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Glades Electric Cooperative

A P R I L 2016

The Backbone of Rural America Tracy Whirls, executive director of Glades County Economic Development Council, stands outside the newly constructed Glades County Regional Training Center. The training center will prepare citizens in the region to obtain vocational certifications and other advanced skills in manufacturing and logistics. Read more on pages 3 and 12. PHOTO BY DENISE WHITEHEAD

The Value of Electricity PAGE 5â€‚ â€‚ Voter Engagement Program Launched PAGE 26 n

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

GEC Supports New Training Center 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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Economic development, sustainability, logistics, employment diversification and certifications are not just the latest buzz words in Glades County. They have been turned into a unique business and educational opportunity for the Moore Haven community and the surrounding region through the Glades Regional Training Center. The Glades Regional Training Center is a new 40,000-square-foot facility completed in January on a An aerial view of the 40,000-square-foot Glades Regional Training Center. 4.3-acre parcel. Located within Glades County’s 20-acre industrial/business park, the center boasts 30,000 square feet of space for warehouse training, as well as classroom and office space. The opportunities are boundless for businesses and educational programs interested in using the space to provide unemployed or underemployed students with opportunities to earn state and national certifications required by companies throughout Florida. The region surrounding the training center has been labeled a Rural Area of Opportunity by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. That establishes the region as a priority assignment for rural and economic development agencies such as the Glades County Economic Development Council. The designation also provides incentives for programs and businesses in the area that will support economic development efforts. Glades Electric Cooperative is proud to support this project through its own business development efforts to help the rural community we call home thrive. To learn more about the Glades Regional Training Center and economic development opportunities throughout Florida, see page 12. n

Inside

April 2016 Vol. 5, No. 6

The Backbone of Rural America 12

Entrepreneurs find creative ways to bring money home to local communities. 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

APRIL 2016

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Critical Connections Behind the Power Take a moment to think about all of the people who play a role in making sure you have electricity By Adam Schwartz

National Lineman Appreciation Day is April 11, so it is appropriate to take a moment to recognize the people who often work in brutal weather conditions to ensure we all have a safe and reliable supply of electricity. Linemen are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the scene safe for other public safety officers. While linemen sometimes work in highly visible settings, most of the time they toil tirelessly behind the scenes to help keep the lights on—with little or no public recognition or acknowledgement. Whether restoring power after a natural disaster, maintaining the lines or building new service, a lot more work takes place behind the scenes.  The power behind your power

The linemen out in the field work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep electricity flowing and maintaining the energy infrastructure. Another powerful figure in the co-op is Jeff Brewington, CEO of Glades 4

APRIL 2016

Electric Cooperative. Similar to the head coach of a team, he ensures all of the players—GEC’s employees—know their roles and perform them at a high level. Jeff also recruits and retains talent. This is especially challenging in today’s highly competitive hiring environment.  Promoting a culture of safety

The operations and engineering department ensures the overall system is well maintained. This team is responsible for planning for future needs, and monitors existing equipment and resources. An equally important focus is safety. Working with electricity is an inherently dangerous task, so fostering a culture of safety for all workers is a priority. Members can count on the operations and engineering department for lighting, heating, cooling and much more.  Calling for energy efficiency

Member service representatives answer calls and questions about billing and energy use. They work with members to identify high-use periods and discuss ways to save on the monthly bill. The member services department is responsible for ensuring you are treated appropriately, and it all starts when you

 Delivering timely savings

The accounting and finance department is responsible for the financial wellbeing of GEC. It handles invoices and audits and oversees the cooperative’s loans. GEC is a member-owned cooperative and operates differently than investorowned utilities, but is still a business. As such, the accounting department ensures revenue collected from the membership exceeds expenses. Typical expenses include the money paid for electric power, equipment, new technology, upgrades to the infrastructure and employees.  Staying ahead of the learning curve

The human resources department is responsible for all personnel associated with GEC. It handles recruiting, hiring, retiring, benefits, initial orientation and training for all employees. Continual learning and training for co-op employees is crucial to having a skilled workforce that keeps the co-op operating at an optimal level. This learning element is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles and extends to our members. n

The Value of Electricity Glades Electric Cooperative works hard to ensure electricity remains safe, reliable and affordable

To many folks, electricity has become a silent luxury. We have come to expect it, and often only think about it when the monthly bill arrives. Its value is often overlooked. Electricity plays a vital role in our lives. It charges our phones, powers our refrigerators to keep our food fresh, and runs heating and cooling systems to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature. When we consider that almost everything around us is powered by electricity, its comparatively low price is remarkable. Compared to other household items, the price of electricity holds great value. The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data that shows the average price of commonly purchased household items across the United States. According to its November 2015 study, on average, U.S. consumers paid $1.41 for one pound of bread, $2.66 for a dozen eggs, $4.08 for one pound of ground beef and $4.41 for one pound of coffee. Ten years earlier, they paid $1.05 for one pound of bread, $1.28 for a dozen eggs, $2.57 for one pound of ground beef and $3.29 for one pound of coffee. Where does the price of electricity fall? Based on the nationwide average, consumers paid 13 cents per kilowatt-hour in November 2015 compared to 10 cents per kWh in November 2005. Even as electricity becomes more important in our daily lives, electric utilities such as Glades Electric Cooperative work hard to ensure electricity remains safe, reliable and affordable. Just as there is value associated with

electricity as a product, there is an even greater value in GECâ€™s cooperative business model. A not-for-profit utility, GEC is owned by its members. It abides by a set of cooperative principles and is not motivated by profit. The cooperative is dedicated to serving members and contributing to their improved quality of life. GEC receives its wholesale power from Seminole Electric Cooperative, which also places members first. The generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Tampa is owned by nine Florida distribution electric cooperatives, including GEC. Seminole works to ensure electricity is affordable for members and conducts studies to make sure electricity is generated in the most cost-effective and reliable way. As electricity has become more valuable, it is remarkable that its price has increased at a slower rate than other commodities (see graph above). GEC is committed to keeping your electricity affordable. n

GEC Members Pay Less This Year Than Last Year Guess what? The average monthly electric bill for Glades Electric Cooperative members has dropped from 2015 to 2016. Currently, GEC members who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month are billed $133.50. Last year, members who used 1,000 kWh per month paid $146.00. That is a decrease of $12.50.

APRIL 2016

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Seal Out the Moisture Learn how to keep your home cool and dry— and save By Anne Prince

If you do not seal ducts, your HVAC system will have to work harder— and that drives up your electricity bill. 6

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Why does a 95 degree Fahrenheit day in one of the Gulf Coast states feel hotter than the same temperature in the Southwest? Why do dry heat and humid heat feel so different, and how does this affect your strategy for home energy efficiency? While there are many ways to achieve energy efficiency across all warmer climates, important differences vary by geography. Generally speaking, when there is more moisture in the air, the temperature feels hotter than it actually is because moist air is closer to saturation than dry air. On a humid day, when the air is saturated with water, evaporation is much slower. Simply put, high humidity makes the air feel hotter, and low humidity makes the temperature feel cooler. In warm climates, most of the energy used to make the home feel comfortable is spent on air conditioning and cooling. The priority is heat reduction. However, in humid areas, moisture reduction is nearly as important as lowering the indoor air temperature. If a home has too much moisture, indoor air quality can be compromised, and mold and mildew problems can develop. The first line of energy defense is to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed so it keeps the heat and humidity that surround the house from getting inside. Leaky ducts, windows and doors cause energy loss, making the HVAC system work harder to wring the moisture out of the air and exacerbating potential indoor air quality issues. Homes sealed tightly are easier to keep cool and dry.

