2008 Persons Of The Year: Cyndi, Danny, Drew Marlow
January 2, 2009
Cyndi , Danny and Drew Marlow of Molino have been named as one of our NorthEscambia.com Citizens of the Year. Cyndi suffered the loss of her child and husband in a tragic vehicle accident in early 2008, and she stepped forward to turn that tragedy into “Drew’s Field”, a t-ball field under construction at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park.
Each day through Monday, NorthEscambia.com will name another person as a NorthEscambia.com Person of the Year.
Our communities cried for and with Cyndi over her loss of husband Danny and two-year old son Drew. We published a memorial message board where our communities expressed their thoughts. You read that here, and a blog post “Go Home Truck” here.
We hugged our children and our spouses and told them they we loved them, as we were reminded just how fragile life can be. But through the pain, Cyndi decided to make Drew’s t-ball dream a reality for other children in our area with Drew’s Field. It was an act of amazing courage, and a testament to the community spirit that makes North Escambia such a great place to live.
We think the story of Drew’s Field is best told by an article that we first published on April 15, 2008. That article is below.
T-ball Field To Be Named In Memory Of Drew Marlow
Cyndi Marlow stood alone in the middle of a simple, unfinished dirt t-ball field Monday afternoon. A cold wind blew across the nearby wheat field as she stood holding a small, child-size Florida Gator bat.
It was Drew’s bat. A brightly colored little bat, with scuff marks on its fat end where Drew played hard with it.
It was Drew’s dream to play t-ball. And Drew’s dad dreamed of the day he would see his son give that ball a good strong whack off a tee at the ballpark. It does not matter if a little fellow gets to first base in that first game. Dads will cheer; dads will smile with pride anyway for their sons. It’s just what dads do. Danny Marlow looked forward to that day with great anticipation.
But Monday afternoon, Cyndi Marlow stood alone on that field at the back of Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park. She did not hold the bat dangling from her hand or just in the middle like most people hold a bat. She held the bat close to her heart with both hands before posing for a picture with Drew’s bat. On Drew’s Field.
(story continues below photo)
Drew and Danny will never see that field. Two year old Drew Marlow and his dad Danny Marlow died January 28 in an accident on Highway 97.
The Northwest Escambia Little League has voted to name the new t-ball field at the back of Bradberry Park “Drew’s Field” in honor of Drew’s dream.
“We were going to go play t-ball,” Cyndi said with a smile. “That’s all Drew talked about. “
“He would play and play with this bat, his very own Gator bat,” she said of her son, gently rubbing a finger along the handle where Drew would hold the bat.
She laughed a little. “Well, it was more like golf when he played with it. He could not really hit the ball unless it was on the floor, or unless Danny held it is his hand and let him hit it.”
Drew and Danny spent hours playing with that blue and orange bat. Dreaming of that big t-ball opening day they both just knew would come when that little boy with a big number “3” on his jersey stepped to the plate.
Danny had it all planned out, down to the jersey number. Drew was Cyndi and Danny’s “miracle baby”…he was their third attempt at in vitro conception.
“We were just so excited. But then we went to the doctor. They rate the chances of the embryo surviving on a scale of one to five. A four or below has a small chance of surviving.”
“The doctor rated the embryo as a three that was Drew. A three out of five. We knew it was all in God’s hands.”
And God blessed the Marlows with a healthy sandy blonde baby boy they named Drew.
“That’s where the jersey number ‘3’ came from. Danny always said ‘could you imagine if he was a five’,” Cyndi said. “He always wanted Drew to wear ‘3’ in his first t-ball game.”
“I kept thinking that I wanted to do something so that they would be remembered. My family was always at almost every ballgame. I wondered if they (NWE) would let me make a field and call it ‘Drew’s Field’.” When she approached the NWE Board, they agreed to make her dream a reality.
Now the rush is on…the plans call for Drew’s Field to be ready for dedication on closing day, June 6. The biggest expense, Cyndi said, will be the memorial marker for the field.
“We have quite a few volunteers ready to help us on making this happen,” she said. “I’m so excited. I have mixed emotions. I’m still sad, but I’m really excited about it. It is quite an honor for it to be named after him.”
“I still cry every day,” she said. Up this point, she has fought back the tears during our interview. Now she wipes the tears from her eyes. “It’s been hard.”
