Florida Currents September 2015

Glades Electric Cooperative

S E P T E M B E R 2015

Making Reading More Accessible

Jayden, left, listens with delight as her grandmother, Gayle Molyneaux, reads a book to her at the Okeechobee County Public Library as another youngster listens. Although libraries still draw people because of the books, they have become community centers offering games and special programs. Read more about library outreach programs and the response to changing times on page 12. PHOTO BY DENISE WHITEHEAD

Shield Your Home From Energy Loss

PAGE 25  

  Look for New Rate Structure PAGE 32

n

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

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.

Left, Latonya Hall and her son, Demetrius Scruggs Jr. at his graduation from Moore Haven High School in June. Below, Latonya. Both photos were posted on her Facebook page.

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, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. 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 © 2015 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

In Loving Memory The Glades Electric Cooperative family is deeply saddened at the sudden death of Latonya Hall—a devoted employee in the GEC operations center. Several times Latonya mentioned to CEO Jeff Brewington how dedicated she was to sending her teenage son, Demetrius Scruggs Jr., to college. He graduated from high school this year and is headed to college. The hearts and prayers of the GEC team go out to Latonya’s family and friends during this difficult time. n

Inside

September 2015 Vol. 4, No. 11

Making Reading More Accessible 12

Bookmobiles deliver resources to the people, as libraries change with the times. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24 Parting Shot 30

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

3

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Tinkerers should check out www.littlebits. com. Snap together the pieces to make your own controls—perhaps a remote garage door sensor, a bark monitor or an Internet-based control for a window air conditioner unit. All are possible with the kit.

Smart, Savvy, Efficient Electronics By Tom Tate

Gadgets, gadgets everywhere! With the current tech explosion, techies find themselves in a veritable paradise. Let’s take a look at some really cool and useful gadgets on the market today. Security for the home and family is a top concern. How about a door lock you can control from a smartphone? August, Lockitron, Goji, Kevo Lock from Kwikset and others offer such locks. Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, they provide such nifty features as remote monitoring of lock status, temporary guest/contractor access, multiple users and more. Smart thermostats such as Nest and Lyric get the press, but practically anything you can imagine in your home can be controlled from that “super computer” in your pocket or purse. A popular website, www.Smarthome.com, offers a variety of products. A search on “smartphone home automation” produced 4,695 results. How is that for control? The WeMo line by Belkin allows you to control individual lights and appliances through the use of their little plugs. Insert the WeMo plug in an outlet, and connect the light or appliance. Through your existing Wi-Fi network and the WeMo app, you 4

SEPTEMBER 2015

can create schedules and exercise control over your home. Phillips makes an individually controllable LED bulb called Hue. Using its app, you can control the light level, on/off schedule and color. Phillips even developed a custom scenario for a SyFy channel series to re-create the mood of the series. You can achieve energy savings and create a party mood all at once. When away from home, Smarthome’s Elertus ELRT107 Wi-Fi Smart Sensor can monitor temperature and the presence of water—say, from flooding or frozen pipes—among other things. While pricey, it could more than pay for itself in peace of mind and damage avoidance. Couple this with a smart water shutoff and, if you get a leak alert, you will be able to turn off the water to avoid damage—all from your smartphone. If you envied Mr. Spock’s tricorder, check out Lapka. This sleek and elegant set of sensors allows you to measure electromagnetic fields, radiation, temperature/humidity and the level of nitrates in foods to be sure they are truly organic. With Lapka, you can be sure your personal space is clean and healthy. All the results show up on the Lapka smartphone app. From energy savings to security to convenience to fun, the market is full of products and apps that put you in control of your home and how it operates. It is a gadget-lover’s paradise. n

See the Light With LEDs Don’t be tricked into buying a low-quality bulb

If you attended the Glades Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting in March, you may have received a free light-emitting diode light bulb from our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Seminole’s gift was unlike most others you receive at business meetings and conferences. That LED bulb was a piece of the future placed in your hands. These once-too-costly sources of illumination have become much more affordable in recent years. Add that to their workhorse durability and the LED market is poised to soar. So what are LED bulbs all about? How are they different from previous technology? Let’s take a look. Bulb Basics In LED bulbs, an electrical current passes through a tightly packed semiconductor chip (the diode), releasing energy in the form of light. Unlike their predecessor, the compact fluorescent bulb, no mercury is inside LED bulbs. That makes them safer to use and discard. Unlike their ancestor, the incandescent bulb, LEDs have no fragile filament, which makes them much more durable and longer lasting. A well-built LED bulb will last up to 50,000 hours—17 years if it were on eight hours a day, every day. That is up to 50 times longer than a typical incandescent bulb and 10 times longer than a CFL. Wallet-Friendly Until recently, the biggest obstacle for cooperative members to LED adoption was the cost. One LED bulb would set you back $50.

Shining a light on savings The cost to use different kinds of bulbs the same amount of time

Incandescent Approx. cost/bulb $1 Average lifespan (hrs.) 1,200 Watts used 60W Bulbs to last 50,000 hrs 42 Total cost on bulbs $42 (50,000 hour span, 3 hrs/day = 23 yrs)

CFL LED $2 $8 10,000 50,000 14W 10W 6 1 $12 $8

Total cost of electricity $354

$83

$59

Total cost

$95

$67

(based on 50K hours @ $0.118/kWh)

$396

(Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)

Now, a quality bulb, such as the one Seminole gave out, costs $8 to $12. That might sound expensive compared to the $1 incandescent bulbs you are used to buying, but factor in the long life of an LED, and you save money over time. Add the savings on your electric bill to the savings on the cost of bulbs and the benefit is greater. An LED bulb that gives off as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb uses as little as 10 watts of electricity. That means each LED bulb is contributing up to 83 percent less to your electric bill than the traditional bulb it replaces. Please note: This does not mean your electric bill will decrease 83 percent. Your air conditioning unit—not lighting—contributes most to your bill. Members should be cautious when bargain-hunting for LED bulbs. GEC is all about finding a good deal, but in this case, you get what you pay for. While you can find $5 LED bulbs, chances are they will not last as long. Co-ops are Different If LED bulbs use less electricity than

traditional bulbs, why are Seminole and GEC encouraging their use? The answer rests in the cooperative difference. Because electric cooperatives are notfor-profit, our primary mission is to supply members with the power they need safely, reliably and at a reasonable price. It is not to maximize profits. When a product comes along that can help save our members money, we want to tell them about it—its positives and its negatives—and let them decide. It is in keeping with the principles that guide electric cooperatives. Principle No. 5—Education, Training and Information—states that “cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.” Don’t take our word for it. Do your own research. Buy a quality bulb. See how it compares, and if the durability and money-saving claims are true for you. Then decide whether to pursue making LED bulbs the dominant light source in your home. n SEPTEMBER 2015

5

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Watch for Hazards During Harvest Always look up and be aware of the surroundings

6

SEPTEMBER 2015

After working in a field on a neighbor’s farm, Jim Flach parked his equipment and stepped out of the vehicle. Not realizing his equipment was touching an overhead power line, he became a path for the electrical current as he placed his foot onto the ground. Jim received a severe electric shock that ultimately resulted in his death a few months later. Safe Electricity urges farmers to take the proper precautions when working around power lines. “The rush to harvest can lead to farmers working long days with little sleep,” cautions Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program. “It is important to take time for safety. Before starting work, make sure to note the location of overhead power lines.” To stay safe around overhead power lines, Safe Electricity urges farm operators and workers to: •  Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines. •  Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. •  Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines at all times, in all directions. •  Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance. •  Always lower extensions when moving loads. •  Never attempt to move a power line out of the

way or raise it for clearance. If a line is sagging or low, call Glades Electric Cooperative, (863) 946-6200. If contact is made with a power line, stay on the equipment. Warn others to stay away, and call 911. Do not leave until the utility crew says it is safe to do so. The only reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area. Additional tips from Safe Electricity include: •  Do not use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain inside and around grain bins. •  Always hire qualified electricians for any electrical issues. •  Do not use equipment with frayed cables. “You need to double check, even triple check, to see what is above you,” says Marilyn Flach, Jim’s widow. His son Brett adds, “Be conscious of your surroundings. You need to keep your eyes open and beware of overhead lines.” n For more electrical safety information, visit www. SafeElectricity.org. Safe Electricity is the outreach program of the Energy Education Council, a nonprofit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of educating the public about electrical safety and energy efficiency.

