North Escambia Bee Association Holds Chautauqua
March 1, 2009
The Third Annual North Escambia Bee Association Chautauqua (workshop) was held last Saturday at Northview High School.
Joan Strickland filed the following report for NorthEscambia.com –
For a photo gallery from the Chautauqua, click here.
There was a good attendance at the 3rd Annual NEBA Chautauqua and we had informative speakers. David Westervelt shared some new techniques in testing bees, one was an IVDS –Integrated Virus Detection System (learn more at www.bvs-inc.us/). His Powerpoint presentation included a detailed cross section of a honeybee that came from www.beemaster.com (there is a lot of information on their site). I was not able to locate the cross section on John Clayton’s site but am sending him an e-mail to request that he share the pic or at least a link with us. The notation under the pic was www.beemaster.com/honeybee/beexray.gif David talked also about the wax in the hive and how many molecules can be stored in that wax, found through lab testing they have been doing. Bees generally forage up to 5-7 miles from the hive and can encounter many hazards along the way. It made us more aware of chemicals and pesticides that we or others may be using that could affect our hives. We learned about non-toxic control of varroa mites using powdered sugar. The powdered sugar coats the bees and then as they groom and clean each other off the varroa are removed as well.
We learned about Small Hive Beetles and new traps being tested to help control their population. They can overtake a hive of bees in a short period of time. Several traps commonly in use are the AJ Beetle trap and the West SHB trap, using no toxic chemicals. Fill the AJ trap with vegetable oil and place it between the top bars in the hive. Sprinkle the pan on the West SHB trap with pickling lime, cover it with the special slotted lid and place it on your bottom board, you could use vegetable oil in place of the lime.
Elmore Herman spoke to us about marketing hive products and some of the challenges we may face here in Florida with regulations. He encouraged us to be in contact with Florida Farm Bureau and our local and state representatives to learn more about how we can help change the regulations (Department of Agriculture – food safety division) on bottling honey for the small / hobby beekeepers. In addition it was good to know what the larger bottlers are having to endure. One man from Okaloosa County shared with us his experience with state regulations, that was Mark Bundrick. Perhaps he will reply in a blog tied to this story and share his experience. Elmore shared information with us about how beneficial the bees are to crops being grown. One could expect to get $55 per hive on a watermelon field. One hive could cover 1-2 acres. We learned too how both the bee keeper and the squash grower could work hand in hand (or hive in field) to benefit one another.
Dan Mullins, Santa Rosa County Extension Horticulture Agent gave a presentation on both beneficial and harmful plants common to our area. During the break I met his wife, Vickie, who is the Santa Rosa 4H Coordinator. Vickie was right there, hands on and offered great information to those interested in a beekeeping 4H club.
We enjoyed a great BBQ lunch (part of the package for the day) prepared by Archie Weaver. Rossman Apiaries was there with their bee keeping products and set up along the hallway. Many placed their orders a week or more in advance and Rossman brought their orders to the event to save their customer money on shipping, much appreciated in these economically challenging times. Rossman brought a large selection of item for us to be able to shop throughout the day. Fred Rossman and his son-in-law Clint Gay were there, Clint taking care of the sales and Fred on hand to answer most any question we had. Both were so pleasant, knowledgeable and informative.
After lunch we split into groups and had a choice of advanced beekeeping curriculum and beginner beekeeping curriculum. I, of course, was in the beginning group having managed my bees for going on two years. For the beginning group there were these topics: Assembling Wooden Ware; Bee Pests; Splitting; Bee Diseases. For the advanced group the topics were: Raising Queens; a Forum with Laurence Cutts; Marketing; How to Render Propolis and Wax. See the attached itinerary for a list of who taught what in the afternoon. I learned some new and valuable information from David Westervelt in the Splitting class. He showed us about making a mark across several cells on a frame that we wanted to raise a new queen from, this could potentially raise more than one queen.
There were a gracious plenty of door prizes given, won by the drawing of tickets throughout the day. Some won hive tools, some a new style bottle (available through GloryBee Foods), some caps and a five frame nuc. Two of the winners are pictured, they were Andrew Waltrip and Dale Campbell Jr.
