Issuu

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative

AU G U S T 2016

Diving In the Upper Keys This photo of an adult gray angelfish was taken by Jeffery Knapp while diving the Spiegel Grove. It finished third in FKEC’s cover photo contest.

FKEC Payment Options PAGE 5 Employee News PAGE 6 n

Florida Keys

Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

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Keep Heat Out of the Kitchen Cooking and baking can heat up your house, compete with air conditioning and make everyone uncomfortable. Cook less when the outdoor thermometer is climbing. Follow these tips to save energy and stay cooler: • Prepare your main course outdoors on the barbecue grill. You won’t add heat to the inside of your home. • When a cooler day or evening rolls in, take the opportunity to cook. Prepare two or three meals at once and freeze them, so all you have to do is thaw and heat them in the microwave the next time Use a microwave instead of an oven or stove to keep heat out of the kitchen when it is hot outside. it is too hot to cook. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture • Enjoy cold meals and snacks that need no cooksmall, evenly sized pieces speeds cooking time. ing, such as vegetable salads; fruit, cheese and • Don’t use the microwave or oven to bread; hummus or guacamole with chips or defrost frozen food. Instead, place it in the celery; sandwiches; cold soups; and smoothies. refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before • If you must cook, use the microwave or a cooking it the next day. covered pan on the stove. They push less heat • Prepare food in an electric skillet, wok into the kitchen than an oven. or slow cooker to release less heat into the air • Choose foods that cook quickly, such as than cooking on the stove. n fish and vegetables. Chopping vegetables into

Inside Born for a Life of Service 12

Man’s best friend serves as the eyes, ears, arms and legs of its handler. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Proudly serving you since 1940

August 2016 Vol. 5, No. 10

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 32 AU G U S T 2 0 1 6

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FKEC NEWS AUGUST 2016

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

W W W. F K E C . C O M

SCOTT NEWBERRY Chief Executive Officer

Member Owned Since 1940

BOARD OF DIRECTORS James J. Boilini District 1, Key Largo • President Gretchen Holland District 1, Key Largo • Vice President Cale Smith District 3, Islamorada • Treasurer Michael H. Puto District 4, Marathon • Secretary David C. Ritz District 1, Key Largo Craig Belcher District 2, Tavernier Frank N. Hawkins, Jr. District 2, Tavernier George D. Hertel District 3, Islamorada Karl M. Wagner District 4, Marathon

P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070

MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW: FKEC offers storm tips, resources and products. Access our storm center at www.FKEC.com Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS” writing, design & photography by:

Nikki Dunn Cullen • news@fkec.com Edited by: Rebecca Callahan Newman

AUGUST 2016

Member Security and Convenience At FKEC, we constantly strive to provide great customer service as well as ensure the absolute security of our members’ personal and financial information. To do this we continue to share scam warnings with you as well as provide bill pay options that are convenient and safe.

Beware of Scammers As we‘ve reported before, scammers continue to target utility consumers in our area and across the country. In general, the scam is to try and convince an FKEC consumer that his or her bill is overdue and must be paid using a pre-paid debit card to avoid immediate disconnection. To avoid being scammed, please remember these tips: • Never provide personal, confidential, or financial information to unknown individuals. • Know your account status and balance. You can check it at www.FKEC.com. • Don’t fall for anyone demanding a prepaid debit card. FKEC does not accept any kind of pre-paid (including Green Dot) cards as payment. • If you have any doubt if a call, email, or visit from someone claiming to represent FKEC is legitimate, please call Member Service at 305-852-2431.

• Scammers are targeting residential and commercial consumers, so employers should make all staff aware of the threat. • Report any suspicious activity to police.

Know Your Options A great way to protect yourself from fraud, and to make paying your bill easy, is to understand your payment options. We offer seven secure payment methods. These are the only payment options FKEC accepts, so if someone instructs you to pay your bill in a way outside of these methods, it is a scam. You should also know, based on worldwide Payment Card Industry security standards we can only take credit card payments via our secure online SmartHub site, our secure phone system 855-385-9912, or members can use point of sale or credit card terminals at our offices. If someone instructs you to give him or her your credit card in person, over the phone or in email, it is a scam. I encourage you, our members to explore our safe payment options – explained on the facing page – and find which of these methods lets you pay your monthly Co-op bill securely, effortlessly and on time.

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Which Payment Option Works Best for You? SmartHub Online “Pay Now” Bill Pay Ideal for individual account holders paying by credit card or check, available 24/7 No registration required or password to remember. All you need is your account number and the last name of the primary member or business name as it appears on your bill.

www.FKEC.com

SmartHub Bill Pay and Account Management Ideal for individual and multiple account holders paying by credit card or check, available 24/7 One-time registration required. View and pay your bill, access account history and usage, set-up auto pay or paperless billing, submit service requests, and update contact info.

SmartHub Mobile App Ideal for individual and multiple account holders paying by credit card or check, available 24/7 Pay your bill from your mobile device by downloading the FREE SmartHub application. Onetime registration is required and allows you to pay your bill as well as manage other aspects of your account.

Automatic, Recurring Bill Pay

Even if you’re not tech savvy, online bill pay is easy, fast and secure!

Set it and forget it!

Ideal for all individual and multiple account holders Setup Recurring Credit Card or Bank Draft Payments online via Smart Hub OR Complete a Bank Draft Authorization Form and return the completed form to our office, along with a voided check. To be eligible for the Electronic Funds Transfer, you must have a credit history free of returned checks within the past 24 months.

By Phone, 855-385-9912 Ideal for individual account holders paying with credit card or check, 24/7 To pay by phone, members MUST call 855-385-9912 and use the automated, secure phone payment system. In compliance with worldwide Payment Card Industry security standards, FKEC employees are no longer permitted to take credit card payments over the phone.

By U.S. Postal Service Ideal for individual and multiple account holders Mail payment to: FKEC, P.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070. DO NOT mail cash. Make checks payable to FKEC, write your FKEC account number on your check, do not forget to sign the check, and when possible use the envelope provided by FKEC.

Pay at an FKEC Location Ideal for individual and multiple account holders paying with cash, check or credit card Visit our Tavernier (91630 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070) OR Marathon Office (3421 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050), Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Credit cards are no longer accepted at the drive-through (credit card terminals must be used inside). AUGUST 2016

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FKEC Welcomes Two New Employees Van Philpot, Relay Technician

Arrabal Elected to Advisory Committee

FKEC welcomes Van Philpot to the Co-op as Relay Technician. Philpot has worked in the electric utility field since 1986, and has served in such positions as Safety Coordinator, Lineman, Superintendent of Meter Apparatus, and Assistant Operation Superintendent. He also earned his associates degree and holds numerous certifications in electric utility work. Born in Maine, Philpot spent most of his life in Mississippi before moving to Alaska in 2008. He most recently worked for Homer Electric Association in Kenai, Alaska. Philpot moved to the Keys to be back in the “lower 48” closer to his

two children, mother and other family. When not working, he enjoys fishing, hunting and golf. Philpot is also a member of the Elks Lodge 1872 in Tavernier where he resides.

