2017 January GCEC Florida Currents

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

JA N UA RY 2017

A Water Crossing Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews recently completed work in the Lister Landing and Howard Creek areas. Since these areas are accessible only by water, the work required out-of-the ordinary methods. Luke Vickers uses a boat to transport poles on the Apalachicola River. Read more about these projects on page 28.

Celebration of Learning PAGE 8    Want to Plant a Tree? PAGE 26 n

Gulf Coast

Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

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HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

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Add foam or cellulose insulation to your home if you have: drafty rooms | hot or cold ceilings | high energy bills We value your membership. We value you.

Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.

www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

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Inside

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Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com

Bridges and Angels 12

Embracing traumatic life experiences, David LaBelle captures quiet moments and humor in pictures.

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Also In This Issue

© 2017 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18 Photo by Donna Adler

January 2017 Vol. 6, No. 3

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

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Gulf Coast

GCEC Strengthens Economy Through Donations, Jobs and Tax Dollars Staying true to its cooperative mission, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative promotes the general welfare of the communities its serves by acting as an economic stimulator.

The cooperative provides quality jobs and makes charitable donations.

Although it is a not-for-profit corporation under state law, GCEC still pays its fair share of taxes. These all benefit the economy and strengthen the community.

GCEC recently paid property taxes to each of the six counties within its service territory. A total of $861,535.48 in property taxes was paid to Bay ($411,700.54), Calhoun ($85,195), Gulf ($247,146.10), Jackson ($2,259.23), Walton ($1,055.83) and Washington ($114,178.78) counties.

“By definition, cooperatives are highly involved within the communities they serve,” said GCEC CEO/General Manager Michael White. “Giving back to the communities we serve is an important part of our organization. GCEC strives to make a difference and be a good corporate citizen.” n

Trustee Eddie Jones, right, pays GCEC’s property taxes to Jane Callipo of the Bay County Tax Collector’s office.

Trustee Waylon Graham, right, pays GCEC’s property taxes to Gulf County Tax Collector Shirley Jenkins.

Trustee Betty Moore, left, pays GCEC’s property taxes to Washington County Tax Collector Ken Naker.

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Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs

Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area XX

Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010

XX

Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667

XX

Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115

XX

Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683

XX

Walton County Phone: (850) 892-8065 Fax: (850) 254-9638

XX

Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316

Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities, the division, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.”

This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those needs.

Persons with special needs may preauthorize emergency response personnel to enter their homes during searchand-rescue operations, if necessary, to

ensure their safety and welfare following disasters.

This registration must be updated annually. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program.

If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency.

The level of care given in special needs shelters goes above the basic firstaid care available to shelters open to the general population.

All information provided is kept strictly confidential. n

Help Reduce Demand for Electricity

Office numbers: Southport................(850) 265-3631

(800) 568-3667 Wewahitchka...........(850) 639-2216

(800) 333-9392 Panama City.............(850) 481-1188

H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. We just need your participation.

Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device is installed on your electric water heater that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods. By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, delaying the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or pushing those costs out to the future. An added benefit is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, thereby helping the environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available.

For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take down your information and, after ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule an installer to visit your home and install the device at no cost to you. In fact, for your participation, we will make a one-time credit of $25 to your electric bill. We look forward to hearing from you soon. n J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 7

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Gulf Coast

Cooperative Presents Service Awards Three Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees received special awards named in memory and in honor of former employees, and several employees and trustees were recognized for service anniversaries.

Secretary Betty Horne was presented with the Alfredia Owens Member Service Award. Qualities management looked for included providing a high quality of service to members; getting along well with fellow employees; demonstrating empathy and compassion to members; demonstrating integrity and honesty; keeping members, the general public and employees safe; and serving as a role model to others through positive interactions.

Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson

Employees recognized for service anniversaries included, from left, Issac Madrid, Jason Curry, Pam Burns, Bob Logan, Shannon Hill, Jay Shiver, Lindsay Peak, Steven Ward, Jacob O’Bryan, Matthew Fleming, Lorie Jackson, Jim Vickers, Gary Whitfield, Hassan Abdelhalim, Josh Pitts and T.J. Davis.

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Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative CEO/General Manager Michael White, left, presents the 2016 Alfredia Owens Member Service Award to Betty Horne.

was presented with the Tomica Lowery Memorial Award. Qualities management looked for included appreciation for fundamental human needs of fellow employees; clear communication with

White presents the 2016 Tony “T-Bone” Turner Hustle Award to Brennis Smith.

co-workers; and increasing organizational commitment (employee satisfaction, enjoyment at work, lowering negative efforts leading to lower absenteeism and stress).

Line Technician Brennis

Smith was the recipient of the Tony “T-Bone” Turner Hustle Award. Qualities management looked included a sustained work and productivity record; exceptional efficiency; superior performance and

White presents the 2016 Tomica Lowery Memorial Award to Francis Hinson, second from right. Tomica’s parents, Randy and Brenda Jones, left, co-presented.