Next, make sure your HVAC system is the right size. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates most current residential systems are oversized. If your unit is too big, you will pay higher energy bills, and you will not get the efficiency or comfort you want and expect. It is also likely the unit is short cycling—constantly turning off and on, never achieving optimum efficiency. When the unit runs in short bursts, it will not operate long enough to eliminate all of the humidity in your home. Damp, cool indoor air creates a muggy atmosphere that can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. This is a particular concern for those who suffer from allergies, since many allergens thrive in damp conditions. If you are considering a new HVAC system, consult Glades Electric Cooperative to help you choose equipment that is the correct size and meets or exceeds the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio for the capacity requirement, such as Energy Star-rated systems. To lower the humidity in your home and help make it feel cooler and more comfortable, reduce the humidity you already produce. The kitchen and bathrooms are the biggest contributors. Make sure your range hood is ducted to the outside. Recirculating range hoods are not effective in controlling moisture or odors. When cooking— especially when boiling water—run the vent fan. In the bathroom, run the vent fan when bathing or showering. Keep the fan on up to 30 minutes after you have finished to eliminate residual moisture in the air. If you can reduce the indoor humidity level, you may be able to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with a higher thermostat setting and ceiling fans. Air movement from the ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect, lowering the temperature and increasing comfort. Finally, check gutters and downspouts for leaks or blockages. If rainwater leaks out and saturates the ground surrounding your home, some of the moisture can migrate into your house. For more information about how to save energy, contact your energy experts at Glades Electric Cooperative. n

Quick Tips to Energy Savings By Paul Wesslund

Celebrate Earth Day April 22 by making your home more energy efficient and implementing these tips from energy expert Brian Sloboda of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. hh Look for no-cost ways to be efficient. Close the curtains in summer and open them in winter. Turn off computers overnight and video game consoles when not being used. Better yet, keep them off and send the kids outside to play. hh Look for small steps you can take and do it yourself. Caulk around drafty windows. Check the attic for the correct amount of insulation. Switch to LED light bulbs. Plant a deciduous tree on the sunny side of your house; in a few years, the leaves will cool your home against the sun in summer, then fall off to warm it in winter. Old cable TV boxes use a lot of energy. If yours is not Energy Star-rated, call your cable provider and ask for a new one. If a major appliance—such as a refrigerator, washing machine or dryer—is more than 10 years old, don’t repair it. The energy efficiency of a newer model likely will pay for itself with energy savings in a few years. Before buying any appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Learn to read it and compare products. hh Call Glades Electric Cooperative for energysaving tips, brochures and programs. You may be surprised to find out what is driving up your energy costs.

APRIL 2016

Gladesâ€‚ Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Operation Round Up Monthly Report More than 70 percent of Glades Electric Cooperative members participate in Operation Round Up, which helps people in GECâ€™s service area who have exhausted normal avenues of financial assistance. Sign up today, and your electric bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The extra is placed in the fund for deserving individuals and organizations. As of February 25, your Charitable Trust Board of Directors has approved $940,683.46 in disbursements. These funds have provided assistance with food, emergency lodging, disaster relief and specific

emergency needs for 595 individuals and/or families and 131 community organizations. The trust does not fund utility bills (electric, phone, water and gas) or budgets of organizations. Organizations in counties served may apply for funding for a specific need or project. The Charitable Trust Board of Directors meets monthly to review applications for funding. n If you know of people who need and deserve assistance and live within our service area, encourage or help them to complete an application. Applications can be picked up at each of our three offices: Moore Haven, Lake Placid and Okeechobee.

Take Your Giving to the Next Level Glades Electric Cooperative members may increase their charitable giving by participating in Operation Round Up Plus. By opting into this program, members may choose to add to their normal roundup amount, adding whatever amount they choose ($1 minimum). Individual donations also are accepted at any time. Stop by your local GEC office or call (863) 946-6200 to participate in Operation Round Up Plus.

Florida Rural Electric Credit Union

Charitable Trust Board of Directors Jack Wilson District 1 Moore Haven Beverly Eaves District 2 Hendry County Kelly Brantley District 3 Ortona/Palmdale Dori Evans District 4 Lakeport Lori Thompson District 5 Venus/Hicora

Plan to enjoy your retirement. Start saving for it with an IRA from today!

Lee Andrus District 6 Highlands Park

Traditional or Roth IRAs. Certificates or accumulation.

Elsa Miller District 7 Lorida

For more information, call (800) 542-1246.

David McCadam District 8 Lake Josephine Paula Byars District 9 Okeechobee

Federally insured by the NCUA

APRIL 2016

The Charitable Trust Board of Directors will meet at 1 p.m. April 28 in the Moore Haven office.

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Steer Clear Former football star now rides on the wild side By Pamela A. Keene

Postcards From Florida

Historic Pensacola

Photo cour

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Are acola Bay

tesy of Pens

Completed in 1832, Old Christ Church is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Florida, serving the community as an Episcopal church and public library. The building was occupied by federal troops during the Civil War. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a museum, special events venue, meeting hall and is a stop on the Historic Pensacola Village guided tour. 10

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Growing up on a farm in Kissimmee, Kamry Dymmek has always known his way around livestock. But as a highschooler, football was his game. As a three-year starter at Osceola High, Kamry was honored as the Orlando Sentinel’s Osceola County Defensive Player of the Year in 2002. He seemed to have a strong future in the game. A career in football was his dream when he left home at 18. But after a couple of seasons—and some on-field injuries at the University of South Florida in Tampa—he gave up the game and transferred to the University of Florida, where he majored in agricultural operation management. The seventh-generation Osceola County resident returned to Kissimmee after graduation to work the family ranch, where they produce commercial sod, hay, peaches, citrus and livestock. His mother, Se’Belle, raises championship barrel-racing horses under the S Belle Brand. His father, Gary, traveled the rodeo road in the 1980s as a steer wrestler. He snagged several titles, including the 1983 Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo, before focusing his attention on the ranch. “I got a late start in rodeoing,” 31-yearold Kamry says, noting he joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association about five years ago. “One day my dad suggested that I’d better get a hobby so I wouldn’t work on the ranch so hard,” Kamry says in his distinctive Southern drawl, “so I got back into horses.” He followed in his father’s footsteps, taking up steer wrestling, which he quickly learned was not as easy as it might look. The goal is for the contestant

Kamry Dymmek

to wrestle a 450- to 600-pound steer to the ground using only his body weight and leverage. A fast-running steer is released from the chute, and the cowboy jumps from his horse to grab the steer behind his horns—they are long and sharp—and pull him to the ground. Once the steer’s head and all four feet are facing the same direction, the cowboy’s time is recorded. In 2014 and 2015, Kamry was the Southeastern Circuit steer wrestling champion and qualified for the PRCA’s RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo. This month, he again has a chance to show his skills at the RNCFR at Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. The four-day competition from April 7-10 brings together the top 24 qualifiers from the PRCA’s 12 regional circuits in a battle for a national championship in their event. Bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding are standard rodeo events. By Sunday, the top four contestants in each event start with a clean slate to vie for the national title in their event in a sudden-death showdown. Kamry trains seven days a week in the off season, in addition to working the ranch. “I’m riding, practicing in the arena,

