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January 2025

The magazine of

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Our annual photo contest

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Learn to thwart utility scammers page 6

Handle unwelcome wildlife page 22

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January 2025

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 57, No. 1

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. All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

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Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of reader photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Uninvited Guests

What to do when wildlife appears in unexpected places.

A Different Kind of ‘Two-Seater’ And other memories from our readers.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 5 More Power 20 On the House 24 Carolina Adventures 30 Carolina Kitchen 32 Carolina Calendar 32 Where is This?

On the Cover “This picture was taken a few years ago after our last snow. Our pet cows LOVED it! They would get so excited for the kids to come out and play. This snow day picture reminds me of the greatness of all God’s gifts, not only to our children but also to us and our pets.” Photographed by Becky Perryman, Iron Station, a member of Rutherford EMC.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage? Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service. Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

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Send Us Your Recipes! The best recipes are those shared, and we offer $25 for every reader recipe we’re able to share in future issues. See page 30 for details.

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From Our Readers

THIS MONTH:

Family Recipe Rescue I was inspired to write this after reading “Fruitcake FaceOff” (December 2024, page 9) and Bridgette Lacy’s story of “losing” her Papa’s Hermit Cake recipe. My Aunt Jane (wife of my Uncle Ralph) made a whatwe-called “date-nut loaf” at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was an original recipe from her mother. But it was a big hit with our family. Both she and her sister knew how to make it. She willingly shared the recipe with many family members over the years, but no one was able to make it. I tried many times. As she got older, I decided that I had to learn how to make this or else the recipe might be lost forever. This was before cell phones, and we had to pay for long distance by the hour, but I called her long distance and spoke with her for about an hour, getting every detail of how she made the recipe. It was a success! The next time I was able to make the date-nut loaf, and it tasted like hers. At her funeral, I asked her niece, her sister’s only child, if she knew how to make it, and she didn’t. So it looks like I rescued a recipe that otherwise would have been lost. I encourage everyone to reach out to their elderly relatives and take the time to allow the family traditions to be passed on. The recipe is still a big hit with my family. Tammy Stainback Jackson, Cary, a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Carolina Country Scenes Too dreary outside for you this time of year? We’re here to help, thanks to the hundreds of readers who submitted stunning photos from around the state of sunsets, sweeping vistas, beautiful blooms, and—last but not least—cute kids and animals. We’ve devoted as many pages as we can to showcasing our favorites from this year’s reader photo contest, starting on page 9. Also, we’re introducing something new for 2025: Murphy, a comic strip from former lineworker Wayne Stroot. Meet him and the crew on page 5. —Scott Gates, editor

Fruitcakes for a Cause I enjoyed the article about fruitcake versus nut cake. I have been baking fruitcakes for the last 13 years. I bake and sell over 50 three-pound fruitcakes each Christmas season. The proceeds are donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure for two of my grandchildren and others with CF. Thanks for shining a positive light on my favorite cake! Leah Buckley, Rutherfordton, a member of Rutherford EMC

Cornbread Blasphemy Sugar in cornbread is called cake! (“Cornbread Recipe Revelations,” December 2024, page 22) My Momma Cajun, and Daddy from Memphis. Blasphemy if anyone ever put sugar in cornbread! Anita Lake, Candler, a member of Haywood EMC

CarolinaSNAPSHOTS

THEME

Bundled Up A Stephanie Pfizenmaier, Waxhaw A member of Union Power B Grace Denton, Durham A member of Piedmont Electric C Terri Ward, Bostic A member of Rutherford EMC

Submit your photo! March theme: Farm animals (Deadline Jan. 20) April theme: Mailboxes (Deadline Feb. 20) May theme: Dogs (Deadline March 20) Send us your best shots based on an upcoming theme— we’ll pay $25 for those published. Submit high resolution digital photos and find full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/snapshots (no emails, please). We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

2 | January 2025

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Viewpoints

Making Our Voices Heard By Sharla Wells

When you signed up to receive electric service from your cooperative, whether months, years or decades ago, you became a member of a local business that thrives on an empowered membership and a strong community. And as a member of an electric co-op, you have a voice that is critical to the cooperative model—a voice that rings loud when you exercise your right to vote in elections, whether for the co-op’s board of directors, or local, state and federal elections. Electric cooperatives serve 45% of North Carolina’s land mass, but only 24% of the population, largely in rural and suburban communities. Despite this relatively small percentage of the population, co-op voters showed With every co-op up in a big way to cast their ballots in 2024. Nationwide, voter turnout member who was led by suburban (45%) and casts a vote, our rural (35%) voters, as compared to only 20% of those representelected officials ing urban areas, according to The hear our voices Associated Press. Electric co-ops represent the a little louder. interests of their members by advocating for reliable and affordable electricity, as well as the wellbeing of the communities we serve. We engage with state and federal legislators, regardless of party affiliation, on an ongoing basis to keep these priorities well represented and maintain positive relationships with elected officials. A question we’ve been asked frequently since the election is: Will there be changes to what electric cooperatives advocate for based on the outcomes of the elections? The short answer is no. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are guided by a shared Brighter Future vision that advances our commitment of providing reliable and affordable electricity to co-op members, while also working toward responsible, longterm sustainability goals.

This Brighter Future vision guides our actions, decision-making and advocacy efforts regardless of election outcomes because it represents what our members and communities need: electricity that is there every time the switch is flipped and at a price that people can afford. The more nuanced answer is that as administrations change and the makeup of legislative bodies shifts, some elements of our Brighter Future vision may come more (or less) into focus, and we respond accordingly. This year’s election saw many expected outcomes as well as a few surprises. With seven new NC Council of State members and five new faces representing North Carolina in the halls of Congress, opportunities to educate officials will be increasingly important in 2025 and beyond. Regardless of how party lines fall, the relationships established by co-ops through our ongoing advocacy will be instrumental in continuing to ensure policies that support providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives also continue to advocate for members at the federal level in conjunction with our partners at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Together, we will advocate for a regulatory environment that protects reliable and affordable electricity, as well as the effective and efficient use of programs and funding that support a range of new energy technologies benefiting rural communities. Guided by the goals of our Brighter Future vision, electric cooperatives will continue to advocate for members by engaging with and educating elected officials on the issues most important to rural communities. And with every co-op member who casts a vote, our elected officials hear our voices a little louder. Sharla Wells is vice president of external affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

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More Power

January

Quick Hits Superior Soups Just in time for winter weather, it’s National Soup Month! We’ll count chili worthy of a celebration, too—find a recipe on page 30. Honoring MLK Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 20. Honor the late Dr. King by making it a “day on,” finding a way to help in your community by volunteering. Oath of Office Inauguration Day is also Jan. 20, moved from a March date in 1937 as technology allowed for less time to tabulate votes. Energy Tip No frost on your roof? You may need to insulate. Learn about this and more tips on page 20.

