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.
Local Care Packages Headed To Iraq
December 16, 2009
Several Christmas care packages are on their way to American troops serving in Iraq thanks to the North Escambia community’s willingness to help a Molino woman with her project.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is two months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is schedule to be in Iraq until October of next year.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packges to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season. After a NorthEscambia.com article about her project, the donations started to roll in. At least two radio stations, Cat Country 98.7 and WXBM, also joined in the promotional effort after reading the story.
“People are still bringing stuff in. the community has helped so much and a big thanks to everyone,” Hilburn said Tuesday night. “I can’t explain how it makes me feel to be able to help our troops. This is something that started out small and turned into big. Some of the soldiers have told me how much it means to have letters from home and to get care packages, and it’s just an amazing feeling to be able to make their day better.”
The first round of donations are on their way to Iraq, but Hilburn will continue to collect more supplies for soldiers at a collection box at veteran-owned Cole’s Barbershop in Molino. Cole’s is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Mens liquid body soap
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies, candy bars
Crystal Light (peach tea, lemon tea)
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cups
Macaroni and cheese (in a cup)
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
International phone cards
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn an care packages bound for Iraq. Pictured top inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the care packages. Pictured below: Items donated by the community. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three North Escambia Students Win Rotary Essay Contest
December 14, 2009
Three students from Northview and Tate high schools were winners in a recent essay contest by the SubWest Rotary Club of Pensacola.
Each year the Rotary Club conducts an essay contest that enables students the power to express themselves and communicate . Contestants write a short essay on “Why is the Rotary Four-Way Test Relevant Today?”. The Rotary contest committee reads and chooses three finalists, with one being chosen as the grand prize winner for a cash reward.
The grand prize winner in this year’s contest was Lauren McCall (pictured right), a sophomore at Northview. The second place winner was Erin Freeman (pictured left), junior at Northview. Third place winner was Shawna Murphy, a junior at Tate.
The Rotary Four-Way Test states:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
For Erin Freeman’s essay, click here (pdf).
The winning essay, “An Unexpected Gift” by Lauren McCall is reprinted below.
Rotary International is an organization of service clubs located all over the world.
The Rotary Clubs have a four way test that is used to evaluate how I conduct my daily
life. I believe “the four way test of the things we think, say, and do” is an honorable
and ethical guide to the way I live my life.
My brother and I have always been raised in a Christian home. From an early age
we have been taught right from wrong. It has always been clear to my brother and me
how my parents feel about certain issues. One such issue that they often spoke to us
about was saving yourself for the man or woman you would one day marry. We both
knew that this was the right thing to do, but also the expected thing to do
Last November, my family’s lives, attitudes, and emotions were changed dramatically
when my brother, at the age of nineteen, announced that his seventeen year old girlfriend
was expecting a baby. My parents and I were crushed and disappointed by this news. At
the time, we felt that having a baby would change their lives in a huge way and we were
right. What we didn’t realize is how much it would change all of our lives. We now
have a precious baby girl named Kaylie Madison McCall, and she has turned us into
her servants.
Before Kaylie was born my brother and I used to argue non stop. Now when an issue
comes up that I would usually fuss with him over, I think about how much I love Kaylie
and how I would not want to hurt her and I choose not to argue with him. Another
change for me is sharing my mom and dad. I was used to being the youngest and the
center of attention after my brother graduated and got a job. Now, mom and dad like to
spend a lot of their time playing with or holding their grandbaby. I also am called on
to hold Kaylie, fetch bottles, blankets, and pacifiers, and to entertain Kaylie when
needed. Has my life changed along with my brother’s? DEFINITELY!
The first question of the four way test is “Is it the truth?” It is the truth that
pregnancy out of wedlock changes lives and relationships. I have heard it said that
unplanned pregnancy ruins lives. I personally don’t believe that it ruins lives, but it
definitely changes them. For example, I used to rush home from school to watch
my favorite show on television. Now, I rush home to help tend to Kaylie.
The second question of the four way test is “Is it fair to all concerned?” In my
opinion, teen pregnancy is something that schools and service organizations should
work hard to prevent, because of the hardships it puts on many teens and their babies. In
our case, we have a big supportive family that lends help when needed. For many teens
this is not the case. I do believe it is fair because of the choices teenagers make. I wish
we could educate teenagers to make better choices and to realize the consequences of
their actions.
