Weekend Gardening: Expert Tips For The Month Of June
June 11, 2016
Here are gardening tips for the month of June from the Florida Extension Service:
Flowers
- Annuals to plant include celosia, coleus, crossandra, hollyhock, impatiens (pictured above), kalanchoe, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, portulaca, salvia, torenia, vinca and zinnia.
- Sow seeds of sunflowers. They are easy to grow if you have a sunny spot. Look for some of the new, dwarf varieties that can also be used as cut flowers.
- Remove old blooms (deadheading) to make flowers bloom longer.
- Allow the foliage on spring bulbs to grow. Do not cut it off until it turns yellow and falls over.
Trees and Shrubs
- Mature palms should receive an application of granular fertilizer. Use a special palm fertilizer that has an 8-2-12 +4Mg (magnesium) with micronutrients formulation. Apply one pound of fertilizer per 100 sq ft of canopy area or landscape area.
- Do any necessary pruning of junipers this month.
- Finish pruning the spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias, spiraeas, wisteria and forsythia by early June.
- This is the month to reproduce plants by budding.
- Check mulch around ornamental plants to be sure it’s two inches thick. Add mulch as needed to help keep weeds down and conserve water. Keep mulch one to two inches away from trunk or stem.
- Inspect maple trees, especially silver maple for infestations of maple soft scale. Look for a white substance with some black on one end. Individual maple scales are about 1/4 inch in diameter and resemble bird droppings. They occur mostly on leaves and can cause defoliation unless controlled.
- Inspect the undersides of azalea leaves for spider mites and lace bugs. If dry weather conditions exist, these insects can do some serious damage if not controlled.
- Check conifers for signs of bagworms. Call your local Extension Service for control measures.
Fruits and Nuts
- Harvest peaches, nectarines and plums as soon as they mature, before the squirrels and birds get to them
Vegetable Garden
- Side dress vegetable gardens with fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium. A fertilizer such as a 15-0-15 can be used. Use approximately 2-3 cupfuls (1 to 1 ½ pounds) per 100 feet of row.
- Increase watering frequency and amount as tomatoes load up with fruit.
- Vegetables that can be planted outdoors include eggplant, lima beans, okra, southern peas, peppers and sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes are started from plants or “draws”. Be sure to purchase only certified weevil free sweet potato plants.
- Check for the following pests and control them if necessary: tomato fruitworm, stinkbugs on vegetables and aphids on all new growth
Lawns
- Check for the lawn pests and control them if necessary: Spittlebugs in centipedegrass. They are more attracted to especially lush areas of the yard such as along septic drain fields and in areas where excessive nitrogen fertilizer has been used. Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass Sod webworm in all turf
- Start monitoring for mole cricket infestations and prepare for treatment.
United Way Announces Campaign Results, Presents Awards And Funding
June 10, 2016
United Way of Escambia County President and CEO started a Thursday night finale celebration of workplace campaign and community investment results saying, “While some of our community indicators in health, education and financial stability have improved over the last year, there is more work to be done and we are humbled that partners remain unified in the approach to solving our complex community problems.”
She went on to stress the value of collaboration that would be enhanced by the $2,265,294 in cash that United Way announced as the amount invested in community partnerships.
Partners were thanked for their dedication to solving challenges that start with educational gaps that lead to financial stability and health concerns. Krieger stated, “While 15.3% is an improvement over past indexes for those 46,000 neighbors and friends who live in poverty, meeting basic needs is a challenge. Eviction, foreclosure and homelessness are one health emergency or natural disaster away for households where 20 percent of our children are impoverished. “We must remain committed to working together to improve health challenges that leave us unfavorably ranked as 59th among Florida’s 67 counties.”
There were many reasons to celebrate Thursday night as some of the 259 workplace campaigns that helped raise $2,058,845 got to see 47 local agency program partners receive investments of $1 million.
When asked about this year’s 52 percent increase in investments generated by over 3,600 volunteers and partners, John Floyd, Gulf Power Manager of Energy and Efficiency and United Way Board Chair of Community Investment said, “The 66 donors who served on community investment volunteer panels this year spent almost 1,500 hours evaluating the 47 funding applications and allocating the community investment funds to achieve the best return on investment. These volunteers believe in the process and enjoy helping these many great programs make a difference in our community.”
United Way’s support begins with community investment awards, but the giving grows from there. After adding $1,265,294 to Community Investment Awards, United Way was able to target outcomes that improve community success. Details on funding are as follows:
Thursday night’s awards were invested as follows:
As part of the celebration, United Way of Escambia County thanked the workplace campaigns, community donors and partners who made this year’s investments possible. This year’s top ten campaigns raised $163,000 more than last year; an 8 percent increase and annual support from Gulf Power Company ($321,222), Publix Supermarkets ($299,160) and Ascend Performance Materials ($197,699) was celebrated in recognition of their status as the top three workplaces.
Oliver Sumlin, Board Chair of the Workplace Campaign added, “Prior to my involvement in the campaign, I had no idea so many local businesses and organizations were so generous in their giving. It says a lot about our community.”
