Issuu

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

D E C E M B E R 2016

Merry Christmas from the employees of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative! Reflecting on the Past Year PAGE 4 Capital Credits Distributed PAGE 32 n

Gulf Coast

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.

Peace starts here.

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.

From all of us at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, “Peace on earth. Good will to men!” We value your membership. We value you.

Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA

Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218 © 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

Inside

December 2016 Vol. 6, No. 2

Embrace the True Spirit 12 Abandon the holiday shopping madness and limit materialistic gift-giving. 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

DECEMBER 2016

Gulf Coast

Reflecting on the Past Year By Michael White, CEO/General Manager, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

As the end of 2016 approaches, I would like to reflect on the events of the past year. As CEO and general manager of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, I evaluate opportunities the cooperative has had and the challenges we have faced. I ask myself, “Did we provide the highest level of member service? Have we impleMichael White mented programs that offer our membership added value?” In answering such questions, I developed a list of some of our accomplishments during the past year. As you read this, I hope you see that our employees come to work each day with one goal in mind: to safely provide you with a reliable source of energy services. I thank you for your patronage of the cooperative, and wish you a merry Christmas and a happy 2017. Capital Credits We are in the process of distributing capital credit checks. Those who were members of GCEC in 1983

and 2015 will receive credits totaling $450,000. Estates of deceased patrons will share an additional $50,000. GCEC is a member-owned, nonprofit organization. Therefore, at the end of each year and after all operating expenses have been paid, a prorated percentage of its margins—referred to as capital credits—is allocated to members based on the amount they paid for electricity during the year. The decision to make a refund and how much to refund is made by the board of trustees and is based on the financial health of the cooperative. Fortunately, the financial health of the cooperative has allowed for the amount of capital credit refunds to increase during the past few years. Employee Training and Safety At least once a month, our employees participate in safety training sessions that cover everything from first aid and CPR to the training our line technicians need to safely work on power lines each day. Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our employees, our members and the public. Equipment and Material Purchases The co-op has purchased many needed items in 2016, including several new trucks and right-of wayequipment, all while reducing the overall material inventory level from the previous year through continuously improving material management practices. Turning over material and rotating equipment helps our employees provide you with reliable service, restoring power when needed. OSHA Compliance GCEC is 100 percent compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules. We have gone to great lengths to ensure all of our employees have received safety training as required by OSHA, and that all of our offices and equipment adhere to OSHA standards.

GCEC Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson, who oversees all safety programs for the cooperative, displays the Certificate of Safety Achievement that Gulf Coast Electric received for its dedication to employee and public safety and commitment to regulatory compliance and loss control practices. 4

DECEMBER 2016

Padmount Equipment, Wood Pole Inspections To improve system reliability and extend the useful life of field equipment, in 2016 GCEC focused on best practices for maintenance and inspection of padmount transformers, junction cabinets and other

underground equipment, as well as wood poles used for overhead lines. GCEC is required by the Florida Public Service Commission and Rural Utilities Service to inspect each pole on our system once every eight years. We inspected more than 7,000 poles this year alone. Similarly this year, GCEC inspected and repaired nearly 500 padmount equipment devices. Right-of-Way Throughout 2016, GCEC trimmed the rights-ofway in the Ebro, Wewahitchka, Crystal Lake and Fountain areas. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a potentially dangerous situation. It is vital this vegetation be cleared from the power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. Your board and management team is taking a different approach to trimming than in years past. We are reclaiming our rights-of-ways. The co-op tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights-of-way.

We realize most property owners regard trees as an asset; however, federal law states it is GCECâ€™s responsibility to eliminate hazardous conditions. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service.

Instructor Tracey Strickland, standing, observes Jay Shiver during forklift training.

Tyndall Air Force Base As we continue to push forward with our 50-year contract, we have corrected many issues with the water and electric systems at Tyndall AFB. We have completed several water and electric projects, including replacing aging infrastructure to assist Tyndall in fulfilling its mission. This contract has given us the opportunity to hire more employees and help stimulate local economies by buying materials and expanding your cooperative. We are proud to be a part of Team Tyndall. Future GCEC is looking to roll out more online tools for your account and other marketing programs to assist members. We constantly evaluate ourselves, and your feedback is sought each day. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you. n DECEMBER 2016

OLIDAY LIGHTING SAFETY TIPS Consider purchasing LED holiday lights; they are cool to the touch and more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Test holiday lights by connecting each strand before hanging them. Make sure there are no broken bulbs or damaged or frayed cords. Discard any defective strands. Use holiday lights that include the Underwriterâ€™s Laboratories (UL) label.

Avoid resting bulbs on tree needles and branches. Try using a clip to keep the bulbs upright. Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.

Turn off all indoor and outdoor holiday lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.

DECEMBER 2016

Gulf Coast

Nuclear a Critical Element of Our Future Energy Mix As the rest of the country relies more on natural gas for electricity generation, PowerSouth is expanding the cooperative’s already-diverse power supply mix with a nuclear power purchase, adding flexibility and good economic value. PowerSouth’s generation plan has succeeded, in large part, due to its diverse fuel mix. Using a variety of fuels and technologies to generate electricity balances the benefits and risks associated with each source, including reliability, economics and environmental factors. Today, PowerSouth uses natural gas, coal and hydro to meet member energy needs. To further diversify the generation blend, PowerSouth will buy 125 megawatts of nuclear capacity from the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia for 20 years beginning in 2019. Vogtle Units 3 and 4—currently under construction near Augusta—will be among the first nuclear units built in the U.S. in the past three decades. “This is the best nuclear technology to date,” said Dixie Electric Cooperative President and CEO Gary Harrison, who is chairman of the Corporate Planning & Power Supply Committee on PowerSouth’s Board of Trustees. “It is not only safe, but it also has no carbon footprint.” Adding nuclear power to the energy mix serves PowerSouth’s members’ interests well over the long term—balancing fuel costs and managing risk by using a variety of generation technologies. A proven technology that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy can relieve uncertainty associated

with coal and natural gas prices. Like coalfired power plants, nuclear plants are traditional “always-on” generators, providing large amounts of electricity around the clock. In fact, nuclear power plants have the highest average capacity factor of any electricity source. Coal-fired generation faces continued regulatory challenges, such as the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent Clean Power Plan. Natural gas is a valuable resource, but history has shown that leaning too heavily on gas could cause utilities to deal with unpredictability in pricing and availability. Utilities’ use of renewables is increasing nationwide, but as intermittent sources they cannot displace the need for traditional baseload generation sources. “People like renewables because they emit no carbon dioxide,” Harrison said, “but they are such small pieces of the puzzle. Nuclear is the perfect addition to our mix because it can provide the magnitude of energy we need, but with the same zero-carbon output.” PowerSouth’s move toward nuclear began in 2008 when PowerSouth’s Board of Trustees adopted a strategic plan to promote a diversified power supply strategy, including the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes in global energy and financial markets, as well as future legislation governing emissions. n

Nuclear plants are:

Efficient

Nuclear power plants are the most efficient source of electricity, operating 24/7 at a 92 percent average capacity factor.

Available A nuclear plant refuels once every 18 months, replacing one-third of the fuel each time.

Reliable During the 2014 Polar Vortex, the U.S. nuclear fleet operated at 95 percent capacity, higher than any other source of electricity.

1 TON

17,000 ft3

Clean One uranium fuel pellet creates as much energy as one ton of coal or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas.

Powerful A typical nuclear plant generates electricity to power 720,000 homes (or a city the size of Boston) without emitting greenhouse gases.

This article was prepared by PowerSouth’s Communications department. President and CEO Gary Smith is taking a respite from writing to focus on issues important to PowerSouth, its members and those it serves. DECEMBER 2016

Gulf Coast

Home Energy Assistance Programs Available The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity offers two programs for assistance with home energy needs. The first is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps low-income families with home heating and cooling costs. The second is the Weatherization Assistance Program. The extent of services provided by WAP is contingent on available funding, but services provided by this program—depending on available funding—include repair or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling units; measures to control air infiltration, including weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor wall, ceiling and floor repairs, and window and door replacement; installation of attic and floor insulation; repair or replacement of water heaters; installation of solar screens; application of solar reflective coating to manufactured homes; and installation of attic ventilation. For more information about these programs, visit www.floridajobs.org or contact the agency for your county at the numbers listed in the chart at right. n 8

DECEMBER 2016

BAY: Bay County Council on Aging Inc., (850) 769-3468 CALHOUN: LIHEAP: Capital Area Community Action Agency Inc., (850) 674-5067 WAP: Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners, (850) 674-2571 GULF: Capital Area Community Action Agency Inc., (850) 229-1717 JACKSON: LIHEAP: Jackson County Senior Citizens Organization Inc., (850) 263-4650 WAP: Community Action Program Committee Inc., (850) 438-4021 WALTON: LIHEAP: Tri-County Community Action Inc., (850) 892-3615 WAP: Community Action Program Committee Inc., (850) 438-4021 WASHINGTON: LIHEAP: Tri-County Community Action Inc., (850) 638-4520 ext. 28 WAP: Community Action Program Committee Inc., (850) 438-4021

B LL Bu ig -NE tt ge W on r s

s o N act r nt

“My friends all hate their cell phones… I love mine!” Here’s why.

