In The Field magazine Hillsborough

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• Food Plot Mix • Attractants • Feeders • and much more!

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Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply

Open: M-F: 8 to 6 pm Sat: 8-5 pm Closed Sunday

Full Line of Feeds 813-689-1570

Corner of Martin L. King Blvd. & McIntosh Rd. Dover, FL 33527

Offer expires Oct. 14, 2007

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From the Editor Contents

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth? – Edward Giobbi

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 5

Cover Story

S

pring is here! We are lucky in Florida to be blessed with good weather for most of the year, but I still enjoy this season. The days are lengthening, giving us more time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer. So get out and hike, bike, kayak or whatever you like to do!

Visit one of the many state parks, ornamental gardens, or find an event that celebrates spring flowers.

What a great fair season! The Florida State Fair was held in February, you can find results in this issue of InTheField®, and the Florida Strawberry Festival ran from March 1 – 11, look for results of the agriculture events in the next issue of In The Field. Congratulations to all those who competed. You set your goals to help you with your project. By setting goals you know where to concentrate your efforts and what you have to do to reach the goals you set. These events are the culmination of a lot of hard work for these students. They are to be commended for their efforts.

As always, thank you to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to ‘Cover What is Growing.’ We couldn’t do it without you!

Until Next Month,

Sarah

Page 54 Cover photo by Stephanie Humphrey

Letter from HCFB President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Business Up Front / Muck Truck . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Tampa Bay Fishing Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Grub Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Rocking Chair Chatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 Wild Hogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32 The Dream Continues - Dry Creek . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Florida Berry Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 Plant Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 58 Gail Chestnut - Leto High School . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60 Cost-Sharing Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64 A Real Blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67 Operation Outdoor Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 72 Parade of Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 82

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Al Berry SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sarah Holt EDITOR Patsy Berry OFFICE MANAGER Bob Hughens

SALES MANAGER Danny Crampton SALES Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mona Jackson PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey

STAFF WRITERS Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankwoiak Sean Green Mark Cook Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Woody Gore Les McDowell

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com, or call 813-759-6909

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Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Index of Advertisers Ag Technologies.....................................71 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers..............13 All Florida Ag Show ................................5 Antioch Feed .........................................16 Aquarius Water Refining .......................66 Astin Strawberry Exchange....................20 Beast Feast.............................................35 Berry Blue Farm & Nursery, LLC..........26 Bill’s Transmissions................................69 Bingham ................................................38 Brandon Auto Services, Inc....................91 Brandon Farms Market .........................33 Broke & Poor ........................................90 Brown’s Jewelers....................................69 Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. .............................93 C&C Services of Tampa ........................31 Certis USA.............................................17 Certis USA.............................................95 CF Industries, Inc ..................................80 Chemical Containers .............................47 Chuck’s Tire & Automotive .................87 Circle “R” .............................................24 Clem’s Meats .........................................66 Cowboys Western World .......................12 Crescent Jewelers...................................73 Dad’s Towing.........................................75 Dairy Queen ..........................................57 Discount Metals ....................................70 Driscoll’s................................................40

Fancy Farms ..........................................85 Farm Bureau Insurance..........................29 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner ......91 Farm Credit ...........................................63 Felton’s ..................................................63 Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products.....51 Florida Strawberry Growers Asso..........65 Forbes Road Produce.............................13 Fred’s Market ........................................93 Furs, Fashion & Feathers ......................27 Gator Ford ............................................61 Gladstone Land .....................................59 Grove Equipment Service.......................90 Handy Can Portable Restrooms ............20 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply ....................3 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc...............................8 Haught Funeral Home...........................25 Helena Chemical-Tampa........................47 Hillsboro State Bank..............................91 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau .........7 Hinton Farms Produce, Inc....................50 Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder, Inc. ...........86 I-4 Power Equipment.............................52 Johnson’s Barbeque ...............................93 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm .......................20 Keel & Curley Winery ...........................37 Key Plex ................................................19 Land’s Feed & Farm Supply ..................85 Loetscher Auto Parts .............................79 Magnolia Hill ........................................70 Malissa Crawford..................................59

Mark Smith Excavating .........................44 Meryman Environmental.......................68 Mosaic...................................................87 Muck Truck...........................................89 Parkesdale Farms.....................................9 Pathway BioLogic..................................45 Plant City Tire & Auto............................8 Red Rose Inn & Suites ..........................48 Rick’s Custom Meats.............................69 Ring Power Corporation .......................26 Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic................96 S & O Greenworks................................39 Savich & Lee Wholesale ........................81 Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ...............41 Southern Water & Soil ..........................92 Southside Farm & Pet Supply................11 Southwestern Produce ...........................56 Stephanie Humphrey .............................77 Stingray Chevrolet .................................21 Super Shuttle International ....................33 Sweetgum Environmental ......................77 Syngenta ..................................................2 The Hay Depot......................................53 Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort .....53 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith.......................................75 Walden Lake Car Wash .........................79 Wells Memorial .....................................79 Willie’s...................................................93 Wishnatzki Farms ..................................23

You Too, Can Be A Winner

Hey Readers, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE InTheField® T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the 8

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number of the page which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to:

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 Plant City, FL 33566-0042

Winners will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner!

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BUSINESS UP FRONT

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BRANDON FARMS

by Cheryl Kuck

I

n case anyone has been living out of the country or orbiting in outer space…its Florida Strawberry Festival time in Plant City! So this is the obvious month for the Grub Station to pay homage to those ripe red berries and what is known as the moneymaking “winter crop.”

The peak season from November through March has made Florida the winter strawberry capital. With more than 10,000 acres (mostly concentrated in the Plant City – Dover area) devoted to strawberry growing, Florida is only second to California in strawberry producing acreage.

For years, there has been an ongoing battle between Florida growers and California growers. Recently California (with virtually no real market share in the winter crop) has expanded by financing berries grown in Mexico because Mexican growers use the same strawberry varieties and have the same growing season as we do here in Florida.

The Brandon Farms Market and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association are both located in Dover and began their historymaking journey within a year of each other, with Brandon Farms owner Eddie Jones setting up his first roadside stand in 1979 and the Growers Association’s beginnings formed out of meetings begun by growers a year later.

