After testing to ensure the power lines are de-energized, Journeyman Lineman Crew Leader Juan Castano uses a shotgun stick to apply grounds to the electric lines. Grounding power lines helps ensure lineworker and equipment safety.
•
January 2024 • Volume 13, No. 3
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
FLORIDA CURRENTS EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC; Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC;
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Members acknowledge that $4.31 a year, plus postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of FLORIDA CURRENTS ISSN 23276304 (USPS 8300). Published by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communication needs of consumerowned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6422.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 U.S. a year; $25 foreign a year. Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Identify local edition desired. Have a problem receiving your magazine? Utility members should contact their utility office. Nonmembers call 503-357-2105 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies are $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call first to check availability. Contact Pioneer Utility Resources: P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704-1714; 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200; amp.coop.
© 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct reprint requests to editor@floridacurrents.com. For more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
Co-op employees get into the holiday spirit as they support local children. From left are Tom Anthony, Maria Jones, Amber Navarrete, Ashley Arrabal, Kim Jones, Nikki Cullen, John Stuart and Tamie Fox.
Florida Keys Electric Co-op employees’ generous community spirit shined bright once again as they donated to the bicycle collection drive coordinated by Wesley House Family Services, Leadership Monroe County Class XX and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
FKEC’s team donated more than a dozen
bikes, as well as helmets, for children throughout Monroe County.
Thank you to everyone at FKEC and the community who contributed to this holiday drive—and so many other initiatives—to make the holidays joyful for residents and children throughout the Florida Keys. n
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Member Owned Since 1940
Karl Wagner
District 4, Marathon, President
Michael H. Puto
District 4, Marathon, Vice President
Cale Smith
District 3, Islamorada, Treasurer
Gretchen Holland
District 1, Key Largo, Secretary
James J. Boilini
District 1, Key Largo
David C. Ritz
District 1, Key Largo
Craig Belcher
District 2, Tavernier
Joseph H. Roth III
District 2, Tavernier
George D. Hertel
District 3, Islamorada
CONTACT US: (305) 852-2431 (800) 858-8845
Pay by Phone 1-855-385-9912 www.FKEC.com
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070
MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW:
Beware of utility scammers. If you receive a suspicious call, or any communication, threatening to disconnect your power, call FKEC at 305-852-2431 immediately to ensure you are speaking to an FKEC employee.
Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by: Nikki Dunn Cullen, news@fkec.com
As we enter the new year, we have some employee news to catch up on. We are proud to recognize the last of our 2023 milestone anniversaries and recent promotions on the following pages.
These individual achievements are not only well-earned but also a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment and dedication to serving our members.
We take pride in being a company where people can and want to work for years and find opportunities to further their careers. Our veteran employees, who have dedicated themselves to the long-running success of FKEC, exemplify their commitment through their willingness to grow and share their work experience. Simultaneously, we highly value the fresh perspective, diverse knowledge, and enthusiasm new team members bring to our workforce.
The union of long-standing and new employees mirrors the diversity of our community. Much like the Keys themselves, the FKEC workforce comprises everyone from native conchs to welcomed “transplants” who are carving out a home here.
In addition to longevity, we recognize that growth is crucial to our successful operation. The entire company benefits when our employees advance their skills and earn promotions, and I extend my gratitude to our team for their commitment to professional development. Find details of the recent promotions we are celebrating on pages 6 and 7.
Staying true to our mission of being a proud, progressive employer and influential community, we are actively exploring ways to expand potential internships and other onboarding opportunities. For those interested in joining our company and the utility industry, we encourage you to check our online Job Opportunities portal at www.FKEC.com/about-us/ and stay tuned for future job openings. We are fortunate to have a highly skilled team and take great pride in offering a wide range of job positions with a variety of opportunities for career advancement.
Please join me in congratulating our employees on their recent achievements and celebrating our team’s continued growth, committed work, and collaboration.
FKEC congratulates and thanks Adam Pierce for his 30 years of dedicated service.
“We extend our appreciation to Adam for his three decades of work and contributions to FKEC,” said COO John Stuart. “His team spirit and community mindedness is also a valued asset to this cooperative.”
His journey began on the Right-of-Way Tree Crew in 1993, where he worked for a year before earning a promotion to Tree Crew Leader. Adam held this leadership position for five years before being promoted to Equipment Operator.
In 2007, Adam achieved another milestone in his career with a promotion to his current position as Work Leader in the Marathon warehouse.
Throughout his career, Adam also completed the three-year academic portion of the Apprentice Lineman
program and was active on the Employee Appreciation Committee for many years, helping build a positive and supportive work environment.
Adam is a true native “conch,” born and raised in Marathon, and beyond his job enjoys spending time with his wife, Joana, and their family.
The co-op also congratulates Jennifer Bailey on her 20-year employment milestone.
Jennifer began her career at FKEC in 2003 as an Office Clerk and moved to Consumer Accounting to work as a Billing Specialist three years later. In 2023, she further advanced to Accounting Specialist in the General Accounting Department, where her focus includes capital credits, general ledger account analysis, bank reconciliations, and data entry.
Jennifer grew up in the Upper Keys and enjoys working for her hometown cooperative. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends.
Florida Keys Electric Coopertaive recognizes employee anniversaries in five-year intervals.
See page 8 for more employee anniversaries.
FKEC congratulates employees who recently earned job promotions.
Peter Amendola, PE MSEE Director of Engineering
FKEC congratulates Peter Amendola on his promotion to Director of Engineering and also commends him for achieving his 15-year anniversary with the cooperative.
