Photos: Molino Park 5th Graders Present “Cooking It!”
October 1, 2010
Refined sugar isn’t so sweet, but fruit and veggies are good — that’s the message behind a play and puppet show presented today at Molino Park Elementary School.
Molino Park’s fifth graders and professionals from the Pensacola Little Theatre presented “Cooking It!” — an original musical play designed to facilitate healthy eating and address childhood obesity.
For a photo gallery from a Thursday practice, click here.
“If you can’t pronounce it, renounce it,” says character Chef Freda, portrayed by PLT’s Tricia Hartley in the play after the students learn that refined sugar can “hide” behind names like manitol, sorbitol, dextrose and galactose.
But puppet characters Brussels Sprout and Carrot, along with Farmer Mark, spread the word that fruits and vegetables can be a tasty and healthy alternative, especially when sweetened with just a pinch of raw sugar and the flavorful help of the “Spice Girls.”
“Too much sweet stuff in your food is not good for you,” said fifth grader Domonique McNeill. “Sugar hides itself; you have to read the label to learn where the sugar is,” added Kylee Jackson.
The students have practiced all week under the direction of Michelle Hancock, Pensacola Little Theatre’s Beyond Boundaries coordinator.
“We’ve learned how to do a play with real actors,” said Aaron Dees. “It’s been great.”
For a photo gallery from a Thursday practice, click here.
Pictured above and below: Fifth grade students at Molino Park Elementary practice Thursday morning for a Friday performance of “Cooking It!”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Photo Gallery: That’s Just Tacky!
September 30, 2010
Wednesday was Tacky Day at Ernest Ward Middle Middle, part of Spirit Week for the Eagles.
Several other special dress days are planned:
- Thursday — Team Day
- Friday — Camo Day
- Monday — Twin Day
- Tuesday — Blue and Gold Day
For more Tacky Day photos, click here.
Pictured above and below: Some the tacky dress Wednesday for Tacky Day at Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Flomaton Meet In Dig Pink Breast Cancer Event; Honor Survivors Including Coach
September 29, 2010
Breast cancer awareness was the real winner Tuesday in Bratt as the Northview Chiefs hosted the Flomaton Hurricanes in Dig Pink high school volleyball.
And for one coach, the night was more than meaningful.
Northview Assistant Coach Barbara Luker is a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 2001, Luker has beaten he disease. In 2010, she was among the organizers of Tuesday’s Dig Pink event.
“It means a lot to see them out here playing for the cause,” Luker said the dozens of girls that took part in Dig Pink. “But it means so much more to know they have learned a lot this week about breast cancer and how to get checked.”
In fact, Luker said, some of the girls learned this week that breast cancer has already stricken some of their classmates.
“It’s a much more common thing than most people realize,” she said. “I’m so glad they have had the opportunity to learn about it.”
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Dig Pink, click here.
For complete scores and stats, click here.
In the Dig Pink event at the varsity level, Flomaton defeated Northview in three consecutive games, 26-24, 27-25, 25-19.
The Lady Hurricanes were led by Jasmine Stackhouse with seven kills; Tara Gafford with eight blocks and Christina Gohagan with four aces and 22 assists.
Shawna Montgomery paced the Lady Chiefs with seven kills, four aces, three digs and half dozen blocks. Ashley Digmon had four assists and two digs for Northview, while Sarah Killam added one dig and a block.
Northview’s Dig Pink was sponsored by Atmore Florist, Winn Dixie, Hendrix Tractor Company, Jim Johnson Ford, Squeegee Graphix, Pizza Hut and NorthEscambia.com.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Dig Pink, click here.
Pictured top: Northview High School Assistant volleyball coach Barbara Luker, a breast cancer survivor, was was on the organizers for Tuesday’s Dig Pink breast cancer awareness matches at Northview. Pictured below: The Northview Lady Chiefs. Pictured inset: Volleyball action from Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Students Of The Month Named
September 28, 2010
Escambia County Students of the Month for September have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt: Jakyia N. Newton, kindergarten; Madelyn Plant, fourth grade
- Jim Allen: Allison C. Roach, fifth grade; Kyndal J. Bray, fifth grade
- Molino Park: Ashley Y. Allen, third grade; Jerry K. Calvert, third grade
- Ernest Ward: Kayleigh G. Linam, sixth grade; Liberty D. Peebles, seventh grade; Penny N. Banda, eighth grade.
