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Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

F E B R UA RY 2017

Employees Complete Safety Course Jacob O’Bryan, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative apprentice line technician, “rescues” a 150-pound dummy from the top of a pole as part of a course required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. See more on page 8. PHOTO BY KRISTIN EVANS

Annual Meeting is May 6 PAGE 4 Project Helping Hand Program PAGE 26 n

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Gulf Coast

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Inside

February 2017 Vol. 6, No. 4

Unscripted ‘Real Life’ 12

Being cast on a reality television show offers participants a fleeting chance at fame and fortune. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

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

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Gulf Coast

69th Annual Meeting Scheduled Member gathering is Saturday, May 6 Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s 69th Annual Members’ Meeting is just around the corner. We look forward to seeing all of our members there. The meeting, of course, is yours. The agenda reflects what keeps your electric cooperative in business to serve your community. Your vote, voice and participation all go into making your cooperative a unique entity. You might say the cooperative way of conducting business is truly democracy in action. Bring the family, meet and greet your neighbors and friends, and make your annual meeting a memorable moment on May 6. n

District 2 Trustees Up for Election on May 6 As Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative celebrates its 69th Annual Members’ Meeting, it also is a time to elect your representatives. According to the bylaws, the board must name the Nominating Committee at least 90 days prior to the meeting. The committee must be selected by February 5. The Nominating Committee must meet and nominate candidates for open trustee positions at least 60 days prior to the annual meeting. Those not selected by the Nominating Committee, but interested in serving, have until February 28 to present a nomination by petition to have their names on the ballot. A

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

petition needs the signature of 15 cooperative members. Interested persons should have no trouble getting their names on the ballot. District 2 trustees are up for election this year. The incumbents for the three positions are Waylon Graham, Group 1; Doug Birmingham, Group 2; and Eddie Jones, Group 3. The 69th Annual Members’ Meeting is Saturday, May 6. Copies of the bylaws and the nominating procedures are available in GCEC’s main office in Wewahitchka or district offices in Southport or Panama City. You also may view the co-op’s bylaws at www.gcec.com.

Right-of-Way Trimming Necessary to Ensure Safety and Reliability Do you live in the Crystal Lake or Fountain areas? Gulf Coast Electric will be clearing rights-of-way in those areas during February. GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the

right-of-way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members. The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s right-ofway clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages. GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights-of-way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n

Meet Your District 2 Trustee

Waylon Graham represents members residing in the White City area. He began serving on Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees in 2005. Waylon is a graduate of Frink High School, formerly in Calhoun County, and received his associate’s degree from Chipola Junior College, which he attended on a basketball scholarship. He attended numerous managerial schools throughout his 41 years of employment with Arizona Chemical Co. He held managerial positions for 25 years, including personnel director for 12 years. Waylon served 16 years on the Gulf County School Board, five as chairman; four years on the Apalachee Regional Planning Council; 27 years with the Port St. Joe

Volunteer Fire Department, more than 18 as an officer; 20 years as a Little League basketball coach; more than 25 years with the Port St. Joe High School Quarterback Club; and more than 20 years with the Lions Club. He also has volunteered to run the clock at the Port St. Joe High School basketball games. In appreciation for his dedication to the athletic programs of Port St. Joe High School, Waylon was inducted into the Port St. Joe High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Waylon earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. The program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core

courses: Director Utilities and Liabilities; Understanding the Electric Business; Board Roles and Relationships; Business Planning; and Understanding Financial Planning. He also earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board Leadership Certificate. That program consists of 10 courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. Courses provide advanced study in areas such as risk management, ratemaking and policy development. In recognition of his commitment to continuing education throughout his service on the board, Waylon also has earned the Director Gold certificate from NRECA. The designation recognizes directors who have earned both their Credentialed

Waylon Graham

Cooperative Director and Board Leadership certificates. Waylon is president of the GCEC board and serves on the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board of Directors. He previously served on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative board. n F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Gulf Coast

Employee News

Four Take on New Roles At Gulf Coast Electric

Sheila Alston

Lindsay Peak

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Rebecca Green

Tommy Wood

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees have transferred into new positions. Shelia Alston and Rebecca Green have been promoted to member service representative. Both have worked at the cooperative for a year and previously held the titles of cashier/receptionist. Lindsay Peak is now work order and purchasing specialist. She has worked for the cooperative since 2011, previously as member relations specialist. Lindsay has an associate degree from Gulf Coast Community College and a bachelor’s in professional communication from Florida State University. She has completed the Center for Development of Security Excellence’s JPAS/JCAVS Virtual Training for Security Professionals. Tommy Wood is the new warehouse clerk. He assumed the position vacated by the retirement of Danny Little. Tommy has worked at GCEC since 1983 in the right-of-way, underground and overhead construction departments. The Wewahitchka High School graduate completed the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association Apprentice Lineman Training program. n

Danny Little

Calling It Quits After 33 Years Danny Little retired after nearly 33 years of service to the cooperative. Danny worked as an equipment operator in the underground department for two years. He began work in the warehouse in 1986 and held the titles of warehouseman, warehouse clerk, senior warehouse clerk and supervisor of purchasing and warehousing. n

New Employee Joins GCEC Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the addition of a new Gayla Burge employee. Gayla Burge joins the cooperative as accounts payable specialist. She is a graduate of Florida State University. n

GCEC Presents Capital Credit Checks

In appreciation of your patronage, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative returned $500,000 to its membership in late 2016, giving refunds to those who belonged to the cooperative in 1983 and 2015.

Secretary Eddie Jones, left, presents a capital credit refund to Scott Colemore of Eastern Shipbuilding.

Trustee Betty Moore, front center, presents a capital credit refund check to Northwest Florida Reception Center, back row from left, Christine Pippin, Jessica Santiago, Mitchell Brown, Lorie Lykins, Mikel Corbett and David Maddox.

President Waylon Graham, right, presents a capital credit refund check to Assistant Warden Steve Roddenberry of Gulf Correctional Institution.

Vice President Jimmy Black, right, presents a capital credit refund check to Cheryl Flax-Hyman of Gulf Coast State College.

Treasurer Rupert Brown, left, presents a capital credit refund to Beth Biddle, center, and Amy McCormick of Ebro Greyhound Park.

Trustee Gary Cox, left, presents a capital credit refund to Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt.

Trustee Robert Byrd, right, presents a capital credit refund check to Ulysses Carlini, general manager of WJHG.

