It’s Easy To Recycle Your Wrapping Paper, Boxes In North Escambia
December 25, 2011
You can “go green” with those piles of Christmas wrapping paper and boxes by recycling them at one of several drop-off locations around North Escambia or in your weekly ECUA pickup.
Christmas wrapping paper, along with other household paper, plastics, steel and aluminum can be placed in your recycling container on your normal ECUA pickup day. For complete information on the ECUA recycling program, click here.
The Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management has drop-off recycling locations in or near each of the larger communities in North Escambia. North of Nine Mile Road, recycling bins are located at:
- Ashton Brosnaham Park, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 North Century Blvd., Century
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Molino Fire Department, 1459 Molino Road (behind fire station)
- Oak Grove Citizen’s Convenience Center, 745 North Highway 99
- Perdido Landfill, 13009 Beulah Road, Cantonment
- UWF, John Martin Hall, 11000 University
- UWF, ParkwayParking Lot #10, Campus Dr.
Items eligible for recycling at the drop-off locations are aluminum cans, steel cans, glass food and beverage containers, plastic containers (#1-#7), cardboard, junk mail (including Christmas wrapping paper), paper, magazines, and newspapers.
For more information on drop-off recycling in North Escambia, visit EscambiaRecycles.com.
Northview Students Provide Christmas Food For Needy Families
December 25, 2011
Northview High School students collected over 500 canned and nonperishable food items during the last week of classes before Christmas break.
The items were distributed to needy families in the Northview community in Christmas food baskets. The event was sponsored by guidance counselors Heather Crumm and Kimblery Corcoran.
Pictured: Some of the more than 500 food items donated by Northview High Students. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Have A Holly Jolly – Century Care Residents Celebrate Christmas
December 25, 2011
The Christmas season has been a busy and exiting time at the Century Care Center.
At a recent event, Sawyer Hudson of Jay High School, and Bobby Holland and Keith Faulk performed prior to a residents’ Christmas party.
“We all send out a heart-felt thank you for all who contributed time, money and gifts,” said Century Care Center Activities Director Mae Hildreth. “This is a wonderful and generous community. Thank you to all and Merry Christmas from the Century Care Center staff, the residents and their families.”
Pictured top: Gifts galore, many donated by the community, at Century Care Center’s annual Christmas party for residents. Pictured inset: Sawyer Hudson of Jay High School performs. Pictured below: The CCC resident Christmas party. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Rice Krispie Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Hot Chocolate
December 25, 2011
We are continuing our Christmas recipe series today with some family time favorites.
Today’s recipes include Traditional Oatmeal Cookies, Crockpot Candy and Rice Krispie Treats — perfect recipes for the family to make together. And what would Christmas be without Hot Chocolate? Our quick and easy recipe can easily be increased to make enough for everyone, plus it’s easy to include some extra cocoa powder for a deeper, darker treat.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Crock Pot Candy
submitted by Brooke Mixon
- 16 oz Salted Peanuts
- 16 oz UnSalted Peanuts
- 4 oz German Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Almond Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Butterscotch Morsels
Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours. Do not stir or open lid. After 2 hours, turn off crock pot, stir candy and drop in clusters onto wax paper. Let cool and enjoy. This recipe will make 70-90 pieces of candy, depending on the size.
Traditional Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups of Quaker Oats (Quick)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheet, remove to wire rack.
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (10 oz., about 40) pkg. regular marshmallows or 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and continue to stir until the marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal coating them well with the melted marshmallow mixture. Using a buttered or silicone spatula, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan which has been buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with wax paper. Cut into squares when the mixture cools. Makes 24 squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Microwave butter with marshmallows on high setting for 2 minutes in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir together when melted. Microwave again on high for 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into pan as above.
Hot Chocolate
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 c. milk
- a bit of vanilla, if desired
Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.
Area National Guard Unit Returns Home For Christmas
December 24, 2011
Members of a local National Guard unit returned home Friday from Afghanistan just in time for Christmas.
The 170 members of the 1165th Military Police Company based in Fairhope and Brewton arrived back in Fairhope mid-morning Friday as hundreds of people lined the streets to show their support.
The soldiers, several of which live in the North Escambia area, deployed for Afghanistan in January. They have spent the last 11 months in the Kabul area. They will spend Christmas at home before heading back to Mississippi next week to complete their end of mission paperwork.
Sgt. Chester Tolbert, a Jay resident assigned to the 1165th, was recently awarded for his actions while in Afghanistan. Click here for a earlier NorthEscambia.com story about the Century Correctional Institution employee.
Two Brewton natives in the 1165th assigned to NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan also received awards a few days ago for actions taken in early August when their team successfully combated an insurgent attack in Kabul.
U.S. Army Spcs. Daniel Fowler (pictured left) and Brandon Hammack helped defeat a multiphased attack in which insurgents used small-arms and improvised explosive devices to attack the British Council Building, a base located in a relatively upscale area of the country’s capital used for education and helping Afghanistan’s civil society groups. Although no U.S. service members were harmed, twelve people died in the attack.
