Photo Gallery: Thousands Attend Blue Angel Air Show
August 18, 2011
Thousands of people turned out for a Blue Angels practice Wednesday morning in Pensacola, including many North Escambia area residents.
As always, the Blues wowed the crowd at the Pensacola Naval Air Station with their show. Blue Angel practice shows are held on select dates at the National Naval Aviation Museum and are free to the public. Most of the Wednesday practices are followed by an autograph session in the museum.
To view remaining practices in Pensacola for this year, click here. (Editor’s note: The practice listed for Friday, August 19 has been canceled.)
The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show will be November 11 and 12 at Pensacola NAS.
Pictured top: North Escambia area residents (front, L-R) Alli Davis, Allison Woodfin, Moriah McGahan, Hadley Woodfin (back row) Brendan Bell, Isaac McGahan, Aden Davis and Savanna Calhoun attend the Blue Angels practice air show Wednesday morning in Pensacola with a group from Highland Baptist Church in Molino. Pictured inset: Blue Angels pilots make eye contact during a maneuver at Wednesday’s air show. Pictured below: The Blue Angels perform. Pictured bottom: A team member signs autographs. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional Donates School Supplies To Byrneville Elementary
August 18, 2011
The Century Correctional Institution donated a large quantity of school supplies to Byrneville Elementary School, just in time for the first week of school. Century CI holds the school supply drive each year, with employees generously donating to the children of the community. Pictured above: AWP Flores, Renae Pettis, Carrie Bryan ,Warden Comerford and Michele Edwards. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Hospital Foundation Awards Scholarships
August 18, 2011
Four college-bound graduates were recently awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Jay Hospital Employee Foundation.
The scholarship recipients were:
- Jocelyn Gould, Northview High School. Jocelyn plans to attend Pensacola State College to study nursing.
- Sarah Killam, Northview High School. Sarah plans to attend the University of West Florida to study physical therapy.
- Joshua Merritt, T.R. Miller High School. Joshua plans to attend Jefferson Davis Community College to become a paramedic.
- Julia Skaggs, Jay High School. Julia plans to attend Pensacola State College to study nursing.
The foundation offers the scholarships each year to students attending high schools in the Jay Hospital service area. Applications are presented to the five-member foundation board for approval. Special consideration is given to students seeking degrees in the health care field. Grades, class rank, ACT scores and volunteer hours are considered in the selection process. Students’ names are not included on the selection roster to ensure fairness.
Employees at Jay Hospital support the foundation through payroll deduction giving. In addition to the scholarships, the foundation has used funds to assist employees in need, contribute to hurricane recovery, and to support charitable organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Lung Association and the Ronald McDonald House.
Legislative Shootout Brewing Over Doctor Gun Question Law
August 18, 2011
Get ready for another legislative shootout about the “Docs v. Glocks” law during the 2012 legislative session.
Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, filed a bill this week that would repeal a new law aimed at restricting doctors from asking patients about gun ownership. The law touched off a fierce lobbying fight during the 2011 session, pitting the National Rifle Association against doctors. Some doctors also have challenged the law in federal court.
The law says doctors and other health-care practitioners “shall respect a patient’s right to privacy and should refrain” from asking about gun ownership or whether people have guns in their homes. It also, however, says health providers may ask about guns if they believe in “good faith” that the information is relevant to a patient’s medical care or safety.
By The News Service of Florida
Molino Park PTA Welcomes Teachers, Staff Back To School
August 18, 2011
The Molino Park Elementary School PTA treated teachers to a welcome back lunch Wednesday to thank them for all that they do.
“We are so excited to be workng with the top notch teachers, faculty, staff and parents at Molino Park Elementary. Our school has a family atmosphere like no other,” said Tina Peddleton, Molino Park PTA president.
Other Molino Park PTA board members this school year are: Lindy Broome, vice president of membership; Christa Wilson, vice president of fundraising; Rene’ Jones, treasurer; Sara Jane Conti, corresponding secretary; and Gwen Abrams, recording secretary.
For photo photos of Molino Park staff members on Wednesday, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jessica Patrick Wiggins
August 18, 2011
Ms. Jessica Patrick Wiggins, 31, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2011, in Atmore.
Ms. Wiggins was a native of Canoe and a resident of Atmore for most of her life. She attended the Baptist church.
She is survived by three sons, Timothy Robert Wiggins, Jimmy Lavon Wiggins and Henry Michael Wiggins, all of Bratt; her father, Benny and Carrie Patrick of Bratt; her mother, Nell Quick of Bratt; a sister, Brandy Michelle and Shane Machotka of Clarksville, TN; her grandmother, Jessie Swindle of Atmore; a nephew, Benjamin Allen Machotka of Clarksville, TN; a niece, Shyanne Machotka of Clarksville; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 19, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sister Eula Price and Sister Wanda Hadley officiating.
Burial will follow at Canoe Freewill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until funeral time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Edward A. Wilson, Dudley Wilson, Dudley Flowers, Kenneth Morrow, Lloyd Creamer and Josey Hadley.
Dot Harmon
August 18, 2011
Dot Harmon, 76, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, August 15, 2011.
Dot was born to the late James A. and Myrtle Goff on January 23, 1935, in Escatawpa, MS. The oldest of five children, Dot moved to Cantonment as a young girl. She graduated from Tate High School where she was drum majorette. While there she met the love of her life, Don. Upon graduation she was employed by St. Regis (International Paper), enjoying a career as an executive secretary.
Always gracious, Dot never met a stranger. Among her many passions was traveling with family and friends. She especially loved her trips to Europe, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and horseracing’s Triple Crown events. She instilled this love of adventure in her beloved daughter, DeLisa, and followed her virtually around the world.