Celebrate National Parks On Free Admission Days

Kamry Dymmek dismounts his horse and uses the leverage of his body weight to wrestle a steer to the ground during a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association event. Photo courtesy of the PRCA

working the horses, going to the gym,” he says. “It’s important to keep the horses and ourselves in shape. And you find out quick enough how hard it is to ride a horse that’s not in shape.” Kamry’s horse, a 12-year-old Palomino quarter horse named Honey Belle Wonder, comes from S Belle Brand lineage. “My mother bred and trained her as a barrel horse,” he says, “but she let me pick my horse back when I was in college and she’s been mine ever since. She’s getting up there in age a little bit, but I make sure she gets some sort of physical activity every day.” In February, Kamry and Honey Belle began this year’s rodeo season, competing mostly on weekends. “I’m going at it hard this year to do between 60 and 80 competitions, and I

just need to keep at it and avoid injuries,” Kamry says. “It’s kind of a juggling act with my responsibilities of working the farm, training and competing. “I owe so much to my mom, my dad and my family for encouraging and supporting me. No matter what I’ve done, my parents have pushed me to be the best I can be, and this is another step in my life.” Kamry has advice for aspiring steer wrestlers, including his nephew Mose Fleming, who in his rookie season last year made the RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo in Davie: “Stay dedicated, keep your head clean and keep diligent.” As for retiring from rodeo, that’s a long way off for Kamry. “The good Lord willing, I plan to keep going as long as I can and it’s still fun,” he says. n

The National Park Service turns 100 years old on August 25, 2016, and invites everyone to join its yearlong celebration with free admission on 16 days in 2016, including National Park Week, April 16-24; the National Park Service birthday, August 25-28; National Public Lands Day, September 24; and Veterans Day, November 11. The waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees—such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties—are not included. More than 400 national parks have been preserved for future generations. Nearly two-thirds are free all of the time, but 127 normally charge an entrance fee. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. In Florida, sites managed by the National Park Service include Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee; Biscayne National Park, Miami; Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville; Castillo De San Marcos, St. Augustine; De Soto National Memorial, Bradenton; Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West; Everglades National Park, Miami, Naples and Homestead; Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Timucuan Preserve, Jacksonville; Fort Matanzas, St. Augustine; and Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Breeze.

Fort Matanzas National Monument. Photo courtesy of VisitFlorida.com

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The Backbone of Rural America Entrepreneurs find creative ways to bring money home to their local communities By Victoria Hampton

Entrepreneurs and small business owners gather at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando for Small Biz360—a community outreach event. Photo courtesy of the National Entrepreneur Center

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When Donna Salters talks with a group of students about becoming entrepreneurs, she is changing the way young adults view their future careers. Donna, business development specialist at Florida A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program, prepares the next generation to make a difference in their communities. “Let’s go back to keeping the money at home,” says Donna. “Get people to help the economy in their own area to keep the town running, keep the economy growing and have business come back at home.” Entrepreneurs in rural areas throughout Florida influence economic change within their communities. Organizations and programs such as Rural Development Initiatives help them in their pursuit of business development. Deborah Markley, co-founder and managing director of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, says rural areas can become more prosperous by creating specific strategies and tapping into specialized local, state and national resources to support local entrepreneurs. “The goal is to be a hub for learning about rural entrepreneurship,” says Deborah. “When we started the organization, entrepreneurship wasn’t quite the buzz word it is today.” Instead of focusing solely on individual entrepreneurs, the center—founded in 2001—partners with government officials, community leaders and intermediary organizations from rural areas to implement economic development strategies that support, retain and attract entrepreneurs. Supporting economic development in rural communities requires a threepronged approach, says Deborah. Traditionally, rural areas look to recruit a large industry to create jobs in the community. Another approach is retention and expansion by identifying what businesses are in the community and implementing strategies to help them grow. The third approach is identifying

people who have entrepreneurial talent. “So often the economic development isn’t focused on people who are already here in our community,” says Deborah. “For almost 15 years, we’ve continued to believe that for most rural areas the focus is on growing what they have.” The center offers training, economic research studies and connects people with other community leaders who are successfully supporting entrepreneurs. “I think most of the folks who come to the center recognize what they want their community to become,” says Deborah. “They see what they want, but don’t know how to get there. “It’s not a single path. It’s like a road map because every community starts in a different place. We give the community tools to find their own path. They know what they have to work with. It’s a different way of working together.”

A Big-Picture, Long-Term View Richard Gardner has helped spread word of the center’s programs to business leaders through training sessions that teach the principles of long-term support for rural entrepreneurs. “Often times, people are looking at business recruitment as the answer,” says Richard, founder of Bootstrap Solutions. “It’s hard to recruit businesses into more isolated communities. They need to build a network to support the town’s entrepreneurs.” Richard says there are several types of entrepreneurs in communities who need to be supported: • Necessity entrepreneurs. They create their own business to survive in a town where a larger business has shut down or few other employment opportunities exist. • Social entrepreneurs. Generally, these business people work in the public sector or for a nonprofit and strive to accomplish a specific mission. • Lifestyle entrepreneurs. These professionals have successful businesses,

Members of the Havana Community Development Corporation discuss an aquaculture program and business plan for the former Northside High School property in a rural area near Tallahassee. From left, Otto Colston, Florida A&M University’s Alex Bloques, Donald Bailey and Fert Richardson. Photo by Donna Salters

but are not looking to grow them. • Growth entrepreneurs. They are interested in expanding, subsequently creating more local jobs. • Serial entrepreneurs. These people start multiple businesses in a lifetime. “This is really helpful to understand, especially in small towns,” says Richard. Accessing Capital and Knowledge A challenge many rural entrepreneurs face is access to resources. National and state centers help community leaders who want to reach out and improve their towns. For rural entrepreneurs without local support, there are online resources. Shawn Rios, a board member for the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, knows firsthand the importance of online resources for entrepreneurs who are geographically isolated.

“Being in a rural area is a different world than being in an urban area,” says Shawn. “As an entrepreneur, it is all about acquiring resources, getting access to capital and knowledge.” His company, Soloprenur, has online courses and blog posts designed to help rural entrepreneurs across the country. Building an enterprise takes diligence and resources, but Shawn says anyone can become an entrepreneur. “My philosophy is that entrepreneurship is a learned set of skills,” says Shawn. “It’s not a DNA trait or characteristic. Anybody in a rural area who wants to take a shot at becoming an entrepreneur, they can.” A One-Stop Support Network The National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando is a unique resource. It houses

12 organizations under one roof, collaborating to help entrepreneurs with everything from acquiring loans to marketing. Frank Motola reached out in 2006 to help establish his business, Brandtastic. The Lakeland-based marketing company works with customers nationally. “I knew that I needed to get connected with the local economy so I started looking for networking events,” says Frank. “The center was involved in a lot of educational and social types of events for businesses to get together and meet each other. So I went to an event and learned about the center and all the different resources they had.” Started in 2003 through a community partnership, the center is designed to support central Florida entrepreneurs and the job opportunities they create. Jerry Ross, president of the National APRIL 2016

Entrepreneur Center, says 93 percent of businesses headquartered in Florida have fewer than than 10 employees, but produce about 38 percent of the jobs for the state. Another 6 percent have fewer than 100 employees and produce about 29 percent of the jobs in the state. For Jerry, helping entrepreneurs is about improving communities by giving them the tools to sustain businesses for generations to come. “To break the cycle of poverty, you need to teach people how to own something,” he says. “The basics of small business are the same all over the world. I talk about the same basics of building a business in Cairo, Egypt, as I do in Orlando, Florida.” The center can help small businesses and inventors across the nation connect with resources in their region. “Being an entrepreneur or small business person can be lonely,” says Jerry, who has been an entrepreneur his entire career. “It’s tough to be a small business owner today. With the center, you don’t have to be alone. Virtually or in your own community, you have to reach out, because there is knowledge around you.” Agriculture Entrepreneurs Supported Being an entrepreneur is not easy, but it does lend itself to opportunities to shine. One way to expand a business or invention is through a competition that teaches valuable lessons about business planning. The American Farm Bureau Federation aims to support and provide networking to help rural businesses survive and thrive. It hosts the annual Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge that gives 10 agriculture entrepreneurs the chance to win $145,000 worth of startup funds. “Rural communities can be very isolated, so we hope to bring national attention to rural entrepreneurs who are kick-starting innovative agricultural and food businesses,” says Lisa Benson, the bureau’s director of rural development. Last year, judges reviewed 165 online applications and offered feedback to contestants, who have the option to resubmit applications based on the feedback. Ten finalists are named. The top four win $15,000 and compete for Entrepreneur 14