Now, the roadside stand sitting on the south side of State Road 60, just east of Dover Road surrounded by strawberry fields, has enlarged to accommodate more than a hundred avid lovers of their strawberry products and fresh produce at a single time.

The sign over the market entrance says, “Fresh to you as God blesses us.” There can be no doubt about the blessings received from their home grown berries sparking the ideas that have made Brandon Farms and its market a success.

Today the pioneer strawberry growers sit among a plethora of stands and stores, all vying for strawberry aficionado’s attention.

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er to taste different products, it just made more sense to go to the place that has proven quality and enough variety to include selling fresh produce, as well as, having an open-air cafe in the same location.

There is a clear memory of the excitement created when the market began selling strawberry pizza, because it was around the same time as the start of my career as a professional journalist…some 25 years ago.

Pizza as a dessert was a hot topic and everyone I knew flocked to the Farms Market to pick up a pizza or be decadent and have some for breakfast with coffee or sweet tea.

To this day, a thin crust strawberry-glazed pizza spread with a layer of a cream cheese mixture is still a bargain at $13 for a large size or $10 for a small pizza. Individual slices of pure pizza goodness are also available for $2.75 Seven-days-a-week through April you can meet the famous strawberry pizza crust maker and baker Lisa Register and her mom Lorrell McLeod. Both have been with the Brandon Farms for about 26 years. Lisa Register recalls bringing her then one-yearold son (now age-27) to play in a playpen set up in the farms kitchen while she was baking.

The mother and daughter duo are delightful ladies who remember most of their many customers by name and love to reminisce about their years working at the market.

The one thing they won’t talk about is their secret recipe for that pizza cookie crumb crust or strawberry shortcake.

Everything is made fresh “from scratch” daily and I was told to take note that real shortcake is made here, not sponge cake.

The strawberry shortcake is sold with the customer’s preference of either whipped cream or a huge mound of soft vanilla ice cream as a topping…yum!

You can enjoy a simple dish of fresh berries and cream or a berry-licious sundae made with soft vanilla ice cream.

Romantics will adore giving a long-stemmed white or dark chocolate hand-dipped premium berry as a gift. Heck, just splurge and get a basket of six for only $7.99 or order party trays.

This is definitely the place to eat your dessert first but you can also indulge in hearty Italian or smoked sausages and all-beef hotdogs cooked rotisserie-style and served with toppings and warm fresh buns.

Adjacent to the café is the fresh produce market stocked with seasonal Florida citrus fruits, vegetables and, naturally, rows of fresh-picked half flats of strawberries (a half flat is the equivalent of about four quarts) and Brandon Farms own strawberry jam.

“We’ve only ever had this one job and look forward to coming back to work at the beginning of strawberry season when the market reopens. We love our customers and try to treat everybody right. People come back year after year and are kind of like an extended family. We would rather be here than anywhere else,” said McLeod. • Brandon Farms Est. 1978 Farmers Market Fresh produce and Café Home of the original strawberry pizza Location: 3931 State Road 60 in Dover Market and Cafe phone: (813) 685-4208 Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Mon. – Sun. through April Web-site: www.brandonfarmsmarket.com

The café also sells luscious strawberry milkshakes made with real milk and filled with fresh-cut strawberry pieces, strawberry lemonade, gorgeous strawberry pie and tarts nearly over-flowing with perfect berries.

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Naturally Amazing Activities

Crystal Easter Eggs E

By Sean Green

aster is right around the corner and this month we are going to celebrate transformation with a little science and a little traditional Easter egg coloring. Growing crystals and watching them transform is always a fun project, combining crystals with Easter eggs makes a magical gift that’s fun to make. Empty eggshells are a good substrate for growing crystals because they are porous. Any porous material will draw up water with capillary action (like a paper towel soaking up water). This is why colored water makes Easter eggs colored in the first place. When water is super saturated with soluble solids such as salt, the solids begin to clump together to form crystals as the water evaporates. If we fill a hollowed eggshell with such a liquid, when the liquid evaporates we will have an eggshell filled with tiny crystals similar to a geode.

Depending on the solids used, crystals will begin growing in as little as 15 minutes and can continue growing for months. Crystal growth is affected by humidity, temperature and airflow. Warmer environments result in faster growth and a slight breeze helps increase evaporation.

Supplies Needed: Pin or Needle Dremel Tool or Scissors Coffee Cup Water Soluble Solids* Table Salt Sugar Borax Alum Food Coloring Spoon Egg Carton • Using a pin or needle, Hollow out an egg by poking a hole in each end of the egg and blowing the fluids out.

• Cut a window in the egg at least the size of a quarter.

• Clean the egg membrane from the inside of the egg by running it under hot water to peel the membrane from the shell.

• Allow the shells to dry completely • Securely cradle the eggshells in the egg carton, window side facing up like a bowl, it will shift as the crystals grow.

• In a saucepan, heat water to boiling.

• Fill a coffee cup halfway with boiling water; begin adding soluble solids to the point of super saturation (when no more will dissolve).

• Add food coloring.

• Fill each eggshell to the brim of the window.

• Place the shells somewhere warm that they will not be disturbed for a few days (long enough for the water to evaporate).

As the water evaporates, crystals will form inside the eggs!

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No Dr. Doolittle, but a Great Vet Nonetheless –

“Doc” Flanders

By Ginny Mink

Dr.

Doolittle, and people like the Dog Whisperer, have a tendency to taint our views of those who dedicate their lives to the wellbeing of the animals they come in contact with.

Of course, there are Dr. Doolittle moments, crazy things that happen with wild animals, but generally, that’s not the case. For most veterinarians there’s no secret conversations with the animals, there’s not really a sixth sense that allows them to provide for the creatures under their supervision. Rather it is a deep heart felt desire to heal the hurting and strengthen the weak that leads them into such a field. “Doc” Flanders spent the majority of his adult life bettering the lives of these creatures.