“I was overwhelmed with your printed comments,” Cyndi said, referring to a Memorial Message Board and a blog that was published here on NorthEscambia.com. Dozens and dozens of people from the community posted their thoughts and comments about the tragedy.
“I’m really sad. But it makes me feel good that he touched so many lives,” she said.
“There was this family that told me they started going to church. There was this lady that bought Bibles for her children. Drew’s story has changed so many lives.”
“Everything is for His glory,” Cyndi said. “I’ve been asked why I am not mad at God.”
“But I am not mad at God. I don’t understand it,” she said, fighting back her emotions. “I know God has a purpose. And I try to think about the good losing my husband and my child has done for others. To bring glory to God.”
“I was blessed to have him two and a half years,” she said of Drew. She paused and took a deep breath to get the words out. “I love him. I really miss him.”
Additional funding is still needed to make Drew’s Field a reality. If you would like to help build Drew’s Field, donations can be made at any Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties in Florida or at the Atmore, Alabama, branch to the “Drew’s Field” account.
Adopted Or Foster Homes Needed Now For Horses
December 30, 2008
A group based in the Molino area that has spent over three years helping horses in Escambia County is now in need of foster homes for some of the animals.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is in desperate need of foster homes for rescued horses, according to PER President Diane Lowery. Many PER horses are also available now for adoption.
Some of the horses available for adoption include Eli, a 17-month old gelding; Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare; Jasmine, an 8-year old black Mare; and Dot, a three-year old filly.
For more information on fostering or adopting a horse, call Diane at (850) 393-9793 or 587-2754.
Pictured above: Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare, is just of the Panhandle Equine Rescue horses that needs an adopted or foster home.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2008
It’s the greatest story we have ever reported here on NorthEscambia.com, and it is the greatest story that we will ever report. It’s a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today, but it is also a story that impacts each of our lives each and every day here in North Escambia.
Our lead story today is one that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior so that we might all have eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Polar Express, Starring Local Girl, Was Named Winterfest’s Best
December 24, 2008
For the second year running, The Polar Express performance was named as the best on the Pensacola Winterfest tour, thanks in part to an Ernest Ward Middle School student.
Angel Mitchell, 12, portrayed the “hero girl” from the book “The Polar Express” in this year’s elaborate production. The Polar Express scene included a large scale fiberglass train engine, accented by fog, steam and sound effects.
During the Winterfest performance tours, “hero girl” Angel Mitchell, the “hero boy” and the conductor boarded the tour buses and trolleys for a sing along with the conductor, and, in a scene straight from that wonderful holiday movie, the boy hands out Santa’s bells to everyone.
The 14-stop Winterfest tours are over for this year, but there is still time to enjoy the holiday lights on a 30 minute tour with Santa Claus tonight. The tours continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with Frosty the Snowman.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward Middle School student Angel Mitchell had a starring role in the best performance of Pensacola’s Winterfest. She played “hero girl” from The Polar Express. Pictured below: Angel, the “hero boy” and conductor from The Polar Express. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Exclusive Photos From LifeFlight Over Flomaton And Century
December 23, 2008
NorthEscambia.com recently took an aerial tour of Century and Flomaton in Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter, and today we have the exclusive photos.
We took off from Flomaton Elementary School after LifeFlight dropped Santa Claus off to visit with the children.
We “hot loaded” the EC 135 helicopter; that means we boarded while the rotors were turning overhead. After buckling up, pilot Don Scheibe took us up about 30 feet and turned a 360 degree circle. Then it was up and away, south over Century to the are of East Highway 4, then back north at about 150 mph over Century and Flomaton. We headed up to Highway 113 and back to Flomaton Elementary.
For a complete photo gallery of the flight, click here.
Baptist Hospital became the third hospital in the country to operate medical helicopter ambulance service back in 1977. LifeFlight 2 was added in Mobile in 2004 and LifeFlight 3 was added in Evergreen in 2006.
Operating 24 hours a day, Baptist LifeFlight can be airborne within minutes of a call, traveling at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. This significantly reduces the transport time of critically ill patients, either from a transferring hospital or from the scene of an emergency.
The Baptist LifeFlight crew is highly trained and experienced in critical care. Registered nurses must have a paramedic certification, a minimum of three years in nursing with one year each of critical care and emergency department experience, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Paramedics are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a busy EMS service and must also have ACLS and PALS certifications. New crew members also receive extensive additional training from LifeFlight’s medical directors.