FREE Car Charg er

Say good-bye to everything you hate about cell phones. Say hello to the ALL-NEW Jitterbug Flip. “Cell phones have gotten so small, I can barely dial mine.” Not the new Jitterbug® Flip. It features a larger keypad for easier dialing. It even has a larger display so you can actually see it. “I had to get my son to program it.” Your Jitterbug Flip set-up process is simple. We’ll even program it with your favorite numbers. “I tried my sister’s cell phone… I couldn’t hear it.” The Jitterbug Flip is designed with a powerful speaker and is hearing aid compatible. Plus, there’s an adjustable volume control. “I don’t need stock quotes, Internet sites or games on my phone. I just want to talk with my family and friends.” Life is complicated enough… The Jitterbug Flip is simple. “What if I don’t remember a number?” Friendly, helpful Operators are available 24 hours a day and will even greet you by name when you call. “My cell phone company wants to lock me in a two-year contract!” Not with the Jitterbug Flip. There are no contracts to sign and no penalty if you discontinue your service.

Order now and receive a FREE Car Charger for your Jitterbug Flip – a $25 value. Call now!

Monthly Plan

$19.99/mo

$14.99/mo

Monthly Minutes

200

600

Operator Assistance

24/7

Long Distance Calls

No add’l charge

Voice Dial

FREE

Nationwide Coverage

YES

30 days

Friendly Return Policy

More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.

“I’d like a cell phone to use in an emergency, but I don’t want a high monthly bill.” The Jitterbug Flip has a plan to fit your needs… and your budget.

5Star Enabled

12:45P Mon Noc 28

Available in Red and Graphite.

“Many phones have features that are rarely needed and hard to use!” The Jitterbug Flip contains easy-to-use features that are meaningful to you. A newly designed built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a new flashlight with a built-in magnifier helps you see in dimly lit areas, the Jitterbug Flip has all the features you need. Enough talk. Isn’t it time you found out more about the cell phone that’s changing all the rules? Call now, Jitterbug product experts are standing by.

NEW Jitterbug Flip Cell Phone Call toll-free to get your Jitterbug Flip. Please mention promotional code 104734.

1-877-492-4808

We proudly accept the following credit cards:

47665

www.jitterbugdirect.com

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. Plans and Services require purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time setup fee of $35. Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Coverage is not available everywhere. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone and the activation fee (or setup fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s U.S.-based customer service. However, for calls to a GreatCall Operator in which a service is completed, you will be charged 99 cents per call, and minutes will be deducted from your monthly rate plan balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Living the Magic Former attorney embraces his childhood fascination and goes all in on Disney By Pam Windsor

Postcards From Florida

Grassy Key

ter anne Rich

Photo by Je

Splendid sunsets are a year-round treat in Florida. “Living in Marathon on Florida Bay offers many beautiful sunsets,” says Jeanne Richter. “However, this was special because I captured my friend Bruce returning from his evening sail.” 10

DECEMBER 2016

Lou Mongello remembers his first trip to Disney World in 1971. As a child, he was struck by the magic of Disney. He developed a passion for the place that has continued into adulthood. After high school, Lou attended Villanova University, studied law at Seton Hall, then set up a practice in New Jersey. He got married, had two children and created a thriving information technology consulting firm—but Disney always hovered in the background. Lou decided to take what he knew about the theme park and write a trivia book. He had no plans beyond that, but one thing led to another. “I started a little website, and it turned into articles and a community,” Lou says. “Then I started podcasting back in 2005, which was sort of a game changer for me. My hobby actually turned into a business.” The call of Disney got stronger, and Lou embraced it. He sold his house, packed up his belongings and moved his family to Orlando. Unsure how he was going to do it, Lou was determined to find a way to make a living from his enthusiasm for Disney World. “I had some friends who were like, ‘Wait a minute, man, you’re giving up a really high-paying, comfortable job that you went to school for years for to move to Florida to a house you haven’t seen, with no way to figure out how you’re going to make money, to talk about Mickey Mouse every week?’” Lou says. The gamble paid off. Today, Lou is the master of all things Disney. Although not compensated by the theme park, he is a recognized Disney authority who shares his tips and expertise through social media and as an author, speaker and podcaster. Lou tapped into sharing what excites him about Disney World with millions

of others who feel the same way. Disney fans everywhere can follow his weekly Walt Disney World Radio online show at www.wdwradio.com. “There’s something special about that place,” Lou says. “There’s something transformative when you walk through that portal into the Magic Kingdom. Something happens. We forget about our day-to-day problems and the bills and our job and all the things getting us down. It allows us to be a kid again.” Lou has found a way to do what he enjoys and encourages others to do the same. He addresses conference audiences, speaks to businesses and organizations, and recently began going into schools to help motivate young people to work to make their dreams come true. “You can use Disney as a model for the idea,” Lou says. “To use a Disneyism, if you dream it you can do it. I share my story, and I share the story of Walt Disney and others. Walt was not always a success financially, personally and professionally. I share how you can take inspiration from others who have followed their passion in the past.” Lou’s first experience working with students came after an invitation from Domenic Zampogna, a guidance counselor and teacher in Pennsylvania. The two met on a Disney cruise. Domenic invited Lou to be a guest lecturer, via Skype, for his marketing class.

Decade-Long Celebration

The Magic Kingdom, the Seven Dwarfs and all things Disney dominate Lou Mongello’s world.

“The idea was one day a week for five or six weeks,” says Domenic. “He’d give us the inside scoop on Disney marketing—the principles of marketing the Disney way: promotion, publicity, etc.” Things kicked off with a get-to-knoweach-other session from Lou’s office, with a camera aimed at students so they could ask questions and the two sides could interact. In following classes, Lou highlighted different aspects of the park to give students a close-up look at some of the reasons Disney is so successful. “Each lesson was 45 minutes—the exact length of one of our periods,” says Domenic. “Lou showed us where they pump in the smells from the confectionary so you get the smell of the baked goods. He showed us how they increased the volume of souvenir sales by taking down the walls between individual gift shops and how making those adjustments made it more profitable.” Lou’s lessons were a hit. He later traveled to the Pennsylvania school to meet students in person as keynote speaker at Career Day. He enjoyed it as much as the kids. “I love speaking,” Lou says. “I love being able to reach people—especially kids.” He says it is rewarding to influence the direction a student takes. Lou wants to continue working with

young people, and doing motivational coaching with individuals. But that is as far ahead as he is looking. “I have no idea and I love that,” he says with a laugh, as he addresses a question about his future. “If you would have asked me 10 years ago what the future holds for Lou Mongello, I would have said I’m going to be a lawyer in New Jersey and die miserable. I’m so fortunate and so blessed because I love what I do. That’s the thing that fuels my fire.” n

Commemoration of the Old Spanish Trail connecting coast to coast began in December 2015 and will continue through 2030 with special events. The idea for the trail was born in 1915 in Mobile, Alabama. Initially, it was to be a connector route between New Orleans and Florida. However, it soon developed into a transcontinental trail linking St. Augustine, Florida, to San Diego, California. Re-enactment of the 1916 meeting in Pensacola for the Old Spanish Trail auto highway planning conference is planned for December 1-3 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 E. Zaragoza St. Among events are driving tours, a historic walk and lectures. Commemoration of the centennial of a 1917 meeting in Tallahassee will be May 19-20, 2017. Details are pending. The culmination is a 2029 motorcade from St. Augustine to San Diego. The route spans 455 miles in Florida, essentially following old U.S. 90. It traverses a diverse landscape, cutting across the Panhandle into Pensacola. Progress on the highway stalled in the late teens due to the war and expense of building bridges across the numerous waterways emptying into the Gulf. After years of inactivity, the project shifted to Texas, and the highway was completed in 1929. The lure of the Old Spanish Trail captivated travelers until the early 1960s, when new interstates redirected traffic off the old road. For more information, visit www. oldspanishtrailcentennial.com or www.drivetheost.com. n

DECEMBER 2016

Embrace the True Spirit Abandon the holiday shopping madness and limit materialistic gift-giving By Pam Blair

Advertisements fill the airwaves, creating a spendspend-spend and shop-’til-you-drop mentality that plays with our emotions and our budgets. Children clamor for the latest toy. Teens insist the newest electronic gadget is more than a want. They absolutely need it. Last year’s model is out of vogue. Christmas morning can become exhausting as packages are ripped open and then quickly forgotten as the recipient moves on to the next gift. According to recent polls, the average American spends about $800 on Christmas gifts. That does not count the money spent on travel, extra groceries, eating out, decorations, and small gifts for teachers and others who provide us with valued services. The true spirit of Christmas and the holidays can be in danger of being washed away by the tsunami of materialism that makes us crave stuff we didn’t even know we needed. Perhaps you want a break. The motivation could be financial, spiritual or both. Maybe you simply have a desire to pull back from the holiday madness and stop ceding control to retailers. If so, consider gifts that are nonmaterialistic or that have a deeper value for the recipient or others.

