More Power

Keel (right) at a Poletop Rescue competition for NC electric cooperatives

Four County Electric Membership Corporation’s CEO Mitch Keel will retire effective June 30, following a 27-year career serving electric cooperatives.

“Working here at Four County EMC has been the highlight of my career,” Keel said. “We have a great board of directors to work with and very capable employees. They want to move the co-op forward, and that makes a big difference.”

A native of Eastern North Carolina, Keel joined Four County EMC in Burgaw as CEO in 2004. During his time with the co-op, he has focused on innovation and deploying new technology as a means of better serving members and the communities they call home.

Under Keel’s leadership, Four County EMC deployed an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project, allowing two-way communication between the co-op and its meters. More than 200 miles of fiber optic cable, connecting substations and co-op offices, also improved communication between co-op systems and allowed for faster response times during outages.

Four County EMC and its members weathered several storms during Keel’s tenure, including devastating effects from Hurricane Florence in 2018. Nearly 90 percent of the co-op’s members lost power following Florence, and widespread flooding slowed restoration efforts. Building on that experience, the co-op recently enhanced a storm response process that includes partnerships with five strategic locations throughout its service territory – camps and community centers where visiting line crews can rest and recuperate during restoration efforts.

“With the unpredictability of Mother Nature, it’s crucial that we continuously improve our emergency plans to ensure that power is restored to our members as quickly and safely as possible,” Keel said of the initiative.

Keel has served North Carolina’s electric cooperatives on several statewide boards and committees throughout his career, including as president, vice president and secretary- treasurer of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Four County EMC, Keel was general manager of Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative in Missouri for 10 years. He also managed electric utility systems for the cities of Kinston and Ayden, and was an electrical engineer for the Greenville Utilities Commission. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and was an honor graduate of the U.S. Army’s electrical engineering school. Keel also studied electrical engineering at NC State and earned his business degree from Mt. Olive College.

In retirement, Keel and his wife, Cindy, look forward to spending time with their three children and nine grandchildren.

“While we will miss his commitment and leadership, we are in a better position due to his many contributions,” said Four County EMC Board President Franklin Williams. “He has paved the way for the cooperative’s future.”

Keel at a Four County EMC annual meeting

Don Gatton Named Incoming CEO for Four County EMC

Don Gatton, who currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Four County EMC, has been named incoming CEO through a unanimous vote by the co-op’s board of directors. Gatton will assume the role July 6 following CEO Mitch Keel’s retirement. Gatton has served the co-op for a combined 13 years, both as director of Safety, Training and Loss Control and in his current role. From 2016 through 2018, Gatton served as Job Training & Safety Specialist with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Olive College and a Master of Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology.

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season could see 15 to 18 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin, according to researchers at NC State University. The Atlantic basin includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

That number would put the season above average, even given a recent redefining of what “average” means. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its current measure for average, based on the 30-year period between 1991 and 2020, is 14 named storms, with three major hurricanes. The previous measure for average, between the years 1981–2010, was 12 named storms.

Of the predicted storms this season, seven to nine may become hurricanes, with two to three possibly being major storms.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Visit ncstormcenter.coop for tips on how to prepare.

Donnie Spivey, CEO and executive vice-president of Wadesboro-based Pee Dee Electric, was recently elected to represent North Carolina on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board of Directors. NRECA works on behalf of more than 900 local electric co-ops across the country.

“I am honored to have been selected to represent the electric cooperatives of North Carolina,” Spivey said. “I look forward to serving as a voice for North Carolina on the national level, as well as gaining perspective that I can bring back and apply here at home.”

Spivey began his career at Pee Dee Electric in 1985 as a staff assistant, and was promoted to District Manager in 1993. In 1999, he was promoted to CEO and executive vice-president. He is a past president of the NCEMC board of directors and currently serves as chair of the Power Supply Committee. In addition, he is a member of the boards of directors of NCAEC and ACES Power Marketing. Spivey also serves as secretary of the Board of Directors of Sandhills Utility Services, Inc., which owns, maintains and operates the electric distribution system on Fort Bragg Army Base.

In 2013, Spivey was appointed by Governor Pat McCrory to serve on the NC Rural Electrification Authority Board of Directors and currently serves as Chairman of that Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Wingate University.

Spivey’s two-year term will begin with the adjournment of the NRECA Board of Directors’ 2022 annual meeting, currently scheduled for March 6, 2022, at which time Roanoke Electric Cooperative President and CEO Curtis Wynn will step down from his current role on the national board (see “Reflections on Two Years of National Service,” April 2021, page 6).