The third question is “ Will it build good will and better friendships?” When a baby
is born, kindness and compassion-both elements of good will blossom. My family and
I care about the kind of environment that Kaylie grows up in and therefore we are careful
in how we talk to and treat one another. We have definitely become closer to each other,
closer to members of our extended family, and closer to friends and acquaintances who
have shared similar experiences with us. For example, a sweet lady from our church
shared a story with us about how her granddaughter had a baby out of wedlock and how
the father of the baby had left her. But the point that she made very clear to us was what
a joy the baby was to their family. I feel the same way about Kaylie. She is truly a joy
to our family.
The fourth question of the four way test is “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
The subject of this essay is in essence spotlighting one of the greatest moral debates
of the twentieth century – Abortion. My brother and his girlfriend had to make a
decision very early concerning what they felt like would be best for all those people
involved. I am very thankful that they chose to have the baby, accept responsibility, and
face the challenges that would lie ahead of them. There are so may bad things that go
with abortion. Among them are death of an innocent child, emotional illnesses such as
depression and nightmares, possible physical damage to the woman, and long term
memory of what was done. On the other hand, there are so many good things that
come from choosing life. In the case of Kaylie, she has brought joy to our lives. She
has the opportunity to grow up and do great things. She will be able to play little
league, be a cheerleader, go to college, and hopefully do something great for her
community and country. It is my belief that of the two choices my brother and his
girlfriend had, they chose the one that would be most beneficial to all those concerned.
North Escambia Residents Graduate From UWF
December 13, 2009
The following North Escambia area students graduated from the University of West Florida Saturday:
Fall 2009
Cantonment
- Associate of Arts Degrees: Jonathan Harrod
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Joseph Bane, Crystal Boyd, Britney Caine, Dorothy Carr, Robert Cox, Brandi Crosby, Kevin Dickens, Nicholas Fox, Kristen Gaddis, Katelyn Geri, Stephanie Godfrey, Alexsonda Hale, Matt Hawkins, Kevin Jones, James Long, Brian Lyle, Daniel Martin, James McAllister, Michael Misky, Blane Padilla, Danielle Petroski, Melbourne Pierce, Loren Powell, William Reak, Jason Robbins, Brooke Rowell, Timothy Sanders, Michael Simmons, Cherith Welter, Heather Wiscombe
- Master’s Degrees: Brian Ball, Charles Cather, William Klorig, Lisa Lavoie, Anthony Pinto, Paula Smith
Century
- Bachelor’s Degree: Nicole Cook
Molino
- Associate of Arts Degree: John Whitfield
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Keith Barry, James Falkenstein, Robert Myrick
Jay
- Associate of Arts Degree: Tiffany Odom
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Alana Morrison, Justin Nelson
- Master’s Degree: Beth Marky
Summer 2009
Cantonment
- Associate of Arts Degrees: Byong-Jo Kang, Gabrielle Taite
- Bachelor’s Degrees: William Andrews, Stacey Barnes, Sherry Bell, Crystle Ellis, Arthur Fletcher, John Fortuna, Melissa Holley, Ashley King, Derek King, Natalie Ollinger, Lee Poppe, Brianne Reid, Danyel Smith, Shella Tubbs
- Master’s Degree: Candice Knowles
Century
- Bachelor’s Degree: Robinson Hallford
Molino
- Bachelor’s Degree: Nicholette Floyd, John Henley
Jay
- Bachelor’s Degree: Jessica Ivey, Carrie Penton
Editor’s note: UWF did not provide a graduates list to us from Escambia County, Ala., so that we could include Atmore and Flomaton area graduates on our list.
