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Peace River Electric Cooperative

F E B R UA RY 2016

Sandhill cranes, which live in Florida year-round, have a gray body with a distinctive red-crowned head. This crane makes its home in Polk County’s Circle B Bar Reserve. PHOTO BY MARK SELLERS

Upcoming District Meetings PAGE 4 Pay by Phone PAGE 8 n

Peace River

Ask Wall Street About Co-ops 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, prepayment 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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Electric co-ops are good businesses. Just ask an executive of the hard-nosed Wall Street credit research group Fitch Ratings. In a company news release, Dennis Pidherny, managing director and head of public power, said, “The hallmark of the electric co-op sector has been its financial strength and stability.” Take a look at nationally recognized rankings by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which last year gave electric co-ops a score of 80. Other utilities scored 74. “It’s a business model that works,” says Mel Coleman, president of the board for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. As a not-for-profit business owned by the same people who buy its electricity, all of a co-op’s resources go to keep prices as low as possible and quality of service high. “We have financial targets to meet to stay in business, but we’re not driven by the need for excessive profits or stock value,” Coleman says. “The reason we’re in business is all about member satisfaction in the price they pay and the quality of the product they get.” While customer satisfaction provides one measure of business success, analysis by financial investors gives a different perspective. A leading expert on co-op financing is Sheldon Petersen, CEO of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. CFC is itself a co-op, created by and owned

by electric co-ops across the country to raise money on their behalf. CFC has more than $21 billion in loans to electric co-ops. When a co-op needs an expensive power plant or transmission line, it looks for outside financing. A lot of that comes from Wall Street firms looking for safe places to put money from pension funds, mutual funds and other investors—and electric co-ops meet that description. “Our business motivation is different,” Petersen says, comparing co-ops to investorowned utilities. “Our objectives are not to maximize the rate of return. Our objectives are to minimize costs to the members. That’s very positive for us and leads to competitiveness.” Petersen says investors view co-ops “as a stable industry that can withstand a lot of the stress in business cycles,” and Wall Street investment rating firms back that up by regularly giving co-ops strong ratings of “A” and “AA.” A 2015 report from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services praised co-ops as an industry that throughout the years has made good business decisions on such major issues as environmental regulation and electricity deregulation. A 2014 Fitch Ratings report declared electric co-ops “fundamentally sound,” noting “almost a century after the passage of the Rural Electrification Act, the sector remains largely true to its core mission of providing low-cost, reliable electric service to its member-owners.” n

Inside

February 2016 Vol. 5, No. 4

The New Age of Rural Health Care 12

Innovations allow smaller, remote doctors and clinics to offer a higher level of service. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

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

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Peace River Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2016 District Meetings DISTRICT 3

February 9 Kenansville Community Center Register/Vote 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Business Meeting 7:00 pm

DISTRICT 6

February 11

February 2016 1 7 14

Woodland Community Church, Bradenton Register/Vote 4:30 pm-7:00 pm Business Meeting 7:00 pm

DISTRICT 9

8 15 22

February 8 Athens Baptist Church, Bereah Register/Vote 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Business Meeting 7:00 pm MEMBERS OF THESE DISTRICTS W I L L R E C E I V E A F LY E R I N T H E M A I L W I T H A D D I T I O N A L D E TA I L S

Must have photo ID to register and vote! To register on behalf of a business, you must provide written authorization on company letterhead, signed by the company president Your District number is listed on your electric bill

District Meeting Purpose The primary purpose of the District Meeting is to elect a fellow PRECO member to the Board of Directors. The Board determines co-op policies, assures compliance with laws, sets electric rates, provides financial direction and more.

DISTRICT MEETING ACTIVITIES Members are invited to participate in a question-&-answer session The latest PRECO news and information is shared Light refreshments served

D I S T R I C T M E E T I N G R E WA R D S $10 electric bill credit to registered members Door Prize drawings (Must be present to win) Registered members are eligible to win an iPad Mini.* *On February 18, ONE winner will be randomly drawn from all registered attendees of the three district meetings held. 4

F E B R U A R Y 2 016

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

1/12/16 12:09 PM

FREE: Hotdogs n Soft Drinks n Ice Cream n Fries n Kettle Corn n Funnel Cakes n Live Music n Kids play area n Informational & educational booths n Great door prize drawings for registered PRECO members

PRECO Members are invited to join us on

Saturday, March 19, 2016 S P E C I A L E N T E R TA I N M E N T:

Tommy Brandt Inspirational Country Music Award winner!

www.TommyBrandt.org

AT P R E C O P A R K , 2 2 0 K N I G H T ROA D, WAU C H U L A, F L

Come celebrate your Co-opâ€™s 76th birthday!

No Smoking. No Pets. Please be advised that photos will be taken at this event for publications/social media.

www.preco.coop

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F E B R U A R Y 2 016

1/12/16 12:10 PM

Plugged In

Using Electricity Safely and Efficiently

Gadgets for Home and on the Go KEVO Smart Deadbolt Homes are getting smarter, and now that starts at the front door. Kwikset offers Kevo, a Bluetooth lock that works with smartphones to automate your security. By installing Kevo and downloading the mobile app, your smartphone becomes your key. Kevo gives owners the ability to unlock the door with their smartphone and a simple touch; send electronic keys (eKeys) to family, friends and service people; and receive notifications whenever a user enters or exits their home. The Total Key Management Solution Using the Kevo mobile app, homeowners can send eKeys to family, friends or service people, anywhere, anytime. Once an eKey is sent, recipients can download the mobile app, keep their smartphone in their purse or pocket, and unlock the door with a simple touch. With several levels of permissions, Kevo owners and administrators have authorization to send, delete and disable eKeys within seconds. After distributing eKeys, they can choose to receive notifications when a user locks or unlocks the door. A Mobile App that Gives You Control and Convenience Owners can customize and control everything through their app, including: • Managing eKeys and settings associated with each given lock. • Monitoring lock activity and tracking user history. • Updating Kevo lock software directly from a smartphone. The Kwikset Kevo Advantage Inside-outside technology. Kevo offers intelligent positioning technology that detects whether an authorized user is inside or outside the home before granting access, to help prevent unauthorized entry. 6

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Kevo fob. No smartphone? No problem. Users can enjoy the same touch-toopen convenience with a fob. A single fob can be authorized to work with up to 25 Kevo locks. Multiple levels of encryption. Kevo uses multiple levels of encryption to increase digital security and is continually reviewed by independent security experts. Compatibility, Pricing and Availability Kevo is compatible with smartphones that support Bluetooth Smart Ready/ Bluetooth 4.0 hardware and have the Kevo mobile app available. The app is currently available for iPhone and Android platforms. n Retails for about $200, www.kwikset.com/kevo. For additional information on what is included in the Kevo package and a list of retailers, visit www.Kwikset.com/Kevo.

Hackaball A futuristic ball is set to change the way children play. Hackaball will ship in March 2016. The size of a softball, Hackaball is a rubber toy for children ages 6 to 12 that connects to an Apple app or Mac computer. Everything about the toy can be customized by children to make their own games using the ball’s sensors, color-changing lights, noises and vibrations. An Android version will launch soon. Retails for $85, www.hackaball.com.