Water Regulation Will be Costly More permits will be required to maintain and expand the electric distribution system By Mark Hayes

In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized a water regulation that removes power and responsibility from local officials and relocates it to Washington, D.C. WOTUS stands for “waters of the U.S.,” and defines what is subject to federal regulation under the federal Clean Water Act. These “waters” include the “60 percent of streams in the United States (that) flow only seasonally or when it rains,” as Ken Kopocis, the EPA acting assistant administrator for water, explained recently. Currently, most of these are subject to state control. In this new regulation, the EPA and the Corps maximized their regulatory reach by suggesting only federal employees can adequately protect our water. They did this without consulting state and local co-regulators. They continued down the path of more Washington-based decision making, meaning federal agencies will regulate everything from the Kissimmee River to ponds and dry creek beds that only temporarily have water after rainfall. What does this mean for members of Glades Electric Cooperative? More regulated streams—with or without water in them—mean more federal permits to maintain and expand our electric distribution network of more than 2,680 miles of power lines. Past experience does not suggest a timely response. The reliable electricity you pay for every month depends on a robust, well-maintained system—and our ability to quickly make necessary adjustments to keep your lights on. That is why we have been advocating for a new rule. Glades Electric Cooperative takes the responsibility to protect our land and water seriously. After all, we live here, too. But we believe this task belongs close to home, here in Florida, where folks understand the opportunities and challenges. We believe Congress knew what it was doing when it gave the EPA, the Corps and the states shared responsibility for protecting our water: federal jurisdiction over waters that support commerce,

interstate waters and U.S. territorial waters; state jurisdiction over everything else. This arrangement made sense. Electric cooperatives across the country are working with other interested groups in supporting congressional action directing the EPA and the Corps to withdraw the rule, return to the drawing board and consult with affected parties—especially state and local governments—before reproposing anything. n

SEPTEMBER 2015

7

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, which 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 August 8, your Charitable Trust Board of Directors has approved $899,665.95 in disbursements. These funds have provided assistance with food, emergency lodging, disaster relief and specific

emergency needs for 576 individuals and/or families and 124 community organizations. The trust does not fund utility bills (electric, phone, water and gas) or budgets of organizations. Organizations in counties served may apply for funding for a specific need or project. The Charitable Trust Board of Directors meets monthly to review applications for funding. n

Charitable Trust Board of Directors

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.

Jack Wilson District 1 Moore Haven

Do You Rely on Electric-Powered Life-Support Equipment? Having uninterrupted electric service is a luxury most of us take for granted. But for many members of Glades Electric Cooperative, the power coming into their homes is a life-sustaining necessity. If you, a family member or a neighbor depend on electric-powered life-support equipment, medically essential service is available. Medically essential service ensures members GEC will attempt to contact them at least 24 hours before a planned outage, including termination of service because of a missed payment. Having service designated as medically essential does not exempt members from paying their bills, nor does it prevent unplanned outages. Members using life-support equipment in their homes are reminded to have a backup power supply or plan in place in the event of an unplanned outage. Applications for medically essential service can be found on the GEC website or in the office. It must be completed by the member and the physician of the household member using the life-support equipment. Applications must be updated annually.

Credit Winners

Lori Thompson District 5 Venus/Hicora

David McCadam District 8 Lake Josephine

Winners should call (863) 946-6200 or sign their name on this page and mail it to:

SEPTEMBER 2015

Dori Evans District 4 Lakeport

Vacant District 7 Lorida

Edward and Mary Vowels No. 6318-001 Michael Wolfe No. 8088-001

8

Kelly Brantley District 3 Ortona/Palmdale

Lee Andrus District 6 Highlands Park

$25

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

Beverly Eaves District 2 Hendry County

Paula Byars District 9 Okeechobee

Church of the Month

First Baptist Church of Venus 350 CR 731 Venus, FL 33960-2113

The Charitable Trust Board of Directors will meet in Lake Placid September 24 at 1 p.m..

1

8

8

Buy One...Get One Free! BOX OF CHECKS

*

BOX OF CHECKS

SAVE UP TO 70% OFF BANK CHECK PRICES!

Quality and Artistry in a Name You Can Trust

OVER 600 EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS AVAILABLE! CALL 1-800-323-8104 OR WWW.BRADFORDEXCHANGECHECKS.COM OVER 30 DISNEY DESIGNS AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Frozen- 00931 Leather Cover and Labels - 00931

Chevron Chic - 00678 Fabric Cover and Labels - 00678

Mickey Mouse Icons00903 Leather Cover and Labels - 00903

University of Florida - 00511 Leather Cover and Labels - 00511 More schools available online!

Florida State University - 00620 Leather Cover and Labels - 00620 More schools available online!

Dancing Dolphins - 00436 Leather Cover and Labels - 00436

New Day w/verse “Each day brings hope!� - 00447 Leather Cover and Labels - 00447

God Bless America 00006 Leather Cover and Labels 00006

Sunflowers - 00334 Leather Cover and Labels - 00334

Tropical Paradise 00052 Leather Cover and Labels - 00052

ŠDisney

Over 30 Breeds Available. Call or visit our website for your favorite dog breed!

Faithful Friends Shih Tzu w/verse “You look at me with eyes of love� - 00286 One Image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00286

Flip Flops- 01021 Leather Cover and Labels - 01021

A Walk on the Beach01020 Leather Cover & Labels - 01020

Live, Laugh, Love, Learn w/verse “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away� - 00332 Leather Cover and Labels - 00332

Oceans of Faith w/ poem “Faith is...� - 00602 Leather Cover and Labels - 00602

Lena Liu’s Enchanted Wings - 00026 Leather Cover and Labels - 00026

Challis & Roos Awesome Owls - 00337 Leather Cover and Labels - 00337

Footprints w/verse “One night I dreamed that I was walking along the beach with the Lord.� - 00667 Fabric Cover and Labels a- 00667

Grandkids Rule! w/verse “I’d rather be with my grandkids.� - 00437 Leather Cover and Labels - 00437

Lena Liu’s Morning Serenade - 00029 Leather Cover and Labels - 00029

Beach Treasures - 00697 Leather Cover and Labels - 00697

Flamingo Fun - 00562 Leather Cover and Labels - 00562

America’s National Parks - 00055 Leather Cover - 00151 Labels - 00055

Beach Escapes - 00743 Leather Cover and Labels - 00697

Faith, Hope, Christ 00633 Fabric Cover and Labels - 00633

Thomas Kinkade’s Faith for All Seasons w/verse “Believe all things are possible with God� - 00105 Leather Cover and Labels - 00105

Butterfly Bliss - 00445 Leather Cover and Labels - 00445

Your Information Hawaiian Sunsets - 00181 Leather Cover and Labels - 00181

Another Day in Paradise- 01015 Leather Cover & Labels - 01015

Comical Cats w/verse “Blossoming with Purr-sonality!� - 00570 Leather Cover and Labels - 00570

Words of Faith w/verse “With God all things are possible.� - 00551 Leather Cover and Labels - 00551

LIMITED-TIME OFFER FOR NEW CUSTOMERS Please respond promptly!

9305 N . Milwaukee Ave . N iles, IL 6071 4

NAME ( ) PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS

☎

â?? Day â?? Evening

Check Options Sharks - 00749 Leather Cover and Labels - 00749

Polka Dots - 00616 Fabric Cover and Labels - 00616

Lightning Strikes 00178 Leather Cover and Labels - 00178

Miami MarlinsÂŽ - 00500 Leather Cover and Labels - 00500

All 30 teams available!

Side Tear, Top Stub & Desk Sets Now Available. Order by phone or web today!

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER Reflections - 00125 Leather Cover and Labels - 00125

5th Avenue - 00155 One image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00155

1. PHONE 1-800-323-8104 Call  �

Phone Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (CT) Sat/Sun 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (CT)

2. INTERNET — SAFE SECURE SITE

www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com Parchment - 00612 Burgundy Leather Cover - 00030-004 Labels - 00032-008

Personalized Address Stamps! Easily address all of your correspondence along with adding a special touch to paper crafting and more! UP TO

30% OFF MARKET PRICES

Order over 130 custom stamp designs online! www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com/Stamps

Over 600 Designs Online

3.

DUPICATE TOP TEAR CHECKS

SINGLE TOP TEAR CHECKS

â?? 1 Box $8.49 â?? 2 Boxes $16.98 â?? 4 Boxes $33.96

â?? 1 Box $6.99 â?? 2 Boxes $13.98 â?? 4 Boxes $27.96

$8.49 $16.98 2nd & 4th box FREE

$6.99 $13.98 2nd & 4th box FREE

Check Design

Start Checks at #

MAIL — Send completed Order Form Also include: 1. Payment Check or money order (no cash please) 2. Voided Check with changes noted OR Reorder Form 3. Deposit Slip from same account Mail to �

EZShieldÂŽ Protection Programs

EZShield Check Fraud Protection ProgramÂŽ: Advances up to $25,000 in the event of 3 major types of check fraud. EZShield Identity RestorationÂŽ: Helps restore your identity to pre-theft status. To learn more, visit www.bradford.ezshield.com.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com Bradford/MLBP2011 Š Cynthis Schmidt Š 2006 Steve Sundram/Applejack Art Partners Š Barb Tourtillotte ŠEllen M. Cuomo ŠConnie Haley ŠGeorgia Janisse Š Olika Licensing Inc./Kori Siebert Š Gail Green ŠSandra Kuck ŠThomas Kinkade, The Thomas Kinkade Co., Morgan Hill, CA. ŠChallis & Roos ŠDisney ŠSusan Winget ŠDaniel Smith Each check features 4 different images. *Offer valid on Top Tear checks only. Prices and offers subject to change. Š2015 Bradford Exchange Checks 18-00035-001-BI136FC

Price

â??

$

Olde â??CORDIAL â?? GRAND â?? Script â?? English

FREE

Matching Cover Code No. __________add $19.99 â??Zippered Black (00031-002) â??Zippered Cognac (00031-003) â??Zippered Pink (00031-005)

â??Non-Zip Black (00030-002) â??Non-Zip Burgundy (00030-004) add $14.99

Matching Labels Code No. ____________ Add $6.99 for DESIGNER Labels Add $7.99 for CHOICE & MASTER Labels

(If name and address other than checks, please enclose separate paper)

$

(Must also purchase EZShield Check Fraud Protection above)

â??

Job Code

â??

Add $7.00 total

Shipping & Handling REQUIRED SERVICE/HANDLING $2.95 x # of Boxes/Items=

Required

$

(045)

Add $8.95 total

(4-9 bus. days) Check boxes shipped together.