APRIL 2016

Tracy Whirls, executive director of Glades County Economic Development Council, expects the new regional training center to prepare locals for the many new jobs expected in the area. Photo by Denise Whitehead

of the Year and an additional $15,000 in startup funds. The People’s Choice Award winner gets another $10,000. Six semifinalists win $10,000 each. This year’s competition opens May 1. Training the Next Wave of Workers Entrepreneurs come from different walks of life and sometimes find themselves in areas where opportunities are scarce. For Glades County— the fifth-poorest county in the state, with an unemployment rate of 5.8 percent—tough times spurred the local government into action. The county needed to diversify itself from being strictly agriculture based, says Tracy Whirls, executive director of Glades County Economic Development Council. “The biggest complaint from local citizens is unless they are employed in ag or a school teacher, they can’t find a job,” says Tracy. “Children have to leave home to work elsewhere. We need to make employment opportunities here.” Since 2006, Glades County has been engaged in a public-private partnership with Americas Gateway Logistics Center to develop 9 million square feet of commercial and industrial space on 770 acres. “Our central location to the urban Florida market and proximity to ports make us a perfect fit for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution,” says Tracy. The county is inviting companies to set up shop while it prepares the community

for the skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Thanks to a $3.5 million state appropriation, the county built a regional training center, offering classes and certifications for commercial driver’s licenses, welding, diesel mechanics and more. Florida SouthWestern State College, Polk State College and Palm Beach State College are developing curricula for the center in conjunction with Glades County and school districts in Glades and neighboring Hendry counties. “The mission of the economic development council is to create jobs for citizens, their children and their grandchildren,” says Tracy. A Lifeline for Rural Communities One way communities can ensure young people remain in their hometowns is to teach them how to become entrepreneurs. Donna develops programs through Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension for all ages, but her passion is empowering future entrepreneurs in rural regions around Tallahassee. “I seek out communities to offer programs,” says Donna. “I do whatever is necessary to advertise the Youth Entrepreneurs Succeed Program. I can come to your school, your church, library or visit a youth program.” A program Donna developed has students create a business. She uses the model to teach students how to do research; understand the importance of credit, taxes and insurance; and complete documents to register a business with the state. “Learning how to write out their road map and what they hope to accomplish with developing a whole business has been successful,” she says. Donna wants her programs to have lasting effects on the students who participate and the communities they live in. “Many young visionaries and entrepreneurs reluctantly move away from rural communities due to low or no employment,” says Donna. “My personal hope and goal is to help them develop their entrepreneurial talents and understand that the health and the wealth of the community they love lies within them.” n

Getting to the Roots of a Farmer’s Farmer By Marcy Chapman

Second-generation farmer John “Johnny” Georges of Arcadia had never heard of the ABC television program “Shark Tank” when he got an invitation to appear in 2014 and pitch his unique irrigation conservation technique to five self-made tycoons. Heart-in-hand, Johnny presented the farmer’s plight and his solution: tree T-PEE—a simple device that sits at the base of a tree and saves farmers thousands of dollars on irrigation, fuel and electricity costs. Seeking to reach more farmers than those he met in five Florida counties, Johnny asked the sharks for an investment of $150,000 for a 20 percent stake in his company. When investors questioned his business strategy, Johnny responded, “I work for farmers. It’s what I do, and helping them helps us all. It’s not about the money to me. It’s about doing what’s right.” Guest entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria— the billionaire cofounder of John Paul Mitchell Systems—told Johnny he understood the concern that not every farmer could afford something expensive. “I like everything you stand for, man,” DeJoria says, agreeing to Johnny’s terms. In an instant, Johnny gained international prominence. He is under contract in 47 countries worldwide, showing farmers how to conserve water and fulfilling both his and his father’s dreams. “I have travelled everywhere

since the show,” Johnny says, “from the Middle East to Brazil and Australia and across this nation. I went from the guy who was pumping as much water as possible out of the ground to the guy who is now trying to conserve as much water as possible.” Johnny has installed more than 10,000 pumps and motors for the citrus industry. He says farmers worldwide are saving 3,000 percent on their water use every day, thanks to the tree T-PEE. “When I was only 3, my father first took me out into the groves,” says Johnny. He learned to rebuild engines and service equipment, and always had projects. “When you are a farmer, you have to be a jack-of-alltrades, along with being a master of all,” he explains, crediting his dad, Rick, as the inspiration for his business interests. “He gave me the vision I have today and the knowledge that life is what you make it.” In 1970, Rick invented the micro-sprinkler—a revolution for the citrus industry. Rather than using overhead sprinklers, water was delivered by an individual sprinkler system. One day while banking trees—packing dirt around the base to keep them warm and prevent frost damage— Johnny told his dad there had to be an easier way. Rick devised a small cone from a plastic sheet that made banking unnecessary, but it was still necessary to install the cone before the freeze and remove it after. Johnny

Johnny Georges with the tree T-PEE, which is made from recycled materials and retails for less than $10. Photo courtesy of M Davis Photography

suggested a bigger cone that would not have to be removed and would conserve water. “It was the early ’80s, and Dad looked at me like I was crazy,” Johnny says. “Nobody cared about water then. ‘Fuel is cheap and water is free,’ was Dad’s response. He was right, but today it has all changed. Farmers must have less expenditures and more efficient ways to water their crops. In 2016, it’s a different world.” Recognizing the potential to save water and labor, Johnny created the tree T-PEE. The 24-inch cone keeps the water close to the tree, rather than spraying it out 9 feet. That cuts eight hours of average watering time to 30 minutes. “Simple solutions to a very

complex problem,” Johnny explains. “Every T-PEE I put in the ground saves 25,000 gallons of water. There are 50 million orange trees just in our state. Do the math! “I spent years trying to educate local farmers, one at a time, and talking to students at schools and colleges about water conservation and ways to micromanage water. But old habits die hard, and there is always resistance to change.” An intern at Florida Southern College proposed Johnny’s innovation to the producers on “Shark Tank.” “It is surreal, all that has happened since I appeared on the TV show,” says Johnny. “The farmers—I knew I could help them.” APRIL 2016

In theâ€‚ Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Looking for a light but tasty snack? Top flatbread with cheese, grapes and greens.

The Sweet Touch of Grapes

Color, crunch and light sweetness make grapes an appealing addition to many dishes Grape and Smoked Mozzarella Flatbread 2 large whole-grain flatbreads or naan 11/4 cups grated smoked mozzarella 3 cups arugula 1 cup sliced red and/or green grapes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small clove garlic, minced Salt Freshly ground black pepper

Heat broiler to high. Place flatbread on a baking sheet and broil until crisp and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Turn and cover with mozzarella. Broil until melted, about 2 to 3 minutes. 16

APRIL 2016

While the cheese is melting, toss together the arugula, grapes, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Place the mixture on flatbread and cut into wedges.

1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced (can substitute a serrano or jalapeno pepper) 11/2 cups cooked medium-size shrimp 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro 3 tablespoons Thai basil or mint, torn

Shrimp Thai Salad

Combine the cabbage, bean sprouts and grapes in a large bowl. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumber into long thin strips and put on top. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, vinegar, sugar, shallots, oil and chili. Pour over the vegetables and mix well. Place cabbage mixture on serving plates and top with shrimp. Sprinkle with cilantro and basil.