Lily Action Drone The Lily Camera is the world’s first throw-and-shoot camera. All you have to do is throw it in the air to start shooting. It flies itself and uses GPS and computer vision to follow you around. The Lily Camera is waterproof, ultra-compact, and shoots HD pictures and videos. n Retails for $999, $799 if pre-ordered now. Expected to ship this summer. www.lily.camera

Leatherman Tread

Design Working Circuits with a Pen Circuit Scribe is a rollerball pen that writes with non-toxic conductive silver ink. It makes creating circuits as easy as doodling. Kits range from beginner to advanced, and are suitable for individual or classroom use. Circuit Scribe says its goal is to make circuits intuitive and accessible to learners of all ages.

Anytime, anywhere. The functionality of a Leatherman tool, with you everywhere. Engineers designed multiple tools in each 17-4 stainless steel bracelet link, making usable tools such as Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches available at a moment’s notice. Adjustable to ¼ inch to accommodate any wrist, the bracelet is fully customizable with the links you need most. n Retail prices start at $165, www.leatherman.com/tread-425.html

Kit prices start at $24.99, www.circuitscribe.com.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Lighting the Way to Education

$75,000 in College Scholarships Available: Apply Now The Board of Directors of PRECO’s Operation Round Up Foundation is “lighting the way to education” with $75,000 in scholarships for college-bound students. Since 2006, PRECO’s charitable foundation has provided more than $500,000 in scholarship funds. Only PRECO members and their dependent children are eligible, and applicants must reside in a home served by the co-op. To get an application, high school students should contact their High School Guidance Office or visit www.preco.coop to download an application with type-editable fields.

The deadline is February 29, so act quickly.

Pay by Phone: Easy and Convenient PRECO’s Pay by Phone system is a convenient way to pay your electric bill anytime, 24 hours a day.

1-855-386-9924 It’s simple: n Enter your account number or n Enter the phone number we have on file for your account n Enter a pin number. If it’s your first time, set up a pin number of your choice n Enter your payment information Pay by Phone is so convenient because there’s no need to speak to a Member Service Representative and is available 24/7. However, if your account was disconnected for non-payment, you must speak to a representative to have power restored.

F E B R U A R Y 2 016

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

1/12/16 12:14 PM

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Rare Wood Finds New Life Armored Frog transforms ancient timbers into custom-crafted furniture By Susan Suggs

Postcards From Florida

Moore Haven

ale Conyer

Photo by D

The fog just begins to lift off the water on a canal near Moore Haven on a chilly February morning. Photographer Dale Conyers was walking his dogs and playing with his new iPhone when he snapped this shot behind his house. 10

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Joe Sinkovich is all about the details. Whether as a business owner, salesman, father or coach, he delves into everything he does with a commitment to quality. For Joe—the founder, owner and president of a furniture design business based in Pensacola—nothing is standard. That starts with the wood used to craft each piece of furniture by hand and even extends to how Joe started his company, Armored Frog. Joe’s background is in orthopedic implants. It was not until he moved to Pensacola and started restoring the family’s 1918 home in East Hills that he discovered old-growth cypress and heart pine woods. Inspired by the old timbers and working with the builder, Joe created planters using the antique wood. He has not stopped creating pieces. Joe saw an opportunity to start a new business and began his pursuit of rare woods. He learned all he could about ancient timbers and how they are reclaimed from historic structures and riverbeds throughout the Southeast. While Joe admits the journey from orthopedic sales to owner of a furniture business may seem like a stretch, he points out that both businesses are service oriented. “This is similar to orthopedic sales where you are always solving problems, and sometimes what’s best is a custom-built solution,” he says. Initially, finding the wood was hard, Joe says. “I didn’t know where to go, and you couldn’t find it in the normal places you get lumber,” he explains. “I networked with old-timers and people who worked at sawmills or worked with the sawmill equipment. “We look for buildings built in the 1850 to 1930 timeframe. When a building in that era is being demolished, we can

Opposite page, Joe Sinkovich with a slab of old wood that will be made into a custom piece of furniture, such as a stand, above. Joe left orthopedic sales to start a furniture business based on old craftsman values. He does not build the pieces, but oversees production from start to finish and handles sales.

find some of the most beautiful wood. It’s sturdy and there’s nothing quite like it.” Joe says he started his business because of what he saw as a lack of quality and attention to detail. “What’s good news in the furniture business is that there are customers who appreciate quality and have a willingness to pay how much it really costs to handcraft furniture here in the U.S.,” he says. Armored Frog projects start with a custom work request. “It might be someone wanting to do something with old wood from a home renovation, or a request for a new custom piece, which might come from a business or individual working with an interior designer,” Joe says. The company shares an online gallery of photos of its completed work at www. thearmoredfrog.com. Joe says people who see a custom-built piece may be inspired and get their own idea. “I work with several interior designers and got a call about a high-profile client that wanted to design a special table,” Joe says. “It was going to be big: 14 feet long by 52 inches wide. When

Rescuing Iconic Chickens By Victoria Hampton

I went out to meet them, it was Emeril Lagasse and his wife, Alden. “They sat down and discussed what they were looking for and told me what they didn’t want. They were trying to blend something more contemporary and wanted an artistic, handcrafted, hand-painted feel that blended with their home collection of antiques from France, Europe and different places.” The price of Armored Frog furniture reflects what it costs to pay the artists who design, build and paint it, Joe says. “The difference is in the craftsmanship,” he adds. “It’s an education process. When people ask why an Armored Frog table costs $4,500 when they see another similar table for $2,500, I tell them to dive and look underneath the table to see what you are getting. Is it solid wood? Is everything hand fit and hand cut?” A machine produces a replicated cut, which means it will not fit right every time, Joe says. “We are a modern-day business practicing old craftsman values,” he says. “Our team is doing this because they like

doing it. They specialize in building and finishing furniture. Nothing leaves our warehouse unless it’s right.” A small group of people who have the experience, equipment and processes in place can create custom, handmade furniture with custom finishes in as little as a week, says Joe, who oversees each step of a new project—from a concept drawing to every detail and delivery. As company president and CEO, Joe spreads the word about Armored Frog from Birmingham to Tallahassee, Montgomery to New Orleans, and Orange Beach to Panama City and Pensacola. “There are a lot of things I could do, but what you find as a small startup is that you get very disciplined about where you spend your money, but even more disciplined about where you spend your time,” Joe says. “The fact that we are able to create custom furniture here and do it with quality—I spend a lot of time and effort telling that story. I am very proud that my business is able to employ people who care and love what they do, creating something very unique.” n

The morning sun in Key West is greeted by a chorus of cock-a-doodledoos and chirps from the resident flock of chickens. These island icons peck their way across streets, through backyards and down sidewalks, occasionally getting themselves into trouble. That is where the Key West Wildlife Center saves the day, and makes sure all the feathered friends on the island receive care and refuge. The nonprofit has a concession agreement with the City of Key West to provide rescue and rehabilitation services for feral chickens. From broken bones to botulism to emaciation, the chickens are taken in and, once recovered, transported to farms, ranches, orchards and other rural properties that meet specific criteria, located mostly in central Florida. “We rescue Key West chickens in distress from numerous types of injuries,” says Key West Wildlife Center Director Tom Sweets. “We remove entanglements A broken leg is and treat disease. mended prior to the We rescue chicks chicken’s relocation. from storm drains Photo courtesy of Key West Wildlife Center when they fall in. Once we treat the chickens, they are provided optimum feed with produce generously donated from Star of the Sea mission. They are then given homes outside of Monroe County.” The wildlife center does not trap or remove healthy chickens from businesses or properties, but does accept chickens brought to the center from businesses or homeowners. To learn more about the chicken program or the nonprofit’s other wildlife rehabilitation efforts, visit www.keywestwildlifecenter.org.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

