Currents-January 2021

JANUARY 2021

Suwannee Valley

CURRENTS

INSIDE: THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches give needy and deserving youth a home FORGOTTEN PLACES Explore the hidden gems of Florida’s Forgotten Coast AROUND THE COMMUNITY SVEC gives back during the Christmas season

CEO’S MESSAGE

Suwannee Valley

CURRENTS January 2021

Michael S. McWaters Executive V.P./CEO

Suwannee Valley Currents is a monthly newsletter published by Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, © 2021. It is distributed without charge to all consumermembers of the cooperative.

A bright new year As we welcome a new year, many of our consumer-members are probably setting goals for the months ahead and reflecting on the year just past. With the holiday rush now over, we have a moment to breathe, look back on the challenges and blessings of the last year, and consider what is most important to us moving forward.

We do the same here at Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, except we have a roadmap, the cooperative principles. Whenever we have big decisions to make or goals to set, we keep these guiding principles in mind and know they will keep our cooperative on course.

Many of you have heard us talk about these pillars of our cooperative. Some of the principles guide the way our cooperative works, such as open membership and democratic control by our members. Others, like cooperation among cooperatives, lay out the responsibilities we have to our fellow electric providers and the help we can expect from them when our system is severely damaged by storms.

Of course, concern for our community is also one of those principles, and one we don’t need to be reminded of very often. After all, each of us at SVEC is a member of this community. We shop at the same stores, go to the same churches and have kids on the same sports teams as our members. As a result, we are genuinely invested in making our home a great place to live for everyone.

It’s why we’re proud to support organizations like the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch in Live Oak. The Boys Ranch provides opportunities for at-risk youth with camps, counseling and even specialized schooling. Since its inception, SVEC has not only provided affordable power to the Live Oak ranch but has also supported the ranch through sponsorships, donations and scholarships for graduating students.

You can read more in this newsletter about the important role the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch plays in our community and how you can get involved.

You can also see photos from one of our favorite local traditions each year: a float in local Christmas parades.

This year, SVEC’s “Christmas Around the World” float won the prize for Best Commercial Float in the Christmas on the Square parade. Thank you to all of our employees who put so much hard work into our float each year and to the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce.

The last year hasn’t been without its challenges, and I have no doubt that we have a few in store for the months ahead. But as I look ahead, I remain as excited as ever for all that we will accomplish as a cooperative. 

2 | January 2021

WE BELONG TO THOSE WE SERVE Business Office: 800-447-4509 11340 100th St. Live Oak, FL 32060 Lobby Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Drive-thru Kiosk Open 24 Hours 24/7 Power Outage Reporting 800-752-0025 svec-coop.com facebook.com/sveccoop @SVEC_COOP_FL Instagram.com/sveccoop SVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

On the cover: Kids on FSYR campuses have the chance to work on ranches where they learn to work with horses, cows and other farm animals.

See story, Page 4.

Suwannee Valley Currents

DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK Register medical necessities with SVEC SVEC recognizes that many of our consumer-members have unique needs. In some cases, they may be immobile or reliant on medical equipment or oxygen.

It is important for members with medical needs who are dependent on electricity to register with SVEC so we can notify you of planned or extended outages. If you need to register, or it’s been more than five years since you registered or your contact information has changed, please contact our office or download and send us the Medical Necessity Form at svec-coop.com/member-services/forms.

ENERGY TIP Got some new electronics for Christmas? Be sure to keep them plugged into an electronic power strip, and switch it off when you aren’t using them. Many devices consume electricity even when they are turned off, adding a “phantom load” to your energy usage. Individually, these loads are often very small. But added up over the course of a month or year, they can be costly.

Register with County Emergency Management The Florida Division of Emergency Management allows citizens with special needs to register with their county emergency management agency.

JOINING THE TEAM

Information submitted to the registry will only be used for planning and, if necessary, to provide emergency or disaster services.

Residents of all Florida counties can register using the online Florida Special Needs Registry: snr.flhealthresponse.com.

Residents of Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee counties can also request a special needs registration form by visiting or calling their county’s emergency management office.

Columbia County: 263 NW Lake City Ave. Lake City, FL 32055 386-758-1383

Lafayette County: 194 SW Virginia Circle Mayo, FL 32066 386-294-1950

Hamilton County: 1133 U.S. Highway 41 NW, Suite 1 Jasper, FL 32052 386-792-6647

Suwannee County: 617 Ontario Ave. SW Live Oak, FL 32064 386-364-3405

Crystal Udell joins Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative as accounting coordinator. Before coming to SVEC, she worked at Ameris Bank as a personal banker and loan officer.

Happy Presidents Day!

The SVEC office will be closed Feb. 15 for Presidents Day and an annual employee training day. The 24-hour outage-reporting system will still be available, as well as the drive-thru payment kiosk. Crews will be standing by to restore power if needed.

Suwannee Valley Currents

Dominic LoFranco is SVEC’s new engineering intern. He is a junior at the University of Florida, where he studies electrical engineering.

January 2021 | 3

Guiding Florida’s youth Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches provide opportunities for needy and deserving youth

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches has provided stable living environments for more than 165,000 children who would have otherwise grown up in a troubled environment.

“The founders wanted to provide an alternative for kids needing a good home,” says Maria Knapp, vice president of Donor and Legislative Affairs with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. “That’s what we provide.”

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches was formed in 1957 when a group of sheriffs recognized the need for a residential care facility to target an increasing number of boys with difficult home lives. The organization has since grown to include programs for both boys and girls at seven residential campuses, three summer camps and multiple outreach locations throughout the Sunshine State. The headquarters is in Live Oak. “We put them in a stable family environment and work to help them become successful and reach their goals,” Knapp says.

“We want them to know that there is a God that loves them and has their best interests at heart.”

By utilizing these residential campuses throughout Florida and having a devoted staff, neglected boys and girls in need are given a sense of security and guidance.

“Sometimes all these kids need is a stable environment and knowing that someone cares for them and believes in them,” she says.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches offer three summer camps for boys and girls.

4 | January 2021

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches have residential campuses and camp locations scattered about the state. Participants are placed with a family at one

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of the residential campuses where the youth are cared for by “cottage parents” in a safe, loving home environment. The parents serve as role models for the kids and work to instill in them a positive work ethic, a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves and others.

Participants are also required to attend school, where they must keep up with their coursework and make good grades.

Knapp says many of the kids come to them behind in school or with poor study habits, but the youth ranches have certified teachers on staff who work closely with the kids to get them back on grade level. While most students will attend school on their residential campus, some attend local public schools.

Residents are also required to maintain a job and learn financial management skills. Additionally, many of the residents work on the ranches, which are working farms with horses, cows and other small barnyard animals.

Others may work off-campus in the local community.

“We do everything we can to give them the tools they need to be successful and reach their goals,” Knapp says.

After graduation, participants have the option to leave the program, or they can continue in the program and can even get help going to college. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Scholarship House in Bartow, Florida, is used for college-aged kids who still need a place to live or help applying to a college. Students can attend Polk State College, Traviss Technical College or Ridge Technical College.

teamwork and communication skills.

Families can also participate in Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches through Harmony in the Streets, a mobile day-camp program that provides activities directly to local communities that may be socially or economically challenged.

“We do everything we can to provide opportunities and experiences that these kids wouldn’t have without the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches,” Knapp says. “We provide them with the opportunities and hope they take advantage of the skills they are taught to have long-term success.”

For more information about the FSYR, visit youthranches.org or call 386-842-5501.  FSYR camps help children ages 10 to 15 build communication and teamwork skills.

Eligibility requirements for residential care programs To participate in the residential care program, children must meet a number of requirements.

• Legal guardian and youth must be legal residents of the state of Florida.

• Youth must be between 8 and 18 years of age.

• Youth must have no other appropriate living arrangements.

• Youth must be of average or above average intelligence.

• Youth must not pose a threat to self or others.

• Youth must not be a serious, habitual offender.

• Youth must be able to physically participate in program activities.

• Youth agrees to participate in religious activities.

• Youth must perform in public school setting or another alternative educational program.

• Youth must not have alcohol or drug dependency.

• Youth must be willing to work on personal problems.

• Youth must be recommended by the local sheriff.

If your child is a FLORIDA RESIDENT and you are interested in participating in the FSYR residential care program, please contact an intake coordinator at 800-765-2697.

HAPPY CAMPERS

You don’t have to live on a FSYR campus to get involved and benefit from Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches services. There are a number of summer camp opportunities, providing a wholesome experience for children ages 10 to 15.

Campers spend the summer canoeing, horseback riding, participating in archery, swimming and much more.

Knapp says this helps build basic Suwannee Valley Currents

Summer camps are open to anyone who wants to attend, whether they live on a FSYR campus or not.

January 2021 | 5

Birding 101

By Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission The winter months in Florida can be a great time for bird-watching. By December, many northern birds have migrated south to spend the winter in warmer climates until their return trip in February. That gives Florida birders the chance to spot birds they can only see for a few months each year.

If you’re a beginner bird-watcher eager to get outside, even if it’s just to pick out some flying friends from your own backyard, consider these pointers for what to bring along and a few starting tips for better birding.

WHAT TO HAVE:

• Binoculars — Good binoculars should have numbers on them, like 8×36 or 10×42. The first number is the magnification. The second number is the diameter of the larger, objective lens and indicates how big your field of view is. The larger your field of view, the easier it is to find what you’re looking for. You don’t need to spend lots of money on a new pair of binoculars, so check out the best binoculars under $100 to find a suitable pair.