Serves 4

3 cups shredded savoy cabbage 2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed 11/2 cups green grapes, halved 1 large cucumber 1/4 cup lime juice 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons minced shallots 1 tablespoon safflower oil

Serves 4

A Handful of Health One 3/4 cup serving of grapes has 90 calories, no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium. XX Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols, which help make grapes a hearthealthy food. XX They are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is critical for healthy blood clotting and may play a role in bone health. XX Grapes promote the relaxation of blood vessels to help maintain healthy blood flow and function. XX Grapes are classified as a low glycemic-index food, with GI values ranging between 43 and 53. XX

Sweet and Savory Brussels Sprouts and Grapes

Sweet and Spicy Moroccan Turkey Pilaf

1 pound Brussels sprouts 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup halved red grapes ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¼ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 pound skinless, boneless turkey breast, cut into strips 1 cup long-grain rice 11/2 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup green, red and/or black seedless grapes 1/4 cup dried apricots, sliced 2 green onions, both white and green parts, sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Cut off the woody stem on each Brussels sprout and remove any tough or bruised outer leaves. Slice sprouts thinly to make a mound of feathery-like ribbons. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sprouts, grapes, salt and pepper to the skillet and saute 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, ginger, mustard, honey and vinegar. Saute approximately 1 to 2 minutes, until sprouts are tender and bright green. Turn off heat and add walnuts. Gently mix to combine. Serves 4

In a large skillet, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Brown the turkey on all sides. Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, cinnamon and cayenne. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove the pilaf from heat and stir in the grapes, apricots, green onions, and mint. Serve warm.

If you prefer to cook the pilaf in the oven, follow the instructions as written, but instead of covering and leaving the pilaf to cook on the burner, bake at 325 F for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serves 4

Tofu Grape Kabobs 2 to 3 tablespoons minced jalapeno 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 pound firm tofu, cut into 12 chunks 2 cups green grapes 2 cups steamed brown rice 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Heat grill to high. In a small bowl, mix the jalapeno, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger; toss. Add the tofu and mix. Thread the tofu and grapes onto four skewers. Grill 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through. Divide the rice among four bowls. Top with the skewers and sprinkle with cilantro. Serves 4

Recipes courtesy of California Table Grape Commission APRIL 2016

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Saddle Up for Rodeo Magic As a young man influenced by television Westerns, I wanted to be a cowboy. I still cling to the delusional dream of having a horse and a little spread in Montana. Until then, I will have to be content to hang around ranches and rodeos. Few aromas—save the sweet fragrance of fresh-cut alfalfa hay—compare to the heavenly scent rising from dusty earth sprayed with cool water before a rodeo. Add the smell of leather and animals, dung and denim, and my nostalgic heart carries me back to my country childhood and what felt like a less-complicated world. Rodeos are magical places soaked in history, able to carry us back to our roots and a romanticized Old West. Corrals and arenas drip with color, pageantry, texture and testosterone, with endless stories of close calls, loves, dreams and heartaches. Few venues offer greater visual potential: preparation and performance, youthful faces glowing with hope and older ones etched by time, storytelling details on every saddle. Short of knowing the subtle intricacies of this colorful American sport, I offer a few lessons I have learned. • If you are bent on becoming a rodeo photographer, you need cowboy boots; jeans; two hats—felt for winter, straw for summer (most venues will not allow you in the arena to photograph without those); a shiny, chrome-plated silver buckle that covers half your midsection (optional); and current health and life insurance. • Find a mentor, someone who knows the bulls from the cows, so to speak. You

I shot this through the pipe fence with a 50mm lens. Rather than try to get in the arena and risk being crushed by a bull or steer, or flattened by a horse, I waited for the action to come within range to make a good image. And yes, I shot a lot of average frames that were not so interesting. Photo by David LaBelle

can usually spot ’em kicking around the arena, talking to the pickup riders or clowns. They look cool, like they belong. • If you are able to photograph in the arena—which I do not suggest unless you are with someone who knows the turf— pay attention and never turn your back on a frothing, unpredictable animal that weighs as much as a small car. Outside the arena, shoot through openings between steel cables or wooden planks using as wide of a lens opening as possible (f.2.8) to create a shallow depth of field to basically erase the foreground. • Go early. Scout the best location, where the sun is not in your eyes. In the

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.

APRIL 2016

front row, nobody blocks your view. If you have a telephoto lens, the raised back row allows you to see above fences. • Ask the ushers—people who know the sport—where you can safely go to make pictures. Most are willing to help. • Go backstage before or after the event—the semi-private places where athletes physically and mentally prepare. Those pictures are usually the most revealing, most human, most personal. • Study and see the light. Most rodeos are in summer, beginning just before dark. Usually there is a magical time when the sky turns red or orange and artificial lights just come on, before a colorful sky turns black and only the arena lights illuminate. The combination of ambient light and artificial light can be enchanting. Start with a low ISO (100 or 200) before increasing to 1600 or 3200 once night falls. Use available light when possible. It is almost impossible to shoot flash through bars or slits in fences. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Ride ’em Cowboy

Ever dream of riding the open range on the back of a trusty horse? You are in luck! Between the horseback riding trails and dude ranches in Florida, you can spend a couple of hours, a day, a weekend or a week for a down-home experience just about anywhere in the Sunshine State. If you are not sure you will like horseback riding, check out places such as Arnett’s Gulfside Trail Rides (www. gulfsidetrailrides.com) in Santa Rosa Beach in the Panhandle. The 20-acre ranch is adjacent to Point Washington State Forest and about a half-mile from the Gulf of Mexico. While horseback riding is not allowed on the beaches, the guided trail rides through the forest provide experiences from easy to challenging. Another option is In the Breeze Ranch (www. inthebreezeranch.com) near Tampa. In addition to guided trail rides from walking only to gallop and canter, In the Breeze offers a swim-withthe-horses ride at one of the farm’s swimming holes during the warmer months. Marion County’s Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Thousands of

Visitors participate in a cattle drive during an experience designed to build teamwork. Photo courtesy of Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo

acres of gently rolling hills are crisscrossed with horse farms, breeders, training facilities and the 500-acre Florida Horse Park (www.flhorsepark. com). It opened in late 2005 and hosts international equine competitions, polo matches and horse shows. Horseback riding in the park is available through its concessionaire, BG Trail Rides (www.bgtrailrides.com). For a weekend or a week of immersion in the ranching way of life, Westgate River Ranch (www.westgateresorts. com) in Lake Wales is the real deal. Located in Polk County, it is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Ride horses, climb the rock wall, enjoy the petting zoo and hayrides, shoot skeet, ride

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.

APRIL 2016

a mechanical bull or take a trip in an airboat or swamp buggy. The 1,700-acre facility has a resort, cabins and camping sites, including platform glamping sites and facilities to accommodate RVs. Near Fort Lauderdale on the edge of the Everglades is the town of Southwest Ranches. Founded in 2000, its tagline is “Preserving Our Rural Lifestyle.” It is home to American Horse Trails (www. americanhorsetrails.us), which offers horseback riding for all ages and skill levels. Travel Tips Traveling by car has its advantages. For instance, you have your own transportation when you reach your destination, you have control over your pace and you can pack as much as you want—or that will fit. If you make purchases on your trip, you can put them in the car and avoid shipping charges.

