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Peace River Electric Cooperative

M A R C H 2017

It’s Annual Meeting Time! Members and their families are invited to PRECO’s Annual Meeting Saturday, March 25. Lots of fun activities are offered for the kids. Here, Jasmine takes the climbing wall challenge at last year’s meeting. See page 4 for details.

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Members acknowledge that $4.08, 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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Change Your Clocks; Change Your Batteries The second Sunday in March triggers daylight saving time, when we set our clocks one hour later. It is also the best day to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors—even if the batteries are not dead. If you do not have smoke alarms and CO detectors, your family is at risk. The alarms loudly warn you if smoke or gas is present in your home so you can get out. Carbon monoxide is a clear, Take the time this month to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon odorless gas that is deadly, but monoxide detectors. hard to detect. If you don’t have an alarm, it is unlikely • Choose properly sized wood stoves with you will know if your home has a CO leak. tight-fitting doors certified to meet EPA emisCarbon monoxide does not come just from sion standards. cars. Your gas furnace or stove is a potential • Open flues when wood-burning firesource. The U.S. Environmental Protection places are in use. Agency offers these tips for poison prevention: • Have a trained professional inspect, clean • Properly adjust gas appliances. and tuneup your central heating system— • Use electric, not gas, space heaters. including furnaces, flues and chimneys—annu• Install an exhaust fan, vented to the out- ally. Repair leaks promptly. doors, above a gas stove. • Do not idle your car inside the garage. n

Inside

March 2017 Vol. 6, No. 5

Oh, Deer! What’s Eating You? 12

Implement three strategies to keep interlopers from feasting on your foliage. 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, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

MARCH 2017

PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Annual Membership Meeting PRECO Members are invited to join us on

Saturday, March 25, 2017 AT PRECO PARK, 220 KNIGHT ROAD, WAUCHULA, FL

10:00 a.m. Registration opens 1:00 p.m. Business Meeting Door prizes awarded after the business meeting!

Come celebrat’se PRECO 77th ! birthday

FREE FOOD / GAMES & PRIZES / FACE PAINTING / KID’S ACTIVITIES EXHIBITS / DOOR PRIZES Hotdogs n Soft Drinks n Ice Cream n n Fries n Kettle Corn n Boiled Peanuts n Snow Cones n Fried Donuts n Popcorn n n Funnel Cakes n Cotton Candy n n Live Music n Kids play area n n Informational & educational booths n n Great door prize drawings for registered PRECO members n

BRING YOUR PHOTO ID TO REGISTER! No Smoking. No Pets. Please be advised that photos will be taken at this event for publications/social media.

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

2/10/17 10:45 AM

Customer Care

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800-282-3824

M A R C H 2 017 5

2/10/17 10:46 AM

PO Box 1310 210 Metheny Road 873 Wauchula, Florida 33 1.800.282.3824

7 MARCH 1, 201 E C I T OFFICIAL NO Dear Member:

e ative Inc. will take plac River Electric Cooper PRECO Park, 220 Knight e ac Pe of g tin ee M bership ucted at The 77th Annual Mem 17, at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be cond 20 , 25 h arc M Florida. Saturday, s north of Wauchula, Road, located 1.5 mile the Cooperative. nt day of the year for rta po im t os m e th is ip Meeting The Annual Membersh t: en At this yearâ€™s ev lly seated, Directors will be officia l The Board of ports, and, esent their annual re pr ll wi rs cto re Di d an Officers l Cooperative membership. be considered by the ll wi s es sin bu te ria prop l Any other ap mediate members and their im n of d re te gis re to le ab nclusio be avail d entertainment will s at 1:00 pm. At the co Food, refreshments an until the business meeting officially open ing to registered ticket holders. aw families from 10:00 amdoor prizes will be awarded by random dr g, tin ee m s the busines n: arrival, For efficient registratio ter immediately upon bership, r of record must regis r verification of mem fo , l The membe se en lic râ€™s ive dr a , such as of photo identification letterhead. l Furnish a form orization on company th au en itt wr ing br for a business, l If registering business of your us in conducting the n joi ll wi u yo pe ho 1:00 pm. We sincerely Registration closes at Cooperative. ry Chris Portale, Secreta

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

2/10/17 10:48 AM

SmartHub: Access Your Electric Account 24/7 WHAT IS SMARTHUB? SmartHub provides convenient account access and two-way communication to your PRECO electric account via the internet, smartphone or tablet.

WHAT DOES SMARTHUB PROVIDE? With SmartHub you can manage your payments, notify PRECO of account and service issues, monitor your usage, review your account history, receive bill reminders, report an outage, receive alerts from PRECO and more.

IS SMARTHUB SECURE ON MY PC AND MOBILE DEVICE? Yes. Both the app and the web version give you secure access to your electric account, and all critical information is encrypted. No personal information is stored on your mobile device. However, if you store your login information on your mobile device, anyone with access to your mobile device can access your account.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH SMARTHUB? Through SmartHub, you may pay your electric bill via your checking or savings account, credit card, debit card and Pay Now (a one-time, no registration alternative).

CAN I PAY MY BILL AUTOMATICALLY WITH SMARTHUB? Yes. Automatic payment is available through your checking/savings account or debit/credit card. Sign up for Auto Pay through SmartHub on the web or the mobile app.

IS PAPERLESS BILLING AVAILABLE? Yes. Simply sign up through SmartHub. Go “green” by receiving an email or text message (or both) when your bill is ready. You can download the actual bill any time for viewing or printing.

HOW DO I ACCESS SMARTHUB? SmartHub is accessible on our website at www.preco.coop or by downloading the SmartHub app on your Android or iOS device.

Use window coverings, like blinds, shades or films to reduce heat gain in your home.

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M A R C H 2 017 7

2/10/17 10:49 AM

O P E R AT I O N R O U N D U P : P R E C O ’ S C H A R I TA B L E F O U N D AT I O N

Operation Round Up Recipient Expresses Gratitude OPERATION ROUND UP’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECENTLY GRANTED $5,800 TO PROVIDE A NEW AIR CONDITIONER (DEEMED MEDICALLY NECESSARY) AND REPAIR A LEAKY ROOF. THE RECIPIENT WROTE A LETTER TO SHARE HER DEEP APPRECIATION. EVERY MEMBER WHO ALLOWS PRECO TO ROUND UP THEIR MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL HAS A PART IN THIS SUCCESS STORY.

