Century Parade Honors King
January 20, 2009
The annual Century-Flomaton Improvement Association Martin Luther King Jr. Parade rolled through Century Monday morning.
The parade, honoring the late Dr. King, included about a dozen vehicles and wound through the streets of the town.
The parade ended at the Century Community Center on Highway 4 where a community service in honor of Dr. King was held.
In nearby Atmore, the Concerned Citizens of Atmore held their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Monday morning. Dozens of units were decorated to honor the slain civil rights leader.
A parade was also held in Flomaton to honor Dr. King on the national holiday in his honor.
Pictured above and below: Photos from the Century-Flomaton Improvement Association Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Monday morning as it traveled through Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Switch To Digital TV Less Than A Month Away; 3,152 DTV Coupons Went To North Escambia
January 18, 2009
The upcoming switch to digital television is less than a month away. In North Escambia, 3,152 free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the February 17 switch have been ordered.
If you do not have a digital ready television and have not installed a digital converter box, your TV will stop working on February 17 if you do not have cable or satellite. The government was handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, but they are gone for now. The best you can do now is get on a waiting list for a coupon.
In Century’s 32535 zip code, 1,146 coupons had been requested as of last week. That’s up from 974 total coupons requested by the second week of December.
In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 966 coupons had been requested as of last week. That up from 862 coupons that had been requested by the second week of December.
A total of 1,040 coupons had been requested in the Molino 32577 zip by the end of last week. There had been 899 requested by the second week of December.
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).
In order to get on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.
Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.
Carver/Century Students Discover Dance With Ballet Pensacola
January 17, 2009
Ballet Pensacola presented their outreach program “Discover Dance” Friday morning at Carver/Century K-8 School. From “choreography” to “point shoes”, students learned words and phrases while getting a taste of modern and traditional ballet. Friday’s Ballet Pensacola presentation at Carver/Century was made possible through the support of Escambia County Bank, Jay Hospital and Century Pharmacy. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Getting Ready For 2009 Miss Northview High Pageant
January 13, 2009
Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Miss Northview High School Pageant. You better hurry; tickets will go fast and will not be available at the door.
The pageant will be held Saturday night, January 24 at 7:00. Tickets are on sale now for $5 each in the front office at Northview. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Last week, NorthEscambia.com stopped by a pageant practice where over 30 girls are getting ready for the competition to see who will be crown the 2009 Miss Northview High School.
Click here for a photo gallery from that pageant practice.
Pictured above: Practices are underway for the Miss Northview High School Pageant to be held January 24. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Panhandle Equine Rescue Names New 2009 Officers
January 12, 2009
Panhandle Equine Rescue has named officers for 2009, including several people that are new to the PER board.
Diane Lowery was named as PER’s returning president.
Jolee Josephs has been named as the group’s new vice president, Lindley Barden as the new secretary, and Michelle McKee as treasurer.
Rose Marie Winchester has returned to the PER board of directors. New board members include Mimi McClelland, Michelle Phillips, April Violette, and Vickie Bell.
New Vice President Josephs has excellent credentials and is very qualified for the job. She is a new PER member, has been known to the group since 2005 when she adopted their second rescue, Sky.
She is currently foster coordinator for PER, handles the sponsorship program, serves webmaster, created all the videos on the website and is currently training to become an investigator. Josephs is also taking on the Education Program when schools request someone to come in and talk with the students.
She has done site inspections and has transported horses for PER and is also currently fostering one of the horse rescues. She has been involved with Habitat For Horses; a huge rescue in Texas and she has adopted three horses from them. She is in the process of building a boarding facility off of Quintette Road that is named after the horse she adopted from PER, Forever Sky Ranch.
“She has the passion and heart for the horses and for horse rescue,” said Lowery.
Barden, the new secretary, has adopted two horses from PER. She was interested in adopting those horses that “nobody else wanted”. She also rescues greyhounds and provides a forever retirement home for many of those special dogs. Her and her husband, John, have been members of PER for the past two years.