Meet Murphy This month, we’re pleased to debut a monthly comic strip, “Murphy,” which first appeared in Rural Nebraska magazine 25 years ago. Over the next 12 months, we’ll share a sample of strips to introduce you to characters, who we think are endearingly funny while teaching a thing or two about electrical safety. Here’s an introduction to the strip’s author and illustrator, Wayne Stroot: “Carolina Country magazine asked me to provide you with a bit of my background so we could get to know one another, and I’m happy to do so. I hail from the Midwest, right along the Mississippi River in Missouri. Having a knack for art, I was determined to be a cartoonist, even though I’d managed to fail art in high school. I was encouraged when my first cartoon was printed in a trade magazine at age 15. At that time, I had no idea how to achieve my goal, nor was there anyone available who could direct me. “During a four-year hitch in the military, I had learned the electrical trade, but my hope remained to eventually work into the field of cartooning. While in the service, I continued to submit cartoons to publications and secured my first regular work with a small Alaskan newspaper: ‘The Kodiak Fish Wrapper and Litter Box Liner.’ [Editor’s note:

He’s not joking — that was the name of the paper.] Following my military hitch, I was hired as a utility lineman in Wyoming. By day, I climbed poles and worked on electrical distribution lines; by night, I continued to freelance my cartoons and illustrations, while also furthering my art education. Some of my work even included sketching courtroom scenes during murder trials. After accumulating a number of clients, it was time to make a decision as to which career path to follow. I’ve been a cartoonist ever since. Today, my studio is located in my home on a small acreage, where I produce Murphy, as well as other artwork for various publications. “It’s a pleasure for me to share Murphy with Carolina Country magazine readers, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy drawing it for you.”

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More Power

NC Co-op CEO Joins National Board South River EMC’s Chris Spears will represent NC and other Northeast states Chris Spears, executive vice president and CEO of South River EMC, has joined the Board of Directors of Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange (Federated), the leading provider of property and casualty insurance for rural electric cooperatives. Spears is representing electric co-ops in Federated’s region one, following former Randolph EMC CEO Dale Lambert’s retirement and prior service on the board. Region one includes electric co-ops in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Based in Lenexa, Kansas, Federated is owned and directed by electric and telephone cooperatives and has served them exclusively since 1959. Insurance coverages include property, liability, workers compensation and others. “With a wealth of experience in the electric cooperative

industry, Chris brings valuable insights that will undoubtedly benefit Federated as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Federated President and CEO Phil Irwin. “We look forward to collaborating with Chris and leveraging his expertise to drive our strategic initiatives forward.” Each year, Federated sets aside a portion of member premiums to be returned to statewide associations in support of safety and training programs. Since 1999, nearly $19 million has been allocated for North Carolina, with nearly $8 million allocated to support safety programs in the state. “I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Region 1 on the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange Board of Directors,” Spears said. “Federated provides critical insurance coverage for all of us with a focus on safety, service and stability. The support that we receive from Federated is exceptional, and I truly value the partnership that we share.”

Recognizing Carolina’s Finest Melissa Glenn, communications director for Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, recently presented awards to two of our 2024 Carolina’s Finest Award winners from the community served by her electric co-op.

Know the Signs of Utility Scams Scammers sometimes pose as electric cooperative employees in an effort to get payment information, whether over the phone, via email, or even by going door-todoor. Thwart scammers by knowing the signs:

Verify Scammers often pose as utility workers. Always verify that the account information being provided matches your bill.

Slow Down Scammers pressure their targets to act fast. Take your time—a real co-op employee would be patient with you.

Stop Virginia Yopp, executive director of the North Carolina Seafood Festival, was presented the award for Finest Festival.

Melissa presented the award for Finest Museum to Pam Morris (left), the exhibition and collections manager at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.

If being pressured to pay, remember that your electric co-op will never demand payment on-the-spot. Utilities do not accept bitcoin, prepaid cards or third-party payment apps. Source: Utilities United Against Scams

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More Power

Smart Insights About Buying Smart Appliances The holidays always usher in a spate of sales, but retailers often continue running discounts on home appliances at year-end. If a smart appliance has caught your eye, keep these tips in mind when checking out features. Assessing needs Begin with an honest look at how you live and consider the role your current appliances play in your daily routine. Would the capabilities of a smart appliance make your life easier? For example, if you frequently forget to start the laundry or your dishwasher, Wi-Fi enabled appliances with remote start capabilities may save you time and trouble. But if you’re thinking about stepping up to a smart appliance because it has a cool feature you might use once a year, ask yourself if it’s worth the extra cost. Next, think about any smart devices you already use in your home. Make sure they’re compatible with the smart appliance’s operating system, so you can get all the benefits you expect. For example, many of these appliances are engineered to work with familiar voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri. Incompatible systems might limit your ability to use the features that are most important to you. Smart appliance demands Is your home’s infrastructure ready to handle the demands of a smart appliance? Depending upon the model you choose, it might require anything from a basic internet connection to a home Wi-Fi network to provide the operation you expect. Some smart appliances may require Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave or other systems for connectivity. Others have the ability to receive software updates via Wi-Fi. Having access to the right technology ensures your system will function correctly and be able to handle updates as they become available. It’s always important to consider energy efficiency when purchasing a new appliance. Most smart appliances are designed to reduce energy

consumption, with operating modes that deliver the performance you want while making more efficient use of energy. Smart appliances that are Energy Star® certified meet or exceed federal energy efficiency standards and some may use only half as much energy as standard appliances. Many let you schedule operations during times of day when energy rates are lower. That’s particularly beneficial with high-energy appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers. Repairs to smart appliances can be expensive, so be sure to consider the warranty. Generous manufacturer warranties demonstrate the company’s confidence in the quality of its products. Staying safe and secure Finally, because most smart appliances are connected to the internet, make sure you think about privacy and security. Research the manufacturer’s privacy policies and security features to ensure that data like your voice commands and shopping habits don’t fall into the wrong hands. Making sure the manufacturer takes

your privacy and online safety as seriously as you do is a smart strategy. For most homeowners, the biggest downside to smart appliances is that they carry a higher price tag than their not-so-smart counterparts. However, price is just one factor in the cost of any appliance. When you also consider the long-term value smart appliances deliver — whether that’s in energy savings, helpful conveniences or improved reliability — most will save you money over their service life. In addition, smart appliances may be eligible for rebates and tax incentives, so ask your retailer what’s available. There was a time when appliances changed little from decade to decade. Today, products advance more quickly than ever before, and we can expect to see more big changes ahead. Fortunately, today’s smart appliances give you a way to start using the technology that will make you the envy of your neighbors as it makes your life easier. —Scott Flood, for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