The New Age of Rural Health Care Technology, grants and innovative programs allow smaller, remote doctors and clinics to offer a higher level of service

Patricia Mull was working in her garden when she felt the sensation of pins and needles in her left leg. Moments later, her leg went numb and then her left arm. “I went inside to my partner and I said, ‘I am stroking,’ ” she recalls. “My partner, who is a retired radiologist, took the carving knife and touched my side. He said, ‘Can you feel this?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Let’s go.’ ” By Lori Tobias In short order, doctors at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier connected with specialists at the Baptist Health Care TeleICU, confirmed the diagnosis and began administering tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)—a protein that breaks down clots, but one that must be administered quickly. The treatment of stroke patients may be one of the most dramatic changes in rural health care in recent decades, says Rick Freeburg, CEO at Mariners. “Twenty years ago, if she had made it to the emergency room, they would have Patricia Mull, right, checks in with Laura Berni, a had to ship her to registered nurse at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. a bigger hospital When Mull had a stroke, she was fortunate the hosand, consequently, pital was nearby and she got there quickly. That changed her treatment and improved her recovery. depending on how Photo courtesy of Mariners Hospital long that took, she 12

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

would not have been eligible to be a recipient of TPA,” Freeburg says. Technology, networking, grant programs, health care coaches and other innovative approaches give rural patients access to quality health care like never before. Thanks in part to the Critical Access Hospital designation passed by Congress in 1997, the trend of rural communities losing their small hospitals at an alarming rate has been reversed. Today, those hospitals—once cut off by time and distance from larger, urban facilities— are tapping into resources and tools that close the miles, eliminate guesswork and bring services, specialists and technology to the doorstep. “Twenty years ago, we didn’t have the Critical Access Hospital designation,” says Tom Morris, associate administrator for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. “The CAH designation was a sort of explicit recognition that if you wanted to have a small hospital survive, you had to take certain issues into consideration. CAHs very quickly grew from a couple of hundred in the 1990s to now 1,324 CAHs around the country. That’s out of about 2,000 rural hospitals total.” Grants Help Rural Areas Federal grants play a significant role in providing the funding that once kept

advances out of reach. Mariners is applying for a grant from the Health Care Connect Fund to cover telecommunication expenses. “It will reimburse us for any Internet connections,” Freeburg says. “That is the direction health care is going. The future is going to be more and more involved with telehealth.” Since 2009, Mariners has been connected to Baptist’s Telehealth Center, which includes the Tele-ICU and emergency room services. In the last fiscal year, the Tele-ICU saved 10 lives, according to Sheila Konczewski, marketing and public relations manager. “The Tele-ICU is absolutely

Left, Maggie Elehwany, vice president for government affairs and advocacy for the National Rural Health Association, addresses attendees at a rally in Washington, D.C., in July. The March for Rural Hospitals included a 283-mile walk to the nation’s capital to draw attention to the need to save rural hospitals. Photo courtesy of National Rural Health Association

incredible,” she says. “There are cameras in every room. Someone is watching 24 hours. Say a nurse is busy in one room and something happens to a patient’s vitals in another room. The Tele-ICU will pick it up, call the nurse’s station, and the nurse will go in and check on the patient. “In the emergency room, because we are rural, we don’t necessarily have the specialists on call. So if somebody comes in with a problem and we don’t have the specialist available, we call to the Telehealth Center and the specialist can help.” Other rural communities are just now getting involved in telehealth, though there are challenges. One of the biggest

has been reimbursement, says Allen Foster, executive director of the Northwest Rural Florida Health Network in Jay. “The specialists didn’t think they were being reimbursed enough,” Foster explains, noting the cost of the equipment has been the downfall. “It all comes down to money. It’s just been very expensive to try to set up something.” Nonetheless, telehealth is the next venture, Foster says, adding, “That is going to be one of my goals over the coming year. Everyone has seen the benefit of doing that.” Foster is reaching out to the community in other ways. He recently launched a program that brings a representative

from the Santa Rosa County Veterans Services to Jay once a month to help veterans learn what benefits are available to them. “We are just starting, but she has had appointments with and has been able to help at least 12 veterans,” Foster says. “That is 12 veterans she has been able to make contact with that may have not been able to see her.” Foster envisions those in the network becoming health care navigators, helping people in the community access the services they need and helping the hospital stay viable. “I see us becoming an information pivot point,” he says. “We may not provide that service, but we know someone who does.” Caregivers Bridge the Gap Rural communities also are beginning to see the benefits of health care coaches. The programs use nurse care managers as part of a medical provider team to bridge the gap in communication and time between the patient and doctor. “You have x amount of time with your patient,” says

Pat Dobbins, a retired registered nurse who practiced public rural health care in Hendry and Glades counties for 28 years. “The scheduling for patient appointments is 15 minutes. That doesn’t give them much time. “This health coach model is really spending time with the patient. The coach helps them determine and set priorities and help them be accountable to themselves. It’s not preaching. It’s hand holding.” Rural health care centers also have made great strides in electronic health care records. Dr. David Willis, chief medical officer for Heart of Florida Health Center and chief medical officer for Community Health IT, recalls one patient who was elderly and losing her memory. “Her daughter lived out of state and was her primary caregiver,” says Willis. “The platform we developed was a longitudinal health record. It’s like a hospital chart, but it is out in the community.” The care record collected information from all the providers who participated in her care. Everyone who participated could access it, including the patient and her daughter. “That allowed her daughter to more actively participate as her mother’s memory got worse,” Willis says. “Twenty years, ago, we would have mailed the records. This just really opened up a dramatic convenience opportunity for a family member F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

to actively participate in her mom’s care out of state. It allowed her mother to stay in her own home. It allowed her to remain independent longer, and allowed the daughter to be fully aware of her mother’s condition.” Reaching Out for Help It is not only technology that is changing, but the very practice of medicine. Dr. Manuel Garcia, a general surgeon, moved to Okeechobee with his wife, Dr. Trina Garcia, in 1973. Back then, surgeons did not specialize, but took on everything. “My generation of surgeons are long gone,” Garcia says. “It’s a different way of practicing. In those early years, general surgeons did everything: head, neck, chest, children, Cesarean sections, orthopedics. We didn’t have the trauma centers, so we did all the stabbings, gunshot wounds, injuries from vehicular accidents. We did not have intensive care. “Let’s say the patient has a ruptured abdominal aneurism. That’s a really, really life threatening problem when it

is leaking. If the patient can be stabilized, today we would make arrangements for transport to a nearby facility, where they have a vascular surgeon and intensive care facility after surgery. Back in the ’70s, I would have done the surgery.” While practicing medicine in a rural area has its challenges, Garcia and many others know that it is abundant in its rewards, too. “Practicing in a small community, you know everybody—not only the patient, but family and friends,” he says. “One of the very rewarding reasons that I stayed on is because people think of us as their own, somebody that belongs in the community. They build a relationship with you affectionately and they respect you for what you do for them. It’s a privilege to work for these people.” Networking is one way rural facilities bolster services in which they are weak and share those where they are strong, says Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, director of the Rural Health Partnership and president of

The hospital in Jay is affiliated with Baptist Health Care. Among those caring for patients such as Charles Tarpley, center, are family practice doctors C. David Smith, and his son, Michael Smith, and internal medicine doctor Jeff Kelley. Photo courtesy of Allen Foster

