10/30/08
By Carly Barnes
The extensiveness of Florida’s agriculture industry never ceases to amaze me. As a state officer for the Florida FFA Association, it is necessary for me to have a comprehensive understanding of Florida agriculture in order to be an advocate for the industry. However, with each new experience during my role as the Area I State Vice President for Florida FFA, I’m quickly discovering how much agriculture crosses industry barriers and into our daily lives.
During the week of October 6-10, 2008, my state officer team was given the awesome opportunity to intern at and tour the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services located in Tallahassee, FL, the largest department within our state, and the largest department of agriculture in the nation. The vastness of the department is no surprise, as agriculture is the second largest industry in our state, falling very closely behind the tourism industry. The Florida agriculture industry produces over 270 commodities on over 42,000 commercial farms, making Florida one of the most agriculturally diverse states in our great nation.
The internship allowed my team to gain first hand experience in several divisions of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). We visited the Division of Food Safety and inspected a local Wal-Mart, observed chemists test octane levels in gasoline, and inspected a gas station on the first day of the internship.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is unique in that the Department regulates agriculture, as well as deals with all consumer protection issues around the state. This is why petroleum inspection falls under the regulation of the Department, along with the state-wide consumer complaint call center.
During the internship, my team also toured the Florida State Capitol, as well as met with the staff directors for the Florida Senate and House of Representatives Agriculture Committees. By meeting with these staff directors, we were able to understand more about agricultural policy, and how agricultural laws are drafted and passed. During our time at the capitol we met with Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson, as he spoke with us about Florida’s initiative to produce alternative fuels.
Florida is very well known for its beaches, but many people never realize that our state has a booming aquaculture industry. Right down the road in Apalachicola is the heart of Florida’s oyster industry. Our internship took us to "Apalach", where we visited an oyster processing facility and met with Division of Aquaculture environmental specialists who tested the bay waters for contamination. These specialists have the authority to cease the harvesting of oysters in the bay, therefore controlling the livelihood of oyster farmers.
Have you ever seen the "Fresh from Florida" logo in a grocery store or on produce or seafood? If so, you have witnessed the product of the FDACS Division of Marketing. While visiting this Division, my team discovered how much marketing plays into the global agriculture market. Our Florida food products are marketed and sold all around the globe, and without this Division, our agricultural sales around the state would definitely go down. Next time you’re purchasing fresh food products, look for our logo and support locally grown Florida foods.
After our tour in Tallahassee, we traveled over to the Agricultural Inspection Station on I-10 in Live Oak, Florida. We witnessed how members of Agricultural Law Enforcement used canines to inspect for food cross contamination and for non-native species illegally transported into Florida. The ag inspection stations are another example of how the Florida Department of Agriculture works to protect its consumers.
The final stop of internship was at the Suwannee River Water Management District in Live Oak. It was there that we were reminded that agriculturalists are environmentalists and stewards of the land that they depend on. We were able to see the proactive steps that farmers in the area were taking to better manage their farms and the water used on them. We also heard from the Master Gardener Program in Live Oak that works to educate others about how plants can protect the environment and conserve water around our homes.
The week-long internship at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services widened my view of our agriculture industry and how important it is to the citizens of our state. This department regulates every member of the agricultural community, from gas station owners to local farmers to business owners, in order to protect you, the consumer. To learn more about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit http://www.doacs.state.fl.us.
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard Now Offering Services to Managed Care Patients!!
10/30/08
Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard announces it is now able to offer services to Medicare Advantage patients from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Citrus Health Care, Freedom Health, Optimum Healthcare and PPO members from Humana and more, in addition to traditional Medicare and Medicaid patients! Services that are available to plan members include rehabilitation services, pain management, wound care, respite care and more.
Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard is a 120 bed nursing facility located at 2600 Forest Glen Trail in Marianna, FL. Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard offers numerous clinical and spiritual services and activities as well as a Quality of Life Program and direct admissions from office or hospital to serve the residents. For more information, please contact our Admission Team at 850-526-2000.
E. Joseph Steier, III, President and CEO of Signature HealthCARE, expresses his excitement, "These key partnerships are critical to providing access for insured seniors who need specialized clinical services. Everyone is focused on improving quality, lowering costs, and expanding access. These partnerships make it happen."
Signature HealthCARE, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is a family-based organization that is revolutionizing the long term care industry through a culture of resident-centered healthcare services, personalized spirituality, quality of life initiatives, and employee development and empowerment. With 65 facilities operated and managed by its affiliates in 7 states, including 20 in the great state of Florida, Signature HealthCARE is redefining care by earning the trust of every resident, family and community it serves.
Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard announces it is now able to offer services to Medicare Advantage patients from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Citrus Health Care, Freedom Health, Optimum Healthcare and PPO members from Humana and more, in addition to traditional Medicare and Medicaid patients! Services that are available to plan members include rehabilitation services, pain management, wound care, respite care and more.
Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard is a 120 bed nursing facility located at 2600 Forest Glen Trail in Marianna, FL. Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard offers numerous clinical and spiritual services and activities as well as a Quality of Life Program and direct admissions from office or hospital to serve the residents. For more information, please contact our Admission Team at 850-526-2000.
E. Joseph Steier, III, President and CEO of Signature HealthCARE, expresses his excitement, "These key partnerships are critical to providing access for insured seniors who need specialized clinical services. Everyone is focused on improving quality, lowering costs, and expanding access. These partnerships make it happen."
Signature HealthCARE, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is a family-based organization that is revolutionizing the long term care industry through a culture of resident-centered healthcare services, personalized spirituality, quality of life initiatives, and employee development and empowerment. With 65 facilities operated and managed by its affiliates in 7 states, including 20 in the great state of Florida, Signature HealthCARE is redefining care by earning the trust of every resident, family and community it serves.
Local Dentist Wins National and International Recognition
10/30/08
Dr. Robert Payne is recognized for years of humanitarian service.
By Sid Riley
"These awards merely demonstrate my inability to say ‘No’," Dr. Payne states in his normal humble manner. However, those who know and work with him know that is not the case. This is an example of a skilled professional who feels a sincere, Christian responsibility for using his time and abilities to help those in need around the world.
At the annual national meeting of the American Dental Association in San Antonio, Texas last week, his peers recognized the humanitarian work of Dr. Payne by designating him as one of only ten association members nation wide deserving of their humanitarian award.
Dr. Payne has participated in numerous missions in underdeveloped areas of the Caribbean and other parts of the world. He has provided free dental care and has assisted in the creation of new, permanent dental clinics in these areas. Locally, he has repeatedly led programs to provide free dental care through work with County Health Services. Dr. Payne has always given of himself to help his fellow man.
Dr. Payne was also one of the few American Dentists given the International Service Award by the International Dental Association during the San Antonio event. This is a well deserved, significant honor bestowed on one of the leading dentists in Jackson County. We are fortunate to have him in our community.
Dr. Robert Payne is recognized for years of humanitarian service.
By Sid Riley
"These awards merely demonstrate my inability to say ‘No’," Dr. Payne states in his normal humble manner. However, those who know and work with him know that is not the case. This is an example of a skilled professional who feels a sincere, Christian responsibility for using his time and abilities to help those in need around the world.
At the annual national meeting of the American Dental Association in San Antonio, Texas last week, his peers recognized the humanitarian work of Dr. Payne by designating him as one of only ten association members nation wide deserving of their humanitarian award.
Dr. Payne has participated in numerous missions in underdeveloped areas of the Caribbean and other parts of the world. He has provided free dental care and has assisted in the creation of new, permanent dental clinics in these areas. Locally, he has repeatedly led programs to provide free dental care through work with County Health Services. Dr. Payne has always given of himself to help his fellow man.
Dr. Payne was also one of the few American Dentists given the International Service Award by the International Dental Association during the San Antonio event. This is a well deserved, significant honor bestowed on one of the leading dentists in Jackson County. We are fortunate to have him in our community.
PANDAAP Red Ribbon Week
10/30/08
Area 9th Graders Converge in Marianna to Learn About Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention
The Panhandle Area Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Coalition (PANDAAP) announces the 2008 I’m Aware: Youth Empowerment Workshop scheduled Friday, October 31st, 9am-12:00noon CST at Chipola College Student Health Center, Marianna. Area ninth graders from Jackson, Liberty and Washington Counties will participate in an action-packed educational event to learn about the health dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
October 31st is the day set aside for the seminar culminating a week-long awareness initiative called Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week came into being to keep alive the work of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured, and brutally murdered in 1985 while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His work led to the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Local area coalitions have worked tirelessly to find resources to sponsor Red Ribbon Day and provide a united position on educating the 3-county area students on the prevention of drug (illicit and prescription), alcohol, and tobacco use. There is no cost to the students nor their parents to participate.
