Campbell, Bondurant To Wed
June 24, 2012
Keith and Robynn Campbell of Chumuckla would like to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Ashleigh Amanda Campbell to Adam Bryan Bondurant, son of Farris and Becky Bondurant of Munson.
Ashleigh is the granddaughter of John Lewis and Maxine Jones of Allentown and Glen and Margaret Campbell of Chumuckla. Adam is the grandson of Albert and Codylene Von Axelson of Munson and Dewey Bondurant Sr. of Flomaton. The wedding will take place on June 30, 2012, at Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown.
Weekend Gardening: Time To Prune Gardenias And Hydrangeas
June 23, 2012
Hydrangeas and gardenias are two of our most beloved shrubs in the South. They are revered for their flowers and are planted in large drifts throughout Northwest Florida.
Gardenia shrubs are evergreen and produce shiny, dark green leaves. They are known for their waxy, creamy white flowers. The flower’s aroma, adored by many gardeners, is powerful and pleasant.
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs and produce coarse, light green leaves. Their large leaves will fall off after a freeze. Although you are left with bare sticks during the winter, the summer blooms are well worth the winter bareness. While there are many different types of hydrangeas, the mopheads are probably the most recognizable. Their large inflorescences are usually blue on acid soil, pink on alkaline soil and a dirty white on neutral pH soil.
Even though these shrubs are different in many aspects, the one thing they have in common is when they “set” their flower buds. Both shrubs develop flower buds on old (mature) wood of the previous year and open in early summer of the following year. Flower buds are formed at the terminal end of stems and, if not killed by cold or removed by inappropriate pruning, provide the showy floral display the next year.
The best time to prune gardenias and hydrangeas is after they finish flowering for the season. Pruning them at the incorrect time of the year, such as winter, will remove the flower buds.
Your pruning program should be purposeful. First, remove all diseased, weak and dead wood. It will be important to disinfect your pruning equipment after removing suspect branches. Pruning shears, loppers and saws can be dipped in a weak bleach solution to prevent spread of disease between plants.
Once all the problem branches have been removed, then think about thinning the plant. Shrubs are often thinned to reduce a top-heavy appearance or to open up a dense canopy. To thin, simply remove some of the oldest branches by pruning them down to the ground. Remove about a quarter to a third of the branches, selecting the oldest ones for elimination. When thinning, take care not to damage the nearby younger stems and foliage.
Next, cut back branches that are excessively long. Prune back to a lateral branch that is six to twelve inches below the desirable plant height, removing no more than a third of the stem. Cut each branch separately to different lengths with hand pruners. This will maintain a neat informal shrub with a natural shape. Plants sheared into various geometric shapes produce a formality not suitable for many modern, natural landscapes. Making pruning cuts down inside the canopy instead of on the outside edge will also hide unsightly pruning cuts.
Within the last several years, reflowering hydrangeas have found their way into the marketplace. Reflowering hydrangeas produce an initial flush of flowers followed by sporadic flowering or later flushes of flowers in the same growing season.
Endless Summer® Hydrangea is a reflowering hydrangea. It is very forgiving and will not suffer if left unpruned or pruned at the wrong time. In fact, young, recently planted shrubs are best left alone. Unlike other hydrangeas, your Endless Summer® will bloom on both old and new wood, branches that grew last year and the new branches from this year. Another unique feature is that this hydrangea will continue to set buds and bloom throughout the season. Deadheading, or removing the spent flowers will encourage continual blooming.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at (850) 623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Photo: Giant, Two Ton Cow
June 22, 2012
A giant, 13-foot tall, 2-ton cow paid a visit to the Tom Thumb in Molino Thursday afternoon. The beefy Holstein’s visit was part of a Turkey Hill brand promotional tour with free ice cream and lemonade, and free prizes in a spin game.
