A Heroes’ Lunch For 9/11
September 12, 2008
The crew on duty Thursday at the Century Volunteer Fire Department was treated to a pizza lunch on Patriot’s Day to honor them for their service. Pictured (L-R) are Nathan Berry, Lt. Greg Sims, Greg Therrell, Donald Merritt and Kyle Kraatz. The lunch was provided by an group of Century area citizens that wished to remain anonymous. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Residents Slowly Ordering DTV Coupons; HD News Here
September 8, 2008
Residents in the North Escambia area are slowly jumping on the bandwagon and ordered their free $40 coupons for the upcoming switch to digital television in February 2009. The deadline to switch to digital TV is fast approaching, and it became a bit closer last night when WEAR-TV 3 became the first in the market to product a high definition newscast.
In Century’s 32535 zip code, 649 coupons had been requested as of last week. That’s up from 189 coupons had been requested as of the first week of May.
In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 587 coupons had been requested as of last week, up 215 the first week of May.
A total of 587 coupons had been requested in the Molino 32577 zip by the end of last week. There had been 244 requested by the first week of May in the Molino zip.
WEAR-TV 3 became the first station in the market to broadcast a newscast in high definition last night at 10:00 when they introduced their new set. It features a modern design, 30 high-def monitors and an anchor desk that can be rotated 180 degrees.
The government is handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, but so far the number of people requesting the coupons in North Escambia is relatively low. Each person is allowed to request up to two coupons. The coupon supply is limited. When the coupon allotment is exhausted, those that have not requested coupons will not receive the $40 savings. The deadline to switch to digital TV is February 17. After that date, viewers on a regular analog TV will just see “snow”.
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 their weather radar 24 hours a day on their station 5-2. 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 additonal 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 to order 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.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On February 17, 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 February 17, 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 February 17, 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 February 17, 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 February 17, 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?
From now through March 31, 2009, 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 and cannot be replaced.
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 February 17, 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 February 17, 2009.
Gorgeous Grandma Day
September 8, 2008
Some of the most beautiful women in North Escambia posed for “glamour shots” recently in Century.
The Century Care Center recently held Gorgeous Grandma Day. The ladies of CCC received the full treatment, from hair to makeup and wardrobe, before posing for their photographs.
To see more photos of the ladies that participated in the event, click here.
Remember What? Ray’s Chapel Youth Hold Back To School Bash
September 7, 2008
The youth at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church held a Youth Back to School Fellowship Saturday night.
The church begins a new church year today, and grades six to college got together last night to kick off the new church year.
The youth played volleyball, raced tricycles and ate. Bro. Nathan Brown, pastor at Ray’s Chapel, gave a devotion with the theme “Remember”, and each youth received a tshirt with the word “Remember”. When someone asks them “Remember what?”, they learned to say “Remember Jesus loves you and has a special plan for your life”.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church is located in the Bogia community.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Have an event at your church? Let us know about it by emailing news@northescambia.com
Pictured above: Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church youth held a back to school bash Saturday night. Pictured below: They also had a little three-wheel-action on tricycles. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
“B” Is For “Benny’s Bar-B-Q”; Chamber Honors Carver/Century School For Recent Gains
September 4, 2008
The letter “B” was for “Benny’s Bar-B-Q” Wednesday at Carver/Century K-8 School as the faculty and staff were honored for their part in improving the school’s state grade.
The Century Chamber of Commerce provided the lunch for the entire staff at Carver/Century to thank them for their hard work in taking the school from an “F” school to a “B” rated school in just one year.
“Principal Jeff Garthwaite, teachers and staff of Carver Century K-8 Elementary School in recognition of their hard work and dedication to bring our school from and “F” to a “B” in just one year. ‘Thank you’ from the entire community of Century,” a certificate presented to Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite said.
The faculty and staff enjoyed barbecue pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and cake, all served up by a smiling and grateful Benny Barnes, president of the Century Chamber of Commerce. Sporting a red “Benny’s Bar-B-Q” apron, he piled barbecue high on each sandwich while offering up words of praise to each faculty member for their part in the school’s improvement.
Several community leaders were also on hand for the event sponsored by the Century Chamber of Commerce. Two local businesses also helped out with the event…Whataburger in Century donated buns, and Century’s Piggly Wiggly provided the cake.