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B lue Bird Bungalow | Last spring, we enjoyed a very special treat when a pair of bluebirds took up residence in a log cabin birdhouse in our front yard. Stephanie Sheffield, Gastonia, a member of Rutherford EMC

Scenes

A gallery of your

best photos Entries to our annual photo contest have proven yet again: Carolina Country readers have a knack for capturing photos that showcase the people and places that make our state the best place to call home. Thank you to the hundreds who submitted photos this year. Here are a few of our favorites, and we’ll run more online throughout the year.

@carolinacountrymagazine

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 L oafing Lizard | A young green anole sunbathes in the weak October sun while nestled in a mum. Addison Covington, Beaufort, a member of Carteret-Craven EC  S alty ‘n’ Rhett Share a Snicker | All smiles on our farm as four-yearold Rhett plays with four-month-old “Salty”! Lindsey Harper Willis, Stantonsburg, a member of Pitt & Greene EMC  Ducklings Strike a Pose | On my farm in the community of Buie, NC, my duck Willow hatched these ducklings in the spring. Allison Cummings, Red Springs, a member of Lumbee River EMC

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Mr. Hussey’s Girls: Mabel & Jane | Allow me to take you back in time. My neighbor, Wayne Hussey, sometimes works the fields near his home. Cars will pull over on the side of the road and parents will be pointing and explaining the unusual scene to their children. Times have changed but I appreciate Wayne for allowing our youth to see what life was like before tractors took over our fields. His trusted and well-mannered mules, Mabel and Jane, listen to his every command—they are beautiful animals that he loves very much. When not in the fields, they are hitched to the blue “mule skinner” wagon for a weekly trip to Bennett to meet the food truck—just shows how the times have changed in the past 60 or more years. If it’s August, you will see Mabel and Jane in the Farmers Day parade in Robbins. Wayne’s family have participated since it started over 50 years ago. In October, Wayne and his team offer free hayrides at our church’s annual Trunk or Treat. The kids are so excited to ride in the wagon. What’s more, Wayne and his mules have escorted many newly married couples from our church to their homes so that they can start their new lives together. Wayne is a legend in our neighborhood and he attends many events with his girls. Thank you, Wayne Hussey, for always making us smile! Rebecca Garner, Seagrove, a member of Randolph EMC

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Truly Great Smoky Mountains | As I took an early morning hike on the Kephart Prong Trail near Bryson City, I soaked up the magnificent beauty surrounding me and breathed in the crisp fall air. Mindy Skocz, Williamston, a member of Edgecombe-Martin County EMC

M ilky Way Backdrop to Oregon Inlet | I captured the 1898 Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe on a clear evening in July. Such a perfect night to view the Milky Way in the Outer Banks. Sole drawback? Being attacked by lots of bugs. Minnie Gallman, Pittsboro  Daybreak Drizzle Enlivens Elk | My husband and I try to camp in Cataloochee Valley every year. We love observing the elk and spending time outdoors in nature. On a rainy morning, this bull was busy corralling his harem and trying to keep them together. Heather Russells, Lake Lure, a member of Rutherford EMC

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W intry Pier | A drone at about 75 feet up caught this view of Sunset Beach Pier in winter. Steven Wingfield, Ocean Isle Beach, a member of Brunswick Electric

Rough Ridge=Vibrant View | Sunrise breaks over the sweeping vista from Rough Ridge hiking trail in September. Juan Carlos Garcia, Boone, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

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N ature TV | Watching herons fish at Jordan Lake is endlessly entertaining. Kim Steffan, Mebane, a member of Piedmont Electric

I f You Got It… | This wild turkey was strutting his stuff on a cool morning this past spring in Franklin County. Ladson Anderson, Clemmons

D a

F “Bee” a Dewdrop | On a mid-October morning, I was exploring Clark’s

Creek Nature Preserve in Charlotte when I came across hundreds of bees sleeping in the yellow blooms around the pond. The combination of morning frost and yellow flowers was stunning. Clarke & Cochran, Indian Trail, a member of Union Power Cooperative

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MEMBER News C A R T E R E T- C R A V E N E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Gary Mann Line Service Technician

When we say that we live in a “connected” world, most of us think about technology like our smart phones and other devices and gadgets. But when you’re a member of an electric co-op (that’s you!), there’s so much more to being part of our connected co-op community. As a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC), you help to power good in our local community through initiatives like Operation RoundUP that help to provide scholarships, educational grants, and support programs that help our community's most vulnerable. We value our connection to you, the members we serve, and we want to help you maximize the value you receive from your co-op through the variety of programs, products and services that we offer. For example, we can help you save money on your energy bill through free energy audits and rebates on pump water heaters. Visit ccemc.com/MyHome for a complete list of energy saving programs. When you download our PowerPay24 app, you can monitor and manage your home energy use, pay your bill online and access a menu of additional options for potential savings. By following CCEC on social media (on Facebook and on Instagram), you can stay up to date on power

on the web

restoration efforts, receive energy saving tips, learn about upcoming events, and more. You’ll also see photos of our line crews in action and receive information about Operation RoundUP programs — and who doesn’t enjoy learning about the good things happening in our community! By connecting with us, you can receive real-time updates from your co-op. That’s why we want to make sure we have your most current contact information on hand. If we aren’t connected with you via e-mail, social media or via text, you could miss out on important cooperative information. We hope you will connect with us whenever and wherever you can — whether that means attending the co-op's 85th annual meeting on May 1 at Glad Tidings Church in Morehead City, following CCEC on social media, or simply downloading our PowerPay24 app. Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative exists to serve our members, and when we’re better connected to you and our local community, we’re better prepared to answer the call. To update your contact information or to learn more about co-op programs that can help you save, visit our website, ccemc.com, give us a call at 252.247.3107, e-mail customerservice@ccemc.com, or stop by the Newport office. We look forward to connecting with you in 2025!

