Archive for August 2011

I’ve Had Enough Change

Emerald’s Gem Box
Emerald Greene Publisher

Our government raised the debt ceiling and said they were going to “cut spending.” The scary thing in all of this was how many of our elected officials were excited over this “breakthrough.”

Raising the debt ceiling – ha – just what America needed.  Now our government can spend more money that we do not have; our national deficit can rise even more; new/higher taxes will be placed upon us common folk; and the economy will sink even lower.

Cutting spending – ha again – the two things I heard the most talk about in cutting spending was our military and Medicare; the two things we don’t need to cut. The military – the ones who keep us free and safe.  Medicare – the ones (people) who gave us life and paved a way for us; and now we are going to take away from them?

Where are the spending cuts for all the money we are giving other countries? It was reported on August 8 that “President Obama has approved $105 million for humanitarian efforts in the Horn of Africa to combat worsening drought and famine. White House press secretary Jay Carney says the money will help provide food, shelter, water and sanitation and health services to those in need” or some cuts on the people that are bleeding this country dry by being on welfare when they are capable of getting out and working like the rest of us (and before you get your pen ready to write me hate mail – I know some people actually need disability or some source of welfare, but we ALL KNOW that the majority of welfare is being spent on citizens who know how to “work the system”); or how about a salary decrease for our Washington officials so they can feel the sting of unemployment and a bad economy like the rest of us.

We, the average American citizen, have to live our lives on a budget.  We only make so much money and we can only spend so much money. We HAVE to pay our electric bills, telephone bills, water bills, gas bills, car expenses and house mortgages and hope there is enough money left at the end of the month to buy groceries for us and our children. If we don’t pay our bills then we suffer the consequences; such as having our utilities disconnected or the car/house repossessed. We don’t have the luxury of raising our debt ceiling. If we don’t have enough money at the end of the month then we either have to get a second (or third) job or downsize our lifestyle. Why isn’t our government held to the same standard as we have to live?

And if our country isn’t falling apart enough, now America has lost its AAA rating and the Dow fell the most it has fallen in two and a half years.

And where is our President?  He is standing before us blaming Bush, blaming the Republicans and blaming the Tea Party. He even made statements referring to the fact that we all go through “bad times;” we have earthquakes and our Dow will rise and fall. Ha again. It’s time he steps up to the plate and acts like a CEO should. He needs to quit blaming others and take responsibility for the mess America is in and do something to start fixing it.

Last week, during a speech, the President said, “When I said, ‘change we can believe in,’ I didn’t say ‘change we can believe in tomorrow,’”

Well, I for one have had enough “CHANGE.”

Until then….see you around the town.

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Downgrade

National Security
Joe Boyles – Guest Columnist

Last week’s downgrade of United States Treasury bonds by Standard and Poor’s is historic.  S&P has been rating our government bonds since World War I; this is the first downgrade.  The other two international rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch, have not followed suit … yet — but can similar action be that far behind?

The fundamental reason behind the downgrade is our public debt, now approaching $14.5 trillion.  This level of debt is about 70 percent of our gross domestic product.  That’s bad, but the future looks even bleaker as the Obama Administration projects annual deficits in excess of a trillion dollars for as far as the eye can see.  This is unsustainable … which the S&P recognized when they downgraded our bonds from AAA to AA+.

The battle over the debt ceiling which concluded (temporarily) before the August 2nd deadline was a precursor to the downgrade.  The president and his party wanted a balanced approach which would include raising taxes on “millionaires and billionaires.”  (Jargon rhetoric like this makes my head explode.)  The Republicans countered with spending cuts and no tax increases.  I’m not certain who “won” the debate, but I am certain that we’ve turned the corner on the debt ceiling – no longer will Congress blindly raise our “credit card” limit as they have done dozens of times without some sort of debate on the prudence and what must give.  The days of blank check spending are over.

If that message needed reinforcement, then S&P delivered the coup de grace with Friday’s action.

Meanwhile, the president appears feckless in his response.  No president can control the economy, but he gets credit for times when things go well and blame when they don’t.  Right now, he’s getting a lot of criticism.  Will this hold true 14 months from now when the course of the next election is set.  Who knows what will happen between now and then, but economies are like aircraft carriers at flank speed – it takes time and space to slow and turn them around.

Let me give you a formula for getting this economy rolling again.  First, let’s decrease federal spending.  That means tackling entitlements and reforming them for the 21st Century, not the New Deal and Great Society they were created for.  Second, let’s reform the tax code and make it flatter.  Remove a bunch of silly loopholes that accumulate through lobbying by special interests.  Third, let’s pull the shackles off business in the form of health care mandates, environmental rules based on poor science and general regulation.  Fourth, let’s begin domestic energy (oil and gas) exploration and production and watch tens of thousands of jobs be added to the economy.  Then, let’s stand back and watch the American economy grow impressively and lead the world as it should.