Rather than run to the mall to buy gifts, plan ahead and use your talents to create something special. 12

DECEMBER 2016

The 12 Deeds of Christmas How about giving the gift of yourself? Time spent visiting with someone could be far more precious than any item you could buy. Regardless of your age— whether a child or adult—you have more to offer others than you may realize. What do you do with ease that others find a challenge or a chore? Give a gift certificate of you. It is memorable and appreciated. The options are limitless, but here are 12 ideas: • Car wash. Clean the inside and/or the outside of someone’s vehicle. They will smile and think of you as they drive their shiny car around.

• Baby-sitting. What parents could not use a night out? How terrific to have a few baby-sitting coupons from a trusted friend or family member. Plus, you get to spend time with the kids. • Electronics repair. If you are a whiz in the digital world, someone can use your help. • Home cleaning or organizing. Books about tidying have topped the New York Times best-seller list, so a lot of people must share the desire to have a clean, organized home. Give them a hand. • Handyman. Paint a room in someone’s home, make repairs and do odd jobs around the house. • Dinners or desserts. Whether you are a gourmet cook or lean toward homemade comfort food, share some tasty gifts. • Yardwork. Some people love mowing, weeding, planting, trimming and raking. Others would be grateful for a volunteer to tackle those jobs. • Carpool. Parents are pulled in many directions. If you have time to spare, help out by picking up the kids. • Make the kids’ lunches. It is a relatively simple chore, but one less thing a busy parent has to do— and offers kids a nice change of pace. • Sewing repairs. Not everyone is talented with a needle and thread. If that is one of your gifts, eliminate the hassle and cost of a friend having to take projects to a seamstress. • Tutoring. What subjects do you enjoy? Kids usually behave better for someone other than their parents, and professional tutors are expensive. • A family recipe treasure-trove. Collect recipes and photos from friends and family, and assemble a cookbook. You can make it by hand or put together a digital collection. Make One-of-a-Kind Gifts The genuine happiness and smiles during unwrapping and revealing a gift are priceless—and there have been some pretty impressive gifts in recent years: iPads, iPhones, TVs, Beats headphones and other hot items snagged during Black Friday. Consumers do love materialistic purchases, but what happened to good, old-fashioned crafted gifts? Homemade gifts are some of the best things you can give because they capture the love and admiration you have for that special someone.

If you are handy with a sewing machine, gifts are at your fingertips. You can give your time to help someone make repairs, or you can lovingly create one-ofa-kind, personalized gifts especially for your loved ones. Photo by Brandon Pomrenke

Get your creative juices flowing and start crafting one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination: • Layering up. Food items—especially sweets— are a great go-to for homemade gifts. Customize a food package layered in a Mason jar. Maybe it is your own cookie mix, with each ingredient carefully measured out and stacked on top of each other. Want to make a special hot chocolate mix? Layer a Mason jar with four sections: one-quarter hot chocolate powder, one-quarter fluffy marshmallows, one-quarter chocolate chips, topped with one-quarter peppermint candies. Tie a festive bow around the top of the jar. Be sure to attach a tag with directions and a sweet message. Small touches make all the difference. Need ideas? Check Pinterest for inspiration. • Keep the memories alive with photos or memorabilia from a happy time spent together. Make a photo album with scrapbook or construction paper. Personalize it by narrating each photo with a caption recalling the special time. You can even make a complete storybook. A shadow-box frame also is a perfect medium. What you can put inside is limitless—from movie and concert tickets to fun souvenirs you got on a vacation together. You can keep photos in their original form or cut them into fun shapes and sizes to create a collage.

Include a special message or inspiring quote to add a loving touch. • Sew something spectacular. Handcrafted gifts from you are just as impressive—if not more so—as the stuff from the mall. If you are a beginner, start with pillowcases or a fabric pennant banner. If you are more advanced, consider sewing a customized tote bag, cosmetic bag or pajamas. Keep in mind sewing can be time consuming, so if you plan to make a few different gifts, start early. Pairing Gifts With Lasting Memories Give the special people in your life experiential gifts that will leave them with a lifetime of memories. Think of the things each person likes to do, and tailor a gift to their interests. If you enjoy buying traditional presents, look for something that complements your experiential gift. Here are a few ideas: • Sports. Buy tickets to a game and wrap up a jersey of the person’s favorite player. • Music. Find a concert at a local venue and buy a CD by that performer. • Travel. Pair a carry-on travel bag and tickets to a far-away destination. • Adventure. Shopping for a daredevil? Give a gift certificate for skydiving, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining or scuba diving. Add a T-shirt that has an image of the activity.

Make some granola and decorate the jar for a tasty gift. DECEMBER 2016

Give five ducks through World Vision for $35. Photo courtesy of World Vision

• Pampering. Treat your loved ones to spa days, massages and luxurious skin-care treatments. Include a bottle of nail polish or some slippers. • Family fun. Amusement park passes can provide quality time together. Add a board game that is appropriate for all ages. • Food. Book a lunch or dinner sightseeing cruise, a regional food tour or a wine-tasting evening. Include a food item or a bottle of bubbly. • Nature. Create a voucher for a trip to a favorite hiking trail or park, or a kayaking or canoe trip. Wrap up a water bottle. • Fitness. A membership to a gym or yoga studio is remembered at each visit. Include a duffel bag or a mat in the recipient’s favorite color. • Gardening. Give a plant or bulbs along with tickets or a season pass to botanical gardens. • Museum. Virtually every interest and passion can be satisfied with a visit to a museum: art, space, science, music, history, children, automobiles, maritime and sports. Include a book on the topic. Give Gifts With Meaning to Help Others How about trying a gift that is outside the box? Rather than spend hours struggling to come up with a good present for friends and family members, give action-oriented gifts in their names to help people in communities and villages around the world. Charitable organizations offer opportunities to give a variety of items. Whatever your budget and your recipient’s interests, a match can be found. Here are a few organizations and gifts to consider:

Share precious family photos with a friend or loved one. Make a photo album or scrapbook, narrating each photo with a caption. You can even make a complete storybook. 14

DECEMBER 2016

• Apopo (www.apopo.org). The Belgian organization trains giant African rats to sniff out landmines and, in some countries, diagnose tuberculosis. For $7 a month, you can adopt a “HeroRat.” • CARE (www.care.org). Support a fish farm for $32. Buy musical instruments for a classroom for $54. Beehives are $59. A sewing machine and training is $150. A farm with five animals is $215. An irrigation system is $265. A water truck is $10,000. • Communities in Schools (www.communities inschools.org). Dedicated to keeping kids in school, this network partners with 161 affiliates in 25 states. For $200, you can give an at-risk child mentoring, counseling and other services for a year. • Compassion International (www.compassion. com). Financing protection from parasites is $7. A mosquito net is $18. Garden seeds are $27. A safe playground is $36. A dental kit is $40. A baking class is $230. A computer lab is $1,200. • Heifer International (www.heifer.org). For $20, you can buy a flock of ducks, chicks or geese. For $480, buy a knitter’s basket. A heifer is $500. • Himalayan Cataract Project (www. cureblindness.org). A donation of $25 can provide life-changing surgery through this organization founded by two ophthalmologists. • International Rescue Committee (www.rescue. org). Make a cash donation of any amount to help refugees who are fleeing violence in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the United States. • Malaika For Life (www.malaikaforlife.org). Buy a bracelet handmade by women in Tanzania for $12 to $15 to raise money for malaria medicine. The organization was founded by a PBS reporter who contracted malaria while in Tanzania filming a documentary. She realized many in that country could not afford the $7 medication that saved her life. • Oxfam America (www.oxfamgifts.com). For $25, you can provide books for kids. School supplies are $30. Irrigate a farmer’s land for four months for $40. A goat is $50. Train a midwife for $150. Help build a girls’ school for $1,500. • Trickle Up (www.trickleup.org). The organization lifts people out of extreme poverty through a “graduation program”—so called because people graduate from poverty. Cash donations fund a gift of a cow or other animal, training, a savings account and other support. • World Vision (www.worldvision.org). Pay $16 to provide two soccer balls. Five fruit trees are $30. A fishing kit is $50. Three solar lanterns are $60. A foot-powered water pump is $200. n Margo Young, Jeanelle D. Horcasitas, Julia Price and Chelle Cordero contributed to this story through Creators.com.

