MAY 2015
SPECIAL FEATURE
We: are community We: do life together Real Life. Real People LIVE ONLINE
thejoyfm.com
“ ”
Keeping Beef Cattle and Florida’s Land Healthy By: Jason Mathis, Florida Farm Bureau Federation
I
n Florida, May signals the beginning of a month-long program that promotes and builds awareness of beef as an important commodity in our state.
Sponsored by the Florida Beef Council, Florida Beef Month was designed to educate consumers about a $500 million industry that ranks tenth in the number of beef cows nationally. As a highly profitable component of Florida’s agricultural industry, farmers and ranchers around the state are tasked with producing high-quality beef, but for ranchers like C. Dennis Carlton, being a good steward of the land is equally important to the sustainability of the industry. “Water quality is important to us, the soil, the grass, it’s all intertwined in a system,” said Carlton. “Sure, we’ve got to be profitable, but at the same time we have to take care of the land so that it will in turn continue to take care of us.” For 40 years Carlton has taken care of his land in Florida. His two large ranches, Carlton & Carlton Ranch and Audubon Ranch, span nearly 35,000 acres through six counties, with an additional 542 acres used to produce citrus and strawberries.
“We have an economic engine where we employ people and buy items like any business does, yet at the same time, we are able to have a real positive impact on the environment,” said Carlton. “We provide aquifer recharge, wildlife habitats and absolute open space. So there is a real benefit to having an operation that supplies those needs at no cost to the people in our state.” As a result of his dedication to the preservation of Florida’s natural resources, Carlton was recognized by the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program in 2014. Established 14 years ago, the CARES program was founded by Florida Farm Bureau as a way to thank farmers who go above and beyond taking care of the land they farm. Its mission is to promote environmentally sound farming practices while educating the public on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources. “Most people that are in agriculture, specifically production agriculture, have to love the land or they wouldn’t do it,” said Carlton. “The CARES program is important because it gives credence to what farm families are doing.” This voluntary program requires farmers and ranchers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their operations. These BMPs are
science and research-based, field-tested practices that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means for improving water quality and conservation. Producers who implement BMPs highlight agriculture’s commitment to fostering water conservation and land protection through their continued efforts. “Everything that we do is to try and make our cattle healthy and keep our land healthy,” said Carlton. “If you’re using the land, from an economic stand point, you need to use the BMPs.” Farmers and ranchers like Carlton have an immediate stake in the condition of the natural resources that support their livelihoods. As we celebrate Florida Beef Month, and enjoy the spoils of a thriving industry, remember to thank these individuals who are not only providing food and fiber to fulfill our needs around the world, but are continually implementing environmentally sound management practices on their farms and ranches to ensure a sustainable future. “It’s one thing to go out and buy a piece of land, it’s another thing to buy a piece of land and then manage it,” said Carlton. To find out more about other farmers and ranchers who are doing their part in conserving our natural resources, visit www.thisfarmcares.org.
LIFE LESSONS
THROUGH SOCCER
By Cody Dulaney
T
he Dunedin Stirling Soccer Club is a home away from home for many families. Moms and dads crowd the sidelines to kick the can and gossip. Meeting for practices and games on a weekly basis resembles that of a ritual, as parents get to know one another on a personal level. The degree of bonding is obvious when a parent goes up to someone else’s child to ask about their schooling, congratulate them on a good play, or even jokingly ask if they have any “new girlfriends.” Boys and girls step foot on the soccer field for the very first time, while others are in the process of honing their skills. Either way, all of them are not only becoming better soccer players, but they are also becoming better people in the process. “Never give up.” “If one gets kicked, we all limp.” These are mottos that are drilled into their heads on a daily basis; right alongside the proper crossover technique. The kids in this soccer club are learning the fundamentals, as well as life lessons from people who have seen it all and lived to tell the story.
