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Glades Electric Cooperative

D E C E M B E R 2014

Holiday Traditions Family observances are passed down from one generation to the next

Page 12

PHOTO BY ELENA VESELOVA

A Continued Partnership

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Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

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. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

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We Must Stop the U.S. From Becoming the Next Germany Like an out-of-control carnival ride, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s energy plan goes too far, too fast, jeopardizing the well-being of millions of American families, including members of Glades Electric Cooperative. Unless sidelined, the proposal will force our nation down the road to more expensive energy. The German government spent the past 10 years changing its energy portfolio by government fiat, and it has cost consumers dearly. To boost expansion of renewable energy production, the government heavily taxed consumers through fees on their electric bills. In the end, Germany saw expanded renewable energy production and extremely high electric bills. German residential consumers pay about 40 cents per kilowatt-hour (U.S.) compared to an average of 11 cents for U.S. residential customers. While the Germans raised rates to pay for clean energy, Germany’s use of coal is at its highest level since 1990. Germany’s renewable subsidies did have some impact on the nation’s CO2 emissions, but those reductions cost a mind boggling $259 per ton. According to Der Spiegel, a German news magazine, power is shut off to more than 300,000 German households a year because of unpaid bills—making electricity a luxury and

spawning what German charity groups call the energy poor. Make no mistake, the EPA’s proposal picks winners and losers and sets the U.S. down the path paved by Germany. In addition to fundamentally altering how Americans use electricity, the proposal will trigger higher prices for many consumers and local businesses. The German all-pain, no-gain model cannot become an American reality. Supporting the environment and a true allof-the-above energy policy are not mutually exclusive. America’s electric cooperatives recognize that provides a gateway to affordable and reliable electricity for our consumer-members. Since 2009, electric cooperatives have doubled their renewable energy capacity and have made long-term investments in wind, solar and hydro energy production—all without German-style mandated fees. Turning affordable and reliable electricity into a relic of the past is the wrong approach. Already, hundreds of thousands of people from both sides of the aisle have made their voices heard against this proposal. Please join with us. Visit www.action.coop today and help us tell the EPA that the U.S. cannot afford to become the next Germany. 

Inside

December 2014 Vol. 4, No. 2

Celebrating Holiday Heritage 12

Families share traditions through the generations. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 19 Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24

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

DECEMBER 2014

Gladesâ€‚ Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

A Continued Partnership Cooperatives rely on funds from the Rural Utilities Service to deliver reliable, affordable electricity to their member-consumers

In the early days of electric cooperatives, utility poles were put in place by hand. It was a lot of hard work. 4

DECEMBER 2014

For more than 70 years, electric cooperatives across the county have provided affordable and reliable electricity to their member consumers. To deliver this commodity, they have created partnerships with organizations that make it possible to generate and transmit energy in a costeffective manner. One of the organizations working with cooperatives

is the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. RUS provides federal electric loans for electric cooperatives, including Glades Electric Cooperative. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Act. REA gave people in rural areas access to electricity by creating their own electric utilities.

In 1937, soon after passage of the act, the first electric cooperatives were established, including several in Florida. To supply electricity to their members, these cooperatives needed money to raise wooden poles and hang distribution lines. Exclusively created to help finance electric cooperatives, REA provided federal loans so cooperatives could build infrastructure and deliver electricity to their rural territories. Originally, REA loans only provided financial assistance for electrical projects, such as construction of distribution lines, bulk transmission lines and power plants. In 1994, REA loans were renamed RUS loans, expanding the programs and lending opportunities to include electrical, water and waste funding, and telecommunications. RUS provides a valuable service to electric cooperatives by providing competitive and affordable interest rates on loans that finance electric utility projects, including new construction, preventive maintenance and system upgrades. In fact, the electric loan program helps reduce the federal deficit thanks to cooperativesâ€™ diligent loan management and repayment. Currently, RUS provides loans for about 700 electric utilities in 46 states, including GEC and its wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric

Birthed by the Rural Electrification Act, newborn co-ops set up shop in small offices and worked with minimal staff to maximize efficiency.

Cooperative. This year, the RUS loan amount for electric cooperatives is $47 billion. Unfortunately, the past few years, RUS loan eligibility for electric utilities has changed and the amount of cooperative loans has decreased. The administration requires RUS to provide funds for renewable energy projects and

environmental upgrades to existing power plants, and not fossil fuel-fired power plant construction and upgrades, including natural gas and coal facilities. This concerns electric cooperatives, since fossilfuel power plants provide the reliable baseload generation that provides electricity to members all day, every day.

Electric cooperatives such as GEC rely on dependable generation facilities and reliable structures to transmit electricity to their member-consumers. Many cooperative facilities used today were made possible through REA and RUS loans. As demand for power grows, the RUS electric loan program

is critical to making sure the capital for adequate electric infrastructure remains available at a reasonable cost. One of GECâ€™s goals is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to you, the member-consumer. GEC and Seminole work together to deliver that electricity you count on every day. n DECEMBER 2014

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year

from

DECEMBER 2014

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

A Look Ahead: The Future of Fuel By Tom Tate

Until the advent of nuclear energy, the world relied on fossil fuel for comfort, commerce and growth. Early in the nuclear age, television programs predicted personal nuclear reactors would one day provide for our every energy and fuel need. The reactor soon was used in a variety of fuel applications, mostly for the military and the generation of electricity. Idaho National Laboratories developed a nuclear-fueled aircraft engine. The concept was scrapped by President John Kennedy, who felt a reactor flying overhead might not be the best use of such technology. The space race gave us solar photovoltaic technology, miniaturization of electronics and Tang, among other things. Electronics permeate our lives and continue to grow more important. Look at today’s automobiles.

Workers at a nuclear power facility lower a reactor vessel into position. The pressurized vessel contains the reactor core and surrounding coolant. Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

According to one report, electronics today account for 20 to 30 percent, rapidly heading to 50 percent. Hybrid cars already are at that level. A primary benefit of such technology is better fuel efficiency. This brings us to the future of fuel. Renewable energy is making steady inroads into cooperative portfolios. Yet the future of fuel has many more intriguing possibilities. Natural gas, electricity, CO2 and electronics all stand to play a major role in the future of fuel. The United States has enormous reserves of natural gas. Under proposed new emission rules, the EPA expects natural gas used for generation of electricity to help reduce greenhouse gas production. Here is where it gets exciting. When combined with the proper type of bacteria, CO2 can be converted into ethanol for use as a vehicle fuel. A working plant is already doing this near Fort Myers. Then there is an exothermic process known as EcoKap that promises to combine CO2 with steam, natural gas, a hematite catalyst and microwave energy to produce ethanol, diesel, propane and electricity. These processes are converting the greenhouse gas into an asset rather than a liability. Finally, there is a project under development by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Laser Inertial Fusion Energy, or LIFE. Cold fusion has been a topic of research and discussion for decades. At one time, the

Why Does the Type of Power We Provide Matter?

