Escambia Bands Concert Receive Music Awards
March 22, 2011
The Florida Bandmasters Association District 1 Concert Music Performance Assessment (MPA) was held recently at Washington High School. As part of the MPA, middle and high school bands play three prepared songs for three different judges and then play two pieces they have not seen before for a fourth judge.
The following Escambia County bands received an overall superior rating: Bailey Middle Symphonic, Brown Barge Middle, Ransom Middle Symphonic, Escambia High Symphonic, and Tate Symphonic.
The bands receiving an Excellent rating were Bellview Middle, Ferry Pass Middle, Bailey Middle Concert, Ransom Middle Concert, and Woodham Middle.
Northview, Ernest Ward FFA Members Attend Ag On The Hill
March 21, 2011
Students from the FFA chapters at Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle schools attended the annual “Ag On the Hill” event last week in Tallahassee.
The seven students were among about 150 from the state’s 15,000 FFA members chosen to take part in the event that introduces the students to state leaders and the Legislature.
The local FFA members were able to visit with Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Sen. Greg Evers and Rep Doug Broxson. They were also introduced on the floor of the Legislature by Broxson.
Students attending from the Northview FFA were Lydia Weaver, Stephanie Solari, Allyson Bullard and Devin Bell, along with student teaching intern Anthony Cannon and FFA Advisor Perry Byars.
Students attending from Ernest Ward Middle School were Haylee Weaver, Allison Woodfin and Bethany Reynolds, with EWMS FFA Advisor Cindy Wilson.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Ag on the Hill is presented annually by the Florida Association of Agricultural Educators, The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Pictured top: Northvew FFA members Stephanie Solari, Lydia Weaver, Allyson Bullard and Devin Bell; Sen. Greg Evers; Ernest Ward FFA members Allison Woodfin, Haylee Weaver and Bethany Reynolds at “Ag On the Hill. Pictured inset: Bullard and Bell on the floor of the Florida Legislature. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Awarded In Century Lions Sawmill Pageant Poster Contest
March 21, 2011
Two Escambia County (Ala.) Enrichment Program students were awarded for taking part in a poster contest to promote the 20th Annual Century Sawmill Pageant sponsored by the Century Lions Club. The winners were Mary Deese and Katelin Salter, both fifth graders at W.S. Neal Middle School.
The 20th Annual Century Sawmill Pageant sponsored by the Century Lions Club will be held Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at the former Carver/Century School.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Did You See The Saturday Night ‘Super Moon’?
March 20, 2011
The full moon brightened the Saturday night sky as the biggest full moon seen in almost two decades.
The moon was at perigee, its closest point to Earth – only 221,565 miles away. The last time the full moon coincided with an extreme perigee was March 8, 1993.
The moon appeared 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter in the sky than lesser full moons — when the moon is farthest from the Earth. But to the casual observer, it was difficult to tell the difference without comparing the moon to a nearby object as in the top photo.
Pictured top: The moon rises behind the Lincoln Memorial in Washington Saturday night (courtesy NASA). Picture inset: The moon rises in Walnut Hill, NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Bite-Size Bacon Wraps
March 20, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is Bite-Size Bacon Wraps. They may be tiny, but brown sugar and bacon packs a big taste.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Photo Gallery: Kids Celebrate Camp Fire’s 101st Birthday
March 19, 2011
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center celebrated Camp Fire’s 101st birthday Friday. The children made birthday hats and paraded around the center while singing “Happy Birthday”. They wrapped up the celebration with red, white and blue cupcakes.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Officials Urge Public To Burn With Caution And Care
March 19, 2011
Officials with Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater District are urging residents in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties to use caution if they decide to burn yard waste in the near future.
While there currently are no burn bans in our area, some cities and municipalities prohibit outdoor burning or require a special permit. If you are not certain about burning in your area, check with the Division of Forestry office by calling (850) 957-6145 and listen to the requirements and restrictions when prompted.
Click the graphic to enlarge and see setback requirements for burning.
Some tips and requirements to keep in mind before you burn yard waste include:
- Legal burning hours are between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset.
- It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint and aerosol containers.
- Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require an authorization from the Division of Forestry.
- Clear down to bare, mineral soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Don’t burn on windy days.
- Never leave a fire unattended – even for a moment. One gust of wind can cause a fire to escape.
- Grass fires can spread quickly. Be prepared. Keep handy a water hose, shovel or other means to put out the fire.
- Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it – no smoke and no heat.
- If your fire escapes, call for help quickly. Several minutes may pass before a fire department or the Division of Forestry can arrive on scene.
- If your fire escapes, you might be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages to the property of others.
Minimum required setbacks to legally burn yard waste:
- 25 feet from any forested area (grasslands, brush or other wildlands).
- 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure.
- 50 feet from any paved or public roadway.
- 150 from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.
Photo Gallery: Northview FFA’s Food For America Program
March 18, 2011
Hundreds of elementary school students from across Escambia County learned a little bit about farm life and the origin of their food during the annual FFA Food For America Day held Friday at Northview High School in Bratt.
The students were able to “shake and make” their own sweet cream butter to enjoy on crackers. They also had the opportunity to pet a variety of barnyard animals, plus learn a little of the science behind agriculture.
The was 16th year the Northview High FFA has sponsored the program, which was named the best in the entire state last year by the Florida FFA organization.
For nearly 150 photos from the program, click here.
Pictured top: Students “shake and make” their own sweet cream butter Friday morning during the annual Food For America event at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Students had the chance to pet a variety of barnyard animals. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: A Very Special Anniversary Dinner
March 18, 2011
Reita and Larry Irwin of Bratt were able to celebrate a very special anniversary, thanks to the staff at Century Care Center.
Reita and Larry are both residents at Century Care Center. As their 33rd anniversary approached, staff member Pat Sharp wanted to make sure the couple could have a special romantic evening together. She and the staff, along with volunteer Betty Jones, arranged for the couple to enjoy a steak dinner complete with roses and sparkling grape juice, in a “private” dining area.
Pictured top: Reita and Larry Irwin of Bratt enjoy a special 33rd anniversary dinner. Pictured below: Reita Irwin, Larry Irwin and Century Care Staff membe Pat Sharp with Reita Irwin. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ironic Photo: ‘Buckle Up Or Pay Up’
March 18, 2011
Just two days after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office began a two-week crackdown on seat belt use in Escambia County, our cameras happened upon the pictured traffic stop Thursday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The driver of this pickup was pulled over on Highway 97 after an Escambia County deputy observed him not wearing a seat belt. It’s worth noting the bumper sticker on the truck — “Buckle Up! Or Pay Up!”.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
