WWII Unit Holds Reunion

Glisson descendants and friends celebrated their 33rd reunion with members of World War II 244th Port Company of the 496th Battalion who celebrated their 15th reunion on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the American Legion building, Marianna. Sadly though only three of the battalion was present due to health reasons and deaths.

Members arriving early enjoyed homemade blueberry muffins, orange juice and coffee. Lunch which consisted of baked ham, fried chicken, sliced turkey breast with dressing, a variety of home grown vegetables, salads, breads and desserts with tea and a variety of other beverages. The noon meal was preceded with a moment of silent prayer in memory of deceased members with the blessing by Bobby Glisson of Sanford, Florida.

After lunch a time of fellowship and viewing of scrapbook and photos was enjoyed. A door prize drawing was held with Terry McCollum of Nicholson, Georgia winning.

A get-together was held on Friday night prior to the reunion at the home of Bill and Jeannette Woodham in Cypress. Approximately 20 attended.

Marianna City Commission Meeting Overview

Meeting of July 7, 2009 By Sid Riley
At Tuesday evening’s regular meeting of the Marianna City Commission the following actions were taken:
♦ Designated Ann Roe as Health and Rehab “Employee of the Month”.
♦ Designated Patrolman Tyler Scarbrough as City “Employee of the Month”.
♦ Awarded annual City of Marianna Scholarship to Dustin Miller, son of Ricky and Tami Miller.
♦ Hired Melinda Gay as new Director of Marianna Health and Rehabilitation Center. City Manager, Jim Dean, recommended starting salary of $64,000. Commissioner Roberts felt salary of $72,000 would be more appropriate. Commissioners approved hiring Mrs. Gay at the higher salary.
♦ Commission was presented monthly report from Health and Rehab Center. Occupancy remains high and operations are ahead of budget planning.
♦ Commission reviewed presentation from Matt White regarding needed upgrade of telephone network used by City of Marianna at its seven locations. Four options were presented with varied cost and improved capabilities. Commissioners decided on option which will cost $60,000 for installation, but will reduce annual telephone bills for the city from $25,000 per year to $20,000 per year. This yields a 12.4 ROI on the purchase.
♦ Approved expenditure of $7255 for awarding work to Century Fire Protection for anti-freeze systems for sprinklers over outside pedestrian canopies at the Health and Rehab Center. Commissioner Roberts questioned why the State inspector had issued a citation against the Center for this requirement after fifteen or twenty years of previous inspections without mention of this need. The response was that a new inspector had been hired to perform the inspections by the State, and this inspector was creating new requirements.
♦ Commission tabled request from Rev. Daisy Townsend-Johnson for use of building at the airport for counseling program until proposal is reviewed by the Industrial Development Board.
♦ Approved Ordinance #977 relating to Schools Element of Comprehensive Plan for first reading and advertising.
♦ Approved Ordinance #981 2nd Reading for Florida Public Utilities franchise renewal. Renewal approved with 5-0 vote.
♦ Approved 1st Reading for adoption of annexation of 441 acre parcel north of Chipola River.
♦ Approved leasing of upstairs area in Airport FBO building to Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for use by Drug Task Force. Lease rate $400 per month.
♦ Approved personnel policy changes recommended by City Manager.
♦ Approved bid from Economy Air Conditioning for installation of 2 ton York Air Conditioning unit for Police Department. $3330.00.
♦ Approved Interlocal Agreement with School System.
♦ Required City Manager to obtain bids from all local auto dealers for new vehicle for Hayes Baggett, Chief of Police, prior to purchase. Baggett’s existing vehicle will be used as replacement cruiser, and the new car will not be totally cruiser equipped. $19,553 bid from Chipola Ford was previously submitted.
♦ Approved bid from William Crutchfield for new outside air conditioning unit for Fire Department, $3593.00.
♦ Approved giving small air refill unit which is surplus, to the Sheriff’s Department.
♦ Approved purchase of new dryer at Health and Rehab. Gulf Coast Laundry Sales, $6684.00.
♦ Received report from City Manager on beginning of work to put utilities underground in Court House area. Will be 4-6 months before all permitting and inspections can be processed.
♦ Approved designation of Melvin Engineering as primary city engineering firm for next year. Commissioner Roberts stated more opportunities should be given to some of the newer firms in the local area. Commissioner Wise took exception to remark that the commission was merely “rubber stamping” approval of Melvin Engineering. “We shouldn’t get involved in the City’s management decisions, we should follow the recommendations of staff”, Wise argued.
♦ Approved requesting funding for the two new fire trucks which will be purchased with $100,000 in stimulus funds plus a $216,000 low interest loan. Expenditure $216,000.
♦ City Manager, Jim Dean, reported that the County Commissioners had denied his request for the city and the county to share repair costs of Old Campbellton Road, and then the county assume responsibility for the road since it only serves county residents. Dean stated that work was underway by the City to do as much as possible to fix the road.

Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Rules

The 2008 Farm Bill reauthorized the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL). The program provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.

To expedite the FSFL approval process, producers planning to submit an FSFL application to FSA, may request an environmental evaluation of their proposed project at their county FSA office.

To comply with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), FSA must evaluate the potential impacts the proposed structure could have on the environment for FSFL applications. An FSA-850 form must be completed for each FSFL application before the application can be approved.

Producers requesting an environmental compliance determination are advised that the FSFL application must be submitted and approved before site preparation and construction can begin on the facility.

Applicants will be required to identify the:
♦ type of structure they wish to construct
♦ proposed site by marking the location on an aerial photo.
County Offices will not accept requests to complete FSA-850 via telephone. If a producer is unable to visit the office, the request must be submitted in writing and include the necessary information to complete FSA-850.

Additional information about initiating a Farm Storage Facility Loan is available at FSA county offices.

First Baptist Church Marianna Youth Choir 1972-74 Hold Weekend Reunion and Concerts

♦ First Baptist Church of Marianna, Florida has a reputation for exciting youth programs and choirs. In 1972-1974 the youth choir swelled to over 100 voices and accompanists as they travelled to Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington D.C. They sang in churches, prisons, parks, tent revivals, campgrounds, the banks of the Suwannee River, and the steps of our nation’s Capitol. Leading the choir was Eugene Hattaway, then a young choir director and youth minister. Over the past 35 years Mr. Hattaway has gone on to serve in some of the largest Southern Baptist churches in the southeast as well as being a member and assistant director of the Centurymen, a group of over 100 Southern Baptist Choir Directors, that have travelled the globe singing and recording music. He presently services as Worship Leader at Tellico Baptist Church in Tellico, Tennessee.

♦ A reunion weekend and two concerts are planned for July 31 – August 2 where the former members and their former choir director will share time reminiscing, fellowshipping and rehearsing. The weekend culminates in two concerts at First Baptist Church on Sunday, August 2. The Reunion Choir, led by Mr. Hattaway, will perform Sunday morning at 10:30 AM with a message by Dr. Shuford Davis, who served the youth group as retreat pastor and the Church as interim pastor. Dr. Davis presently has a marriage and family therapy practice and is a published author of several articles on marriage and family dynamics.

Dinner on the grounds will follow the worship service. In the evening service, Mr. Hattaway will perform a concert including many of the church’s favorite Hattaway selections. Scheduled to attend, pending travel arrangements, is Dr. Michael Catt, pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and one of the driving forces behind the successful Christian films, Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. Dr. Catt is a former FBCM summer youth minister.

♦ Any former members who wish to participate should contact Kathy Bright Bass at kbass@wdbass.net or 850-832-1007 for more information.