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Connecting with members in 2025

Youth Tour

Hurry! Applications are due Jan. 17! Learn more and apply online at: ccemc.com/YouthTour

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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Empowering the future through engagement The new year will usher in a new president, a new Congress and new state legislators. It also provides electric cooperative members like YOU more opportunities to demonstrate our collective political strength. Grassroots advocacy and political engagement are essential for a healthy democracy. From communicating directly with policymakers and signing petitions, to posting on social media and attending town halls, there are many ways to ensure your voice is heard as lawmakers shape policies that CEO Jake Joplin will affect your communities. When you are politically engaged, you are actively participating in the democratic process. Political engagement starts with understanding which policies are important to your family, community and co-op and how those policies can affect your way of life. As a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, you know your community best. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions – especially about candidates running for political office. Elected officials work for us and they want to hear from you. When you engage directly with a policymaker, you hold them accountable for their decisions. When you send emails and letters, attend town hall meetings or meet with policymakers or their staff, you are sharing your co-op story and reinforcing what matters to you and your family. Your voice matters. The electric co-op voice matters.

Political engagement helps tell the co-op story and educates policymakers on the value co-ops bring to local communities. It reinforces your co-op’s commitment to provide safe, reliable, affordable power. And it helps create valuable relationships built on trust and understanding.

How can you tell your co-op story? Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP) can help you become more politically engaged. VCP is a national network of over 1 million Americans dedicated to transforming co-op communities like ours. VCP members communicate with policymakers on the localized, community-based approach electric co-ops take to keeping the lights on. We take a stand when policy decisions threaten our access to safe, reliable, affordable power. As job creators, economic drivers, and, most importantly, community members, co-ops play a key role in the future of rural and suburban America. More than 42 million Americans rely on electric co-ops to power their homes, farms, businesses, industries and schools. VCP helps ensure these voices are heard. By becoming a member of VCP, you will receive regular updates on key issues that affect your electric cooperative and your community. As a member, you will have opportunities to communicate with your policymakers on those key issues. VCP members also have access to voter resources, including guidance on how to be a co-op voter. To become a VCP member, visit voicesforcooperativepower.com. Share your co-op story. Be a co-op voter. Together, we will make a difference.

High School Seniors: Let us help fund your future CCEC and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation want to make college finances a little easier for five seniors heading to college in the fall of 2025 by providing scholarships valued at $4,000 for four years of study. One student each from East Carteret, West Carteret, Croatan and Havelock high schools will be selected, with the fifth being the next highest scoring applicant and may include students from Jones Senior High School, early colleges, Gramercy and home schools. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements: è Applicants should live in a residence that receives electric service from CCEC è Complete an application which can be found on our website: ccemc.com/Scholarships è Be accepted into an accredited college, university, technical school or community college The deadline for applications is March 3. Judges will weigh the following in determining the scholarship winners: need, 50 percent; academic achievement, 25 percent; and extracurricular activities, 25 percent. Since launching the scholarship program, CCEC and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation have provided 124 scholarships to outstanding seniors. Who will be next? 16 ccemc.com

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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Wholesale power cost adjustment set for 2025 Members will see a charge of $1/1,000 kWh Financial projections for 2025 show a steady climb in power supply cost due to the increasing cost for power generation, transmission, and an overall rise in demand. Due to increasing cost, CCEC members will have a Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) charge of $1.00 per 1,000 kWh beginning Jan. 1. As a not-for-profit electric utility, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective power to our members. CCEC purchases electricity each month from our power supplier, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, at a wholesale cost to meet the needs of our members. The cost of wholesale power is a significant expense of providing electric service to the homes and businesses we serve.

The co-op uses a diverse mix of fuel sources for electricity, which also helps reduce costs. CCEC’s electricity is generated from nuclear (54%), natural gas (22%), purchases (9%), renewables (8%), coal (5%), and hydro (2%). This balanced fuel mix helps reduce dramatic fluctuations in generation costs.

What is the WPCA? You may have noticed the Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) line item on your monthly bill. The WPCA provides a monthly adjustment dependent on any differences in the base cost of wholesale power. If the kilowatt-hour cost to CCEC is lower than the base cost of power, the WPCA is applied as a credit on your bill. If the kilowatt-hour cost is higher than the base cost of power, the WPCA is applied as a charge. Having the WPCA benefits members by covering monthly power cost fluctuations without having to continually restructure electricity rates. The WPCA changes based on the cost of wholesale power, which fluctuates for a variety of reasons. During extreme weather when the demand for electricity is much higher, power may need to be purchased from more expensive sources at market price, which includes additional generation costs. Increased costs for fuels like natural gas also impact the price of wholesale power. The WPCA a direct pass through of the cost associated with reliably serving you the electricity you need. The average residential member will see their bill increase by less than $2.00. This is the first WPCA charge that the co-op has implemented since 2019.

Mitigating cost changes In developing the 2025 budget, co-op employees and board of directors worked to reduce expenses and mitigate cost changes as much as possible. By using cooperative buying power to make bulk purchases with other North Carolina co-ops through Tarheel Electric Membership Cooperation (TEMA), we have been able to reduce some material cost increases.

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation maintains a diverse power portfolio.

Energy saving programs CCEC has several rates and programs to help members reduce their electric bills.

è CCEC’s time-of-use (TOU) rates gives you the potential to save money by using less energy when demand for electricity is high, or during on-peak hours. Alternately, this rate plan encourages you to shift your use of electricity to when demand is low, or during off-peak hours, by paying less per kilowatt hour (kWh) than our standard energy usage charge. Visit ccemc.com/TOU for more information. è Members can take advantage of a free energy audit. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and ultimately keep more money in your wallet. Request an audit by completing the form at ccemc.com/ContactUs.

For additional information on these and other programs, visit ccemc.com/MyHome.