Here are other things to consider as you travel by car: • Make a plan to share the driving and navigating among your passengers. • Be spontaneous and enjoy impromptu side trips. Use travel apps on your phone or tablet to explore places along the way. • Take breaks every couple of hours to allow everyone to stretch their legs. • Relish mealtimes by actually going inside the fastfood restaurant for a sit-down meal and a chance to enjoy family time. • Although you might think you have unlimited space, allow enough room for each passenger. It is no fun being cramped among luggage, on-the-road entertainment and games, or recreational items. • Bring your own pillow for a great night’s sleep. That way, you don’t have to adapt to too-hard or too-soft pillows. Yours will be just right. n

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Hello grand ma this is kaitlynn ho w are you today I wa nted to tell you tha nk you for the birth day card

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Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.

Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

April 2, Panama City Beach 6th Annual Furry Friends 5K The pet-friendly, untimed walk/run on a paved course helps support The Humane Society of Bay County. The event starts at 8 a.m. at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway. Early registration of $25 ends April 1. Race-day registration from 7 to 7:45 a.m. is $35. www.adoptme.org

April 2, Bradenton Beach 1st Beach ‘N Food Truck and Music Festival Enjoy some great eats from area food trucks, arts and crafts, a classic car show, a kid’s zone and live music from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.annamariaislandchamber.org; (941) 778-1541

April 2, Pensacola 4th Annual A Bark to Remember Gulf Coast Health Care hosts dog contests, entertainers, a silent auction and vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community Maritime Park. The event raises awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Admission and parking are free. (850) 430-0280

April 2, Key West 7th Annual Florida Keys Ocean Festival & Waterfront Craft Show Presented by Mote Marine Laboratory, the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center features a kids’ fishing seminar, touch tanks, live animals, educational activities, an art auction, marine-themed games, refreshments, food and local vendors.

Amphitheater at Founders Park. Tickets are available at the gate.

www.keysoceanfest.org; (305) 393-6022

www.springjampcb.com

April 2-3, Key West 2016 Southernmost Air Spectacular The Blue Angels, other military and civilian aerial performances, and military and vintage aircraft fill the skies and runway at Naval Air Station Key West. Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free. www.airshowkeywest.com; (305) 293-2673

April 3, Islamorada Bay Jam 22 The music and art festival runs from midday into the night on the shores of Florida Bay at the ICE

www.keysice.com; (305) 394-2765

April 7-9, Panama City Beach SpringJam Headlining 18 acts in the country music festival from 2 to 11 p.m. at Aaron Bessant Park are Chris Young, Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts. Tickets start at $59 for one day and increase to $99 for a three-day pass. April 8-9, Pensacola Beach Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge The family friendly event tests the strength, agility, teamwork and skills of firefighters decked out in full gear, and on the sand. www.pensacolasports.org; (850) 434-2800

April 9, Marathon 35th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run Some 1,500 runners participate in the annual race across the longest of the 43 bridges that comprise the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. www.7mbrun.com; (305) 395-7040

April 9, Lake Placid Friends of the Lake Placid Memorial Library Celebrate the grand opening of the group’s gently used bookstore from 2 to 4 p.m. at 205 West Interlake Blvd. with entertainment by Toby’s Clown School and musician Larry Musgrave. (863) 699-3705

Submit Your Events Want to share a familyfriendly 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, please include it along with photo credit information. April 10, Key West Cow Key Channel Bridge Run Chiming cowbells at noon signal the start of the “Zero K” race between Stock Island and the entrance to Key West—about 300 feet. The course record is 23.1 seconds. Beginning at 10 a.m., costumed entrants gather. Entry is $5 and includes a souvenir race bib. www.cowkeybridgerun.com

April 16, Panama City Beach 5K Glow Run Registration is $40 for the walk/run at Frank Brown Park that benefits Second Chance of Northwest Florida. Children 6 to 13 participate for $10. Pack pick-up is at 6 p.m., with the race at 7:30 p.m. www.secondchancenwfl.com

Photo courtesy of Hibiscus Marketing

25th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce hosts an arts and craft show Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, at Founders Park with food, music, classic cars and beach activities, including sand castle building and a sculpted sand letters contest, and homemade boat races. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.islamoradachamber.com or call (305) 664-4503.

APRIL 2016

April 9, Key Largo Native Plant Day In celebration of Earth Day, the event at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, MM 102.5, offers information from organizations concerned with the environment in the Keys. There will be a talk, nature walks and children’s activities. (305) 451-1202

April 9-10, Milton Great American Gardens The Milton Garden Club presents a small standard flower show in conjunction with the Spring Flower Festival and Plant Sale at the Pensacola State College Milton campus, 5988 Highway 90. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.miltongardenclub.com

April 16, Bradenton De Soto Landing Be at De Soto National Memorial as conquistador Hernando de Soto comes ashore and claims Florida (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Stay for talks and demonstrations about his expedition and its lasting impact on early American history and the native people of the Southeast. Admission is free. www.nps.gov/deso; (941) 792-0458

April 16, Panama City Beach Earth Day Beach Cleanup Meet at Russell Fields City Pier across from Pier Park at 10 a.m. for the Earth Day event. Equipment and water are supplied. (850) 258-4413

April 23, Avon Park 6th Annual Bluegrass Blueberry Festival Live music, blueberry products, arts and crafts vendors, a barbecue chicken dinner and a kid’s zone are featured from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Donaldson Park. www.facebook. com/APRotary BlueberryFestival

April 27-May 1, Panama City Beach 18th Annual Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally Activities include a bike parade, motorcycle stunt shows, live music and more. More than 200 exhibitors and vendors are featured at four venues. All events are free. Photo by Fran Palmeri

17th Bi-Annual Florida Native Plant Festival and Sale Experts will help you choose from a large selection of native plants and kids can bring home wildflower seedlings and do crafts while learning about flowers that butterflies love on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Bay Nursery in Parrish. Here, Camille Hill is focused on looking for caterpillars on all the plants. Hosted by the Florida Native Plant Society’s Serenoa chapter and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the event includes representatives and materials from the Audubon Society, Sierra Club, North America Butterfly Association, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences and Around the Bend Tours. For more information, contact Karen Fraley Willey at (941) 704-4325 or srepens@gmail.com. April 20, Islamorada Immerse Yourself! Diving for a Living Kerry Dillon of Sea Rover Services is the featured speaker at a free lecture at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM 83.

April 20-24, Panama City Beach 18th Seabreeze Jazz Festival Award-winning artists take the stage at Aaron Bessant Park in front of 20,000 fans. Tickets are available for single or multiple days. www.seabreezejazzfestival.com

(305) 664-9737

April 20, Islamorada Much More Than Meets the Eye John Blades, executive director of the Henry M. Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, lectures on” The Context of Building the Over-sea Railroad” at 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. Doors open at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended. www.keysdiscovery.com; (305) 9222237; info@keysdiscovery.com

April 22-May 1, Key West 34th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration Activities range from wacky bed races to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships. www.facebook.com/The-ConchRepublic; (305) 296-0213

April 23, Islamorada Young Musicians Mentor Concert Talented local students join the Keys Community Concert band for

a free concert at 4 p.m. at the ICE Amphitheater, Founders Park, MM 87. Scholarships also are awarded. Be sure to bring blankets; no chairs are provided.

www.thunderbeach productions.com; (850) 249-7627

April 28-May 1, Key West Paddle Classic The challenge includes a 12-mile elite race around the island, a 4-mile open race, kids’ races and paddleboard clinics. www.lazydog.com; (305) 304-4259

www.keyscommunityconcertband. org; (305) 853-7294

April 29-May 1, Pensacola 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival Enjoy Cajun fare and other food from noon to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Bartram Park.

April 23, Panama City Beach 6th Annual Beaches, Bugs and Buses The public is invited to the free German Metal VW Club car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spinnaker Beach Club, 8795 Thomas Drive. The event includes vendors, games, a kids’ corner and a hula hoop contest. The cost to exhibit is $25. Proceeds benefit the Anchorage Children’s Home.

