For many patients with macular degeneration and other visionrelated conditions, the loss of central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence - driving.
A Wilmington optometrist, Dr. Edward Paul, is using miniaturized telescopes which are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
“Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss” said Dr. Paul, one of only a few doctors in telescopes to help those who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating eye diseases.
Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. If you’re a low vision patient, you’ve probably not only imagined them, but have been searching for them. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will give you the independence you’ve been looking for. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in people over 50. Despite this, most adults are not
familiar with the condition. As many as 25% of those over the age of 50 have some degree of macular degeneration. The macula is only one small part of the retina, however it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of
to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s vision test.
Nine out of 10 people who have macular degeneration have the dry form. New research suggests vitamins can help. The British medical journal BMC Ophthalmology recently reported that
A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration
56% of patients treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins experienced improved vision after six months.
TOZAL Comprehensive Eye Health Formula is now available by prescription from eye doctors.
risk factor for developing the disease, heredity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure have also
degeneration accounts for 90% of new legal blindness in the US. While there is currently no cure, promising research is being done on many fronts. “My job
possible to keep a person functioning” says Dr. Paul. Even if it’s driving.
Doreen Jenkins, 72, of Pocahontas,
friend. She wanted to keep her Iowa drivers license and was prescribed bioptic tele-
lights farther away. Dr. Paul also prescribed microscope glasses for reading newspapers and menus in restaurants.
As Doreen puts it, “my regular glasses didn’t help too much- it was like looking through a fog. These new telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. I don’t know why I waited three years to do this; I should have come sooner.”
“Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000,” says Dr. Paul, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass.”scope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you’re looking at,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s like an self-focusing camera, but much more precise.”
To learn more about bioptic telescopes or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul, give us a call at 1-910-208-9011. You can also visit our website at:
www.LowVisionNC.com (910) 208-9011
Dr. Edward Paul & Dr. Casey Krug
Offices located in Wilmington, Asheville, and Charlotte
(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 56, No. 8
Published monthly by
3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950
Scott Gates, CCC Editor
Warren Kessler Creative Director
Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor
Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant
Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer
Tara Verna Creative Services Associate
Donna Natosi Digital Strategist
Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com
Joseph P. Brannan
Executive Vice President & CEO
Nelle Hotchkiss
Senior Vice President & COO
Kristie Aldridge, CCC Vice President
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses. The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, notfor-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.
Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine? Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.
Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year.
Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year. Schools, libraries, $6.
Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, NC 888-388-2460.
Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.
Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address
Experiencing a power outage?
Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.
10
19
22
Detour to Discovery
Blue Ridge Parkway construction is rerouting drivers through unique mountain towns.
NC Youth Tour Scrapbook ’24
Snapshots from the annual Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Fig Tree Fandom
Hendersonville farm is spreading a love of figs. 10
Blue Ridge Energy employee Josh Cook (now district operations coordinator) services lines in West Jefferson, one of the vibrant mountain towns Blue Ridge Parkway travelers may find themselves in thanks to a year-long detour. Learn more, including how the local electric co-op is helping the community thrive, on page 10. Photo by Todd Bush Photography.
Get in those votes! The top three finalists in each category for the 2024 Carolina’s Finest Awards are listed on page 27. Visit carolinacountry.com/finest by Aug. 9 for chance to win one of three $100 gift cards.
From Our Readers
Coastal Reading
I love receiving our copy of Carolina Country each month. I especially enjoy the “Remember When” pages and the recipes. The June issue was a home run. I love history so I very much enjoyed the articles about D-day and “The Keeper of Pea Island.” We also very much enjoy the North Carolina coast, so the articles about Carolina beaches and “Paddlers’ Paradise” were perfect. I made all three recipes on the Carolina Kitchen page for one meal. Everything was excellent. Haven’t tried the “Bounty of the Sea” recipes yet, but I will. They look delicious. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful magazine.
Jane Oliver, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC
Clever as a …
Nothing of importance to anyone else, but I sure noticed it. I love how you listed the social media sites using their logos. It spells “F-O-X”! Thanks from a Fox!
Debby Fox, Fayetteville, a member of South River EMC
Editor’s note: Good eye, Debby! That wasn’t intentional but sure was a nice coincidence. As it happens, we’ll be using X less going forward, but you can find a lot of great recipe posts on Pinterest (so that spells “F-O-P”).
THIS MONTH:
The Mountains Are Calling
The first time I lived in North Carolina was just after college, when I stayed with a friend in Asheville for a fall season. I worked at Mast General Store, mainly folding Carhartts (never lucky enough to work the candy section), and explored the surrounding mountains, valleys and towns. I was also amazed at just how many tourists flock to the region that time of
Pieces of Thread
I agree wholeheartedly with [Ms. Brooks, quoted in] “The Keeper of Pea Island” (June 2024, page 20). “If we are to promote unity, love and community, we need to provide inclusivity and exposure to all history … The beauty of a fabric is in the detail, and the detail is in the thread. We are all pieces of thread!”
Agree! Agree! Thank you for an excellent issue.
Katie M. Robinson, Fayetteville A member of South River EMC
Reader Poll Results
Our social media followers weighed in on a question we expected would stoke passions: If you’re cooking up some food outside, is it barbecuing or grilling out? Although grilling is the clear winner, comments indicate whatever you call it, we all just enjoy cooking outside. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@carolinacountrymagazine) to participate in future polls.
“Depends on how you’re cooking what you’re cooking. If you’re cooking something slow and at a low heat, it’s barbecuing. If you’re cooking something faster and at a higher heat, it’s grilling.”
Pamela Berry
89% grilling out
“I grew up in the South and I’ve heard it called both. On television in the ’60s it was often called having a barbecue. My Dad usually called it having a cookout. I call it grilling no matter what or what method I use. Barbecue sauce was developed for burgers, chicken, steaks or whatever. Doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s awesome either way!” Gregory Humphreys
9% barbecuing
“BBQ is a noun in our house ”
Amy & Larry Moore
“We grill food. We eat barbecue.”
Wendy Perry
“Don’t care what ya call it. If I’m cooking outside I’m gonna either smoke it, grill it or BBQ it! Just do it!”
Wes Hupp
One Phone Call Could Save a Life
By David Larson
We’ve all been there. Maybe it just rained, and the ground is nice and soft, so you grab your shovel and head outside. It may be a mailbox post that needs replacing or a few shrubs to plant to spruce up the front yard. Maybe a drainage ditch needs digging, or even the site of a new garden needs tilling. These seem like small enough tasks, although without the proper planning, they could turn catastrophic with just one shovel stroke.
Under our feet and out of sight lies a vast network of buried utility lines, including electric, natural gas, water and fiber optic lines. Cutting into these lines through yardwork, construction or other digging projects can lead to losses of service, expensive repairs — even serious or fatal injuries.
With a little advanced planning and one phone call, you can dig with confidence.
Thankfully, with a little advanced planning and one phone call, you can dig with confidence. A phone call to 811 from anywhere in the country, at least three days before digging, schedules the location and marking of all underground utilities on your property.
NC 811 was founded in 1978 as ULOCO (Underground Utilities Location Request). Today, 811 is recognized nationally as the number to “call before you dig.” Electric cooperatives and other utilities fund the nonprofit organization, making it a free service for co-op members and other utility customers across North Carolina.
A state law was passed 10 years ago requiring all owners of underground utilities become members of NC 811, along with the creation of a governor-appointed enforcement board. The Underground Damage Prevention Review Board reviews complaints against those who have violated the statute and provides the Utilities
Commission with recommendations for penalties. Fines can reach $2,500.
I am proud to represent North Carolina’s electric cooperatives on this board, and NC 811 is a valuable partner to my electric cooperative, South River EMC, as well as all others across the state. NC 811 offers onsite training for co-op employees, and does an exceptional job in getting out the message about careful and responsible excavation.
Accidents do happen, and should damage to underground utilities occur, homeowners and professional excavators are required by law to report them. Last year, NC 811 received 13,006 reports of damage.
So the next time you’re planning a digging project, or if you know someone who is, make sure NC 811 is part of the plan. Identifying and marking underground utility lines is critical in keeping our facilities intact, and our employees and members out of harm’s way.
David Larson is supervisor of Operations/Fayetteville for South River EMC. He was appointed to the NC811 Board of Directors in March.
Discovering
Western NC
How Do You Carolina Country?