Community Health IT based in Gainesville. The certified health care coach is a member of WellFlorida—a local nonprofit health council in north central Florida whose mission is to build healthier communities. “We’ve come to find in the past several years that in rural areas we are able to adapt to technology faster than some of the larger areas,” says SilerMarsiglio. “A lot of it is due to the fact that they are so used to working together because

they have limited resources. They are used to making do with less and being more creative with what they have.” Taking Care on the Road Rural health care also is going mobile. Karin Armero’s Florida Mobile Physicians in Manatee and Sarasota counties was inspired by watching her husband’s family attempt to care for her mother-inlaw, who suffered from both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Visits to the doctor’s office

A Resource for Creatures Great and Small

Leo the dolphin prepares to enter the CT machine at Mariners Hospital. Three radiologic technologists and a sonographer were on hand for the test. Photo courtesy of Mariners Hospital

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

At Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, health care technology is not only helping humans. Dolphins from local marine research and education programs are patients, too. Staff use imaging technology to monitor the health of animals, such as 10-year-old Leo, who recently underwent a scan of his lungs as part of health care follow-up. “We work with Dolphins Plus, Island Dolphin Care, the Theater of the Sea, Hawks Cay and the University of Florida Veterinary School,” says Fran Glick, administrative director of Imaging Services at Mariners. “Living as we do on islands, the ocean and the creatures who live there are very much a part of our community. Helping keep Leo healthy is part of our community outreach.” Leo is a major part of the structured dolphin swims and shallow water encounters at Dolphin Plus Bayside in Key Largo.

took hours of planning and days to coordinate. “When you made an appointment with the physician’s office, you had to make sure you had the car available” says Armero, whose motherin-law has since died. “You needed two people to get her in an upright position and then guide her to the car. “You had to coordinate schedules because someone had to take off work to get her into a car that was large enough. My sister-in-law’s car was not big enough, so she had to organize a van and get a ramp for the wheelchair. Then my mother-in-law would have a panic attack because of the unfamiliar surroundings. It was all very, very difficult.” Now, Armero and partner LaLanya Robertson send doctors to the homes of patients who cannot or would have great difficulty getting to a doctor’s office. “We are equipped for patients who are in facilities or homebound,” Armero says. “The doctors are our employees, and we send them out depending on what patients need to be seen. It’s a very organized effort.” Five years ago, when Patricia Mull arrived at the emergency room at Mariners Hospital, she was lucky to find a staff that knew exactly what to do. They not only saved her life. They ensured the continued quality of it. “They have a whole protocol for strokes,” Mull says. “A whole city moves in. Everyone has their part to save you. The whole hospital came together. I could not believe the quality of care that was coming through. Today, I have absolutely no side effects.” n

Mental Health Services Reach to Rural Areas Perhaps one of the most significant changes in rural mental health care in recent years comes not necessarily in the treatment of mental illness, but in the acknowledgement for the need of awareness. That is where Suncoast Mental Health Center is establishing itself as a leader. Founded in 1998 by three clinicians, the agency provides services to at-risk children and families in four counties: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie. “We’re making strong efforts to educate the communities about mental health,” says CEO Art Ciasca. “I truly believe most people don’t know about mental health. There are so many misunderstandings and misperceptions, and as a result there is a huge stigma.” Last year, Art decided to do something about that. In November 2014, Suncoast hosted an event called “Finding Peace Amid the Chaos”—a name borrowed from the book written by Tanya Brown, who is the youngest sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, who was brutally murdered in 1994. “She suffered from severe depression,” Art says of Tanya. “There was a suicide attempt. She was in an inpatient facility and then she moved to outpatient treatment. She recovered beautifully. We brought her here to speak so we could help educate people about mental health/mental illness. A lot of people learned about mental illness and hope and recovery.” The event was so well received Art hosted a second one in November, this time with Kathy Cronkite, daughter of Walter Cronkite. Kathy also wrote a book, “On The Edge of Darkness,” about her struggles with depression and recovery. “There’s a lot of people who take the stand, ‘What do you have to be depressed about? Get over it. Pick yourself up by your boot straps,’ ” Art says. “Kathy really drove home the message. She had everything going for her. She was the daughter of an iconic newsman. She lived in beautiful places. And she was depressed. She read an article about Mike Wallace and he said he had depression. Kathy said, ‘This describes me.’ She went for help and really began to have a better quality of life.” A former schoolteacher, Art became involved in the mental health community after

Art Ciasca, executive director of Suncoast Mental Health Center, strives to bring awareness as well as services to those in rural areas dealing with mental illness. Photo by Denise Whitehead

accepting a job at a mental health clinic. They wanted someone with a recreation and social background, and he had that. But on day one, Art says he realized he knew nothing about mental illness. He knew he was not alone in his lack of knowledge and set about to change that. “We don’t teach,” Art says. “We don’t say, ‘Here are some of the signs. Here’s what you can do.’ People don’t know anything about getting mental health services. I’m really passionate about that outreach. “When a Kathy Cronkite or Tanya Brown stands in front of someone and says, ‘I almost ended my life. I want you to know this is a medical condition and help is available,’ people listen. “It’s just like if you sprain your ankle in the parking lot. You’re going to get help. “There are 41,000 suicides a year—twice as many as homicides. The more we create awareness, the more we save lives, and I think that is just a wonderful thing.”

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Fix Flavorful Seafood Tonight A variety of fish served a variety of ways keeps dinner menus exciting

Fried Lemon Pepper Fish Vegetable oil 1 cup fish ‘n chips seafood batter mix 2/3 cup water 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into serving-size pieces 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

Pour oil into a deep fryer or large heavy skillet, filling no more than one-third full, and heat to 375 F on medium heat. Combine batter mix and water in a medium bowl until smooth. Sprinkle fish with lemon pepper seasoning, then dip into batter. Shake off excess batter. Fry the fish a few pieces at a time, 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown, turning once to brown evenly. Drain on paper towels. Serves 4

Easy Baja Fish Tacos 2 cups prepared coleslaw ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup cornmeal 4 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 pound tilapia fillets 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 corn tortillas

Mix coleslaw and cilantro in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Mix cornmeal, chili powder, salt and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Coat the fish evenly with the cornmeal mixture. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add the fish and cook 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden 16

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Homemade fried fish—served with a salad, fruit or side of vegetables—can really hit the spot.

brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cut the fish into eight portions. Serve in warmed tortillas topped with coleslaw. Serves 4

Herb-Encrusted Tilapia 1/3 cup sliced almonds, finely chopped ¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon parsley flakes ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pound tilapia fillets Olive oil

Heat oven to 450 F. Mix almonds, bread crumbs, cheese and seasonings in a shallow dish.

Brush fish lightly with oil, and coat evenly with the almond mixture. Place the fish into a greased foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serves 4

Montreal Salmon 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel ½ teaspoon dill weed 2 pounds salmon fillets

Mix steak seasoning, lemon peel and dill weed in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the salmon and let stand for 5 minutes. Grill salmon, skin side down, over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until

fish flakes easily with a fork. Do not turn over the salmon.