â?? IN-PLANT RUSH (checks only) Saves 1-3 Days (070) $5.99 â?? Untrackable delivery: Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. All items shipped

Add sales tax for shipment to Illinois (9.25%)

â??

Yellow Snipe

$ $ NO CHARGE

separately. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii may take longer.

Offer Code: 21536XCH

Trackin Code

Checks Only

(4-9 bus. days) Check boxes shipped together.

Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH

Logo & Addres

$

EZSHIELD CHECK FRAUD PROTECTION $ $2.50 x # of Boxes = PROGRAMÂŽ EZSHIELD IDENTITY RESTORATIONÂŽ $

Feel Secure with

 Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH � � �

*

*If no check start number is specified, 1001 will be used.

Enter Check price from chart above ­ �� �� 2-box minimum and processing fee apply. Se habla Espaùol. Distinctive Lettering $2.50 each Call for Signature Required Delivery option.

Blue Safety - 00027 One image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00155

✔Check the items you wish to order and enter the price in the spaces provided. Only ONE check design per order.

SUBTOTAL $ $ $

â??

Shippin Servic

â??

1

Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Finding Grace Boarding school offers girls a place of healing and hope By Liesel Schmidt

Postcards From Florida

Key West Sunset

here Your photo ir

Pam Bla Photo by

Have you captured a postcard-perfect photograph of the Florida town you call home, or where you vacationed? Share the scenic beauty you found with our readers. Email high-resolution shots (minimum 1,000 KB file size) to photos@ floridacurrents.com. Please specify the town where the photo was taken and tell the story behind the image. Include your name and mailing address, and you will earn $25 if your photo is published. 10

SEPTEMBER 2015

Steven Blankenship was a young minister with a regular revival circuit in juvenile justice facilities in North Carolina when he married Tanya in 1995. The couple became a dynamic team, offering spiritual guidance to the young men and women they met, hoping seeds they planted would grow long after they were gone. Turns out the seeds also grew in the Blankenships. Inspired by the results, they opened their lives to a bigger calling: a boarding school for troubled teens. Nearly 100 young lives have been touched in the seven years since the couple founded Marvelous Grace Girls Academy in the Florida Panhandle town of Pace. That step of faith was prompted by the Blankenships’ earlier work in North Carolina leading worship music, preaching and offering Bible verses that guided young offenders with specific struggles. “We’d seen what the Lord could do when they really grasped the concept of forgiveness, realizing that they could be forgiven and that they could forgive themselves as well,” Steven says, noting hearts opened, faith grew and lives were saved. “We always had a desire to help these juveniles on a larger scale, but most of the time we never saw these kids again. We wanted to do something in a long-term way with these troubled teenagers.” For Steven, it was a modern-day analogy of Jesus feeding the 5,000—turning a few loaves and fishes into more than enough food to fill the bellies of the hungry crowd, with leftovers so plentiful barrels could not contain them all. “The fragments were gathered so that none would be lost,” Steven says. “When I read that passage in John 6, the Lord spoke to my heart, convicting me that now was the time to gather the fragments—the damaged teenagers that I had been teaching and preaching to—and

show them that they could gather the fragments of their lives.” For Steven, that meant founding the boarding school. With nearly 20 years of ministry under his belt and Tanya’s degree in childhood development, the Blankenships felt prepared to tackle the new mission. “I had been around different ministries—boarding schools and children’s homes—and I knew what they had been able to accomplish,” Steven says. “We started praying and seeking advice, and then we found a piece of property in Pace. It was 4 acres, with buildings from a ministry that had operated there three years prior.” It would house Steven, Tanya, their then-5-year-old son Stonewall, a small academic staff and 30 students who would live there full time for three months to a year, depending on their particular needs. The Blankenships had not yet begun the application process when Steven received an email that changed the direction he thought he was headed. “I had announced to some churches that I was making plans for a children’s ministry, but I had always thought it would be a boys’ academy because I have a son,” he recalls. “One day I received an email from a family who was looking for help for their daughters. I felt that God was leading us to work with girls.” Marvelous Grace Girls Academy was born, offering the girls “a place of healing and hope, where they would be given spiritual, emotional and educational guidance to become whole and healthy once again,” Steven says.

Remembering Lives Lost Eighty years ago, the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane roared through the Florida Keys, killing more than 500 men, women and children. The storm was the strongest and most intense hurricane to make landfall in the United States and the Atlantic Basin in recorded history. The Matecumbe Historical Trust hosts several activities commemorating the event. Historic tours of Islamorada are Saturday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Labor Day service is at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, MM 81.5, across from the fire station. The service includes an invocation, presentation of the colors, guest speakers, history of the monument, placing of the memorial wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank and a benediction. The public is invited to honor those who lost their lives. A lecture Monday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Island Community Church, MM 83, features the late Irving R. Eyster’s PowerPoint presentation on a later storm, Hurricane Donna, which hit the Keys on September 9-10, 1960. For more information, visit www. MetecumbeHistoricalTrust.com, or contact Barbara at (305) 393-0940.

Above, Steven Blankenship leads worship at the Marvelous Grace Girls Academy in Pace. Right, some of the girls mug for the camera. Opposite page, a staff member instructs one of the girls. Photos courtesy of Joanna Craft

“These are troubled girls,” Steven says. “They’re defiant and rebellious, and some of them are runaways or have problems with substance abuse. When we get a call, we’re usually a last resort. Their parents have tried other programs, tried professional counseling or medication. The parents who call us feel that their daughter is in danger of self-destruction or getting involved with the wrong people.” The girls are given a welcome that shows how much they are loved by their parents and God, Steven says. “None of these girls are orphans or unwanted children,” he explains. “They’re all wanted and loved, and that’s why they’re here. Their parents love them too much to see them self-destruct.” Steven says the growth he has witnessed in the girls has been uplifting. “I’m amazed by the hopefulness that I’ve seen in these young ladies, the hope they’ve found in their future after being here, and it’s strengthened my faith and my marriage,” Steven says. “We show them that they’re created for a purpose, that there’s more to live for than just now.” That awakening takes time.

“We see these girls and young ladies come in with such fragmented lives, and they’re transformed,” Steven says. “They learn to trust in Christ as their Savior, they learn love for themselves and for one another. They learn about grace and forgiveness—and you can see those changes in their behavior, in the way they treat themselves and the way they treat others. “When they get here, we tell them three things: that God loves them; that this is the opportunity for a fresh start, a way to heal the past; and that there is help for the present and a hope for the future.” n For more information about Marvelous Grace Girls Academy, visit www.mgga.us or call (850) 995-7006.

The Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Photo courtesy of Matecumbe Historical Trust

SEPTEMBER 2015

11

Making Reading More Accessible Bookmobiles deliver resources to the people By Lori Tobias

Bookmobile driver Jack Lombard fields all sorts of requests from the people he meets on his route in Southwest Florida’s Lee County Library District. Patrons come for fiction and nonfiction, music, movies, even the state drivers’ education booklets. One woman checks out each and every cookbook Jack brings on board. “She is one of our regular patrons,” Jack says. “I think she has checked out every cookbook we have in our collection, some twice. When I see her I usually make it a point to jokingly ask if she has any samples for me to taste, but she has told us quite plainly that she does not cook. She likes the illustrations and looking at the ingredients in the dishes.” Call her a vicarious gourmet. Recently, one of Jack’s younger guests climbed on to request his favorite flick. “He was 4 years old, and he wanted a copy of the movie, ‘Despicable Me 2,’ ” Jack says. “He needed assistance finding it, and he came up to me and said, ‘Mr. Jack, do you have ‘Deskipable Me 2?’ I said, ‘How do I spell that?’ He said, ‘D-E-skipable Me.’ I ordered it for him and got it to him the next visit.” In this era of downloadable books, tablets,

smartphones and computerized everything, you might think bookmobiles would be our latest relics, the dinosaurs of the 21st century. You would be wrong. Bookmobiles are as popular as ever. In Florida, 26 bookmobiles run routes throughout the state, says Kelly Palma, manager of Lee County Library’s literacy and mobile services.

Celebrating 50 Years of Bookmobile Service When Kathleen Mayo signed on as outreach coordinator for the Lee County Library in 1989, the bookmobile was a Gerstenslager. It replaced the district’s first bookmobile—a trailer pulled by a pickup—which hit the road in 1965. “It looked like a bread truck,” Kathleen says, noting the brand was widely used. A customized Bluebird school bus chassis followed in 1991. Ten years later, it was still chugging along, but a fresh paint job gave it new life. Today, the bookmobile—purchased in 2008—is affectionately known as “the big green reading machine,” and features graphics

12

SEPTEMBER 2015

of the Everglades. “We wanted it to look like southwest Florida,” says Kathleen. “It works well. People see us, they’ll wave and honk. The last bus we had had two different paint jobs— one with hot air balloons, and then we had a community contest. The winner was a grandfather and grandson. It was also a southwest Florida theme with a beach and kids in a boat and things like that.” For some people in rural areas, the public library is too difficult to access, either because of transportation issues

or, often, the library is not open when they are able to visit before or after work. In those situations, the bookmobile becomes the critical link to books. “A lot of people have never been to a public library other than the bookmobile,” says Kathleen, who no longer is a driver. “It was always fun to see people waiting for you with their bags of materials.”

