Santa Trades Sleigh For Fire Truck To Visit McDavid Area Children
December 15, 2013
Santa Claus traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visited boys and girls across the McDavid Fire Department district. The Jolly Old Elf stopped at children’s homes, visiting with children and listening carefully to those last minute Christmas wishes.
The McDavid Volunteer Fire Department has provided the Santa escorts for over 20 years.
Reader submitted photos by Betty Hasty, Sara Knighten and Tammie Brown for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wreaths Across America Honors Veterans
December 15, 2013
More than 3,500 wreaths were placed on graves at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS Pensacola on Saturday.
The wreaths were placed as part of the national event “Wreaths Across America”, a tradition that began 20 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington.
“Freedom is not free,” Rear Adminiral (Ret.) Donald P. Quinn, Commander, Naval Education and Technical Training, said. “Thanks for remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families. This is important. ”
Pictured above and below: The Young Marines of Pensacola were among hundreds of volunteers that place more than 3,500 wreaths Saturday at Cemetery on NAS Pensacola. Pictured left inset: Beckie Nelson of Bratt pauses during the Wreaths Across America event. Photos by Karen Sztuckski for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Creative Gardening Gift Ideas
December 15, 2013
Still don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.
Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.
Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.
Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.
In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.
Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.
Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.
A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.
Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.
Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.
For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.
Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Birth: Trace Levi Lambeth
December 15, 2013
Jeremy and Kristin (Simmons) Lambeth are proud to announce the birth of their son, Trace Levi Lambeth, born October 17, 2013, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Trace Levi weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19 inches long.
Grandparents are Johnny and Monica Lambeth of Brewton, Kenny and Kathy White of Atmore, and the late Henny and Tracey Simmons of Jacksonville. Great grandparents are Ronnie and Nancy Darby, the late Katherine (Kat) and Henderson Simmons, the late Everett and Katherine Welch and the late Thomas and Mildred (Boutwell) Bethea.
Northview FFA Honored
December 14, 2013
The Town of Century issued a proclamation Friday honoring the numerous state and national accomplishments of the FFA program at Northview High School.
Northview’s FFA received the Three Star Chapter award — the highest awarded by the National FFA — on live national television during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, KY, in October.
The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the county that successfully complete an annual set of required activities that encourage members to grow individually, work as a team and serve others in their community.
In addition to the national honors presented Thursday, the Northview High FFA chapter was recently honored for having the top Fresh From Florida Food Advocacy Program, formerly known as the Food for America Program, in the entire state.
The Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program is an educational program focusing on agricultural literacy in elementary schools and communities. It is a program developed to assist FFA members and all agricultural education students in leadership skill development as they reach out to youth, peers and their entire communities by sharing the world of agriculture.
Planning began in the fall of 2012 with FFA members setting goals and establishing working committees for the spring 2013 event. Through the efforts of 100 FFA members and community support, approximately 1,000 mostly elementary level students participated in agriculture awareness through hands-on exhibits and activities.
In addition, members of the Northview High School FFA officer team visited several area elementary schools to read agriculture-related books to students.
The Florida FFA Organization has honored Northview High School FFA Food for America program at the state level multiple years.
Pictured top: Century council member Gary Riley (at podium) presents a Town of Century Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Freddie McCall to Northview Assistant Principal Gerry Pippins as the NHS FFA officer team looks on. Pictured inset: Pippins accepts the proclamation Friday morning from Riley. Pictured below: On behalf of the Northview FFA, President Courtney Solari (left) and Secretary Bethany Reynolds (middle) receive the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, in October. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos, Video: Century Land To Lake Parade, Christmas Event
December 13, 2013
With a “Land to Lake” theme, the first lighted Christmas parade in several years rolled through Century Thursday night. The parade ended at Lake Stone, with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookies and an sack lunch.
For a parade video, click here.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Snowball Express Transports Families Of Fallen Military
December 13, 2013
The Blue Angels were on hand Thursday to welcome 16 local families of fallen military heroes to the Pensacola International Airport before their Snowball Express flight to Fort Worth.
The Snowball Express is a charity organization for children of America’s fallen military heroes.
Blue Angels team members signed autographs, posed for photos and spent time with the children in the Pensacola airport’s USO center before their flight to Fort Worth to join more than 1,700 other children and surviving spouses.
“Snowball Express is a great organization because it helps the children of fallen service members by surrounding them with other kids and families who are all dealing with the loss of a loved one, while showing them a fun time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney of the Blue Angels.
American Airlines provides transportation annually for families across the world to attend the Snowball Express event, where children and surviving spouses meet for a weekend of enjoyment.
Pictured: Blue Angels Flight Surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse signs an autograph for a child during the annual Snowball Express send-off event at the Pensacola Regional Airport USO Thursday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Your Christmas Photos: Bratt House Decked Out
December 13, 2013
This house in Bratt, located on North Highway 99 just south of Breastworks Road, is decked out for the Christmas Season.
Share your Christmas lights or other Christmas photos. Email the photos to news@northescambia.com.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘American Pickers’ Coming To North Escambia Area
December 12, 2013
The American Pickers from the History Channel are coming to the North Escambia – Pensacola area in January and they are looking for people with barns, warehouses, buildings full of odd, unique, and interesting collections. They also love to explore the history of the locations tied to the items.
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, are longtime “pickers” or as they call themselves “modern archaeologists”. They drive the back roads of America knocking on doors, digging through barns and basements, and sifting through junkyards and warehouses. The dirty, rusty treasures and antiques they pull out of these places are not just given a new life; they’re saved for future generations to appreciate. Along the way the guys meet the amazing people and interesting places that make America great.
A list of wanted items the American Pickers sent NorthEscambia.com is below. They are looking for the items in Florida only.
Your Photos: Santa Visits Friendship Kids
December 12, 2013
Santa Claus visited with the children of the Friendship Learning Lodge on Wednesday.
Have a Christmas photo to share? Email news@northescambia.com.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.