Halibut al Pastor Marinade 1 plum tomato, seeded and chopped ½ cup chopped fresh pineapple ½ cup orange juice 1/3 cup vegetable oil ¼ cup sliced onion 1 clove garlic 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon chili pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground

Halibut 4 6-ounce halibut fillets 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Corn tortillas Lime wedges

Place all marinade ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend on high until smooth. Place the fish in a baking dish and pour marinade over the top. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450 F. Fold each of four 15-inch-square pieces of parchment paper in half. Starting at the fold of each piece, draw half of a large heart shape. Cut out the heart shape and open the parchment paper. Remove fish from the marinade. Place a fish fillet next to the center crease on one side of each parchment paper and set aside. Discard any remaining marinade. Heat oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Remove the skillet from the heat; stir in tomatoes and pineapple. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the fish fillets, and sprinkle with cilantro. Fold the other half of the parchment paper over the fish. Starting

Looking for a new comfort food? Try shrimp tossed with pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese.

at the top of the half-heart, make small, tight, overlapping folds along the outside edge to seal the packet. Twist the tail ends tightly to seal completely. Place the packets in a large baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then carefully transfer each packet to a dinner plate. Serve with warm corn tortillas and lime wedges. Serves 4

Shrimp Pasta With Spicy Tomato Sauce 14½-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 cup water 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground basil leaves 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground oregano leaves ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon red pepper, crushed 8 ounces pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Parmesan cheese, shredded

Mix tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt and red pepper in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20

minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on the package, adding the shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and return pasta and shrimp to the saucepan. Pour tomato sauce over the shrimp and pasta. Toss gently to coat well. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese. Serves 6

Tilapia With Savory Herb Butter ¼ cup butter, softened ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon ground mustard 1 pound tilapia fillets ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Heat oven to 400 F. Mix butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and ground mustard in a medium bowl until well blended. Place fish in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the herb butter mixture over the fish. Bake 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serves 4

All recipes and photos courtesy of McCormick. F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Sharing Our Tears What would our world be without tears? Recently, when my wife dropped me off at the airport and we kissed goodbye, our eyes filled with tears. It struck me—more deeply than ever as I watched her drive away—how blessed I was to have someone care enough to cry when I left. On the plane, I thought about that parting scene. I would not have been offended or felt our privacy intruded upon if someone had noticed our public, tearful separation and photographed our embrace. If anything, I would have felt honored. But then, that’s me— someone who believes in the power and beauty of capturing and sharing real, unrehearsed moments. Not everyone sees the world or photography as I do. I realize photographing others candidly can be controversial. With the advent of the Internet—which allows us to share images with lightning speed—documenting real life is even more challenging. Still, there is something beautiful in sharing our candid emotions.

Tears flowed from this Russian woman’s eyes while visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. She spoke enough English to talk with me about her feelings, and was not offended that I had photographed her. Photo by David LaBelle

I am not advocating crowding into a person’s personal space and shoving a lens in their face during painful, emotional times. Such behavior is insensitive and disrespectful. We should never want to cause greater pain or become a distraction or a spectacle during another’s grief. However, I do believe in quietly and respectfully documenting the emotions we exhibit publicly. Photographing raw human emotion is not for the faint of heart. Shooting pictures of people crying—during times of joy or grief—requires

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.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

sensitivity and a conviction that making pictures of others’ tears is moral and valuable. It is essential that you know your intentions—your motives for photographing— and feeling at peace with why you are photographing. When I photograph emotional scenes, I try to move slowly, carefully and respectfully. I make eye contact, allowing others to read my heart and my intentions while I inch closer. Sometimes I ask permission before or while photographing, but I do so with my eyes and never with my lips. Like animals in the wild, people will let me know if I get too close or if they want me to leave. Often, there are individual and cultural differences to navigate. What is socially acceptable in one house or even one country may be considered offensive in another. It’s a mistake to assume

others hold the same values or embrace the same liberties as you do. It is equally unwise to assume another human feels intruded upon if photographed showing emotion. I believe tears are gifts from God and treasures to be celebrated. I need them to flush my pain, cleanse my soul and refresh my spirit. When I see pictures of my fellow brothers and sisters weeping, it cuts my heart and I feel a personal connection. Unfortunately, in America we have been conditioned to believe we are to be photographed only when we win. It seems athletes and actors are taught early to hide from real, honest emotion when it does not serve their image or brand. Being able to cry with those who cry with or without a camera is a great gift. I cannot imagine a world without tears. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Romantic Escapes Ready for some romance? February is the perfect time for a couples’ getaway to one of Florida’s bed and breakfasts in quaint towns from the Panhandle to the Keys. Leave the kids and pets with someone else this month for some quality couples’ time. The Garden House Nestled among the tropical landscape at 329 Elizabeth St. in Key West, The Garden House feels like taking a trip to the tropics. A few blocks from the bustle of Mallory Square and Duval Street, it pampers its guests with a lush courtyard with a heated swimming pool, complete with a waterfall. Choose from rooms in the main house or poolside sleeping rooms with private baths. The staff at the sweet yellow house offers continental breakfasts; enjoy lunch and dinner at the island’s many eateries, from casual to whitetablecloth. www.the-garden-house.com (800) 797-8787

Seven Sisters Bed & Breakfast Inn Calling itself “a most enchanting Florida bed and breakfast,” Seven Sisters showcases period

Visitors to the 1872 John Denham House enjoy a candlelit breakfast. Small touches make a romantic difference.

antiques complementing its 1890s construction as the private home of Charles and Emma Rheinauer. Guests to the inn at 828 East Fort King St. in Ocala’s historic district partake in lavish Southern Victorian threecourse breakfasts. On special weekends, Seven Sisters hosts murder mystery dinners, but save that for another time, because for February, we are talking romance. www.sevensistersinn.org (352) 433-0700

1872 John Denham House The elegance and charm of the late 1800s is captured at the Panhandle’s historic home at 555 W. Palmer Mill Road in Monticello, fewer than 20 miles from Tallahassee. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers five sleeping

Florida native Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who specializes in travel, gardening, personality profiles and feature writing. The avid traveler also is a photographer and accomplished sailor. Her website is www.pamelakeene.com.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

rooms, each with a fireplace and private bath. The 13-room Italianate home and restored historic gardens create a private paradise for couples. Innkeeper and owner Patricia Inmon serves locally sourced gourmet breakfasts from original recipes. www.johndenhamhouse.com (850) 997-4568

February Travel Tips You don’t have to spend a month’s pay to rekindle the romance, experience fine dining or find a cozy corner to share time with your significant other. Consider these tips: • Make a plan, but stay flexible. For instance, reserve lodging and dinner one night at a fancy restaurant, but talk with innkeepers once you arrive for local suggestions, seeking something you cannot get at home. Maybe it is a lunch counter in a drug store. • Bring your picnic basket, cooler and blanket from home to enjoy the countryside, or create your own room-service meal from local produce

stands or markets. • You want pampering at a spa or shopping, and he wants to go fishing? Easy. Schedule the spa treatment or shopping excursion at the same time as his afternoon fishing trip. A little alone time can be a good thing, even on a romantic getaway. Share your adventures over dinner. • Many restaurants serve the same menu at lunch and dinner, but lunch portions may be smaller and less costly. You still will eat “fancy,” but will save when the bill arrives. • Split an appetizer and dessert and choose your own individual entrees to share. Seek out foods you would not have at home, such as international cuisine, gourmet preparation of a standard like beef, fish or chicken, and maybe a house specialty. • For the comfort of home, take your own pillows. n Florida’s smaller towns offer romantic options for couples, no matter their age. For more information about the state’s nearly 200 bed and breakfast inns, visit www.bedandbreakfast.com/ florida or www.florida-inns.com.