Whether hiking an epic peak, exploring vibrant valleys or discovering small mountain towns, there are a lifetime of ways to experience all that North Carolina has to offer. Share your favorites on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #HowDoYouCarolinaCountry . Here’s how one Carolina Country editor enjoys our Mountain region.
Mountain Region Electric Co-ops
Western North Carolina, defined for our purposes as what’s west of I-77, is served by six electric cooperatives that bring power to a combined 386,000 homes and businesses. The region’s sweeping vistas and vibrant valleys draw millions of visitors every year, but thriving art, recreational and cultural locales keep them coming back (and make locals proud to call it home).
1. Blue Ridge Energy Headquarters: Lenoir Members served: 76,000 Miles of line: 8,617
2. EnergyUnited Headquarters: Statesville Members served: 140,000 Miles of line: 13,004
3. French Broad EMC Headquarters: Marshall Members served: 40,000 Miles of line: 4,690
4. Haywood EMC Headquarters: Waynesville Members served: 32,298 Miles of line: 3,014
5. Rutherford EMC Headquarters: Forest City Members served: 69,500 Miles of line: 7,333
6. Surry-Yadkin EMC Headquarters: Dobson Members served: 28,657 Miles of line: 4,076
In case you missed our overview of electric co-ops from other regions in our June and July issues, you can find information about all 26 North Carolina electric cooperatives at ncelectriccooperatives.com/our-members Together, these locally-owned co-ops form one powerful network, delivering energy solutions to 2.5 million North Carolinians.
Randolph EMC’s Dale Lambert Retires After 40 Years of Service
Dennis Mabe selected as incoming CEO
Randolph EMC CEO Dale Lambert retired on June 28 after almost 40 years at the Asheboro-based electric cooperative. Lambert began his tenure as CEO in 2000, serving members in parts of Alamance, Chatham, Montgomery, Moore and Randolph counties.
Lambert grew up in rural central North Carolina and remembers attending Randolph EMC annual meetings as a child. He began his career with the co-op as an apprentice lineman in 1984, building on his experience to take on roles as lineman, journeyman lineman and district manager of the Robbins office.
From when he pulled into the old Robbins office parking lot on his first day in October 1984, to when he switched off his office light for the last time on June 28, Lambert always put the needs of co-op members first.
“It has been an honor that is beyond words.”
“I want to thank the membership for their support throughout my career,” Lambert said. “I have been blessed beyond measure to have enjoyed a small part of the journey with you for these last 40 years. It has been an honor that is beyond words.”
During his tenure, the co-op has embraced new technologies, elevated member experiences, and championed the tenets of providing reliable, affordable, safe and sustainable power to members. Lambert always put an emphasis on employee safety through restoration efforts following severe storms and other outage events.
“The board of directors is thankful for Dale’s faithfulness to his calling here at Randolph Electric,” said
Randolph EMC Board President Tammie Phillips. “Through devastating storms, during financially uncertain times and during good times, Dale has been a reliable, trustworthy and caring leader motivated by his devotion to the cooperative and its members.”
Lambert also supported the electric cooperative network through regional and national leadership roles, including an appointment from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to serve on Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange’s Serious Injury and Fatality Advisory Committee. He made an indelible impact at the state level and beyond through his commitment to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center, providing leadership on its advisory committee to support the Chapel Hill-based facility in becoming one of the leading comprehensive burn centers in the world. Lambert also serves his local community through involvement with the Asheboro Rotary Club and Beulah Baptist Church.
Long-time Randolph EMC employee Dennis Mabe was selected by the co-op’s board of directors to serve as CEO following Lambert’s retirement. Mabe began his career at Randolph EMC in 1993 as a meter reader. In the decades since, he has held various leadership positions such as electrical engineer, system planning engineer, manager of operations and vice president of engineering and operations. He most recently served as chief operating officer.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Dale Lambert for his leadership and guidance throughout my time here at Randolph EMC,” Mabe said. “His legacy is a strong foundation from which we will continue to grow with optimism and a renewed commitment to excellence.”
(Left to right) Dennis Mabe, Tammie Phillips and D ale Lambert
Dale Lambert greets a member at the co-op’s recent annual meeting.
Randolph EMC
Randolph EMC
Renewable Energy: Sustainable, Local Power
This solar project, paired with energy storage, serves members of Four County EMC.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives deliver power to members from a diverse power portfolio that includes renewable energy generation — a sustainable part of our fuel mix. Here’s what co-ops consider when planning renewable projects.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
IS SUSTAINABLE
Renewable energy sources are emissionsfree and support North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Thirteen solar + storage sites serve co-op communities across central and eastern North Carolina, and co-ops have installed 20 community solar farms offering members a low-cost, low-risk way to benefit from solar technology.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
IS INTERMITTENT
Electricity needs to be used (or moved to where it can be used) as soon as it’s generated, and a downside of solar and wind power is it’s not always available when it’s most needed. North Carolina’s electric co-ops are deploying battery storage technology to improve reliability, storing renewable energy until it’s needed and balancing intermittency.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
SUPPORTS RELIABILITY
A diverse grid, utilizing a variety of generation sources, is a more reliable grid. Solar power is often incorporated into microgrid systems and used to provide power at the local level. Renewables can be particularly effective when supported by other resources — like energy storage and quickly dispatchable natural gas-fired generation.
Teachers: Apply Now for Bright Ideas Grants!
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are accepting applications for Bright Ideas education grants to fund creative, classroom-based learning projects. The final deadline to apply is in September and can vary depending on the sponsoring electric cooperative in
your area, but five lucky educators who submit their application by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will win a $100 gift card.
This is the 30th anniversary of the education grant program, and North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives have collectively awarded nearly $16 million in Bright Ideas grants since 1994. These grants have funded over 14,700 projects and impacted more than 3.6 million students across the state.
Electric cooperatives expect to award about 600 Bright Ideas grants statewide during the 2024–2025 school year. The Bright Ideas education grant program is an example of the electric cooperatives’ commitment to community.
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Sky blue topaz is aptly named, as its translucence and clarity is absolutely heavenly. If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Sky Blue Topaz Ring is all you need.
You could spend nearly a $1,000 on a sterling silver ring set with a blue topaz stone. But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for a ording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Sky Blue Topaz Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.
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is elegant ring features 2 1/2 carats of ethereal sky blue topaz in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is nished in tarnish-resistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.
Ridge Parkway construction is rerouting drivers through unique mountain towns
Beneath the tumbling hills and dense forests of the Blue Ridge Parkway, quaint towns dot the valleys and peaks, some only found if one takes a detour. Now, as the Blue Ridge Parkway undergoes major restorations and repairs, parkway cruisers will have no choice but to reroute through those small, sometimes overlooked Appalachian towns.
The $98 million infrastructure project began May 1 with an estimated three-year timespan addressing multiple concerns — everything from drainage structures and guardrails to signage and overlooks. The affected 75-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway spans from milepost 229.6 north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1 near Grandfather Mountain.
Although a detour might seem like a nuisance to tourists and upcoming leaf-lookers, the opportunity to take the road less traveled invites one to explore two hidden gems with wonderful stories and Blue Ridge culture: West Jefferson and Sparta, each in territory served by Blue Ridge Energy.
Blue
West Jefferson's Third Day of Christmas shop offers rolled ice cream.
Ashe County Cheese and its iconic cows.
Joan Stiles Bell works on an art piece at her gallery, Originals Only Gallery.
Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce
Emory
Rakestraw Boyd
Emory
Rakestraw Boyd
Emory Rakestraw Boyd
is a charming, quaint mountain town with a main road brimming with intriguing shops, art galleries, restaurants and breweries. In summer, adventurers come for a weekend of paddling down the New River or hiking within the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Fall, which locals say is their busiest season, sees an influx of “leaf lookers.”
The town itself is bookmarked by two main attractions: Ashe County Cheese and The Church of the Frescoes. Ashe County Cheese welcomes you with its iconic three-cow statue. A viewing room lets you see the cheesemaking process (check the calendar at ashecountycheese.com), while across the street, their old-timey gift shop has everything from rock candy to Ashe County cheese curds and wine varietals from local vineyards.