Donnie Spivey

Carolina Farmer first hit mailboxes this month in 1946 A lot happened back in June 1946. The Blue Angels made its first performance in the sunny Florida skies. The BBC began broadcasting for the first time since the start of World War II. And

Carolina Farmer—the precursor to Carolina Country magazine—was first mailed out to members of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. In 1969 we debuted our new name (see “A Look Back at 50 Years of Carolina Country,” January 2019, page 8). Through it all, we’ve taken pleasure in sharing stories about the people and places that make North Carolina home. We’re looking forward to what the next 75 years will bring.

Most may be familiar with natural gas as an option, where available, for heating homes and lighting stovetops and fireplaces. But North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are using the resource for a much bigger job: generating power while helping to ensure reliability across the power grid.

The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), which supplies power to 25 NC electric co-ops, owns two natural gas plants. The Anson and Hamlet plants, located in Anson and Richmond counties, respectively, use combustion turbines — large jet engines similar to what you’d find on a plane — to quickly ramp up power when it’s needed.

Plant facts ■ Both plants came online in 2007. ■ Each plant has six units; the Hamlet Plant’s sixth unit was added in 2014. ■ Combined, the plants provide a capacity of 672 megawatts. ■ The plants use a 1:1 mixture of demineralized water and natural gas for fuel, a mixture that helps reduce emissions. ■ Each plant stores a total 900,000 gallons of water onsite in two above-ground tanks. ■ The plants are heavily automated, and can be run with few employees or even started remotely from on offsite control center. A reliable resource ■ The plants are used as “peaking” units, providing power during times of high demand.

■ Natural gas generation can also be used to supplement renewable sources of power when not available, such as solar on a cloudy day. ■ Backup batteries provide power to control the turbines should the plants themselves lose power.

The Anson Plant

Main parts of a natural gas plant

(Anson Plant shown)

Combustion turbine units

Fuel tanks

Water tanks Switchyard

Control building

Thermal Valley

Aerotow hang gliding with Sara Sardano and pilot Craig Pearson at Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Sometimes you just need to raise your sights for a different perspective. There are plenty of ways to take to the wide open skies above our state — from hot-air ballooning and paragliding to hang gliding where the Wright Brothers launched aviation. Whether in the mountains, Piedmont or along the coast, North Carolina has plenty of options to get a view from above.

In the mountains, thermals — rising, heated air — serve as your passage for flight. At Thermal Valley Hang Gliding (thermalvalley.net or 828-292-7473), situated between Morganton and Lenoir, the pilot for the tandem hang-gliding experience knows exactly where those thermal columns push up, leading to an exciting flight.

Owners Craig and Laura Pearson want to share their joy of free flight with the public, and hope some participants catch the flying bug and return for advanced training to become solo pilots. After a 15-minute ground school session on flight expectations, then helmet and safety glasses fittings, the passenger on this tandem ride slips into a body hammock nestled under the glider’s canopy and above the pilot. The tandem hang glider is towed into the air behind a light aircraft. At about 1,500 feet, the tow rope is released, freeing the glider to swerve and move up and down with the wind and thermals as fuel.

The 360-degree scenery of the mountains and foothills stretches to a view of the downtown Charlotte skyline on clear days. The quiet is punctured by just the wind and fun chit-chat with the pilot (and a few loud “woo-hoos”). Passengers also learn basic controls of the glider. The flight can range up to a mile high and lasts on average 10–35 minutes, before descending and landing on the runway like an airplane.

Aerotow hang gliding is “a way families can share a memorable experience and walk away with a positive feeling for hang gliding,” Laura says. And feel the freedom of flight.

Thermals also fuel the fun north of Wilkesboro at the Sky Retreat’s Blue Ridge Paragliding Center (theskyretreat.com or 704-907-6963). Owners Dima and Merin Sazinas have traveled all over the world as professional ballroom dancers and paragliders, but, thanks to Google Earth, found a home overlooking the Blue Ridge valley where their passion for paragliding (and dancing) could be shared.

Located at 3,300 feet, an engine isn’t needed for flight here, just patience (or “para-waiting,” as Dima quips). For a “butter smooth” safe

VisitNC.com

Powered paragliding at Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks tandem flight, a steady south to southwest wind is ideal. But that isn’t a daily occurrence. With the ever-changing weather conditions, Dima and his crew fly just shy of 100 tandem flights a year. He provides a two-week window to interested flyers, then a two-day notice once conditions look good for flight. When conditions are right, the tandem paragliding experience is worth the wait.