Trustee Doug Birmingham, left, presents a capital credit refund to Wewahitchka High School Principal Jay Bidwell. F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Gulf Coast

Employees Complete Safety Course Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees recently completed a poletop rescue course, which is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The purpose of this training is to teach employees how to save their co-workers in the event of accidental contact with an electric line. The course consisted of each employee “rescuing” a 150-pound dummy from the top of a pole. The employees learned the proper way to climb a pole, which tools were needed to rescue a co-worker and the type of knots to tie in the straps. n 8

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Top photo: Jason Curry, center, “rescues” the dummy from the top of a pole while Will Coatney, left, and T.J. Davis look on. Above, from left: David Syffret, Josh Pitts, Issac Madrid and Chad Brackin tie the appropriate knots in the strap to rescue the dummy. Right: Operations Manager Andy Dick, left, and Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson time employees, as Jason Curry looks on. Photos by Kristin Evans

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Giving Voice to History With each project, exhibit creator Deb Burdick strives to offer an experience as her team tells a story By Susan Suggs

Postcards From Florida

Bradenton

m Connor

Photo by To

A sun-kissed goodnight captured from Jigg’s Landing Fish Camp. “What I as the photographer appreciate about the photo is the lily pads in the foreground directing the eyes toward the hues of blue and orange reflecting off the water,” says Tom Connor. “It was a very peaceful moment engaging with nature and allowing me to reflect as well.” 10

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Exhibit master Deb Burdick is part Disney and part historian. As one of two professionals of the Alvaré Design team in Pensacola, Deb is responsible for many familiar exhibits at the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Flight Academy, Voices of Pensacola, the Appleyard Storytelling Cottage and the recent Trader Jon’s exhibit at the T.T. Wentworth Museum. Deb says it is a challenge to describe what she does. “When someone visits a completed exhibit and asks me, ‘What did you do here?’ the answer is, ‘Wherever you look, there is likely not much I haven’t helped measure, visualize, demolish, install or finish,’ ” Deb says. “I put the emphasis on helped because as part of our small-bychoice exhibit design partnership, I get to experience the whole creative process from start to finish.” Originally from Michigan, Deb and her husband moved to the area to pursue work opportunities. Deb wasn’t sure what she would find. She got her start by joining a Pensacola-area museum exhibit designer seeking research and writing help 17 years ago. Working as an advertising copywriter at the time, Deb’s project-based work gradually grew into what is now the partnership of Alvaré Design. Deb says designing and creating exhibits draws from a broad range of skills, including subject research, presenting concepts, drawing and reading construction plans, finding and hiring subcontractors, graphic design and production, installation, woodworking, metal working, sewing, cleaning, organizing and writing. The team does not just tell a story. It creates an environment for the viewer to experience compelling stories in unexpected ways, Deb says.

“When we create an exhibit, our first question is always the one we anticipate prospective visitors asking: ‘What is this, and why should I care?’” Deb explains. “When you experience one of our exhibits, I hope we’ve managed to give its subject a voice. That might be, what was Pensacola’s role in the Civil War? How does the weather affect the Navy? And most recently, who was Trader Jon? We thrive on the challenge of creating genuine, lasting interest in whatever the subject of our current project might be.” Deb comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. For several generations, her family owned and operated a Christmas tree farm and landscape company. Although she has done many other things through the years, the time spent working in the family business in her youngest years left an enduring imprint. “The value of working hard—doing whatever needed to be done, having a good attitude, attending to even the smallest details—those seeds were planted very early and they took root,” Deb says. “All the skills, habits and values picked up from childhood and through the years resonate in the work I’m doing now. I cannot imagine a life that doesn’t include words and stories.” Deb enjoys the variety of subjects and people she gets to know. Each project is

A Step Back in Time

Deb Burdick with the “Pensacola: City of Five Flags” exhibit she and the Alvaré Design team created for the T.T. Wentworth Museum several years ago. Photo by Michael Duncan

unique: different space, different subject, different approach, different timeframe, different budget and different client. Yet with everything that is different, she says some things are the same. Regardless of size or scope, every project follows a similar progression. “Initially, all we’re looking at is thin air, or construction drawings, or a space that needs to be demolished and reconstructed,” Deb says. “Based on years of experience, that’s the time we listen most carefully to the space and the subject, and visualize how something will look long before it ever exists.” Since 1994, Alvaré Design has collaborated with a broad range of clients, subject-matter experts and other exhibit specialists to create world-class exhibits that travel around the world aboard U.S. Navy ships and have gone into space on

the International Space Station. Students from Alaska to Florida are learning in immersive classroom environments at the National Flight Academy, where Deb has given a four-story building the look, sound, feel and even smell of a modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. “This work has given me incredible opportunities—things I never imagined getting to do, like a tailhook landing and catapult-assisted takeoff aboard the USS Enterprise, and meeting people I never imagined getting to know, like one of the original Tuskegee Airmen,” Deb says. “I’ve asked a million questions, and learned there is so much I still don’t know. I’ve learned the importance of being generous with time and resources and wisdom and encouragement, and of giving those who will follow in our footsteps the benefit of all those things.” n

The latest exhibit at T.T. Wentworth Museum takes you back to Trader Jon’s—an iconic Pensacola Palafox bar owned and operated by Martin “Trader Jon” Weissman. The exhibit was created by Deb Burdick and the Alvaré Design team. Known by naval aviators worldwide as the place to go, relax and swap stories for drinks with the owner, Trader Jon’s is a unique exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of the man and Pensacola’s ties to naval aviation. Weissman operated Trader Jon’s from 1953 until 1998. During that time, the bar was filled with photographs and relics that eventually occupied every available square inch of the bar’s walls. Visitors enter the exhibit through Trader Jon’s original front door to experience what it was like to see the plaques, flight suits, signed photos of celebrities and model airplanes that once hung from the bar’s ceiling, along with a miniaturized version of the bar’s Blue Angels Museum room. Visitors can even hear the voice of Trader Jon himself as part of the running presentation of the film “The Life and Times of Trader Jon.” n For more information about the Trader Jon exhibit now at the T.T. Wentworth Museum, visit www.historicpensacola.org.

The many views of Trader Jon, as captured in the exhibit at the T.T. Wentworth Museum. Photo by Michael Duncan

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Unscripted ‘Real Life’ Being cast on a reality television show offers participants a chance at fame and fortune By Pamela A. Keene

Keith Colburn makes his living as a crab fisherman, spending weeks, sometimes months, at a time battling the elements on a quest for the catch that will financially make or break his next 12 months. “What we do is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet,” says the 53-year-old captain of The Wizard and one of the stars of “Deadliest Catch,” which is in its 13th season on Discovery Channel. The television show portrays the real-life events aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. “We’re all about trying to catch crabs, not be TV stars, but now I can’t go anywhere without being recognized,” he says. Since Keith has been featured multiple seasons, his moment in the spotlight is longer than most. Competitors on shows such as “Survivor” and “The Voice” usually have one shot at notoreity. Whether a contestant wins big money or becomes a household name, merely being cast on a reality show is life-changing—and the format is incredibly popular with those in the TV business. “I think reality programming’s growth is partly related to the increase in entertainment channels and platforms,” says “Big Brother” Executive Producer Allison Grodner. “There is a growing demand for new content, and unscripted is generally faster and cheaper to produce than scripted.” Challenging Times in Front of the Camera Being part of a television show is challenging, and that is magnified when space is tight and at a

