Christmas In July Angel Tree Project To Benefit Equine Group
July 5, 2011
Angel Trees in several area businesses will benefit a Cantonment equine rescue group and their foster horses.
Panhandle Equine Rescue has set up Angel Trees in various stores that will remain there through the month of July. There are 20 stars on each tree with a photo that represents each of the group’s foster horses with their needs listed on the back of the star. The star also includes a contact number to call and donate the requested items.
The Angel Trees are located at:
- Pine Forest Saddlery at 7801 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Farm N’ Nursery Mart at 7460 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Southern Mill and Supply at 1280 Hwy. 97 in Molino
- Tractor Supply at 3 West Nine Mile Rd. in Pensacola
- T & C Feed Store on Hwy. 29 North in Cantonment
- Cat Clinic at 2322 West Nile Mile Rd. in Pensacola
- Cain’s Dog House Grooming at 1738 Creighton Rd. in Pensacola
- Airport Animal Hospital at 6209 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola
- Airport Animal Hospital Grooming at 6211 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola
- Pine Forest Animal Clinic at 6860 Pine Forest Rd. in Pensacola
- Puppy Paradise Professional Grooming at 7103 Mobile Hwy. in Pensacola
- Lee Veterinary Clinic at 484 Bachelor Rd., in Atmore, AL.
- Scenic Hill Veterinary Hospital at 1301 E. Nine Mile Rd. in Pensacola
Pictured: The Panhandle Equine Rescue Angel Tree at Southern Mill and Supply on Highway 97 in Molino. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
July 4, 2011
Looking to spend some time with the kids in the kitchen? Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats are a fun, easy and patriotic way to celebrate.
The recipe is not only easy, but it also lots of fun. It’s terrific for a “just-because” snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help – from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there’s something everyone can do.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 ounces, about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal OR 6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red-, white- and blue-colored sprinkles
Preparation
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
- Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
- Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.
Serves
Servings 18
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Local Youth ‘Converge’ On Pensacola During Camp That Served
July 3, 2011
About 200 youth walked into a Pensacola Walmart last week, scattered throughout the store and stood frozen like statues for 30 seconds. “What if happened just like that? Are you ready for Jesus to come back?” they then said in unison.
The youth were part of a church camp called “Converge” which brought youth from across the area together to spread the Gospel and serve the community.
For a photo gallery, click here.
After leaving Walmart, the youth formed a line — like a huge centipede — and made their way through Best Buy and Cordova Mall telling strangers “Jesus loves you”. And, like a giant conga line, mall patrons joined in along the way.
Dozens of the teens were from the North Escambia area. Youth from the First Baptist Church of Bratt, Highland Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church and Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church all took part in the inaugural weeklong Converge camp headquartered at East Brent Baptist Church.
A big part of the weeklong camp was about service to the community. The students took part in a Habitat For Humanity build, spent hours collecting food for the Manna Food Pantry, ministered to patients at Nemours Childrens’ Hospital, helped at the homes of elderly community members, and helped with a golf tournament to help pay bills for the family of a child with terminal cancer.
During the hot summer week, the students walked door to door for Manna, collecting over 2,000 canned food items.
The students also gathered during the week for Backyard Bible Clubs for study.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton, Century Celebrate The 4th
July 3, 2011
The area’s fireworks demonstrations got underway Saturday night at Hurricane Park in Flomaton.
The show was sponsored by the town of Flomaton and Century along with the chambers of commerce in each town. It marked the first organized public fireworks show in either town in several years. Plans call for another show to be held next year somewhere in Century.
For a gallery of reader submitted photos from the Flomaton/Century fireworks show, click here.*
Pictured top: Fireworks Saturday night in Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
*Reader photos by Carrie Bryan, Mandi Kinley, Jacke Johnston and others for NorthEscambia.com.
Photos: Farmer’s Market In The Running For America’s Favorite
July 3, 2011
The Market at Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment returned Saturday. The market is in the running for the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest presented by American Farmland Trust.
The Market is open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. until noon with a variety of locally grown produce and other merchandise.
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s event, click here.
Voting in the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest will continue through August 31. To vote, click here. After voting, American Farmland Trust will solicit a donation to protect American Farmland. Donations are not required to vote.
The Market at Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church is located at 699 County Road 95-A South in Cantonment.
The market will be open again on July 16.
Pictured: Scenes from Market at Saint Monica’s in Cantonment Saturday morning. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
4th Recipes: Patriotic Pops, Ice Cream Sandwiches
July 3, 2011
The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks – a real star-studded holiday celebration.
Patriotic Pops cut into star shapes definitely say “Happy Fourth of July.” Decorated in red, white and blue icing, red licorice and colored candies, these easy-to-make crispy rice treats are a favorite for both youngsters and the grown-ups. The kids can lend a hand to help decorate by placing the candy pieces on the stars.
Add a taste of nostalgia for the child in all of us with Ice Cream Sandwiches – everybody loves ‘em. Homemade brownies and buttery vanilla cookies, sandwiched with the ice cream flavor of your choice are a cut above ice cream truck offerings. Give them the flair of the Fourth by rolling the edges in patriotic sprinkles and sugars. Or, dip part of the sandwich into melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
(Scroll down to see both recipes.)
Patriotic Pops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 24 8-inch Cookie Treat Sticks
- Red, Blue and White Cookie Icing
- Red and blue candy-coated chocolates
- Red licorice
Preparation
- Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.
- In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50% power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)
- Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least 1 hour.