Hugh Freebairn, Substation Engineer

FKEC congratulates Ashley Arrabal on being elected to serve on the Utility Accounting & Business Solutions Member Advisory Committee of the National Information Solutions Co-op (NISC). NISC is an information technology company which provides FKEC with advanced, integrated IT solutions for consumer and subscriber billing, accounting, and more. A 13-year FKEC veteran, Arrabal currently serves as the Co-op’s General Accounting Supervisor. While serving her four-year term on the NISC committee, Arrabal will provide valuable input to help NISC better address the accounting needs of FKEC’s member-owners. 6

AUGUST 2016

FKEC is also happy to welcome Hugh Freebairn as Substation Engineer. Freebairn joins FKEC with over 25 years of experience as a Utility Engineer and Consultant. During those years in the industry he has worked for many utilities throughout Florida and the Country as wells island utilities in the Pacific and Caribbean. He has his Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Tennessee. Freebairn, who was born in Oregon, most recently lived in Naples, Florida, before moving to Key Largo to join our Cooperative.

Outside of work, Freebairn enjoys sailing, fishing and spending time with his wife and daughter, who is currently studying Electrical Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University.

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Ehrenkaufer Retires After 29 Years FKEC recently celebrated the retirement of long-standing employee Eugene Ehrenkaufer. He retires after 29 years at the Cooperative. Ehrenkaufer, who joined FKEC on the Tree Crew in 1987, quickly became an Apprentice Lineman and earned the designation Journeyman Lineman just five years later. In addition to his duties as a lineman, Ehrenkaufer also served on FKEC’s Safety Committee and often participated in community outreach safety demonstrations. “Gene was a great guy to work with,” said fellow Lineman Andy Baxter. “His skills and dedication to doing the job safely will be missed.” At the retirement luncheon held in his honor, Ehrenkaufer took time to thank his co-workers and remind them to stay vigilant so they return home safely to their families at the end of every day.

Above, Ehrenkaufer (left) with his wife, two of their daughters and their families.

Many members of Ehrenkaufer’s family attended the lunch including his daughter Melissa who said, “My dad’s dedication to safety is not just talk, he always brought that message home to us too. He taught us about electrical safety when we were kids, and now he does the same for his grandkids.” In retirement he looks forward to fishing and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. “Thank you for your years of dedicated service to FKEC,” said CEO Scott Newberry. “We wish you a happy retirement.”

Richards Celebrates 25 Years FKEC congratulates Jason Richards on his 25-year employment anniversary. In his years at FKEC, Richards has earned many job positions. In 1991, he joined FKEC as a member of the Tree Crew. He later earned the position of Tree Crew Leader as well as Journeyman Substation Electrician and System Operator. Now a Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture, he serves as FKEC’s Utility Forester supervising the company’s Tree Crews and working with the Co-op’s Environmental Manager. His duties also include educating the community about safe and proper planting techniques. Richards is an active member of the community, particularly in local youth sports programs. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Anna, and their four children. AUGUST 2016

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Co-op in the Community At FKEC we always enjoy interacting with our community. Weâ€™d like to thank the Grace Jones Daycare Center in Marathon for recently welcoming us to perform a safety demonstration for their 2- to 8year-olds. In addition to learning about electrical safety the students received light-up key chains and had the chance to try on real linemen gear. FKEC always appreciates the opportunity to interact with our community and teach the public about safe practices around electricity.

AUGUST 2016

FKECâ€™s Travis White (left) and T.J. Patterson (right) with students at Grace Jones

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Making the Difference Entrepreneur develops program to help volunteers find outreach opportunities in local communities By Carolyn Tomlin

Postcards From Florida

Busch Gardens, Tampa

tesy Photo cour

of Busch G

ardens

Cheetah Hunt, above, is a triple-launch roller coaster that carries riders high above the Tampa theme park, then races down along the ground through a rocky gorge. At 4,400 feet, it is the longest of the park’s six coasters. Busch Gardens also offers animal attractions, shows, tours and kid-friendly rides. For more information, visit www.seaworldparks. com or call (888) 800-5447. 10

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Samantha Blyn donated items to charity and wrote checks to support nonprofits. But she says she did not really view volunteering as a need in the community until age 39, when she signed up to help with Habitat for Humanity. She not only felt a sense of fulfillment in helping others, but discovered what would become her life’s mission. “When I saw the needs of people, who through no fault of their own were struggling and trying to provide for their families, I had to become involved,” says Samantha, who is based in central Florida. Painting and caulking became so rewarding that she was driven to serve— and to help others connect to service opportunities. “I wanted to become more involved in service to others, but where and how could I start?” Samantha asks rhetorically. “So many organizations— so many needs!” In talking with other people, Samantha discovered they also felt overwhelmed. “With our busy lives and so many people to help, how do we find a way to actually make a difference?” Samantha asks. “It’s not that they don’t want to become involved. It’s just that they don’t know where to start, or where they’re needed.” The University of Central Florida communications graduate set out to change that—along with Florida’s status as 49th out of 50 in a national survey on best volunteerism. In 2009, Samantha founded Making the Difference Outreach—an all-volunteer nonprofit organization committed to making it easy for people to find ways to help others and discover how rewarding it can be to give back. “MTDO bridges the gap between the community and organizations that

A Sweet Way to Help In addition to managing the Making the Difference Outreach web platform, Samantha Blyn supports the organization through her love of cooking. She combines peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and a smidgen of seasonings to produce a candy that helps fund nonprofits in Florida. Samantha started the Brittle Candy Co. in 2014. Profits from every bag of peanut brittle sold benefit the community. Last Christmas, one corporation ordered 1,000 bags of candy to give to employees. Each bag contains information about fundraising and how people may participate. n

need volunteers to make a difference,” Samantha explains. “We work to assist many different causes, and encourage those in our community to find the one that touches their heart.” The organization’s web platform provides a one-stop inventory of volunteer opportunities for 10 nonprofits seeking help: Make a Wish, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank, UCP (children with

A Nod to Spanish History

Above, Samantha Blyn with some of the Junior Achievement kids she works with through her nonprofit organization, Making the Difference Outreach. Below, Samantha staffs a table with water bottles during a 5K event to benefit a Christian school.

special needs), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Home Society, Florida Hospital Foundation, Junior Achievement and Kids House of Seminole. “You can choose the organization you would like to help, view a calendar of volunteer opportunities and register online for what you would like to participate in,” Samantha says. “You can also view needs for contributions and wish lists by clicking on the organization’s link.” As chairwoman of Making the Difference Outreach, Samantha spends hours each week talking to employers, civic clubs, churches and businesses. She encourages them to give their employees a day off a year—with pay—to volunteer. She has persuaded 14 companies in her area to do so. They are listed on her website as “employers of choice.” A tracking tool allows employers to see who in their company is participating and the number of hours they give back to the community. The push for volunteers involves not only individuals, but couples and families. Samantha takes a particular interest in students. “When our young people start helping others, they grow into adults who continue to serve their communities,” she says.

