North Escambia Students Of The Month Named For December
December 21, 2009
Escambia County Students of the Month for December have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt Elementary: Zachary S. Hilton, third grade; Taviana A. Parker, first grade.
- Jim Allen Elementary: Darren J. Barlow, second grade; Nicholas L. Brooks, second grade.
- Molino Park Elementary: David T. Green, second grade; Brianna S. White, second grade.
- Ransom Middle: Sheilamae N. Jensen, eighth grade; Jacob Charles, eighth grade.
- Northview High: Kaitlyn N. Caraway, 12th grade; Jacob L. Peterson, 11th grade.
- Tate High: Liza Lechner, 11th grade; Samuel C. Maulden, 12th grade.
Pictured top: Kaitlyn Caraway and Jacob Peterson, Northview High School’s Students of the Month for December. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update From Miami: Olivia’s Christmas Wish
December 20, 2009
The Bush family may get their simple Christmas wish — a cure for Olivia.
Olivia Bush, 6, is blind, able to see only a little light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
Olivia and her family are currently at Miami Children’s Hospital hoping to find a cure for her seizures. So far, the results hold a bit a promise. The Bush family arrived in Miami last Monday. Olivia has been monitored by a 35-lead EEG and a video camera a great deal of the time that she has been in the hospital, doctors hoping to capture data from a seizure.
On Tuesday night, she had a seizure that was captured on the EEG and video, according to her father Tad Bush.
“The doctor came in Wednesday and said that they localized it to the front left lobe of her brain but he wanted to see another seizure so he could pinpoint it,” Tad said. “On Thursday he came back in and told us that she was a candidate for surgery.” Just to be sure, the doctor wanted to observe another seizure. The family has been waiting for that seizure, hoping that it happens before they leave Miami on Tuesday. Without another seizure, the family will need to return to Miami sometime after Christmas.
“So, basically we still need another seizure. So, please, please, please pray for another seizure,” mom Amber Bush, said. “I so don’t want to have to go through this again or have the possibility that we go home and her have one.”
NorthEscambia.com first introduced our readers to Olivia back in early December. That story is below.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she weighed only one pound six ounces. She stayed in the NICU three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
The current-day chapter Olivia’s story is perhaps best told by her mother, Amber Bush:
“Olivia is now 6 years old. She is blind and can only see light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
“Our little miracle girl started first grade this year and loves to go to school. She is spoiled rotten by everyone she meets and has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She loves to rock and spin and everything needs to be fast. Roller coasters, throw up rides, and bumps are her friends. Olivia doesn’t meet a stranger. She has the greatest smile and laugh and always brightens our day. She is such an inspiration to everyone she meets, and she has come such a long way. Her favorite song is the BIBLE and she tells everyone to sing it to her.
“After enduring the NICU, she came home on oxygen and a heart monitor, and doctor after doctor. Then started the therapy. She is still in physical, occupational, speech, vision, and mobility therapy.”
Now, Olivia is heading to Miami Children’s Hospital. She will see the same doctor that cured the seizures of her cousin, Northview High student Nathan Therrell. NorthEscambia.com introduced our readers to Nate in November of 2008 when he was on the sidelines as Northview’s waterboy. After undergoing surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital, Nathan played in Northview’s Garnet and Gold Game in May of 2009, void of seizures. (Read about Nathan here.)
Olivia will be in Miami Children’s Hospital December 14-16 for a battery of tests that her parents hope will end with a successful treatment plan. It’s their Christmas wish.
“Pray for guidance in this matter and that the seizures will subside,” mom Amber said. “Please pray for Olivia. She has come such a long way, and we are so thankful. God has truly blessed us with a living angel and we are very grateful.”
A successful benefit car wash for Olivia Bush was held in Century on Saturday, December 5.
Pictured top: Olivia Bush with a therapy dog at Miami Children’s Hospital. Pictured top insets: Olivia at the children’s hospital. Pictured top inset: Olivia was just one pound six ounces when she was born at 22 weeks. Pictured bottom inset: Olivia Bush at six-years old. Pictured below: Tad, Olivia, Simon and Amber Bush.Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flood Recovery: Brewton Celebrates With Christmas Parade (With Photos)
December 20, 2009
As the flood recovery process continues in Brewton and East Brewton, residents of the area took the time to celebrate Christmas Saturday with their annual parade.
The parade was scheduled to roll through the two towns on Saturday, December 12, but it was delayed by rain. Then, by Tuesday, portions of Brewton and East Brewton were underwater in a flood the state says did $5.8 million in damage in Escambia County, Ala.
But Saturday afternoon, the smiles returned to the streets of Brewton and East Brewton as the parade traveled the flood damaged streets.
