night which consisted of 5 curriculum hands on virtual session options.

4-H Volunteers had multiple opportunities to participate in and learn materials that they could take back and use with their 4-H club members. Volunteers who attended this conference were able to learn from other 4-H Volunteers through networking experiences and left the conference feeling renewed and inspired to go back into their communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of 4-H youth.

North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference is sponsored by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. North Carolina 4-H is Cooperative Extension’s youth development program.

CC04-EB.indd 37

3/10/21 1:00 PM

Marketplace

Vacation Rental

Business Opportunities

Beautiful Oceanfront Rentals...Best Value in Indian Beach N.C. Each 2bdrm/1 bath & sleeper sofa includes all the comforts of home. Large oceanfront deck and private steps to the beach. On the sound side, pier, dock, shelter, playground, picnic benches, and boat ramp facility. Visit our website to view our beachfront rentals: www.oceanfrontvaluerentals.com or call 1-800-553-SURF (7873) HATTERAS CABANAS — Oceanview — Surf Fishing — Dogs Allowed Call Manager office. 1-800-338-4775 ask for info on #23 ATLANTIC BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDO, breathtaking view. 1/BD, 1½ /BA, $100.00. 816-931-3366.

NEAR MT. AIRY (MAYBERRY) in heart of Yadkin Valley wine country near Blue Ridge Parkway. Southern charm home, 4 queen beds, 2½ baths, WiFi, VERY QUIET. $100 up. 336-326-5362

Real Estate WE BUY AND SELL LAND: Timberland, Farmland, Recreational Land, Etc. North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, New York, Virginia, More. Free Offers, Quick Cash Close, No Obligations www.owacc.com or 912-3753366 ow@owacc.com

“SOCIAL DISTANCE MARKETING!” Profit/Thrive In Today’s “New Normal” Economy! Text moreinfo To 41242 — www.41242.biz “THINK AND GROW RICH!” However … ACTION Generates Wealth! www.SocialDistantMarketing.biz

For Sale THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, everywhere the name of God, the name of Jesus, the name of the Holy Spirit, and also of angels appears in the Bible, you will find in these two volumes. Vol. #1-Genesis thru Isaiah. Vol. #2-Jeremiah thru Revelation. Go to pageturner.us/bookstore then search “Leo Kuykendall”

Free FREE MATERIALS: SOON CHURCH/GOVERNMENT UNITING. Suppressing “Religious Liberty”, enforcing a “National Sunday Law”. Be informed! Need mailing address only. TBSM, Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 1-888-211-1715.

Gold Maps

TRIANGLE DETECTORS. Large selection of metal detectors and gold prospecting equipment, SALES & RENTALS. Durham 919-949-4007

Miscellaneous CASH PAID FOR OLD FISHING LURES–Call Rick Hutton 704-695-4917 PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR—$12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills—$12.95. Both $24.

Davidsons, 6727C Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204. 913-262-4982.

To place a classified ad: carolinacountry.com/classifieds

Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

FUN, HOW TO PAN. Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, California. 1-407-282-3594. WWW.GOLDMAPS.COM

Protective Sleeves: 100% Guaranteed

Call for specials!

EASTERN

• Prevents Cuts & Scratches • Durable Soft Leather • Adjustable Air-Flow

armchaps.com • 651-492-4830

DIVISION

STORAGE BUILDINGS HAY BARNS HORSE BARNS GARAGES *Custom building shown.

Call for pricing.

Hurricane Upgrade E of I-95 • Fully Insured • #1 Metal • Custom Sizes 4/12 roof pitch • Engineered trusses • Local codes/freight may affect prices

www.nationalbarn.com

1-888-427-BARN (2276)

Oh, Deer!

Keep pests at bay and your yard off the menu Guarding your garden from deer is a popular topic with our readers — and we get it!

Dig into our gardening resources to protect your precious plants.

Arco Steel Buildings 1-800-241-8339

BBB A+ rating for 40 years!

Highest Quality Low Prices!

40 x 60 x 10 • 50 x 75 x 12 60 x 100 x 12 • 100 x 150 x 20 20 x 100 x 8’6” Mini Storage

Find it only online at

.com/extras

All sizes available!

40

Years

Arco Building Systems

(Buildings not as shown above) (FOB plant-local codes may affect prices)

38 | carolinacountry.com

CC04-wk.indd 38

3/10/21 1:13 PM

KILL LAKE WEEDS Before

After

10 lb. bag treats up to 4,000 sq.ft. $99.00.

50 lb. bag treats up to 20,000 sq.ft. $359.00.

FREE SHIPPING! Certified and approved for use by state agencies.

State permit may be required.

Registered with the Federal E. P. A.

www.Aquacide.com Order online today, or request free information.

Our 66th year

AQUACIDE CO.

