Archive for April 2011

Greenville High School Class of 1961 Asked To Tell Life Stories

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Education, Front Page Comments Off

Class of 1961 participated in Project Talent study fifty-one years ago;
Asked to share their stories once again in historic follow-up study

Fifty-one years after being selected to take part in the Project Talent study of American high school students, the Class of 1961 from Greenville High School is being asked to participate once again.

In 1960, 400,000 students took part in Project Talent, a study of the aptitudes and abilities, hopes and expectations of high school students from across America. The study was conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and the United States Office of Education. Now the original Project Talent participants, including Greenville High School’s class of 1961, are being asked to tell their stories in a follow-up study being planned by AIR.

“The Project Talent generation is very important in the history of the country,” says Sabine Horner, Project Talent’s Director of Outreach and Communications. “They came of age during an era of great upheaval and they transformed the United States as we knew it. Project Talent is an opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences in a meaningful way that can benefit future generations.”

Large studies that follow people from adolescence to retirement are both rare and extremely valuable. They allow researchers to make connections between early life experiences and later life outcomes. New information gained from a fifty year follow-up study can help researchers and policy makers understand how family and educational background impact the life course, up to and including the retirement process. Researchers can also learn why certain people stay healthier and happier and are more able to enjoy their later life.

Members of the class of 1961 from Greenville High School are being asked to contact AIR to register their interest and provide details of where they can be contacted to receive further information. Project Talent is also interested in information about upcoming 50th reunions for the class of 1961. You can call the project on 1 866 770 6077 or send an email to projectalent50@air.org. You can also visit the Project Talent website: www.projecttalent.org.

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Cherry Lake General Store Burglarized

April 28, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Cherry Lake General Store was burglarized on Thursday evening, April 19.
According to Madison County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Epp Richardson, someone threw a brick through the window and gained entry.
While inside, the suspect(s) grabbed cigarettes and a case of beer and fled the scene.
Richardson arrived on the scene within minutes but the assailant(s) had left.
If you have any information on who may have committed this crime, please call the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4001.

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Madison Postpones Celebration Of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 28, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off
From left to right are Terry Lenz, the Chief Communications Officer, Jessie Prince, Brian Bish and Barbara Thrift.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Most anyone would say that a firefighter, a police officer or EMT responders are heroes. But what about the people that answer the 911 calls and contact the responders? Who would include them in their list of heroes? The truth is everyone should count these people as heroes. From April 10-16 the nation honored these men and women during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The Madison County Sheriffs Office postponed their celebration of the week due to the loss of Deputy Marcus Jones. They celebrated this week and had a luncheon on April 27.

From left to right are Terry Lenz, the Chief Communications Officer, Jessie Prince, Brian Bish and Barbara Thrift.

Terry Lenz, Chief Communications Officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “It takes a truly special person to do what they do.  We try to keep the responders and the public safe in all situations.  You have to be caring, but professional, at the same time. You have to be the strength for these people during emergencies. If someone is not breathing, or is unresponsive, the telecommunicators must maintain a professional attitude during the phone conversation. Then once the call has been handled, that’s when they can show their emotion about the call.”
Madison County Sheriff’s Office is home to 11 dispatchers that rotate 12-hour shifts. The shifts last from either 6 a.m.-6 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. They will work either five days a week or two, rotating weekly, and they will rotate monthly from night shifts to day shifts.

Dispatchers Carol Taylor and Allan Shadrick.

When a call comes in to the Communications Center, whether by 911 or their direct line, it is the telecommunicators’ job to help handle the situation. They listen to the caller’s emergency and determine which rescue units should be contacted. If EMS, the police or a fire department is needed, the telecommunicators are the ones who contact them. Once they have alerted the rescuers, the telecommunicator will give them the details on the call such as the address they are responding to, the type of call and any dangers that the rescuers might face when responding to the call.
The public safety telecommunicators are also the ones that will assist in providing the necessary instructions on protecting themselves. If someone calls saying that the person in need is not breathing, the dispatchers will tell the person how to effectively perform CPR. If there is a robber in their home, they are injured or in any other way hurt, the telecommunicator will tell them what to do to stay safe until the first responders get there.

Dispatchers Daniel Dukes and Michelle Sparkman.

This will be the third year that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has celebrated the nationally recognized week. To honor the Communications Officers of Madison County, the Sheriffs Office will be presenting them with certificates honoring their time in service and Communications Officer of the Quarter. Also during the week, the Communications Officers will be dressing up for “Theme Days.” These themes will include western, tropical and sports attire. They will also be served lunch one day during the week.
There are several ways that the community can make the jobs of telecommunicators easier as well as guarantee that the responding unit will be able to serve them effectively. If a person moves to a new residence, but keeps their old phone number, it is important for them to contact their service provider and change the site address for their phone number.
This will ensure that telecommunicator has the correct information and can send the responders to the correct home.