The state with the most is Kentucky, at 77. No. 2 is California at 58. Ohio has 54. “Technology can make a wonderful difference,” says Patti Johnston, president of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services, a national organization. “But the trend is that people use bookmobiles very traditionally. The idea is really about bringing those books out to me. “It becomes very much a social center. People come to hang out. You become close to them. They tell you what is happening in the family, who has gone away to school. They’ll walk in to give you their books and they’ll say, ‘Oh gosh, you’re the first person I’ve seen all day.’ That’s the connection. You can’t measure it.” The Lee County Library bookmobile can carry 4,000 items and is just under 40 feet long. Jack makes 24 stops during a two-week period. “The program started in 1965,” Kelly says. “It stays relevant because people can’t get to the branches. It’s for the folks who don’t have transportation.” The bookmobile visits a lot of after-school programs and community residences. “Anyone who has a library card is welcome,” Kelly says, noting people appreciate the service. “They are there waiting, even in the rain. When I first got here last August, they ran through the pouring rain. It’s

that important. They get to know the drivers. The drivers get to know them. “Oftentimes people get on and they talk about the bookmobile from their youth. It almost evokes nostalgia. They want to bring their kids on. Little kids come around the corner and say, ‘They have books?’” In Walton County, the public library bookmobile is a converted school bus with a hydraulic lift to accommodate people with accessibility issues. Budget cuts in 2008 reduced the bookmobile’s route from 12 stops to one, with 784 people visiting last year. Prior to the cuts, the bookmobile attracted nearly 7,000 people a year. Librarian Dan Owens hopes to increase the number of stops the bookmobile makes to six and, eventually, the full 12. “Our county is so rural,” says Dan. “We have people who come to the county seat once a month. They come to town to do their shopping. We’ve found there are pockets in our community that have families who are homeschooling and/or they have children preschool age, and they just do not have the transportation to come into town to come to the library. “The cost of operating that bookmobile, going to 12 locations, compared to building a library at each

The Lee County Library District has offered bookmobile services since 1965. This customized Bluebird school bus made regular stops before being replaced by a sleek new bus, opposite page.

Continues on page 14 SEPTEMBER 2015

13

Making Reading More Accessible

Continues from page 13

of those locations, it is so much more cost effective.” While librarians see bookmobiles used in the traditional sense, there is a move to change with the times, both inside and out. Some libraries are adding bike mobiles to their services. Dubbed bibliocycles, book bikes or bike mobiles, the tricycles or bicycles are custom designed to carry several shelves’ worth of books. These are generally found in more urban areas. Other libraries are moving away from the large, full-scale bookmobiles of the past to smaller vehicles, such as transport vans, box trucks or small RVs. “When they unload the books—known as lobby stops in the library world—they pull up to a spot, like a community center or church, and bring the materials inside,” says Patti, the national association president. “We’re getting away from calling them bookmobiles and are instead calling them mobile units or mobile services. “Right now there is a big schism. When someone says, ‘Do you have a bookmobile?’ They say, ‘No, but oh, we have a van that goes out. That’s what we would consider a bookmobile. We’re trying to broaden that out so when we say outreach services, bookmobiles

are part of that. It’s a change in semantics.” Regardless of the size or shape, inside the bookmobile, technology is making life easier for librarians. They no longer must hand write everything, but can enter it directly into the laptop on board. Services also are being expanded for patrons. Depending on the locale, mobile services include showing people how to use iPads, showing them how to access the Internet and showing them how to send emails. “One of the stories at last year’s conference was a person using Skype,” Patti says. “This person had not seen her grandson for a long time because he’d moved from the area. The librarian on the bookmobile used Skype for the grandmother to talk to her grandson. She couldn’t believe it. She kept saying, ‘Is he right there?’ Pretty soon it wasn’t any different than when she was talking to him on the phone. Technology can make a wonderful difference.” In Florida, bookmobiles serve as mobile job links. “Some of them are getting more technology, so the names are changing to match,” she says. “The next thing is to have more computer access and maybe even Wi-Fi access. I really think the more technology we can expose the patrons to, the more chances for learning they’ll get.” n

Read a Story While Walking in the Park A walk in the park in Key Largo is no longer just a walk. It is a chance for people to walk, read and share a story. Chris Morgan, children’s librarian at the Key Largo Library, installed the first book in the Story Walk Project this summer. “The project started in the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier,” says Chris. “I learned about it from networking with other librarians online. The goal is to get families involved in reading and enjoying literature and stories together and, hopefully, bring them to the library to get more books to read together.” The Story Walk Project is just one of the ways Florida librarians are reaching out to the community to put books in hands that may otherwise not have a chance to hold them. Chris laminates pages of the book and attaches them with Velcro to boards measuring 18 by 24 inches. For her first book she chose “From Head to Toe” by local author Eric Carle. On the front of each of the 15 boards is a page from the book. On the back of the board are literacy tips, quotes about reading and information about the Story Walk Project. The boards also feature QR codes that, when scanned, link to the library’s web or Facebook pages. Esperanza and Natalie Lopez read a page from the book “From Head to Toe” during a walk in Friendship Park in Key Largo. Chris plans to post pages from the second book in both English and Spanish. “We have a lot of English-as-a-second-language families in the area, and I want to encourage them,” she says. “If it is a book in English and the parents don’t speak English, they can read it in Spanish, or the kids can read to their parents in English.”

14

SEPTEMBER 2015

Changing Times, Changing Ways Libraries have evolved from strictly educational to centers of the community Throughout Florida, libraries are changing with the times to better serve the needs of the community. “Our goal is to enrich the community in providing items regardless of the format to as many of our community members as possible,” says Kresta King, cooperative coordinator for the Heartland Library Cooperative. “Libraries are evolving from being strictly educational to being community centers. “That’s the bottom line: Librarians are enriching the quality of life in the community both in-house and out.” In Hardee County, the library has picked up on a nationwide project to reach out to people in rural areas by opening a Little Free Library. The so-called libraries are generally wooden boxes placed in public places that hold books available to check out free of charge. No library card is necessary. The boxes are also a place to donate books. Hardee’s Little Free Library is in the Pioneer Park Museum in Zolfo Springs. “We want to sprinkle these little libraries around the county to serve the people who don’t have a bookmobile or don’t get out in the community,” says Patti Lang, Hardee County Library director. “There is a campground by the museum, and if they happen to wander into the museum while they are at the campground, they can take as many books as they want to read and donate some they already had.” The Okeechobee District Library in Highlands County is working toward a Little Free Library. It will bring the county’s total to about 15, says Kresta King. Okeechobee also reaches out to the community by hosting programs at the local senior center.

Above, a patron uses the Little Free Library in the Pioneer Park Museum in Zolfo Springs. Top left, children do the limbo during Beach Day at the Okeechobee County Library.

“Once a month, my children’s librarian does a craft with them,” says Kresta. “The crafts are adapted so they are not necessarily for kids, but people who have arthritis or can’t see well can still do the craft. We take all the supplies and the templates and do the craft with them.” In Monroe County, the Key West branch visits the senior centers weekly and visits the schools, says Monroe County Library director Norma Kula. “In the schools, they might work on a project,” says Norma. “They might take books to read to the kids or do storytelling kinds of things. For the seniors, they take books and have discussion groups. “Last fiscal year, we had over 200 outreach programs among the five county branches. It’s a regular thing. If they can’t get here, social services transportation is available so people who can’t drive have access to the library as well.” The Santa Rosa County Library serves patrons in three outreach programs, including residents in retirement homes and nursing facilities, inmates in corrections institutions and detention centers, and to youth support services. “Last year, there were 1,872 total checkouts and renewals,” says Martha Brumfield, library acquisitions coordinator. “We continually seek new ways to expand our outreach services, as our mission is to bring the libraries’ resources to all of the county’s citizens.” SEPTEMBER 2015

15

In the  Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Enjoy Colorful Culinary Creations Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables. Pack colorful, antioxidant-rich food into every meal with the following recipes.

Chicken Paella With French Green Beans 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1½ cups white long-grain rice 2 cups chicken broth 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 11-ounce package frozen green beans 1/3 cup sliced black olives 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Add remaining oil to the skillet and heat. Add the onion, garlic and paprika. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion is tender, stirring often. Stir in the rice; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until coated. Stir in the broth, tomatoes and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes. Stir in the frozen green beans. Cook, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the heat; let stand covered for 5 minutes. Stir in the olives. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serves 6

Courtesy of Alexia Foods

16

SEPTEMBER 2015

A variety of colors and textures come together in a dish of chicken paella with green beans.

Rustic Vegetable-Beet Soup With Gremolata 16-ounce jar whole pickled beets, well drained and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped 2 large cloves garlic, minced

2 zucchini, coarsely chopped 2 14-ounce cans vegetable broth 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, optional 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

Gremolata 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh dill 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the carrots, sweet potato and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the zucchini, broth and seasoned salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the chickpeas; heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley, dill and beets. To make gremolata, combine all ingredients. Serve the soup topped with gremolata. Serves 6

Courtesy of www.AuntNellies.com

Pearled sorghum, which is often used in place of rice or pasta, is a tasty addition to a green salad.

Lemony Peas and Pasta Salad

combination of chopped mint, thyme, chives, basil, parsley or other favorites.