January 2025 17

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Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Ring in the new year with energy savings As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to not only set personal goals but also to focus on ways to save money and reduce your environmental impact. One of the easiest and most effective areas to improve is your energy usage. Here are some simple strategies to help you save on energy bills while starting the year off right:

è Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. If you're considering a home upgrade, look into replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. Appliances with the Energy Star label use less energy, which can significantly reduce both your electricity bills and your carbon footprint. From refrigerators to washing machines, modern energyefficient models can save you hundreds of dollars over time. è Seal drafts and insulate. One of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency is by sealing drafts and adding insulation where necessary. Windows, doors, and attics are often the culprits for heat loss in the winter. Invest in weather-stripping or caulking to close up gaps, and consider adding extra insulation in your attic or walls to keep your home warm without overworking your heating system. è Switch to LED lighting. If you haven't already, make the switch to LED bulbs. These energyefficient lights use a fraction of the energy that traditional incandescent bulbs consume and last much longer. Whether you're replacing old bulbs in your living room or adding a few to outdoor areas, LEDs are a simple change that can lower your energy use year-round.

è Set a programmable thermostat. A smart or

programmable thermostat helps you regulate your home's temperature more efficiently. By setting it to lower the heat while you're away or sleeping and raising it before you get home, you can avoid wasting energy and money. Most models let you control the temperature from your phone, giving you even more control over your energy consumption. è Unplug unused electronics. Did you know that many electronics continue to use energy even when turned off? This is known as phantom load, and it can add up over time. Unplug devices like chargers, toasters, or coffee makers when not in use, or use a power strip to easily disconnect multiple devices at once. è Monitor your energy use. A key to spending less money on your electric bill is understanding how you're using energy. PowerPay24 can give you more insight into how your daily energy habits and the weather impacts your bill. Track your daily electricity use by logging into your account at carteretcraven.coop or through the PowerPay24 app. Identify usage highs and lows; then make adjustments to save energy and money.

This new year, make a resolution to cut energy costs and become more energy conscious. Whether you're making small changes like switching to LED lights or larger investments like upgrading your thermostat, every step counts toward saving money. Start implementing these energy-saving tips today, and you'll reap the benefits all year long.

Middle schoolers: Lace up your sneakers Do you know a middle schooler who loves basketball and wants to gain experience training alongside real college basketball players and coaches? We have great news for you. We are accepting applications for full scholarships to basketball camps at two North Carolina universities this summer. Middle school boys can apply for a scholarship to attend the Carolina Basketball School at UNC-Chapel Hill, and middle school girls can apply for a spot at the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp held at NCSU in Raleigh. To apply, students must be a sixth or seventh grade student during the 2025-2026 school year. The application period begins Jan. 1 and applications must be submitted by March 31. Visit ccemc.com/SportsCamps to learn more and apply.

Offices

Carteret-Craven-0125.indd 18

Contact

1300 Highway 24 Newport, NC

252.247.3107 1.800.682.2217

450 McCotter Blvd. Havelock, NC

ccemc.com customerservice@ccemc.com

12/10/24 3:54 PM

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On the House

Energy-Saving Tips for Winter A roundup of past cold-weather recommendations By Jonathan Susser

My energy bills always seem especially high during wintertime. What are some of your top recommendations for trying to keep them in check?

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and bah humbug to higher energy bills (I’m still workshopping that last one, but it seems appropriate for the season). In this column, we’ve put together a “Best of” from some of our previous cold weather-related articles to help reduce winter wincing. Monitoring energy use and searching for clues Tracking your energy bills can provide insights into how your home is performing, and as electric co-ops continue to upgrade the power grid, it’s becoming easier to do so. Many co-ops offer apps or web portals that let you see how much electricity you are consuming. (Contact your co-op for information about accessing usage data online.) If you see something suspicious on your bills — maybe you’re paying a lot more this winter than last — one culprit could be heat loss. Here’s a way to look for evidence: Check out the homes in your neighborhood. If yours is the only one without frost on its roof, that might signal that heat is exiting your home and warming up and thawing the ice and snow above. This escaping heat could affect your energy usage (because your heating system will need to work to replace it) and comfort, in terms of temperature and air movement. Addressing it will likely require a combination of air sealing and insulating. Optimizing heating system use Being more aware of how you run your heating system will make you a smarter energy user, and hopefully help you save. For example, what temperature do you leave your

thermostat on when you’re at home? How about when you’re away? Try setting it as low as you can tolerate, and a few degrees lower when you’ll be out for a while. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, review your schedules to ensure they still fit your current routines. If you have a heat pump, though, it’s best to make smaller temperature changes to prevent energy-intensive auxiliary heat from coming on when you return the thermostat to your desired setting. Aim to keep your actual heating system in tiptop shape, too. Maintain shrubs at least two feet from the outside unit, change the air filter per manufacturer specifications, make sure any refrigerant lines exposed to outdoor temperatures are wrapped with foam insulation, and hire a contractor to service the equipment at least once per year. If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system, more advanced heat pump models are highly efficient, even in colder weather. You may be able to find relevant incentives through your co-op or a federal rebate/ tax credit program. So consider these actions the next time you’re cozying up, sipping hot chocolate — they may stop your energy bills from biting as hard as the cold. If you have any additional concerns about your energy use or making payments, don’t hesitate to contact your electric co-op. Jonathan Susser is a content developer for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

Digital Extras

Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for links to past On the House columns that provide more information about these winter weather tips.

20 | January 2025

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10 - Ye a Guaran r teed Level R ates

