Archive for April 2011

Way Back When

April 14, 2011 History Comments Off

April 18, 1941
John W. Johnson last week bought the interest of Joe H. Williams’ Sinclair station on the corner of Base and Brookwood Streets and took control Monday morning.
One of the outstanding movies of the current season is Sis Hopkins, starring Judy Canova. The film is to be at the Swan Theatre next Wednesday and Thursday.
Madison High School musicians again brought home many honors when they returned from the northwest state music festival in Defuniak Springs on April 10, 11 and 12.
Miss Eddie Ragans, who is connected with the REA office, is a new resident at the Stroud Hotel.

April 13, 1951
An event not on the schedule for the recent Madison County Field Day, but, obviously of much interest, was the Fat Man’s Race. Places were accorded as follows: W.H. Wood, E.E. Bradley, A. Livingston, Frank Webb and S.P. Griffin. G.R. Pettis also entered, but fell down, according to the Enterprise-Recorder account.
Calvin Buchanan and Billy Littleton, Pinetta and Madison High School seniors, have joined the Army Air Force.
Mr. Cary Phillips was in the city Monday morning, making the necessary arrangements to enter his daughter, Annie Laura, age 10, at Hope Haven for treatment of burns which she received several weeks ago when her clothing caught fire when she was standing near an open fire in the fireplace, at the Phillips’ home. Skin grafting will be necessary to complete her recovery.
Thomas Davison Tadlock, age 73, of the State Forestry Service, died last Friday night in his motor boat on the St. Marks River, apparently of a heart attack.

April 14, 1961
Wiley Selman, playing quarterback for Phi Delta Theta against Sigma Nu at the University of Florida on April 8, threw a 26-yard touchdown pass in the last two minutes of play. Phi Delt won 12-0.
Bob Searcy of United Farm Agency has sold the 310-acre John Tooke farm to Huey F. Baker of Jacksonville.
Gibson Pasture is now open for fishing during daytime hours until further notice.
Carroll Blalock, Jr. was a visitor in Atlanta, Ga., for several days this week.

April 16, 1971
Rip Prine of Ft. Bragg, N.C., is expected April 20 for a visit with his mother, Mrs. R.L. Prine, of Cherry Lake.
Miss Becky Davis of Auburn University is expected home for the Easter holidays.
Miss Peggy Clark of Wesleyan College is spending Easter holidays here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Clark.
Attorney Bill Daniel has written a legal analysis of the trial of Vietnam solider, Lt. William Calley, a Gainesville resident, tried and convicted of murder for his role in the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam on March 16,    1968.

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Trail Riders Raise Money For St. Jude’s

April 14, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off
Jason Kinsey, Jackie Kirland, Laura Sykes, Jeremy Kinsey, C.B. Knight, Tim Day, David Crockett, Connie Day, Ruthanne Gardner, shown left to right, represented the Madison County Sheriff’s Posse during the trail ride.

Jason Kinsey, Jackie Kirland, Laura Sykes, Jeremy Kinsey, C.B. Knight, Tim Day, David Crockett, Connie Day, Ruthanne Gardner, shown left to right, represented the Madison County Sheriff’s Posse during the trail ride.

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County Trail Riders and the South Georgia Trail Riders teamed up to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital on Saturday, April 9.
Members of both clubs gathered at the Ellaville Tract of the Twin Rivers State Forest at 9:30 a.m. They rode down the trail as far as the interstate. Riding back, they arrived shortly after noon. The Madison County Central School FFA had barbecue sandwiches, chips, dessert, fruit and beverages waiting for them. Donnie and Mickie Salter, and their daughter, Savannah Salter; and Dannitte and Dani Mays and their daughters, Sunni Mays and Katie Mays represented the group. Money for the meals sold will benefit the FFA and its projects.
An auction was held to raise money for St. Jude’s. Ron Smoak served as the auctioneer.
The trail boss for the ride was J.L. Williams.
Outriders for the day were Ron Smoak, Roger Parsons, David Sykes, Allen Frierson, Don Snyder and David Crockett.
Members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Posse who rode during the day were C.B. Knight, Jason Kinsey, Jeremy Kinsey, Laura Sykes, Tim Day, Connie Day, Ruthanne Gardner and David Crockett.
Members of the St. Jude’s Trail Ride committee, who helped organize the event were Jo Williams, J.L. Williams, Ana Portillo, Betsy Pertierra, Bernita Broome, Cheryl Kelty, C.B. Knight, Roger Parsons, Betty Parsons, Jean Stick, Pat Shartran and Jackie Kirkland.
A host of members from both clubs showed up early to do volunteer work. Area businesses and individuals provided extra necessities for the ride.
A total of $2,217.00 was raised from the ride fees, the auction and other donations.