Throughout downtown, murals tell stories of the area. Kelly Vannoy, owner of Naked Creek Farmacy, commissioned “This One” on the side of her business, honoring “our people of the hills and hollers — the ones who’ve been here for a long time and are rooted in deep.” The mural was completed by local artist Whitney Stuart Landwehrmann with a video component (making it the only augmented reality public art in the state) by Lucas Pruitt.
actually denotes two churches: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. Both showcase frescoes by renowned artist Benjamin Long and are open to visitors, including an audio guide. Each church possesses its own sense of beauty that speaks to Long’s work within.
Holy Trinity, with its sunny interior and soaring wood beams, allows Long’s stately “The Lord’s Supper” (an interpretation of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”), to captivate yet meld into its surroundings. At St. Mary’s, the dimly lit church feels perpetually at peace. Three frescoes by Long: “Mary Great with Child,” “John the Baptist,” and “The Mystery of Faith,” complement the stillness, asking one to sit and reflect.
Stories surround both churches. In 1974, after returning from his art apprenticeship in Italy, Long fatefully met Reverend Faulton Hodge, St. Mary’s priest at the time, at a get-together. Long — who was trying to get his art career going — asked Hodge if he could paint a fresco in the church. Hodge responded, “Sure, what’s a fresco?”
More mysterious tales add to the lore, like the face of Christ unintentionally outlined in “The Mystery of Faith,” or the crack beneath John the Baptist’s neck. (A result of seismic shifts or replastering, or a divine allusion to his beheading?) With nearly 50,000 visitors per year, the Church of the Frescoes is an enlightening and otherworldly experience.
Digital Extras
Visit carolinacountry.com/extras to watch
the inspiring video component of “This One,” the West Jefferson mural commissioned by Naked Creek Farmacy.
"The Lord's Supper" painting within the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs was created by North Carolina native Ben Long.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church in West Jefferson
Emory
Rakestraw Boyd
Emory
Rakestraw Boyd
is nestled among the rolling hills of Alleghany County close to the Virginia border. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the sounds of the fiddle, banjo and clog dancing fill the air. One draw is exploring the abundant natural landscape with two nearby state parks: Stone Mountain, and Virginia’s Grayson Highlands State Park.
Stone Mountain is known for its 600-foot towering dome of exposed granite alongside 20 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls and horseback riding trails. For those detoured, Stone Mountain offers trailer and RV sites for overnight camping, alongside traditional campsites.
Both Sparta and Alleghany County continuously embrace their heritage of mountain music. On Monday nights, Crouse House Pickers — an informal group of musicians — fill Crouse Park with traditional bluegrass and
old-time mountain music. The Crouse House Pickers have been meeting for more than 25 years.
The historic Spartan Theatre, built in 1935, was renovated in 1993 to house the Alleghany Jubilee, a dance hall that’s open year-round with live mountain music on Tuesdays and Saturdays. “Flatfoot” dancers are welcome alongside clog and square dancers.
Held annually on the third weekend of September, the Mountain Heritage Festival brings artists and crafters to Main Street showcasing handmade, one-of-a-kind goods alongside regional musicians and food vendors.
Emory Rakestraw is a Wilmington-based freelance journalist. Her love for North Carolina and its history has inspired a wide range of stories.
New River State Park in Sparta
Folks love a good "Hillbilly Hoedown" at the Alleghany Jubillee.
The Alleghany Jubilee dance hall features live mountain music.
Artists and crafters showcase wares at the Mountain Heritage Festival.
Photos on this page courtesy of Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce
Blue Ridge Energy invests in a local economy
Less than 2 miles from downtown West Jefferson you’ll find Ashe County Industrial Site, a 42-acre Cooperative Ready Site ripe for new business development. To make the site a reality, Ashe County Government partnered with local stakeholders including Blue Ridge Energy, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and SkyLine/SkyBest. Additional partnerships with state and federal organizations — including the Golden LEAF Foundation, the NC Department of Commerce and the Appalachian Regional Commission — enabled the county to secure $1.85 million in grant funding. The collaborative effort was essential for assessing and certifying the sites for economic development, paving the way to bring new businesses and new jobs to the area.
“In recent years a lot of work has gone into advanced planning to make these sites turnkey for businesses looking to locate in West Jefferson. A next step is to secure funding for shell building construction,” says Ashe County Manager Adam Stumb. “Given other industries and interests in our region, it’s a prime site for advanced manufacturing, manufacturing related to the auto industry, or those in the outdoor recreation industry.”
In working to develop the site, near GE Aerospace’s jet engine component manufacturing facility, Blue Ridge Energy helped the county obtain a $1.3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program. The program provides rural utilities with federal funds to pass through as zero-interest loans for local projects that create and retain employment in the communities they serve. The funds supported Ashe County in developing infrastructure on the site to grow future businesses.
“The REDLG loan facilitated by Blue Ridge Energy was the first funding we secured for the project,” says Ashe County Economic Development Director Cathy Barr. “That was exciting — that was the beginning. Communities could not grow and thrive without good partners like Blue Ridge Energy and the contributions they make.”
Visit ncelectriccooperatives.com/econ for more information about the Ashe County Industrial Site and other Cooperative Ready Sites served by electric co-ops across the state.
—Scott Gates, Carolina Country
Ashe County Government
Gliders of the Night Sky
The secret lives of Carolina northern flying squirrels
By Rue Reynold
Scurrying up the trunk of a tree before leaping off is a creature that glides silently through the night air to the next tree, the branches and leaves of the forest appearing as wisps of fleeting shadows and moonlit patches. Its large, round eyes capture the faintest glimmers of light, guiding its path as it stretches out its limbs, the skin between them forming a perfect aerodynamic wing. The cool, crisp air rushes past and the scent of spruce and fir fills its nose as it deftly maneuvers between the towering trees, demonstrating how Carolina northern flying squirrels have mastered the nocturnal skies.
Tree navigators
The Carolina northern flying squirrel, one of two species of flying squirrel in the state, is a captivating and elusive rodent species found in the high-altitude forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. They average 10 to 12 inches, which include their dorsoventral tail which looks smooth and lays flat. Their thick, soft fur — ranging from gray to reddishbrown — provides excellent camouflage in their forested habitats, while their large, expressive eyes enable them to see clearly at night.
What truly sets them apart is their patagium, a fur-covered membrane
that stretches from wrist to ankle. It gives them the remarkable ability to glide between trees, allowing them to travel between food sources or escape predators.
High in the Appalachians
These flying squirrels are nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They thrive in cool, moist environments typically found in high-elevation, spruce-fir forests. As such, they can only be found in the mountainous areas of North Carolina, Tennessee and southwest Virginia. These habitats offer abundant food sources, such as fungi, lichens, tree sap, various seeds and nuts. The dense canopy provides the perfect platform for gliding, allowing the squirrels to travel significant distances — sometimes up to 150 feet in a single glide. Their dependence on specific habitats makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes, and they are a federally and state-listed endangered species.
Folklore and cultural significance
In Appalachian folklore, the Carolina northern flying squirrel is often seen as a mysterious and elusive creature. Some local legends believe these squirrels have magical properties, suggesting that their ability to glide makes them
messengers between the earthly realm and the spirit world.
In Native American cultures, squirrels in general are symbols of preparedness and resourcefulness, while flying squirrels are often considered unseen wonders of nature.
The Carolina northern flying squirrel is a great example of nature's ingenuity, combining unique physical adaptations with a critical ecological role. Their presence is a testament to the richness of biodiversity and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Visit NCWildlife.org to learn more about these amazing creatures.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country
Coastal Turtles
We received comments from several readers regarding our July article about eastern box turtles (“Nature's Living Jewel,” page 11). The article indicated they're found everywhere in the state but the Outer Banks — the range defined by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NC Wildlife) — but several reported seeing them on Hatteras Island. NC Wildlife closely monitors box turtle populations. If you spot a box turtle, you can help these efforts by logging sightings at herpmapper.org, which NC biologists monitor regularly.
Be Environmentally Conscious at Home
Live more sustainably with these five easy tips
Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, by making these five simple changes to your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
By reducing the amount of waste you produce, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials like paper, plastic and glass, you can help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in landfills and oceans. Composting food scraps and avoiding single-use plastic items like water bottles and shopping bags can also help reduce your impact on the environment.
Conserve energy
Simple steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs, and using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances can help reduce demand across the power grid while lowering energy bills.
Save water
Simple actions like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine only when full, and watering your garden in the early morning or late evening can help conserve water and protect the water supply.
Country?
Choose sustainable products When shopping for household items, look for products made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable.