PO Box 10748, DEPT 42K White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

April 2021 | 39

CC04-wk.indd 39

3/10/21 1:13 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Roasted Veggies & Shrimp Skewers With Buttermilk Green Goddess Dressing

High temperatures paired with abundant vegetables make for a very tasty side dish or healthy nibbles. Roasting brings out the natural sugars that caramelize which makes them so delicious.

Exact measurements are not needed — make as much as you need for your crew. Dollop with Buttermilk Green Goddess Dressing and you’ll never look at vegetables the same way again.

Shrimp Cajun seasoning Carrots (we chose a variety, but one type will do) Whole radishes Thick slices of red onion

White raisins Toasted pine nuts Fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano and/or sage) Olive oil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning to taste. Set aside.

Wash and dry carrots and radishes. Both can be roasted as is or sliced in half if large. Cut off tops, leaving about an inch. You could also cut a bag of colored carrots into diagonal halves and some in rounds, just for fun.

Scatter carrots, radishes and onion slices on baking pan; toss with olive oil. Roast 30 minutes or so, until caramelized, tossing about halfway to roast all sides.

Add shrimp skewers to baking pans and roast another 8–10 minutes until done. Sprinkle with raisins, nuts and chopped fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature with the Buttermilk Green Goddess Dressing.

Buttermilk Green Goddess Dressing

Here’s an old dressing with a bright twist thanks to some citrus alternatives to the standard lemon. Super simple to throw together, it’s free of preservatives and packed with vibrant flavor. Use as a sandwich spread, veggie dip, topping for meat and fish or a pasta sauce — the possibilities are endless!

1 cup mayonnaise (we prefer Duke’s) ½ cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon anchovy paste ½ cup fresh parsley, minced ¼ cup fresh tarragon (or 2 teaspoons dried)

Hot ‘n’ Honey Pickled Mustard Seeds

This one might sound a bit odd, but do give them a try. They add a fun little pickled crunch to deviled eggs, sandwiches, meats, salads and dips. ½ cup mustard seeds 2 tablespoons honey 1 jar (16 ounces) kosher dill 1 teaspoon crushed red pickles (any sort) pepper (or less) ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Put seeds into small bowl and cover with water. Soak for 2 hours, then rinse and put into small saucepan. Add ¾ cup of dill pickle juice, salt, honey and peppers.

Bring to a boil, then turn back to a slow simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour into ½ pint jar and stir in 2–3 tablespoons of the remaining pickle juice from the jar of pickles. Refrigerate.

These will keep several months in the refrigerator. If, over time, they become a bit dry, revive with a bit of honey.

Yield: Makes about 1 pint

2 –3 cloves garlic, minced 2 green onions, minced ¾ cup chives, minced 1 tablespoon each fresh orange and lime juice Zest of orange and lime 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper

Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk and anchovy paste until blended. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Chill. This will last in refrigerator for 1–2 weeks.

Yield: Makes about 2 cups

Unless otherwise noted, recipes and photos on these pages are from Wendy Perry, a culinary adventurist and blogger, who chats about goodness around NC on her blog at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

carolinacountry.com/extras Looking for a something tasty to pair with these pickled mustard seeds? Find our Fresh Herb Deviled Eggs recipe online.

40 | carolinacountry.com

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 40

3/11/21 2:08 PM

Carolina Kitchen

From Your Kitchen

DI

Looki

https:

KI O Je W

Poppy Seed Cake

The speckled interior of this cake is pleasing to the eye and the tastebuds! Made from scratch, but easy to throw together. Serve with real whipped cream to highlight the flavor of the poppy seeds.

Strawberry Vanilla Simple Syrup

Simple syrups are just that — simple to make. But you can use them in so many ways. Visit a local farm, pick some fresh strawberries and prep this syrup. We also subbed local honey for part of the sugar to make our syrup sing with flavor!

2 pounds fresh strawberries ¾ cup sugar ¾ up honey 1½ cups water

1 vanilla bean, split Fresh mint garnish, optional

Set aside several strawberries for garnish.

Cap remaining berries and cut in half into saucepan. Add sugar, honey and water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a slow boil for about 30 minutes until reduced and starting to thicken.

Pour hot syrup through thin meshed strainer into jar with scraped vanilla bean.* Chill several hours or overnight.

Syrup will keep up to 2 months in refrigerator.

To make spritzers, add 2 tablespoons of syrup to 1 cup plain or flavored seltzer. Add a splash of lemonade, wine or rum — use your imagination for other fun combinations. You can also muddle fresh mint in your glass before making.

Yield: Makes about 1 pint

*Do not mash berries while straining — syrup will be cloudy. Discard the berry pulp, or refrigerate and use in yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies.

Tasty on toast too!

3 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1½ cups vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons baking powder

1 can evaporated milk 1 can (12.5 ounces) SOLO brand poppy seed cake and pastry filling* 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Whipped cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients (minus the whipped cream) in a large mixing bowl on medium speed for 5 minutes.

Pour into an ungreased Bundt or tube pan.

Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the cake cracks on top; use a toothpick to test doneness. Cool before removing.