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Fund Set Up To Help With Deputy’s Funeral Expenses

April 13, 2011 Front Page One comment

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has set up a fund at the Madison County Community Bank to defray the cost of Marcus Jones’ funeral.

Any one can walk into the bank and make a donation to the fund.

Jones was a 40-year-old deputy, who died suddenly on Sunday, April 10.

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Deputy Marcus Jones Passes Away

April 12, 2011 Front Page 6 comments

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 God called to rest Deputy Marcus Jones Sr. He collapsed that afternoon around 3:15. He was taken to Madison County Memorial Hospital where attempts to revive him failed.
The viewing for Jones will be held Friday evening, April 15, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cooks-Cooper Funeral Home in Madison. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, April 17,  at 1 p.m. at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Burial will follow in Oakridge Cemetery in Madison. The community will feed the family at Madison County High School after the services.
Marcus was born on November 15, 1970 in Suwannee County to his loving parents Alvin and Mildred Jones.  He was converted at a young age and joined Sweet Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  Marcus was a very affectionate person to his family, friends and everyone he made contact with.  His life reflected great dignity in himself, understanding who he was and what he was sent to Earth to do, serve.
Marcus graduated from Suwannee High School in 1989, and then furthered his education at North Florida Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Thereafter, Marcus sought a job with the Madison Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, where he served faithfully for the past 16 years.
Deputy Jones loved his job; every day was an adventure, as he would sometimes say, “Never a Dull Moment.” He fulfilled his purpose of making an impact in other’s lives.
Marcus went to work at the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office on May 1, 1995. He worked there until August 10, 1995. On August 10, 1995, he began working as a officer with the Madison Police Department. He worked there until April 14, 2003, when he began working with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. He became the School Resource Officer at Madison County High School in 2010.
Cherishing his loving memories, he leaves behind his loving wife, Priscilla Jones; three sons, Darius Hanley, Marcus Jr., Mar’Quez and Mar’Kavious Jones; a daughter, Savannah Jones; his loving parents, Alvin and Mildred Jones of Live Oak; his brothers, Alvin Jones (Peggy) of Tampa and Douglas Jones, Sr. of Live Oak; sisters, Vicki Jones-Gainer, Willa Jones-Choice (Daniel), and Yolanda Jones, of Live Oak; mother-in-law, Vera Hill (Earl) of Madison; father-in-law, Johnny Mack Mitchell, Sr. of Madison; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers /sister’s in-laws; his dedicated second parents, Ben and Tracy Bowen of Madison; very special friends, Dupree Roberson and Joe Holland,  along with many other sorrowing co-workers and friends.
A brother, Allison Jones, Sr., (Tabitha) of Atlanta, Ga., preceded him in death.

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Nestlé Waters’ Madison Plant Named Company “Factory of the Year”

April 12, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA) has named its Madison plant the “Manufacturing Excellence, Factory of the Year” – the highest honor for a Nestlé Waters plant in North America.  The plant was selected from among NWNA’s 26 plants throughout the United States and Canada.  Additionally, the Madison plant was also selected as the Lighthouse Facility for North America for the Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) program, a Nestlé worldwide initiative.
“We have always known that our employees are second to none. They can take pride in knowing their hard work is being recognized by receiving this award and being asked to lead the way with the Nestlé Continuous Excellence initiative,” said Madison Plant Manager Rob Fisher.
Among the criteria used to determine the NWNA “Manufacturing Excellence, Factory of the Year,” are safety, quality, production performance and cost effectiveness.  The Madison plant leads the company in the area of Safety, currently at 28 months without a recordable accident.  Additionally, February marked 3 years since the last lost time accident.
As the Lighthouse Facility for Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE), the Madison plant will host Nestlé Waters’ employees from all over the United States and Canada as they learn about NCE processes in practice at the Madison bottling plant.  The core principles of NCE focus on Delighting the Consumer with a superior quality product and outstanding service, Developing a Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace through being the best in the beverage industry and Excelling in Compliance.
About Nestlé Waters North America
Central to the leadership of Nestlé Waters North America Inc. is its 35-year history and single-focus on producing bottled water products. The company’s dedication to product quality, manufacturing expertise, efficient production, employee development and environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has helped Nestlé Waters become the number one bottled water company in the U.S. Nestlé Waters sources water from approximately 50 spring sites for its six spring water brands. Our 10 full-time Natural Resource Managers, trained hydrologists, geologists and engineers monitor our spring sources and manage them for long-term sustainability. To reach success, the company follows its credo: Respect for each other, respect for the environment, and respect for the community. To learn more, visit http://www.nestlewatersnorthamerica.com/.

