Weather Photos: A Colorful Barrineau Park Sunset
January 17, 2012
Low clouds made for an interesting sunset Monday in Barrineau Park, as seen in this weather photo submitted by Lawson Berry.
If you have a photo you would like to share, email it to news@northescambia.com.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elliotts, Green Cedars Farm, Named Escambia County Farm Family Of The Year
January 15, 2012
Roger and Pam Elliott of Green Cedars Farm in Molino have been named the Escambia County Farm Family of the year.
Green Cedars Farm is an agricultural tourism farm dedicated to educating people about the origins of their food. The farm also provides a farm experience for events such as birthdays, parties, and even weddings.
Green Cedars Farm produces pastured poultry products, including chicken and Thanksgiving turkeys. Eggs from the pasture management system are marketed as tastier and more nutritious than conventionally produced eggs. Eggs are sold at the farm or at the Palafox Farmers Market on the weekends in Pensacola. The farm also produces lamb and pork for the freezer. Their meat products are designed to fit local niche markets and are promoted as locally and humanely grown.
The farm also has a small apple orchard incorporating the Green Shell Apple that was common in the Brewton area over 100 years ago. After some of the old trees were discovered, a grafting program was initiated to recover the almost lost genetics of the Green Shell Apple. This old heritage variety of apple will become a staple of the farm’s tours as a “you pick” apple.
To support the apple orchard, the Elliotts have a small honey bee yard. The honey bees provide the necessary pollination for the apple orchard as well as the garden and even many of the grasses in the pastures.
The Elliotts utilize the chicken and turkey droppings as fertilizer for their pastures, orchard and gardens. The sheep flock grazes behind the chickens to harvest the rich grasses produced. This management system also encourages a richer and more diverse population of soil microorganisms.
Roger retired from the U. S. Navy in 1993 after a 21 year career as a helicopter pilot. He was then employed by the University of Florida Extension as a Livestock/Small Farms/ 4-H Agent. Roger and Pam moved to their present farm on Gibson Road Molino in 2001.
Motivated by visits to other Agricultural Tourism farms and pastured poultry farms around the country, they began planning for a third career. After deciding that he would rather be a farmer than teach farmers, Roger retired from Extension in 2007 and began farming full time.
Dr. Pam Elliott is employed by the Escambia County Schools as a music teacher at N. B. Cook Elementary School of the Arts. On the farm, she is active as host for those visitors participating in the farm’s trail rides as well as day to day chores and upkeep of facilities. Pam loves canning local foods from the farm’s garden and presenting meals that are almost totally local grown. She has canned over 300 jars of produce and freezes other fresh foods for the family’s freezer.
The Elliott’s daughter, Dr. Laurel Elliott Newman, and her husband Michael Newman bring another set of skills to the farm. As a veterinarian, Laurel is involved in the health and welfare of the farm’s livestock and the livestock guardian dogs used in predator control.
Michael is responsible for the farm’s website — www.greencedarsfarm.com. As a professional photographer, Michael visually records farm events. Michael is also involved with the poultry breeding program in which the farm is involved in breeding Welsummer, Cuckoo Marans, and Delaware chickens — one of the “threatened” breeds of poultry. Michael is also responsible for the farm’s bee hives.
For more information about Green Cedars Farm, visit www.greencedarsfarm.com.
Pictured top: Jimmy Cunningham (left) of the Escambia County Farm Bureau presents the Farm Family of the Year award to Roger and Pam Elliott of Green Cedars Farm in Molino. Also pictured: Scenes from the farm. Photos courtesy Michael Newman for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park, Jim Allen Students Dream Up One Of A Kind Inventions
January 13, 2012
Flying cars, traffic evaders, automatic bed makers and more were on display Thursday at Molino Park and Jim Allen elementary schools. Some of the brightest students at both schools presented their one of a kind inventions during an Invention Convention held at each school.
Students in each school’s Gifted Enrichment Classes displayed their projects they completed as part of their 15 week study of inventions and inventors. Each project included a prototype of the invention, information on how it works or how it would be used and the estimated cost.
“There were some really creative ideas,” Molino Park Elementary Principal Alice Woodward said. “They worked really hard.”
For a photo gallery of the Molino Park Gifted Enrichment Class inventions, click here.
Some of the items presented included:
- Tired of traffic on your morning commute? The Traffic Evader by Bryce Korinachk has the ability to fly over traffic using an air propulsion system. Simply refill the air cylinder with any air compressor and you are environmentally friendly when flying over traffic. The Traffic Evader’s sticker price is $75,000 to $80,000.
- The Splashula, at just $9.95 is a bargain for the grill or kitchen. Simply fill the spray bottle attached to your spatula with oil spray, and you’ll be a lean, mean pancake cooking machine — just spray the pan and flip the pancakes. Or, for the grill, load the squirt bottle with water. Flip the burgers and douse the flames in one easy step.
- The “Bathroom Reading Buddy” holds your books, magazines or perhaps even your iPad while in the bathroom for just $24.99. “It attaches to the side of the cabinet and extends out to hold your reading material,” according to inventor Connor Crisco. “When you are finished, just push it back up against the cabinet and it’s out of the way.” $24.99, magazines not included.
