Florida Currents May 2014

Glades Electric Cooperative

M AY 2014

An Answer to Prayer Paul Heck is giddy and gives the thumbs-up sign after winning a 2003 Ford Expedition in the grand-prize drawing at Glades Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting. His wife, Hope, cannot stop smiling. Read more on page 4.

Children’s Advocacy Center

PAGE 25



Managing Your Electricity Use PAGE 28

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Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

May is Electrical Safety Month Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS-8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 2040 A St., Forest Grove, OR 97116—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 Forest Grove, OR 97116 and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Please send address corrections to P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

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Glades Electric Cooperative is joining with the Electrical Safety Foundation International to raise awareness about potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.

This year’s campaign, “Back to the Basics,” challenges consumers to make home electrical safety assessments a priority. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average home has a minimum of three televisions, two DVD players, at least one digital camera, one desktop computer and two cell phones.

“Modern homes run on electricity, but if you don’t properly maintain your electrical products they can create hazards,” warns GEC Safety Director Megan Randolph. “The good news is, eliminating electrical hazards from your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.”

Many homes and their electrical systems were built before most modern-day home electronics and appliances were even invented.

Today’s increased demand for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system.

GEC offers the following tips to help identify and eliminate electrical hazards to protect yourself, your family and your home: • Make sure entertainment centers and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation.

• Use extension cords as a temporary solution, and never as a permanent power supply.

• Do not place extension cords in high

traffic areas, under carpets or across walkways, where they pose a potential tripping hazard.

• Use a surge protector to protect your computer and other electronic equipment from damage caused by voltage changes.

• Heavy reliance on power strips is an indication you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed by a qualified, licensed electrician.

• Keep liquids, including drinks, away from electrical items such as TVs and computers.

Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries and fatalities. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school and play. For more information, visit www.electrical-safety.org. 

Inside

May 2014 Vol. 3, No. 7

Fishing for a Living 12

The life of a charter captain may look fun, but it is lots of work.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Florida Gardener 18

Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24 Parting Shot 30

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

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3

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Members Celebrate 69 Years Annual meeting ends with answered prayer for grand-prize winners

One lucky couple drove away from the 69th Glades Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting on March 15 as the proud new owners of a 2003 Ford Expedition.

Paul and Hope Heck prayed with each other before the meeting to win the vehicle, which was the annual meeting grand prize. The Hecks have been slowly preparing their new property in Highlands County in the hopes to be able to relocate to the area permanently. Only one thing was missing: a desperately needed new, larger vehicle.

“Prayers do get answered,” Hope said, tears filling her eyes.

Although the many prizes given away at the end of the meeting are always a big draw for members, the annual meeting features a number of important aspects that keep GEC running smoothly.

The second cooperative principle, Democratic Member Control, ensures members actively participate in setting policies and decision-making through election of district trustees.

Each year, one-third of the board of trustees are elected, or re-elected, to serve three-year terms.

Candidates are nominated by committee or petition from the membership and are voted on at the annual meeting.

The board of trustees establishes the policies by which the cooperative conducts business.

Butch Wilson, director of the Clewiston Museum, visits with Madisyn Thomley, Little Miss Hendry County, and her dad, Ashley, at one of the annual meeting displays.

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Hope Heck, right, is overcome with emotion as she and husband Paul are congratulated by Glades Electric Cooperative Trustee Shannon Hall after winning a 2003 Ford Expedition in the grandprize drawing. They arrived at the annual meeting in a VW bug.

All three incumbents were re-elected this year: Ladd Bass, District 5 (Venus and Hicora); Jim Aul, District 7 (Lorida); and Irene Lofton, District 9 (Okeechobee). Members determined these experienced, dedicated people understand their wants and needs and make decisions accordingly.

In addition to electing trustees, the membership voted in favor of changing three of the cooperative’s By-Laws. The changes allow for a solution in the event an election for a trustee should result in a tie, ensures trustees have suitable credentials and exhibit the qualities required of the position, and aligns the annual meeting notification requirements with production and mailing of Florida Currents magazine.

After members registered and voted, they were treated to refreshments, entertainment by singer Marti Capodiferro and displays by the cooperative’s power supplier, Seminole Electric; the GEC Charitable Trust; Lewis Tree Service; CareerSource of Southwest Florida; Friends of Istokpoga; and Florida Currents.

On site were Junior Miss Hendry County Tylynn Tarter and Little Miss Hendry County Madisyn Thomley.

As the meeting began, several guests of honor

Left, Glades Electric Cooperative CEO Jeff Brewington welcomes a member to the annual meeting. Above, members collect bags and information from the Charitable Trust display. Top, GEC’s Terry Cox delivers a 32-inch TV to a lucky door-prize winner.

were introduced by CEO Jeff Brewington. Singled out as honored guests were our veterans. Brewington recognized not only the veterans who served our country, but their families who supported them. He noted both made sacrifices to protect our freedom.

Brewington also recognized with a moment of silence the passing of Dennis Griffin, a respected county commissioner in Glades County.

Among several representatives from Seminole Electric were CEO Lisa Johnson, Vice President of Planning and Regulatory Affairs Trudy Novak and Vice President of Administration Al Garcia.

Continues on page 6 m ay 2 0 1 4

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Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Members Celebrate 69 Years Continues from page 5

A spread of doughnuts and cookies awaits members attending the annual meeting.

Marti Capodiferro entertains the crowd prior to the meeting.

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outage lasting more than 13 hours. A reward is still available for information leading to an arrest.

Brewington’s financial report was positive. He said all debt covenants were met for the year and equity increased 2 percent. He repeated the plan to resume returning members’ capital credits.

Two new programs launched by GEC also were reviewed by Brewington. Vendor managed inventory will allow GEC to buy inventory from GRESCO on an as-needed basis rather than in advance. Savings

In her address to members, Johnson explained that 70 percent of GEC’s power is generated from coal, 32 percent from natural gas and more than 7 percent from renewables. She noted that Seminole’s coal generation plant is one of the cleanest coal power plants in the country, but she is concerned about future costs if regulatory issues being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pass.

Board of Trustees President Jack Coxe reported on a successful year, noting GEC is a full year ahead of its plan to resume returning capital credits to members.

He added that more than 70 percent of members contribute to Operation Roundup, allowing the Charitable Trust Board to provide assistance to individuals at a total of $59,000 and organizations a total of $23,000 in 2013.

Coxe also reported GEC’s commitment to the communities it serves continues with the Glades Electric Education GEC Safety Director Megan Randolph demonstrates the power of electricity at a display.

Foundation, which provided $32,000 in scholarships in 2013. The ongoing scholar- from the VMI system are already being realized. ship program awards two high school seniors in each Also underway is the advanced metering infrastrucof GEC’s four counties $4,000 scholarships toward ture, which will put powerline carrier automated their continuing education. Wrapping up his remarks, meters throughout GEC’s service territory. This Coxe acknowledged the hardworking employees of system will add reliability and efficiency to the way GEC, and their daily contributions to a safe and prometers are read and provide members with more ductive work environment and community. detailed information about their energy use.

Brewington thanked Coxe for recognizing the Exciting new projects will have a tremendous employees. He added that the small group is a famimpact on GEC. AirGlades International Airport ily and works together to overcome obstacles. will be a privately owned and operated commerBrewington then explained GEC continues to cial airport. Brewington noted America’s Gateway make progress on challenges from the past. He said Logistics Center will open for new commercial that although GEC has, through insurance and restiactivity in the area. GEC has worked closely behind tution, been able to recoup some funds fraudulently the scenes with Florida Rural Broadband Alliance taken by a former employee, further prosecution is during the past several years to bring high-speed pending and GEC continues to attempt to recover any Internet service to rural areas in its service territory. possible additional funds through the legal process.