• Spotting scope — Spotting scopes require a tripod. They often give much better magnification than binoculars but are not quite as portable. If you’re unsure which spotting scope to purchase, check out the reviews at awoutlets.com.

TIPS:

• Practice using binoculars on a sign or something else that doesn’t move.

• If you have youngsters who are interested in bird-watching, you can find a pair of kids’ binoculars so they can join in the fun with you.

• Find a bird with your eyes first, then move the binoculars up to look • through them.

• Get started in your backyard, where you can see the same birds day • after day and learn them.

• Bird around your neighborhood, in parks and around water.

• Check out “Birding 101,” FWC’s introduction for beginning birders, available at floridabirdingtrail.com.

• Subscribe to our monthly newsletter “Kite Tales” for great information on birding in Florida.

• Use the eBird app to help you identify the species you see.

• Go birding with experienced birders. Attend a birding festival and bird with the experts, or join a local Audubon field trip.

This story originally ran on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website on Jan. 9, 2017.

6 | January 2021

Cranberry Nut Orange Bread 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter 1 egg 1 tablespoon orange zest 1/4 cup orange juice 1 1/2 cups chopped cranberries 1 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-5inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Combine well. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, stir together the egg, orange zest and orange juice.

Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Stir just until the flour is moistened. Gently fold in cranberries and nuts. Pour into a prepared pan and bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Transfer to a wire rack; let stand for 5 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Makes 1 loaf.

Do you have a great recipe?

Email a copy of a recipe you’d like to share to communications@svec-coop.com.

Suwannee Valley Currents

The Forgotten Coast’s museums, culture and history

By James Davis, Visit Florida

I’m drifting in a small flatboat in the shallows of Apalachicola Bay looking for flounder to gig, which means spearing it through its head. This is only after I get far too close to George Watkins’ Wewahitchka tupelo honey beehives for any sense of comfort. Tupelo honey fresh off the comb, a popular product in these Gulf Coast parts, is very tasty indeed.

It’s all overlaid by some of the most incredible natural beauty that Florida has left. So wherever you decide to go — St. George Island for solitude, shorelines and shrimp or Seaside for The Repertory Theatre’s fall play — rest assured that every experience on or near The Forgotten Coast will be remembered … flounder gigging, perhaps, aside. 

This could be just a day in the life in this area of Northwest Florida. After all, Walton County is the region of the state largely referred to as “The Forgotten Coast.” And indeed, you could perceive the culture here to be more interior Southern living than tidal Florida.

Where there is a lack of glitz and glamour, there is an abundance of personality. Here perhaps more than elsewhere in Florida, you’re likely to find folks whose families have been in the region for generations. Think of it as a living museum.

The next morning, I hit Scenic Highway 30A for a leisurely drive through South Walton, heading ultimately for The St. Joe Co.’s WaterColor community, where the architectural styles and color palettes have been perfectly orchestrated by award-winning designers. WaterColor is “Nuevo Cracker” style, a look known for such pristine Southern charmers as Seaside, a nearby community of the same style that was chosen as the main setting for the movie “The Truman Show.”

Perhaps because of this pedigree, WaterColor is also a tour stop for the Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour, a festival of independent filmmakers who highlight community, adventure, culture and environmental preservation in their works.

You can spend your days wandering restored properties and antiquing as leisurely as you like, but there’s also a tremendous variety of activities to be enjoyed, from taking in a live musical performance or event at the restored 1912 Dixie Theatre to attending the First Friday Art Walks in Ruskin Park at Seaside.

In addition, you can embrace the culinary arts in a completely organic sense by fishing and crabbing in the estuaries, then supping in fine style at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn & Resort, a David Rockwell-designed, 60-room, boutique hotel.

Suwannee Valley Currents

January 2021 | 7

PICTURE PERFECT CHRISTMAS SVEC’s 2020 Christmas cards featured artwork submitted by fifth graders from Branford Elementary, Hamilton County Elementary, Lafayette Elementary and Suwannee Riverside Elementary schools. SVEC presented a large gift bag of art supplies to the four winners of the card design contest, and each of their teachers received $100 for classroom art supplies.

Jayden Williams Ms. Jessup

Anistyn Bass

Ms. Sullivan + Ms. Prine

Danna Gomez

Not pictured: Ms. Howell

Emily Eakins Ms. Sumner

Christmas magic SVEC participated in the Christmas parades in Branford and Live Oak. We loved seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they got a look at Teddy the Linebear circling the globe in his bucket truck.

Giving back Our generous employees and members teamed up to purchase many new toys for disadvantaged children in our community. Special thanks to member Elaine Rivera, who brought in a toy and won the drawing for a $25 bill credit.