The helicopter operates on two Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. It has an empty weight of 3,208 pounds, and a maximum flight weight of 6,415 pounds. It has a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet, a cruise speed of 158 mph and climbs 25 feet per second.
Pictured above: Looking south over Flomaton toward Century from Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter. Pictured above middle: Looking down at the Panhandle Restaurant in Century. Pictured below: Looking north over Century toward Flomaton from over the East Highway 4 and North Century Boulevard intersection. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas Celebration: Carver/Century Students Receive Gifts
December 20, 2008
Christmas came early for students at Carver/Century K-8 School Friday as Santa Claus and members of Trinity Presbyterian Church handed out Christmas gifts to students.
Every student in grade Pre-K through fifth received gifts from Trinity, a Carver/Century Partner in Education. The church also sponsored a pizza party for the school’s middle school students, and Santa visited the classrooms.
“Wow, it’s really Elmo,” one student screamed has he received a brand new TMX Elmo. “Thank you! I love him!”
For over 20 years, Trinity has provided the Christmas gifts for the Carver students, many of which come from some of the poorest homes in the county. Volunteers from the Pensacola church also provide for the students at other times during the school year, including Halloween bags, Easter baskets, school supplies, free books for summer vacation and sometimes even clothing for a needy child. Trinity Volunteers also tutor students once a week each week during the school year.
Trinity partnered with Carver about 20 years ago after a Carver teacher was telling her Sunday School class at Trinity about the problems faced by many of the Carver students. The church’s “service committee” stepped forward and has spearheaded the “Century Christmas Stars” project ever since.
“This is the highlight of our year,” Trinity member Martee Atkins said. “For some of these kids it is their only Christmas.”
“I really enjoy watching the kids; sometimes it makes me feel like I am a kid again,” Trinity member Bill Tabbe said. “We enjoy coming up here and being part of the children’s lives.”
“It’s really, really special,” Atkins said.
Fischer Price front end loaders, dolls, TMX Elmo dolls, radio control cars and Wilson NFL footballs were among the presents given to the children.
For a photo gallery from Carver/Century and the Trinity gifts, click here.
Pictured: Students at Carver/Century received Christmas gifts from Trinity Presbyterian Church Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rudolph’s Day Off: Santa Arrives At Area School In Helicopter
December 20, 2008
The reindeer got the afternoon off Friday as Santa Claus arrived at Flomaton Elementary School in Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter.
“Santa, Santa, Santa,” the students screamed as the jolly old elf in his red and and white suit crawled out of the helicopter. Santa met with boys and girls, hearing those last minute Christmas wishes.
NorthEscambia.com took an aerial tour of Century and Flomaton in the LifeFlight helicopter. We’ll have those photos in a photo gallery Tuesday morning; you don’t want to miss them.
For a photo gallery from Santa’s visit on LifeFlight to Flomaton Elementary School, click here.
Pictured above: Santa arrived in LifeFlight Friday afternoon at Flomaton Elementary School. Pictured below: Santa poses with Flomaton students. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Carver/Century Students Celebrate Christmas
December 19, 2008
Pictured: The students at Carver/Century K-8 School presented their annual Christmas musical and play Thursday morning. The students are expecting a special visit from Santa Claus on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Claus Visits Library For Story Time
December 19, 2008
About 100 kids and kids at heart visited a winter wonderland at the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon.
Santa Claus was on hand to take those last minute Christmas wishes. Requests included Nintinedo’s, basketballs, Ipods, dolls, clothes and even a vacuum cleaner.
The children also enjoyed a story, crafts and a goody bag filled with tasty treats.
For a complete photo gallery with about 100 photos from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Santa is told a secret Christmas wish at the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: He was not sure what to tell Santa. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Aldersgate Presents The Grumpy Shepherd
December 18, 2008
Aldergate United Methodist Church presented their annual Christmas musical “The Grumpy Shepherd” recently.
The Chancel Choir of Aldersgate UMC will present their cantata “Candles and Carols” Sunday morning during their 10:30 worship service under the direction of Holly Driver. Everyone is invited to attend.
For a photo gallery from the presentation, click here.
Pictured above: Aldersgate UMC presented “The Grumpy Shepherd”. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.