1 box penne rigate pasta 2 cups sugar snap peas 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus garnish ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups baby greens (arugula, spinach or blend) ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs, optional Parmesan cheese, shaved

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding the sugar snap peas and green peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain. Rinse with cold water, and drain again. Place in a large bowl. Combine the lemon juice, zest and salt in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Toss with the pasta and peas. Gently toss in the greens and herbs. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and additional zest, if desired. Note: For the herbs, use one or a

Serves 6-8

Courtesy of Dreamfield

Pan-Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples 3 tablespoons butter 12-ounce package refrigerated butternut squash pieces 1½ cups Granny Smith apple, chopped ½ cup apple juice ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon salt

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the apple, apple juice, cinnamon, ginger and salt; stir to combine. Reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Serves 5

Sorghum Tangy Pear Salad 1/2 cup pearled sorghum 8 cups prepared mixed baby greens 1 small red onion, halved and sliced thinly 1/3 cup dried cranberries 2 red Anjou pears, halved vertically and sliced thinly Balsamic vinaigrette

To cook the sorghum, heat 2 cups of water in a saucepan until boiling. Add the sorghum and simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes or until desired tenderness. Drain the water from the pan and rinse the sorghum. Allow it to cool completely before adding to the salad to avoid wilted lettuce. In a large bowl, toss together the sorghum, greens, onion and cranberries. To serve, place lettuce mixture onto a salad plate, adorn with pear slices and drizzle with dressing. Serves 4

Courtesy of United Sorghum Check Off Program

Courtesy of www.readyseteat.com SEPTEMBER 2015

17

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Backgrounds: Good, Bad, Ugly I met a teacher in Kentucky who begins each photography year by giving his students an assignment to purposely shoot bad compositional pictures. Cluttered backgrounds— trees growing from heads, wires and poles impaling subjects—are encouraged. With this “scared straight” technique, students witness and participate in creating ugly compositions in hopes they see the error of their way and not go down that corruptible compositional path. Backgrounds—one of the staples of good photographic composition—are often ignored. Yet with most every other art form, they are held in high esteem and painstakingly created to set a mood or tone. With most writing, background on the subject is expected. Plays and theater productions require laborious building of backgrounds. In photography, both still and moving, backgrounds are as critical to the success of a picture as focus. Just as background music can be too loud and distracting

in a movie, loud backgrounds can be attention-stealers in photographs. Good backgrounds support or complement your primary subject. Quietly, without fanfare, they help set a mood or a One way to eliminate a distracting background is to change your perspective. This photo was taken from a low angle to avoid the clutter behind the focal point of the picture. tone for a picture. Bad backPhoto by David LaBelle grounds steal be able to eliminate unwanted environment. Like soft music, attention from the main subject, often creating humorous or distracting backgrounds. backgrounds can do much arrangements. Like a messy • Use a longer lens. With to set a mood or tone in a room, you need to clean up a longer telephoto lens, you picture. I love photos where those backgrounds. can easily throw backgrounds foregrounds and backgrounds I am weary of hearing out of focus, making them work together to tell a story. speakers who rant, “You need less competitive with your • When using flash, be to do this or that,” and never primary subject. careful. Watch for backoffer ways to accomplish it. • Watch the light. It is ground items that will catch Here are a handful of ways the life-giving substance of the light and reflect it. Things to help you clean up your all photography, and learning like the reflective tape on the backgrounds: to see the quality, intensity jackets of emergency person• Get closer. Whether with and color of light is the foun- nel are wonderful, lifesaving legs or lens, moving closer dation for great pictures. A inventions, but a pain to phoand filling the frame is often subject in a shaft of light with tographers using flash. all that is needed to remove a dark, shadowy background • Be careful with sharp unwanted background noise. commands our attention and shiny objects. Your • Change your angle. By instantly. Our eyes always go mother probably warned you changing your perspective— to light. A bright background about playing with sharp, higher or lower—you should with a figure in foreground shiny objects. It was good shadow creates depth and a advice to keep your fingers different feel. and good advice to make David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has • Use background colors, nonpainful compositions. worked for newspapers and magazines across the shapes, tones and figures. • Keep a close eye out United States and taught at three universities. He They can be helpful in sugfor bleached white shirts. grew up on a frog farm in rural California, roaming gesting an action or environAfter sharp and shiny objects, the creeks and hills with his coon dogs. Many of the ment. A group of out-of-focus blinding, white shirts are next lessons he learned during those magical boyhood years have been applied to photography and shapes in the background tells on the list of offenders. They teaching the essence of this art form. For more information, visit a viewer the subject is not ought to ban all white shirts www.greatpicturehunt.com. alone, but in a community at zoos. 

18

SEPTEMBER 2015

HARBOR FREIGHT QUALITY TOOLS AT RIDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

SUPER COUPON

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 600 Stores Nationwide. R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $70

$

149

1" x 25 FT. TAPE MEASURE LOT 69080 shown 69030/69031

SAVE $

SAVE 46%

$

shown

Batteries included.

$7.99

WOW12"SUSLIPEDINR GCOCOUPMPONOUNDL

$

DOUBLE-BEVE MITER SAW WITH LASER GUIDE

SAVE

$

Includes 6V, 900 mAh NiCd battery pack.

165

WOW SUPE44R",CO13UPDRQUON AWER ALITY SAVE

$

330

• Weighs 245 lbs.

$369 $

discount . Cannot be used with other s last. supplie by calling 800-423-2567 or HarborFreight.com or l purchase with original receipt. Offer good while er per day. LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores 5. Limit one coupon per custom ses after 30 days from origina or coupon or prior purchal coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/21/1 Non-transferable. Origina

ON WOW9 PIESUCEPEFURLLYCOUP POLISHED N

COMBINATIO WRENCH SETS

SAVE

62%

389

99

YOUR CHOICE!

REG. PRICE

SAVE 50%

$

TWO TIER COLLAPSIBLE EASY-STORE STEP LADDER

LOT 67514

• 225 lb. Capacity

1999

REG. PRICE

$39.99

METRIC

SAE

LOT 69044 42305

LOT 69043 42304 shown

hft_floridacurrents_0915_M-REG64870.indd 1

SAVE 40%

MOVER'S DOLLY LOT 60497/93888 shown 61899/62399 • 1000 lb. Capacity

8

$ 99

REG. PRICE

$15.99

discount . Cannot be used with other supplies last. by calling 800-423-2567 or HarborFreight.com or l purchase with original receipt. Offer good while er per day. custom LIMIT 6 - Good at our stores 5. Limit one coupon per ses after 30 days from origina or coupon or prior purchal coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/21/1 Non-transferable. Origina

R PE ON SU UP CO

900 PEAK/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS RECREATIONAL GENERATOR

SAVE $80

$

REG. PRICE

$14.99

LIMIT 9 - 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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK

LOT 66619/60338 62472/69381 shown

9999

REG. PRICE

$179.99

• No Hassle Return Policy • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

SAVE $60

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Weighs 27 lbs.

$599 $899 $5999

LIMIT 6 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount 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. 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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Over 25 Million Satisfied Customers

R PE ON SU UP CO

$299.99

$699.99

R PE ON SU UP CO

Freight.com or by calling our stores or Harbor or prior LIMIT 3 - Good att be used with other discount or coupon . Offer 800-423-2567. Canno from original purchase with original receipt be days 30 after Original coupon must purchases last. Non-transferable.coupon per customer per day. s supplie while good h 12/21/15. Limit one presented. Valid throug

REG. PRICE

99

discount . Cannot be used with other supplies last. by calling 800-423-2567 or HarborFreight.com or l purchase with original receipt. Offer good while er per day. custom LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores 5. Limit one coupon per ses after 30 days from origina or coupon or prior purchal coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/21/1 Non-transferable. Origina

• 1.3 GPM

$129.99

$13499$19799

INDUSTRIAL CABIN4ET ROLLER 591/ 6878 shown

0/62 LOT 62744/69387/6227

LOT 69488

REG. PRICE

0/69684 shown

REG. PRICE

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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

9999

LOT 61776/61969/6197

3199 $59.99

1650 PSI PRESSURE WASHER

50

$79

REG. PRICE

LOT 62534/69643 shown

WOW SUPER COUPON 99

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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

60 LED SOLAR SECURITY LIGHT

VALUE

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 12/21/15. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

SAVE 58%

3

$219.99

$ 99

ANY SINGLE ITEM

LIMIT 1 - Save 20% on any one item purchased at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, extended service plans or on any of the following: compressors, generators, tool storage or carts, welders, floor jacks, Towable Ride-On Trencher, Saw Mill (Item 61712/62366/67138), Predator Gas Power Items, open box items, in-store event or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

62158 $ 29 LOT62417/62574

REG. PRICE

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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

WITH ANY PURCHASE

EMERGENCY 39 LED TRIANGLE WORKLIGHT

LOT 67847 shown 61454/61693/62803

99

FREE 20% OFF 6

R PE ON SU UP CO

2.5 HP, 21 GALLON 125 PSI VERTICAL AIR COMPRESSOR

SUPER COUPON

REG. PRICE

$119.99

LOT 69252 60569/62160 62496/62516 68053 shown

LIMIT 3 - 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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $100

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

$

4999

LOT 61258 shown 61840/61297/68146

REG. PRICE

$149.99

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 12/21/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• 600 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com 800-423-2567

7/16/15 10:04 AM

Travel  Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

School’s In: Head to the Beach

The kids are back in school and most of the tourists have headed home, so why not take a trip to the beach? No matter what part of the state you live in, choices include seaside dining and attractions, diverse boardwalks and quiet waterside retreats. What’s your pick: The white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf and the Keys, or the wide beaches of the Atlantic? People seem polarized in their preferences, but both offer memorable mini-vacations close to home. The average width of the Sunshine State’s peninsula is about 160 miles, so Floridians are no more than 90 minutes from their closest beach. If you are in the Panhandle, the trips are even shorter. That makes a weekend jaunt doable, leaving after school and work on a Friday and coming home late Sunday afternoon. You can pack a great deal of fun, eating, shopping and playing into 48 hours. According to Trip Advisor, six of the nation’s top 10 beaches are in Florida, and five of the six are on the Gulf. Topping the list is Siesta Beach in Siesta Key (www.siesta-key. net), located between Tampa and Sarasota. No. 2 is St. Pete Beach (www.stpetebeach.com) in St. Petersburg.