Pictured above: Gracen Brook, Danny Baity and Kylie Brook pose with a giant Turkey Hill cow Thursday afternoon at the Molino Tom Thumb. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Accelerated Reader Awards Presented
June 21, 2012
Accelerated reader awards were recently presented to some of the top readers at Molino Park Elementary School:
Most Words Read
- 1st grade — Ethan Collier – 227,310
- 2nd grade — James Perz – 336, 593
- 3rd grade — Ariel Ward — 1,184,934
- 4th grade – Alexa Scholobohm — 1,156,819
- 5th grade –Hannah McGahan – 3,340,506
Most Accelerated Reader Points
- 1st grade — Ethan Collier — 128 Points
- 2nd grade — laden Lewis – 85.1 Points
- 3rd grade — Hailey Harigel – 209.8 Points
- 4th grade – Alexa Scholobohm — 164.2 Points
- 5th grade –Hannah McGahan — 476.5 Points
Fun Food: Artistic Summer Snack Attack
June 20, 2012
School’s out! One way to get creative with all this extra time and to eat nutritiously is to make and eat healthy snacks. Like an arts-and-crafts project, making a snack can be a great summertime activity. Bonus: the kids get to eat their artwork and you get to sneak nutritious foods into their day for a healthy diet.
Some works of art need the following elements:
- Foundation – slices of whole wheat bread, tortillas, English muffins, lettuce leaves, rice cakes, zucchini or cucumber rounds, apple or pineapple slices.
- Glue – peanut butter, low-fat cream cheese, cheese spread, hummus, refried beans, low-fat yogurt, jam, pizza sauce, or low-fat ranch dressing.
- Bling – seeds, nuts, grapes, raisins, match stick carrots, olives, beans, low-fat granola, diced fruits and veggies.
Start from the foundation and work up to the bling. Create faces, animals, or landscapes. Let the plate be your canvas. It’s a great way to try a new food or sample a food prepared in a totally different way.
For other works of art, use toothpicks, skewers, popsicle sticks, or edible pretzel rods to make shish kabobs. Cut out cheese shapes with small cookie cutters and add to the stick alternating with cut up fruits and vegetables. Make a beautiful edible bouquet.
Kids are also more likely to enjoy new foods if they are served in fun containers. Try using mugs, champagne glasses, ice cream cones, or party hats.
Be sure to include nutritious foods from all the food groups as your artists create throughout the summer: load up on fruits and vegetables, incorporate whole grains, go lean on the dairy and protein.
No sitting around loading up on the unhealthy “junk” foods out of boredom this summer. The time for healthy edible snack art is now.
Molino Park 5th Grade Awards
June 19, 2012
Award days were recently held at Molino Park Elementary School.
The following awards were presented to fifth grade students at Molino Park:
For Pre-K to first grade awards, click here for a previous story.
For second to fourth grade awards, click here for a previous story.
Sons of the American Revolution for Citizenship
- Braden Garrett
- Deanna Gulsby
- TarynJanes
- Keegun Johnson
- Meredith Morgan
- Austin Smith
Cox Hero Award
- Crystalyn Daly
Student of the Year
- Savannah Hart
Shining Star
- Dalton Brown
Highest AR Points
- Hannah McGahan
Ann Vidak Award for highest GPA
- Jenna Hassebrock
Michael Pierce Award
- Sierra Slay
Most Improved Math
- Deanna Gulsby
Most Improved Overall
- Raven Childers
Perfect Attendance
- Cade Allen
- Joseph Kidd
- Tori Herrington
- Morgan Lathan
- Chase O’Connor
- Ryan Sconiers
- July Solchenberger
- Travis Sutton
- Nicholas Venable
Straight A Honor Roll
- Jenna Hassebrock
- Meredith Morgan
- KyrhaShisk
- Austin Smith
A/B Honor Roll
- Cade Allen
- Kennedy Bellard
- Dalton Brown
- Nikoal Creamer
- Hannah Ellis
- Kendall Enfinger
- Kaylin Glenn
- TarynJanes
- Keegun Johnson
- Morgan Lathan
- Aubree Love
- Hannah McGahan
- Chase O’Connor
- Chelsey Skidmore
- July Solchenberger
- Spencer St. Cyr
- Christian Taylor
- Hayley Walker
Good Citizenship
- Kennedy Bellard
- Marissa Skye Bullington
- Nickoal Creamer
- Crystalyn Daly
- Carson Daniels
- Hannah Ellis
- Faith Evans
- Emma Fennell
- Braden Garrett
- Kaylin Glenn
- Savannah Hart
- Jenna Hassebrock
- Tori Herrington
- TarynJanes
- Shelby Kizer
- Morgan Lathan
- Aubree Love
- ElyssaMcQuaid
- Meredith Morgan
- Chase O’Connor
- Kayla Phillips
- Claire Roberson
- Brandon Santos
- KyrhaShisk
- Chelsey Skidmore
- Austin Smith
- Courtney Smith
- Julie Stanton
- Spencer St. Cyr
- Christian Taylor
- Hayley Walker
Look Inside: New Molino Library, Museum And Community Center
June 18, 2012
Progress is continuing on a project to convert the old Molino School into a 15,600 square foot library, community center and museum. The facility is expected to be completed by November.
For a look inside at the construction progress, click here for a photo gallery.
Pictured: Inside the old Molino School restoration project. Pictured top: The auditorium in what will be the community center. Pictured left inset: A portion of the library. Pictured below: One of the rooms that will become a museum. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dear Dad: Father’s Day Wishes
June 17, 2012
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their fathers. We’ve randomly selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your father’s story, or just wish dad a (late) Happy Father’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Earl Hilburn
submitted by Katie Hilburn
My daddy’s name is Earl Hilburn, and he is from the Molino community. If you ever heard the song “Because You Loved Me” it describes my dad in every way. My dad has always been there for us no matter what. He’s always lifted us up when we were down, and told us we could do anything we set our minds to do. He has always taught us right from wrong. He taught all of us to respect elders, and always stand up for what we believe in. M
y dad is a very hard worker; he’s a truck driver and has been since he was 18 yrs old. If you knew my daddy, you know he’s a good man, and a man who would give the shirt right off his back for you. I’ve watched people hurt, and mistreat my dad, but he has always turned the other cheek. There’s not a lot of men like my daddy,
I’ve watched that man do whatever he had to do to provide for his family, rather it be driving days without sleep or going 2-3 weeks without seeing his family. My dad has eight children,and six grandkids.
I could go on forever about my daddy, but if you listen to the song, it truly does describe my dad and how wonderful he is. God has blessed us with an amazing dad with a huge heart!
Dale Findley
submitted by Katie Findley
My father is the epitome of what a Dad should be. His name is Dale Findley, and I have been blessed because he showed me how to be a successful adult by being a hard worker and finishing something.
He has been married to my mom for almost 49 years and gave me and my three siblings a great example of how to make marriage and family work.
He is a grandfather to four and he shows them everyday what a blessing life is and how merciful God is to us all. I love him so much today and always, and thank God that he gave me to him.
I know he has made God Proud!
Melvin Turner
submitted by Kim Turner Gafford.
My daddy’s name is Melvin Turner but didn’t know this until I was probably eight or nine years old. Everybody calls him Cowboy. When I was growing up, my house was the place to be. And it was all because of my daddy. All of my cousins and neighborhood kids loved to play at our house. One and all were welcome.
Daddy always had time to play a game of h-o-r-s-e in basketball, a game of baseball or football in the front yard. He never minded loading up a truckload of kids and taking them to the creek. I don’t even know how many kids he taught to swim.
Daddy has five children ranging from 30 to 54, 14 grandchildren ages 2 to 29, and a three-year old great- grandson. He has been married to my mama for 55 years. Even though daddy is getting on in age he still plants a big garden for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone still depends on dear old dad or granddad if they need something. He’s the kind of man who knows how to love his family and they love him back. Just a simple man who enjoys the simple things in life… a tomato sandwich made from a vine ripen tomato from his own garden, the laughter of children playing, holding hands with the woman he loves, helping his family and neighbors and of course, a good ole Alabama football game.
