2010 Persons Of The Year: Educator Peter R. (Pete) Gindl, Sr.

January 5, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week. Click here for previous recipients.

Peter R. (Pete) Gindl, Sr. of Barrineau Park has posthumously been named one of our North Escambia Persons of the Year.

Gindl was fresh out of college back in 1957 when friends first convinced the political newcomer to run for the school board. He was a product of the Escambia School District and a graduate of Auburn. But he really did not know much about the office that was about to propel him into a lifelong quest to help children succeed.

“I was just fresh out of college, a single fellow, when a group of friends convinced me to run for the school board. I had a college education, and the other guy did not,” Gindl said in a 2008 NorthEscambia.com interview. “I didn’t know anything about the school board, but I ran. And I won — by 36 votes.”

Election after election, he continued to win, remaining on the school board for twenty years before deciding to “retire” and teach. He then spent 18 years in the classroom before “retiring” from teaching in 1996.  While he supported the family as a farmer (he held an agricultural education degree, after all) for nearly 50 years, the second retirement was not forever. Education was just in his blood somewhere.

In 2004, the Escambia County native returned to the school board in District 5, ousting Linda Finkelstein from her seat. Gindl had plans to return to the board for another term in 2008, but District 5 voters had another plan, as they elected Bill Slayton to Gindl’s seat.

In all, the man that fought tirelessly for the children of District 5 and all of Escambia County spent 24 years on the Escambia County School Board — 16 years as chairman. He also served a year and a half as president of the Florida School Board Association.

But he considered his 18 years in the classroom as the most rewarding period of his career.

“I’m going to miss it,” he said in November, 2008, just hours before his school board term officially came to an end.  “I’ll miss working with the parents, the educational personnel, everyone that cares about the kids. It has always been about the children…I just love the children.”

Gindl passed away May 16, 2010.

2010 Persons Of The Year: Sonny And Catharine Jeter

January 4, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week. Click here for previous recipients.

Sonny and Catharine Jeter have been named two of our North Escambia Persons of the Year for 2010.

The following was submitted with their nomination:

In nominating a “Person of the Year”, you could nominate a variety of individuals who have made a significant impact on the area. But how often does a “team” emerge that has had such a lasting and positive impact on the region? Sonny and Catharine Jeter, are two such people.

Both were born and raised in this community, they were high school sweethearts from rival towns — Sonny from Century, Catharine from Flomaton — who have been married over 51 years. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Over the years, they have volunteered their time and efforts to Century’s various church and community activities. Whether it was Catharine’s warm smile or Sonny’s sly wit, this husband and wife team has made life in Century and Flomaton more enjoyable and their individual impact they have both had on the community has been obvious.

Catharine graduated from Flomaton High School where she was head majorette, but she showed an early love for North Escambia, as she married Sonny Jeter of Century upon graduating high school and the two rapidly became a huge part of Century.

Soon, she began working for South Central Bell as a telephone operator where she remained for over 18 years until the company relocated to Pensacola. Catharine found her niche however, when she began working as a career manager with the Private Industry Council and Pensacola Junior College, contracted through Job Services of Florida.

This job kept her running between Century and Pensacola, providing job opportunities for many of North Escambia’s citizens. She eventually retired from that job but quickly returned back to the work force working for Workforce Escarosa’s office located in Century, again serving the citizens of Northwest Florida as a resource advisor helping citizens find jobs.

Catharine has always been devoted to her family and extremely active in her community and church. She serves as president of the Sue Jackson Chapter and also serves as president and secretary of the Pilgrim Sunday School Class in her church.

Catharine has been dedicated to improving the economic development in North Escambia as demonstrated through her active involvement for over 20 years serving on the board of directors of both the Century and Flomaton chambers of commerce. She is an active member of Century’s Alger-Sullivan Historical Society as well as being one of the forces in developing the Flomaton Historical Railroad Museum and the Flomaton Welcome Center where she serves as a charter member.

Every year, she participates in the annual Christmas parade and happily distributes toys and candy from a Christmas float. For over 50 years, she has volunteered her time and efforts to help coordinate the Annual Thanksgiving luncheon for the elderly citizens of both Century and Flomaton, at the Flomaton United Methodist Church, in which she assists in food preparation and serving dinner to these citizens.