Peter joined FKEC in 2008 as an Electrical Engineer and has played a valuable role in the department, contributing as a Senior Electrical Engineer and GIS Supervisor.
In his new role as Director of Engineering, Peter assumes a key position where he provides department leadership, assists in organizational growth and development, and gives technical direction and management oversight to contribute to the cooperative’s success. One of his primary goals is to ensure that electrical system designs and operational reliability meet the needs of our FKEC
members and comply with safety and performance standards.
Beyond his work experience, Peter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Engineering Management. He also holds his Professional Engineering license in Florida and New York.
An active participant in the community, Peter volunteers as a mentor with Take Stock in Children, and serves as a member of the Upper Keys Rotary Club. FKEC appreciates all our employees who take time to make a positive impact beyond the workplace.
Outside of his professional and community involvement, Peter enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Marie, and their 7-year-old, Gabriel.
FKEC commends Rob Christensen for accepting the promotion to Line Superintendent in Marathon.
Rob’s journey with FKEC began in 2008 when he joined the Right-of-Way Tree Crew. Two years later, he entered the co-op’s Apprentice Lineman Program, showing his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. After earning the designation of Journeyman Lineman, Rob’s work and dedication led to his promotion to Crew Leader in 2020.
In his new position, Rob collaborates with FKEC’s other Line Superintendents to supervise the maintenance and improvements of our distribution system. His responsibilities included scheduling the daily activities of the Marathon Line and Service crews to ensure safe and
reliable operations. Superintendents are also crucial in supporting the development of the co-op’s linemen and apprentices.
Outside of work, Rob spends time with his wife, Leslie, and their 10-yearold twins, Cannon and Maya. He also enjoys coaching youth sports and being a Cub Master for the Marathon Cub Scouts.
His hobbies also include a unique interest in restoring and playing on pinball machines, with his personal arcade boasting over a dozen full-size pinball games.
Once again, FKEC congratulates Rob on this promotion and looks forward to what he can bring to the job.
FKEC congratulates Juan Castano on his promotion to Line Crew Leader.
Juan joined FKEC on the Rightof-Way Tree Crew in June 2004. A year later, he entered the co-op’s Apprentice Lineman Program, where he worked hard, achieving the Journeyman Lineman designation in 2010.
The cooperative appreciates Juan taking on his new leadership role.
John Stofko has also earned a promotion to Line Crew Leader.
In 2021, John started at FKEC as a Journeyman Lineman, bringing with him 16 years of experience working in the electric utility industry including serving a crew leader and foreman.
FKEC congratulates John and looks forward to the experience and dedication he brings to the job.
Kudos to Marco Mesa on his promotion to Fleet Mechanic.
In 2022, Marco started in the co-op’s Maintenance Department. He previously worked for over ten years as a mechanic and shop foreman for a local company. Staff quickly noticed his mechanical and problem-solving skills, making him a great addition to the Fleet Maintenance.
Tim Evans has also earned a promotion to System Operator in FKEC’s System Operations Control Center.
Prior to joining the cooperative on the Right-of-Way Tree crew in 2020, Tim worked in the marina industry for 17 years. FKEC congratulates Tim and appreciates the diligence he brings to his job position.
The co-op also congratulates Yoandrys Freire on his promotion to Rightof-Way Tree Crew Leader.
Yoandrys, who joined the FKEC team in May 2023, has shown commitment and a strong work ethic, making him a good candidate for the crew leader position. He also worked as a supervisor for a tree trimming service prior to starting at the co-op.
Move over or slow down for emergency and service vehicles.
Florida law requires you to Move Over a lane — when you can safely do so — for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles and tow trucks or wreckers.
If you can’t move over — or when on a two-lane road — slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. Slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.
Please Move Over to protect yourself and others from a potential crash. Violating the Move Over law will result in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record. For more information, visit www. flhsmv.gov/safety-center and see section 316.126, Florida Statutes. Thank you for helping keep FKEC and all roadside emergency and service crews safe.
From the rich maritime heritage of whaling towns to quaint island villages and grand seaside mansions of the Gilded Age, our small, comfortable ships can take you to the heart of New England’s most treasured destinations. Be welcomed back to your home away from home, where you can delight in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.
By Dan Eidsmoe
Beachcombers, scuba divers and snorkelers typically avoid urchins. If you step on one or accidentally bump into it, your skin can be punctured by the creature’s needle-like spines. Once under the skin, the spines are difficult to remove.
Florida Keys marine biologist Jim Brittsan, however, is excited by the round spiny creatures. As he explains, a healthy urchin population in the Caribbean is vital to the health of coral reefs.
Jim, 27, works with multiple coral restoration organizations throughout the Keys. Beginning as a selffunded project, he now has financial support from the state of Florida and is raising urchins in the wild with hopes of reintroducing them to Florida’s coral reef.
Urchins are important to the reefs because they eat algae. Out-of-control algae growth kills coral reefs by cutting off room for growth and diminishing the amount of sunlight and oxygen reaching the coral.
Jim says urchins are like underwater gardeners.
“When sea urchins consume
algae, they create open spaces on the reef that can be colonized by new coral babies,” he says.
Algae growth and coral bleaching have decimated coral reefs. The Keys have lost 80% of their coral in the past 30 years. Many factors are believed to contribute to coral bleaching worldwide, including pollution, climate change, warming oceans and overfishing. In the Keys, water temperatures are frequently over 85 degrees in the summer. That high water temperature prompts algae growth that can smother coral and inhibit the settlement of coral larvae.