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$250,000

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Male Female

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Male

29.07

10.25

12.35

10.66

9.10

12.94

11.08

41 10.05

9.22

13.66

11.83

42 10.48

9.26

14.21

12.67

43 10.98

9.50

14.74

44 11.58

9.84

Issue Age

Male

9.06

7.88

9.79

8.66

9.21

8.31

10.35

9.51

9.21

8.58

10.54

9.93

9.21

8.71

11.69

9.46

8.86

9.63

Female

Male

Female

$100,000

Female

MONTHLY RATES $250,000

Male

Female

21.98

50.58

36.96

31.60

23.51

34.14

24.28

37.60

13.52

15.80

14.36

45 12.25 10.17

17.07

46 12.84 10.65

$500,000*

$1,000,000*

Male Female

Male

Female

172

119

55.57

39.88 101

190

129

61.26

42.99

113

209

140

25.65

66.80

47.11 126

238

157

41.49

27.91

74.28

51.33 141

267

172

44.70

34.39

85.55

59.60 157

104

288

190

48.23

38.53

93.16

64.38 173

114

327

212

53.18

41.15 101.79

70.36 191

127

361

234

59.15

44.62 115.13

75.41 213

139

398

258

65.66

49.09 130.13

83.65 235

152

443

284

15.20

74.33

59.65 145.11 112.92 262

174

491

322

18.09

16.18

82.98

65.91 161.68 129.33 293

188

548

352

47 13.43 11.16

19.18

17.07

93.20

73.30 181.25 148.72 330

204

615

387

48 13.48 11.88

20.44

17.76

71 102.45

82.71 204.38 159.34 374

235

702

443

49 13.71 12.33

21.77

18.77

72 113.68

94.13 232.46 172.23 427

272

807

512

50 14.46 12.99

23.41

20.00

73 127.55 108.24 267.15 188.15 493

319

937

596

51 15.38 13.75

25.38

21.18

74 142.08 123.01 303.50 204.84 562

367 1074

685

52 16.37 14.87

28.02

22.76

75 159.25 140.48 346.45 224.56 644

424 1235

789

53 17.46 15.88

31.30

24.81

101

76 200.03 174.92 418.29 276.67 785

530 1489

982

54 18.69 16.72

34.39

26.21

114

77 249.54 216.74 505.52 339.94 956

658 1797 1215

55 20.70 17.51

37.60

27.86

127

78 310.70 268.40 613.27 418.11 1167

817 2179 1504

56 22.69 19.48

42.17

31.37

140 101

79 374.78 322.52 726.16 500.00 1389

983 2578 1807

57 24.69 20.63

46.07

33.65

156 110

80 450.51 386.48 859.57 596.78 1651 1180 3050 2164

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CC01_wk.indd 21

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Uninvited

Guests

What to do when wildlife appears in unexpected places

By Rue Reynold

iving in a state celebrated for its rich biodiversity means encounters with wildlife are part of daily life. While deer, raccoons and squirrels are familiar sights, what happens when predators appear in unexpected places? Here are three surprising wildlife sightings that left North Carolinians puzzled — and fascinated.

Black bears exploring suburbia

Once near extinction in the 1900s, black bears have made a remarkable comeback, reclaiming the state’s mountain and coastal regions. Young males often roam between these areas searching for a spot with abundant food and not too many other dominant males to compete with. This explains one bear’s extended stay in Mecklenburg County in spring 2024, casually exploring the area and swimming in a resident’s pool. Despite their size, black bears are typically shy and non-aggressive, preferring to avoid humans. They may wander into neighborhoods if they smell food, so being “BearWise®” by securing trash, pet food and bird feeders is essential. (More tips are at bearwise.org.) Spotting a bear isn’t cause for alarm and can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but if you encounter one up close, back away slowly while making loud noises to encourage it to retreat.

Alligators in unlikely spots

These intriguing dragon-like reptiles can usually be found in the cool freshwater of coastal North Carolina, basking, lounging or lying in wait. However, they made headlines in August 2024 when a three-foot-long alligator was spotted ambling down a road in Rowan County, far from its natural range. Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Randal Addison (pictured, opposite page) worked with other agents and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to remove the gator, which they believe may have been a former pet, kept illegally and released once it got too big for the owner to handle.

Help with Unwelcome Wildlife If you have an unexpected “guest” on your property causing concern, the NC Wildlife Resource Commission offers technical guidance and resources to help prevent or manage conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife control agents (WCAs) are trained and certified by the Commission and are authorized to issue depredation permits to North Carolina residents who are having wildlife damage problems. Where damage is occurring, WCAs can also issue permits for certain species on-the-spot, or may remove the animal directly. Before you contact a WCA, follow these steps: Identify the species of wildlife involved. Consider the preventative measures above to reduce interactions with wildlife. Be certain the animal is causing property damage so as to require action. If these measures fail to resolve the wildlifecaused damage, visit bit.ly/nc-wildlife to locate and contact a wildlife control agent, or call the Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 (Monday– Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

22 | January 2025

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d u Foun Have yo Value t s e B the l? in Trave

RCSO

Unusual sightings are also becoming more common in coastal areas impacted by development. For instance, a 12-foot alligator recently claimed a Brunswick highway as its own, while two other alligators turned up in a flooded front yard after heavy rains. Though the sight of these reptiles may be alarming to some, they are typically timid and avoid humans. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission advises

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office worked with other agents and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to remove an alligator from a road in Spencer.

keeping pets leashed and not feeding wildlife near alligator habitats. Most importantly, leave them alone as they tend to move on naturally.

Coyotes, masters of adaptation Coyotes thrive in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes from forests to urban areas, and their adaptability can lead to startling encounters. In July 2024, a Union County high school parking lot became the setting for an unexpected daytime visit from one of these clever canines. Though generally harmless, coyotes can become bold if they’ve been finding a lot of food around people, especially if they think a snack is within easy reach. To scare off bold coyotes, stand your ground, wave your arms and make loud noises until they leave. Protect small pets by staying close and walking them on a leash or keeping them inside a 6-foot fence when outside. Remove or secure food items that might attract coyotes to prevent conflicts near your home. As development encroaches on natural habitats, wildlife sightings in unusual places are likely to increase. By taking precautions and respecting these animals from a distance, residents can help ensure both human and animal safety. For more information on North Carolina’s wildlife, visit NCWildlife.org. Stay informed, stay safe and enjoy the incredible biodiversity that makes this state so unique.

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carolinacountry.com | 23

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Carolina Adventures Lake Mattamuskeet

Sarah Toner/USFWS

Winter Weather Birdwatching Visit two Eastern NC wildlife refuges for top-notch birding By Scott Gates

according to USFWS. “Large ‘rafts’ of black scoter and lesser scaup are commonly observed on the open waters adjacent to the refuge.” Birdwatchers also have the chance to spot migrating blue-winged teal, ring-necked duck, shoveler, canvasback, ruddy duck, red head, bufflehead, hooded merganser and red-breasted merganser, as well as the migratory Canada geese and snow geese common to nearby Lake Mattamuskeet. For those new to birdwatching, visit ncwildlife.org/ outdoors/birdwatching for tips. (Spoiler alert: it can be as easy as looking up!) Scott Gates is editor of Carolina Country.