Deckhand Kevin Stafford pulls in crab off The Wizard during the 2014 fishing season. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

premium. Keith and the other captains have work to do, and everyone on the crew has assignments. “Add a producer and a camera person, and the crew has to learn to adjust to more bodies on the boat who are trying to capture the best shots while they’re trying to do their jobs,” Keith says. “It can be tough.” He says the biggest surprise for him has been how much people respond to the show. “What I do, how scary it is, it’s what really happens out there,” says Keith. “It’s our lives. I think people are intrigued by the danger.” When not working, he retreats to his 36-foot Sea Ray cabin cruiser. “It’s a nice diversion,” Keith says. “I named it ‘Esperance,’ which means ‘hope.’ I just like to disappear on it.” Surviving Trials and Tribulations Kail Harbick had no place to hide as a contestant on CBS’s “Big Brother” Season 8. She says she had a target on her back from the minute she set foot in the house. “When I overheard a couple of the guys say, ‘Let’s get the old lady out,’ I knew—once I figured out that I was the second-oldest at 37—my days were limited,” she says. “They wanted it to be a real party house, and they were certain I wouldn’t fit in. My original strategy was simply to not rock the boat, but after hearing that I went on the offensive.” Contestants are monitored with microphones and cameras 24 hours a day. Each week, a head of household nominates fellow houseguests for eviction until only one remains and wins $500,000. Kail won the head of household contest the first episode, but it was downhill from there. “Later, someone told me that being head of household is the kiss of death,” says the former real estate agent and the fifth houseguest voted out. “I never recovered.” Kail had dreamed for years about being chosen for “Big Brother,” applying three times. “I was so excited, but I didn’t really know what to expect, even after watching the show for so many seasons,” she says. Before entering the Big Brother house, Kail and 13 strangers each had to spend a week alone isolated in a hotel room with no phone or television. “I was homesick from the beginning,” she says. “It was so tough. All I could think about was my

Fans of Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” have witnessed the personal ups and downs of Captain Keith Colburn of The Wizard—including the stresses of running a business and his struggles to save his 25-year marriage, which ultimately failed. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel/Jason Elias

husband and my children back home. The isolation was terrible. It was such an emotional roller coaster.” Today, 10 years later, Kail is pursuing another dream: earning her ministry leadership degree at New Hope Christian College in Eugene, Oregon. “I’m giving motivational biblical speeches,” she says. “I’m completely content about where I am now.” Second Time is a Charm With two chances at big money on CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” Eric Sanchez of South Florida knows what it is like to finish second and win it all. On Season 9, Eric and race partner Jeremy Ryan were runners-up in the around-the-world trek, dividing $25,000. Two years later, Eric partnered with another Season 9 competitor for Season 11 AllStars—his then-girlfriend Danielle Turner—to take home and share the $1 million top prize. Eric bought a nice house and a new car, and gave some of the money to his family. “I moved to California for a year, just because I always wanted to live there, and the rest I used for

adventures and good times, including some travel,” says the now 38-year-old who works in general aviation sales. “But looking back on it, I wouldn’t be doing anything differently today if I hadn’t won the money. I did get to see the world and make good friends, so I guess in some ways it changed the course of my life. For me, the biggest takeaway was realizing that the world is not that big a place and there’s really lots to see and do.” Idaho’s Jon Peter Lewis, who now lives in Los Angeles, landed spots on “American Idol” in 2004 as a solo performer and on “The Voice” as half of the duo “Midas Whale” with friend Ryan Hayes in 2014. His finish in the top 10 of “American Idol” led to a spot in the 50-city American Idols Live tour. Jon Peter met Ryan in 2010 and the two of them launched “Deep Love: A Ghostly Folk Opera” in Idaho. The show was part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2015.

“Survivor” contestant Lindsey Richter was one of the tribe members who appeared on the cover of TV Guide. Photo courtesy of TV Guide Magazine

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

is working to establish himself after competing on “American Idol” in 2014, finishing fifth. He said he wanted to be a performer from a young age, and his time on the show helped solidify his dream. “‘Idol’ was a turning point for me,” says the now20-year-old, who lives in Boston. “I realized that I’d have to work very hard, and that’s what I’m willing to do as I’m focusing on my songwriting and guitar playing. I’m doing what I want to do for my career. ‘Idol’ helped me grow as an artist and as a person.”

Nick Hanson maintains his balance as he moves through the obstacles during the Las Vegas finals of “American Ninja Warrior.” Photo courtesy of David Becker/NBC

Sam Woolf is happy pursuing a music career post “American Idol.” Photo by Lou Ziebell

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

“With these competitions, you really need to have some music ready within a couple of weeks of being on the shows,” Jon Peter says. “That’s about the best way that you can convert that national exposure into something consumable. “Right now I’m very happy, and music is taking me where it wants to take me. I’m grateful for having been on these shows. It was well worth it for me.” Post-Reality Success Few reality TV participants achieve international fame and long-term recognition. “People on reality shows bask in their 15 minutes, but it takes someone with branding and marketing savvy to prolong their fame into long-lasting success,” says psychologist Michael Gene Ondrusek, who was a consultant to the producers of CBS’s “Survivor” during the program’s early seasons. “You’ve got a short time to build your brand and get traction.” Such is often the case with talent competitions. Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks have had commercial success after winning “American Idol.” Others who appeared on the show but did not win—including Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson—also made a name for themselves. But they are the exception, not the rule. Sam Woolf, who grew up in Bradenton, Florida,

A Life-Changing Opportunity Fame can be fleeting, but it does offer a platform. “I was bullied as a kid,” says 29-year-old Nick Hanson of Unalakleet, Alaska, who has competed on “American Ninja Warrior” the past two seasons. “That’s where my competitive spirit comes from, so I work with kids to help them be strong. It was hard for me because when I came here, I didn’t look like a native. I took up sports to try and fit in.” The show allows him to share his message. “The momentum from ‘American Ninja Warrior’ has helped me dive even deeper into who I am,” Nick says. “I love my culture and where I came from. It has opened doors for me to tell my story.” Lindsey Richter Voreis of Portland, Oregon, who was on “Survivor: Africa” in 2001, says what producers don’t tell you is, “When you’re done, you’re done.” “But it doesn’t have to be that way,” Lindsey says. “For me, it was a real wake-up call, a life-changer. It was the best and worst experience of my life.” Lindsey admits her self-esteem took a big hit. “For one thing, I was pretty naïve and clueless back then,” says the longtime athlete who began mountain biking in the mid-1990s. “A lot of my drama was based on my fears and insecurities.” Lindsey says the broadcasts were not accurate as far as what went on during the tapings. “I was made out to be the villain,” she says, noting producers definitely encouraged bad behavior. “It was very malicious and manipulative. In a way, it’s kind of sad that with all the hard things happening in the world that we participated in this trivial human experiment.” Lindsey says her time on “Survivor” opened her eyes and started her journey toward being a positive influence on people’s lives. Several years ago, she launched LIV Ladies AllRide mountain bike camps for women, using her lessons learned for good. “I had the gift of seeing behaviors that weren’t serving me well, and took the opportunity to change them,” Lindsey says. “The show did a number on me, but, yes, I’d do it again, even knowing what I know now.” n