Although Brewington allotted time for questions He also mentioned the “dark night” in August from the membership, it was clear all in attendance 2013 when, for the third time, the Highlands Park were ready for the next step on the agenda: the prize Substation was damaged by vandals, causing an drawings. More than 70 prizes were given, including

Above, Glades Electric employees are ready to distribute prizes. Left, Mike McDuffy transports members from the parking lot to the meeting. Far left, Barrett Ringstaff delivers a door prize. Below, Junior Miss Hendry County Tylynn Tarter draws a ticket as Little Miss Hendry County Madisyn Thomley and GEC’s Paul McGehee look on.

TVs, gift cards, an Android tablet, cookbooks and plants. All members present, including GEC employees who are members, were eligible to win prizes.

When the winning number for the grand prize— the 2003 Ford Expedition—was called, Paul and Hope Heck almost couldn’t believe their ears.

Members since 1999, the Hecks have looked forward to the opportunity to become full-time residents of Highlands County. GEC is excited to help them in their journey to do that.

It is our sincere hope members enjoyed attending the annual meeting as much as the trustees, management and employees enjoyed hosting the event.

It is truly our honor to be “Neighbors Working for Neighbors.” n

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Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Operation Round Up Monthly Report More than 70 percent of Glades Electric Cooperative members participate in Operation Round Up. This program helps people in GEC’s service area who have exhausted normal avenues of financial assistance. Sign up today, and your electric bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The extra is placed in the fund for deserving individuals and organizations.

As of April 3, your Charitable Trust Board of Directors has approved $815,929.25 in disbursements. These funds have provided assistance with food, emergency lodging, disaster relief and specific

emergency needs for 538 individuals and/or families and 114 community organizations.

The trust does not fund utility bills (electric, phone, water and gas) or budgets of organizations.

Organizations in our service counties may apply for funding for a specific need or project.

The Charitable Trust Board of Directors meets monthly to review applications for funding.  If you know of people who need and deserve assistance and live within our service area, encourage or help them to complete an application. Applications can be picked up at each of our three offices: Moore Haven, Lake Placid and Okeechobee.

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

$25

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

David McCadam District 8 Lake Josephine

Winners should call (800) 226-4024 or sign their name on this page and mail it to:

M AY 2 0 1 4

Beverly Eaves District 2 Hendry County

Jerry Chasteen District 7 Lorida

Charles Padgett No. 107117-001 Maria & Armando Quintero No. 108958-001

8

Barbara Hughes District 1 Moore Haven

Lee Andrus District 6 Highlands Park

Credit Winners

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

Charitable Trust Board of Directors

Angela Hodges District 9 Okeechobee

Church of the Month

Brighton First Indian Baptist Church 20060 Reservation Road Okeechobee, FL 34974-2720

The next meeting of the Charitable Trust Board of Directors is May 29 at 1 p.m. in Lake Placid.

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Haul ’Em In With Custom Plugs Handcrafted wooden lures an artistic, working tribute to the lost art of fishing

By John N. Felsher

Postcards From Florida

Key West

m Blair

Photo by Pa

Free-roaming chickens have been part of life in Key West for nearly 200 years. Prochicken advocates want them left alone.

Others want them silenced. For now, they are protected by law, although the Key West “Chicken Catcher” occasionally is hired to round up a bunch and move them to an organic farm—a rural retirement home—in central Florida.

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When David Hall couldn’t find the oldfashioned wooden lures he liked to use for fishing, he came up with an idea.

After fishing together for decades in many Florida waters, David and his father, Fred, combined their two favorite hobbies into a business venture, designing, crafting and selling handmade wooden fishing lures.

“David was a visionary and an artist who loved to fish,” says Fred, a retired veterinarian from Orlando. “I started making furniture and just loved woodworking, but David was better at it than me. He wanted people to catch fish with our lures.”

David, a granite salesman, died in February 2011 at the age of 41 after an accident. But Fred continues the family business he and his son began in 2006.

Now, Hall ’em In Lures produces about 3,000 to 5,000 custom lures each year in its Orlando shop. Preferring quality American craftsmanship to overseas mass production, Fred and company handcraft each one from blocks of Spanish cedar. For some custom jobs, they use exotic woods from Africa, Asia and South America.

“The most common comment we get about our lures is they are too pretty for fishing,” Fred says.

“The most exciting thing to me is when someone buys one of our plugs and comes back to tell us about the big fish he or she caught with it.”

Undoubtedly beautiful, these lures also catch fish. They may tempt a variety of species—from largemouth bass to large saltwater predators including redfish, speckled trout and snook.

Hall ’em In Lures also make bigger lures for offshore fishing.

“We started building saltwater lures, but many of them catch bass,” Fred says.

“Capt. Steve Niemoeller, a guide with CFL Fishing Charter Service in Deland,

The evolution of a fish-catching enticement. It starts with a block of wood that is shaped and ends with a finished custom lure.

Florida, designed a prop lure specifically for bass, but the Captain Steve’s Menace is also a very good redfish lure. We’ve also caught tarpon, grouper, mackerel—a variety of fish on our baits.”

To build a lure, Fred or his craftsman, J.R. Smith, start with a single block of wood. They shape the block with a chisel and a lathe, then sand it repeatedly to create the perfect shape. Sometimes, they cut blocks in half, inserting fish-attracting rattles into notches in the wood before gluing them back together—a rarity for handcrafted wooden lures.

The team then applies at least seven coats of paint in popular fishing lure colors to mimic baitfish or other prey. After applying the paint, craftsmen hand-dip each lure into tough resin multiple times before adding stainless steel hooks and other hardware.

They cannot build just one lure at a time from start to finish, so they build multiple lures in stages. They might cut a thousand wooden blocks for one lure model one day and paint them another day. They might sand some rough shapes while the paints and resins dry on other lures. From start to finish, it takes about two weeks to turn a block of wood into a fish-catching enticement.

“We wanted to build some Americanmade lures of the finest quality,” Fred

A Road Trip Through Florida Archaeology

Not Just a Lure Maker In addition to plugs, Fred Hall creates decorative display cases for his lures; lure-shaped key chains; and old-time cedar, walnut or cherry tackle boxes with brass fixtures based on designs used on the St. Johns River more than a century ago. The Department of Defense gave one of Fred’s lure-filled shadow boxes as a gift to the visiting minister of defense from Russia.

explains. “Each Hall ’em In Lure is handcrafted from carefully selected blocks of fine wood. Spanish cedar is denser and harder than many other woods. Our lures are tough. We’ve tried all kinds of ways to break our lures, but we can’t. Even when toothy bluefish and trout hit them, they hold up amazingly well.”

Fred makes 10 models of wooden topwater plugs for use in fresh or salt water.

Most resemble throwbacks to a bygone era. Although each rendition of a particular model looks nearly identical, slight variations make every lure unique so each one behaves slightly different in the water.

“We use templates to stay as consistent as possible, but the different densities and

Top, Fred Hall adds the stainless steel hardware to a nearly complete lure. Above, J.R. Smith uses a lathe to shape a piece of wood.

variation in shapes and size of the wood allow each lure to be retrieved in a very unique way,” Fred says. “They all work a little differently.

“Because wooden lures have been in use since the late 19th century, they have a nostalgic quality about them. Many people remember their dads and granddads fishing with those types of plugs and want to remember the good times they enjoyed. Many other people who used to fish with those old wooden plugs can no longer find them so they come to us to make lures for them.” n To place an order or for more information about Hall Em In Lures, visit www.halleminlures.com or call (407) 254-5207.

With 500 years of European history and more than 10,000 years of Native American prehistory, Florida hosts an array of cultural landmarks.

In the interactive permanent exhibit at the Destination Archaeology Resource Center in Pensacola, journey through the eight regions of Florida and visit significant archaeological sites along the way: prehistoric mounds, shipwrecks, forts, Spanish missions, battlefields and museums.

Touch artifacts and learn where to visit the sites featured in the exhibit.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, free events and programs.

The archaeological museum is inside the Florida Public Archaeology Network headquarters.

FPAN is dedicated to protecting cultural resources, both on land and underwater, and involving the public in the study of their past.