Appreciating Santa at Any Age Carry on the spirit of the jolly red elf even after the youthful wonderment fades By Sharon Naylor

When kids are little, they glow with the anticipation of Santa’s arrival, perhaps sitting with glee on Santa’s knee for photos. But as they get a bit older, there is a different feel to the holidays as their sense of wonder about Santa Claus changes. How do you keep the spirit of Santa in your holiday celebrations when the magic of St. Nick fades? The key is to help children’s appreciation of Santa evolve into an appreciation for what Santa represents: joy, giving, family togetherness and kindness. During the weeks leading up to the holiday, sit down and talk about the meaning of the holiday season—a spirit that can stay in the heart all year long. Ask your child to list the values Santa represents, and share your list. Take each value—such as giving—and have the child list ways he or she can

exemplify that value. For instance, your child may think of giving holiday gifts to a children’s hospital or nursing home, or collecting his or her outgrown toys to donate to charity, all in the Santa-inspired sense of giving. Here are some values to inspire you: • Kindness. Create a holiday tradition of leaving complimentary notes for members of your family. Your child can do something kind for a sibling, parent, neighbor or friend. • Family togetherness. If your child is old enough to participate in family holiday gatherings, such as Christmas Eve dinner, invite him or her to help create the dinner menu, design place cards or make a list of holiday songs to play. • Joy. Encourage your child to write in a holiday joy journal, listing the things he or she is grateful for and what brought joy that day. The journal might be a great place for your child to list how he or she brought joy to someone else that day. • Giving. Give your child the opportunity to learn the art and value of giving to others. Make him or her responsible for choosing gifts for each member of the

family, thinking about what each person might like, shopping with you and wrapping the presents. Gifts do not need to be expensive. At present-giving time, your child sees the recipient’s joy. “Christmas is one of the most important celebrations for Christians around the world, but it can also be one of the most stressful,” says Debby Mayne, etiquette expert at About.com. “Between the crowded shopping malls and people’s expectations, we all run the risk of feeling let down, which can lead to tension and bad behavior. Avoid letting this happen by taking breaks to think about what the holiday is truly about.” Children also can join in decorating the house, buying or, even better, making holiday ornaments and decorations— which may become gifts for others. Making it OK to appreciate Santa’s lessons and image can inspire your child. Debby recommends including a good etiquette lesson, too: to send thank-you notes for all gifts received, with personalized messages written by your child. n © Creators.com DECEMBER 2016

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Resolve to eat more warm Brie and crackers in the new year.

Ring in the New Year Tastefully Welcome 2017 with friends, family and a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres

Holiday Baked Brie 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced Kosher salt Ground black pepper 8-ounce Brie round 3 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup pomegranate arils 1/4 cup shelled pistachios Crackers or toasted bread

Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until deep golden brown, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper; remove from heat. Place Brie on parchment paperlined rimmed baking pan; drizzle with honey. Transfer to the oven and bake 5 16

DECEMBER 2016

to 7 minutes, or until inside of cheese is softened, but outside remains intact. Transfer Brie to a serving platter. Top with pomegranate arils, pistachios and mushrooms. Serve immediately with crackers or bread. Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushroom Caps 24 large mushrooms, stemmed; reserve pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, grated 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 can artichoke hearts, roughly chopped 2 cups crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup minced onion 1 pinch chili flakes 1 pinch minced scallions

Heat oven to 350 F. Place mushroom caps in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Mince reserved mushroom stems and heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, mushroom stems, salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until mushrooms are softened. Add spinach and artichoke hearts to pan and cook until heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and place mixture in a large mixing bowl. Stir in feta cheese and onion. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Parmesan Crisps with Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 8 basil leaves 8 sun-dried tomatoes

Parmesan crisps—comprised only of shredded cheese— are quickly and easily made in the oven.

Using a small cookie scoop, add 2 tablespoons of filling to each mushroom cap. Bake mushrooms 20 to 25 minutes, or until mushroom caps are softened. Sprinkle with chili flakes and minced scallions before serving. Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Butternut Squash Queso Dip 12 ounces butternut squash puree, frozen 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 finely diced red onion 1 clove garlic, minced 10-ounce can petite diced tomatoes and green chiles 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Place unwrapped squash in microwavesafe bowl and heat in the microwave for 5 minutes at 50 percent power, or until thawed. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add squash, tomatoes, cumin and chili

powder; bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Reduce heat to low and add cheese. Stir until melted. Serve immediately. Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Jalapeño Bacon Deviled Eggs 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and halved lengthwise 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons yellow mustard 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon, plus additional for garnish 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1/2 cup crispy jalapeños, crushed, plus additional for garnish 3 green onions, chopped, optional

Remove egg yolks, reserving egg whites. In a small bowl, lightly mash egg yolks. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon or pipe mixture into egg whites. Garnish with additional bacon and crispy jalapeños. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Source: French’s

Heat oven to 375 F. On a baking sheet, make eight flat circles out of 11/2 tablespoons cheese each. Bake cheese for 5 minutes, or until it begins to turn golden. Using a metal spatula, remove crisps from pan immediately, placing on a rack or plate to cool. Place vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan and boil until mixture is reduced to about 1/4 cup and is thickened. Top each crisp with one fresh basil leaf and one sun-dried tomato. Drizzle balsamic reduction over top. Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Sweet Bacon Smokies 1 package bacon 1 package little smokies (little sausages or hot dogs) 1 cup apple butter

Heat oven to 350 F. Place parchment paper on a jelly roll pan or other edged baking pan. Cut bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each strip of bacon around a smokie, piercing with a toothpick to hold bacon in place. Place smokies on pan. Baste each smokie with a generous amount of apple butter. Bake 20 minutes. Remove and flip each smokie. Baste again with apple butter. Reduce heat to 275 F and bake another 20 minutes, until bacon is cooked to desired doneness. Make sure apple butter does not burn. Transfer smokies to a slow cooker on low heat to keep warm for serving. Source: Musselman’s Apple Butter

DECEMBER 2016

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Photographing Fog It’s cold. It’s wet. It’s gray or blue. It rolls. It crawls. It blankets. It’s annoying. It’s dangerous. It’s beautiful. It’s fog. While I understand the temptation to stay inside and curl up near a cozy fire on gray, foggy mornings or evenings, you might be missing the best opportunity for some amazing pictures. When temperatures change—especially cold air massaging warm, moist land—we are given spectacular, moody, fleeting scenes. They are gifts to the eye and camera lens, if we are prepared to record them. But photographing fog can be challenging. As with most photography, planning and anticipating light and conditions is best. But even with methodical preparation, it is often the surprises—those unexpected marriages of color and movement—that make for the most memorable pictures. It is the practice of most seasoned photographers to have a plan, but to be ready for the unexpected gifts nature has to offer. The secret is to watch as light cuts through the wet gray. A scene can change dramatically in seconds when the

sun rises and begins burning through the blankets of moisture. Anticipating this and being in position to record these wonderful, fleeting contrasts is critical. It is important to remember in changing temperatures—especially when keeping your camera in a warm house or warm car—that your camera will fog up when suddenly introduced to cold fog. I cannot tell you how many pictures I have missed when my camera fogged up while running from a warm house into the cold or dashing from a cold, air-conditioned room out into choking humidity. It is frustrating to watch moments escape while waiting for the fog on my lens to clear. Give your camera and/or lens a minute or two to wake up and adjust before trying to shoot, although making pictures with a foggy lens does produce some surreal images. Try to keep the camera in the temperature you will be shooting, maybe protected in the trunk of your car with the lens cap off. You can use a hair dryer to warm the camera body and lens if going from cold to hot. Another important tip is not to remove the lens from 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 applies many of the lessons he learned during his magical boyhood years in rural California to photography. For more information, visit www. greatpicturehunt.com.

DECEMBER 2016

The secret to photographing fog is to recognize the scene changes dramatically in seconds. Watch as light cuts through the wet gray and dark shapes appear. Try to capture stunning, moody pictures, as at left. The picture from a re-enactment event appears, at first glance, as if it was made more than a century ago. There is little to say it is 21st century. Photos by David LaBelle

body, or the rear element of the lens will fog up. If using a DSLR with a mirror, it also can fog and will take a few minutes to adjust and clear before you can begin making pictures. Following are more tips to help you prepare to capture those fleeting foggy scenes: • Be careful not to park your car near the roadside in thick fog. Other motorists struggling to see and navigate might decide to pull off the road until the fog lifts. • Turn off or disable your flash. Just like using bright beams to drive in fog, flash reflects and blinds. • Consider using manual focus. The autofocus on many cameras goes crazy, searching for some object or edge to grab hold of in the endless gray. Your eye can focus better than the searching lens. In a pinch, zone focus: Pick

something of similar distance and shoot in that range. • Keep a soft, microfiber cloth handy to wipe away condensation on your lens or viewfinder as the camera and lens adjust to the cold. • To compensate for your camera’s meter, manually set your exposure and consider overexposing by one half to one full stop over what your meter is advising. Your meter is set to read for 18 percent gray, which means it makes pure white a quiet or dull gray. This renders snow or bright fog darker, grayer, even bluer than your eye sees. Fog can be dangerous, but it also can produce some stunning, moody pictures. As National Geographic photographer Sam Abel has often said while quoting his father, “Bad weather makes for good pictures.” n

UNDER $200...The Doctor’s Choice For ADVANCED HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY How can a hearing aid that costs less than $200

NEARLY INVISIBLE

be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,000 or more? Tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid technology and those cost reductions have not passed on to you---Until Now

The MDHearingAid PRO® has been rigorously tested by leading ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) physicians and audiologists who have unanimously agreed that the sound quality and output in many cases exceeds more expensive hearing aids.