Coalitions joining efforts for Red Ribbon week are Big Bend AHEC, Character Council of Florida, Inc., Community Safety Coalition, Department of Health Jackson County Healthy Communities, Healthy People program, Jackson County Students Working Against Tobacco, Jackson Hospital, Liberty County Students Working Against Tobacco, PAHN, PANDAAP, and the Washington County Health Department.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Tiffane N. Raulerson at (850) 638-6240 x.149 or email her at Tiffane_Raulerson@doh.state.fl.us.
Area 9th Graders Converge in Marianna to Learn About Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention
The Panhandle Area Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Coalition (PANDAAP) announces the 2008 I’m Aware: Youth Empowerment Workshop scheduled Friday, October 31st, 9am-12:00noon CST at Chipola College Student Health Center, Marianna. Area ninth graders from Jackson, Liberty and Washington Counties will participate in an action-packed educational event to learn about the health dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
October 31st is the day set aside for the seminar culminating a week-long awareness initiative called Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week came into being to keep alive the work of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured, and brutally murdered in 1985 while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His work led to the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Local area coalitions have worked tirelessly to find resources to sponsor Red Ribbon Day and provide a united position on educating the 3-county area students on the prevention of drug (illicit and prescription), alcohol, and tobacco use. There is no cost to the students nor their parents to participate.
Coalitions joining efforts for Red Ribbon week are Big Bend AHEC, Character Council of Florida, Inc., Community Safety Coalition, Department of Health Jackson County Healthy Communities, Healthy People program, Jackson County Students Working Against Tobacco, Jackson Hospital, Liberty County Students Working Against Tobacco, PAHN, PANDAAP, and the Washington County Health Department.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Tiffane N. Raulerson at (850) 638-6240 x.149 or email her at Tiffane_Raulerson@doh.state.fl.us.
Letter to the Editor
10/30/08
Dear Editor:
Last Thursday evening, October 16, 2008, the lives of 4 families were changed forever when Thad Garrett was murdered at his home. For reasons that may never be made totally clear, Adam Shay Bolds, accompanied by 2 other men, allegedly decided to mete out his own form of "justice" by shooting Thad several times, at last once in the back, resulting in a mother & father losing their son, siblings losing their brother, and 2 very young children, the youngest only 3 months old, left to grow up without their father.
My family has known Thad’s family for more than 30 years. His mother & I have worked together, laughed together, and shared the joys and pain of motherhood together. Now I am sharing her pain as she prepares to bury her son. She called me early this morning to express her very deep concern over the apparent mind-set of some of the community, law enforcement officials & the media.
As reported in the Jackson County Floridan on Sunday, October 19, 2008, Adam Bolds’ father reported a possible "drive-by" shooting incident at his & possibly his son’s home sometime early this past Friday morning. Ms. Garrett was questioned just hours after her son died about any knowledge she may have had regarding this incident. After Bolds was apprehended, she was visited by a detective from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office who informed her that the vehicle Bolds was in when arrested was a "borrowed" vehicle and that the owner had reported being "followed".
The detective was apparently asking Ms. Garrett to try and quell any further such activity. All of this after Sheriff McDaniel’s quote in Sunday’s Floridan that "vigilante justice" would not be tolerated. I would be remiss if, in referring to this article, I did not point out that the statement was made that Bolds’ wife & children were not at home at the time of this "drive-by" incident. However, in the article in Friday’s Jackson County Floridan describing the shooting, no mention was made that Thad’s 2 young children & their mother were inside the house while the shooting was taking place on the carport.
At Ms. Garrett’s request, and because of my love & concern for her and her family, all of the parties involved should be made aware that the Garrett family is not interested in any type retaliatory action--they are too busy trying to learn to live without their son, brother & father. All they ask is fair & honest justice as provided by our Constitution.
Sincerely,
Kathy Williams Grand Ridge, FL.
Dear Editor:
Last Thursday evening, October 16, 2008, the lives of 4 families were changed forever when Thad Garrett was murdered at his home. For reasons that may never be made totally clear, Adam Shay Bolds, accompanied by 2 other men, allegedly decided to mete out his own form of "justice" by shooting Thad several times, at last once in the back, resulting in a mother & father losing their son, siblings losing their brother, and 2 very young children, the youngest only 3 months old, left to grow up without their father.
My family has known Thad’s family for more than 30 years. His mother & I have worked together, laughed together, and shared the joys and pain of motherhood together. Now I am sharing her pain as she prepares to bury her son. She called me early this morning to express her very deep concern over the apparent mind-set of some of the community, law enforcement officials & the media.
As reported in the Jackson County Floridan on Sunday, October 19, 2008, Adam Bolds’ father reported a possible "drive-by" shooting incident at his & possibly his son’s home sometime early this past Friday morning. Ms. Garrett was questioned just hours after her son died about any knowledge she may have had regarding this incident. After Bolds was apprehended, she was visited by a detective from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office who informed her that the vehicle Bolds was in when arrested was a "borrowed" vehicle and that the owner had reported being "followed".
The detective was apparently asking Ms. Garrett to try and quell any further such activity. All of this after Sheriff McDaniel’s quote in Sunday’s Floridan that "vigilante justice" would not be tolerated. I would be remiss if, in referring to this article, I did not point out that the statement was made that Bolds’ wife & children were not at home at the time of this "drive-by" incident. However, in the article in Friday’s Jackson County Floridan describing the shooting, no mention was made that Thad’s 2 young children & their mother were inside the house while the shooting was taking place on the carport.
At Ms. Garrett’s request, and because of my love & concern for her and her family, all of the parties involved should be made aware that the Garrett family is not interested in any type retaliatory action--they are too busy trying to learn to live without their son, brother & father. All they ask is fair & honest justice as provided by our Constitution.
Sincerely,
Kathy Williams Grand Ridge, FL.
Thank You Colin Powell!
10/30/08
By C. Chadwick Taylor
Thank God for Colin Powell! Not one to invoke the deity in such matters, I find in this fellow citizen for me a sincere experience of national pride when this statesman pretty well said it all this past Sunday. In a rare moment of true patriotism, heroism and citizenship and in a moment of national service, that has somehow now become identified with wearing a lapel pin, flying a car flag and going shopping, we saw a call to our fellow citizens from a true leader. Not to be confused with rank politics, and there are those who will attack the messenger, this soldier, general and former Secretary of State, now engaged citizen, answered again the call to duty and to speak truth to power, political and religious.
He listed precisely and succinctly the real issues facing our country; our national standing and leadership, the moral crisis of a widening economic disparity at home and abroad, the environment, the energy crisis, our failing infrastructure and our host of other challenges not yet addressed and unresolved and the list goes on and on. He spoke to the limits of power, military and economic, and to the power of diplomacy, leadership by example, engagement and respect. He spoke of the opportunity in these challenges for Americans and America to regain our confidence, reestablish our leadership role and lead our fellow citizens worldwide to a brighter future than what we presently face.
The choice is evidently clear and becomes more so by day, and the world is watching and belongs to those that show up. The questions that remain are; will our fellow citizens answer the call and set aside our differences, will we not respond to fear by fear itself, will we be the citizens our forefathers said we will have to be, not to prosper economically but to prosper democratically, a society of engaged citizens, participating in our democracy, not just a democracy of the majority but one that protects the minority with the same passion and action.
I followed this General and Secretary of State into war, even though I didn’t agree, and I’ll follow this engaged citizen again, now that I do. I hope you do to, for the sake of our community, our country and the Earth, all citizens and all of life!
Unfortunately, Florida leads our nation in our national woes for many of the same misguided reasons and there is plenty to vote on here that needs change. Amendment #2 stands out as a callous, theocratic and dangerous breach of an important American value, separation of church and state, and brings to mind the very values we have supposedly gone to war for in the Middle East; freedom and democracy, that protects the rights of the minority with those of the majority. This amendment needs a resounding vote in the negative, as might #1 to a lesser degree. A yes vote on #3 thru #8 is a good thing even though I’m not in favor of littering our constitution with so many amendments but such is the failure of our legislature and our citizenry.
This Letter to the Editor was in my computer awaiting the motivation to completion when I noticed this morning my Obama sign was stolen from the yard. What a shame, on the individuals involved and by extension on our community. The meaning of association is a powerful statement and we should all work mightily and together for a more perfect Union. This requires a more engaged citizenry so at a minimum, vote and vote early, but it takes a whole lot more than that.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Chadwick Taylor
Marianna, Florida
By C. Chadwick Taylor
Thank God for Colin Powell! Not one to invoke the deity in such matters, I find in this fellow citizen for me a sincere experience of national pride when this statesman pretty well said it all this past Sunday. In a rare moment of true patriotism, heroism and citizenship and in a moment of national service, that has somehow now become identified with wearing a lapel pin, flying a car flag and going shopping, we saw a call to our fellow citizens from a true leader. Not to be confused with rank politics, and there are those who will attack the messenger, this soldier, general and former Secretary of State, now engaged citizen, answered again the call to duty and to speak truth to power, political and religious.
