Photos: Santa Visits North Escambia Children
December 20, 2009
Santa traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visited many boys and girls in neighborhoods across North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com was along for the ride in the Christian Home community as Santa and one of his elves visited with dozens of children, listening carefully to those last minute wish lists.
“Have you been good this year?” Santa asked the boys and girls that ran outside to meet him when they heard the sirens and Christmas music blaring from the approaching McDavid Volunteer Fire Department truck. Some said “yes”, some shyly shook their heads, and one or two seemed to avoid the all-important question.
Santa took note of all the Christmas wishes. Dolls, stuffed animals — and even musical instruments.
“One of them asked for a violin, and one of them asked for a piano,” Santa said when he returned to the fire truck from one home.
Santa, of course, knows where all of the children live, so when he came to a house where the children did not run out, Santa knocked on the door. Santa knocking on a child’s door on a Saturday morning is a guaranteed smile.
“We’ve been doing this for about 20 years,” McDavid Chief Eric Gilmore said. “The kids just love it; it’s a tradition.”
The children were not the only ones smiling — the adults were out to meet Santa too. At one house in Christian Home, Santa was greeted by a lady who came outside with homemade goodie bags for Santa, his elf and the firemen that serve the community.
Santa’s elf was prepared for four-legged visitors, good or bad. Especially bad. Santa’s elf was passing out Milk-bone biscuits for the dogs along his route.
Click here for more photos from Santa’s North Escambia visit.
Pictured above and below: Santa visits with families in the Christian Home community Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Angels Helping Others
December 19, 2009
In the children’s television show, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree was, to put it kindly, sad. But thanks to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends — including angels from Atmore — Christmas will be better for more than dozen area families.
It was a cold night on December 5th when, for the second night in a row, the Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), loaded their Christmas float with candy and beads and set out intent on winning first place. On the previous night, they had succeeded in placing first in the 2009 Poarch Creek Indian Parade. Now they had their sights set on winning the top prize in the 2009 Atmore Christmas Parade.
Dressed in a multitude of layers as they set out in the bitter night air, they had no idea that they would end up warming the hearts of the less fortunate in the community. Their float was based upon “Snoopy the Musical” and included larger than life character renditions of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Marcie, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Linus.
They did place first in the Atmore Christmas Parade and that night, they made history. For the first time ever, a float from the Poarch Creek Indians won a total of three awards. They finished first place in both the Poarch Creek Indian and Atmore Christmas Parades plus won the Atmore Christmas Parade’s “Ahhh Award”. What made their achievement so special was not that they won the competition, but how they spent the $300 cash prize they received for winning.
The crew knew they wanted to use the money to help the community when so many families are enduring tough economic times. They drew inspiration from a line in Charlie Brown’s Christmas. In the story it was asked, “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” “Sure,” said Linus. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Their goal was to show that they understood the real meaning of Christmas. Their plan was to provide 10 Christmas dinners for local families in need. They received additional assistance from individuals from the CIEDA Board of Directors and staff, Poarch Creek Indian Government offices and some Wind Creek Casino employees, as well as the local Piggly Wiggly who offered to sell them the hams at cost.
That enabled the float crew to present a total of 13 families with Christmas dinners made up of ham, sweet potatoes, brown sugar, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, dessert, rolls and cranberry sauce. The donations were so extensive they were able to add a loaf of bread, jars of jelly and peanut butter, bags of oranges and apples, whipped cream, marshmallows, butter, an assortment of candies, and a blanket for each family. Included with each gift box was a Christmas card giving well wishes.
The saying goes a man cannot help another without also helping himself. The CIEDA float crew and staff understand that all too well. Donna Henry, the float crew leader stated, “So many people are hurting right now, it just feels good to help someone else.”