Inside the Head of Reality TV Genre dates to the days of radio By Pamela A. Keene

How much is 15 minutes of fame worth? For competitors on today’s reality television shows, it can mean a great deal: instant fame and recognition, a chance to win big money or a vehicle to further an agenda. “People on reality shows bask in their 15 minutes, but it takes someone with branding and marketing savvy to prolong their fame into long-lasting success,” says Michael Gene Ondrusek, who served as a psychological consultant to the producers of CBS’s Eric Sanchez, left, and his competition partner Jeremy Ryan check out instructions in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square during an “Amazing Race” stop in Moscow. “Survivor” during the program’s early seasons. Ondrusek helped prescreen potential competitors, Photo by Elise Doganieri/CBS consulted with producers and the crew, worked on set with castaways and debriefed contestants as they Edgerton breaks TV history into the Network Era from were voted off the island. At first, his job focused on screening 1948-75, the Cable Era from 1976-94 and the Digital Era from out high-risk contestants—those who might not be psychologi1995 to the present. He credits HBO for jump-starting the cable cally stable enough to withstand the pressures of the show or era with its breakthrough pay-for-service via satellite. who, if things did not go their way, might sue the show. “They innovated to such a degree that they broke away from “Then it became more about screening ‘in’ interesting people the pack, and then, as is the case in any popular art, all the who would make the show more intriguing,” Ondrusek says. other major competitors started to imitate them,” he says. “For some contestants, the chance at a $1 million prize was just Edgerton says more than a dozen sub-genres of reality TV a postscript. They would have even done it for free.” are aired today, including dating/romance shows, news docuReality TV is nothing new. “Candid Microphone”—the forementaries, cooking shows, talent competitions, strength and runner of “Candid Camera”—delighted radio audiences in the ability competitions, game shows and talk shows. 1940s with people caught unaware on the airwaves in funny Although Edgerton says people are starting to tire of watchand embarrassing situations. ing reality TV and are shifting back to scripted programming, “Other waves of reality TV over the years include Edward Ondrusek says reality TV is like “crack” for viewers—and that is R. Murrow’s ‘See It Now,’ ‘Person to Person’ and ‘The Real a win for the networks. World’ on MTV,” says Gary Edgerton, author of “The Columbia “It’s successful because of people’s desire to watch what others History of American Television” and dean of the College of do in contrived situations,” he says. “It humanizes the viewer’s Communication at Butler University in Indianapolis. “You can battle between ‘I’m all over that’ and ‘I wouldn’t do that in a even put TV game shows into this genre. Anything that’s not million years or for $1 million’—and some viewers would love scripted can be called reality TV.” the chance to do something on the show differently or better.” The debut of “Survivor” in the summer of 2000 signaled the More stunts, challenges and outrageous situations ensure latest reality TV explosion. The expansion of broadcast chandevoted viewers, Ondrusek says. nels beyond ABC, CBS, NBC, the CW and Fox during the “The producers and networks look for new models that past 15 years has created a demand for more programming break new boundaries and up their game,” he explains. “The as Netflix, A&E, USA, the Discovery Channel, the History bottom line is that the networks are in the game to make Channel and the other 640 or so outlets for entertainment seek money, and as long as these programs are successful and profitlower-cost ways to fill their broadcast time. able, they will continue.” “Reality TV provided cheap programming and a way to fill While participants often view reality TV as a way to open a time,” Edgerton says. “The casting in these shows creates the window to future fame, it does not often work out that way. real drama. Producers look to create a setting and infuse dra“You’ve got a short time to build your brand and get tracmatic conflict, so they look for certain types of contestants to tion, but one thing that reality has fed is the rapid growth of put together, then they shoot loads of footage and create more YouTube,” says Ondrusek. “It’s a place where anyone at any time drama in the editing room.” can record anything and become a ‘star.’ ” n

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Toffee and melted chocolate elevate popcorn to a new level of deliciousness. Photos courtesy of The Popcorn Board

Versatile Popcorn Makes Tasty Treats English Toffee Popcorn Bars 21/2 quarts popped popcorn 1 cup peanuts 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Toffee

11/2 cups butter 11/2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons water 41/2 teaspoons light corn syrup

Chocolate Topping 11/2 cups (9 ounces) chocolate pieces 1 tablespoon shortening

Combine popcorn, peanuts and toasted coconut. Cover the bottom of a buttered 15½-by-101/2-by-1-inch jellyroll pan with half of the popcorn mixture. Keep filled pan and remaining popcorn mixture warm in a 200 F oven. To make toffee, melt butter over low 16

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

heat in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Add sugar and blend well. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches a full boil. Add water and corn syrup; mix well. Wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar granules. Cook and stir over low heat, until mixture reaches softcrack stage on a candy thermometer (280 degrees). Immediately pour mixture over warm popcorn in jellyroll pan, ensuring all popcorn is covered. Quickly spread and press remaining popcorn mixture into hot toffee. Set aside to cool. To make chocolate topping, melt chocolate and shortening over low heat. Spread over popcorn mixture, making certain any loose pieces are held in place. Cool, then cut into bars.

Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix 5 cups popped popcorn 3 cups whole grain oat cereal 1/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup peanuts or other nuts 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup butter 6 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoon light corn syrup

Stir together popcorn, cereal, raisins and nuts in a large microwavable bowl; set aside. Combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan. Heat until boiling. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute.

Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Pop-a-rif-ic Popcorn Balls 3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted 1 pound marshmallows 1/4 cup butter

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, cook marshmallows and butter over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn, tossing gently to mix well. Cool for 5 minutes. Butter hands well and form about 14 2½-inch balls. To color the popcorn balls, add a few drops of food coloring to the smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well, then pour over popcorn as instructed.

Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn 2 quarts popped popcorn 11/2 cups pecan halves 1/2 cup almonds 11/3 cups granulated sugar 1 cup butter 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Line a large rimmed baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside. Spray a large non-plastic bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn and nuts inside. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Clip on a candy thermometer and boil, stirring occasionally, until temperature reaches 290 F. Remove candy thermometer and stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir to coat well. Spread popcorn mixture in an even layer on prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and cool completely before breaking into pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container.

Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix 8 cups popped popcorn 6 slices thick-cut bacon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon maple extract

Heat oven to 400 F. Line jellyroll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes until ends of bacon start to curl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup; bake 15 minutes more until browned. Cool, then coarsely chop bacon. Combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine butter, pepper, extract, remaining syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter melts. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly. Spread popcorn mixture in jellyroll pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Truffle Popcorn 11/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons white truffle oil, divided 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 1 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

In a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, place olive oil and 1 tablespoon truffle oil. Add three popcorn kernels. Heat over medium-high heat until a kernel pops. Add remaining popcorn; cover. Once corn begins to pop, shake pot constantly over heat. When popping slows, remove pot from heat and transfer popcorn to a large serving bowl.