Up to 75 percent of every dollar you pay your electric cooperative goes directly for wholesale power costs. The rest is for bucket trucks, poles, wire, right-of-way trimming, payroll and other operating expenses. Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

potential was described as generating electricity in a Mason jar on the kitchen table. Just like personal reactors, that has not happened, but LIFE has the near-term promise to produce almost inexhaustible renewable, clean energy. The output of many new technologies is clean, renewable and abundant electricity. Research in nearly every sector of the economy is focused on the use of electricity as the premier point-of-use fuel because it has no emissions when used. Tesla Motors proves skeptics wrong on a regular basis with its advancements in battery technology for the creation of long-distance electric cars. Tesla is investing a substantial amount of money into building the world’s largest battery production facility. Electricity will continue to be the single most valuable

fuel in terms of advancing modern civilization. Future fuels promise to be exciting. In the meantime, a much older fuel requires no exotic technology or government program to operate. That fuel is conservation. When we take the time to use our resources wisely and in the most economical manner possible, we create the greenest watt of all: the one never used. Glades Electric Cooperative offers efficiency-saving information in its offices and on its website to help you conserve and make the best use of your electricity. Visit www.gladesec. com or call (863) 946-6200 to learn more. n Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. DECEMBER 2014

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Operation Round Up Monthly Report More than 70 percent of Glades Electric Cooperative members participate in Operation Round Up, which helps people in GEC’s service area who have exhausted normal avenues of financial assistance. Sign up today, and your electric bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The extra is placed in the fund for deserving individuals and organizations. As of October 8, your Charitable Trust Board of Directors has approved $847,723.63 in disbursements. These funds have provided assistance with food, emergency lodging, disaster relief and specific

emergency needs for 550 individuals and/or families and 119 community organizations. The trust does not fund utility bills (electric, phone, water and gas) or budgets of organizations. Organizations in counties served may apply for funding for a specific need or project. The Charitable Trust Board of Directors meets monthly to review applications for funding.  If you know of people who need and deserve assistance and live within our service area, encourage or help them to complete an application. Applications can be picked up at each of our three offices: Moore Haven, Lake Placid and Okeechobee.

High-Quality Surge Protection Offered by GEC Glades Electric Cooperative is proud to offer members a new choice in home surge protection with Meter Treater, manufactured by M-Ti. This Floridabased company’s meter-base protection devices have been protecting Florida homes since 1986. M-Ti also manufactures superior surge protection devices for commercial and industrial applications. The company has earned a reputation for innovative design, high-quality workmanship and friendly, responsive customer service. Our members deserve nothing less! Contact a GEC office for more information.

$25

Kelly Brantley District 3 Ortona/Palmdale Dori Evans District 4 Lakeport Lori Thompson District 5 Venus/Hicora

David McCadam District 8 Lake Josephine

Winners should call (863) 946-6200 or sign their name on this page and mail it to:

DECEMBER 2014

Beverly Eaves District 2 Hendry County

Jerry Chasteen District 7 Lorida

Graig & Tammie Dallmeyer No. 104622-001 Joan Everhart No. 115443-001

Jack Wilson District 1 Moore Haven

Lee Andrus District 6 Highlands Park

Credit Winners

Florida Currents $25 Credit Glades Electric Cooperative P.O. Box 519 Moore Haven, FL 33471

Charitable Trust Board of Directors

Angela Hodges District 9 Okeechobee

Church of the Month St. Joseph Catholic Church 24065 U.S. Highway 27 Moore Haven, FL 33471

The Charitable Trust Board of Directors will meet in Moore Haven at 1 p.m. December 23.

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

A True Aviator Pensacola airport manager David McCarthy runs a grassroots flight school By Susan Suggs

Postcards From Florida

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo

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The Christ of the Abyss statue is an underwater icon at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—the first underwater park in the United States. 10

DECEMBER 2014

If you ever meet a pilot, ask them how they got into aviation. According to David McCarthy, manager at Ferguson Airport and co-owner of the Wrong Brothers Flight David McCarthy has Training Wing, you been hooked on flying since he was 8 years old. will never hear the same story twice. David should know. He is back in Pensacola at Ferguson Airport, where he took his first flight with his dad. “The fact is that when I was growing up, I really wanted to be a dinosaur, specifically a pterodactyl,” David says. “When I was around 8 years old, my mom had to break the news to me that little boys couldn’t grow up to be dinosaurs. It was then that my dad took me to Ferguson Airport and rented a plane and a pilot. I fell in love with it and thought if I couldn’t be a dinosaur, I wanted to be a pilot.” He soloed when he was 16. “It was fun, more like an achievement than scary,” David says. “My parents were there and some of my family. My mom didn’t realize that ‘solo’ meant the instructor was getting out of the airplane and that I was going to fly alone.” The Pensacola native attended Pensacola Catholic High School before going on to Embry-Riddle to pursue his career in aviation. He says a lot has changed at Ferguson through the years. “The Ferguson family sold the airport to Brown Helicopter, the company I work for,” says David. “After Hurricane Ivan, the Fergusons had put up new hangars, but when Brown came in, they built a whole new infrastructure, including a new fuel farm, new hangar and completely refurbishing the old hangar. The improvements have

completely updated the airport and made it a very nice facility for its size. “When I was hired with Brown Helicopter, one of my tasks was to get the airport up and running as a more sustainable business. Any good airport has fuel for sale, hangars for rent, a flight school and some sort of maintenance department.” David has overseen all of these developments and helped launch the Wrong Brothers Flight Wing with his good friend and business partner, Kenny Brown. “Kenny and I had a lot of really good and really bad experiences with flight schools during our time as students.” David says. “We wanted to start a flight school that was different and taught more of the basics that we felt pilots were missing out on. So the name was a play on the Wright Brothers. We focus on tail wheel training and aerobatics. We teach safety and the fundamentals of flying the plane, not just looking at the instruments. “People should know that our flight training is different. We are a grassroots airport and a grassroots flight school. We aren’t training airline pilots or military

Experience ‘ICE!’ Magic

pilots. We train aviators. We have a mantra in our office: A trained monkey can be a pilot, and a pretty good one. But it takes a true aviator to fly an airplane.” The goal is to produce aviators like Bob Hoover, Chuck Yeager and Pancho Barnes. “We don’t want to be a factory teaching people how to punch buttons,” David says. “We want to teach people why they punch buttons. I think our clientele speaks for itself: Blue Angel pilots, retired astronauts, airline pilots and fighter pilots. They come to us because they want to be better than they were when they showed up.” David finds it rewarding to influence aviators of all ages. In addition to training pilots, he has supported the Young Eagles program—first while attending school, then back at Ferguson. The program invites anyone from age 8 to 17 to take a free flight with a local Experimental Aircraft Association volunteer pilot. When David returned to Pensacola to take the job as manager, he was instrumental in reviving the EAA chapter. “I enjoy helping set up the events and helping the program get the tools

and resources it needs to put on a good event,” David says. “I like the impact it has. Every kid doesn’t walk away and want to grow up to be a pilot, I’m sure. For those that do, we light a pretty remarkable spark—or at least expose them to something new.” David remembers his first flight. “I look at where I am now and what I’ve done,” he says. “The people and friends I’ve met all started with that one flight. It can take just one flight to get bit by the aviation bug. If it happens to you, hold on because it will change your entire life. “I really think that’s what we are doing with these kids through Young Eagle flights and our students at the Wrong Brothers Training Wing. We are changing their lives.” n For more information about the Wrong Brothers Flight Training Wing or Ferguson Airport, find them on Facebook or call (850) 453-4181. Not sure if you are ready to fly? Stop in at Ferguson Airport and take a tour or email flyus@ferguson airport.com. For a small fee, take a “discovery flight.” It can make a great gift. To get a free flight, visit the airport in May for the free annual community fly-in.