THE WORLD’S BEST HEARING AID VALUE Ear Hook

Hearing Aid Tubing

Try It at Home with our

Comfort-tip Ear-Bud or Domes

Volume Dial Power & Channel Switch

“I recommend them to my patients with hearing loss”--Amy S. Audiologist Indiana

45-Day RISK-FREE Trial

The fact is, you don’t need to pay high prices for a medical-grade FDA registered hearing aid. MDHearingAid PRO® is a high performance hearing aid that works right out of the box with no time-consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can conveniently access a hearing specialist online or by phone---even after the sale. GetMDHearingAid.com No other company provides such extensive support. Use Code: Over 75,000 satisfied customers agree. For a Year Supply of Now that you know, why pay more?

If you are not completely satisfied, simply return it within Battery Compartment that time period for a 100% refund of your purchase price. Outperforms Many Higher Priced Hearing Aids! 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL

Since Medicare and most private insurance do not cover hearing aids, ENT surgeon Dr. Cherukuri designed a game-changing solution without sacrificing the quality of components that you can actually afford.

The result is the - MDHearingAid PRO®

starting out at well under $200

800-897-7439 DA66

FREE BATTERIES and FREE SHIPPING

“I have had this aid two days and all I can say is WOW!” --Terrsa H., Grove, NJ

Loose Saggy Neck Skin – Can Any Cream Cure Turkey Neck? DEAR DORRIS: I’m a woman who is 64 years young who suffers from really loose skin under my chin and on my lower neck.

Dear

Dorris:

I hate the term, but my grandkids say I have “turkey neck” and frankly, I’ve had enough of it! I have tried some creams designed to help tighten and firm that loose, saggy skin, but they did not work. Is there any cream out there that Might help my loose neck skin? Turkey Neck, Orlando, FL DEAR TURKEY-NECK: In fact, there is a very potent cream on the market that is designed to firm, tighten and invigorate skin cells on the neck area. It is called the Dermagist Neck Restoration Cream.

This cream contains an instant-effect ingredient that aims to tighten the skin naturally, as well as deep-moisturizing ingredients aiming to firm the skin and make it more supple. Amazingly, the Dermagist Neck Restoration Cream also has Stem Cells taken from Malus Domesticus, a special apple from Switzerland. These apple stem cells target your skin’s aging cells, and strive to bring back their youthful firmness, and elasticity. As an alternative to the scary surgeries or face lifts that many people resort to, this cream has the potential to deliver a big punch to the loose saggy skin of the neck. The Dermagist Neck Restoration Cream is available online at Dermagist.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll-free, 888-771-5355. Oh, I almost forgot… I was given a promo code when I placed my order that gave me 10% off. The code was “FL1N”. It’s worth a try to see if it still works.

Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

PetPerfect Places

No need to leave Fido or Fluffy at home. Florida has more than 560 pet-friendly attractions, lodging and dining choices that gladly accept pets. Bay Families with Dogs, www.bayfwd.org, in Panama City offers a list of dogfriendly locations for people who enjoy bringing their pets to the beach, hotels, restaurants and even boating. The group actively advocates for destinations to include pets in the Panhandle, and hosts outings and events for pets and their owners. Other parts of Florida are following suit and offering pet-friendly accommodations. In New Smyrna Beach, the popular Night Swan B&B on the Intracoastal Waterway offers a half-dozen petfriendly rooms, and the town has many pet-friendly outdoor restaurants and parks. Key West’s Lazy Dog Kayak, www.lazydog.com, encourages pets to bring their owners on kayaks and paddleboards for a true bonding experience. It is one of many pet-friendly options in the Keys. John from Tampa raved about Bradenton’s pet-friendly

Playing in the water can include all family members at dog-friendly beaches, such as this one at Panama City Beach. Photo courtesy of Bay Family with Dogs

DeSoto National Memorial Beach, www.nps.gov/deso, on BringFido: “This place is a perfect off-leash beach. Not many beaches left in Florida where man’s best friend can enjoy sand, sun and water in the company of other pooches. On any given day, there can be as many as 50 or 60 dogs.” For more information, visit www.bringfido.com and search Florida. By the way, be sure to bring a leash, which is required by most places. If your pet is aggressive or uncomfortable around other pets or people, it is better to leave him at home.

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.

DECEMBER 2016

Holiday Specials Florida lights up in December with boat parades from the Panhandle to the Keys. For dates, times and locations for spectacular viewing and a twist on drive-through displays, visit Florida by Water, www.floridabywater.com. Take your camera and a tripod to capture some dazzling shots you can use on your Christmas cards next year. International Tourism More than 15.2 million tourists from 190 countries visited Florida in 2015. Europe was the top continent, with more than 4.1 million Florida tourists. South America was second with more than 3.8 million. Canada was the leading country, with more than 3.9 million visitors. More than 1.7 million came from the United

Kingdom. Rounding out the top five countries were Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Together, they accounted for 78 percent of all international visitors to Florida in 2015. Saving on the Road Good map apps can help with vacation stress. Loyal fans of Google Maps, maps. google.com, and Waze, www. waze.com, swear by their apps that can save time and provide information about stops along the way. Gasbuddy.com pinpoints the best gas prices, whether you are at home or on a road trip. RoadsideAmerica.com can help you find off-beat attractions. It even offers a Roadside Presidents app for $2.99. Use it to find out what presidential attractions and landmarks are near your home. n

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices? We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come visit one of our 700+ Stores Nationwide.

comp at

$269.99

SUPER COUPON

WOW

20"

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK ITEM 61282 shown 61253/62326

• Weighs 73 lbs.

SAVE $185 Customer Rating

$8499 $9999

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM ITEM 62515 66911 shown

99 29 $57.55

$1999 $

comp at

$1645 $

SUPER COUPON 30", 5 DRAWER TOOL CART ITEM 95272 shown 63308/69397/61427

Customer Rating • 704 lb. capacity

SAVE 235 $

$16499

comp at

18999 $399.99

4000 PEAK/ 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS R PE ON SUPER QUIET SU UP CO

Customer Rating

$999

comp at

1499 $20.26

comp at

5999 $98.62

SAVE 70%

Wheel kit sold separately.

$28999

YOUR CHOICE

METRIC

comp at

$599

$ 99 $19.97

5 ITEM 42304 shown ITEM 423071 69044/631 69043/63282

SAE

9 PIECE FULLY POLISHEDN COMBINATIO Customer Rating WRENCH SETS

WOW SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

comp at

33999 $469

• 70 dB noise level

95578/69645 Customer Rating ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY

ITEM 60625 shown

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

B. PANCAKE

WOW SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SAVE 59% $

YOUR CHOICE

$3999

ITEM 69269 ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615 97080 shown

A. HOT DOG

ESS 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OILL AIR COMPRESSORS

LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE 50%

WOW

QUALITY TOOLS LOWEST PRICES EVERYDAY VALID NOW ON 5,000 + ITEMS

29999

12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC BRAKE

ITEM 61256/61889 60813 shown

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

VALUE

ITEM 90899 shown 98025/69096

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

WITH ANY PURCHASE

20% FREE

ANY SINGLE ITEM

OFF

16 OZ. HAMMERS WITH FIBERGLASS HANDLE RIP

$399

SAVE $39999 453 comp at $752.99 $

SAVE 65%

800-423-2567. Cannot or HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original or be used with other discount Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original purchase with original receipt. through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. coupon must be presented. Valid

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the "comp at" price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

800-423-2567. Cannot or HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original or be used with other discount Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original purchase with original receipt. through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. coupon must be presented. Valid

• HarborFreight.com • 800-423-2567

• 350 lb. capacity

R PE ON SU UP Customer Rating CO

Customer Rating

R PE ON SU UP CO

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, automotive lifts, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Badland, Bremen, CoverPro, Creekstone, Daytona, Diablo, Doyle, Drummond, Earthquake, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Lynxx, Maddox, Portland, Predator, Quinn, StormCat, Union, Viking. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17.

R PE ON SU UP CO

CLAW

comp at $ 99 $17.99

YOUR CHOICE

ITEM 69006 ITEM 47873 shown 60715/60714 69005/61262

SAVE 77%

Customer Rating

3999 $99

$4999

ITEM 62427 63059 comp at 68850 shown

SAVE $ $59

18 VOLT CORDLESS 1/2" DRILL/DRIVER WITH KEYLESS CHUCK

LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger. Customer Rating

On All Hand Tools

• 700+ Stores Nationwide • Lifetime Warranty

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers • No Hassle Return Policy

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

SAVE 66%

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

ITEM 66537 shown 69505/62418

$ 99

$17.97

$ 99

comp at

WOW SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

ITEM 6058 60653 shown

12 VOLT, 10/2/50 AMP BATTERY CHARGER/ ENGINE STARTER1

$69.99

comp at

SAVE 57%

$2999 $4999

comp at

1399 $29.97

$ 99

• 16 ft. lit, 22 ft. long

Customer Rating

SAVE 66%

ITEM 62533/68353 shown

SOLAR ROPE LIGHT

800-423-2567. Cannot HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original be used with other discount orOffer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original purchase with original receipt. through 3/21/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. coupon must be presented. Valid

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $228

6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT GAS ENGINES

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

9999

comp at

11999 $328

ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 68121/69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY

Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

November 26-December 3, Marathon Zonta’s Festival of Trees Bid to buy trees festively decorated by the Zonta Club of Marathon at the annual Festival of Trees at the Florida Keys Country Club.