After removing the cake from the pan but before flipping, level the bottom of the cake using a long, serrated bread knife.

The flattened bottom allows the cake to sit flat on your plate or cake stand.

Serve at room temperature with real whipped cream. *Finding poppy seed filling can be tough, but we’ve had luck at Harris Teeter, Publix, Lowes Foods, Wegmans and Amazon.com.

No matter where you go, we recommend you call your store first and ensure they have it in stock.

Recipe courtesy of Maureen Mains of Creston, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Send Us Your Recipes

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions. Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Jell-O Pudding Pecan Pie Each month, we’ll look back at some old favorites from our recipe archive.

For April, check out “Jell-O Pudding Pecan Pie” from 1970. See this recipe and stay tuned for more at carolinacountry.com/kitchencorner.

carolinacountry.com/recipes We take food seriously. Search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient, with a new recipe featured every week!

April 2021 | 41

CC_template_4.21_tv.indd 41

3/9/21 8:53 AM

1 1 ¾ 1 1 1 O

Bl at 37 extra Yi

where

in Carolina Country is this ?

Send your answer by April 6, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online:

carolinacountry.com/where

By mail: Where in Carolina Country?

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.

The winner, chosen at random and announced in our May issue, will receive $25.

March winner

The March “Where Is This” photo by South River EMC member Dale Jarvis features the old Blands Café and Gas Station on Highway 41 in Harrells. The vintage Gulf gas station in Sampson County was also once called Harrells Store, says reader Martha Cabral. She added that local farm kids in the 1950–60s would spend their hard-earned money on lunch at the store. It still features antique gas pumps and other Gulf collectibles, and serves as the museum for the surrounding communities. Several readers added a bit of trivia: the town of Harrells straddles Sampson and Duplin counties. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Mary Kersey of Garland, a Four County EMC member.

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.

carolinaartist Blue Ridge Vision

By David Westwood With the Nantahala National Forest as his backyard, Hayesville resident and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC member David Westwood is surrounded by artistic inspiration.

“One day I climbed to the top of Wayah Bald and was gazing out at the view, when I realized the mountain ranges reminded me of progressive layers of faded denim,” he says. A few months later (and after learning how to sew), his denim renditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains were born.

David’s career has included album cover design and a stint as a coin and medal designer for the U.S. Mint. But now he finds satisfaction sourcing denim from local thrift stores, using six shades to breathe life into his unique mountainscapes.

Web: davidwestwood.com/blueridge Email: WestwoodMountain@gmail.com

CC04-wk.indd 42

3/11/21 2:32 PM

Av or

*M 35 con Ale res to

DLGRC_0

No long-term contracts No cancellation fees

Easier is better with the Lively™ Flip.

From the makers of Jitterbug®.

The Lively™ Flip, from the makers of the Jitterbug®, the original easy-to-use cell phone, has big buttons and an exclusive Urgent Response button on the keypad.

EASY TO USE Today, cell Plans phones areashard toPlans hear,asdifficult as low low as to Plans as low as dial and overloaded with features you may never use. That’s $ Flip. A large $screen and big $ not the case with the Lively month month month buttons make it easy to call family and friends. The powerful speaker ensures every conversation will be loud and clear. A straightforward list-based menu makes navigating the phone simple.

1499 1499 1499 2

1

*

EASY TO ENJOY Wherever you go, a built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a built-in reading magnifier and LED flashlight help you see in dimly lit areas. With all the features you need, the Lively Flip also comes with a long-lasting battery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power.

EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in an uncertain or unsafe situation with Urgent Response Service.

Simply press the Urgent Response button to be connected with a highly trained Urgent Response Agent who will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7.

The Lively Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with reliable nationwide coverage. Friendly customer service representatives will help figure out which phone plan is best for you, and with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number.

Powered by the nation’s most reliable wireless network.

NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS No cancellation fees

No long-term contracts

Keep your current phone number

Available in-store or online at:

100% U.S.-based customer service

Buy now and get a FREE Car Charger, a $25 value!

To order or learn more, call

1-866-336-1841 No hidden monthly fees

Affordable, flexible plans

greatcall.com/Flip

*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or fees and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and one-time setup fee of 35. Urgent Response or 911 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. Urgent Response tracks an approx. location of device when device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. Urgent Response is only available with the purchase of a Lively Health & Safety Package. Amazon Alexa integration with Lively Flip requires Alexa registration and is subject to Alexa’s Terms of Use. By enabling Alexa on the Lively Flip, you acknowledge that GreatCall is not responsible for Amazon Alexa’s functionality or services. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. GREATCALL, LIVELY, and JITTERBUG are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. ©2021 Best Buy. All rights reserved.

DLGRC_021449_R2_20210325_LIVELY_FLIP_CAROLINA_COUNTRY_APR.indd 1 CC04-wk.indd 43

2/24/21 10:36 AM 3/10/21 1:13 PM

CC04-wk.indd 44

3/10/21 1:13 PM