Grow your own food
If you have the space, consider starting a small garden at home. Growing your own food (or purchasing at local farmers markets) allows you to enjoy fresh produce without the energy required to package and transport store-bought produce.
Find more tips for going green at home at eLivingtoday.com.
—Family Features
Connecting together Energizing Empoweringtodaytomorrow
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As we reflect on the year 2023, we are proud to share the significant progress and strategic initiatives that have shaped Roanoke Cooperative and its subsidiaries. The theme for this year, “Energizing Today, Empowering Tomorrow, Connecting Together,” encapsulates our commitment to operational excellence, member-owner satisfaction, and sustainable growth.
This past year has been pivotal, marked by strategic growth, operational enhancements, and active community engagement. Roanoke Cooperative has focused on financial governance, talent management and the implementation of advanced technologies to ensure the sustained growth and resilience of Roanoke Cooperative and its subsidiaries.
In 2023, we rebranded our electric cooperative and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fybe, to strengthen our brand identities. This effort aimed to enhance our visibility, improve member engagement, and position us for future growth. Roanoke Cooperative also accelerated the expansion of its fiber network to meet member-owner demands within a committed timeline.
We invite you to review this comprehensive report that provides an overview of the major activities, achievements, and challenges faced in 2023. Roanoke Cooperative’s dedication to operational excellence, member-owner satisfaction, and sustainable growth remains steadfast as we move forward into 2024 — Today, Tomorrow, Together!
Marshall Cherry PRESIDENT AND CEO
Allen Speller CHAIRMAN
MAKING STRATEGIC
Roanoke Cooperative marked a milestone with the relocation of a Fast Point charger as Gates County’s first Level-3 EV fast charger at Tarheel BBQ in Eure.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Our Home Charging program has a fantastic opportunity for growth, particularly as more public charging locations become available. There has been progress with Tesla adding more chargers in our area. Our EV bus project is also moving forward, with seven buses coming soon. We supported funding for electric school buses throughout our service territory. Bertie County Schools, Halifax County Schools and KIPP Halifax, will get seven buses powered by Roanoke Cooperative.
Roanoke Cooperative marked a milestone with the relocation of a Fast Point charger as Gates County’s first Level-3 EV fast charger at Tarheel BBQ in Eure. This 24/7 accessible charger at the intersection of US 13 / US 158 was celebrated with speeches from local leaders and RC officials, underscoring our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and expanding EV infrastructure. CEO Marshall Cherry highlighted the charger’s role in overcoming barriers to EV adoption and promoting local economic resilience in rural northeastern NC.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Roanoke Cooperative made big strides in solar and battery storage projects and plans to finish them by 2025. We utilized smart thermostats, water heater controls, and voltage reduction to save money for our membersowners. To better handle our electric and broadband services, our billing system was upgraded in late 2023. Roanoke Cooperative’s new billing platform is aimed to enhance experience for both electric member-owners and broadband subscribers. Also in 2023, great progress was made in using Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). These systems provide advanced observation tools that help Roanoke Cooperative ensure that the system is more reliable, and losses are reduced. At the same time, we are strengthening cybersecurity to keep the system safe.
MEMBER-OWNER SATISFACTION AND ENGAGEMENT
Roanoke Cooperative engaged with our member-owners at every opportunity available. With our new brand, many member-owners have joined our high-impact programs like Upgrade 2 $ave, Smart Thermostats and Water Heater Controls, Time-of-Day metering, Fybe’s broadband service, and the use of the new Go RC & Fybe mobile app.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Conversations began on two big projects in Bertie County and Hertford County, that will become the largest electric accounts ever connected to Roanoke Cooperative. Both projects involve moving natural gas through pipelines. There is also good news in Halifax County with new owners for the Roanoke Rapids Theater, a new building in the corporate park, and a relocation project in the industrial park. These projects will help reduce costs for all our member-owners when they are online.
ROANOKE ENERGY RESOURCES INC. (RERI)
In 2023, Roanoke Cooperative worked with the Diversified Energy board to sell the company to Sharpe Energy. We kept our Solar Operations & Maintenance business for large projects, which continued to perform well throughout the year.
FYBE
In 2023, Fybe, Roanoke Cooperative’s broadband internet service, made significant strides. To accelerate the goal of providing broadband to all member-owners by mid-2026, more construction crews were added. By year-end, Fybe reached 11,200 locations and connected 3,600 subscribers, installing over 900 miles of fiber optic infrastructure. Within our service territory, Fybe extended coverage to 6,000 homes and businesses. This resulted in 60% of serviceable member-owner locations gaining access—a 300% increase in 18 months. Subscriber growth saw a substantial 40% year-over-year increase, reflecting strong
Fybe’s communinty engagement included participating in “We Care Days.”
GO RC & FYBE APP
Introducing Go RC & Fybe, part of our new billing and payment system designed for your convenience. Manage your account effortlessly anytime, anywhere: Access and manage billing and payments online, eliminating paper bills. Receive alerts and notifications via email or text for timely updates. Opt for paperless billing to reduce environmental impact. Monitor your usage daily to stay informed and proactive about energy consumption changes.
Visit roanokecooperative.com/GoRC&Fybe to learn more.
community demand. Gates County had the most passings and is set to be completely covered by 2024. Additionally, Fybe partnered with Elizabeth City, leveraging our fiber assets to generate revenue. Community engagement remained a priority, with initiatives like “We Care Days” contributing over 450 volunteer hours and $6,000 to local institutions, underscoring our commitment to supporting the communities we serve.
GOLD STAR PROGRAM & HIGH IMPACT SERVICES
High Usage Alerts: Customizable alerts that help you stay on top of what is going on in your home. Receive notifications when your usage meets its preset threshold.
Smart Grid Devices: Water heater controls and smart thermostats controls.
Paperless Billing: E-Bill takes the worry out of receiving valuable information too late
Bank Drafts: Bank drafts are a way to ensure that your payments are received on time. This saves you late fees, time, postage and more.
Time-of-Day Rates: Member-owners are taking advantage of lower rates on the energy they use during Off-Peak hours on weekdays. A special meter installed records usage throughout the day and the rate offers significant savings for usage during Off-Peak times.
Electric Vehicle Rates: Member-owners that have purchased an electric vehicle have options to choose their charging rate based on their anticipated monthly mileage.
Annual Meeting Attendance: Once per year, an annual meeting is held for member-owners to elect directors, hear reports covering the previous fiscal year, win prizes and transact any other important business. The virtual annual meetings are generally held the 4th Saturday of each August.
ROANOKE COOPERATIVE WELCOMES KENAN FELLOWS
During the summer of 2023, Dawn Stokes, an eighth-grade science teacher at Enfield Middle S.T.E.A.M. Academy, participated in a transformative internship at Roanoke Cooperative, sponsored by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and the Kenan Fellows Program.
Awarded a prestigious Kenan Fellowship earlier that year, Stokes spent three weeks at Roanoke Cooperative in Aulander, gaining firsthand insights into the electric cooperative industry. She emphasized the supportive community environment and how it will positively impact her future teaching. Her fellowship included professional development and networking opportunities, enhancing her understanding of local workforce needs and career opportunities for her students.
Basil Williams, senior manager at Roanoke Cooperative, reflected on hosting Stokes: “It was a pleasure to mentor Dawn and learn from her insights. This experience will undoubtedly benefit her and the students of Halifax County.”
Stokes is the first Kenan Fellow from Halifax County Schools hosted by Roanoke Cooperative, marking a milestone in educational partnership and community engagement.
SAFE HORIZONS: ROANOKE COOPERATIVE’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE SAFETY
Roanoke Cooperative’s dedication to workplace safety has earned it the prestigious Carolina Star award, presented by North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson. This award underscores the cooperative’s exceptional commitment to upholding health and safety standards.
Since 2015, Roanoke Cooperative has held the Carolina Star site designation from the North Carolina Department of Labor, distinguishing it as the sole electrical cooperative among 26 statewide to achieve this honor. Demonstrating continuous dedication, the cooperative has successfully earned recertification twice, in 2018 and 2023.
President and CEO Marshall Cherry credited the achievement to the collective efforts of every individual within the organization, highlighting their shared commitment to prioritizing safety. Environmental, Health & Safety Manager Glenn Brown emphasized the cooperative’s proactive safety initiatives and team-driven approach.
