Riley Gene Jones, Sr., age 75, a retired U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician Chief and Correctional Officer, passed away Saturday, February 26, 2011 in Tallahassee.
Funeral Services will be at Beggs Funeral Home, Monticello Chapel, 485 East Dogwood Street, Monticello, (850-997-5612) on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Oakfield Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 2, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home, Monticello Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tallahassee Cancer Center, One Healing Place of Big Bend Hospice, 1723-1 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5428.
Jones was a native of Polk County before moving to Monticello in 1975. He was an avid fisherman, NASCAR-Jeff Gordon and Seminole fan. He served our country in the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer for 22 years and was of the Protestant faith.
Jones is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Caroline Brady Jones of Monticello; three daughters, Karen Jones (Johnny) Vinson and Kimberli Jones Eure of Monticello and Tamara LeAnn Whitaker (Reo) of Coco Beach; three grandchildren, Christopher Timms (Allison), Robert Slack (Rebekah) and Mitchell Eure; and one great grandchild, Cohen Scott Timms.
He was preceded in death by his son, Riley Gene Jones, Jr.; his parents, Edgar and Thelma Watson Jones; three brothers Edward, Lee and Hugh Jones; and one sister Mildred Jones Kennedy.
Archive for March 2011
Riley Gene Jones, Sr.
Black History Outlook And Opinion
I, Monroe Lee, have worked for over 52 years, from age five at Fraleigh Shade Tobacco Farm to surveying the largest volcano in the world then serving the nation with designs at Walt Disney World, Tampa Stadium, St. Pete Library and many schools and university buildings. Since my retirement, I have given to college students nationally and encourage them with motivational speaking as I travel the nation. By act of fate, a bank in my hometown orchestrated The Treasures of Madison County (photos) in the rural county, going back over 100 years pictured on the a 12-month calendar. As I looked through the photos with months, there was this picture of the Old Madison Range Street Hotel built over 100 years ago which had a swinging partition wall for making more room for large dances, the wall could be pushed back. After being destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt to its present state with the exception of a project that I executed for Mrs. Virginia Rowell of Key West. I renovated it to house apartments and business shops (offices). The year was 1979, 32 years ago. I was pictured in the Madison County Carrier 12-10 and 01-11Reflections. Well, that is a few things I have done, not to mention invention of the shock absorb tripoid instrument, mail truck electric seat, NOAA modified rod flag invention and many other inventions. Since 1968, at my conversion, I volunteered to follow Jesus’ example wholeheartedly. It truly paid off to the max. However, as I reflect on my earthly accomplishments, I received help from a cross-section of society, meaning I didn’t see it as an all-black thing. America was built by many. As a matter of fact, it was people like Mama King of Madison High School/NFJC in the 1970s; Lewis Tucker, Dean of North Florida Junior College Technical Center; James Brown; Mr. Charles Swain; and Mr. Harper of drafting. Looking back to WW II, when my dad was being prepared to go overseas to war, he said a white man said to the draft board, “Don’t take him” because he was up in age and if my dad was sent, he couldn’t make it without my dad. So, if it was not for that man, my dad would have possibly been a casualty of war and I would not exist as me. Therefore, black history is still American history. I today thank God for being God and putting people in the right place to assist me in my endeavors. Even Mr. Harvey Greene and his offspring who demonstrated business opportunities to me from the purchase of the log chain that I sold him in approximately 1962 at rent pickup. Mr. Harvey was sitting on the passenger side and his wife was his driver. Boy, that big money motivated me to be a hardworking business man who does what is right and acceptable to God, making a living with my hands and mind. Even when I am being hated by my neighbors and fellow man, I leave it in God’s hands and live until I die.
Monroe Lee
Stray Vectors
National Security
Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist
Editor’s note: “Stray Vectors” is the author’s byline for random thoughts on the passing scene.
The reapportionment based on the 2010 Census indicates this fact: people are leaving high-tax, union-dominated states for places like Texas and Florida where the right-to-work is respected and taxes are low. I wonder why?
Over the past two years while the economy has cratered and huge numbers of people have lost their jobs, members of Congress have seen their net worth increase by 16 percent. What’s wrong with this picture?