d: Dear Operation Round Up Boar

ch home a new start just how mu my e giv to ed vot o wh ors ect dir rd of you in a way that This letter is to inform the boa I had a new way to say thank h wis I ch. mu so ed iat rec app it means to me. You are . your kindness has meant to me would really express how much a, t home in Bowling Green, Florid des mo a n ow to se cho I ent tlem tax payers. When I received my divorce set the state of Florida and all of the m fro out d han a ing tak of d tea ins nk that my ded so much work I did not thi nee d an it d ase rch pu I en ors wh The home was a near disaster es leaked to the point that the flo sid e Th us. of ad ahe k tas the til I plish friends and I would ever accom replaced as well. I lived with plywood floors for over a year un be to had lls were rotted and the wa ng installed. could manage to get some floori d repair and the air es and sealed that it was beyon tim ny ma so me by d che pat n even the work that I was doing. g The roof had bee nin mi der un s wa t tha it of matter out conditioner leaked some corrosive intenance. keep up with the everyday ma to ded nee be to d me see ny Every pen t be able to live on my own withou l wil I t tha t an me has me d e an home. Your generosity towards my hom teful for many years to come as I enjoy being in my own gra s be l ng wil thi I e going into public housing. e extra funds to be used for som som for ow all l wil elf its er ion The efficiency of the air condit proved. that I never thought could be im en up on dead ends that I had all but giv the ny ma so to e cam d an p hel get to I had tried everywhere to erosity means more to me and gen ’ ers mb me ur Yo . ger lon y y such a privilege and I feel so ver my owning my own home an is p shi ner ow me Ho . ine ag l im even but it keeps me dry, warm, coo cy other recipients than they can fan ing yth an t no is It . ple er of peo for grateful to be among that numb ly dangers that could have been my future had it not been rld wo of ts and protected from all sor PRECO’S program. their e in the everyday running of tak der un to ies pan com er oth many off their minds It would be a great practice for ld finally get that great worry cou ple peo er oth ny ma how ine I have been given. business. I can only imag more peaceful setting such as a in life h wit on ry car to e and be abl Respectfully, JLH

MARCH 2 017

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

2/10/17 10:49 AM

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Lipizzan Legend Lives On Following a family legacy, Gabby Herrmann makes her life mission to care for and show the regal horses By Nancy Jorgensen

Postcards From Florida

Key Largo

ri Porter

Photo by Lo

Some of the best attractions in the Keys are free, including magnificent sunsets. “It had been raining all day, and I was upstairs working when I saw the sun shining through my window, so I walked out on my balcony to this beautiful site,” says Lori Porter of Key Largo. 10

M A R C H 2 0 17

America fell in love with Lipizzan stallions—aristocratic performance horses rescued from Austria during World War II—thanks to a Disney movie, “Miracle of the White Stallions,” released in 1963. Marguerite Henry’s children’s book, “The White Stallion of Lipizza,” furthered their fame in 1964. But Gabby Herrmann, a descendant of a family that helped save the horses, has loved them her entire life. She continues to train and perform with them from her base in Myakka City, east of Sarasota. “Toward the end of the war, my father and grandfather rode at night and hid by day with a handful of the family’s horses, keeping these treasures alive,” says Gabby. “They covered the horses with mud so their white coats wouldn’t give them away.” At the same time, U.S. General George Patton initiated Operation Cowboy—a clandestine mission to smuggle Lipizzans from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Colonels Ottomar Herrmann and Ottomar Herrmann Jr. and other rescuers feared that hungry Russian soldiers might eat the Lipizzans as they advanced into Austria. They delivered the horses safely to sections of Germany held by the Allies. After the war, the Herrmanns transported them to the Caribbean. In 1962, they relocated to Sarasota, drawn by temperate weather and the opportunity to join circuses that winter in the area. Circus-goers raved at the stallions’ “airs above the ground”—classical dressage moves like the capriole, a leap with all four feet. Eventually, the Herrmanns took their own show on the road. Gabby’s grandfather and father have died, but Gabby carries on the tradition at Herrmann’s World of Lipizzan Stallions, where 16 stallions live on 200 acres of lush, year-round green pasture and live oak trees with a few mares to produce

enough colts to sustain the business. “Lipizzans have been part of my family for 300 years,” Gabby says. “These horses are people-oriented. They love attention and love to perform. They’re good boys, but they will test you. We always respect that they are stallions.” Only stallions perform, since mares and neutered males—called geldings— don’t have the same spirit and fire. Each summer, Gabby and her daughter, Rebecca McCoullough, tour the country with six other riders and 12 stallions. December through April, bleachers at the Florida farm’s outdoor arena fill for shows Thursday through Saturday. Lipizzans are late bloomers. Born with dark coats, the colts turn white at age 7, when their training begins. The stallions often live to the age of 40. The Herrmann barn is a vibrant place. Stallions whinny loudly to each other, but a stern word from Gabby quiets them. Signs in front of each stall list names such as Apollo, Magic and Duke. Daily duties for each stallion, including training and pasture time, are listed on a whiteboard. The royal Hapsburg family developed Lipizzans from Arab and Spanish horses in 16th century Europe, making the elite line available to generals and royalty. They designed the breed’s heavy bone structure and muscle mass for battle. When guns replaced swords and warhorses were no longer essential, their maneuvers became the foundation for dressage. Through the decades, the horses have been rescued from war-torn countries such as Croatia and Yugoslavia, but only about 3,000 registered Lipizzans exist today, with just half of them in America. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna leads the way in keeping Lipizzans and their graceful, athletic moves alive. Gabby’s lifestyle seems far removed from a Hapsburg palace.

A Race of Endurance On a Legendary Track

Gabby Herrmann trains Argento at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions near Myakka City.

“My friends can never understand why I clean stalls,” she says, “but that’s when you bond with the horses and the crew. It’s also good exercise.” Young apprentices who want to master dressage and become part of the show help her. Gabby’s husband, Jerry Caudill, runs concession stands. “Keeping this operation running is a financial challenge, but the horses are my passion,” Gabby says. “The big reward is the people’s faces in the audience. Our horses love an audience, and

The world’s leading sports car racing teams converge on Sebring International Raceway March 16-19 for the 65th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Drivers and teams from more than 20 countries compete in four classes. America’s oldest road racing track, Sebring International Raceway has more than six decades of storied history. The legendary circuit evolved from Hendricks Field—an airbase used to train B-17 bomber crews during World War II. Sebring burst onto the sports car racing scene and into the history books in 1952 with a 12-hour endurance race now second only to Le Mans in international prestige. Each year on the third Saturday of March, 3.74 miles of concrete and asphalt challenge the giants of sports car racing to one of the world’s most grueling endurance tests. n

the audience loves them.” Gabby dreams that the family business will continue. Rebecca works another job, but spends much of her free time training and performing. Rebecca’s daughter, Sydney, 7, already handles stallions. “We watch Sydney carefully, but working with the horses is already second nature to her,” Gabby says. n For information about Gabby Herrmann’s shows, search Facebook for Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions, visit www.hlipizzans.com or call (941) 322-1501.