UPGRADE TO $AVE PROGRAM: ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR MEMBER-OWNERS
The Upgrade to $ave program continues to be a cornerstone of Roanoke Cooperative’s commitment to supporting our member-owners in achieving significant energy savings. Designed to reduce electric bills through targeted upgrades, this program focuses on enhancing residential and commercial properties with improvements such as insulation
Roanoke Cooperative’s dedication to workplace safety has earned it the prestigious Carolina Star award.
Stokes is the first Kenan Fellow from Halifax County Schools hosted by Roanoke Cooperative, marking a milestone in educational partnership and community engagement.
Vision 2025
enhancements, duct and air sealing, heat pump optimizations, water heater wraps and LED lighting installations.
The Upgrade to $ave program begins with a complimentary energy assessment conducted by experienced auditors. This assessment identifies potential areas for improvement and outlines customized upgrade options tailored to maximize energy efficiency and minimize costs.
Upon scheduling the upgrades, our skilled weatherization team visits the property to perform the agreed-upon enhancements—all at little to no upfront cost to the memberowner. This initiative not only reduces immediate energy expenses but also enhances the overall comfort and efficiency of homes and businesses within our community.
As a member-owner, you already benefit from our suite of online tools designed to empower you with insights into energy consumption and budget management. Now, with the Upgrade to $ave program, you can optimize your energy use right at your doorstep, thanks to our dedicated team of professionals committed to your energy efficiency goals.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY AND LAND RETENTION PROJECT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
2023 marked the 10-year anniversary of the creation of Roanoke Cooperative’s Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project (SFLRP). The cooperative established the SFLRP program to help woodland owners and farmers in northeastern North Carolina retain their land for current and future generations and stem the massive loss of forestland that African American landowners, in particular, have suffered over the past century. Roanoke Cooperative partnered with leading NGOs like the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and federal agencies like the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to establish the program, which is having an enduring impact.
Since its formation, the SFLRP program has assisted more than 285 landowners owning approximately 22,000 acres. More than 200 Forest Management Plans have been created for 12,500 forested acres. Woodland owners
participating in the SFLRP program now are assuming leadership roles in conservation and forestry project management and policymaking via their appointments to state and even national boards and commissions.
The program’s goal of helping families increase the income and asset value of their forestland is being realized. In addition to the economic progress, the program is enhancing forest and habitat health and encouraging resilient and healthy forests as a solution to climate change. Thanks to additional funding, the program currently serves woodland owners in 13 counties, and new funding would help expand the program into additional counties across North Carolina.
SOLAR SOLUTIONS
We reaffirm our role as a trusted energy partner, addressing misconceptions about solar energy in our community. While solar installations can reduce electric bills, claims of eliminating them entirely are misleading. Homes with solar still rely on the grid for electricity during non-sunlit hours, necessitating standard charges.
As a not-for-profit cooperative, Roanoke Cooperative ensures fair charges benefit all members, regardless of energy choices. We urge members to consult us for accurate information and to avoid misinformation from unfamiliar solar companies.
Our support for home solar aligns with member-owner benefit, grid safety, resource diversity and cost fairness. As the grid shifts towards distributed energy resources like solar, informed decision-making is crucial.
We’re committed to providing accurate information and integrating new solar installations seamlessly into our grid plans. Roanoke Cooperative stands ready to assist memberowners in maximizing energy savings while meeting their home and personal goals.
Alton Perry, speaking at the 2023 Youth Summit for Sustainable Forestry.
ROANOKE COOPERATIVE GIVES BACK
“Roanoke Cooperative Gives Back — One Community at a Time” exemplifies our commitment to making a positive impact where it matters most. As part of a companywide initiative, our cooperative volunteers in community projects across the counties we serve, demonstrating our core values in action.
Throughout the year, our volunteers engaged in various activities, including local camp support and roadside cleanups, directly benefiting our communities. Additionally, we proudly hosted two significant food giveaway events to address critical needs.
Around Thanksgiving, Roanoke Cooperative organized an in-house canned food drive, encouraging employees to donate canned items. Alongside this effort, we distributed 185 turkeys to member-owners, ensuring families could enjoy a holiday meal together. In December, our “Hens for the Holiday” initiative distributed 300 hens to memberowners, further supplementing festive meals and bringing joy during the holiday season.
These combined efforts reached over 400 families, providing essential meals, fostering hope, and exemplifying the true spirit of community. These initiatives underscore Roanoke Cooperative’s guiding principle of “Members First, Members Last, Members Always,” reaffirming our dedication to serving our community in meaningful ways. We look forward to continuing our impactful initiatives and expanding our reach in the coming year, striving to make a difference in the lives of those we are privileged to serve.
Roanoke Cooperative distributed 300 hens to member-owners last December, ensuring families could enjoy a holiday meal together.
2023 FINANCIAL REPORT
Our annual summary of operations and expense distribution
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS 2023
In 2023, the cooperative accelerated its fiber investments with the ambitious goal of passing all serviceable member-owner locations by early 2026. This strategic initiative led to increased depreciation and interest expenses, which were reflected in the operating statement for the year. To maintain the investment pace along with rising costs to serve electricity since our last rate adjustment, the cooperative passed a portion of these costs onto memberowners, while absorbing the remaining expenses through the cooperative’s equity. As a result, we reported a loss for the operating year. Controllable expenses were managed in line with projections, and revenue began to rise when costs started passing through to member-owners in 2023. A detailed plan for the next few years has been outlined to secure continued support from our funders for broadband investments, ensuring these investments yield benefits for our membership. This plan includes a rate adjustment set to take effect on May 1, 2024, to further support our financial health and ongoing projects.
E B $5,921,059 $5,451,060 $72,319 $1,799,516
$24,295,006 $6,856,907 $4,471,841 G F
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DISTRICT 1
COLUMBUS JEFFERS
DISTRICT 5
KEN JERNIGAN
DISTRICT 9
CYNTHIA VAUGHAN
DISTRICT 2 DELORES AMASON (SECRETARY-TREASURER)
DISTRICT 6 MARVA BOND
DISTRICT 3
CAROLYN BRADLEY
DISTRICT 7 DARNELL LEE
DISTRICT 4 ROBERT “NAT” RIDDICK (VICE CHAIRMAN)
DISTRICT 8 ALLEN SPELLER (CHAIRMAN)
Back-to-School Safety Crossword Puzzle
As you gear up for a new school year, remember to practice electrical safety in the classroom and at home. From powering electronic devices to spending time outdoors with friends, always play it safe around electricity.
Read the clues below to complete the crossword puzzle, then double check your answers in the key.
ACROSS:
1. Never insert anything other than a into an electrical outlet.
4. When outdoors, stay away from , big green boxes that lower electricity voltage.
1. Never play around when you’re outside; you can get hurt!
2. Don’t yank on a when unplugging it. Instead, grab the base and pull from there.
3. Always make sure your hands are before plugging anything in.
Transform Your Garden Path
A step-by-step guide to craft your own DIY stepping stones
By Rue Reynold
Creating garden stepping stones is an enjoyable and rewarding DIY project that allows you to add a beautiful and personal touch to your yard or garden. Not only do these stones serve a practical purpose by providing a stable path, but they also offer a canvas for your creativity. Whether you prefer a simple, natural look or a more colorful and intricate design, making your own stepping stones can enhance your outdoor space's aesthetic and charm. Follow these easy steps to create unique and functional garden stepping stones that reflect your personal style.
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
Garden Stepping Stones
Silicone molds make it easier to release cement from molds, but you can use old cake pans or plastic containers just as well—just grease it up before pouring in your cement mixture.
Materials
■ Quick-setting concrete mix
■ Water
■ Silicone mold or other container for mold
■ Gloves
■ Protective goggles
Directions
Assemble all materials before starting. Ensure you have your chosen decorations nearby.
Cover a flat, stable surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet to catch any spills.
Wear gloves and goggles and follow the instructions on the quick-setting concrete mix package, using a bucket or old container for the mixture. If desired, follow instructions of oxide pigment and add it to cement mixture until you reach the desired color. If using a non-silicone mold, grease the inside of your chosen mold lightly with cooking spray.
Pour the mixed cement into the prepared mold. Fill it to the desired thickness, at least 2 inches for stability. Smooth the surface with a spatula or trowel.
Optional:
■ Cooking spray
■ Concrete oxide pigment
■ Mosaic tiles or broken pottery
■ Decorative stones
■ Exterior or outdoor acrylic paint
■ Paintbrushes
While the cement is still wet, press the decorations gently but firmly into the cement to create a pattern or design.
