Archive for May 2011

Alana Ellison: Madison’s Youngest “Ace Of Cakes”

May 5, 2011 Around Madison One comment
Alana

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
While she may not have her own television show, Alana Ellison, 16 years old, has a true talent. She is Madison’s own “Ace of Cakes” She currently resides in Madison with her mother, Amy Ellison, and her sister, Anderlyn Ellison. Alana is a Junior at Madison County High School and has maintained a GPA of 3.8 throughout her high school career. She is an active member in the MCHS Vaquero Guard marching band where she plays the flute as first chair. She is also a member of the Take Stock in Children program.
However, despite her hectic school schedule, Alana has a unique hobby. She bakes cakes. Not simple, from the box cakes, either.
Her cakes include homemade icing as well as personalized layers. She also does fondant decorations and text on her beautiful creations.
It is a hobby Alana and her mother share. They both have a true talent with cake creations. Alana has made cakes for several birthdays, graduations and anniversaries. She enjoys creating new and unique looks in her cakes.
Alana shared, “I have always loved cooking. I took a class at NFCC and realized I had a talent for decorating and that I could make money for doing something I love.”

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Margaret Brooker Sullivan

May 5, 2011 Obituaries Comments Off
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Margaret Brooker Sullivan, 95, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011, in Madison.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011, in the Pinetta Baptist Church with interment at Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Pinetta. Donations may be made to Pinetta Baptist Church Building Fund.
She was a homemaker and had lived in Homestead most of her life before moving to Pinetta in 1993.  She was very active in many civic organizations in Homestead including being past president and lifetime member of the Homestead Women’s Club where she was voted “Woman of the Year” twice.  Charter member of Homestead Community Concert Association, lifetime member of  Beta Zigma Phi, Board member of Homestead Public Library, President of the P.T.A. of Neva King Cooper Elementary School, Den mother for the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  She was a hand model and bathing suit model and in 1934 she was voted “Miami Beach Beauty Queen”.  She was a member of Madison Woman’s Club and Madison Garden Club.  She loved to cook and catered many events, and was a master bridge player.  She was a member of Pinetta Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ovid Homer Sullivan, who died in 2003; a brother, Thomas Potter Brooker, Jr.; a sister, Marjorie Brooker Ring; and a granddaughter, Julie Sullivan Griffin.
She is survived by her son, Walter “Butch” Ovid Sullivan (Callie) of Sandersville, Ga.; her daughter,  Inda Tinney (B.J) of Pinetta; her sister, Marjorie Brooker Ring; two grandchildren, Tamara Tinney Copeland (Scott) of Dahlonega, Ga.; Kayla Tinney Robbins  (Rory) of Tallahassee; and six great-grandchildren.

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Bible Publisher Launches New “Give Together” Initiative

May 5, 2011 Church Comments Off

Bardin & Marsee Publishing, publishers of the Waterproof Bible, are partnering with individuals and local missions to give Bibles to the many who have been deeply affected by the storms and tornadoes that left a path of complete destruction on Wednesday.
“The storm missed us by just a few miles and are extremely thankful that a lot of relief efforts are going on here in our state for necessities. We, however, are helping to provide something more,” says Bobby Bardin co-founder Bardin & Marsee Publishing.
Two months ago Bardin & Marsee Publishing raised funds for 600 Waterproof Bibles for the homeless in Indianapolis through their first GIVE initiative. The word about the GIVE initiative spread through social networks and reached as far as the UK, in only 3 weeks. They did this by selling Bibles on their website at a 70% discount and shipping them directly to partnering ministries.
“We hoped it was the beginning of many more GIVE together initiatives, however we didn’t realize the next need would come after a path of destruction so close to home,” says Bardin.
The Waterproof Bible resembles any other book from first glance. However, its durable plastic pages and binding allow it to meet the challenge of adverse conditions traditional paper books and Bibles cannot endure.
“We hope the Waterproof Bible will point storm victims to Jesus Christ for comfort in the midst of this devastation,” says Michael Marsee co-founder Bardin & Marsee Publishing.
To learn more about GIVE together initiatives go to www.WaterproofBible.com and click on “GIVE together.”
(Source: Christian Newswire)

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Jennifer Williams Is SRP Of The Year For Madison County

May 5, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Green Publishing, Inc
“This is better than the Royal Wedding!”  Jennifer Williams exclaimed, moments after being chosen the winner of Madison County’s School-Related Personnel of the Year Award, joining a long list of winners going back to 1990…

See the May 6th Madison Enterprise-Recorder for the full story and photos!

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Getting To Know Dan Fenneman

May 5, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off
Dan Fenneman is Extension Agent I of Agriculture for Madison County.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

In need of some agricultural assistance? Maybe there is an unidentified bug flying around your garden, or perhaps your plants are mysteriously dying and you are not sure why. If so, then Dan Fenneman is your man. Fenneman works for the University of Florida Madison County Extension Office as Extension Agent I of Agriculture.