Once in the air, Dima and his tandem partner lift to about 3,800 to 4,300 feet. To go higher, he says, will give you a view of just the treetops. At this elevation, gliders go sightseeing at the nearby Cascades waterfall and to the Dark Sky Observatory in Ronda, as well as gain a bird’s eye view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

When talking to Dima about paragliding and the freedom it provides, you notice why he has a passion for it. Dima smiles and explains that with every maneuver, the air is your partner, you are “dancing with the wind.”

For a quiet, leisurely float above the verdant landscape in Iredell County, check out Big Oh! Balloons in Cleveland (bigohballoons.com or 704-872-7761). For the past 40 years, Big Oh! owners Charles Page and Kristie Darling have been taking folks on hot-air balloon rides to cross an item off their bucket list, celebrate birthdays, become engaged or even get married.

“People have so many fantasies about hot-air ballooning, and many different reasons for wanting to soar,” says Kristie. “Our rides feature smaller baskets — where passengers stand with the pilot during the flight — so the rides can accommodate two to three people for the one-hour journey.”

The couple can also coordinate rides for larger groups.

“Statesville and Iredell County are home to balloon manufacturer FireFly Balloons; we have about a dozen balloon pilots that partner with each other. We’ve had as many

VisitNC.com Sky Retreat

Ballooning over Candler

Paragliding near Wilkesboro

Kitty Hawk Kites

Hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks

as 21 balloons launch at one time for group rides.”

Even if you’re not into taking flight, visit Statesville for the 47th Annual Carolina BalloonFest from Friday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17. That’s when the county celebrates the colorful sport with dozens of hot-air balloonists offering tethered and free-floating rides, plus arts and crafts and entertainment. The event raises funds for charity.

Coastal North Carolina’s fame as the birthplace of aviation carries on through the Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School, with multiple locations on the Outer Banks. Offering hang gliding along the same sandy dunes where Wilbur and Orville Wright took their first flight, the school replicates the experience in modern terms.

“We’re not just offering rides, we’re offering full-fledged hang-gliding instruction,” says Wolf Gaidis, flight park manager and lead instructor at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School at Jockey’s Ridge. “Everyone does ground school for the first 25 or 30 minutes, then we take them out to the dunes for a couple hours and several attempts at flying a hang glider.”

Harnessed-in students fly solo, launching their hang gliders with the wind in their faces, running along the dunes.

“During flight you’ll feel like you’re suspended in space, gently supported by a cloud — a wow experience — before gently landing on the sand,” Wolf says.

Parasailing is also available, providing a peaceful, bird’s-eye view while being towed by a boat below. For longer rides at higher altitudes, Kitty Hawk Kites has inland sites for tandem hang gliding, where a student and instructor fly together.

“The gliders are pulled up by an ultralight via a tow rope and when they reach an altitude of around 2,000 feet the instructor releases the glider from tow for a 10- to 15-minute ride back to the ground,” Wolf says. “It feels just like flying in your dreams … an unforgettable, dynamic experience.”

Renee Gannon is the senior associate editor for Carolina Country. Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes for magazines and newspapers across the Southeast and nationally.

By Tara Verna

Tara’s daughters, Isabella (background) and Rosalina, tubing the Tar River in 2017.

Margarita Galvan

Most of the tubing crew (left to right): the Verna’s: Lino, Isabella, Tara, Rosa and Leo. And their cousins, the Galvan’s: Sandro (blue shirt) and Marco.

Birding chirping … turtles sunning themselves … feet dangling from a bright orange tube into water the color of sweet tea … kids laughing and splashing … a cold sip of a drink … the silvery flip of a speckled perch … jeez it’s hot! ... bouncing off the tube for a quick cool, dip … clambering awkwardly back on … gazing up into a canopy of kaleidoscopic greenery … oh, look! A heron! Ah, the magic of tubing a lazy river in North Carolina!