Allow concrete to dry completely, usually 24–72 hours depending on type of cement and environmental conditions.
Once the concrete is fully dry, carefully turn the mold upside down and tap the bottom to release the stepping stone. If necessary, gently pry it out with a knife or spatula.
If you wish to add extra designs or color, ensure the surface is clean and dry before using acrylic paint to decorate the stepping stone. Allow the paint to dry completely, about 24–72 hours depending on paint used.
When placing the stone in your yard, ensure it sits flat and is stable to avoid any tripping hazards.
Rosa Verna
NC Youth Tour 2024 Scrapbook
The 57th annual Youth Tour took place this June, where 41 students representing North Carolina’s electric cooperatives traveled to Washington, D.C. From touring monuments and museums to meeting Congressional staffers, the group made friends and memories to last a lifetime.
Surry-Yadkin EMC Member to Represent NC
Maya Fitch, sponsored by Surry-Yadkin EMC, was selected by her fellow Youth Tourists to serve as North Carolina’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) representative. As this year’s YLC winner, Maya will attend the 2025 Annual Meeting of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in Raleigh, as well as the 2025 national electric co-op PowerExchange conference in Atlanta.
Maya is a rising senior at Salem Academy in Winston-Salem, where she is a student athlete and active in several extracurricular activities, including as a member of Salem Academy A Cappella, Student Ambassadors, Key Club, and the Girl Up! Club — mentoring young girls to prepare them for high school.
Visit ncelectriccooperatives.com/youth-tour for more information about the program.
A Guide to EV Ownership
Be in-the-know before going electric
By Jennah Denney
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift as many make the switch to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer numerous benefits, including less maintenance and lower fuel costs than their gasolinepowered counterparts.
But transitioning to an EV requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The following list overviews key aspects of EV ownership and can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
EV Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with EV basics. Understand the differences between battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Consider your daily, monthly and annual driving needs, and evaluate each option.
Driving Range: Evaluate the EV’s driving range when fully charged to ensure it aligns with your daily commute. We often think about a summer road trip for our driving needs, but it’s important to remember there are other options for infrequent, long-distance travel.
Home Charging: Determine if you will need to install a Level 2 charger and if your home's electrical system is compatible. By evaluating your whole home energy use, you can determine if electrical panel upgrades are necessary for a Level 2 system. Level 1 chargers typically do not require upgrades but charge at a much slower rate.
Public Charging Options: Research the availability of public charging stations along your typical routes. Make note of how long it would take to charge at those convenient to you — whereas DC fast chargers can charge a depleted EV battery to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, Level 2 chargers provide between 10 and 20 miles of range per hour of charging.
Cost Comparisons: Compare EV prices from multiple dealerships. Sticker prices are higher upfront, but EVs have proven to be cost effective due to reduced maintenance and fuel costs.
Financial Incentives: Explore federal, state and local incentives available for EV purchases. Check with your electric co-op to see if they offer incentives or special charging rates for EVs.
Maintenance: EVs have far fewer moving parts than combustion-engine vehicles and typically require less maintenance (no oil changes, for one), which can lead to long-term savings.
Battery Warranty: Ensure the EV battery includes a substantial warranty. Most manufacturers offer eight-year warranties (or up to 100,000 miles).
Insurance Implications: Consult with your insurance provider to review potential changes to your policy when owning an EV.
Fees: Some plug-in electric vehicles are subject to additional fees to compensate for road tax revenue that is typically collected from gasoline taxes. Additionally, you may have to pay a higher vehicle registration fee for EVs and hybrid vehicles. It’s important to be aware of these potential fees when considering the total cost of ownership for an EV.
EV ownership offers many benefits. EVs often have fewer restrictions in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, allowing for quicker commutes. And owning an EV is a fun experience — drivers can enjoy a fast-accelerating, quieter ride.
If you’re interested in an EV, reach out to your electric co-op. Many North Carolina co-ops offer “ride and drive” events, home charging programs and more, allowing members to gain firsthand experience and determine if an EV is right for them.
Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Fandom Tree Fig
Hendersonville farm is spreading a love of figs
By Vanessa Infanzon
When multiple visitors to McConnell Farms asked the farm’s owners Danny and Kathryn McConnell if they carried figs — a native to the Mediterranean region and southern and western regions of Asia — the couple decided to try the fruit tree. That was in 2010, and now 68 varieties of fig trees grow on two acres of the McConnell’s 100-acre farm in Hendersonville.
“So many people like figs, but they don’t know how to care for them,” Danny says. “A lot of people’s grandparents owned fig trees, and now they want to have one.”
Four years ago, the McConnells started Fig Fest, a two-day farm event featuring all things figs. Last year, 4,000 people participated in Fig Fest. Fig tours and talks with Danny are highlights of the festival.
Danny calls himself a fig collector. This passion, combined with his experience growing up on his family’s farm and his NC State horticulture degree with a specialization in fruits and vegetables, make him the perfect teacher. During lectures he talks about choosing the right fig and caring for the figs. Lectures include a tour of the figs growing on the farm, and questions are encouraged.
Fig-flavored ice cream (like Figgy D, walnut fig and strawberry fig) is another draw at Fig Fest. Hendersonville residents Bob and Rita Bost come to the festival for the fig mascarpone ice cream and fresh figs. As a young girl, Rita remembers her mom making preserves and hand pies from the figs she harvested from the tree in the family’s backyard.
“I just love all things fig,” Rita says. “[The festival] reminds me of the things my mom made growing up.”
For the past 25 years, McConnell Farms has made small-batch ice cream, focusing on seasonal flavors and rotating them throughout the year. It’s not unusual to see cream-style corn and ginger lavender on the list with traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors. With the success of the ice cream, Danny suggested to the Hendersonville tourism staff to promote the region’s
Tim Robison
Kathryn and Danny McConnell grow 68 varieties of fig trees on two acres of their 100-acre farm in Hendersonville.
Figgy Festivities
Fig Fest at McConnell Farms
Fig Fest is Sept. 21–22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
177 Old Dana Road, Hendersonville 828-692-2819 | mcconnellfarms.net
Ocracoke Fig Festival
Can’t make it out west? This coastal celebration is Aug. 2–3. Admission is free.
58 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke 252-928-6711 | bit.ly/figfest24
ice cream business. In 2023, Visit Hendersonville launched the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, which showcases McConnell Farms and 12 other ice cream options in the area (visithendersonvillenc.org/ice-cream-trail).
During the two days of the festival, local vendors set up tables to sell crafts, jewelry, pottery and other handmade items. The farm store is open with apple ciders and jars of apple butter and jelly, fig jam, pumpkin butter and strawberry butter — all made from products grown on the farm.
And, of course, many varieties of fig trees are sold. If figs, homemade ice cream and crafts aren’t enough, the backdrop to the event is a field of sunflowers in full bloom.
Vanessa Infanzon moved to Charlotte for college and never left. When she’s not writing about business or travel, she’s paddle boarding on the Catawba River.
Figs 101
Danny McConnell of McConnell Farms offers four tips for successfully growing your own figs.
Select a fig variety. Match where you live to the type of fig tree you purchase. The Chicago Hardy Fig does well in almost any climate. Danny recommends the Sao Miguel Roxo fig for people who live in Western North Carolina because it’s proven to thrive in that climate.
Choose a place to plant your fig tree. Fig trees need a 10-by-10-foot space in the sun. Without pruning, some varieties can grow 8- to 10-feet tall. Milder climates have more flexibility with placement. For regions of North Carolina with ice, snow and wind, a south-facing slope near a house or other building offers the protection a fig tree needs during the coldest months.
Care for your fig year-round. Fig trees need some moisture, Danny says. During that first year, make sure the tree is watered, but not overwatered. “They don’t like to be really wet,” he says. “They need some moisture to get established but after that, they don’t need a whole lot.”
Harvest figs with a plan. Fresh figs don’t last long once they’re picked off the tree. Most eat them fresh. Danny suggests fig fritters and pastries. “They do not keep that well,” Danny says. “Make sure you know what you want to do with them.”
Roasted Figs
6 ripe figs, type and quantity of choice
Pure maple syrup or artificial sweetener, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Ground cinnamon, to taste
Preheat oven on the high broil setting and move one of the oven racks to the shelf that’s the second closest to the top.
Slice the figs in half, lengthwise, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with maple syrup, a small amount of sea salt and cinnamon.
