Greater Love Hath No Man: New Monument Honors Those That Served
May 30, 2011
A new monument was dedicated on Memorial Day Monday that honors veterans from across the area.
The new Veterans Memorial in Atmore stands proudly on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall to pay tribute to those have served from around Atmore and North Escambia. Names of the fallen are on the spire, while commemorative bricks around the base of the spire name those that have served in the military past and present.
Those honored on the bricks date back to the Revolutionary War with a brick with the name of Benjamin Sasser, 1755-1840. His relative, Federick Sasser, 1794-1846, is also honored for his service in the War of 1812.
For more photos of the monument, including photos that show each name inscribed, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Class Of 2011 Holds Baccalaureate Services
May 30, 2011
The Northview High School Class of 2011 held thei Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
“Stay on track during this time of transition,” Nathan Brown, pastor of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, told the seniors. “No matter where you go, where you find yourself, remember the promises of God.”
About 300 people attended the service.
For more photos from the Baccalaureate service, click here.
Graduation for the Northview High School Class of 2011 will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 4 at the school.
Picture top: Jansen Bodiford, right, plays the guitar as the Northview Senior Ensemble sings “Our God” during a Sunday afternoon Baccalaureate service. Pictured inset: Senior Kara Hardin reads scripture during the service. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Food Safety Begins At The Market And Ends At Home
May 30, 2011
A refrigerator can be full of surprises. Wilted lettuce, dried out cheese, apples which have lost their crispness, and other similar surprises inhabit the very best refrigerators. All are victims of improper food storage, and they represent thousands of dollars which consumers unwittingly throw away each year.
Cash in on proper food storage by giving groceries a little extra care with you bring them home from the supermarket. You’ll save money and the food you buy will stay fresh longer, retain more nutritional value, and remain safe to eat.
Proper food storage begins at the supermarket. The way we shop can affect food quality. Many shoppers remember to put fragile fruits and vegetables on top of sturdier items in the grocery cart, but then let the ice cream melt while they wait in line at the deli or bakers. A better solution would be to put frozen and refrigerated foods into the cart last, particularly if you have a lot of shopping to do. You can also ask the person bagging your groceries to put refrigerated and frozen foods in the same bag. These items will keep each other colder on the trip home, plus putting the groceries away becomes less of a chore if everything that belongs in the refrigerator or freezer is in the same bag.
The trip between the checkout counter and your kitchen needs to be as short as possible. When perishable food items sit in the car for any length of time, they lose quality and begin to spoil. It’s a good idea to stop at the dry cleaners and post office before doing the grocery shopping.
At home “think cold”. Under the right conditions bacteria can grow rapidly. The refrigerator temperature won’t kill bacteria, but the cold will slow the growth of most bacteria. Frozen and refrigerated foods require the most care and should be put away first. Dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and most fresh vegetables and fruit, plus custards and whipped-cream-filled pastries are a few of the grocery items that need to be refrigerated promptly.
Some food items require special handling. Taking care of these foods before you store them in the refrigerator will save time as well as money. Iceberg lettuce, for example, keeps better if you remove the core and store the head in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Fresh meat, poultry, and fish which are not pre-packaged need to be rewrapped and stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer. Meats should always be stored in the meat keeper drawer or on lower shelves to prevent cross-contamination of foods.
Storage times still vary even when groceries are carefully wrapped and refrigerated promptly. Berries and other fragile fruits, for example, have the best flavor and texture when eaten within a few days of purchase. Apples and citrus fruits can be stored for up to several weeks or more in the refrigerator. Most fresh meats will keep several days. Fish, poultry, and ground meats, however, should be cooked or frozen within one to two days.
Storing refrigerated foods properly and for the recommended times may not be enough, especially if your refrigerator gets too warm. It is a good idea to keep a refrigerator thermometer on a shelf in the fridge. The thermometer should always register 40ºF or less. In the summer it is a good idea to keep the refrigerator colder than usual because this is the time of the year when family members make frequent trips in and out of the refrigerator.
Often we remember to protect foods when we picnic away from home, but tend to forget that refrigerated foods still require special care when carried only as far away as the backyard. A few simple precautions will ensure these foods are as safe to eat as they are delicious: For backyard barbeques, leave meat, poultry, and fish in the refrigerator until the grill is ready, then grill just what you think you will need and serve promptly. Wait to bring out salads and other cold accompaniments until you are ready to begin serving.
