Archive for July 2011

Delta Kappa Gamma Holds Quarterly Meeting At Honey Lake

July 26, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off
Photo submitted Delta Kappa Gamma members enjoyed visiting Honey Lake Plantation.

Photo submitted Delta Kappa Gamma members enjoyed visiting Honey Lake Plantation.

The local Gamma Theta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society held its last quarterly meeting of the 2010-2011 school year on Tuesday, May 28.  Thirty-five of the women educator members toured Honey Lake Plantation, a local resort and spa premier destination, in Greenville, Florida.  Ted Ensminger, Honey Lake Director of Sales, showed the local educators the Honey Lake lodge, the Five Pines cottages, the salon, spa, fitness center and pool, the Lakeside Pavilion, the stables and the magnificent church, complete with antique stained glass windows, overlooking the beautiful 80-acre spring-fed Honey Lake.

Gamma Theta had an extremely successful year. In April, they initiated the following six new members:  Missy Cherry (Pinetta Elementary School), Kim Gurley and Delores Mabardy (Lee Elementary School), Martha Register (retired educator), Leigh Ann Browning (Madison Academy), and Shannon Curtis (Madison County Central School).  MCCS Teacher of the Year Celeste Fleming, a former member of the Beta Rho chapter in Louisiana, transferred her membership to join the Gamma Theta group, and Laverne Rutherford, another retired teacher, rejoined the chapter. The Gamma Theta Madison chapter now boasts over 50 members and continues to lead the entire state in chapter growth and membership status.

In February, Gamma Theta sponsored a table at the Golden Apple Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education. The Gamma Theta members in attendance were proud to recognize two of their very own as outstanding Teachers of the Year for Madison County public schools.  Gamma Theta member Susan Maultsby was recognized as Lee Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, and Celeste Fleming was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Madison County Central School (6-8).

At the Madison County High School Baccalaureate and Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 31, Derita Pinkard, Gamma Theta chapter treasurer, awarded Summer Merritt, MCHS senior, with a $500 scholarship to attend the college of her choice.  Every year, Gamma Theta awards monetary scholarships to outstanding females in Madison County who declare the field of education as their college major. Summer plans to attend North Florida Community College to begin her quest to obtain a degree in English education. Summer stated, “This scholarship will help me…make a difference in the lives of students. With this scholarship I can further my education to inspire students. With this scholarship, I can attain the correct training and truly make a difference in how students view English.” Mrs. Rhonda Moore, MCHS English teacher, said, “Summer is diligent and focused and finds joy in learning. She exhibits this through her work ethic and dedication to her responsibilities. I find her to be a most refreshing and inspirational student.” Robin Hill, assistant principal, added, “Summer has demonstrated that she can overcome anything that would prevent her from attaining her dreams.  Summer wants to be a teacher because she has experienced support and encouragement from her teachers. Because of those truly caring teachers and counselors, Summer has found a positive direction for her life.”

In October, the Gamma Theta ladies donated over one hundred books to the MOMS clinic in Madison.  Dr. Julie Schnindler, local physician, was delighted to accept the books to distribute to her clients and their children. Gamma Theta recognizes the importance of reading and wanted to place books in the hands of mothers and their babies in the hopes of instilling a love for reading at a very young age.

The chapter also recognized the need for education in older adults as well, and because of that, the Gamma Theta educators donated school supplies to the Adult Education department of the Madison County District School Board.

Sharon French, adult education teacher and Gamma Theta member, gratefully accepted the materials on behalf of all the instructors and students.