The first civilian trial for an al-Qaeda detainee has resulted in the acquittal on all charges but one conspiracy count for Ahmed Ghailani. He was charged with playing a major role in the 1998 embassy bombings in East Africa that killed 224 people including 12 Americans. Another policy of the Obama Administration that has cratered. So much for justice! In tennis, they call this an unforced error.
Congress creates problems, and then asks us to reelect them to fix their mistakes. What a gig!
Kelli Space graduated last year from Boston’s Northeastern University with a degree in sociology and a student loan debt of $200 thousand. Why would any responsible agency loan her that amount of money for that type of degree? Now living at home with her folks, her monthly loan payment is nearly $900 and next year, rises to $1600. How in the world is she going to climb out from under this mountain of debt? How does her degree prepare her for earning sufficient income to pay off this exorbitant debt? This higher education bubble is starting to look a lot like the housing bubble that put us in the current economic morass.
Apparently, the legislative priority in California is not to fix their $6 billion (and growing) budget shortfall but to ban plastic shopping bags. Talk about “Nero fiddling while Rome burns!” Maybe they’re counting on taxpayers from Florida and other states to bail them out once again. Not!
I hear the former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger wants a job in the Obama Administration “fighting global warming.” Good luck Arnie. He’s gone from Terminator to Don Quixote, searching for the impossible dream. I suppose fighting global warming is a little like jousting with windmills.
The results of the 2010 Census are in. Following reapportionment, Florida will be tied with New York for the third most Congressional districts with 27. Expect the Sunshine State to take sole possession of third place in the next census. There are lots of reasons behind this, but a big one is no snow!
Is there a relationship between low taxes and growth? According to the Census, yes. Seven of the nine states that have no state income tax grew at a faster rate over the past ten years than the national average. The other two led their region in growth. If you want to grow, lower taxes are an important way to achieve your goal.
Five nations in Europe (Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, France, and Ireland) have begun to confiscate private pension funds and individual retirement accounts to shore up cash-strapped state pension funds. Are we far behind? And you thought that IRAs, Keoghs, and 401Ks with your name on the account actually belonged to you. Silly boy.
Nancy Pelosi is blaming her Party’s “shellacking” … on George Bush. He’s been out of office living quietly in Texas for more than two years for-crying-out-loud. Some people just don’t get it! If there ever was a case for new leadership and a change of course, this is it. Wake up Democrats!
Chisel this one in stone: “The problem with liberalism is that sooner or later, you run out of other people’s money.” Margaret Thatcher.
The Social Security Actuaries now predict that they will be unable to pay promised benefits in 2037 unless the system is overhauled. In 2005, they predicted that same event would occur in 2041. Based on these numbers, I predict the actual date of bankruptcy will be in the window of 2026-2030.
The biggest difference I can see between private industry organized labor and public sector unions is a matter of competition. While private industry unions exist in a competitive market, public sector unions operate in a monopoly. That makes them especially dangerous.
Play It Smart By Maximizing Your Deductions
Business & Tax Insights
By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.
Guest Columnist
Tax laws as we all are aware, can be quite difficult to understand. Every year we have countless individuals who submit a list of personal expenses hoping that at least some of them are deductible on their individual income tax return. Unfortunately, some are deductible, but some are not.
My mother every year submits to me a list of medical bills she has paid during the year, expecting them to be deducted on her return. However, every year I explain to her that she does not have sufficient deductions to be able to “itemize”.
My oldest daughter, who recently graduated from college and obtained her first real job (halleluiah), sent me her W-2 and a list of charitable contributions to be used in preparation of her return. Again, I had to explain to her that, unfortunately, due to certain thresholds that she did not meet, her contributions would not be deductible. Her first response was “Why not? They told me at the charity I could deduct my contributions.”
Well, the answer is somewhat simple. When preparing your return, you have a choice to make. You either have enough deductions (such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses) to itemize, or you take the standard deduction, an amount set by the IRS that doesn’t require you to list specific items. Obviously, you compute both figures and take the higher of the two amounts.
The standard deduction varies depending upon your filing status. For married couples, filing a joint return, the standard deduction for 2010 is $11,400. For single filers, the standard deduction for 2010 is $5,700. The amount increases slightly for 2011.