Doc says, “I was raised in South Georgia on a farm and I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, so when I graduated high school I went to the University of Georgia and studied veterinary medicine, graduated in 1964, paid my way through school measuring land for the ASCS (Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service) office. All those crops had to be measured, they did it on foot then, now they use a lot of maps and do it in an office.” Like much of life, technology has changed the methodology used to do a job. In fact, it’s taken the real “work” out of most of our careers.

We digress, though, so getting back to the point, Doc continues, “After I graduated vet school I stayed on at the university on a grant studying avian leukosis, air sac disease, it’s a chicken disease.” In fact, according to www.poultrynews.com it’s a disease that naturally occurs in only chickens and can cause tumors, reduced egg production and depression prior to death.

Apparently though, scientists have been doing “experiments” to see if other birds can develop the disease.

When his stint at the university came to its close he says, “I came to Lakeland, Florida in 1965 and came to work for the USDA mostly doing testing on cattle herds for tuberculosis and brucellosis (Bangs Disease).” The CDC reports that Brucellosis is not very common in the United States with only 100-200 occurrences each year. However, it is quite common in countries with less strict health and safety regulations. It can be a

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Plant City Farmer’s Market Debuts with

Spring Thing!

A Family Event in Historic Downtown Plant City Experience downtown Plant City family fun, shopping and eating at its best during Spring Thing and the debut of Plant City’s weekly Farmer’s Market, Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Historic Downtown at McCall Park and the Train Depot Welcome Center on Palmer Street.

Spring Thing (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) features qualified appraisers who will assess antiques, fine art, collectibles, and jewelry for a nominal fee, antique dealers, local artists and hand-crafters, musical entertainment, face painting and inflatable bouncy equipment for the kids.

Plant City’s Farmer’s Market (8 a.m. -1 p.m.) will showcase local area fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other specialty items.

Stay up to date on this weekly at

www.facebook.com/PlantCityFarmersMarket.

Vendor space is available for both events.

Spring Thing! booth space reservation: April Lubrano 813-545-1607 aprillubrano@gmail.com Farmers Market booth space and info: Dave Schultz 813-659-9700 plantcitydowntown@hotmail.com The events are hosted by The Plant City Downtown Business & Merchants Association.

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Dry Creek

has been a whirlwind since its conception. It started by me getting laid off from my job on morning radio.

Having to reinvent myself I said, “It’s time I do what I really want to do!” I looked at the lack of family programing on TV and said it's time to bring it back.

With a few close friends I started acting out some of my Cowboy Poetry using horses and wagons. Then I'd put them up on YouTube. Thanks to those close friends for keeping my dream alive. Each video kept getting longer and people started liking what we where doing. That was when Dry Creek was born.

By Les McDowell

I’ve always said, I didn’t write Dry Creek. Dry Creek wrote its self. Tom Glasgow, Terry Smith and Roger James have been there from the beginning. So often before the camera rolls and the director yells action, we look at each other and smile. We always say we’re living the dream.

My close friends and the other folks that have come through the gates have turned into The Dry Creek family. These folks have not only donated their time to make it happen, but also helped build the sets and donated lumber. We truly are family.

From You Tube to Dry Creek playing four times a week on National TV it has been a fast ride in a-little over a year and a half. Soon we will be doing 13 new episodes. Thanks to all who have donated. Believing in the dream Dry Creek continues.

Dreams can come true with the help of a lot of friends... one board at a time.

Go to

drycreektv.com to see more

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Photos Courtesy of Linda Constant Photography W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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to see the Easter Bunny and get a FREE Picture and TREAT from the

Easter Bunny

with other Activities • ALL FREE/DONATIONS Where: 908 Joe McIntosh Rd., Plant City When: March 30 & 31 • Time: 2 p.m. til 6 p.m.

Phone: 813.759.3345

In co-operation with Operation Lifesaver Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Program W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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PHOTOS Courtesy of Ron O’Connor, Farm Credit

The Florida state Fair hosted the annual “Fresh From Florida” breakfast, sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida, in the Ag Hall of Fame Building. Attendees enjoyed a farm fresh breakfast

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by visiting the various booths on display in the building.

In attendance were many Florida agriculture leaders, including the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam.

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Truck Review

Ford F-150

2012 Ford F-150 delivers even more of what customers are looking for with a new FX appearance package and several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines.

Debuting stealthy, flat-black accents, the FX appearance package offers a unique 20-inch flat-black wheel, a stylized bodyside graphic and black badges with red lettering. Customized interior touches include black leather seating surfaces with red trim, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel.

All of the upgrades complement the fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain offerings that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy, with each engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

ENHANCED CAPABILITY

New Chevy 3500 Regular Cab Chassis 2WD, 12' FLATBED, 11,400lb GVWR, Duramax Diesel (NO UREA TANK), Allison 6 speed automatic, AC, AM/FM Stereo, Locking Differential, Cruise Control, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Dual Air Bag, Security Features, Daytime Running Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes. Pricing includes all eligible rebates and incentives assigned to dealer. Prices are plus tax, tag, and $99 dealer fee unless you have or are eligible for a GM FAN, call today to see if you are eligible for additional incentives or discounts.

This truck is ready to work!

Call us today at 813-359-5420.

Upgrades on the 2012 F-150’s drivetrain include replacing last year’s electronic shift-on-the-fly with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The system still offers four high and four low modes, but now also offers a 4x4 auto mode.

If the truck senses a loss of traction, it immediately transfers torque to the front wheels, making the system more seamless for the customer.

A new feature, Hill Start Assist, helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the vehicle is on a slope, the system is automatically activated.

Brake pressure is held in the braking system, and the truck remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

The addition of neutral tow capability on all 4x4 trucks means customers can now flat-tow their F-150, making the truck even more usable. An available electronic locking rear axle replaces most of the limited-slip offerings on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® and 5.0-liter engines.

It is now available in a range of axle ratios, and is even offered on 4x2 models, delivering a new level of traction capability across most of the F-150 lineup.

Call 813-980-3673 for more information.

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The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida

Bob Ryman

The Jarmels

MARCH 17 “THE FIDDLER” BOB A ST. PATRICK’S DAY BALLROOM DINNER SHOW

RYMAN

Come celebrate the event! Ryman is a master of the violin and takes you through a magical journey of the classics to country favorites.