Dan Fenneman is Extension Agent I of Agriculture for Madison County.

Dan Fenneman and his wife, Lisa, have lived in Madison for the majority of their lives. They have three children; two sons, Joshua and Jordon, and a daughter, Emily. Dan moved to Madison in the early 70’s when his dad began working for Dixie Packers. Fenneman said, “I love Madison because it is such a family as well as a community.”
In 1985, Dan graduated from the University of Florida. Following graduation he worked for Goldkist Poultry as well as the Georgia Bo weavil Eradication Program. Then a few years ago Fenneman got the chance to work for the University of Florida Madison County Extension Office. August will be Fenneman’s third year at the office.
At the UF Extension Office, their job is to educate the community about agriculture. They can do everything from identifying bugs to soil testing, as well as, many other services. They work with local schools on different projects throughout the year to educate the students about different areas of agriculture. One project currently in progress is an Embryology Project.
They also work closely with other extension offices in surrounding counties. Last year, the Madison Extension Office along with Suwannee’s Extension Office worked together to make a pumpkin patch and maze for the children. They set up different stations throughout the festivities to inform students about different types of pumpkins, the uses of corn and many other educational activities.
When asked where his love of agriculture comes from, Fenneman explained, “I grew up working for local producers. I have always had a passion for agriculture. I love my job. There is always something new and challenging to take on, someone always has questions. There is always a challenge.”
Fenneman’s job has him in charge of many areas. He works with the livestock show and many livestock projects. He is also in charge of bug identification, soil testing and samples, natural resourses and cattle producers.

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Donations Being Accepted For Tornado Victims

May 5, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off
Part of the staff at O’Neal’s are shown with the donation jar for Alabama tornado victims. Pictured, left to right: Keely Smith, Vivian Turner, Keri English, Eula Pearson, George Futch and Aleathaer Davis.

Part of the staff at O’Neal’s are shown with the donation jar for Alabama tornado victims. Pictured, left to right: Keely Smith, Vivian Turner, Keri English, Eula Pearson, George Futch and Aleathaer Davis.

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
O’Neal’s and its customers are showing they have a heart for people outside the county and even outside the state. Through this Sunday, customers can drop money in the jar at the front of the store and it will be sent to victims of last week’s devastating tornados in the Tuscaloosa, Ala., area.
Keri English said that the money would be sent to either a group in Auburn, Ala., called Toomers for Alabama or to food banks area in the Tuscaloosa area.
Customers can simply drop the money in the jar on the way out of the restaurant or folks can simply drop in and make a donation. The drive will end Sunday and the money will be mailed out on Monday.

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Bar Hours In Lee Could Be Changing

May 5, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Closing hours for the local bar were one of the topics of discussion at the Lee Town Council meeting held Tuesday, March 3.
This writer learned during a phone interview with Town Manager Sarah Anderson that a proposal has been brought before the board to have the bar close at 11 p.m. instead of midnight each night. Neighbors had complained of people leaving the bar after midnight and had requested a time change.
The board opted to have Anderson and Town Attorney Bailey Browning proceed with drawing up the amendment to the local statute. A public reading will be held. At that meeting, they may or may not set a date for a public hearing.
Some members of the community asked questions on construction of the town’s wastewater system. Others expressed concerns about the system and the time that it is taking to install it and do necessary cleanup.

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Lady Warriors Take Second Regional Title Ever

May 5, 2011 Sports Comments Off
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The Aucilla Christian Academy Lady Warriors took the school’s second Regional Title ever and the first title won since 1996. Back row pictured left to right: Head Softball Coach Edwin Kinsey, Elizabeth Cone, Kelly Horne, Ashley Schofill, Brooke Kinsey, Whitney McKnight, Hadley Revell, Pamela Watt, Taylor Copeland and Assistant Coach Mallory Plaines. Front row, left to right: Sunnie Sorensen, Sarah Sorensen, Taryn Copeland, Kaitlin Jackson, Julie Ann Schwab and Stacie Brock.