Scenes from “The Nutcracker” come to life in a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee. More than 2 million pounds of ice are hand-carved in the holiday attraction that creates a winter experience like no other in Florida. The enormous structure used to house “ICE!”—dubbed “The Florida Fridge”— is cooled to 9 degrees, making it necessary for the resort to provide oversized winter coats for visitors. The experience concludes with the majesty of the Nativity scene in ice. The display—which is accompanied by the original Tchaikovsky score— runs through January 4. “ICE!” is one of many special Christmas offerings at Gaylord Palms. Watch artisans from Harbin, China, carve amazing ice sculptures before your eyes at The Frostbite Factory; see dozens of lavish holiday displays that include more than 2 million twinkling lights and acres of larger-than-life decorations; visit with Santa or enjoy milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus; go snow tubing; watch a live stage show; or take in a musical event. Florida residents save on advancepurchase tickets. For details, Google “Christmas at Gaylord Palms” or call (507) 586-0000.

A family enjoys “The Nutcracker” at Gaylord Palms’ “ICE” Christmas event in Kissimmee. Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms

DECEMBER 2014

Celebrating Holiday Heritage Families share traditions through the generations

What enriches our country is the melting pot of culture Want to that shines during the holidays when generations-old tradimake plum By Victoria Hampton tions are shared with family pudding? and friends. Many of the seaThe warm, fragrant smell of plum pudson’s celebrations are based Visit www. ding steaming on the stove is an English around feasts, decorations and florida hallmark passed down to sisters Susan activities that are reminiscent Cort Johnson and Jennifer Hinrichsen of of Christmases past. currents. Westwood and Sacramento, California, Gladys Morley Cort immicom to get grated to Sacramento from respectively, from their grandmother Gladys Morley Cort. Eccleston, England, in 1922 the Cort family recipe. “Eating plum pudding brings good because of the poor economy in England after World War memories of my grandmother to each I. Gladys brought with her Before Christmas, Susan and Jennifer’s Christmas celebration even though she the Christmas tradition of making plum family would drive from Latrobe, is no longer physically with us,” says California, to Sacramento to visit their Susan. “Also, it keeps us connected to our pudding for each of her childrens’ famigrandparents. Susan says her family lies, three daughters and one son. English heritage.” would be given their presents along with a bowl of plum pudding with bird’s custard to pour over the dessert. “She had bowls she steamed all of the For many pet enthusiasts, their dog or cat has been a gift that keeps on giving. This puddings in and would give to each of holiday season, humane societies throughout Florida are hosting special events to her children, ” Jennifer says. “I believe she showcase their adoptable pets and gather donations. tied them with a ribbon.” The Pensacola Humane Society hosts its second annual “12 Strays of Christmas” Jennifer has carried on the tradition of event starting December 13. Each day until Christmas, the humane society posts a making two plum puddings for her famfestive write-up about a cat or dog on its Facebook page in hopes of finding a forever ily during Christmas. She even uses her home. The humane society also displays a grandma’s original bowls. poster in its main lobby showcasing the pet “They are kind of beat up now, but of the day. work great,” she says. “I have special “It brought us a lot of success the first year,” Christmas dish towels I cover them with. says assistant director Olivia Dickherber. One is for all of the family to share and Olivia says the event attracts community one is for Dad. members to the humane society to see the “We grew up eating plum pudding and pets and, in some cases, take them home. loved it. We always looked forward to it “People come and support by donating as children. ” food and money,” says Olivia. “I’m excited for

Share the Holidays with Adoptable Pets

our second year.” Visit your local humane society to learn about holiday events and ways to give back to the four-legged community. The Pensacola Humane Society started the “12 Strays of Christmas” program to promote adoptable dogs and cats during the holiday. Photo courtesy of Pensacola Humane Society

DECEMBER 2014

Check out the “12 Strays of Christmas” on the Pensacola Humane Society Facebook page or visit in person at 5 N. Q St. For more information about the Pensacola Humane Society, visit www. pensacolahumane.org.

Staying True to German Upbringing While Susan and Jennifer enjoy a centuries-old English tradition during Christmas, for Barbara Milford the holiday is all about the bird. When Barbara moved from Hamburg, Germany, to Melbourne, Florida, in 1978, she stayed true to a few of her German holiday traditions, including the holiday

feast of goose, potatoes and red cabbage. To ensure she does not have to settle for a lesser-quality bird, two months before Christmas Barbara orders a goose from a company in New York. It costs her more than $200, but she insists it is the best. “I always think of all the effort it takes cooking it so I want the best,” Barbara says. On Christmas day, she invites friends over for a dinner—but only friends who enjoy goose, she says, noting that some people think the bird is too greasy. “All my friends are excited for this Christmas,” Barbara says. “If you like goose, you love it.” While a home-cooked meal satisfies family and friends, decorations truly bring the holiday spirit into a home. On Christmas Eve, Barbara’s family would decorate the tree, garnish their dining room table with pine branches and enjoy carp for dinner. “We had real candles on our tree,” says Barbara. “They were only on when

people were in the room because of the fire hazard.” Trimming the Tree and Packages The tradition of Christmas trees came to America in the 1800s with the Puritans. Ornaments did not become festive fair until the 1840s with the immigration of the German and English. The first ornaments were made in Germany of hand-cast lead and handblown glass. As they gained popularity, they became more elaborately made of silk thread embellished with tinsel, stiff spun glass and figurines. Stores such as F.W. Woolworth Co. in New York City sold German-made ornaments in a five-and-dime fashion, offering an assortment of inexpensive household items. In an industry dominated by massproduced ornaments, Verla Jean Zielke of Hermiston, Oregon, stays true to the fine craft of ornaments, hand-painting a variety of scenes on glass ornaments for her

family and gifting them in small boxes. On Christmas morning, Barbara would discover her presents under the tree. Before she could open them, she had to recite a poem. “My mother said I never got past the first stanza,” Barbara says with a laugh. Celebrating in Song For centuries, poems and songs have been a communal way to commemorate holidays and cultural history. Classic caroling songs from Russia and Yupik tribal songs are the center of a holiday tradition in Dillingham, Alaska. Carol Shade of Dillingham started participating in the starring ceremony at St. Seraphim of Sarov Russian Orthodox Church in 1977. Carol says the tradition is to go from house to house with a star made of wood and decorated in garland, and sing festive songs in Slavonic. Because of the local Yupik’s tribal influence in Dillingham, the starring groups also sing in Yupik. DECEMBER 2014