Although this concept is simple enough and most taxpayers are familiar with the calculations, there are other deductions less familiar that you can take in addition to your itemized deductions or your standard deduction. These are considered “above the line” deductions since they are deducted above the adjusted gross income line on your return.
Here’s a quick rundown of these deductions you shouldn’t miss on your 2010 tax return.
• A deduction of up to $250 for classroom supplies purchased by teachers for use in their classrooms.
• A deduction of up to $2,500 for interest paid on student loans.
• A deduction of up to $2,000 or $4,000 for college tuition and fees, depending on your income level.
• A deduction of up to $5,000 for IRA contributions if you’re under age 50. If you’re 50 or older, the deduction limit is $6,000.
• A deduction for the expenses connected with a job-related move.
• A deduction for 50% of the self-employment tax and 100% of health insurance premiums paid if you are self-employed.
• A deduction for alimony paid (child support is not deductible).
• A deduction to health savings amounts (HSAs).
Most of these deductions have qualification requirements or income limitations but are well worth the effort in calculating. Take the time and do your homework. Maximizing your deductions, whether you itemize or not, can be very financially rewarding.
Mark Buescher, CPA is owner and principal of Buescher and Ruff, LLC, a local full service accounting firm in Madison, specializing in tax preparation, business consulting and tax planning. Tax laws contain varying effective dates and numerous limitations and exemptions that cannot be summarized easily. For details and guidance for your specific situation, contact your tax advisor.
Workforce And FAMU Team Up To Bring Entrepreneurial Workshops To Madison
Florida A & M University’s Cooperative Extension Program, Entrepreneurial Rural Business Development Outreach Project (ERBDOP) in partnership with North Florida Workforce will be hosting entrepreneur education workshops.
The goal is to educate citizens in rural communities on how to jumpstart and/or expand their own businesses. Participants will learn how to write a business plan; establish for-profit and non-profit business; identify grants and loans, network; understand product development, distribution and marketing; and receive basic education and training on financial literacy, business growth, credit literacy and small business management issues.
To register to attend the workshops, please contact Donna Salters at the ERBDOP Office at 850.599-3546 or e-mail your interest to donna.salters@famu.edu.
Workshops are held on the first Tuesday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at North Florida Workforce, 705 East Base Street, Madison, FL 32340; (850) 973-2672.
Corinth Christian Academy To Host 2nd Annual Auction And Yard Sale
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Has your stuff grown too big for your home? Are you calling things “junk” that you once called “stuff”? Fear no more, Corinth Christian Academy can help you. They need your stuff, because remember that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure
Corinth Christian Academy will gladly pick up your pile of stuff that is collecting dust in your shed. They want things that you no longer need. You can either donate it for the auction or sell it at CCA’s yard sale and make a profit.
Booths for the yard sale cost only $25. If you wish to auction your own item, you may do so for only 10 percent of the selling prce.
Items donated for the auction must be received by March 4 for pricing. Things should be taken to Corinth Baptist Church, located at 7042 SW 41st Avenue in Jasper.
Food concessions will be available during the day.
Delivery and set up times are from 7-9 a.m. Gates open to public for the auction preview at 10 a.m.
All proceeds will benefit Corinth Christian Academy. Any donations or contributions will be greatly appreciated.
For more information, contact Pastor Gary Abbott at (850) 519-1618 or Mike Burnett at (386) 590-1779.
Warriors Slam Altha 14-0
By Fran Hunt
Special to Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Feb. 18, the Aucilla Christian Academy varsity Warriors squared off against Altha and Aucilla slammed their opponent for a 14-0 victory. ACA scored one run in the first inning; three in the second inning; two in the third inning; and three in each of the fourth and fifth innings.
Coach Drew Sherrod explained than when stats didn’t seem to add up properly, in high school baseball if a batter has one at-bat with a strikeout he can also chalk up stolen bases, left on base and runs because you can substitute runners for the catcher and pitcher when they get on base.
As a team the Warriors had 22 at-bats with 14 runs, seven hits, nine RBI’s, one sacrifice fly, 13 walks, three strikeouts, three hit-by pitches, seven stolen bases and 12 left on base.
