Red Cross Needs Volunteers
November 9, 2009
The local chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to support relief operations before, during and after Tropical Storm Ida.
To volunteer, visit www.yourredcross.org and click on the volunteer page for an application.
“We run shelters so that everyone has a safe place to stay” said Ken Cromer, senior director for disaster services.
More Info: Escambia (Fla.) Schools Closed Monday & Tuesday; Some Workers To Report Monday
November 9, 2009
All public schools in Escambia County (Fla.) are closed both Monday and Tuesday, but some employees are being asked to report to work Monday. In addition, all extra-curricular activities scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled.
The school closure includes Byrneville Elementary Charter School.
From the Escambia County School District:
The Escambia County School District will be closed Monday, November 9, 2009 and Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
The Escambia Emergency Operations Center has informed Superintendent Malcolm Thomas of the need to open storm shelters on Monday morning. With this decision, and with the need to allow parents and employees to prepare, Superintendent Thomas made the decision to close schools.
All administrative, professional and maintenance personnel (with the exception of custodial employees and food service employees) are asked to report to work on Monday, November 9 to assist with hurricane preparedness and other duties as assigned.
All employees and students are asked to remain home on Tuesday. Wednesday is the Veteran’s Day holiday for all employees and students.
All extra-curricular activities scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled.
Hurricane Tips: Before A Storm
November 9, 2009
Every year, prior to hurricane season, your family should review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include whether or not you plan to evacuate, where you will go if you evacuate, the route you will take to leave the area, when you will leave and what supplies you will take.
If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don’t forget to make arrangements for pets. Print and save this page for future reference. You may not have power if a storm is approaching.
If the storm is threatening the area, listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should:
- Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps won’t work without electricity.
- Bring outdoor objects inside such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
- Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don’t cover your windows, remove your screens so they won’t blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitos at bay.
- Prepare boats as appropriate.
- Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion).
- Turn off small appliances that are not needed.
- Turn off LP tanks.
- Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks.
- Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.
No Line, No Waiting
November 8, 2009
The long lines to buy gas often seen prior to a hurricane were nonexistent in Atmore late Sunday night. At the Winn Dixie grocery store in Atmore and the Piggly Wiggly in Davisville, it was also business as usual. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Schools Plan Veterans Day Programs
November 8, 2009
Veterans were scheduled to honored at schools across North Escambia this week.
However, Escambia County Schools are closed Monday and Tuesday due to Hurricane Ida.
The following information from a previous story includes events that were planned, that will obviously no longer take place as planned
Veterans Day programs and events will be held as follows:
Ernest Ward Middle School
The annual Veterans Day program will be held at 9:30 Monday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School. All veterans, parents and community members are invited to attend a special assembly in honor of Veterans Day in school’s gym.
Molino Park Elementary
Molino Park Elementary students will honor military veterans on Monday afternoon at 1:00with a patriotic program and donation drive for April Emerald Coast Honor Flight. Each grade level will sing two songs. Special guests will be the Northview High School NJROTC Color Guard, guest speaker Mr. Gary Cooper, and Mrs. Sheila Allen and Mrs. Ginny Cruz, singer/songwriters, singing “Stand Up America”. For further information please contact Alice Woodward, principal, at (850) 587-5265.
Northview High
Northview High School will hold it’s Veterans Day program at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10 in the school theater.
Bratt Elementary
Bratt Elementary will be hosting an “honor walk” Monday morning for the Emerald Coast Honor Flight. An area in the front of the school will be dedicated to honor service men and women. Flags will be sold for a minimum donation of $1 in honor of or in memory of the men and women who have served or are serving our country. The flags will be tagged with the name of the service person, the branch of service, and the student’s name. The flags will be displayed November 9th – November 20th in front of the school. All donations will be given to the Emerald Coast Honor Flight to send WWII veterans to Washington DC. Each student who brings in a donation will place a flag or flags on the Honor Walk. Students will take the flags home on November 23rd. For further information, please contact Tammy Calloway, intervention specialist, 327-6137, ext. 264.
Jim Allen Elementary
Jim Allen Elementary School will host a fund raiser kick off, “Honor a Vet with Flight” for the Emerald Coast Honor Flight. During this week students, faculty, and staff will be raising money to send a veteran to Washington D.C. The hallways of the school will be decorated using patriotic themes. The event will culminate with a school-wide assembly at the flagpole on Friday, November 13 at 7:45 a.m. Students, faculty and staff will wear red, white and blue and veterans from the community have been invited. For more information, please contact Rachel Watts, principal, 937-2260.
Walnut Hill Fire Department’s Annual Fish Fry Today
November 7, 2009
The 40th Annual Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Catfish Fry will be held today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97.
Each $7 plate will include catfish fillets or grilled chicken, hush puppies, baked beans, cole slaw, homemade bread and dessert. There will also be door prizes, with the drawing at 1 p.m. Baked goods and reflective address signs will be for sale. The Northwest Florida Blood Center will also be conducting a blood drive during the event.
NHS Cheerleaders Bagging Groceries Today
November 7, 2009
The Northview High School cheerleaders will be bagging groceries today in Cantonment to raise money for a trip to a national competition.
The cheerleaders will bag groceries for tips today from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Winn Dixie on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Circus This Weekend In Atmore
November 7, 2009
An old-fashioned big top circus is at the Atmore YMCA this weekend with jugglers, acrobats, clowns, tigers and more. This morning, workers were busy putting up the big top and preparing the animals for the show.
The circus show, to be performed by the Lewis & Clark Circus, will harken back to earlier days when such events came bustling into town for a day and then mysteriously disappeared overnight.
Lewis & Clark is a one-ring European style circus with continuous action going on in the center ring. Traditional circus acts such as hi-flying trapeze artists, amazing acrobats, zany clowns, and liberty animal acts that include horses and camel are featured.
The Circus attracts all types of people, from the young to the young at heart, which may be why it remains a popular form of family entertainment. The circus is one of about 10 traditional big top shows that operate in the United States. The circus troop presents about500 shows a year and will be in Atmore on Saturday, November 7 with performances at 4 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 at 3 p.m. You can relive childhood dreams while your children create their own dreams and memories from this fun filled event.
Tickets can be purchased at the Atmore Area YMCA, United Bank in Atmore and from any YMCA Board Member. Advance discount tickets are $10 per adult and children under 14 are free when accompanied by an adult. Non-discounted tickets will be available on circus day.
For more information, call the Atmore Area YMCA at (251) 368-9622.
Pictured top and bottom: Workers raise the big top tent this morning. for the Lewis & Clark Circus. Pictured inset: This camel is one of many animals in the show. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Elementary Fall Carnival Is Tonight
November 6, 2009
The annual Fall Carnival will take place this evening at Molino Park Elementary School.
The carnival will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. at the school. There will be games, entertainment, bingo, informational exhibits, vendors, a health fair, pony rides and more clean, family fun. Twirlers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will perform, along with local teen band Empty Page.
The gift basket silent auction will also be held.
For more information, call the school at (850) 587-5265.
Barrineau Park Music Night Tonight
November 6, 2009
There’s some good entertainment on stage tonight in Barrineau Park — and it’s free.
The monthly Barrineau Park Music Night will be tonight at the Barrineau Park Community Center. The featured groups tonight are “Down Home” and “Rolling Tide”.
The singing starts at 7 p.m. and is free. Food and refreshments will also be available beginning at 6 p.m.
The event is family-friendly — no alcohol is permitted on the property, and no smoking is allowed in or near the building.
For more information, call (850) 587-5575.
The Barrineau Park Community Center is located on Barrineau Park School road, about three miles west of Molino.