Flomaton Man Joins The Hendersons Southern Gospel Group
June 17, 2010
Brad Adkinson of Flomaton has joined the popular Southern Gospel group The Hendersons as their new baritone singer. He has several years of experience in gospel music in quartets, trios and ensembles. Adkinson lives in Flomaton with his wife, Mindy, and two daugthers Sydni and Rylies. They attend the First Baptist Church of Flomaton.
Pictured: The Hendersons — Lydia Henderson, Sonny Henderson and new member Brad Adkinson (right) of Flomaton. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Don’t Wash Clothes In Toilet: Century Resident Continues Spain Hike
June 17, 2010
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We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she will file dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
Today, we begin catching up, with details of Terri’s journeys June 3-6. Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to read all four entries.
For her previous entries, click here, click here, click here, and click here.
June 3, 2010
Start; Larrasoana
Destination: Cizur Menor
It was another hot day today but the rich scenery somewhat makes up for the heat. Lou and I got separated again. It seems we lose each other at least once a day. Today the trail passed into a court yard of a small cathedral. I just knew he was inside but I was wrong. Even in its smallness the statutes inside were magnificent. There were no more than 8 rows of wooden pews. The air was cool and the room was totally quiet. I sat for a few minutes just embracing the scenes and the smells. When I got up with Lou he said he had seen plenty of cathedrals.
We got to the hotel just behind two guys we had hiked off and on all day with. There were only two beds left and they told us to take them. We had jokingly said to them earlier in the day to save us a bed. We tried to tell them we could go to the next hostel but they said a deal was a deal. Again a hot shower felt wonderful.
There was a note in the bathroom to please do not wash clothes in the toilet which I thought was a bit strange. Who would wash their clothes in the toilet anyway? But there are some strange ways over here.
I stepped into the shower fully clothed and vowed never to get out. I washed and rewashed and washed again. Feeling guilty in case there was someone else waiting to take a shower I got out, put my sleep shirt and long pants on and went to check out the refrigerator. We were free to eat anything in there that did not have someone’s name on it. There were several partial bags of spaghetti, a couple ripe tomatoes and some tomato sauce. I had us a plate of spaghetti ready in a few minutes.
I laid on the bunk resting until later when there was going to be a medieval concert at the chapel across the parking lot. A medieval musical concert, that was intriguing to say the least. At the appointed time we walked across to the chapel and got a seat. They were 45 minutes late starting.
There were three women at the head table and each gave a long dissertation which we could not understand the first word. It would have been nice to have put it on paper for the English speaking guest in the crowd. I think one lady spoke Spanish, one spoke French and the other one I guessed to be Portuguese.
There was a Powerpoint with pictures of different musical instruments from medieval times. I sure would have enjoyed it better had I been able to understand what was being said. There were three young women who were the singers. It did not matter that they sang in Spanish. The vocals were so great and blended so well it was a pleasure just to listen to them sing. It made for a long night and short sleep though.
Miles 13
June 4 2010
Start: Cizur Menor
Destination: Puente la Reina
I could not believe that all of the hiker leaving this morning did not wake me up. Ryan, a young American guy we met a few days ago came over and shook my foot telling me it was time to get up. I couldn’t figure out why Lou didn’t come wake me up unless he was afraid I would throw something at him. As we were leaving Lou went through the hiker box and found me a hat almost exactly like the one I left at home. The trail today was hot and dusty with almost no shade. We climb a few small hills then hike along the ridge past a long line of wind turbines. As we ascend there are splendid views of Pamplona behind us. As we crest the summit the view to the west over the Arga Valley gives us glimpses of the villages below
Miles 11.8
June 5 2010
Start: Puente la Reino
Destination: Irache
Today was another peaceful walk along gently rolling hills through more vineyards and farmland. There was a steep climb first thing in the morning, but we took it slow and easy .The heat today was ferocious and it was difficult to stay hydrated. The saving grace was that in a few of these small villages there were running fountains in the park. I would wash my face then take my hat fill it with water and put it on my head. The initial shock would take my breath away, but it cooled me off for a couple hours.