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Gator In Traffic In Madison

April 12, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off
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Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, the Madison County 911 Center received a report of an alligator crossing U.S. Hwy 90, near KFC and North Florida Community College. Because of the traffic hazard, City of Madison police officers and personnel from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.  The alligator was taken in to custody and transported to a more secure place for young gators. Madison Sheriff’s Investigator Mark Joost provided the escort to Mystic Lake after a brief stop at the County Jail.  No injuries were reported.

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Stray Vectors

April 12, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

National  Security
Joe Boyles  Guest Columnist

 

Editor’s note: “Stray Vectors” is the author’s byline for random thoughts on the passing scene.
Consumer Reports says that the batteries in these new electric cars (Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf) really lose power in cold weather and limit the range of the vehicle.  Doesn’t make much sense in those highly populated New England cities, does it?
Liberals are leaning into the wind of a “perfect storm.”  They want to grow government which requires money.  Not only are governments out of money, no one in their right mind condones taking any more money out of the economy under the current conditions.
The Civil War began 150 years ago with the shelling of Charleston’s Fort Sumter.  Here’s my “what if” question:  What if those hot-headed South Carolinians hadn’t opened fire?  Could Lincoln have drafted and mobilized an army to invade the South without preemption?  I’d like to hear some historians address this.
Public sector employees in Wisconsin appear to be pretty well compensated for their “labors.”  For example, Badger State teachers are paid an average of $75K per year.  Things might be tough in Madison, WI but they look pretty rosy in Madison, FL.
The deficit for February was a record single monthly total of $223 billion.  Four years ago, the deficit for all fiscal year 2007 was $161 billion.  Makes you wish for the good old days of GW, doesn’t it?  Folks, we can’t go on living like this.
Speaking of global warming, California liberal Henry Waxman says that the GOP is the party of “science deniers.”  If that is true (personally, I reject the assertion), then the Democrats are the party of economic deniers.
What’s with democrat lawmakers from Wisconsin and Indiana bailing out and going to neighboring Illinois to avoid voting on controversial anti-union legislation?  Has Illinois become a sanctuary state for liberals?  Are they seeking political asylum?
With the unveiling of the new electric cars (Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf), you’d think I’d write something about the subject.  However, I write for my audience and frankly, I don’t think there is much reason to waste your time reading about something that will have very little appeal to the citizens of our community.  It’s too expensive; the range is too limited; and the payload is too small.  Nuff said.
“Every cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and degenerates into a racket.”  Eric Hoffer.  How true!
Leadership tip: Ever hear of “management by exception?”  That’s where someone can do nine things right, but the only time they hear anything is on the tenth time when things go wrong.  It is a terrible leadership technique.  Don’t ignore failure, but look for opportunities to praise.
Need any more Census lessons?  The eight states with no income tax grew at 18 percent over the last 10 years while the states with an income tax grew at 8 percent.  The 22 states with right-to-work laws grew at 15 percent while the other 28 grew at 6 percent.  The 16 states which restrict collective bargaining for public employee unions grew at 15 percent while the other states grew at 7 percent.  Can the lessons here be any clearer?
Ever since its inception in the waning days of the Bush Administration, the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP has been a political piñata.  But is the criticism justified?  Robert Samuelson suggests that it’s not.  Instead, TARP prevented the meltdown of the global economic system, restored confidence, came in well under budget, and repaid nearly all of its loans.  Name another government program with this kind of track record!
The first budget battle of the year is over; two more loom: the debt extension and the 2012 budget.  Expect a knock-down, drag-out.  The debate has shifted from “how much can we spend to how much can we save.”  The (Paul) Ryan budget or Path to Prosperity has set the bar.  Now let’s see what the President proposes tonight.  The fight is on!
Seventy years ago was 1941, a momentous year for America.  The bookends are significant.  It began with the Four Freedoms speech by President Roosevelt to Congress on January 6.  Eleven months later, the year closed with the attack on Pearl Harbor followed shortly by Colin Kelly’s final mission.  Both events are symbolized by the famous monument in our central park.  Seventy years ago …

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Thank You For Thinking With Your Heart