Carol Shade’s granddaughter, Marva Halverson, spins the Dillingham Star—part of a Russian tradition that remains alive in rural Alaska. The kids take turns spinning the star as groups go house to house singing and announcing the birth of Christ. Photo by Carol Shade

The houses the starring groups visit offer something to eat or drink. “Some families bake or make a meal,” says Carol. “It’s not about the food, though. It’s about bringing the joy.” The starring ceremony represents the star the three wise men followed when Christ was born, which the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates according to the Gregorian calendar on January 7, with New Year’s Eve on January 13. “I was not used to the different days, but it’s still celebrating the birth of Christ,” says Carol. The starring event starts the night of Christmas, January 7, with a ceremony at the church and the first starring at the priest’s house. Starring groups travel from house to house after work weekdays and for most of the day on weekends. It ends New Year’s Eve, January 13, with another ceremony—known as the Molieben or prayer—and a bonfire.

“It’s a time of rejoicing and gathering,” says Carol. When a Russian expedition discovered Alaska in 1741, it opened the region to immigration and a blending of Russian and native tribal traditions. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church may be the hub of the starring ceremony, but the event is a way for the community to come together and spread holiday cheer. For residents in Dillingham, the ceremony is a hallmark of Christmas. Whether a tradition is based around food, decorations or celebrations, the holiday season is about bringing family and friends together and, in some cases, sharing traditions that have been passed down for generations. For Susan and Jennifer, Christmas would not be the same without plum pudding. “Some things just are Christmas,” says Susan. “Even if you served plum pudding in the summer, it would still remind me of Christmas.” n

Celebrating Christmas in the Backwoods Contrary to popular belief, the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade is not just a Solo-cup-carrying, beard-and-camouflagebandana-wearing, adorn-the-front-bumper-with-antlers festivity. The annual event hoots and hollers down the main drag to raise money for Christmas presents for local children. Renee Melvin, president of the parade, says enough money is raised to give 50 to 60 children presents. “Everything we do is for the kids,” Renee says. “We spend about $100 on each kid to make sure they have a good Christmas.” Residents tell Renee and others who put together the parade about families in need of a little extra holiday cheer. “The expression on the parents’ faces is worth everything that we do,” says Renee. “It makes you feel good to help.” Money is raised from parade entries, local sponsors and vendor fees. The week after the parade, Renee and other parade coordinators buy the presents and deliver them that weekend. The event started more than 20 years ago when a couple of men wanted to have a parade on their lawnmowers. Today, it attracts more than 1,000 spectators and hundreds of entries. Renee has been involved for four years and is still surprised by the creativity of the parade entries. People move down the street on tractors, vehicles, ATVs, horses and more. Participants

DECEMBER 2014

Participants decorate floats, trucks, ATVs and more in their best redneck apparel for the annual Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade. Photo courtesy of Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade

dress however they think a real redneck looks like, which may be a camouflage tutu or a cut-oﬀ plaid shirt and mullet wig. At this year’s event—set for 1 p.m. Sunday, December 14— Renee hopes to incorporate “redneck Christmas games” such as cow patty bingo, a frying pan toss and toilet seat horseshoes.

Giving the Gift of Grace Grace Hood starts a charity to benefit local kids

By Victoria Hampton

Grace Hood is evidence that compassion and generosity cover all age groups. With the help of her mother, Norma, the 7-year-old from Lynn Haven started the Friends of Grace to raise money for Christmas and birthday gifts for children in the area. In June, the charity had a yard sale, raising $630 to buy birthday presents for children at the Anchorage Children’s Home in Pensacola. “Grace is such a giving person,” says Norma. “She even gave her own toys to the yard sale.” The idea for the charity started in December 2013. Each holiday season, Norma donates to a local nonprofit. She asked Grace where she would like to donate $200. “She wanted to give the money to children with no moms and dads,” says Norma. Grace told her mother she wanted to give the $80 she had saved from a year of allowances to buy Christmas presents for the Anchorage Children’s Home. “After we donated the gifts, she asked me, ‘Momma, is there something we can do more?’” says Norma. Friends of Grace was born January 1. “They don’t have a lot of stuff,” Grace says, explaining why she wanted to give presents to children at the home. This December, Friends of Grace plans to use the money raised during the year to again buy Christmas presents for the children’s home. Grace and Norma have placed boxes for toys at local businesses to collect more presents. Grace’s giving nature traces back to her parents’ volunteer efforts. “My husband and I help with the Bay County Special Olympics,” Norma says. Her husband, James, is a volleyball

coach for the program. Norma is the public relations coordinator. Shopping for gifts is Grace’s favorite charity activity. “I like giving the gifts,” says Grace. Friends of Grace is working on 501(c) (3) nonprofit certification. It is facilitated by Grace’s grandmother, Mary Ellen Adamcryk, at her accounting firm in Lynn Haven. “I am not saying this because she is my granddaughter, but I do believe that Grace will be a prodigy,” says Mary Ellen. “When you meet Grace you instantly get the feeling that the world will be a lot better place with her in it.” n To donate, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page and go to the link to its Paypal account, or send a check to 2500 Minnesota Ave., Lynn Haven, FL 32444.

Above, a new T-shirt design promotes Friends of Grace and shows the focus of young Grace Hood’s charity. Top, Grace wraps presents for children at Anchorage Children’s Home in Pensacola. Photos by Norma Hood DECEMBER 2014

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

A Simply Elegant Holiday Dinner Make your holiday dinner elegant with these simple show-stopping recipes.

A walnut-crusted round roast stars in this year’s holiday dinner.

Walnut-Crusted Roast With Blue Cheese Potatoes 2- to 3-pound beef eye of round roast

Walnut crust 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped 3 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Heat the oven to 325 F. Combine the walnut crust ingredients; press evenly onto all surfaces of the roast. Place roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer so the tip is centered in the thickest part of the beef. Do not add water or cover. Roast for 11/4 to 11/2 hours for medium rare. Do not overcook. Remove the roast when the thermometer registers 135 F. Transfer the roast to a carving board; tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it stand 15 to 20 minutes. Temperature will continue to rise to reach 145 F for medium rare. Potatoes 4 cups mashed potatoes, warmed 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

While the roast is standing, combine mashed potatoes and cheese in a large bowl; keep warm. Carve beef into thin slices and season with salt and pepper, as desired. Serve with mashed potatoes. Serves 8

Courtesy of www.BeefitsWhatsForDinner.com

Italian Cheese Bread 2 cans large refrigerated biscuits, 8 per can ½ cup butter, melted

d e c e m b e r 20 1 4

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat a Bundt pan with baking spray. Combine the butter, seasoning and cheese in a bowl. Lightly dip one side of each biscuit into the butter mixture and place butterside down in the Bundt pan. Continue to layer all of the biscuits. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. If the biscuits become too brown, lay a piece of aluminum foil over the top, shiny side up. Set the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate or basket. Serve immediately.