Russell Fraleigh had two at-bats with one run, one hit, one RBI, two walks, one stolen base and two left on base.
Casey Wheeler had three at-bats with one run, two hits, one RBI, one walk, one stolen base and one left on base.
Marcus Roberts had two at-bats with one run, one hit, two RBI’s, one walk, one hit-by-pitch and two left on base.
Tyler Jackson had two at-bats with one hit, one RBI, one walk, one strikeout and one left on base.
Jared Jackson had three at-bats with three runs, one hit, one walk, two stolen bases and one left on base.
Jake Armstrong had two at-bats with one run, one walk, and one left on base.
Trent Roberts had one at-bat with one run, one RBI, one sacrifice fly and one hit-by–pitch.
Tres Copeland had one at-bat with a strikeout, one stolen base and two left on base.
Hans Sorensen had one RBI, one walk and one left on base.
Josh Wood had two at-bats, with two runs, one hit, two RBI’s, two walks, one stolen base and one left on base.
Austin Bishop had one run and one walk.
Caleb Wyche had one at-bat, one run, one walk and one strikeout.
Hunter Horne had one run and one walk.
Brandon Darnell had three at-bats, with one run and one hit-by-pitch.
For fielding, Jackson had one total chances with one assist.
Trent Roberts had three total chances with three putouts.
Wood had two total chances with one assist and one error.
Darnell had two total chances with two assists.
On the mound, Marcus Roberts pitched four innings, faced 16 batters, with 14 at-bats, giving up three hits, no runs, two walks and striking out nine batters on 61 pitches to chalk up one win.
Hans Sorensen pitched one inning, facing four batters with four at-bats, giving up one hit, no runs and striking out three batters on 16 pitches.
Four Games, Impressive Stats Mounting For Warriors
By Fran Hunt
Special to Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Aucilla Christian Academy varsity Warriors have their first four games under their belts, and with those four games, some impressive stats are mounting as individual players and as a team.
As a team in those four games, the Warriors have a team batting average of .353, with 116 at-bats, 44 runs, 41 hits, 29 RBI’s, four doubles, one triple, two homeruns, two sacrifice flies, 21 walks, 14 strikeouts, five hit-by-pitches, 11 run-on-errors, two fielder’s choice, 17 stolen bases and 31 left on base.
Russell Fraleigh has played in four games, with a batting average of .308, 13 at-bats, two runs, four hits, four RBI’s, two walks, three strikeouts, one run-on-error, two stolen bases and five left on base.
Casey Wheeler had four games played, with a batting average of .312, 16 at-bats, five runs, five hits, one RBI, one triple, two walks, one run-on error, two stolen bases and two left on base.
Marcus Roberts had four games played with a .385 batting average, 13 at-bats, with four runs, five hits, three RBI’s two walks, one strikeout, one run-on-error, two stolen bases and five left on base.
Tyler Jackson had four games played with a batting average of .364, 11 at-bats, six runs, four hits, three RBI’s, four walks, two strikeouts, one run-on-error, one stolen base and two left on base.
Jared Jackson had four games played with a .333 batting average, 12 at-bats, with seven runs, four hits, three RBI’s, one sacrifice fly, one walk, one strikeout, two run-on-errors, five stolen bases and one left on base.
Jake Armstrong played in two games, had a batting average of .500, with two at-bats, one hit, one RBI, one strikeout and one left on base.
Trent Roberts had four games played with a batting average of .538, 13 at-bats, with six runs, seven hits, seven RBI’s, two doubles, two homeruns, one sacrifice fly, one hit-by-pitch, two run-on-errors, five stolen bases and one left on base.
Tres Copeland played in four games with a batting average of .429, with seven at-bats, two runs, three hits, one RBI, one double, one strikeout, one hit-by-pitch, two stolen bases and four left on base.
Hans Sorensen has three games played, a batting average of .000 with two at-bats, one RBI, one walk and one left on base.
Josh Wood played in four games with a batting average of .462, with 13 at-bats, four runs, six hits, five RBI’s, two walks, one strikeout, one run-on-error, one fielder’s choice, two stolen bases and three left on base.