Special recognition was given to the following individuals and organizations:
WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR AWARD
1-50 Employees
Virginia College
51-100 Employees
CSL Plasma
101-199 Employees
Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
200+ Employees
Navy Federal Credit Union
SCHOOL SPIRIT OF GIVING AWARDS
Elementary
CA Weis
Middle
Ransom Middle School
High
Northview High School
Department/Center
Exceptional Student Education
BUSINESS RECOGNITION BY COMPANY SIZE
1-99 Employees
Central Credit Union of Florida
100-399 Employees
Publix-Perdido #1296
400+ Employees
Escambia County School District
First Baptist Church Of Cantonment Youth Serve At Waterfront Rescue Mission
June 10, 2016
Youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment recently served lunch to the guests at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Magic Of Summer Reading Comes To The Library
June 9, 2016
The magic of the annual Summer Reading program entertained children in Century Wednesday morning.
The summer of free events features a variety of performers, including a balloon artist, musician, gymnastics team, magician, theatre group, reptile handler and juggler. And the more children ages 0-17 read, the more prizes they can earn.
The June schedule for the remainder of the Summer Reading Club is as follows:
Mr. Bob’s Magic Show
Mr. Bob’s magic show includes mind blowing magic, music and lots of hilarious audience participation.
- Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 9, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Musician: Roger Day
Roger Day’s skilled musicianship combines with his wit and wordplay to create a musical experience that parents will enjoy as much as the kids.
- Tuesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 16, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Pensacola Gymnastics
Enjoy the Pensacola Gymnastics team as they demonstrate agility, flexibility, self-confidence, teamwork, dedication, and determination.
- Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 23, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Dr. Magical Balloons
Enjoy amazing balloon sculptures and original stories as Dr. Magical Balloons captivates and astounds readers of all ages.
- Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Pictured: Bob the Magician at the Century Branch Library Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
Summer Reading Program Begins This Week At The Library
June 7, 2016
The Summer Reading Club begins this week at the West Florida Public Library and continues through the last week of July.
The summer of free events features a variety of performers, including a balloon artist, musician, gymnastics team, magician, theatre group, reptile handler and juggler. And the more children ages 0-17 read, the more prizes they can earn.
The June schedule for the Summer Reading Club is as follows:
Mr. Bob’s Magic Show
Mr. Bob’s magic show includes mind blowing magic, music and lots of hilarious audience participation.
- Tuesday, June 7, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 8, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 8, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 9, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Musician: Roger Day
Roger Day’s skilled musicianship combines with his wit and wordplay to create a musical experience that parents will enjoy as much as the kids.
- Tuesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 16, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Pensacola Gymnastics
Enjoy the Pensacola Gymnastics team as they demonstrate agility, flexibility, self-confidence, teamwork, dedication, and determination.
- Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 23, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Dr. Magical Balloons
Enjoy amazing balloon sculptures and original stories as Dr. Magical Balloons captivates and astounds readers of all ages.
- Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
‘Ocean Commotion’ At Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church
June 7, 2016
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church kicked off their “Ocean Commotion” Vacation Bible School Monday night. The VBS continues nightly through Friday from 6 until 8:30. A light supper will be served each night. The church is located at 140 Bogia Road, just off Highway 29, in McDavid.
For a list of other area Vacation Bible Schools, click here. To submit photos from your church’s VBS, email news@northescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Delaney Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Two Tate Graduates To Be Featured On Times Square Billboard
June 6, 2016
On Wednesday, The Get Schooled Foundation and partner Taco Bell Foundation will honor 300 students, including two from Tate High School.
Their pictures and stories will be featured on a six story digital yearbook in the heart of Times Square. Each of the applicants were asked to detail their life passion and how they used education to further their passions and dreams this school year.