In April, two members attended the Delta Kappa Gamma state convention held at the Orlando Airport Marriott in Orlando, Florida.  Frances Sanders, former Gamma Theta president (1974-1976), and Susanne Griffin, current Gamma Theta president (2008-2012), enjoyed two days of meetings, workshops, and banquets.  Throughout the weekend, several Gamma Theta members were recognized for their achievements. Members Lucile Cherry, Mildred Bruner, and Glen Baker (deceased) were honored for fifty years of active membership in the society. Susanne Griffin and Carolyn Edwards were recognized for their entries in the Betty Thornton Arts and Crafts Exhibit, and Susanne Griffin was also recognized in the Celebration Banquet’s Presentation of Presidents and for receiving the Mu State Past President’s scholarship of $2,500 and an International Scholarship of $6,000. In addition, Griffin was also asked to serve on the statewide scholarship committee for the next biennium. The final activity of the weekend was the Ceremony of Remembrance memorial service.  This touching candlelight service honored all the Delta Kappa Gamma members who passed away during the last biennium. Glen Baker was named as a Gamma Theta member in District II during this remembrance ceremony. “Sissy” passed away in October 2010 and had been an active member for fifty years.

At the close of the last meeting of the year, President Griffin recognized six Gamma Theta “sisters” who are retiring this year. Joyce Bosscher, Doris Murdoch, Carroll Ryals, and Joe Ann Wiggins, retired from Madison County Central School, Kathy McCollum retired from Lee Elementary School, and Monteze Walker retired from Madison County Central School. The rest of the Gamma Theta membership applauds their service to the “ministry” of education and wishes them many happy, relaxing days of well-deserved retirement.

The Gamma Theta officers who are leading the chapter for the 2010-2012 biennium are Susanne Griffin, president; Dianne Phillips, 1st vice president; Joyce Bosscher, 2nd vice president; Derita Pinkard, treasurer; Mariann Hutto, recording secretary; Debbie Christ, corresponding secretary;  and Carroll Ryals, parliamentarian.

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Bethea Couponing Class Being Held At Public Library

July 26, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

A trend is beginning in Madison County. Couponing is slowly catching on. To meet this trend, Joyce Bethea will be hosting another couponing class on August 13 at 10 a.m. The class will be held at the Madison County Public Library. She has taught a similar class at the Lee City Hall.

“It’s sort of like Couponing 101. We just are getting people interested who don’t already coupon,” explained Bethea.

Those who attend will also get handouts. Several of which will be the coupon polices for the major stores in Madison. “I would love to see people shop more in Madison and keep money local.”She will also teach those who attend how to go to websites online and print out coupons, as well as explain which sites no to go to.

She will also explain how you can double coupons using both manufacterors and store coupons.

The Library also has a “Coupon Exchange Box” available in the library for people to find and drop off coupons. If a person cuts out all of the coupons that they will use, but there are still some left, they can drop off the unused coupons at the Library for others to use.

Everyone is welcome to join Bethea and the group at the Library to learn more about couponing during the class. Everyone is also asked to drop off some of their unused coupons or browse through those that have been dropped off. The Madison County Public Library is located at 378 NW College Loop in Madison, between the Van H. Priest Auditorium and Highway 90.

 

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NFCC Allied Health American Red Cross Blood Drive Is July 27

July 26, 2011 Education Comments Off

North Florida Community College’s first-year Registered Nursing students are hosting a blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, July 27 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  on the NFCC campus in Madison, FL. To donate, sign up online at http://www.redcross blood.org/make-donation or contact Amy Ellison in NFCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Department at (850) 973-1626. Appointments are preferred, but not required. Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 27 and “Join fellow Americans  who are helping save lives by giving blood.” The specific donation site will be in NFCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Department, located downstairs in the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center (Bldg. 13). Directional signs will be posted. For more information, contact Amy Ellison at (850) 973-1626 or email ellisona@nfcc.edu.

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Cathy Rogers Addresses Rotarians About Fitness

July 26, 2011 Health Comments Off
Mark Branham demonstrates the forward-step lunge while Cathy Rogers explains the technique and its benefits to the audience.

Mark Branham demonstrates the forward-step lunge while Cathy Rogers explains the technique and its benefits to the audience.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.

After a lunch of fried chicken, Rotary Club President Jada Williams called the meeting to order, and Mark Branham, “Corporal-at-Arms,” substituting for Joe Boyles, Sergeant-at-Arms (“And if anything happens to me, we’ll have the Private-at-Arms”), introduced the guest speaker, Cathy Rogers, who would be talking about her favorite topic, fitness.