April 12, 2011 Letters To The Editor Comments Off

I think it is all too easy these days to complain when someone does something wrong and I myself am guilty of this as well.  But recently I had something happen to me that not only touched my heart but again made me proud to live in a small town.  My brother was killed almost a year ago (April 16, 2010). During the past year we have been going through his things with much hesitation as we all struggle with what is proper or what would he have wanted us to do with it? During one of our attempts to determine where his items could be best used my son found some dress slacks that if hemmed up would make good slacks for him to wear to work. So we took them into the local family owned cleaners here in town to have them hemmed up. Well, I took them in back in January before my brother’s murder trial began and as you can imagine I completely forgot about them until one day recently my son inquired about them.  The next day I phoned the cleaners embarrassed that I had forgotten them there for so long. They said they were there and ready for pick up.  During my kids spring break my family and I went by to pick them up and when the girl from behind the counter brought them forward I was curious when I saw a $5 bill attached to them.  She slid the money across the counter and with an eye brow raised I questioned what is this for?  The owner replied we found it in one of the pants pockets and we thought it might be your brothers and you would want to keep it.  As my eyes teared up, I couldn’t believe she remembered that they were my brother’s pants.  I was very touched that they would do such a thing and that the money would still be attached after sitting there for over 2 months.  She was right it did mean a lot to me.  Recently my mother thought she lost a very special family ring and I was able to use this $5 to barter with my mother that if she emptied out her purse to look for it that I would give her the $5 of David’s that the cleaners saved for me.  She cleaned out her purse and there hidden within the torn liner was the family ring.  Needless to say we are still healing from our loss & yes my mother now has a new purse. This is just one of the many reasons why I am proud to live in a small town.  Thank you Debbie for thinking with your heart!  Another thing I love hearing “You have a blessed day” when I call their place of business.  We love you David and you are in our thoughts daily.

Diane Gilbert-Smith

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Rev. Leonard McClain, Jr.

April 12, 2011 Obituaries One comment

Rev. Leonard McClain, Jr. was born in Baconton, Ga., to the late Rev. Leonard McClain, Sr. and Mrs. Susie McCarthy McClain. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and was called home on April 5, 2011 in Gainesville.
Funeral services were held on April 12, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clyattville, Ga. Burial followed with military honors at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Madison.
In 1953, during the Korean War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country until 1955. He started working for St. Regis Paper Company while in Albany, Ga., then transferred to Lee in 1967. He was a caretaker for St. Regis Lands, where he was a guide for quail hunts. He trained the English pointers and setters that were used during these hunts. He was a devout Christian, always willing and able to talk about his love for Jesus. It was only fitting that, in his life, he would be ordained a minister. He was a devoted husband, father and family man. He always took the time to call friends and family. He will truly be missed.
He married his wife, Willie Mae Brown on September 23, 1951, a union that lasted 52 years before her death in 2003.
A son, Terry Lee McClain, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by three sons, William James McClain of Lee, Aaron (Debra) McClain of Tampa and Curtis Edward (Teresa) McClain of Madison; a daughter, Barbara (Randy) Williams of Decatur, Ga.; a brother, Joe McClain of Newark, N.J.; a sister, Cora Lake, of Detroit, Mich.; five grandchildren, Aaron, Jr., Ashley, Terrance, Jeremy and Brandi; three great-grandchildren, Aaron III, Kennedy and Jordan McClain; also a special friend, Mc. Evelyn Wyche to whom the sons and daughter of Rev. McClain give a special “thank you.”
Beggs Funeral Home, Madison, was in charge of arrangements.

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Maxine Crews Cone

April 12, 2011 Obituaries Comments Off

Mrs. Maxine Crews Cone, age 66, died Sunday, April 3, 2011, at the Madison County Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel, at 11 a.m. Visitation was held Tuesday, April 5, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. Burial followed the funeral service at Hensey Cemetery in Greenville.
She was born in Brantley, Ga., on June 2, 1944 to Perry and Bonnie Crews. She lived most of her adult life in Greenville and was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Greenville. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Jimmie Cone, of Greenville; one son, Jimmie Cone, Jr., of Greenville; one daughter, Sharon Cone Wooten and husband, Nathan, of Greenville; one brother, J.D. Crews, of Kingsland, Ga.; one sister, Libby Brooker of Nahunta, Ga.; three grandchildren, Cheyenne Sheffield, Cierra Sheffield and Ja’nisya Cone, all of Greenville; a very dear friend, Cathy Rains of Cherry Lake, and Cathy’s children, Michael (Jennifer), Kristie (Bobby) Soloman and granddaughter, Emalie Soloman.