The small villages with row upon row of tall shuttered houses continue to grab my attention. The roads are barely wide enough for two cars to pass and we have to be watchful as we walk. We have walked over medieval bridges today hundreds of years old and I marvel at the workmanship. We came to a small bar where we stamped our own passports and continued down the trail.
We are now seeing some familiar faces as we leapfrog each other during the days. We are also remembering names of some of them. The trail today has taken us through valleys up to cemeteries and crisscrossed the main highway here.
The heat is still relentless and even though I have been diligent to put sun screen on my lips they are still badly blistered.
The hotel was full by the time we got there but they did have an apartment with two beds for 75 Euros. It was a suite to us with a bedroom a sitting room, a full kitchen and a wonderful tub to soak in.
We went down to the supper buffet and made pigs of ourselves. We asked Fred to join us. He speaks fairly decent English and is from South Africa, so he and Lou have plenty to talk about. I just listen and eat. Back in our room I confess to Lou that I had never seen a bidet much less knew what they were for. He got a kick out of telling me they were basically useless. I went in and at least turned the faucet on to see how it worked. I agree with Lou, it seemed to be a totally useless bathroom item! There was wi-fi here so we had a chance to check our email and see what was going on in the rest of the world.
Miles 16.2 miles
June 6, 2010
Start; Irache
Destination; Torres del Rio
Lou didn’t wake up until after 7 and he woke me up just before 8:00 .The skies outside were overcast and as we went down to breakfast a thunderstorm moved in.
We took our time eating the breakfast bar .It was the closest to an American breakfast we have had so far. By the time we left the storm was over but the skies were still overcast. The temperature had dropped considerably which made for a great hiking day. I think Lou had Wheaties for breakfast because soon he was out of sight. The path today was natural and wound in and out of vineyards and well tended gardens.
At lunch I passed Frenchie who was taking a long lunch break. He told me Lou was about an hour ahead. There was no reason to try and catch up with him. I couldn’t hike that fast anyway. I took my pack off and joined Frenchie (Emile) for lunch. It felt great to take my shoes off and lean back and rest.
I met two ladies along the trail today with plastic bags and hiking sticks. They showed me the inside of the bags which were filled with huge snails. I have seen lots of snails the past few days, really big snails. Evidently the rain brings them out ripe for the picking. They would pull the brush back with the hiking sticks looking underneath the brush for these delicacies!
I am not sure I could bring myself to eat a snail, but we will see.
Because we are a few days short of being able to finish the Camino we have decided to up our daily mileage in an effort to finish on time. I caught up with Lou mid afternoon and we stopped for snacks and water.
We pressed on to the town of Torres Del Rio where we got bunks in the albueque. I could get used to a nice hot shower and a bed every night. In Spain they are very conservative of electricity and water. There are sensors in the bathroom that turns the light on when you come in, but then the light goes off before you are finished. Sometime the switch is within reach while sitting on the toilet, sometime it is not. Tonight the water in the shower is on a timer and goes off after a few minutes. The light switch is on the outside of the shower room and after a few minutes, out goes the lights. You have no choice but to finish showering then drying off and dressing in the dark!
The next few days are supposed to be cooler and overcast. We still have significant climbs but are getting stronger every day. We are staying at a hostel tonight. It is very nice with only six bunk beds in each room. The price 9 Euros includes a breakfast in the morning. It is really getting chilly and I am glad there are blankets here for us to use. Again we have wi-fi and are checking our emails.
Miles 15
George And Mary Nell Gibbs To Celebrate 50th Anniversary
June 17, 2010
George and Mary Nell Gibbs will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, June 18, 2010.
Their sons, Eddie, Jake and John and their families, invite friends and family to their anniversary celebration. Festivities will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18 at the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Jay.
George and Nell were married June 18, 1960 and were blessed with three boys. They moved to Dixonville, in 1967. George was employed with the Civil Service at Whiting Field for 36 years, ad Nell was a devoted stay-at-home mom to her boys. The couple has seven grandchildren.
The couple is looking forward to celebrating this occasion with their family and friends. For directions, call John at (850) 675-1104.