December 2, Sebring Sebring Christmas Parade The 7 p.m. parade starts at Sebring Parkway and proceeds south, ending at McClain Lane by Firemen’s Field.

www.zontaclubofmarathon.com; (305) 809-7210

(352) 871-3783

November 26-December 28, Sebring 31st Annual Carousel of Lights Historic Circle Park illuminates with festive holiday lights, Santa Claus every night, a singing puppet show, kids’ games and miniature golf.

December 2-4, Cantonment “Love’s Story: A Live Nativity” Enjoy an evening outdoors at Pensacola Church of the Nazarene touring scenes from the life of Christ as actors and animals share the story of Christmas from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free, along with cider, cocoa and cookies.

www.visithighlandscounty.com

December 1-3, Pensacola Old Spanish Trail 100 Re-enactment Re-enact the 1916 meeting in Pensacola for the Old Spanish Trail auto highway planning conference with tours, lectures and other events at the Museum of Commerce. The culmination is a 2029 motorcade from St. Augustine to San Diego.

(850) 479-1020

www.oldspanishtrailcentennial.com

www.pcbmarathon.com

December 2, Islamorada 12th Annual Islamorada Holiday Festival A snow mountain, holiday parade, community tree lighting, caroling, gift shopping, food and drink, kids’ activities and a visit from Santa are among the family fun planned from 4 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park.

December 3, Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Sparkling vessels wade through Little Sabine Bay to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk beginning at 6:30 p.m. The procession should reach Quietwater Beach about 7 p.m. Fireworks follow with Santa at 8 p.m.

www.islamoradachamber.com; (305)664-4503

www.visitpensacolabeach.com; (850) 932-1500

December 3, Panama City Beach Panama City Beach Marathon The 26.2-mile race at Pier Park is certified as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The event also offers a half marathon, 5K and kids’ fun run.

How to Submit Events To include a family-friendly event, send details to info@florida currents. com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to find out more. Please submit the item 60 days before the event. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting your event, please include it. December 3, Key West Hometown Holiday Parade Marching groups join motorized and nonmotorized floats at 7 p.m. www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov; (305) 809-3881

December 4, Pensacola Beach Surfing Santa Parade Watch Santa oversee whimsical floats as they wind down the island’s main street at 2 p.m. www.visitpensacolabeach.com; (850) 932-1500

December 5, Panama City Beach 37th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Witness the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. at Frank Brown Park Community Center, take photos with Santa, and enjoy music and refreshments. Drop off unwrapped gifts for a toy drive. www.panamacitybeachparksandrecreation.com; (850) 233-5045

December 9-11, Sebring 19th Annual Highlands Bike Fest Riders of all levels are invited to tour central Florida, with routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles. www.highlandsbikefest.com

December 9-10 and 16-17, Fort Meade Christmas in the Village The Florida Flywheelers shuttle visitors to see the lighted village. Admission is canned goods, which are given to counties for families in need. www.floridaflywheelers.org; (772) 316-1750

Lighted Bike Rides Provide toys for struggling, working families of the Keys by participating in a familyfriendly ride to benefit the Holiday Helpers Store. Events are Sunday, December 4, in Marathon; Wednesday, December 7, in Key West; and Saturday, December 10, in Key Largo. Registration is 5:30 p.m., with the ride at 6:30 p.m. The cost is one unwrapped toy. Eligible parents walk through the store, free to pick toys for their children. For details, visit www.wesleyhouse.org or call (305) 809-5000.

DECEMBER 2016

December 10, Marathon 20th Annual Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade Watch as dinghies, mega-yachts and anything in between turn the harbor into a sparkling procession just after sunset, about 6 p.m. www.bootharborkey.com; (305) 849-0285

December 10, Lake Placid Lake Placid Christmas Parade Witness the county’s largest Christmas parade with floats, bands, cheerleaders, fire trucks and, of course, Santa, at 7 p.m. The route starts at Dalhall Boulevard and Main Street. www.lpfla.com

Holiday Suites The Keys Community Concert Band plays classical holiday music and leads a sing-a-long as Santa, the Burton Belles and ballerinas join the fun at 4 p.m. Friday, December 9, at the band shell in Founders Park, MM 86, Islamorada. For more information, visit www.keyscommunity concertband.org. December 10, Parrish Holiday Decorating Workshop Bring foraged finds or choose from a botanical assortment to create a grapevine wreath from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Sweet Bay Nursery. www.sweetbaynursery.com; (941) 776-0501

December 10, Sebring CookieFEST Decorate holiday cookies, write a letter to Santa and participate in arts and crafts projects from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highlands Art League. www.highlandsartleague.org; (863) 385-6682

December 10-11, Islamorada 2nd Annual Islamorada Half Marathon and 10K The longer races are Saturday, but new is the Friday Beach ‘N Beer Mile: 1 mile and four beers. www.islamoradahalfmarathon.com; (305) 587-0901

December 11, Marathon Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade Christmas lights on outriggers, Santa’s elves and brightly lit deck displays highlight the festivities. www.kcbca.org; (603) 396-7719

December 12, Pensacola Santa Drop Kick off the holiday as Santa parachutes onto the beach in front of the Flora-Bama. www.florabama.com

December 12, Lake Placid Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area Join the Highlands County Audubon Society for a trip to see and hear owls. Meet at Lake Placid Tower at 3 p.m. Bring food and beverage; roasting marshmallows over a campfire may be possible. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

December 12-18, Middle Keys Annual Christmas Cantatas The Keys Chamber Orchestra and Lower Keys Community Choir perform “Born a Savior, Born a King” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 14, at Big Pine Key United Methodist Church; Wednesday, December 14, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Big Pine Key; Thursday, December 15, at Venture Out, 701 Spanish Main Drive, Cudjoe Key; and Sunday, December 18, San Pablo Catholic Church, Marathon. Concerts are free. (305) 744-0508

December 16-17, Indian Lakes Estate 4th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity Indian Lakes United Methodist Church tells the story of the birth of Christ in a live nativity scene Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition to Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, the production features angels and animals. The church is on Deland Avenue, just through the gate at Indian Lake Estates off Highway 60, about 17 miles east of Lake Wales. (863) 692-1548

December 17, Pensacola Make It to the Line Run, jog, walk or crawl to the line at Flora-Bama’s 4-mile run/walk and 1-mile fun run. A portion of race proceeds benefits the Secret Santa program that helps local families in need with gifts, clothing and food. www.florabama.com; (850) 803-8740

December 17, Key Largo Key Largo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Blackwater Sound shimmers at 7:30 p.m. as decorated 55-foot yachts to single-person kayaks parade along the shoreline. www.keylargoboatparade.com

December 17, Century 4th Annual Boats ‘n’ Floats Lighted Christmas Parade The parade begins at 5 p.m. and moves from Century Auto Parts to Showalter Park. (850) 256-3208

December 17, Big Pine Key Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade Motorized and self-propelled boats are welcome to enter the Pine Channel Causeway parade at 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out candy to the kids. The best recommended viewing is from Kiki’s on Little Torch Key. (305) 923-5370

December 21, Islamorada “Immerse Yourself” Mike Beach of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science will talk about marine archaeology at a free lecture at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM 83. www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

December 31, Panama City Beach 9th Annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop Enjoy interactive activities and live entertainment at Pier Park. At 8 p.m., 10,000 inflated beach balls will be released along the boardwalk, with fireworks following. At midnight, an 800-pound LED-lighted beach ball descends nearly 100 feet, followed by a second fireworks display. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

December 31, Key Largo New Year’s Eve Fireworks The back bay of Blackwater Sound is the setting for the annual fireworks extravaganza. www.keylargofireworks.com; (305) 451-4502 DECEMBER 2016

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

When in Doubt, Stick With the Basics Kids are easy to buy for, adults not so much—especially if they are serious about their outdoor pursuits. It’s not that they don’t want or need anything. Rather, their wants and needs are very specific. They prefer a particular brand, a certain model number, or a specific color or pattern. That is why many gift givers simply throw up their hands and buy outdoor enthusiasts a gift card instead. But wait, there’s a better way to cop out. Buy them one of the basics. These are musthave items, and having one of each is never enough. • A knife. You can never have too many knives. They come in handy for so many things, in so many places: in the house, shop, truck, tackle box, go bag and pocket. There is a price point for every budget. A good, basic knife sells for $20 or less, or you can spend hundreds of dollars for a high-end specialty blade. Popular brands include Kershaw, Gerber, Buck,

Family and friends appreciate having something to work from when Christmas shopping. Indulge them by preparing a wish list. Be specific. Include brand, size, color and other important details.

