EREC Announces Youth Tour Winners
April 21, 2009
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has named their 2009 Youth Tour to Washington contest winners.
Heather Lee from West Florida Academy was named the Escambia County representative, and Bridget Jacobs from Jay High School was named the Santa Rosa County representative on the Washington Youth Tour.
Students from our area interviewed with a panel of judges in this competition for a chance to win the opportunity to visit Washington on the Youth Tour to learn more about rural electrification, our nation’s capital and more.
“EREC is very proud to have these two outstanding students represent them on the Washington Youth Tour this year,” said Sabrina Owens, EREC’s director of marketing. “Congratulations to each of them on achieving this honor.”
Judges from PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Andalusia, Ala., scored contestants on their interviews based on their knowledge of Escambia River Electric Cooperative and the history of rural electrification. Personal attributes of each candidate such as character, academic ability, personality and leadership abilities were also considered.
Children of EREC employees are not eligible for the EREC Youth Tour competition, but those children can apply to the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA) Youth Tour contest for Florida co-op employee children. Travis Hatfield, son of EREC warehouse manager David Hatfield, won the EREC slot for employee children.
Hatfield competed against other co-op employee children across the state of Florida by writing an essay entitled “America’s Energy Future” and was selected by a panel of judges to represent the Florida Electric Cooperative Association on the Youth Tour.
The 2009 Youth Tour is June 12-18.
Pictured above: EREC Youth Tour winners (L-R) Bridget Jacobs, Heather Lee and Travis Hatfield. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Of The Year Named
April 20, 2009
Several North Escambia students were recently recognized as Students of the Year by the Escambia County Council of PTAs and PTSAs.
The students were presented their award by members of the Escambia County School Board and Superintendent Malcolm Thomas at a recent program in Pensacola.
From North Escambia, the Students of the Year were:
- O’Neshia Spencer, Bratt Elementary
- Trevor Levins, Byrneville Elementary
- Andrea “Shea” Nall, Carver/Century K-8
- Jordan Helmken, Molino Park Elementary
- Angel Mitchell, Ernest Ward Middle
Pictured above: Angel Mitchell was the Escambia County Council of PTAs and PTSAs Student of the Year from Ernest Ward Middle School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Century Plus Eight: Century Celebrates Birthday
April 19, 2009
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society celebrated the 108th birthday of Century Saturday with a day of activities.
The day featured Civil War reenactors, displays from museums, free museum tours, yard sale items, food, entertainment and more.
The events took place in the area of the Alger-Sullivan Historical District on Jefferson Avenue.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from Century’s 108th Birthday Bash Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Fire Holds Spaghetti Supper For Relay For Life
April 19, 2009
A spaghetti supper to benefit the Century Relay for Life was held Saturday night in Walnut Hill. All proceeds from the event at the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue went to the American Cancer Society. Pictured above: Walnut Hill Assistant Chief Kevin Mininger hands off a plate of spaghetti to Tracy Benner. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ride For The Son
April 19, 2009
It took a few months but the Escambia county chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association is well on its way to becoming a fully recognized chapter. The group includes members from around South Alabama as well as North Escambia.
The group recently held their officer elections and are in the process of selecting a chapter name. “We don’t just select a name that sounds cool,” said President Doug Chandler. “We have been praying about this because our name will reflect what our ministry is all about. Once we select a name we have to submit it with a explanation of its meaning to national for approval”.
In the mean time the local chapter is working with chapters all over the U.S. on C.M.A.’s only fundraiser of the year called Run For The Son. “Run For The Son is a nationwide effort to raise money that reaches out to the world…not just the motorcycle community,” explained Chandler. Sixty percent of the money raised goes toward worldwide missions and 40 percent goes toward motorcycle ministry.
“C.M.A. buys dirt bikes for missionaries who work in remote, mountainous areas. Without this form of transportation it would be almost impossible for them to reach some of the villages. It is amazing to hear about the number of churches that have been planted because of motorcycles donated by C.M.A. to missionaries.”