Don Tobin, the Director of Coaching, has been with the club since 1995 and has helped many athletes on their way to success. Whether it is on the soccer field, or in the game of life, Tobin does his best to prepare his players for what is ahead—struggle. Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Tobin was introduced to the game of soccer at a young age. Young lads swarmed the streets to kick around the soccer ball. In the early 1960s, Tobin was old enough to know that he wanted to play soccer for the rest of his life. As a young man, he realized many things in the rough neighborhood of Huyton in Liverpool. The good soccer players were highly respected, and he wanted that same level of respect. There were no politics. There were no lies. In the streets, the game spoke for itself. If someone was the best, then everyone else knew about it. It was a constant struggle to get noticed in the neighborhood. There were some fights along the way, with many bumps and bruises. “We used to say, ‘Stray dogs have to travel in two’s so they don’t get jumped,’” Tobin said.
It was at the age of 15 when he finished school and went on to become a professional soccer player. He was picked up by Everton, a very reputable club, and started as an apprentice. The happiness and pride was short lived for Tobin, as he was thrown right into the professional atmosphere. This was the type of duty that isn’t filled with glitz or glory; he was responsible for shining Alan Ball’sboots, the star player on Everton. Tobin looked after those boots as if they were his own. He shined them daily and kept them looking immaculate. When it was time for Ball to get new boots, Tobin wore them around first and broke them in to keep the star athlete from getting blisters on his feet. “I would tell my mates, ‘Hey, I wore those shoes,’” Tobin said with pride. One night, Tobin and his friends were standing in line for a popular night club. Knowing they were too young to get in, yet ambitious to try anyway, the Everton apprentice and his rough mates were quickly turned away. However, Alan Ball skipped the line to get in, an acceptable practice with the stars. Ball noticed Tobin walking away, grabbed the young man by the shirt and walked to the front with him in tow. “Oh, this bloke’s with us,” Ball told the doorman. That was the moment when Tobin felt a sense of belonging. A promotion came soon after, where he could work his way through four levels to become the starter. Again, his excitement was short lived once he realized how things worked. A local schoolboy with great technique and skill is often overlooked for an overrated player who signed the big check. “It’s based off investment and politics, and that’s just not right,” Tobin said, “it was a challenge to know people were not as honest as they were on the streets.” Unconcerned with the comments or the odds, Tobin never gave up. He went on to play 23 years of professional soccer with 14 different
teams, in three different countries. He won six out of seven championships during his career, was selected to several All-Star teams and played for the national team in Ireland and the United States. With numerous accolades and great experiences to show for his success, Tobin decided to coach after his playing days were over. Many young soccer players have the ability to pick the brain of someone who worked hard to get where he wanted to go.
“This is why I teach them to never give up,” Tobin said, “it’s because I lived it every day on the pavements of Liverpool. I struggled big time when I started out, and they will have to learn at some point what that is like. The ones who hear it at a young age have the advantage.” With a personality and character that far exceed his stature, his work ethic and “never give up” attitude are contagious. Tobin’s jet black mustache and salt and pepper, shoulder-length hair, make him an easily recognizable person; his flamboyant British character only seems to add to his likeability factor. All the parents have nothing but good things to say about him, and for many, he is the reason why they bring their child back. Nothing was ever given to Tobin; he had to work hard for everything he received. He had to fight through the struggle to come out on the other side unscathed. Any child has the ability to attain the same level of success, so long as they never give up.
WELLNESS
Listen Up and Avoid Swimmer’s Ear TIPS, ADVICE, AND INFORMATION FOR RAISING HEALTHY CHILDREN
With a little prevention, you can beat Swimmer’s Ear
In the summer months, when the temperature is warm and humidity is high, Swimmer’s Ear infections (Otitis Externa) are more common. This is because, unlike ear infections caused by upper respiratory infections, Swimmer’s Ear occurs in the external ear canal. Usually, infections result from excess wetness in the ear from swimming or bathing. Sometimes, other causes such as overzealous ear cleaning, (it removes the protective layer of wax from the ear canal), trauma to ear from inserting objects into it, or skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can cause an infection. Swimmer’s Ear is very painful; sometimes even chewing causes discomfort. It may also cause your child’s ear to itch, feel plugged up, have a sensation of fullness, or may just be sensitive to touch or movement. Usually, Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotic ear drops. Your doctor will explain how long to use the drops depending on the severity of the infection. Make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications your child may be taking so there will be no problems with the treatment. Keeping the ear canals dry is a must during treatment, so swimming or soaking in the tub should be avoided. Place a cotton ball with a small amount of Vaseline into the ear canals to prevent water from entering during bathing. Prevention is the key with Swimmer’s Ear. Keep the ears as dry as possible. After bathing, let the water run out of each ear, and towel dry them thoroughly. If excess ear wax is a problem, talk with your doctor. If swimming will be frequent, discuss with your doctor ways to care for the ears and avoid infection. With a little thought to prevention, this summer can be a summer without Swimmer’s Ear
Lisa E. Vaske, ARNP, PNP is a Nurse Practitioner with After Hours Pediatrics. Open evenings, weekends and holidays, they provide urgent care for infants, children and young adults. Contact them at 813-775-4030 or visit www.afterhourspediatrics.com.
