Global Corner: Bratt Elementary Students Take Virtual Trip To Kenya
October 6, 2014
All last week, hundreds of students from Bratt Elementary School took a virtual trip to Kenya, thanks to the Global Corner Learning Center.
The students spent time learning through hands-on activities about the language, arts, culture, geography and more of a unique land half a world away. Each year, The Global Corner teachers take students from their classroom virtually to another country. Through The Global Corner, local students have “visited” Japan, Spain, Egypt, Brazil, Russian, Italy and now Kenya.
The Global Corner “Passport to Kenya” program is scheduled to be at Byrneville Elementary School next week, Molino Park Elementary in November and Jim Allen Elementary in January.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hospice Volunteers Needed; Free Training Available
October 5, 2014
There is a shortage of hospice volunteers in the North Escambia area. Covenant Hospice will hold a new volunteer workshop at the Century Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, October 11.
Covenant Hospital volunteers help with:
- patient and family support
- honoring veterans
- children’s programs
- faith- based initiatives
- teen volunteers
- ambassadors
- fundraising and special events
- community events
- bereavement services
- Alzheimer’s family services
- administrative projects
The training will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at the chamber office, 7811 North Century Boulevard. RSVP to Sharon Oakes at (850) 380-0356.
Bonus Photos: Northview Homecoming Court
October 5, 2014
Kamryn Brock was name the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen Friday night. Other members of her court were First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick.
For a bonus photo gallery with every court member, click here.
Pictured top: Senior Kamryn Brock reacts to the announcement that she has been name Homecoming Queen. Pictured below: (L-R): Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton, First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, 2014 Queen Kamryn Brock, 2013 Queen Anna Fischer, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chief Spirit: Cheerleaders, Dance Team Photo Gallery
October 5, 2014
For a photo gallery featuring Northview’s cheerleaders and dance team, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
October 5, 2014
by Santa Rosa Extension
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Kamryn Brock Named Northview Homecoming Queen
October 4, 2014
Kamryn Brock was name the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen Friday night. Other members of her court were First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick.
Pictured top: 2013 Homecoming Queen Anna Fischer crowns Kamryn Brock as the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen. Pictured below (L-R): Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton, First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, Queen Kamryn Brock, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Pre-K Students Learn About Fire Safety
October 3, 2014
Pre-K students at Jim Allen Elementary School learned about fire safety Thursday morning, thanks to the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. The “B-watch” crew from the station’s Engine 4 — Lt. Chapman, firefighter Diamond and firefighter Schwarz — conducted the safety program. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Names Homecoming Court; Plans Parade, Lunch, Pep Rally
October 2, 2014
It’s homecoming week at Northview High School, culminating Friday with a parade, the naming of class maids and homecoming queen, and football against the Jay Royals.
The parade will line up on the campus of Bratt Elementary School beginning at noon. The parade will begin at Bratt Elementary at 1 p.m. and end with a pep rally in the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium at Northview High. (The general public should not enter the Bratt Elementary campus.)
A homecoming meal will available Friday from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. from the football concession stand to support the Tommy Weaver Scholarship Fund. The $7 meal will include a BBQ pork sandwich, chips, dessert and drink.
Friday night homecoming festivities will begin at 6:00 Friday, with game kickoff set for 7 p.m.
A silent auction will be held during the game near the home concession stand for three NHS JV All American Cheerleader who are raising the money to attend the Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade. Items include a hotel getaway.
Pictured top: Northview’s 2014 Homecoming Court (front, L_R) junior Bethany Reynolds, junior Jadlyn Agerton, freshman Bailee Hinote, freshman Jerni Crabtree, freshman Hanna Mascaro, senior Kamryn Brock, sophomore Morgan Myrick, (back, L-R) sophomore Peighton Dortch, sophomore Mallory Gibson, junior Brianna Taylor, senior Morgan Ward, senior Kendal Cobb, senior Jessica McCullough and senior Teamber Moorer. Pictured below: Seniors Kamryn Brock, Kendal Cobb, Morgan Ward, Jessica McCullough and Teamber Moorer. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Apply Now For Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program In Escambia County
October 2, 2014
The Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications in Escambia County for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program.
“Invasive cogongrass spreads quickly and aggressively and can cause long-term problems if left untreated,” said State Forester Jim Karels. “In addition to reducing the productivity and value of forests and rangelands, it can greatly increase the risk and severity of wildfire.”
Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.
The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat Cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years.
Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply through October 3. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from October 6 through February 27, 2015.
To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact the Escambia County Forester in Molino at (850) 587-5123 or visit www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
Pictured: Invasive cogongrass in bloom. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woodfin Wins District Farm Bureau Speech Contest, Headed To State
September 30, 2014
Allison Woodfin of Molino won the 2014 District Farm Bureau Speech Contest recently in Crestview. She advanced to the state competition at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach in October.
Students age 14-18 were invited to participate beginning at the county level by delivering a five minute speech on the topic ““Food security is an important issue to the people of the United States. How can Florida Agriculture continue to provide quality solutions for the future?”
In her speech, Woodfin said, ““Florida’s government at the state and local levels must support farmers and ranchers throughout the state to insure that Floridians have access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food.”
Woodfin is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club and is a student at West Florida High School.
Pictured: Allison Woodfin, winner of the 2014 District Farm Bureau Speech Contest held recently in Crestview. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.