Pictured top and top inset: The Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority float in the Atmore Christmas parade. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the food provided for needy families. Pictured below: Float ushers Ginger Stabler, Judson Stabler, Lee Moons, Kitty Stuart, Tasha McGhee, Teresa McLaughlin, and Paula Smith. Characters (from left) Peppermint Patty – Brenda Helton, Pig Pin – Michelle White, Charlie Brown – Judge Mark Kennedy, Lucy – Amanda McGhee, Marcie – Judy McElhaney, Snoopy – Paula Miller, Schroder – Bryan Fayard, Charlie Brown – Tammy Gaffney, Linus – Curtis Hayes, Lucy – Brandi Helton and Sally on Knee – Donna Henry. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Gift Bargains: Try An Area Thrift Store
December 19, 2009
If you are looking for bargains on your last minute Christmas shopping, one of the area thrift stores might just have what you need. From the We Care Economy Shops in Atmore and Flomaton, to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Century, to the Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment, the deals await Christmas shoppers looking to save.
We Care Economy Shops, Atmore and Flomaton
The We Care Economy Shops in Flomaton and Atmore offer a wide variety of merchandise, from clothing for the entire family to housewares and furniture in their thrift shop.
“It’s good and clean merchandise at a good price,” Flomaton store manager Diane Bennett said. “Everything we sell is from donations, but we go through everything to make sure it is clean and in good shape.”
The store also sells a variety of household goods, toys, furniture and clothing. All of the items are inspected before being sold, and some items are new.
Proceeds from the store fund the We Care Program, a prison ministry program founded in 1970. The We Care Program spreads the Word of God in prisons, including Holman and Fountain in Atmore and the Century Correctional Institute.
The We Care Economy Shop in Flomaton is located on Highway 31 about a half mile from Highway 113 in a former hardware store building. The We Care Economy Shop in Atmore is located downtown at the intersection of Highway 31 and Main Street. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Century
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store also offers a variety of merchandise at bargain prices.
The store offers a vast array of items including glassware, toasters, lamps, couches, desks and office equipment, books, movies, shoes and the complete range of clothing from infant to size 4X men’s and women’s apparel. The store also offers men’s suits, ladies formal dresses, a bridal gown, a chain saw, plus a marble counter top bathroom sink and even a stainless steel kitchen sink.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization with a mission to help the poor and homeless. Their thrift stores are a way of raising money to accomplish that mission.
The store is located in the former Country Bumpkin building at 7850 North Century Boulevard. The store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They will also be open this Monday for Christmas shoppers.
Junior Humane Society Thrift Store, Cantonment
The Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment held their grand opening in mid-November.
The store features a variety of clothing for all ages, shoes, office furniture, kitchen supplies, books, toys, pet supplies and other items with new merchandise arriving daily. The JHS Thrift Store is open Wednesday – Friday from noon until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The store also features a wall featuring photos of dogs and cats looking for new homes through JHS.
Proceeds benefit JHS activities, such as finding homes for homeless cats and dogs, while also providing unbelievable bargains for area residents battling tough economic times.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Ernest Ward Christmas Gala Celebrates The Season
December 18, 2009
Ernest Ward Middle School presented a Christmas Gala at the school Thursday night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the Ernest Ward Middle School Christmas Gala Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Library Celebrates Christmas With Visit From Santa Claus
December 18, 2009
The Century Branch Library held their annual Christmas event Thursday afternoon. Dozens of children had a chance to enjoy a story, presents for everyone and a visit with Santa Claus.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Attends Military Ball (With Photo Gallery)
December 18, 2009
The Northview High School NJROTC held their annual Military Ball recently at the Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Over 130 cadets attended the event, a joint fuction with the NJROTC unit from Washington High School. The evening began with a dinner for the Northview cadets at Mesquite Charlie’s Steakhouse. At the museum, cadet leadership from both schools greeted all of the cadets. The evening continued with a POW ceremony, the presentation of seniors from each school as well as the king and queen, and the junior, sophomore and freshman prince and princess from both units as selected by their peers.