The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.

Car show in the afternoon and deck party with a St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before the show. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.

MARCH 17 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MARCH 23 thru 24 DOO WOP WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA VI STARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN The annual event is taking on its sixth year of fun, food, contest and great music from a bygone era. Friday night performances include: The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer of the Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys and The Las Vegas Sounds.

Saturday night performances include: The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Band will perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman will perform in the Dining Room.

MARCH 30 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

APRIL 13 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

MARCH 31 BOB RYMAN

APRIL 14 THE JARMELS

Bob Ryman is a master of the violin. Ryman plays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway, from Country to Classics. Destiny before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

The Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group.

Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reached number 12 in America on the Billboard chart. Destiny opens and closes the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 6 BOBBY PALERMO

APRIL 20 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Bobby Bobby Palermo has been voted Tampa Bay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations and fabulously listenable and danceable music. Destiny opens and closes.

APRIL 7 TREY DEES AND

DESTINY

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 8 EASTER

BUFFET

Our chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you! The Easter Bunny will stop by for photos.

Call for seating times and reservations.

Show Guests stay overnight at special rate!

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

APRIL 21 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 27 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

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Red Rose Inn & Suites I-4 Exit 21 2011 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Brian Roman

Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue

APRIL 28 SIMPLY STREISAND A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTY OF BARBRA STREISAND Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARD WINNING Tribute Artist has the look and sound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparable Barbra Streisand. From the hair down to the trademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” in every way. Destiny performs before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

The Marcels

MAY 4 BOBBY PALERMO Bobby Bobby Palermo has been voted Tampa Bay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations and fabulously listenable and danceable music. Destiny performs before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 5 THE MARCELS In 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon” sold over two and a half million copies. “Blue Moon” has been used in at least four major motion pictures and various TV shows, such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting, Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days.

Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 11 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

Bobby Blackmon's career began in a small town not far from the Dallas, Texas area.

His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proud in his soulful guitar playing. He's worked with the likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls. Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 19 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

MAY 25

BRIAN ROMAN One of Canada’s finest entertainers! Roman performs the classics – spanning the Golden Era, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.

Destiny also performs.

MAY 26 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 12 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 18 BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON & THE B3 BLUES BAND

Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!

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STRAWBERRY BREAD Faye Wetherington 3 c. sliced Florida STRAWBERRIES 3 c. flour 1 tsp. strawberry flavoring 2 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 c. chopped pecans 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. cinnamon 1 ¼ c. oil 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

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In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, mix all other ingredients except pecans. Pour liquid into dry mixture and mix just until moistened. Add pecans and mix well.

Pour into 2 well greased and floured loaf pans.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Let cool before removing from pans.

Hand picked strawberry recipes by strawberry growers, their families and the community.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION.

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A Name Synonymous with Farm Bureau and Agriculture

By Jim Frankowiak

T

here’s a very high probability that if you mention the name “Judi” to anyone involved locally with Farm Bureau or agriculture, they will know instantly that you are talking about Judi Whitson, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau (HCFB) Executive Director since 1991.

Since accepting the responsibilities of that position more than 20 years ago, she has made her mark on agriculture here and beyond for her untiring and always smiling efforts on behalf of Farm Bureau and agriculture. And those tasks are myriad as she often tells people “with my job I can be having lunch with the governor one day and cleaning toilets the next.”

Yes, she does meet regularly with elected officials or their aides locally and at the state level, usually accompanying HCFB board members, but her wide-ranging job description also includes managing the 10,000-square-foot Farm Bureau-owned office building at the southwest corner of State Road 60 and Mulrennan Road. “It’s my job to make sure the tenants are happy and everything is working properly from the air conditioning to the bathrooms,” she said. But there’s more to her position, a lot more. It’s probably best to look back to the beginning to learn just how broad Judi’s reach has been.

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“I’m a Navy brat and our family moved around from my birthplace at Brooksville to Virginia Beach on to Jacksonville,” she said. She is the next to oldest of five children, four girls and one boy. “Growing up we did spend our summers with my grandmother in Brooksville and that included opportunities for time with two uncles in the area, one had citrus groves and the other had cows and horses.”

As a high school student in Jacksonville, Judi was very active in her Methodist church and the youth fellowship “where I learned a good deal about leadership and parliamentary procedure.” Girls were not allowed to join FFA at that time, she noted. Judi was also involved in music and chorus while in high school, including musical type productions.

“I will never forget being cast as Stupefying Jones, the seductress in a Lil Abner play, and seeing my mother and minister up front in the audience on opening night,” she said. “I was mortified.”

Whitson’s mother always impressed upon her and her siblings the importance of work and putting forth the appropriate level of effort on the job all of the time. “I am proud to say that every year since 1968 I have received a W-2 form.”

After graduation from high school, Whitson joined a bank in Jacksonville and

spent three years in that position before marrying and moving to different cities.

Whitson and her husband moved from Jacksonville to Charlottesville, North Carolina, Pensacola, Savannah and on to Tampa as her husband was given different responsibilities and positions at several locations in the trucking industry.

“I worked in each of those cities,” she said. “I managed and sold apartments and became a district manager for a company with multi-apartment holdings. I got my real estate license and wound up selling myself out of a job as I sold apartments that I had been managing.”

When she moved to Tampa she went to work for the trucking company that also employed her husband, but the chance for advancement was not present unless she replaced her husband and that was not to take place. Then in early 1991 Marge Dorman contacted Judi to discuss the opening at Farm Bureau in Hillsborough County and that led to a meeting with nurseryman and long time Farm Bureau board member Roy Davis, who was HCFB president at the time.

“Roy talked about the many awards that were available for our county farm bureau group to pursue and win and said he wanted to win them all,” Whitson recalls.

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If you visit the Farm Bureau office and board room, you will see that Judi took Roy for his word and has won each of those awards, many several times over.

“Judi is intelligent and always willing to learn what to do,” said Davis. “She has become very good at dealing with elected officials and their staff members. Those were tasks the board members used to take on,” he said. “She has become a true executive director, effective with all areas of her position. And that includes the flexibility to consider the opinions of others.”