Michelle Moorman/USFWS

or those willing to bundle up and brave chilly temperatures, January can be a treasure trove for birdwatching. This time of year, Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde County — the state’s largest freshwater lake — draws more than 250,000 Alaskan tundra swans, Canada geese, ducks and snow geese. While we think our winters can get cold, these birds find it balmy compared to nesting grounds as far north as Alaska, Greenland and the northeastern tip of Siberia. Lake Mattamuskeet covers 40,000 acres, although its average depth is only 2 or 3 feet. Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/mattamuskeet) was established in 1934 to preserve this winter retreat for waterfowl from parts further north. “During fall and winter, concentrations of swan, geese and ducks are a delight to both wildlife observers and photographers,” says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “Viewing waterfowl and other wildlife species is particularly good along the Highway 94 Causeway, which travels across Lake Mattamuskeet, and along the refuge Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive, which run from Highway 94 to the refuge headquarters and along the south side of the Entrance Road Impoundment.” An observation viewing deck is available along the Highway 94 Causeway. While in the area, Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/swanquarter) is a short drive south and another haven for migratory birds. The refuge is on the Pamlico Sound in Hyde County and remote — access to the refuge is by boat or along a 2-mile gravel road off NC Hwy 264 (likely to confuse your GPS). This road travels across an expansive marsh and a forested area then leads to Bell Island Pier on the shoreline of Pamlico Sound. “The most prevalent wintering species residing in [Swanquarter] refuge marshes include pintail, greenwinged teal, gadwall, widgeon, mallard and black duck,”

Hundreds of swans take flight at Lake Mattamuskeet. Digital Extras

New to birdwatching? Don’t be overwhelmed. Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for a video from NC Wildlife Resources Commission where a seasoned “birder” teaches you the ropes.

24 | January 2025

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I Remember

Memories and photos from our readers

Ann, se, Jo

Happy 77th Birthday, Lovella

While cleaning out my closet, I opened a big box, and there was Lovella. I took her out of the box and my mind traveled back to the year 1947 — I was 10 years old. I have always enjoyed Christmas, but I will never forget the Christmas of 1947. I had received lots of wonderful gifts over the years, but none like Lovella. We were poor and times were hard, but Santa always brought us a small toy and plenty of candy, nuts and oranges. A few days before Christmas, my mother went to town to shop for Santa. After my younger sister, Joann, was asleep that night, my mother showed me and my older sister, Virginia, the doll she had bought for Joann. We had never gotten a big doll, and it was as big as a real baby! Oh had we wanted one too, but my mother said we were too old for dolls. We begged, but she didn’t give us any hope. She said she had already bought our gifts. Christmas morning came and we were up early to see what he had left us. What a surprise we had, with Lovella sitting under the tree waiting for me! My mom had my dad go back to town and buy two more dolls for myself and Virginia. I still have Lovella, but my two sisters and their dolls are gone now.

n Virgi

Loui

Louise McDonald, Murphy, a member of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC Lovella

The Love of Family This is Leland and Cletus Auman of Seagrove, along with their 13 children in approximately 1941 or 1942. My mom, Lucy Auman Maness, is the smallest child standing on the front row and is the only remaining sibling now. Mom’s family was always a close family, and for the length of their lives were always there for each other in any time of need or gathering. It was a lot of fun as a child growing up in this family, as a majority of the family showed up almost every Sunday at Grandma’s so there were always cousins to play kick the can, hide and seek, or whatever game we came up with. Our aunts and uncles were very loving and always claimed hugs from all the kids. Our uncles gave out “birthday spankings” and called all of us girls “Sally,” no matter what our names were. Our family increased so much that we moved our family get-togethers into an old chicken house that our aunt fixed up to accommodate everyone. Us cousins don’t always get to see each other as much as when we were growing up, but the love and importance of family our grandparents, aunts and uncles taught us, through their own actions, is still alive in us

Family photo circa 1941 or 1942

today. I’m thankful to God for great memories and such a rich heritage. Teresa Cagle, Asheboro, a member of Randolph EMC

26 | January 2025

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A Different Kind of ‘Two-Seater’

The Sweet Soul of a Burley Man

During my 80-plus years, I can remember using an outdoor toilet during the daytime and a chamber pot at night. And heaven help if you were in the woods and had to “go!” You had only leaves at your disposal and hoped you didn’t grab a handful of poison oak. The outdoor toilet was a sort of shed built to cover a deep hole filled with lime. Most were “two-seater” ones. My aunt actually got bitten by a black widow spider while sitting there, which put a fear in me that I never forgot! Instead of toilet paper, you were supplied with whatever paper was available. I remember a Sears Roebuck catalog. This shed or toilet was built a good ways from the house, so a chamber pot was supplied at night to avoid run-ins with snakes or some other critter that may cross your path. The chamber pot was placed either under the bed or close by. It had a lid and was usually of a pretty design. The next morning it was emptied away from the house, washed out by the outside pump and left in the sun to make it sanitary for the next night. It saddened me to hear of people actually fighting over toilet paper or worse, selling the paper for high prices on the side and those who paid the price [during the COVID-19 pandemic]. I imagine those people don’t even know how to light a candle when the lights go out nor how to survive without TV nor telephone. As a little girl, when we ever got a phone, it had four digits and that was a party line. For long distance you had to through the operator … but that’s another story.

I remember the days of my tall stepdad walking in the house with a big grin on his face and usually a smoke in his hand. It has been about 17 years since he passed away due to lung cancer. We called him “Bud,” and that is just what he was to everyone that knew him. He was a logger and for years, he would fill up his thermos (probably with Pepsi) and carry a lunchbox full of Lance peanut butter crackers, a bologna sandwich and a Little Debbie cake or York Peppermint Patty for a dessert. He was always smiling. He took us siblings right in when he married my mom, and when we had kids of our own, he loved them big! We named my middle child after his last name, which was Jackson. Little did we know that our Jackson would only get to spend time with him for only about a year of his life because cancer took him quickly from us. To this day I will always carry his smiling, tall, big teddy bear self in my heart. The last words he spoke was to my Jackson, whom he reached up, kissed, and told him he loved him. Never take anyone or the time you have with them for granted. Life is short, but life is full of stepparents who also love hard! Nicholee Lackey, Maiden A member of Rutherford EMC

Lee Frye, Cape Carteret A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Watermelon Time with Grandma My grandparents had a small farm on Hwy 74, near Kings Mountain. My grandfather raised cows, pigs and chickens, and the fishing pond was home to many ducks of all colors. The activities supporting the farm were my grandfather’s second love, right after my grandmother. I fondly remember the days of birthing calves, straightening used nails, feeding the pigs and catching fish in the pond with a cane pole my grandfather made for me and my younger brother. My grandfather planted the garden every spring, but after planting, it was my grandmother’s garden. She did all the weeding and caring for the vegetables. The rattlesnake watermelons were planted close to the gravel road going to the barn, so we could check on them regularly. I remember checking and asking my grandmother “are they ready yet?” and my grandmother would reply, “not yet!”. The “ready-yet” day finally came, and we got to pick a watermelon. Pictured is my grandmother teaching my younger brother and me the right way to eat watermelon. Nick Payne, Belmont, a member of Rutherford EMC carolinacountry.com | 27