Click here for more photos from the Brewton Christmas parade.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from Saturday’s Christmas parade in Brewton and East Brewton. Submitted photos by Angie Baker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Visits North Escambia Children
December 20, 2009
Santa traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visited many boys and girls in neighborhoods across North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com was along for the ride in the Christian Home community as Santa and one of his elves visited with dozens of children, listening carefully to those last minute wish lists.
“Have you been good this year?” Santa asked the boys and girls that ran outside to meet him when they heard the sirens and Christmas music blaring from the approaching McDavid Volunteer Fire Department truck. Some said “yes”, some shyly shook their heads, and one or two seemed to avoid the all-important question.
Santa took note of all the Christmas wishes. Dolls, stuffed animals — and even musical instruments.
“One of them asked for a violin, and one of them asked for a piano,” Santa said when he returned to the fire truck from one home.
Santa, of course, knows where all of the children live, so when he came to a house where the children did not run out, Santa knocked on the door. Santa knocking on a child’s door on a Saturday morning is a guaranteed smile.
“We’ve been doing this for about 20 years,” McDavid Chief Eric Gilmore said. “The kids just love it; it’s a tradition.”
The children were not the only ones smiling — the adults were out to meet Santa too. At one house in Christian Home, Santa was greeted by a lady who came outside with homemade goodie bags for Santa, his elf and the firemen that serve the community.
Santa’s elf was prepared for four-legged visitors, good or bad. Especially bad. Santa’s elf was passing out Milk-bone biscuits for the dogs along his route.
Click here for more photos from Santa’s North Escambia visit.
Pictured above and below: Santa visits with families in the Christian Home community Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Angels Helping Others
December 19, 2009
In the children’s television show, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree was, to put it kindly, sad. But thanks to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends — including angels from Atmore — Christmas will be better for more than dozen area families.
It was a cold night on December 5th when, for the second night in a row, the Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), loaded their Christmas float with candy and beads and set out intent on winning first place. On the previous night, they had succeeded in placing first in the 2009 Poarch Creek Indian Parade. Now they had their sights set on winning the top prize in the 2009 Atmore Christmas Parade.
Dressed in a multitude of layers as they set out in the bitter night air, they had no idea that they would end up warming the hearts of the less fortunate in the community. Their float was based upon “Snoopy the Musical” and included larger than life character renditions of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Marcie, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Linus.
They did place first in the Atmore Christmas Parade and that night, they made history. For the first time ever, a float from the Poarch Creek Indians won a total of three awards. They finished first place in both the Poarch Creek Indian and Atmore Christmas Parades plus won the Atmore Christmas Parade’s “Ahhh Award”. What made their achievement so special was not that they won the competition, but how they spent the $300 cash prize they received for winning.
The crew knew they wanted to use the money to help the community when so many families are enduring tough economic times. They drew inspiration from a line in Charlie Brown’s Christmas. In the story it was asked, “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” “Sure,” said Linus. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Their goal was to show that they understood the real meaning of Christmas. Their plan was to provide 10 Christmas dinners for local families in need. They received additional assistance from individuals from the CIEDA Board of Directors and staff, Poarch Creek Indian Government offices and some Wind Creek Casino employees, as well as the local Piggly Wiggly who offered to sell them the hams at cost.
That enabled the float crew to present a total of 13 families with Christmas dinners made up of ham, sweet potatoes, brown sugar, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, dessert, rolls and cranberry sauce. The donations were so extensive they were able to add a loaf of bread, jars of jelly and peanut butter, bags of oranges and apples, whipped cream, marshmallows, butter, an assortment of candies, and a blanket for each family. Included with each gift box was a Christmas card giving well wishes.
The saying goes a man cannot help another without also helping himself. The CIEDA float crew and staff understand that all too well. Donna Henry, the float crew leader stated, “So many people are hurting right now, it just feels good to help someone else.”
Pictured top and top inset: The Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority float in the Atmore Christmas parade. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the food provided for needy families. Pictured below: Float ushers Ginger Stabler, Judson Stabler, Lee Moons, Kitty Stuart, Tasha McGhee, Teresa McLaughlin, and Paula Smith. Characters (from left) Peppermint Patty – Brenda Helton, Pig Pin – Michelle White, Charlie Brown – Judge Mark Kennedy, Lucy – Amanda McGhee, Marcie – Judy McElhaney, Snoopy – Paula Miller, Schroder – Bryan Fayard, Charlie Brown – Tammy Gaffney, Linus – Curtis Hayes, Lucy – Brandi Helton and Sally on Knee – Donna Henry. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Gift Bargains: Try An Area Thrift Store
December 19, 2009
If you are looking for bargains on your last minute Christmas shopping, one of the area thrift stores might just have what you need. From the We Care Economy Shops in Atmore and Flomaton, to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Century, to the Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment, the deals await Christmas shoppers looking to save.