Musical Drama Features Live Manger Scene
December 13, 2009
“A Savior is Born”, a musical drama, will be presented Monday and Tuesday 6:30 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Prayer Path and Park located at 1120 South Main Street in Atmore. The production is a presentation of the story of the birth of Christ from Gabriel to the Inn. The grand finale will be an interactive manger scene as well as the actors presenting in song.Pictured: Sheila Harrison as Mary; Rick Hetrick as Joseph; and Kelvin Diller, Roy Corley and Frankie Baggett as shepherds in the First Assembly of God production “A Savior Is Born”. The presentation will be held at 6:30 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights at 1120 South Main Street in Atmore. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Photo Book Shows Area History
December 12, 2009
A new book tells the history of North Escambia and surrounding areas with about 2,000 photographs.
The book is called “A Pictorial History Volume II”, and it includes Century and northeastern Escambia County, Florida; Flomaton Alabama; and Jay and northern Santa Rosa County; and surrounding areas.
The photos were compiled by Jerry Fischer and Jerry Simmons and published by the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society.
“One lady that looked at the book got tears in her eyes because it brought back so many memories,” said Fischer.
People — from dozens of old school photos — make up a portion of the book.
“There are a lot of people in the book,” Fischer said. “Probably half of them are already passed away. It’s just a lot of memories.”
The book is available from Alger-Sullivan Historical Society members and at the Leach House Museum at 610 4th Street in the Century Historical District.
Pictured above: The Drury Store with Dick Sowell, Sr. and Papa Drury. Pictured below: Century’s drugstore and the Tuberville Hospital in the late 1930’s. The photographs are two of about two thousand in a new book released by the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chamber Holds Christmas Open House
December 11, 2009
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Thursday afternoon. Chamber members, prospective members and area residents had the opportunity to network and learn more about what the Century Chamber offers, all while enjoying light refreshments.
Pictured top: (L-R) Freddie McCall, Century mayor; Will Kennedy, CVS Pharmacy manager; B.J. Maher, United Bank Flomaton branch manager; Jennifer Kline and daughter Gabrielle enjoy refreshments during the Century Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Open House. Pictured left inset: Margie McCall (left) and Edma Earle Barnes put the finishing touches on the Century Chamber’s Christmas tree. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rave Reviews: Ernest Ward Drama Team Headed To State
December 10, 2009
The members of the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team area headed to state competition after receiving all Excellent or Superior ratings at the District 1 Drama Competition this past weekend in Jacksonville.
It was the first district competition for the drama team, which was formed only last year. With their Excellent and Superior ratings, all of the EWMS students were all invited to perform at the state level in Fort Lauderdale February, 2010.
“All of them performed well,” teacher and Drama Team sponsor Katie Ward said. “We are really excited.”
Rachel Presley, Lauren Walker, Kamryn Brock, Chelsea Turner, Morgan Packer, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, and Samantha Barrow all received an Excellent Ranking for their monologues, duet scenes, and ensemble performances. Bhadkamkar also received a superior ranking for her musical solo and Turner received a superior ranking for her monologue performance.
“Ernest Ward Middle School is extremely proud of the talents of our young adults and for representing Escambia County School District well”, said Ernest Ward Principal Nancy Perry.
During the District 1 Drama Competition in Jacksonville:
- Rachel Presley performed the monologue “Cinderelly from the Valley” and received an Excellent ranking.
- Chelsea Turner performed the monologue “Cotton Candy” and received a Superior ranking.
- Rachel Presley and Lauryn Walker performed a duet scene entitled “The Ugliest Hair in the World” and were awarded an Excellent ranking.
- Samantha Barrow and Shalmali Bhadkamkar performed the duet scene “Common Scents” and were given an Excellent ranking.
- The ensemble of Kamryn Brock, Morgan Packer and Chelsea Turner performed “The Dizmee Store” for an Excellent ranking.
- Shalmali Bhadkamkar performed a musical solo from Les Miserables entitled “On My Own” and received a Superior ranking.
Ward and her students raised 100 percent of the funds to make the trip to Jacksonville.
Pictured above: Members of the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team (front, L-R) Danielle Suggs, Lauryn Walker, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Chelsea Turner, Rachel Presley, (second row) Kamryn Brock, Morgan Packer, Samantha Barrow, Caitlyn Rigby and (back row) sponsor Katie Ward. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Atmore Family Named As Alabama’s Young Farm Family Of The Year
December 9, 2009
Gaylan and Angie Shelly of Atmore were chosen as the 2009 Outstanding Young Farm Family during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 88th annual meeting Monday night in Mobile.
