Wall Of Honor Pays Tribute To Those That Served
May 26, 2008
On this Memorial Day, many will stop by the Veteran’s Honor Wall in Walnut Hill as they remember those that have fought for our freedom.
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are currently 274 names on the wall, including 13 names of soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
“If you a veteran, you deserve to be there,” Walnut Hill Ruritan Club President Billy R. Ward said. “You’ve already paid you debt; we wanted this wall to honor the veterans.”
The idea originated with Leroy Wiggins back in late 2001, Ward said, after he saw a picture of a similar Ruritan wall in Virginia in a national magazine.
The club formed two committees, headed up by Billy G. Ward and Wiggins to research construction of the wall and the list of name to be included.
Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
Ward estimates that as of this Memorial Day, about one fourth of those listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
For photographs that include every name on the wall as of this Memorial Day, click here.
If you know a veteran from the Walnut Hill area (including Bratt, Davisville, Oak Grove and Enon) that should be included on the honor wall, call Billy R. Ward at 256-2907. Or mail the veteran’s name, address, city, state, phone, branch of service, dates of service and your name and phone number to: Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 35, Walnut Hill, FL 32568.
Pen Wheels Tries Again; Holds Fishing Rodeo For Disabled
May 25, 2008
Call it the 34th and half annual Pen Wheels Fiesta of Five Flags Fishing Rodeo.
When the annual fishing rodeo for the disabled was first help on May 3, it did not just rain; it poured, putting a quick end to the event. It was the only rain out in the history of the event.
So organizers decide to try again Saturday, and they had perfect weather.
“We got rained out last time, and may people were sad about that,” Pen Wheels Vice President Pearline McLendon told NorthEscambia.com. “I’m so glad we are back here today. It is just so beautiful here.”
“It was organized to give disabled people a chance to get out,” said McLendon. “Many of these people have never fished before. This is just one way to get them out of their houses and the nursing homes into the community.”
Over the 34 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
“Jantz just does us right,” Pauline said. “I can’t say enough nice things about him. We never want to leave!”
Dozens of volunteers stood ready to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated.Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.
While Jantz Catfish Pond is not open for public fishing, nearby ponds belonging to Steve Hiebert (Mr. Steve’s Sweet Corn) are open for public fishing. For more information, call 327-4020.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Pen Wheel Fishing Rodeo for the disabled Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Angel Mitchell Is Crowned Junior Miss EWMS
May 24, 2008
Miss Angel Mitchell was crowned Junior Miss EWMS tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School. First runner-up was Miss Ashley Cunningham. Second runner-up was Miss Cheyenne Godwin and third runner-up was Miss Ariel Holland.
Miss Angel Mitchell, Junior Miss EWMS
Angel has been a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleading squad for two years and has made the cut for next year’s squad as well. Angel was named the 2007-2008 All-Star Cheerleader. Shi is also on the track team and has been for two years. She is on the newspaper committee and is a member of the yearbook staff. She also participates in the Future Farmers of America program. Angel participates in community theater and is an active member of her church’s youth drama program. She received Superior Awards for this year’s District Fine Arts Awards in vocal, puppetry, human video, short story and children’s book. Angel is also a recipient for the Florida Take Stock Scholarship. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, dancing and modeling. Her future plans are to attend Florida State University Culinary Arts School and open her own catering business.
Miss Ashley Cunningham, First runner-up
Ashley is a member of the Student Government Association and a member of the Honor Society. She is also a member of the Ernest Ward Swim Team. Ashley is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club and had won Steer of the Year in both 2005 and 2007. Her hobbies include sports, riding four-wheelers, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. Her future plans are to graduate high school and attend college to become a dentist.
Miss Cheyenne Godwin, Second runner-up
Cheyenne is a cheerleader and participates in the yearbook and newspaper staff. She is also a member of the Future Farmers of America. Her hobbies include cheerleading, modeling, acting, dance, swing dancing, shopping, talking on the phone, drawing, theatre and gymnastics. Her future plans are to become a model, actress and to study pediatrics.