A visit to Mission San Luis in Tallahassee transports travelers back to 1703 and a community where Apalachee Indians and newcomers from Spain lived together. From 1656 to 1704, San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious and administrative capital. It was one of more than 100 mission settlements established in Spanish Florida between the 1560s and 1690s. Visitors can learn about the historic site through living history interpreters in period costumes, hands-on exhibits and many special events. Hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer, smell traditional foods being cooked over an open fire and walk the plaza where the Apalachees played their traditional ball games. Experience the largest historicperiod Indian building found in the Southeast and greet the friar at the church. Learn about a soldier’s life at the fort, and explore 300-year-old artifacts excavated onsite. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, Mission San Luis is at 2100 W. Tennessee St. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 65 and older, $2 for children 6–17, and free for children younger than 6 and active-duty military. For more information, call (850) 2456406 or visit www.missionsanluis.org. n

The website makes registering, completing and documenting student volunteer requirements easier. She hopes her web platform is replicated across Florida and into other states. “Connecting people with people brings me joy and excitement,” says Samantha. “Encouraging others to volunteer and serve is what life is all about. People need to know how much they can offer and what they can do.” n If you are in the central Florida area and want to get involved, visit www.makingthedifference.us. Click “Find Out More” under each topic for additional information.

Mission San Luis is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in Florida. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1960.

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Born for a Life of Service Man’s best friend serves as the eyes, ears, arms and legs of its handler

Imagine living with the knowledge you are gradually losing your sight. That is what Bradenton’s Ruth Anne Rood faces. Born with degenerative myopia—extreme nearsightedness—her vision got progressively worse. As a child, lens implants and surgeries helped, but by the time Ruth Anne was in her mid-40s, she had virtually lost sight in both eyes. She was declared legally blind 11 years ago. “I had a companion dog for a while, but he wasn’t really trained to help me get around,” says Ruth By Pamela A. Anne, who applied for a guide dog in June 2015. Keene “After my other dog died, that’s when I applied to Southeastern Guide Dogs.” The approval process included home visits, reference checks, forms from both her eye doctor and her primary care physician, and a refresher course in how to use a white cane. “I had to prove that I could use a cane, but once I got Brook, my goldador (a golden retriever/labrador retriever mix), I had to throw the cane away and rely on her totally,” Ruth Anne says. Ruth Anne is one of many people whose lives are richer because they rely on their service dogs to be their eyes, ears, arms and legs. Organizations such as Guide Dogs of America and Canine Companions for Independence specialize in training service dogs. By law, a service animal is a canine—or, in some cases, a miniature horse—that has been trained and certified to assist people with seeing, hearing or other physiological or mental challenges. True service dogs have undergone extensive training to assist their human partners. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits a person with a service dog from being denied access to a Ruth Anne Rood and her guide dog, Brook, became public place. a team about 18 months ago. Brook has enabled “There are big differences Ruth Anne to confidently venture out on her own to restaurants, shopping and other activities. in service dogs and therapy Photo courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs dogs,” says Martha Johnson

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Eric Peterson—a volunteer with Canine Companions for Independence—trains Artemis, a retriever/lab mix, to walk across various surfaces he may encounter once placed with a handler. Photo by Paula Peterson

with Canine Companions for Independence, which has six regional training centers across the United States, including one in Orlando. “Service dogs are working animals that are trained to perform specific tasks for their human handlers that the handlers cannot do on their own.” Dogs and humans have a long, intertwined history. “Dogs have always lived among humans to the benefit of both species, and they co-evolved together over thousands of years,” says Melissa Faye Greene, author of the just-released “The Underdogs: Children, Dogs and the Power of Unconditional Love,” which explores the relationships of humans and canines. “There’s an ancient biological link, and science is proving that happy hormones are released by dogs like they are in humans.” Melissa says 21st century studies have shown that when a dog and a person sit next to each other, their hearts begin to beat in sync. “The whole miracle of cross-species friendship is amazing,” she says. Canine Companions has a breeding program with golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers, producing

full-blooded dogs and crossed breeds. “These animals, because of their size and their personalities, are the most receptive to training and very adaptable,” says Nancy Sawhney, who serves on the national board of directors for Canine Companions. “You can just see in their eyes how eager they are to please people. And even with their size, they are very loving and affectionate.” From the time they are born, service animals are groomed for a life of service. They spend the first 14 to 16 months in the homes of trained volunteers to become socialized, learn basic commands and how to be calm in a wide range of situations. Eric Peterson has been a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for nearly 14 years. “The puppies come to us at about 8 weeks old, and it’s always so incredible to see how eager they are to learn, with their little tails wagging,” Eric says. “From the very day he arrives, he’s right there with me all the time, going to work, the grocery store, the airport, to the mall and movies, to family events and other activities.” The pup wears a bright-colored vest identifying him as a service dog in training. “This is one of the most fun parts because people come up to us, pet him and love on him,” Eric says. “It’s a perfect introduction to educate people about the amazing partnership between these dogs and their future handlers, plus it helps the dog become

accustomed to being out in public.” Eric’s latest charge is Artemis, a retriever/lab mix. At nearly 1 year old, the dog has mastered nearly 30 commands, accompanied the family to restaurants, shopping and on vacations. He has learned to have his teeth brushed regularly and his toenails trimmed without wiggling, and to stay focused on the task at hand. “From the very beginning, we’ve worked with Artemis by cradling him in our arms, turning him over on his back, rubbing his stomach and playing with his paws so that he’s comfortable, submissive and non-aggressive,” Eric says. “You’ll never see a service dog engage with another animal, even if it’s a larger dog that comes up to sniff it. He’s trained to lie down and to stay focused on his handler’s needs. Alpha dogs are not suitable as service dogs.” Artemis has become a member of the Peterson family, at first wiggling, licking and nuzzling his way into their hearts, much like any family pet. But Eric knows the day is coming for the pup to move on to his next phase at a training facility. “It’s one of the hardest things to deliver him to the training campus after all the time he’s spent with us,” Eric says. “It’s like a child leaving home for college, but by the time he is around 18 months old, he’s ready. “We won’t see him again until his ‘doggie college’ is complete and he’s been matched with a

Service dogs receive as much as two years of training, learning to do hundreds of tasks for their handlers, including retrieving keys, above, and opening doors, below. The most popular breeds are golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and crosses of the two breeds. Photos courtesy of Canine Companions for Independence

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Nancy Sawhney loves on Battier, the fourth service dog she has had in the past 22 years. Photo courtesy of Canine Companions for Independence

handler, but he will remember us. I’ve seen it happen with every puppy we raised. At graduation, even though he hasn’t seen us in six months, his ears will perk up when he hears my voice, but he’ll mind his handler until she releases him. Then he’s all over us.” At Canine Companion’s regional training facility, Artemis and dogs like him will receive as much as six months of specialized training with a professional. He will learn to respond to specific commands, such as “drink,” which signals him to fetch a bottle of water for his handler, and “light,” which prompts him to turn on a light switch. Depending on the dog’s temperament and strengths, he may become a hearing dog or a service animal to assist a wheelchair-bound person. Professionals constantly evaluate the dog’s abilities to make sure he will be able to perform his duties consistently for the six to eight years of his working life. “Realistically, some wash out during puppy