The Shellys, who have five children and nearly 2,400 acres of row crops, were selected to compete for the award after being named the Outstanding Young Farm Family in the Cotton Division earlier this year.
The Shellys have a diversified farm that includes cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat – some of which is located in North Escambia. They increased their profit margin over the last couple years by adding grain storage facilities and a trucking business, Gaylan said.
”We built the grain storage bins so we could have more control over when we sold our grain,” Gaylan said. “Then the trucking made sense to me because it always seemed like I was waiting on a truck when my grain needed hauling.”
Gaylan said selling corn to poultry feed companies has allowed him to receive additional money for his corn. “It allows me to cut out the middle man when I sell my corn directly to the end user,” he said. “They’re happy with my corn, and I get more money for my corn. That makes me happy.”
As the 2009 Outstanding Young Farm Family, the Shellys will participate in many activities promoting Alabama agriculture during the coming year.
The Shellys will represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, Wash., Jan. 10-13, and will receive the use of a 2010 Dodge Journey, $500 cash from Dodge, a John Deere Gator courtesy of the Federal Land Bank of Alabama, a new computer package from ValCom Wireless/CCS Technology Centers located in Abbeville and Dothan, Ala., and several other prizes.
Gaylan, 35, grew up in a farm family in Escambia County. He still farms with his dad, Arlan, and although they aren’t partners, Gaylan said they share equipment and often help each other on their respective farms.
Both Gaylan and Angie said they like their children growing up on a family farm. Angie, 32, home schools the older children and is president of the local home school association. She said she particularly likes cotton harvest time when the weather is cooler and the children can play in the cotton.
For Gaylan, any time he can spend with his family is special, but admits with five children, they have to take turns going to work with him in the fields. “I guess my favorite time of year on the farm is when I spray the crops,” he said. “That’s the time of year I can look over everything and really see how the crops are doing.”
This past year, the entire family got into the farming business. The corn planter skipped a large area in the middle of a field, and Gaylan said it would have been a shame to waste the fertilizer that already had been applied.
“So the kids planted watermelons,” Angie said. “It was a great experience for them and for all of us really. They ended up with lots of watermelons. We took them to the farmers market and the kids sold lots of them. They sold some in the front yard where they had homemade signs. They were pretty good salesmen really, and they’re already planning to do it again next year.”
Gaylan said he wasn’t surprised by how much the children liked the experience of growing and selling their own crop. “They’ve already got farming in their blood,” he said with a smile.
Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Director Brandon Moore said the awards program seeks to honor families like the Shellys, not just for what they are doing, but also for the inspiration they provide other farmers around the state.
“The Shellys exemplify all that is good about agriculture,” Moore said. “They not only run their farm well, but truly are examples of how farming is more than just a job, it is a wonderful way of life.”
Pictured: Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby presents the Outstanding Young Farm Family Award to the Shelly family of Atmore in Escambia County. The Shellys were awarded a new John Deere Gator by the Federal Land Bank Association of Alabama. From left are, Newby, the Shelly family (Gaylan Shelly with Breah, Drew, Kaleigh, Angie, Alana and Valen) and sponsors Doug Thiessen and Ben Gore of the Federal Land Bank of South Alabama. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Your Help Needed: Christmas Care Packages For Troops In Iraq
December 9, 2009
A Molino woman is asking the North Escambia community to help her send Christmas care packages to American troops serving in Iraq.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is two months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is schedule to be in Iraq until October of next year.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packges to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season.
“There are a lot of soldiers who don’t have family or have anyone to send them stuff, and I want to make sure that they do get stuff this year,” Hilburn, 20, said. “I am asking the community to go to Cole’s Barbershop and donate supplies.”
The supplies will be collected at Cole’s until Monday, December 14. They will then be shipped to Piatt, 21, and his unit in Iraq. Cole’s Barbershop is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Mens liquid body soap
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies
Candy bars
Crystal Light (peach tea, lemon tea)
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cups
Macaroni and cheese (in a cup)
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
International phone cards
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn and her fiancee Spc. Ben Piatt prior to his deployment to northern Iraq. Pictured inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.