FEATURE
Tarpon Springs
Authentic Greek town filled with mystery and wonder “The first time we noticed it was at my father's funeral...” It’s a memory more than three decades old, but George Billiris can clearly recall laying eyes on what some call the weeping icon at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Tarpon Springs Church lies in the heart of a traditionrich city and Billiris has been a part of the tight-knit community of sponge divers since his family helped build the industry over 100 years ago.
The icon, which is encased in glass, is a picture of the cathedral's patron saint. And some, including a priest at the church in the 1970’s, claimed it wept. When reporters from all over Tampa Bay rushed to document the phenomenon, many proclaimed it a sham. Others, including Billiris, believe the icon wept real tears. The icon became the center of a crying controversy again in the 1990's. And mention was made of the icon's alleged protective powers when Hurricane Charley blew through last summer. The storm veered away from Tarpon Springs and the Tampa Bay area and hit farther south instead.
Shops along Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs
When the icon made headlines in the 1970’s, older sponge divers and fishermen were already a very religious and superstitious lot. They believed you should never work on Tuesdays. Despite the fact that a reason for choosing that day of the week never surfaced, divers refused to go underwater anyway. And working on Easter or other religious holidays was of course prohibited. As the industry waned, some of these traditions did too. Tarpon Springs is still a draw for tourists who want to buy sponges brought up from the ocean floor or to dine on authentic Greek St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Tarpon Springs Masterpiece Church
Dodecanese Boulevard viewed from the water.
cuisine. More than a dozen restaurants and about 100 shops line the streets. You can still watch a real sponge dive or visit the sponge museum. But although the city is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, tourists might not fully appreciate the history of the streets they walk and boats they step onto. In the 1930’s and 1940’s, sponge diving was extremely prosperous. The craft may have begun in Greece but Greek immigrants in Florida jumped into the business with gusto, making Tarpon Springs one of the Sunshine State’s richest cities at the time. These days, an annual tradition still brings thousands to the city known as “the sponge capital of the world.” During the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, a cross is tossed into the waters of Spring Bayou. And teenaged boys dive down to try to be the one to bring it to the surface. Legend has it he will have good luck for a year. It may take more than good luck to spot the icon weeping real tears. But you can judge for yourself. Stop by the Cathedral and take a look. The picture is just inside the front doors of the church. The building is located within walking distance from the sponge docks where you can learn more about the very real and very rich history of the city named after a fish.
Tucked away in a Florida town known for its sponges and sponge docks is the largest single collection of George Inness, Jr. paintings. But the paintings don’t hang in a museum. They grace the walls of the Unitarian Universalist Church on Grand Boulevard, the church Inness, Jr. attended while living in Tarpon Springs. After his father, George Inness, Sr. (one of America’s best landscape artists) passed away, George, Jr. came into his own. A lover of nature and the great outdoors, Inness. Jr. painted beautiful works, often of animals and often incorporating beautiful hues of green. The church featuring the George Inness, Jr. paintings is located at 230 Grand Boulevard in Tarpon Springs. 727-937-4682 or visit them at www.uutarpon.org.
You've needed this getaway for a long time.
ISLAND RESORTS ON ST. PETE BEACH
JustletGo.com/ParentGuide
877.563.1871
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706