“She’s a dynamite person,” said Branham, adding that Rogers had her degree in exercise and sports medicine from “THE” University of Florida, and described what one of her fitness classes was like.  “She would work us for one solid hour and we could hardly walk to the car,” he said.

Then, she would casually mention that she had three more hour-long classes to teach.

Looking tanned and trim, Rogers took the floor, bringing two sets of weights for some exercise demonstrations later in her presentation:  12-pound weights for her, and two pound weights for Branham, who feigned nearly dropping the weights, and then “painfully” lugging  them to his chair.

“It’s never too late to reap the benefits of eating healthy,” Rogers began, going through the changing numbers and percentages of vegetables, fruits and grains people require as they age.  One of the most important requirements, fiber, increases as we age, “and most of us probably eat only about half of what we need,” she stated.

“Diets don’t work for weight loss,” she added, because when people go off their diets, their weight will bounce back to what it was before.  Only a change in lifestyle and switching over to life-long healthy eating habits with the proper amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and “good fats” will work in the long run.

The other problem with weight loss is that many, many people consume far, far more calories per day than they actually need to live to begin with.  That is why a person who requires only 2000 calories, but consumes 3500, will not lose any weight if he or she cuts 500 calories from the daily intake — there are still far too many surplus calories.  That person would have to cut 1500 calories a day before seeing a weight loss of one pound a week.

Also, “a calorie is not a calorie,” she said, meaning that one type of calorie can’t be switched out for another.  As an example, a person can’t make up for eating that 350-calorie chocolate chip cookie by skipping a 350-calorie plate of vegetables and fruits.

Rounding out her program on fitness, she listed the benefits of an active, fit lifestyle over a sedentary one, including lowered cholesterol levels and lowered risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even a significantly lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

After a few humorous questions establishing that yard work such as digging post holes constituted vigorous activity, but riding a lawn mower did not count, Rogers had Branham come back up to the front to demonstrate a few simple exercises anyone could do in just a few minutes throughout the day.  As Branham comically “lugged” the two-pound weights up front, several people chuckled, especially when he pretended to need both hands to lift one weight.

As they went through the brief, enjoyable demonstration, Rogers made it look easy, but as Branham said at one point, “If you don’t think this hurts, you should try it.”

Rogers agreed, because, as she also said, the benefits of being active far outweigh the non-benefits of remaining sedentary.

“If only they hadn’t had that presentation the same day we had fried chicken,” mused one Rotarian afterward after the meeting adjourned and everyone was heading toward their cars.

 

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Local Youth Experience 4-H Olympic Boot-Camp

July 26, 2011 Education Comments Off
The Green and White teams battle to win the tug-o-war event.

The Green and White teams battle to win the tug-o-war event.

By Becky Bennett
4-H Youth Development Agent

Boot-camp??!! Is that a bugle I hear in the background?? Before you get into too much of a panic, let me put your mind at ease about 4-H style boot-camp…it is nothing like the grueling task that our honored service men and women experience! 4-H boot-camp focuses on three important things food, fun and fitness (emphasis on fun!). Healthy lifestyles is a prime component in 4-H. We strive to teach our youth the importance of maintaining one’s nutrition and fitness levels. As with any 4-H program, teaching youth about healthy lifestyles involves methods where we “learn by doing.”

The week of July 11-14, youth of all ages gathered at the Madison County Extension Office to expand their knowledge on nutrition, fitness and teamwork through fun-filled, hands-on experiences. Each day youth made a nutritious snack or breakfast that could easily be made at home by themsleves, participated in fun activities that transformed boring exercise into “fun-tas-ter-cises” and gained powerful life skills in communication through teamwork.

On Thursday, the first annual Madison County 4-H Olympics were held to put the participants’ knowledge and skills to the test. Youth competed in both individual and team events to earn their very own 4-H Olympic medal. Teams also competed for the coveted Golden Clover Award; this award was given to the team (Green or White) who won the most team events during the 4-H Olympics. Events included foot races, tug-o-war, obstacle courses, team challenge games, water relays, jumping duct tape and much more!