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Submit Your Events February 2, 7, 9, 16, 23, Pensacola Breakfast and Behind the Scenes Enjoy an $8 a person Chik-fil-a breakfast and free tours of aircraft restoration at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Doors open at 8 a.m. www.navalaviationmuseum.org; (850) 452-3604

February 5-6, Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival Enjoy parades, floats, fireworks and festivities in a family-friendly environment at Pier Park. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

February 5-7, Key West Civil War Heritage Days Civil War re-enactments and cannon fire greet visitors at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. www.floridastateparks.org; (305) 292-6850

February 6, Tavernier 5th annual Winterfest The festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, MM 90, features a yard sale, jewelry and art, gift certificates and donated merchandise. Enjoy live music, food and beverages, activities for the kids and a doggie spa. Free admission and parking at Coral Shores High School. www.coralisles.org: (305) 852-5813

February 6, Layton Layton Garden Club’s Annual Flea Market Start with a $5 pancake breakfast, then shop for new and used local treasures, baked goods, arts, crafts, jewelry, fishing and boating items. The sale is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MM 68.5. Proceeds benefit Keys-based charities. (305) 849-0149 or (305) 664-2064

February 6-7, Lake Placid Country Fair About 130 crafters, local organizations and entertainers gather at DeVane Circle, and exhibits are set up at the elementary school. Park free at the elementary and high schools. (863) 465-3963, carolray213@yahoo.com

February 6-7, Marathon 22nd annual Pigeon Key Art Festival Artists and craftspeople exhibit their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, MM 49. Marine artist Wyland will create ink paintings auctioned as part of a fundraiser. www.pigeonkeyartfestival.com

February 7, Pensacola Air Force Band of the West The 45-member ensemble performs music from

Want to share a family-friendly event? Please send details to info@florida currents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting your event, attach it along with photo credit information. the Renaissance through the present day, from symphonic band literature to Broadway musicals, and from Sousa marches to today’s popular hits at 2 p.m. at the National Naval Aviation Museum. www.navalaviationmuseum.org; (850) 452-3806

February 8-14, Big Pine Key 32nd annual Winter Star Party Some 600 astronomers from around the world gather to view southern constellations, comets and stars in the clear night skies. Lectures, programs and workshops round out the event. www.scas.org; (352) 213-6308

February 10, Panama City Beach Bay County Audubon Bird Walk Enjoy a leisurely guided walk around the trails of Conservation Park from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

February 12-20, Sebring Highlands County Fair Livestock displays, food vendors, carnival rides, exhibits, contests, a chainsaw carving show, master hypnotist show and the Miss, Junior Miss and Little Miss Highlands County Pageants are among the features. www.hcfair.net; (863) 382-2255

February 12-20, Clewiston Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show A youth livestock program, pageant, exhibits, parade and midway rides are part of the fun. www.hendrycountyfair.com

Photo by Frank Hawkins, Hibiscus Marketing

Florida Bay Forever: A Photographic Exhibit Through February 28, Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada features a display of more than 40 images that explore the relationships linking the state’s bodies of water and the inextricable link of Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, Florida Bay and the Florida Reef. The display is inspired by the coffee table book “Florida Bay Forever” by Dan Burkhardt, above. The exhibit also includes Everglades-related editorial cartoons from the private collection of conservationist Mary Barley. The center, at MM 82, is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit www.keysdiscovery.com or call (305) 922-2237.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

February 13, Pensacola Double Bridge Run Runners in the 15K course start at 7 a.m. and cross Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. Runners and walkers in the 5K start at 8:30 a.m. and travel from Gulf Breeze to Gulf Islands Seashore. www.pensacolasports.org; (850) 434-2800

February 13, Sebring 59th annual Coin Show The Ridge Coin Club of Sebring, is holding its 59th annual event. Dealer setup begins at 7:30 a.m. More than 25 dealers from across the state, coins from around the world, a paper money dealer and a stamp dealer are featured at the Ridge Coin Club show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks

The Battle of Okeechobee Join the Okeechobee Battlefield Friends on Saturday, February 27, and Sunday, February 28, for the commemoration of the largest and fiercest battle in the Seminole Wars fought on Christmas Day 1837. Battle re-enactments are at 2 p.m. both days at Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. The fun-filled family day includes presentation of the colors, Seminole and other exhibitors, battle narration, powwow dancing, living history, artisans, an alligator demonstration, children’s horse rides and 1800s Irish folk music. Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per car. For more information, visit www.okeechobeebattlefield.com. Lodge. An area will be set up for children to work on Lincoln cent folders,and a Hobo nickel carver will give demonstrations. Autographed baseball memorabilia will be for sale. (863) 382-8958

February 13, Sebring 33rd annual Roaring 20s Arts and Crafts Festival Costumes are encouraged as nearly 80 craft, art and food vendors gather to the sounds of Big Band music at the downtown circle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.visithighlandscounty.com; (863) 381-6467

February 18, Islamorada For Sale: American Paradise Keys History & Discovery Center presents author Willie Drye, who tells how Florida became entwined with Americans’ 20th-century hopes, dreams and expectations, and how it was the site of mass delusion, real estate collapses and catastrophic hurricanes—told through the experiences of William Jennings Bryan and Edwin Menninger. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the presentation at 6 p.m. and book signing to follow. The cost for non-members is $25. Call or email to make reservations. (305) 922-2237; info@keysdiscovery.com

February 20, Molino Beekeepers Workshop Renowned author Clarence Collison, professor emeritus at Mississippi State University, delivers the keynote address at the annual workshop hosted by the North Escambia Beekeepers Association at the Molino Community Complex, 6450 Hwy. 95-A. A separate program is offered for beginning and prospective beekeepers. Advance registration is required. Seating is limited. www.northescambiabees.com; Mike Weber, (850) 327-6774

February 24, Islamorada How One Movie Hooked Jimmy Buffet Hear conservationist and editor Dan Burkhardt tell the story of how the movie “Winds Across the Everglades” led iconic singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet to share the magic of the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m. at the Keys History and Discovery Center. The cost for non-members is $25. Call or email to make reservations. (305) 922-2237; info@keysdiscovery.com

February 24-27, Fort Meade 24th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show Watch tractor pulls, antique car and tractor parades and see a Model T put together during

the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club’s event at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road. Spectator admission is $7. www.floridaflywheelers.com; (863) 285-9121

February 27, Key Largo 36th annual Garden Walk 2016 This tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Francis Tracy Garden Center, MM 94 bayside, showcases private garden properties in the Upper Keys and includes a private garden tea party with live music, artisans, plant sales, original art, refreshments and more. Tickets are $25. www.gardenclubupperkeys.org

February 27, Islamorada Pops in the Park “Love is in the Air” is the theme of the free offering by the Florida Keys Community Concert Band at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, MM87. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; (305) 451-4530

February 27-28, LaBelle 50th annual Swamp Cabbage Festival A parade, car show, rodeo, 5K and fishing tournament are among the event highlights. www.swampcabbagefestival.org

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Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Safety First on Country Backroads One of my favorite childhood memories is of my brothers and I exploring the backroads around our rural home on our bikes and on foot. However, it didn’t take long for us to learn that hiking and biking country roads—where shoulders are rocky and narrow, and bike lanes are rare or nonexistent—requires an extra level of vigilance. In addition to the usual safety preparations—such as checking your equipment to ensure it is road ready—here are some other tips to make your country outings safer. • Be watchful. Country roads are often the first to show wear and tear, and the last to be repaired. Be on alert for potholes, gravel, broken glass and the occasional aggressive dog. • Increase your vision. If you don’t already use one, buy a lightweight mirror that attaches to your hat, helmet or handlebars so you can see

Biking or hiking where vehicle traffic may be present requires extra caution and attention to safety. Be aware of your surroundings, increase your vision and strive to be seen. Photo by Kevin M. Walsh

deep-diving crankbaits and a few shallowerrunning lures for when conditions begin to fluctuate and transition to warmer, springtime temperatures.

vehicles approaching from behind you. • Strive to be seen. Avoid wearing colors that blend in with your surroundings. Opt for bright colors. Better yet, invest in a high-visibility vest or jacket. If your trip takes you into early morning, evening or other low-light conditions, make sure you have lights of some kind in front and back to increase your visibility to drivers.