Jim, a Columbus, Ohio, native, is so optimistic about the prospects for raising sea urchins that he turned down scholarship opportunities for graduate studies in Puerto Rico and at Bowling Green University in Ohio.
Jim’s father, Mike, was the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium curator. As a student at Bowling Green University, Jim learned that everything in nature is interconnected.
“If our oceans die, life in Ohio and landlocked states would also be adversely affected,” Jim says. “I knew coral reefs were in trouble, and I learned how important urchins were to the entire equation.”
Jim says the well-being of sea urchins has never been more important than now. Although once seen as a nuisance, the long-spined urchins are known as the greatest grazers of the Caribbean and caretakers of coral reefs.
The problem is, they are dying throughout the Caribbean. According to the National Park Service, long-spined sea urchins commonly live between the shoreline to depths over 100 feet. At low tide, they take shelter from waves in rock cavities. Although protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, their numbers throughout the Keys have never been lower. Some scientists blame a microscopic, single-cell parasite for the die-off, which took hold in early 2022, but the resarch continues.
Jim describes one sea urchin species, Diadema antillarum, as a keystone species for Caribbean coral reefs. Before 1983, it was the most prevalent herbivore in the Caribbean. Today, it is nearly nonexistent.
“A diverse population of herbivores is important for maintaining a healthy balance between algae and coral on the reef and for supporting the many other organisms that rely on this ecosystem,” he says. “By restoring populations of different herbivorous species, we can help to support the health and resilience of Caribbean coral reefs.”
Jim hopes his urchin “babies” growing in an environment closely replicating the coral reef learn to eat algae off coral before being placed permanently into the wild. Every 15 to 30 days, he collects coral rubble covered in algae from the coral nurseries and puts it into the nursery with the baby urchins.
By grazing on the rubble, the young urchins learn to hide in the nooks
and crevices of the reef. They also eat everything in their path, not just the algae.
“The dead coral has many things growing on it,” Jim says. “In this setting, the urchins get a much more diverse diet of alga types. They also get bits of calcium carbonate from the rocks, which makes their spines hardier and increases spine density.”
In Jim’s nursery—the first of its kind in the Keys—coral trees and urchin shelters hang on monofilament lines tethered to the ocean floor and are held upright in the water by a buoy. The nursery integrates repurposed materials such as ice cream buckets, crates, ceiling tiles and Gatorade bottles. The cages, which Jim designs, are made from vinyl-coated wire and PVC frames. Sea water can pass through the boxes while protecting the growing urchins from fish predators.
“We hope to create a low-cost method to rear thousands of these herbivores,” he says. “A mariculture system like ours could be a game changer.”
With hopes high for the success of his urchin family, Jim is optimistic he may be able to leave coral reefs in a healthier place.
“With this project, I get the strong sense that I can be part of the solution rather than the problem,” he says.
Virtually visit the nursery in this three-minute video: bit.ly/sea_urchin_nursery.
Esports growth offers Florida students community and opportunity
By Drew Woolley
When Ryley Griffin arrived at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2018, he was excited to pursue a chemical engineering degree while playing lacrosse for the Division II school. It wasn’t long, however, before he discovered the rigor of his studies and the time he needed to dedicate to the team weren’t a good mix.
Still, Ryley knew he was competitive by nature. In 2019, another game captured his imagination.
“I realized I was going to go insane if I wasn’t part of a team or doing some kind of competition,” he says. “I was very in love with a game called League of Legends. I had played in internet cafe tournaments with my friends in high school. I decided to try and start a team with Florida Tech, who at the time was actually looking at doing esports.”
Florida Tech had just begun consulting
with Dana Hustedt, the director of esports at Grand View University in Iowa who helped build one of the country’s first collegiate esports programs in 2017. She provided a checklist of tasks that needed to be completed if Florida Tech wanted to create a robust program of its own.
In 2021, Florida Tech hired Dana as director of its esports program.
Since then, the program has assembled varsity and junior varsity teams for games such as League of Legends, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League and Valorant, while also building a welcoming community for noncompetitive gamers and establishing a two-story Esports Center on campus.
“Being a tech school, there’s always going to be that overlap of STEM students and video games,” Dana says. “It’s a way to engage their student population if you aren’t excited about regular sports or debate or other extracurriculars. This is a way that many students now relate with
gaming as a community factor.”
As a former student-athlete, Dana—who played varsity softball at Grand View University—often describes esports to newcomers in traditional sports terms. The playing field might differ, but many of the skills required are the same, from highlevel communication to rapid-fire decision making.
“Take a game where there are five players on a team,” she says. “Like basketball, they all have a position or a lane. Every one of them has their own unique skill set and fundamentals they need to do during the game. And the preparation that takes is very similar.”
Ryley found the same to be true when he first discovered League of Legends. In high school, he entered weekend competitions with friends at a local Microsoft store, where they played for
prizes, such as a new computer mouse.
“That’s where I fell in love with the competition,” he says. “I remember one day, we actually got to the finals, but we lost. None of us had any idea what we were doing, but we had a great time. I was there until 9:30 at night, so I got home, and my parents were like, ‘Where have you been?’ And I was like, ‘But I almost won.’”
After those amateur adventures, the Florida Tech team’s play was a harsh but welcome change of pace. Ryley says the
and there’s a software update for League of Legends. Now, my strategy is gone. Whatever champion I was going to play is out the window, and I have to figure something out in 30 minutes before we get into the game.”
transition to learning how to play a more organized game against far better players taught him the value of persistence. It also highlighted the importance of thinking on his feet, sometimes even more than when playing lacrosse.