Miss Ariel Holland, Third runner up
Ariel is currently a member of the school cheerleading squad and swim team and has participated in both for two years. Ariel also participates in the Northwest Escambia Little League softball program and is a member of the “Lady Cats”. She is also an active member of Bratt Baptist Church. Ariel’s hobbies include swimming, softball, cheerleading and spending time with family and friends. In the future Ariel plans to attend college and cheer.
Pictured above: Junior Miss EWMS Angel Mitchell. Pictured below (L-R): First runner-up Ashley Cunningham, Junior Miss EWMS Angle Mitchell, second runner-up Cheyenne Godwin and third runner-up Ariel Holland. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Piano Students Receive Awards
May 23, 2008
Piano teacher Laura Godwin’s annual piano recital was held recently at the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Many of her students were presented with different awards. From the North Escambia area, Liberty Peebles received the “Most Improved Award”. Jadlyn Agerton and Reagon Bell both received the “Practice Award”.
Pictured above, left to right: Jadlyn Agerton, Laura Godwin and Reagan Bell. Pictured below: Jadlyn Agerton and Reagan Bell with their awards. Submitted photos from NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Leaning Post Ranch in Molino Dedicated Saturday
May 4, 2008
A dedication ceremony was held Saturday afternoon for the Leaning Post Ranch in Molino, a state-licensed facility and prevention program for developmentally disabled and at-risk young people.
The facility was established in1992 by Fran and Newman Gersin. They started with one horse, and a dream to use that horse to encourage kids and keep them off drugs.
Now the Leaning Post Ranch has 40 acres, a barn, a new open-air arena, a mulipurpose facility, a house, 16 horses and a pony…thanks to generosity of several local organizations and God.
“Above all to God by the glory,” Fran Gersin (pictured left) told the crowd at the ranch Saturday. “This place has always been by faith.”
“There is no way two people could do all of this. Only God could do this,” she said.
The grooming and multipurpose building was dedicated as the “Connie J. Greenhut Horses and Hope Center” for Connie Greenhut. She is the wife of Greenhut Construction owner Bill Greenhut. Greenhut constructed the building with the help of, and donations from, over two dozen other construction related businesses.
Also dedicated Saturday was the “Impact 100 Arena”, named in honor of Pensacola’s Impact 100 group that made a $113,000 donation to the ranch in 2006 to construct the arena.
The day’s events included a meal made possible by donations from Grocery Advantage in Cantonment, tours and entertainment.
There were horse drill demonstrations by two teams, including on comprised of four autistic youth (pictured top of page). Nona Freeman (pictured left), a popular 91 year old Pentecostal writer and speaker from Texas, addressed those in attendance.
The Leaning Post Ranch is located at 4150 Cedar Springs Road in Molino. For more information, visit http://www.theleaningpostranch.com.
For a complete photo gallery from the Leaning Post Ranch in Molino, click here.
Pictured below: The silhouette of a horse a disabled child in a wheelchair decorates the entrance to the Leaning Post Ranch.
Senior Play ‘Our Town’ Presented At NHS
May 4, 2008
The Northview High School senior class took to the stage Friday and Saturday nights to present “Our Town”.
There were 22 cast members in Northview’s production of Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town”. Set in the small New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners, Our Town is one of the most widely produced American stage plays.
Click here for a photo gallery from the NHS production of “Our Town”.
The Stage Manager, who serves as the play’s narrator and often delivers long monologues, introduces the audience to Grover’s Corners in 1901. In the early morning, only a few folks are about. The paperboy delivers papers. The milkman passes by. Dr. Gibbs has just delivered twins.
Then it’s just an ordinary day in Grover’s Corners. Throughout the morning and the rest of the day, the townspeople of Grover’s Corner eat breakfast, work in town, do household chores, garden, gossip, go to school, attend choir practice, and admire the moonlight. An attraction develops between young residents Emily Webb and George Gibbs, as they share algebra homework help from their respective windows.
Over the next two acts, the characters further interact to show small town life in Grover’s Corners. A lot happens in act two, but we don’t want to spoil it for you.
The final act takes place in a cemetery in 1913. It is set upon a hill overlooking Grover’s Corner. About a dozen people sit in several rows of chairs. They have patient and somber faces. The Stage Manager tells us that these are the dead citizens of the town.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Holds Mother-Daughter Banquet
May 4, 2008
Rays Chapel Baptist Church held a mother-daughter banquet over the weekend.