Do I believe that Barack Obama can provide the leadership to make these things happen?  In a word, no.  He is ideologically incapable of closing the gap between the possible and the likely.  His quiver is empty.  The revolver is spent – no bullets, silver or otherwise.

While the American economy is headed downhill in a hurry, the president is out raising obscene amounts of money to finance his billion dollar reelection bid.  Seems out of touch, doesn’t it?  Who’s to blame for the economic morass?  According to Obama, everyone and everything but him.  More signs of unreality.  What solutions does he offer?  More spending on unemployment insurance, investment in green technology, blah, blah, blah.  You know Mr. President, if you keep digging the debt hole, sooner or later you’ll end up in China … where most of our dollars are headed anyway.

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Patricia Ann Joiner

Patricia Ann Joiner, age 68, passed away at her home August 4, 2011, in Monticello.

A graveside service was held at Evergreen Cemetery Sunday August 7, 2011, at 3 p.m. The family received friends at Patricia’s home after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Big Bend Hopice (Jefferson County), 1723-1 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5428.

Patricia was a native of Quitman, Georgia and had lived most of her life in Jefferson County.

She retired from the Jefferson County School System, where she taught school and coached softball for thirty six years.

Patricia is survived by her son Carl “Ken” McKinnon Joiner and his wife Leslie; three grandchildren Bo Joiner, Jennifer Walker and Brooke Joiner; and three great grandchildren.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Buck McKown and Muriel Ogelsby McKown and her husband, Mack Joiner.

 

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Vivian Tuten

Vivian Tuten, age 67, died Monday, June 20, 2011, in Tallahassee.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011 at New Home Baptist Church, with burial at San Pedro Cemetery.

Visitation was held Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home.

She was born on January 30, 1944 in North Carolina and lived in Madison since 1974 coming from Perry.

She was a homemaker and was a member of New Home Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Donnie Tuten of Madison: one daughter, Alise Johnson (Richard) of Perry; three grandchildren: Cade Johnson, Beth Flower, and Cori Johnson; and three great-grandchildren: Bralyn Flower, Grayer Johnson, and Drayden Flower.

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Gregory John Glass

Gregory John Glass, 64, of Tallahassee, died August 4, 2011, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born to the late Orville and Marion Glass, October 23, 1946, in Milwaukee, WI.  Greg graduated from Bay High School in Bay Village, Ohio, in 1964, received a BA in Economics from Ohio State University in 1969, and received his MBA from Florida State University in 1973 .

After retiring from the State of Florida, Greg  served as the President and CEO of the Florida Association for Community Health Centers until his retirement in 2004.  He was passionate about his family, the Ohio State Buckeyes, railroads, and making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged.  Greg lived his life by the mantra “Handsome is as handsome does” and was affectionately referred to as “Big Dog” to many friends and family.

Greg is survived by his wife, Anne, formerly of Madison; children, Alison Thumm (Wayne) of Tallahassee, Florida; Matthew Glass (Danica) of Durham, North Carolina; and stepchildren Lynne Davis (Gary) of  Miami, and Brian French (Katie) of Madison; a brother, Gary Glass (Phyllis) of Atlanta, Ga.; his grandchildren Payton, Connor, Drew, Cole and Mia.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Tri-County Family Health Care c/o North Florida Medical Centers, 535 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.

A memorial service and visitation was held on Saturday, August 6, 2011,  at  4 p.m. at the historic train depot at  Railroad Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida.

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Madison County Cowboys Attend FCA Camp

cowboys

The Madison County Cowboy football team and coaches just returned from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Team Camp Three.  Coach Coe wanted to say thank you to all who gave their hard earned money to send the team to FCA camp.

The annual camp is hosted by Marianna High School and the teams are housed at the Blue Spring Assembly in Marianna. The Cowboys joined Pace High School of Pensacola area and Branford High from Suwannee County for Camp Three. Jefferson County, Marianna High School and Frankie Carroll’s Pelham, Georgia, team made up Camp One. Taylor County, Chipley, Wakulla and Jay made up Camp Two.

The camp began at 10 a.m. each day with team practices and live competition, runs for two hours each morning and afternoon. The players are in “shells,” which is everything but lower pads. The players love it because they have been doing passing leagues in shorts and are anxious for some live contact.   The coaches love this 11 on 11 live format because kick-off is only four weeks away for most and they get a good look against live competition.