While you may see Catharine’s warm, friendly smile throughout the community, Sonny’s efforts are silently given to help others within his community. Most people are unaware about Sonny’s contributions and you would never hear him speaking of the numerous times he has helped families in need at Christmas (and other times throughout the year) taking them shopping for new clothes or just contributing so they can have something under the tree on Christmas morning. He has helped many others in a variety of other ways as well. Over the years, there have been many people who have taken advantage of his compassion but he continues to help those in need.

Sonny graduated from Century High School and after briefly attending Southeastern Mississippi College and Pensacola Junior College, he began working for the Container Corporation in Brewton, Alabama. Sonny is well-known in the community for his generosity and willingness to help others in need. He coached Little League Baseball for many years, was a member of the Lions Club, served on the Century Town Council, is a member of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, and serves as chairperson on the Pastoral Committee within his church.

Sonny also served as temporary Mayor of Century for a two week period when the Mayor unexpectedly passed away. This selfless act was critical in maintaining stability in the community until a special election could be held. After 38 years, Sonny retired from Container Corporation due to four blocked arteries resulting in open-heart bypass surgery.

He has continued to serve the Escambia community as he has hosted the University of West Florida’s Sigma Chi Fraternity annual Leadership Development retreat on his farm for the past three years.

This is a two day event in which the leaders of tomorrow engage in an intensive program consisting of team building, community service, risk management, and self evaluation. Not only does Sonny donate the land for the event or provide materials if needed, but he donates each year’s Sunday morning breakfast for over 50 young men in attendance each year.

Both Sonny and Catharine are known for their fun personalities, knack for never meeting a stranger, and willingness to help others. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year with over 300 family and friends attending. This ‘team’ clearly has a lifetime of selfless achievements and continues to contribute to the community.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

2010 Persons Of The Year: Nadine McCaw

January 3, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week. Click here for previous recipients.

Nadine McCaw of Century has been named one of our North Escambia Persons of the Year for 2010.

http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/nadine11.jpgPublicly, Nadine is known because she currently serves as a member of the Century Town Council. And she’s worked tirelessly to support the Century Relay for Life. And she is active in the Century Chamber of Commerce, and her church, the First Baptist Church of Century. And she was one of those helpful ladies checking out our books at the Century Branch Library. And the list goes on of the public things Nadine is seen doing for the town she loves.

But perhaps Nadine is most deserving of being a North Escambia Person of the Year for being the person that most people never see.

Like any grandparent, Nadine loves her grandchildren and cherishes every moment with them. When Rebecca Jones, 4, was born,  it was grandchild number eight for Nadine and Eddie, her husband of 39 years. It was a happy time with a new life in the world. But within a matter of days, Nadine was told that her life was about to be over.

While visiting with Rebecca, Nadine got sick. Five doctors and two weeks later, she had been told five times that she was not likely to survive the invasive cervical cancer that doctors found. She even saw one of the top cancer doctors in the South at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Lead specialist at UAB told Nadine that if she survived the surgery, she might have six months to live.

Nadine knew the possibility of dying from cancer was very real. When Nadine was three, her mother died from cancer at age 21.  Her brother-in-law died from colon cancer. The list of relatives in her family that died from cancer is a long one.

Her family, her friends, her church…they all prayed. And prayed.

Prayer worked.

She went from doctors telling her she had six months to live, to being one of the most important words in the world of cancer — survivor.

Fast forward to 2010. Nadine was diagnosed with renal caner. She had one of her kidneys and several lymph nodes removed in October and continues to recover at home.

The Century community rallied behind Nadine as she was faced with inadequate insurance and mounting medical bills. Hundreds of fish plates were sold, walkers braved frigid temps and other events worked to raise funds for Nadine. Community members posted purple bows to show their support for the lady that helped Century in so many ways.

Many of those ways Nadine helped Century were very quiet — those that know Nadine know that she likes to stay far from the spotlight. Humble does not begin to explain Nadine.

Most never knew about the times she dug into her own pocket to buy items for the library, plants to decorate city hall, plants for a local park or Christmas decorations for all. Most never knew while bedridden with renal cancer, she participated in a town council meeting.

