Ride For The Son
April 19, 2009
It took a few months but the Escambia county chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association is well on its way to becoming a fully recognized chapter. The group includes members from around South Alabama as well as North Escambia.
The group recently held their officer elections and are in the process of selecting a chapter name. “We don’t just select a name that sounds cool,” said President Doug Chandler. “We have been praying about this because our name will reflect what our ministry is all about. Once we select a name we have to submit it with a explanation of its meaning to national for approval”.
In the mean time the local chapter is working with chapters all over the U.S. on C.M.A.’s only fundraiser of the year called Run For The Son. “Run For The Son is a nationwide effort to raise money that reaches out to the world…not just the motorcycle community,” explained Chandler. Sixty percent of the money raised goes toward worldwide missions and 40 percent goes toward motorcycle ministry.
“C.M.A. buys dirt bikes for missionaries who work in remote, mountainous areas. Without this form of transportation it would be almost impossible for them to reach some of the villages. It is amazing to hear about the number of churches that have been planted because of motorcycles donated by C.M.A. to missionaries.”
Another outreach is the Jesus film. C.M.A. has it translated in to various languages then sends it with a projector, sound system and screen to missionaries. “I saw a video of a village watch the Jesus film for the first time. This wasn’t just the first time they had seen the film, this was the first time they had ever heard the Word of God. Now they were able to see it and hear it in their own language. It brought me to tears to see literally hundreds of kids crying and screaming as they watched Jesus being beaten by the Roman soldiers. Then when Jesus came forth from the tomb they cheered and danced. I then watched in amazement as a whole village came forward to give their life to Christ. All because people donated a few dollars here and there and some bikers went on a ride. It just blows me away.”
C.M.A. also supports organizations that smuggle Bibles into areas where Bibles are banned.
“Yes, we minister to the motorcycle community but through Run For The Son we can do so much more. Someone can donate five dollars toward my ride and who knows…they may save the soul of someone in a village far, far away.”
On May 2nd C.M.A. chapters all across the U.S. will mount their bikes and ride for Run For The Son. The Escambia County chapter will be joining several other chapters on a ride to Birmingham.
If you would like to make a donation to the ride contact one of the chapter members or Doug Chandler at (251) 294-0386. All donations are tax deductible. “Who knows your dollar may be the dollar that brings someone to Christ.”
Pictured: Escambia County C.M.A. Newly elected officers: Back (L-R): Jeff Price, road captain; Doug Chandler, president; Sean Callaway, vice president; Frank Marquis; chaplain; Dylan Marquis, photographer. Front( L-R): Tyler Chandler,webmaster; Millisa Callaway, treasurer; Julie Chandler, secretary; Roger Vogel, administrator/newsletter editor. (Not pictured Fabiana Price-Run For The Sun Secretary) Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thank You For Underwear Drive Help
April 19, 2009
Several North Escambia churches and organizations recently conducted an underwear drive for the Gulf Coast Kid’s House
The following “thank you” was submitted by Rikki Vidak of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, the group the organized the drive.
Our Underwear Drive was very successful and we would like to thank the many organizations and people who took their time and money to help these children in need. We
were able to fill an SUV – our version of Cram the Van!
We would like to thank:
- Aldersgate UMC
- Walnut Hill Baptist Church
- Oak Grove Baptist Church
- Highland Baptist Church
- St. Monica’s Episcopal Church
- Molino Park Elementary School
- Northview High School FCCLA
- Farm Bureau Offices Molino and 9 Mile Road
Rikki Vidak
Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
Pictured above: Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members (L-R) Rikki Vidak, Jane Breault and Martha Carpenter. Other Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members who were instrumental in making the drive a success were Dot Cunningham, Katrina Sanford and Christi Oppenhien. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Spring Carnival Is Rescheduled
April 16, 2009
The Molino Park Elementary School Spring Carnival originally scheduled for this Saturday has been rescheduled for the third Saturday in May.
The MPES Spring Carnival will be held May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. inside the school. The carnival will include games, prizes, vendors, BBQ, pizza and, of course, fun.
4-H Celebrates 100; Barrineau Park Club One Of State’s Oldest
April 16, 2009
Florida’s 4-H has turned 100 years old, and North Escambia is home to the oldest continuous 4-H club in Florida.