Something for everyone

I’ve been tubing down the Tar River in northeastern North Carolina a few times. Each trip has been a welcome respite from stress, the pandemic, daily life — in other words, magic. You’d have to work hard to be unhappy on a lazy river, as it offers something for just about everyone. My kids found joy in splashing and dunking one another; beaching their tubes on large rocks along the way for a picnic; leaping from said rocks or half-submerged trees to cool off. I loved watching their antics, feeling the pull of the gentle current and the water flowing over my feet — closing my eyes to drink in the sun and feeling goosebumps while passing under the shade of a towering oak. My sisterin-law took a continuous stream of photos with her phone, tempting fate by holding it over the river, straining to get that “perfect” selfie or action shot. My husband kept the cooler tube close, indulging in snacks and drinks and sun with a little too much abandon, until his skin was approaching lobster-done.

Although our trip lasted about three hours and only covered 1.5 miles, the Tar River is actually 215 miles long and averages 3–6 feet deep. It winds its way southeast, from Roxboro through places like Louisburg, Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Greenville.

In the past, it was used as a major route for tar-laden barges as they headed to the sea, hence its “tar” moniker. Today, it’s home to an amazing number of species that rely on this river ecosystem, including bald eagles, osprey, beavers, deer and more.

Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing

Getting ready to float down the Toe River

Miles of adventure

The Tar River is one of more than 40,000 miles of rivers and streams in North Carolina, so there is certainly plenty to choose from. You can go it alone or rent your equipment from a company like Tar River Life (tarriverlife.com). Most of these companies offer tubing as well as kayaking or canoeing. A few allow children as young as 3, but most encourage ages 5 and up. They’ll typically have you park your car at the end point and bus your group to the start. After you finish, you’ll have a short walk back to your car.

You’ll find something unique about all of them. The Tar River trip offers a high bank at the end and if the water is deep enough, my kids love running and cannon-balling into the river. I love the stone, graffiti-covered wall at the end where we take our “after” shot, imagining we look like a rock band rather than simply drippy, tired and sunburned — but happy.

After coping with the stresses of a pandemic for more than a year, it might be just what the doctor ordered to capture a little vitamin D and downtime on a lazy river. Megan Greer, general manager of Tar River Life, finds her own version of healing in the river.

“As a staff, we tend to take the river for granted,” she says. “But after this past year, it has rekindled our passion to see people enjoy it so much — we feel so much gratitude.”

Tara Verna is the creative director for Carolina Country.

With thousands of miles of river to explore across the state, there’s likely a lazy float waiting to be had not far from you. Here are a few outfitters to help get you on the water — call ahead to confirm availability.

MOUNTAINS

Deep Creek Smoky Mountain Tubing, Bryson City bit.ly/deepcreektubing | 828-488-6055 French Broad River Zen Tubing, Asheville zentubing.com | 855-936-8823 Green River Silver Creek Tubing, Saluda silvercreektubing.com | 828-894-2331 New River High Mountain Expeditions, Boone bit.ly/hme-tubing | 828-202-1981 Oconaluftee River Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft, Cherokee cherokeetubeandraft.com | 828-497-4545 Toe River Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing, Bakersville bit.ly/toerivertubing | 828-688-9290 Tuckasegee River Dillsboro River Company, Sylva bit.ly/tuckasegeetubing | 828-507-2428 Yadkin River North Carolina River Riders, Ronda northcarolinariverriders.com | 336-244-6220

PIEDMONT

Dan River Dan River Adventures, Stoneville bit.ly/danrivertubing | 336-548-0080 Tar River Tar River Life, Bunn tarriverlife.com | 919-496-9237 Tubing rapids on the Tuckasegee River

Leave your keys in your car, or attach a spare in your wheel well with a magnetic clip.

Make a day of it by arriving late morning. Bring your own rope to tie off of a bank for lunch.

Take your time and be “lazy.”

Rent a cooler tube. You’ll supply the cooler and munchies. But you can attach it to your tube and have a ready supply of drinks (no glass) and sandwiches along the way.

Rent a dry pouch for your phone.

Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Keep a set of dry clothes in your car.

Cousin Sandro leaps off the Tar River’s banks, at the end of our journey.

carolinacountry.com/extras Watch videos from rivers around the state to get a feel for what tubing has to offer.

The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.

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The American Eagle Silver Dollar is the most widely secured silver bullion coin on the planet. Also known as the U.S. Silver Eagle, this legal-tender Silver Dollar contains one Troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver backed by a U.S. government guarantee. And if you’ve been watching the markets, you know that in the last year, silver is up, up, UP...

Take a look at this chart. Since the spring of 2020, silver has gone up more than 80%! And as recently as February 2021, silver has set a new eight-year high. This skyrocketing value has taken the precious metals world by storm. But what caused such a drastic increase in silver’s value, and what does it mean for you?

