Game Day Food Safety Tips
February 2, 2013
Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest day of the year for food consumption. Super Bowl parties feature food, fun, food, and more food—lots of finger foods , dips, beverages, casseroles, and other snacks.
Food-borne illnesses, better known as food poisoning, affect one in six Americans each year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 128,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 3,000 deaths occur each year from food-borne illnesses, so this year, kick off your Game Day party the food-safe way.
When planning those finger foods, dips, and casseroles, score some extra points by practicing the Four Basic Food Preparation Safety Rules:
CLEAN — The first rule is to keep everything that comes in contact with the food clean. Wash hands with warm water and soap before handling food and disinfect all food contact surfaces, such as dishes, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
SEPARATE — The second rule is to not provide bacteria with an ideal environment to spread. Cross-contamination is the spread of bacteria from one food item to another. Keep raw foods separated from cooked food items. Store uncooked meats on the lower shelves of the refrigerator to prevent dripping and cross-contamination.
COOK — Cook foods to proper temperature to be certain the food reaches an internal temperature high enough to destroy bacteria. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat,
poultry and fish are cooked to the correct temperature for that food.
CHILL — When transporting foods, the rule is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never defrost foods on the counter at room temperature. Always allow sufficient time to thaw foods in the refrigerator. Perishable foods should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Rotate foods in and out of the refrigerator, or use ice to avoid any dish being left out too long. Refrigerate leftovers immediately after the game.
All foods are perishable and can cause food-borne illness when not handled properly. Game Day is a great opportunity for family and friends to get together for parties and enjoy seasonal foods.
Play smart on Super Bowl Sunday…don’t let bacteria crash your party.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 31, 2013
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School recently as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
This was the fourth year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Winners included:
Individual Projects
- Tanner Levins
- Seth Killam
- Bailee Hinote
- Mallory Gibson
Group Projects
- Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli, Victoria Amerson
- Elizabeth Wright, Kayleigh Linam, Morgan Pope
- Makenzie Colvin, Savanna Calhoun
- Jessica Stacey, Natalie Barrow, Amy Branch
Individual Performance
- Christopher Johnson
Group Website
- Triston Long, Cameron Long
- Lydia Smith, Ashtyn Carnley
Individual Website
- Delaney Reynolds
Pictured top: (L-R) Jacob Borelli, Alyssa Borelli and Victoria Amerson with their project on The Holocaust. Pictured below: EWMS History Fair projects on Jackie Robinson and Thomas Edison. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Drama Club To Present ‘All Shook Up’
January 30, 2013
The Flomaton High School Drama Club will present “All Shook Up” Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00. Admission is $5.
“This musical is a lot of fun! If you can think of an Elvis song, it’s probably in this musical,” Jerry Aaron, Drama Club advisor said.
“All Shook Up” is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley. The musical is described: Into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel”.
Flomaton’s production stars Deston Taylor as Chad, the guitar playing roustabout, and Victoria Roe as Natalie Haller, the local female mechanic who is looking for some excitement. Tyler Dove plays the part of straight-laced military school student; Dean Hyde and Hannah Blair plays the girl who was raised on the wrong side of the tracks Lorraine.
“Both of our male leads are played by veterans of the Drama Club but our female leads are both freshman. These girls are very talented and have worked hard to get this show ready for the production,” Aaron said.
K. J. Head plays Lorraine’s mother Sylvia; Seth Harrison plays Natalie’s dad Jim. Of course the town has a nosey Mayor played by Dezare Turner.
“We have about 25 students involved in this production, and they have worked hard learning to dance and sing this great music. Olivia Singelton has done a great job with the chorography, I certainly could not have done it without her, “Aaron added.
Pictured top: (L-R) Travis Coleman, Tiffany Hardy, Olivia Singelton, Taylor Morris, Taylor Graves, Matt Ledford and Kerrie Kornegay. Deston Taylor kneeling. Pictured below: Girls that love Chad. Pictured inset above: Chad played by junior Deston Taylor is just a roving roustabout, Natalie played by fresham Victoria Roe loves Chad, and Dennis played by Senior Dan Condrey loves Natalie. Picture bottom: Cast members Back row – Seth Harrison, Trent Sutton, Grace Carrier, Trevor Reeves, Scarlett Carter, Kimberly Waldrop, Eric Bossard. Second
row – Dan Condrey, Tyler Dove, Madison Buffington, Kristen Dixon, Hannah Kaylor, Dezarae Turner. Front row – Tiffany Paige, Chelsea Turner, Nickie Brittingham, Hannah Blair, K. J. Head, Alexis Williams, and Daniel Lambeth. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
January 28, 2013
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree’s Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Ayden Atallah
Luke Diamond
Maddie Mae Driskell
Alex Dunsford
Tyler Gilmore
Olivia Griffis
Daisy Johnson
Mia Kornegay
Madison Levins
Allie Odom
Ian Watson
Jayden White
Mrs. Rogers’ Kindergarten
All Satisfactory
Nicole Briscoe
Layla Brown
Ashton Covan
Kerissa Dortch
Anna Dunsford
Hunter Johnson
Kelan Jurey
Evin Matlock
Addisen Miller
Blake Shaw
Mallory Smith
Mrs. Dawson’s First Grade:
A Honor Roll
Madalyn Grimes
Tyson McBride
Reygan Steadham
Ms. Thornton’s First Grade:
A Honor Roll
Riley Dawson
Meredith Johnston
Tyler Riggs
A/B Honor Roll
Alexa Castro
Nolin Godwin
Josh Johnson
Aydan Smith
Leif Waters
Mrs. Marshman’s Second Grade:
A Honor Roll
Aloysia Dortch
Kayla Johnson
Jessica Loftis
Kaden Odom
A/B Honor Roll
Briana Dunsford
Chase Hampton
Johnnie Howell
Emily Lambeth
Tiana White
Dreama Wright
Mrs. Weaver’s Second Grade:
A Honor Roll
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
A/B Honor Roll
Leah Anderson
Hunter Barnes
Josh Diamond
Marina Franklin
Micaleb Guntrum
Jamarkus Jefferson
Grace Long
Zane Rolin
Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dunsford’s Third Grade
A Honor Roll
Hunter Borelli
A/B Honor Roll
Dakota Bush
Cole Dunsford
Tessa Flowers
Jace Gifford
James Loftis
Torka Mills
Dillon Spears
Harley Walker
David Ward
Mrs. Gilmore’s Fourth Grade
A Honor Roll
Maille Kilcrease
A/B Honor Roll
Logan Bryan
Brianna Colter
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Jalexis Robinson
Tyler Rolin
Mrs. Johnston’s Fifth Grade
A Honor Roll
Madicyn Bell
Skyler Busbee
Ian Gifford
Alex Glidewell
Chandler Hinote
Lea Nall
Cloe Smith
Savannah Steadham
Nicky Trump
Olivia Watson
Ashten Wright
A/B Honor Roll
Hannah Merchant
Kelli Merchant
Waylon Milstead
Tyler Newton
Valorie Padilla
New Playground Installed At Molino Community Complex
January 28, 2013
A new, brightly-colored playground has been installed behind the new Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A. The complex also includes a museum, tax collector office, tax appraiser office and a library. The library will be opened in the coming weeks. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Students Named To All-State Music Groups
January 28, 2013
Several local students were selected to participate in the Florida Music Educators Association All-State groups at the recent FMEA conference in Tampa.
After going through an extensive audition process, 11 students represented the Escambia County School District:
- Middle School Treble Chorus — Emma Jenkins, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Mixed Chorus — Seth Godwin, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Honors Band — Randi Avery, Ransom Middle
- Middle School Honors Orchestra — Cade Howell, Bailey Middle
- All-State High School Mixed Chorus — Katelyn Godwin, Tate High
- All-State High School Mixed Chorus — Eion Blanchard, Tate High
- All-State High School Concert Band — Jacob Howard, Tate High
- All-State High School Symphonic Band — Katie Massey, Tate High
- All-State High School Honors Orchestra — Daniel Adams, Escambia High
- All State Elementary Chorus – Lorna McLendon, N.B. Cook Elementary School of the Arts
- All State Elementary Chorus — Nathaniel Harding, A. K. Suter Elementary
Additionally, Baily and Workman middle schools were presented with the Music Enrollment award for having high enrollment in music courses.
Pictured: Randy Avery, who was named to the FMEA Middle School Honors Band, and Ransom Middle School Band Director Janie Walker. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Students Of The Month Named
January 27, 2013
Students of the month for November have been named in Escambia County. The awards are presented monthly to a limited number of students from participating schools.
(North Escambia area schools are in bold.)
- Bellview Elementary — Aleksander Dennis, second; Kendall Davis, third;
- Beulah Elementary — Callie Crayton, third;Aidan Pittman, KG;
- Blue Angels Elementary — Julian Castro, third; Margo Mason, third;
- Bratt Elementary — Berklee Hall, first
- Brentwood Elementary — Zoe Alford, first Terry Lyons, first;
- Cook Elementary — Amanda Mills, fourth;
- Cordova Park Elementary — Alexi Malone, third; Wassim Khabou, third;
- Ensley Elementary — Delarius Henderson, fifth;
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Ge]Shun Brothers, third; Avery Vargason, third;
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Asia Casey, fifth;
- Holm Elementary — Bailey Robinson, first Zariah Small, first;
- Jim Allen Elementary — Jillian Whetzel, third; Gracey Spencer, third
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Nilajah Lopez, first;
- Lipscomb Elementary — Hanh]Nhan Tran, fifth; Kendall Blackmon, fourth;
- Longleaf Elementary — Cheyenne Boyett, second; Shykureia White, second;
- McArthur Elementary — Alexis Peterson, third; Oliver Alvarez, third;
- Molino Park Elementary — Gyanna Edmonson, third; Annastasia Mcpherson, third
- Montclair Elementary — Tierra Dailey, fourth; Thomas Jenkins, fourth;
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Shane Jackson, second; Autumn Sawyer, second;
- Navy Point Elementary — Cody Casalina, fifth; Julie Tran, fourth;
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Aidan Corzine, second; Jenna Conaway, second;
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Savannah Holzknecht, second; Jeremiah Fortune, second;
- Semmes Elementary — Brianna Olige, fourth; Gregory Bullard, fourth;
- Sherwood Elementary — Holli Estares, fourth; Janelle Willis, fourth;
- Suter Elementary — Brianna Luecht, third; Tanner Creech, third;
- Weis Elementary — Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth; Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth;
- West Pensacola Elementary — Skidazia Bonner, second; Adam Fleshner, second.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey Middle — Phillip Washburn, sixth; Trinity Vorachack, seventh; Nathania Torres, eighth;
- Bellview Middle — Rya Dukes, eighth; Elayza Agabin, seventh;
- Brown Barge Middle — Justin Liu, sixth London Taliaferro, eighth;
- Ernest Ward Middle — Rebecca Diamond, sixth; Triston Long, seventh Dakota Tipton, eighth;
- Ferry Pass Middle — Minh Tran, eighth; Katelyn Smith, eighth;
- Ransom Middle — Rebekah Dwyer, sixth; Hunter Riggan, sixth;
- Warrington Middle — Ka’niyah Mcallister, sixth; Za’nya Stallworth, sixth;
- Woodham Middle — Alendrea Dantzler, eighth; Tony Smith, eighth; Ansley Denty, sixth; Charles Warren, sixth.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview High — Moriah McGahan, 9th; Ureil Codrington, 9th;
- Pine Forest High — Reanna Micari, 11th;
- Tate High — Jardae Ward, 12th; Jacob Howard, 10th;
- West Florida High — Jaylen Smith, 12th; Jaleese Cope, 12th;
- Escambia Westgate — Aishan Byrd, second; Davis Dukes, third; Helena James, seventh; Miracle Taylor, sixth; Leah Ciampini, 12th; Jennifer Henderson, 10th.
SPECIAL CENTERS
- Beulah Academy — Taylor Winans, seventh; Katelyn Mines, eighth;
- George Stone Vocational — Kristen Walsh, third;
- PATS Center — Gage Montgomery, fourth; Jordan Hay, fifth; Julie Hawkins, seventh; Mitchell Roberts, eighth.
FamiliesFirst Performance Recognized By DCF
January 26, 2013
The FamiliesFirst Network was presented the Most Improved Performance Standards Award Friday by the Florida Department of Children and Families. FamiliesFirst Network serves Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
“Today’s award recognizes FamiliesFirst Network for their commitment to continual improvement,” said Vicki Abrams, DCF’s Northwest Region Director. “Their partnership and strong ties to the community have greatly improved how we deliver services to children and families in Northwest Florida.”
Secretary Wilkins presented the award to Ann Harter, Vice President of FamiliesFirst Network.
“As an organization, we strive for excellence in all we do,” said Harter. “This award recognizes the efforts of all the FamiliesFirst Network staff who work diligently to engage families into services and keep children safe.”
Pictured: Ann Harter, vice president of FamiliesFirst Network, with DCF Secretary David Wilkins. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Country Music Video Filmed Thursday In Bluff Springs
January 25, 2013
North Escambia was setting for part of a country music video filmed Thursday night.
The video for the upcoming single “Chuggin’ Along” by Dusty Sanderson was filmed in Bluff Springs, including a bonfire scene that featured a lot of friends around a bonfire enjoying the song. Additional scenes were filmed earlier in the day at Chan’s on Nine Mile Road.
Sanderson, a Molino native, signed with Lamon Records Nashville late last year and recorded several original songs for his EP release. The single release for radio play, the CD and the video are expected to be released in about a month.
