First Responders Honored On 9/11
September 12, 2013
A variety of events honored first responders on Wednesday.
The Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton provide breakfast during a special service Wednesday morning for first responders, including the crew of Century’s Engine 519 and the Escambia County EMS unit stationed in Century (pictured top).
Breaking Bread, a new barbecue, sandwich and hamburger restaurant at 6020 West Nine Mile Road, provided half price meals for first responders Wednesday, including Vicky and Stan Pagonis (picture left). Vicky is a dispatcher, and Stan is a police officer.
Georgio’s Pizza on East Cervantes Street fed first responders for free Wednesday and held their annual First Responders Pizza Eating Competition. The winner was Escambia County Deputy Scott Mashburn (pictured on the right below with restaurant owner Carl Hixon). He won $1,500 which be used to benefit law enforcement and the community.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blog: Where Were You That September Morning?
September 11, 2013
September 11, 2001. It’s been 12 years.
Life, at least when that morning began, seemed good. I’ve always been a work at home dad, so I was home with my two girls. The youngest was almost four months old, and the oldest was approaching her fourth birthday. It was a normal morning. The little one was asleep, “fat and happy” as we used to say, after a morning bottle. The oldest was in the living room just a few feet from my office watching PBS Kids on the TV as I worked on a project for a client.
Then this arrived in my inbox:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 08:52am– World trade center damaged; unconfirmed reports say a plane has
crashed into tower. Details to come.
I got up, walked to the living room and flipped the TV to CNN. They were talking about how a pilot could make such an error, hitting such a large building. They were speculating that it was just a small plane. But then as the TV news helicopters zoomed their cameras in closer, the anchors were beginning to notice what I had already thought….those holes the tower were to big to have been a small plane.
I called my wife at work in Atmore. She had seen the breaking news email, and had tried to visit the CNN website to see the story. If you remember trying to use the internet that morning, it was near impossible to get a news website to load; they were all overloaded. She was unable to see the pictures. I was describing what I saw on the TV to her.
I managed to grab a picture from CNN via my web server and then download and email it to her. We were speculating about how it could happen when the second one hit.
I remember saying “wait, hold on, wait…”. I told her what I just watched on the TV. The second plane had hit the other tower. We quickly decided that we were at war as the anchors on TV speculated again that perhaps there was a problem with some navigational system, causing jetliners on a beautiful, clear morning in New York to fly into some of the tallest structures in the world.
Another breaking news email arrived:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:21am– Second plane crashes into World Trade Center.
She and I began to speculate ourselves that we were at war. What would we do? What should we do? What about the kids? It was not panic, understand, but just that protective momma and daddy instinct, I suppose. Prayer. That was a good idea. Maybe go to the bank and get out a little cash. That seemed like a good idea. How would you prep for a war on American soil? We were not sure.
I continued to relay information about what I was seeing on TV to my wife at work, who, in turn, would relay the information to her coworkers. They had a TV, but no cable service or antenna. They ended up fashioning a homemade antenna to see a fuzzy picture.
Meanwhile, the breaking news emails kept arriving…
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:32am– Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade
Center was an American Airlines 767.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:42am– President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a
terrorist act.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:45am– Significant fire at the Pentagon. Details to come.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:46am– White House evactuated. Details to come.
The Pentagon on fire? The White House evacuated? Notice that in CNN’s email they were in such a hurry that they misspelled “evacuated”. One sentence at a time, the situation became more grave.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:55am– CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:03am– One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces
evacuation of State Department
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:30am– Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan
Over and over, we watched those towers collapse on TV, and we watched our Pentagon burn.
Our almost four year old asked a lot of questions. “Were people hurt? Did they need a Band-aid?” The magnitude of the event was lost on a four year old. Looking back at those first few hours, I think the magnitude of the event was lost on all of us.
Like many Americans, I sat glued to the TV that day, continuing to watch the video of the towers falling. Our almost four year old asked if another building fell down or if it was the same one. It was time to change the channel on the TV.
You might remember that many of the entertainment TV stations ran network news feeds. Others just simply ran screens about the day’s events. There was no USA network, no ESPN, no MTV. But on PBS, we found children’s programming at a time it was not normally on. For a little while, sitting in the living room floor holding my kids, the world stopped turning that September day, as we watched Big Bird and the Cookie Monster.
Country artist Alan Jackson later wrote a song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”.
Some of those lyrics:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cryDid you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left belowBut I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where where you when the world stopped turning that September day? Your comments are welcome below.
It Literally Takes Your Heart And Breaks It – Local Students Describe Their Visit To 9/11 Memorial
September 11, 2013
It literally takes your heart and breaks it.
That’s how Northview High School senior Anna Fischer described her visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Fischer was among nine Northview High School Yearbook staff members that visited New York City in March.
The students were just 3-5 years old when the Twin Towers fell; some of them have but faint memories of the actual day. Their memories are instead shaped by what history, television and the internet has showed them over and over. The planes, the crashes. The collapses, the unimaginable aftermath.
Tuesday, one day before 9/11 and six months after their visit to the 9/11 Memorial, we asked the Northview yearbook students to describe what they felt as they stood at Ground Zero. Below are their stories, in their own words, and their photographs.
Dalton Daniel — First going to the memorial, I thought, “This is going to be so awesome!”, which is exactly how I felt about the whole trip. But as soon as I saw the small park, the north and south pools and the new construction of the World Trade Center, I was overwhelmed with amazement. Seeing the names around the pools gave me a melancholy but inspirational feeling. Needless to say, the view of the 9/11 Memorial was perfect and was one of the greatest sights I’ve ever experienced.
Anna Fischer – Standing in the place of where the two twin towers stood was a phenomenal feeling, but it was also very emotional. Walking up to the site, everything was quiet. Friends and family members of those in the accident standing by the pools, looking for their loved one’s name. Walking through the site, its like I could see the whole incident of 9/11 reenacted in my mind. It literally takes your heart and breaks it. It was such a marvelous and emotional experience, and I’d love to be able to go back.
Tamara Green — During our trip to New York, I was able to experience the 9/11 Memorial. It was very touching scenery and definitely one that I will never forget. Seeing the names of the victims that passed away during this tragedy is really what touched me the most. It was an emotional site to visit, but I am grateful that we all had a chance to honor the victims.
Justin King– Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was a sobering experience. I felt grief for the families who lost loved ones. It was an experience I would be happy to have again.
Kamryn Brock — While at the 9/11 Memorial I realized to never take what you have for granted because you never know what the next day will bring. I felt a lot of grief for those who lost someone during this tragedy. It was an amazing feeling when we all gathered together to say a prayer.
Bethany Reynolds — Visiting the 9/11 Memorial submersed me in emotions; it was so unreal. Only being three when the attack occurred, I remember very little. Being at the location where so many innocent lives were lost was truly saddening. The emotions I felt are almost indescribable because being there in person just tugs at your feelings in so many directions. The memorial was a quiet place where those who lost their lives are remembered and where I prayed for those still mourning over their lost loved ones. Seeing all of the names of lives lost allowed me to realize how thankful I really am for my freedom.
Julia Thorpe – Being able to visit the 9/11 memorial in New York City was surreal and humbling. In the first grade, I did not understand the impact of a terrorist attack or the collective heartache it gave our nation. For the average citizen, the passing of 9/11 each year is a day of remembrance, but for the families of those victims, each and every day is a struggle full of deep sorrow because they lost a loved one for no other reason than pure hate. Seeing the names on the memorial reminded me that those people were innocent Americans living their lives, and getting caught up in an unimaginable nightmare. Despite the sadness that the memorial brought, it also deepened my immeasurable gratitude for being able to live in this country, where the nation came together for such a tragedy and where our military defends our freedoms.
Zach Johnson — At the 9/11 Monument, I felt a lot of different emotions. From sadness, caused by the loss of so many individuals, to the thankfulness for the brave first responders, various emotions moved in me. It was clear that the monument was a sacred spot, a spot that honored everyone affected by the tragedy that occurred. I was moved at the way it affected not only me, but everyone else at the monument.
Maranda Moye – Visiting the 911 memorial was something that really made an impact on the way I think about things. Seeing the actual place where so many people were killed was almost surreal. I felt true reverence for the lives that were lost that day. I think what really shook me up was seeing a mother’s name on the memorial followed by, “her unborn child”. It makes you stop and think how fragile life truly is.
The students are pictured at the bottom of the page, scroll down.
9/11 Memorial photos by Anna Fischer, Justin King and Bethany Reynolds for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Above: Memorial to the first responders that perished at the World Trade Center site.
Above: St. Paul’s Chapel, constructed in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It hosted George Washington on his Inauguration Day and survived the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Pictured above, at the 9/11 Memorial last March, are Northview High Yearbook staff members Julia Thorpe, Kamryn Brock, sponsor Alison Robinson, Anna Fischer, Maranda Moye, Bethany Reynolds, Zach Johnson, Tamara Green, Zach Johnson and Justin King. Not pictured is Megan Carroll. Julia Thorpe, Maranda Moye and Dalton Daniel have since graduated from Northview.
Jay Royals Name Homecoming Court
September 11, 2013
The Jay High School Homecoming Court has been named. Members are (top, L-R) Paige Smith, junior; Kayla Flowers, senior; Kaitlyn Aguirre, senior; Ashlynn Geck, senior, Sydney Lowery, senior; Danielle Harrington, sophomore; and Georgia Agrait, freshman. Below are senior court members Kayla Flowers, Kaitlyn Aguirre, Ashlynn Geck and Sydney Lowery. The Jay High School Homecoming Queen will be named on Thursday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Learn Fire Safety
September 11, 2013
A group of home-school students, ages 3-8, visited the Cantonment Fire Station Tuesday.
In addition to a lesson on home fire safety, the children received some hands-on time with some of the tools firefighters use every day. From getting the chance to sit in a fire truck, to using a real fire hose to spray water at traffic cones, the students were all smiles.
The visit ended with a visit from Sparky the fire dog who provided gifts.
Submitted by Tom Shwarz
Pictured: Home-schooled students paid a visit to the Cantonment Fire Station Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Apple Unveils Two New iPhones
September 11, 2013
Technology giant Apple has unveiled two new iPhones, its latest effort to win a bigger share of the highly competitive worldwide market for smartphones.
The company said Tuesday one of the models – the iPhone 5C – would be offered in a choice of five colors – green, blue, yellow, pink and white. It would sell for as little as $99 for users agreeing to a two-year wireless contract.
Apple is hoping the phone will boost sales in China and other countries where customers do not have as much disposable income as in the U.S. and Europe.
The company called the other new model – the upscale iPhone 5S – “the most forward-looking phone we have ever created,” with increased computing power that is about 40 times faster than when the first iPhone was introduced in 2007. The company said the 5S would have increased battery life that permits about 10 hours of talk time, and would cost between $199 and $399, depending on the amount of memory in the phone.
Google’s Android devices now dominate the smartphone marketplace, with about three-quarters of all handsets. Some analysts are predicting that Apple could marginally increase its share to about 18 percent this year.
Pictured top: The newly announced iPhone5s. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Soldiers Deployed In Afghanistan Receive Anthrax Vaccine
September 9, 2013
National Guard soldiers of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Mobile, Ala., received an anthrax vaccination last week.
Many of the soldiers displayed their fear of needles and shots, while others questioned why they had to receive another anthrax vaccination.
According to the Army Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program Plan (AVIP), “the mandatory scope of the AVIP shall encompass all personnel assigned to or deployed for more than 15 days in Higher Threat Areas (HTAs) defined in paragraph 3.a.(2) whose performance is essential for certain mission critical capabilities.”
In December of 2008, the Federal Drug Administration approved a five dose vaccination series in lieu of six. The injection will no longer be administered under the skin. The vaccination is now received in the upper deltoid region of the arm. Anthrax boosters are give, to soldiers who have completed the five series vaccination annually to maintain immunity.
All military service members, civilians, and DoD employees deploying to high risk areas are inoculated for the threat of anthrax.
“Anthrax is a disease of military importance. It can be weaponized and used with devastating effects. It is important for American soldiers to maintain a current valid anthrax immunization status,” says Col. John McGuinness, Task Force Tarpon Surgeon, 226th MEB.