Boker, Case, Columbia River, Benchmade and Chris Reeve. • A flashlight. You need almost as many flashlights as you do knives, for many of the same reasons. When shopping for a packable flashlight, think small, durable and bright. It is also useful to have one with an adjustable beam. Don’t forget headlamps, too. In some situations, they are preferable to a regular flashlight, especially when working on a task where both hands are needed. • An insulated mug. There’s nothing quite like a cup of your favorite beverage during an outdoor excursion, so a good insulated mug is essential. The latest generation

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.

DECEMBER 2016

of mugs are more ergonomic, more durable and do a better job of keeping beverages hot and cold. Tried-and-true Thermos brand mugs are still among the most popular, as are mugs made by Zojirushi. There are many other good choices, too. Of course, if none of these ideas strikes your fancy, there’s always gift cards. 19 Stocking Stuffer Ideas to Kick-Start Your Brain Consider this a brainstorming exercise. Here are 19 stocking stuffer suggestions. See how many others you can come up with: hook sharpener, fire starter, waterproof matches, neck gaitor, hand warmer, whistle, pocket organizer, trail bars, compass, shooting glasses, ear plugs, waterproof notepad and pen, socks, knife sharpener, outdoor magazine subscription, insect repellent, LifeStraw water filter, zipper fix-it kit, paracord.

The 3 Most-Popular Fishing Books Today • “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. • “Trout Bum” by John Gierach. • “A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean. Source: GoodReads.com

A Light in Winter December 21 is National Flashlight Day. It is no accident this celebration falls on the first day of winter. It’s a reminder to locate your flashlights, check the batteries and replace as necessary. 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. 

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341. Three-bedroom, one-bath home on 74 acres in Calhoun County. Large front porch with rocking chairs. $450 a month ($350 if you have carpentry skills). (850) 674-8392.

For Sale Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. Ladies snowsuit. Size large; black with hot pink and lime accents. Very warm. Paid $98. Worn once for two hours. $25. Ladies size 8 MetroStyle boots, shiny red, long laces, 3” heels. Paid $112. Worn a few hours to holiday events. $25. (850) 773-1970. Large organ, $100. Small organ, $25. Keyboard, $25. Dining room table, $100. (850) 639-2263. 2005 Honda Rebel motorcycle. Black with 4,500 miles, $1,450. Craftsman garden tractor, model FS5500 with bucket and grade blade. Used 183 hours. $1,650. (850) 274-0687.

vent and drains. Lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate

Three-bedroom, two-bath home at 297 Raven Lane (Wetappo Creek area) off Highway 386, about 5 miles north of Overstreet Bridge, less than 10 miles to the beaches. Large enclosed RV shed, fenced area, all appliances included, large covered porch, great neighborhood. John Lucus, (850) 381-0788.

FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214.

2,700 sq. ft. heated and cooled brick home on 100’x170’ lot in Scotts Ferry on the Chipola River front. One bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen and living room downstairs; two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living room upstairs. Also a 20’x24’ garage, 8’x36’ covered glass sunporch and fireplace. $147,000. (850) 933-6150.

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040.

Two-bedroom, one-bath home in Scotts Ferry with 100’ of frontage on the Chipola River. Deck and storage building. $95,000. (850) 933-6150.

½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Four Chipola River front lots for sale. High and dry. $90,000. (850) 933-6150.

FSBO. Three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home on two acres on Bear Creek (navigable) leading to Deer Point Lake. Walkout basement, in-ground pool, pool house, huge garage and workshop, 18’x40’ RV shelter, paved driveway, nice landscaping with sprinkler system. Asking $350,000. (850) 381-2280. Three-bedroom doublewide at Gaskin Park (535 Byrd Parker Dr.) in Wewahitchka. (352) 232-5752.

Two-bedroom, two-bath home in Scotts Ferry on 100’x100’ lot close to the Chipola River. Great room with brick fireplace, study, large wooden porch on front and back of house, covered carport. $99,000. (850) 933-6150.

Wanted Fixer-upper boat and utility trailers, cheap. (850) 303-1460.

Extra heavy-duty utility trailer, 5½’ x 14’ tandem axle, new paint, new deck, new lights. Paid more than $2,000 new. $1,200. (850) 303-1460.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.

12-piece place setting of antique Noritake china. Roseglen pattern. Also, glass-front china cabinet. Both for $500. (850) 265-5939.

Please circle the category that applies:

Book “The Great Tide” by Rudylea Hall. $25. (850) 763-9909. 6 ‘ artificial Christmas tree, fiber optic with color change effects, 331 tips. Used once. Retails for $70; asking $35, firm. (850) 773-1970. 2005 Keystone Cougar 285MKS, 30’. Excellent condition. New roof, awning and converter. Tires and wheels are 2 years old. Average Blue Book is $14,000. Selling for $10,500 or reasonable offer. (850) 258-5690 or (850) 265-3864 to view.

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, shelving/organizers, TV mounts and surround sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer/dryer hook-ups, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds. Home maintenance: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer

For Rent

For Sale

Real Estate

Free

Miscellaneous

Trade

Wanted

Items:

Name: Address: City:

Phone:

Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com. ** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.

DECEMBER 2016

Gulf Coast

If you have visited one of our offices between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you probably noticed red and green paper light bulbs decorating the lobbies. For the past several holiday seasons, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has given its members the opportunity to buy light bulbs for $1 each and write the name of a loved one on it to be displayed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This year’s fundraiser begins Monday, November 28. All proceeds benefit Project Helping Hand. Project Helping Hand began assisting members in 2004. Funds raised for this program are only shared with GCEC members. Working with Family Service Agency, Project Helping Hand provides temporary assistance to GCEC’s members in need. The program assists the elderly, the disabled, the low-income, the ill, the military and others experiencing difficulty paying their utility bill. If you are not planning a trip to one of our offices, but would like to donate to Project Helping Hand, donations are accepted by phone, or you may clip out and return the form below. You may want to agree to have a recurring amount of $1, $3 or $5 added to your monthly electric bill. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative would like to thank all of its members for their continued support of the Project Helping Hand program. n

Project Helping Hand Name: ___________________________________________________________ GCEC account number: _____________________________________________ Mailing address: ___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: _________________________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________________________ I pledge to have the following amount added to my utility bill each month and deposited into the Project Helping Hand account. I understand this is a perpetual agreement, and I must notify Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative by phone or mail to remove this recurring donation from my bill. Select donation amount: _______ $1 Select: ____One-time contribution

_______$3

_______$5

____Recurring contribution

Cut out, complete and return this form with your electric payment or mail to: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; Attn. Kristin Evans; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409.

DECEMBER 2016

Help your neighbors by contributing to Project Helping Hand. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, buy a paper light bulb for $1 in honor of a loved one.

Marketplace FREE CATALOG GROWER DIRECT Extract Essential Oils in your home’s microwave Distills essential oils from plants in your garden in just 6-8 minutes!

Buy online at oilextech.com or call 541-602-6410

CUSTOM STEEL BUILDINGS AT ANY SIZE

FREE BOOKS/ DVDS With Coming Economic Collapse PREPARE NOW!

TBS, Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771

1-888-211-1715

thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 30 x 40 x 10 40 x 75 x 12 50 x 100 x 12 60 x 125 x 12 Mini Storage

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

25 Year Warranty • Easy Bolt-Together Design Engineered Stamp Blueprints

AGRICULTURE

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

MINI STORAGE

$7,499.00 $12,999.00 $18,799.00 $25,999.00 $7,299.00

20’ x 100’ x 8’-6”

Farm • Industrial • Commercial

RHINOBLDG.COM

888-875-8233

info@rhinobldg.com

Grow Half Dollar Size

Muscadines & Blackberries 200 varieties fruit, nut trees, vines & berries.

Ison’s Nursery

Prices subject to change due to loads and codes.