“The other board members have been very active in helping the organization and we feel that they all will be a huge asset to PER,” Lowery added.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is non-profit organization with the mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected, and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the by the court system in Escambia County to investigate equines in trouble.
Pictured are new PER officers and directors (L-R) April Violette, Diane Lowery, Mimi McClelland, Michelle Phillips, Rose Marie Winchester, Jolee Josephs, Michelle McKee, Vickie Bell and Lindley Barden. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Northview Freshman Recovering Well From Brain Surgery, Headed Back To Class This Week
January 11, 2009
Northview High School freshman Nathan Therrell is continuing to improve following brain surgery back in November, and if all goes as planned, he will be back in class Monday morning.
On November 19, Nathan underwent brain surgery at the Miami Children’s Hospital to remove something the size of a grain of rice that has caused years of problems for him. It’s called a hypothalamic hamartoma, also called an “HH”. The HH is not a tumor, nor is it a cancer; it is a tissue growth.
Nathan’s aunt, Kelly Sims, said Nathan has done well since the surgery. Best of all, he has been seizure-free since the surgery. He was back in school for one day when it resumed Tuesday after Christmas break, but he missed the rest of the week to once again travel to Miami. This time, the trip to Miami was for a checkup, and Nathan received an “all clear” from his doctor.
“Nathan has recovered from the surgery far better than expected. He seems like a total different kid,” Sims said of her nephew. “God does answer prayers and Nathan’s family would like to thank everyone that helped during the time of fund raisers and for any donations that were given.”
“The family is very thankful for everything including the prayers that were sent out for Nate,” she added.
If all goes as plans, Nathan will return to Northview as a fulltime student beginning Monday.
A typical HH like the one removed from Nathan’s brain causes seizures, a problem Nathan has had for four years. They were originally controlled by medication, but the medicines failed to work, his mother Tina Therrell said. They’ve tried radiation and laser treatments. None have worked. That led the family to decide to have the surgery to remove the HH from the middle of his brain.
Pictured above: Nathan Therrell watches a Northview football game last season. He served as the team’s waterboy. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Classes In Molino
January 11, 2009
Christian financial advisor Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is coming to Molino.
The 13 lesson program at Victory Assembly of God will change the way you think about personal finance, according to Ramsey’s web site. The program teaches about how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving. Over 650,000 families have taken the course, which features a one hour video sesson each week from Ramsey.
The course also includes a lifetime membership in the Financial Peace University along with class materials. The lifetime membership allows holder to attend a class anytime, anywhere at no additional charge.
Classes being on January 20 at 6:30 an continue for 13 weeks every Tuesday evening. For more information, contact the church at 587-2295 or visit victorycan.org.
Ramsey is also a popular radio talk show host, dealing out his own personal credit-cards-are-bad style of Christian financial advice. The show can be heard locally weekdays on WNSI 105.9 FM. It is also available on XM satellite radio channel 165 from 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays, and on Sirius satellite radio from 8 to 11 pm on channel 161.
B-I-N-G-O At the C-C-C
January 11, 2009
Judy Copeland with Epilepsy Services of Northwest Florida and the Dogwood Chapter of Good Sam Club teamed up to play “Safety Bingo” with the residents of Century Care Center. There were no losers in the game, and the residents enjoyed themselves as did the volunteers. The two groups provided an abundance of prizes, as well as game play assistance for those who needed it. Submitted photos, click to enlarge.
North Escambia’s Very Own New Year’s Baby Turns 6
January 10, 2009
April Johnson of Walnut Hill was born six years ago with just a little claim to fame; April was Escambia County’s 2003 New Year’s baby.
“We certainly did not think we would have A New Year’s Baby, especially the first one of 2003,” mom Emily Johnson said.