Broil for 6–8 minutes, or until juices are seeping out and figs are golden-brown around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow figs to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
One serving idea: layer figs on toasted bread dolloped with ricotta seasoned with salt and pepper.
Lions, straw men and tin guys, oh my! Meet the well-dressed characters along the trail at Beech Mountain’s Autumn at Oz.
A Weekend Trip Over the Rainbow
The Land of Oz comes to life on Beech Mountain
By Renee Gannon
As a kid growing up in North Carolina in the early 1970s, my family didn’t do Disney every year. We headed west instead of south, to the mountains for family fun at Maggie Valley’s Ghost Town in the Sky (RIP), Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock and the Land of Oz atop Beech Mountain.
Oz entertained from 1970–1980, but with a little luck and TLC from somewhere over the rainbow, the Yellow Brick Road slowly began welcoming visitors back in the 1990s. Today it holds an annual Autumn at Oz event during three weekends in September where visitors of all ages travel the iconic path for an interactive, immersive experience with all the beloved characters.
The witch and her evil flying monkeys scared the bejeezus out of my 5-year-old self. But recently, as an adult, after emerging from the tornado-tossed farmhouse, I laughed while skipping atop the yellow bricks and meeting familiar characters — even the Wicked Witch of the West — before running past those monkeys in search of the gates to the Emerald City and the Wizard himself. I felt like a kid again.
The brick road is about threequarters of a mile long, with total
path distance at 1.5 miles; but it typically takes almost two hours as you meander through, enjoying the character interaction and various mini-shows along the way.
“Each year we spend the summer preparing for the event,” says Sean Barrett, Land of Oz producer and artistic director. “This includes a landscaping overhaul and repainting the Yellow Brick Road, which consists of 44,000 bricks. Emerald City is also rebuilt from the ground up every year.”
Additions over the years included restoring the last remaining steel balloon frame from the original park balloon ride.
“The covers to the ride were discovered in the attic of the crooked house,” adds Sean.
Visitors also now have the option to ride the Beech Mountain chairlift up to Oz. And the “Over the Rainbow Overlook” attraction gives visitors a 360-degreee view of multiple states from atop Beech Mountain, one of the highest points on the East Coast.
Autumn at Oz celebrates its 31st year this fall since reopening. Sean reported that a documentary on the Land of Oz has been filming at the park for almost two years, with its
AUTUMN AT OZ
Beech Mountain
September 6–8, 13–15, 20–22 844-307-7469 or landofoznc.com
No Place Like Home (Away From Home)
If you’re heading to Beech Mountain for the Autumn at Oz festival, the area offers plenty of other diversions to make a full weekend of the trip. Learn about these and more at beechmtn.com
■ The Emerald Outback Trail Park offers more than 7 miles of hiking and biking treks near Beech Mountain’s summit.
■ The Buckeye Recreation Center is a hotspot for birdwatching, as well as kayaking, fishing hiking and more.
■ The Mountaineer Adventure Tower is a three-story ropes course featuring a 25-foot slide.
■ And the town of Beech Mountain offers several restaurants to fuel your adventures, including Beech Mountain Brewing Co., one of the only U.S. breweries owned and operated by a ski area.
release later this year. Perfect timing, considering 2024 marks the 85th anniversary for the MGM classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country.
Forty-four thousand bricks make up the Yellow Brick Road.
Not only are these hefty bars one full Troy ounce of real, .999 precious silver, they’re also beautiful, featuring the crisp image of a Morgan Silver Dollar struck onto the surface. That collectible image adds interest and makes these Silver Bars even more desirable. Minted in the U.S.A. from shimmering American silver, these one-ounce 99.9% fine silver bars are a great alternative to one-ounce silver coins or rounds. Plus, they offer great savings compared to other bullion options like one-ounce sovereign silver coins. Take advantage of our special offer for new customers only and save $10.00 off our regular prices.
Morgan Silver Dollars Are Among the Most Iconic Coins in U.S. History
What makes them iconic? The Morgan Silver Dollar is the legendary coin that built the Wild West. It exemplifies the American spirit like few other coins, and was created using silver mined from the famous Comstock Lode in Nevada. In fact, when travelers approached the mountains around the boomtown of Virginia City, Nevada in the 1850s, they were startled to see the hills shining in the sunlight like a mirror. A mirage caused by weary eyes?
No, rather the effect came from tiny flecks of silver glinting in the sun.
A Special Way for You to Stock Up on Precious Silver
While no one can predict the future value of silver in an uncertain economy, many Americans are rushing to get their hands on as much silver as possible, putting it away for themselves and their loved ones. You’ll enjoy owning these Silver Bars. They’re tangible. They feel good when you hold them, You’ll relish the design and thinking about all it represents. These Morgan Design One-Ounce Bars make appreciated gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduations, creating a legacy sure to be cherished for a lifetime.
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Drought Busters
Call on these hearty perennials to beat the heat
Story and photos by L.A.
Jackson
Midsummer in Carolina Country is often a time of high heat and cloudless skies, which leaves many a plant lover stressing over their pretties in the garden. Regular waterings and mulch will, of course, help, but many plants just don’t do well when the temperatures are scorching and rain is scarce. However, some do.
Here are some perennials I have grown in my garden that I call “drought busters” because, once established, they have performed well in wicked heat and extended dry times.
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggi). This Southwest native does best in sunny sites and, true to its origin prefers well-draining soil. Don’t let the name “autumn sage” fool you — my sassy pink “Lipstick” selection hasn’t been shy about blooming anytime during the growing season.
Anise Sage (Salvia guaranitica). Another tough sage, this one hails from the hot tropics of South America. Mine begin blooming around May and just keep rollin’ until the late fall. In particular, the cultivars “Black
and Blue,” “Argentina Skies,” and the hybrid “Amistad” have performed like champs for me.
Lantana (Lantana camara). Have a garden with less-than-ideal soil in full sun? Lantana is your kinda plant. I’ve grown the old cultivar “Miss Huff” for years, not because I’m stuck on it, but rather, with minimum maintenance, nothing Mother Nature has thrown at this beautiful brute has killed it yet.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea sp.). Being native plants, these tough beauties are used to surviving in the elements without human help, so in a cultivated garden, they thrive. Mine sure have. They not only flaunt the typical purple flowers, but also shine in shades of white, yellow, salmon and orange from newer cultivars.
Goldenrod (Solidago sp.). Another native that readily survives heat and drought in the wild, goldenrod, with its flashing yellow florets, is finally finding its way into backyard
Coneflower
landscapes. New cultivars have even been developed, with “Fireworks” and “Golden Fleece” being two of the more popular.
Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri). This native of Texas and Louisiana can take the Gulf Coast summer sizzle, so it is a dependable, tough-yet-pretty addition to gardens in our state with waving stems full of small, delicate flowers that start their shows in midsummer and continue until the first frosts. I have enjoyed the pink blossoms of “Siskiyou Pink” for many growing seasons. It is a common cultivar — in other words, easy to find — as is “Whirling Butterflies” with its wispy white blooms.
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Contact L.A. at lajackson1@gmail.com
L.A.’s website of the month: Growing Wild Nursery (growingwildnursery.com). True to its name, this Siler City nursery is a good e-source for indigenous pretties, with native perennials they propagate themselves being their specialty.
Garden To-Do’s for August
Although pretty, Queen Anne’s lace is a Euro-Asian import that can aggressively spread in meadows, fallow fields and roadsides, making adding it to cultivated gardens questionable. However, the graceful white umbels, which are blooming now, can still add a special charm to your home this Christmas. Snip off blossom clusters at their bases and place them flat on a screen in a warm, dry spot. When it’s time to decorate your home for seasonal celebrations, lightly coat the dried blooms with hair spray to prevent shedding, and then adorn your Christmas tree with botanical “snowflakes!” Just be careful not to confuse it with the highly toxic Poison hemlock — its flowers are similar, although hemlock grows much taller with thicker, purple-spattered stems.
□ While “Drought Busters” can survive high summer temperatures, some cool-season veggies actually need warm soil temperatures to develop properly and thrive, meaning this month is a fine time to begin planting such garden-grown delectables as mustard greens, radishes, spinach, onions (bulbs), lettuce (both leaf and head), kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and cauliflower.