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 having the opportunity to write about the outdoors and other subjects for more than 30 years.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

What Day is It? February 5: National Weatherman’s Day February 22: Walking the Dog Day February 25: Pistol Patent Day Don’t Hit the Water Without Them Most bass anglers know crankbaits are good, allaround lures. But they can be especially effective during the pre-spawn, when fish are scarce, but prospects of catching the big ones are best. Bass settle deeper and are less active during prespawn, due to cold water temperatures. To adapt to these conditions, keep your tackle box stocked with

Helpful Hints for Hydration Bladders • Use a mild flavor enhancer—such as Nuun tablets or Minute Made drops—to mask the plasticlike taste of some bladders. • Always carry the bladder in a protected area within the backpack to guard against punctures. • Invest in a cleaning kit. Most come with a brush, drying hanger, and cleaning tablets or solutions. • When not in use, detach the hose and mouthpiece, and store them and the open bladder in a dry, dust-free place. 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. 

View outages in real time at http://outage.preco.coop

What to look for when shopping for rooftop PV By TJ Kirk

F I R S T, if you are installing solar panels to reduce the amount of your utility bills, be sure to look into energy efficiency upgrades first. While not as flashy or popular as solar, upgrades such as attic insulation, weather stripping and replacing old appliances with newer Energy Star units are often more cost-effective than installing solar panels. Completing upgrades like this first can also help to reduce the size of the PV system you need.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) market has never been more exciting. Over the last 10 years, prices for PV arrays have fallen spectacularly, and more people are considering installing solar on their roof. When shopping for rooftop PV, there are several important factors to consider.

S E CO N D, make sure solar makes sense for your roof. Is your roof shaded by nearby trees or buildings? Is it slanted north? Are you planning to replace the roof soon? If you answered “yes” to any of these, rooftop solar may not be the best option at this time. It’s also important to understand that the same solar panel doesn’t produce the same amount of electricity everywhere. Solar works best in locations with long, sunny, cloudless days in cooler temperatures. To find out how much energy your solar array could produce, use an online calculator, such as PVWatts by NREL. T H I R D, understand the implications and limitations of solar. Many people believe that if they have solar panels on their roof and the power goes out, they’ll still have power as long as the sun is shining. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. If you’re still connected to the grid and don’t have a battery

w w w.preco.coo p

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back-up system, you’ll be out of power with your neighbors. Due to safety concerns, solar panels connected to the distribution grid cannot be energized when the grid is down. Rooftop solar may also have liability implications, so be sure to have a lawyer read through the contract before any equipment is installed on your roof. Some salespeople will guarantee a certain savings or return on investment. Be sure to check their assumptions. If a solar company promises to save you money, but their analysis relies on utility rates escalating by 5 percent annually for 20 years, you may want to run the numbers under different scenarios. A solar PV system isn’t one-size-fits-all and isn’t right for everyone. To learn more, visit our website, www.preco.coop, for PV information and frequently asked questions. The solar marketplace is booming, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the different choices and offerings. Think carefully before purchasing a system, and remember these considerations. Thomas Kirk is a technical research analyst specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

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1/12/16 12:15 PM

James Dulley

Cut Your Utility Bills

Efficient Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Room air flows through a wet wick inside this evaporative humidifier to add moisture to the air. Photo courtesty of Kaz

Periodically clean off the collection unit to improve the efficiency of an electronic room air cleaner. Photo by James Dulley

FE B RUARY 2016

Q: What are some efficient methods to improve indoor air quality during winter when doors and windows are closed? A: If your family is used to having fresh air in the house, winter months can be a challenge. People often think the filter on their heat pump will take care of indoor air quality. It does help remove particles from the air, but only the ones that stay suspended. Central heating systems with efficient variable-speed blowers, which run slower and longer, will improve air quality. Particles in the air are only one aspect of good air quality. The humidity level and other odorous and unhealthy chemicals also play a role. Even though not all particles make it to the heat pump filter, you could try installing a highquality pleated media filter. It will cost more than the 99-cent fiberglass one, but it is much more effective. Room-size electronic air cleaners are effective for removing tiny particles that pop up when you plop down in a chair. They do not use much electricity and are quiet. Although it sounds counterintuitive, vacuum cleaning often creates much smaller particle concentrations. If it smells like you just vacuumed when you are done, it is likely fine particles are leaking out of the vacuum cleaner. Think about installing a central vacuum, which vents outdoors, or buying a new portable vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust filter. Keeping indoor air properly humidified allows you to set your heat pump thermostat a few degrees lower and still be comfortable. A heat pump-mounted central humidifier works well during cold weather, but may not run long enough to adequately humidify the air during milder weather. Using several room humidifiers is effective. The ultrasonic and evaporative types are energy efficient.

Keep in mind there is not one ideal humidity level for every home. Typically, 30 to 50 percent relative humidity provides comfort and healthy indoor air. To avoid window condensation in cold climates, it will likely have to be set lower as the outdoor temperature drops. During winter, the best way to reduce indoor chemical pollutants in the air is to use less of them. Try natural cleaners that are vinegar- and citrus-based, and reduce aerosol use. Bringing fresh air into the house is necessary, and not always inefficient. Since the heat content of air is not high, opening several windows on a windy day can exhaust much of the stale, chemical-laden air. It only takes a couple of minutes to freshen the air. Another option is to have your HVAC contractor install a damper in the return duct. The damper is ducted through a filter and leads to the outside of your home. When running the bathroom fan or range hood, the negative pressure created will draw fresh air indoors. When there is no negative pressure, the damper stays closed. The most efficient method to bring in filtered fresh air is a heat recovery ventilation system. The outgoing stale air transfers most of its heat—up to 80 percent—to the incoming cold fresh air, and vice versa during summer. Most models have their own duct system. Window models—similar to a window air conditioner—are effective for a single room, and can be controlled by a timer or a humidity sensor. If you have easy access to your attic, push away the attic floor insulation over the return air duct passages. Interior wall stud cavities are usually used for return air. If the attic floor sheathing is not sealed well over them, dirt from the attic can be sucked into the return ducts and energy will be wasted. Remember to seal any gaps with caulking and replace the insulation. n

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F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Member Agreements Allow PRECO Access to Meters and Property AT PRECO, DELIVERING SAFE AND RELIABLE POWER IS A TOP PRIORITY, SO WE WORK HARD TO MAINTAIN OUR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. PRECO HAS APPROXIMATELY 3,500 MILES OF POWER LINES ACROSS 10 COUNTIES. THAT’S A LOT OF WIRE, POLES, TRANSFORMERS, FUSES AND EQUIPMENT WHICH MUST BE REGULARLY INSPECTED AND MAINTAINED. PRECO employees and contractors work daily throughout our service territory, including on the rights-of-way and easements, and across your private property and driveways. Our work to ensure reliable power for you and your neighbors means we must enter your property at times. Every effort is made to avoid damage and unnecessary intrusion.