Service Animal Etiquette “Please don’t pet the dog” is the first advice to heed when encountering a service animal. The dog is working and has an important job to do: assisting its human partner as their link to sight, hearing or mobility. “People don’t mean any harm when they reach out to pet Battier,” says Nancy Sawhney, who relies on her dog for help with mobility. “They just don’t realize that he’s not a pet, but a vital part of my everyday life.” Generally, working service animals can be identified by their vests. To be on your best behavior when you encounter a service dog team: XX Acknowledge the handler first and ask permission to pet the animal. Be mindful that you may be turned down. Don’t take it personally. XX Do not offer the dog treats or food. They are trained not to beg and to ignore food on the ground—to stay focused on their handler. Also, the food may not be part of the animal’s diet and could make him sick. XX Keep your own dog at a distance. Most likely, your animal will want to sniff the service dog. Service dogs are trained to be calm and nondominant with other pets. Respect the service dog’s space. XX Respect the handler’s privacy. Do not ask about the handler’s disability. XX Avoid assisting the service dog team, even if you think they need it. They are trained as a team to look out for each other and manage independently.

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training or ‘doggie college,’ as I call their time at the training campus,” Eric says. “If a dog doesn’t make the grade as a service animal, he is either trained as a therapy dog or adopted out to one of the many able-bodied people who are screened to be pet owners. As well-behaved and loveable as these dogs are, it’s very easy to match them with a suitable family.” Handler candidates patiently wait for a call. “Sometimes, the wait can be as long as two to three years to find the right dog for the right person,” says Nancy. “Once the dog is ready, candidates are brought in to meet their potential teammates and spend two weeks one-on-one training with a professional to solidify their relationship and suitability.” Graduation day is emotional as puppy raisers and their families return to see the dogs and their new handlers before they go to their new homes. For Eric, it is a bittersweet time. “I’m so proud of the puppies we’ve raised that go on to make a difference in someone’s life,” he says. “I always tear up as I see them leave for their new lives, but I know that’s what they’re trained for, and I’m just proud for the small part I played in it.” Many organizations provide service dogs at no charge, although the financial and time investment can be several thousand dollars and months of volunteer time to raise the puppies. Once matched, handlers agree to pay for all food and medical care for the canine partner while in their care. When the dog retires from working—usually at age 9 or 10—the handler has the option to keep the dog as a pet. If the handler turns the dog back to Canine Companions, the puppy raiser is offered the chance to adopt him. Otherwise, the dog becomes a pet for one of the approved people on the organization’s waiting list. Nancy and her husband, Ramesh, opted to keep her second dog, Union, once he retired from service. “He lived with us, even after I received my next dog, Becky,” Nancy says. “They became fast friends. “Union was a true blessing to our family, and we were happy to have him for the rest of his days. He was such a part of our family and our lives.” Ruth Anne’s husband, Robert, died in March, so Brook will be an even more vital part of her life. “I have many friends, but they won’t be with me 24/7 like Brook is,” she says. “Life has been a lot more lonely as a widow, but I’m so grateful for Brook, who accepts me unconditionally and always seems to sense what I need. She helps motivate me to get out of the house and be around people. Frankly, I don’t know what I would do without her, especially now.” n

Providing Comfort and Companionship By Pamela A. Keene

Therapy animals come in all shapes, sizes and types of service: miniature horses that provide love to patients in nursing homes and hospitals; dogs that listen patiently as children read to them; cats that purr and stretch when they are petted; and full-sized horses that help people with autism build confidence and learn to communicate. Some provide companionship or a sense of calm for people with psychological or social challenges. Others are trained to assist health professionals with occupational or physical therapy patients. “It can be a bit confusing when you’re talking about service animals and therapy animals,” says Mandy Pleshaw with Pet Partners. Nationally, the organization has more than 14,000 volunteer teams. The therapy animals—mostly dogs—have had basic obedience training and thrive on interacting with people in various settings. For several decades, equine therapy has been used with autistic children. The therapy now is used with Alzheimer’s patients, people with physiological impairments and those who are wheelchair bound. “Horseback riding is excellent for wheelchair-bound patients because a horse’s gait is so similar to the human gait,” says Justine Morgan, manager of donor relations with Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida. “The emotional bond between horses and people is so strong. “I’ve seen children with

special needs who don’t speak use verbal skills with the horse when they’re riding. It really boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem.” Brenda Jewel grew up on a farm in Lake Asbury, where she first developed her love of dogs and horses. “As a teen, I volunteered at a local barn where children with special needs came for hippotherapy (horseback riding), and I saw how it helped them—not only for the physical benefits, but also for the companionship,” says Brenda, an activity director at one of north Florida’s retirement communities. Her insight into how people can improve their lives by interacting with animals had such an impact on her that she studied therapeutic recreation, earning a master’s degree from Florida State. “I knew the incredible emotional power animals have with humans and wanted to use that to help people,” she says. Brenda partnered with her first therapy animal in 1990, adopting and training Jodie—a 4-year-old black lab who was a guide-dog training wash-out. “She visited psychiatric hospital patients with me,” Brenda says. “She had such a calming effect. The patients and the staff came to love her.” Brenda’s latest, Archer, is an Australian shepherd/ cattle dog cross adopted from a rescue group in southwest Florida. He is not a typical therapy animal candidate. “Herding dogs generally have a very active temperament, but Archer is so laid back,” she says. “I call him my

Magic, a miniature horse, makes visits to nursing homes and hospitals. Photo by Kathi Turner

Jimmy Buffett dog because he’s perfectly happy just chilling out. He loves to be a lap dog.” Archer visits patients at the retirement home where Brenda works. “Archer has a motivating way with them,” she says. “A patient may not want to do physical therapy for a staff member, but she’ll take Archer for a short walk down the hall without complaining. He helps them exercise their arms by letting them brush him. They’ll do just about anything for Archer.” Therapy animals also can be invaluable to help manage challenges from post-traumatic stress disorder and other invisible disabilities that can cripple someone psychologically with no outward signs, says author and researcher Melissa Fay Greene.