Ladies from the church brought their favorite dinner ware to decorate the tables. Themes consisted of frogs, teapots, butterflies, patriotic themes and more.
Ladies who attended the banquet were asked to vote on their favorite table, and the winner was awarded a prize.
There were also prizes awarded to the mothers who had the oldest and the youngest daughters with them.
The speaker, Jeanna Lankford, talked about how precious a thing to make good memories with our families. A video of favorite family pictures set to music was presented by Lisa Weaver of Memories-N-Motion. Mary Enfinger entertained everyone with song. The overall theme of this years event was Making Memories. Some of the men from church were on hand to help serve fried chicken and the fixins. A wonderful time was had by all.
The event was planned and organized by Teresa and Adrea Watford.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the Ray’s Chapel Mother-Daughter Lunch.
Story and photos submitted by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com. Click to enlarge.
North Pensacola Relay For Life Beats Goal
May 3, 2008
The North Pensacola Relay for Life was held this weekend at Tate High School. The goal for the annual relay event was $97,000, but it actually brought in $111,000.
There are about three dozen teams in the event, including several from the NorthEscambia.com coverage area.
Molino Park Elementary School and Aldersgate Methodist Church from Molino participated in the American Cancer Society fund raiser.
The North Pensacola Relay goal for this year was $97,000. About $85,000 of that had been raised before the relay kicked off. This year’s three dozen teams was about a dozen more than last year.
The theme for this year’s relay was “Cure Cancer…Live Happily Every After”.
Late Friday night, there was a Mz. Relay Contest — a woman-less beauty and talent competition.
At 9:00 Friday night, the Tate High stadium lights were cut and the stadium was lit with the glow of Luminaria bags, representing cancer survivors and victims alike.
For a complete photo gallery from Friday night at the North Pensacola Relay for Life at Tate High School, click here.
Pictured above and below: Members of the Molino Park Elementary School Relay for Life team, with their “Kick Cancer” theme. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Observes National Day of Prayer With Community Service
May 1, 2008
Dozens of people representing numerous churches gathered Thursday morning in Molino to pray on the National Day of Prayer.
“We pray for a special sense of You here in Molino, Lord,” Pastor Bryan Calhoun of Highland Baptist Church prayed. “We pray for revival here in Molino, and we pray that it would spread to Pensacola and around the world.”
About 125 people stood around the flagpole at Molino Park Elementary School at 6:50 Thursday morning to join in the non-denominational service. Those attending included pastors, moms and dads, teachers and others from the community. Children led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and in prayer.
“Dear Lord, we thank You for this day. Help the teachers get through the day,” one student prayed, bringing smiles to the faces of those in attendance.
“Thank you for letting us come here and pray at our school,” another student prayed.
About a dozen different churches were represented at the service. Baptists, Methodists, Catholics and more stood together and prayed.
“We pray for our churches. You told Peter that ‘upon this rock You will build Your church’,” Pastor Rob Hines from CrossFaith Church prayed. “Prayer affects the nation. Prayer is about to change something in this nation.”
A second Molino community-wide National Day of Prayer service will be held at 6:30 this evening at CrossFaith Church on Molino Road.
In the Bratt community, the sanctuary at the First Baptist Church of Bratt will be open for prayer until 7:00 tonight.
Pictured above: A student leads the group gathered at Molino Park Elementary School in prayer. Pictured below: The sun rises as people pray; people gathered to pray; and students lead the Pledge of Allegiance. (Scroll down to see all photos.) NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Heather Leonard Retiring After Teaching Dance 14 Years In North Escambia
April 24, 2008
When the music fades after a dance recital in Flomaton Friday night, Heather Leonard will take off her slippers for the very last time as a dance teacher. She’ll head off for the traditional post-recital pizza with the girls, knowing that she’s not only taught dance, but has taught grace and self-respect to hundreds of girls across North Escambia.
After 14 years teaching dance in North Escambia, Heather Leonard is retiring, and she is closing her Heather Leonard’s Danceworks. She will end her career with her students’ final recital at Flomaton High School.