Commander, Task Force Yankee Army Brig. Gen. John Hammond presented 10 soldiers with Joint Service Achievement Medals and combat action badges, one soldier with a Joint Service Commendation Medal and a combat medical badge, one soldier with an Army Commendation Medal and one soldier with a combat action badge.
Pictured top: Sgt. Chest Tolbert of Jay, a member of the 1165th Military Police Company, helps an Afghan National Police officer detect vehicle threat indications in the heart of downtown Kabul last early last month. Pictured inset: U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Fowler of Brewton, also a member of the 1165th, receives a Joint Service Achievement Medal and a combat action badge. Pictured below: U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Hammock of Brewton was also awarded the medals. Photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Fahey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Oops! Armed Robber Leaves His Picture ID Behind
December 24, 2011
An Escambia County man is spending Christmas Eve in jail after giving police a special present at the scene of an armed robbery — he left his picture identification behind.
John T. Bruce, 50, was charged with armed robbery and possession of marijuana under 20 grams after a holdup at a Cervantes Street CVS.
Pensacola Police Department Officer Jim Bell said a 56-year-old female employee told police the suspect walked up to the register and asked for a pack of cigarettes. She said when she went to give him the cigarettes, he was holding something wrapped in “some kind of material” in his right hand, and pointing it at her as if there was a gun under the material.
The suspect then demanded cash, and when she told him she had to get it, she saw what she believed was a gun under the material. Once he got an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the business and police were notified, Bell said.
After the robbery, the employee noticed the suspect had left his identification card on the counter. The card had his name, date of birth and his photograph.
A description of the suspect was broadcast to police and a short time later, he was located and arrested with a bag of marijuana in his pocket.
Officer Involved Shooting Under Investigation
December 24, 2011
A man was shot outside a West Cervantes Street bar Friday night by a Pensacola police officer.
The incident happened outside Tom and Buddy’s Liquors about 5:45 p.m. The officer in plain clothes, identified as Shawn Thompson, was not injured.
The man who was shot, 25-year old Robert Jason Donson, was transported by ambulance to Baptist Hospital. His condition was not available.
The incident is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as is normal with officer involved shootings.
Pictured above: Crime scene tape surrounds a bar on Cervantes Street in Pensacola after an officer involved shooting Friday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Apples, Sweet Potatoes And A Quick Breakfast Brunch
December 24, 2011
Today’s Christmas recipes feature an Apple Caramel Pudding and a Sweet Tater Cheesecake. We also have a Farmer’s Omelet Casserole that’s easy to cook and would provide a hearty Christmas morning breakfast or brunch for everyone.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Farmer’s Omelet Casserole
by Terri Brown
- 3 cups frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup chopped green pepper, divided
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 18 large eggs, beaten
- 2 1/3 cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 1/4 cups chopped tomato, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (coarse grind is best)
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Cook potato, 3/4 cup green pepper and onion in oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, stirring constantly, 8 min. or until tender. Cool potatoes if preparing the night before. Combine potato mixture, eggs, ham, 1 cup tomato, salt and black pepper in a large bowl; stir well. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered at 325 for 40 minutes or until golden. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green pepper and 1/4 cup tomato. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
Apple Caramel Pudding
by Janet Smith
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
Combine first five ingredients; then add apples and milk. Blend thoroughly and pour into 8″ square pan.
Combine:
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup boiling water
Mix sugar, boiling water and butter and pour over the batter already in pan. Bake
at 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. Seeve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Very simple but rich dessert. Serves 4 to 6
Sweet Tater Cheesecake
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 cup whipping cream (cool whip will work if no cream handy)
- 1 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed (NOT CANNED)
Graham Cracker-Pecan Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 425°.
Crust:
Combine crust ingredients thoroughly; press into a 10-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth; beat in flour, cinnamon, and ginger. Beat cream and well-mashed sweet potatoes in on medium speed of a hand held mixer just until well-combined. Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes; lower heat to 275° and bake 1 hour longer. Turn heat off and leave in the oven to cool for several hours, or cool on a wire rack. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Photos: Century’s Old Fashioned Christmas Light Display
December 24, 2011
Thousands of cars pass the Century Roadside park each evening, very few stopping to enjoy the old-fashioned Christmas lights.
The lights, which became Century’s after the City of Pensacola upgraded some number of years ago, include a large North Pole house, “The Jolly Trolley”, and Santa with his sleigh and reindeer.
Today, we take you inside the park at North Century Boulevard (Hwy 29) and Hecker Road for an up close and personal look at the lights.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: No. 1 North Pole Place, part of the Town of Century’s Christmas lights display. Pictured inset: A clown fires and “animated” cannon. Pictured below: The Jolly Trolley. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
How Much Do Those Christmas Lights Cost On Your Power Bill?
December 24, 2011
Have you ever wondered just how much it costs to light up your house and tree for the holidays? Probably less than you think, according to Gulf Power. The utility says it costs about $1.40 to run a string of 200 miniature holiday lights for about five hours a day for 30 days.
To save money, the company recommends the purchase of LED Christmas lights — the cost to power 200 LED bulbs five hours a day is only about 19 cents for a month. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, each LED bulb uses only about one-tenth of the energy used by traditional mini-lights. And, LED lights last a long time and don’t produce heat, which helps eliminate fire hazards.