Community Calendar

Thursday, July 9, 2009
♦ Cornerstone Bike Nite - The Thursday night Motorcycle group meets at 6:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant south of Marianna on Highway 71.
♦ Marianna Ted Walt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12046 installs new officers for 2009-2010. Out going Commander Ernest McNeill congratulates incoming Commander Bill Sellers Jr. The VFW Meet on the 1st Thursday of the month, at 2830 Wynn Street. This meeting will take place on July 9th due to the July 4th observation. The covered dish supper is at 6 p.m., then at 7 p.m. the VFW meets and the VFW Auxiliary meets.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
♦ Greenwood Community Festival - The public is invited to the Greenwood City Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a Community Festival sponsored by Diamond’s Nail Spa. There will be games, prizes, moonwalk, food, music, health & safety info, and lots of family fun. For more information contact Kiashauna Pollock at 526-7895.
♦ Jackson County Habitat for Humanity will celebrate the dedication of house #43 with the Johnson family Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:00 am. The dedication will be held at house #43 on 2938 Sunset Drive, Marianna. Friends, supporters and partners of JC Habitat are encouraged to attend!
sunday, July 12, 2009
♦ The Greater Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. William Harvey is pastor, will be having it’s Annual Membership Rally, July 12th, 2009. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m., and Evening services will begin at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. George Bowers and the St. Mary Baptist Church family of Jacob City, FL. in charge of services. Everyone is invited to come and worship with us on this day. For more information, call: (850) 594-3522.
♦ Welcome Assembly of God - Revival with Joel Talley Ministries - Sunday, July 12 - Wednesday, July 15. Dr. Thomas Batts pastor of the Welcome Assembly of God extends to you a special invitation to attend their Revival beginning Sunday morning through Wednesday evening. The Sunday morning service will begin at 10:30am (CST) and the Evening Service will begin at 6PM (CST). Joe Talley preached his first revival at 13 years of age. Joel has been in evangelism full time for 21 years and is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. Joel and his wife Regina are talented musicians and singers. Regina is a songwriter and recording artist. They appeal to teens and adults alike ministering in the Word of Music. Their ministry has taken them into churches in the USA and several foreign countries. They also minister in Camp meetings and Youth Camps. The Welcome Assembly of God Church is located in the Dellwood Community at 6794 Messer Road. If you have any questions or need directions, please call the church office at (850) 592-5077. Our office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 8am until 1 pm.
♦ The Pre-Revival Sermon will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 12th at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Two Egg, Florida. This year’s theme comes from Hebrews 7:25--Jesus Mighty to Save.
♦ Pleasant Grove AME Church family cordially invites everyone to there 11am service on Sunday July 12, 2009. The speaker for the hour will be Elder Fredrick Long of Plant City, Florida.
Monday, July 13, 2009
♦ Jackson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program meets today in Greenwood and Bascom. Last session for the summer. Preschoolers and school age kids explore reading through music, art, drama, dance & more. At Greenwood City Hall, preschool 9:30-10:30 a.m and school age 10:30-11:30 a.m. At Bascom Community Center preschool 2:00-3:00 p.m. and school age 3:15-4:15 p.m. Call 482-9631.
♦ Vacation Bible School - Grand Ridge Baptist Church - Sunday evening, July 12th thru Friday, July 17th from 5:30 until 8pm each night. We will provide a light supper each night. This year’s theme is “Truth Trek.” We will have classes for ages 3 yrs old to 6th grade and we will also have a class for the adults. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle in our church office, 592-4846
♦ Revival Meeting - NEW HOPE MB CHURCH 3996 Wintergreen Road Two Egg, Florida July 13-17th, 6:30 Nightly Evangelist for the week will be Rev. Aldredge L. Young, pastor First Mt. Mariah MB Church, Springfield, FL.. Moderator of New Gulf Coast MB Association. Rev. L. V. Farmer Pastor/Teacher.
♦ GBMBC Announces Revival Services with the Rev. O.L. Blackshear Sr. This great pastor & dynamic speaker will be the Evangelist for the week of July 13th thru July 17, 2009, at the Greater Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church Hwy. 162, Greenwood, FL. 32443 where Rev. William Harvey is the pastor. Everyone is cordially invited to attend these services with us!
♦ St. Matthew M.B. Church along with Henshaw Chapel A.M.E. Church in Cottondale will be having our Annual Revival starting Monday July 13 through Friday July 17, 2009. The nightly service will begin at 6:30pm with Rev. Tony Hannah pastor of Henshaw Chapel A.M.E. Church being the evangelist for the week. Everyone is welcome to come and cry out and sing praise unto the Lord, for He has been good and merciful unto us. For more information please contact (850)352-3385
♦ Jackson County Democratic Party Meeting – Monday, July 13, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. Jackson County Board of Commisioners Offices The Meeting is Open to All Citizens, For more information Please call; 482-5943 or 482-4220.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