You may see us: n

Making routine repairs

Replacing meters

Repairing power outages

Trimming trees and clearing vegetation Locating buried lines for construction and digging projects Inspecting, maintaining and upgrading lines, power poles, transformer boxes and equipment

When applying for service, every member of PRECO signs a MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE APPLICATION. As a condition of membership, the application states: “The applicant consents that the Cooperative by its agent, employee, or representative shall at all reasonable times have the right to ingress or egress to and from the premises described for the purpose of reading, installation, removal, or repair of any meter or related service equipment and for such other purposes as necessary for the maintenance of the electric service.”

P R O T E C T I N G

O U R

This means that PRECO has a legal right to access its equipment for the purposes of effectively and efficiently furnishing electric service. By signing the application, you acknowledge PRECO’s legal rights and agree to comply with this condition of membership. If you have concerns about our work on your property, contact PRECO at 1-800-282-3824. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to serve you better.

E M P L O Y E E S

PRECO will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who jeopardizes the safety of a PRECO employee in their job performance, including hindering an employee from accessing meters or other cooperative-owned equipment. Employees go through extensive training to work in and around electricity in a safe manner. Members who impede the access of PRECO employees to lines and equipment threaten that safety.

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

1/12/16 12:16 PM

By Tom Tate

It seems like everything is “smart” these days; cars, the grid, watches, houses, phones and ...appliances. When I hear the term “smart appliance,” the Jetsons – with their fully automated home – immediately come to mind. Dinner was cooked, laundry done and dishes washed by a smart machine. In reality, smart appliances utilize modern communications technology to make functions faster, cheaper and more energy efficient. The annual Consumer Electronics Show features more smart appliances every year. Refrigerators, stoves and ovens, freezers, washers and dryers, garage door openers, dishwashers, water heaters – the wave is coming. Even though today’s smart appliances can give many of us sticker shock, experts predict these new technologies will deliver major benefits in energy efficiency, convenience and maintenance. So what makes today’s smart appliances stand out from others? From the smart screen on your dazzling new refrigerator, you can check the weather while grabbing your orange juice. You can even browse the Internet for recipes – all on the conveniently placed touchscreen. Remotely monitor your oven to turn it on and adjust temperatures. Running late from work and need to get the kids somewhere? Stop for a frozen pizza on the way home, and preheat the oven so you can pop it in upon arrival. That’s pretty neat. And of course, the panic moment while winging off on vacation of, “Did I leave the oven on” will be a thing of the past. Got a load of clothes in the washer you forgot to start? Log in and start the cycle from the golf course. How about this one? Wificonnected appliances with clocks will reset themselves for Daylight Saving Time! One less digital device to tinker with twice a year. GE introduces its first freestanding ranges with Wi-Fi capability that allows consumers to control their oven while away from home.

www.preco.coop

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Eventually, I see smart appliances becoming extremely useful to the average homeowner. A refrigerator that reads the bar codes of what you put in and tracks consumption could recommend a shopping list if it noticed something getting low or out of date. No more cracking open the milk to sniff for freshness. I can go for that! Maintenance is an area of huge potential. Let’s say one of your smart appliances is feeling sickly. One day it may call the manufacturer and get a diagnosis. You won’t have to wait at home for a technician who may or may not find the problem – or have the right parts. With your permission, the tech can show up to your home with everything needed to make the repair. How convenient that will be! Finally, smart appliances present a greater opportunity to manage and control your energy use more efficiently. Sure, the Jetsons’ flying car is a long way off – but not their appliances. Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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B E E N E R G Y S M A R T W I T H H E L P F R O M P E AC E R I V E R E L E C T R I C CO O P E R AT I V E

Smart appliances offer convenience, but have a ways to go

1/12/16 12:16 PM

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Do You Collect? Some people collect stamps or coins. Others collect comic books or Beanie Babies. Gas pumps, anyone? How about old tractors? We want to know what you collect. Florida Currents is planning a story about collectors—and you could be a part of it. Send us a high-resolution (1,000KB or larger) photo of you with your caboodle. Please make sure you are pictured in the photo with your items. We know there is a Some people collect teacups as mementos of their travels. good story, so tell us about your collection, what you have accu- Photo by Mike Teegarden mulated, your favorite treasures and why you collect. If we use your submission, we will pay you $25. Both a photo Submissions also can be made via regular mail: Florida and story are required. Currents, Collectors, 5605 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Don’t miss this opportunity to share the story of your prized possessions. Send in your contribution today! We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for Email your photo and information to info@floridacurrents. T:7” one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB com, putting “Collectors” in the subject line. Include your file size), along with the story behind the photo and your name and mailing name, postal address and the name of your electric cooperative. address (for payment) to photos@floridacurrents.com.

T:4.875”

Kids will spend 8 minutes decorating their little brother. How about two minutes to brush their teeth? Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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Your Vote Counts at District Meeting

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

210 Metheny Road Wauchula, Florida 33873 Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F Telephone: 1-800-282-3824 FAX: 866-201-1814

As a member-owner of Peace River Electric Cooperative, your vote counts at your local District Meeting.

MANATEE SERVICE CENTER

14505 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F Telephone: 1-800-282-3824 Fax: 941-752-4928 INDIAN LAKE ESTATES

17363 County Road 630 Lake Wales, Florida 33898 For your convenience, a payment drop box is located at the front gate. Payments will be posted on the next business day.

PRECOâ€™s service territory consists of nine districts, across 10 central Florida counties. The members of each district are represented by a democratically elected director who serves a three-year term. Annually, the terms of three directors expire and must be filled by a vote of the members from their respective districts. Where does this vital voting process take place? Only at your appointed District Meeting. Electric cooperatives, unlike stockholder-owned utilities, are self-governed through a Board of Directors, chosen by the members. District Meetings provide members with an opportunity to vote for the director of their choice; but you must attend in order to cast your vote.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Martin

Here is a list of more great reasons you should attend your District Meeting.

PRESIDENT

Hollis Albritton VICE PRESIDENT

Sam Rawls

S E C R E TA RY/ T R E A S U R E R

Maurice Henderson

A S S T. S E C R E TA RY/ T R E A S U R E R

Ellen Bachman DIRECTOR

Leonard Crawley DIRECTOR

Willie Dawes

Current co-op news and information is discussed

A member question-and-answer session is held

Door prize drawings

Light refreshments are served

Spend time with friends, neighbors and fellow members in a relaxed atmosphere

DIRECTOR

Chris Portale

Randy Shaw

Bruce Vickers

PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE Any PRECO member may attend a Board Meeting. Due to building security requirements and for us to facilitate attendance, members wishing to attend a Board Meeting should contact the Cooperative in a timely manner for logistical information regarding the meeting. UPCOMING BOARD MEETING DATES February 23, 2016 March 22, 2016 April 26, 2016

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As a member of Peace River Electric, District Meetings ensure that your best interests are represented in the direction and leadership of your electric cooperative. District Meetings will be held this month at the locations listed below. Check voting dates and times for your district:

General Manager & CEO

District 3

Feb. 9

Polls open at 6:00 pm Kenansville Community Center

District 6

Feb. 11 Polls open at 4:30 pm Woodland Community Church, Bradenton

District 9

Feb. 8

Polls open at 6:00 pm Athens Baptist Church, Bereah

Members of these districts will receive a letter informing them of the meetings in advance. I hope to see you soon at your District Meeting. For more District Meeting information, see page 4.

If you are a member of District 3, 6 or 9, please save the date. I hope to see you there.

1/12/16 12:17 PM