Dispatchers Sarah McGraw (left) and Eve Langell (right).

Terry Lenz, as well as 9-1-1 Coordinator Juan Botino, Chief Deputy Epp Richardson, Sheriff Ben Stewart and all of the other members of the Sheriff’s Office, would like to say that they are very proud of the team of Communications Officers that serve Madison County.
Lenz stated, “We are all like one big family and the community is our extended family. We want to protect them and keep them as safe as we can. We are the Lifeline and must be alert at all times. We are the first responders.”
The 11 Madison County Sheriff’s Office Communications Officers being honored this week are: Carol Taylor, Jessie Prince, Sarah McGraw, Allen Shadrick, Eve Langell, Barbara Thrift, Michelle  Sparkman, Brian Bish, Daniel Dukes, Heather Sheffield and Chris O’Brian.

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Seth Richardson Wows With His Roping Skills

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Outdoors Comments Off
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By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
For many high school students, their afternoons and weekends consist of hanging out with friends or doing homework. Seth Richardson’s schedule, however, includes not only that but also a rigorous roping schedule. Seth is the son of Epp and Miki Richardson. He is a senior at Madison County High School and is also dual enrolled at North Florida Community College; he maintains a 3.5grade point average(GPA).
Seth explained, “I started roping about five years ago with a local roper, Andy Briggs, and developed a real passion for the sport. Andy got me started in the right direction and I started roping in competition when I reached high school, four years ago. I just keep working to be the very best I can and practice every day, either riding my horses, throwing my ropes or roping calves or steers. Some say I was a bit late getting started, comparatively speaking with all my competition, but I never allow that to discourage me and have proven that, with hard work and dedication, you can catch up and excel and be right in the mix with those that have been participating for a lot longer time.”
There are many factors that go into being a successful roper. Richardson stated, “As with any sport, it takes commitment, dedication and a lot of hard work and practice to excel and be competitive. Roping requires taking care of your horses because you can only be as good as the care you put in them.”
He is an active member of the Florida High School Rodeo Association. Being involved with the FHSRA allows him to compete monthly with other high school students across the state. He is currently in first place in the Team Roping event and sixth place in Calf Roping. He has also qualified for the NHSRA finals in Gillette, WY. The competition takes place in July. While there, he will compete with other high school students across the nation.
Richardson is an active member of the Georgia/Florida Youth Rodeo Association. He has also taken first place in the Team Roping event and second in the Calf Roping event in this association. He is qualified for the International Youth Finals Rodeo in July in Shawnee, Ok. where he will be competing with other youth across the country.
He is an active member of the United States Team Roping Championship (USTRC) and The National Team Roping League (NTRL) where he competes all over the United States. Seth has been awarded numerous prizes in these types of events that include several saddles, buckles, cash, etc.
Seth plans to continue his talents as a calf roper and team roper with the Professional Rodeo Association (PRCA) as well as the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) while finishing his A.A. at NFCC. Upon completion of his A.A. he plans to continue to rodeo in college while pursuing a degree in business agriculture.

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Survivor Spotlight: Cindy Vees

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Health Comments Off
Cindy Vees

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Cindy Vees’ story begins in November of 2008. Her parents, Elmer and June Spear, were already living in Madison. It was around this time that Cindy began visiting Madison and began volunteering at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Vees is the mother of six children, ranging from 9-21 years old. She decided to move her family permanently to Madison on July 1, 2009.

Cindy Vees

Nine days after moving to Madison Vees was diagnosted with Stage Two Breast Cancer. She explained, “I had a routine mammogram in October 2008 and results required an ultrasound.  During the ultrasound a spot was detected that had not shown up on the mammogram.  I was told to go back for a follow-up ultrasound six months later.  In June 2009, I went back for the follow-up when the spot that had previously been seen had grown one millimeter larger since the ultrasound six months prior.  My specialist did a biopsy on the spot, which came back pre-cancerous, had a partial mastectomy, which brought back the result that I did indeed have cancer.  I was scheduled immediately for a bilateral mastectomy and lymph node biopsy.  Cancer was found in my lymph nodes as well.
“I will never forget the day I was diagnosed, the doctor even seemed surprised.   When I found out the emotions, thoughts and confusion raged… Why me, what about my kids, what am I going to do.  Then reality quickly set in and solid decision making had to kick in.”
Having recently moved, there was still much to be done at her new home. This was accomplished thanks to the help of many people. “My children and friends from Mount Olive Baptist Church helped my daughter move us here and provided so much that was needed while I recovered from surgery.”
Cindy had to undergo 16 rounds of chemotheropy between December 2009 until April 2010.
When asked about someone who went above and beyond to help her, Vees stated, “I didn’t begin chemo until December 2009, it was then that an angel on earth, Cheryl Abercrombie, who worked at the Mailroom next door to the Chamber, adopted me and was my chauffer to chemo in Tallahassee.  She cooked meals and helped me with my children, and has become the dearest friend anyone could ever have.  She is my biggest cheerleader and without her, I really do not know how I would have made it through.  People I didn’t even know would come in the chamber bringing food, encouraging words and comfort to me.   Teachers and staff from Corinth Christian Academy in Jasper where my children attended school provided meals, and travel help – what a blessing they all were. Ted Ensminger who directed the Chamber at the time, as well as the Board of directors were kind and patient as I received my treatments.   My parents, June and Elmer Spear, have helped me beyond description and I am so very grateful for them and all they have done for me as well.”
She also praised the 4H Saddles and Spurs club and the Perry and Madison Chambers, both of which held fund raisers to help with her expensive medical bills, “which were huge, having a $10,000 deductible each year.” She also stated, “There are so many people I haven’t mentioned that I am so grateful for who helped me in the battle against cancer.”
Relay for Life has played a special part in Cindy’s life, she recalled, “In May of 2009, I went to my first Relay for Life – I had never experienced it before.  When I got home that evening, I found out that a childhood friend of mine had died while I was walking the laps that night.  Little did I know that one year later I would be walking again, this time as a survivor and bald from chemo treatments.  This year will be my third Relay for Life, now with hair, one year to the day from my last chemo treatment.  I am so grateful for a clean bill of health, which I received on January 14, 2011.”