Pictured above: Century Chamber President Benny Barnes, in the red “Benny’s Bar-B-Q” apron, serves up smoked pork Wednesday to Carver/Century K-8 staff and faculty. Pictured below: Century Mayor Freddie McCall, Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite and Barnes with a certificate presented to Carver/Century honored them for their work in improving from a “F” to a “B” school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Abandoned Boat Found On River
September 4, 2008
This boat was found abandoned at Fischer’s Landing on the Escambia River near Century Wednesday morning. Authorities were unable to locate the owner of the Bayliner boat. We though the boat made an interesting, almost artsy, black and white picture that we’d share with you. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Holds Open House, Shows Off New Media Center
August 29, 2008
Bratt Elementary showed off a new media center Thursday night.
The annual open house was held at Bratt Elementary School. Parents and guardians joined their children to meet teachers and tour the facilities.
The highlight of the tour for many was the new school’s new Media Center. The modern building includes a library, a computer center, a closed circuit television studio and more.
Carver/Century K-8 School will hold Open House Thursday, September 11 at 6:00 at the school.
Molino Park Elementary School will hold Open House Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 at the school. Molino Park will hold a PTA board meeting on September 4 at 5:00 in the afternoon at the school.
Byrneville Elementary will hold Open House on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 following a 5:30 PTO meeting.
For a photo gallery from open house at Bratt Elementary School and the school’s new media center, click here.
Pictured above: Students and parents tour the new media center at Bratt Elementary School Thursday evening during the school’s open house. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ray’s Chapel Member Deploys To Iraq
August 26, 2008
A member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia left Sunday for training before being deployed to Kuwait or Iraq.
US Air Force Sgt. John Weaver departed Sunday for specialized training at Camp Bullis, Texas. He will be at Camp Bullis for six weeks before being deployed overseas for at least six months.
Sgt. Weaver is originally from Jay and currently lives in Pensacola with his wife Lisa and three girls, Krista 12, Randi, 10, and Starla, 7. He is stationed at Hurlbert Field.
He and his family are very active and faithful members of Ray’s Chapel, they make the drive several times a week to the church.
The church held a social in his honor to have extra fellowship with him before deployment. Church members made special items for John’s troop of nine members, such as inspirational bracelets and note pads. The church will continue in their support of Sgt. Weaver and his family with prayers and care boxes in the months to come.
Pictured top: Starla, Lisa, John, Randi and Krista Weaver. Pictured middle: Sgt. Weaver presents the flag during a service at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Pictured below: A church social at Ray’s Chapel in honor of Sgt. Weaver. Submitted photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com.
Ramona Preston contributed to this article.
New Northview Student Traveled 7,000 Miles This Weekend To Attend School This Morning
August 18, 2008
There is a new sophomore at Northview High School this morning, and she traveled about 7,000 miles this weekend to get there.
Her name is Seira Kosakai, 15, and she is an exchange student from Tokyo, Japan. She arrived in the United States Saturday night. She’ll be spending her tenth grade year at Northview while living with her host sister Mallory Bell, the daughter of Alan and and Gail Bell. Mallory is also in the tenth grade at Northview.
Seira is fluent in English. She enjoys music, especially guitar and piano; cheerleading; Disney movies; animals and studying the English language. And, like most 15 year olds, she likes shopping. She hopes to one day become a “music star”.
Alan said Mallory’s arrival at the Mobile airport Saturday night was preceding by an amazing sequence of events.
He said not only was daughter Mallory reading the newspaper just a few short weeks ago, an unusual event for her, she was reading the classifieds. It was there that she saw an ad looking for host families for exchange students.
“Gail and I were very apprehensive about this, and considered it to be a passing interest that Mallory wasn’t really committed to being a ‘host sister’,” Alan said. But Mallory did all of the research and registered the family only as a host family. The American Intercultural Student Exchange organization called the Bells on August 2 to begin the process of getting an exchange student to the Bells in the United States.
Seira will become part of the Bell family for the next 10 months, through June of next year. The exchange program expects host families to treat the exchange students as family, even so far as to call each other host mom, host dad, etc. In the AISE exchange program, the host family provides room and board for the student, while the student’s family provides money for clothing, souvenirs, health insurance, etc.
After the August 2 phone conversation, Mallory went to the AISE website at aise.com and found four girls with similar interests. At the website, the Bells could see each student’s school transcripts, pictures and personal interests. All that led the family to choose Seira.
While in the U.S. under the AISE program, Seira will visit area middle and elementary schools to share her culture with other students in the area. She will also attend the First Baptist Church of Bratt with Mallory and the rest of the Bell family.
During the school year, NorthEscambia.com will check in with Seira and the Bell family and keep you updated on Seira’s life in America and school in Bratt.