Glenn Wilson
submitted by Amanda LeeAnn Siler.
I remember when the man I call my dad first came in to my life I was an older kid of a single mom with two children. He came in my life, gave me his last name and is more father to me than the person who biologically created me ever was. He didn’t have to be the dad to me that he was but he did anyways.
He recently had a heart attack and still goes out of his way to do anything and everything for me and my son even though only part of his heart is still functioning. He’s the best!
Tim Godwin
submitted by Rebeccah Godwin.
My daddy, Tim Godwin is the best dad ever. He works hard and still makes time for me and Miracle League of Pensacola. He and his friends make sure we have a place to play baseball and he is the BEST coach and dad ever. Even when he had a cancer and heart problems he made sure I was not afraid. I love him!!!
Frank Zisa
submitted by Katelyn Zisa.
I remember when I was playing little league softball, he was always there as my coach. He would always say “Never give up, no matter what that scoreboard reads; you’re out there to have fun”. I also remember when I was in first grade and he would always help me learn my spelling words, even if it took all day. I love my dad, I’ll always be his little girl.
Thomas McGinty
submitted by Leslie McGinty Garner.
My sisters and I are very blessed with the daddy the good Lord gave us. I don’t think there are enough descriptions to describe him. Early on, he set his mind on what kind of life he wanted to live and the things he wanted to accomplish, and to my knowledge, he succeeded and excelled in both of those areas.
My parents will soon celebrate 48 years of marriage. In this day and time, that’s almost unheard of. Our home was always full of love and a lot of silliness.
Growing up, daddy always had the answers to whatever question you had. To this day, I still find myself calling him with certain questions and he always has “the” answer. My sisters and I are probably a bit spoiled. Not necessarily with monetary things, but just spoiled with the love and adoration from loving parents.
We will always be “daddy’s little girls” no matter how old we get and he will always be our Superhero Dad! We love you very much, Thomas McGinty.
Paul Allen Thomas, Sr.
submitted by Jessica Thomas.
October 27, 2009, God called my daddy, Paul Allen Thomas Sr., home. He was such a great man. Never selfish. Would help anyone. RIP daddy I love you with all my heart. I’ll always be daddy’s little girl… July 9,1958 – October 27, 2009.
Jimmie Aden
submitted by Caitlin Roley-Lovely.
My dad is really my stepdad! He lives in Bratt, and his name is Jimmie Aden. He stepped up and was a dad to me and my sister when my dad wasn’t around. He has taught us everything from fishing to just general stuff a father should be there for.
And when I need anything I know that I can count on him to be there. I’m now out on my own and have a little girl that he also is the best pawpaw too. I love him more than words can describe and will always be thankful to have him as my dad!
Billy Jack Criswell
submitted by Marsha Criswell Maher
My Dad is a man of few words. And those words often times have to be beeped out, but his love is shown to us by checking our tire’s air pressure or oil in the vehicles and even by loaning us his treasured possessions. Day in and day out, year in and year out, he will always be my dad and I love him. Have a great day, Billy Jack Criswell… Happy Father’s Day!
Larry Enfinger
submitted by Kevin Enfinger
Dad has never given up on me no matter how thick or thin things have become. Love you dad.
Jerry Eugene Rolin
submitted by Deanna Ann Rolin
My dad is an amazing man.As long as I can remember my dad has been there for me and my brother. He has worked all his life to put food on the table and to support his family. The main thing is that my dad is a Christian man that has brought his children up in church and I thank him for that. Hhe may have not be the type that would discipline us but we knew better than to make him mad.
So this Father’s Day 2012 I am thankful that I still have my amazing dad still around with us. I Love You Daddy!!! Jerry Eugene Rolin. Love always your one and only daughter Deanna.
Jarvis Andrew Jackson
submitted by Susan Harris
My daddy is Jarvis Andrew Jackson. He is an amazing father to nine children who are all grown now.