Although anyone who participated in this weeks’ events can tell you it was fun, exciting, challenging…and yes even exhausting. You can ask any of those 4-H Olympians and they will be able to give you a recipe for a well balanced meal and tell you how long everyone should “fun-tas-ter-cise” each day. It is events and activities like these that we need to encourage among youth and adults to curb the unhealthy trends that are sweeping our nation.

Ask a 4-H’er and you’ll soon find out the meaning behind “60 minutes a day, fun-tas-ter-cise your blues away!” Youth aren’t the only ones who benefit from playing for 60 minutes a day; I challenge each adult reading this to grab a friend, or your child, and go outside and play for one hour everyday for one week. For just one week, be a kid again for an hour each day. Try to eat three balanced meals per day and watch your sugar intake; I bet you will feel so good you’ll want to keep it up! Life is here for our enjoyment and what better way to enjoy life than with the enthusiasm of a child.

Try this healthy snack to help kick off you challenge:

Clover-Olympian Chex Mix

  • ½ c Oatmeal Squares cereal (or another high fiber cereal)
  • ½ c Life cereal
  • 2 T Peanut butter (or try almond butter for a healthier option)
  • 2 T Craisins (or other dried fruit)

Combine all ingredients in a zip-lock bag or bowl. Grab a spoon and dig in!

Madison County Extension
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity—Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.  U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A.&M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.
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Greenville Man Registers As Sex Offender

July 26, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Antonio Davis

Antonio Davis

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man has registered as a sex offender with a Greenville address.
Antonio Davis, a 22-year-old black male, who stands 5’10” tall and weighs 180 pounds, registered as a sex offender on Monday, July 25.
Davis’ current address is 567 SW Church Street in Greenville.
Davis’ qualifying offenses include two counts of lewd and lascivious sexual battery with the victim being from 12-15 years old. Both offenses took place on Feb. 26, 2010.

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Dispatchers To Move From Jail To EMS Building

July 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The communications center and dispatchers for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office will soon be moved to the old Robinson Ford building. Madison County Emergency Management Services (EMS) is currently at that location.
Sheriff Ben Stewart said that Will Rutherford is working as the primary contractor to get the dispatchers put in at the EMS building. He has sub-contractors working under him.
Stewart said that construction could have begun as early as Monday, July 25.

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Elaine Heinrich

July 26, 2011 Obituaries One comment

Elaine Heinrich, age 91, died Monday, July 25, 2011, at Lake Park Nursing Home in Madison.

Graveside Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with visitation one hour prior to the service at Beggs Funeral Home.

She moved to Madison 40 years ago, coming from Seaford, N.Y.

She was a chemist and worked at Bell Laboratory in New York and was the first woman hired in 1941. She was an animal advocate and loved to travel.

She is survived by her husband, Nickolas Heinrich of Madison; two sons: Nickolas Heinrich III and Bruce Heinrich; one daughter, Cheryl Nelson of N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

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Another Dunk the Winn-Dixie Manager Video

July 26, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off


Down goes Winn-Dixie manager Roy Webb, courtesy of Aaron Brown as Winn-Dixie hosts a dunking booth to raise money for the American Cancer Society

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Video: Dunk the Winn-Dixie Manager

July 26, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off


A Winn-Dixie manager goes into the dunk tank, courtesy of another W-D manager. Winn-Dixie held the event to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

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PDFs: June Unemployment and Labor Statistics Released

July 22, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Frequently Asked Questionss June unemployment figuresUnemployment ratesNorth Florida Workforce Employment Data

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MCHS FCCLA Shines Bright in California

July 21, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off
Madison delegates who attended the convention were (L to R) Christian Griffin, Abigail Blanton, Kasey Odom, Alaina Pickels, Jordan Hughes and Kassidy Stallings.

Madison delegates who attended the convention were (L to R) Christian Griffin, Abigail Blanton, Kasey Odom, Alaina Pickels, Jordan Hughes and Kassidy Stallings.