Two hours of dancing followed the formal events.
“It was an outstanding gather from both schools,” Captain Charlie Code said.
Click here for more photos from the event.
Pictured: Northview NJROTC Military Ball King and Queen Zach Byers and Miranda Scott. Photo courtesy Stone’s Studio for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Celebrates
December 17, 2009
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently held their annual Christmas dinner and honored two members for their service.
Sara Rickard was presented an award for calendar ad sales, and she was applauded for the “outstanding” cakes that she bakes for each of the monthly music nights.
Tina Tuttle was honored for her work to organize the library at the Barrineau Park Community Center. She also worked with the Honeysuckle Garden Club to landscape the area in front of the community center, and she serves as the coordinator of the annual Community Spring Cleanup.
Guest speaker was Charles Dillard, operations manager of Faith Chapel Funeral Homes. In addition to his 44 years of service to Faith Chapel, Dillard is a former member of the WPFA AM 790 staff and also announced the Tate High School football games. Dillard shared many stories from the area’s past.
Local favorite group Sons of the Pines serenaded the gathering with Christmas carols.
Pictured above left: Nita Berry presents an award to Tina Tuttle (left). Pictured above middle: Berry presents an award to Sara Rickard. Pictured above right: Charles Dillard of Faith Chapel Funeral Home shares stories of the past with the Barrineau Park Historial Society. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Care Packages Headed To Iraq
December 16, 2009
Several Christmas care packages are on their way to American troops serving in Iraq thanks to the North Escambia community’s willingness to help a Molino woman with her project.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is two months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is schedule to be in Iraq until October of next year.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packges to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season. After a NorthEscambia.com article about her project, the donations started to roll in. At least two radio stations, Cat Country 98.7 and WXBM, also joined in the promotional effort after reading the story.
“People are still bringing stuff in. the community has helped so much and a big thanks to everyone,” Hilburn said Tuesday night. “I can’t explain how it makes me feel to be able to help our troops. This is something that started out small and turned into big. Some of the soldiers have told me how much it means to have letters from home and to get care packages, and it’s just an amazing feeling to be able to make their day better.”
The first round of donations are on their way to Iraq, but Hilburn will continue to collect more supplies for soldiers at a collection box at veteran-owned Cole’s Barbershop in Molino. Cole’s is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Mens liquid body soap
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies, candy bars
Crystal Light (peach tea, lemon tea)
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cups
Macaroni and cheese (in a cup)
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
International phone cards
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn an care packages bound for Iraq. Pictured top inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the care packages. Pictured below: Items donated by the community. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three North Escambia Students Win Rotary Essay Contest
December 14, 2009
Three students from Northview and Tate high schools were winners in a recent essay contest by the SubWest Rotary Club of Pensacola.
Each year the Rotary Club conducts an essay contest that enables students the power to express themselves and communicate . Contestants write a short essay on “Why is the Rotary Four-Way Test Relevant Today?”. The Rotary contest committee reads and chooses three finalists, with one being chosen as the grand prize winner for a cash reward.
The grand prize winner in this year’s contest was Lauren McCall (pictured right), a sophomore at Northview. The second place winner was Erin Freeman (pictured left), junior at Northview. Third place winner was Shawna Murphy, a junior at Tate.
The Rotary Four-Way Test states:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
For Erin Freeman’s essay, click here (pdf).
The winning essay, “An Unexpected Gift” by Lauren McCall is reprinted below.
Rotary International is an organization of service clubs located all over the world.
The Rotary Clubs have a four way test that is used to evaluate how I conduct my daily
life. I believe “the four way test of the things we think, say, and do” is an honorable
and ethical guide to the way I live my life.