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club is the oldest continuous 4-H club in the state. The Barrineau Park 4-H Club was established in 1914.
Attorney General Bill McCollum celebrated 100 years of 4-H in Florida with over 100 4-H members from around the state. During a tree planting ceremony at the Capitol, the Attorney General spoke about the importance of 4-H’s commitment to teach young people to be leaders in their communities and good stewards of their environment.
“I am excited to join Florida’s environmental community to champion an effort to make our planet a little greener,” said Attorney General McCollum. “It is imperative the young people of this state understand the gravity of their responsibility to lead their peers and protect the precious resources with which they have been entrusted.”
Florida 4-H is a strong youth development program which has touched the lives of over 263,000 youth and nearly 12,000 volunteers. Nationally, 4-H has over 6 million members who participate in hands-on learning activities geared at helping youth become contributing, productive, self-directed members of society.
“We are excited that Attorney General Bill McCollum is honoring our legacy by planting this tree in the Rose Garden at the Florida Capitol,” said Marilyn Norman, Ph.D., associate professor and associate dean over the state’s 4-H program. We feel the growth of this tree represents the thousands of Florida 4-H volunteers, parents, and professionals over the last 100 years who created quality learning environments in which positive youth development occurs.”
The tree planting was part of 4-H’s “Million Tree Project,” which is working toward the goal of planting 1 million trees across the continent to help lower greenhouse emissions, reduce runoff, and promote a better state of environmental consciousness. The tree, a crepe myrtle, was chosen because of its ability to thrive in Florida’s environment with little water once established.
Pictured above: Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum plants a tree with help from 4-H members to celebrate the groups centennial. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Releases Honor Roll
April 15, 2009
Northview High School has released its honor roll for the third nine weeks period as follows:
High Honors 4.0
9th grade
Holly Nicole Dickson
10th grade
Sarah Malinda Killam
Emily Faith Vickrey
11th grade
Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
Clinton Eugene Davis
Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
12th grade
Gretchen Denea Boughner
Melissa Nicole Garrett
Jessica Maria Mothershed
Fredrick Lamario Smith
Honors 3.50-3.99
9th grade
Nathan Cole Commander
Josie Britt Doucette
Amber Dianne Francis
Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
Chelsea Grace Parham
Alexander Dewayne Payne
Tyler Lindsay Randolph
Timothy Lucas White
Elizabeth Ashley Wright
10th grade
Mallory Ann Bell
Allyson Michelle Bullard
Sara Lynn Conner
Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
James Tyler Garrett
Laneicia Dinette Gomez
Jocelyn Marlese Gould
David Aaron Lambert Jr.
Dabney Harrison Langhorne
Michael Todd Lowery
Dixie Lynn Picheo
Brianna Renae Roley
Christina Nicole Sepulveda
Hayley Renee Simpson
Colton Darryl Sims
Stephanie Leann Solari
Allison Ayers Vidak
Ladarion Bernard White
Katie Marie Wieborg
11th grade
Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
Kolbi Shae Cobb
Bradley James Lowery
Amber Nicole McMillan
John Anthony Sellars
Felicia Michelle Settle
Jackson Helton Smith
Dakota Wayne Stuckey
12th grade
Richard Kyle Braun
Kayla Sue Brewer
Clarence Alfred Brown III
Olivia Kaylen Bryan
Coty James Chance
Tiffany Lynne Chance
Amy Nicole Conner
Stephanie Leigh Doucette
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Jamison Blayne Garrett
Melissa Nicole Garrett
Briana Renea Halteman
Stormy Brooke Hayes
Amber Renae Holland
Luke Fletcher Killam
Jody Wade Levins
Samantha Parry Merritt
Dustin Ryan Odom
Summer Denise Sanders
Amanda-Ann Morgan Sellars
Aaron Richard Sharpless
James Anthony Sharpless
Chelsea Ellen Sims
Ashley Arlene Snow
Amie Jolynn Sutton
Garbell Sharda Wesley
Kayla Dlaine Wheeler
All Aboard: Flomaton Area Railroad Museum
April 14, 2009
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum houses a look back at the area’s railroad past, and the museum is asking for your help.