Submitted by Robin Smith

Seven of the brightest stars in California this past week were not Hollywood’s elite, but seven students from the Madison County High School FCCLA chapter.   The members, their advisor and chaperone attended the Family, Careers  and Community Leaders of America National Convention in Anaheim, California, July 9th through the 14th.

Keeley Smith represented Florida as the State Vice-President of Recreation.  She attended sessions and workshops on information related to the national projects, leadership development, and organizational policies.   She was also selected by the state association to serve as one of the three voting delegates from the state of Florida.  This put her in the position of helping select the 2011-12 national officers and determine the results of a bylaw change affecting the determination for membership.

Additionally six youth competed in the organization’s STAR events.  STAR stands for Students Taking Action for Recognition.  These events are very competitive on the district and state level, with students vying for the right to represent their state on the national level.   Madison was very well represented with one of the largest delegations per chapter size present.   The students who competed all received gold medals.  They are:

Entrepreneurship:
Christian GriffinKassidy Stallings
Fashion Construction:
Jordan Hughes
Focus on Children:
Kasey OdomAlaina Pickels
Life Events Planning:
Abigail Blanton

In order to receive a gold medal each of the students had to receive a score of 90 or above.  Jordan Hughes, who was judged on the construction and display of her garment along with a presentation, received a perfect score of 100.

In addition to competing, students attended sessions, workshops and exhibits.  Students also learned about the new National Projects for the upcoming year.  FCCLA has joined with the following organizations to Share Your Strength, March of Dimes and Soles for Souls.   Chapters will be working in the upcoming year to find ways to support,  educate and promote these organizations and their cause.

The closing session was highlighted by the honoring of a past member Alisha Dixon Hyslop with the Alumni Achievement Award.  This award is given annually to one alumni member who has gone on to excel in representing the values and goals of the organization.

Alisha graduated from Madison County High and was a member of FCCLA from the 6th to 12th grade, serving as chapter president and also as the president of the state association.    She currently lives in Tampa, Florida and is involved in public policies for the Association of Career and Technical Education.

The chapter members would like to thank their parents, the Madison County School Board, Madison County High School administrators, Johnson and Johnson, Daylight Spa, Rancho Grande, Madison County Community Bank, the Mail Room, Browning and Sons, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Jimbob Printing and the Madison County community, for their support.

We would especially like to thank Mrs. Monteze Walker, the chapter’s adviser, who recently retired, for her support and her talented gifts over the past 30 years.   It has been her advisement and guidance that has help this chapter become one of the most successful chapters in the state of Florida.

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County Commission Approves Amendment To Interlocal Agreement With Hospital

July 21, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.

The County Commission approved an amendment to the interlocal agreement between Madison County and its incorporated municipalities to allow a portion of the proceeds form the local option sales tax to go to the Madison County Memorial Hospital to help defray the cost of indigent care provided by the Hospital.

County Attorney Tom Reeves explained the interlocal agreement process step by step as to how it was structured, and how it governed the use of monies collected through the local option sales tax, then explained the process by which the county had been able to refinance a loan for completed road infrastructure work, freeing up the money that was to go to the hospital.  Marianne Green asked for clarification and assurance that the money was to go only for indigent care and not for any other purpose, and that the indigent care thus paid for was only for Madison County residents.  County Court Clerk Tim Sanders assured all those present that the Clerk’s Office would be responsible for the money and any payments made to the hospital for indigent care, and that the hospital would provide invoices for such payments.

The board also approved allowing the hospital to lease part of the old EMS building for storage desperately needed for hospital records and to use as a staging area for when the hospital begins making the switch-over from the old to the new facility.  AHCA requires that the hospital run both the old and new facilities in parallel until the new facility is approved and permission is given to shut down the old facility.  During that time, rather than buy duplicates of needed equipment and extra beds, the hospital plans to borrow these items from other regional hospitals – a common practice among hospitals whenever a replacement facility has been built and is awaiting approval – and it needs a staging area both to receive the borrowed items and later to store them until they can be returned once the old facility is closed.

