Northview FFA Advocacy Program Named First Place In State; Chapter Honored
June 15, 2017
The Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was named the first place program in the state during the FFA state convention Wednesday in Orlando.
Formerly known the Food for America program, the Fresh from Florida Advocacy Program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in agricultural literacy and awareness projects on the local level. The annual program, conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave hundreds of students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. The students even had the opportunity to make their own butter and enjoy it on crackers.
In addition to this year’s first place award, the Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program was previously honored in second place in 2015 and 2016, and was awarded first place in Florida for three consecutive years from 2012-2014.
The Northview High School FFA was also named as one of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters during ceremonies Wednesday in Orlando.
Pictured top: Northview FFA members with their first place Fresh from Florida Advocacy Award and their recognizion as one of Florida’s Finest Chapters at the state FFA convention in Orlando on Wednesday. Pictured are: (front, L-R) Lacie Carter, Tabitha Chavers, Brandon Korinchak, Mitchell Singleton, Raeleigh Woodfin, Olivia Porter, (back, L-R) Cole Hassebrock, Cody Kite, Bryce Korinchak, Wesley Hardin, Clint Gunter and Donnie Dixon. NorthEscambia.com photo by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
McArthur And Pine Meadow Named All Star Drug Free Elementary Schools
June 15, 2017
Informed Families, a Florida nonprofit devoted to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug-free, has announced two North Escambia area school have been named All Star Safe, Healthy and Drug Free Schools for 2017.
McArthur and Pine Meadow elementary schools were among 16 schools across the state to receive the honor.
To be eligible for All Star status, schools must complete the four prevention campaigns Informed Families sponsors throughout the school year:
- Family Day
- Red Ribbon Week
- Lock Your Meds
- Safe Homes, Smart Parties
“Ambassadors”—usually teachers, guidance counselors, or administrators—at each school manage these campaigns on the local level. Informed Families provides ambassadors everything they need and equips them with the information necessary to create a safer, healthier environment that fosters student success, both in the short term and the long run.
Schools and organizations honored as All Stars will receive $1,000 of prevention merchandise from NIMCO, Inc. for the next school year.
ECUA Helps Prepare 4-H Students For Mock Legislative Session
June 14, 2017
Escambia County 4-H students are scheduled to take part in a mock legislative program at the state capitol late this month. In preparation for that week, Larry Walker, ECUA District 5 board member, hosted the students Tuesday in the ECUA board room to allow the students to practice their legislative skills in a governmental chamber environment.
The training prepared the students for the upcoming 4-H Legislature and gain an understanding of board proceedings similar to legislative committees that happen in organizations in all forms of government and private corporate enterprise.
The local students have participated in an intensive five-part training program, which was directed by 4-H agents and adult volunteers, who contributed their knowledge of parliamentary procedure, research, debating, the art of persuasion, and formal presentation in committee and chamber sessions.
This year’s 4-H Legislature is set for Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30.
The civic education event allows students to write bills, act as lobbyists, pass the bills through various committees and debate the potential laws on the Capitol House and/or Senate Floor as acting representatives and senators. This exercise provides the 4-H’ers an opportunity to debate issues and experience the legislative process first-hand.
Pictured: Escambia County 4-H mock legislative students practice their skills in the ECUA board room Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pastor Celebrates 25 Years Of Ministry At Local Church
June 12, 2017
Atmore Baptist Temple celebrated the 25th anniversary of Pastor and Mrs. William D. “Doug” Odom’s call to the pastorate of the church by honoring them with a special Pastor’s Appreciation Service for their faithful commitment to their congregation and the community.
Pastor Odom grew up in nearby Century. In 1966, he entered the military and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. In 1969, he married Miss Pam Winder of North Carolina and they moved back to Century.
Pastor and Mrs. Odom came to trust Christ as their personal savior at Tabernacle Baptist Church in March of 1971. In 1980, Pastor Odom surrendered to the call to preach. Three years later, he left Century to attend Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, TX. In 1986, he returned to Century, where he served as the associate pastor of Faith Bible Baptist Church for one year. Then in 1987, he and Mrs. Odom moved to Troy, MO, where he would serve as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church for the next five years. Pastor and Mrs. Odom came to Atmore Baptist Temple on June 14, 1992, where he has served as pastor ever since.
About a year after arriving in Atmore, the Odoms started a Christian kindergarten called Kiddie Kollege. At the end of the first year of operation, parents were so pleased with the educational program offered by the kindergarten that they asked Pastor Odom to consider adding a first grade class. With the addition of a second grade class in 1995, it was decided that the school should be renamed Temple Christian Academy, with the kindergarten division retaining the name Kiddie Kollege. Today the Academy offers academic instruction from preschool through twelfth grade.