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28 | January 2025

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carolinacountry.com | 29

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12/10/24 4:03 PM

Carolina Kitchen

Lemon Custard Meringue Pie Bites

Creamy Tuscan Orzo With seared bay scallops

With vanilla bean

Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal!? Especially one with plump little scallops coated in a divine buttery parmesan sauce. It’s creamy-rich comfort seafood and pasta to warm up your wintry day. 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 4 tablespoons butter, divided Zest and juice of 1 orange 1 jar (3.5-ounce) capers, drained, dried 2–3 cups chicken broth 2 pounds bay scallops, patted dry 1 cup heavy cream 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup grated parmesan 6 ounces shallots, thinly sliced 3 cups torn spinach 4 cloves minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste 1½ cups uncooked orzo ½ cup toasted pine nuts ¼ cup sundried tomatoes, julienne-cut Fresh basil ¼ cup white raisins

These adorable petite pies won’t steer you wrong with their crisp of sweet meringue and bite of lemon.

Heat 1 tablespoon each of oil and butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add capers. Fry 2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain. Add another tablespoon of oil and butter to the skillet. Add scallops, making sure not to crowd. Sear about 2 minutes before turning. Cook another 2 minutes until fully seared. Remove and set aside. Add remaining oil, butter, onion and shallots to the skillet. Once tender, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add orzo

through orange juice. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring to infuse pasta with the flavors. Add 2 cups broth plus cream. Reduce to a simmer. Cook and stir uncovered until pasta is tender. Add more broth if needed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and spinach to wilt. Taste and season. Top with scallops, nuts and basil. Serve with sourdough toast spread with butter and toasted capers. Yield: 4 servings

From Your Kitchen Hearty and filling, this vegetarian chili stands on its own mildly spicy two feet but feel free to doctor it up with additional veggies (diced butternut squash, mushrooms, green beans …) or even a plant-based ground meat. 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 green pepper, chopped 2 cups celery, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes (with juice) 1 jar (29-ounce) tomato sauce 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 bag (16-ounce) frozen corn 3 cans (15.5 ounces each) dark red kidney beans (rinsed, drained)

Recipe courtesy of Dee Yates of Asheboro, a member of Randolph EMC

Cooked rice, optional Shredded cheddar cheese, optional Pour oil into a pot over medium heat; sauté pepper through garlic until softened. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and spices; simmer for at least 30 minutes. Add frozen corn and kidney beans. Cook for at least five more minutes. Serve over rice, topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Yield: 6–8 servings

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

2 packages (15-count) phyllo cups, thawed 2 medium lemons (zest plus ¼ cup juice) 4 large eggs, divided 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½ cup sugar 1 can (12-ounce) evaporated milk 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped 2 tablespoons butter 2 large egg whites Half jar (7-ounce) marshmallow crème Zest lemons onto a plate. Cut lemons in half and juice. Whisk yolks in a bowl with cornstarch and sugar until smooth. Heat milk with zest and vanilla in a small pot over medium-low heat. Once heated, temper the egg mixture by ladling small amounts of the warmed milk into it, whisking vigorously. After whisking in about half of the warm milk, whisk the tempered mixture back into the milk in the pot. Increase heat to medium and whisk continually until the custard thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat; add butter and lemon juice. If custard is not smooth, press through a strainer with the back of a spoon. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (to prevent a “skin” from forming on top) and chill for several hours. For meringue, whip together the egg whites until soft peaks form. Then gradually add the marshmallow crème, beating until stiff peaks form. To serve, spoon custard into cups and dollop with meringue. Pop under the broiler until lightly browned. Yield: Makes about 30 pie bites Recipes by Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry (WendyPerry.com), home economist, blogger and NC food artisan, unless otherwise noted.

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

30 | January 2025

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January Events JAN. 18

The Karens: A ‘Nice’ Evening of Comedy CoMMA Performing Arts Center, Morganton 828-433-7469 JAN. 20

36th Annual MLK Parade Downtown, Elizabethtown 910-876-7905 JAN. 24

Vox Fortura Classical vocal quartet Old Theater, Oriental 252-617-2125

JAN. 18 Bell Creative

Crystal Coast Wedding & Event Expo Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City 252-665-0590

JAN. 25

African American Cultural Celebration NC Museum of History, Raleigh 919-814-7000

NOV. 9, 2024–JAN. 18

NOV. 22, 2024–JAN. 5

JAN. 2–17

Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum

Speedway Christmas

The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz

Transylvania Heritage Museum, Brevard 828-884-2347 NOV. 16, 2024–JAN. 12

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord 1-800-455-3267 NOV. 28, 2024–JAN. 6

OBXmas 2024

Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary 919-462-2052

Decorative displays, holiday markets, Elizabethan Gardens 1 Visitors Center Circle, Manteo 252-473-2138

NOV. 20, 2024–JAN. 5

DEC. 2, 2024–JAN. 13

Winter Wonderlights

Bob Ross, Bringing Back the Joy

Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro 336-288-3769

Art exhibition The Dunn Center, Rocky Mount 252-985-5197

Chinese Lantern Festival

Art exhibition Alamance Arts, Graham 336-226-4495

JAN. 30–FEB. 2

Ice Fest Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley 828-944-0761 JAN. 31

JAN. 11

Dan Tyminski Band

Ice Festival Lake James State Park, Nebo 828-584-7728

Modern bluegrass CoMMA Performing Arts Center, Morganton 828-433-7469

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 Jan. 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 March 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.

November’s winner The November “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Warren Kessler features the Randolph Memories Mural in downtown Asheboro, at 100 South Fayetteville Street. Originally designed by Dwight Holland and painted by local artists in 1977, artist Susan Harrell restored the mural in 2009. The artwork features actual townspeople milling around local businesses in this Randolph County town, such as the PH Morris General Merchandise store, the Asheboro Telephone Company and the Emporium circa early 1900s. Reader Carol Purvis adds that the black door on the right led into a beauty shop in the 1950s. Her mother worked there before opening her own shop, Purvis Beauty Shop. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Audrey Fenech of Asheboro, a Randolph EMC member.

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