Pictured: A video for the upcoming Dusty Sanderson release “Chuggin’ Along” was filed Thursday in Bluff Springs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (part three)
January 25, 2013
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2013″.
Today we introduce you to the third group of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. (Click for part one or part two 0f the series.)
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with more photos and pageant preview. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Kaitlyn Noelle Abbott
Kaitlyn is the 14-year old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Abbott. She is sponsored by the V.F.W. Post 7016 in Atmore. At Northview, Kaitlyn is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In her community, she is a member and an instructor for Twirl Time Twirlers. She takes dance at Heather Leonard’s Danceworks and is a member of the American Legion Junior Auxillary where she holds the office of secretary. Kaitlyn recently won the All-Star performer award, the Grand Championship performer, and first place in a solo competition division at the Marching Auxillary Association that was held at the University of South Alabama. She was selected to participate in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando and at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Her hobbies including twirling the baton and dancing.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama as a Crimsonette and earn her degree to become a pediatrician.
Miss Audra Elizabeth Martin
Audra is the 16-year old daughter of Doug and Sharon Martin. She is sponsored by Dr. Gibbs at Shands Hospital and Hazel’s Curl Country. Audra has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years, a member of the track team for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for one year. She has been a member of the NJROTC for three years and has played softball for two years. In her community, Audra has played soccer for four years.
Her hobbies include swimming, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and then possibly join the Coast Guard.
Miss Julia Renee Thorpe
Julia is the 18-year old daughter of Jim and Mary Thorpe. She is sponsored by her family. Julia has been a member of the Beta Club for two years and currently holds the office of president. She has been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, the track team for two years, the cross country team for two years, the junior varsity volleyball team for one year, and the basketball team for three years. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, the Spanish club for one year, where she serves as the historian and the Art Club for two years, where she also holds the office of historian. Julia has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for three years and is currently the Editor. She is in the top ten in the Senior Class and is an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. She was also chosen as the October “Student of the Month.” In her community, Julia was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership of Atmore association. She won first place in the Sawmill Pageant Poster contest, first place in the Lions Club World Peace Poster contest, first place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Writing contest, and third place in the Farm City Essay contest. She also volunteers to work with the teachers at Bratt Elementary on planning/workdays at the beginning and end of the school year. Julia is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Atmore and participates in their community outreach programs.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Florida State to pursue a degree in business management.
Miss Penny Nicole Banda
Penny is the 15-year old daughter of Adam and Amanda Bailey. She is sponsored by Quincy Compressor. Penny has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for two years, a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the junior varsity basketball team for one year. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years and was awarded “Best Effort” for the 2011-2012 volleyball season. Penny has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years, the Book Club for one year, and the Student Government Association for one year. In her community, she volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary School.
Her hobbies include riding horses, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a four year university and study animal science.
Miss Olivia Kate Neal
Olivia is the 16-year old daughter of Waymon and Phyllis Neal. She is sponsored by Brewton Mill Federal Credit Union. Olivia has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, the drama club for one year, and has played junior varsity volleyball for two years. She is a member of the weightlifting team and a member of the S.A.D.D. club. In her community, Olivia is an active member of Little Escambia Baptist Church and participates in the youth group.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, fishing, attending mission trips, hunting, cooking, watching Alabama football, and listening to music.
Her future plans are to attend a major college and earn a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Kamryn Denise Brock
Kamryn is the 16-year old daughter of Joey and Heather Brock. Her sponsor is her family. As a freshman, Kamryn was a junior varsity cheerleader and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid. This year, Kamryn is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and is also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year. Kamryn was also voted freshmen and sophomore class president.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends; especially her trandfather and little brother.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and obtain her degree to become a veterinarian.
Miss Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
Lauryn is the 16-year old daughter of Ronnie and Joy Walker. Her sponsor for tonight is her family. Lauryn has been a junior varsity cheerleader for three years and as a sophomore, she held the title of captain. As a freshman, Lauryn was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been a member of the Beta Club for one year and is also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, she volunteers her time at Byrneville Elementary School and participates in various Relay for Life events.
Her hobbies include cheering, shopping, and hanging out with friends.
Her future plans are to attending nursing school and to specialize in pediatric nursing.
Miss Karmen LeeAnna Watson
Karmen is the daughter of Kevin Watson and Kevin and Shane Spence. Her sponsor is Atmore Industry. Karmen has been a member of the track team for one year, the DCT club for one year, and is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. In her community, she is a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Her hobbies include photography, twirling, and helping people.
Her future plans are to attend fashion and photography school in New York City. Later in life, Karmen would like to open a group home for needy children.