- Ransom: Mariah L. Constantakos, eighth grade; Matthew D. Hardy, eighth grade
- Northview: Stephanie L. Solari, 12th grade; Nolan C. Taylor, 11th grade
- Tate: Mallory B. Fuqua, 12th grade; Chase W. Carroll, 11th grade
Pictured top: Stephanie Solari and Nolan Taylor, Northview High School’s Students of the Month for September. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo: Wedding Bales
September 27, 2010
These “wedding bales” greeted drivers along Highway 97 in Walnut Hill over the weekend. The bride and groom hay bales welcomed guests to a wedding reception at Cook’s Barn. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Homemakers Learn Basket Weaving
September 26, 2010
At a recent meeting, the Molino Homemakers had a demonstration on basket weaving by club member Carolyn Peterson.
Peterson learned how to make baskets 13 years ago and has been making them ever since.
She took round reed, cut it the length she would need, soaked it in a bucket of water, then started an over and under weave around a crisscross section. This method was continued until the bottom was made. The crisscross vines were then positioned in an upward angle. The over and under method was continued to make the sides. A separate weave was demonstrated to make the rim of the basket.
Peterson said the Creek Indians traditionally used honeysuckle vine for this type of basket.
The Molino Homemakers enjoy sharing ideas and skills passed down to them to assure its continuation into the next generation of homemakers. We never forget the knowledge and wisdom that sits amongst us each meeting. Visitors are welcome. The group meets at10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, excluding July, in the fellowship hall of Molino First Assembly of God Church.
Pictured: Molino Homemakers club member Carolyn Peterson demonstrates basket weaving at a recent club meeting. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Homemade Soft Pretzels That Can’t Be Beat
September 26, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is Homemade Soft Pretzels. Perfect for weekend football, easy to make, this weekend’s recipe can’t be beat.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
September 25, 2010
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Dramatic Photos: House Burned
September 24, 2010
An unoccupied wood home in Atmore was burned to the ground Thursday afternoon. The controlled burn was conducted to remove the structure while giving area fire departments a chance for training.
The burn on South Presley Street was conducted by the Atmore Fire Department, Poarch Fire Department and the Nokomis Fire Department. The Walnut Hill Fire Department on standby at the scene to assist or answer any emergency calls in the city.
Click here for a dramatic photo gallery that shows the chronological progress of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans John Garrard, Joel Day, Harry Reid Take Honor Flight With Alabama Governor
September 23, 2010
Two Atmore residents, John Garrard and Joel Day, and a Flomaton resident, Harry Reed — took a day long trip to Washington Wednesday on the South Alabama Honor Flight.
The Honor Flight gives World War II veterans the opportunity to tour the World War II Memorial and other monuments in the nation’s capital. Garrard and Day were among 88 veterans on Wednesday’s flight.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley served Day’s guardian — his constant companion — for the trip.
“The American dream would not be possible if not for the courageous efforts of the men and women of our Armed Forces. In this, the most devastating war the world has ever known, American service members during World War II overcame insurmountable challenges in a fight that covered the expanse of the globe,” Gov. Riley said.
“From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Iwo Jima, Americans fought, won, and made a safer world for our children and our grandchildren. We must never forget that freedom has a very high price – a price that has been paid by our nation’s veterans and their families. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude,” Alabama’s governor continued.
Hundreds of people gave the returning veterans a hero’s welcome at the Mobile Regional Airport Wednesday night.
Among those greeting Day and his governor guardian at the airport was Ava Gurganus, the daughter of Kelly Gurganus, a teacher at Northview High School. Her grandfather, Sammy Day, is athletic director at Northview.
Ava proudly held a sign high in the air as the veterans departed the Honor Flight. “We (heart) PawPaw” — the sign said.
Pictured above: John Garrard (left) and Joel Day return from the South Alabama Honor Flight Wednesday night at the Mobile Regional Airport. Pictured inset: Ava Gurganus welcomes Day back as Northview High Athletic Director Sammy Day (bottom left corner) watches. Pictured below: Atmore veteran Joel Day, his Honor Flight guardian Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and his wife Louse. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