Davis also had praise for Whitson’s husband, Jack. “He is very supportive and helpful to Judi in the many things she does on behalf of Farm Bureau and agriculture.

Jack often volunteers to assist at many of the events Judi organizes and attends.”

HCFB Board Member Stefan Katzaras believes Judi has “gained the respect of elected officials in the county and their staff members as an informed representative of agriculture who is always accessible. Judi does not let important Ag issues become overlooked by officials nor does she shy away from helping candidates or those in office not familiar with the importance of agriculture to learn,” he said. “Whether it’s working with elected officials, our board or the community, Judi does a great job. Her picture should be alongside the definition of executive director.”

“Judi has done a great job in creating relationships for Hillsborough County Farm Bureau that without which we would not be as an effective organization for our members,” said HCFB Board Member Michelle Williamson. “Over the years I have known Judi, she has devoted herself to teaching children the importance of agriculture and that teaching has included teachers in Hillsborough County, the state and country. She has made us more effective and she is a joy to work with.”

While Judi highly regards everything she does in her Farm Bureau post, there are several initiatives that are especially important to her. Ag –Venture is one and another is Farm City Week. Both help to educate non-Ag segments about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Ag-Venture is a “hands-on” learning experience designed to teach third grade students in Hillsborough County about the importance of agriculture to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and the impact of agriculture on their everyday lives. It is based at the Ag-Venture facility W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

at the Florida State Fair grounds. Judi has taken this program from its infancy and just 250 student visitors a year to currently 7,500 students a year. “We are at maximum capacity now,” she said.

“Each session requires 100 volunteers a day per field trip. We can only grow with more volunteers.”

Farm City Days is an outreach activity whereby Farm Bureau and other agricultural interests exhibit in downtown Tampa to help educate urban residents about agriculture and its importance.

“Most people don’t really appreciate the abundance of safe and high quality food choices we have in this country and they fail to recognize the importance of agriculture in maintaining these choices.

Outreach, such as Farm City Days, is designed to share that important information as it relates to decisions on laws and regulations that arise and threaten agriculture,” she said.

Ag-Abilities is another outreach program Judi is involved in. This effort targets special needs students and is tailored to provide them with an agricultural experience so they, too, will come to understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture to us all. “We have adapted some farm equipment that enables these young people to experience what it’s like to operate

a tractor,” she said. “Their reaction and wide smiles are just wonderful and make the hard work all so worthwhile.”

The last several months have been particularly busy times for Judi and her colleagues. January included a trip to Tallahassee for Judi and some of the county Farm Bureau directors for meetings with our legislative delegation.

“We must keep reminding our elected officials of the importance of agriculture and how certain issues could have a detrimental impact right down to what we are able to offer our families at meal time, plus the economics of agriculture and its importance to Florida’s economy.”

February brought the annual Florida State Fair and added opportunities to educate the many attendees and dignitaries about the role of agriculture and this month brought a similar opportunity with the Florida Strawberry Festival.

“State Fair meant 14 straight days at the fairgrounds from set up to the fair itself and take down afterwards. Sure, it gets tiring at times, but I truly enjoy what I am doing,” she said.

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Through these many activities, there is one thing that Judi enjoys the most and that is “the teaching aspect of what I do, whether directed to youngsters or adults. So many of all ages just don’t understand the importance and value of agriculture and its vulnerability. Whether it is increased regulation, loss of agricultural lands to development or other issues, people must understand what’s at stake.”

“Judi makes us all look good in whatever she does for Farm Bureau or agriculture,” said HCFB Director Jemy Hinton. “For someone who came into her position from a non-agricultural background, Judi has done a great job and has earned the respect and support of anyone associated with agriculture. I think Judi is Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and a great partner with Florida Farm Bureau,” said Hinton. “We are fortunate to have Judi on our team.”

“One thing about Judi and her efforts is that she works long and hard behind the scenes,” said Stephen Gran, acting director of the Economic Development Department for Hillsborough County. “She is very effective in that manner and she has been very successful on behalf of Farm Bureau and agriculture regarding many issues.”

Though a very busy person, Judi does find time for special activities like being with her grandchildren and continuing her lifelong love for music as a member of the Sweet Adeline’s Toast of Tampa Chorus, which took home fifth in the world honors at the 2011 competition in Houston. “We rehearse weekly and compete every other year at different locations.”

There’s travel with Jack, too. “Jack rebuilt a 1936 Plymouth from the ground up over an eight year period,” she said. “While he continues to make changes and improvements to “Mavis,” we do participate in car shows.” Judi is fond of nicknames for her children and grandchildren. Jack’s truck was delivered to their home by Dallas Mavis Truck Line hence the name “Mavis.” As to the future, Judi sees “more of the same. I love what I do and I’m having a ball.”

Current HCFB President Danny Aprile considers Judi to be “an exceptional person. I think the world of Judi and all that she does for our organization and agriculture. She is smart, hard-working and always pleasant. Judi does a terrific job for us whether it’s dealing with elected officials, our board or reaching out to the community.” • A special thanks to Judi from Farm Bureau, the people of agriculture and the community.

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By Ginny Mink

pend two hundred and twenty-two dollars in the grocery store and you start to wonder how in the world you’re going to keep feeding your family. Certainly

S

many Americans are in the same predicament and that’s why so many of them are starting to investigate the possibilities of home vegetable gardening and CSA’s and the overall concept of self-sustained living.

We need only go back a hundred or so years and we see that the majority of this country lived that way. They say that history repeats itself and the fact of the matter is, we’ve got to do something about the rising costs of food (and everything else for that matter). Cassie McClelland of Barnyard Blessings 4H understands the necessity of education on the subject and she “blesses” the children in her 4H club with plenty of hands-on-experience in this realm.

Cassie and her husband are not strangers to agriculture. She says, “My father was the livestock inspector for this area for the state for 15 years. He checked in the livestock for the fairs and festivals. He was one of the main inspectors. I grew up with the livestock aspect of agriculture.