Two J.M. Tate High School Class of 2016 graduates being honored are Devon Ledbetter and Miranda Nock. Their featured stories are as follows:
- “My dream career is being an editor for a publishing company. I have had a passion for reading and writing from a very young age, and I have had the opportunity to explore my interests through being the Editor-in-Chief of my school’s yearbook for two consecutive years now. This position has allowed me to grow and learn so much before I even start college, and has secured my sense of belonging in this career path. There is nothing I desire to pursue more, and I cannot wait to study at FSU!” — Devon Ledbetter
- “I’ve always know I wanted to work with animals since I can remember. I joined the vet academy at my high school helping me gain knowledge of the career and to confirm further my passion to work with animals. For a year now I have been working in a vet clinic being very hands on. I get to give shots, take care of animals, and even assist in surgeries! I even achieved getting my Florida State Veterinarian Assistant certification taking me a step closer to becoming a veterinarian! ” — Miranda Nock
Each of the honorees will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Ernest Ward Middle Presents 6th Grade Awards
June 5, 2016
Ernest Ward Middle School recently presented the following awards:
ERNEST WARD MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH GRADE AWARDS
A Honor Roll
Mackenzie Sims
Anna Adams
Jaden Lewis
John Bashore
Jason Gurganus
Hunter Borelli
Kileigh Lundy
Shelby Cotita
Mia Starns
Grayson James
Ethan Kilburn
A/B Honor Roll
Ashton Ray
James Loftis
Kailyn Watson
Makayla Ramsey
Shelby Rice
Gracie Godwin
Sarah Hetrick
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Kenzy McLaney
Clayton Kittrell
Kaitlin Gafford
Michayla Kent
Steven O’Leary
Jace Gifford
Trevor Wood
Madelyn McAnally
Kinzey Powell
Adeniza Fennell
Lakyn Bodiford
Rebekah Stilwell
Bailey Stuckey
Payton Gilchrist
Xavier Carter
Science Fair Winners
Anna Adams
Shelby Rice
Mia Starns
Paige Gibbs
Jonathan Gibbs
Louis Crabtree
Gracie Godwin
Kara Hawkins
Noah Harigel
Highest GPA
Anna Adams
Language Arts (Roley)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Haiden Seals
Reading (Lowery)
Highest Academic Average, Ethan Kilburn
Most Improved, Sarius Davis
Math (Hendricks, McCall)
Highest Academic Average, Mia Starns
Most Improved, Braxton Peebles
Science (Butler)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Dathan Church
History (Martin/Chavers)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Michael Mabire
PE (McCall/Greenwell)
Most Outstanding, John Bashore
Most Outstanding, Kaitlin Gafford
Manufacturing (Sellers)
Most Outstanding, Jacob Daw
Business I (McMorris)
Most Outstanding, Hunter Borelli
Most Outstanding, Lindsey Kimmons
Band/Chorus (McAllister)
Most Outstanding Band, Xavier Carter
Most Outstanding Chorus, Shelby Cotita
Jim Allen, Molino Park Students Raise $4k For Clean Water In Africa
June 5, 2016
Jim Allen Elementary School Enrichment classes in grades K-5 and Molino Park Elementary School Enrichment classes in grades K-2 presented a $4,082.42 donation to the non-profit Maji:Hope.
Maji:Hope works to be bring clean water to rural villages in Africa. Students sold candy bars, bracelets, shirts, and devised individual fundraising projects to donate to this worthy cause. The idea came about after students studied Africa in their enrichment classes and learned of the water crisis and its negative affects.
Working together, students learned that anyone can make a difference.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vacation Bible School Scheduled at Many Area Churches
June 5, 2016
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition for many area children. Here is a list of upcoming VBS events in the North Escambia area. To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com.
Oak Grove Baptist Church VBS
Oak Grove Baptist Church will hold their VBS June 6-10 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Dinner will be provided. The church is located at 2600 North Highway 99 in Oak Grove.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 6-10 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each evening. Light supper will be served. A The church is located at 140 Bogia Road in McDavid.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold their VBS, June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for ages four years through fourth grade. There will be a VBX class for 5th-8th grades. This class must be preregistered. The church is located at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantoment. For more information call (850) 968-9135.
Plainview Baptist Church VBS
Plainview Baptist Church will hold their VBS, June 6-10 from 9 a.m. until noon. The theme is ‘Submerged: Finding Truth Below the Surface’. The church is located at 1101 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 476-3845.
Pine Forest Estates Baptist Church VBS
Pine Forest Estates Baptist Church will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 6-10 from 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for ages three through 12. Transportation provided. Call Alex at (850) 206-6188 for questions or registration. The church is located at 2550 W 9 Mile Rd in Pensacola.
Oakfield Union Missionary Baptist Church VBS
Oakfield Union Missionary Baptist Church will hold their VBS, The Ultimate Climb: Hiking Up to Meet God, June 13-17, 2016, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Ages four years to adults. The church is located at 459 Hancock Lane in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 476-9127.
First Baptist Church Cottage Hill VBS
First Baptist Church Cottage Hill will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 13-17 from 6 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The church is located at 230 Williams Ditch Rd in Cantonment.
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church VBS
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church will hold VBS June 20-24, from 5:45 p.m. until 8 p.m. The church is located at 223 Massachusetts Avenue in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 469-0205.
Highland Baptist Church VBS
Highland Baptist Church will hold VBS ‘Cave Quest’, June 20-24, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for ages three through 5th grade. Family night will be June 26. Registration forms available at the church office or request an online registration form at hbcubs2016@gmail.com. The church is located at 6240 County Hwy 95A in Molino.
Charity Chapel VBS
Charity Chapel will hold their VBS June 27-July 1, from 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Register online at www.charitychapel.org. The church is located at 5820 Montgomery Avenue in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 944-5520.
Poplar Dell Baptist Church VBS
Poplar Dell Baptist Church will hold VBS July 11 – 15, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. The theme will be Submerged with Motto being Jesus Sees, Jesus Knows, and Jesus Saves. The church is located at 2631 Highway 4A, Century.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church VBS
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host Surf Shack VBS from July 18-22nd ; 5:30-8:30pm. All children from 3 yr old through rising 5th graders are welcome to join us. Online registration is located at www.aumcmolino.org. For more information contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489 or the church office at (850) 587-5294.
Pine Forest Assembly of God VBS
Pine Forest Assembly of God will hold VBS Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 3125 Pine Forest Rd in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 476-1378.