Teacher To Be Hired To Ensure Community Involvement At Bratt And Ernest Ward
June 8, 2009
The Escambia County School District is hiring a teacher on special assignment to help ensure that parents and the community are as involved as possible at Ernest Ward Middle and Bratt Elementary schools next year.
It is all part of the plan to make sure the consolidation of Carver/Century K-8 into Ernest Ward and Bratt goes as smoothly as possible.
“We are using stimulus money to hire this person to help with community involvement at Bratt and Ernest Ward,” Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas told NorthEscambia.com. “A big part of the program will be to help Century residents participate in the schools.”
When Thomas announced the closure and consolidation of Carver/Century, there were concerns expressed by many Century area residents that they and their children would not be able to become involved in their child’s school.
According to the job description for the position, the person hired will be a certified teacher that will:
- provide leadership in transition activities
- serve as a liaison between families, various committees, departments and agencies as requested by the principals
- assist the principals in the development, preparation and a process of data collection, needs assessments, satisfaction surveys and other activities
- assist the principals and office support personnel in the preparation of calendars, fliers, newsletters and registration packets
- coordinate and facilitate partnerships with civic groups, business partners, mentors and volunteers
“We will see if we get results and the position is beneficial before we continue it next year,” Thomas said. “We will see if it increases parental involvement.”
Northview Honors Teacher, Volunteers Of The Year
June 8, 2009
Teacher and volunteers of the year at Northview High School were recently honored.
Bill Welch was named the Senior Volunteer of the Year for NHS. Bryan Colburn was named Adult Volunteer of the Year. Micah Byars was named the Student Volunteer of the Year, and Sasha Blackburn was named the Teacher of the Year.
Pictured above: (L-R) Bill Welch, Bryan Colburn, Sasha Blackburn and Micah Byars were honored recently for their service to Northview High School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Are You Ready For DTV? Digital TV Transition Date Is Friday
June 7, 2009
The long awaited switch to digital television is Friday. In North Escambia and the immediate surrounding area, 15,776 free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the June 12 switch have been ordered.
If you do not have a digital ready television and have not installed a digital converter box, your TV will stop working after the transition on Friday if you do not have cable or satellite. The government was handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, including replacement coupons for those that allowed coupons they had previously ordered to expire.
Here is the breakdown of how many coupons had been ordered in the North Escambia and surrounding area, as of the first week of June:
- Century, 32535: 1,490
- McDavid/Walnut Hill, 32568: 1,199
- Molino, 32577: 1,252
- Cantonment, 32533: 4,343
- Jay, 32565: 1,477
- Flomaton, 36441: 920
- Atmore, 36502-4: 5,095
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).
In order to get on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70. They can also be ordered from several retailers online with the coupon.
If you still have questions, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three events scheduled in Escambia County this week to provide more information and allow persons to apply for coupons in person. The FCC events will take place at
- The Bayview Senior Center at 2000 East Lloyd Street Tuesday from 10:30 until 11:3o a.m.
- Radio Shack, Cordova Mall, Tuesday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m.
- Bands On the Beach, Pensacola Beach, Tuesday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On June 12, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after June 12, 2009.Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after June 12, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the June 12, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after June 12, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
All U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before June 12, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on June 12.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Presents Scholarship
June 7, 2009
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently presented a scholarship to Clint Fillingim of Barrineau Park.
Fillingim is a lifetime member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society and a graduate of a West Florida High School of Advanced Technology. He also received a Bright Futures scholarship and Cum Laude awards.
He performs with the musical group Chapel Strings at the Barrineau Park Community Center, various churches, nursing homes and prisons.
Pictured above: Nita Berry presents a Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship to Clint Fillingim recently at West Florida High School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
There’s Still Time To Tour The Juan Sebastián de Elcano
June 7, 2009
Today is the last day to tour the Spanish Navy’s training tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano at the Port of Pensacola. The Elcano and its crew of 300 sailors are in Pensacola until Tuesday for the 450th anniversary celebration of the city as well as the 60th anniversary of the Fiesta of Five Flags.The free 20 minutes tours will be Monday from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.
The tall ship is named after Juan Sebastián de Elcano who sailed with Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the globe, and then completed the circumnavigation after Magellan’s death during the voyage. The Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. It is the official training ship for Spanish Midshipmen of the Spanish Naval Academy and has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe. This is the ships sixth visit to Pensacola since 1959.
For more photos from Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click here.
Pictured: The Juan Sebastian de Elcano in Pensacola. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Blueberries Are Ready At Area U-pick Farm
June 6, 2009
The blueberries are ripe for the picking this weekend at A & N Blueberries in Molino.
Sweet, plump, perfect-color blueberries are just $1 per pound at the u-pick farm that has become a North Escambia tradition.
“They are sweeter than the blueberries you find in the stores,” Sarah Miller of A & N Blueberries said. “Plus it is just a fun atmosphere to bring the family to pick. We even have some families that will bring a lunch and have a picnic.”
“I love blueberries. I love blueberry jam. Blueberries on toast, on bagels,” she said. “Blueberries are just good.”
The blueberry farm sits on about six acres, with rows and rows of trees nearly two decades old. Miller and her husband Eli purchased the farm from his grandparents this year. The blueberries are top quality, good enough that Apple Market and other stores in Pensacola sell A & N Blueberries.