We always had cattle so we dealt with hay and hayfields, chickens, all the family farm type things. My husband grew up in the row crops, strawberry, side of agriculture

so we have a good balance. His family had a strawberry farm for a good 20 years and would grow other crops out of berry season.” That Ag focus has continued in their own home. She adds, “At our home we focus on gardening and raise chickens for eggs and dabble in all sorts of selfsufficiency products.”

Though they are both farm children, born and raised, Cassie reveals that as children neither of them were involved in 4H. So how then did they end up as leaders of the Barnyard Blessings 4H club? “We got into this 4H group when my daughter became old enough to be involved in something and we wanted her to be involved in agriculture. We found the Barnyard Blessings group through our home-school group because the former leaders were members there. We ended up inheriting the group because their children were beginning to graduate and were more involved in the leadership and public speaking part of it.”

The McClelland’s have led this 4H group for one year at this stage though they’ve been members for at least three. According to Cassie, their group is comprised mostly of younger kids, though there are some new members who are teenagers.

There is an interesting spin on the Barnyard Blessings 4H group that you don’t find in a lot of other 4H clubs.

Cassie explains it this way, “A lot of the families we know who live in this area, are

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looking for self-sustainability projects so that’s what we focus on more in our group rather than showing the animals. Our group has spread by word of mouth. Last year we had 15-18 to start with and this year we have 30 and that’s strictly been word of mouth, friend telling friend or someone telling about the different projects we’ve done. We do a lot of activities during our meetings. We try to get the children involved in what we’re doing, instead of doing a demonstration during the meeting, we try to do different field trips.”

The McClelland’s oldest daughter, Eliza, who is nine, is the President and she appears quite thrilled to be so involved.

Eliza explains, “Last year our activities were family camping in our backyard, and we’re going to do it again this year. We have made strawberry shortcake (which is one of my favorite things we’ve done). We made homemade whipped cream. We got the cream from a local home dairy and we went there. The lady’s name is Ms. Sundi.

She showed us partly how to milk by hand. We have started practicing archery and we’ve done lots of games about archery. We are going to have a lady come over with her daughter and let us try, and show us how to do the spinning wheel.

They raise Angora rabbits and they’re going to bring rabbits and some unwashed hair fibers from different kinds of animals, rabbits and sheep.”

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Cassie jumps in here and clarifies, “The women are from Funny Face Farms. We’re going to learn how to do drop spindles. We have a project where the children are going to build homemade spindles like they did in the olden days. We have several families who are interested in sheep and this lady takes the raw wool and shows us how it’s washed and carded and hand-dyed.” Then she adds, “We have a young man in our group who is a proficient carver so he’s going to give the children a hand-carving lesson.”

This is a very busy bunch, and not just busy with the typical activities found in 4H clubs, but in lessons that are both histori-

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cally based and if the economy continues to plummet, will be hugely valuable. Yet, they also involve themselves with other 4H groups and so Cassie wants everyone to know, “We will be participating in the annual strawberry-u-pick that takes place on March 17 at Fancy Farms. I think it’s all day. There will be 4H students out there helping older folks who can’t u-pick, they’ll pick for them. Some will be out there raising money as a fundraiser for their group to have funds to do their activities or have money to do their service project.”

Christmas our group chose to purchase a goat and several chickens for one family and several chickens for another family through World Vision. That’s a source of income for those families in third world countries. It gives them a source of food or a source of income and since it’s agriculture we thought it’d be a good thing to do.” Given the list of activities and learning opportunities already provided it appears that just about all Barnyard Blessings 4H is doing are good things! May they continue to bless the children under their tutelage.

In concluding, Cassie describes a past service project her club did, “This past

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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTRODUCES

Enables Wounded Warriors to Enjoy Recreational Activities at State Forests

By Jim Frankowiak

lorida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam and Florida State Forest Service Director Jim Karels have launched, “Operation Outdoor Freedom (OOF),” a new program inviting wounded service personnel and veterans to enjoy recreational activities at Florida state forests.

The new initiative formalizes a departmental tradition of hosting wounded warriors at Florida forests through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

said Ned Waters, an Area Supervisor with the Florida Forest Service and Field Coordinator for Operation Outdoor Freedom.

years ago,” said Pruden. “The formalization of the program through Florida legislative action creates a wealth of opportunities going forward,” he said.

“It has been especially gratifying to see the support of local groups and guides for this program,” said Waters. That help has included cash donations, the use of equipment, guide services and the construction of shooting houses. “Participants do so at no cost and all funds and services for the program are donated,” said Waters.

During the 2011 legislative session, Commissioner Putnam, in partnership with the Florida Legislature, designated areas of the Florida State Forests in honor of and for use by active service members and veterans of the U.S. military who were injured in the line of duty. The legislative measure was sponsored by Senator Alan Hays and Representative Greg Steube.

“Operation Outdoor Freedom is a salute to the selfless service of Americans veterans – the men and women who put their lives on the line for a cause greater than themselves,” said Commissioner Putnam as the program was announced late in 2011.

Groups of Wounded Warrior participants “range in size from three to 12,” said Jonathan Pruden, Manager of Alumni for the Southeast of the Wounded Warrior Project. He also serves as liaison between the Wounded Warrior Project and the Florida Forest Service. “I am involved in the selection of program participants, coordination of their travel to the hunt locations amid Florida’s four forestry districts and ongoing support to help make sure their experience is as beneficial as possible.”

F

Under the program, five areas within Florida state forests across the state have been designated as special hunt areas and are fully equipped to accommodate any veteran regardless of his or her injuries.

“Nearly 100 wounded warriors have participated in the program thus far with hunts for deer, hog, quail and turkey, as well as some exotics on certain tracts,”

The program had its beginnings in an informal partnership with the Florida Forest Service that began “about three

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Wounded Warrior Project exists to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred service-connected injuries on or after September 11, 2001. With advancement in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of service members are surviving severe wounds or injuries. “As a consequence, our initial focus with Operation Outdoor Freedom is wounded service members and veterans who were injured on or after September 1, 2001,” said Pruden.

