Reader Photos: DirecTV Blimp Passes Over North Escambia

February 6, 2013

The DirecTV blimp was spotted over North Escambia Tuesday. These photos from readers Ben and Rachel Gilmore show the blimp over Molino, as seen from Rolling Oaks Drive and Schaag Road. Submitted photos for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.

Dadrien Washington Spells Her Way To Third In Annual Spelling Bee

February 5, 2013

Dadrien Washington was a third place winner in the Sandy Sansing 37th Annual Spelling Bee Monday in Pensacola. Washington competed against fifth grade students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Washington attends Longleaf Elementary School and is a former student at Byrneville Elementary. She is the granddaughter of Sandra McMurray Jackson of Century, and  David and Kim Washington of Molino.

First place was earned by Thomas Colangelo of West Navarre Intermediate School, and second went to Morgan Kelley of Redeemer Lutheran School.

Pictured: Sandy Sansing presents a check to Dadrien Washington along with Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas (left) and Santa Rosa Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick (far right). Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Local Church Hosts Dave Ramey’s Financial Peace University

February 3, 2013

Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia will offer classes from Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning March 1.

The nine-week course includes video classes and group discussion and has changed lives all across the country. More than 1.5 million families have completed the program at their workplace, church, military base, nonprofit organization or community group and are working toward debt freedom and financial peace.

Through common-sense principles and small-group accountability, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days; following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget regularly, according to Ramsey.

“FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life,” says Ramsey. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.”

Ramsey knows first-hand the pain that financial stress can cause. After creating a net worth of more than a million dollars by age 26, he quickly lost it all. Since then Ramsey has helped families and individuals across the country learn how to get control of their finances and avoid debt so they don’t have to experience the same pain he did.

After purchasing a membership each participant receives a workbook, Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money, an envelope system and an audio CD library. Participants will also have access to budgeting forms and MP3’s of all the lessons.

Classes at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church begin March 1 and will meet each Friday at 7 pm. Registration ends February 15. The even is open to the entire community. Childcare is available for a minimal fee.

To register or more information, click here. For additional details, contact Rachel Gilmore at ((850) 572-6465 or brgilmore@frontiernet.net.

Recipes: Super Treats For The Super Bowl

February 3, 2013

While there’s a time and a place for elegant desserts, a Super Bowl party isn’t one of them. All the fun and action call for something easy for guests to handle and easy for hosts to make.

Fans of chocolate and marshmallows will cheer for these Rocky Road Squares. By substituting evaporated milk for water, you get a super-rich texture and very fudgy flavor. And by using melted chocolate morsels as well as whole ones, these Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies score big on the taste meter. You may want to make an extra batch, because they’ll be scooped up in no time!

Rocky Road Squares

Ingredients

* 1 package (19.5 to 21 ounces) fudge brownie mix
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil, per package directions
* 2 large eggs, per package directions
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk
* 1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
* 2 cups miniature marshmallows
* 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Preparation

1. PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. PREPARE brownie mix according to package directions, using vegetable oil and egg(s) and substituting evaporated milk for water. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE according to package directions; do not over bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny. Spread evenly. Top with marshmallows and walnuts.
4. BAKE for 3 to 5 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to melt. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a knife dipped in hot water.

Serves
2 dozen brownies
Calories: 230g Total Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 20mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 27g Sodium: 80mg

Preparation and Baking Time:
35 minutes

Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies

Ingredients

* 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, cut into pieces
* 3 large eggs
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preparation

1. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. MELT 1 cup morsels and butter in large, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir in remaining morsels and nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE for 18 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Serves
2 dozen bars
Calories: 190g Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 23g Sodium: 50mg

Preparation and Baking Time:
28 minutes

Birth: Landry Thomas Sims

February 3, 2013

Wes and Kelly Sims of Uriah, AL, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Landry Thomas Sims.

Landry was born on January 15, 2013, at Sacred Heart hospital in Pensacola. Landry weighed 7-pounds 15.9-ounces and was 20½ inches” long. Landry is the grandson of Billy and Dorothy Sims of McDavid, and Chuck and Gayle Aldridge.

Landry was welcomed home by his big sister Laurel and big brothers Lane, Layton and Lawyer.

Alyssa Borelli Named Miss EWMS 2013

February 2, 2013

Alyssa Borelli was named Miss EWMS 2013 Friday night at Ernest Ward Middle School.

First Runner-up was Nikoal Creamer and Second Runner-up was Morgan Myrick. Creamer also received the Poise and Appearance award. Other winners were: Ashtyn Carnley,Miss Physical Fitness; Hannah Ellis, Miss Hospitality; Elizabeth Wright, Miss Congeniality; Gabbrielle Peebles, People’s Choice award.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Pictured top: First Runner-up Nikoal Creamer, Miss EWMS 2013 Alyssa Borelli, and Second Runner-up  Morgan Myrick Friday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below:  Contestants Gabrielle Peebles, Hannah Ellis and Makayla Harigel during introduction of the “Disco Fever” themed pageant. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Photos:A ‘Funnel Cloud’ Sunset

February 2, 2013

Friday afternoon’s sunset was a bit unique, with readers across the area reporting what looked like a “funnel cloud” in the skies. Pictured: Friday afternoon’s “funnel cloud” sunset as seen from Walnut Hill (above, NorthEscambia.com photo) and below from Dogwood Park (courtesy Delaney Reynolds). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Game Day Food Safety Tips

February 2, 2013

Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest day of the year for food consumption. Super Bowl parties feature food, fun, food, and more food—lots of finger foods , dips, beverages, casseroles, and other snacks.