The question of security for the aging EMS building came up, and hospital CEO David Abercrombie agreed that the hospital would take responsibility for securing the building, whether it was by installing deadbolt locks or putting up chain-link fencing.

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Electrical Storm Wreaks Havoc With Power

July 21, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Tri-County

An electrical storm knocked out power on State Road 53 South in Madison for over two hours last Friday, July 15. Terry Barrs, a lineman for Tri-County Electric, rides up in the bucket to repair the power lines. Power was also out on State Road 14 South.

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Scam Alert

July 21, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being from the FDIC.

The e-mails appear to be sent from various “@fdic.gov” e-mail addresses, such as “protection@fdic.gov,” “admin@administration.fdic.gov,” or “service@admin .fdic.gov.” They have various subject lines such as “Update for your banking account,” “ACH and Wire transfers disabled,” and “Banking security update.”

The fraudulent messages state:

“Dear clients,

“Your account ACH and Wire transactions have been temporarily suspended for your Security, due to the expiration of your security version. To download and install the newest updates, follow this link. As soon as it is set up, your transaction abilities will be fully restored.

Best regards,

Online security department, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.”

These e-mails and links are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC. Recipients should consider these e-mails an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users’ computers. Recipients should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mails and should NOT install any related files or software updates.

Financial institutions and consumers should be aware that these fraudulent e-mails may be modified over time with other subject lines, sender names, and narratives. The FDIC does not directly contact bank customers, nor does the FDIC request bank customers to install software upgrades.

 

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Never Able To Repay

July 21, 2011 Editorials Comments Off
Jacob’sLadder
Jacob BembryColumnist

More than once, these past few weeks, I’ve had people compliment me on taking care of my family. I appreciate the compliments but I feel that they are undeserved, because no matter how much I try to take care of my family there is nothing I can ever do to repay them for what they have done for me.

My father has been a rock in the family. Although he is a few inches shorter than I am, to me he stands as tall as a mountain. He has taught me how important family loyalty is. He has given me insight into life and into the Word of God. Although he has only a seventh grade education, Daddy is one of the smartest people I know. He worked hard and helped me make it through school and then college. There is no way I can ever repay him.

My heart swells with pride when I hear my brother sing. He usually sits next to me in church and you can hear him singing above the other voices in the church. He has a gentle spirit. When Daddy was in the hospital a couple of years ago, Danny was always there with Abbie and me when we would make the trek to Gainesville or Tallahassee to see Daddy. I can never repay him for his gifts of gentleness and of music.

Of course, I can never repay Abbie for everything she does. Her smile and laugh melt my heart. She has more love than anyone else I know and I am proud to call her sister, but I know there is nothing I can do to ever repay her.

I can never repay my “big brother,” Jesus Christ, for what He did for me. He was beaten and scourged, had a crown of thorns thrust upon His head and had nails driven in His hands and feet.

I wish I could repay these debts but I can’t. I am grateful for what my family and my Savior have done for me.

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UNEMPLOYMENT IN NORTH FLORIDA

July 21, 2011 Editorials Comments Off
Business & Tax Insights
By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.Guest Columnist

Our recent economic crisis, or The Great Recession, as it is more often called, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression of the 1930’s.  Although it technically ended in mid-2009, most areas of our country, including Madison County and the North Florida area, continue to feel its effects.

Obviously, plummeting real estate pricing, tighter lending practices and other economic changes have certainly been hard to swallow, but one of the most notable areas of our economy to be impacted is that of the job market.  Unemployment hit a high point in Florida in December, 2010, at a rate of 12.0%.  The rate has somewhat improved but is still at an astounding rate of 10.6% as of May, 2011, slightly higher than the national average of 9.2%.

Madison County’s unemployment as of May 31, 2011 was slightly above the state average at a rate of 10.8%.  Fortunately, our area has not been hit as hard as other areas in the state such as Miami-Dade County, with an unemployment rate of 13.7%.  Nevertheless, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we have 759 unemployed individuals in Madison County alone.