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Old Bookstore Sponsoring Book Signing At Down Home Days

April 12, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Old Bookstore, owned by Lucile Cherry and located at 317 SW Pinckney Street in Madison, will sponsor a book signing during Down Home Days.
The store will have tables on the streets, where authors Tracy J. Revels and T.H. Bear, will set up shop to sell and sign their books.
Revels is a Madison native, who recently published Shadowfall, a book about Sherlock Holmes, which is shrouded in fantasy. Revels imagined what it would be like if Holmes had those wizard-like qualities he seems to possess in books and short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. So, she decided to make him a wizard in her book.
Revels has also published Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism.
Revels is a professor of history at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
T.H. Bear is the nom de plume (pen name) of Shelly Decker.
Decker is a retired law officer, who originally hails from the Lauderdale area.
Books that Decker will have available at Down Home Days will be the first two books of a trilogy about a soldier in the War Between the States, who returns to his home in Georgia after the war. Shortly after his return, he finds himself wrongly accused of a murder that he did not commit. In the book, Gold in the Red Desert, the hero, Cliff, flees to Wisconsin and finds himself in the midst of a gold rush, The second book, Withlacoochee Renegades, finds Cliff returning to Valdosta, Ga., and forming a vigilante group to fight against the injustices in the government during the Reconstruction Era. Much of the book is set in Lowndes County, Ga., and in Madison County. The third book has yet to be published.
Decker noted that the books were all supposed to be one big book, but that his publisher suggested a trilogy, so one needs to read the first book before the second.
Stop by the Old Bookstore tables during Down Home Days and purchase the books and have them signed by Revels and Decker.

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MCCS Broncos Softball Ends Season 9-4

April 12, 2011 Sports Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Broncos softball team ended their season with a winning record of nine wins and four losses. The girls representing Madison County Central School tied for third place in the Florida Crown Conference.
The leading hitters for the season were Ke’ana Curry, .357 avg., Courtney Richardson, .300 avg., Katilyn Henderson, .583 avg. with one homerun, Hope Smith, .543 avg. with five homeruns, Kelli Garner, .484 avg. and Alexis Livingston .361 avg.
Leaders in runs scored were Alexis Livingston with 19, Kelli Garner with 16, Hope Smith with 14, Katilyn Henderson with 16, Courtney Richardson with 12 and Ke’ana Curry with eight.
The pitching leaders for 2011 were Carlie Ginn with 54 innings pitched, she allowed 44 hits and 38 runs. She struck out 94 batters. She also completed the season with two one-hitters and one no-hitter. Hope Smith had five innings pitched, she allowed four hits and four runs, and struck out five batters. Jena Stewart also had five innings pitched. She allowed four hits and two runs. She struck out four batters.
Team members of the 2011 Broncos softball team were eighth graders: Hope Smith (co-captain), Ke’ana Curry (co-captain), Katilynn Henderson, Taliyah Bonner and LaQuasha Ward. Seventh graders: Kelli Garner, Carlie Ginn, Courtney Richardson, Jena Stewart, Taylor Harvey, Alexis Livingston and Megan Washington, and sixth grader T’Keristan “Cindy” Brown. The coaches this year were Tonia Briggs and Clayton McWilliams.
Coach Clayton McWilliams stated of the team, “The Broncos softball team improved over last year by seven wins. They were a great group of young ladies. They worked hard and continued to learn the game of softball. They are a talented group and with continued hard work and dedication they will be a challenger for the Florida Crown Conference next season. There were many leaders of this team some vocal and other by example.
“A special thanks goes to parent coach Todd Richardson, who was in charge of the pitching staff. He did a great job of handling the pitcher and catcher during games. Thank you to Tommy Garner and Rusty Smith for their support and help in hitting. They provided extra time and practice for many of the team members. Also, a great thank you to all the parents of the players for their support and dedication to the players and team. The team could always count on having a crowd to encourage and cheer for them. Thank you to the grandparents and fans of the team members who were a positive support system for these young ladies. Remember, ‘Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and sometimes it rains.’”

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Dolly Ballard Leads Final Meeting As President Of Madison Garden Club