“However, the formalization of this program by the legislature and outpouring of support bodes very well for the future and the opportunity to broaden the involve-

ment of veterans and service personnel injured prior to 9/11,” he said, noting Florida is home to approximately 1.5 million veterans.

“Whether participants have a history of hunting or are making their debut in the field, their involvement in Operation Outdoor Freedom is a major step forward as they benefit from sharing stories and experiences with men and women who have been on similar broken paths,” said Pruden.

With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP is the hand

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extended to encourage warriors as they adjust to their new normal and achieve new triumphs.

In addition to OOF, WWP offers a variety of programs and services to help warriors with every type of injury from the physical to the invisible wounds of war.

For additional information about Operation Outdoor Freedom and/or how to become a part of the Wounded Warrior Project, contact Pruden via email: JPruden@woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Kyle Bowman Takes the Ribbon for Lennard FFA

“I was driven by my goal to do better than last year, as well as my passion for competing and driving,” said Kyle Bowman after competing in the FFA District level Tractor Safety and Operations contest. The event was held at the HCC campus in Plant City on January 24. After practicing for months, Kyle was ecstatic to be able to represent the Lennard FFA Chapter. After he advanced to the District level after months of practice, continued from his first place victory at the sub-district level, Kyle felt he was ready.

“I drove mock courses approximately three times a week, and studied questions, preparing for districts.”

Competitors in this contest were required to complete a written exam on tractor operation and safety, answer three randomly selected oral questions, and then demonstrate their knowledge of tractor operations by successfully driving a preset course. Kyle placed second overall in the event, earning a red ribbon for the chapter.

PHOTO ID - left to right: Kyle Bowman, Joy Bordner, Madi Brown, Lucas Worley, Erin Elsberry, Rebecca Knowles, Natalie Hausler, Randall Casey, Tyler Leonard, Rey Penaloza, and Roger Smith.

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FFA members from all across Hillsborough County gathered to compete in the county level Nursery Landscape and Floriculture Career Development Event, held January 26 at the County Extension office.

Among these competitors were several members representing the Lennard FFA Chapter, Joy Bordner, Kyle Bowman, Randall Casey, Natalie Hausler, Rebecca Knowles, Tyler Leonard, Rey Penaloza, Roger Smith, and Lucas Worley. These students were required to demonstrate their knowledge of the horticulture and floriculture industry through a series of identification practicums and a general knowledge assessment.

In the individual placings Kyle and Rey tied for fourth high individual, Randall earned second high individual, and Lucas earned high individual, and first in all of the contest categories. The Lennard FFA Chapter team placed first overall in the competition.

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Options Range from Basics to Age-related Sessions

By Jim Frankowiak

O

ne of the most important and challenging responsibilities you may ever have is raising children. The challenges come from a variety of sources: the children themselves, the friends they have chosen and the environment in which they are being raised.

It is not uncommon for parents to become confused, frustrated, weary and unsure of what to do next as they strive to raise their children. Hillsborough County Extension has long recognized this need and has striven to make its parenting class offerings as timely as possible for parents residing in the county. Led by Family Life Educator Diana Converse, an experienced parent who has raised three daughters by herself, the classes “are designed to offer tips and new ideas to help make parenting a good experience,” said Converse.

“We offer parents practical advice and tips not just a lecture on what the experts have to say in their textbooks,” said Converse.

“Parents will get answers to their questions and they will have the chance to talk to other parents about their successes and challenges. There is also the opportunity to brush up on current knowledge since it’s no secret times have changed a good deal since they were children being raised by their parents.”

The basic set of parenting classes are held three consecutive Wednesday mornings at the Extension Office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. The classes begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. The initial class discusses a “Balanced Parenting Style” and Enhancing your Child’s Self Esteem. During the second class, parents learn about “Effective Discipline Techniques” and “What Your Child Needs to Succeed.” The final session covers

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“Family Communication Skills” and “Managing Your Stress.” There is a $20 fee for the entire set of three classes.

“To be a ‘balanced’ parent means to balance love and limits when raising children,” said Converse. “We use the terms love and limits to describe a parent’s discipline orientation, while parenting style refers to the way parents communicate with and discipline their child.” She said there are four basic and universal parenting styles: demanding, permissive, neglecting and balanced.

“Parents are usually a combination of styles, but often one style is stronger than the other,” said Converse. “A parent’s style can often predict the outcome of the child. For example, children whose parents used the demanding style all of the time may have children revolt against authority, while children raised with a permissive style may become disrespectful.”

The balanced parent combines the strengths of the demanding and permissive styles while eliminating the weaknesses of each style. They tend to be rational and patient disciplinarians and they are highly tuned in to their child’s developmental needs. Converse said children of balanced parents tend to excel academically, have high self-esteem and respond well to reasonable rules and expectations.

“The underlying principle with the balanced parenting style is that children learn to be independent and responsible when discipline is used to reach and guide, but not punish, manipulate or control the child,” said Converse. She suggests parents think of three bubbles floating over their heads. The bubbles are labeled respect, nurture and discipline. “Being a balanced

parent is about keeping these bubbles all about the same size as you make decisions,” she said. “Respect means giving children freedom of thought and expression and it’s just as important as love and limits. Sounds easy, but as balanced parents know, it takes hard work!”

Later this spring, Extension will be offering a series of classes entitled: “Teening-up with your Adolescent: Parenting Children Ages 10 – 16.” Topics covered in the five sessions include: The Teen Brain, Transitions in Adolescence, Positive Discipline, Understanding Teen Anger and Managing Yours and Talking to Teens about Dating, Sex, Drugs and alcohol and Empowering Teens to Build Assets.

Extension also offers a state-approved class for parents involved in divorce or custody issues. The State of Florida requires completion of this four-hour course when minor children are involved in a divorce or custody process. There is a $25 fee for this course and it includes a workbook. There is a sliding fee scale for the class.

Additional information on Extension parenting classes is available at http://urlmin.com/HillsboroughParenting You may also call or email Diana Converse at 744-5519, ext. 54140 or converse@ufl.edu

Diana Converse

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Your business

Covering two markets - Hillsborough & Polk Visit Us Online!