Regional centers around Florida serve as clearinghouses for information, institutions for learning and training, and headquarters for public participation in archaeology.

The museum—at 207 E. Main St.—is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

A replica of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is featured in the southeast region exhibit at the Destination Archaeology Resource Center.

Photo by Pam Blair

may 2 0 1 4

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Fishing for a Living The life of a charter captain may look fun, but it is lots of work

the scenes before and after a guide trip,” says Capt.

Steve Niemoeller with CFL Fishing Charter Service of Deland, who guides in both freshwater and saltwater. “I get up at about 3:20 a.m. every day.”

He loads the bait and gear in the boat, then heads to wherever he is going that day.

“Depending where I’m fishing, I might drive an hour or more,” he says. “I try to get to the launch an hour before the clients arrive in case something goes wrong so I’ll have time to fix it. I want everything ready when the customer steps on the boat.”

By John N. Felsher Before guides can even arrange to meet customers at a dock, they need to spend a small fortune.

First, they must complete a course to obtain a captain’s license that allows them to legally take passengers for hire. That could cost more than $1,000.

Captains cannot guide without boats. A fully equipped bass or bay boat could cost $40,000 to $80,000. A few guides work out deals with manufacturers to offset some costs, but they still need to pay for insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, tackle, bait and other expenses that cut into profits. Some guides own two or more boats suited for different activities and so they can still make a living if one needs repairs.

Niemoeller guides out of two boats: a bass boat he uses strictly in freshwater and a flats boat he uses primarily in saltwater.

“The baits, tactics and habitat differ when fishing in salt or freshwater, but the process of guiding someone to catch a fish is the same,” Niemoeller says. “It’s all about putting people at ease so they have a good time. Whenever people step onto my boat, I want them to feel comfortable no matter what we’re targeting.

Sometimes, a person books multiple days to fish in both saltwater and freshwater.”

To go offshore after big salty species, a large, fully equipped boat could run from $200,000 to more than $1 million.

Rods, reels, hooks, lures, gaffs, electronic instruments and other equipment for offshore fishing runs thousands of dollars. One heavy-duty offshore rod and reel loaded with enough line could cost With the help of Capt. David “Catfish” Knight, Nicole Scott fights a big stingray in the pass near Destin. more than $2,000.

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Imagine a job where you go fishing every day in some of the most beautiful places and someone else pays for it. Hard to believe? It’s true, sort of, for professional fishing guides who ply the waters of the Sunshine State looking for bass, tarpon, wahoo, snook and other species.

That image only tells a partial story. While guides do venture into some of the most beautiful waters in the nation, most seldom fish. Someone else pays them, but the real story sounds a lot more like work.

“Being a fishing guide is a great job, and I enjoy it, but being a fishing guide also means long hours and a lot of work,” says Capt. David “Catfish” Knight, who runs Backcountry Fishing Charters for saltwater fish out of Destin. “Most people only see the fishing part. They don’t see the work aspect of it.”

A professional guide starts the day early, long before meeting with customers at some dock by daybreak. Depending on the species targeted and the type of fishing scheduled that day, the guide might need to catch bait well before customers even get out of bed. They prepare all of the tackle to use that day so their clients need only to show up at the proper time and step onto the boat.

“Most people don’t realize what goes on behind

Captains with large boats typically pay hefty marina fees, whether they take anyone out or not.

After fishing, some guides clean the catch for their clients. All guides need to clean their boats and prepare their equipment for the next day.

Occasionally, a guide may need to repair or replace something before the next charter party arrives.

Guides also must keep up with where and how to catch fish on their chosen location by spending time on the water, talking to other guides, reading fishing reports and otherwise keeping themselves informed.

They may work several weeks without a day off.

Capt. Steve Daniel, a professional bass angler and guide from Clewiston, is booked solid in the spring.

“We’re spoiled on Lake Okeechobee because we catch a lot of big bass,” says Daniel, who does many eight-hour trips, but sometimes also four-hour trips in the afternoon. “At the end of the day, I have to clean the boat and get ready for the next day. Someone has to really love fishing to be a guide. I get tired by the end of the day, but I never get tired of fishing.”

After fishing, cleaning the boat and preparing for the next day, many guides call clients to make

arrangements for their trips or post fishing reports on various websites. Periodically, captains put up displays at sporting or boat shows to advertise their businesses. Some make public appearances for sponsors. Others host or contribute to television and radio shows to market their businesses.

“Many charter captains know how to fish, but they don’t understand the basics of running a business—and it is a business,” emphasizes Capt. Mike Weinhofer, who runs Compass Rose Charters out of Key West for such offshore species as marlin, sailfish, grouper, wahoo and tuna. “Many captains don’t realize that they are not selling fish. They are selling vacation time. If people just want a chest full of fish, they can go to their local seafood market and buy exactly what they want for much cheaper than booking a charter.”

Running a business requires good customer relations, which often turns into repeat business. Some guides can catch fish, but do not understand how to treat their customers. Some guides yell at customers for doing something wrong or losing fish. Anglers who fish with such guides usually don’t come back— no matter how many fish they caught.

Capt. Mike Weinhofer of Compass Rose Charters based out of Key West shows off a permit reeled in by a happy angler.

Photo courtesy of Compass Rose Charters

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Do Your Homework Before Booking a Trip Paying for a charter may make sense for locals, too By hiring a charter captain, anglers avoid the guesswork on where and how to fish. Guests step onto the boat without hassle and begin enjoying their day on the water. Some captains even provide food and refreshments.

Before booking a charter trip, though, do some research. If possible, talk to people who previously fished with that captain. Find out what kind of trips the captain runs. Don’t surprise the captain by showing up with eight people when booked on a boat that can hold no more than four. Tell the captain what you would like to do or catch. The captain may even suggest a better idea.

“When clients book a trip, I talk about the different types of fishing we can do,” says Capt. Mike Weinhofer with Compass Rose Charters in Key West. “Some people are set on catching a certain species of fish, but that might be difficult. I want to determine what people truly want to do so I can plan to make them as happy as possible.

“The wonderful thing about Key West is that we can do eight or 10 different kinds of fishing each day all year long, usually less than 10 miles from the marina. I’ve caught 31 different species in one day before.”

Find out exactly what the captain charges and what those charges cover. Discuss appropriate tips. Arrive at the designated place on time prepared to fish. Contact the captain as early as possible if anything changes. Most captains provide all the rods, reels, bait and tackle, but bring a camera, suntan lotion, sunglasses, refreshments, snacks and clothes appropriate to the season or weather conditions. Also bring an ice chest to take fish home.

Not all charter guests come from out of state. Anglers who only fish a few times a year may actually save money by hiring a captain instead of buying a boat. While the boat sits idle, owners must still make payments, buy insurance and perform maintenance. Depending on the boat size, owners also may pay storage fees. Before fishing, boat owners must buy fuel, oil, bait, ice and other items besides paying launch fees. After the trip, someone must clean and store everything, and repair broken items. Add up all those expenses and anglers can pay for several charter trips a year and still save Capt. Steve Niemoeller of Deland shows off a bass he caught money. while fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes near Mount Dora.

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“When I first started guiding, I wanted to catch every fish in the ocean,” Weinhofer admits. “Before I started guiding, I fished tournaments where losing a fish could mean losing the tournament. I got mad when we missed a fish, but I learned not to do that.

“Fishing should be fun, not a stressful situation.

Now, my charters are very interactive. I show people how to rig their own baits and tie their own knots.

I show them how to cast. When a sailfish comes up and the client casts to it and catches the fish, that’s much more fun than if I cast to it and just let the client reel it to the boat.

“To me, dead fish on a boat are not as important as the experiences of the day. About 80 percent of the people who fish with me are repeat customers. I’ve had people fish with me many times over 20 years.”

Even outstanding captains in the best waters occasionally experience poor catches. Sometimes the weather turns bad or conditions make catching fish extremely difficult. Sometimes, fish just don’t bite no matter what the captain does. That could turn into a long day afloat unless the guide makes it entertaining.