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dedication; keeping members, the general public and employees safe; and serving as a role model to others through positive interactions.

Service pins were awarded to Gary Whitfield, 15 years; Pam Burns, Shannon Hill and

We know some of our members are considering installing solar applications. Please be aware all solar applications must be pre-approved and inspected to ensure they meet certain engineering codes and criteria. If you are considering solar, please contact Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Peyton Gleaton, vice president of engineering, at (850) 265-3631 or pgleaton@gcec.com.

Lorie Jackson, 10 years; Bob Logan, Lindsay Peak, Josh Pitts and Jim Vickers, 5 years; and Hassan Abdelhalim, Jason Curry, T.J. Davis, Matthew Fleming, Issac Madrid, Jacob O’Bryan, Jay Shiver and Steven Ward, 1 year. n

GCEC Collects Donations for Children’s Home Society As is tradition during the holiday season, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees and board members donated items for the Children’s Home Society. The 2016 drive focused on items for older children and teenagers.

GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans, left, presented the donations to Jodi Kellett of the CHS. Items included gloves, scarves, socks, headphones, razors, shave gel, hair straighteners, blow dryers, curling irons, gift cards, pajamas, jewelry, art supplies, blankets, hoodies, makeup, purses, wallets and toys.

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Gulf  Coast

Celebration of Learning Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative joined other community businesses and organizations at Southport Elementary School’s annual Celebration of Learning Day on November 10. Students and teachers who stopped by the GCEC booth listened as T.J. Davis and Brennis Smith demonstrated safety equipment and tools. At right, T.J. takes a ride in the bucket truck to demonstrate how the controls on the truck operate, as students encourage him to go higher.

Below, Brennis Smith has Mason Peters try on his overshoes for size. Bottom right, Brennis and T.J. use a battery-operated crimper. The cooperative is committed to providing electrical safety information to our students and communities. n

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Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Small area to sublet on 5-acre parcel on Porter Pond, surrounded by land management. Hiking trails, boat and canoe launch, and natural springs close by. Great for hunting and fishing. $300 a month, electric and water included. Tim, (850) 326-5577.

Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.

For Sale Ladies Fox Creek top-quality classic leather biker jacket, new, size large. Paid $500; asking $250.

(850) 260-2045.

Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up.

Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424.

Outdoor Christmas lights and decorations; drop cords, $5; elliptical, $150; boxing stand with small bag, $50. (850) 814-2057.

White Nigerian Dwarf male goat. Raised as a pet. $150. (850) 640-1884.

Real Amish buggy wheels from Pennsylvania.

Two for $175 or one for $100. (850) 784-4499.

Paul Bunyan by Singer knotty pine furniture. No reasonable offer refused. (850) 639-3760. Please leave message.

Two-seater spa. Buyer has to remove it. $500.

(850) 381-8908.

17’ sailboat, 8’ dingy, two 8’ sit-on-top kayaks.

(850) 784-4854.

Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957.

system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate 60 acres with 1,000 feet on Highway 231 in Fountain. Great hunting or business opportunity.

(850) 832-2695.

4.5-acre waterfront lot on Long Lake in Washington County, about halfway between Chipley and Panama City, just east of Highway 77. $31,900. (850) 832-5781.

Two half-acre lots in northeast corner of Rish subdivision, south side of Wewahitchka. (850) 639-3645 or (850) 227-8378.

Three lots at Scotts Ferry. One is on the water with a boat launch. Two have camp house with one bedroom, one bath, kitchen, living room and front porch with screen. $50,000 for all.

(850) 871-4524.

Two lots in New Hope on Holmes Creek. Private ramp, pavilion, gated community. Asking $40,000 for Lot 48 and $50,000 for Lot 49 or $70,000 for both. Peaceful and quiet. (850) 832-2695.

6523 Sunrise Drive, Panama City Beach. Threebedroom, two-bath mobile home waterfront on protected canal. Renewing utilities and roads.

Reduced to $149,000. (850) 832-2695.

Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach properties for sale by owner. 0 SR 30-A, Cape San Blas, bayfront lot, sewer tap pad, 0.50 acre, $89,900.

6390 CR 30-A, Cape San Blas, no HOA, X flood zone, 0.42 acre, $99,900. 0 CR Hwy 30-A, Cape San Blas, 14.42 acres, $149,900. 73 Westview Blvd., Port St. Joe, gulf view lot, 0.31 acre, $89,900. 512 Long St., Mexico Beach, 111 feet of waterfront on Intracoastal Waterway, 2.37 acres, $99,900. Jay, (850) 227-5569.

10.7 acres for sale off Road 5. (850) 227-5276.

FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build.

Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214.

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Wanted Three-bedroom, two-bath mobile home in good condition. Not more than $10,000. (850) 784-4499.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative.

GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies: For Rent

For Sale

Real Estate

Free

Miscellaneous

Trade

Wanted

Items:

2005 Keystone Cougar 285MKS, 30’. Excellent condition. New roof, awning and converter. Tires and wheels are 2 years old. Average Blue Book is $14,000. Selling for $10,500 or any reasonable offer. (850) 258-5690 or (850) 265-3864 to view.

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, shelving/organizers, TV mounts and surround sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer/dryer hook-ups, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds. Home maintenance: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent and drains. Lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler

Name: Address: City:

Phone:

Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com. ** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.

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Gulf Coast

Want to Plant a Tree? Please Read This Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation.

It is vital this vegetation be cleared from the power lines so the cooperative is able to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.

When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and Gulf Coast Electric to allow right-ofway maintenance. This agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right-of-way anything that could interfere with the cooperative’s delivery of safe, reliable electric service for all members.

If the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with 26

J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Tree-Trimming Plans Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative will be clearing right-of-way in Crystal Lake and Fountain during January.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you safe, reliable service. n

power lines would greatly increase the number of power outages experienced by GCEC members.

In our area, Arbor Day is observed on the third Friday in January. You may be thinking of planting a tree to commemorate the occasion. Before you do, we encourage you to consider the type of tree you are planting and its location in relation to overhead power lines.

Here are some tree-planting tips:

• Taller trees such as maples, oaks, magnolias, pines or palms should be planted a minimum of 30 feet from overhead power lines.

• Medium-sized trees such as dogwoods, Bradford pears or cedars should be planted at least 15 feet from overhead power lines.

• Small wax myrtles, purple leaf plums or tree ligustrums can be planted at the front of your property or near the road. There is little danger of these trees growing into overhead power lines.

The cooperative tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights-of-way.

GCEC management realizes most property owners regard trees as an asset.

However, federal law states it is the cooperative’s responsibility to eliminate hazardous conditions. n

Gulf Coast

A Water Crossing Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews complete work along Howard Creek and Lister Landing, which are inaccessible by road and subject to flooding Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews recently completed work in the Howard Creek and Lister Landing areas.

During times of heavy rainfall, members in these areas sometimes experience the loss of electric service. Meters and meter bases would become submerged in water, forcing the cooperative to disconnect service to prevent a hazardous condition and comply with safety codes.

GCEC’s engineering and operations staffed worked to devise a plan to remedy the situation. A key to the success of the project was members in these areas agreeing to raise their meter boxes to place them above the flood stage.

“I am proud of our employees for a job well done,” said GCEC Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson. “The crews assigned to this project put in long hours to complete the work in a timely manner. Members in these areas should experience a higher level of reliability in times of heavy rainfall.” n

Baylen Price uses climbing hooks to complete pole-top work in areas not accessible by bucket trucks.

GCEC Supervisor of Service Timmy Wade transports power poles via water.

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Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews prepare to float poles to Howard Creek and Lister Landing areas that are only accessible by water.

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FL-154

Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392

9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November).

The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.

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GCEC President’s Message

Resolve to be Safe

Protecting your family from electrical shocks, tripping hazards and house fires is easier to do than losing 20 pounds or quitting smoking, so make it New Year’s resolution No. 1. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative and the Energy Education Council offer these 10 simple ways to keep that resolution: • Inspect your outlets. Loose-fitting plugs can surprise someone with a shock or even start a fire. If your wall plate is broken, replace it so wires are not exposed. Insert plastic safety caps into unused outlets if your family includes young children.

• Make peace with plugs. If a plug does not comfortably fit Waylon Graham into an outlet, do not force it. Never remove the grounding pin (third prong) to fit a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet.

• Be careful with cords. They are not designed to last forever. Discard frayed or cracked cords. Move them out from under carpets or rugs.

• Pack up extension cords. They are fine for connecting strands of holiday lights together and helping decorations reach plugs during December. But come January 1, pack them up and store them. Extension cords are designed for temporary use.

• Watch your wattage. The light bulbs in your lamps and overhead fixtures should match the specifications on those fixtures. A bulb whose wattage is too high can overheat.

• Upgrade the wiring. Faulty electrical wires start many house fires. If you hear popping or sizzling sounds behind the walls or if light switches feel hot, do not use those fixtures or switches until a licensed electrician has replaced them.

• Find no fault. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are a must in every outlet in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, basement, garage and outdoors.

• Fuss with your fuses. If you do not know whether your fuses are the right size for the circuit they are protecting, call an electrician.

• Adjust appliances. If a circuit trips every time you plug in your hair dryer, or if your coffee maker has ever shocked you when you plugged it in, you either have faulty appliances or an overloaded circuit. An electrician can identify and solve your problem.

• Get what you need. Unless you live in a new house, you probably are using more electricity than the builder ever dreamed you would. Call an electrician to determine whether your home needs more electrical capacity. n

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year's Day. From all of us at GCEC, have a safe and happy new year.