Photos: Fun And Wacky Science, Dr. Zap At The Library
June 16, 2010
“Dr. Zap” presented his fun and wacky view on science Tuesday as the summer reading program series continued at the Century Branch Library.
From toilet paper arches, to children floating on air to the amazement of a young girl that learned she could effortless lift 200 pounds — Dr. Zap taught children about scientific theory in a fun and imaginable way.
(The young lady, by the way, used a level and fulcrum to lift three boys — including her astonished brother — into the air.)
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The summer read series at the Century Branch Library will continue each Tuesday at noon as follows:
- June 22 – John Jaramillo, storyteller and dancer
- June 29 – David Stephens, puppetry
- July 6, Ross Mudge, singing patriotic songs
- July 13, Beau Broomall, magician
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.
Pictured top: Children enjoy learning about science from Dr. Zap Tuesday afternoon at the Century Branch Library. Pictured inset: Dr. Zap. Pictured below: A young lady (right) lifts three boys weighing a combined 200 pounds using a lever and fulcrum. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Part Of History: Barrineau Park 4-H Club
June 15, 2010
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club has been honored as being the oldest continuing 4-H Club in Florida, and the club has made a special presentation to ensure its history will be preserved.
During Saturday’s Blueberry Jamboree, club members presented a commemorative gavel, book, certificate and other items to the Barrineau Park Historical Society. The historical society will preserve the items in their museum located in the Barrineau Park Community Center.
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club was founded as an agricultural club in 1914 and organized as a 4-H Club in 1917. The club started with a small group of boys under the supervision of the local agricultural agent with about a dozen members. Lewis Floyd of Barrineau Park was one of the early members, remaining in the club until he turned 18 in 1922; he then became one of the club leaders.
Dorothy Gindl Casey remembers her early days in the club. “When I joined, it was a boys’ club and a (separate) girls’ club in the 1930’s,” she said.
Longtime member Francis Gindl has been a member or involved with the leadership of the Barrineau Park club for 47 years.
“They were all good 4-H’ers,” he said of his memories of the club’s early days. “They didn’t get in trouble being in 4-H.”
Gindl’s son Bobby Gindl serves as the modern-day leader of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club, following in the footsteps of his father.
“It has made a huge impact on my life,” the younger Gindl said. “I ended up becoming an agricultural teacher.”
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of the each month at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church at 3015 St. Elizabeth Street, near the intersection of Barrineau Park Road and Jacks Branch Road.
The 4-H Club is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
Pictured top: Former 4-H Leader Francis Gindl, Barrineau Park 4-H Club Leader Francis Gindl, and former member Dorothy Gindl Casey. Pictured below: Current Barrineau Park 4-H Club President Austin Dodd, 13, and Inspirational Leader Emily Boutwell, 8. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Food Bank Provides Help In North Escambia, Santa Rosa
June 14, 2010
North Escambia and Santa Rosa residents that need assistance putting food on the table can find the help they need close to home.
Manna Pantries provides a short-term emergency food source for those in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Food is distributed at seven locations in the two counties, including Century, Molino and Jay.
Nearly 75% of people served in the Emergency Food Program are persons referred to Manna from another program or agency, the majority of whom are in the process of applying for and being certified to receive food stamps. To qualify for food from Manna, people should bring:
- a written referral from the referring agency
- a contact phone number for the worker making the referral
- identification for every member of their household that establishes them in the residence
People who are not receiving or applying for food stamps may also be eligible for Manna’s Emergency Food Program. A person may seek food from Manna by providing proof(paid bills, notice of lay off or termination, decrease in income) of the claimed situation. Identification such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or report card is required for all claimed members of the household.
For more information about Manna, visit www.mannafoodpantries.org.