“Many clients come expecting guides to fill boats up with fish just because they fish for a living,” says Knight, who was born in the area and fished most places around Destin. “Guides are not really in the fishing business. We’re in the entertainment business.

“No matter what, I want to show my clients a good time. While we fish, I tell stories about Destin. I’ll suggest some good places to eat. I want my customers to have a good time, take some fish home and enjoy a great experience while in the area.”

A good guide tries every possible legal means to put fish in the boat, but when targeted species don’t cooperate, clients might enjoy doing something else.

Sometimes, anglers don’t care what pulls on the line and wouldn’t mind catching other species.

Sometimes, a talented guide may suggest something entirely different that can turn a humdrum day into a memorable experience.

“Some guides just want to fish and want someone else to pay their expenses,” Niemoeller says. “The guide needs to entertain those people for as long as they are on the boat. When they get off the boat, the clients need to know that the guide did everything possible to fulfill that entertainment value—whether the fish were biting or not.

“The customer is paying for a block of time and for the boat that day. How they want to spend that time is up to them. If we’re fishing and the customer wants to go look at birds or alligators, that’s what we do.”

While guides bear the responsibility of keeping clients safe and entertained during their stay on the boat, potential clients also shoulder some

responsibility. Clients need to show up on time ready to spend a day on the water. They also need to inform the captain about any physical, medical or special needs that could affect the trip.

“The fishing is all the same, but the preparation and planning for each day is different,” Daniel says.

“Before my clients show up, I want to know a little about them. I want to find out what they want out of the trip so I can plan the right way. Are they hardcore bass fishermen preparing for a tournament, or are they three generations just out for a day of family fun with a young child who has never caught a fish?

“If someone has a medical issue and can’t endure a long boat ride, I want to know that so I can trailer my boat to another part of the lake if necessary.”

Prospective clients should tell their captains about their fishing experience—or lack thereof. If they have never fished before or never fished that way, that is no shame. They can learn. Most captains prefer to take out a person who doesn’t know anything about fishing rather than a self-proclaimed expert.

“The biggest mistake most guides make is expecting everyone who gets on their boats to know exactly how to fish,” Knight says. “When people don’t know how to fish, some guides get aggravated.

“I’ll work with someone all day to teach that person how to fish. I would rather take someone fishing who knows very little than someone who thinks he’s an expert and gets on my boat telling me how to fish.”

Clients also need to let the captain know about the party composition. If the group includes women or children, the captain may need to make adjustments. Although larger boats usually can accommodate women’s restroom needs, smaller boats may make that difficult. Some guides bring small portable toilets. Others may schedule a few stops at shoreline facilities.

Most captains love seeing children catch fish, but children need to know how to behave on a boat bristling with exposed hooks, gaffs and other objects that could cause serious injuries. Parents or adult guardians should discipline children and not abdicate that responsibility to the captain.

Nothing ruins a good day on the water like an unruly child causing a ruckus in a small, confined space. However, a good group of people, no matter their ages, can create a pleasant memory.

“What I like most about being a guide is meeting people every day and watching them catch fish,” Daniel says. “When I spend a day in a boat with someone, we’re friends by the end of the day. Some are friends for life. It’s all about the experience. It’s never about the fishing. The fishing is secondary. We always have an adventure in this beautiful place.” n

Capt. Steve Daniel shows off a bass he caught on a Texas-rigged creature bait while fishing at Lake Okeechobee near Clewiston.

Looking for a Guide?

XX

Steve Daniel, Clewiston Fishes Lake Okeechobee for largemouth bass.

(239) 560-2704; www.okeechobeeprostevedaniel.com

XX

David “Catfish” Knight, Destin (Backcountry Fishing Charters) Targets inshore/nearshore species such as speckled trout, redfish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and bluefish.

(850) 837-7121 or (850) 259-1110

XX

Steve Niemoeller, Deland (CFL Fishing Charter Service) Fishes St. Johns River and central Florida lakes for bass, crappie, bream; also fishes New Smyrna and Mosquito Lagoon areas for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and other inshore species.

(386) 846-2861 or (800) 507-0058 www.cflfishing.com or www.bassonline.com

XX

Mike Weinhofer, Key West (Compass Rose Charters) Fishes Florida Keys for tarpon, permit, wahoo, billfish, dolphin, sharks and other species.

(305) 395-3474 or (877) FISH-N-KW; www.fishnkw.com

For a directory of guides and outfitters throughout the state, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com. The FWC does not license or regulate the guides and outfitters, but provides the listing as a public service to help you plan your next outing.

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15

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

A dessert favorite since the 1950s, grasshopper pie can be made with reduced-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Decades of Decadence Each decade has its own distinct foods, including desserts. These decadent treats have stood the test of time.

This recipe collection serves a delicious trip down memory lane with modern influence by Ellie Krieger, host of the Cooking Channel’s “Healthy Appetite.”

“History shaped these desserts, and they have stuck around because they are inherently delicious,” Ellie says.

The recipes are updated with hearthealthy ingredients such as low-fat yogurt, whole-grain flour and canola oil.

1920s: Black and White Cookies This iconic cookie, which has been around for almost a century, has become 16

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a symbol of New York City, where it is still found in many delis and bakeries.

Cookies

Canola oil cooking spray ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or wholewheat all-purpose flour) ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1/3 cup canola oil ½ cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup lowfat buttermilk

Vanilla icing ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoons light corn syrup 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 to 4 teaspoons water

Chocolate icing

½ cup confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 teaspoons light corn syrup ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 3 to 6 teaspoons water

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, wholewheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, use a whisk to beat the egg, canola oil and sugar until fluffy and pale yellow. Stir in vanilla.

Mix about a third of the flour mixture into the egg mixture, and stir in half of the buttermilk until combined. Stir in another third of the flour mixture, then the remaining buttermilk, followed by the remaining flour. Stir to combine with each addition.

To make jumbo cookies, dollop ¼-cup mounds of batter onto a baking sheet so each is about 3 inches in diameter. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake until set and just golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Use a metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely before making the icing.

To make vanilla icing, in a small bowl stir together confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of water. Add remaining water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until icing is thick, but spreadable. Spread icing on half of each cookie.

To make chocolate icing, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder in another small bowl. Stir in corn syrup, vanilla extract and 3 teaspoons of water. Add remaining water, 1 teaspoon at a time, stirring to combine, until icing is thick, but spreadable. Ice other half of each cookie. Allow icing to set for 30 minutes. Store the cookies at room temperature in a single layer. Do not stack until icing is hardened.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously spray the bottom of a 9-inch nonstick layer-cake pan with cooking spray.

Evenly sprinkle pan with brown sugar; arrange pineapple rings on top in one layer. Sprinkle chopped ginger in spaces around pineapple rings and in their centers.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda.

In another medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, canola oil, eggs and vanilla.

Mix wet and dry ingredients until combined. Pour batter over pineapple/ brown-sugar mixture. Bake until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then run knife around cake edges. Using oven mitts, invert cake onto a large serving plate.

1930s: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or wholewheat all-purpose flour) ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup cold water 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1/3 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

Yields 6 jumbo or 12 small cookies

This cake was originally invented to take advantage of canned pineapple.

Canola oil cooking spray 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed 4 to 5 pineapple rings (about 1/4 of whole pineapple), about ½-inch thick 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or wholewheat all-purpose flour) ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup lowfat buttermilk 1/2 cup canola oil 2 large eggs 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Serves 8

1940s: Chocolate War Cake This chocolaty indulgence is a cinch to make.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a 9-inch round baking pan, whisk together whole-wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine water and vinegar.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture in the pan, and pour canola oil and vanilla extract into the well. Pour water/vinegar mixture over the top

of the flour, and stir well to blend all ingredients.

Bake until set and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Place cake on a rack to cool. Once the cake is cool, turn it out of the pan and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

Serves 12

1950s: Grasshopper Pie The pie was a favorite once home freezers became common.