By Fran Hunt
Special from ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Aucilla Christian Academy Lady Warriors conquered three contests in the Regional Championship and Aucilla easily took their second Regional Title ever. Aucilla won their first Regional Title in 1996.
In the Regional Quarterfinal, April 26, the Lady Warriors squared off against Rocky Bayou and ACA doubled their opponent for a 2-1 win.
The game was tied at 0-0 until the top of the seventh inning and Rocky Bayou scored one run.
The Lady Warriors answered when Taylor Copeland got on base and was hit in by Brooke Kinsey to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh with two outs.  Ashley Schofill smacked a double and the game winning RBI for Aucilla.
Taryn Copeland manned the mound, pitching a complete game, giving up one run on two hits and struck out a whopping 13 batters.
At the plate, Kaitlin Jackson went two for four.
Brooke Kinsey went two for four with one run and one RBI.
Ashley Schofill went one for four with one RBI and a double.
Pamela Watt went one for three.
Sarah Sorensen went two for three.
Taylor Copeland went one for one with one run scored.
The Lady Warriors hit the diamond against Laurel Hill April 29 in the Regional Semi-Finals and ACA walloped Laurel Hill for a 14-0 blanking.
On the mound, Taryn Copeland pitched a complete game giving up no runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks.
At the plate, Jackson went two for four with three runs scored and two stolen bases.
Brooke Kinsey one for two with three runs, three RBI’s and a two-run homerun.
Schofill went two for four with two RBI’s.
Taryn Copeland went one for two, reached base on a walk and scored one run.
Sunnie Sorensen went two for three with two runs and one RBI
Watt went two for three with one run.
Sarah Sorensen went one for three with one run scored.
Kelly Horne went one for two with one run.
Whitney McKnight went one for one with one run scored.
The Lady Warriors headed into the Regional Finals May 3 and readied to square off against three-time defending State Champions Eagle’s View. Aucilla dished out a 9-4 loss to Eagle’s View to easily take the title.
“This is the best team Aucilla has ever had,” said Coach Edwin Kinsey. “ACA has always had the best players, but this team is the best from top to bottom. Our defense is second to none and our offense is second to none. This bunch can really hit the ball. I have sixth and seventh graders knocking the ball clear out into the outfield. Last night, Taryn (Copeland) pitched her best game ever. She took a state championship team and totally dismantled them.” He added that the Lady Warriors are some really hard hitters. “The field is usually 195 feet and their field was 210 feet. My daughter, Brooke, belted the ball so hard, it hit the back fence and bounced hard off of it,” he added. “And Ashley (Schofill) belted out a three-run homerun. The girls were all over it and they played their hearts out.”
Aucilla took the lead in the first inning, when Jackson scored from third base on a wild pitch. ACA added two more runs in the third inning when Schofill and Taylor Copeland both scored after Eagle’s View’s first baseman was unable to catch the throw from their shortstop to end the inning.
Eagle’s View tied it up in the bottom of the fourth inning with three timely hits and a walk.
The Lady Warriors answered back in the top of the fifth inning when Schofill hit a three-run homerun to give ACA a 6-3 lead.  Aucilla added three more insurance runs in the sixth inning to make it a 9-3 lead for ACA going into the bottom of the seventh.
Eagle’s View added one more run in the bottom of the seventh to give the Lady Warriors the title.
Manning the mound, Taryn Copeland pitched a complete game, giving up four runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and three walks.
At the plate, Jackson went three for four with three runs and one RBI.
Brooke Kinsey went 0 for 3 with one RBI and one sacrifice fly.
Schofill went three for four with two runs scored and she belted a three-run homerun.
Sarah Sorensen went two for four.
Taylor Copeland went one for two with three runs scored and she reached base on one walk and one error.
The Lady Warriors travel to the State Championship at the National Training Center in Clermont, FL noon, Wednesday, May 11, where they will compete for the State Championship. If ACA wins the first game, they will go on to play again, Thursday, May 12 at 4 p.m.
The Lady Warriors are heading into it with every intention of taking the title. “We’re on our way and we are fixing to bring back that first State Championship for Aucilla,” Coach Kinsey concluded.

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Sheriff’s Office Reschedules Golf Tournament

May 5, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Sixth Annual Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for May 20. Funds raised from the tournament will benefit the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.
“This is our only fundraiser for the year and we are seeking your support for the event,” Sheriff Ben Stewart said. “As you know, the Youth Ranches offer homes, food, education and direction for many young people who are either abandoned or neglected, helping them become productive citizens.”
Right now, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking sponsors and donations from the public. The public can assist in a number of ways, including:
1. Corporate Sponsorship – $1000.00 (includes Banner, Team and Tee Sign)
2. Gold Sponsor – $750.00 (exclusive tee sign, 4 person team)
3. Silver Sponsor – $350.00 (tee sign with other silver sponsors, 2 golfers)
4. Sponsoring a team – $200.00
5. Sponsoring a hole – $75.00
6. Donating “golf” or other items for the player’s bags
7. Cash donations are always welcome and are tax deductible..
Individuals and companies will receive recognition for their donations. Upon request, they will also be presented with an itemized statement for their tax records.
If anyone has questions, they can contact David Ballenger at (850) 869-0054 (cell) or at (850) 973-4001.
Sheriff Ben Stewart thanks everyone for their support.

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