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Friday, July 30, 2010

Chipola Theatre Earns “Superior” for 2009-10 Season

The Chipola College Board of Trustees along with college president Dr. Gene Prough recently recognized Theatre Director Charles Sirmon and the award-winning theatre program.

Chipola started this season off with “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” directed by Charles Sirmon. Florida Community College Activities Association adjudication response states, “This was a complex show with broad physical humor. Farce, though primary meant as entertainment, because of its physical demands, is one of the most difficult types of plays to direct from a blocking and picturization standpoint. Mr. Sirmon did a superior job with this difficult production.” Rodney Whatley of PCC wrote, “It was an evening filled with laughter and joy and amazement. I was truly amazed at the comedic talent of some of the actors. The entire company was amazing and truly entertaining.”

Chipola actors receiving special recognition were Aven Pitts, Ben Grande and Sarah Lovins. Guest artist Chris Manasco also was recognized for comedic choreography.

Chipola’s spring musical hit, “Bye Bye Birdie,” also earned top honors under the direction of Sirmon. Ken McCulough, Professor of Theatre at Florida State College, said “Sirmon kept the story clear in his blocking which used every inch of the stage as well as the aisles for entrances/exits.”

Choreographer Chris Manasco, also was recognized by adjudicators, who wrote, “The choreography for this show was outstanding and Manasco is obviously, an incredible teacher.” Conductor Daniel Powell with guest pianist Christine Lauen created excellent work and Sound Designer, Brenton Jones and musical Director Angie White. McCulough says “Overall, a strong polished production that played to an appreciative and packed audience. Even more impressive, this occurred in a part of the country and in time that needs the arts to not only to survive but also to thrive in order to become an essential part of the local society. Experiences like this will ensure that happens.”

Chipola actors receiving special recognition were Austin Pettis, Aven Pitts, Ben Grande, Cameron Hitchcock, Emily Harrison, Kayla Todd, Kyndall Covington and Sarah Lovins, along with Designer/Technician Brenton Jones.

For more information about Chipola theatre sirmonc@chipola.edu

Alyson James Wins Another Major Crown

A Jackson County 10 year old brought home a big prize over the weekend.  Alyson James, the daughter of Robert and Jay James was crowned Junior Miss Florida Palm in the 2010 Miss Florida Palm State Scholarship Pageant on July 24th.  James competed for the title along with girls from across the Panhandle at the Blountstown High School Auditorium.  At the end of her reign, she will receive scholarship money for her future college expenses.  James was judged on her verbal skills, poise, and personality.  Over the next year, she will make public appearances across the state to promote the title.  James was crowned Little Miss Florida Palm in 2008.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Marianna High School Summer Reading List at Jackson County Library

Jackson County Public Library’s Marianna branch is proud to announce that it is making available the books on Marianna High School’s Summer Reading List.

The books are reserved for Marianna High School students and must be requested at the circulation desk. Students must have a library card issued by the Jackson County Public Library. Students under 18, who do not have a library card, must complete a card application and the application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, in person, at the Library. The Marianna branch is located at 2929 Green Street.

Here is a brief synopsis of some of the books on the Florida Teens Read list:

After by Amy Efaw

Devon Davenport is a straight-A student and prominent player on her school’s soccer team, but when she is linked to an abandoned baby found in the trash she is accused of attempted murder.

Brutal by Michael B. Harmon

Forced to leave Los Angeles for life in a quiet California wine town with a father she has never known, rebellious sixteen-year-old Poe Holly rails against a high school system that allows elite students special privileges and tolerates bullying of those who are different.

Candor by Pam Bachorz

For a fee, “model teen” Oscar Banks has been secretly—and selectively—sabotaging the subliminal messages that program the behavior of the residents of Candor, Florida, until his attraction to a rebellious new girl threatens to expose his subterfuge.

Compound by S. A. Bodeen

Fifteen-year-old Eli, locked inside a radiation-proof compound built by his father to keep them safe following a nuclear attack, begins to question his future, as well as his father’s grip on sanity as the family’s situation steadily disintegrates over the course of six years.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

In a world where some people are born with extreme and often-feared skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace of killing and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, seventeen year- old Mia, a gifted cellist, weights whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.

King of Screwups by K.L. Going

Liam Geller is one of the most popular boys in school but can’t seem to do anything right in the eyes of his father who throws him out of the house. He is taken in by his father’s brother—an eccentric, cross-dressing, glam-rocker disc jockey—who helps him to understand that there is much more to him than his father will ever see.

Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan

High school student Charlie West awakens injured in a concrete bunker, discovers that he has lost a year of his life and has no memory of escaping from prison after being convicted of murdering his former best friend, and learns that he is being pursued by both the law and a group of terrorists trying to destroy the U.S. government.

No Choirboy by Susan Kuklin

A collection of essays in which inmates at American prisons who were sentenced to death while still in their teens share their thoughts and feelings about how they ended up in prison and how they feel about capital punishment.

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Terra, a sensitive, artistic high school senior born with a facial port-wine stain, struggles with issues of inner and outer beauty with the help of her Goth classmate Jacob.

Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

While recuperating in a Baghdad hospital from a traumatic brain injury sustained during the Iraq War, eighteen-year-old soldier Matt Duffy struggles to recall what happened to him and how it relates to his ten year- old friend, Ali.

Reality Check by Peter Abrahams

After a knee injury destroys sixteen-year-old Cody’s college hopes, he drops out of high school and gets a job in his small Montana town; but when his ex-girlfriend disappears from her Vermont boarding school, Cody travels cross-country to join the search.

Secret Story of Sonia Rodgriguez by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Tenth-grader Sonia Rodriguez reveals secrets about her life and her Hispanic family while she studies hard so that she can be the first member of her family to successfully finish high school.

Great Crowd “It’s a Woman Thang” Expo

There were over 100 participants who attended the “It’s a Woman Thang” Expo held  this past Saturday, July 17 at La Maison de Lucy Bed & Breakfast in Alford, FL.  The focus was a Clothing Swap & Wellness Inside & Out.  One Marianna resident wondered, “How long has this event been going on?” When she found out it was the first time event, she was clearly amazed at the huge turn-out, especially for a summer event.  

The event was sponsored by the Northwest Florida Association of Event Professionals, which is a non-profit group whose mission is to provide an outlet for professionals to network and provide quality service to its customers. Besides the venue of La Maison de Lucy, sponsors included Cherished Unions, Occasions, Sweet Stuff Bakery who provided appetizing refreshments, and Jackson Hospital who provided shopping bags. Visitors were to bring clean, undamaged clothes and “swap” them out for someone else’s clothes for free. Some women who intended to just drop their unwanted clothes were surprised to find items they could use. All the unclaimed items were donated to a charity. In addition to the clothes exchange there were vendors who were displaying their products and services.

Even before this event was over vendors and patrons alike were asking when the next one is going to be. So, ladies, if you missed this one, make sure you don’t miss the next one…it’s a one of a kind event. Email info@lamaisondelucy.com to get on the mailing list.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Horse with EEE Confirmed in Jackson County

The Public is urged to protect against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses.

This warning is issued due to a recently confirmed case in which a local horse has Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The animal is located on Alexsam Drive, East of Marianna, the Jackson County Health Department is encouraging residents and visitors to take a number of steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

The state monitors animals as sentinels for arboviruses, including Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, West Nile (WN) virus and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus, to determine if any of those three viruses are present in the community.

The Florida Departments of Health (DOH) and Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), along with other state and local agencies, are working to detect the viruses spread by mosquitoes to humans or animals and the Jackson County Health Department has increased Mosquito Control efforts in the area. Mosquito-borne infections in people can cause headache, fever, dizziness, confusion, movement disorders and coma.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, please visit DOH’s Environmental Health web site http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html, the CDC web site www.cdc.gov, call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-888-880-5782, or contact your local county health department. Additionally, information on arboviruses can be found at the FDACS’ web site, http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/, or by calling (850) 410-0900.



Prevention of Mosquito Bites and Mosquito-borne Illness

● Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

● When outdoors and mosquitoes are present, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

● Use mosquito repellent as directed by the manufacturer.

● Repair residential screening, including porches and patios, if tears or other openings are found.

● Eliminate mosquito breeding sites.



Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

● Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.

● Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.

● Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.

● Pick up all beverage containers and cups.

● Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.

● Pump out bilges on boats.

● Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.

● Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.

● Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.



Tips on Repellent Use

● Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellants are not suitable for children.

● Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.

● Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

● In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.

● Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.

● Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

● If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s web site at http://www.MyFWC.com/bird, or call their county health department or local FWC office. You can reach the Jackson County Health Department’s Environmental Health Section at 482-9227 or 850.526.2412 (answering service)

A New Voice on WFBU

With The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) fall 2010 semester quickly approaching, a new voice can be heard coming from the 24/7 WFBU-LP Radio Studio located on the Graceville campus. “I feel like a mad scientist mixing up, changing, and updating the radio station playlist,” stated the new BCF student station manager Justin Grack. “This is going to be so cool”

The previous station manager has been teaching him the operational side of managing the radio station, as well as the fun, live broadcast components, “It was great getting to know the previous manager, Sandy Derrick, and learning all of the intricacies of WFBU. The whole team here at BCF is amazing and I pray God will get all the glory from this new experience.”

As for what can be expected from WFBU in the coming weeks, “We’ve got a concoction of new things going on this fall,” stated Justin. “I have been brainstorming and working to increase student, staff and faculty involvement.” Some new programs have been added to the WFBU programming schedule as well as the continuation of the Graceville High School football games, the 7:00 a.m. Morning Wake-up Call, and the 10:00 a.m. Monday through Wednesday chapel services.

Everyone is invited to tune in to WFBU 94.7 on August 17 to hear Justin and listen to what’s new for the fall 2010 semester. For more information about becoming involved with BCF’s radio station as a volunteer or sponsor call (850) 263-WFBU (9328) or email jgrack@baptistcollege.edu.

Troop 170 Boy Scouts Hold First Camping Trip of Year

Camp set up on property of Jamey Westbrook

Troop 170 Boy Scouts of Marianna held their first official camp-out on Friday, June 25, at Westfork Ranch in Marianna. The Scouts and their leaders braved the rain and heat, and ultimately had the most enjoyable and educational time together. This was the beginning of at least ten camping trips that Troop 170 will plan and participate in together this coming year.

Boy Scouts gathered Friday evening at the campsite to put up their tents and begin learning a variety of skills and safety practices throughout the two-day event. After waiting out a rainstorm, the first new challenge the Scouts undertook was assembling their new wagon for transporting food, water, and other necessary items. The Scouts worked together as a team and had a fully-functional metal wagon ready for use during the next day’s activities.

Boy Scouts and leaders were up bright and early on Saturday, dressed in full uniform and ready for a day of scheduled training and fun. The boys prepared and cooked their own pancakes, bacon, and sausage to start the day with a good, hearty breakfast. After washing dishes and cleaning the Scout outdoor kitchen were completed, Scout Master Steve Hutton began a lesson on knife and hatchet safety. Hutton explained and demonstrated the proper ways to use a knife, as well as the unacceptable ways to use and carry a knife. A tool was used to demonstrate how to sharpen a knife and hatchet, and Scouts practiced the proper way to pass these tools to one another. Patrol leader Hunter Hutton read important information from the Scout handbook for discussion and also gave instruction on how to use a collapsible camp shovel. Following the training session, Scouts received hands-on instruction in using these tools, including chopping tree branches with a hatchet, whittling sticks with a pocket knife, and sawing tree limbs with a bow saw. Scouts then took an oath to obey the safety practices in order to earn their Totin’ Chip, which allows them to officially carry and use a knife during Scouting activities.

Scouts worked together to prepare their next meal of beef stew, macaroni and cheese, and a dessert, while Jamey Westbrook, owner of Westfork Ranch, stopped by for a visit. After cooking over an open fire, the meal was enjoyed prior to the special ceremony that was held for Scout Nick Walker. Nick officially “crossed over” from the rank of Cub Scout to become an official Boy Scout. He had previously completed all the requirements for advancement, though he was awaiting his tenth birthday in order to meet that last qualification. Nick was also awarded the Arrow of Light award, which is the highest achievement possible by a Cub Scout. He and his parents were honored during the ceremony led by Boy Scout leaders Mary Ann Hutton and David McArthur, with participation from the other Boy Scouts.