Youngsters play in the sand at Siesta Beach. Photo courtesy of VISITFLORIDA.com

Praised for their brightwhite sand and clear, warm turquoise waters, they beat out all the beaches of Hawaii in a recent poll. Siesta Key was singled out as the “whitest and finest sand beach in the world.” Three more Gulf beaches in Florida nabbed spots on this year’s list: Pensacola Beach (www.visitpensacolabeach. com) at No. 5, Clearwater Beach (www.clearwaterbeach. com) at No. 8 and Panama City Beach (www.visitpanama citybeach.com) at No. 10. The appeal is white sand, clear blue water and a variety of places to eat, activities to enjoy and places to shop. On the state’s northeast

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.

20

SEPTEMBER 2015

Atlantic coast, St. Augustine Beach is No. 9. It is a busy month for the nation’s oldest city, which is celebrating its 450th birthday with special events throughout September. Head south of St. Augustine to Flagler County (www.Palm CoastandtheFlaglerBeaches. com) to experience Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Nearly three-quarters of a mile of coquina-shell beaches are dotted with large coquina rock formations and shoreline pools filled with sea life. A little farther south, Flagler Beach is known for its surfquality waves. Recently, the town was nominated by Budget Traveler as one of “America’s coolest small towns.” September Travel Tips MSN Travel recently listed the most affordable places to see in each state. Everglades National Park (www.nps.gov/ever) made the list. Admission is $10 a car

and is good for seven days. Conde Nast named the 127-mile drive from Miami to Key West on the Overseas Highway as one of the most memorable in the country. Check out dining options along the way, and remember to sample the Key lime pie. Tips for Family Vacations When I was in junior high, my father decided the first Tuesday of the month was show-andtell time for our family. My sister and I would share information about a hobby or something interesting we learned in school during the previous week to encourage more family interaction. We developed a good list of possible vacation destinations near home, including Sanibel Island for shelling, the Citrus Tower for a bird’s-eye view and even an afternoon at the State Ravine Gardens in our hometown of Palatka. Give it a try. n

Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs)

New andd! Improve ore

nm With eve nd clarity a volume!

THEY’RE NOT HEARING AIDS Personal Sound Amplification Products use advanced digital processing to amplify the frequencies of human speech. Thanks to the efforts of a doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, this product is manufactured in an efficient production process that enables us to make it available at an affordable price. The unit is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear... only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so soft sounds and distant conversations will be easier to understand. Need an extra volume boost? Try Perfect Choice HD™ for yourself with our exclusive home trial.

SOUND QUALITY

1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Excellent: Optimized for speech No

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

COLOR

Please mention promotional code 100967.

Less than 1 ounce

FITTING REQUIRED? RETURN POLICY

1-877-731-2090

60 Days Silver or Beige

81035

WEIGHT

Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Festival  Roundup

Things to See and Do

Through at least November, Islamorada and Key West Lighthouses of the Florida Reef The Keys History and Discovery Center, MM 82, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, 938 Whitehead St., collaborated for the first time on a display telling the story of early efforts to warn mariners of the treacherous reef system. Islamorada focuses on the lighthouses between Hillsboro Inlet and Alligator Reef, while Key West highlights lighthouses from Sombrero Reef to the Dry Tortugas. www.keysdiscovery.com, (305) 9222237; www.kwahs.org, (305) 295-6616

September 4-6, Panama City Beach 3rd annual Gulf Coast Jam Country comes to Frank Brown Park with headliners Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban. Tickets are for all three days. www.gulfcoastjam.com; (888) 512-7469

September 4-6, Marathon 7th annual Heroes Salute Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key honors military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel at an all-American barbecue, country music concert and fireworks show. www.hawkscay.com; (877) 484-9342

September 5, Pensacola Gulf Coast Summer Fest Enjoy nonstop R&B, jazz, Southern soul and blues at the all-day party that starts at 9 a.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center. Featured artists include Gladys Knight, The Whispers and Stephanie Mills. www.pensacolabaycenter.com; (850) 432-0800

September 5, Osprey Literacy Amongst the Trees Celebrate International Literacy Day amongst the trees at Oscar Scherer State Park with book readings, signings and a book swap. www.floridastateparks.org; (941) 483-5957

September 6, Sebring Third Round of Beer Enjoy a variety of brews, food from area restaurants and live music from 6 to 9 p.m. at Circle Park. Proceeds from the adultsonly event benefit the Children’s Museum of the Highlands. Tickets are available at the museum. www.childrensmuseumhighlands.com

September 8, Islamorada “Writing Historical Fiction” Author Vanessa Lafaye discusses her book, “Under the Dark Summer Sky”—a fictional account of

the time of the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935—at the Keys History and Discovery Center, MM 82. Doors open at 5 p.m. The lecture begins at 6 p.m. Cost for nonmembers is $25, which includes admission to the Discovery Center. www.keysdiscovery.com; (305) 922-2237

September 8, Panama City Who’s Eating Who? Learn about the bugs that may be biting you and bugs that are edible for humans as a local naturalist focuses on native creepy crawly insects found in St. Andrews State Park. Meet at the park’s Environmental Interpretive Center. www.floridastateparks.org; (850) 233-5140

September 9-20, Sebring “The Sensuous Senator” The private lives of politicians are parodied in this Michael Parker drama produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. www.HighlandsLittleTheatre.org

September 11, Sebring Artist Reception The Highlands Art League’s Yellow House artists honor local artists from 5 to 8 p.m. www.HighlandsArtLeague.org

How to Submit Your Events Want to include a familyfriendly event in an upcoming listing? Please send details to info@ floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting your event, attach it along with photo credit information. September 12, Pensacola Beach 13th annual Vettes at the Beach More than 3,000 Corvettes compete for prizes in the car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.miraclestripcorvette.com; (850) 375-6993

September 12, Florida Keys 2nd annual Key Largo to Key West Cycle Challenge Riders and their support crews navigate more than 100 miles along the Florida Keys Heritage Trail and Overseas Highway as solo, twoperson or four-person relay teams. www.keylargobike.com; (305) 395-1551

September 14-20, Panama City Beach 26th annual Lobster Festival and Tournament Enjoy fresh lobster and a sandsculpting contest in the event that draws thousands of divers competing in a variety of categories. Proceeds benefit the Florida Aquatic Marine Institute and the Toys For Kids Foundation. www.schooners.com

Photo courtesy of Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival

2nd Annual Dragon Boat Festival Thirty teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer and one steersman race 300 meters in 40-foot canoes in a benefit for Gulf Coast Kid’s House beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, September 12, at Bayview Park in Pensacola. Races run throughout the day. For more information, visit www.pensacoladragonboatfestival.com or call (850) 723-0800.

22

SEPTEMBER 2015

September 16, Islamorada “Diving Different” The History of Diving Museum at MM 83 continues the free “Immerse Yourself!” series with this 7 p.m. seminar presented by HDM Director Lisa Mongelia. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy exhibits before the event. www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

Sebring Thunder The town’s largest car show features a welcome reception, burnout on the circle, car show, barbecue, awards banquet and live music from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19. Registered participants have the chance to do laps in their show cars at Sebring International Raceway on Sunday, September 20. For more information, visit www. SebringCruise.com. Photo by Madge Stewart

September 19, Bushnell Dutch Oven Cookery Learn to cook dishes using traditional Dutch ovens over an open campfire from 9 a.m. to noon at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. www.floridastateparks.org; (352) 793-4781

September 19, Pensacola Beach Taste of the Beach Admission is free and signature dishes are $5 or less at the kidfriendly event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Casino Beach. Watch a cooking demonstration by John Besh and chef competitions. www.visitpensacolabeach.com; (850) 932-1500

September 19, Islamorada 3rd annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Swim 9 miles roundtrip from Islamorada to Alligator Lighthouse as an individual or two- or fourperson team. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Pool and scholarships for high school students. www.swimalligatorlight.com; (305) 664-7149

September 19, Perdido Beach 3rd annual Pirate Festival Search for a treasure chest of prizes

and hunt for pirate coins from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Lagoon State Park. Music, storytelling, face painting, and arts and crafts also are part of the lineup. www.visitperdido.com; (850) 492-4660

September 19, Panama City Beach Bowl for Kids’ Sake Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and celebrate your success by bowling at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. at Rock’It Lanes. www.bay.kintera.org/bfks; (850) 253-7627

September 19, Sebring Downtown Community Sidewalk Sale Bargain shoppers are encouraged to browse the monthly sidewalk sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.DestinationDowntownSebring. com; (863) 382-2649

September 24-27, Key Largo REEF Fest 2015 Celebrate marine conservation success and education initiatives with diving, parties and seminars, including fish identification and behavior, habitats and ecosystems, sharks and restoring coral reefs. www.reef.org; (305) 852-0030

September 25-26, Panama City Beach 2nd annual Chasin’ the Sun Music Festival Country superstar Alan Jackson headlines the event at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

September 25-26, Islamorada Conch Scramble Golf Tournament The on-the-water wacky charity golf tournament brings together fourperson teams to enjoy nine holes by boat, driving biodegradable golf balls toward floating greens . A kickoff party and team registration are Friday; a shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit local Keys charities.