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April is National Car Care Month

April 28, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off
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Basic Maintenance Helps Avoid Costly Repairs Down the Road
National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the line. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

Check the oil, filters and fluids should be checked regularly. Oil should be changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Your car’s filters need regular inspection and replacement.

Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.

Check the brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

To help you drive smart and save money, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free
digital Car Care Guide.

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North Florida Medical Center Sponsors Easter Egg Hunt For Greenville Youngsters

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Health Comments Off
Posing on the gazebo steps for “Nana” are, front row, left to right: Lacee Eastham, six; Harlee Davis, four; Jake Myers, two; Kiera Davis, three. Back row: McKenzie Myers, seven; Breanna Eastham, seven; Jocelyn Davis, nine; Ethan Myers, nine.

Posing on the gazebo steps for “Nana” are, front row, left to right: Lacee Eastham, six; Harlee Davis, four; Jake Myers, two; Kiera Davis, three. Back row: McKenzie Myers, seven; Breanna Eastham, seven; Jocelyn Davis, nine; Ethan Myers, nine.

On a warm, sunny Good Friday afternoon, dozens of children and their parents gathered under the picnic pavilion in Haffye Hayes Park to hunt Easter eggs. Tri-County Family Health Care Center sponsored the event, to promote dental health among Greenville’s children.  With blue balloons sporting the center’s logo everywhere, Shawn Hamm, of Tri-County Family Health, welcomed the crowd.  Other representatives passed out free toothbrushes, toothpaste and other dental supplies, and offered free fluoride rinses for children who had their parents’ permission.
Hamm held a series of drawings for prizes, such as stuffed animals and stuffed-full Easter baskets, with plenty of help from eager children who wanted to help him draw names.  However, those same children vanished in a heartbeat as soon as Hamm announced, “Let’s hunt some Easter eggs!”  The picnic table area was suddenly empty of everyone except adults, while the park was full of children running around grabbing all the eggs they could find.  There were a lot of eggs, but the children worked fast and soon had them all gathered.
There were a few more drawings for prizes, and some more running around and playing in the park, and then the tired, happy children began going home with their parents and prizes.

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National Day Of Prayer In Madison

April 28, 2011 Church Comments Off
PrayingHands1103

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, many citizens of Madison will be gathered on the Madison County Courthouse lawn for the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.
Prayer has been a part of the national consciousness since at least 1775, when the First Continental Congress  “designated a time of prayer in forming a new nation.”  A day set aside for national prayer has been a frequent occurrence in the decades to follow, including proclamations by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but it was not until April 17, 1952, that it officially became an annual occurrence.  On that day, a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Harry Truman.
In 1972, the National Prayer Committee was created, and the National Day of Prayer Task Force became one of its projects.  In 1988, another Congressional bill designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer from that time onward.
Since then, the National Day of Prayer has become a multi-faith event where, as President Ronald Reagan described it, “people of many faiths join together to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope….”
This year’s theme, chosen by the NDP Task Force, is “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” a theme based on Psalms 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress.”
When the people of Madison County begin to gather on the Courthouse lawn Thursday afternoon, they will be continuing in that tradition of joining together with their fellow Christians to pray for God’s intercession of behalf of America and its leadership in the seven centers of power:  Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
Connie Peterson, one of the local organizers of the event, says that several local ministers and church leaders will be speaking and praying at the gathering on the Courthouse lawn, and urged everyone to come out and bring friends, family and neighbors, to join together in prayer for the healing of our land.

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From July 4, 1975 Enterprise-Recorder

April 28, 2011 History, Sports Comments Off
Comer-Team-Pic

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