“With traditional sports, you have all this training, and it almost becomes who can stick to a routine the longest and become the strongest from it,” he says. “But in esports, it’s so volatile. There are times when I’ve shown up to game day
In addition to cultivating adaptability, Florida Tech’s esports program is also designed to overlap with some of the university’s academic programs. The school’s Esports Center doubles as a home for the cybersecurity department, hosting classes, competitions and visits from prospective employers.
The esports program also works closely with the School of Behavior Analysis, with students observing verbal and nonverbal player behavior to monitor teams and offer workshops that help players develop as competitors and people.
“We don’t actually have a game design program or game animation as a major with us,” Dana says. “But we’ve used currently existing departments to see how can they also come into the gaming space with us. With the School of Behavior Analysis, the data that we’ve been collecting over the last three years hasn’t been taken anywhere else. So that’s really exciting in itself.”
Dana is excited to see the esports program serve as a gateway for visiting students who might not have known about the opportunities available at Florida
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Even for players who don’t compete on a team, the esports program can be an outlet for relieving the stresses of school and life. Florida Tech invested in a two-story, 5,800-squarefoot esports facility to give the program room to grow. A group of students gathers for a round of Super Smash Bros. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA TECH ESPORTS
Tech. Drawn in by their interest in gaming, they might discover behavioral analysis only to find they also enjoy working in the same field with kids.
“Instead of working at a hospital, you might be able to get your research hours here through esports,” she says. “So that’s one really cool aspect that we can start to recruit people with. And it’s the same with cybersecurity. If your classes are taking place in a really cool gaming facility, that’s also a plus.”
Now a graduate student in Florida Tech’s chemical engineering program, Ryley says he routinely draws on his esports experiences as motivation in his academic work. As a researcher, esports has taught him to look for new solutions to a problem, even if everyone else approaches it the same way.
“You’re not going to get it right
the first time, and you’re probably not going to get it right the fifth time,” he says. “Even if someone else is doing it better than you right now, you can do it better than them later. It’s the same in school. You’ve got to allow yourself to not be thinking so rigidly about the world around you.”
Even if students don’t want to compete, participating in a robust esports program allows them to share their passion, connect with others and discover new opportunities, whether on campus or remotely.
“I think it gives those kids who don’t necessarily relate to traditional sports—who maybe don’t like watching football or soccer—it gives them something to be invested in and to have school spirit about that they might not normally have,” Ryley says. “I have Dana to thank because I’ve had some amazing years of my life because of the hard work she’s put in.”
While there are thousands of video game titles out there, a competitive game needs to have a certain amount of publisher backing so players know it will be around even as popular trends change. If you’re not game-savvy, the lineup can be confusing. Here are a few of the most popular:
League of Legends is a strategic multiplayer online battle set in a virtual arena. It’s a gaming staple, complete with diverse champions, complex strategies and a global following. The annual world championship keeps interest and participation high.
Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, Rocket League has carved an esports niche. Gameplay is fast-paced and requires skill, with tournaments showcasing acrobatics and precise teamwork.
Nintendo’s iconic brawler features a roster of well-known gaming characters for competitors to use. Its gameplay is accessible for newcomers, but it has the depth needed to keep the attention of longtime players.
This tactical first-person shooter challenge requires precise gunplay and unique strategies. Its team-based action is great for tournaments and is an esports favorite.
Building on the success of its predecessor, Overwatch 2 includes diverse heroes and focused gameplay. It continues to be a favorite in esports. The game highlights the collaboration and skills of five-person competitive teams. The Overwatch League has franchises worldwide.
Graham Cracker Picnic Mix
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup sugar
5 to 6 drops pink neon liquid food color
½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 package mini pastel marshmallows
1 cup bear-shaped graham crackers
1 package white fudge-covered pretzels
1 cup mini cookies
In a large pot over medium heat, stir oil, sugar and food coloring. Stir in the popcorn kernels. Cover. Cook until popcorn begins to pop. Shake pot over heat until popping slows.
Remove pan from heat. Pour popcorn into a large bowl. Add marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels and cookies. Toss lightly.
8 cups popped popcorn
2 tablespoons raspberry jam
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
½ cup white chocolate chips
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries
¼ cup dried cranberries
In a large bowl, stir together popcorn and jam until evenly coated. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
In a double boiler over barely simmering water, add peanut butter and white chocolate chips. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until smooth and melted.
Drizzle peanut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture. Sprinkle with strawberries and cranberries.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the peanut butter mixture is set. Break into pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
6 quarts popped popcorn
Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Place popcorn in a large, sealable plastic container or a 2½-gallon plastic sealable bag.
Spray popcorn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn. Shake to distribute evenly.
12 cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn
4 cups mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon green food coloring
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup green candy-coated chocolate candies
Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt marshmallows, butter and salt. Stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring and peppermint extract.
Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Toss with chocolate candies.
Shape 3 tablespoons of popcorn mixture into a small cluster. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining popcorn mixture. Cool completely.
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
In a small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freezedried strawberries until finely ground.
Place popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Toss until well-coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground strawberries. Toss until well-coated.
Scrape popcorn onto a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into an even layer.
Let stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.
5 cups popped popcorn
12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints
Cover a baking sheet with foil or wax paper. Set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in crushed peppermints.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn mixture. Stir to coat. Spread onto prepared sheet. Cool completely.