Toward the end of our lunch break I came back into the main meeting room (one of the school shop classrooms) and caught the tail end of information that David Westervelt was sharing about a trip he took to Haiti to help folks there learn more about beekeeping. We take for granted the supplies we have readily on hand! A small amount of powdered sugar costs them $3 which is about a weeks’ worth of wage to them. Both David and Doug Corbin have been on these teaching trips there. I am hoping they will reply to the blog on this story and perhaps even share their pics and a story of their own to follow this one.
Throughout the day I met several folks there and had an opportunity to learn more about them. During one of the periods between teaching it was asked who was the oldest beekeeper there, that would be Rex Aldridge at 88, the youngest was Rosalyn Miller, I believe she is seven years old and helps her Dad Tony Miller in their hive keeping. Aden Davis (pictured left), 11 years old, was the youngest to have registered and managed his own hives. Aden started about a year ago. His mentor is Laney Hiller. Aden bought his first two queens from Lawrence Cutts over in Chipley, FL. Aden participates in the Bee Bunch group which is a Christian group of bee keeping acquaintances. Nine of the Bee Bunch were in attendance at the Chautauqua. Laney is our coordinator for the Bee Bunch. Aden, with some assistance from Laney, has presented his bees at his school for career day. He is rather knowledgeable for his age and applies himself at learning all he can to keep his bees and share information with others.
Rex Aldridge has been keeping bees since he was eight years old. He is a member of the Robertsdale Beekeeping Association. He shared with me that he was in the Army for 38 months, participated at Omaha Beach and was awarded five bronze stars. He got his first box of bees at eight years old by swapping a box of sweet potatoes for a box of bees, this was in Chilton County, Ala. Rex stated that he was one of the first folks to experiment with and start growing peaches in Chilton County.
OJ Blount from Andalusia, Ala., was there and had an interesting display to share with us that he calls The Queens Castle. OJ has been keeping bees for about 30 years and enjoys helping other beekeeping hobbyists. He uses a completely natural beekeeping method with no chemicals of any kind. OJ is 82 years old and says he is still learning about the health of bees as well as his own health. He tries to eat right and help his bees stay healthy by keeping their hives clean (that alone would account for an exercise program). OJ was a cook in the military and enjoys cooking still and brought some brownies that he shared. They were made with muscadines and honey and were very light and wonderful. A diabetic could have appreciated them as well as the rest of us did!
For a photo gallery from the Chautauqua, click here.
Pictured top: A hive of bees. Pictured inset: Beekeeper Aden Davis, 11, with a hive. Submitted photos by Joan Strickland for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Hundreds Attend Ruritan Farm Auction
March 1, 2009
The annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction was held Saturday in Walnut Hill. Items sold included farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment, vehicles, household items and more. The sale is held each year on the last Saturday of February. Dozens of buyers and sellers registered for the event.All proceeds benefit the Ruritan’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Snow Tonight???
February 28, 2009
There’s a good chance of more rain and storms for your North Escambia Saturday, and there might be a few thunderstorms too. And tonight’s forecast mentions the four letter word SNOW.
Today’s rain chance is at 90 percent. The National Weather Service says to expect numerous showers and thunderstorms today, some possibly severe with gusty winds before noon. The high will be about 73, and the winds will be at 10 to 15 mph from the west.
Winds will turn to the north tonight, and temperatures will plummet to about 39 degrees. The rain chance will be 40 percent. Coupled with some colder air in the upper levels of the skies, that might mean a few snowflakes for North Escambia. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
That slight chance of rain mixed with a little snow continues for Sunday morning at 20 percent. Sunday’s high will struggle to hit 52.
Here’s the complete North Escambia forecast from the National Weather Service:
This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 71. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tonight: A slight chance of rain between midnight and 3am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 52. Windy, with a north wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a north wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Northview Grad Involved In Accident That Killed Two Pedestrians
February 28, 2009
More details have emerged about an accident involving a Northview graduate that killed two pedestrians in Cantonment.