The museum is looking for individuals that have knowledge of local history to share that knowledge, and they are looking for historical items for the museum. In addition to railroad items, the museum is in search of other local history items related to local history in and around Flomaton, South Flomaton (present day Century) and the surrounding area.
“Flomaton and the surrounding areas have a rich history,” said the FARRM’s Publicity Director Betty Jones. “The museum is a place everyone should visit.”
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum, located on Sidney Manning Boulevard (Highway 29) at College Street, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it also serves as the official Flomaton Welcome Center. Admission is free.
The group now has over 70 charter member families, and they are seeking new members. Membership is $20 yearly for a family, $10 for seniors.
The group meets every second Tuesday of the month, including tonight, at the museum. For more information on the Flomaton Welcome Center and the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum, call (251) 296-1100.
Click here for a photo tour of the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum.
Pictured top: One of the displays in the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum includes the backdrop painting from Flomaton’s Centennial Play last year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Takes Spring Break (With Photo Gallery)
April 13, 2009
Last week was Spring Break for students in Escambia County School. We asked for our readers to submit photos of their Spring Break activities, and we have put together a photo gallery of North Escambia on Spring Break.
Click here for the NorthEscambia Spring Break gallery.
Austin Albritton and his parents Lisa and Randy traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada; Lake Havasu, Arizona (home of the London Bridge); Yuma, Arizona; Los Algodones, Mexico; San Diego, California; and Los Angeles during Spring Break. The Albritton’s flew to Vegas then rented a car and drove to the other locations and then flew back from San Diego.
Kendal, Kolbi and the Cobb family enjoyed part of their Spring Break on jet skis.
Jason Fischer, Chloe Leonard, Leah Fischer and Anna Fischer enjoyed Spring Break in Gulf Shores.
If you would like to add your Spring Break photos to our gallery, email news@northescambia.com.
Pictured: Anna Fischer on Spring Break in Gulf Shores. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 200 Attend Egg Hunt At Solutia Park
April 13, 2009
Over 200 people attended an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday at Solutia Park.
The hunt was sponsored by the Pine Forest Assembly of God Church in Cantonment. In addition to the hunt, the children enjoyed several baby ducks at the park.
Pictured above: Children enjoy playing with baby ducks during an Easter Egg Hunt at Solutia Park sponsored by the Pine Forest Assembly of God Church. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Sunrise Services Celebrate Resurrection
April 12, 2009
Easter morning Sunrise Services were held at many locations in the North Escambia area Sunday morning.
Several Molino churches came together for a community Easter Morning Sunrise Service Sunday morning at Aldersgate Methodist Church, celebrating with music and a message.
Abundant Life Assembly of God held an Easter Sunrise Service at The Moorer Place on Lake Stone with a message and communion led by the church pastor.
In Flomaton, the Flomaton Ministerial Association held a Sunrise Service at the Little Escambia Baptist Church with several local churches in attendance.
In Atmore, a community Easter Service was held at the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
The Bible says:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
New School Times Next Year; North Escambia Schools Changing Too?
April 11, 2009
The Escambia County School District is considering changing school start and dismissal times again this year, and once again some North Escambia schools will follow a schedule different than the rest of the county.
At the elementary level, Bratt and Molino Park will begin the school day at 7:45 and dismiss at 2:00.
At the middle school level, Ernest Ward will begin the school day at 9:05 and dismiss at 3:45. The earliest students can be dropped off at school will be 8:55. This represents a start and dismissal time 35 minutes later than the current year.
At the high school level, Northview High School will begin at 8:45 and dismiss at 3:20, a big change from this year’s 7:40 start and 2:45 dismissal.
North Escambia school times are different because of the long transport distances in the rural area and a two-tier system where middle and high school students will ride the bus together.
The North Escambia elementary schools will be following the same 7:45 a.m. to 2:00 schedule as the rest of the county’s elementary schools.
Middle Schools in the rest of Escambia County will have a 9:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. day, a change from their current 9:30 to 4:30 day.
Other high schools in Escambia County will be is session from 8:30 to 3:05, instead of this year’s 8:30 to 3:35 day.
The school times were changed this year, most drastically outside of North Escambia, to save money. By taking over two dozen buses off the road, the school district saved an estimated $1.2 million this year.
The new start and dismissal times recommended by a task force must now be approved by the school board before becoming final.