The FCA staff loves it because we have the privilege of sharing the message of Christ with the all the teams.  The coaches are challenged in their personal faith and encouraged to be a positive influence for their communities. Statistically, eight out of 10 teenagers in America do not attend any church, but 100% of their team attended team camp.

From July 22-31, 515 coaches and athletes attended these three camps and 172 athletes made personal commitments for Christ. “There seemed to be a real hunger for direction and truth in the lives of the students and coaches this year. There is so much instability in our culture, students are looking for foundational truth and relationships they can build their lives on,” said Steve McHargue, FCA Area Representative.

Many thanks to everyone who gave to make this summer camp season a record success.

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Aucilla Cheerleaders Attend Camp In Orlando

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Whoever says cheerleading isn’t a sport has never attended a serious cheerleading camp. The Aucilla junior varsity and varsity squads attended their annual cheerleading summer camp in July.

Camp this year was at Fellowship Of Christian Cheerleaders in Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Orlando.

The girls attended cheer, stunt and dance class every day. During these classes the girls were taught new cheers, stunts and dances and were also able to improve the skills they already have. After classes each night the girls had to go to evaluation. Between classes, they had a brief, five-minute water break and were straight back to work.

The leaders of the camp awarded a handful of girls from the entire camp, which consisted of eight squads from all over the state, with All Stars’ awards. Four girls from Aucilla received All Stars’ awards. They were Kinzi Mattingly, Brooke Kinsley, Sunnie Sorensen and Jenny Jackson.

The girls from Aucilla won several awards. JV won the Home Cheer Competition and second place in the overall camp championship. Varsity was a finalist in the camp championship. Kinzi Mattingly won the Jump Jam competition for the best jumps of all the JV cheerleaders attending camp. Other finalists in the JV division were Jenny Jackson and Emma Witmer. Jump Jam Finalists in the Varsity division were Sunnie Sorensen, Stacie Brock and Brooke Kinsley. Finalists in the camp Tumble Jam competition from JV were Cali Burkett, Jenny Jackson, Kinzi Mattingly and Kate Whiddon.

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College Makes Changes In Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center Funding

Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center

Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center

NFCC’s Historic Conference Center Remains Open To The Public

The Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center is now operating as a self-supporting enterprise that no longer receives financial support from North Florida Community College’s general operating budget.  The shift in funding was approved by the NFCC District Board of Trustees and considered a necessary change as the college prioritizes expenditures amidst another year of reduced state funding. A special announcement regarding the change was sent to NFCC’s  “Friends of the Mansion” members in June.

“Over the years, Friends of the Mansion members have made monetary donations, volunteered time, and shown a great love for NFCC’s historic conference center,” said Maria Greene, WSG Conference Center Coordinator. “We are making changes, but our annual membership drive is currently underway and we continue to hold events, weddings and tours in the Mansion. It’s business as usual for now as we look for ways to build extra revenue.”

Greene is looking as far ahead as June 2012 with her current budget and needs the continued support of donors and the community. According to NFCC President John Grosskopf, the College is also actively seeking partnerships or alternative solutions that can keep the WSG Conference Center open to the public; even if that means taking NFCC out of the equation.

“NFCC is very proud of its tenure as the primary steward of this very important local treasure; however, we are now in a position where we must align all of our resources to the fulfillment of our primary mission, and we cannot continue to fund this endeavor,” said Grosskopf. “We will be working to find our successor to take over from here.”

The Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center, listed in the Historic American Building Survey and the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1860. NFCC purchased the WSG Conference Center property in 1988 through a Florida legislative appropriation to preserve and use it as a conference center for the six rural counties which the College serves.

Many of the antique furnishings and accessories inside the Mansion are loaned or donated by individuals within the area and according to Greene, these items will be handled with the upmost respect in regards to the donor or owner, whatever the future brings for the Mansion.

“The Mansion has become a valued icon in our community, full of history and character,” said Greene. “I appreciate all the community support, especially our Friends of the Mansion members, and ask for continued support and feedback as we work to build the future of the Wardlaw-Smith-Conference Center.”

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Chamber of Commerce To Hold Forum

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Obituary: Carl A. Sims, Sr.