When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
8 cups popped popcorn
½ cup chopped toasted pecans
1⁄3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon bourbon
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 dash bitters
Place popcorn and pecans in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon and butter. Bring to a boil. Cook, swirling pan, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture thickens to corn syrup consistency. Stir in orange zest and bitters.
Drizzle maple syrup mixture over popcorn. Toss to evenly coat. Cool completely before serving.
Options: Substitute bourbon with rye or whiskey. For mocktail popcorn, substitute with nonalcoholic bourbon or whiskey.
My heart is heavy.
One of the true blessings of writing a column is the opportunity to share with you, my readers, not only what I see but what is on my heart. The two are often interconnected. As trite as it sounds, I feel like we are family.
In the wake of the most recent war atrocities, it’s challenging to keep my attention on things like photography and positive storytelling. Yet, even as I wade through the
emotions of these conflicts, I am reminded what a lifelong gift photography is, distracting me from deep and painful events while acting as a vehicle to share what I see and feel. For this, I am forever grateful.
Armed with a purpose, photography has always been a powerful communication tool. With it, we can shine light in dark places or quietly applaud acts of love and goodness. I believe both are necessary. While I truly admire the courage of my friends who risk their lives to show us the injustices and atrocities of war, I have chosen to celebrate light and those who reflect it.
Where there is light, there is hope. The new year is the perfect time to talk about seeing and being light. Whether
literal or metaphoric, light reveals and heals. Each of us chooses how we use light. With our cameras, as with our words, we can choose to focus on the good and lovely in our world or dwell on the dark, ugly and evil.
I attended a seminar where the speaker reminded his audience of the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. One reads the temperature, and the other changes it, he challenged.
The late Agnes Baker Pilgrim—also known as Grandma Aggie, a Native American spiritual elder I wrote about a few years ago— said she talked to water, thanking it often. She insisted water hears us. I think light is similar. I know it has a voice. n
Show me the goodness of light, as it falls on mountains, fields, streams, rooftops, bedsheets or kitchen sinks. Or, as it springs forth from the heart in acts of kindness.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
How can rechargeable hearing aids that t inside your ear costs only $297 and be every bit as good as those that sell for $4,800 or more?
The answer: The MDHearing™ NEO uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. NEO is a medical-grade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know... why pay more? PLUS... It fits inside your ear.
Looking like a miniature aircraft carrier riding on massive tires, the swamp buggy crawls along a field edge smashing through brush and high weeds near Lake Okeechobee in south Florida.
Instead of jets, this flattop carries a deck festooned with old automobile seats where hunters sit in comfort. One deck below, crates contain excited dogs.
A 250-pound feral boar erupts from cover. Wanting to trap the animal alive, we release dogs to chase this tusked mammal through briar thickets and dense underbrush.
Domestic hogs first came to North America with early European explorers. In 1539, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto landed near Tampa, bringing a large herd of pigs to feed his troops. Some pigs escaped into the wild and multiplied.
Today, the pigs’ descendants number in the millions and populate more than 35 states, with the highest concentrations of feral hogs found in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and California.
Many people consider feral hogs among the most dangerous mammals in North America.
Bristling with razor-sharp tusks up to 3 inches long, a wild boar can inflict serious injuries. Leaner and more muscled than barnyard pigs, boars can weigh more than 500 pounds, but average between 100 and 300 pounds. A coarse hide covering a thick shield of hardened scar tissue draped over its head and bony shoulders protects its vital organs.
With armor, a bad disposition and few natural enemies, adult boars fear nothing—except dogs.
In a good spot, hunters release one to three strike dogs, such as curs, redbones or walker hounds. They alternate dogs during a hunting day. Strike dogs sniff out the pigs and chase them, nipping the hogs’ tail or back legs to make them stop, face the pack and fight.
Once strike dogs bay a pig, hunters send in a catch dog, typically a strong-jawed pit bull, often wearing a spiked collar and Kevlar vest for protection. The catch dog grabs an ear, snout, other
sensitive organ or whatever it can on an angry pig to immobilize it until the humans arrive.
After an exhilarating chase behind howling hounds and an adrenaline-pumping brawl at the bay, one or more hunters grabs the pig by its hind legs. This keeps it from moving and angles the porker’s head downward to prevent it from slashing people or dogs with its tusks.
With the pig held securely, someone kills it, customarily stabbing it with a large pig-sticker knife to avoid injuring any humans or dogs. Some people shoot the pigs with handguns.
Hogs populate every Florida county. The state allows hunters to hunt feral hogs all year on private lands. Some public properties allow people to shoot wild hogs as bonus game during other open seasons. The state even offers special hog-hunting opportunities on certain lands.
Because the highly prolific nonnative animals frequently destroy fences, eat crops and tear up wildlife habitat, many landowners welcome hog hunters onto their properties.
For more on Florida hog hunting, visit myfwc.com/hunting/ wild-hog.
John N. Felsher is a freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer and editor. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,500 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoor topics. He also hosts an outdoor tips show for WAVH-FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile, Alabama. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
Mighty Conifer Knife at an Impossible Price! $99 Impossible Price
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
“Outstanding knife of high quality and a great price. I now have a number of your great cutlery in my growing collection!”
—
Robert F., Richardson, TX
e know you. You’re not interested in everyday, run-of-themill, common cutlery. You want something with a story, a unique feature that you can brag about. We’ve got just the thing for you. Our Mighty Conifer Knife is a unique tool with a Damascus steel blade and a handle crafted from an enhanced and stabilized natural pinecone. While our competitors are charging hundreds for similar knives, we’re offering the Mighty Conifer for JUST $99! That’s what we call our Stauer Impossible Price.
person who wants to stand out. CALL NOW! If you’re one of the first 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars — a $99 value — ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
Knife Specifications:
Join more than 389,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives EXCLUSIVE FREE
Each pinecone — and therefore, each knife — has its own unique characteristics. And the back of the handle features hand tooling, a further demonstration of each piece’s individual nature.