Photos courtesy of Sebring International Raceway

MARCH 2017

Oh, Deer! What’s Eating You? Implement three primary strategies to keep those four-legged interlopers from feasting on your foliage By Pamela A. Keene

The succulent plants you so carefully tend in your garden are like an oasis in a desert—a feast for the eyes and stomach, waiting to be harvested at just the right time. Sometimes, though, the fruits of your labor are prematurely usurped by a garden intruder impressed by what it sees as a gourmet, all-you-can-eat buffet. “Deer are looking for the highestquality food, and our yards often offer the best smorgasbord,” says Dana Sanchez, a wildlife specialist for Oregon State University Extension Service. “When taking loving care of our plants—watering well and fertilizing— we’re producing a really superior plant compared to what’s in the natural environment. They are more tender and have more nutrition and water content.” How do you keep deer from feasting on what you want to enjoy? According to nationally recognized gardening expert Joe Lamp’l, creator and host of the award-winning PBS television series “Growing a Greener World,” there are three primary strategies: exclusion through physical barriers, repellents and

Identify Your Pests Do you know what is eating your plants, flowers, vegetables and shrubs? When it comes to mammals in your landscape, recognizing the signs can help you ferret out the culprit and take steps to minimize the damage. Here are telltale signs of specific critters. XX Deer. Look for hoof prints in soft soil, a pile of droppings about the size of large kidney beans and the type of chewing on foliage. Deer only have lower teeth in the front of their mouths, so they tear leaves at an angle that results in rough jagged or ragged leaves and stems on plants. XX Rabbits. With upper and lower teeth, rabbits leave behind clean cuts on leaves and stems. They also may leave piles of droppings that are pea-sized. XX Squirrels. Mainly interested in digging, squirrels are most likely to attempt to remove freshly planted flower bulbs. XX Voles. These subterranean herbivores make pathways across your yard in their quest for food. Classified as a rodent—they look like snub-tailed mice—voles typically eat roots and the base of plants. XX Moles. With their large front feet, these underground dwellers make entry holes in the ground that look like small volcanoes. They graze on earthworms and grubs as they make their way beneath the surface, pushing the ground above them upward and leaving visible trails. n

M A R C H 2 0 17

making appropriate plant choices. “There’s no foolproof method for keeping deer from eating your landscape if they’re hungry enough, but there are some ways to minimize the damage,” says Joe. “It takes persistence and a few tricks, but you can keep deer at bay.” Fence Them Out The most reliable way to address a deer issue is to create a physical barrier or a way to exclude deer from your landscape, Joe says. “Building a fence around your vegetable garden will do a great deal to reduce deer damage, but not just any fence will do,” he says. Joe suggests building a double threestrand fence, like those used for livestock protection. Mount plastic insulators on 36-inch wooden, fiberglass or metal stakes. Make two concentric circles around the area, 3 feet apart. String together the stakes in each circle with wire strands, placing the wire in the outside circle, 18 inches from the ground. Then put two strands on the inner stakes at 10 and 24 inches. “A deer’s depth perception is not good, so they will sense the presence of the two fences, but will be very unlikely to attempt to jump both,” says Michael Mengak, wildlife specialist professor at the University of Georgia. “You’ve created a visual and physical barrier against them without putting up an unsightly stockade-style fence. A deer may try to jump the fence, but it won’t be able to clear both circles. It will most likely jump back out than attempt to cross the inner fence’s 24-inch barrier.” Electricity—either through solar power or a battery-operated source—can be added, but Joe says that is not necessary in most cases. If a double fence is not practical from a space standpoint, he suggests building a standard fence from posts and chicken wire, woven field wire or welded mesh wire at least 8 feet tall. Make sure the

A young deer takes its pick of greens in a well-tended garden. Photo by Teddy Fisher

fencing is tight against the ground. Deer will not burrow, but they will look for an easy way to go under it. Individual plants or smaller plant groupings can be protected by draping them with lightweight netting. Loosely secure the netting around the base of the plant to prevent the deer from nibbling on the leaves. Carefully Consider Repellents Frustrated gardeners have resorted to a variety of techniques to try to deter Bambi and friends from foraging and grazing on prized roses, vegetables and hydrangeas: human hair, Irish Spring soap shavings, aluminum pie pans suspended on string, motion-activated lights and water sprinklers. Others have tried crushing garlic, concocting a mixture of fragrant herbs or spraying capsaicin oil onto plants to keep the deer away. “Some of these methods may work for the short term, but deer are creatures of habit and they’ll adjust to these attempts

to add a human scent to frighten them,” says Neil Soderstrom, author of “DeerResistant Landscaping: Proven Advice and Strategies for Outwitting Deer and 20 Other Pesky Mammals.” “We’ve heard of people using powdered baby formula, homemade concoctions that contain rosemary or other herbs, hot sauce, and even human or animal urine,” he says. Neil says commercially available repellents have a higher success rate, but the key is to alternate their use. “The odor will dissipate over time, so you must be diligent in applying them every 10 days or so, and after it rains,” he says. Recognized brands are Liquid Fence, Deer Away, Deer Out, Deer Stopper and Hinder. They are applied directly to leaves and the stem to create smells and tastes offensive to deer. Repellex offers two types of repellents: a liquid spray applied to the plants and leaves, and systemic tablets or granular forms put into the soil, then absorbed into

the plant, making it bitter to animals. The process takes several weeks, so it is important to use a spray on the foliage the first few weeks. Most box retailers and nurseries offer a choice of products in liquids, concentrates or powders. Completely read the labels, including cautions, before using to ensure the product is safe if used on fruits and vegetables. For an organic deer-repellent that is marketed as fertilizer, try Milorganite—a wastewater treatment byproduct that has been produced by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for more than 90 years. Milorganite is the result of recycling nutrients in the city’s wastewater by using microbes that are then kiln-dried, bagged and sold. The organic nitrogen-based slow-release fertilizer produces an odor offensive to deer. “I’ve seen it used as a fertilizer and deer repellent, and the deer don’t seem to browse in areas treated with Milorganite,” Joe says. “I find it to be very effective.” MARCH 2017

Pick Native Plants In the wild, plants develop defenses such as waxy leaves or prickles that make them more adapted to surviving grazing. Even when they do get nibbled, natives are more likely to survive than the succulent plants in our gardens. “We’re often selecting plants from other parts of the world that didn’t get to learn through evolution about the herbivores in our ecosystem,” says Dana. “They’re naïve. Even roses that have prickles don’t have them around the beautiful blossoms, which the deer just snap off. They easily take what they want.” Choosing the right kinds of plants— those deer typically do not like—can reduce the likelihood of free-range foraging in your landscape. “Native plants are among the best bets for your garden and landscape,” Joe says. “Native plants evolved at the same time as your area’s wildlife and developed their own resistance to deer feeding to survive.” Some plants are more appealing to hungry deer than others. Daylilies, hydrangeas, hosta, azaleas, rhododendron, roses, fruit trees, arborvitae and Leyland cypress are ready-made food sources. Garden experts recommend not planting these if you have a high-traffic deer area. Instead, look for plants and trees on the less-likely-to-be-eaten list, including

A fawn ignores pavement to feed on an especially delicious grassy lawn. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

boxwoods, hollies, ornamental grasses, hellebores/Lenten roses, ferns, butterfly bushes, cedar trees, redwoods and hemlocks. Consider planting them in the outer reaches of your landscape. “Deer are determined and persistent when it comes to filling their tummies,” Dana notes. Sometimes combining deer-desirable plants with those deer do not like can reduce the chance of having your colorful flower beds mowed to the ground. Mixing marigolds with pentas or lantana or Angelonia with impatiens tends to keep deer from grazing. Some gardeners intersperse pansies with spring onions to make deer work harder to sort out the plants they like to eat. “Use ‘decoy plants’ around your landscape to attract deer away from your

valued plants,” Joe says. “For instance, give up part of your property to deerfriendly plants in hopes that they will focus on this readily available food source. However, if the deer are hungry enough, they will eat anything, so no method is completely effective.” As creatures of habit, deer tend to feed in the same areas for generations— which can be problematic when invading their territory to create new neighborhoods, compromising their food and water sources. “The key is making sure we have a way to live with wildlife,” says Michael. “It may mean habitat modification, but it’s important to strike a balance between the needs of people and the needs of animals.” n Check your local county extension office website for plant recommendations specific to your area.