Since 1934

1.800.882.5150

PO Box 190 • Brooks, Georgia 30205

PREMIERBUILDINGS.COM

1-800-733-0324 • www.isons.com

Keep It Real This Holiday Season Adopt-A-Manatee® for Loved Ones

DECEMBER 2016

Gulf Coast

GCEC Employee and Trustee News

Our Man Behind the Scenes Port St. Joe High School inducts GCEC Trustee Waylon Graham into its Athletic Hall of Fame

Waylon Graham, District II, Group 1 trustee and president of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees, was inducted into the Port St. Joe High School Athletic Hall of Fame on September 9, prior to the Port St. Joe versus Trenton football game at Shark Field. Port St. Joe High School printed the following in the game program under the title, “Our Man Behind the Scenes!” Travel away from home wearing the purple and gold adorned with Shark logos, and someone is likely to inquire or comment to you about Shark athletics. The reality is, the Port St. Joe High School Tiger Sharks colors, logos, spirit and pride have changed very little over the past 50 years or more. Many times the statement has been made by observers that, “I see as many Port St. Joe shirts, hats and attire being worn as I do that of any college team. Why is this?” The answer is simple. It’s because of the passionate and devoted hard work of people like Waylon Graham on behalf of this school and community. Like so many others, Waylon came to

Port St. Joe chasing employment. Like many, he made it his home, raised a family and made civic service a major part of his everyday life. For Waylon, that routine included nearly two decades of service as a member of the Gulf County School Board. The late 1960s and 1970s were in many ways a time for transition and change. To be the right man in the right place at the right time epitomized Waylon Graham! During his service as a school board member, Waylon was perfectly situated to help shape local educational policies and practices, and build a school and school system that the future has been based upon ... even today. Waylon is representative of a handful of others who were instrumental in the bond sales for the concrete home-side bleachers at Shark Field. Volunteerism! For nearly 30 years, Waylon was the time clock operator for the boys and girls basketball games; served tirelessly for 25 years, many as Shark Quarterback Club president, where he coordinated countless pregame meals

Doug Birmingham

Rupert Brown

Eddie Jones

Jimmy Black

Waylon Graham

Betty Moore

Trustees Recognized by National Organization Six Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative trustees—Doug Birmingham, Jimmy Black, Rupert Brown, Waylon Graham, Eddie Jones and Betty Moore—recently earned Director Gold certificates through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The Director Gold certificates recognize directors who have earned their Credentialed Cooperative Director certificates and Board Leadership certificates, and are committed to continuing their education throughout their service on the board. n 28

DECEMBER 2016

Waylon Graham, center, was inducted into the Port St. Joe High School Athletic Hall of Fame by Gulf County Superintendent of Schools Jim Norton, left, and High School Principal Sandra Cook.

for Shark football as well as various other teams. Waylon was a behind-the-scenes and instrumental driving force for much of the championship successes of Shark athletics during a period that many would look back upon as the “golden years” for Shark football and basketball. To quote Waylon, “I am most proud to have worked tirelessly alongside so many others to make Shark Athletics and their facilities the very best, and such that our community would always be proud.” Today, these efforts are still celebrated each fall and spring in the branding that is now Shark athletics: purple and gold, Shark Stadium, Shark pride and all Tiger Sharks. Thank you again, Waylon Graham, for being the community representative of an esteemed few that came before you, and those today who help make Shark athletics a success, and for those who will step up to support the Sharks in the future. Tonight we say thanks, and we are honored to enshrine you as one of the greatest of Sharks by welcoming you into the Port St. Joe High School Athletic Hall of Fame. n

Two Hired, One Promoted at GCEC Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the addition of Theo Baxter and Mindy Maddox to its staff and the promotion of Jeremy Horton to foreman. Theo is a maintenance specialist. A graduate of Chipley High School, he has 32 years of experience working for Washington County schools. Mindy is manager of human resources. She has a master’s degree in human resource management and has nearly a decade of experience in human resources. Jeremy has worked for GCEC since 2012, and has 16 years of experience in the power industry. A graduate of Graceville High School, he completed the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s lineworker apprenticeship program. n

Theo Baxter

Mindy Maddox

Jeremy Horton

DECEMBER 2016

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Holy, Radiant Berry An imperfection is not necessarily a bad thing. Take this holy mulberry, for instance. Its flaw allows a stream of light to radiate through it. It came from a dwarf tree in Sonya Jackson’s backyard in Palmetto. “While picking mulberries for the kids, I came across this one naturally created with a perfect hole in the center,” says Sonya. “My husband held it up in the sunlight shining through the trees while I took a picture of this truly ‘holy-berry.’ It was delicious. Gifts from God are everywhere if you look.” Enjoyed by people in North America for centuries, mulberry trees produce small, sweet fruits that resemble slender blackberries. These trees that are popular in Florida landscapes thrive in infertile, sandy soil; are drought tolerant after establishment; require little maintenance; and hold up moderately well against wind. Fallen fruits stain the surfaces they land on. —Sonya Jackson, Palmetto 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 T:7” it was taken. Include your name and mailing address (for payment purposes) to photos@ floridacurrents.com.

WAYS FOR YOu TO STAY pOSiTivE impROving hER mOOd

T:4.875”

DECEMBER 2016

32170 C1 Ad Council

100%

A.Masa

1/2 HRZNTL MAG – 7”x4.875”

OAR254-01_7.5x9.75_Layout 1 11/3/16 10:07 AM Page 1

The incredible Five-Star Opal Anniversary Ring fulfills one of our long-held commitments, and celebrates yours.

1.5 total carats of genuine Ethiopian opal for under $100! PLUS, FREE matching earrings!

Add Some Wow toYour Vows

Put a rainbow on her finger with the opal that’s taking the jewelry industry by storm.

ong ago, we made a vow: We would not produce a five-opal anniversary ring until two very specific conditions were met. First, the opals had to be of superior quality, with the joyous iridescence to delight all who saw the precious stone’s colors dance in the light. Second, the price had to be right, so that we could provide the value Stauer clients expect from us. So when The New York Times style section called Ethiopian opal the “undisputed winner” of the 2014 Gem Show, we decided to pounce. The result is the astoundingly beautiful Five-Star Opal Anniversary Ring. All five of these exotic beauties possess the radiant rainbow of color we’ve been looking for. Arranged in a sterling silver setting finished in lustrous gold, this ring is a beautiful tribute to your lasting love. So how about our price promise? We EXCLUSIVE met that too. We want you to know there is absolutely no reason to overpay for luxury gemstones. The big name jewelers have Five Star Opal been deceiving the public long enough, Stud Earrings charging as much as $16,000 for an -a $199 value- Ethiopian opal ring. We won’t trump up with purchase of the price to make you think it’s luxurious. Five Star Opal Ring This ring is just as luxurious (if not more) than the big designer name rings, AND it’s yours for under $100. I think it’s safe to say we more than met our price promise. We exceeded it... by about 16,000%!

FREE

“Opal’s spectacular play-of-color can display all the colors of the rainbow.” — Gemological Institute of America

“The play of color in opals is so gorgeous they sometimes don't even seem real and yet they are.” — from 2015 Couture Show Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Slip this rainbow on her finger. If she’s not absolutely delighted simply send it back within 60 days for a complete refund of the sale price. The stud earrings are yours to keep. See if your jewelry store can match that! The Five-Star Opal Ring is one of Stauer’s fastest sellers. Supplies are limited. We can’t seem to keep this ring in stock. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. Plus, call today and receive the matching opal stud earrings FREE! You’ll want to catch this radiant rainbow before it’s gone!

Five-Star Opal Anniversary Ring $399* Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $300! Plus, FREE opal stud earrings, a $199 value You must use the insider offer code to get our special sale price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: OAR254-01

Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. OAR254-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com * Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

1.5 ctw Ethiopian opal • Gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole ring sizes 5–10

Smar t Luxuries—Surprising Prices™

FL-154

Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32

DECEMBER 2016

GCEC President’s Message

Capital Credits Distributed

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is distributing capital credit checks. Members of the cooperative in 1983 and 2015 will receive credits totaling $450,000. An additional $50,000 has been allocated for distribution to estates of deceased patrons. The refund year is determined by a combination of the firstin, first-out and last-in, first-out philosophy. As a memberowned, nonprofit organization, at the end of each year after all operating expenses are paid, a prorated percentage of margins—referred to as capital credits—are allocated to members based on the amount they paid for electricity during the year. Waylon Graham The decision to make a refund and how much to refund is made by the GCEC Board of Trustees based on the financial health of the cooperative. Refunding of capital credits is spread over time because GCEC uses the capital to finance plant and equipment purchases instead of borrowing funds and paying interest. Capital credits represent most of the cooperative’s equity, which has reached a level that enables the cooperative to borrow at the most attractive rates. Capital credits are used wisely to keep the cost of electricity as low as possible before they are refunded. How do you calculate my capital credits? The percentage of margins to the total amount of electric revenues received by GCEC is calculated. That percentage is multiplied by the total amount of your bills for the year. This is your capital credit allocation. Is interest earned on capital credits? Although capital credits are your investment, GCEC’s bylaws (Article VII, Section1) do not permit interest to be paid. That would be like paying interest on borrowed money, which would increase rates. What is the difference between capital credits and dividends? Capital credits represent a return of money being paid by the member for electricity. Dividends are earnings on an investment that was made by an investor with the desire to make a profit. If I do not own the home or property can I still be eligible to receive capital credits?

Regardless of ownership, if electric service is in your name, you are entitled to margins. What happens if I move off the co-op’s lines? Capital credits cannot be applied to your final bill or be refunded to you in a lump sum. That would give preference to people leaving GCEC rather than continuing to support it. You will be mailed a check when the year earned is refunded. Keep the cooperative notified of address changes. n Should you have any questions regarding capital credits, contact the Panama City office at 481-1188, the Southport office at 265-3631 or the Wewahitchka office at 639-2216.

GCEC offices will close at noon Friday, December 2, and will be closed Friday, December 23; Monday, December 26; and Tuesday, December 27. Merry Christmas from all of us at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative!