A Christmas Wish: A Cure For Olivia
December 4, 2009
The Bush family’s Christmas wish is simple — a cure for Olivia.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she weighed only one pound six ounces. She stayed in the NICU three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
The current-day chapter Olivia’s story is perhaps best told by her mother, Amber Bush:
“Olivia is now 6 years old. She is blind and can only see light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
“Our little miracle girl started first grade this year and loves to go to school. She is spoiled rotten by everyone she meets and has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She loves to rock and spin and everything needs to be fast. Roller coasters, throw up rides, and bumps are her friends. Olivia doesn’t meet a stranger. She has the greatest smile and laugh and always brightens our day. She is such an inspiration to everyone she meets, and she has come such a long way. Her favorite song is the BIBLE and she tells everyone to sing it to her.
“After enduring the NICU, she came home on oxygen and a heart monitor, and doctor after doctor. Then started the therapy. She is still in physical, occupational, speech, vision, and mobility therapy.”
Now, Olivia is heading to Miami Children’s Hospital. She will she the same doctor that cured the seizures of her cousin, Northview High student Nathan Therrell. NorthEscambia.com introduced our readers to Nate in November of 2008 when he was on the sidelines as Northview’s waterboy. After undergoing surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital, Nathan played in Northview’s Garnet and Gold Game in May of 2009, void of seizures. (Read about Nathan here.)
Olivia will be in Miami Children’s Hospital December 14-16 for a battery of tests that her parents hope will end with a successful treatment plan. It’s their Christmas wish.
“Pray for guidance in this matter and that the seizures will subside,” mom Amber said. “Please pray for Olivia. She has come such a long way, and we are so thankful. God has truly blessed us with a living angel and we are very grateful.”
A successful benefit car wash for Olivia Bush was held in Century on Saturday, December 5.
Pictured top: Tad, Olivia, Simon and Amber Bush. Pictured top inset: Olivia was just one pound six ounces when she was born at 22 weeks. Pictured bottom inset: Olivia Bush at six-years old. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Teen Attends Global Youth Forum
December 4, 2009
A Century teen recently attended the Global Youth Forum in Washington, D.C.
Charles Houston, a resident of Century and a student at West Florida High School, attended People to People International’s eighth annual Global Youth Forum. Houston was one of more than 200 students ages 13-18 who took part in the forum, which was devoted to the theme “Global Sustainability: It’s All Connected”.
GYF delegates are committed to PTPI’s mission of promoting international understanding and friendship among the world’s people, and arrived prepared to learn how they can work together with peers from around the world to create a better, brighter and greener future. During the course of five days, delegates worked through a curriculum that broadened their understanding of sustainability, learning how our choices as consumers have a global impact.
A variety of speakers joined the delegates to share their expertise. Andrew Revkin, an environmental journalist for The New York Times, discussed what he has learned from his years traveling the globe to research how the way we live affects our climate. Simran Sethi, named “one of the top ten eco-heroes of the planet” by the UK’s Independent, asked the students to think about ways in which they can reduce.
Dr. Mathis Wackernagel, executive director of the Global Footprint Network, stressed the need to remember that there is only one planet earth. He explained the depletion of natural resources and went on to introduce the “Ecological Footprint”, a balance sheet that compares how much nature we have to how much nature we use. Each speaker reminded the students that no matter their career paths, they can contribute to a sustainable future.
“The guest speakers were amazing, each of them presented different ways we are affecting the globe and how we can work together effectively make sure the Earth will be sustainable for generations to come.” Houston said.
Additional conference activities included a presentation by the Anacostia Watershed Society, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Anacostia River, a scavenger hunt through the National Mall and several Smithsonian museums, lunch with “George Washington” at the Hard Rock Café and a trip to the recently opened Newseum.
Seven students contributed additional worldviews to the forum during the International Student Panel session. Panel members hailed from Peru, Macedonia, Jordan, Israel, Bulgaria, Colombia and South Africa. They spoke about their lives and the culture and customs of their countries before participating in a question and answer session with GYF delegates.
“GYF was an amazing experience that I am never going to forget, I never thought that I would have a roommate from Bulgaria or even enjoy breakfast with Mary Jean Eisenhower. The lessons that I learned from GYF are lessons I will keep for a lifetime. I am hoping that I will be able to raise enough money to go to Peru this summer with PTPI to attend what was known as the Global Humanitarian Youth Forum, now called Experience: PERU! In July.”
If you are interested in helping Charles Houston of Century attend the forum in Peru this summer, email us here at news@northescambia.com and we will put you in touch with him.