Popcorn takes on a savory tone with bacon, maple syrup and maple extract.

Melt butter and mix in 2 teaspoons of truffle oil. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss. Sprinkle cheese, salt and pepper over popcorn and toss to distribute evenly. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Cinnamon Sugar Kettle Corn 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher or table salt

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl; set aside. In a large pot with a lid, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add popcorn kernels and cover. When kernels begin popping, carefully lift lid and sprinkle in confectioner’s sugar. Replace lid. Continue cooking, shaking pot frequently, until popping begins to slow. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Replace lid and continue shaking pot until popping has almost stopped. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. Recipes courtesy of The Popcorn Board F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Seeing the Unseen I have a student, Brittany, who desires to make a career of forensic photography. She will likely be required to document many crime scenes, making detailed pictures of both victims and evidence— small clues that may lead to solving big crimes. After all, crime scenes are puzzles, where often what is not obvious—or even what is absent—might speak loudest about what happened. I have always felt the best documentary photographers are part detective and part social worker, learning through observation and practice to see what is not obvious to most. This may sound like a riddle or a paradox, but it isn’t. It is about slowing down, observing and photographing clues— small pieces of a scene—to communicate a story. It is the practice of learning to see what is not there. Just as scratch marks high up on a tree trunk in the woods warns there might be a mighty big bear around, noticing visual clues in a scene can help a reader or viewer understand a story more clearly. This can be as simple as the expression on a face, a gesture or a piece of

yellow tape at a crime scene. A discarded costume and piles of candy on the living room floor says a child had a big night trick-or-treating. Similarly, a lapel pin or patch on a jacket can speak of military service. I do a presentation titled after the children’s book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see,” where I project images and ask students to read the details, the clues and tell me the story of what happened—the who, what, where, when and why in the picture. Like a hound dog sniffing the ground and bushes and gathering the scent of an animal, we gather clues from a scene to help tell the story of the unseen. As I learned years ago, things implied (unseen) are often much stronger than things stated (visible). My illustrative hero and influence, Norman Rockwell, often used visual clues to tell his stories. A discarded sign, an opened letter with a foreign postmark, a magazine with a movie star’s face (in the girl in mirror)—each helps tell the story. Just as foreshadowing in writing can clue a reader to a plot in a written story, a small visual clue in a photograph

David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has worked for newspapers and magazines across the United States and taught at three universities. He applies many of the lessons he learned during his magical boyhood years in rural California to photography. For more information, visit www. greatpicturehunt.com.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

can help a viewer grasp the overall visual story. Visual clues help bridge the gap between what is obvious to the eye and what is not seen, the implied story. Sometimes the absence of something—the silence—speaks loudest. Photographs rich with visual clues that do not reveal all of the information or the whole story allow us to use our imagination, to become detectives and complete the pieces to the visual puzzle. n

Above, a young couple looks at wedding rings. No words are needed to understand the scene. The picture on the wall is a visual clue to help us quickly guess what is happening. Right, our bathroom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2002. No words are needed to read this story of love from my wife to my son Tucker. Photos by David LaBelle

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Not Your Average Roadside Attraction What do free-range monkeys, American presidents, bat houses and a teeny post office have in common? They are among Florida’s most unusual roadside attractions. Homosassa’s Monkey Island is home to several non-restrained primates best visited by boat. Located on the grounds of Homosassa Riverside Resort (www.river sideresorts.com), Monkey Island’s inhabitants entertain dinner guests and tourists with their antics. Resort owners feed and care for the monkeys and offer boat tours. Don’t get too close or you may have company for dinner. Gainesville’s not going batty, but the University of Florida’s Bat Houses on Lake Alice (www.flmnh.ufl.edu/bats) are worth a drive by. Around twilight, nearly 250,000 bats fly the coop from the Bat House and Bat Barn to feed on insects. Construction began late in 2016 on a third bat house to accommodate the growing population. Not far from the Citrus Tower, Clermont’s Presidents Hall of Fame (www.facebook. com/pg/The-Presidents-Hallof-Fame) showcases America’s presidents and their families with presidential china, First

Lady gowns, documents, memorabilia and a miniature model of the White House. Ochopee’s Post Office (www.uspspostoffices.com/fl/ ochopee/ochopee) is a notable stop along the Tamiami Trail/ U.S. 41 near the Gulf Coast section of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. It is the smallest working post office in the nation and serves nearly 500 nearby residents. Stop by and get a letter or postcard postmarked from this historic site. Mardi Gras, Anyone? New Orleans and Mobile battle it out every year for best Mardi Gras revelry, but Florida towns are not far behind. A dozen towns from the Panhandle to the Keys celebrate in style. Parades, entertainment, beads, fireworks, pirates and colorful costumes give people one last chance to let loose before Lent. Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Leesburg, Titusville, Dunedin, Bradenton and Key West go all out. Free Food Happy birthday! There is still such a thing as a free lunch. From fast food to fine dining,

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.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

People of all ages get into the act at Mardi Gras. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

many restaurants offer birthday meals and discounts just for signing up online. Rewards range from gift certificates for complete meals at Benihana’s, Landry’s Seafood and Houlihan’s to free desserts or appetizers at Fazoli’s, Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s and Applebee’s. Get free ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery and Ben and Jerry’s, a stack of pancakes or breakfast at IHOP or a free sub at Firehouse Subs. Visit www.freebirthday meals.org, click on Florida or check with your favorite eatery to see what free goodies await on your special day. Be

sure to ask about any restrictions or requirements. Travel Deals MSN recently picked the 30 cheapest places to travel in 2017. At the top of the list? Belize, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Haiti and Ecuador. All are a short and affordable flight from Florida—especially if you can be flexible on your travel dates and length of stay. Luggage Blues? Don’t toss a suitcase because of a broken zipper. Try a little lip balm or bar soap to lubricate the stubborn spot. If your zipper pull is missing, use a small cable tie or paperclip. n

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1/9/17 1:37 PM

Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Through February 4, Marathon “The Hallelujah Girls” Six feisty Southern women decide time is precious and life is short, and embark on a hilarious journey. www.marathontheater.org; (305) 743-0994

February 3-5, Palmetto 54th annual Sarasota Shell Club Show Everything for the shell lover is under one roof at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. www.sarasotashellclub.com; (941) 758-9790

February 3-5, Key West Civil War Heritage Days Re-enactments with cannon fire greet visitors at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. www.floridastateparks.org; (305) 292-6850

February 3-5 & 9-11, Key Largo Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical The Key Players presents a comedy about the joys of growing older and the wisdom afforded. Performances are at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center. www.thekeyplayers.org; (305) 942-4339

February 4, Tavernier 6th annual Winter Festival Shop for jewelry and art and walk through a giant yard sale while enjoying live music, activities for the kids and a doggie spa at Coral Isles Church, MM 90, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking at the high school are free. www.facebook.com/CoralIslesChurch; (305) 852-5813

