Ride A Bike? Local Chapter of CMA Forming Soon
October 12, 2008
A local man is working to establish a local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, a group that loves to ride and spread the gospel at the same time.
Doug Chandler of Atmore is currently a member of the CMA’s Baldwin County chapter, but he’s organized a meeting for a potential Ecambia County chapter of CMA at 6:30 p.m. on October 23 in the white building behind the Atmore First Methodist Church on Horner Street in Atmore.
Chandler said he expects several bikers from the Walnut Hill and Century areas to be interested in the Escambia County (AL) group, which plans to eventually find a meeting place in Flomaton.
“I wanted to find a way to use my love for motorcycles and riding for the Lord. After looking at various organizations and after much prayer I decided to join the Christian Motorcyclists Association. I was excited about the various ministry opportunities available through the world wide reach of CMA,” Chandler said. “There are many great Christians in our area who also love motorcycles. Starting a local chapter will provide an opportunity to fellowship, develop friendships and work in the community while sharing the Lord with others. If anyone loves the Lord and motorcycles they will be blessed with the CMA.”
For more information about the local chapter of CMA that is forming, email BigDCMA@mchsi.com or call (251) 294-0386.
Back in March, NorthEscambia.com ran a feature article about the Pensacola Chapter of CMA. That article is reprinted below.
Yes Lord, We’ll Ride With You; Riding For The Son
Sometimes in life, the courage to walk up to someone you don’t know and say those first words can be tough. Finding the courage to walk up to the stereotypical tough man biker and just start talking about salvation…well, that can be even tougher.
But it is a courage that disabled Vietnam vet Michael Largay has obtained, and it is a courage that has become his passion.
“Excuse me sir, but do you know about Jesus,” he asked when he first walked up to this reporter in Century Saturday. “I wondered if I could tell you a little bit about Him.” He was unaware at the time the he was speaking to a reporter.
That’s what Michael does. Everywhere he goes, even if it is in the middle of a rough biker gang. He has turned his Honda Goldwing into a tool for reaching the lost and pointing them toward the Golden Gates of Heaven.
“We ride for the Lord,” he said of the group he participates with, the Christian Motorcycle Association (the CMA).
The Bible says in Luke14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” That’s the motto of the bikers that ride with the group. They hit the highways and let other bikers know about the Lord. Anytime, anywhere. Even if it is at the Florida Welcome Center on I-10 waiting for bikers on their way to the notoriously wild Daytona Bike Week.
“Just being on this bike opens doors,” Michael said of his Honda Goldwing, which was recently named the best in class at the Florida Goldwing Rally. “This is a missionary tool. Just being on this bike has a way of attracting other bikers to speak.”
“A lot of bikers are not the typical people that would go to a regular church on Sunday. They say ‘a church ain’t cool’, so they are not going to come to know the Lord that way. “But if you go up to them and say ‘hey, can I bless your bike’ that usually works. That opens the door. You can ask them before you start if there’s anything you can pray for in their lives.”
“Lord, bless this bike, and keep it and its rider safe on the highways,” he said his prayer usually beings. “Then you add ‘Lord, bless this man and his problems’. They come to realize that God is their God too, and He cares about them. And that they can come to know Him.”
“Bikers know when they see this patch that they can get anything they need, whether it be medical help, mechanical help, money or prayer,” he said pointing to his CMA patch that says “Riding for the Son”.
Another man walks over, admiring the Honda Goldwing.
“I wish I could get a bike like this,” he told Michael, “but my wife would never let me.”
“Do you know Jesus,” Michael asked the man.
“Yes sir, I do. We love Him, and we go to Ray’s Chapel,” the man said.
“Well, tell her that you could get a bike and do missionary work for the Lord. She might let you get one.”
Michael’s friend and fellow CMA member David Davis (pictured left) both sing in the choir at East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola. Davis said he never misses the opportunity to witness, especially to children.
“I like meeting other people, especially children, and telling them about Jesus,” David said.
“Yeah, he will practically chase a child down to give them a Bible, Michael said.
Michael never missed an opportunity to tell others about Jesus either. He recently joined a Honda Goldwing group in Pensacola. “That’s open more channels for me to tell others about Jesus, because I got to lead prayer for the group.”
“If just one person, just one, can come to know the Lord because of what I do, I will be a happy man,” he said. “It is not about the number of people you lead to Jesus. It is about talking and talking to people until the Lord leads you to that one person that needs to be saved.”
“It’s all about Him. It’s all about Jesus.”
For more photos of Michael and his Honda Goldwing, click here.
Pictured top of page: Michael Largay (center) talks with a Barney Fife lookalike and Billy R. Ward of Bogia in Century on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click any photo on this page to enlarge.
Michigan Man Found Dead In Escambia, Alabama; Authorities Seek Info
October 12, 2008
The body of a Battle Creek, Michigan, man was found hanging near his vehicle near the Conecuh River in Escambia County, Alabama, and authorities are seeking the public’s help to find out what happened.