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the stock market crashed, then set new records; cryptocurrencies became all the rage; and the U.S. national debt reached an all-time high.

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Cordless drill

String trimmer

Mikita Tools

Leaf blower

By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Finding a useful gift for dads and husbands can be tricky. Ideally, you want them to use it and to enjoy using it. If your dad or husband likes to work on home projects, getting him a rechargeable cordless tool can be a great choice.

Rechargeable cordless tools can be easier and more convenient to use than corded versions. For example, a power drill is something you usually use often and walk around with. On the other hand, a table saw is usually not the first choice of cordless tools because it doesn’t need to be moved repeatedly.

Quality cordless tools are usually less expensive if you buy them as part of a set. And since each line of tools uses a unique battery, you can’t mix and match between brands. You can of course, buy one rechargeable tool or you can also buy him a cordless starter kit with a few helpful tools and a battery, then he can add tools as needed. Here are a few cordless tools to consider as gifts: String trimmer A string trimmer is a quick way to trim weeds and grass near walls, bricks and rocks. If your father or husband uses an old gas trimmer around the yard, it’s time for a change. Two-stroke engines pollute the air and require regular maintenance. Electric trimmers are more energy efficient and quieter. You can find a variety of models between $50 and $150, and it’s worth paying a little more to get a highly rated model that will last longer.

Power drill As one of the most-used power tools, a drill should be everyone’s first cordless tool. Using a corded drill can mean constantly moving the cord around furniture, other tools or your own feet, which can be dangerous. Cordless drills are easy to use, and the technology has improved so they have more power and hold a charge longer. Lightduty drills are smaller and less powerful but easy to use for smaller projects.

Leaf blower If your father or husband uses a gas-powered leaf blower, you can do him (and the neighbors!) a favor by giving him a cordless leaf blower, which is more energy efficient, much quieter and less polluting.

Flashlight Today’s LED flashlights can produce 20 times as much light as the old incandescent ones. And they come in a variety of options, from tiny keychain lights to headlamps to waterproof spotlights. A flashlight can usually give better light than a cell phone, especially if you’re working in a tight space like under a sink. A flashlight often comes as part of a cordless tool set, or you can buy a single unit that recharges using a USB port on a charger, a USB wall socket or a mobile phone battery.

Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric co-ops.

Pets are beloved members of many families, and many also drive with their furry friends, from trips to the veterinarian’s office to long adventures. Here are some precautions:

For dogs ■ A proper restraint will protect your pooch in case of an accident. The

Center for Pet Safety recommends a quality, crash-tested harness. ■ Allowing your dog to stick their head out the window is more dangerous than it seems. It can cause painful debris to get into their eyes, nose and mouth. ■ Never allow your dog to sit on your lap. Use a barrier to prevent a dog making its way to the front.

For cats ■ Use a proper carrier with enough room for them to move around. ■ Make sure your cat is wearing a harness and leash before exiting the vehicle. If your animal gets hurt or becomes ill, you can search by zip code for American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited clinics at healthypet.com (Click on “Hospital Locator” in the blue box). Also, some companies, including Erie Insurance, offer coverage to help with vet costs if your pet is hurt in a car accident.

—StatePoint.net

Co-op Members, check with your electric cooperative to find out if they offer complimentary subscriptions as a benefit of membership.

NAME

MAILING ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions) EMAIL

1 Year (12 issues) $12 2 Years (24 issues) $24 Check Enclosed

Make checks payable to: “Carolina Country.” Mail to: Carolina Country Subscriptions, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 Or subscribe online at carolinacountry.com/subscribe

Water and electricity never mix! When you’re cooling off in the water, remember to practice electrical safety. Complete the crossword puzzle, then check your answers against the key at the bottom.

3

4 1 1 Down: When possible, use operated devices when near a lake or swimming pool. 2 Across: Never bring devices near a lake or pool. If they come in contact with water, electric shock could occur. Devices should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources. 3 Down: If you hear , immediately exit the water. Storms may be near. 4 Across: All outdoor electrical outlets should be covered to keep them .

3) Down: thunder 4) Across: Dry Answers: 1) Down: battery 2) Across: electrical

Crab legs for a birthday. Scallops for an anniversary. Salmon for when family are in town. Many people enjoy eating seafood at restaurants as go-to celebratory meals.