This summer Dot and Don celebrated their golden anniversary with family and friends.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ann Crabtree; her brother Jimmy Goff; and her dear aunt, Eula Wyatt.
She is survived by her husband, Don; daughter, DeLisa Lou, of Manhattan; sister, Geri (Dave) of Cardiff, CA; brother, Larry (Lee); Gracie; sister-in-law, Eileen Goff; many special nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011, at Harper-Morris. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society , 5401 Corporate Woods Dr., Suite #100, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
School Orientations Thursday, Friday In Escambia County
August 17, 2011
School orientations will be held Thursday and Friday in Escambia County on the following schedule:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Orientations:
- Bratt — Pre-K and Kindergarten, August 18, 9-11 a.m.; grades 1-5, August 19, 9-11 a.m.
- Byrneville — K-5, August 19, 9-11 a.m.
- Jim Allen — K-5, August 19, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Molino Park — Pre-K, August 18 9-10:30 a.m.; grades K-5, August 19, 9-10 a.m.
For other orientation events at elementary schools in Escambia County, click here.
Open House:
- Bratt — September 8, 6:30 p.m.
- Byrneville — TBA
- Jim Allen — September 8, 6-7 p.m.
- Molino Park — September 8, 6:30 p.m.
For other open house schedules at elementary schools in Escambia County, click here.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Middle school orientations are scheduled for August 18 at 10:30 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
High School Orientation will be held Thursday, August 18 at 9 a.m., and schedules for upperclassmen may be picked up the same day between 1 and 2:30 — with the following additions and exceptions:
Northview High School upperclassman may pick up their schedules on August 17th during the following times: seniors, 8:30 a.m., juniors, 10:00 a.m., and sophomores, 1:30 p.m.
West Florida will hold orientation on August 13th at 9 a.m. Ninth graders get their schedules at that time. Juniors wills pick up schedules at 10 a.m.; sophomores at 1:30 p.m.. Also, at 6 p.m., seniors will participate in a Parent Night where they will get their schedules and other information pertinent to their senior year.
Pine Forest High School ninth grade orientation is scheduled for August 11, 2011, 1-3 p.m.in the gym. There will be a wealth of information for both parents and students including a tour of the campus, dress code fashion show, and more.
Washington High School freshman orientation is August 10-11. Upperclassmen textbook and schedule distribution by alpha groups will occur on the 18-19th. Parents should receive information via newsletter. A new student orientation will be held on August 18 from 8:30 – 9 a.m.
Youth Leadership Applications Accepted From High School Juniors
August 17, 2011
Applications are now being accepted from area high school juniors for the 2011-2012 Youth Leadership Atmore program.
The program is available to high school juniors from Northview High, Atmore Christian, Escambia Academy, Escambia County High and area home school students. Applications are due to the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 6.
Now in its 17th year, the youth leadership program begins in October with an overnight retreat at Camp Beckwith on Weeks Bay in Fairhope. Then from November through April, the class will be involved in a series of interactive, hands-on activities one day each month. Participants will have the opportunity to meet community and state leaders, visit major businesses, government offices, a college campus and healthcare facilities while learning firsthand how the community works and how youth leadership can make a difference.
Class members will also be given the opportunity to learn and practice skills needed for future job interviews and meetings, and will be given personal banking and credit advice.
Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Interviews will be held September 12-14. Tuition is $125 per participant, and partial financial aid may be available.
Application packets are available at Northview High, Atmore Christian, Escambia Academy and Escambia County High schools and at the Atmore Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (251) 368-3305.
Pensacola State College To Open Center In Former Carver/Century School
August 17, 2011
Pensacola State College will be opening a new center in a portion of the old Carver/Century K-8 School in Century.
The center will be opening this month with adult education and GED classes, with a variety of workforce education and college classes to be added by next year.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to serve North Escambia,” said Dr. Ed Meadows, PSC president. “We are very open in what we plan to offer and will work to engage the local community and meet local needs.”
The first workforce education programs to be offered will include cosmetology, plumbing and a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program, according to Dr. Jason Hurst, PSC vice president for workforce education. The PSC Century Center will also offer university transfer courses — those college basics like English, math and history — beginning in January.
“Our future offerings will driven by the community,” Hurst said. “We will look at the needs and interests and grow our programs
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said he’s excited to see a portion of the old Century school leased to PSC because it will benefit the entire North Escambia area.
“It will mean more dual enrollment opportunities for Northview High School,” Thomas said. “I believe it could evolve into a community college for the entire north end.”
Northview students will be able to take PSC courses both on-site at Northview and at the Century Center, Hurst said. “For example, they will be able to take on English course at Northview and get both high school and college credit.”
Plans also call for online college course to be offered in the Century Center’s computer lab for those with no or inadequate internet service at their home.
“We will also partner with business and industry for training,” Meadows said. “We plan to help recruit business and provide the start-up training they need.”
There are currently about 2,100 Pensacola State College students from the North Escambia area, Hurst said, not counting students that live in Escambia County, Alabama. Many of those will be able to take university transfer courses at Century.
Meadows believes the Century location of PSC will also attract many students from nearby Alabama.’
“Pensacola State is very attractive to Alabama residents,” he said, “with the same tuition as Florida students plus a dollar fee per hour.”
For a complete details on the lease terms between the Escambia County School District and Pensacola State College, click here.
Pictured: The new Century Center of Pensacola State College will be located in the former middle school portion of Carver/Century K-8 School, seen here in the background. Pictured top inset: The exterior of the building. Pictured bottom inset and below: The interior of the building as seen Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