April 30, Pensacola Burger Battle by the Bay Professional and backyard cooking teams compete for best burger honors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Community Maritime Park. Sample the burgers and cast your vote for the people’s choice award. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate.

www.beachesbugsbuses.com; (850) 832-4797

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APRIL 2016

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Practice Makes Perfect While growing up, the closest fishing hole was the creek out back. Yet it was less than ideal. Awash with underwater snags and structure, and lined with trees and heavy brush, most of my siblings and I shunned it. But not Dave. Dave loved fishing. He also loved the fact the creek was so close and full of fish. So he decided he was going to practice casting until he could pitch and flip over or around any obstacle to get at the fish hiding there. Practice is important when learning or improving any outdoor skill. Whether you want to cast farther, shoot better, perfect your J-stroke or feel more comfortable navigating with a map and compass, practice is the key to achieving that end. • Commit your goal to paper. Include the “why” behind it. Pull out your goal statement and review it periodically, especially if you need a motivational boost or you start to question the time you spend on the activity. • Make it a priority. Whatever activity or skill you are trying to improve, block

The best way to practice anything is to actually do it. In other words, if you want to cast better, spend more time fishing. However, sometimes that may not be possible, so you are challenged to be creative and adapt to where you are and work with what you have on hand. For example, if you can’t go fishing, you can always buy a practice lure and hone your casting technique in the house, garage or backyard. The same is true for other outdoor skills.

out time on your schedule to practice it. • Realize getting better takes time and effort. Start small, have realisitic expectations and set manageable goals. • Avoid overdoing it. There comes a point when any activity becomes work. Keep it fun. Don’t be afraid to take a break if it starts to become a chore. Always leave yourself wanting more. • Reward yourself when you hit your goal. Buy yourself something new or plan a special outing to flaunt your hard-earned skill. With a lot of practice, Dave got really good by using some of these strategies. His reward was a stringer full of fish almost every time he fished that knarly old creek.

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.

A P R I L 2 0 16

Photo by Steve Krull

Outdoor 101: Keeping a Knife Sharp Start with a quality knife. The best knifemakers use premium blade steel because they understand not all metals hold an edge equally. Gerber, Kershaw and Benchmade are three brands that come to mind. Use the knife only as intended. Don’t use it as a pry tool. Avoid blade contact with rocks, metal, glass, ceramic or other materials that can dull or knick a blade. Learn the proper sharpening method for your particular knife, and use it regularly to keep it razor sharp. Enjoy the Outdoors From Your Recliner When it’s cold and nasty outside, sometimes there’s nothing better than an outdoor adventure enjoyed vicariously through a good book. Here are two to check out: “A Walk in The Woods,” by Bill Bryson, is a humorous account of Bryson and a friend attempting to through-hike the

Appalachian Trail. The book was made into a movie last year starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. “A River Runs Through It,” by Norman Maclean. is a classic outdoor story that also made it to the big screen. The true story is about two brothers and their love for flyfishing Montana’s Blackfoot River, and how it influences their lives as they grow to manhood. What Holiday is It? April: Keep America Beautiful Month April 17: Bat Appreciation Day April 22: Girl Scout Leader Day Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@ floridacurrents.com. 

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

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

Church of the Month

Community Church of Basinger U.S. Highway 98 Basinger, FL 34972

It Pays to be a Member of Glades Electric Cooperative! Glades Electric Cooperative offers you three ways to earn credits on your monthly billing statements. XX

$10 Paperless Bill Credit Winners

All members enrolled in eBill and selecting paperless billing are entered into a monthly drawing. Five lucky winners automatically receive $10 credits on their billing statements. XX

$10 Automatic Draft Credit Winners

All members enrolled in automatic payments from their bank account or credit card are entered into a monthly drawing. Five lucky winners automatically receive $10 credits on their billing statements. XX

$25 Florida Currents Reader Credit Winners

All active GEC members are entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 credit on their bill. Two winners are selected each month. To claim the credit, you must call (863) 946-6200 or sign your name to this page and mail it to: Glades Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 519, Moore Haven, FL 33471.

$10 eBill Winners Alicia Gunn—No. 119647-001 Robert Haynes—No. 114677-002 George & Jo Randolph—No. 77788057-002 Fred & Judy Neal—No. 112588-001 Edgar Navarro—No. 113585-001

$10 Draft Winners Sabal Palm Campground Inc.—No. 11204-001 Gordon Russo—No. 108153-001 Sally J. Sackman—No. 108650-001 Clint & Jaclyn Bondarenko—No. 110598-001 Delmar Hastings—No. 77782872-001

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Donald & Donna Kenneaster—No. 109049-001 Pereira Weruscka Lopes—No. 120128-001 * To claim the Florida Currents Reader credit, winners must call (863) 946-6200 or sign their name to this page and mail it to the GEC office.

Picturesque Lake Placid

The founding of Glades Electric Cooperative is among the historic scenes recorded in the town’s murals

Page 12 Why You Should Attend the Annual Meeting

PAGE 4

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Chalo Nitka Festival PAGE 28

APRIL 2016

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Voter Engagement Program Launched The NRECA initiative is nonpartisan, with a goal of ensuring that rural Americans are heard By Justin LaBerge

APRIL 2016

America’s electric cooperatives have launched a nonpartisan, nationwide effort to promote civic engagement and voter participation in the communities they serve. Jeffrey Connor, interim CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, unveiled the Co-ops Vote program at the association’s 74th annual meeting in New Orleans. “Through Co-ops Vote, we want to help our members know when elections are, what’s at stake and how to make their voices heard,” Connor said. “Who folks vote for isn’t really as important as the fact that they do vote.” The Co-ops Vote initiative focuses on eight issues important to the health and prosperity of communities served by electric cooperatives: • Rural broadband access. • Hiring and honoring veterans. • Low-income energy assistance. • Cybersecurity. • Water regulation. • Rural health care access. • Affordable and reliable energy. • Renewable energy. “Electric cooperatives are perfectly designed to help address these important issues,” Connor said. “We can make politics ‘local’ again because civic engagement is part of our DNA.” A new website, www.vote.coop, offers cooperative members information on the voter registration process in their state, election dates, information about the candidates running in those elections and explanations of the eight key issues the campaign aims to address. In keeping with its nonpartisan goals, the initiative will not endorse specific candidates for office. Mel Coleman, president of NRECA and CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, said the program will help ensure the voices of rural Americans are heard. “We want to make sure our government knows that rural America matters,” Coleman said. “This campaign isn’t about divisive, partisan issues. It’s about real people in real places facing real challenges. It’s about our co-ops living out the principles of our movement: concern for community and democratic control.”

Connor cited partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., the explosive growth of money in politics and the effects of gerrymandering as important reasons for launching the program. In 2014, 318 of 435 House races had a margin of victory of 20 points or more, and 30 House candidates—16 Democrats and 14 Republicans representing 11 states—did not even face an opponent in the general election. “Elections aren’t won and lost in November anymore,” Connor said. “They’re really decided in primaries months sooner, when fewer voters recognize the opportunity to vote, fewer participate and only a handful of issues are up for debate.” This results is a Congress where more members represent the extremes of each political party and are less inclined to seek compromise and bipartisan solutions to problems. “The electric cooperative movement has always been nonpartisan, and our communities are facing too many challenges to have a government crippled by bickering,” Coleman said. “When our parents and grandparents set out to electrify rural America, they didn’t have time to ask the person next to them about their views on economic or social policy. Their economic policy was ‘We need to save this community’ and their social policy was ‘Let’s do it together.’ I hope the Co-ops Vote program can help rekindle that spirit of cooperation.” n For more information about Co-ops Vote and the impact of these eight key issues on the people of rural Florida, contact Glades Electric Cooperative or visit www.vote.coop.

