Olivia’s Story: The Littlest Girl’s Biggest Birthday
July 25, 2010
Birthdays are a big deal for every little girl. For North Escambia resident Olivia Bush, her seventh birthday was a big deal in ways she might not realize.
We first introduced you to Olivia last December in a story titled “A Christmas Wish: A Cure For Olivia”.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
She is blind, able to see just a little light with her left eye. And she suffered frequent seizures — until a portion of her brain was removed in February at Miami Children’s Hospital. During the surgery, doctors removed a seven centimeter portion of her brain — basically taking out the bad, non-functioning portion and leaving behind the good, healthy tissue.
She has been seizure-free since. And that was reason for the Bush family to celebrate a little more on the occasion of birthday number seven.
When the big birthday was winding down and the kids were in bed, mom Amber Bush took a quiet moment to go through some of the items from the Sacred Heart NICU and reflect on the days and weeks after the birth of their baby girl, who weighed barely a pound and a quarter.
Amber Bush, in her own words:
“We would just go in the waiting room and pray,” she said of one occasion in the neonatal intensive care unit. “We had no clue until after the fact, that she was so sick. The nurses told us that they couldn’t even look at us because Olivia was about to die. They knew what was coming and we had no clue. But, Olivia was a fighter and she slowly got better and better. I thank God that he shielded us from so much. I really don’t think I could have handled it.
“And, looking back, we really had no clue what we were going through. God shielded us from all the bad that was happening to Olivia and kept reassuring us that she would be OK. He was showing all of those doctors and nurses a true miracle right before their eyes.
“I thank God for these last seven years. They have been seven of the most rewarding years of my life. Not many people get to see their baby develop outside the womb. Not many people get to see a one pound baby fight for life after doctors wanted to abort her.”
It was, truly, a happy birthday.
Top photo courtesy Portrait Innovations.
More Rain Forecast
July 25, 2010
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. West wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.
- Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 96.
Abundant Life Students Place Superior In Fine Arts Festivaln
July 25, 2010
Two youth from the Abundant Life Assembly in Century won superior in a recent Assemblies Of God Fine Arts Festival and were invited to attend Nationals. Zach Ingram won Superior for digital photography, and Victoria Creamer won Superior for voice.
Pictured above: Zach Ingram received a Superior for digital photography of “Ms. Brenda pulling her wagon”. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Have church news or an announcement you would like to share? Email news@northescambia.com
State Wants $11 Million More In Damages Over Late FCAT
July 25, 2010
The Department of Education continues to press its testing contractor for penalties for late delivery of test scores, adding more than $11 million on Friday to what it says NCS Pearson must pay for damages.
Pearson, which acknowledged problems in delivering the test scores, has already paid more than $3 million.
But Education Commissioner Eric Smith on Friday demanded another $11.7 million in penalties for additional problems, and ordered the company to deliver the money no later than Aug. 6. The additional penalty is for late delivery of math and reading FCAT results for grades 4 through 10 and science results for grades 5, 8 and 11, Smith said.
“Pearson’s usage of unproven technology systems this year has caused great turmoil for our parents, teachers, administrators and other education stakeholders and I remain committed to holding the company fully accountable for these disruptions,” Smith said, adding that if it turns out that it costs districts more than expected to deal with the problems, he’ll go to the company for that money too.
He also said company officials would appear before the state Board of Education in September to answer questions about the delays and explain why the company should keep its contract.
“I have firmly impressed upon Pearson that failure to meet their contractual obligations is not an option,” Smith said.
A spokesman for Pearson, Adam Gaber, said in a statement that the company would make good on “substantiated, unexpected costs,” due to the delay.
He also defended the company’s technology – it delivers testing and grading services in several other states – but again acknowledged the company’s shortcomings with the project in Florida.
“Pearson uses quality technology to conduct its testing, scoring and reporting functions,” the company statement said. “Our technology is sound. In short, as previously communicated, the delay was due to human factors in underestimating the requirements to customize our core technology for Florida.
“As we began the process of testing and configuring our systems to support FCAT and the requirements of the department, it became clear to us that we needed to make changes, and these changes took additional time. As a result we fell behind schedule.“Throughout the process our number one concern has always been the accuracy of the data,” Pearson said. “The FCAT scores are valid and accurate.”
NCS Pearson signed a $250 million contract with the state in 2009 to provide scoring of the FCAT until 2013. Harcourt Assessment, acquired by Pearson in 2007, had provided similar services related to the FCAT since 2000.
The Department of Education has contracted with the National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment to check the FCAT results, which some districts have also questioned in a matter unrelated to the result delays. The results are also being reviewed by a Pearson subsidiary that was signed up to check the company’s work as well.
Small Farms Programs To Help Producers
July 25, 2010
Upcoming workshops will help small farm producers get their product to local markets, address obstacles for small producers, and identify new market segments for selling products locally.
Florida Small Farms Outreach Program is offering four training sessions statewide. These workshops are available via video teleconference through Escambia Extension, 3740 Stefani Road. The program is open to the public for $5 per session.
Early registration is recommended for participants. The availability of program notebooks and materials will be based on pre-registration numbers.
The programs will offer a discussion by farmers and experts on their selected topics. Sessions are two hours each starting at 6 p.m. as follows:
- August 3 – Food Safety Requirements for Small Farmers
August 17 – Taking Care of Business: Price Discovery , Accountability, Basic Merchandising
August 24 – The Art of Selling
Pre-registration is required. Contact Escambia Extension Office at 475-5230. For more information about Small Farms Outreach, visit their website at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu.