Brenda Jewel with Archer, who visits patients at the retirement home where Brenda works. Photo courtesy of Brenda Jewel

“I’ve heard of people whose lives have been dramatically changed by their bond with dogs,” Melissa says. “Whether they’re affected by a physical disability, an intellectual or psychological challenge, people’s bonds with therapy animals and the affects these relationships have are very real.” n AU G U S T 2 0 1 6

In the Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Tasty Warm-Weather Salads Refreshing salads are synonymous with summer Asian Chicken Salad Juice from half a lime 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 2/3 cup guacamole 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 5-ounce package spring salad mix ¼ cup red onion, diced 1/4 cup tomato, diced 1/2 of a 15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained 2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped 3 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced Crispy chow mein noodles for garnish

Add lime juice, cilantro, oil, guacamole, rice wine vinegar, salt, water and soy sauce to blender. Blend until uniform. Refrigerate dressing for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss salad mix, onion, tomato, oranges, dressing and cilantro in a bowl. Divide salad among plates; top with chicken and chow mein noodles. Courtesy of Wholly Guacamole

Rosemary-Feta Pearl Couscous Salad 2 cups water 3/4 cup uncooked pearl couscous 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion 1 cup lightly packed spinach, coarsely chopped

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A bowl full of greens becomes a full meal with the addition of grilled chicken and mandarin oranges. 7.5 ounces no-salt-added navy or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary 1 medium garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 3/4 cup reduced-fat feta, crumbled

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Stir in couscous and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover tightly and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve and run under cold water to cool completely. Shake off excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine pepper, cucumber, onion, spinach, beans, rosemary, garlic, oil, zest, lemon zest,

lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir in couscous and toss until well blended. Gently stir in feta. Courtesy of CanolaInfo

Fruit Salad With Mojito Dressing 1 mango, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces 11/2 cups sliced strawberries 1/2 small cantaloupe, cut into balls or bitesize pieces 1 small papaya, cut into bite-size pieces 2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced

Dressing 1/4 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon lime zest

9 cups baby spinach 30 cherry tomatoes

Blackberries add a juicy touch to a salad of spinach and goat cheese. 1/2 cup club soda 2 tablespoons white rum 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Combine all fruits in a bowl and toss lightly. In a container, combine oil, lime juice, zest, club soda, rum, mint leaves and sugar. Drizzle dressing over fruit salad. Serve immediately. Courtesy of CanolaInfo

Blackberry Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese Medallions 1 large egg 1 ounce soft goat cheese 1/4 cup halved pecans 1/4 medium-sliced (1/8-inch thick) red onions 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute 12 ounces blackberries, divided 11/3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper

Heat oven to 350°F. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg. Cut goat cheese into 12 1/2-inch rounds or roll into 12 equal balls and flatten. Dip each round into egg mixture, then roll in pecans, pressing them into the cheese. Place rounds onto sheet pan and bake 10 minutes, or saute in pan over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from oven or pan and allow to cool slightly. In a saute pan over medium heat, cook onion in oil with cinnamon and sugar, about 3 minutes. Add 6 ounces of blackberries and smash each with a fork. Cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Dressing can be used warm or cooled further. Add lemon juice or water if thinner consistency is desired. Combine spinach, tomatoes and remaining blackberries. Toss with half of the dressing, then place goat cheese medallions on top. Serve with remaining dressing on the side. Courtesy of Atkins

Kale and Pomegranate Salad with Grilled Lamb 11/2 cup pomegranate juice 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4-pound leg of lamb, deboned, butterflied and trimmed of visible fat

Dressing 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons pomegranate balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper

Salad 5 cups baby kale 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or sliced red grapes 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 1/4 cup walnut halves, toasted

Combine marinade ingredients in a large plastic zip-top bag. Add lamb and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Remove lamb from marinade, pat dry and set on a tray. On a gas grill, turn all burners to high, close lid and heat until hot. Scrape grates clean and brush with oil. Grill lamb, fat side down, over medium-high heat for 25 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, to about 145°F for medium rare and 160°F for medium. Remove from grill and loosely cover with foil. Let rest about 15 minutes and thinly slice. In a large bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Add kale, fennel, pomegranate seed or grapes and toss to coat. Arrange dressed salad on platter and top with lamb, cheese and walnuts. Courtesy of Tri-Lamb Group

Crab and Avocado Salad 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 16 ounces canned crab 2 medium stalks celery, diced Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 avocado, skinned, seeded and cubed 3 cups chopped watercress

In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin and paprika. Add crab meat and diced celery. Mix well; add salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir in avocado cubes. Divide watercress on four plates and top with salad. Courtesy of Atkins

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The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Shadows and Shade I love shadows because it means the sun is shining somewhere. Those long, deep shadows can be such wonderful helpers for revealing dimension and texture in your photos. They also can be useful elements to add life, scale, movement and mystery to your photos—great gifts in architectural photography. As my artistic wife observes, “Shadows are free and fluid. A tree is limited, but the shadow of a tree is not; it is liberated and often better than reality.” Like sharp relatives, shadows can be challenging and difficult to manage. Avoiding lens flare, loss of contrast and figuring exposure requires observation and thought. There are three common mistakes I see when photographing shadows. The first is the backlight flare that often occurs when you stand in sunlight while trying to make a picture of someone or something in shadow or open shade. If you are squinting while trying to make the picture, your camera is likely struggling, too. The second potential disaster is the splotchy-skin look. Magical sunlight sprinkles through dancing tree leaves, creating hundreds of sharp

light shards. Though pretty to the naked eye, the exposure difference between the spots of bright light and deep shadow can be a photographic nightmare. It pains me to think of how many “splotchy” and “speckled” midday wedding pictures I have seen made where bride and groom appear to be suffering from a terrible skin disorder. The third is the accidental silhouette. Standing in the shade with your subject, your light meter reads the bright highlight and makes the exposure accordingly. Here is my advice when it comes to photographing shadows or open shade: • Embrace shadows. Go on a shadow hunt on a bright sunny day—a fun exercise that just might yield some surprising photos. When photographing shadows, expose for the highlights around them and not for the shadows themselves. • Get in the shadow. When photographing subjects in shadow, stepping into the shadows with your subjects on bright, sunny days with deep or harsh shadows may be the most important tip I can offer. • Use a lens shade. I see a lot of folks with shades turned backwards, rendering them

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.

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By stepping into the shadow with your subjects—and exposing for shadow— you eliminate harsh shadows and take advantage of soft, even light as in this photo of Toddy and Kate. © David LaBelle

useless. Lens shades are made to block peripheral light, which minimizes glare and helps the contrast in your image. This may not seem like a big deal, but I assure you, it is. Warning: Be careful when using superwide-angle lenses that you don’t capture the rim of the shade in your frame. Without getting too technical here, wide f-stops can help avoid this. • Make your exposure for subjects in shadow and not the highlight behind them, unless you want silhouettes. • Use flash. Shadows are great because they usually offer even light with less contrast and exposure variance. A little flash goes a long way to awaken those shadows with more lively color or even out light shards dancing through leaves. Not only will the artificial light open up those shadows, it will awaken colors that may be

muted in the shadowy light. Once again, it is critical to step into the shadow when photographing. If you feel comfortable with your camera settings, try making your exposure for the highlight behind your shadowed subject and add light with a strobe/flash. • Use a reflector to redirect the bright sunlight and open up shadows. The key is to point your reflector at the sun, catch the light and redirect it onto your subject. The shinier the reflector—silver, bronze or white—determines the intensity of the light reflected. If your subjects are squinting, you might want to use white instead of a shiny surface. • Wear a hat. I wear one not only because I am follically challenged on top, but so I have an instant sun shade to block light that causes lens flare or dulls image contrast. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Painting the Town Want a great excuse for a road trip? Check out the soon-tobe launched Florida Mural Trail, connecting the dots between more than a dozen towns that are becoming known for their murals. From reflecting history and heritage to showcasing extraordinary artwork, murals are popping up everywhere. The granddaddy of them all is Lake Placid, with nearly 50 murals, but other towns see the benefits for residents and tourists and are catching up. “People don’t realize what’s in their own backyards,” says Kelly Gaylord, president of the Punta Gorda Mural Society, www.puntagordamurals.org. It is one of the three groups spearheading the mural trail. The others are Lake Placid, www.tourlakeplacid.com, and North Brevard, www.nbbd. com/npr/murals/index.html. Here is a preview of towns that will be included when the Florida Mural Trail and its new website launch this fall. A Model for Others Credit Bob and Harriet Porter for coming up with the idea to paint murals on the walls of vacant Lake Placid buildings in 1992. It breathed new