Pictured above: Mom Gail Bell, Seira Kosakai, Mallory Bell and Alan Bell at home. Pictured below: Mallory Bell, family friend Bailee Deese, Seira Kosakai, Alan Bell and Gail Bell at the Mobile Airport Saturday night. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cheat Sheet: Quick Back To School Facts You Need To Know To Survive
August 18, 2008
Here’s the last minute cheat sheet on things you need to know on this first day of school:
School Start Times Are Different
Most elementary schools in Escambia County have a morning start time of 7:30 and an afternoon dismissal time of 2:00. The earliest students can be dropped off at the elementary schools, including Bratt and Molino Park, is 7:05.
Carver/Century has an 8:55 a.m to 3:25 p.m. day for both elementary and middle school students, with an early drop time of 8:30. Byrneville Elementary has a start time of 7:45 a.m. with an early drop time of 7:15. Dismissal time at Byrneville is 2:00.
At Ernest Ward Middle School, the morning start time will be 8:30 and the afternoon dismissal will be 3:10. The earliest students can be dropped off will be 8:15. At Carver/Century, morning start time will be 8:55 and the afternoon dismissal will be 3:25. The early drop time for middle school students at Carver/Century will be 8:30. Most of the rest of the middle schools in the county will have a 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. school day.
At Northview High School, the school day will run 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The earliest students will be allowed on campus will be 7:25. Most other high schools in the county will run 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
Buses Run At Different Times Too
Since school starts at a different time this year, buses will run at different times too. Questions about your child’s bus? Call your child’s school
Breakfast and Lunch Cost More For Some
Unless your child qualifies for free and reduced meals, both breakfast and lunch will cost more this year.
Lunch for elementary students that pay regular, full price will jump 20 cents to $2.00. The price of breakfast for elementary students will remain $1.
Breakfast for middle and high school students will be up a nickel to $1.50. The middle and high school lunch price will jump 35 cents to $2.50.
Reduced price breakfast will remain at 30 cents and lunch will stay at 40 cents. The school district can’t raise those prices; they are set by the federal government.
School district officials say the rise in cost for students that don’t qualify for the free and reduced price program is simply due to the rising cost of food. Students that qualified for free and reduced price meals last year must complete an application again this year.
An extra milk at the elementary level will remain at 50 cents.
The price for adult meals, those meals for teachers and staff, will go to $1.80 for breakfast and $3.00 for lunch.
You Can Pay For Meals Online
You can prepay for your child’s breakfast and lunch at mealpayplus.com. You’ll need their student number. That will be sent home with your child, or you can call your school to get it. You can use any major credit card. It’s the cost of the number of meals you choose plus a small service charge per student. But there’s no sending money to school and hoping it arrives or is spent for lunch.
The Breakfast And Lunch Menu
Here is the breakfast and lunch menu for elementary students for the first two days of school:
The elementary menu for breakfast on the first day of school…August 18, will be Pop Tart, cheese wedge and mixed fruit. The lunch menu will be cheese pizza or corn dog, corn, mixed vegetables, peaches and a cookie. Day two, August 19, will have breakfast pizza and pears in the morning. For lunch on the second day, the menu includes BBQ chicken sandwich or grilled cheese sandwich, green beans, carrots, fresh fruit and strawberry Jello.
The Rules And The Dress Code
Each student will receive a copy of the Escambia County Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook during the first few days of school. Take a moment to look at; it can save one of those unwanted calls from the principal.
The biggest change this year? The school day dress code for students in grades 6-12 now applies to every activity after school too, even ball games. Leave the short shorts and baggy pants at home.
If you are just dying to read the handbook before it comes home with your child, click here.
Communications
Communications is a two way street. Make sure you have your child’s school phone number in your cell phone in case you need it one day.
Make sure your child’s school has correct phone numbers for you, both your landline and cell phones. There will be forms sent home the first few days of school asking for the information, and you can send a note to your child’s teacher anytime.
Speaking of the teacher, ask him or her for their extension number at school, and trade email addresses with them. That way you have easy access to your child’s teacher(s).
Checkout List
Make sure you have an updated list of people allowed to check your child out of school. You don’t want to send grandma to school to checkout the kids for her to be told no.
Fall Break
If you are planning ahead for Fall Break, don’t expect it to be a long one this year. The school district has taken the normal Thursday and Friday Thanksgiving break and tossed Wednesday in for a three day Fall Break. It will be November 26-28.
Last Day Of School
Ready for next summer again? The last day of school will be May 29, 2009.
Pictured above: A bulletin board greeting new kindergarten students today at Molino Park Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photo