The body of Claude VanDusen, 57, was found late Thursday near his vehicle under a bridge near Highway 29 and Escambia County (AL) County Road 4. A fisherman had called authorities to report the vandalized vehicle, and the body was located by authorities a short distance away. They say VanDusen had been dead for several days.
The results of an autoposy have not been released, but authorities are calling the death suspicious.
Back in Michigan, VanDusen’s family says he left home Wednesday morning, cashed his $800 biweekly check, and headed to a hardware store to buy some insulation. That was the last time anyone in his hometown knew of his whereabouts until Escambia County (Alabama) authorities notified Battle Creek Police about the discovery of the body.
Authorities in Michigan say VanDusen had no known connections to anyone in Escambia County, Alabama, or North Escambia, Florida. If you have any information about this case, you are asked to call your local law enforcement agency.
Four Churches Holding Special Services Today
October 12, 2008
At least four churches in the North Escambia area will hold homecoming or anniversary services today — Beulah Chapel, Allen Memorial, First Baptist of Cottage Hill and Crabtree Church.
Beulah Chapel Homecoming
Beulah Chapel Assembly of God on Highway 4A in Bryneville will celebrate its 73rd homecoming this morning beginning at 10:45 with a fellowship dinner to follow. The Vessels of Clay will minister in song. Bro. Ron Broadhead is the pastor.
Allen Memorial Homecoming
Homecoming at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church will be this morning at 10:30 with a luncheon to follow. The guest speaker will be Rev. Fred Fuller.
FBC Cottage Hill 50th Anniversary
First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will be celebrating 50 years of friendships, families and faith. Services will begin with a Continental Breakfast at 8:30 this morning followed by Sunday School and Worship Services at 10:30. At the conclusion of the Worship Service, FBC Cottage Hill will be having Dinner on the Grounds and special musical performances. You are invited to bring a covered dish and spend the day. For more information please call the church office at 850-968-2357 or email Emily Davidson at emily@cottagehillbaptist.net
Crabtree Church Homecoming
Crabtree Church Homecoming will be held this morning at the Crabtree Pavilion. Rev. Ed Cotton will be the guest speaker. Lunch will follow the morning service at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Florida Attorney General: Mortgage Crisis/Fraud
October 12, 2008
Submitted by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum
Mortgage fraud is wreaking havoc on our economy, and this week my office took aggressive steps to address the growing crisis. We reached a multimillion dollar settlement with Bank of America and Countrywide which will provide much-needed relief to thousands of Florida homeowners who are in untenable situations because of Countrywide’s lending practices. The agreement could provide nearly $1 billion in total relief to Florida homeowners alone.
My Office of Statewide Prosecution also filed criminal charges against an active mortgage fraud ring in South Florida, accusing the participants of more than $1 million in mortgage fraud against various financial institutions. If convicted, the people involved could face sentences ranging from 24 to 420 years in prison.
Mortgage fraud causes a ripple effect that creates many victims. The mortgage lenders take a financial hit that impacts their business, their customers and shareholders, neighborhoods suffer when homes go into foreclosure, and all of Florida’s citizens ultimately pay a price as property values and tax revenues drop.
The Attorney General’s Office will keep fighting on behalf of everyone affected by this type of illegal and destructive behavior. My Mortgage Fraud Task Force and Office of Statewide Prosecution are reviewing new information and complaints every day and we will pursue these cases and criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
District Disappointment: Gators Bite Northview Chiefs 34-21
October 11, 2008
The Northview Chiefs suffered a district loss on the road Friday night to Baker, 34-21.
At the half, Baker was up 21-7. Northview was behind by six in the fourth when the fans rallied to their feet, many of them hitting the sideline fence to cheer on their Chiefs, but the Gators added another half dozen by the end of the quarter.
Senior Jay Jackson had 21 carries on the night for the Chiefs for 210 yards. Jackson picked up three touchdowns and had 11 tackles.
Shakel Holmes, a junior, had seven carries for 34 yards, and Montaio Mitchell picked up a big interception.
Junior Austin Reid was a lean, mean tackling machine Friday night, with 14 total tackles. Seven of those were big solo tackles.
Not far behind Reid was junior Ka’Daris Grice, with 10 tackles for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs are now 1-1 in district play, 2-3 overall.
Northview will be on the road again next Friday night in Blountstown. Next week’s game is not a district contest.
Click here for a photo gallery from the game.
Photos and information submitted by Heather Leonard for NorthEscambia.com
Pictured above: Northview versus Baker Friday night in Baker. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Beaches To Woodlands Tour Continues This Weekend In SR County
October 11, 2008
Santa Rosa County wants their neighbors to visit this month during the annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour.
The tour highlights attractions in the county and features festivals and events from the Alabama state line south to the Gulf of Mexico. The month-long event kicked off last weekend with the Jay Peanut Festival. The tour is designed to market Santa Rosa County to area residents, including those in North Escambia and South Alabama.