- The Auto Bed Maker is sure to please both moms and kids. “This device makes your bed faster than a strike of lightning,” according to inventor Clayton Smith. And, if you act now, it’s half price at just $40.
- The Flying Car (pictured) is a reality in another inventor’s project, but it’s going to hurt the bank account just a bit with a $100,000,00.90 sticker price. It’s easy to use, press the red button to fly; press it again to stop flying. But don’t forget where you parked it — the prototype model is camouflage.
- Girl Guardian is a GPS tracking device disguised as an attractive girl’s bracelet. It’s not recognized as a GPS device, so the bad guy’s won’t touch it. It can be constantly monitored for easy tracking, and includes a panic button for emergencies. And it’s good for the environment — it uses GPS chips from discarded cell phones.
- The 911 AED takes the automated external defibrillator a step further — open the lid and it automatically places a cellular 911 call with GPS coordinates for the dispatcher.
- Passing the sunflower seeds around the dugout at the neighborhood little league games is easier than ever with the Sandlot Seed Server. Simply place a cup under the server then “Open the Core and Let’em Pour” for only $49.99.
- Watered down soft drinks are a thing of the past with the Flavor Ice from Micah Calhoun. For just $50.69 it provides ice made out of the same drink that you are dispensing. “When this ice melts, it only makes your soda taste even better,” Calhoun said.
- The Sponge Shoe is just $9.99. It’s a shoe, it ’s a sponge — no it’s a sponge on shoe. Walk around, and all those little messes are cleaned right up. “It also saves my mom time because she does not have to mop the floor if it’s small mess that I can clean,” inventor Brayden Mickel said.
- The Bristle Bullet is an “easy, fun, cool way to clean your gun”, in Jenna’s project. A brush, like that used to clean baby bottles, is mounted on the tip of a bullet. Simply fire the bullet at your target and your gun is cleaned at the same time. A dozen would sell for $36.99.
- The Glow In The Dark Cork is perfect for night fishing. The glow in the dark paint glows like the moon. No more worrying about battery operated corks that fail when they crack.
- The $45 Dog Collar 3000 hold dog treats on Fido’s collar — no more running back inside for treats on those long winter walks.
- No more ropes with the sure to be American made Flag Raiser by Dalton Brown. For just $19.99, easy electronic controls automatically raise the flag.
- Travel Trays are manufactured of industrial grade stainless steel and collapse for easy storage. From an iPod to a Nintendo DS to McDonald’s fries or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s — the Travel Trays hold most everything with no spill.
- Ever had a fight in the kitchen with the roll of plastic wrap? Fight no more with the Wrap Trap at the introductory price of $7.50. It’s all about the control — the Wrap Trap holds the box of Saran or other wrap nice and steady on the counter while the included blade makes the cut.
Pictured top: The Bathroom Reading Buddy. Pictured inset: The Flying Car for just $100,000,00.90. Pictured below: A portion of the Flavor Ice machine. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 13, 2012
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday evening as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
For a photo gallery of projects, click here.
This was the third year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Winners included:
Individual Projects:
- Bethany Reynolds — The Cotton Gin: An Invention That Revolutionized a Global Industry
- Tristan Barrett — Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism
- Evan Till — The United States Cotton Industry
- Bailee Hinote — Native American Indians
Group Projects:
- Thomas Moore, Ben Preston, Jarod Townley — Railway System
- Mallory Gibson, Autumn Albritton — How The Revolutionary Ward Affected Indians
- Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond, Destiny Watson — Pablo Picasso
- Tylet Houston, Tristan Reaves — The Revolution of Space Technology (Space Race)
Names of winners in the performance, web and research paper categories were not immediately available.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School National History Day entitled “Pablo Picasso” by Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond and Destiny Watson. Pictured inset: Tristan Barrett’s “Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism” is judged. Pictured below: “Native American Indians” by Bailee Hinote. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Bride-To-Be Hoping To Win Dream Wedding On Auburn Campus
January 12, 2012
A young North Escambia area woman has big dreams — a free wedding this spring on Samford Lawn on the campus of Auburn University.
Jennifer Coleman, a Flomaton High School graduate, and her groom-to-be, Wes Sinor, are one of three couples vying to win the May 26 wedding of their dreams including the dress, tuxedos, flowers, photos, cakes, limousine, entertainment, reception — the whole wedding package worth thousands.
“We met playing intramural football in October of 2008 here at Auburn out on the intramural field. We just started hanging out after that,” Wes said.
“We were best friends for about two, two and a half years, so we already knew each other through and through,” Jennifer said. But they did not decide to date until after that two plus years of friendship.
“So from the first moment we decided to date, we knew this was it,” she said.
A month after the first date, Wes popped the question — kind of a spur of the moment caught in love kind of thing — without a ring. She said yes.
About a year after that first impromptu proposal, Wes repeated the proposal. This time he was prepared. He had saved some cash for a ring and made his wedding proposal one night on the intramural field where the couple had met, surrounded by candles. Once again, Jennifer said yes.