April 12, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
As Dolly Ballard circulated among the Easter-decorated tables, greeting everyone present and welcoming special guests, it suddenly dawned on her that this was the last month she would be doing this.  New officers have already been elected, and will be installed at next month’s meeting, May 5.  “I’m out of office!  The months have flown by!”
The Garden Club has had a busy month, attending the March 21-22 Legislative Days with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, preparations for Down Home Days, getting ready for their flower show, and of course, planting those spring gardens, now that spring is in the air.
Club member Marianne Green reported on the trip to Perry, where they met members from the Perry Garden Club as well as Florida Federation of Garden Clubs President, Carol Hall.  The group, including Dolly Ballard, Nell Ring and Betty Monzac, met to discuss clean-water issues and bills being considered by the Florida Legislature that could affect Florida’s water supply.  While in Perry, they toured the automated Buckeye Cellulose facility where experts explained the wide range of different products obtained from pine tree cellulose.  Additionally, Buckeye officials showed them the bio-fuel pilot project they are working on with the University of Florida, and afterward hosted a boat trip on the Fenholloway River to show the results of the river clean-up.
The next day, the group boarded a bus to Tallahassee, where they met with Florida legislators Sen. Bill Montford, Rep. Joe Gibbons and others, including Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.  Following the stop at the Capitol, they traveled to the Governor’s Mansion, where they met First Lady Ann Scott and were treated to a tour.
Back in Madison, club members have been equally busy.  Lura Fine has been overseeing, at her own expense, the creation of the Garden Club float for Madison’s Down Home Days Parade, Saturday, April 16.
Other club members have continued with their ongoing work with the Pinetta 4H Club, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Pinetta Elementary School children.
The guest speaker for the meeting, Dan Gerencser of Nobles Greenhouse in Live Oak, continued with the earlier theme of protecting and conserving Florida’s water supply and aquifer.  Originally from Pennsylvania, Gerencser moved to Madison 15 years ago, and was quite surprised at the difference between the dark loamy soil of Pennsylvania and the sandy ground here that allows chemicals to leach straight down to the underground water supply.  After some experimentation, he developed a system of “common sense gardening,” which he explained as a combination of not wasting water through over-watering (also the most frequent way plants are killed), using drought-tolerant plants (xeriscaping), and using tough native plants such as palmetto and cast iron plants that have evolved to withstand Florida’s heat and humidity without a lot of chemical help.
Gerencser had brought several flowering plants from Nobles Greenhouse as an example of common sense, low-maintenance plants that still bring color and beauty to a garden.  Some of his examples were also good at attracting butterflies and humming birds.  “Dolly told me to bring a lot of pretty things,” he said.  “And they’ll all be on sale afterward.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, he did a brisk business selling most of the beautiful plants he had brought with him.

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30th Annual Down Home Days Celebration This Friday And Saturday, Sponsored By Tobacco Free Madison

April 12, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Down Home Days Celebration that starts Thursday, April 14, and runs through Saturday, April 16, is bigger and better than ever this year.
The festival includes everything from golf tournaments to karaoke contests for the competitive soul, to two nights of rodeo performances for that little bit of cowboy in everybody around here, to dance performance and gospel music showcases, to a Family Fun Night with bounce houses, food booths, pinball and other games for the kids.
This year, Down Home Days is being sponsored by Tobacco Free Madison, said Tobacco Prevention Specialist Douglas Freer with the Madison County Health Department, who hopes to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle for Madison residents.  SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), an organization that teaches teenagers how to organize, speak up and get their message out to the public, will have about ten young people from Madison County and eight more from Levy County, promoting awareness of Big Tobacco’s marketing ploys aimed at snaring young people into a statistically shortened lifetime of addiction.
The marketing tactics both parents and kids should know about include: manipulating ingredients to make cigarettes more palatable, even adding flavors, such as strawberry, grape, pina colada and chocolate chip cookie dough; changing the levels of some chemicals so that the potential new user doesn’t feel as sick the first few times he or she lights up; and finally, using brightly colored, attractive packaging to grab the attention of the younger set.
These altered tobacco products have already been around for the last few years, and are currently in Madison stores.  Although it is illegal for tobacco companies to market their products directly toward kids, they get around it by claiming that these products are for adult use.
However, “You won’t see grown men going into these stores asking for grape-flavored cigarettes,” said Freer.
Tobacco Free Madison is sponsoring the event to take advantage of an opportunity to get their message out to a large number of youth and parents.  SWAT will have an information booth set up just inside the gate at the rodeo event, and individual SWAT members will be circulating through the crowds with petitions to restrict the sale of candy- and other sweet-flavored tobacco products in Madison County.
“We want to reduce youth initiation of tobacco use in Madison County and therefore reduce the impacts of tobacco use in Madison County,” said Freer.
Down Home Days also gives Tobacco Free Madison a chance to promote the free help that is available for anyone who wants to quit and needs help doing it.  Resources include:  the Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (822-6669), and the Area Heath Education Center’s Quit Smoking Now program, with quit-smoking classes at the Madison County Health Department on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m.  To register for these classes, please contact Preston Matthews at (850) 728-5479.
The schedule of events for Down Home Days include:  Thursday – Dessert Bake Off Judging, Bali’s Base Street Florist, 321 SW Pinckney Street, entries due by 5 p.m., for more info call Bali Thigpen, 973-2525;  the Pet Contest, Four Freedoms Gazebo, at 6 p.m. (Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.) For more info call Christy Killingsworth, 973-6936; and the Madison County High School Band Concert, at the MCHS Gym, at 7 p.m.
Friday – Begining at 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night, Downtown, bounce houses, pin ball, food and more; at 6 p.m., the Citizen of the Year and Grandparent of the Year will be announced, followed by Becky’s Dance Steps Studio Showcase Perfomance; the Karaoke Contest will be held at the Gazebo, from 7 to 10 p.m., $20 entry fee. For more info call 973-2788.
Also being held on Friday at Lanier Field: PCA Rodeo; gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.  6:30 to 7:30 p.m. features country and gospel music performances.
Saturday, all day: Classic Car Show, Bounce Houses, Dunk Tank and more.  7:30 a.m. Colin P. Kelly Fitness Runs. 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, children up to 16, $6 fee registration 7:30 a.m., run at 8 a.m;  5K Run/Walk, all ages, $15 fee registration 8 a.m., run at 8:30 a.m;  9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Down Home Days Book Signings, Tracy Revels, T.H. Bear, booth on Range Avenue; 10 a.m., Down Home Days Parade.
Saturday at 11 a.m. – Marine Corps Band, Gazebo; Quilt and Flower Show, Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Mansion; Dessert Bake Off Tasting, Bali’s Base Street Florist, Firefighter’s Challenge, Range Avenue; 11:30 a.m., Watermelon seed spitting contest, Four Freedoms Park, more info, call Browning & Sons, 973-6896;  Noon – 3 p.m. Karaoke Contest, Gazebo; 1:30 p.m., Frog Hopping Contest, East Courthouse Lawn, hosted by Tim Sanders and Dr. John Lewis;  3 p.m. Karaoke Finals, Gazebo, $100 first prize, $50 second prize and $25 third prize.  5 p.m. – 11 p.m. PCA Rodeo, Lanier Field. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.  6:30 to 7;30 p.m. features country and gospel music performances.