Canola oil cooking spray 1¼ cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons canola oil 4 cups mint chip reduced-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt, softened 1/3 cup chocolate shavings

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with canola oil cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, mix cookie crumbs and canola oil until combined, then press mixture into the prepared pie dish. Bake until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

In a large bowl, place softened ice cream or yogurt and mix well until a uniform texture forms, similar to softserve ice cream. Fill cooled pie crust with ice cream, and smooth out the top.

Garnish with chocolate shavings, cover with plastic wrap and put back in the freezer until solidly frozen, at least 4 hours.

When ready to serve, heat a knife under hot water and use it to cut the pie into slices.

To make chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler to peel strips from a thick block of chocolate. If the chocolate crumbles as you make the shavings, put it in the microwave at 10-second intervals to soften it slightly.

Serves 8

Recipes and photo courtesy of www.canolainfo.org. m ay 2 0 1 4

17

Florida Gardening

Advice From the Front-Yard Farmer

Window Closing on Vegetable Planting Watch those fingers and green thumbs! The window is closing on planting warm-season vegetables in Florida. While conditions now may seem just right for planting vegetables, it is actually too late for most.

In a blink of an eye, the heat and humidity that comes with summer will be upon us and serve as a no-nonsense reminder that, if you are going to have success in your home garden, most warmseason vegetables must be planted in a month that has an “r” in it. But don’t despair.

Although May is upon us, those of us living in the north and central parts of the state are not altogether shut out from growing a little something for the dinner table.

In north Florida, we can still have success with okra, eggplant and sweet potatoes.

In central Florida, sweet potatoes are your only option— but a tasty one.

Popular varieties of sweet potatoes for Florida include Centennial, Beauregard and

Clemson Spineless okra grown in north Florida last July.

Okra is one of the few vegetables that thrives in Florida’s summer heat. It can be planted with success in May in north Florida, as can sweet potatoes and eggplant.

Photo by Dennis Gilson

Vardaman. Beauregard, or “Mississippi Red,” is a favorite in my household.

Buy sweet potato slips (sprouts cut from tubers) from a local farm supply store or reputable seed company on the Internet. Set plants 12 to 14 inches apart in mounded rows that are 8 to 12 inches high. The rows should be about 48 inches apart. Water regularly and keep weeded, and you should be ready to harvest in late fall.

Every Southern garden should have okra growing in it, if for no other reason than it usually thrives under the conditions that cause so much havoc to our other veggies.

It is such a delight to harvest and eat something fresh and green in the late summer, when most of the garden is

Dennis Gilson lives and gardens in Niceville.

Widely known as the Front-Yard Farmer, Dennis has grown vegetables, fruits and berries in the Florida Panhandle for more than 30 years. He shares his experience and offers timely advice at his website, FrontYardFarmer.com.

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otherwise bare.

Plants range in size from a few feet to 10 feet or more. Recommended okra varieties include Clemson Spineless, Perkins, Dwarf Green, Emerald, Blondy and Burgundy. As some of the names imply, okra pods can be green, red or white.

Okra prefers fertile, welldrained soil. Plant seeds or starter plants a foot or two apart in rows that are spaced 3 to 4 feet apart, or plant a few seeds together for a sort of okra bush.

Okra grows quickly and needs a steady supply of nutrients, so be sure to fertilize every three weeks. Pods should be harvested a day or two after the flower petals drop off and while the pods are still tender.

Check your plants often.

The pods may be too small to harvest in the morning, but just right by the end of the day.

Avoid planting okra in the same area of your garden from year to year because the plants

are highly susceptible to root damage from nematodes.

Eggplant stands up to Florida’s summertime heat as well as okra. They not only perform well together in the garden, they pair up well in the kitchen, too.

In my household, sliced Ichiban eggplant roasted with okra has become a latesummer favorite. Ichiban is an Oriental eggplant that produces slender, elongated fruit.

When planted in full sun, many kinds of eggplant will grow about 3 to 4 feet tall and just as wide. Keep the spacing between plants or seeds about the same, 3 to 4 feet, or follow the recommended spacing on the seed packet.

Eggplant flowers are selfpollinating, so a lack of honeybees in the garden does not significantly affect yield.

Fruits are best harvested while they are still shiny and glossy. Fruit is overmature when it appears green or mahogany in color, leaving it tough, bitter and seedy. 

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LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - A recent find of high quality emeralds in this African republic has thrown the luxury gem world into tumult. For hundreds of years, Colombians have controlled the high-end emerald market and sent prices soaring to over $15,000 per carat for top graded stones. But the history-making discovery of Zambian emeralds has revealed a green gemstone with mesmerizing clarity that simply changes everything. is important find led Stauer, a major gem dealer and importer, to bid on over 10,000 carats. Stauer designed a classic 1-ctw ring for people who love the gem but don’t love outrageously priced luxury. Because of their timely buy, Stauer is releasing this exclusive, natural emerald ring—aka “e Pride of Zambia”— to the public for under $100!

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Travel Journal

Tips for Affordable Family Adventures

See the State on Wheels

Whether you have your sights set on a leisurely ride along the coast or are looking for a more challenging rural road, Florida has a cycling environment to meet your needs.

From urban trails and barrier island roads to trails running through stunning natural environments and state forests, you will find plenty of interesting sites and scenery.

Most of the state’s biking trails are shared by riders on comfort bikes and cruisers, hybrids, recumbent bicycles and tandems. Many are ideal for mountain bikers, such as the 38-mile-long Pinellas Trail stretching from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg.

Before heading out for a ride, visit the Florida Bicycle Association’s website (www. floridabicycle.org) for great resources on the best places to ride, Florida bike clubs, bicycle traffic laws and other information.

For another helpful list, go to www.wikipedia.org and search for “list of paved Florida bike trails.” The entry notes cities designated as bicycle friendly by the League of

rs and Convention Bureau Photo courtesy of Citrus County Visito

American Bicyclists and more.

Dozens of rated trails in the state are listed on TrailLink by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (www.traillink.com).

Take the Heritage Route Mission San Luis, a National Historic Landmark, is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in the state.

From 1656 to 1704, the Tallahassee site was the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious and administrative capital.

The mission burned to the ground in 1704, but the property was acquired by the state of Florida in 1983.

The living history museum is devoted to telling the stories of its former residents.

Kris Wetherbee is an author and award-winning recipe developer. She writes about outdoor living, travel, gardening, natural health and cooking for numerous publications, including Florida Currents.

Visit her website at www.kriswetherbee.com.

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Knowledge of life at San Luis comes from intensive archaeological and historical research.

The site is the most thoroughly investigated mission in the southeastern United States.

All Things Greek Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County is a Greek jewel among cities. In fact, it boasts the highest percentage of Greeks of any city in America.

Whether you stop by for the day or make it a weekend getaway, you will enjoy authentic Greek restaurants, bakeries and music. Check out specialty shops and boutiques in the Greek village, or head downtown for antique stores and galleries.

Perhaps the heart of the city is the sponge-diving industry, which Greek immigrants brought to prominence. Today, Tarpon Springs is more of a shrimping community, but the sponge remains a presence in the historic city center of the “Sponge Capital of the World.”

Reader Tip “One of our favorite places to bike ride is the paved trail at Flatwoods Park in north Tampa. You can start at different points to give you longer miles, but the basic trail is a 7-mile loop. Many mornings we have been on our bikes riding as the sun comes up and it’s just breathtaking. We have seen so many animals: wild hogs, turkeys, deer and all kinds of birds. They also have mountain bike trails and hiking trails that are known for bird watching. Be sure to visit www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ recreation/areas/lh-flatwoods. html for more information.”

—Jamie Roger, Riverview Tell Us Your Travel Tip What’s your favorite familyfriendly activity? Where’s the best beach and why? How about a favorite weekend getaway or a hidden gem?

Send your photo and travel tip in 100 words or less to info@floridacurrents.com. 