The Florida Highway Patrol says a vehicle driven by Matthew Thomas Zisa, 18, of McDavid, was traveling northbound on County Road 95A near Countri Lane and was passing northbound traffic when he failed to notice six pedestrians walking northbound in the southbound lane of the road. Zisa’s 2003 Chevrolet struck three of the pedestrians, killing two of them.
The FHP says Rachel L. Welford, 16 and Jeremy Lee Shipley, 24, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Johnathan M. Kane, 20, was seriously injured and was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by LifeFlight. He has since been released from the hospital
Grief counselors were on campus Friday at Tate to help the students deal with the loss of Welford.
Welford; Shipley; Kane; Jeremy Davidson, 19; Rachel’s sister Jennifer Welford, 15; and Micah Orr, 18, were walking from a home on El Camino Drive to the nearby Tom Thumb that sits between Highway 95A and Highway 29 when they were struck from behind.
“These people behind me were driving crazy,” witness John Middleton told WEAR-TV. “I was going about the speed limit. They tried to pass me, so I sped up a little bit. They fell back behind me. Then they come around me one more time, and that’s when the accident happened.”
Members of the group said Friday that they never saw Zisa’s headlights, never heard a horn, and never heard tires squealing. They said they were just walking toward the store, and, the next thing they knew, three members of the group were hit by Zisa’s Chevrolet Blazer.
Troopers say charges are pending against Zisa, a 2008 graduate of Northview High School. He was not injured in the accident.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured top: Matthew Zisa’s Chevrolet Blazer is seen is this photo. (Courtesy WEAR-TV) Pictured inset: Rachel Welford was killed in a Thursday night crash in Cantonment. Her boyfriend, Jonathan Kane (left) was seriously injured. Submitted photo.
Northview Wins Baseball And Softball Games Friday Night
February 28, 2009
Friday night was a good one for both the varsity and junior varsity boy’s baseball, and the girl’s softball teams from Northview High School.
Northview’s varisty boy’s baseball team allowed just three hits as they beat South Walton on the road Friday night.
Northview beat the South Walton Seahawks 2-0 in the District 1-3A game.
Coming off a 7-5 win over West Florida Thursday, the JV Chiefs beat South Walton Friday afternoon 10-7 to improve to 2-1 on the season..
Friday evening was also a good one for the Lady Chiefs softball team.
Northview’s softball team shut out the Pine Forest Eagles 14-0.
Pictured top: Northview freshman Cole Commander at bat for the Chiefs Friday afternoon at South Walton. Pictured middle: The NHS JV team at South Walton Friday afternoon. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Golden Cow Dung Award’ Presented To Ernest Ward Principal
February 28, 2009
Ernest Ward Middle School Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry received what was, without a doubt, the most unique award of her entire educational career Friday afternoon.
She was presented with the “Golden Cow Dung Award” by members of the Ernest Ward FFA. The award featured a large piece of cow dung, painted a golden color.
(Cow dung, in case you did not know, is what you are probably thinking it is. It’s that natural byproduct that cows drop in the field.)
Perry received the award from the school’s FFA members as a “thank you” for supporting FFA.
Friday wrapped up National FFA Week at Ernest Ward. “Step Up, Stand Out” was the theme of National FFA Week this year as more than half a million members around the nation participated in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels.
EWMS FFA sponsor Cynthia Wilson said the group wanted to thank Perry for her continued support of the organization. She also said she wanted to thank the area farmers and other member of the agricultural community that support the FFA.
Pictured top are(L-R) Clarissa Ross, Shelby Lewis, Codie Calloway, Dustin Parker, Devin Bell, Nancy Gindl-Perry, Cynthia Wilson, Lauryn Walker, Sandy Rainwater and Harley Caraway. All were dressed for “Farm Day” at EWMS. Pictured left: Ernest Ward Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry and her Golden Cow Dung Award. Pictured below: The Golden Cow Dung Award. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Album: Flomaton Beats Escambia County High
February 28, 2009
The Flomaton Hurricanes pickup up another win in the Escambia County Tournament Friday afternoon beating Escambia County High School.