Take Your Garden Into the Digital Age With Helpful Apps From types of plants to sun and water requirements to knowing the ins and outs of common diseases and pests, keeping a simple garden alive and healthy can become an endless battle. Gardening apps are designed to help. At the click of a button on your smartphone or tablet, you can get advice on types of plants and vegetables to grow; track your garden’s progress; receive tips for pest and weed control; and get a to-do list for your crop, from germination to harvest. Following are free iPhone and Android apps with features even experienced gardeners can appreciate.  Garden Compass. Get advice from a network of botanical experts while building a virtual replica of your garden.  Garden Answers Plant Identification. Identify plants, pests and diseases.  Grow Your Own from the Royal

M A R C H 2 0 17

Horticultural Society. Know when to plant, and receive a to-do list for each crop.  Burpee Garden Time Planner. Keep track of multiple plots and check off to-do lists.  Leafsnap. Snap a picture of a leaf and the app identifies the tree type.  iScape. Use a digital model of your home’s front yard to place plants and see how it looks before planting.  Garden Compass Plant and Disease Identifier. Take a picture of your diseased or pest-ridden plant and get a diagnosis from experts.  ID Weeds. Identify weeds and get tips to rid them.  Garden Plan Pro. Find the best seasons to grow, and get reminders of when you should plant.  Life Diary. Use as your garden diary to keep track of planting, watering and fertilizing. n

Simplify Your Routine With Innovative Tools By Victoria Hampton

Gardening is a wholesome task of manipulating the soil, planting favorite flowers and vegetables, and watching nature take its course—with plenty of nurturing in between. While the process of gardening may be the same, the tools used continue to improve. Stay true to your love of weeding, watering and reaping, but make the process easier with these innovative tools. Easily Protect Plants Keep spring plants and vegetables safe from cold temperatures and wind with pop-up plant covers. The covers pop open and close for easy use and storage. Gardener’s Supply Co. says its product can help plants grow 25 percent faster, leading to an earlier harvest.

organized and safe when rolling into your garden. Your keys, phone and sunglasses make the trip in a closeable compartment. www.littleburros.com | $60

Garden Know It All The Edyn Garden Sensor lets you know what is going on with your garden at all times. The solar-powered garden sensor connects to your home’s Wi-Fi to send you data on your garden via the Edyn app. The sensor tracks garden light, moisture, humidity and nutrition. www.edyn.com | $100

Pop-up covers protect plants from weather extremes. Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Co.

www.gardeners.com | $13 to $20

The Ultimate Leaf Rake Say goodbye to straight wooden hand holds and inflexible rakes, and hello to ergonomic, lightweight and flexible, specially designed tines. Fiskars' 24-inch leaf rake makes sprucing up your yard a breeze, while getting optimal results with every swipe. www.Fiskars.com | $20

Water When You are Gone Take the stress out of watering your garden with a water timer. The Orbit SingleDial Hose Faucet Timer has a large dial that allows you to easily program it for your watering needs. It is battery operated and weatherproof. Orbit also has models with multiple hose valves for large-scale watering. www.orbitonline.com | $30

Keep Your Wheelbarrow Organized Make one trip with the Little Burro wheelbarrow organizer. Multiple partitions and rack and shovel rests allow you to keep all your gardening tools

A timer makes easy work of watering. Photo courtesy of Orbit Irrigation

Compost Organic Matter Faster If your compost pile is not producing fast enough, try a tumbling composter. The Yimby composter’s dual chamber allows for fast and efficient homemade compost. Turn the tumbler every few days to break up material and help speed up decomposition. www.gardeners.com | $90

A Better Shovel Much like the handy rake, a shovel is an essential gardening tool. The Radius ProLite Shovel has a round point, ergonomic handle and works in all soil types. Along with being sturdy, it comes in multiple colors such as green, purple and blue. www.radiusgardencom | $31

The Radius Pro-Lite Shovel has an ergonomic handle. Photo courtesy of Radius Garden MARCH 2017

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Go Green With Avocados Avocado Coconut Ice Pops

1 fresh avocado 1 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons honey (may substitute with 2 tablespoons sugar) 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut

Place avocado, coconut milk, honey and lemon into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour into 5-ounce paper cups (or other mold). Place in freezer until firm, but not frozen, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Insert wooden sticks and sprinkle even amounts of shredded coconut into each cup. Return to freezer for about 4 hours or until firm. Recipe courtesy of Fresh Avocados— Love One Today

Mexican Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados 2 cups shredded cold rotisserie chicken 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with habaneros, drained 1/3 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup light mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 large avocados, halved and pitted

Combine chicken, drained tomatoes, celery, mayonnaise, cilantro, salt and pepper in medium bowl to make chicken salad. Top each avocado half with 1/3 cup chicken salad. Recipe courtesy of ReadySetEat

Vegan Avocado Ceviche 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and cubed 1 cup cauliflower, diced 16

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Icy green treats made with avocados are a fun way to boost fruit intake. Photo courtesy of Fresh Avocados—Love One Today©

2 tomatoes, diced 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced 1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil

In a large bowl, combine avocado, cauliflower, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt and olive oil. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with homemade pita chips. Recipe courtesy of Fresh Avocados— Love One Today

Rockin’ Guacamole Sweet Potato Bites Cooking spray 4 sweet potatoes, unpeeled, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices (about 2 pounds) 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided 1/4 tablespoon canola oil 3 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

Avocado replaces heavy cream in this tomato soup. Photo courtesy of Fresh Avocados— Love One Today©

1/2 cup chopped red onion 1 tablespoon lime juice 6 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Heat oven to 450 F. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with spice mixture and toss until well coated. Place potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes on each side, switching the baking sheets in the oven halfway through cooking. While potatoes are baking, mash avocados in a medium bowl. Stir in drained tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and remaining salt and pepper; cover and refrigerate. Top each sweet potato slice evenly with guacamole, bacon and cilantro. Recipe courtesy of ReadySetEat

Avocado Tomato Soup 1 tablespoon olive oil ¾ cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced

Roasted sweet potatoes are seasoned and topped with guacamole and bacon.

Feeling blue? Beef stew may be the answer. Share your comfort food recipes with us.

Photo courtesy of ReadySetEat

Photo by Mike Teegarden

14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1½ cups low-sodium tomato juice 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon pepper 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced ½ teaspoon dried thyme Fresh thyme, for garnish

'Comfort Food' Recipe Contest

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, tomato juice, sugar, pepper and dried thyme. Add broth. Increase heat to medium high, bringing soup to a boil. Reduce heat; let simmer 5 minutes. Let soup cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut 11/2 of the avocados into cubes and add to cooled tomato mixture. Puree the tomato and avocado mixture using an immersion blender until smooth. Reheat before serving. Alternatively, puree soup in a food processor until smooth. Add pureed soup back to the pot and reheat before serving. To serve, pour soup into shallow bowls. Slice remaining avocado half and place on top of soup.