Pastor and Mrs. Odom are the proud parents of three children: Tammy White of Loveland, Colorado; Rev. Kevin Odom, who currently serves as Minister of Music at Atmore Baptist Temple; and Angel Lister of Wetumpka, AL. They have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Atmore Baptist Temple is located at 1707 South Main Street in Atmore, just north of the Alabama/Florida state line.
Highland Baptist Celebrates Pastor’s 10 Years Of Service
June 12, 2017
Highland Baptist Church celebrated 10 years with Pastor Brian and Sara Calhoun Sunday night with a “Gilligan’s Island” themed event. Church members performed a Gilligan’s Island skit and changed the words to highlight the Calhouns’ decade of service to Highland. An ice cream fellowship followed. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Boy Or Girl? Volunteer Firefighter Family Finds Out At Gender Reveal
June 11, 2017
An Escambia County volunteer fireman and his wife were right on target with a “gender reveal” Saturday afternoon at the Century Fire Station.
Clay and Destinie Smith are expecting their second child in December. They were joined by friends, family and firemen for the reveal that involved popping black balloons filled with paint. A couple of dart throws later, the couple knew from the pink paint that they were expecting a little girl.
The Smith’s first child, a boy named Braxton, is 16 months old. Their daughter is due on Christmas Eve. They have a few name ideas in mind, but nothing certain yet..
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Baptist Church Of Cantonment Youth Spend Week Serving
June 11, 2017
The youth at the First Baptist Church of Cantonment spent their Vacation Bible School week serving other groups that help the less fortunate in our communities.
On Youth Missions Week Day 1 the group volunteered to sort food at the Manna Food Bank. On day two, it off to help prepare and serve lunch at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Day three was a Wednesday well spent helping out at the Waterfront Thrift Store, and day four was a big cleanup at The Living Room, a nonprofit on Mobile Highway that reaches out to feed and meet the other needs of the less fortunate.
Pictured top: First Baptist Church of Cantonment youth serving lunch at the Waterfront Rescue Mission last week. Pictured below: Sorting clothing at the Waterfront Thrift Store and sorting food at the Manna Food Bank. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Pediatric Medical, Dental Clinic Opens In Cantonment
June 10, 2017
A new children’s pediatric and dental clinic is now open in Cantonment.
Escambia Community Clinics celebrated the opening of their newest site, ECC Cantonment Pediatrics and Pediatric Dental Clinic, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a children’s carnival Friday at 470 South Highway 29 in Cantonment — in the old Winn Dixie building.
ECC Cantonment Pediatrics provides pediatric medical, pediatric dental and behavioral health care in one convenient location, allowing for easy access to important care for children and families. A wide range of pediatric services are available, such as well-baby and well-child checkups, immunizations, routine physicals, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, and management of allergies, asthma and ADHD.
Pediatrician Dr. Quetheline Lanza and Stephanie Howell, ARNP provide medical services for the practice.
Pediatric behavioral health services provided by a licensed clinical social worker include family counseling and assistance coping with issues such as ADHD, bullying, divorces and separations, trauma, adjusting to chronic medical conditions, anxiety and depression.
ECC Cantonment Pediatrics location also offers dental care for children and young adults, ages 0 to 20, and provides dental exams, dental X-rays, dental cleanings/dental hygiene, dental extractions, fillings and tooth restorations, dental sealants and fluoride varnish, and oral health education.
ECC Cantonment Pediatrics and Pediatric Dental Clinic is now accepting calls for medical and dental appointments Monday through Friday during business hours at 850-780-0111. Same-day appointments may be available for medical and dental appointments, depending on the clinic schedule. ECC is a Humana and Molina Medicaid provider, accepts DentaQuest dental coverage and many private insurances.
This is ECC’s second location in Cantonment. Adult primary care services are available at ECC’s Cantonment Medical Center, located at 748 Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Graduate Hamrick Completes Basic Military Training
June 10, 2017
U.S. Air Force Airman Jacob D. Hamrick graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, 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 also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Hamrick is a 2015 graduate of J.M. Tate High School.
Library Brings Taiko Drums To Reading Program (With Gallery, Video)
June 9, 2017
Kids taking part in the Summer Reading program Thursday afternoon at the Molino Branch Library had the chance to be a little bit loud while learning a Japanese culture.
They were able to get hands on and learn about the exciting Exercise the power of annexation traditional Japanese performing art of Taiko drumming and see big Taiko drums. (See video below.)
Ron Collins will bring his Tampa Taiko program to three more libraries:
- Friday, June 9, 7 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Saturday, June 10, 2 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
For a photo gallery, click here.