Another outreach is the Jesus film. C.M.A. has it translated in to various languages then sends it with a projector, sound system and screen to missionaries. “I saw a video of a village watch the Jesus film for the first time. This wasn’t just the first time they had seen the film, this was the first time they had ever heard the Word of God. Now they were able to see it and hear it in their own language. It brought me to tears to see literally hundreds of kids crying and screaming as they watched Jesus being beaten by the Roman soldiers. Then when Jesus came forth from the tomb they cheered and danced. I then watched in amazement as a whole village came forward to give their life to Christ. All because people donated a few dollars here and there and some bikers went on a ride. It just blows me away.”
C.M.A. also supports organizations that smuggle Bibles into areas where Bibles are banned.
“Yes, we minister to the motorcycle community but through Run For The Son we can do so much more. Someone can donate five dollars toward my ride and who knows…they may save the soul of someone in a village far, far away.”
On May 2nd C.M.A. chapters all across the U.S. will mount their bikes and ride for Run For The Son. The Escambia County chapter will be joining several other chapters on a ride to Birmingham.
If you would like to make a donation to the ride contact one of the chapter members or Doug Chandler at (251) 294-0386. All donations are tax deductible. “Who knows your dollar may be the dollar that brings someone to Christ.”
Pictured: Escambia County C.M.A. Newly elected officers: Back (L-R): Jeff Price, road captain; Doug Chandler, president; Sean Callaway, vice president; Frank Marquis; chaplain; Dylan Marquis, photographer. Front( L-R): Tyler Chandler,webmaster; Millisa Callaway, treasurer; Julie Chandler, secretary; Roger Vogel, administrator/newsletter editor. (Not pictured Fabiana Price-Run For The Sun Secretary) Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thank You For Underwear Drive Help
April 19, 2009
Several North Escambia churches and organizations recently conducted an underwear drive for the Gulf Coast Kid’s House
The following “thank you” was submitted by Rikki Vidak of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, the group the organized the drive.
Our Underwear Drive was very successful and we would like to thank the many organizations and people who took their time and money to help these children in need. We
were able to fill an SUV – our version of Cram the Van!
We would like to thank:
- Aldersgate UMC
- Walnut Hill Baptist Church
- Oak Grove Baptist Church
- Highland Baptist Church
- St. Monica’s Episcopal Church
- Molino Park Elementary School
- Northview High School FCCLA
- Farm Bureau Offices Molino and 9 Mile Road
Rikki Vidak
Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
Pictured above: Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members (L-R) Rikki Vidak, Jane Breault and Martha Carpenter. Other Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members who were instrumental in making the drive a success were Dot Cunningham, Katrina Sanford and Christi Oppenhien. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Spring Carnival Is Rescheduled
April 16, 2009
The Molino Park Elementary School Spring Carnival originally scheduled for this Saturday has been rescheduled for the third Saturday in May.
The MPES Spring Carnival will be held May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. inside the school. The carnival will include games, prizes, vendors, BBQ, pizza and, of course, fun.
4-H Celebrates 100; Barrineau Park Club One Of State’s Oldest
April 16, 2009
Florida’s 4-H has turned 100 years old, and North Escambia is home to the oldest continuous 4-H club in Florida.
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club is the oldest continuous 4-H club in the state. The Barrineau Park 4-H Club was established in 1914.
Attorney General Bill McCollum celebrated 100 years of 4-H in Florida with over 100 4-H members from around the state. During a tree planting ceremony at the Capitol, the Attorney General spoke about the importance of 4-H’s commitment to teach young people to be leaders in their communities and good stewards of their environment.
“I am excited to join Florida’s environmental community to champion an effort to make our planet a little greener,” said Attorney General McCollum. “It is imperative the young people of this state understand the gravity of their responsibility to lead their peers and protect the precious resources with which they have been entrusted.”
Florida 4-H is a strong youth development program which has touched the lives of over 263,000 youth and nearly 12,000 volunteers. Nationally, 4-H has over 6 million members who participate in hands-on learning activities geared at helping youth become contributing, productive, self-directed members of society.