The first due date from the doctor was December 21, 2002. When that was changed to January 1, 2003, Emily still didn’t think she would have a New Year’s baby. When Emily, 19 at the time, and husband James, then 25, thought it was time and made three trips to Sacred Hospital over five days at the end of December, they really thought April was going to have a December birthday.
But April Nicole Johnson was born at 1:48 a.m. on January 1, 2003 — the first baby born in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties in 2003. A very healthy April weighed in at eight pounds, seven ounces.
“It does not seem like she should already be six years old. She is our sweet little princess,” mom Emily said of her first child.
April, a kindergarten student at Bratt Elementary School, celebrated her sixth birthday with a giant birthday cookie.
April has a little brother named Hunter. She is granddaughter of Van and Sandra Johnson of Walnut Hill, and Sally Reasons of Atmore.
Ashley Cunningham Named Miss Ernest Ward Middle
January 10, 2009
Miss Ashley Cunningham, 13, was named Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Friday night.
Other award winners were Clarissa Ross, 1st runner-up; Ariel Holland, 2nd runner-up, and poise and appearance, and Miss Hospitality; Savanna VanderPol, 3rd runner-up; Cheyenne Godwin, physical fitness, and Miss Congeniality.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from Friday night’s pageant.
Junior Miss EWMS 2009: Miss Ashley Cunningham, 8th Grade
Ashley, 13, is a member of the Drama Club, Honor Society, yearbook staff and a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Last year she received the Most Fashionable 7th Grader Award and 100% homework completed award. Ashley’s hobbies include swimming, tennis, reading, going to the movies and spending time with her younger brother Austin. Her future plans are to graduate high school and attend college to become a dentist.
1st Runner-Up: Miss Clarissa Ross, 8th Grade
Clarissa, 14, is an 8th grader who cheers for Cantonment. She participates in gymnastics with Flip Factory. Clarissa’s hobbies include cheerleading, taking pictures, shopping, dancing and playing soccer. In the future, Clarissa wants to go to West Florida to become a nurse.
2nd Runner-Up, Miss Hospitality and Poise & Appearance Award: Miss Ariel Holland, 8th Grade
Ariel Holland, 14, is the captain of the school’s cheerleading squad. She is on the swim team, participates in the Northwest Escambia little league softball program and is a member of the “Lady Cats”. She is also an active member of Bratt Baptist Church. Ariel’s hobbies include shopping, cheerleading, and spending time with family and friends. In the future, Ariel plans to attend cheer on a college level while obtaining her career in the medical field.
3rd Runner-Up: Miss Savannah VanderPol, 6th Grade
Savannah, 12, is very active in Escambia County 4-H. She has won multiple county and district awards. Last October, Savannah won the 4-H highpoint Intermediate exhibitor award at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. She has shown horses, poultry and rabbits for the last few years. Savannah enjoys hunting and passed the hunter safety course with a score of 98. She is also a member of Cantonment First Baptist Church. Savannah’s hobbies include horseback riding, showing animals, hunting, soccer and shooting sports. In the future she would like to be a nurse or a veterinarian.
Miss Congeniality and Physical Fitness Award: Miss Cheyenne Godwin, 8th Grade
Cheyenne, 14, is a cheerleader and participates in the yearbook and newspaper staff. She enjoys dancing, theater and acting. Recently she was in a movie called “Chatterbox”. Cheyenne participates in the Pace Relay for Life with a swing dancing team called Pensacola Swing. Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, computers, fishing and shipping. In the future Cheyenne would like to attend West Tech’s Criminal Justice program and get into Julliard School of Arts.
Other contestants were: Rachel Presley, Karmen Watson, Kendal Cobb, Ashlynn Webster, Sabrina Cox, Hope Coggins, Leann Fillingim, Kachanne Thomas.
Pictured above: Ashley Cunningham is crowned Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School by last year’s winner Angel Mitchell. Pictured below: Savannah VanderPol, Ariel Holland, Ashley Cunningham, Clarissa Ross and Cheyenne Godwin. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