However, cooking seafood at home can be intimidating. But seafood dishes are surprisingly simple to prepare.

“Whether it is shellfish or a fillet of your favorite fish variety, seafood makes any day special,” said Linda Cornish, president of Seafood Nutrition Partnership. “Plus, you can feel good about enjoying immune-boosting food rich in vitamins A, B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as calcium, selenium, iron, zinc and more.”

Seafood Nutrition Partnership and its partners from the Eat Seafood America! campaign offer these kitchen tips:

The 10-minute rule Measure the fish at its thickest point. Cook it on medium-high (about 375 degrees) for 10 minutes per inch, turning halfway through the cooking time. A thin fish like sole or pollock cooks in about 4 to 5 minutes, while a thicker tuna steak might be 15 minutes.

The flake test Insert a fork at an angle at the thickest point and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it’s done, and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance.

Create foil packets Foil makes cleanup extra simple. You can use shrimp or a piece of fish, and veggies such as bell pepper, green beans, cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Layer fish on top of veggies onto a large piece of foil, season to taste, add some lemon slices and a drizzle of olive oil. Fold it up before cooking it in the oven, on the grill or even campfire.

Steam on the stovetop Fill a deep pot with 1 to 2 inches of water, add wire rack and bring to a boil. Add seafood and cover to cook. Seafood like lobster, crab legs and shrimp will turn pink or red when done, so look for the bright color and then enjoy.

This delicious salmon recipe only takes about 15 minutes of preparation. For additional seafood recipes, visit seafoodnutrition.org.

½ acorn squash, cubed ½ medium red onion, chunked 2 cups baby. multicolored potatoes, halved ½ cauliflower head, chunked 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste 1 side of salmon or 4 fillets

½ cup pesto

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

On a large sheet pan, place acorn squash, red onions, potatoes and cauliflower. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat well and place in single layer around the edges of the pan.

Add salmon to the sheet pan and spread with about half the pesto. Roast at 400 degrees for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is fork tender and fully cooked through.

Top with the remaining pesto and serve.

Yield: 4–6 servings

Moissanite is a game changer... A hot trend in big bling— an alternative to diamond...” –– Today Show on NBC Price Drops 83%... ONLY Through Stauer

Jewelry shown is not exact size. Pendant chain sold separately.

Possessing fire, brilliance, and luster that far surpasses that of a diamond, this Nobel Prize winner’s discovery twinkles and sparkles unlike any stone on earth.

When French chemist, Henri Moissan discovered an incredibly rare mineral in a 50,000 year-old meteorite, little did he know the amazing chain of events that would follow. Along with winning a Nobel prize, he gave the world a stone that surpasses even the finest diamond in virtually every aspect that makes a woman go weak in the knees. Today, you can own 2 total carats of this swoon-worthy stone for a down to earth price of $99. The most brilliant fine stone on earth. According to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), Moissanite outperforms all jewels in terms of its brilliance, fire, and luster. Moissanite has “double refraction”–– which means light goes down into the stone and comes out not once, but twice. No diamond can do this. The way the light dances inside Moissanite is something to behold. The genius of affordability. A one-carat diamond of this color and clarity sells for more than $5,000. Two years ago Moissanite was over $1,000 a carat. Now, for the first time in history, our team of scientists and craftsmen have mastered the innovative process, enabling us to price 2 carats of moissanite in precious sterling silver for less than $100. It’s pure genius. Our Nobel Prize-winning chemist would be proud.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES COMPARISON Refractive Index Dispersion

(Brilliance) (Fire) Luster

Moissanite 2.65-2.69 0.104 20.4% Mined Diamond 2.42 0.044 17.2%

A. 3-Stone Ring (2 ctw) $599 † $99 Save $500 B. Solitaire Pendant (2 carat) $599 † $149 Save $450 C. Solitaire Earrings (1 ctw) $399 † $99 Save $300 BEST DEAL- Ring, Pendant & Earrings Set (5 ctw)

Stauer.com without your offer code. Pendant chain sold separately.

Lowest price you’ve ever seen! If not, we’ll double your money back.* • Exquisite moissanite in .925 sterling silver setting • Whole ring sizes 5-10 The Moissanite Three-Stone Ring celebrates your past, present and future with unsurpassed fire & brilliance for less. Set also available in gold-finished sterling silver. Call now 1-800-333-2045

Stauer Offer Code: MOS171-03. You must use the offer code to get our special price. ® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. MOS171-03. Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®