Sometimes, the best cure for what ails you is food that provides a little emotional comfort. Whether it is a dish that reminds you of your childhood, a beloved relative or a favorite destination, we want to know your “comfort food” recipe, which could be featured in our Comfort Foods Cookbook. To enter, email your name, address, the name of your electric utility and up to two original recipes to recipecontest@ ruralite.org with “Recipe Contest” in the subject line, or mail typed recipes to Recipe Contest, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124 by Monday, May 15, 2017. Photos of the dish are welcome. Submitted photos will not be returned. Seven grand-prize winners will receive $100 and a copy of the finished cookbook. Winners will be announced Fall 2017.

Note: Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados, adjust the quantity accordingly. Recipe courtesy of Fresh Avocados— Love One Today MARCH 2017

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Power of Contrast Contrast is a powerful teaching tool and important player in writing and photographic composition. Contrasts come in shapes, colors, tones, sizes of subjects, even emotions. Though most of us seldom stop to analyze or internalize all the contrasts offered to us daily, they help us process visual information instantly. Just as our perception of color changes depending on the colors around them— red against green looks and, more importantly, feels different than red against gray or white—the way we perceive a subject often changes with the environment surrounding it. Contrast in tone is a way to create an instant focal point. For example, a white horse against a shadowed or dark background draws immediate attention, just as a dark horse against a white, snowy backdrop tells our eyes what is important. When everything is white except for one dark subject, we see the subject first because it is in contrast to the overwhelming white space. But there are other, often subtle, contrasts to be used as clues to help the reader or viewer see the picture you saw. Contrasting actions or

A Place to Start Make a list of contrasts and see how many you can find and document: XX Sleeping and awake XX Tall and short XX Happy and sad XX Old and young XX Black and white XX Warm and cold XX Wealthy and poor XX Soldiers and protestors XX Plenty and hungry

emotions in a single photographic scene can be a powerful communications device. A photograph showing a person crying while someone nearby is laughing grabs our attention. The contrast is striking and disturbing—like a needle sliding across the vinyl grooves of record. We want to know more about the context of what our eyes are seeing. I remember doing a fashion shoot using several beautiful models, dressed in sheer, flowing white garments in a dark, greasy junkyard. The mounds of twisted steel and smashed car bodies provided a stark and effective backdrop to the flowing lines and shapes of the models and garments.

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 applies many of the lessons he learned during his magical boyhood years in rural California to photography. For more information, visit www. greatpicturehunt.com.

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Watching for contrasts adds life to your photos while helping viewers understand what you see. Above, a contrast captured on the streets of Florence, Italy. At right, Gwin Stam holds her high school senior picture made 60 years ago. © Photos by David LaBelle

I once gave an advanced photojournalism class a semester-long project, “Rich man, poor man.” Students documented individuals of similar age in different socioeconomic classes, making photographs of the subjects’ environment and possessions, housing, job, workplace and transportation. The contrasts were shocking. One student showed a young man with a pool on the roof of his penthouse and another man’s tiny shack in a government housing project. Seeing the man in the small apartment would not have had the same impact if not paired with the man relaxing in the pool holding a drink. I am always on the hunt for visual contradictions— scenes like a cold, hungry homeless person looking through a glass window while

the wealthy eat their fill in a warm restaurant. One of my favorite pictures made by the late Margaret Bourke White shows people standing in a food line during the Louisville, Kentucky, flood of 1937 with a billboard backdrop of a happy family riding in a fancy car with the heading “World’s Highest Standard Of Living.” The contrast is immediate and unmistakable. Remember, pictures with contrasting emotions often need words to explain them. Without proper context, we can arrive at inaccurate conclusions. We must be careful when contrasts become unfair or inaccurate judgments. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Up in the Air

Spread your wings and head to one of the many springtime airshows in Florida. From the TICO Warbird Airshow in Titusville to the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In and Expo at Lakeland’s Linder Regional Airport, vintage planes, high-tech warbirds and thrilling aerobatics paint the skies with excitement. Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville (www.valiant aircommand.com/airshow) brings back vintage warbirds that took to the skies in time of conflict and in peacetime. The three-day 40th annual TICO Warbird Airshow is March 10-12. See a World War II Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, the U.S. Air Force 2017 Thunderbirds and World War I’s colorful Fokker and Sopwith Camel aircraft. Florida’s Panhandle hosts the 7th annual Marvel of Flight Fly-in and Expo (www. marvelofflight.com) March 31 to April 1 at the DeFuniak Springs Airport. Three-time National Aerobatic Champion and Aviation Hall of Fame member Patty Wagstaff is featured, along with the TigerFlight Foundation demonstration

The B-17G, nicknamed Aluminum Overcast, draws a crowd at a previous Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo. Bought as surplus from military inventory for $750 in 1946, the plane has flown more than 1 million miles. It has been restored as a tribute to World War II aviation. During airshow tours, visitors can walk through the plane or pay for a half-hour flight. Photo courtesy of Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo

team and youth motivational program, and a re-enactment of the Vietnam-era “Rescue at Dawn” mission. Helicopter rides, entertainment and a chance to mingle with pilots round out the event. Lakeland’s Aerospace Center for Excellence hosts the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo April 4-9 (www.flysnf.org). Become immersed in all things flights with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, nighttime air shows, the French aerobatic display team’s first U.S. appearance and Ace’s Flyin’ Flix with some of the best aviation films of all time

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.

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each evening. For airshow events in Florida this year, visit www.milavia.net/airshows/ calendar/showdates-2017north_america-US-FL.html. On the Rails Test runs are in process for Florida’s first high-speed passenger trains, with routes between Miami and West Palm Beach possibly as early as this summer. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, private company Brightline eventually will bring five trains to run between Miami and Orlando by sometime in 2018. According to USA Today, the first train, “BrightBlue,” will have two locomotives and four passenger cars, and can travel as fast as 125 mph— although laws limit the top

speed to 79 mph. That is a relatively quick trip between south and central Florida. Cheap Destinations Available Abroad MSN recently ranked the top cheapest destinations to travel around the world, and you may be surprised. Ecuador and Peru in South America, and Cambodia and Vietnam in Southeast Asia all received excellent marks for affordable accommodations, food and activities. If you are interested, periodically check for airfare deals on airfare discounter websites. Be flexible on your travel dates—particularly if you want to use airline miles. Travel on certain days of the week requires significantly fewer miles. n

Save When You Grow a Zoysia Lawn From Living Plugs!

improving america’s lawns since 1953

Zoysia lawns are thick, dense and lush!

Grass seed Will Never GroW a laWn like This! Save Water! Save Time! Save Work! Save Money!

Grass Seed Is For The Birds!

Eliminates Endless Weeds And Weeding!