The winning War Eagle Wedding couple will be chosen by votes from the public. To vote for Jennifer and Wes, visit www.wareaglewedding.com and vote. Additional votes can be cast on four Facebook pages listed on the War Eagle Wedding website. Voting ends at 4 p.m. on January 18.
Pictured top: Wes Sinor proposes to Jennifer Coleman of Flomaton on an intramural football field at Auburn University. Pictured inset: Pictured inset: The couple, pictured here at the 2011 Auburn-Mississippi State game, are huge Auburn football fans. Pictured below: War Eagle Wedding finalists Wes and Jennifer (photo courtesy Flip Flop Foto). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Students Named To Chorus, Band All-State Groups
January 12, 2012
Numerous North Escambia students have been selected to participate in various Florida Music Educators Association All-State groups at the upcoming FMEA Conference in Tampa.
After an extensive audition process, the following students were chosen to represent the Escambia County School District and participate with other students from across the state:
Middle School Treble Chorus
Allison Cramer, Ransom Middle School
Emma Shows, Ransom Middle School
Middle School Mixed Chorus
Shelby Becker, Ransom Middle School
Middle School Honors Band
Elizabeth Shin, Bellview Middle School
Middle School Concert Band
Jonathan Voyles, Ransom Middle School
All-State High School Women’s Chorus
Katelyn Godwin, Tate High School
Joycelyn Woods, Washington High School
All-State High School Mixed Chorus
Eion Blanchard, Tate High School
All-State High School Honors Band
Kevin Fails, Pine Forest High School
Steven French, Escambia High School
Brandon Spencer, Washington High School
All-State High School Concert Band
Graham Gardner, Tate High School
All-State High School Symphonic Band
Chris Snyder, Tate High School
All-State High School Jazz Band
Jacob Dearrington, Tate High School
All-State High School Concert Orchestra
Noah Heintz, Tate High School
Photos: Northview NJROTC Holds Military Ball
January 11, 2012
Northview High School recently held their annual Military Ball at the Naval Aviation Museum aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, a joint event with Washington High School.
About 170 cadets attended the ball, which included an opening ceremony, presentation of colors, the national anthem, a POW ceremony, presentation of the king and queen from each school and an evening of dancing.
Northview recognized:
- King – Cadet Jody Day
- Queen – Cadet Kiani Okahashi
- Jr Prince – Cadet Jonathan Moretz
- Jr Princess – Cadet Ashley Simpkins
- Soph. Prince – Cadet Willie Owens
- Soph. Princess – Cadet Victoria Wright
- Freshman Prince – Cadet Sean Allister
- Freshman Princess – Cadet Lakelynn Parker
A Navy tradition was also celebrated with the cutting of a cake with the first slice being presented to the oldest and youngest in attendance – Northview Cadet Lane Carnley, and Washington’s LCOL Peter Peters, SNSI.
Pictured top: (L-R) King – Cadet Jody Day, Queen – Cadet Kiani Okahashi, Junior Prince – Cadet Jonathan Moretz, and Junior Princess – Cadet Ashley Simpkins. Pictured below: (L-R) Sophomore Prince – Cadet Willie Owens, Sophomore Princess – Cadet Victoria Wright, Freshman Princess – Cadet Lakelynn Parker, and Freshman Prince – Cadet Sean Allister. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spreading Cheer: IP Gives Back In The Community
January 8, 2012
International Paper, the Cantonment Council on Aging and Heritage Baptist Church joined forces to spread holiday cheer during the Christmas season.
The groups delivered Walmart gift cards, turkeys and hams to area families in need. IP employeees Denise Samuel from the finance team and Andy Martin from pulp safety/training took part in the deliveries.
“My husband and I are in our sixties and are raising the third of the last three grandchildren over the past few years,” said Ken and Judy Mitchell. “ I have a chronic illness and had to quit work in August. My social security starts in January. Your gift given to us by Andy was God’s hand reaching down to help us.”
Each year, the Pensacola Mill provides community neighbors in need with gift cards (this year totaling $750) and delivers turkeys that are either donated by employees or leftover from the annual Lead Team turkey distribution.
“Thank you (International Paper Pensacola Mill employees) for the turkey and gift card. They were a great blessing to me and helped out a lot,” said Jessie Houston.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: A Great Day To Be On The River
January 8, 2012
Dozens of people took advantage of great weather Saturday morning to hit the Escambia River in Molino for a little fun and fishing.
At Fairgrounds Park and the Molino Boat Ramp, the parking lot was nearly full by late morning with vehicles and boat trailers. The county-owned Molino Boat Ramp and Fairgrounds Park is a 1.5 acre boat ramp and park located at 6698 Fairgrounds Road in Molino. The park includes a boat ramp, dock, picnic tables, portable restroom, security lights and a nature boardwalk.
Pictured: Saturday morning a the Molino Boat Ramp. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Rho Kappa Sends Care Packages To Deployed Alumini
January 6, 2012
Tate High School’s history honor society Rho Kappa recently sent care packages to deployed Tate High alumni. The packages included a variety of personal care items and non-perishable foods.
For more photos, click here.
Pictured above: Tate’s Rho Kappa history honor society recently collected items for care packages for deployed Tate graduates. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.