Gates, Fountain To Wed
December 16, 2012
Chad and Alison Fournier of Atmore proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Jordan Alexandria Gates, to Lee Brandon Fountain, also of Atmore.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Billy and Linda Gates of Atmore and Roger and Debbie Boutwell, also of Atmore.
The prospective groom is the son of Dudley and Sheila Fountain of Atmore. He is the grandson of Myrtle Ellison and the late Earl Ellison of Clanton, Ala., and Vivian Fountain and the late Robert Fountain of Atmore.
Miss Gates is a 2008 Honors graduate of Escambia County High School and is currently enrolled as a full time student at the University of South Alabama pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a concentration in either Pediatrics or Athletics.
Mr. Fountain is a 2003 graduate of Escambia County High School and a 2007 graduate of Troy University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He hopes to pursue his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice in the Fall of 2013. He is presently employed with the Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer.
The couple will exchange vows November 2, 2013 in Atmore.
The couple will reside in Daphne, Ala., until Miss Gates completes her education.
Pen Air FCU Contributes Toys to Toys for Tots to Help 7,500 Children
December 16, 2012
Pen Air Federal Credit Union teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense to provide toys to underprivileged children in the community for the holidays. Each Pen Air FCU branch served as a drop-off location for donations, accumulating toys and other donations to help make the holidays of 7,500 children a little bit brighter.
A team of local Marines collected the toys from the Pen Air FCU branch aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola recently. The toys, for children of all ages, will be taken to a warehouse to be separated by intended age group and gender. From there, they will be distributed in the community before Christmas.
“There has been a significant increase of families who applied to receive toys this year,” said Lt. Matt Nole of the Marine Corps who assisted in picking up the toys from Pen Air FCU. “Thankfully, the donations have also grown to meet these needs.”
Pictured: Pen Air FCU employees and Lt. Matt Nole pose with some of the toys donated to Toys for Tots through Pen Air branches. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pen Air FCU President and CEO, Stewart Ramsey, said, “I am filled with pride over the donations collected from our members and employees. I hope these toys will make this a very merry Christmas to many local families.”
Photos, Videos: Northview Christmas Variety Show
December 15, 2012
The Northview High School concert band, color guard, majorettes, dance team, guitar ensemble. theatre groups and glee club presented the NHS Christmas Variety Show Friday night at the school.
The program included Christmas performances from each group.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a video of the performance of “Little Drummer Boy”, click here.
For a video of the dance team performance, click here.
Pictured the NHS Christmas Variety Show held Friday night at the school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Byrneville Elementary Holds Annual Christmas Carnival
December 15, 2012
Byrneville Elementary School held its Christmas Carnival Friday night at the school.
The annual event included a host of games, including a ring toss, cake walk, football toss and more. The evening’s festivities ended with a gift basket auction, with proceeds going to benefit the school.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Employees Collect $36,000 For Communities Caring At Christmas
December 13, 2012
Gulf Power Company employees have wrapped up their annual holiday collection of hundreds of toys, clothing and other gifts, which will be donated to the 2012 Communities Caring at Christmas campaign this Friday.
In addition to the almost $16,000 worth of bikes and helmets bought and assembled by the utility’s employees, they also raised close to $12,000 to give as a cash donation and collected hundreds of toys and other gifts for Communities Caring at Christmas. The estimated grand total of all the donations equals more than $36,000 from Gulf Power employees.
The money raised for the cash donations, bikes and helmets and some of the donated gifts are raised throughout the year through fundraisers held by the employees, such as golf tournaments and bake sales.
“We know the holiday season can be a difficult time for many so Communities Caring at Christmas is a great way to directly help those in need,” said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Every year our employees reach into their own pockets to help make sure as many children as possible have a great Christmas.”
Communities Caring at Christmas provides new toys, clothing and daily living needs for low income and abused, neglected and abandoned children living in foster care in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Waltoncounties.
This is the 17th year Gulf Power and its employees have participated in Communities Caring at Christmas. Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop off their gift at WEAR-TV on Mobile Highway by Friday, December 14.
Pictured: Gulf Power employees raised enough money to purchase almost $16,000 worth of bikes for Communities Caring at Christmas this holiday season. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Student To Represent Florida In U.S. Senate Program
December 11, 2012
Tate High School senior Amy Sapp has been selected as one of only two students to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate Youth Program.
The program recognizes students for their academic, leadership and public service accomplishments. Sapp will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C. as part of the Washington Week program.
In Washington, Sapp will meet with high level government officials and participate in a wide variety of experiences. She was selected as part of an interview process conducted by the Florida Law Related Education Association Inc. with the assistance of both U.S. Senate offices and the Florida Department of Education.
Sapp is also on the Mock Trial for Tate High School and was named as one of the top attorneys in the nation at the National Mock Trial Competition last May.
Molino Christmas Parade Set For Saturday
December 11, 2012
The 10th annual Molino Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and will end at the Molino Ballpark where Santa will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
Entry fees are $25 for vehicles’ $15 for motorcycles, tractors and golf carts; and $10 for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts are allowed. Preregister now at Fran’s Diner or on the day of the parade. Entrants need to be in line at the parade start by 10 a.m.
All proceeds will go directly toward helping needy children in the Molino community during the Christmas season. Donations such as toys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner in advance of the parade.
For more information, call Christa at (850) 587-3201 or Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803.
The parade rain date will be Sunday, December 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: The annual Molino Christmas Parade last year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Student A Winner In Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Art Contest
December 10, 2012
A Bratt Elementary School fifth grader was one of three Escambia County winners in an art contest sponsored in conjunction with concerts by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.
Last month, 6,000 fifth grade students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties attended live concerts by the Symphony at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.
Regions Bank also sponsored an art contest in conjunction with the concerts. In the weeks leading up to the performance, students listened to the selected piece and drew pictures inspired by the music. This year’s piece was John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare. Students’ drawings depicted Olympic rings, various sporting events, gold medals, celebrity athletes, and more. From over 1,000 entries, 37 finalists were selected and their artwork was projected above the symphony during a live performance of the Olympic Fanfare at the concerts.
From those finalists, the top 3 entries from Santa Rosa and Escambia counties received prizes courtesy of Regions Bank.
In Escambia County, Amber Roth from Hellen Caro Elementary received first place and a $500 savings bond. Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond. Helena Gee from A.K. Suter Elementary received third place and a $100 savings bond.
Teachers of all of the winners received a gift basket of art supplies for their classrooms from Regions Bank.
Pictured top: This poster by Amanda Franklin from Bratt Elementary won second place and a $250 savings bond in a Pensacola Symphony Orchestra art contest. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 9, 2012
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured nearly dozens of lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
Float winners were:
Ahh! Award – Atmore Community Hospital
Judge’s Choice – Jus Because
People’s Choice – PCI “Viking” Float
Most Inspirational – Brooks Memorial Baptist Church
Best Float Team Spirit – K-9 Kleaners & Resorts
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids
December 9, 2012
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 12th annual toy ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Over 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall.
Pictured: The LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz ride departs Bratt Saturday morning after Santa and helpers delivered toys to children waiting at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