February 4, Port St. Joe Winter Bay Day at St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve Enjoy a tour through the backwoods trails during the biannual shrimp boil and open house featuring live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donation of $10 for the boil. www.stjosephbaypreserves.org; (800) 229-1787

February 4-5, Lake Placid 51st annual Country Fair Visit DeVane Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and see more than 100 arts and crafts booths, along with local, nonprofit food booths, live entertainment, children’s activities, an exhibit hall, and arts and crafts demonstrations. Admission is free. (863) 465-3963; lakeplacidcountryfair@gmail.com

Please Submit Events To include your event, send details 60 days in advance to info@florida currents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to find out more. If you own rights to a high-resolution photo promoting the event, please include it, along with photo credit information. February 4-5, Marathon 23rd annual Pigeon Key Art Festival Artists and craftspeople exhibit their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, MM 49. Marine artist Wyland plans to create ink paintings to be auctioned as part of the fundraiser. A concert by Beatlemaniax is Saturday at 5 p.m. www.pigeonkeyartfestival.com

February 7, Lake Placid Highlands County Audubon Society Visit Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and lunch at a local restaurant. Leave from Lake Placid Tower at 7 a.m. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

February 10-12, Sebring Bike Sebring 12/24 The Rotary Club of Highlands County and the Highlands Pedalers Bicycle Club host the cycling qualifier from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sebring International Raceway. bikesebring.org; (863) 443-1403

February 10-18, Sebring 80th annual Highlands County Fair See the achievements of local youth, from livestock to citrus trees and project boards, and watch the coronation of local royalty. www.hcfair.net; (863) 382-2255

22nd Annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market Founders Park in Islamorada is filled with boats, tackle, dive gear, deck and dock materials, beach wear, hats and art Saturday, February 25, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fundraiser supports the Rotary Club of the Upper Keys scholarship program. More than $250,000 was raised last year. An all-you-can-eat breakfast is $5. For more information, visit www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.com.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

February 11, Sebring 34th annual Roaring 20s Arts & Crafts Festival Nearly 80 craft, art and food vendors convene at the downtown circle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate Sebring’s 1920s heritage with live big band music. Period costumes are encouraged. www.visithighlandscounty.com; (863) 446-2973

February 11, Layton Layton Garden Club’s Flea Market Start with a $5 pancake breakfast,

then shop for new and used goods, baked goods, arts and crafts. The sale is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire house, MM 68.5. Proceeds benefit Keys-based charities. s.murchie@yahoo.com; (305) 849-0149

February 11, Panama City Strides for Scholars 5K The fun run/walk promotes fitness and raises money for the Take Stock In Children scholarship and mentoring program for local kids. The start line is 10th Court and Balboa. Registration opens at 7 a.m. www.bayartsevents.com; (850) 767-4111

February 11, Key Largo Lionfish Derby for Divers Teams of up to four divers compete for cash and prizes. www.reef.org; (305) 852-0030

February 15, Lake Placid Highlands County Audubon Society Visit Payne Creek Historic State Park and Solomon’s Castle. The castle tour is $10. Lunch is at the castle. Leave the Lake Placid Tower at 8 a.m. Roberta, (863) 599-0124

February 15-March 30, Avon Park 20th Century Seminole Experience Artist Muffy Clark Gill creates batik paintings that weave a love of color and design with a historical perspective of Native American Indians, particularly the Seminoles and Miccosukees, at the Museum of Florida Art and Culture. www.mofac.org; (863) 784-7240 or (863) 453-6661

February 17-19, Lake Placid Clown School Learn the art of clowning, the history of clowning, costuming, makeup, expressions and character development from the American Clown School, hosted by the Toby the Clown Foundation. www.tobysclownfoundation.org; (863) 465-2920

Third Annual Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta The free family festival Saturday, February 4, runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features powerboat racing, extreme pogo shows, BMX stunt performers, Frisbee dogs, a 5K fun run, a kids’ zone, concerts, food festival and fireworks show. For more details, visit www. bradentonregatta.com. February 18, Tavernier 65th Birthday Bash of the Garden Club of the Upper Keys Francis Tracy Garden Club, MM 94, entertains adults and kids from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, flower arranging, “Peter Pan and Tinkerbell in Neverland” costume competition for children, fairy school and fishing for treasure with Captain Hook. (305) 240-1149

February 20, Lake Placid Highlands County Audubon Society Tour Circle B Bar Ranch and Nature Center in Lakeland. Leave from Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 a.m. Tom and Janet, (585) 259-0104

February 22-25, Fort Meade 25th annual Engine and Tractor Show Oliver tractors are spotlighted by the Florida Flywheelers. www.floridaflywheelers.org; (772) 316-1750

February 23-24, Sebring International Motor Sports Association Test Racing Fans of the 12-hour classic get a sneak preview. Admission is $10 a day or free with purchase of a ticket to the main event. www.sebringraceway.com; (800) 626-7223

February 24-25, Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival Pier Park hosts a family-friendly celebration that includes parades, fireworks, a kids’ zone, float tours, Fat Tuesday street fair and live music. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/ mardigras

February 24-28, Pensacola Annual Krewe of Lafitte and Mardi Gras Grand Parade Marching bands, floats and bead throws highlight the illuminated nighttime parade, which begins at 7 p.m. at Spring and Garden streets.

The grand parade is at the same location at 2 p.m. the next day. The celebration ends with a downtown street party February 28 at 5 p.m. www.pensacolamardigras.com; (850) 436-7638

February 25, Islamorada Pops in the Park Creature Feature A free outdoor concert by the Keys Community Concert Band begins at 4 p.m. at ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, and features spooky music, including “Phantom of the Opera,” and a pet parade. www.keyscommunityconcertband.org; (305) 853-7294

February25-26, Palmetto 40th annual RealRail Model Train Show Buy, sell or trade model trains at the Bradenton Area Convention Center Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. realrail.org; (941) 504-2474

February 25-26, Sebring Seafood & Music Festival Enjoy food while listening to eight bands play country, Southern rock and blues at Sebring International Raceway Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

February 25-26, Okeechobee Battle of Okeechobee See a re-enactment of the December 25, 1837, Seminole War battle, an alligator demonstration, pow-wow dancing, Seminole food and crafts, period vendors, children’s horse rides and period folk music. Admission is $10 per car.

www.sebringfest.com; (866) 611-0442

www.okeechobeebattlefield.com

Roberta, (863) 599-0124

February 28, Lake Placid Highlands County Audubon Society Paul Gray guides a trip to grasshopper sparrow habitat at Kissimmee Prairie State Park. Bring lunch. Leave from Lake Placid Tower at 8 a.m.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Fishing: The Pastime of Presidents “All men are equal before fish.” —Herbert Hoover

Golf is likely the first thing that comes to mind when people think of the favorite presidential pastime. However, that is a misconception. Golfing presidents is a relatively modern trend. Fishing has been the pastime of choice for most presidents. Nearly two dozen of them enjoyed regular fishing trips as an escape from the pressures of the Oval Office, while several presidents were downright passionate about the sport. Three presidents who belong to the latter group are George Washington, Herbert Hoover and Jimmy Carter. Washington loved to fish the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the rivers and streams of Virginia. He often carried a small, pocket tackle box with him. It contained hooks, wax, horse hair and lengths of silk fishing line so he could indulge his frequent piscatorial urges. Dressed in slacks, jacket, collared shirt and tie, Hoover never really looked the part of a fisherman. But his looks were deceiving. He was the consummate angler.