He is an amazing grandfather to his grandsons. He is retired from the Marine Corps. He was hard on all us kids and loving at the same time. The song “Daddy’s Hands” really does go to my daddy. I couldn’t have asked for a better father. He is amazing.
I love and miss you daddy. He was living in Escambia County and just recently moved to Key West.
Submitted photos and stories for NorthEscambia.com
List: Vacation Bible Schools
June 17, 2012
Vacation Bible Schools will continue this week at churches in the North Escambia area.
To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com
VBS Cottage Hill UMC
Vacation Bible School at Cottage Hill United Methodist Church, June 18-22 from 6-8 p.m. For grades K-9. Supper provided.
VBS First Baptist Atmore
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Atmore, June 18-22 from 5:30 until 8:00 nightly. Preschool to 5th grade.
Farm Hill UMC VBS
Farm Hill United Methodist Church will hold VBS June 18-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Berrydale Baptist VBS
Berrydale Baptist Church “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Vacation Bible School, June 18-22 from 9 a.m. until noon. 6730 Hwy 4, Jay.
Walnut Hill Baptist VBS
Walnut Hill Baptist Church “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS” will be held June 25-29 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for children through the eighth grade. A VBS celebration will be held after the worship service on Sunday, July 1.
Highland Baptist VBS – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold “Sky” VBS July 9-13 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. for ages three years through fifth grade.
Faith Bible Baptist VBS
Faith Bible Baptist Church “Sonlight Express: Jesus & Me” VBS will take place July 16-20 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for ages 5-12. The church is located at 5801 North. Century Blvd. For more information or transportation
Little Escambia Baptist VBS – Flomaton
Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton will host VBS July 16-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon, for ages four years through sixth grade. For more information call (251) 296-2777.
Mt Carmel VBS – Jay
Mt Carmel UMC, located on Mt Carmel Church Road in Jay will have VBS July 16-21 from 5 pm until 8 pm.
Jay UMC VBS
Jay United Methodist Church “Shake It Up Café: Where Kids Carry Out God’s Recipe” VBS will be held June 18-22 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. For ages four through 12.
Ray’s Chapel VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church “IncrediWorld Amazement Park” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 6 until 8:30 pm for kids Kindergarten through fifth grade. A kickoff/registration party will be held Saturday, July 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 170 W. Bogia Road in McDavid. For more information call (850) 256-3422.
Family Worship Center VBS
Family Worship Center’s “Quest for Truth” VBS will be held July 23-27 from 9 a.m. until noon for kids ages five through 12. Family Worship Center is located at 1251 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. (850) 723-2644.
First Baptist Cantonment VBS
First Baptist Church of Cantonment “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS 2012″ will be held June 25th-29th from 8:30 a.m. until noon for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. The church is located at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 968-9135 or visit www.fbccfl.com.
Allen Memorial UMC VBS – Cantonment
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church “Operation Overboard” VBS will be held July 16-20 from 9 a.m. until noon for children kindergarten through fifth grade. 206 Pace Pkwy in Cantonment. (850) 968-6213.
Victory Assembly VBS
Victory Assembly of God, Highway 29, will hold “Operation Overboard” VBS June 25-29 from 9 a.m. until noon daily. Kindergarten to fifth grade.
Charity Baptist VBS – Cantonment
Charity Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold VBS June 25-29 from 6 until 8 p.m. with Fun Day on Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until noon. Visit www.charitybaptistchurch.org for info.
Aldersgate UMC Molino VBS
“Operation Overboard” Vacation Bible School at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, July 30-August 3. Daily activities 5:30-8:30 p.m. for ages 3 to rising fifth graders. Preregister now at www.aumcmolino.org. For more info, contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489.
Photo Gallery: Summer Fest At The Ole Mill Pond
June 16, 2012
Summer Fest at the Ole Mill Pond was held Friday afternoon at Century Care Center. Local vendors were on hand selling their wares and there was live entertainment and more.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.