Scouts packed up their tents and supplies and were able to break camp before the threat of another rainstorm. The first camping adventure for Troop 170 was a big success and a great first step on the path to many more experiences together working as a team and learning new life skills.

For more information about the program, please call 209-2818, or e-mail cokehut@digitalexp.com.

Local Republicans Welcome Steve Southerland II

Candidate for U.S. Congress stresses conservative values.

By Sid Riley

On Tuesday evening a special reception was held by members of the Northwest Florida Republican Club to introduce Steve Southerland, Panama City businessman who is actively campaigning for the U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Allen Boyd. Southerland briefly addressed the crowd, detailing his moral convictions, conservative beliefs, and constitutional values. “I am against over taxation, over regulation, and government oppression,” Southerland proclaimed. “And at this time the hard working American taxpayers are experiencing all three.”

Marianna Lions Installs New Slate of Officers

Marianna Lions Installation and Awards Meeting

At this month’s meeting the Marianna Lion’s Club on Monday, June 28 at Jim’s Buffet and Grill, members installed a new slate of officers for the 2010-2011 club year.

Lions Past District Governor Howard Young installed the following Lions as officers for 2010-2011;

President Fauline Mathis; 1st Vice President;  Hank Malone 2nd Vice President Roland Rabon; 3rd  Vice President Pat Hall; Secetrary Scott Marsh; Treasurer Don Williams; Director, Chair; David Nicholson; Director Ray Brendemuehl; Director John Mader; Tail Twister Daun Crews; Lion Tamer Earl Gilmore; Eye Glasses, Chair Bill Powell; Eye Glasses Com Roland Rabon; Membership Chair  Arlon Stephens;   Membership Com. David Arnette; Membership Com.  Daun Crews

Three term president Vernon Cook made the following special presentations;

Presidential Appreciation Awards:: George Cone, Hank Malone, Pat Ouzts, Bill {Powell, Arlon Stephens and Don Williams.



Presidential Achievement Awards Ray Brendemuehl, Pat Hal, Scott Marsh, David Nicholson and John Mader

Years of Membership Pins Tony Pumphrey 10 years, David Johnson 20 years, John Mader 25 years, Buddy Bannerman 45 years and Daun Crews 50 years



Perfect Attendance: Ray Brendemuehl, Daun Crews, Vernon Cook, Pat Hall, Charlton Keen, Hank Malone, Marilyn Mabardy, John Mader, Scott Marsh, David Nicholson, Pat Ouzts, Don Williams and Arlon Stephens.

Lion of the Year: John Mader.



This year the Lions are off to a “Roaring Start”.

What is Relay for Life?

Celebrating Hope

One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington. In the mid-1980’s. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office to show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He ran for more than 83 miles. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt’s friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with Dr. Klatt for 30 minutes. His efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer.

While circling the track those 24 hours, Dr. Klatt thought about how others could take part in his mission to fight cancer. Over the next few months, he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event, known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, with the help of Pat Flynn, now known as the “Mother of Relay” – 19 teams took part in the first team Relay event on the track at the historic Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

Its never to

early to register.
Judy Lanier
Survivor/Caregiver
Judykay69@yahoo.com
850-718-7116

“Traveling Trunk” Visits Sons of the American Revolution

Neal Spooner of the Georgia State Society Sons of the American Revolution brought his Traveling Trunk program to the William Dunaway Chapter, SAR in Marianna recently. He gave members and guests a glimpse of life during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) by telling about the trunk’s contents.

Objects were passed around for everyone to examine. Blue Springs Society, C.A.R. Vice President Carly Miller especially enjoyed playing with the children’s games from the trunk. She joined Neal and his wife, Brenda, after the program for pictures. Blue Springs Society Senior President Mary Robbins invited the Spooners to bring the Traveling Trunk back to Marianna as a program for C.A.R. Carly is excited that they agreed to present it again for the young people of the Blue Springs Society.

The William Dunaway Chapter, SAR meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Jim’s Buffet and Grill. For informatiom please contact President Fletcher Dunaway at fletchdunaway@hotmail.com or Robert K. Dunaway at 850-594-6664.