Gates, Levins To Wed
July 25, 2010
Jordan Alexandria Gates and Brady Ryan Levins announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Chad and Alison Fournier of Atmore. She is the granddaughter of Billy and Linda Gates of Atmore.
The prospective groom is the son of Dale and Marie Levins of Byrneville, Fla. He is the grandson of Vera Presley of Byrneville and the late Wilson H. Levins and Robert A. Cawthon of Byrneville and Cecilia Morris of Jay, Fla.
Miss Gates is a 2008 graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore, Ala. She also received an associates degree in science in 2010 at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. She is currently employed by Portrait Innovations in Pensacola as a photographer.
The prospective groom is a 2006 graduate of Northview High School in Bratt. He also completed the law enforcement course at George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center in Pensacola in 2009. He is currently employed by TBH Construction, Inc. in Flomaton.
The couple will exchange vows Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Atmore.
Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Wisteria in Atmore. All friends and family are invited to attend.
Submitted photo, click to enlarge.
Rep. Rick Scott To Bring Governor Campaign To Escambia
July 25, 2010
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, who announce Friday that he will work for free if elected, will bring his campaign to Pensacola Monday evening.
Scott will make an afternoon appearance at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in Pensacola before knocking doors on La Belle Terre Boulevard. He will then end his statewide bus tour at the Veterans Memorial Park on Bayfront Parkway will a free concert by the Bellamy Brothers.
Scott announced Friday that he will forgo a salary if elected governor. The multi-millionaire said that he does not really need the $130,000 per year that Florida’s governor is paid.
Featured Recipe: ‘Famous’ Special Cheese Lasagna
July 25, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Lasagna Made “Famous” By Special Cheese Sauce. It’s bursting with a wonder combination of sweet and tangy flavors instead of the normal ricotta cheese filling.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Evelyn G. Avery Vannoy
July 24, 2010
Evelyn G. Avery Vannoy (GiGi) of Pensacola, Florida at age 70 passed away quietly the morning of Friday, July 23, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital after going through open-heart surgery.
Evelyn was born on April 17, 1940 in Bratt, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents Inolia and Charlie Avery one aunt, three uncles, one niece, and two nephews. She is survived by her husband Gordon, two children Jeffrey Clay Vannoy and Vicki Michele Beauchaine, and their spouses, Beverly Bell Vannoy and Brian Beauchaine. She has four grandchildren Langley Bell Vannoy, Clayton Jeffery Vannoy, Blake Gordon Dungca, and Avery Nicole Beauchaine.
Evelyn has one sister Helen Chavers, two sisters in law Kathy Forrester and Leila Vannoy. She also has a very close cousin Shirley Jordan. She had two aunts Beatrice Singleton and Lillian James.
She attended Tate High School where she was a majorette in the band. Tate High is where she met her husband of 53 wonderful years, Gordon Vannoy. She was a member of the eastern star, a long time employee of a few local Ford dealerships, a member of Bernice Star Step dance studio where she loved to tap dance. Over the last 10 years she has enjoyed NASCAR. She was a fan that will truly be missed. Evelyn and Gordon loved to travel to many NASCAR events where she had many great friends as she fondly referred to as her ”racing buds”, and she was better known as Miss. Talladega Blvd. Her most valued possessions were her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was loved by many special family members and friends, too many to mention. She will be loved and missed.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Shrine Transportation fund.
Graveside services will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens with Reverend Bill Hodge officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 100 Hwy 29 South, Cantonment, Fl.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola is in charge of arrangements
Andrew “Drew” Brian Crosby
July 24, 2010
Andrew “Drew” Brian Crosby, 27, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 following an automobile accident.
Andrew was born in Columbus, MS on January 19, 1983. He moved to the Pensacola area at the age of 3. He was employed by Defense Stamping and Engineering as a Machinist/ Welder for the past 4 years. He grew up with a love of sports, including baseball, soccer, and golf. He graduated from J. M. Tate High School in 2001.
On September 29, 2005, the brightest light and love of his life was born, his beautiful baby girl, Brooke. They were inseparable when they were together. They especially loved snuggle time, playing games, swimming, and going to the park. She will greatly miss her Daddy!
He is survived by his “41/2″ years old daughter, Brooke Paige Crosby, his parents, Larry and Mary Crosby of Cantonment, his sister Amanda McGee and her husband J.R. of Pensacola, Grandparents Bud and Billie Jean Crosby of Petal, MS, grandparents Buck and Mary Rogers of Petal, MS, aunt Deborah (Blaine) Sills, aunt Denise (Mike) Jenkins, Uncle Buddy (Mary) Rogers, William (Joyce) Rogers all of Mississippi, Marina (Craig) Willeford of Oklahoma and many loving and supportive cousins, as well as other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his twin nephews, Matthew Caleb and Jacob Connor McGee.
He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church for the past 4 years, where he made many new friends. The pastor and members of the church have been a great support to Andrew as he has struggled with health problems the last few years.
Even though health problems plagued Andrew the past 2 years, he was still able to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. He was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others in need. The sweet nature that GOD gave him was even more evident in the way children and animals were drawn to him. In his short time he has touched many lives: strangers, friends, and family alike. He would want us all to celebrate his life and focus on happier, good times. He will be greatly missed by many and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Andrew Crosby to Home of Grace: Funeral Services will be Saturday July 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 6 to 8 PM Friday in the Funeral Home. Eastern Gate