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Through May 31, Sebring Citrus Label Art on Exhibit in Sebring Highlands Art League’s Museum of the Arts hosts an exhibit of 24 labels that decorated wooden citrus crates between the late 1800s and the 1960s. The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for HAL members, students with proper ID and children younger than 12. www.highlandsartleague.org; (863) 385-5312

May 1 to August 31, Pensacola The Art of the Brick See awe-inspiring large-scale sculptures made entirely out of Legos by New york-based artist Nathan Sawaya at the Pensacola Museum of Art. Hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org; (850) 432-6247

May 1, Sebring Cocktails & Culture: Citrus Citrus industry representatives discuss the history of the citrus industry while attendees savor the flavors of citrus from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.highlandsartleague.org; (863) 385-5312

May 2-4, Pensacola 30th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival A taste of Louisiana comes to Bartram Park with crawfish poboys, crawfish pies, more than 16,000 pounds of boiled crawfish, chicken baskets, red beans and rice, deep-fried brownies and more. www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; (850) 433-6512

May 3, Cantonment Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., tour Escambia County Extension’s demonstration gardens, attend a plant clinic, and view exhibits on aquaponics and hydroponics. Watch cooking demonstrations at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Activities offered for the kids.

Tool sharpening is available for a fee.

(850) 475-5230

Submit Your Events Want to include a family-friendly event in an upcoming listing? Send it to info@floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times, details and a way for readers to get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event. If you own the rights to a high-resolution photo promoting this year’s event, or from a past year’s event, please attach it along with photo credit information.

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Humphrey Bogart Film Festival Romance is center stage during the second annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, presented by the Humphrey Bogart Estate and the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Thursday, May 1, through Sunday, May 4. Join host Stephen Bogart—the son of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall—and film historian Leonard Maltin as they screen Bogart classics and some of the most romantic movies of all time. Attend a formal ball, cocktail parties and special presentations. See Bogart memorabilia and ride on the boat from the Bogart-Hepburn classic “The African Queen.” For more information, visit www.bogartfilmfestival.com.

May 3, Blountstown 13th Annual Everlasting Stitches Quilt Show See quilts and get appraisals at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. Admission is $4. Please RSVP to show a quilt. Go online for quilt block contest instructions. www.panhandlepioneer.org; (850) 674-2777

May 3, Fruitland Park 8th Annual Kids’ Fishing Clinic Children 4-14 are introduced to freshwater angling through educational programming and hands-on experience at Lake Griffin State Park.

Activities start at 9 a.m. at the picnic area and boat dock. Enrollment is limited to 60 children.

Preregistration is required. The clinic is free, but the $5 park entry fee applies. A guardian must be present with the child during the clinic.

(352) 360-6760; daniel.osborn@dep.state.fl.us

May 7-9, Pensacola Naval Aviation Symposium Hear first-hand accounts from former aviators and a Q&A session with active flag officers at the Naval Aviation Museum. www.navalaviationmuseum.org; (850) 452-3604

May 7-11, Key West Key West Songwriters’ Festival This showcase presented by Hog’s Breath Saloon features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts in intimate settings. www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com

May 9, Sebring Downtown Sebring Wine Walk Enjoy free wine at participating merchants from 5 to 8 p.m. Dress in your best 1980s attire. www.destinationdowntownsebring.com; www.facebook.com/downtownsebringfl

May 10, Panama City Beach 32nd Annual Gulf Coast Triathlon The Boardwalk Beach Resort hosts 1,500 athletes who test their strength with a 1.2-mile swim, 56mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. www.gulfcoasttriathlon.com; (303) 953-2008

May 10, Sebring Girls Gone Wine Festival Join us Mother’s Day weekend for this wine and culinary festival in historic downtown Sebring. www.girlsgonewinefest.com

May 10, Sebring Saturday Night Cruise From 5 to 8 p.m., cruisers come to the downtown circle to see classic cars, listen to live entertainment and enjoy delicious food. www.sebringcruise.com

May 11, Islamorada 20th Annual Bay Jam Savor art and music from midday through the night from the shores of Florida Bay at the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87. www.keysice.com; (305) 394-2765

May 15, Sebring Get Sauced: Citrus Celebrity chef Mac Gentlmen from the Palms teaches the art of citrus sauces at 6 p.m. While he prepares the tastings, attendees learn culinary techniques to try at home. Citrus-themed cocktails and light snacks are provided. www.highlandsartleague.org; (863) 385-5312

May15-18, Key Largo Key Largo’s Original Music Festival Enjoy food and entertainment during this singers and songwriters event. www.fkrm.com; (305) 394-3736

May 16-17, Key West Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium Key West’s political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House where Truman spent many working vacations during his presidency. www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com; (305) 294-9911

May 17, Wewahitchka 24th Annual Tupelo Honey Festival People come from around the world to Lake Alice to taste and take home this delicacy. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., beekeepers will have booths of honey, with food vendors, arts and crafts, rides, games and live music. www.tupelohoneyfestival.com

May 17, Bradenton Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cookoff Bring blankets or chairs and sunscreen to Linger Lodge for music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a cookoff between noon and 3 p.m. Contestants are welcome. No coolers or pets are allowed. www.lingerlodgeresort.com; (941) 755-2757

May 17, Sebring Downtown Community Sidewalk Sale Bargain shoppers and browsers are encouraged to shop the monthly sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spaces are available. www.destinationdowntownsebring.com; Linda, (863) 382-2649

May 18, Pensacola Fiesta Family Sand Sculpture Contest Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Pensacola Beach Pavilion and judging is at 2 p.m. for the free competition, with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes awarded. Vote for your favorites. www.fiestafiveflags.org; (850) 433-6512

May 24, Fort Pierce Treasures in Town Art and Antiques Fest Artists, antique collectors, entertainers and authors create a festive venue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North 2nd Street.

Special Collections on Display in Islamorada Original paintings of Old Florida and Key Largo are on display at the Keys History and Discovery Center at the Islander Resort, MM 82, in Islamorada. The exhibit features two collections: the landscapes of the Florida Highwaymen and watercolors by Key Largo’s hermit artist Harry Sonntag. The privately owned works have never before been on display collectively. A presentation by Chuck Faulkner, who recovered the Sonntag collection, is Thursday, May 1. The exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12, but $10 for seniors and free for children 13 and younger. For more information, visit www. keysdiscovery.com or call (305) 922-2237.

Top, the orange sky painted by the first of the Florida Highwaymen artists, Harold Newton. Bottom, Harry Sonntag outside his Key Largo gallery.

www.treasuresintown.com

may 2 0 1 4

23

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Six Safety Tips for Every Boater No matter how much experience you have on the water, it is always a good idea to review boating safety rules at least once a year.

Here are six basic boating safety tips every boater should observe: • Be weather wise.

Always check local weather conditions before departure.

If a storm threatens, the wind picks up or there is a dramatic change in temperature when you are out on the water, play it safe and head for home.

• Be prepared for anything on the water. A predeparture list of things to do and things to take is the best way to make sure nothing is overlooked.

• Use common sense.

One of the most important components of boating safety is common sense. It includes being alert at all times, operating your boat at a safe speed, and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft.

• Designate an assistant skipper. Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s operations and handling, in case the

Make sure to have a secondary means of propulsion. You never know when you might have engine trouble.

Whenever possible, have a second motor on a larger boat or paddles on a smaller one, in case of an emergency. Another handy item to stow onboard is a rope, in case you need to be towed back to port.

Photo by Brett Williams

primary skipper becomes incapacitated.

• Develop a float plan.

A float plan should include: name, address and phone number of the trip leader; names and phone numbers of all passengers; type of boat and registration information; a detailed trip itinerary; and types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

Leave the plan with a family member or staff at the marina/park.

• Make proper use of lifejackets. Most boating drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets. Make sure family and friends are assigned and fitted with a lifejacket prior to every departure.

Source: Recreational Boating Association

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

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Lighten the Load There is a reason catching big bass is challenging. The bigger the fish, the older and wilier they are. One way to improve your odds is to spend more time on the water. However, all of that casting can be tiring, so consider buying the lightest rod and reel combo you can afford in order to reduce weight and fatigue.