He listed precisely and succinctly the real issues facing our country; our national standing and leadership, the moral crisis of a widening economic disparity at home and abroad, the environment, the energy crisis, our failing infrastructure and our host of other challenges not yet addressed and unresolved and the list goes on and on. He spoke to the limits of power, military and economic, and to the power of diplomacy, leadership by example, engagement and respect. He spoke of the opportunity in these challenges for Americans and America to regain our confidence, reestablish our leadership role and lead our fellow citizens worldwide to a brighter future than what we presently face.
The choice is evidently clear and becomes more so by day, and the world is watching and belongs to those that show up. The questions that remain are; will our fellow citizens answer the call and set aside our differences, will we not respond to fear by fear itself, will we be the citizens our forefathers said we will have to be, not to prosper economically but to prosper democratically, a society of engaged citizens, participating in our democracy, not just a democracy of the majority but one that protects the minority with the same passion and action.
I followed this General and Secretary of State into war, even though I didn’t agree, and I’ll follow this engaged citizen again, now that I do. I hope you do to, for the sake of our community, our country and the Earth, all citizens and all of life!
Unfortunately, Florida leads our nation in our national woes for many of the same misguided reasons and there is plenty to vote on here that needs change. Amendment #2 stands out as a callous, theocratic and dangerous breach of an important American value, separation of church and state, and brings to mind the very values we have supposedly gone to war for in the Middle East; freedom and democracy, that protects the rights of the minority with those of the majority. This amendment needs a resounding vote in the negative, as might #1 to a lesser degree. A yes vote on #3 thru #8 is a good thing even though I’m not in favor of littering our constitution with so many amendments but such is the failure of our legislature and our citizenry.
This Letter to the Editor was in my computer awaiting the motivation to completion when I noticed this morning my Obama sign was stolen from the yard. What a shame, on the individuals involved and by extension on our community. The meaning of association is a powerful statement and we should all work mightily and together for a more perfect Union. This requires a more engaged citizenry so at a minimum, vote and vote early, but it takes a whole lot more than that.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Chadwick Taylor
Marianna, Florida
Rabid Raccoon South of the Cypress Community
10/30/08
Marianna -- A raccoon picked up by Health Department staff on October 24, 2008 has tested positive for rabies according to lab results received from the Department of Health Pensacola Branch Lab. The raccoon fought with and was killed by a dog at a home off Church St., just south of I-10, south of the Cypress community. The dog has been placed in quarantine to prevent possible spread of the disease.
T.G. Harkrider, Environmental Health Director at the Jackson County Health Department stated that "anyone having knowledge of bites or other exposure from a suspected rabid animal to humans or to domestic animals should immediately contact the Health Department at 482-9227 during normal working hours". The Jackson County Health Department has an answering service to relay information for assistance after hours and on weekends concerning animal bites and other exposure. This answering service can be reached by calling 526-2412. "Please call us with information and questions related to exposure" Harkrider stated emphatically. "We need to act quickly in some cases to save people’s lives. Never shoot a biting animal in the head" he added. "An intact brain is needed to determine if the animal is rabid. If you shoot them in the head and destroy the brain, we have to assume the animal was rabid. Without negative lab results, treatment to the victim has to begin. Please call us! We are reachable 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through our answering service at 526-2412".
Residents are also reminded that Jackson County and the State of Florida have laws requiring vaccination of all dogs and cats. PLEASE HAVE YOUR PET(S) VACCINATED.
Marianna -- A raccoon picked up by Health Department staff on October 24, 2008 has tested positive for rabies according to lab results received from the Department of Health Pensacola Branch Lab. The raccoon fought with and was killed by a dog at a home off Church St., just south of I-10, south of the Cypress community. The dog has been placed in quarantine to prevent possible spread of the disease.
T.G. Harkrider, Environmental Health Director at the Jackson County Health Department stated that "anyone having knowledge of bites or other exposure from a suspected rabid animal to humans or to domestic animals should immediately contact the Health Department at 482-9227 during normal working hours". The Jackson County Health Department has an answering service to relay information for assistance after hours and on weekends concerning animal bites and other exposure. This answering service can be reached by calling 526-2412. "Please call us with information and questions related to exposure" Harkrider stated emphatically. "We need to act quickly in some cases to save people’s lives. Never shoot a biting animal in the head" he added. "An intact brain is needed to determine if the animal is rabid. If you shoot them in the head and destroy the brain, we have to assume the animal was rabid. Without negative lab results, treatment to the victim has to begin. Please call us! We are reachable 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through our answering service at 526-2412".
Residents are also reminded that Jackson County and the State of Florida have laws requiring vaccination of all dogs and cats. PLEASE HAVE YOUR PET(S) VACCINATED.
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