Serves 16 Courtesy of Wheat Food Council

Green Bean Poufs 1 pound green beans, trimmed 2 cans prepared crescent roll dough

Fill a large stock pot three-fourths of the way with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Fill a medium-sized mixing bowl halfway with ice and water; set aside. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

¼ cup sour cream ¼ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Remove the green beans from the boiling water and place them into the ice water to stop them from cooking. The green beans should be crisp-tender and vibrant green. After the green beans have cooled, remove them from the ice water and dry with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Open the tubes of dough and cut each dough roll into strips. Wrap bunches of 3 green beans with a dough strip in a spiral manner and place on a cookie sheet. Continue the process until all the dough and green beans are used. Bake the wrapped green beans until the dough is cooked and golden brown. Let cool and serve. Serves 8

Courtesy of Fresh from Florida and Florida Specialty Crop Foundation

Vanilla-Orange Cheesecake With Cranberry Swirl and Gingersnap Crust 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen 1¾ cup sugar 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon orange juice 1/2 cup water 24 to 32 gingersnap cookies (to make 1 cup crumbs) 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 4 tablespoons butter, melted 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature 2 eggs

Simmer the cranberries, ¾�cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat until berries burst and begin to break down, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then purée in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set the sauce aside. Preheat the oven to 300 F with a rack in the center. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Process gingersnaps in a food processor until fine; add graham cracker crumbs. With the food processor running, drizzle in melted butter. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Set aside. With an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Pour into the prepared pan. Drizzle the top of the cheesecake with 1/4 cup of the prepared cranberry sauce. Drag a skewer, toothpick or knife tip through the sauce to create a swirl pattern. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and bake until the edges are set and puffed, but center is slightly jiggly, about 45 minutes. Do not over bake. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly and allow cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then cover with a tea towel and refrigerate overnight. Run a knife around the sides of the cheesecake, then release and remove the side of the pan. To cut, dip the blade of a thin, sharp knife into hot water and slice the cheesecake into wedges, cleaning the blade between each cut to prevent smearing. Serve with the remaining cranberry sauce.

A Holiday Gift for the Cookbook Enthusiast More than 500 pages in one book! Nine cookbooks from Ruralite’s previous reader recipe contests are combined into one special collection at just $35 each. Featuring: casseroles; Seafood; Holiday Favorites; Poultry; chili; Salads; Soups, Stews and chowders; desserts and breads. Order online at www.ruralite. org, over the phone by calling (503) 718-3720, or mail a check or money order to: Ruralite Cookbooks 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Hillsboro, OR 97124 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

Serves 8

decembeR 2014

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Our Prized Possessions Americans are packrats, collectors of stuff. Just visit a swap meet or a well-advertised garage sale and you will see crowds of people poring over somebody else’s stuff, in search of stuff they can make their own. I have a friend who collects frogs. Not the living kind, but ceramic or metal ones. Other folks collect dragonflies, coins, signed photographs, old newspapers, sewing machines, handcuffs or even old toasters. There is no limit to the things people collect. I have often heard people ask each other, while shuffling through piles of stuff, “What do you collect?” It’s as if they take it for granted that everyone else is a collector, just like them. While I desire not to be a collector of anything except stories and relationships—I don’t like stuff—there was a time when one room of my house was cluttered with hundreds of thousands of baseball cards collected during the course of 20 years. Now, I

Colette Mynatt, 94, holds her prized possession. She reads her Bible daily and looks forward to “going home,” as she puts it. When I offered that she might live to be 100 years old, she said, “You shut your mouth, I don’t want to be here that long.” Photo by Dave LaBelle

find that CDs and DVDs have replaced those bins of cards. I am not saying that I do not have a few sentimental items I cherish—I do—but I am working at being able to

David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has worked for newspapers and magazines across the United States and taught at three universities. He grew up on a frog farm in rural California, roaming the creeks and hills with his coon dogs. Many of the lessons he learned during those magical boyhood years have been applied to photography and teaching the essence of this art form. For more information, visit www.greatpicturehunt.com.

DECEMBER 2014

put all of them in one plastic bin so I will not have to store or maintain a lot of stuff or burden others to wade through my junk when it is time to leave this earth. How often we hear the stories of relatives burdened with sorting through mounds and mounds of stuff after a parent dies. Houses and rooms filled with so many things. The inhabitants are left to tunnel through the piles just to get to a chair or the bed. I suspect this collecting

obsession, this need to hoard, may have something to do with growing up poor or losing everything in a disaster, such as a flood, a fire or the Great Depression. For sure, what is valuable or holds sentimental value to one person may hold no value to another. Just as one person’s junk is another person’s gem, one person’s treasure is another person’s trash. Most of us have a prized possession, the one thing we would grab if we were being displaced or in a disaster and had time to grab only one thing. Have you ever asked yourself what that item would be? A fun and revealing photography assignment might be to ask a neighbor or a family member what their favorite or most-prized possession is. Then, make a photograph of them and their possession, maybe even a straightforward “American Gothic”-style portrait. Having your subject write down a sentence or two explaining why a possession is special also is an important and meaningful touch that can be added to the photograph. When making this type of photo, consider the environment. Avoid cluttered or competing backgrounds that steal attention away from the subject or their prized possession. Also, if the item is small, be sure to bring it close to the person’s face, especially if they are holding something as small as a watch or a ring. 

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Travel Journal

Tips for Affordable Family Adventures

Boats on Parade for the Holidays From Pensacola to Key West, lavishly decorated vessels that make up annual holiday boat parades around the state are lighting up the waterways with sparkling lights reflecting off nighttime dark water. This much-anticipated activity heralds back to the 1920s when locals decked out their boats with candles while singing Christmas carols. Lighted boat parades have become a Florida holiday tradition with vessels from powerboats to sailboats and all sizes and shapes decked out in their holiday finest. It can become quite a competition as boats are awarded coveted prizes in a variety of categories. The Fort Lauderdale parade draws more than 200 boats. Fort Myers Beach boasts a hometown feel, with around 30 illuminated boats. Typically, the events are cause for a party before the parade, while boats parade on the water and after the parade at a marina or waterfront establishment. Prime viewing spots include restaurants along the parade route or in one of the participating boats. The best vantage points for most

attendees are at waterside parks, many outfitted with bleachers. Whether going to a parade by boat or by car, bring blankets, dress warmly, get there early and stay late to avoid the rush. Fireworks celebrate the city of Boca Raton’s holiday boat parade. For an extensive Photo courtesy of city of Boca Raton list, including dates Florida Birding Trail (www. Co. nut house in Pensacola. and times of boat parades in floridabirdingtrail.com)—a It’s even more fun when they your area, visit www.florida self-guided 2,000-mile highhave the nut crackers operatbywater.com/event/holiday way trail leading to 500 birding on the back loading platboat-parade. ing sites around the state. form. Inside the cozy entrance are barrels of various types of For the Birds Historic Holiday Homes pecans for less than reasonNo matter where you go in Thomas Edison and Henry able prices, along with many Florida, you are bound to Ford first visited southwest candied and prepared nuts, a encounter birds among the Florida 129 years ago. Today, fudge counter and other varistate’s unique ecosystems. the Edison and Ford Winter ous goodies. You’ll also find The bird population and Estates in Fort Myers feature gifts around the store that number of unusual species a historical museum, research tie in with the season, and a especially soar in winter. complex and 21-acre exotic very friendly packing departMore than 500 bird spebotanical garden on the adjament with assorted tins and cies have been identified in cent sites of the winter homes containers for your selections. the state. Great bird-viewing of these famous inventors. I love to go there throughout opportunities can be found This year marks the 40th the year, but at Christmas time along beaches and rivers, Annual Holiday Nights at the it’s especially a welcome stop amidst marshes and fields, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, in the Pensacola area.” and in local and state parks. where the homes and gardens —Sue Phillips, Jay Head out just after sunrise of Thomas and Mina Edison and just before sunset for the and Henry and Clara Ford are Tell Us Your Travel Tip best viewing and photography seasonally decorated. What’s your favorite activity opportunities. Tour the estates on your in winter, spring, summer or Check out the Great own or with a guide. For fall? Where do you like to go more information, visit www. for a weekend getaway? What Kris Wetherbee is an author and award-winning edisonfordwinterestates.org. hidden gem or family-friendly recipe developer. She writes about outdoor living, activity is your go to? travel, gardening, natural health and cooking for Reader Tip Send your reader travel tip numerous publications, including Florida Currents. “At Christmas time you cannot in 100 words or less to info@ Visit her website at www.kriswetherbee.com. beat a trip to the J.W. Renfroe floridacurrents.com. 

DECEMBER 2014

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Through December 27, Sebring 28th Annual Carousel of Lights Subject to weather, from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly see historic Circle Park lit up, visit with Santa, watch a singing puppet show, and play kids’ games and miniature golf. www.sebring.org

Through January 18, Islamorada The Rails and The Road More than 150 photos and stories of Flagler’s Railroad and development of the first Overseas Highway are displayed at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, MM 82, at the Islander Resort. The exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12, $10 for seniors and free for children 13 and younger. www.keysdiscovery.com; (305) 922-2237

December 2-5, Panama City 11th Annual Festival of Trees Santa’s helpers are needed to decorate trees, wreaths, centerpieces and stockings for a competition and auction at Marina Civic Center. Proceeds from the week’s events benefit the life-recovery and substance abuse counseling ministries of Bethel Village. www.festivaloftreespc.com

December 3-7, Pensacola 47th Annual Snowball Derby The annual celebration features four days of racing in seven classes by the best of the best. www.5flagsspeedway.com; (850) 944-8400

December 4-7, Key West Swim-Bike-Run in Paradise The Key West Triathlon and Expo hosts some of the best-known triathletes. Race day is Saturday. www.trikw.com; (305) 797-8361

December 5, Islamorada 10th Annual Florida Keys Holiday Festival A 35-foot tree blows magical snow from its branches and a 20-ton snow mountain enchants mitten-clad munchkins at Founders Park, MM 87. Features include food, live entertainment, a holiday bazaar, a Santa Paws contest for dogs and a parade at 7 p.m. www.islamoradachamber.com; (305) 664-4503

December 5, Sebring Christmas Parade The downtown event is at 7 p.m. heartlandyoungprofessionals@gmail.com

Submit Your Event Want to include a family-friendly event in an upcoming magazine? Send all of the details to info@ floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times, details and a way for readers to get more information. Please submit the item at least 45 days before the event. If you own the rights to a high-resolution photo promoting this year’s event, or from a past year’s event, please attach it along with photo credit information.

December 6, Pensacola Lighthouse Christmas Gala Witness the lighting of Pensacola’s tallest Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus. www.pensacolalighthouse.org

December 9, Fort Meade Christmas Concert Fort Meade Middle High School hosts a chili fundraiser at 5 p.m., with a concert at 7 p.m. fortmeadechamber@gmail.com; (863) 285-8253

December 12-13, Port St. Joe Christmas Bazaar and Jingle Bell Golf St. Joseph Bay Golf Club offers local handcrafted items Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a golf tournament Saturday at 1 p.m..

www.mixon.com

www.stjoebaygolf.com; (850) 227-1751

December 6, Tavernier 2nd Annual Classy but Sassy Special entertainment and a Chinese auction are part of a ladies’ luncheon that benefits the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Florida Keys. The event is 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 92600 Overseas Highway.

December 12, Fort Meade American Legion Christmas Dinner Post 23 hosts a meal at 6 p.m. Bring an unwrapped new toy.

www.classybutsassykeys.com; (305) 794-0184

December 6, Altha and Blountstown A Storybook Christmas The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce’s Altha Christmas parade is at 1 p.m. and the Blountstown Christmas parade is at 5 p.m. Participation is free. Line up for the Altha parade by 12:30 p.m. behind Altha Public School. Line up for the Blountstown parade along Evans Avenue and in the Blountstown Middle School gym parking lot. The deadline to submit entry forms is November 28. www.calhounco.org

December 6, Fort Meade A Florida Christmas Old Fort Meade hosts its annual Christmas event, which includes a parade. Line up will be at Monument Park (Orange Avenue SE) at 4 p.m. The entry fee is $10.

December 5, Lake Placid Christmas on Main Merchants along Main Avenue offer a night of holiday specials, Christmas music and raffles from 5 to 8 p.m.

December 6, Panama City A Frozen Christmas The Panama City Jaycees present the 69th annual parade at 7 p.m. along Harrison Avenue.

(863) 465-2033

www.pcfljaycees.com

DECEMBER 2014

www.bradentonbluesfestival.org

December 5, Bradenton Concert in the Grove Mixon Fruit Farms hosts the 11-piece jazz band Ocean Eleven for a big band Christmas from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 cash at the entrance. Soft drinks, food, beer and wine are available.

fortmeadechamber@gmail.com; (863) 285-8253

December 6, Bradenton 3rd Annual Bradenton Blues Festival Food, drink, art and vendors complement the live music beginning at 11 a.m. at the Riverwalk.

fortmeadechamber@gmail.com; (863) 285-8253

December 12-13 & 19-20, Fort Meade Christmas in the Village Ride the trams and enjoy the lights and refreshments at Florida Flywheelers Park, 7000 Avon Park Cut-off Road. Happenings begin at sundown. Entry is bag of food or unwrapped new toy. fortmeadechamber@gmail.com; (863) 285-8253

December 13, Lake Placid Christmas Parade The event begins at 7 p.m. on Interlake Boulevard. (863) 465-4331

December 13, Pensacola Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade The event draws more than 50,000 people a year, with nearly 90 entries and bands. The parade features the Blue Angels flight team. Before the parade is a 1.2-mile dash, sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association. www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org

December 16, Venus Archbold Nature Day Take a free, guided family nature hike and participate in games from 1 to 3 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (863) 465-2571 ext. 233

37th Annual Christmas Festival and Auction Santa and Mrs. Claus are two of the attractions at the Island Christian School’s family friendly event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 6, MM 83.4 bayside. The festival includes a pancake breakfast, live and a silent auction, arts and craft vendors, carnival rides and games, Santa’s parade, baked goods, giant rummage sale and a book fair. Look for the auction list about a week prior. Free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.icschristmasfestival.com or call (305) 664-4933 ext. 301. December 20, Islamorada Winter Wonders Florida Keys Community Concert Band presents a free concert at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; (305) 853-7294

December 20, Wewahitchka Christmas Parade The event begins at 5 p.m. No registration is required to participate in the parade. (850) 639-2605

Jacaranda Hotel. Tickets are $50. Sponsorship opportunities are available. www.chaptershealth.org; (863) 616-2363

December 27, Marathon Florida Keys Craft Beer and Bubbly Fest Enjoy craft beers, wines, champagne and more from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Marathon Community Park and Amphitheater. More than 30 retail vendors, a food truck invasion, live local music, and community fellowship are planned for the event presented by Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Fishermen’s Hospital Foundation. www.keysbeerandbubblyfest.com; (305) 743-5417

December 20, Marathon Marathon Community Theater Holiday Concert Shows ring in the holiday cheer at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children. www.marathontheater.org; (305) 743-0994

December 20, Avon Park Holidays for Hospice The fundraising fine cuisine and wine tasting for Good Shepherd Hospice is at 6:30 p.m. at

December 31, Panama City Beach 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Pier Park with face painting and costumed characters. At 8 p.m., 10,000 inflated beach balls are released along the boardwalk, followed by fireworks. An 800-pound LED-lighted beach ball descends nearly 100 feet at midnight. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

December 31, Key Largo New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound The back bay, MM 104, is the setting for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza. www.keylargofireworks.com; (305) 451-4502

December 31, Port St. Joe Celebrate Twice Tired of waiting 12 months to ring in the new year? Enjoy a fireworks show in the Eastern time zone at Port St. Joe and St. Joe Beach, then travel west five minutes to Mexico Beach and celebrate with another fireworks show an hour later in the Central time zone. Free shuttle buses available. www.celebratetwice.com; (850) 229-7800

December 31, Key West Dachshund Walk About 200 dachshunds and their owners create a “wiener wonderland” as they take a noontime stroll through downtown. Spectators can watch and meet the canine participants on Fleming Street between Whitehead and Duval streets. keywestdachshundwalk@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2014

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

It’s OK to Ask “Learn from other people’s mistakes.” That’s something my dad used to say when I was growing up. It was good advice then, and it’s something I try to abide by now. An old fishing buddy provides the latest teachable moment. He complained about the randomness of the gifts he receives for his birthday and at Christmas. He doesn’t expect gifts—and he tells people so—but they buy things for him anyway. A recent present from his daughter was an assortment of hot pink fishing lures she bought because “they’re so pretty.” My friend didn’t have the heart to tell her he kept only one and took back the rest and exchanged them for colors he can actually use. The lesson is it’s OK to tell people what you want. Friends and family are going to buy gifts whether you want them to or not. Do them a favor. Do yourself a favor. Tell them what you want. • Provide lots of options.

When it comes to gear, outdoor enthusiasts almost always have specific wants. Anglers are especially persnickety. They never want just a fishing rod or a lure. It has to be a particular make, model, color, length or size. It’s good to keep that in mind when buying gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list. Photo by Fabio Formaggio

Gift givers have different reasons for buying the gifts they give. It’s all about how they perceive you and their relationship with you, as well as their personal values and beliefs. For example, I have relatives who are vegans. They are opposed to killing for meat, so I always include gift ideas that have nothing to do with hunting or fishing. • Include multiple price points. Likewise, different buyers have different budgets. Be sure your wish list offers a price range of gift ideas, from stocking stuffers to mega presents, and everything in between. • Be specific. Provide

Many of Curtis Condon’s fondest memories involve outdoor adventures with friends and family, whether fishing with old school buddies, backpacking in the mountains of the Northwest with his sons or bird watching along the Gulf Coast with his wife. He feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to write about the outdoors and other subjects for more than 30 years.

DECEMBER 2014

manufacturer, model number, size, color and any other pertinent details. Better yet, email them a link to the item so they can view all of the specifications, including the price and where to get it. • Share your list. Make sure everyone who wants a list gets a list. Another option is to use Amazon.com or one of the other websites or apps with wish list capabilities. Fish by the Winter Moon Low tides are at their nadir during winter, particularly in new moon and full moon phases. That leaves shallow water flats all but high and dry. These conditions are excellent for fishing trout, snook and redfish. To take advantge, fish the mouths and lower stretches of coastal streams and rivers. Look for areas that have deep-water channels, cuts and potholes where fish are corraled and hold until the water rises.

Teens Earn Credit for Outdoor Smarts The Florida Virtual School offers an online outdoor education course for high school students. The 18-week course includes computer and field exercises for students to learn about wildlife, outdoor pursuits and safety. Students earn a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card and the class qualifies them to obtain a Florida Hunter Safety Certificate. For more information, visit www. flvs. net or www.fwc.com/hunting/ safety-education/courses. Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@ floridacurrents.com. 

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Outdoor Lights For your home or business, call

(863) 946-6200

to ask about having a light installed or to report a light in need of repairs. Whether you need to showcase your place of business after dark, or just want the peace of mind that comes from having a little more light in your yard, GEC offers a solution. Outdoor lights are available ranging from 100-watt lights to 1,000-watt flood lights, each at affordable monthly rates. Lights automatically come on at dusk and turn off at dawn. If you have a GEC light that is not working properly, call (863) 946-6200 to report the outage. Repair or replacement of private area outdoor lights normally will be performed within 24 to 72 hours after the outage is reported to GEC. However, in the event of a declared state of emergency, natural disaster or member delays, it may take longer. There is no written implied guarantee.

DECEMBER 2014

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Local Before It Was Cool “Autonomy and independence” one of seven principles that guide all electric cooperatives By Adam Schwartz

Glades Electric Cooperative celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2015. Look for a historic photo or article in each edition of Florida Currents all next year. 26

DECEMBER 2014

Whether you travel across the country or stay close to your hometown, you may notice the emphasis on “buy local” campaigns. This is based on a simple fact: It is important to support businesses that support our community. The Small Business Administration and the research firm Civic Economics estimate dollars spent at locally owned businesses stay in the community more than three times longer than money spent at big-box stores headquartered far away from your hometown. This means your community wealth is more likely to grow by shopping locally. Glades Electric Cooperative has known this forever. We were formed in 1945 by people in the community to serve the people who work, worship and live here. A common expression among cooperators is, “If you’ve seen one co-op, you’ve seen one co-op.” While there are many similarities among co-ops, the fact that we are controlled locally, allowing us to serve your needs, is a critically important principle. The fourth of our seven cooperative principles is autonomy and independence. That is defined as follows: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into

Richard E. Krudup spins the drum for prizes at a Glades Electric annual meeting.

agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintain the cooperative’s autonomy. This allows us to continue to be the self-help organization envisioned by the founders of the modern cooperative movement. In other words, for the co-op to stay a co-op, it is vitally important we stay close to you, our members, to ensure we continue to respond to your needs. This could be through increasing energy-efficiency programs, offering renewable sources of energy and continuing our efforts to support other local businesses, schools and civic organizations.

You can be sure Glades Electric Cooperative will not move its operations to Mexico or China, as so many other corporations do. We began right here in central Florida and we plan to be here for a long time. You can take that to the bank—or better yet, the credit union, which is a financial cooperative. As always, we welcome your participation and suggestions about how we can improve our locally owned and controlled services. n Adam Schwartz is founder of The Cooperative Way, a consulting firm that helps co-ops succeed. He is an author, speaker and member-owner of the CDS Consulting Co-op. You can follow him on Twitter @ adamcooperative or email him at aschwartz@thecooperativeway.coop.

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DECEMBER 2014

Florida Rural Electric Credit Union

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Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Give the Gift of Energy Efficiency By Meghaan Evans

Wondering what to buy for the person who has everything? Need a gift for an environment-friendly family member or friend? This holiday season, Glades Electric Cooperative urges you to consider giving the gift of energy efficiency. This does not mean you have to go out and replace your aunt’s refrigerator or your grandma’s washer and dryer—though you may earn favorite status if you do. Giving the gift of energy efficiency can be as simple as filling their stockings—or creating a gift basket—with some of these helpful products. Light-emitting diode bulbs are the easiest way to increase efficiency in your home. From bulbs for lamps, recessed lights and hanging fixtures to outdoor flood lamps and decorative lighting strands, there is an LED bulb for every occasion. LEDs used to be deemed prohibitively expensive, but prices have dropped significantly in recent years. Here are some top-rated options and approximate costs for energy-efficient lighting that makes everything bright: • GE Reveal 60-watt equivalent bulb, $18. • Cree TW Series 60-watt equivalent bulb, $9 to $16. • Sylvania Ultra HD floodlight-style bulb, $22 to $35. Water-saving showerheads also are a great gift option. On average, Americans consume

more than 3 billion gallons of water daily. Switching to a water-saving showerhead could save a family of three up to $631 a year and reduce water consumption by more than 2,600 gallons a year. Lack of water pressure can be a concern when giving this gift, so here are a few showerheads that save water, but not at the expense of water pressure: • Glacier Bay 1-spray hand shower, $13. • Delta 1-spray watersaving showerhead, $16. • Delta Arias 5-spray showerhead, $37. Providing your family and friends with energy-efficiency tips along with a gift is a nice touch. For example, did you know one of the best ways to save energy in your home is to turn off all of your electronic devices? Try a TrickleStar motion sensor power strip, which costs around $30. Supplement your gift with caulking supplies or weather strips. Before you know it, you will have the perfect energy-saving gift! All of these products are available online and at bigbox hardware stores, so get to shopping. From all of us here at GEC, have a happy, energy-efficient holiday. n

Above, LED bulbs from manufacturers such as GE use between 75 and 80 percent less energy than classic bulbs. Left, the low-flow shower spray from this Delta showerhead swirls to create the sense of much more water flow.

Meghaan Evans writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginiabased service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-forprofit electric cooperatives. DECEMBER 2014

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Beach Tree

Christmas is a time to celebrate, no matter where you find yourself. That includes the beach. “Last year on Christmas Day, my husband and I went to the beach on Anna Maria Island, near Bradenton,” says Liesl Walsh of Parrish. “We were surprised to see a lot of people on the beach that day, many of them wearing festive clothes and red Santa hats. A family set up a Christmas tree full of ornaments in the sand. It became a popular spot for people taking family photos. The family said that they set up the tree on the beach every year, keeping the ornaments tied to the tree so all they have to do is pull it out of their vehicle and set it up.” Photo by Liesl Walsh, Parrish

We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file size), along with the story behind the photo and your name and mailing address (for payment) to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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Offices Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 26733 U.S. Hwy. 27 East/P.O. Box 519 Moore Haven, FL 33471 (863) 946-6200 Fax: (863) 946-2150 214 SR 70 West Lake Placid, FL 33852 (863) 531-5000 111 SW Park St. Okeechobee, FL 34974 (863) 467-5111

Power Interruption Number Moore Haven..............................(863) 946-6200 Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Please have your location or account number handy when you call.

Board of Trustees John “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, (863) 655-3056 James “Jim” Aul, Vice President, District 7 Lorida, (863) 441-0441 Russell Henderson, Sec./Treas., District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, (863) 946-0865 Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, (863) 946-0402 Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, (863) 983-7324 Shannon Hall, Trustee, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, (863) 946-3242 Ladd Bass, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, (863) 441-2227 Lee Henderson, Trustee, District 6 Highlands Park, (863) 633-9281 Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, (863) 801-3140 The next meeting of the Board will be at 9 a.m. December 23 at the Moore Haven headquarters office. Any changes to this schedule will be posted in the lobby of all three district offices.

Executive Staff CEO Jeff Brewington CFO Jennifer Manning CTO Jesse Wallace Dir. of Business Development Paul McGehee Dir. of Employee Services Yvonne Bradley Dir. of Engineering Travis Turner Dir. of Member Services Margaret Ellerbee Dir. of Operations Tracy Vaughn

DECEMBER 2014

FL-153

CEO’s Message

Committed to Improving Service, Finding Savings Here we are already with another year coming to a close. It has been a good year for your cooperative, with newfound operational savings and embarking on new technologies and innovations that eventually will bring better service to you and additional savings, too. It is a process we are all dedicated to: Improve service and find savings to continually combat our rising cost of power. You will notice from articles in this issue that even with the results of the recent elections, we have not stopped telling you about our concerns for the changing environment of our nation’s energy policy. We may now be in a better position to fight that battle, but we can never let down our guard. In a nation so abundantly blessed with various energy sources, we do not want you to ever become the victim of costly and unnecessary policy. For instance, check out the Ivanpah solar generating plant we taxpayers financed. The wealthy backers of the project now are seeking an additional $539 million from us taxpayers to pay off their loans. You should be quite surprised and upset with what you find upon your investigation. It does not stop at the loans. Don’t hesitate to contact our members of Congress with your thoughts. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday. It is a day I always treasure, with memories as a child spending time with my dad and grandparents and enjoying our family’s traditions. My family now enjoys its own traditions, and I hope my son and daughter look back fondly on their own memories in the years to come when they gather with the families they start. And soon we come to a great holiday that has become so commercialized we have lost sight of its true gift. My prayer this season is for you to know the peace of that gift. God bless you all and may your new year be full of joy and prosperity. Until next year,

Jeff Brewington