Hang ’em High It is always a good idea to hang your food at the end of a day of backcountry camping. Black bears can be a nuisance, particularly in Ocala National Forest, Big Cypress and the forests of the Panhandle. However, bears are not the only reason to hang food. Ants may be the biggest problem of all. They are everywhere, and they have a knack for finding food in packs and other spaces.

Mosquitoes 101 Mosquitoes zero in on us by the carbon dioxide,

body odors and warmth we produce. To reduce your mosquito “signature” and protect yourself from their bite, refrain from wearing sweet-smelling fragrances, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants whenever possible, and use an insect repellent containing DEET. There are repellents with other active ingredients, but those with DEET work best for keeping mosquitoes away. Also, avoid mosquito habitat at sunrise and sunset when they are most active, and stay away from brushy or shady areas where mosquitoes congregate during the heat of the day.

Got a Tip or a Whopper?

Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication in Florida Currents magazine, we will send you $25 for onetime use. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@ floridacurrents.com. 

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

One-Stop Support for Children Agencies in Highlands County unite to help abused, abandoned or neglected youngsters Since 1998, the Children’s Advocacy Center has been a beacon of hope for children and young teens dealing with unfortunate circumstances at home, providing a safe haven for victims of abuse and neglect.

This unique center is comprised of the Children’s Services Council of Highlands County and the Champion for Children Foundation of Highlands County. The county-appointed council works with the nonprofit foundation in a true private/public partnership.

The building is owned and maintained by the county, with all services supported by the foundation. The center is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance.

To better serve the community, the center partners with agencies and individuals to create an all-in-one experience for children requiring services. Partner agencies at the center include the Department of Children and Families investigators, the State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Highlands County School Board. Other resources are a forensic interviewer, medical technicians, a victim advocate, law enforcement, a child psychologist and a guardian ad litem.

Having access to all of these agencies in one building makes for a much less traumatic experience for victimized children.

The environment is decorated in bright colors, with age-appropriate paintings and stuffed animals to help children feel comfortable while being engaged by partner agencies.

Every child who comes to the center already has been through more than they should have, says Jeff Roth, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center. He says the goal is to keep additional trauma to a minimum.

Jeff says every step of dealing with these difficult cases is handled with care by staff trained in their specific area with an eye toward making the best decision for the children.

Having so many agencies involved with abuse, neglect or abandonment cases in one location benefits those working the case and, most importantly, the children, Roth says, noting countless numbers of children have been spared unnecessary distress as a result of the arrangement.

The Highlands County Children’s Advocacy Center is one of a handful of such centers in Florida.

The center not only serves as a beacon of hope for children who are victims, it partners with the Champion for Children Foundation of Highlands County, which hosts fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the center and victims of abuse.

Roth says the center’s needs vary, but donations of fast-food restaurant gift cards allows investigators to provide a meal for a child just removed from an unsafe environment.

However, the biggest need is foster parents, Roth says.

“It’s difficult enough to have to take a child away from their home,” Roth says. “Even though it’s not safe, that is still their home. But then to have to take them away from their school and their friends because there aren’t any foster homes in the area—that is most certainly a difficult thing to do.”

Children removed from their home are forced to go to an available home, often outside the county. When enough foster homes are available in the home county, the children are able to remain in the same school with familiar faces. The devastation is compounded when a child loses not only their family and home, but their friends.

Whether long or short term, foster families play a crucial role in the lives of victimized children. When a child is placed in a foster home that shows them love and support, it may be possible to turn their lives around. n If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in the Highlands County area, please contact the Children’s Advocacy Center in Sebring at (863) 4026845. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in other areas, please contact your local Department of Children and Families agency.

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25

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

AMI Work Continues May will be a busy month as Glades Electric Cooperative moves ahead with its new advanced metering infrastructure.

Training for employees and installation of the new substation equipment begins this month. The new powerline carrier meters will be installed systematically throughout the GEC service territory during the next 24 months.

The AMI system will provide a more reliable and consistent billing period. The meters also will help GEC gain information regarding power quality and give members more detailed information about their use.

For more information on the advanced metering infrastructure, go to www.gladesec. com or call (800) 226-4024. 

GEC Introduces Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Glades Electric Cooperative is upgrading to new powerline carrier automated meters, also known as AMI. The system uses two-way digital communication through power lines between GEC and its meters. The new system will bring many benefits to GEC members.

EFFICIENCY 



With remote meter reading and reconnection, we can save time and money (and reduce air pollution).

With more detailed data about demand and use we can distribute power more efficiently.

RELIABILITY

AFFORDABILITY

New meters help us locate— and respond to—outages faster and more safely.  New meters can help us improve power quality, reducing surges and blinking.  New meters mean consistent billing periods. 

new technology to help us serve you better

Operating more efficiently can help minimize cost increases.  GEC can use the new data to help our members address high bills.  Improved detection of power theft decreases the impact of cost for all our members. 

Florida Rural Electric Credit Union

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1-888-875-8233 Nine cook booklets from the 1995 through 2005 reader recipe contests have been combined into one special collection. Featuring casseroles, seafood, poultry, chili, soups, salads, holiday favorites, desserts and bread recipes. Each section is complete, with its own index.

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Order online at www.ruralite.org, call us at (503) 357-2105, or by mail with your check or money order to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116 Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover accepted. 4-6 weeks for delivery.

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27

Glades Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Managing Your Electricity Use Look for ways around the house to conserve energy—and save money People are increasingly aware of conserving resources and adopting new routines to save money. Examples include carpooling to work to save gasoline, refilling plastic water bottles and reusing grocery bags. There are many ways to conserve electricity and efficiently use energy in your home.

Electricity has become a service we cannot imagine living without. By applying energy-saving tips around your home, you not only save money, but help Glades Electric Cooperative plan for the future. Your efforts could help delay the need to build new generating facilities.

Here are some tips to try in your home.

• Fans. Use ceiling fans to replace the need to raise the cooling temperature in your home. Also, use your kitchen exhaust fan after cooking for about 20 minutes to help remove any excess humidity.

• Windows. Keep windows and doors closed while the air conditioning is on in your home. On sunny summer days, close the blinds or curtains to keep out sunlight that may add heat.

As the days get cooler, open your windows instead of using air conditioning to allow the breeze to cool your home.

• Temperature. The temperature setting in your home plays a big role in energy consumption. For every degree above 78 degrees you set the thermostat, you will see up to a 4 percent savings. In the evening, raise your thermostat a few degrees and use your ceiling fan throughout the night.

• Energy Star. When shopping for new appliances or electronics, look for the Energy Star label.

This identifies products that are energy-efficient and reduce energy consumption. Also look for Energy Star-qualified doors, windows, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.

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• Lighting. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting and/or light-emitting diode bulbs to save time and money. CFLs last up to six years longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you on constant bulb replacement.

CFLs do not generate heat like incandescent bulbs, keeping your home more comfortable.

• Landscaping. A natural, cost-effective way to cool your home is to plant the right trees in the right places. Designed correctly, landscaping provides shade to homes and neighborhoods, making those areas a few degrees cooler. Just remember to call 811 before digging to avoid damaging any underground utility wires. They could belong to GEC. GEC and its wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative, are committed to meeting member energy needs, ensuring your electricity is there when you need it. Keeping that commitment, Seminole and GEC study members’ past energy use to provide you affordable, safe and reliable electricity in the future. n

Co-ops Come in All Shapes and Sizes

By Abby Berry When you hear the word “co-op,” what comes to mind?

We hope you think of your friends here at Glades Electric Cooperative, but maybe you think of a local farmers’ co-op or a credit union. You might be surprised to learn co-ops can be found in many industries—and they offer a variety of services, each designed to serve their members in the best way possible.

A cooperative is a not-for-profit organization owned by its members. Across the globe, cooperatives remain steadfast, annually generating more than $500 billion in revenue and providing more than 2 million jobs.