The blade is nothing to scoff at either. Constructed of Damascus steel, a modern reworking of the legendary steel forged by ancient swordsmiths, this nearly 5-inch blade features 256 layers of steel that have been folded on top of each other to increase its durability. Our competitors are charging hundreds for boring, run-of-themill knives with no features worth bragging about. We’re asking JUST $99 for a knife unlike any you’ve seen before!
With its full-tang construction and high-quality genuine leather sheath, the Mighty Conifer Knife is the perfect blade for the
• 9 1/2" overall length. Full-tang construction
• Damascus steel blade and natural pinecone handle
• Genuine leather sheath
Mighty Conifer Knife
$299 $99* + S&P Save $200
*You must use Insider Offer Code: MCK145-01 to get this price.
Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars a $99 value with your purchase
California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: MCK145-01
All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
January 1-16
First City Lights Festival
Navigate the eclectic historic district voted Florida’s Greatest Place as you experience live street performances, caroling in the streets and Winterfest Trolley Tours.
www.downtownpensacola.com; 850-434-5371
January 6 and 20
An Evening Under the Stars
Big Lagoon State Park, along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association, invites you to spend an evening gazing at the skies. Clear skies permitting, telescopes and binoculars are set up to capture views of the moon, planets and other celestial objects. All participants must enter the park before sunset.
www.floridastateparks.org; 850-492-1595
January 13
Paws for a Cause
This dog walk to Pigeon Key benefits the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at the beginning of the old 7-Mile Bridge. The walk starts at 9 a.m. Brunch is served on Pigeon Key. Bring your family and dog for a beautiful 4.4-mile walk.
305-849-6236
January 13
40th Annual Art Under the Oaks
January 6-7
Florida Keys Celtic Festival
This festival brings the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic nations to the heart of the Florida Keys. This family-friendly event features world-class musicians, performers, athletes, food, beer, and Celtic and Keys vendors. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, along with Highland Games events. This event is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
floridakeyscelticfestival.com; 850-529-0699
View fine art, original crafts and live entertainment in the San Pedro Church gardens. Enjoy refreshments, homemade bake sale goodies and raffles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but onsite parking is $5. www.artundertheoaks.com; 305-852-5372, ext. 3
January 13-14
18th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
Seafood and music combine yet again for this year’s festival at Bayview Park. From stone crabs and conch fritters to classic rock, this year’s festival brings timeless tunes and classic hits to the outdoor stage. Vendors are available for shopping, and a children’s area includes bounce houses and face painting. The $10 admission is good for both days. Children younger than 12 get in free.
floridakeysseafoodfestival.com; 305-743-0294
January 20
Kids and Kritters Mardi Gras Parade
This family-friendly Mardi Gras event is a walking procession for people and pets. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Casino Beach parking lot with a pre-parade dance show. The parade begins at 2 p.m. www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com; 850-748-6878
January 21
12th Annual Tea
Enjoy an afternoon of dining on tea sandwiches, fruit breads and decadent desserts. Join the fun with the Country Girl Dress Up contest. Doors open at 1 p.m. and tea hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-Operative, 123 Interlake Blvd. www.caladiumarts.org; 863-699-5940
January 26-27
Trash and Treasure Sale
The St. James Council of Catholic Women sponsors its annual Trash and Treasure Sale at the church’s Social Hall, 3380 Placid View Drive. The sale is one of the largest in the area with clothing, housewares, furniture, tools and fishing equipment included. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. www.stjameschurchlp.com; 863-465-3215
January 27
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band invites you to attend this free band concert in Peace Park. January’s event is Looney Tunes—Heroes and Villains. Pack a picnic basket and blanket or chairs, and load up the family and furry friends for this night of music. keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-294-1123
January 15, 22 and 29
Florida Keys Concert Series
Delirium Musicum is a self-conducted, ethnically diverse chamber orchestra from Los Angeles composed of some of classical music’s top up-and-coming young artists. Other dates include January 22 with cellist Zlatomir Fung and January 29 with Shelest Piano Duo. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the Marathon High School auditorium. www.floridakeysconcerts.com; 800-324-6982
January 27-28
Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic
Rodeo fans come to the Heartland of Florida and watch professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation compete. Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena. Food and clothing vendors are onsite. www.peaceriverprorodeo.com; 863-773-4132
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Send details in an attached Word document (no PDFs, please)—in the format shown on this page—to info@floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to register or get more information. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event— perhaps from a past year—include it with photo credit information.
Crapemyrtle is a versatile, drought-tolerant tree that produces dazzling blooms all summer long.
The tree is also a living sculpture during the winter, adding form and texture to the landscape. Late winter is the optimal time to prune crapemyrtles.
It’s important you know how to prune correctly so you can avoid topping—a practice commonly known as “crape murder.”
To properly prune crapemyrtles, use the following techniques:
• Remove suckers (small sprouts that develop along main stems or roots).
• Remove crossed, damaged or diseased branches. For crossed branches, remove the weaker of the two limbs that are crossing or rubbing.
Unfortunately, many homeowners and landscape professionals prune crapemyrtle trees too severely.