□ If you enjoyed growing herbs such as dill, basil, oregano, chives and cilantro this year, allow a few plants of each to go to seed and fall in the garden. These seeds easily survive most winters outdoors in our state and will jump start your herb patch next spring.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Purple
Vote Now for the Finest in the State!
We’re pleased to announce the top three finalists from each category, nominated by our readers. These are the best of the best, but we want to know your top picks! Winners of the 2024 Carolina’s Finest Awards will be featured in our November 2024 issue.
Barbecue
■ JD’s Smokehouse, Rutherford College
■ Kristin’s Hook’d on Smoke, West Jefferson
■ White Swan BBQ, Smithfield
Festival
■ Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee
■ NC Pickle Festival, Mt. Olive
■ NC Seafood Festival, Morehead City
Hot Dog
■ Bill’s Hot Dog Stand, Washington
■ Paul’s Place Famous Hotdogs, Rocky Point
■ The Shake-N-Dog, Lenoir
Live Music Venue
■ TownStage Amphitheater, Troy
■ Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Raleigh
■ Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall, Sparta
Local Coffee Shop
■ Southern Ground Coffee Shop, Mt. Olive
■ Filament Coffee + Tea, Mebane
■ Coffee on Raiford, Selma
Made in NC Product
■ Blue Mist Barbecue Sauce
■ Cheerwine
■ Mt. Olive Pickles
Main Street/Downtown
■ Front Street, Beaufort
■ Center Street, Goldsboro
■ Downtown, West Jefferson
Minor League Team
■ Down East Wood Ducks, Kinston
■ Durham Bulls
■ Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Museum
■ Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville
■ Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, Harkers Island
■ Mountain Heritage Center, Cullowhee
Thrift/Antique Shop
■ Amy’s Closet, Denver
■ Front Porch on Main, Troy
■ The Humble Hare, Mt. Airy
carolina creators
Brian Lewis, aka JEKS
The next time you’re in Mount Airy, head for Moore Avenue. The mural on the wall of the Surrey Bank and Trust building features five faces of native son Andy Griffith. The sight is sure to stop you in your tracks. Greensboro graffiti/muralist Brian Lewis, who goes by JEKS (jeksone.com), created this amazing work — so realistic that you almost expect one of Andy’s faces to smile and wink at you. Pilot Mountain (aka “Mt. Pilot” on the Andy Griffith Show) is portrayed in the background of the mural. JEKS is becoming known for the hyper-realistic murals he’s painted across the United States and around the world. Incredibly, he creates his jaw-dropping works of art with an unexpected medium: aerosol or spray paint.
— Lori Grossman, Carolina Country contributor
Be Prepared For Whatever Mother Nature Brings
Whether storm clouds are on the horizon or a hurricane is in the forecast, NCStormCenter.coop is your one-stop shop for important information to protect you and your family during severe weather.
Resources include:
A real-time statewide outage map
Information on what to do before, during and after a storm
Specific resources for hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and winter storms StormCenter.coop
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.
Zucchini Pesto
Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes.
Have friends and neighbors been dropping off excess zucchini on your porch? The supply seems endless toward late summer, so let’s get creative!
3 cups zucchini, grated, about 1 pound
¾ cup pine nuts, toasted and divided (can sub walnuts or pecans)
3–4 cloves garlic, peeled
¾ cup Parmesan Romano blend, grated
½ cup fresh basil, loosely packed
½ cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, optional
About 8 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
Wrap grated zucchini in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Set a few nuts aside for garnish.
Whirl all ingredients except oil in a food processor, drizzling oil into the pesto until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with a few toasted nuts and a drizzle of oil.
Enjoy on crispy breads or stirred into your favorite pasta, spaghetti squash or salads. Put to work as a sandwich spread and on pizza, too.
Store in an airtight container covered with a light layer of oil in your refrigerator for up to a week, or package in small containers and freeze to enjoy anytime!
Yield: Makes about 1 quart
Recipes by Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry (WendyPerry.com), home economist, blogger and NC food artisan, unless otherwise noted.
From Your Kitchen
Low-Sugar Peach Cobbler
With blueberries
Melty pockets of jammy blueberries join fresh, bright local peaches in this biscuittopped cobbler. You’d think there’s little room for improvement until you plop generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into that warm bed of tart-sweet fruit.
6 medium peaches, diced
1 cup blueberries
6½ tablespoons sugar, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup low-fat milk (we used 2%)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large saucepan, combine peaches, blueberries, 6 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Toss to coat fruit. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Cook until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to an 8-by-8 pan.
For the topping, combine the flour, ½ tablespoon sugar, baking powder and salt. Work butter in using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir until flour mixture is evenly moistened.
Drop by spoonfuls on top of the fruit mixture.
Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes.
Yield: 8 servings
Submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe. Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.
Who isn’t ready for something cold and bubbly? Laden with seasonal cantaloupe, this is a refreshing drink to sip on the porch or put into your cooler for a beach or lake trip.
1 large cantaloupe, cut into chunks ½–¾ cup honey (depending on sweetness of melon)
Juice and zest of half an orange
Juice and zest of half a lime
4 cups water
Carbonated water
Ice
Fresh mint, optional
Put melon, honey, juices and water into a blender and whirl until smooth. Taste and add more honey if needed. Stir in zest. Chill. To serve, combine equal parts of mixture with sparkling water and serve over ice. Garnish with melon cubes, fresh or frozen, and mint.
Yield: Makes about 1 quart mix
Recipe courtesy of Lucy Buchanan of Indian Trail, a member of Union Power Cooperative Sparkling Cantaloupe Agua Fresca
With basil and cilantro
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August Events
AUG. 30–SEPT. 2
North Carolina Apple Festival Main Street Hendersonville 828-697-4557
JULY 29–AUG. 3
International Black Theatre Festival
The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem 336-723-2266
JULY 31–AUG. 3
NC Watermelon Festival Downtown Murfreesboro 252-398-7695
AUG. 1–4
Mineral and Gem Festival
The Commons Shopping Center, Spruce Pine 828-765-9033
AUG. 2–3
Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-7413
AUG. 2–3
Ocracoke Fig Festival Berkley Barn, Ocracoke Village 252-928-6711
AUG. 4
Bear Town Exchange Downtown Farmers Market, New Bern 315-430-7951
AUG. 9–11
Sarah James Fulcher Redfish Tournament Non-profit red drum tournament Cedar Island Resort, Cedar Island
AUG. 10
American Legion World Series Festival Uptown Shelby 704-466-3103
June’s winner
AUG. 15–20
American Legion World Series Keeter Stadium, Shelby 704-466-3103
AUG. 16–18
King Mackerel Tournament Pelagic Hunter Fishing Center, Sneads Ferry 910-548-8894
AUG. 17
NC Beach Blast Festival Patriots Park, Kings Mountain 704-730-2101
AUG. 10
Tea with Seagrove Potters Pottery Hwy, Seagrove 336-873-7412
AUG. 10–11
Riders in the Sky Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock 877-893-3874
Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 828-295-9099
AUG. 24–25
Railroad Heritage Weekend Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock 877-893-3874
AUG. 27–SEPT. 22
Intertwined Art exhibition Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001
AUG. 30–31
Littleton Lake Gaston Festival Downtown Littleton 571-205-7229
Visit carolinacountry.com/calendar for more information about each event, including links to the most current information, or to submit your own event.
where in Carolina Country is this?
Send your answer by Aug. 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.
Online: carolinacountry.com/where
By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616
Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our October issue, will receive $25. Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where
The June “Where Is This” photo by Union Power Cooperative member Amber Witmore features one of Fort Macon’s outside walls along Beaufort Inlet and Shackleford Island in Carteret County. The five-sided fort, located along Bogue Banks in Atlantic Beach at the end of NC Highway 58, was constructed in 1826 as part of the US seacoast defense system. It became the state’s first functioning park in 1936 and serves as a cultural and natural landmark for the area, boasting sound and seaside fishing, 4 miles of trails and more than 300 bird species. A few readers had personal connections to the fort. Regina Pake Rose’s great-great-grandfather worked as a brick mason and helped build the fort. Retha Redd reported that her great-grandfather was stationed here during the Civil War. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Deane Croo of Hubert, a Jones-Onslow EMC member.
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Ready to Respond
When severe weather rolls in, you can count on your electric cooperative to be ready. We’re building a stronger, smarter and more resilient power grid for improved service, no matter the weather.
Dedicated crews, proactive planning, advanced technology and an unwavering commitment to our members — rest assured that when storms strike, we’re here for you.