MANNA Pantry Locations and Hours of Operation
Molino Pantry (Mobile Pantry Site)
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
6915 N. Hwy. 29
Mondays 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Jay Pantry
First Baptist Church
214 South Alabama Street
Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Century Pantry
7470 N. Century Blvd.
Intersection of Hwy 29 and Hwy 4W
Thurs – Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gonzalez Pantry
Gonzalez Baptist Church
1590 Pauline Street
850.377.0792
Tuesdays 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Pensacola Main Pantry
116 E. Gonzalez Street 32501
850.432.2053
Monday – Friday 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Myrtle Grove/West Pantry
904 North 57th Avenue 32506
(inside Felix Miga Senior Center)
850.377.3970
M/W/F 10 a.m. – noon
Ensley Pantry
St. Peter’s Baptist Church
7761 Kershaw St. 32534
850.477.0118
Thursday 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Milton Pantry
Community of Christ Church
110 Raymond Hobbs Road 32570
Mon & Wed. 9 a.m. – noon
Friday noon – 3 p.m.
Thousands Enjoy Second Blueberry Jamboree (With Photos)
June 13, 2010
Over 4,000 people braved the sweltering heat to attend the second annual Blueberry Jamboree Saturday at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
The free event featured locally grown blueberries, live bluegrass music, dozens of arts and crafts vendors, bingo and even pie eating and blueberry spitting contests. The Kids’ Zone included bounce houses, face painting and educational games.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee sponsored a Blueberry Jamboree Bake-Off. Click here for photos and results.
Despite the heat and humidity, well over 100 runners completed the 5K Race for the Blueberries. Click here for photos and results.
The second annual Blueberry Jamboree was sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com, Escambia County Farm Bureau, International Paper, Wind Creek Casino, Faith Chapel Funeral Homes, Navy Federal Credit Union, BagelHeads, Fran’s Diner and Winn Dixie.
Pictured top: A couple dances to bluegrass music Saturday at the second annual Blueberry Jamboree in Barrineau Park. Pictured inset: A giant blueberry. Pictured below: Thousands attended the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mmmm…Second Annual Blueberry Bake-Off Winners Named
June 13, 2010
It was a blueberry lover’s dream Saturday at the second annual Blueberry Jamboree Bake-Off at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
Dozens of cooks entered their tasty pies, cobblers, cakes and other blueberry goodies in hopes of winning cash prizes in the contest sponsored by the Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. There was one basic rule — the homemade dessert must have included blueberries as an ingredient.
After the tempting treats were judged and the winners were announced, the public had the opportunity to sample the entries.
The winners of the second annual Blueberry Jamboree Bake-Off were:
Cake Division
1st place Melissa Collier – White Chocolate Cheesecake
2nd place Lukas Snelson – Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
3rd place Cathy Vanderpol – Vlueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake
Bread, Puddings and Other division
1st place Shelly Olsousky – Blueberry Yum Yum
2nd place Sharon Meharg – Blueberry Pizza
3rd place – Paul Schwartz – Zucchini Blueberry Nut Bread
Pies and Cobbler division
1st place Sabrena Padgett – Double Bottom Blueberry Lemon Supreme Pie
2nd place Cathy Vanderpol – Blueberry Cherry Pie
3rd place Cathy King – Bursting Berries & Orchard Fruit Pie
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Roberts, Maddox To Wed
June 13, 2010
Don and Laura Smith of Atmore, Ala., and Mike Roberts of Aiea, Hawaii, announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Nicole Roberts, to Walter Thomas Maddox, son of Bob and Diane Maddox of Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of James and Jackie Presley of Atmore and Malcolm and the late Willie Mae Roberts of Bay Minette, Ala.
The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Robert Maddox and Winnie Maddox of Fayette, Ala., and the late Tommy and the late Ruby Maddox of Jackson, Ala.
Stephanie is a graduate of Escambia County High School and a graduate of the University of Alabama. She earned a bachelor’s of art degree in public relations and is currently the director of sports marketing and public relations at the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Walt is a graduate of Central High School and a graduate of the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his graduate degree in public administration. Walt is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Tuscaloosa.
The wedding will take place June 26 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at First Baptist Church in Atmore, Ala.
All friends and family are invited to attend the joyous occasion.
Head Graduates From Basic Training
June 12, 2010
Air Force Airman Derek J. Head graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Nicki Qualls of Highway 4, Jay. Head is a 2008 graduate of Jay High School.