Pictured top: U.S. Army National Guardsman 1st Lt. Alexander Williams from Birmingham laughingly attempts to talk his way out of an anthrax shot from Staff Sgt. Kevin Bishop from Atmore at Kabul Base Cluster in Afghanistan. “But I don’t like getting shots,” said Williams. Bishop assured Williams everything would be fine as he administered the vaccine. U.S. Army photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chavers, Ramsey To Wed
September 8, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Will Chavers of Flomaton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Misty Nicole Chavers, to J. D. Ramsey, son of Jim Ramsey of Heber Springs, Arkansas.
The bride to be is a 2001 graduate of Flomaton High School and a 2003 graduate of Jefferson Davis Community College. She also attended Auburn University. Misty is a graduate of International Gospel Outreach of Semmes, Alabama.
The prospective groom is a 1996 graduate of Heber Springs High School. He is the CEO of Kingdom Call Ministries, Inc. and travels nationally holding crusades as a Christian evangelist.
The wedding will be September 14 in Mobile. Wedding gifts can be sent to PO Box 891 in Wilmer, Alabama.
Splash Party Benefits Molino Park Elementary Technology Replacement
September 8, 2013
A “Back To School Splash Party” was held Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino to benefit students at Molino Park Elementary School.
There were water slides, water balloon games, fun on a new playground and a cookout. The event was free, but attendees were invited to make a monetary donation for technology replacement at Molino Park Elementary School.
After reading an earlier NorthEscambia.com story about the event, Todd of Jumpers Unlimited donated the use of water slides, moonwalk and a cotton candy machine for Saturday’s event.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Fresh Food Becoming More Popular; Farmers’ Markets This Saturday
September 6, 2013
Floridians are buying more food grown locally or regionally and retail sales are higher here than in other states, according to a University of Florida study.
It showed local food represents about 20 percent of all Florida food purchased for at-home consumption, except restaurant take-out food, said Alan Hodges, an Extension scientist with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
In addition to local farmers and roadside stands, farmers’ markets are a good source for local food. For information on two local markets this weekend, see the box to the left.
The study was based on a statewide consumer survey. Prior estimates from other states had local food accounting for about 5 percent of all food sales, he said.
“We are doing relatively better in Florida, in moving toward food self-sufficiency,” Hodges said. “I can only attribute that to the favorable year-round growing conditions we have for fruits and vegetables.”
Hodges’ study is part of a larger project that involves consumer preferences about local food, said Tracy Irani, a UF professor of agricultural education and communication and development director for the Center for Public Issues Education, or the PIE Center.
Irani and graduate assistant Joy Goodwin headed the portion of the project that examined consumer preferences. Irani said data suggest local food sales might be up because consumers are paying closer attention to the things they eat, due to nutrition and health coverage in the media.
Increased awareness results in increased sales, she said. However, consumer participants said their purchase of local food would be likely to increase with increased advertising and marketing of local foods.
“Consumers perceive that there are health, quality and economic benefits to locally grown,” Goodwin said. “That will continue to motivate purchase behavior, all other things being equal.”
Projections based on the statewide consumer survey indicate that local food sales in Florida totaled $8.3 billion in a one-year period. An estimated $6.1 billion was spent at grocery stores but only $320 million in restaurants, Hodges said.
“Restaurants have huge potential there to buy locally produced meats, vegetables and other items,” Hodges said. “My suggestion is, if you want to see more local food on the menu at your favorite dining spot, ask for it.”
Some highlights of the results:
- Two-thirds of respondents said someone in the household bought local food at least once in the previous year.
- Among all Florida households, 62 percent bought local foods at farmers’ markets, 53 percent from retail supermarkets, 28 percent from restaurants, and 5 percent from community-supported agriculture or other direct transactions.
- The average spent on local food was $1,114 per household. That number was higher in Central and North Central Florida, compared with South Florida or the Panhandle.
- Almost three-fourths of the total estimated revenue — $6.1 billion –- was spent on local food at retail grocery stores. Consumers also spent $1.8 billion at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and U-pick farms. Restaurants and other food-service establishments accounted for $320 million, and other prearranged farm-to-consumer sales totaled $103 million.
Because there is no accepted definition of what constitutes “local” food, Hodges’ survey allowed respondents to define the term – and most often defined it as food produced within 100 miles of the consumer, he said.
Pictured top: Local produce available recently at the Market at St. Monica’s in Cantonment. The market is open the first and third Saturday of each month through October. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.