For more information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
Submitted by, Dorothy C. Lee, CFCSm Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Escambia County, dclee@ufl.edu
Molino Park Students Take Part In Bookstore Memorial Day Program
May 30, 2011
Singers from Molino Park Elementary took part in a Memorial Day program this weekend at Barnes and Noble in Pensacola.
The Molino Park students, along with local singers/songwriters Sheila Allen and Ginny Cruz performed “America the Beautiful” and “Stand Up America” during the program.
For more photos of the Molino Park performers, click here.
Molino Park Elementary students participating in the event were Ashley Allen, Joshua Coonrod, Mallory Latham, Madelyn Latham, Trista Lorenzana, Hannah McGahan, Robin Nahkala, Chase O’Connor, Cameron Parker, Seth Parker, Ronnie Plenkers, Christian Taylor, Morgan Taylor and Evan Till.
In conjunction with Pensacola’s celebration of 100 years of Naval Aviation, Barnes & Noble and Reading is Fundamental (RIF) hosted the Memorial Day celebration to honor past, present and future armed service members.
Hill Goodspeed, a historian from the National Naval Aviation Museum, was the featured speaker and signed his books, “One Hundred Years of U.S. Navy Air Power” and “U.S. Naval Aviation.” Other featured speakers were Escambia County School District Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gary Cooper; Phyllis Pia of the USO and Joan Platz, USNA Class 81 & the co-president of the US Naval Academy Parents Club. T
Pictured above: Students from Molino Park Elementary performed this weekend during a special Memorial Day program at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Fair Awards Scholarships To Local Students
May 29, 2011
The Pensacola Interstate Fair, celebrating its 77th year, has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 students from Escambia and Santa Rosa high schools.
The John E. Frenkel Sr. Educational Grants program scholarship winners were chosen by the Fair Grant Committee. The program has awarded more than $930,000 in scholarships since 1983.
Recipients, including several from the North Escambia area, were:
Amber E. Estes, Pensacola State College/home school; Heather L. Kite, Pensacola State Collegiate High School; Jaymee L. Dils, Escambia High School; Antonio D. Grace II, Judy Andrews Center; Stephanie L. Solari and Allison A. Vidak, Northview High School; Michael D. Brusoski, Kyra A. Murrell, Haris A. Peteranecz and William K. Searcy, Pensacola High School; Emily G. Higdon, Tate High School; Payton K. Anderson and Jennifer L. Taylor, West Florida High School; Vickie E. Guy and Ian C. Stephens, Central High School; Robin N. Blackman, Mary K. Borders, Courtney P. Penton, Julia D. Skaggs, Kevin W. Stanton, Trenton E. Sweeny and Brandon W. Urnick, Jay High School; Chris J. Stapleton, Navarre High School; Andrew W. McGowin and Deanna M. Manning, Pace High School.
Birth: Noah Kyle Rabon
May 29, 2011
Justin and Courtney (McCall) Rabon of Longview, Texas, are proud to announce the birth of Noah Kyle Rabon on March 1, 2011, at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas. He weighed seven pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long.
His grandparents are Earnest and Deborah Rabon of Castleberry, Alabama, Sheri McCall of McKenzie, Alabama, and Freddie Jr and Darlene McCall of East Brewton, Alabama.
His great-grandparents are Mayor Freddie and Margie McCall of Century and Bo and Dot Brantley of Flomaton.
Century’s Abundant Life Outreach Receives Fox 10 ‘Extra Mile’ Award
May 28, 2011
A Century church was recognized by a Mobile TV station Friday night for their efforts to feed the hungry in Escambia counties in Alabama and Florida. The Abundant Life Outreach, part of the Abundant Life Assembly of God, was presented with the Chris Myers Nissan Extra Mile Award by WALA Fox 10. The award was received on behalf of the ministry by (L-R) Betty Thomas, Scott Thomas and Robin Sutton. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Outwit and Outlast Those Troublesome Armadillos
May 28, 2011
Have you ever discovered your once beautiful green lawn looking like the surface of the moon, full of craters? If so, then you may have been visited by an alien-looking creature known as the armadillo.