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MCHS Prom 2011 Set For May 7

April 12, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
It’s that time of year again…Prom! Girls will be purchasing lovely gowns, boys will be renting their tuxes and parents will be spending big bucks to ensure that their children have a great time. Madison County High School has set the date for prom as May 7 from 8 p.m.-12 midnight.
Tickets are now on sale for $30. As always each senior will be given his or her personal ticket for free. Students taking dates that do not attend MCHS must have their dates approved through the school; forms are available in the front office.
The Junior class has chosen the theme for this year to be “P.S. I Love You.”  The color scheme will be red, white and black.
For the whole night, a DJ will be spinning off the latest hits and, of course, some of the best dance classics. There will be refreshments and finger foods served during the entire event.
Students attending the prom are sure to have a great time making new memories and dancing the night away. However, the fun of prom begins long before 8 p.m. Girls will begin getting their hair done early in the morning, and many will get their nails done during the week before. Once their hair is ready, they will begin work on their make-up, followed by making sure that their dress is perfect and every accessory is sparkling.
After getting ready, there will be hundreds of pictures taken. Many students gather in the park next to the Court House to take photos with their friends and loved ones. Anyone riding by the park on May 7 is sure to see plenty of beautifully dressed teenagers smiling for the cameras.
By the time the students bid farewell to their families, they are more than ready to be done taking pictures and ready to begin their evening. Some will go to Valdosta or Tallahassee to eat before prom. Others may eat large dinners at home or even at local restaurants.
When the prom-goers finally arrive at the high school, school administrators will welcome them as they take their tickets. Mr. Radel will then take pictures of each group or couple before leading them into the doors.
Upon entering the gym, the students will be amazed at the transformation from drab gym to prom paradise.
Students will be able to dance the night away on the huge dance floor. There will also be plenty of tables to sit at when dancers need a break. The gym will be covered in the theme colors: red, white and black. There will be a ton of decorations and gossamer surrounding the gym.
For students planning to attend parties after, remember to stay safe and never ride with anyone who is drinking and driving. Underage drinking is not only dangerous; it is illegal. There are plenty of ways to have a great night without drinking.
Greene Publishing, Inc. would like to wish all of the students a happy and memorable prom!