Renowned artist Wyland is dwarfed by the mural of a sperm whale he painted on the side of a marine building in Destin. Photo courtesy of Legendary Marine

vitality into Highlands County and won Lake Placid the title of “America’s Most Interesting Town” by Reader’s Digest in 2013. Lake Placid is a model for mural projects in towns across North America. Overcoming a Hurricane With 28 murals and counting, Punta Gorda capitalizes on its colorful past and natural beauty, depicting scenes of the first city council, manatees, wildlife and its growth into a center of commerce. The town lost nearly half of its original murals in Hurricane Charley, but many have been restored in the past few years. From Graham to Boats Situated on the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, the little town of Palatka was once home to luxury hotels and

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.

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riverboat tours. Murals capture the town in its heyday, along with significant historic moments in Palatka’s history (www.conleemurals.org). The Rev. Billy Graham, baptized in Peniel Baptist Church in Putnam County, returned in 2001 for the dedication of the mural painted in his honor. The world’s longest inland sailboat race—the Mug Race from Palatka to Jacksonville— is commemorated in another of the nearly 20 murals in the downtown area. A Massive Whaling Wall People come from miles around to see the work of renowned muralist and artist Wyland, www.wyland.com, on the side of one of the largest marina buildings in Destin. Called Whaling Wall No. 88, the mural is 1,488 feet long and 60 feet high—a whopping 5 acres—painted on a wall of a dry-storage warehouse at Legendary Marine. Created in 2001, Wyland returned to Destin in 2015

to repaint the mural and add more sea life. He also painted a 290-by-152-foot American flag on the warehouse roof. Wyland’s works are in 17 countries and 79 cities on five continents. Travel Tips • If you are longing for a last-minute hotel deal, download the HotelTonight app. You can book great deals for the same day or a week ahead. WhatsApp lets you call friends or family for free anywhere in the world, as long as they also have the app on their phone. • Travel guru Johnny Jet has a recipe for all-natural mosquito repellant: 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 4 ounces of witch hazel. It has to smell better than DEET. • If you face mobility issues, check www.accomable. com for handicap-accessible lodging worldwide and www. mobilityequipmenthiredirect. com for rental of specialized equipment. n

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Include Your Event Here Want to share a familyfriendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Please send details to info@florida currents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to register or get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a highresolution photo promoting your event— perhaps from a past year—please include it along with photo credit information. Thank you.

Wednesdays through September 21, Islamorada Movies Under the Stars Cheeca Lodge and Spa celebrates its 70th anniversary with weekly 7:30 p.m. screenings on the sundeck. August movies are “Spider-Man 3,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” Admission is $10, or free for guests, and includes complimentary gourmet popcorn. www.cheeca.com; (305) 517-4505

August 1, Gulf Breeze Jazz Jam La Brisa Café hosts a fun opportunity to play jazz tunes with other musicians. Admission is free for those performing, including high school and college students, or $12 for nonmembers and $5 for students with identification. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with music at 6:30 p.m. www.jazzpensacola.com; (850) 433-8382

August 5, Pensacola Hill-Kelly Drive-In Movie Community Maritime Museum hosts a free, family-fun night watching “Zootopia.” The show begins at 8:15 p.m. Watch from your car or the grassy lawn. www.pensacolamaritime communitypark.com

August 5, Pensacola Beach Stargazing Meet at the Battery Worth picnic area at Fort Pickens and join park staff and volunteers from the Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association for a night under the

100th Birthday of National Parks In honor of the National Park Service’s century of stewardship, enjoy free admission to the Everglades, at right, and all national parks Thursday, August 25, through Sunday, August 28. For details, visit www.nps.gov. Photo courtesy of the NPS

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stars viewing celestial objects. Telescopes will be available. www.nps.gov; (850) 934-2600

August 6, Panama City Beach Back to School Beach Bash See the latest in fashion, enjoy crafts for the kids and sample food from Pier Park tenants from 2 to 5 p.m. between Forever 21 and Old Navy. (850) 236-9974

August 6, Pensacola Sandstock Hear great music, enjoy good times and eat great food beginning at noon at Flora-Bama. Customers are encouraged to dress in hippie-style threads and will receive free peace sign beads while supplies last. www.florabama.com; (850) 492-0611

August 9, Pensacola Beach Bands on the Beach Country music artist Chloe Channell, a 14-year-old from Pace, performs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion. www.visitpensacolabeach.com; (850) 932-2257

August 12-13, Pensacola Beach Stargazing The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association offers free stargazing at the Gulfside Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. www.visitpensacolabeach.com

August 13, Lake Placid 16th Annual Grape Stomp Festival Help Henscratch Farms Vineyard crush 2 tons of grapes for this

year’s foot-stomped vintage and pre-order the finished wine— which is ready in November— complete with a custom wine label with your stomp photo. The event includes a Lucy look-a-like contest at 12:30 p.m., live music by The Redneck Joe Band, winery tours and tasting and a barbecue lunch. Admission is $5. Children 6 and younger enter for free. Bring your own chairs. www.henscratchfarms.com; (863) 699-2060

August 13, Panama City Beach Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour Listen to Nashville’s most esteemed songwriters perform hits heard on the radio in an acoustic setting at 5 p.m. at Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel and Convention Center. The songwriters share the stories behind the songs and offer a behind-the-scenes view of Nashville. Admission is free. www.boardwalkbeachresort.com

August 13, Pensacola Beach Turtle Baby Shower The family-friendly celebration from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Landshark Landing on Margaritaville Beach Hotel includes sea turtle education, games, activities and music. www.visitpensacola.com; (850) 916-6971

August 13, Sebring Saturday Night Cruise Celebrate classic cars and listen to live entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m. in the downtown circle. www.visithighlandscounty.com

20th Annual Key West Lobsterfest Celebrate the start of the Florida Keys lobster season Thursday, August 11, through Sunday, August 14. The event includes a lobster boil; Duval Crawl; street fair with lobster-inspired culinary creations and a free concert; and a lobster brunch. For more information, visit www. keywestlobsterfest.com or call (305) 744-9804. Photo by Rob O’Neal/ Florida Keys News Bureau

August 17, Islamorada “Immerse Yourself” Jim Wyatt of Tek Dive Florida Keys talks about technical and cave diving at a free lecture at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM 83. www.divingmuseum.org; (305) 664-9737

August 18-20, Panama City Beach Sand and Sass Ladies Motorcycle Rally Bike competitions, a six-hour excursion, themed evening dinners, games, workshops and seminars highlight activities. www.pcbharley.com; (850) 334-0055