Pictured top: Charles Houston of Century (third from left) with Mary Jean Eisenhower (second from left), President & CEO of People to People International and granddaughter of PTPI founder and former U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Hardee’s Building Sold For $1.2 Million
December 4, 2009
The Atmore Hardee’s building has been sold to a California trust for just over $1.2 million.
The 2,789 square foot building on Highway 21 at I-65 was developed in 2009 on .87 acres at the entrance to a 740 acre mixed-use development called Rivercane. The building was developed by RealtyLink, LLC, and is leased to Hardee’s on a 20 year absolute contract.
The transaction closed escrow for $1,229,000 in cash to a private family trust out of California.
RealtyLink, LLC is a regional development company based in Greenville, South Carolina that specializes in single tenant build to suits, power centers, neighborhood shopping centers and sale leaseback with select tenants.
Rabies Alert Extended Again; Lab Results Positive For Rabid Cat
December 3, 2009
A rabies alert for North Escambia has been extended again, this time until late January of next year.
The rabies alert was extended Wednesday by Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County (FL) Health Department, after another animal in the area tested positive for rabies. The health department received laboratory confirmation of rabies in a cat that exposed at least six people to rabies in late October.
While the health department will not confirm the location of the cat incident, NorthEscambia.com independently confirmed that the incident occurred October 23 near McDavid. According to a source familiar with the incident, a woman was bitten outside her home. She retreated inside her house and called for help from a neighbor because she feared going back outdoors where the cat remained. We were told that four or five people total were bitten or scratched by the animal. Some of those attacked by the cat were attempting to trap the cat. Health department officials would not confirm that an animal control worker called to the scene was also “exposed” to rabies.
“At least six people were exposed to this feral cat,” according to Molly Payne-Hardin, spokesperson for the Escambia County Health Department, “some during the course of trying to trap it.”
The first 60-day Rabies Alert was issued August 28, 2009 to last a period of 60 days after one person was bit by a rabid fox and two raccoons that bit dogs tested positive for rabies. One dog was bitten on Crabtree Church Road in Molino, the second on Handy Road in Cottage Hill. The rabies alert was extended until November 29 when three additional rabid animals — a skunk and two raccoons — were found in the area. The latest extension, prompted by the cat incident, continues the rabies alert until January 26, 2010.
In all of the recent incidents, Payne-Hardin said there is one common denominator.
“All of the rabid animals were attracted to pet food that was left outside,” she said. “It is important to not leave pet food outdoors after your pet has ate, even it you bring it in just for the night.”
The rabies alert is for all of North Escambia, from Muscogee Road north to the Alabama state line, including all areas between the Escambia and Perdido rivers north of Musocogee Road.
“Rabies will kill humans and their pets if it is not treated,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “I urge residents to keep their pets vaccinated, to stay away from wild animals, and to take basic precautions to keep wild animals from coming to your home.”
Escambia residents should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in North Escambia, according to the health department. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.
An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and humans should avoid all wildlife contact, especially with raccoons, bats, and foxes.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is usually fatal to warm-blooded animals and to humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
The following advice is issued:
- All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
- Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, and foxes.
- All persons with any unusual exposure incident, or bites, with a wild animal should be evaluated by a physician to determine their need for treatment.
- For general questions pertaining to rabies in animals, contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
- Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Do not leave pet food outside as this practice also attracts other animals.
- For questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian.
- Veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/diseases.htm or contact the Escambia County Health Department, Environmental Health office at (850) 595-6700.
Trials Continued For Jay Teachers Accused Of Relationships With Students
December 3, 2009
Court cases have been continued until late January for two Jay High School teachers accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with underage students at the north Santa Rosa County school.
Ashley Elenea Burkett (pictured left), 31, and April Burford Watson, 33, both of Jay, were arrested in August on three counts each of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, a second degree felony. Both were released on GPS monitors.
Both women were due in court this week, but requests for continuances were approved by Judge Gary Bergosh, delaying their next court appearances until late January. Burkett and Watson have both pleaded not guilty to both charges.
“The investigation was initiated on July 28, 2009 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Santa Rosa County School District alleging sexual relationships between two Jay High School teachers and male juveniles,” Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Sgt. Scott Haines said after the arrests. The letter was turned over the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
“Interviews were conducted with the alleged victims in the case. Two victims alleged that they were involved in sexual activity with Watson at her residence and the residence of Burkett between the months of July and October 2007. One other victim alleged that he was involved in sexual activity with Burkett at her residence and the residence of Watson between the months of July and October 2007,” Haines said in August. “Both of the suspects were questioned by investigators and they both admitted to the unlawful sexual activity.”