♦ Jackson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program meets today in Marianna and Malone. Last session for the summer. Preschoolers and school age kids explore reading through music, art, drama, dance & more. At Marianna Citizens Lodge, preschool 10-11am and school age 11:15-12:15 a.m. At Malone City Hall preschool 2-3pm and school age 3:15-4:15 p.m. Call 482-9631.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
♦ Jackson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program meets today in Sneads and Grand Ridge. Last session for the summer. Preschoolers and school age kids explore reading through music, art, drama, dance & more. At Sneads First Baptist Church, preschool 10-11am and school age 11:15-12:15 a.m. At Grand Ridge Community Center preschool 2-3pm and school age 3:15-4:15 p.m. Call 482-9631.
♦ POWER CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE OF PRAISE - to be held at The Graceville Civic Center Hwy 77 West Graceville, Florida July 15-17, 2009 ~Time: 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This service will consist of dynamic speakers, singers and more... For more information call 850.263.1021-Pastor Bobbie Hall-Hostess
♦ Sneads High School Class of 1979 will have a meeting at Pappy Tom’s in Sneads on July 15th at 6pm (CST). Please attend this meeting if you or anyone you know was a graduate of this class.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
♦ Cornerstone Bike Nite - The Thursday Motorcycle group that meets at 6:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant south of Marianna on Highway 71.
♦ Jackson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program meets today in Graceville and Alford. Last session for the summer. Preschoolers and school age kids explore reading through music, art, drama, dance & more. At Graceville Civic Center preschool 10-11am and school age 11:15-12:15 a.m. At Alford Community Center preschool 2-3pm and school age 3:15-4:15 p.m. Call 482-9631.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
♦ Book Signing at Chipola River Book & Tea - Taylor Jordon - July 18 - 11:00-2:00
Sunday, July 19, 2009
♦ Blue Springs Society, Children of the American Revolution, will host the Eastern Panhandle State Program Packet Workshop at 1:30 at Caverns Road Church of Christ, 4448 River Road, Marianna (a block north of Kelson & Jefferson.) The workshop, led by State President Abaca Dowling and Senior State President Billie Brock, will focus on the 2009-2010 state theme, “Preserving Florida’s Waterways and Coastlines.” For information please call Senior President Mary Robbins at 850-209-4066 or send an email to snoopyxii60@hotmail.com.
♦ New Beginning Outreach Ministries will observe Youth Day with the program committee consisting of Assistant Pastor Kenneth C. Baker, Tenisha Henderson, and Chris Peterson. All are welcome to attend our Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. and the Youth Praise and Worship Program at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served in the dining hall for under $4. Special guests include Prophet Billy White, Pastor Sherry Pickett, Minister Shelina Baxter, Humble Hearts of Praise, Sanctuary of Deliverance Youth Choir along with other talented guests. With an open heart and a mouth filled with praise we will maintain an atmosphere of expectancy.
♦ HOMECOMING HOLYNECK MB CHURCH 3345 Cemetery Lane Campbellton, Florida July 19th, 2009-Time: 11:00 a.m. Speaker: Bishop Frank Wynn, Sr., Tampa, Florida. Guest Gospel Singers: ‘The Traveling Angels’. Rev. Richard Peterson, Sr. Pastor.
Monday, July 20, 2009
♦ The Jackson Hospital Board of Trustees will have its regular Finance Committee meeting on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 5:30 pm in the Community Room of the Hudnall Building.
♦ Theophilus West M. D. Camp 1346, Sons of Confederate Veterans monthly general membership meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday July 20, 2009 at the Harmony Masonic Lodge, 3024 North Jefferson Street, Marianna, Florida All are welcome.
♦ Concerned American Patriots of Jackson County Meeting; Monday, July 20th, 6-7PM at Ag Center, Highway 90 West (next to National Guard Armory). Featured Topic: Health Care Reform. Public is invited. Free copy of Constitution to each family represented.
wednesday, july 22, 2009
♦ The Jackson Hospital Board of Trustees will have its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 5:30 pm in the Community Room of the Hudnall Building.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
♦ Cornerstone Bike Nite - The Thursday Motorcycle group that meets at 6:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant south of Marianna on Highway 71.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
♦ ANNUAL MISSIONARY DAY Metropolitan Baptist Church - Columbus, GA. July 26th, 2009 Time: 11:00 a.m. Guest speaker for the occasion will be Jacob City Mayor, Bernice Milton. Cynthia Henderson, Chairperson.
♦ ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY OBSERVANCE - New Easter MB Church - 977 Hope Avenue Graceville, Florida...July 26th, 2009 Time 11:00 a.m. Speaker for this occasion will be Evangelist Bobbie Hall, pastor of Love and Concern Ministries, Graceville, FL.. For more information call Sarah A. Cooper: 850.638.0086. Rev. Price Wilson, Pastor.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
♦ Book Signing at Chipola River Book & Tea - Tim Hall - August 8 - 11:00-2:00