The second weekend of the 5th annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour provides participants with many opportunities to enjoy art and live entertainment while exploring the Santa Rosa County’s rich heritage and vast natural beauty.
Activities started Friday with the Navarre Beach Fall Festival of the Arts and Butterfly Festival on the on the south end of the county. Thrill seekers can also enjoy carnival rides at St. Rose of Lima Fall Festival. All three events will be on-going through Sunday, when Juana’s Pagoda will also hold a Charity Chili Cook-off and Beach Volleyball Tourney.
Starting Saturday, participants can experience life as it was many years ago in the rural Florida panhandle in Blackwater River State Forest at the Munson Community Heritage Festival, a celebration of the area’s rich history featuring heritage artisans and living history exhibits. Additionally, history buffs can share memorabilia with the www.SantaRosaVirtualMuseum.com online local historic preservation project and enjoy “The Legend and Lore of Historic Bagdad Cemetery,” which will feature costumed volunteers telling interesting stories.
Outdoors enthusiasts will also have many recreational opportunities such as a bike festival on Blackwater State Heritage Trail, a Florida Trails Association hike on Garcon Point Trail, and the Coldwater Creek Kayak & Canoe Race at Adventures Unlimited, where they can enjoy an overnight murder mystery dinner package.
Tour guidebooks with detailed venue information are available at any chamber of commerce in Santa Rosa County. Updated schedule information is also available at www.BeachesToWoodlands2008.com. For more information, call 1-800-480-SAND (7263).
The annual Beaches To Woodlands Tour in Santa Rosa County began last weekend with the Jay Peanut Festival. This sign at the Peanut Festival marked it as an official stop on the tour. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County, Escambia Academy Lose; Other Area Scores
October 11, 2008
It was not a good night for the two Alabama Escambias; both Escambia County High School and Escambia Academy lost Friday night.
For the Blue Devils, it was a homecoming loss to Gulf Shores, 35-14.
ECHS was behind 15-0 at the half in Atmore after Bernard Nesbitt caught 37 and 4 yard touchdown passes. ECHS is now 1-5.
For the Escambia Academy Cougars, it was a beating by Clarke Prep, 42-7. The Cougars are now 0-5 on the year.
Other area scores:
UMS-Wright 35, W.S. Neal 13
T.R. Miller 14, Luverne 13
Flomaton Beats Excel 25-14
October 11, 2008
The Flomaton Hurricanes improved to 6-1 after a big region game against the Excel Panthers.
The Canes beat Excel 28-14 Friday night in Flomaton.
Tony Ellis rushed for 234 yards on 29 carries. Dominique Robinson picked up a touch down on a one yard run and an 11 yard pass to Tata Ellis for a 14-0 Flomaton lead at the end of the first quarter.
Excel scored on a 5-yard run with 11:52 in the second quarter.
The Canes will host Millry in game number eight of the season next Friday. This game will be the third game of four in a row region games.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Pictured above and below: The Flomaton Hurricanes beat Excel 28-14 Friday night. Submitted photos by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
You Can Tour The Perdido Landfill, Recycling Facility
October 11, 2008
Escambia County is opening the Perdido Landfill for tours on Wednesday, October 15. The county says it is a chance for citizens to learn about the intricate processes of solid waste disposal and recycling.
The two hour tour is open to the public and media, and focuses on the proper disposal and recycling of solid waste. Some of the topics covered on the tour include:
• Disposal and recycling of household hazardous waste such as chemicals, paint, light bulbs, batteries, etc.
• Recycling facility
• Discussion of other diversion programs
• Landfill mining
• Active “Class I” landfill cell
• Diversion and recycling of waste tires
• Storm water runoff control and treatment
The landfill tour will begin at the Division of Solid Waste office located at 13006 Beulah Road at 9 a.m.
Space is limited and reservations may be made by calling the Escambia County Office of Public Information at (850) 595-3476.
Heartbreaker: Jay Royals Suffer Homecoming Loss, West Gadsden Scores At :06 To Go
October 11, 2008
Homecoming was spoiled for Jay Friday night when West Gadsden traveled to north Santa Rosa County and scored a field goal with just six seconds to go on the clock.
West Gadsden downed the Jay Royals 17-14.
Jay dominated the first half of the game, taking a 14-0 lead. The Royals scored their first TD with 11:11 to go in the first quarter following a Dale Barlow kickoff return and a three yard dash from Rush Hendricks. Stephan Brabham ended an 83 yard drive with one yard touchdown run. A good two point conversion, and Jay was up 14-0.
It looked like Jay was on a roll, recovering an onside kick and completing a drive down to the one yard line. But the West Gadsden defense kicked in, stopping the score just short from a fourth and goal position.
It was all Gadsden in the second half.
Jay will be on the road next Friday night against Freeport.