Many factors and criteria go into the makeup of the published rate, but the truth of the matter is the rate is actually higher than that released through government statistics.  For instance, unemployed individuals are no longer considered “unemployed” at the point in which they become discouraged and actually stop looking for work.

Additionally, those marginally attached to the labor force and the “underemployed,” such as those who have accepted part-time jobs when they are really looking for full-time employment, are excluded from the rate as well.  The true unemployment rate in the state of Florida is considered to be as high as 19.0%.  That’s nearly one in every five Floridians that are out of work.

Obviously, the unemployed in our area continue to suffer and, unfortunately, a quick reversal doesn’t seem to be on the horizon in the immediate future.  To make matters worse, for those who are unemployed and are receiving unemployment benefits, a surprise awaits at tax filing time.  Unemployment compensation benefits are taxable.

However, if you or someone you know is unemployed, here are a few thoughts on how the tax bite might be reduced.  First, remember that job-search expenses may be deductible.  They are deductible to the extent that they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. Resume preparation, long-distance phone calls, internet charges, and travel expenses related to job interviews are some expenses that may qualify as job-hunting costs.

Moving expenses may also be deductible if you move to take a new job.  The move must be at least 50 miles more than the distance between your old job and your former home in order to take the deduction.

If you sell your home to take a new job, remember that the law now generally makes selling your home a nontaxable event.  Unless the profit from the sale is more than $250,000 ($500,000 if you’re married), you won’t have to pay taxes on the gain.  The general rule is that you must have owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years.  If you haven’t met this two-year requirement, you may still be able to exclude some of the gain if you sell your home because of a change in employment.

If you need to withdraw money from an IRA to pay for health insurance premiums while you’re out of work, you will pay income tax on the withdrawals, but you won’t have to pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty. (Certain requirements apply.)

Saving tax dollars while you may be out of work obviously isn’t the cure for being unemployed, but it certainly helps.  The unemployment rate remains high, but it is improving.  The employment picture in North Florida will see brighter days soon.

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.
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Robert Hunter Browning, Jr.

July 21, 2011 Obituaries One comment

Robert Hunter Browning, Jr., 83, passed away July 18, 2011, following a brief illness.

Bob was born and raised in Madison, Fl. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Bob was a graduate of Florida State University, and later graduated from the University of Michigan, earning a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

Bob has quite the distinguished career in the field of Public Health. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and was a member of Florida States’ first football team.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, France Browning; daughter, Lisa McCullough (Walter), of Madison; four grandchildren: Travis McCullough, of Jacksonville,  Thomas McCullough, of Madison, Laura and Elizabeth Browning of Vero Beach.

Bob was preceded in death by his sister Polly Clemmons and son Robert Hunter Browning III.No services have been planned at this time. A celebration of life will take place at an announced date. He was a Seminole and a Democrat.

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Scam Alert

July 21, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being from the FDIC.
The e-mails appear to be sent from various “@fdic.gov” e-mail addresses, such as “protection@fdic.gov,” “admin@administration.fdic.gov,” or “service@admin.fdic.gov.”
They have various subject lines such as “Update for your banking account,” “ACH and Wire transfers disabled,” and “Banking security update.”
The fraudulent messages state:
“Dear clients,
“Your account ACH and Wire transactions have been temporarily suspended for your Security, due to the expiration of your security version. To download and install the newest updates, follow this link. As soon as it is set up, your transaction abilities will be fully restored.
Best regards,
Online security department, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.”
These e-mails and links are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC. Recipients should consider these e-mails an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users’ computers. Recipients should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mails and should NOT install any related files or software updates.
Financial institutions and consumers should be aware that these fraudulent e-mails may be modified over time with other subject lines, sender names, and narratives. The FDIC does not directly contact bank customers, nor does the FDIC request bank customers to install software upgrades.
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents, and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC’s Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, CH-11034, Arlington, Virginia 22226, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov.
Questions related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.
For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC’s Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2011/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