No more pulling out weeds by hand or weeds sprouting up all over your lawn. Zoysia Plugs spread into a dense, plush, deep-rooted, established lawn that drives out unwanted growth and stops crabgrass and summer weeds from germinating.

Stop wasting money, time and work sowing new grass seed each spring, only to see birds eat the seed – or rain wash it away – Zoysia thrives in before it can root. Plant a partial shade to genuine Amazoy™ Zoysia full sun! lawn from our living Plugs only once… and never plant a new lawn again!

Zoysia Grows Where Other Grass Doesn’t!

Environmentally Friendly, No Chemicals Needed!

Zoysia is the perfect choice for hard-to-cover spots, areas that are play-worn or have partial shade, and for stopping erosion on slopes. North, South, East, West – Zoysia grows in any soil, no ifs, ands or buts! Your assurance of lawn sUCCess

Each Order for Amazoy Zoysia is

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Guaranteed to grow new green shoots within 45-60 days or we’ll replace it FREE – for up to 1 year – just call us. We ONLY ship you living genuine Amazoy Zoysia grass harvested direct from our farms. Easy planting and watering instructions are included with each order. Reordering assumes success of previous orders, initiating a new one-year guarantee but only for the most recent order.

No weeding means no chemicals. You’ll never have to spray poisonous pesticides and weed killers again! Zoysia lawns are safer for the environment, as well as for family and pets!

Cuts Watering & Mowing By As Much As 2/3! Many established Zoysia lawns only need to be mowed once or twice a season. Watering is rarely, if ever, needed – even in summer!

We ship at the best planting time for you!

Stays Green In Summer Through Heat & Drought!

When ordinary lawns brown up in summer heat and drought, your Zoysia lawn stays green and beautiful. The hotter it gets, the better it grows. Zoysia thrives in blistering heat (120˚), yet it won’t winter-kill to 30˚ below zero. It only goes off its green color after killing frosts, but color returns with consistent spring warmth. Zoysia is the perfect choice for water restrictions and drought areas!

Now TWO Ways to Start Your Amazoy Zoysia Lawn!

1) Freestyle plugs come in uncut sheets containing a maximum of 150 - 1” plugs that can be planted up to 1 ft. apart. Freestyle plugs allow you to make each plug bigger and plant further apart – less cutting and planting – you decide. 2) New Super Plugs come precut into individual 3”x3” plugs ready-to-plant (minimum 1 per 4 sq. ft.). They arrive in easy to handle trays of 15 Super Plugs. Save more time and get your new lawn even faster! Order only online at www.zoysiafarms.com/mag or call us at 410-756-2311.

Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

Order Your ZOYSIA Plugs Now — Harvested Daily From Our Farms And Shipped To You Direct!

GET Up TO 900 FrEESTYLE pLUGS –

Freestyle Plugs. You decide how big to cut the plugs! Please send me guaranteed Amazoy Freestyle Plugs (up to 150 per sheet) as marked.

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1100

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1500

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$125.00

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q 30” Step-on Plugger $8.95 + $5 shipping

Mail to: ZOySiA FARM NURSERiES 3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787 SAVINGS –

35% 41% 51% 58%

q 4” Amazoy Power Auger for 3/8” drill $14.95 + $5 shipping

q 30” Stand-up Amazoy Power Auger for 3/8” drill $19.95 + $5 shipping * Each grass sheet can produce up to 150 - 1” square plugs. See other options online at www.zoysiafarms.com/mag Amazoy is the trademark registered U.S. Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Submit Your Events March 2-5, Bradenton 23rd annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout Bobby Ducote of “Street Outlaws” is among the draws for drag racing fans at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Daily admission is $25, and free for children 12 and younger.

March 4, Marathon House and Garden Tour The Marathon Garden Club hosts the tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the garden club, 5270 Overseas Highway, or the Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

www.nmradigital.com; (866) 694-3475

www.marathongardenclub.org; (305) 743-4971

March 3, Islamorada 15th annual Habitat for Humanity Upper Keys “Diamonds and Denim” Cocktail Party Wear your favorite denim and bling at the fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Florida Keys Conference Center, MM82. The event includes an open bar, food, live and silent auctions, live music and a real diamond dig. Tickets are $150 a person or $250 a couple. RSVP.

March 4-5, Lake Placid Fine Arts Show Caladium Co-op, 132 Interlake, hosts its inaugural show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring middle and high school art, all mediums, photography and 3D. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded.

www.habitatupperkeys.org/events; (305) 453-0050

March 3-5, Panama City Beach Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show See displays for boats, standup paddleboards, fishing kayaks, outdoor kitchens, diving gear, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. The event at Aaron Bessant Park is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. Two-day passes are $15. www.gulfboatshow.com; (850) 348-1498

March 4, Panama City Beach Scottish Festival and Northwest Florida Renaissance and Fantasy Faire Kilts, bagpipes, Celtic music, Scottish fare and clan information combine with the medieval world of kings, queens, knights and fairies as re-enactors fence, fight and play human chess. Magicians, storytellers, bards, wizards, trolls and belly dancers stroll the grounds at Frank Brown Park from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance, or $15 at the gate. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com; (850) 252-3821

(863) 699-5940

March 4-5, Palmetto Sarasota Bradenton Home Show The consumer show is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Bradenton Area Convention Center. Admission is $4. www.sarasotabradentonhomeshow.com; (407) 273-7469

March 6, Marathon “Who Do You Think You Are?” Ancestry genealogist Crista Cowan will show how to navigate the company’s website at the Florida Keys Daughters of the American Revolution event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Banana Bay Resort and Marina, 4590 Overseas Highway. The cost is $30 and includes sandwiches for lunch. Please RSVP. Edna, (305) 451-3753; ednaw37@yahoo.com

March 8, Lake Placid Highland County Audubon Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 a.m. for a boardwalk guided tour through Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Blair Audubon. Entry is $10. Bring lunch or buy it on-site. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

March 8-11, Panama City Beach Emerald Coast Cruizin’ The event at Aaron Bessant Park features thousands of classic and custom cars and trucks, hot rods, a swap meet and parade. www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com; (662) 587-9572

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To include your event, send details 60 days in advance to info@florida currents.com. Please include the date, town, times and a way for readers to find out more. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting the event, please include it, too. each month from November through April, with a social at 9:30 a.m. and a meeting at 10 a.m. www.agpi.us

March 11-12, Marathon Original Marathon Seafood Festival Delicacies from the Florida Keys, an open-air art show, live music and vendor booths highlight this event sponsored by Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at Marathon Community Park, MM 49. www.marathonseafoodfestival.com; (305) 743-5417

March 11-18, Florida Keys 2nd annual Outdoor Fest Learn from local experts about native wildlife, migrating birds and area refuges as Friends and Volunteers of Refuges offer guided walks, family fairs, bike rides, kayak excursions and more. Space is limited for some activities, so please preregister. www.favorfloridakeys.org

March 14-19, Okeechobee Okeechobee County Fair Enjoy family fun with exhibits, rides, a petting zoo, racing pigs, an illusionist and more. www.okeechobeecountyfair.com

March 15, Islamorada Immerse Yourself! Dawn Kernagis, an aquanaut who joined NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations, will talk about her journey to the world’s only undersea research station at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM 83. www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

March 9-12, Bradenton NCMA Muscle Car Mayhem Bradenton Motorsports Park hosts the first race of the season. Daily admission is $25, and free for children 12 and younger.

