BBB Looking For Exceptional, Ethical Businesses For Torch Awards
March 23, 2015
The Better Business Bureau Foundation serving Northwest Florida is looking for businesses and charities to participate in its 10th annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics program. Businesses may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
The Torch Award publicly recognizes businesses and charities that maintain a solid commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical manner.
BBB Accreditation is not required to enter; however, applicants must be physically located within the 14 county service area of BBB|Northwest Florida. Charities must have participated in BBB|Northwest Florida’s Charity Review Program within the last two years.
All nominees will be contacted by BBB for an on-site visit. This provides an opportunity for entrants to showcase the ways they incorporate ethics and integrity into their business practices.
Along with the Torch Award, BBB Foundation will award the Customer Service Excellence Award to individuals who go above and beyond in their customer service activities, as well as the Student Ethics Scholarship provided to high school students who demonstrate leadership, community service and overall personal integrity.
The application deadline for all awards is March 27. For more information, or to make a nomination for the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, visit nwfl.bbb.org/TorchAward.
Panhandle Equine Rescue Awarded $4,200 Grant
March 23, 2015
Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment has received a $4,200 grant to use towards a barn for additional hay storage.
The grant was awarded by 400 Paws, a group with a missing to raise funds for qualified non-profit animal organizations; to educate the community regarding animal welfare; and to emphasize the need for financial assistance within local animal shelters and rescue groups.
The only horse rescue in Escambia County, Panhandle Equine Rescue was founded by a small group of concerned citizens with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Math A Thon Raises Money For St. Jude Children’s Hospital
March 23, 2015
Almost 40 students from Molino Park Elementary School recently participated in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sponsors donated money to student who completed math projects, allowing the students to gain valuable math experience while helping others. Molino Park raised a total of $880 for St. Judes. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
All Abuzz About Bees
March 22, 2015
A “Bee Field Day” was held Saturday, part of a beekeeping short course being offered this month by the UF/IFAS Extension Panhandle Agriculture Team. Participants were able to learn personal protection, how to start a smoker, proper handling techniques, queen identification and honey extraction during the hands-on experience. Class participants will lean about pests and diseases next week. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Daffodils Signal Spring
March 22, 2015
Few plants seem to signify the freshness of spring quite as well as daffodils. The name “daffodils” is derived from “addodell” a variant of Asphodel (a plant of the Asphodelus genus.) In historical documents and the common language of 16th century Europe, the term “daffodil” referred specifically to the wild daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus.
The derivation of the Latin narcissus is unknown. It is frequently linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was rumored to be so obsessed with his own reflection that he died while gazing at himself in a pool of water. From the location of his death sprang the narcissus plant. Another Greek myth finds Persephone, daughter of the goddess Demeter, lured to her doom by the God Hades while picking a narcissus. Therefore the plant is perceived as a symbol of vanity in some Western culture.
Others attribute the plants’ name to its narcotic properties. One translation of the Greek name is “I grow numb!” All narcissus species contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves. Members of the Amaryllidaceae family contain unique types of alkaloids. They are responsible for the poisonous properties of a number of the species. Of the 200 different chemical compounds found in this plant family, at least 79 of them can be found in narcissus.
Daffodils are a popular potted plant for cut flowers, but also make attractive naturalized ground covers in gardens and around trees, providing color from the end of winter through late spring. If the narcissus blooms on Chinese New Year, it is said to bring wealth and good fortune throughout the year. The flower color varies from white through pinks and yellows to deep reddish-orange with multiple petal forms. Hundreds of cultivars are available.
Planting dates vary according to geographical location, but bulbs are usually planted in the fall when the soil is cool. Daffodils grow well in full sun or light shade, with the blooms lasting longer when protected from the noon day sun. When selecting a location for planting, it should be noted that the individual flowers will face the sun.
Pre-chilled bulbs should be planted in 6-8” deep holes with a tablespoon of slow release fertilizer added to the soil directly under the bulb and with 4-5” of soil covering the bulb. Watering throughout the winter will be necessary if rains are infrequent. After flowering, the daffodils need to be fertilized and watering should continue. The foliage will naturally turn yellow and die as stored food is restored to the bulb.
Division, transplanting and collection for forcing potted plants can be done after all the foliage has declined. To force Daffodils to bloom at varied times in a container the dried bulbs will need to be stored at a 45° F temperature for 4-6 weeks prior to being placed in the sun to grow.
The bright, cheery Daffodil flowers are beginning to bloom now and will continue as Easter approaches, reminding us that spring really is coming.
Email Sheila Dunning at sdunning@ufl.edu.
Photos by Matthew Orwat for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trio Wins Ernest Ward Talent Show
March 21, 2015
The trio of (pictured L-R) Madison Sherouse, Jaylon North and Seth Killiam one first place in the annual Ernest Ward Middle School Talent Show Friday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: USMC Battle Color Detachment, Silent Drill Team
March 20, 2015
The United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment performed Thursday at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The detachment The USMC BCD is comprised of the official Color Guard of the Marine Corps, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps (“The Commandant’s Own”) and the Silent Drill Platoon.
Photos courtesy NAS Pensacola Public Affairs for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Back Home (With Photo Gallery)
March 19, 2015
The Blue Angels were back home Wednesday at the National Museum of Naval Aviation where an estimated 10,000 fans were on hand.
If you missed the practice, don’t worry. There are about four dozen more, usually on Tuesday and Wednesday morning through November. Check the schedule for exact dates and times.
The 2015 Pensacola Beach Air Show is July 11, and the Blue’s Homecoming Show at NAS Pensacola is November 6-7.
Pictured: The Blue Angels first practice of the year Wednesday at NAS Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
Jay, Northview Students Chosen For Washington Youth Tour
March 18, 2015
Olivia Britt of Jay High School and Morgan Wiggins of Northview High School have been name winners of the Escambia River Electric Cooperative 2015 Youth Tour to Washington contest.
Judges from PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Andalusia, AL, and Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, AL, scored contestants in their interviews based on their knowledge of Escambia River Electric Cooperative and the history of rural electrification. Personal attributes of each candidate such as character, academic ability, personality and leadership skills were also considered.
Britt and Wiggins will represent EREC on the Washington Youth Tour in June. They will also have the chance to see the sites, learn about the nation’s capital, rural electrification and more.
The Blues Are Back
March 17, 2015
The boys are back in town….the Blue Angels are back home in Pensacola after being gone for three months. The Blue Angels 2015 Pensacola Beach Air Show is set for July 11. Pictured above: Captain Tom Frosch calls “Smoke on” as the Blues fly over Pensacola Beach. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.