His favorite places to wet a line were the Florida Keys, Northern California, and the McKenzie and Rogue rivers in Oregon. His favorite fly was a size 10 Royal Coachman. Carter is a contemporary version of Hoover. He is a lifelong, avid outdoor enthusiast and fisherman. He is a master of knot tying. His favorite is a nail knot with seven turns. He has fished throughout the world, from Venezuela to Mongolia, and everywhere in between. One of the most talked-about outings was his famous encounter with the “killer rabbit” while fishing near Plains, Georgia, in 1979. Want to learn more? Here are three popular books about fishing presidents: “Fishing with the Presidents” by William Mares; “Hoover, the Fishing President” by Hal Elliot Wert; and “An Outdoor Journal” by Jimmy Carter. Baby Your Fishing Rods A good rod is the backbone of fishing, so it’s important to treat your rods with TLC. The best thing for them

Many of Curtis Condon’s fondest memories involve outdoor adventures with friends and family, whether fishing with old school buddies, backpacking with his two 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 35 years.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

This Presidents Day, February 20, remember they were mere mortals first and presidents second. Most of them—like most of us—preferred a rod and reel in hand rather than a golf club and little round ball. Left, Franklin Roosevelt watches as the day’s catch is off-loaded from his boat, “Larooco,” after a rewarding fishing excursion in Florida in 1924. Photo courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

is to be cleaned periodically. Use a soft, cotton cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Pay particular attention to the guides, handles and reel mounts, where gunk can build up over time and adversely affect performance. Always store fishing rods vertically, either on a wall rack or in storage cases, so over time they don’t develop a case of the bends. Be a FWC Volunteer Volunteer opportunities abound at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The FWC has many programs always in need of help. For more

information, visit www. myfwc.com/get-involved/ volunteer. What Day Is It? February 3: Feed the Birds Day February 8: Boy Scout Day February 22: Walking the Dog Day Got a Tip or a Whopper? Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@floridacurrents.com. 

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341. Three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath home in Lynn Haven. 1,625 sq. ft. Great room, eat-in kitchen, fireplace, two-car garage, privacy fenced backyard, many shade trees. $1,295 a month, with lease purchase possible. (850) 271-0289.

For Sale Two-seater spa. Buyer has to remove it. $500. (850) 381-8900. Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. New-in-box Fisher Price baby monitor, $20: four channels, 900 ft. coverage, dual portable receivers, nap timer and clock, sound lights both

sides, auto shut-off nightlight option, cordless option. Women’s large snowsuit, worn once for two hours, $20, cost $98: black with hot pink and lime accents. Ladies size 8 boots, worn once to a party, $20, cost $112 new: Metrostyle in red, long lace ups, 3-inch heels. (850) 773-1970. Vintage beauty shop equipment, including work station and chair; hair dryer with chair; new, unused hair dryer; and cabinet stereo. Vera, (850) 639-2460.

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, shelving/organizers, TV mounts and surround sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer/dryer hook-ups, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds. Home maintenance: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent and drains. Lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate 0.29 acre lot. Beautiful oak trees, well, septic and power pole. Across the street from Deerpoint Lake. $30,000 cash. (850) 303-9023. Three-bedroom, one-bath, 888-sq.-ft. home on two lots at 1234 7th St. in Southport. $54,000. (317) 254-1984. FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Has underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214. Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Wanted Quality elliptical unit for disabled patient. Free or kindly priced. Transportation no problem. (850) 773-1970.

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

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Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Gulf Coast

Project Helping Hand Pledge Name: _________________________________________ GCEC account number: ___________________________ Mailing address: ________________________________ ___________________________________________ Telephone number: ______________________________

In 2016, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members contributed $21,569.14 to the Project Helping Hand program, started in 2004 for use by members who temporarily need assistance paying their electric bills. While most of those funds were raised through regular contributions—members have the option of adding $1, $3 or $5 to their bill each month—nearly $4,500 was raised between Thanksgiving and Christmas when paper “light bulbs” were sold in GCEC offices. Members bought the light bulbs and inscribed them with a name. They were displayed in cooperative office lobbies during the holidays. Family Service Agency determines who receives assistance. “We are proud to be in partnership with the Family Service Agency on our Project Helping Hand program,” says GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans. “Family Service Agency ensures that the funds raised for this program go directly to benefit members who are truly in need.” Family Service Agency is a nonprofit organization funded by the United Way, private contributions, fundraising projects and in-kind donations. Founded in 1945 under the Bay County Community Chest, which later became United Way, the mission of Family Service Agency is to socially and economically assist and direct disadvantaged families to resolve immediate problems by providing assistance with food, rent, utilities, medication, clothing and referral to other agencies. All services and goods are distributed without cost to the community. n To learn more about how to donate to the Project Helping Hand program, call 265-3631, 481-1188 or 639-2216. To inquire about receiving assistance from the program, call 785-1721.

Signature: _____________________________________ I pledge to have the following amount added to my utility bill each month and deposited into the Project Helping Hand account. I understand this is a perpetual agreement, and I must notify Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative by phone or mail to remove this recurring donation from my bill. Select donation amount: ____ $1 ____$3 ____$5 Cut out, complete and return this form with your electric payment or mail to: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; Attn. Kristin Evans; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409.

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

GCEC Vice President of Member Services Justin Barnes, left, presents a gift card to Member Service Representative Shannon Hill in appreciation of her hard work on the Project Helping Hand light bulb promotion. Shannon collected the most contributions during the 2016 holiday season fundraiser.