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New Testament Christian School Holds Science/History Fair

July 21, 2011 Education Comments Off
The K-4 class gave a presentation on Plant Growth. Back Row: Travis Twiford, Amelia Riegsecker, Bethany Glover, Matthew Bass, Daniel Bass, Front Row: Sharel Twiford, Isaac Starling, Aiden Gray - K/4 Class

The K-4 class gave a presentation on Plant Growth. Back Row: Travis Twiford, Amelia Riegsecker, Bethany Glover, Matthew Bass, Daniel Bass, Front Row: Sharel Twiford, Isaac Starling, Aiden Gray - K/4 Class

All students, K-4 through 12th grades, at New Testament Christian School participated in a Science/History Fair held near the end of the 2010-2011 school year. The projects and displays showed outstanding effort and achievement according to Elaine Doyle, NTCS Principal.  Judges for this event were Mr. Ron Zant, Ms. Deborah Cucinella, Ms. Evelyn Parke, and Adrian Peters.

The K-4 class had a class presentation on Plant Growth, and the K-5 class had a beautiful display entitled “Seasons.” Each student in both classes planted seeds and took care of their individual plants.  Both classes received blue ribbons for their efforts.  In addition to Solar System mobiles created by each first grade student, the first grade class displayed Recycled Art. First place winner was Jonathan Kinsey, second place went to Dalton Cochran, and third place was taken by Jermerial Ross. Second graders worked on presenting different facets of South America. First place winner was  Emily Stanley, and second place winners were Lee Fongeallaz and Trey Williams. Third place was won by Zane Rollins.

The K-5 class gave a presentation. From left to right: Matthew Reader, Kelsey Haire, Justin Cooper, Ivy Lee, Nicholas Washington, Alana Kervin, Grace Pearson, Logan Hart.

The third  and fourth grade classes studied Florida. Winning first place was Summer Roberts and Hope Underhill who did a presentation on Plants and Wildlife; Erin Taylor and Noah Williams took second place with their research and display of Tourism and Attractions.  Winning first place in the fourth grade were Savanna Edwards, Leanna Kinsey, and Julua Rollins, who presented a display on Florida Government and the History of Madison County. Second place winner was Jared Smith who did a presentation on Florida Agriculture, and third place winner was Dieago Lee, who presented Florida Industries.

The fifth and sixth grade classes studied Old World Geography. First place winner in the fifth grade was Will Ellison (China); second place winner was Jacob Briggs (Germany); third place winner was Brittany Edwards (Ireland). In the sixth grade, the first place winner was Kaitlyn Kinsey (England); second place winner was Zack Mosier (Italy); third place winner was Nathan Calhoun (Scotland). Seventh grade science projects included first place winner Sara Taylor, whose project was “Tidal Power,” second place winner, Kayla Kinsey, “Solar Panels” and third place winner, Kyle Courtney – “Rocket Thrust.” Eighth grade science projects included first place winner, Brianna Kinsey – “The Green Movement,” second place winner, David Calhoun – “Wind Power,” and third place winner Chance Webb – “Paper Airplane Design”.

First graders shown after their presentation. From left to right: Dalton Cochran, Jermerial Ross, Jonathan Kinsey, Shawn Medders, Bryan Harris, Kristen McClune.

High school history projects on “The Rise of Hitler” included first place winner, Kaitlyn Fongeallaz,  who presented a model of a  Concentration Camp, and Andrew Peters  who tied for second place with Ruth Anna Green. Their presentations were “Techniques of Torture” and “Hitler’s Youth”. The third place winner in the high school was Trista Agner – “Olympics in 1936.” These projects and displays were outstanding and represented hours of research and work. New Testament Christian School is proud of all of these participating students in grades K-4 through 12th grades.

New Testament Christian School will begin the new 2011-2012 school year on August 15th.    If you are a parent or grandparent interested in sending your child or grandchild to NTCS as a new student,  please contact Elaine Doyle, principal, at 973-3877 or 973-8547 for more information.  Placement is still possible in most classrooms.

 

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