Reverend Otis Blackshear to be Evangelist At Greater Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Otis L. Blackshear was born to late Rev. & Mrs. J.C. Blackshear. Having been brought up in a Christian atmosphere, he accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He was licensed into the ministry on Nov. 3, 1951 at his home church, St. John Baptist church in Marianna, Florida. He received his preparatory education in Marianna, Florida after which he received his BS degrees from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida, and theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia.

Rev. Blackshear is an experienced pastor with 56 years in the ministry. In 1958 Rev. Blackshear was called to the pastorate of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He has modeled that church in the direction of addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of the community. Because of his great work, Rev. Blackshear has been the recipient of numerous community service awards for his involvement and service rendered to the South Atlanta community.

This great pastor & dynamic speaker will be the Evangelist for the week of July 13th thru July 17th 2009, at the Greater Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church Hwy. 162, Greenwood, FL. 32443, where the Rev. William Harvey is the pastor. Everyone is cordially invited to attend these services with us!

Representative Brad Drake To Speak In Marianna

Republican Club Meeting Scheduled for July 14, 2009
Rep. Brad Drake will be the speaker at the Republican Club meeting at noon, Tuesday, July 14. The meeting will be held at Jim’s Buffet & Grill, everyone is invited to attend. Drake will speak on legislation that the Florida House has before it. Taxes, energy, homeowners insurance and many other issues are very important to all of us. There will be a Q & A session after his talk.
Sandy Helms, Chairman of the Jackson County Republican Party states: “This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to come out and listen to Representative Drake share his knowledge and insights about current issues in Florida, and the political climate that exists as we move forward in this challenging financial time.”
Rep Drake was elected to the Florida House in 2008 and serves on the following Committees:
♦ Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee
♦ Florida Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations
♦ Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee
♦ State & Community Colleges & Workforce Policy Committee
♦ Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
The meeting begins at 12 Noon with Representative Drake at the podium at 12:15 PM. Adjournment is promptly at 1 PM. Lunch is Dutch treat. For more information call Sandy Helms @ 526-9239 or the Club President, Bruce Lambert @ 352-4984.