August 19-21, Pensacola Power of Photography Show and Exhibit See more than 300 photo entries at the free show at 5 p.m. at the Pensacola Cultural Center. The event includes music, food and lectures. www.wideanglephotoclub.org; (850) 432-9546

August 20, Winter Haven Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show Members of the original Cypress Gardens ski team perform a free show at 6 p.m. at Lake Silver. www.facebook.com/ CypressGardensWaterSkiTeam

August 27, Panama City Golf Fore Education Panama Country Club hosts a fundraiser for the Bay Education Foundation Take Stock in Children program. Pre-registration is recommended. Check-in is at 8 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. The event includes $5,000 putting and $10,000 hole-in-one contests. www.bayartsevents.com; (850) 767-4111

August 27, Ocala Cracker Village Tour Visit Silver Springs State Park at 10 a.m. to discover what life was

like at the turn of the century in the Florida “piney woods.” The cracker homestead is a replica of a 19thcentury pioneer settlement. www.floridastateparks.org; (352) 236-7148

August 28, Bradenton Bark in the Park “Pups Run the Bases” is the theme for the Marauders’ minor league baseball game. Fans can bring their dogs to the park and let them run the bases after the game, which starts at 1 p.m. Gates open at noon. www.bradenton.marauders.milb.com; (941) 747-3031

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Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Florida law requires anyone under the age of 6 to wear a certified floatation device when in or on a moving vessel that is 26 feet or shorter. In states without a children’s life jacket law, those under the age of 13 are required to wear a certified life jacket. Inner tubes and other floaty toys are not certified flotation devices.

Outdoors 101:

The ABCs of PFDs Personal flotation devices can be bulky, hot, uncomfortable and—for the vain at heart— uncool. But they are also lifesavers. A case in point: According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 84 percent of 2014 boating drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. Life jackets not only provide additional flotation in the event of capsizing or an unexpected swim, but they also add a layer of warmth in cold water. Here are the five types of personal flotation devices: • Type I, offshore life jacket. It is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. • Type II, near-shore buoyant vest. This is the “classic” life jacket. It is less bulky and less expensive than a Type I PFD, and is designed for calm, inland water. • Type III, flotation aid. This PFD is similar to Type II vest, but it tends to be more comfortable and are available in assorted styles and sizes. However, they are not

Photo by Britta Kasholm-Tengve

designed to keep an unconscious person face-up in the water such as Type I and II PFDs are designed to do. • Type IV, throwable device. This includes boat cushions and ring buoys. • Type V, special-use device. Special-use devices • includes hybrid vests, work flotation vests and deck suits. Sizing is important to ensure the proper fit. For adults, it’s based on chest size, For children, it’s based on weight. Some companies also make PFDs for pets. They are not USGS certified, but they have saved pet lives. They are available at many pet stores and outdoor stores. The bottom line: Don’t just have a PFD onboard; be sure

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

AU G U S T 20 1 6

to wear it, especially if you are not a swimmer or are uncomfortable in the water.

August 25: National Dog Day. August 31: National Trail Mix Day.

National Park Service Celebrates 100 Years August 25 marks the 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service. That’s 100 years of protecting America’s natural, historical and cultural treasures. There are more than 400 beautiful, historic sites covering more than 80 million acres consisting of approximately 18,000 miles of rails and more than 75,000 archaeological sites.

Reader Submission: Another Tip for Keeping Your Cooler Cool Thermal mass makes your cooler stay colder. To maximize this principle, reader Charles Hayden suggests buying a case of water bottles and freezing them. Use them in place of ice to fill your cooler. When the ice inside the water bottles melts, it doesn’t make things soggy and the water doesn’t go to waste. They melt slower than crushed ice and are less bulky than block ice.

Source: National Park Service

Not Getting Enough Fishing Time? Don’t leave home without your fishing rod. You never know when the mood will hit you or an opportunity to wet your hook will present itself. What’s Special this Month? August: National Catfish Month and National Picnic Month.

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. 

Florida Keys

Check Your GFCI Outlets Interrupt flow of current and guard against shock According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than two-thirds of electrocution deaths could be prevented with the use of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Here are some things to consider: • GFCI outlets—which are more sensitive to current fluctuations than a fuse or circuit breaker—should be installed anywhere an appliance might come in contact with water. • Underwriters Laboratories suggests testing GFCIs monthly to make sure they are working properly. Push the “reset” button on the GFCI. Plug a light with an on/off switch into the receptacle. Turn the item on. Push the test button. The light should go off. Push the reset button again. The light should go on. If the light remains on when the test button is pushed, the GFCI is not working properly. You should call an electrician to rewire or replace the GFCI.

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Jamesâ€‚ Dulley

Cut Your Utility Bills

Efficiently Cool a Room or House

Above, the outdoor condenser/compressor unit of a mini-split system is mounted high on the garage wall to provide clearance beneath it. Top, the indoor unit has a fan with specially designed blades to reduce noise. To ask a question, write to James Dulley, Energy Report, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH. 45244, or check his web page, www.dulley.com. Copyright 2016, James Dulley

AU GU S T 2 0 16

Q: Our heat pump does not adequately cool a second-floor bedroom. I need to decide between installing a window air conditioner or a mini-split system. Which works better and costs less to operate? A: Since cool air is more dense than warm air, it settles to the first floor, leaving the second floor uncomfortably warm. Adding additional cooling capacity definitely works. You correctly identified the two most effective solutions. A mini-split system is the better choice for comfort and lower operating cost. It may allow you to set your central heat pump thermostat a few degrees higher and reduce your electric bills while improving comfort. However, it costs more than a window unit and cannot be moved to another room. A mini-split unit operates like a typical split system central air conditioner or heat pump. A small condenser/compressor is mounted outdoors. It can be located up to 100 feet from the room you need to cool. I have an efficient geothermal heat pump in my home, but I still installed a mini-split unit in the master bedroom. It uses a variable-speed compressor to keep the room temperature steady. A variablespeed model allows you to select a larger capacity unit without typical overcooling issues. I selected a heat pump model to also efficiently heat the bedroom during winter. In addition to the high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating of 28, a mini-split unit is quieter. A window unit has all the noisy components (compressor, fans, etc.) mounted in the cabinet in the window. Newer ones are fairly quiet, but the sound can still be annoying at night. No matter how carefully you install one, there is going to be some air leakage around it. Since the unit is small, it can be mounted high on an wall. It does not require a ducted blower

system like a regular heat pump. Small tubing carries the cold refrigerant to a fan unit mounted on the room wall or ceiling. One 3-inch hole is drilled through the wall to run the refrigerant tubing, electrical wiring and condensate drain to the fan unit. For homes heated without a ducted systemâ€”such as electric baseboard, hot water, wood stoveâ€”a mini-split system can cool an entire house. Several condenser units can be grouped together outdoors with several fan units indoors. With natural air circulation, three units can comfortably cool an entire house. By selecting a heat pump mini-split unit, it is possible to zone heat and cool your house for year-round savings. For example, there is no need to keep the entire house extremely cool when you are sleeping or the bedrooms cool during the day. Compressors that use inverter technology provide the greatest variable cooling range. This is important, so the compressor can quickly cool a bedroom and then automatically adjust to a slower, quiet speed when you are ready for bed. This is a plus on extremely hot days when maximum cooling output is needed to stay comfortable. Q: I bought a water-saving flapper valve for the toilet tank. I have to hold the flush lever for a while to make it flush properly or double flush. What did I do wrong? A: You may have bought an adjustable water-saving flapper valve. These require adjustment and may have a longer hold time. Replacing a flapper valve seems simple, but study the instructions first. Make sure the strap connecting the flush lever to the flapper does not have excessive slack. Adjust it if necessary. There should be just a little slack when the flapper seals over the drain. If the flapper has adjustable air hole sizes, try different settings. n