Food-borne illnesses, better known as food poisoning, affect one in six Americans each year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 128,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 3,000 deaths occur each year from food-borne illnesses, so this year, kick off your Game Day party the food-safe way.

When planning those finger foods, dips, and casseroles, score some extra points by practicing the Four Basic Food Preparation Safety Rules:

CLEAN — The first rule is to keep everything that comes in contact with the food clean. Wash hands with warm water and soap before handling food and disinfect all food contact surfaces, such as dishes, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.

SEPARATE — The second rule is to not provide bacteria with an ideal environment to spread. Cross-contamination is the spread of bacteria from one food item to another. Keep raw foods separated from cooked food items. Store uncooked meats on the lower shelves of the refrigerator to prevent dripping and cross-contamination.

COOK — Cook foods to proper temperature to be certain the food reaches an internal temperature high enough to destroy bacteria. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat,
poultry and fish are cooked to the correct temperature for that food.

CHILL — When transporting foods, the rule is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never defrost foods on the counter at room temperature. Always allow sufficient time to thaw foods in the refrigerator. Perishable foods should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Rotate foods in and out of the refrigerator, or use ice to avoid any dish being left out too long. Refrigerate leftovers immediately after the game.

All foods are perishable and can cause food-borne illness when not handled properly. Game Day is a great opportunity for family and friends to get together for parties and enjoy seasonal foods.

Play smart on Super Bowl Sunday…don’t let bacteria crash your party.

Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects

January 31, 2013

History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School recently as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.

The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.

This was the fourth year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition.  Winners included:

Individual Projects

  • Tanner Levins
  • Seth Killam
  • Bailee Hinote
  • Mallory Gibson

Group Projects

  • Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli, Victoria Amerson
  • Elizabeth Wright, Kayleigh Linam, Morgan Pope
  • Makenzie Colvin, Savanna Calhoun
  • Jessica Stacey, Natalie Barrow, Amy Branch

Individual Performance

  • Christopher Johnson

Group Website

  • Triston Long, Cameron Long
  • Lydia Smith, Ashtyn Carnley


Individual Website

  • Delaney Reynolds

Pictured top: (L-R) Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli and Victoria Amerson with their project on The Holocaust. Pictured below: EWMS History Fair projects on Jackie Robinson and Thomas Edison. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Flomaton Drama Club To Present ‘All Shook Up’

January 30, 2013

The Flomaton High School Drama Club will present “All Shook Up” Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00. Admission is $5.

“This musical is a lot of fun! If you can think of an Elvis song, it’s probably in this musical,” Jerry Aaron, Drama Club advisor said.

“All Shook Up” is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley. The musical is described: Into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel”.

Flomaton’s production stars Deston Taylor as Chad, the guitar playing roustabout, and Victoria Roe as Natalie Haller, the local female mechanic who is looking for some excitement. Tyler Dove plays the part of straight-laced military school student; Dean Hyde and Hannah Blair plays the girl who was raised on the wrong side of the tracks Lorraine.

“Both of our male leads are played by veterans of the Drama Club but our female leads are both freshman. These girls are very talented and have worked hard to get this show ready for the production,” Aaron said.

K. J. Head plays Lorraine’s mother Sylvia; Seth Harrison plays Natalie’s dad Jim. Of course the town has a nosey Mayor played by Dezare Turner.

“We have about 25 students involved in this production, and they have worked hard learning to dance and sing this great music. Olivia Singelton has done a great job with the chorography, I certainly could not have done it without her, “Aaron added.

Pictured top: (L-R) Travis Coleman, Tiffany Hardy, Olivia Singelton, Taylor Morris, Taylor Graves, Matt Ledford and Kerrie Kornegay. Deston Taylor kneeling. Pictured below:  Girls that love Chad. Pictured inset above: Chad played by junior Deston Taylor is just a roving roustabout, Natalie played by fresham Victoria Roe  loves Chad, and Dennis played by Senior Dan Condrey loves Natalie. Picture bottom: Cast members Back row – Seth Harrison, Trent Sutton, Grace Carrier, Trevor Reeves, Scarlett Carter, Kimberly Waldrop, Eric Bossard. Second
row – Dan Condrey, Tyler Dove, Madison Buffington, Kristen Dixon, Hannah Kaylor, Dezarae Turner.  Front row – Tiffany Paige, Chelsea Turner, Nickie Brittingham, Hannah Blair, K. J. Head, Alexis Williams, and Daniel Lambeth. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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