Sarah said that now is the time to pick blueberries for the freezer, and freezing blueberries is easy.
“You go straight from the farm to the freezer; you don’t even wash them first,” she said. “You wash them after you take them out of the freezer.” She said blueberries frozen fresh from the farm can last for a few years in the freezer. Fresh blueberries, she said, will remain at peak quality for about five days.
The blueberry crop is expected to be available until about July 1. The farm will also have watermelons in about two weeks.
In addition to the u-pick blueberries for $1 per pound, A & N also offers pre-picked blueberries for $3 per pound, and fresh blueberry jam.
A & N Blueberries is located on Suncrest Lane, just off Sunshine Hill Road about a half mile north of Molino Road. Click here for a Google map. A & N Blueberries is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to dark.
Pictured top: Sarah and Eli Miller pick blueberries at their A & N Blueberries farm in Molino. Pictured inset and below: Farm-fresh blueberries at A & N Blueberries in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flush! An Ode To Toilets: Library Kicks Off Summer Series
June 4, 2009
The Century Library kicked off its summer reading programs Wednesday with “Flush! An ode to toilets” — complete with all the necessary sound effects from Charlie “The Sound Guy” Williams.
“How’d he do that,” one child repeated over and over as Williams made the sounds of flushing toilets, chainsaws, airplanes and more.
The Century Branch Library will continue its summer series as follows:
- June 9, Tuesday, 12:00: Funny Money
- June 16, Tuesday, 12:00: Kids Can Cook
- June 23, Tuesday, 12:00: Beau Broomall, magician. West Florida’s favorite local magician will delight and surprise with magic tricks galore.
- June 30, Tuesday: No Program
- July 7, Tuesday, 12:00: Tuffy the American Quarter Horse
- July 14, Tuesday, 12:00: Color-wheel creations. Get messy with finger paints then celebrate your art with ice cream.
Pictured above: Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams reads “Flush: An ode to toilets” at the Century Branch Library Wednesday afternoon. Picture below: Williams’ created a lot of a laughter during his library program. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Smoke ‘Tornado’ Photo: Wheat Field Burns
June 2, 2009
Pictured above: A control burn in wheat field at Highway 97 and Tungoil Roads near Walnut Hill Monday afternoon. If you look carefully at the photo below, you can see three different smoke vortexes spinning like three tornadoes. Pictured below: The smoke from the fire was visible from several miles away. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bill Cantrell Receives Molino Servant’s Heart Award
June 1, 2009
William (Bill) Cantrell was awarded the second annual Servant’s Heart Award Sunday morning at CrossFaith Church in Molino.
The community service award was presented to Cantrell for his unselfish dedication to the Molino and Cantonment communities.
Cantrell, 59, has been active in the Cantonment Sports Association, having coached little league baseball for several years. At Christmas, he provides toys for the needy. He helps when someone’s electricity is being turned off. He provided food for the needy.
“Whatever is needed in any area, he is the first to step forward and either write a check or help organize a fund raiser, CrossFaith Pastor Rob Hines said. “But he always does it in all humility letting no one know, if possible, that he is the one helping.”
He has a passion for playing musical instruments and singing, gospel and blue grass being his favorite music. He has been known to play music at Fran’s Diner with a group of friends on Saturday mornings as well as using his talent at church.
He attended 1-10th grade in Escambia County, including Tate High School, and graduated high school in Arkansas. But his family quickly returned from Arkansas, and Cantrell has been busy ever since serving his community in Molino, Cantonment and Pensacola.
While at Tate he played football and baseball, being named most outstanding football player several years and making the all county teams for both baseball and football. While attending Parkin High School in Arkansas, he was captain of the football team and was also selected for the Northeast Arkansas all-star team, class Vice-President and was named Mr. Parkin High School.
“It doesn’t matter what you own, how much money you have in the bank, how talented or educated you are, or how many people you know. If God calls you to have a servant’s heart, He will make a way for you to accomplish what He has put on your heart to do,” Hines said.
“A servant’s heart has more to do with your relationship with God than it has to do with your desire to be recognized for your good deeds. Having a servant’s heart is one of the most beautiful expressions of love I know. It’s showing your love to another human being by simply being who God intended you to be. It’s about seeing a need and fulfilling it without any strings attached…it’s about showing Christ’s love through your actions and words.”
Cantrell and his wife Judy have been married for almost 40 years. They have two children, Jason Cantrell and Charlene Etheridge; and five grandchildren Austin, Wade, Brian, Melody and Ben.
Last year’s recipient of the first CrossFaith Church Servant’s Heart Award was Frances Hampton from Fran’s Diner in Molino.
Pictured above: William (Bill) Cantrell receives the CrossFaith Servant’s Heart Award for community service Sunday morning at CrossFaith Church in Molino from Pastor Rob Hines. Pictured inset: Cantrell and his wife Judy. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Parking Improvements Made At Barrineau Park Community Center
June 1, 2009
The Barrineau Park Community center recently received 37 new parking spaces installed by the Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department. A new walkway was added to provide a clear and level means of getting to and from the building from the parking area. A driveway was added to allow for parking on both sides of the sidewalk. Split rail fences were used to protect the play area, identify the driveway and to generally beautify the park. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.