We Care Economy Shops, Atmore and Flomaton
The We Care Economy Shops in Flomaton and Atmore offer a wide variety of merchandise, from clothing for the entire family to housewares and furniture in their thrift shop.
“It’s good and clean merchandise at a good price,” Flomaton store manager Diane Bennett said. “Everything we sell is from donations, but we go through everything to make sure it is clean and in good shape.”
The store also sells a variety of household goods, toys, furniture and clothing. All of the items are inspected before being sold, and some items are new.
Proceeds from the store fund the We Care Program, a prison ministry program founded in 1970. The We Care Program spreads the Word of God in prisons, including Holman and Fountain in Atmore and the Century Correctional Institute.
The We Care Economy Shop in Flomaton is located on Highway 31 about a half mile from Highway 113 in a former hardware store building. The We Care Economy Shop in Atmore is located downtown at the intersection of Highway 31 and Main Street. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Century
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store also offers a variety of merchandise at bargain prices.
The store offers a vast array of items including glassware, toasters, lamps, couches, desks and office equipment, books, movies, shoes and the complete range of clothing from infant to size 4X men’s and women’s apparel. The store also offers men’s suits, ladies formal dresses, a bridal gown, a chain saw, plus a marble counter top bathroom sink and even a stainless steel kitchen sink.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization with a mission to help the poor and homeless. Their thrift stores are a way of raising money to accomplish that mission.
The store is located in the former Country Bumpkin building at 7850 North Century Boulevard. The store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They will also be open this Monday for Christmas shoppers.
Junior Humane Society Thrift Store, Cantonment
The Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment held their grand opening in mid-November.
The store features a variety of clothing for all ages, shoes, office furniture, kitchen supplies, books, toys, pet supplies and other items with new merchandise arriving daily. The JHS Thrift Store is open Wednesday – Friday from noon until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The store also features a wall featuring photos of dogs and cats looking for new homes through JHS.
Proceeds benefit JHS activities, such as finding homes for homeless cats and dogs, while also providing unbelievable bargains for area residents battling tough economic times.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Ernest Ward Christmas Gala Celebrates The Season
December 18, 2009
Ernest Ward Middle School presented a Christmas Gala at the school Thursday night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the Ernest Ward Middle School Christmas Gala Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Library Celebrates Christmas With Visit From Santa Claus
December 18, 2009
The Century Branch Library held their annual Christmas event Thursday afternoon. Dozens of children had a chance to enjoy a story, presents for everyone and a visit with Santa Claus.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Attends Military Ball (With Photo Gallery)
December 18, 2009
The Northview High School NJROTC held their annual Military Ball recently at the Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Over 130 cadets attended the event, a joint fuction with the NJROTC unit from Washington High School. The evening began with a dinner for the Northview cadets at Mesquite Charlie’s Steakhouse. At the museum, cadet leadership from both schools greeted all of the cadets. The evening continued with a POW ceremony, the presentation of seniors from each school as well as the king and queen, and the junior, sophomore and freshman prince and princess from both units as selected by their peers.
Two hours of dancing followed the formal events.
“It was an outstanding gather from both schools,” Captain Charlie Code said.
Click here for more photos from the event.
Pictured: Northview NJROTC Military Ball King and Queen Zach Byers and Miranda Scott. Photo courtesy Stone’s Studio for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Celebrates
December 17, 2009
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently held their annual Christmas dinner and honored two members for their service.
Sara Rickard was presented an award for calendar ad sales, and she was applauded for the “outstanding” cakes that she bakes for each of the monthly music nights.
Tina Tuttle was honored for her work to organize the library at the Barrineau Park Community Center. She also worked with the Honeysuckle Garden Club to landscape the area in front of the community center, and she serves as the coordinator of the annual Community Spring Cleanup.
Guest speaker was Charles Dillard, operations manager of Faith Chapel Funeral Homes. In addition to his 44 years of service to Faith Chapel, Dillard is a former member of the WPFA AM 790 staff and also announced the Tate High School football games. Dillard shared many stories from the area’s past.
Local favorite group Sons of the Pines serenaded the gathering with Christmas carols.
Pictured above left: Nita Berry presents an award to Tina Tuttle (left). Pictured above middle: Berry presents an award to Sara Rickard. Pictured above right: Charles Dillard of Faith Chapel Funeral Home shares stories of the past with the Barrineau Park Historial Society. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.