September 25-27, Key Largo 15th annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge Fish for trout, snook and redfish in this benefit for Rotary Club of Key Largo and the statewide Take Stock in Children scholarship programs. Trophies are awarded in junior, adult and pro divisions. mike@islandbayresort.com; (305) 304-0421

September 26, Bradenton Antiques, Arts and Crafts Show Artists and vendors display their goods inside Mixon’s Packing House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Groveside Café and gift shop are open. www.mixon.com; (941) 748-5829

September 25-27, Pensacola 38th annual Seafood Festival Sample mouth-watering seafood dishes and enjoy continuous entertainment in Seville Square, Fountain Park and Bartram Park. Area chefs prepare regional delicacies, arts and crafts vendors offer their wares, and activities are planned for children.

September 26, Islamorada Museum Day Live! Admission to the History of Diving Museum at MM 83 is free as part of Smithsonian magazine’s annual event. Learn about 4,000 years of diving history by exploring the museum’s 3,000 feet of interactive exhibits. The museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To take advantage of the offer, download a free ticket in advance at www. smithsonian.com/museumday.

www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; (850) 433-6512

www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

www.conchscramble.com; (305) 481-5857

SEPTEMBER 2015

23

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

No Need to Go It Alone You may be the greatest outdoorsman who ever lived. You can out-fish, out-hunt, out-hike and out-paddle any man or woman alive. However, even the great ones might need the services of a professional guide some day. The key is knowing when to hire one. Generally, there are three circumstances when hiring a guide or outfitter may be better than going it alone: • When you have never done the activity before. • When you are going to an unfamiliar area. • When you don’t have the expensive or specialized equipment necessary for the activity. All guides are not created equal, so it is important to do your homework. Ask for recommendations from trusted family members and friends. For more options, visit guide associations online, such as the Florida Guides Association at www.floridaguides.com or America Outdoors Association at www.americaoutdoor.org. Talk to several guides before settling on one. Be prepared to ask lots of questions, including about costs, deposits, guarantees,

Any time you don’t have the expertise, experience or equipment, consider the services of a professional guide. But do your homework before selecting one. Check with friends, guide associations or rating services for recommendations. © iStock/Avid Creative, Inc.

what’s included and extras. Cost should not be your only consideration. Safety is important, too. Make sure the guide has the required licenses or certifications. For example, operators of for-hire saltwater boats are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license. Don’t pull any punches. Ask for references and follow through by calling them. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau. Be clear with the guide about your expectations. Ask about the chances of success for the trip you are planning. Whenever possible, talk to the actual guide who will accompany you. That way you can judge his or her expertise and determine if your personalities are compatible. Be knowledgeable about

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.

24

SEPTEMBER 2015

Florida Fast Movers Sailfish are the fastest fish in the world. They are capable of short bursts of speed of up to 68 miles an hour. The world’s fastest flier— the peregrine falcon—winters in Florida. It can dive on its unsuspecting prey at speeds as fast as 200 mph.

Outdoor 101: Know Your Snakes Florida is home to 46 species of snakes. Most of them are beneficial and harmless to humans. The key is to know how to identify which are harmless and which are not. The “Identification Guide to the Snakes of Florida” is an excellent resource. It features full-color photos and tips for identifying snakes, safety advice and a section outlining the proper way to respond to a snakebite. It was published by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Science Extension Service, and is available for $18 on its website, http:// ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu.

Picture This Project Noah is a tool to explore and document wildlife sightings throughout the country. It features photos of animals, insects and plant life discovered by people in the wild. Florida has the most sightings in the United States, with nearly 43,000 at the time of this writing.

Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication in the magazine, 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 photo. Email your submission to info@floridacurrents.com. 

the type of trip you are planning. Compare what you know with what a guide tells you. If you know more than they do, it probably is best to look elsewhere. For more information about choosing a guide, visit www.florida-outdoors.com/ guides.htm or www.myfwc. com/viewing/outfitters-guides.

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Shield Your Home From Energy Loss Adequate insulation offers a blanket of protection By Anne Price

Walls. Floors. Ceilings. Attic. These are some of the prime areas of a home that need insulation for you to maximize energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely to quickly pay for itself in reduced utility bills. In fact, DOE estimates you can reduce your heating and cooling needs up to 30 percent by properly insulating and weatherizing your home. If your home is more than 20 years old and was not specifically constructed for energy efficiency, additional insulation can likely reduce your energy bills and increase the comfort level of your home. Savings for each home depends on several factors: the current level of insulation, climate, efficiency of the heating/ cooling system and utility rates. On average, older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. Where do you start? First, determine the amount of insulation already in the home. For those with the do-it-yourself spirit, conduct an insulation audit, looking for: •  Where your home is insulated, not insulated and/or should be insulated. •  The type of insulation. •  The R-value and the thickness or depth (inches) of the insulation. An area chronically under-insulated is the attic. Whether you live in a cool or warm climate, attic insulation is essential to keep warm air inside in the winter, and prevent hot attic air from heating

INSULATING YOUR HOME TO LOCK IN EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS Adding insulation in the areas shown here may be the best way to improve your home's energy efficiency. Insulate either the attic floor or under the roof. Check with a licensed contractor about crawl space beneath your home.

Attic Walls Floors Crawl Space

living spaces in the summer. If the attic insulation level is R-19 or less, consider bringing it up to R-38 in moderate climates and R-49 in cold climates. For flooring in cold climates with R-11 or less insulation, consider bringing it up to R-25. How Insulation Works Heat flows naturally from a warmer space to a cooler space. Winter months, this means heat moves directly from heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements and even outdoors. It also can travel indirectly through interior ceilings, walls and floors—wherever there is a difference in temperature. Summer months, the opposite happens: heat flows from the exterior to the interior of a home. Proper installation of insulation creates resistance to heat flow. Heat flow resistance is measured or rated in terms of its R-value. The higher the R-value, the

Source: Department of Energy

greater the insulation’s effectiveness. The more heat flow resistance the insulation provides, the lower the heating and cooling costs. Save Green by Going Green Today, you have choices when selecting insulation for the home, including an environmentally friendly option made of recycled materials, such as scrap blue jeans. It looks similar to chopped up blue jeans and is treated for fire safety. With an insulating R-value similar to fiberglass insulation, this blue-jean insulation is a great option. Get Started and Get Saving While an older home will never be as efficient as a new home, an insulation upgrade will make a noticeable difference in your energy use and wallet. A well-insulated home is one of the most cost-effective means of saving energy and decreasing heating and cooling bills. n SEPTEMBER 2015

25

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Florida Rural Electric Credit Union

Plan for the Future Today! Take advantage of our 0.90%* 9-month CD. To find out how, call (800) 542-1246.

Minimum deposit is $5,000.

* Annual percentage yield. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal from any certificate of deposit. Fees can reduce earnings. Offer subject to removal without notice and only applies to new deposits.

Federally insured by the NCUA

26

SEPTEMBER 2015

Marketplace FOR SALE: Marina/Apartment Complex: $425,000

4 - Luxury 3/3 apts. 400’ deepwater dockage on the Caloosahatchee River in Moore Haven, FL. Call George Cheshier: (863) 202-6325 Brantley Properties, Inc.

Pre-Assembled - Installs in Minutes!

CasCade 5000

&

Ele

ga

Floating POND FOUNTAIN! WateImprovnce r Q ed ua Aerator ilit y Now Available Factory Direct! MSRP ($1100) You Pay $698.95! Complete with light & timer, 100 ft power cord, 1yr warranty!

Affordable Life Insurance $100,000 Age 45 55 65

Call 7days/week! FAST UPS shipping right to your door! www.fishpondaerator.com (608) 254-2735

Mo. cost - Male 11.71 23.14 54.38

800-550-3204

FREE BOOKS/ DVDS With Coming Economic Collapse PREPARE NOW!

TBS, Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771

1-888-211-1715

USA Quality Steel Buildings

thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com

DELIVERED AND INSTALLED

866-961-3367 www.usabarnsandgarages.com

20x26 sale $3530

22x21 sale $4685

36x31 sale $8740 30x31 sale $9985 Many more styles and sizes available Se Habla Espanol

C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S !

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. bo Every bmitted

Photo © Patrick M. Rose

Reader-su

recipes

dy’s

from the

s

rite Favo

est 2013 cont

Order online at www.ruralite.org or over the phone by calling (503) 718-3720, or mail a check to: Ruralite Cookbooks 5605 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

Premier

Building Systems, Inc.

“Steel Buildings Any Size”

1.800.882.5150 30 x 40 x 10.......$7,499 40 x 60 x 10.....$10,899 50 x 80 x 10.....$14,999 *Local codes may affect prices.

www.Premierbuildings.com

* Agriculture * Commercial * Industrial * Mini Storages SEPTEMBER 2015

27

Glades  Electric

Neighbors Working for Neighbors

Choose Your Own Due Date

Glades Electric Cooperative now gives you the power to choose your own electric bill due date. Installation of new automated metering infrastructure is close to completion and will provide GEC with the flexibility to adjust your billing cycle. Members now can plan and budget for their electric bills more easily. They can choose to have their bills due on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th of the month. If you have questions about this new program or want to change your due date, call (863) 946-6200 or email gladeselectric@gladesec.com. n

Take Giving to the Next Level By adding a bit more to your donation, we can provide more help to our friends and neighbors Glades Electric Cooperative members have the opportunity to increase their charitable giving by participating in Operation Round Up Plus. Under the original program, members can round up their electric bill payment to the next even-dollar amount. Operation Round Up Plus clears the way to donate even more. By opting into this program, members may choose to contribute additional money ($1 minimum) to their normal Operation Round Up amount. Individual donations are accepted at any time. Interested in making an even bigger difference in the community? Stop by your local GEC office or call (863) 946-6200 to participate in Operation Round Up Plus. Please join Glades Electric Cooperative as we strive to fulfill our mission: “Neighbors Working for Neighbors.”