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APRIL 2016

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Be Energy Smart: Check Out Claims Learn about electrical products and services you should avoid By Tom Tate

When it comes to saving energy, caveat emptor is alive and well. Because we are bombarded by claims that border on outright falsehoods, it pays to view savings claims from third parties cautiously. So many products on the market claim to save energy, but are they legitimate? Here are some products and services that you might want to avoid—or at least be skeptical of the claims. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. Electric Space Heaters If used incorrectly, electric space heaters drain energy savings from your home. Companies make elaborate claims about the amount of money you can save by relying on their product to heat your entire home, and charge exorbitant sums for their products. The advertisements frequently target those on a fixed income, presenting false hope while extracting precious dollars from their customers. These space heaters appear to be well made. However, they typically offer no better economy than any other 1,500watt electric heater. The bottom line: Electric space heaters should only be used to heat small spaces—not your entire home.

An infrared electric space heater is fine for heating small spaces, but not your entire home. 28

APRIL 2016

Black Boxes Black boxes that claim to clean up power, protect appliances and reduce energy use come and go. These often require an electrician to install. The claim is they improve power quality, smooth out power fluctuations and store energy so you can reduce your bills.

Watch Out for Scammers Most people want to save energy and keep their electric bills manageable. Technology can help, but be careful. Scammers love to call or stop by claiming they represent the local power company. Never give personal or financial information to anyone who claims to be a Glades Electric Cooperative employee without confirming their identity. Ask for a call back number from the caller, then check with GEC. Ask the door-to-door person for a valid GEC ID. If they really are a co-op employee, they will be able to prove it. Before making investments in technology that seems too good to be true, call GEC at (863) 946-6200. You will be glad you did.

Save your money. The concepts they present are already in use by utilities— including Glades Electric Cooperative— and require utility-size equipment. Something that can fit in a shoebox is not going to deliver value in promised areas. If you are concerned about protecting your sensitive appliances and electronics, talk to GEC about surge protection. Build Your Own Generator When you see an ad that reads, “The power companies don’t want you to know,” skip it. These are generally claims around building your own renewable energy source from parts easily obtained at the local hardware store or a motor that produces limitless “free” electricity. I would equate these with the emails I get from foreign countries telling me I

Smart Appliance Update

Build your own generator? You get cool plans and a parts list—but don’t expect free electricity.

can receive millions of dollars by simply sending all my banking information. At least in the case of the homemade renewables and limitless motor, you get some cool plans and parts lists. You decide if it’s worth $50 to $200. I would pass on it. Replacement for a Dehumidifier A product claims it will replace basement dehumidifiers and save tons of money. It basically is a fan system that vents all the basement air outside. Dehumidifiers can be expensive to run and are a nuisance when you have to empty the water. A few years ago, I asked the Cooperative Research Network—an arm of the Arlington, Virginia-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association—if these products delivered on their savings claims. They said no. The problem is that when you blow all the basement air outside, it is replaced with conditioned air from other parts of the house. That makes your HVAC system work harder and dramatically reduces the promised savings. Here is my solution: I set my dehumidifier to 60 percent and run a hose to my floor drain. This resolves the hassle of emptying the water and reduces power use while keeping my basement dry. n

A shoebox-sized “black box” will not improve your power quality, smooth out power fluctuations and store energy so you can reduce your bills. Glades Electric has utility-size equipment that does that.

While cruising the offerings on television recently, I came across a program covering the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show—the showcase of the latest and greatest electronic goodies and gadgets for consumers. It has a lot in common with a car show’s concept cars. I stopped flipping channels and settled in for a look-see. Having penned a smart appliance article recently, I was interested when a new smart refrigerator came on screen. In my opinion, the current iterations have limited functional appeal. This newest offering addressed a few of my biggest gripes. First of all, the touchscreen, Internet-connected door panel was huge. It must have been 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide. The panel allows you to create a grocery list and place your order directly with select grocery store chains. One of those shown was ShopRite, which offers home delivery in some areas. Very nice. A series of cameras in each door frame provides images of what is inside the fridge. While it reduces energy use by allowing undecided teenagers to browse for food with the refrigerator door closed, that was not the primary design intent. The cameras project a still image on your touchscreen panel so you can drag and drop little “use by” icons onto various items. Say your sour cream is a few days away from its expiration date. Drag a circle with a 4 in it onto the milk image and, voila, you are reminded to use it before it goes bad. Admittedly, the new functionality does not completely resolve all of my reservations about the utility of some smart appliances. However, the manufacturers are obviously listening to consumers and developing their offerings to meet real needs. Guess the Jetson-esque kitchen just got a little closer. —Tom Tate

APRIL 2016

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Time is Ticking: Share Your Story Some people collect stamps or coins. Others collect comic books or Beanie Babies. Gas pumps, anyone? How about old tractors? This woman collects Cabbage Patch Kids. Her current count: 1,079. 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 highresolution (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 good story, so tell us about your collection, what you have accumulated, your favorite treasures and why you collect. If we use your submission, we will pay you $25. Both a photo and story are required. Don’t miss this opportunity to share the story of your prized possessions. Send in your contribution today. The deadline is May 13. Sooner is better! Email your photo and information to info@floridacurrents.

com, putting “Collectors” in the subject line. Include your name, postal address and the name of your electric cooperative. Submissions also can be made via regular mail: Florida Currents, Collectors, 5605 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124. n We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file size), along with the story behind the photo and your name and mailing address (for payment) to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR

Offices Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 26733 U.S. Hwy. 27 East/P.O. Box 519 Moore Haven, FL 33471 (863) 946-6200 Fax: (863) 946-2150 214 SR 70 West Lake Placid, FL 33852 (863) 531-5000 808 N. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34972 (863) 467-5111

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

Board of Trustees John “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, (863) 655-3056 James “Jim” Aul, Vice President, District 7 Lorida, (863) 441-0441 Russell Henderson, Sec./Treas., District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, (863) 946-0865 Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, (863) 946-0402 Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, (561) 414-8737 Shannon Hall, Trustee, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, (863) 946-3242 Ladd Bass, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, (863) 441-2227 Lee Henderson, Trustee, District 6 Highlands Park, (863) 633-9281 Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, (863) 801-3140 The next meeting of the Board will be at 9 a.m. April 28 at the Moore Haven headquarters office. Any changes to this schedule will be posted in the lobby of all three district offices.

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

APRIL 2016

FL-153

CEO’s Message

Capital Credits to be Refunded Members can expect to see their share of the equity posted to accounts by July

Electric cooperatives are unique organizations. They were created out of the fortitude of the citizens they serve. They operate with a concern for the communities of those citizens. They follow an unusual business model where profits are not a motive, but are kept to a minimum only to satisfy financiers. And when there are profits—or margins, as we call them in the not-for-profit electric cooperative world—they are allocated to the cooperative’s members as equity, also known as capital credits. Under their unusual business model, electric cooperatives refund those capital credits when financial conditions permit. It is a nice little perk the customers of investor-owned utilities don’t enjoy. We are pleased to report that Glades Electric Cooperative is in a position to once again refund capital credits. Your Board of Trustees has decided to refund capital credits allocated for the years 1971 through 1975, amounting to $1,428,941.70. Those of you who are due refunds and have active accounts will have a credit posted on your account by your July billing statement. Those who are due refunds without an active account will be mailed a check. Keep your eyes on your billing statement or mailbox. A refund of this magnitude is quite an achievement considering the cooperative’s financial position just five years ago, when equity was at an all-time low. The financial improvement necessary to allow the refund was accomplished through the diligent work of all cooperative employees executing the Board’s plan to bring this milestone about. My congratulations to them all.

Jeff Brewington