Most never knew about the friends and relatives she worked to care for. Most never knew of the times she and husband Eddie would walk the town and pick up trash.

Most never knew the Nadine McCaw for which we name her a North Escambia Person of the Year.

2010 Persons Of The Year

January 2, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming several Persons of the Year for 2010. The recipients are being named daily during the first week of January. Those named so far include:

(Additional recipients will be named each day this week.)

2010 Persons Of The Year: Wilbur Earl Hendrix

January 2, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week.

Wilbur Earl Hendrix of Molino has posthumously been named one of our North Escambia Persons of the Year.

Hendrix was one of five Molino residents that organized and founded the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, and he served as Molino’s first fire chief.

Hendrix passed away July 31, 2010, at the age of 76. He was a lifelong resident of Molino.

In 1968, Wilbur Hendrix and his wife Carolyn founded Hendrix Lawn and Cycle and Hendrix Service Center. Together, they owned and operated the successful, community-minded business for over 38 years.

“A man of God and family, Wilbur will be remembered by those who knew him best as someone who worked with his hands his entire life. Wilbur was creative and inventive, able to find ingenious solutions, and could always be looked to when something needed repairing, even after his fingers and wrist had to be repaired. He was always willing to help anyone in need of finding a problem with automobiles, lawn mowers and equipment, even traveling strangers who needed help. He never turned his back on anyone who needed his help,” according to his obituary.

Featured Recipe: Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken

January 2, 2011

This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a “Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken”, a simple dish with exotic flavors that will appeal to most any palette.

To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.

2010 Persons Of The Year: Royce Ward

January 2, 2011

NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2010 each day this week.

Royce Ward of Walnut Hill has posthumously been named one of our North Escambia Persons of the Year.

Ward was a longtime member of the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, and served as the group’s president when the club organized the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department in 1965.  A farmer and cattleman, he also served four years in the U.S. Navy achieving the rank of lieutenant. He was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School and the University of Florida. Ward was a lifelong member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church.

Ward passed away August 25, 2010.

Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly

January 1, 2011

theresafriday.jpgThe tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year.  The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2011 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.

Provide food

Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.

Supply water

Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife.  Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.

Leave snags

Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.

Manage pets

If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.

Reduce insecticide use

Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.

Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area

Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.

Increase vertical layering

Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.

By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.

For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.

Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.

Century Care Center Residents Ring In The New Year

January 1, 2011

The residents at Century Care Center rang in 2011 just a few hours early with a Friday afternoon celebration. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

2010’s Best Photos: October

December 31, 2010

All this week, we are looking back at some of our favorite and most interesting photos of 2010. Today, we are featuring photos from October.

(For January and February, click here.)
(For March and April, click here.)
(For May and June, click here.)
(For July and August, click here.)
(For September, click here.)

This was our favorite photo from the football season as this Baker Gator  (#80) has a hard time figuring out which way was up as the Gators were defeated by the Chiefs.

Republican candidate Rick Scott campaigns in Molino just days before being elected Florida governor.

Escambia County Deputy Bobby Cook helps maintain a perimeter in the search for a suspect on York Road after shots were reportedly fired at a deputy.

The Tate High School Showband of the South marches past an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” home in Pensacola.

Escambia County School Board member Gerald Boone uses his cell phone to photograph sparks from a Telsa coil on display during the grand opening of the Ernest Ward Middle School Electrical Academy.

The Century Town Council takes part in the “Purple Glove Dance” to support the American Cancer Society.

A Northview defender plows down a Jay Royal during Friday night football action.

First responders worked for about half an hour to free a man trapped in this Highway 97 crash in October.

Northview High School Dean Gary Mattes kisses a goat during a homecoming pep rally.

A Baker Gator goes down in a JV game against Northview.

http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/coopers10.jpg

Doris and Lawrence Cooper announced in October that they were closing their Cooper’s Grocery in Bratt.

Newly elected Century Town Council member Sandra McMurray Jackson gets a congratulatory hug from Mayor Freddie McCall.

Authorities believe this fire in an abandoned Molino home was arson.

Broccoli and cabbage — fifth grade students at Molino Park Elementary teamed up with the Pensacola Little Theatre to learn about healthy veggies.




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