Gates, Fountain To Wed
December 16, 2012
Chad and Alison Fournier of Atmore proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Jordan Alexandria Gates, to Lee Brandon Fountain, also of Atmore.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Billy and Linda Gates of Atmore and Roger and Debbie Boutwell, also of Atmore.
The prospective groom is the son of Dudley and Sheila Fountain of Atmore. He is the grandson of Myrtle Ellison and the late Earl Ellison of Clanton, Ala., and Vivian Fountain and the late Robert Fountain of Atmore.
Miss Gates is a 2008 Honors graduate of Escambia County High School and is currently enrolled as a full time student at the University of South Alabama pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a concentration in either Pediatrics or Athletics.
Mr. Fountain is a 2003 graduate of Escambia County High School and a 2007 graduate of Troy University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He hopes to pursue his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice in the Fall of 2013. He is presently employed with the Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer.
The couple will exchange vows November 2, 2013 in Atmore.
The couple will reside in Daphne, Ala., until Miss Gates completes her education.
Pen Air FCU Contributes Toys to Toys for Tots to Help 7,500 Children
December 16, 2012
Pen Air Federal Credit Union teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense to provide toys to underprivileged children in the community for the holidays. Each Pen Air FCU branch served as a drop-off location for donations, accumulating toys and other donations to help make the holidays of 7,500 children a little bit brighter.
A team of local Marines collected the toys from the Pen Air FCU branch aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola recently. The toys, for children of all ages, will be taken to a warehouse to be separated by intended age group and gender. From there, they will be distributed in the community before Christmas.
“There has been a significant increase of families who applied to receive toys this year,” said Lt. Matt Nole of the Marine Corps who assisted in picking up the toys from Pen Air FCU. “Thankfully, the donations have also grown to meet these needs.”
Pictured: Pen Air FCU employees and Lt. Matt Nole pose with some of the toys donated to Toys for Tots through Pen Air branches. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pen Air FCU President and CEO, Stewart Ramsey, said, “I am filled with pride over the donations collected from our members and employees. I hope these toys will make this a very merry Christmas to many local families.”
Photos, Videos: Northview Christmas Variety Show
December 15, 2012
The Northview High School concert band, color guard, majorettes, dance team, guitar ensemble. theatre groups and glee club presented the NHS Christmas Variety Show Friday night at the school.
The program included Christmas performances from each group.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a video of the performance of “Little Drummer Boy”, click here.
For a video of the dance team performance, click here.
Pictured the NHS Christmas Variety Show held Friday night at the school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Byrneville Elementary Holds Annual Christmas Carnival
December 15, 2012
Byrneville Elementary School held its Christmas Carnival Friday night at the school.
The annual event included a host of games, including a ring toss, cake walk, football toss and more. The evening’s festivities ended with a gift basket auction, with proceeds going to benefit the school.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Christmas Parade Set For Saturday
December 11, 2012
The 10th annual Molino Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and will end at the Molino Ballpark where Santa will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
Entry fees are $25 for vehicles’ $15 for motorcycles, tractors and golf carts; and $10 for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts are allowed. Preregister now at Fran’s Diner or on the day of the parade. Entrants need to be in line at the parade start by 10 a.m.
All proceeds will go directly toward helping needy children in the Molino community during the Christmas season. Donations such as toys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner in advance of the parade.
For more information, call Christa at (850) 587-3201 or Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803.
The parade rain date will be Sunday, December 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: The annual Molino Christmas Parade last year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Student A Winner In Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Art Contest
December 10, 2012
A Bratt Elementary School fifth grader was one of three Escambia County winners in an art contest sponsored in conjunction with concerts by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.
Last month, 6,000 fifth grade students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties attended live concerts by the Symphony at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.
Regions Bank also sponsored an art contest in conjunction with the concerts. In the weeks leading up to the performance, students listened to the selected piece and drew pictures inspired by the music. This year’s piece was John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare. Students’ drawings depicted Olympic rings, various sporting events, gold medals, celebrity athletes, and more. From over 1,000 entries, 37 finalists were selected and their artwork was projected above the symphony during a live performance of the Olympic Fanfare at the concerts.
From those finalists, the top 3 entries from Santa Rosa and Escambia counties received prizes courtesy of Regions Bank.
In Escambia County, Amber Roth from Hellen Caro Elementary received first place and a $500 savings bond. Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond. Helena Gee from A.K. Suter Elementary received third place and a $100 savings bond.
Teachers of all of the winners received a gift basket of art supplies for their classrooms from Regions Bank.
Pictured top: This poster by Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond in a Pensacola Symphony Orchestra art contest. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 9, 2012
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured nearly dozens of lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
Float winners were:
Ahh! Award – Atmore Community Hospital
Judge’s Choice – Jus Because
People’s Choice – PCI “Viking” Float
Most Inspirational – Brooks Memorial Baptist Church
Best Float Team Spirit – K-9 Kleaners & Resorts
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids
December 9, 2012
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 12th annual toy ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Over 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall.
Pictured: The LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz ride departs Bratt Saturday morning after Santa and helpers delivered toys to children waiting at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Creative Gardening Gift Ideas
December 8, 2012
Still don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.
Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.
Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.
Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.
In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.
Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.
Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.
A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.
Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.
Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.
For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.
Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chamber Holds Christmas Open House
December 5, 2012
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Tuesday 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 above: Oakland Ard and Lina Showalter enjoy refreshments during the annual Christmas Open House Tuesday evening at the Century Chamber of Commerce. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.