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Tel: 813.759.6909

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Head to Cowboy’s Steakhouse on March 31st for great food, murder, mayhem and fun as they host a murder mystery dinner.

Rob DeGraaf SWEETGUM ENVIRONMENTAL

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The dinner for mystery lovers will be held at 7 PM and will costs $49.99 per person, which includes dinner, soft drinks or tea. Alcohol will be extra.

Reserve your seat now for what will be an exciting evening of drama as the mystery unfolds. Match wits with fellow diners to see who can pinpoint the culprit of the first ever Murder at Cowboy’s.

Call 813-650-8888 for reservations or for more information.

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Commercial Horticulture/IPM/Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension

A

s the temperatures begin to rise, so do the pest pressures on landscapes. Just the thought of anything having an adverse effect on the appearance of landscapes can raise the question, “What can be done to prevent or stop damage on my client’s property?”

Adult Big-Eyed Bug

Adult Predatory Stink Bug

Adult Assassin Bug

Adult Brown Lacewing

Adult Praying Mantid 88

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides a sustainable approach to managing pests by using biological, cultural, physical/ mechanical, and chemical control methods in a planned approach. IPM provides long-lasting strategies resulting in more consistent pest control, and can reduce business expenses by using less pesticide, fuel, and equipment, minimize pest resistance, and reduce water pollution due to runoff and leaching.

The first step in an integrated pest management program is proper identification of the pest. Pests include: • Insects, such as aphids, whiteflies and chinch bugs • Insect-like organisms, such as mites, spiders and fleas • Microbial organisms, such as nematodes, viruses and mycoplasmas • Weeds or any plant growing where it is unwanted • Mollusks, such as slugs and snails • Vertebrates, which include fish, birds and mammals, such as armadillos or rats Monitoring the landscape by visually observing for pests and signs of pest damage will help with identification and reduce damage.

Keeping an eye on how things are doing year round will aid in accurately determining when damage begins and how the damage progresses. If you are unable to identify a suspect pest or determine the cause of damage, take a sample to your County UF/IFAS Extension Service, for diagnostics, before taking any action.

Proper identification will assure that the suspected pest is actually the pest causing the

MARCH 2012

damage or damage significant enough to take action. Many insects and other organisms are beneficial and may actually be protecting the landscape by preying on harmful organisms.

The presence of a pest does not mean that unacceptable damage will occur. Some damage should be tolerable, so it is important to be familiar with the level of damage your client is willing to accept before taking action.

Identifying the pest also provides information on the pest life cycle and the best time during the life cycle to control the pest. Many pests cause damage only during a particular life cycle stage and are controlled more successfully during a particular life cycle stage. The life cycle causing damage and the life cycle when control is more effective may not be the same.

Once the pest has been identified consider all of the options available for control. First, try cultural, physical/mechanical or biological control options, if that fails use appropriate chemical controls.

Cultural practices prevent pests from becoming a landscape problem by managing the landscape to make it less favorable to pests.

Examples of cultural practice include: • Use the right plant in the right place by choosing the most appropriate and care free plants for a location. Consider soil type, moisture, light, cold hardiness, mature size, and any previous site problems.

• Buy only clean, pest-free plants.

• Choose pest and disease resistant varieties.

• Irrigate with the right amount of water at the right time. Too much or too little irrigation contributes to pest problems.

Foliage that stays wet from irrigation encourages disease.

• Fertilize appropriately. An overload of nitrogen causes an abundance of lush growth that is very attractive to pests.

• Good air circulation discourages pests and disease.

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• Clean tools and equipment to prevent the spread of disease.

• Get rid of diseased plants and dead plant tissue promptly.

• Mulch to prevent weeds, disease, and insects while protecting against moisture and fertilizer loss.

• Observe indicator plants for clues on environmental conditions.

For example, Dollarweed in turf indicates excessive moisture.

Physical or mechanical controls prevent or lessen a pest infestation by using physical barriers or interference. Physical controls include: • Use traps and baits when a population is anticipated and as a monitoring tool.

• Mulch to prevent weeds; keep soil borne disease from splashing onto the lower leaves of plants during irrigation, and serve as a barrier to soil insects.

• Remove weeds that harbor pests and disease.

• Remove larger pests, such as caterpillars, by hand or prune damaged limbs.

• A strong blast of water will control small infestations of some pests like aphids and scale.

Biological controls involve conserving and protecting beneficial organisms in the landscape. Encourage plants that provide shelter or an alternate food source for the beneficial species, minimize disturbance to the soil and use a narrow range pesticides that only target the pest. Add beneficial predators to the landscape when their overall populations are not sufficient to control a pest or when you anticipate an infestation at a particular time of the year.

Chemical pesticides should be used when other less toxic and less expensive methods are not practical or do not work. When using pesticides start with the least toxic registered for the pest, such as horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Using pesticides inappropriately can lead to pest resistance. Pest resistance occurs when a pest is able tolerate a pesticide that once controlled it and is associated with the repeated use of the same pesticide or pesticide class. Always rotate pesticides with different modes of action to avoid pesticide resistance.

IPM is an environmentally sound alternative to pesticide use alone, that uses a combination of pest control strategies to reduce the risk of exposure of harmful pesticides to people, animals, and the environment.

For more information see the UF/IFAS IPM website at http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/index.shtml.

B ENEFICIAL I NSECTS gAdult Big-Eyed Bug

The big-eyed bug may be small at 1/6” long, but it is a voracious predator of many very small agricultural and horticultural pests.

Credit: UF/IFAS

gAdult Predatory Stink Bug

Predatory stink bugs prey on many species of plant damaging insects. Credit: UF/IFAS gAdult Assassin Bug Assassin bugs are predators of a wide variety of soft bodied insect pests but can inflict a painful ‘bite’ if handled. Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Megha Kalsi

gAdult Brown Lacewing

Brown and green lacewings are small insects with lacy wings that feed on small soft-bodied pests such as aphids, mites, and mealy bugs. Credit: UF/IFAS gAdult Praying Mantid Praying Mantids are large green or brown insects that look like sticks or twigs. They consume a wide variety of insects.

Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Joe Singleton W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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