She has taught not just dance to girls from Jay to Century to McDavid to Byrneville to Walnut Hill. She has taught them self-respect, self-worth and a little bit about her Lord.
She began teaching dance as her business 14 years ago after moving to Byrneville. Her first classes were taught at the Byrneville Community Center, a location she would continue to use until just after Hurricane Ivan.
“When I came here it was the biggest blessing that no one had ever really danced,” she said. “I came in and had a fresh slate. Fresh kids with no experience. They got to be mine.”
She was happy that she got to teach the girls of North Escambia that they could respect themselves and still dance.
“I am a Christian, and my values do not line up with a lot of the dance community. I’ve tried to teach the girls that they are how God made them. They are precious, innocent. They are not trashy.”
“I look at the way the dance community is as a whole…cut throat, self-centered, eating disorders to be too thin, smoking, drugs. I can’t stand those things.” Those are the things that Heather crusaded against during her 14 years.
“Once I was saved, I looked to God who showed me that those things were not what He liked,” she said. “He brought me out of the darkness into His light. I became very focused on ballet and finding a way to teach the girls to love themselves the way He made them. I’ve always been very careful to lead them in the right way.”
“We love Miss Heather,” Chelsea Sims, a senior at Northview High School said. She is 17, and she has danced 14 of those years with Heather. “She’s so much more than a teacher. She’s our friend.”
“She helps us with our lives,” Sarah Killam, a freshman at Northview said. She is 15, and she has danced with Heather for 10 of those years. “She’s like a mom to us. Sometimes we will stay after class and talk to her about what is going on in our lives.” The photo to the left shows Sarah with Heather at one of Sarah’s first recitals.
“And she’s always worked to help us be better Christians,” Chelsea said.
“We can have Sunday School sometimes after dance,” Darbi Langhorne said. She’s now in nursing school at Pensacola Junior College. She has danced with Heather for 14 years.
The theme song for Friday night’s recital will be “Sharecropper’s Seed” by Christian artist Nicole C. Mullen. “So I’m praising the Lord of the harvest…God still cares for the least of these,” the song says.
“The Lord cares about everyone. He cares about you, about me. One of my relatives was having a hard time, addicted to drugs. It could have been me. It’s impresses me so much how much God cares,” Heather said. “This dance is dedicated to him.”
Every performance for Heather Leonard’s Danceworks always starts the same. “Before every performance we circle up and pray,” she said. “It has always been that way.”
For the past few years, her dance studio has been in the back of the Country Bumpkin building in Century. It’s nice studio…a mirrored wall, a proper wood dance floor and metal ballet bars.
“That’s not how we started,” Darbi said. “We started with a mirror on a wood frame we rolled out at the community center. The (ballet) bars were PVC pipe and duct tape. But we just danced anyway.”
Hurricane Ivan proved to be a test for Heather and her students. It heavily damaged the Byrneville Community Center where her classes were held. There was no ceiling, no heat and water puddled on the floor when it rained.
“But we were determined,” she said, “that Ivan was not going to beat us. It was a lesson in perseverance. We felt like we had to continue to show that we had not been beat by Ivan.”
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Heather and the three girls gathered around on the floor looking through a box of pictures (pictured above). They would laugh as they looked at 14 years of memories. Sometimes Heather would pause, a fond memory on her mind.
“It’s been a great time,” she said.
“I love it a lot. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old. There has never been a year since then that I did not dance.”
So why is she retiring from dance?
“The Lord put it on my heart to set dance aside,” Heather said. “He wanted to make sure I love Him more than I do dancing. He changed my life. He made me; He saved me. He wants me to show others how much He cares.”
She expressed her thanks to the North Escambia community for supporting her during her 14 years. And she expressed special gratitude to her husband Stephen.
“My husband has been so supportive over the years,” she said. “He was the brains behind the business. He helped me go into business without doing into debt, and to be a good steward. I appreciate him so much.”
The final Heather Leonard’s Danceworks recital will be at Flomaton High School this Friday night at 7:00. Admission is free.
For more photos from Heather Leonard’s Danceworks, click here.
Pictured top of page (L-R): Heather Leonard, Darbi Langhorne, Sarah Killam and Chelsea Sims practice their “Sharecropper’s Dream” dance. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.