Burkett taught reading and special education students and was assistant volleyball coach last school year, according to the Jay High School web site. Watson taught math and was the advisor for the junior varsity cheerleaders, also according to the school web site. Watson was to be the varsity cheerleader sponsor this school year and Burkett was to be the varsity volleyball coach.
Jay Teen Dies Day After Three Vehicle Accident
December 3, 2009
A Jay teen died Wednesday night from injuries sustained in a Tuesday afternoon wreck.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Alex Bradley Hopkins, 18, of Jay was pronounced deceased at Sacred Heart Hospital at 9:21 Wednesday night. Hopkins was involved in a three vehicle crash at 4:20 Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Acy Lowery Road.
Hopkins failed to slow and stop for traffic that was stopped for a vehicle to turn from Chumuckla Highway to Acy Lowery Road, according to the FHP. Hopkins lost control and entered the path of a 2008 Toyota driven by Martin J. Gough, 41, of Pace. Debris from that collision struck a 1996 Dodge driven by Robert M. Lamon, 46, of Milton.
Hopkins, who was driving a 1997 Nissan, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the crash report. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition following the accident.
Gough was transported to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries. Lamon was not injured.
Century’s Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home Honored
December 3, 2009
The Escambia County Commission has honored Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home in Century for its services to the community over the last six years.
Jackson-McMurray has provided funeral services to the community since 2003 and has been providing indigent burial services for the county since 2008. Jackson-McMurray was among several funeral homes honored by the commission for providing the indigent burial services at a nominal rate to the county.
“These local businesses, by voluntary choosing to participate in the Indigent Burial Program provide this last service of dignity to residents of Escambia County… as a means of giving back to the community,” a proclamation by the commission reads.
“The Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, Florida, on behalf of its citizens, commends and expresses sincere appreciation to Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home for six years of dedicated service to Escambia County residents and their families, during a most difficult period in their lives,” the proclamation concludes.
1959-2009: Molino Homemakers Celebrate 50 Years
December 3, 2009
In December of 1959, June Cleaver was the perfect homemaker on the Leave It to Beaver television series. In Molino, a group of homemakers began to gather in December 1959 to learn more about becoming better homemakers. And the group they formed, the Molino Homemakers Club, is still going strong.
On Wednesday, members of the Molino Homemakers Club gathered to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary.
“They saw a need for an organization to teach them, make them better homemakers and let them meet their neighbors,” current Molino Homemakers President Nancy Holland (pictured left) said. She was a young wife and mother of a newborn and an 18-month old when she joined the group in the early 1970’s. She and her husband had just moved to Molino, and she was looking to meet other women in the community and learn more about being a good homemaker.
There have been a lot of lessons learned and a lot of friends made during club meetings that focus on everything from canning, to cooking, to sewing to anything Martha Stewart. Often, generations of homemakers from a family have been members of the group.
Today, club members range in age from their 40’s to their 80’s. Young wives and young homemakers are conspicuously absent from the group. Holland admits that the June Cleaver traditional homemaker is a dying breed in today’s world.
“So many of the young women work now,” she said. “And those that aren’t working are busy with small kids and so much else. Maybe if we taught more microwave cooking…”
Wednesday’s 50th anniversary meeting started as all other meetings — not with the tap of a gavel, but with the tap of a large spoon.
After quick business meeting — including a reminder that dues of just $5 per year were to be paid in January – it was time for show and tell.
One member displayed a newly finished quilt for the other ladies. We won’t share her name because the quilt will be a Christmas gift, and we don’t want to spoil the surprise.
“I spent about seven hours working on that edge,” she said, admitting that she did stop a few times to see a couple of “important” things on television as she worked on the quilt.
Another member displayed a large cross stitch design that she had just finished. She explained that her design included cross, stem and back stitches. It’s a sewing art form that is becoming rarer today.
“You can’t hardly find the patterns any more in the stores,” she said. “They just quit carrying them.”
Following the show and tell session, the women of the Molino Homemakers Club held a cookie exchange. It’s simple concept — bake a few dozen cookies to share and go home with samples of each cookie baked by other members.
Sharing is, and always has been, part of the group, Holland said. “Club members are always here for each other.”