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Bean Picnic Salad, Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Salad, Cucumber Salad with Spicy Dressing—these recipes and many more are available in this booklet of reader recipes. With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook features fruit salads, vegetable salads, pasta salads, meat salads and more. The cookbook is 8½ by 11 inches, spiral-bound, indexed and only $6 (includes postage). To order by mail: Submit with proper payment, name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to Ruralite Cookbooks, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

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Plugged In

Using Electricity Safely and Efficiently

Advanced Technology at Home Developments in daily household features make your home a bit more interesting—and more efficient

Thermostats Ecobee’s Wi-Fi thermostat with remote sensors, above, may very well change your life—or at least your heating and cooling bill. Ordinary thermostats measure temperature in only one spot: where they are located. Ecobee’s smart thermostat, ecobee3, works with wireless remote sensors that measure temperature and occupancy, and adjusts accordingly to warm your house or cool it down. Most homes only need a few sensors, but the system supports up to 32. To sense consumers’ proximity to their home—and therefore, when to adjust temperatures—the thermostats use geofencing. This software program feature uses GPS or radio frequency identification to define geographical boundaries. Prices start at $199, www.ecobee.com

Heat Pump Water Heaters As the second-largest consumer of energy in the home—second only to heating and cooling your home—water heaters warrant efficiencies whenever possible. The SanCO2 heat pump water heater system from Sanden consists of two parts: an outdoor unit, and a 60- or 80-gallon storage tank, usually installed inside the home. A heat pump uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. The heat in the air is absorbed by a natural refrigerant: carbon dioxide. The warm refrigerant circulates in the system via a compressor. As it passes through the compressor, its pressure rises, as does its temperature. This hot refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger to heat the water, which is then pumped to the storage tank. Prices vary by supplier, www.sandenwaterheater.com

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Advanced Power Strips It was only a matter of time before power strips focused on consumers’ entertainment needs. Embertec’s Emberstrip 8AV+ with Bluetooth is an advanced power strip designed for a TV and its accessory components. The power strip is synced to a free iOS or Android app, which lets consumers monitor power consumption for all devices connected to six power-saving sockets. Retails for $99.99, www.embertec.com

Clothes Dryers Recent years have seen advancements in and promotion of washing machines. Clothes dryers are often overlooked, however, serving only as the needed match to a shiny new washing machine. Dryers are finally getting their moment in the sun: heat pump clothes dryers. Conventional clothes dryers use electricity or gas to generate heat, then vent hot air out of the appliance. A heat pump clothes dryer captures the hot air, removes the moisture from it, then reuses the heated air to dry more clothing. Some heat pump dryer models do not require venting, eliminating the need to clear out dryer vents and keeping heated air inside the home. Because heat pump dryers typically use lower drying temperatures, consumers likely will see less shrinkage, wear and wrinkling of their clothing. Prices start at $1,799, www.whirlpool.com

Thermostatic Shower Valves Consider your morning showering routine. You turn on the shower, ready to wake up. The water is cold, so you walk away as it warms. Perhaps you brush your teeth, feed the cat or pick out which socks you are going to wear. In the meantime, the water warms—but you are too occupied to realize it. Wasting hot water and energy as you wait for the shower to heat up is a terrible way to start the day. ShowerStart TSV from Evolve saves water—and the energy used to heat it—with help from a thermostatic shut-off valve. How it works: The user turns on the shower. Once the water reaches 95 F, the water slows to a trickle. The user pulls the unit’s lanyard to bypass the trickle, and normal showerhead flow resumes. After showering, the device resets for the next shower. Retails for $29.95, www.thinkevolve.com

The Pitfalls of Smart Advancements Although technological advancements are often impressive, integration into your home is not always seamless. Keep the following in mind: XX Not all contractors/installers are aware or trained in the best ways to install new technologies. Find one who is qualified. XX Heat pumps and heat pump technology work better in warmer climates. XX Some technologies—such as web-enabled thermostats and

power strips—change the way consumers interact with their existing system. Expect an adjustment period while getting used to new technology. XX For the best experience, try to understand the basics of how the technology works and why it saves energy. You will have a better understanding of what effects it may have, and learn the best ways to get the most out of it.

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Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Beautiful End of a Day The sun drops below the horizon with a display of vivid colors on a summer day in Panama City Beach. “We had just recently moved here, and I could not wait to get down to the beach and take a couple of sunset photos,” says Heather Colwell of Youngstown. “I went down with camera in hand. “After pulling up, it started to rain. Got to love the random 5-minute storms here! I decided to just wait out the rain. I am so glad that I did, because it sure made for a beautiful sunset.” —Heather Colwell, Youngstown

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) to photos@floridacurrents.com.

Everybody’s Favorites Order your copy of our newest cookbook. Nearly 300 reader-submitted recipes are sure to please at your next family gathering. Inside you will find main dishes, appetizers, drinks, desserts and more. Give this as a gift or add it to your collection for only $8, shipping included. Order online at www.ruralite.org, over the phone by calling (503) 718-3720, or mail a check or money order to:

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Products to Protect Your Home and Business Meter Surge Protection First Line of Defense FKEC’s Meter Mounted Surge Protection is a device mounted at your electric meter to protect equipment from electric surges coming through “points-of-entry”. The tool defends your home or business by reducing the power surge level before it reaches your valuable electronics, appliances and office equipment. An FKEC professional will help you determine which of our surge protection options can be installed at your meter. All models are installed by FKEC for an installation charge of $50. For more information visit www.fkec.com/FormService/meter-mounted.cfm or call 305-852-2431

GenSafe Portable Generator Use Made Easy FKEC‘s GenSafe device is an apparatus with a built-in outlet for a portable generator and is available for members to purchase. The product allows for safe use of a portable generator because it automatically disconnects your home from the power grid and prevents dangerous “back feed” that re-energizes power lines and threatens repair crews. FKEC offers two GenSafe devices to accommodate both smaller (7,200 watts or less for $750 + tax) and larger (9,600 watts maximum for $875 + tax) portable generators. Among other advantages, the product also includes a surge protector which provides a level of protection for appliances. It also allows property owners to easily control which appliances receive power by turning on the appropriate circuit breakers in the breaker panel. For more information visit www.FKEC.com/FormService/GenSafe.cfm or call 305-852-2431

305.852.2431 • 800.858-8845 • www.FKEC.com