My brother and I have always been raised in a Christian home. From an early age
we have been taught right from wrong. It has always been clear to my brother and me
how my parents feel about certain issues. One such issue that they often spoke to us
about was saving yourself for the man or woman you would one day marry. We both
knew that this was the right thing to do, but also the expected thing to do
Last November, my family’s lives, attitudes, and emotions were changed dramatically
when my brother, at the age of nineteen, announced that his seventeen year old girlfriend
was expecting a baby. My parents and I were crushed and disappointed by this news. At
the time, we felt that having a baby would change their lives in a huge way and we were
right. What we didn’t realize is how much it would change all of our lives. We now
have a precious baby girl named Kaylie Madison McCall, and she has turned us into
her servants.
Before Kaylie was born my brother and I used to argue non stop. Now when an issue
comes up that I would usually fuss with him over, I think about how much I love Kaylie
and how I would not want to hurt her and I choose not to argue with him. Another
change for me is sharing my mom and dad. I was used to being the youngest and the
center of attention after my brother graduated and got a job. Now, mom and dad like to
spend a lot of their time playing with or holding their grandbaby. I also am called on
to hold Kaylie, fetch bottles, blankets, and pacifiers, and to entertain Kaylie when
needed. Has my life changed along with my brother’s? DEFINITELY!
The first question of the four way test is “Is it the truth?” It is the truth that
pregnancy out of wedlock changes lives and relationships. I have heard it said that
unplanned pregnancy ruins lives. I personally don’t believe that it ruins lives, but it
definitely changes them. For example, I used to rush home from school to watch
my favorite show on television. Now, I rush home to help tend to Kaylie.
The second question of the four way test is “Is it fair to all concerned?” In my
opinion, teen pregnancy is something that schools and service organizations should
work hard to prevent, because of the hardships it puts on many teens and their babies. In
our case, we have a big supportive family that lends help when needed. For many teens
this is not the case. I do believe it is fair because of the choices teenagers make. I wish
we could educate teenagers to make better choices and to realize the consequences of
their actions.
The third question is “ Will it build good will and better friendships?” When a baby
is born, kindness and compassion-both elements of good will blossom. My family and
I care about the kind of environment that Kaylie grows up in and therefore we are careful
in how we talk to and treat one another. We have definitely become closer to each other,
closer to members of our extended family, and closer to friends and acquaintances who
have shared similar experiences with us. For example, a sweet lady from our church
shared a story with us about how her granddaughter had a baby out of wedlock and how
the father of the baby had left her. But the point that she made very clear to us was what
a joy the baby was to their family. I feel the same way about Kaylie. She is truly a joy
to our family.
The fourth question of the four way test is “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
The subject of this essay is in essence spotlighting one of the greatest moral debates
of the twentieth century – Abortion. My brother and his girlfriend had to make a
decision very early concerning what they felt like would be best for all those people
involved. I am very thankful that they chose to have the baby, accept responsibility, and
face the challenges that would lie ahead of them. There are so may bad things that go
with abortion. Among them are death of an innocent child, emotional illnesses such as
depression and nightmares, possible physical damage to the woman, and long term
memory of what was done. On the other hand, there are so many good things that
come from choosing life. In the case of Kaylie, she has brought joy to our lives. She
has the opportunity to grow up and do great things. She will be able to play little
league, be a cheerleader, go to college, and hopefully do something great for her
community and country. It is my belief that of the two choices my brother and his
girlfriend had, they chose the one that would be most beneficial to all those concerned.
Musical Drama Features Live Manger Scene
December 13, 2009
“A Savior is Born”, a musical drama, will be presented Monday and Tuesday 6:30 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Prayer Path and Park located at 1120 South Main Street in Atmore. The production is a presentation of the story of the birth of Christ from Gabriel to the Inn. The grand finale will be an interactive manger scene as well as the actors presenting in song.Pictured: Sheila Harrison as Mary; Rick Hetrick as Joseph; and Kelvin Diller, Roy Corley and Frankie Baggett as shepherds in the First Assembly of God production “A Savior Is Born”. The presentation will be held at 6:30 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights at 1120 South Main Street in Atmore. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.