Austin Bishop played in one game, with one run and one walk.
Caleb Wyche played in two games, with one run, one walk and two strikeouts.
Hunter Horne played in one game, had one run and one walk.
Brandon Darnell had four games played in with a batting average of .182, 11 at-bats, four runs, two hits, four walks, two strikeouts, two hit-by-pitches, two run-on-errors, one stolen base and three left on base.
In fielding, as a team, the Warriors had 69 total chances with 35 putouts, 25 assists, nine errors, three double plays, with five stolen bases and one caught stealing.
Fraleigh had five total chances with three putouts and two assists.
Wheeler had nine total chances with nine putouts,
Tyler Jackson had eight total chances with two putouts, four assists, two errors and one double play.
Jared Jackson had eight total chances with one putout, five assists and two errors,
Trent Roberts had 16 total chances with nine putouts, four assists, three errors and one double play.
Sorensen had five total chances with two putouts and three assists.
Wood had 11 total chances with six putouts, four assists, one error and one double play.
Darnell had seven total chances with three putouts, three assists, one error, five stolen bases and one caught stealing.
On the mound of four games played, the four Warriors’ pitchers have a combined ERA (Earned Run Average) of .91and a batting average of .167, with 23 innings pitched, 95 batters faced, 84 at-bats, giving up six hits, six runs, three earned runs, 14 hits, one double, one sacrifice fly, one bunt, four walks, 30 strikeouts, five hit-by-pitches, one wild pitch, out of 315 pitches, with two putouts, five stolen bases, four wins, no losses, one save, one complete game and two shutouts.
Fraleigh has four games played with an ERA of 3.0, batting average of .280, with 4.2 innings pitched, 25 batters faced, 22 at-bats, four runs, two earned runs, four hits, four strikeouts, three hit-by-pitch, one wild pitch, out of 83 pitches, three stolen bases, and one win.
Marcus Roberts has four games played with an ERA of .00, a batting average of .250, 6.1 innings pitched, 24 batters faced, 22 at-bats, four hits, two walks, 11 strikeouts, 89 pitches, one win and one shutout.
Trent Roberts has four games played with .00 ERA, batting average of .190, six innings pitched, 22 batters faced, 19 at-bats, one run, two hits, one bunt, one walk, ten strikeouts, 77 pitches, one putout, one win, one complete game and one shutout.
Sorensen had three games played with an ERA of 1.17, a batting average of .190, 24 batters faced, 21 at-bats, one run, one earned run, four hits, one double, one sacrifice fly, one walk, five strikeouts, one hit-by-pitch, two stolen bases and one win.
All Invited To NFCC’s Campus Open House And Free Application Day
It’s almost time for Super Saturday at NFCC. Mark your calendar, save the date and stop by the North Florida Community College campus on Saturday, March 5 for an Open House and Free Application Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are invited – prospective students, community members, NFCC alumni, high school students and parents, everyone – to see firsthand why NFCC is ranked among the Nation’s top community colleges (Washington Monthly Magazine 2010).
Some highlights of Super Saturday include scholarship drawings, cultural exhibits, educational presentations, entertainment, free admission applications and much more. Those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.nfcc.edu/super-saturday.
As an incentive to enroll early for NFCC’s 2011 summer and fall terms, high school seniors and all first time college applicants who fill out an admissions application at Super Saturday pay no application fee – applying to NFCC is completely free on Saturday, March 5 – $20 savings.
NFCC staff will also be on hand to assist future students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See the NFCC Super Saturday web page for information you should bring to complete the FAFSA – www.nfcc.edu/super-saturday.
Super Saturday is open to anyone interested in attending NFCC or finding out more information about the college and its many programs and offerings. For more information contact Denise Bell at (850) 973-9481 or email belld@nfcc.edu. A complete agenda of the NFCC Super Saturday activities will soon be available at www.nfcc.edu/super-saturday.
NFCC Presents “A Plot of Murder” March 4-5
The Sentinel Upstage Players of North Florida Community College present A Plot of Murder on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at NFCC’s Van H. Priest Auditorium. Tickets for this hilarious murder mystery are only $6 and available now – call (850) 973-9481 or email belld@nfcc.edu. Tickets will also be on sale at the door each night before the show.