The Molino Homemakers Club started with a meeting in the home of Lillie Miller in December 1959, a meeting organized by Ethel Atkinson from the Escambia County Extension Service. Charter members included: Elsie Enfinger, Sara Gibbs Rikard, Margaret Helms, Mary Louise Lackey, Lillie Miller Stock, Olene Robinson, Rathma Saunders and Anne Vidak.
Sara Gibbs was elected president and meetings took place monthly in a member’s home. Miller and Vidak were hostesses of the first meeting. with Atkinson presenting a program each month. Just as today, lunch was prepared by the members and served after each meeting. The first December 1959 meal included potato salad, Waverly wafers, homemade pickles, wedding cookies and tea.
Each quarter, the club president and a delegate would attend a County Extension Council workshop and then return to the club to share the information. Countless projects and countless lessons were held over the five decades of the club. Club members would enter the results of their new found skills in the county fair — items like handmade quilts, crocheting, knitting, crafts and canning. Many ribbons and a little prize money would always return to the club from the fair.
Today, the 30 or so members of the Molino Homemakers Club has outgrown those home meetings, holding each monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Molino First Assembly Church. Two charter members, Sara Gibbs Rikard and Mary Louise Lackey, still attend club meetings.
“Though faces have changed, the Homemakers continue to enjoy the friendship, devotions, programs and always a good lunch following the meeting,” said club member Terri Brown. “Our purpose is to be an instrument to others for the art involved in learning crafts, homemaking skills, areas of concern within our community, the state and the world. We continue to share our talents and wisdom to the next generation of homemakers.”
Pictured top: Members of the Molino Homemakers Club: (top, L-R) Olene Carraway, Jana Peaden, Frances Cheney, Elizabeth Barlow, Barbara Jones, Carol Carter, Dot Halstead, (second row) Millie Brantley, Annie Smith, Mary Beauchamp, Shirley Clayton, Kelly Connell, Tara Turnipseed, Barbara Hendrix, Becky Dorch, (third row) Terri Brown, Mary Jernigan, Ann Philen, Melba Lamb, Ruth Miller, Carolyn Peterson, Penni Summers, (sitting) Mary Louise Lackey, Lucile Whitegon, Linda Cmehil, Elsie Perry and Nancy Holland. Pictured top inset: Club President Nancy Holland. Pictured middle inset: Olene Carraway picks the perfect cookies during the club’s cookie exchange. Pictured bottom inset: Cupcake pin cushions that were given to each member. Pictured below: Wednesday’s 50th anniversary meeting of the Molino Homemaker’s Club. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Storms Down Trees, Overturn Trailer, Cause Flooding
December 3, 2009
Storms that roared through the area Wednesday left some damage.
In Cantonment, a tree fell onto a garage on in the 2000 block of Country Place Circle. The tree damaged the roof over the garage, and it caused cracks to appear in walls of he home.
On Kinzie Lane in Enon, the wind flipped an unanchored trailer upside down. The 50-foot trailer was an old office that Mark Pitts was turning into a fish camp home. The trailer came to rest on its roof, stopped by a set of monkey bars (pictured left).
“It is amazing that our home is less than 25 feet from this and the things around it that were untouched,” Pitts said. “I never expected this out of a thunderstorm.”
Residents from areas that include Molino, Walnut Hill, Canoe and Bratt contacted NorthEscambia.com to report other impacts from the storm that included downed trees, damaged lawn furniture and other minor damage. Many residents lost power, with Gulf Power reporting as many as 8,000 Escambia County residents without power early Wednesday morning.
Numerous roads across the area were reported flooded. Flooding shut down Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road for several hours. Water covered the roadway and even caused some of the lumber at Pensacola Salvage to float away.
ECAT Drivers Delay Strike
December 3, 2009
ECAT bus drivers won’t go on strike until next week at the earliest.
Escambia County Area Transit drivers voted last week to strike. After a full meeting of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1395, the union voted to meet again with Veolia Transportation, the private company that runs ECAT for the county.
That second meeting will take place today. If the union and Veolia can’t reach an agreement, the union is expected vote to strike next Tuesday.
The issue is a 4.5 percent pay raise that the transportation union says is guaranteed in their contracts. But Escambia County won’t pony up the $225,000 citing a lack of funds. The bus drivers voluntarily agreed in 2007 to skip raises on the promise of the 4.5 percent pay increase this year.
Government employees are forbidden to strike in Florida, but since the bus drivers are employees of Veolia, a private company, they are allowed by law to go on strike.
ECAT runs one route in North Escambia, with six-day a week bus service to and from Pensacola, Cantonment, Molino and Century.