Topping can damage the tree and results in a “witch’s broom” appearance. Following this, the tree is no longer in proportion. Although topping may result in larger blooms, the flowers grow on thinner, weaker branches that droop and may even break. Topping can also shorten the life of the tree.
If you want to rehabilitate a “murdered” crapemyrtle, try one of the following options:
• Choose the strongest two sprouts from each stub, and remove the rest. This encourages remaining sprouts to grow stronger and opens the canopy of the tree. If you follow this procedure for a few seasons, the tree should improve in health and appearance.
• Cut the tree back to between 1 to 2 inches of the ground while the tree is dormant. After two to three weeks of growth, select three to five of the most vigorous new shoots on each trunk and remove all others. Remove any new shoots that emerge later. Within three to five years, you should again have a natural-looking crapemyrtle.
Spread the word to help eliminate crape murder. Use proper pruning techniques on your own trees or ask your yard maintenance professionals about their pruning techniques. Choose an appropriately sized plant for your site and prune sparingly to maintain beautiful crapemyrtles in your yard.
The UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program focuses on educating citizens about the science-based landscape and gardening information developed by the University of Florida. These volunteers share this knowledge with people in their communities to help conserve water, protect natural resources, and improve the lives of Florida residents. Visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions at gardeningsolutions.ifas. ufl.edu for more information on gardening in Florida.
There are so many ways you can save energy! Saving energy helps reduce your family’s monthly bills—and it helps our environment. Change your energy use habits by following the monthly tips below. Keep this calendar on your refrigerator to remind family members to be energy efficient throughout the year.
JANUARY FEBRUARYMARCHAPRIL
Turn off ceiling fans when you leave room.
Decorate your backyard or porch with solarpowered lights.
Close the door when going inside or outside the house. Don’t let cooled air escape!
Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Turn off running water while brushing your teeth.
Take short showers instead of baths.
Unplug energy vampires, like chargers, gaming consoles and cable/ satellite boxes.
Dry heavy linens outside on a clothesline instead of using the dryer.
Ask an adult to help you plant a tree to help shade your home in the summer.
Ask an adult to help you schedule a reminder to change the air conditioning filter every 60-90 days.
Remind family members to use cold water when washing clothes.
Decorate your home with energysaving LED holiday lights.
If your goal is to use less water, inspecting equipment and changing habits can help. Consider these tips.
• Check faucets and pipes for leaks. A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water a day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
• Check your toilets for leaks. Put a little food coloring in your tank. If the color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes without flushing, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.
• Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks. Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
• To reduce water waste, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster, or put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw on
the lids and put them in your toilet tank, away from the operating mechanisms. This may save 10 or more gallons of water a day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it flushes properly. If there is not enough water to get a proper flush, users hold the lever down too long or do multiple flushes to get rid of waste. Two flushes at 1.4 gallons are more wasteful than a single 2-gallon flush.
• For new toilet installations, consider buying low-flush models, which use 1 to 2 gallons a flush instead of as much as 7 gallons. Replacing a 4.75-gallon-per-flush toilet with an ultra-low volume flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and cuts indoor water use by about 30%.
• Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. You waste water every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or a small bit of trash.
• Insulate your water pipes. It is easy and inexpensive with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You get hot water faster and
avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Take shorter showers. Turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. Long showers use 5 to 10 gallons every minute.
• Install water-saving showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Low-flow means it uses fewer than 2.5 gallons a minute.
• When shaving, fill the sink with a few inches of warm water and rinse your razor in the sink. This cleans your razor with far less wasted water.
• For optimum water conservation, use your dish-washer and clothes washer for full loads only.
• With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an extra 5 gallons of water for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old washers. Energy Star-rated models use 35% to 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you are in the market for a new washer, consider buying a water-saving frontloader.
• Minimize the use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units. In-sink garburators require lots of water to operate properly and add to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternative way to dispose of food waste.
• When washing dishes by hand, do not leave the water running for rinsing. If you have a double basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a pan of hot water. Dual-swivel aerators make this easier.
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Most soap manufacturers do not recommend pre-rinsing.
• Don’t let the faucet run while you clean fruits and vegetables. Instead, rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water. Use a dual-setting aerator. n
Source: eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
take on a major household efficiency project this year and save big on your energy bills
By David Herder
Big things.
We can all think of improvements we would like to make in the new year, whether it is eating healthier, volunteering more or lowering our expenses. One way to spend less in the new year and for many more to come is to make household energy efficiency a goal.
Making small changes to your routine can add up to significant savings. But do you know what adds up faster than small things?
If you’re willing to make the initial investment, resolve to go big by taking on one of these projects.
For most houses, maintaining the desired indoor temperature makes up the largest chunk of energy use. If you’re paying to cool the air, you want to keep it inside your house.
Common spots to insulate are attics, walls, floors and anywhere your house contacts the outside. Just like you want a jacket between you and extreme temperatures, you want insulation between your home and the outdoors.
Insulation is rated in R-values. The minimum suggested attic insulation R-value for Florida is R-30. In many cases, it is a good idea to get professional insulation help.
Air sealing is another step to prevent drafts by physically closing gaps and cracks. In some cases, this can be as simple as adding caulking or weatherstripping to places where you notice air leaks.
If you want to take it a step further, find a contractor to do a home blower test to find and seal leaks.
If you’re considering doing some air sealing on your own, the Department of Energy offers tips at www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home.
What are windows but walls you can see through?
Like outer walls, they touch the outdoors, and unlike many walls, they aren’t filled with thick insulation. Heat gain through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy.