As a member of GEC, you have a voice. You are not just a customer. Every spring, you have the right to vote for your board of directors. GEC strengthens the community by supporting economic development. As our service area grows, our distribution system grows, which makes it easy to see why strengthening the local economy makes sound business sense. GEC is involved in local projects, such as economic development committees and chamber of commerces.

What other kinds of co-ops are out there? Co-ops are found in numerous sectors: agriculture and forestry; consumer and retail; banking and credit unions; health and wellness; and utilities. Here are national co-ops you might recognize.

XX C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network). Created in 1979, the American cable television network provides public access to the political process. It receives no government funding.

XX Welch’s Grape Juice. More than 1,000 family farmerowners make up the Welch’s Grape Juice company. They are throughout the U.S. and Canada.

XX Best Western. Owned by independent operators of more than 4,000 hotels in 80 countries, Best Western is one of the world’s largest hotel chains.

XX Ace Hardware. More than 4,600 Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs.

XX Sunkist. This not-for-profit company’s membership is comprised of growers throughout California and Arizona.

XX FTD Florists. The FTD membership includes thousands of growers in the U.S. and Canada.

Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes. At GEC, our mission is to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. For more information about the services we offer, visit www.gladesec.com.

Set your thermostat above 78 degrees during the cooling season, and replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Seeing Double

Think you see two shadow bass in this picture? Despite appearances, there is only one fish. So how does one explain what looks like a second fish?

“It is actually a reflection in an air bubble trapped in the sandstone ceiling of the cavern in Vortex Springs,” says Michael Wood of Panama City, who captured this image while scuba diving.

“The shadow bass seems to remain in the cavern and not venture out into the open spring or nearby river.”  Photo by Michael Wood, Panama City We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for one-time use. Send your best shots, along with the story behind the photo, to photos@floridacurrents.com.

Everybody’s Favorites

Order your copy of our newest cookbook.

Nearly 300 reader-submitted recipes are sure to please at your next family gathering. Main dishes, appetizers, drinks and desserts are all represented. Give this as a gift or add it to your collection. The cost is $8, shipping included.

Order online at www.floridacurrents.com, by phone with a credit card at (503) 357-2105 or mail a check to:

Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 558 Forest Grove, OR 97116 Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

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Direct from Locked Vaults to U.S. Citizens!

Original U.S. Gov’t Morgan Silver Dollars National Collector’s Mint announces a special limited release of 2,541 Morgan Silver Dollars 93-136 years old at $29 each. Several prominent national dealers charge $46 MORE for a comparable Morgan Silver Dollar. These Morgans are among the last surviving originals still in existence, and each coin is guaranteed to be in mostly Brilliant Uncirculated to Fine condition. Due to volatile fluctuations in the precious metals market, price can be guaranteed @ $29 each for one week only!

MARKET CONDITIONS The last time silver hit $50 an ounce, China was a poor, underdeveloped nation. Now, the Chinese are rich and using over three times as much silver!

Will this drive the price of silver back to $50 or even higher?

One thing is certain – dramatic increases in silver investment have seen silver prices rise over 368% in the last ten years, and as much as 40% in one month alone!

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Silver Dollar more valuable. But acquiring your own private cache of Morgan Silver Dollars is a long term investment in so much more... in history... in American heritage... in the splendid rendering of Miss Liberty’s profile by designer George T. Morgan, whose “M” mark on every Morgan Silver Dollar identifies his masterwork.

And, of course, Morgan Silver Dollars have not been minted for 93 years and are no longer in circulation.

Phone orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and a limit of 100 coins per customer will be strictly adhered to. Timely mail orders will be accepted if directed to: National Collector’s Mint, Dept. 7568, 8 Slater St., Port Chester, NY 10573. THIS OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF NCM. You may order 1 Morgan Silver Dollar for $29, plus $4 shipping, handling and insurance, 3 for $94 ppd., 5 for $154.50 ppd., 10 for $303 ppd., 20 for $599 ppd., 50 for $1480 ppd., 100 for $2935 ppd. If you’re not 100% delighted with your purchase simply send us your postage paid return within 60 days for a refund of your purchase price.

60-Day Money Back Guarantee!

CALL TOLL-FREE, ASK FOR EXT. 7568

Only

2900

$

each

A message from the

37TH TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES Hello, I’m Angela Marie Buchanan. You might know me as Bay Buchanan. I was appointed by Ronald Reagan to be the 37th Treasurer of the United States… maybe you’ve seen my signature on some of the bills in your wallet. So, you can understand why our nation’s coins are vitally important to me. That’s why I’m so pleased to be able to announce this release of Morgan Silver Dollars by National Collector’s Mint.

Of all the coins ever struck by the U.S. Gov’t, none have so captured our imaginations the way Morgans have. I invite you to sample some of these magnificent Morgan Silver Dollars. Enjoy them.

Protect them. Celebrate them. What better way to hold your history, our history, America’s history in the palm of your hand!

Sincerely,

Angela Marie (Bay) Buchanan

37th Treasurer of the United States of America Co-Director, NCM Board of Advisors

1-800-799-MINT (1-800-799-6468)

National Collector’s Mint, Inc. is an independent, private corporation not affiliated with, endorsed, or licensed by the U.S. Government or the U.S. Mint. Offer not valid in CT or MN. © 2014 NCM, Inc. E1-E83

Offices Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 26733 U.S. Hwy. 27 East/P.O. Box 519 Moore Haven, FL 33471 (800) 226-4024 or (863) 946-6200 Fax: (863) 946-2150 214 SR 70 West Lake Placid, FL 33852 (800) 226-4025 or (863) 531-5000 111 SW Park St. Okeechobee, FL 34974 (800) 226-4023 or (863) 467-5111

Power Interruption Number Moore Haven..............................(800) 226-4024 Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Please have your location or account number handy when you call.

Board of Trustees John “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, (863) 655-3056 James “Jim” Aul, Vice President, District 7 Lorida, (863) 441-0441 Russell Henderson, Sec./Treas., District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, (863) 946-0865 Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, (863) 946-0402 Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, (863) 983-7324 Shannon Hall, Trustee, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, (863) 946-3242 Ladd Bass, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, (863) 441-2227 Lee Henderson, Trustee, District 6 Highlands Park, (863) 633-9281 Irene Lofton, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, (863) 467-1219 The next meeting of the Board will be at 9 a.m.

May 29 at the Moore Haven headquarters office. Any changes to this schedule will be posted in the lobby of all three district offices.

Executive Staff CEO Jeff Brewington CFO Jennifer Manning Dir. of Business Development Paul McGehee Dir. of Employee Services Yvonne Bradley Dir. of Information Technologies Bradley Hill Dir. of Member Services Margaret Ellerbee Dir. of Operations Tracy Vaughn

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CEO’s Message

More Jobs, Not More Taxes Our 69th Annual Meeting is now a part of our history. I thank you all for attending. It is always a pleasure to see so many familiar faces each year. I send special gratitude to all of you who heeded the call and took action through Action.coop. Across co-op nation, we now have sent more than 350,000 notices to the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA needs to hear from all of us, so please continue to recruit members to our team.

For you members in Hendry County, we have another matter closer to home. Hendry County commissioners are contemplating instituting a utility franchise fee. This 6 percent tax would be added to your monthly bill and the bill of any organization Jeff Brewington seeking to locate in Hendry County.

This seems counterproductive to the jobs development the commission also is seeking, especially in light of the tax-break incentives other locales are offering. This year we are working a utility tax break through the Florida Legislature for organizations locating in rural counties of economic concern. Hendry County’s utility tax would negate that entirely. So much for growing our rural economy.

Please contact your Hendry County commissioners and let them know this additional burden on already high rural utility bills is unjustified. Just think about what such a tax would do to the development of our area’s all-important Airglades 13272_CAN_Postcard2up_Layout 1 10/9/13 2:26 PM Page 1 International Airport. We need jobs, not more taxes.

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