Armadillos originated in South America. They are mammals. They are neither rodents nor marsupials and are not related to the opossum. Their closest living relative is the anteater and sloth.
The most easily recognized feature of an armadillo is its shell. Their common name, armadillo, is derived from a Spanish term meaning “little armored one”. All armadillos have shells, made of true bone, that cover their backs. Most armadillos also have bony rings or plates that protect their tails.
Digging machines
Armadillos are built to dig. They rely on this ability to escape danger and survive. They prefer sandy or loam soils that are relatively easy to excavate. Therefore, they are well adapted to Northwest Florida soils.
Armadillos typically rest in deep burrows during the day and become more active during the late evening, night, or early morning. These burrows are usually located under brushpiles, stumps, dense brush, or concrete patios, and are about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and can be up to 15 feet long. They often have several burrows throughout their territory.
Food sources
Armadillos feed primarily on insects. They also eat earthworms, scorpions, spiders, snails, and small vertebrates and their eggs. They consume large amounts of armyworms, cockroaches, ants, wasps, flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. They have been known to dig up entire yellow-jacket nests.
Some consider the armadillo a beneficial creature because they eat potential pests. Many consider the armadillo a pest because of their destructive ways. Armadillo can burrow under driveways and patios causing structural damage. Burrows in pastures can pose a potential hazard to livestock. And because armadillos usually search for food by rooting or digging in the ground, they can damage large areas of the lawn or garden.
Control measures
If you find that you cannot live with these creatures, the University of Florida recommends four ways to deal with armadillos.
- reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you apply to your lawn
- creating barriers (e.g., fences),
- live-trapping
- shooting offending individuals (check local ordinances)
The best solution (and the most expensive) is a stout fence to keep the armadillos out. If you take this route, make sure the fence is buried at least 18 inches into the ground, or they might just burrow under it.
Reducing the water and fertilizer applications to your lawn may help reduce armadillo damage. A moist lush landscape is perfect for earthworms and insect larvae. Armadillos love earthworms. Sometimes watering adjacent areas may attract armadillos away from a site.
Trapping can be frustrating and may require some ingenious thinking. Some tried and true trapping techniques are discussed at length in an online University of Florida publication by Dr. Russ Mizell at http://ufinsect.ifas.ufl.edu/armadillo.htm.
Remember that poison baits are illegal and ineffective. No chemical repellents or fumigants are registered for use in Florida.
Armadillos are very happy in Northwest Florida and are here to stay. If they have become unwelcomed house guests, put your thinking cap on and be committed to outwitting and outlasting this prehistoric-looking creature.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: EWMS Band, Chorus Perform
May 26, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School Music Boosters held a Spring Concert and Spaghetti Dinner Tuesday night in Walnut Hill. All proceeds from the event, which featured performances by the school’s band and chorus, benefited the school’s music programs.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured: The Ernest Ward Middle School chorus (above) and band (below) perform during an event Tuesday night at the Walnut Hill Community Center. Submitted photos by Leslie Gonzalez for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Complete List: Northview Presents Awards For Grades 9-11
May 25, 2011
Northview High School held their annual Award Program on Tuesday for students in the ninth to eleventh grade.