28

SEPTEMBER 2015

A Cooperative Day in Your Life Cooperatives are all around us, from morning to night By Adam Schwartz

How did you spend your day? Chances are cooperatives were a big part of it from dawn to bedtime. Take a moment to consider how cooperatives affect you every day. Your morning orange juice might have come from Florida’s Natural, a producer-owned cooperative based in—you guessed it—Florida, but distributed throughout the U.S. If your morning coffee came from Equal Exchange (www.equalexchange.coop), you get bonus points because the company sources its coffee from farmer-owned cooperatives in developing countries, and is a worker-owned cooperative. Do you like milk in your coffee or on your cereal? More than 86 percent of fluid milk flows through a cooperative. The wheat in your muffin or toast was most likely processed through a farmer-owned grain elevator in the Midwest. If you had cranberries in that muffin, they likely came from Ocean Spray, or maybe you used Land O’Lakes butter or Welch’s concord grape jam—all producer-owned cooperatives that make the products we love on our toast. After that big cooperative breakfast, it is time to start the day. Working parents might drop off their young children at one of more than 1,000 preschool cooperatives that operate throughout the U.S. Perhaps this is the day to make improvements to your home. Ace Hardware, True Value and Do It Best are purchasing cooperatives. These small businesses come together to form a cooperative so they can compete with big box retailers not owned by people in the local community. You stop by the credit union for a loan or pick up cash for that home project from one of 25,000 ATMs. More than 100 million people in the U.S. are members of a credit union, which is a cooperative. On your way home, you visit one of the country’s

300 community-owned cooperative grocery stores. Many of the meat and vegetable products are sourced from cooperatives. If you are in a hurry, you swing by KFC, Taco Bell or Pizza Hut to pick up dinner. The franchise owners of these fast food restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts and many other franchises are members of a purchasing cooperative. After dinner, you watch TV from one of more than 1,000 small cable companies that serve rural America, having come together to form a cooperative that helps keep costs as low as possible. Or maybe you surf the Internet through services provided by your local telecommunications cooperative. Travel plans? Best Western is a purchasing cooperative. When it is time for lights out, you flip that switch knowing you are receiving safe, reliable electricity from your local electric cooperative, your friends at Glades Electric Cooperative. From morning until night, you can have a very cooperative day. n

People around the world rely on cooperatives to supply a variety of products and services, including food from this cooperative in the United Kingdom. SEPTEMBER 2015

29

Parting  Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Cowboy Speak Sometimes a sign’s shape and color are enough to convey a message. Such is the case with the iconic red octagon that alerts people to stop. But an unexpected word can generate a little extra attention and induce a smile. “While working at the Miles City, Montana, KOA, we met a lot of cowboys and ranchers,” says Patty Waldo. “There are so many different cultures right here in the good ol’ U.S. We visited the Ranger Museum, learning history of the Wild West. This sign was exiting the museum. We got quite a chuckle.” n —Patty Waldo, Wewahitchka We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot, and pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file

size), along with the story behind the photo and your name and1 mailing address (for payment) to photos@floridacurrents.com. EEN211-01_7.375x4.75_Layout 1 7/27/15 2:46 PM Page

To some, sunglasses are a fashion accessory…

But When Driving, These Sunglasses May Save Your Life! Drivers’ Alert: Driving can expose you to more dangerous glare than any sunny day at the beach can…do you know how to protect yourself?

S

ometimes it does take a rocket scientist. A NASA rocket scientist. Some ordinary sunglasses can obscure your vision by exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays, blue light, and reflective glare. They can also darken useful vision-enhancing light. But now, independent research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought forth ground-breaking technology to help protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation light. This superior lens technology was first discovered when NASA scientists looked to nature for a means to superior eye protection— specifically, by studying the eyes of eagles, known for their extreme visual acuity. This discovery resulted in what is now known as Eagle Eyes®. The Only Sunglass Technology Certified by the Space Foundation for UV and Blue-Light Eye Protection. Eagle Eyes® features the most advanced eye protection technology ever created. The TriLenium® Lens Technology offers triple-filter polarization to block 99.9% UVA and UVB—plus the added benefit of blue-light eye protection. Eagle Eyes® is the only optic technology that

30

SEPTEMBER 2015

has earned official recognition from the Space Certification Program for this remarkable technology. Now, that’s proven science-based protection. The finest optics: And buy one, get one FREE! We are so excited for you to try the Eagle Eyes® breakthrough technology that we will give you a second pair of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses FREE––a $99 value! That’s two pairs to protect your eyes with the best technology available for less than the price of one pair of traditional sunglasses. You get a pair of Navigators with stainless steel black frames and the other with stainless steel gold, plus two microfiber drawstring cleaning pouches are included. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not astounded with the Eagle Eyes® technology, enjoying clearer, sharper and more glare-free vision, simply return one pair within 60 days for a full refund of the purchase price. The other pair is yours to keep. Don’t leave your eyes in the hands of fashion designers, entrust them to the best scientific minds on earth. Wear your Eagle Eyes® Navigators with absolute confidence, knowing your eyes are protected with technology that was born in space for the human race. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Navigator™ Black Stainless Steel Sunglasses

Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that most (74%) of the crashes occurred on clear, sunny days

Receive the Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses (a $99 value) FREE! just for trying the Navigator™ Black Navigator™ Gold Stainless Steel Sunglasses

Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses $99† Offer Code Price $49 + S&P Save $50

PLUS receive the Navigator™ Gold absolutely FREE!—2 pairs for the price of one!

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: EEN211-01

You must use this offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

®

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. EEN211-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift

Complete with battery backup in case of power outage

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and This lift chair encourages better posture to puts you safely prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors. If you’re not 100% satisfied simply return the chair within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. – Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair

®

Call now toll free for our lowest price. Please mention code 100968 when ordering.

1-888-759-2981 Long Lasting DuraLux Leather

DuraLux II Microfiber

Tan

Burgundy Cashmere

Fern

Chocolate Burgundy

Chocolate Indigo

© 2015 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

46383

We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

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

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

Board of Trustees John “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, (863) 655-3056 James “Jim” Aul, Vice President, District 7 Lorida, (863) 441-0441 Russell Henderson, Sec./Treas., District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, (863) 946-0865 Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, (863) 946-0402 Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, (561) 414-8737 Shannon Hall, Trustee, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, (863) 946-3242 Ladd Bass, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, (863) 441-2227 Lee Henderson, Trustee, District 6 Highlands Park, (863) 633-9281 Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, (863) 801-3140 The next meeting of the Board will be at 9 a.m. September 24 at the Moore Haven headquarters office. Any changes to this schedule will be posted in the lobby of all three district offices.

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

32

SEPTEMBER 2015

FL-153

CEO’s Message

Look for New Rate Structure With the advent of the smart grid and more energy-efficient appliances, building materials, construction practices, conservation efforts, self-generation and government regulations, the utility industry is experiencing a quantum change. Kilowatt-hour use—the primary and historic data bedrock used to determine monthly energy bills—is on a decline, causing a shortfall in the revenue utilities need to operate and maintain the costly electric grids they have built to serve their customers. Operation and maintenance of the grid is a utility’s fixed cost of operations. It remains and continues to rise in cost regardless Jeff Brewington of energy consumption. Historically, utilities have recovered most of these fixed costs through the variable kWh component. That worked well during times of increasing energy use, but times have changed, and rate structures must follow suit. With this in mind, we recently engaged a professional rate consultant to complete a cost-of-service and retail rate study to quantify the cost to serve each rate class and determine an appropriate rate adjustment for each class. We asked the consultant to shift more of the cooperative’s fixed costs out of the energy component, or kWh, and into the fixed monthly charge, and to reduce the number of energy billing tiers from three to two. We also merged two similar rate classes: general service demand and large power service. Overall, the study indicated we required a 0.55 percent increase in revenue to maintain financial stability. The range of change among rate classes includes a high of 8.43 percent for time-of-use non-demand and a decline of 0.18 percent for large pump service. Although 8.43 percent may seem extraordinary, it represents a total annual increase of $1,284 for the entire rate class. The time-of-use demand rate class declines by 0.14 percent, or $1,507 annually, for the entire class. Residential service will see a 0.62 percent increase, which equates to 72 cents more a month from current rates on 1,000 kWh—our average level of residential use. With the shift of fixed costs out of the energy charge and elimination of the third energy billing tier, residential rates will decline on all use exceeding 1,000 kWh. The general service class will increase by 1.10 percent overall, or an average of about $19 a year per account. The combined general service demand and large power service class will see a 0.07 percent decrease, or $5,801 annually. However, services previously designated GSD could see increases depending on kWh use. Accounts with higher kWh use could see reductions. The small pump service class will increase by 6.26 percent overall, or an average of about $94 a year per account, although accounts with higher energy use could see reductions. The large pump service decline of 0.18 percent provides an average annual reduction of a little more than $18 per account. This rate restructure should take effect with November billings and will set the course for your cooperative’s future success. We will continue to do all we can to keep your cost of service as low as possible while maintaining the cooperative’s financial footing and its wherewithal to provide you quality service.