Eleven local actors/actresses star in the mystery – Javanta Beuford, Moe Cooks, Edie Hotchkiss, Angie Prine, Megan Quiros, Ryan Quiros, Jimmy Smith, Jr., Andrew Tillman, Della Webb and Chris Williams of Madison County; Alan Low and Ashley Low of Suwannee County; and Alberto Rosalio of Lafayette County – under the lead NFCC’s own Denise Bell.
In addition to directing, Bell is also Coordinator of Student Activities and Community Education at NFCC. Helping as stage manager for the play is Tara Orlowski, Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness at NFCC.
“Community theatre brings together past, present and future NFCC students with our community friends to create an entertaining evening,” said Bell. “Our cast and crew come from NFCC’s six-county service area, so drop by for the show March 4 or 5 and help support your local student and community actors. It’s going to be a fun show.”

Cast members of NFCC’s community theatre murder mystery, “A Plot of Murder”, are (l-r back row) Della Webb, Chris Williams, Ryan Quiros, Andrew Tillman, Alan Low and Edie Hotchkiss; (l-r front row) Jimmy Smith Jr., Ashley Low, Alberto Rosalio, Megan Quiros and Angie Prine.
The play begins at a Fleur Estates Neighborhood Association meeting; the scene of several uproars. Lou Braunhorst, friendly neighbor and conspiracy theorist, has information that the quiet streets of the neighborhood will soon be sold and re-zoned for commercial development. He also believes that Black Helicopters are buzzing his house and transmitting signals through his satellite dish that put a “liberal spin” on all his television programs. But Lou’s concerns do have validity – the rezoning, not the helicopters. There is a ‘secret’ real estate scheme to institute “Eminent Domain” over the subdivision to make way for a Family Fun Pizza Parlor and a Strip Mall. But Board President George Holmes is having problems with his hearing aid and his young lovely wife Fannie Mae wants the whole “rezoning” matter ruled out of order and dropped. Councilman Ratcliff who knows more about the neighborhood ‘take-over’ than he wishes to reveal, can’t stay around because he is participating as an Elvis Impersonator at Elvis-O-Rama and must leave. But before Elvis can leave the building, he turns up dead. Was it foul play or the ultimate Elvis impersonation? Special Secret Agent McManshon is quick to arrive and conduct an investigation. It seems Secret Agent McManshon knows a lot about this plot of murder, but unfortunately, it’s a secret. For now…
Help solve the mystery March 4-5 while enjoying an evening of community theatre at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, contact Denise Bell at (850) 973-9481 or belld@nfcc.edu.
Dub Barfield, Tommy Greene And Kin Johnson Tie For “Daddy Of The Year”
The Rutherford Foundation’s seventh annual dinner and gun raffle was held at the Madison County Country Club. This annual event was originally known as the “Father and Son” cookout and consists of an abundant southern meal, starting with boiled peanuts, and followed by collard greens, pork and rice and cornbread. Each year, a gentleman from this community who serves as a role model to the younger generations that follow, is selected as “Daddy of the Year.” This year, three of this community leaders share this honor: Tommy Greene, Dub Barfield and Kin Johnson. The evening concluded with the drawing for the engraved Winchester shotgun. The hosts would like to congratulate this year’s lucky winner, Sammy Hicks.
The Foundation was established in memory of Wilbur and Randy Rutherford. The fund- raiser provides the funding for academic scholarships to students in need of financial aid due to life altering occurrences such as catastrophic illness or the death of a loved one, that would otherwise create a hardship for the student to reach their educational goals. Typically scholarships are made through Madison County High School, for attendance at North Florida Community College. Application for the scholarship requires a 250 word essay outlining the student’s situation and educational goals, sub mitted by April 15th for award in May, with award based on need.
The Rutherford family would like to thank the Rutherford Foundation’s Board of Directors, the NFCC Foundation for its continued assistance, and their friends and supporters throughout the community for their hard work and numerous donations of their time, contributions of food for the event, tickets for the gun raffle and, of course, your monetary donations. It is due to the efforts of many that this tradition continues.
The Lentil: Healthy Food In A Cheap Meal
By Deborah Goldstein
LearnVest Expert
The lentil bean, the unsung hero of protein-packed food, is a delicious source of inexpensive nourishment. This tiny pulse seed, found in various colors, is a nutritional powerhouse that’s been used as a dietary staple worldwide for at least 8,500 years. Yet, this legume only reached the United States in the early 20th century. As recently as 20 years ago, the lentil was undervalued, underused, and underappreciated on our shores.
Nutrition Facts
Lentils boast high protein, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B, minerals, and lots of iron. To compare: 100 grams of lentils have as much protein as 134 grams of beef. Note, however, that while these little beans are packed with protein, they must be combined with another incomplete protein for maximum impact (keep your eyes out for my upcoming article about combining proteins). Green lentils are fiber-packed, containing 31% of the RDA. The red variety contains a lower concentration of fiber – still impressive at 11%.
Des Colores
Red lentils, green lentils, yellow lentils, black lentils: There are dozens of varieties grown in India and the Middle East. Most popular in the U.S. are the green and brown varieties, as they hold their shape best. (Red lentils, also known as masoor dahl, cook quickly and “fall apart,” rendering them ideal for the Indian dahl).
Handle With Care
Unlike other legumes, lentils don’t need to be presoaked for cooking, making them a quick meal component without advanced preparation. Remember to rinse, and check for stones and other foreign material before adding them to water to cook. Unlike other legumes, it’s possible to eat lentils raw (when sprouted), which greatly increases nutritional levels. Otherwise, turn dry lentils into soup, stew, or salad.
Dijon,
Red Wine Lentils
Try Dijon Red Wine Lentils as a side dish for meat or chicken. Chef’s tip: To avoid making lentils tough, don’t add salt until the end of cooking.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 30 min.
Serves: 4
1 cup beluga lentils
3 cups water
3/4 cup red wine
1 Tbsp Dijon
mustard
Salt and pepper,
to taste
Boil water with lentils. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until lentils are al dente and water is absorbed. Add wine and reduce until lentils are creamy. Add Dijon.
Two Arrested For Dealing Crack
Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force has conducted investigations over the past several months concerning the sell and possession of controlled substances.
On Thursday, Feb. 24, Anthony “Tony” West, of Madison, was arrested for six counts of the sale of crack cocaine and one count within 1000 feet of a church.
Also on Thursday, Feb. 24, Nathaniel Pride, of Madison, was arrested for one count of the sale of crack cocaine, one count of possession of crack cocaine and one count of possession of marijuana also within 1000 feet of a church.
The Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force reports that as a result of the recent investigations there are additional arrests pending.
The Florida Region of the Horseless Carriage Club Coming To Town March 3-6
By Fran Hunt
Special to Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Florida Region of the Horseless Carriage Club of America will be gathering in Madison, for their Spring Tour March 3-6. These fine cars are all pre-1916.
This year’s gathering will have thirty cars, with four steam cars among them. The club will enjoy daily drives through the beautiful back roads and countryside. Look for them in and around Madison and Monticello that weekend.
Their base will be the Best Western PLUS Madison Inn on Highway 53.
The goal of the organization is to preserve these cars, both original and restored to original condition; to use them for driving and completing tours; and to promote the preservation of their historical value.
Many collector car clubs throughout the U.S and the rest of the world recognize specialty marques or a broad spectrum of makes and years of manufacture. Very few remaining collectible automobiles represent the dawning of the age of the automobile industry.
This unique period of automotive history covers the turn of the century to the end of carriage coachwork, gas lights, hand cranking and profuse use of brass. For the most part, only the wealthy owned automobiles during this pre 1916 era, and ownership required a pioneering spirit, inventiveness and superior mechanical ability to keep these early automobiles functioning.
These early automobiles were called horseless carriages as they were capable of transporting people and freight faster and longer distance without the need of a horse to pull them. Unlike a horse, the automobile did not require feeding or veterinarians to maintain health when not in service, but like a horse they often got a colorful language/lecture by the owner when they would not perform.
In essence, all automobiles are Horseless Carriages, but HCCA has defined the Horseless Carriage as any pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916.