March 17, Lake Placid Highland County Audubon Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 a.m. and see snail kites and eagles during a Lake Kissimmee State Park pontoon boat tour. The cost is $20 for the first 10 to sign up and pay. Bring lunch or buy it at the snack shack.

www.nmcadigital.com; (866) 694-3475

Roberta, (863) 599-0124

March 9-12, 16-19 and 23-26, Islamorada 51st annual Judged Art Show Art Guild of the Purple Isles, Key Largo and Upper Keys hosts a free show at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, MM 82.1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days except the 23rd, which is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The group meets at The Elks Lodge in Tavernier the first Wednesday of

March 19, Islamorada Seafood Festival and Art Show Taste locally prepared seafood and see the best juried art at the kid- and pet-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Islamorada Moose Lodge and down Industrial Way. Entertainers and the Junkanoo Band perform all day. (305) 664-8120

13th annual Pioneer Day and Barbecue Rib Cook-off DeSoto County Historical Society’s festival showcases Florida history and culinary heritage with special and traditional Florida foods, plus barbecue. Fun for the family includes demonstrations of old-fashioned skills and crafts, legendary characters, live music, vintage automobiles and antique engines, Florida authors and artists, a free “Discover History” hands-on children’s area, a fossil dig, games, animals and more. The event is Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DeSoto Veterans Park, State Road 70, just west of Arcadia. For more information, visit www.historicdesoto.org. March 24-25, Panama City Beach “UNwineD: Vines to Steins” Visit Panama City Beach partners with Garden & Gun magazine in a celebration of wine, craft beer, gourmet coastal fare and live music at Aaron Bessant Park. Tickets are limited. www.unwinedpcb.com

March 25, Islamorada Pops in the Park: Tropical Tunes Enjoy free music from paradise and a conchblowing contest at 4 p.m. at the Founders Park Amphitheater, MM 87. Attendees are invited to dress as pirates. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; (305) 853-7294

March 25, Lake Placid Highland County Audubon Leave Lake Placid Tower at 10 a.m. to see flamingos at Markham Park and STA2. Participation is limited to 30. Bring lunch. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

March 25, Pensacola Ciclovia Open Streets Five miles of streets in the historic and bayfront areas are closed as part of a worldwide movement where all ages and backgrounds gather to have fun and show civic pride. People are invited to walk, run, bike, rollerskate/blade, skateboard or just play in the streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.pensacolaopenstreets.com; (404) 557-5479

March 25, Blakely, Georgia 9th annual Peanut Proud Festival The celebration honoring the peanut industry includes free concerts throughout the day, a parade, food and merchandise vendors, a kid zone, a 5K and fun run, arts and crafts vendors, and a street dance. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Blakely Courthouse Square. www.peanutproudfestival.com

March 26, Islamorada Bay Jam 23 The music and art festival features local and

guest artists performing on the shores of Florida Bay at the Founders Park Amphitheater, MM 87, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $15. Proceeds benefit student art and music scholarships. www.keysice.com; (305) 394-2765

March 31, Lake Placid Highland County Audubon Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 a.m. to see water birds at Fort Desoto Park in St. Petersburg. Participants should bring a lunch. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

March 31-April 16, Sebring “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in this musical parable at Highlands Little Theatre. The family-friendly show featuring a local cast is at Lakeside Playhouse 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $10 to $30. www.highlandslittletheatre.org; (863) 385-2175

MARCH 2017

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Five Tips for Catching Big Bass Generally, there are two types of fishermen: those who fish just for fun and those who fish for bragging rights. Folks in the latter category take their fishing very seriously. Every outing is a quest to catch more and bigger fish. If you share that mindset, here are five bass tips sure to improve your odds. • You have to find them first. Not every body of water harbors big bass. The most popular fishing holes are often the least likely to contain big fish, since those spots tend to be overfished. Keep in mind the most promising places may be those with the fewest fish. That’s because there is less competition and more food, which fosters growth of mega-sized fish. • Fish smarter. There is something to be said for fishing longer days and more often. However, fishing smarter saves time, money and aggravation. Do your homework. Talk to other

Outdoors 101: The Proper Way to Discard Fishing Line and Unwanted Tackle Monofilament line can be recycled at designated bins found at most boat ramps, piers and tackle shops. These bins are meant for this type of line only. Braided line and wire should be cut in short lengths—no more than 12 inches long— and discarded in a covered trash container. When disposing of hooks and lures, be sure to clip the barbs so they don’t stick humans or animals who may come in contact with them after being discarded. Louie Echols hefts a 12-pound, 12-ounce largemouth bass to document his prize catch before releasing it. Louie caught the monster bass while fishing with a friend and his grandfather at Lake Istokpoga in south-central Florida. It was the biggest recorded largemouth caught at the lake in 2016. For a blow-by-blow account provided by his grandfather, visit www.floridacurrents.com. Photo submitted by Dan Echols of Sebring, Florida

fishermen, bait store owners and guides. Read fishing columns and blogs, and study the record books to see where the big ones are being caught. Also, take advantage of the latest developments in rods, reels, lures and other tackle to improve your odds. • Go high tech. Use GPS and depthfinders to locate the best habitat. Look for changes in the contour of the bottom,

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 35 years.

M A R C H 2 017

such as dropoffs, undercut banks and submerged objects where fish like to hold. • Timing is important. Time of day is not as important as time of year. Late winter through early spring provides the best opportunities to catch big bass. That’s because they are in pre-spawn mode, and hormonal changes make them more agitated, aggressive and less cautious than normal. • Size matters. Big bass like big meals. They are less likely to waste energy going after small morsels. Adjust your tackle accordingly. Use larger than normal bait and lures, and 4/0 and 5/0 hooks with a wide gap between the shaft and tip.

Panther Watch The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for your help with panther research by reporting sightings to the FWC. Photos of panthers or their tracks are especially welcome. To report a sighting, visit www.myfwc. com/panthersightings. The webpage also has information about how to identify panthers, what to do or not to do if you see one, and a Google map to pinpoint the sighting location. 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. 

Serving members since 1940

w w w. p r e c o . c o o p

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M A R C H 2 017 25

2/10/17 10:50 AM

Insulate Your Electric Water Heater Tank M AT E R I A L S : n

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Scissors

Duct Tape

Cover the whole tank except temperature and pressure (T&P) valve and drain.

STEPS: 1. Turn off the electric water heater

at the breaker panel. 2. Measure the height of the water heater

and cut the blanket to fit if necessary. 3. Leave the top of the water heater open. 4. Wrap the blanket around the water

heater and temporarily tape it in place. Position the blanket so that the ends do not come together over the access panels on the side of the tank. 5. Mark the areas, then cut holes where

controls are located. For electric water heaters, there will be two panels on the side of the tank. Mark the area where the pressure relief valve and pipe are located. This will be a pipe that protrudes from the side of the water heater. 6. Adhere the blanket. Be careful to

line up the cut out areas and then tape it permanently in place. 7. Turn the water heater back on.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

S A F E T Y N O T E : Don’t set the thermostat above 130ºF on the electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket – the wiring may overheat.