Serves
Makes about 2 dozen pops
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Cookies
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract or ground cinnamon (optional)
Preparation
- Brownies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with chocolate chips. Whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture; stir until just combined. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Vanilla Cookies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla and, if desired, other extract or cinnamon; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix until blended. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- To Assemble: 1 quart ice cream, any flavor
- Assorted Patriotic Mix Sprinkles and Red and Blue Sugars
- White Candy Melts, melted (optional)
- Scoop about 1/4 cup ice cream onto smooth side of half of the brownies. Top with remaining brownies, pressing gently. If desired, roll edge of sandwiches in sprinkles or sugars. Wrap and freeze immediately.
- Or, dip a portion of the sandwich in melted candy melts; add sprinkles and sugars. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
Serves
Makes about 12 ice cream sandwiches
Pearson, Petty To Wed
July 3, 2011
Nychole Lynn Pearson and William Oliver Petty will be united in marriage at 6 p.m. July 9, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Atmore.
Nychole is the daughter of Wayne Pearson of Birmingham and Dianna L. Wiggins of Atmore. Grandparents are Mrs. Lynn M. Hanks and the late Mr. Homer L. Hanks.
Oliver is the son of Joe Petty of Atmore and Joyce Petty of Atmore. Grandparents are Mary and Jerry Buck of Atmore.
Matron of honor will be Charlotte McGhee, sister of the bride and maid of honor will be Iva Wiggins, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids will be Stacie Rolin, Crystal Hadley, Amanda Mooney, Wendy Lassiter, April Karvelas and Blaze Green. Junior Bridesmaid will be Gabby McGhee. Flower girl will be Bailey Pearson, sister of the bride.
Best man will be Clay Hadley. Groomsmen will be Joey Barber, Josh Montel, Kevin White, Timothy Lassiter, Nick Karvelas, Justin Emmons and John O’Barr. Ring bearers will be Kannon Karvelas and Kaden Lassiter, nephews of the groom.
All friends and family are invited to attend.
Weekend Gardening: A Red, White And Blue Garden
July 2, 2011
A patriotic flower garden is all about combining dazzling colors of red, white and blue. Red and white flowers are the easiest to find. Flowers that have a dark blue color like the American flag can be more challenging to locate. Generally the blue seen in flowers is a lighter blue, not a navy blue. But feel free to use dark purple flowers for a dark blue effect. Here are some plants that will perform in your garden throughout the summer, not just for the Fourth of July.
Firecracker Plant
Bright red, tubular flowers that resemble little firecrackers hang on this plant during much of the year. Known scientifically as Russelia equisetiformis, this tender small shrub has an unusual look. The rush-like stems are lacking obvious foliage. It has an attractive weeping growth habit with wiry branches that start out erect then fall over to cascade down in lengths as long as four feet.
Firecracker plant grows well in full or broken sun. It will tolerate different soil types but thrives in areas that are well-drained but are regularly watered. This is a must for the butterfly or hummingbird garden.
Bee Balm
Another flower that is a hummingbird and butterfly attractant is this easy-to-grow perennial. Its bright colors and nectar-filled blooms attract a wide variety of “flying jewels.”
The sweet and minty, citrus-scented plant isn’t just for our winged friends, however. Both the leaves and the flowers are perfectly edible-add them to salads or use as garnishes. The dried leaves have been used for centuries to make tea.
Bee balm, or Monarda didyma, comes in many different colors. ‘Jacob Cline’ is an outstanding dark red, powdery mildew-resistant cultivar.
Cat’s Whiskers
Cat’s Whiskers is a member of the mint family and is native to tropical East Asia. Its scientific name is Orthosiphon stamineus. In zone 8, consider this plant an annual since it is tender and will not reliably come back after a freeze.
Cat’s Whiskers has beautiful dark green leaves and unusual white flowers. The flowers consist of an upright spike that contains long flowers and even longer stamens, reminiscent of cat whiskers. Flowering occurs on new growth.
This plant performs best in full sun. It will however grow with several hours of filtered light or spotty direct sun. Cat’s whiskers is a shrub-type plant that will reach heights of two to three feet and spreads three to four feet.
Blue Mist
Caryopteris x clandonensis, sometimes called bluebeard or blue mist shrub, is a cross between two species, and is one of the best small shrubs for late color in the landscape.
It is a low mounding, herbaceous shrub that prefers loose, loamy soil and full sun. It produces sturdy stems with several whorls of blue flowers in the fall. There are several cultivars available. The famous variety ‘Longwood Blue’ has sky blue flowers.
Another popular type, ‘Worcester Gold’, has yellow foliage and blue flowers. Proven Winners has one called ‘Petit Blue’ that is known for its tight, compact growth habit.
Bees and butterflies love them, but deer don’t — a happy combination. The flowers are so attractive to the bees, that the insects aren’t bothered by the presence of people
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Longtime EREC Employee Brenda McCall Retires
July 1, 2011
A longtime Escambia River Electric Cooperative employee retired Thursday. Brenda McCall, who worked in customer service/benefits, was employed at EREC for 20 years.
Pictured: A retirement party for 20-year Escambia River Electric Cooperative employee Brenda McCall was held Thursday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kids Soak Up Learning At Water Camp
June 30, 2011
About two dozen children took part in a “Water Camp” Wednesday at Lake Stone in Century.
Water Camp featured fun, hands-on activities designed to get kids excited about water resources and healthy lifestyles. There was also plenty of a watermelon, water balloons, water guns, a water slip-n-slide and other water-related activities.
The event was sponsored by Escambia County Extension.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Getting hit by a water balloon a Water Camp Wednesday morning at Lake Stone. Pictured inset: Learning about water flow and erosion. Pictured below: Water Camp participants learn about the necessity of water in life. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