Membership in this organization is open to anyone interested in this unique era and does not require the member to own a pre-1916 automobile. HCCA Regional Groups and HCCA Registers of specific types or makes are located throughout the world. Many of the HCCA Regional Groups also welcome post 1915 vintage automobiles on their tours.
It is the goal of the Horseless Carriage Club to preserve originality or restore these automobiles to their original condition, use them for their original purpose of driving and completing tours, and promote the preservation of their historical value. Children and adults are fascinated even today, as they were in the early days, at the uniqueness, charm and character exemplified by these historic vehicles.
Ninth Annual NWTF Banquet Set For Saturday Evening
The Ninth Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet will be held Saturday, March 5, at Madison County Central School. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $50, single; $90 couple; $275, sponsor ticket; $295, sponsor couples ticket; and $25, Jakes ticket. For more information, call Wally Davis at (850) 673-6630.
Ministerial Association Announces 40 Days Of Prayer
The Madison County Ministerial Association believes that the Scriptures remind the church that it needs to be in prayer as the people of God. Second Chronicles 7:14 addresses that issue: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
As such, the Madison County Ministerial Association invites you and your congregation to join with them as “Madison County Prays” during the Lenten season. From 6 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, March 9, to 6 p.m. on April 18, we will unite in prayer.
The Ministerial Association is asking local churches to covenant with them in prayer for a 24-hour period. Each church can focus on prayer as they feel called to do so. The church may want to have a public prayer session, a 24-hour vigil, special services, open your church, prayer walk your neighborhoods or just ask folks to be in prayer specifically during that time. You may even want to join with another congregation to fill that day with prayer. Our goal is to flood the whole 40-day period with the prayers of God’s people.
If you would like to join in this prayer initiative, please plan to attend the kick-off at Madison Church of God on March 8 from 7-8 p.m. The church is located on the left of Highway 145 (Valdosta Highway), just past Rocky Ford Road. If you’re unable to attend the prayer rally and would still like to join the Ministerial Association during the 40 days of prayer, please call Kay Harris at (850) 973-3238. She will be glad to answer any questions you might have and supply you with materials that will help your church pray according to what God has in store for you.
Let Your Commissioner Know Your Opinion
The Ten Commandments monument is sitting on a truck on private property on Highway 90, next to Courtyard Apartments. A placard, bearing the urging people to call their county commissioners and have them support the Ten Commandments being placed on the Courthouse Lawn, is on the back of it. Because of the wind, the placard was face down when the photographer took this photo. Because this newspaper believes it is the right of citizens to have their opinions heard by their commissioners, we are putting the numbers of the commissioners here. Remember, the commissioners work for YOU and should be willing to hear YOUR opinion, whatever it may be. Each commissioner makes more for a part-time job ($27,131.04) than many people make working at a full-time job, so they should listen and take your opinion into consideration. The phone numbers for the commissioners are: District 1, Justin Hamrick, (850) 464-0119; Wayne Vickers, District 2, (850) 929-4555; Renetta Parrish, District 3, (850) 973-3990; District 4, Alfred Martin, (850) 673-1567; and Roy Ellis, (850) 971-5864.
Lady Bug Celebrates 80th Birthday
Telling people that she was really 16 and only pretending to be 80, Frances “Lady Bug” Wade celebrated her 80th birthday at her favorite eating spot. The crew of O’Neal’s presented her with a card, allowing her to eat free there all week. She also promised to snap our photographer’s photo on his 80th birthday.
Greene Publishing, Inc. And Interpress Studios Want Photos Of Tomorrow’s Leaders
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Greene Publishing, Inc. and Interpress Studios are looking for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Interpress Studios will be in Madison from 3:30-7 p.m. on Monday, March 7, to take photos of those leaders. All parents who want their children to be featured in this should call Emerald Greene at (850) 973-4141 or (850) 973-3497 to set up appointments to have the photos taken.
The photos will be taken at the Masonic Lodge on Rutledge Street, next to Richie’s Subs and Sweets.
Each child who has his or her photo taken will be featured in the newspaper spread for free at a later date. Each parent will also have a chance to purchase photo packets.