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Death Row Visit Foreshadows Ted Bundy-Inspired Mystery Novel It seems inevitable New York Times best-selling crime novelist Michael Lister would write about Ted Bundy. When the award-winning author was still a full-time prison chaplain with the Florida Department of Corrections, he visited the death chamber and electric chair where Bundy was executed. “Standing there where he died, actually touching the instrument of his death, was a surreal experience for me— one that I won’t ever forget,” Lister said. “Even back then, as I stood just a few feet away from the Gainesville Ripper, Danny Rolling, and felt the collective, oppressive darkness of death row, I knew one day Ted Bundy would make an

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Notorious serial killer Ted Bundy plays a prominent role in Michael Lister’s latest book.

appearance in my novels. I’ve alluded to him in at least four previous books, but “Blood Work” is the first in which he plays a prominent role.” Lister’s connection to Bundy goes back farther than the death chamber prison visit where Bundy died. He was born in Tallahassee to parents attending Florida State University just 10 years before the nightmare Ted Bundy visited on FSU’s Chi Omega sorority house. Lister said he has always been fascinated by this most notorious of American serial killers. He believes the charismatic killer is responsible for even more murders than typically believed. “Just this past year, one of Bundy’s former defense attorneys, John Henry Browne, wrote that Bundy had confessed to him to having killed over 100 people—not just the 35 or so often attributed to him,” Lister said. “I have no idea what the actual number is, of course, but I do believe it’s many more than is known.” That is where the true crime facts of Bundy’s case merge with the mystery fiction of Lister’s new mystery thriller, “Blood Work.” In his novel, Lister explores

the question of whether America’s most notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, killed Janet Leigh Lester. That was the conclusion of character John Jordan’s father, Jack, when he first investigated the case, but now John is not so sure. On the same weekend Janet was crowned Miss Valentine at the pageant and queen at the Sweethearts Dance, she disappeared, her car found in an empty field, its interior covered in blood. The case—known as the Broken Heart Murder—is decades cold, but a new clock is ticking and Jordan has one last chance to help his father get it right. With no jurisdiction, no support and no real hope of solving such an old, cold case, Jordan is not taking no for an answer. “I really enjoy reading and studying true crime, and find it fascinating and inspiring to incorporate it into my fiction,” Lister said. “This is something I’ve done previously with Wayne Williams and the Atlanta child murders in ‘Innocent Blood’ and ‘Blood Cries.’ And based on the response, I really think my readers like it, too.” Asked how he does it, Lister said, “I find an

intersection between reality and fantasy, fact and fiction. I keep everything true and accurate about the real-life cases—all the details about Bundy or Williams—but then find what I believe to be the perfect place for the two to merge in a way that I hope is both credible and thrilling.” Lister’s new John Jordan mystery thriller was released on November 24, 2016—Ted Bundy’s birthday. “‘Blood Work’ came out on the day Bundy would have turned 70,” Lister said. “It’s hard to imagine him as an old man. If he were still alive, he’d be roughly the same age as my father. “Bundy was one of the most organized, exacting and vicious serial killers we’ve ever seen. I’m glad he’s no longer raping and murdering young women in Florida or anywhere else. But the tragic truth is, if law enforcement officials in Colorado had done a better job managing his imprisonment, he wouldn’t have escaped, he wouldn’t have come to Florida and I wouldn’t have been able to write this book, which would be just fine with me.” n Find “Blood Work” at a local bookstore or www.MichaelLister.com.

Co-op Offers Various Payment Options For your convenience, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offers a number of ways to pay your electric bill. Automatic Withdrawal Each month, you can have payment for your bill automatically drawn from your bank account or credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa). This way, you do not have to worry about due dates. To enroll in this program, please stop by one of our offices for a form, or print the form from our website, www.gcec.com. Customized Billing Cycles To better serve our Social Security and disability recipients, we can place members on billing cycles based on the dates they receive their checks. If you are a recipient of government funds and are interested in this option, please call our office today for more information. Flex Pay Tired of paying late and disconnect fees? GCEC now offers Flex Payâ€”a prepaid metering solution that could lead to savings of $141 in monthly fees. With this program, there are no delinquent fees ($1), no late fees ($15), no disconnect fees ($60) and no reconnect fees ($60 plus an additional $15 for after hours). The deposit for this program, if required, is $50, which is a savings of up to $350. Contact one of our offices for more information. In Our Offices You may pay your bill in person using cash, check or credit/debit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa) at one of our office locations listed at right. Offices

are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. If you need to bring a payment by outside of these hours, we have a drop box at each office. Online We offer online bill pay. Simply go to www.gcec.com to enroll for this service. Payment may be made using a credit/ debit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa) or through your bank account. You can even do this through your smartphone. You need to type our web address into the phoneâ€™s browser. Over the Phone Our member service representatives accept payments over the phone using Discover, MasterCard or Visa. Members also can use our 24-hour automated system to pay with one of those credit card types, as well as pay by e-check using their bank routing and account numbers. There is no service charge for making a payment over the phone.

Gulf Coast Electric Offices XX

Southport

9434 Highway 77 (850) 265-3631; (800) 568-3667 XX

Wewahitchka

722 W. Highway 22 (850) 639-2216; (800) 333-9392 XX

Panama City

6243 E. Highway 98 (850) 481-1188

Through the Mail You may mail your payment. Return the portion of the paper bill that tears off, along with your check, in the envelope that is provided. n F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Sandhills On Parade Even sandhill cranes enjoy a morning stroll—probably foraging for seeds, roots, berries, insects, snakes and frogs. “This photo was taken during one of my Sunday-morning walks through Lakewood Ranch Park,” says Joyce Blight. “The sandhill cranes were not a bit frightened, and seemed to like getting their photo taken.” In November and December, large flocks of northern cranes move in, more than doubling the population in the state. They leave during March and April. —Joyce Blight, Lakewood Ranch We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot and Postcards From Florida. We pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file size), along with the story behind the photo and information about where it was taken. Include your name and mailing address (for payment purposes) and send to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

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

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GCEC President’s Message

Saving Starts Here An energy-efficient home will keep you comfortable and save you money. Whether you take simple steps or make larger investments to make your home more efficient, you will see lower energy bills. In time, those savings typically pay for the cost of improvements. Your heating and cooling system is your largest energy expense, accounting for nearly half of your energy budget. To make the biggest difference in your energy bill, follow these simple energy strategies:  Adjust the thermostat. This is the simplest way to save money on heating and cooling. You can save as much as 10 per- Waylon Graham cent a year on heating and cooling simply by turning back your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day. When you are home, set it to 68 F in the winter and 78 F in the summer.  Buy a programmable thermostat. This offers even more control of your system.  Leave the thermostat’s fan switch on “auto.” This makes the fan run only when the unit runs. Setting the fan to “on” causes it to run all the time, whether or not heating or cooling is needed.  Seal cracks and gaps. Caulk and weatherstripping around windows, doors and siding prevents the loss of heated or cooled air.  Cover up. Carpeting and rugs add to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.  Unblock it. Keep furniture, carpeting and curtains from blocking vents and air return ducts.  Take it slow. Raise the temperature slowly to keep your bill lower. Quickly raising your heat pump’s temperature activates the heat strip, which uses additional energy.  Limit the use of portable space heaters. They are great for spot heating, but less efficient than heat pumps. If you use portable heaters, keep them away from flammable materials. Never use an oven to heat your home.  Let the sun shine in. Open drapes during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.  Keep in the heat. Prevent cold drafts by closing attic, basement, garage and exterior doors.  Change your filter. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder, using more energy. Replace your disposable filter or clean your washable one every month. As a bonus, clean filters cut down on dust. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative works with our members to maximize your energy dollars. For us, saving starts here. We value your membership. We value you. n