M A R C H 2 017

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

2/10/17 10:44 AM

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Know what’s below

To protect your loved ones and yourself, contact 811 before beginning any digging project.

Dial 811 before you dig. Spring is the best time of year to achieve your landscaping masterpiece. Perhaps you’re planning to build a new deck or plant a tree to shade your home. Before digging, dial 811 first.

Underground utilities, such as buried gas, water and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a project into a disaster. Play it safe by dialing 811 to find out where utility lines run on your property. Your call will be routed to a local “one call” center. Tell them where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and any affected local utilities will be notified. Within two business days, utility providers will designate the approximate location of any underground lines, pipes and cables. These areas will be marked with flags or paint so you’ll know what’s below. Then safe digging can begin. Never assume the location or depth of underground utility lines. The 811 service is FREE, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted and can help you avoid serious injury or even death. For more information, visit www.call811.com.

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Peace River Electric Cooperative

2/10/17 10:53 AM

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. IF YO U W IS H TO F I LE A C I V I L R I G H TS PRO GR A M CO MPL A INT O F D IS CRIMINATIO N, CO MPL E TE THE U S DA PRO GR A M D I S C R I M I N AT I O N COMPL A INT F O RM, F O UND O N LINE AT HT TP://WWW.A SCR.USDA. G OV/CO M P L A I N T_F I LI N G_C U S T.H TM L, O R AT A NY US DA O F F ICE, O R C A LL (866) 632-9992 TO RE QUE ST T H E FO R M. YO U M AY A LS O W R I T E A L ET TER CO NTA INING A LL O F TH E INF O RMATIO N REQ UE STE D IN T H E FO R M. S E N D YO U R CO M P LE T E D CO MPL A INT F O RM O R LET TER TO US BY MA IL AT US DE PARTME NT O F AG R ICULT U R E, D I R E C TO R, O F F I C E O F A D J UD IC ATIO N, 1400 IN DEPEN D E N C E AV E N U E S W, WA S H I NGTO N, D C 20250-9410, BY FAX (202) 690-7442 O R E M A I L AT P RO G R A M.IN TA KE@ US DA.GOV.

Privacy Policy for Peace River Electric Cooperative Our Commitment to Privacy: At Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), confidentiality is very important to us. As we strive to improve and expand our services, we recognize our membersâ€™ need and desire to preserve their privacy and confidentiality. PRECO recognizes the trust members place in us and is committed to safeguarding member information. The following policy affirms our continued commitment to preserving member confidentiality. The Information We Collect: We receive and retain information about our members through many sources: Information we receive on member applications or other forms; Information on usage and data gathered by our metering systems; Information through member transactions with us, our affiliates or others; and, Information we receive from consumer-reporting agencies. The Way We Use Information: We limit the use and collection of nonpublic personal information to that which is necessary to maintain and administer financial services. We do not share this information with outside parties unless: The information is provided to help complete a memberinitiated transaction (such as credit reporting agencies, document processing companies, etc.); The member has requested it; The disclosure is required by law (e.g., subpoena, investigation of fraudulent activity, etc.); or, w w w. p r e c o . c o o p

17-0011_PREC_March_FINAL.indd 13

The disclosure is required by banking regulation (e.g., Fair Lending Reporting Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, etc.). When member information is provided to any of the third parties mentioned above, that third party must agree to adhere to privacy principles that provide for keeping such information confidential. Limiting Employee Access To Information: PRECO limits employee access to member information to those with a business reason for knowing such information. All of our employees are educated on the importance of confidentiality and member privacy. Any employee that violates the financial privacy of our members will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures and possible termination. Protection of Information via Established Security Procedures: To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information. Maintaining Accurate Information: We have established procedures so that our membersâ€™ financial information is accurate, current and complete in accordance with reasonable commercial standards. PRECO will respond to requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner. At PRECO, we value our member relationships. We want you to understand how we use the information you provide and our commitment to ensuring your personal privacy. If you have questions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at 1-800-282-3824. M A R C H 2 017 29

2/10/17 10:53 AM

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

It’s County Fair Time!

Youngsters throughout Florida are rewarded at county fairs for the efforts they put into their livestock projects. The Hardee, Hendry and Highlands county fairs were in February. The Chalo Nitka Festival is February 27 to March 4 in Moore Haven, and the Okeechobee County Fair is March 14-19. The Santa Rosa County Fair is April 1-9. Market hogs are so popular in Hendry County the fair set a limit of 85 entries this year. The sign, “Who let the hogs out,” has been up for years as a reminder for participants to ensure pens are secure. —Michelle Rayburn, Clewiston We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot and Postcards From Florida. We 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 information about where it was taken. Include your name and mailing address (for payment purposes) and send to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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Annual Membership Meeting in March

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 210 Metheny Road Wauchula, Florida 33873 Hours 8 am to 5 pm, M-F Telephone: 1-800-282-3824 Fax: 866-201-1814

When it comes to PRECO’s calendar,

one day each year stands out as more important than the rest. Which is the most

MANATEE SERVICE CENTER 14505 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Hours 8 am to 5 pm, M-F Telephone: 1-800-282-3824 Fax: 941-752-4928

important day all year? Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting. This event, held every March, allows our members to experience a county fair atmosphere, enjoy free food and snacks and learn more about their electric cooperative.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hollis Albritton

According to our bylaws, which guide us in our member and business relationships, the Annual Membership Meeting is simply a business meeting of the members. Actually, it’s much more than that.

PRESIDENT

Maurice Henderson VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Portale

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

I consider the Annual Meeting as a celebration of and for our members. So you may like to think of the Annual Membership Meeting as more of a 77th Birthday Party for the cooperative.

Leonard Crawley

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

Ellen Bachman DIRECTOR

Willie Dawes DIRECTOR

John Martin DIRECTOR

Bruce Vickers 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 March 28, 2017 April 18, 2017 May 23, 2017

Why think of it as a birthday party? Because most business meetings don’t include free General Manager & CEO hotdogs, soft drinks, ice cream, funnel cakes and much more. Plus, PEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE at various locations around the park, activities and entertainment will be available for all ages. Supervised children’s activities, such as face painting, a rock climbing wall and a bounce house will be there for the little ones. It’s an event for the entire family. Randy Shaw

We’ll have entertainment too. Local southern gospel group, Gulf State Quartet will be performing. Also, you’ll enjoy fine country music by Prime Country Duo. Registration for members begins at 10:00 am. At 1:00 pm, a brief business meeting will be held which includes co-op news and reports. After the meeting, there’s a drawing for door prizes for our registered members. Be sure to bring your photo ID in order to register. The Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25th, at PRECO Park, 220 Knight Road, in Wauchula. For questions or directions, call us at 1-800-282-3824. For 77 years, PRECO has provided central Florida with safe, reliable electric service at an affordable price. Come out and enjoy the birthday party!

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2/10/17 10:54 AM