It took 10 innings, but the ‘Canes beat the Blue Devils. Tyler Coleman and Keegan Lambeth each had a home run for Flomaton.
In Thursday night action, the Hurricanes beat the T.R. Miller Tigers 9-7.
Click here for more photos from Mike Newton Photography.
Pictured above: Action as Flomaton beat Atmore Friday afternoon. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teaspoon Heritage Festival Today
February 28, 2009
Organizers say the annual Teaspoon Festival will go on rain or shine today in Century.
The annual event includes artists, bands, musicians, dancers, entertainers and vendors from across the area. The day’s events will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the New Life Baptist Church, 700 Hecker Road.
A History of Teaspoon
by Jack Moran
Long before a sawmill was built in what is today called Century, there was a thriving trading community. That trading community was located at the juncture of the Little “Shambia” River and the much larger Conecuh River that flowed south toward Pensacola.
Records and maps in the Library of Congress show a Spanish Fort, trading post, and a corn plantation located just south of present day Century. Those features were there for over 100 years prior to the American Civil War and more than 150 years prior to the building of the famous Alger-Sullivan saw mill that named the town Century.
There was also a trading path that came up from Pensacola. Originally that path was on the border between the Upper and the Lower Muscogee Indian territories. Later the path became known as the Old Indian Path and then it became known as the Panton-Leslie Trading Path. Originally it led to the little trading settlement at the juncture of the little river and the big river, but later it was extended north of what is now Flomaton and called the Old Wolf Path. It led to Burnt Corn and the Three Notch Trail.
There was in those early days a flood-lake along side the big Conecuh River that was curiously shaped – like a teaspoon. This resulted in the settlement being named “Teaspoon”.
The tiny trading settlement was populated by mostly African’s and American Indians, most of whom had escaped slavery in the British Colonies in Virginia, Carolina, and Georgia; Spanish traders up from Pensacola, and French from Mobile, New Orleans, and Natchez. The main trading products were pine sap, pine pitch, tall masts, and various kinds of dried foods that were traded for metal utensils, beads, cloth, and salt.
The present day Teaspoon Heritage Festival celebrates the multi-cultural trading settlement that existed long before the Alger-Sullivan sawmill was built in the early 1900’s.
The Teaspoon Festival consists of artist, bands and musicians, dancers, various entertainers and vendors from all over the region. Each year the festival grows in attendance and participation. It is listed with the Florida Department of Tourism on their Visit Florida Web Pages, and on the internet web pages of the Arts Council of NW Florida. The Teaspoon Heritage Festival is rapidly becoming a major tourist industry attraction in Century bringing notoriety and tourism dollars to the local economy.
Ruritan Farm Equipment Auction Saturday
February 28, 2009
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held Saturday, and auction items are being accepted today.
The auction will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but household items, household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items and more. Sellers can register their items on Thursday or Friday, or prior to the start of the sale on on Saturday morning. Buyers can register prior to 9:30 on Saturday morning.
Concession will be available all day from the Ruritan Club.
Last year, over 200 buyers registered for the annual sale.
For more information, call 327-4479 or 327-4318.
The sale will be located at the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97.
Highway 97 Accident Injures Two
February 28, 2009
Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident in front of the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 97 Friday night.
One southbound pickup rear ended a pickup stopped in the southbound lane to turn into the Davisville shopping center. The pickup that was stopped was spun around in Highway 97.
The other pickup ended up in a buggy corral in the shopping center parking lot. It was not clear at the scene if the driver of the truck drove or just rolled across the parking lot before hitting the buggy corral.
Two people, one from each vehicle, were transported by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident happened just before 6:30.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire-Rescue responded to the call, along with Atmore Ambulance, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the call.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.
Pictured top and inset: The driver of this pickup continued into the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Davisville after rear-ending another pickup on Highway 97 Friday night. Pictured below: The pickup that rear-ended sits along Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