“We are excited that Attorney General Bill McCollum is honoring our legacy by planting this tree in the Rose Garden at the Florida Capitol,” said Marilyn Norman, Ph.D., associate professor and associate dean over the state’s 4-H program. We feel the growth of this tree represents the thousands of Florida 4-H volunteers, parents, and professionals over the last 100 years who created quality learning environments in which positive youth development occurs.”
The tree planting was part of 4-H’s “Million Tree Project,” which is working toward the goal of planting 1 million trees across the continent to help lower greenhouse emissions, reduce runoff, and promote a better state of environmental consciousness. The tree, a crepe myrtle, was chosen because of its ability to thrive in Florida’s environment with little water once established.
Pictured above: Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum plants a tree with help from 4-H members to celebrate the groups centennial. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Releases Honor Roll
April 15, 2009
Northview High School has released its honor roll for the third nine weeks period as follows:
High Honors 4.0
9th grade
Holly Nicole Dickson
10th grade
Sarah Malinda Killam
Emily Faith Vickrey
11th grade
Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
Clinton Eugene Davis
Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
12th grade
Gretchen Denea Boughner
Melissa Nicole Garrett
Jessica Maria Mothershed
Fredrick Lamario Smith
Honors 3.50-3.99
9th grade
Nathan Cole Commander
Josie Britt Doucette
Amber Dianne Francis
Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
Chelsea Grace Parham
Alexander Dewayne Payne
Tyler Lindsay Randolph
Timothy Lucas White
Elizabeth Ashley Wright
10th grade
Mallory Ann Bell
Allyson Michelle Bullard
Sara Lynn Conner
Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
James Tyler Garrett
Laneicia Dinette Gomez
Jocelyn Marlese Gould
David Aaron Lambert Jr.
Dabney Harrison Langhorne
Michael Todd Lowery
Dixie Lynn Picheo
Brianna Renae Roley
Christina Nicole Sepulveda
Hayley Renee Simpson
Colton Darryl Sims
Stephanie Leann Solari
Allison Ayers Vidak
Ladarion Bernard White
Katie Marie Wieborg
11th grade
Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
Kolbi Shae Cobb
Bradley James Lowery
Amber Nicole McMillan
John Anthony Sellars
Felicia Michelle Settle
Jackson Helton Smith
Dakota Wayne Stuckey
12th grade
Richard Kyle Braun
Kayla Sue Brewer
Clarence Alfred Brown III
Olivia Kaylen Bryan
Coty James Chance
Tiffany Lynne Chance
Amy Nicole Conner
Stephanie Leigh Doucette
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Jamison Blayne Garrett
Melissa Nicole Garrett
Briana Renea Halteman
Stormy Brooke Hayes
Amber Renae Holland
Luke Fletcher Killam
Jody Wade Levins
Samantha Parry Merritt
Dustin Ryan Odom
Summer Denise Sanders
Amanda-Ann Morgan Sellars
Aaron Richard Sharpless
James Anthony Sharpless
Chelsea Ellen Sims
Ashley Arlene Snow
Amie Jolynn Sutton
Garbell Sharda Wesley
Kayla Dlaine Wheeler
All Aboard: Flomaton Area Railroad Museum
April 14, 2009
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum houses a look back at the area’s railroad past, and the museum is asking for your help.
The museum is looking for individuals that have knowledge of local history to share that knowledge, and they are looking for historical items for the museum. In addition to railroad items, the museum is in search of other local history items related to local history in and around Flomaton, South Flomaton (present day Century) and the surrounding area.
“Flomaton and the surrounding areas have a rich history,” said the FARRM’s Publicity Director Betty Jones. “The museum is a place everyone should visit.”
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum, located on Sidney Manning Boulevard (Highway 29) at College Street, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it also serves as the official Flomaton Welcome Center. Admission is free.
The group now has over 70 charter member families, and they are seeking new members. Membership is $20 yearly for a family, $10 for seniors.
The group meets every second Tuesday of the month, including tonight, at the museum. For more information on the Flomaton Welcome Center and the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum, call (251) 296-1100.
Click here for a photo tour of the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum.
Pictured top: One of the displays in the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum includes the backdrop painting from Flomaton’s Centennial Play last year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.