The following is a complete list of awards and presentations made at the event:
Agriculture (Meehan)
- Exemplary Freshman — Courtney Solari
- Exemplary Sophomore — Jessica Baldwin
- Exemplary Junior — Lydia Weaver
Art (Castor)
- Freshman HAA — Victoria Wright
- Sophomore HAA — Tiffany Sutton
- Junior HAA — Kiani Okahashi
English (Baggett)
- English 1 Hon HAA — Kasie Braun
- Exemplary — Victoria Wright
- English 1 HAA — Audrey Byrd
- Exemplary — Mason Solchenberger
- English 2 Hon HAA — Jazzlyn Franklin
- Exemplary — Julia Thorpe
- English 2 HAA — Zach Johnson
- Exemplary — Maranda Moye
- English 3 Hon HAA — Jamila Codrington
- Exemplary — Holly Dickson
- English 3 HAA — Taylor Hubbard
- Exemplary — Camie Goetter
Family And Consumer Science (Smith)
- Exemplary Freshman — Courtney Solari
- Exemplary Sophomore — Sandy Rainwater
- Exemplary Junior — Elizabeth Wright
Math (Marshman/Barry)
- Algebra 1a HAA — Lauryn Walker
- Exemplary — Jeffery Taylor
- Algebra 1b HAA — Stephanie Roach
- Exemplary — Natyia Bailey
- Algebra 1 HAA — Courtney Jones
- Exemplary — Justin King
- Algebra 1 Hon HAA — Courtney Solari
- Exemplary — Anna Donald
- Informal Geometry HAA — Jessica Hedgepeth
- Exemplary — Alex Riggs
- Geometry HAA — Zach Johnson
- Exemplary — Ashley Gunter
- Geometry Hon HAA — Kasie Braun
- Exemplary — Victoria Wright
- Algebra 2 HAA — Alexander Payne
- Exemplary — Jamila Codrington
- Algebra 2 Hon HAA — Holly Dickson
- Exemplary — Joel Wetzel
Science (Pleasant/Mcdonald/Barry)
- Anatomy Honors HAA — Holly Dickson
- Exemplary — Jamila Codrington
- Anatomy HAA — Taylor Byrd
- Integrated Science Honors HAA — Courtney Solari
- Exemplary — Anna Donald
- Environmental Science — Tyler Hester
- Exemplary — Lydia Weaver
- Integrated Science HAA — Tiffani Pritchett
- Exemplary — Courtney Jones
- Integrated Science Ii HAA — Lantz Jones
- Exemplary — Dylan Cartwright
- Chemistry 1 Honors HAA — Joel Wetzel
Social Studies (Barry)
- American History HAA — Chelsea Parham
- Exemplary — Michael Sepulveda
- American History Hon HAA — Holly Dickson
- Exemplary — Jamila Codrington
Spanish (Baggett)
- Spanish 1 HAA — Jazzlyn Franklin
- Exemplary — Chelsea Parham
- Spanish 2 HAA — Josie Doucette
- Exemplary — Holly Dickson
Business (Smith)
- Digital Design I Exemplary — Jessica Warner
- Computing For College & Careers HAA — Kasie Braun
- Exemplary — Victoria Wright
- Digital Design 2 Exemplary — Alissa Fiellin
- Web Design 1 HAA — Elizabeth Wright
Physical Education (Day)
- Physical Education HAA — Audrey Byrd
- Exemplary — Cory King
Reading (Findley)
- Reading 180 1 HAA — Chloe Leonard
- Exemplary — Harley Davis
- Freshman Reading III HAA — Mashama Codrington
- Exemplary — Mikaelea Santos
- Freshman Reading III HAA(Semester) — Zaccarra Davis
- Exemplary — Hannah Hedgepeth
- Freshman Advanced Reading — Kasie Braun
- Sophomore Reading — Ashley Cunningham
- Junior Reading — Brandon Carnley
- Exemplary — Atidze Johnson
Vocational (Meehan)
- Construction Technology HAA — Justin King
- Drafting HAA — Aaron Rausch
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
VA Awards (Essay Contest)
- Elizabeth Wright, 1st place
- Victoria Wright, 2nd place
Atmore Youth Leadership (Atmore Chamber)
- Charleigh McPherson
- Caroline Prater
- Hannah Hinton
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars
- 9th Grade
- Madison Brooke Arrington
- Kasie Lee Braun
- Kira Nerys Cartwright
- Morgan Nicole Digmon
- Anna Elizabeth Donald
- Anna Elizabeth Fischer
- Tamara Maria Green
- Jessica Nicole Lowery
- Tiffani Nichole Pritchett
- Mikaela Lynn Santos
- Courtney Yvonne Solari
- Danielle Nichole Steadham
- Courtney Alexander Weaver
- Victoria Anne Wright
- 10th Grade
- Alison Danielle Bardin
- Hannah Elizabeth Fiellin
- Jazzlyn Shanece Franklin
- Ashton Brooke Gibbs
- Georgia Anna Goetter
- Marcus Trey Johnson
- Zachary Sean Johnson
- Skyler Ashton Macks
- Ashley Nicole Mooney
- Maranda D Moye
- Sandy Michelle Rainwater
- 11th Grade
- Jamila Akilah Codrington
- Holly Nicole Dickson
- Josie Britt Doucette
- Amber Dianne Francis
- Cory Robert King
- Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
- Elizabeth Ashley Wright