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April Is Soyfoods Month

April 12, 2011 Health Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
During the month of April, America will be celebrating and honoring soyfoods month. This means that soyfood advocates will be trying to educate the public about the benefits of soyfoods. Soyfoods offer not only a healthy alternative to our everyday eats, sometimes it even tastes better than its common-foods counterparts. Almost anything can be made using soy; everything from milk to frozen yogurt, hot dogs and burgers, even sausage.
The first thing to be aware of when looking into adding soy to your diet, are the benefits. Soy is lower in fat that their meat counterparts. For example, a soy veggie dog has 70 calories less that a beef hotdog, more than five grams less of saturated fat and 25 mg less of cholesterol! There are soy veggie dogs, soy burgers, soy sausage and much more.
Soy also offers lactose-intolerant people a chance to enjoy foods such as cereal and yogurt. Products such as Silk (soy milk), soy yogurts and soy cheese offer the calcium they need, without the dairy dangers. Being able to consume these products, despite being lactose-intolerant will help to keep their body healthy and make their bones strong.
Some studies even site soy as reducing the risk of breast cancer. Though these claims are not 100%, the more research that is done the stronger the support for this claim becomes. Soy has also been proven to play an important role in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. A good soy regimen should begin at childhood and continue throughout life. It is simple to add soy to a child’s diet and allow them to begin to love soy foods. Putting some soy yogurt or cheese in their lunch box will allow them to consume soy products, without even knowing that they are. Soy encourages children to maintain a healthy weight and will make their bodies healthier and stronger. Eating soy regularly is also a great way to maintain a healthy weight during childhood.
The benefits of soy are so vast that it is nearly impossible to explain them all. Combining a soy diet with plenty of exercise is both healthy and fun. Soy is often described as the fountain of youth of the food pyramid. Adding soy to your families diet is easy to do and extremely beneficial.

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Tobacco Free Madison Sponsors Down Home Days

April 12, 2011 Health Comments Off

Tobacco Free Madison  is sponsoring Down Home Days to promote tobacco-free lifestyles for Madison residents.  Students Working Against Tobacco, SWAT, youth will be on hand to promote awareness of the issue of candy flavored tobacco.  SWAT is a youth empowerment organization that teaches students planning and organizational skills as well as how to speak up and advocate a message.  Tobacco prevention is the message.  When students find out about the industry of Big Tobacco and how it has lied and manipulated society all in the name of Big Profits, they tend to call fowl.  They ask, “If tobacco kills more people than most of the other causes combined then why is it even legal?”
The message that the program is promoting is that tobacco companies are manipulating the ingredients of many products to make them sweeter, more palatable with flavors like strawberry, grape, pina colada and chocolate chip cookie dough.  They then package these products in brightly colored packages engineered to attract the attention of youth.  Though legally not allowed to market towards youth, these marketing tactics appear to be aimed at none other.  Big tobacco also alters the levels of some of the chemicals in these products to reduce the feeling of sickness that many get during their trial period starting a tobacco habit.  So if the products taste “better,” are packaged more attractively and tend to not cause sickness, then youth are more likely to try them and initiate a tobacco habit that could last a lifetime, a lifetime that is statistically shorter than non-tobacco users.  So that is why the tobacco program is sponsoring this event, to take advantage of an opportunity to get this message out to youth and parents.  We want to reduce youth initiation of tobacco use in Madison County and therefore reduce the impacts of tobacco use in Madison County.
Sponsoring Down Home Days also gives Tobacco Free Madison the opportunity to promote free help that is available to help anyone quit a tobacco habit.  Resources include the Quitline at 877 – U – CAN – NOW and Area Health Education Center’s Quit Smoking Now program which has classes at Madison County Health Department on Monday evenings at 5:30 pm.  To register for the classes please contact Preston Mathews at (850) 728 – 5479.

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Sheriff’s Office Postpones Golf Tournament

April 11, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County Sheriff’s office golf tournament for the Florida Youth Ranches has been postponed until further notice.
Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that David Ballenger, who coordinates the event, is not able to do the tournament at this time due to health problems.
Watch The Madison County Carrier and The Madison County Carrier, as well as check www.greenepublishing.com for further details.

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Emergency Management Building To Be Dedicated In Honor of Jim Stanley

April 11, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Jim Stanley Dedication Ceremony Invitation

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Update: School Resource Officer Dies Suddenly

April 10, 2011 Front Page 4 comments
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Please remember the family of School Resource Officer Marcus Jones in your prayers. He collapsed Sunday afternoon around 3:15. He was taken to Madison County Memorial Hospital where attempts to revive him failed.

The viewing for Jones will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Cooks-Cooper Funeral Home in Madison. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Burial will follow in Oakridge Cemetery in Madison. The community will feed the family at Madison County High School after the services.

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