Energy Star windows typically have high U-factors, a measurement of how well they insulate. Get multiple
quotes for any home improvement project, including windows, and be on the lookout for rebates from utilities, state programs and the federal government.
If you aren’t buying new windows right away, consider steppingstones such as adding weatherstripping, caulking gaps and using thermal drapes.
Seal Ducts
Just like you don’t want your cooled air to leak outdoors, you don’t want your air leaking into parts of the house where you never go.
If you have ductwork in an attic, crawlspace or other unairconditioned area, the ducts could have leaks that increase your energy bill. According to the Department of Energy, 20% to 30% of the air moved through ducts is lost to leakage.
Hire a professional to seal your ducts, or seal them yourself with metal tape or duct mastic specifically designed for the job. Do not use duct tape, which will dry out and lose adhesion.
Programmable Thermostat
If an air conditioner turns on, but nobody is there to hear it, does it make a noise? One thing we know is that it would impact your energy bill.
Both programmable and smart thermostats help people save energy by changing the temperature throughout the day. You can
Before starting a project, it is important to take a step back and consider, “What will make the biggest impact?” This means knowing how efficient your house is and where the energy use is going.
A home energy assessment looks for air leaks, insufficient insulation, energy-hog appliances or other issues, and evaluates your total energy use. Conducting a home energy assessment lets you know where any inefficiencies in your house are, giving you a blueprint for fixing them.
Find a contractor to do an in-depth home energy assessment, or the Department of Energy offers guides on assessments— including tips for a do-it-yourself assessment— at www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments.
save 10% on energy bills by turning back the thermostat 10% to 15% for eight hours a day, according to the Department of Energy.
Whether that means cooling less during the day while you’re at work or turning the thermostat up a few degrees while you’re sleeping, a programmable thermostat ensures you’re only cooling the air you feel.
Sometimes, there are no words to describe your day—good or bad. Other times, days are long and tiring, so who wants to spend energy writing at the end of the night?
However, if you’re set on journaling in 2024, there are still options that can turn that dread into excitement.
Try taking writing out of the mix. Journaling doesn’t have to include words. Focus on visuals: drawing or doodles, graphs, daily Polaroids or creating pixels.
Documenting the year in pixels has been a favorite among bullet journaling in the past few years. Follow these six steps to set yourself up for an easy year of journaling:
• Find a piece of paper. This could be within a journal or a standalone piece. Keep it where you can find it at the end of the day.
• Choose five to 10 colors from your set of colored pencils, pens or markers. The medium you choose depends on how vibrant you want your pixels to be. Pens and markers tend to be brighter.
• On your piece of paper, draw a horizontal line at the top of the paper and a vertical line along the left side. Draw an additional 31 horizontal lines going down the page and 12 vertical lines across the page, creating little squares that become pixels as they
month above the columns. Along the left side, number the rows one to 31 downward.
• To the right side of the page, create a key. Match a color with an emotion or state of mind you were in that day.
• List emotions or states of mind you might feel throughout the year. Some useful ones are: good, happy, normal, routine, productive, lazy, unmotivated, angry and sad. To the left of these words, assign a color. You can choose as few or as many colors as you would like for your year.
SHE FOUGHT FOR
COUNTRY. IT’S OUR DUTY TO FIGHT FOR HER.
Wounded Warrior Project ® long-term support programs provide these brave men and women whatever they need to continue their fight for independence. At no cost. For life. Help us help more of these warriors in their new life-long battle. Find out what you can do at fi ndWWP.org.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is committed to protecting our member data and digital assets. To ensure security, we implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program involving many tools and levels of monitoring protection that aims to surpass national standards that energy and defense companies are required to follow.
Our protection program includes the FKEC IT Department’s recent completion of all 10 goals in NRECA’s Co-op Cyber Goals program.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association recognizes this as a major achievement toward establishing a level of cybersecurity to help FKEC and our industry electricity grid be better protected from cyber threats.
“Successful cybersecurity is a team effort,” says IT Director Tamie Fox. “All of our security measures take the diligent work of the IT Department as well as the active cooperation of every employee to do their part.”
In addition to our preventative work, we are also committed to keeping our members informed. Should any threat to member personal
information be made, FKEC will promptly notify you, our valued members, to make you aware of our thorough action to address the issue.
Knowledge is power. To help reduce cyber risk, visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency online at www.CISA.gov. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. When we all take simple steps to be safer online at home, in the workplace, and in our communities, it makes using the Internet a more secure experience. Consider implementing these best practices into your digital lifestyle:
• Use Multifactor Authentication. While multifactor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication) adds complexity to the login process, it is a vital piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. Implementing this feature on your email account, financial services, and social media accounts is strongly recommended.
• Update Your Software. This simple step helps to protect your devices and software from known security issues. You can simplify this step
by turning on your devices, applications, and operating systems’ automatic update capability. Set it help keep your data secure.
inspect all emails closely and ask yourself, does this seem legitimate, and should I believe it?
Visit www.FKEC.com and go to login, or scan the QR code to get the Mobile App!
• Think Before You Click. Unfortunately, over 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email. Remember, phishing emails are a type of social engineering scam where the attackers try to deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware such as ransomware. These emails may look a little off, may try to get you to act quickly, and typically have a link that looks like it could be legitimate. Make sure you
• Use Strong Passwords. Using a long, complex password is still essential to securing your accounts. Choose passwords that meet complex password rules and are hard to guess. Avoid any information in your password that a malicious person could easily guess about you.
At FKEC, we are committed to aggressively protecting our member data and maintaining a secure link between cyberspace and our physical systems to ensure safe power service.