Carl A. Sims, Sr., of Madison, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his wife of 81 years, Elizabeth (Beth) V. Hunter Sims. He is survived by their six children: Guy M. Sims, Agnes S. (Page) Hite, Durlie S. Barati, Carl A. Sims, Jr., Hunter M. Sims and Howard R. (Tatiana) Sims, plus three grandchildren and a sister, Agnes S. Studstill.
Son of the late Guy M. and Clare M. Sims, he was born and reared in Madison as the youngest of five siblings. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Emory College in Atlanta, Ga. After working for Woolworth’s Central Office in Atlanta for several years, he returned to Madison to farm with his father, which he continued doing until his late 80s. He took an active part in the Madison community life, having served as president of the Madison County Farmers Cooperative for over a decade, winning the Corn Crop of the Year several years running. He and his family were named the Outstanding Farm Family of Madison County for the year 1988. He loved music and had a lovely baritone singing voice. He was avidly interested in reading, history and archaeology and enjoyed traveling in the US, having RVed to Alaska with his wife in the early 80s.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel, followed by the service at 2 p.m. at the Chapel in the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. (MCFEE), P.O. Box 181, Madison, FL 32341 or to the First United Methodist Church of Madison.

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Video: Paul Pitts In “The Scribe”

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Three Siblings Commit Armed Bank Robbery in Valdosta

Submitted by FBI Atlanta

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, in conjunction with Police Chief Charles F. Simons, Valdosta Police Department, provides the following information concerning the August 2, 2011 armed robbery of the Certus Bank, located at 460 Norman Drive, Valdosta, Georgia:

On 08/04/2011, the United States Magistrate, Middle District of Georgia, Macon, Georgia, issued warrants for the arrest of Ryan Edward Dougherty, Stanley Dylan Dougherty, and Grace Lee E. Dougherty for the crime of armed bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, Section 2113 (a) and (d).

These subjects should be considered armed and dangerous.

These individuals were last seen operating a 2006 white, four-door Subaru Impreza bearing New York license tag FBE 5900.

On August 2, 2011 at approximately 12:24 p.m., the Valdosta Police Department along with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Remerton Police Department, responded to an armed robbery at Certus Bank, 460 Norman Drive. Officers arrived on scene and were advised that three individuals, dressed in black with masks, entered the bank through the front entrance. The suspects are believed to be two white males and one white female. As the robbers entered the bank, shots were fired towards the ceiling and everyone in the bank was instructed to get down. At least two of the robbers brandished weapons, one described as being an AK-47 type assault rifle and the other appearing to be a machine pistol, while other robber obtained an undisclosed amount of money. All three robbers then departed the bank and were observed departing in an older model, white, four-door sedan. Detectives from the Valdosta Police Department, Crime Scene Technicians from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Crime Laboratory, and the FBI responded to the scene to investigate.

It should be noted that these individuals are also suspects in the attempted murder of a Zephyrhills, Florida police officer earlier that same day. On August 2, 2011, at 7:00 a.m., a patrol officer for that department was in pursuit of a four-door white vehicle. The suspects in the vehicle began to shoot at the patrol officer and subsequently disabled the patrol vehicle. Multiple calibers were used in that shooting. The suspect vehicle was described as being a 2006 white Subaru Impreza, New York license plate FBE5900.

The subjects, all siblings, are described as follows:

Name: Ryan Edward Dougherty, white male, age 21, 5’10” in height, 180 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.

Name: Dylan Dougherty Stanley, white male, age 26, 6’1” in height, 185 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes.

Name: Lee Grace E. Dougherty, white female, age 29, 5’4” in height, 120 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.

Anyone having any further information regarding this matter should contact the FBI at (404) 679-9000 or the Valdosta Police Department at 229-293-3145, or you can remain anonymous by calling 229-293-3091.

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North Central Florida Regional Planning Council Awards Roy Ellis for Outstanding Attendance

scottkoonsroyellis

Gainesville, FL – Madison County Commissioner Roy Ellis was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Attendance at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting on June 30, 2011 by Scott Koons, Executive Director of the Council. The Certificate was awarded in recognition of his attendance at every scheduled Council meeting during Program Year 2010-11. Ellis has served on the Council since 2001, representing Madison County as a local elected official.

The Council, whose members are local elected officials and gubernatorial appointees, administers a variety of state and federal programs for north central Florida including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties. Programs include development of the Strategic Regional Policy Plan, technical assistance to local governments in development of comprehensive plans, land development regulations and grant management, and administration of developments of regional impact, local mitigation strategies, hazardous materials, homeland security and economic development programs. In addition, the Council staffs the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area, the North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee, the North Central Florida Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team and The Original Florida Tourism Task Force.

Ellis has been very active in the organization over the past several years. He has served one term as Chairman and Vice-Chairman and two terms as Secretary-Treasurer. He has also served as Chairman of the Finance, Nominating and Program Committees, and has been a member of the Board of Directors for nine terms. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

The Council’s offices are located in Gainesville. More information about the Council can be found at ncfrpc.org.

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NFCC’s historic conference center remains open to the public

College makes changes in Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center funding

The Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center is now operating as a self-supporting enterprise that no longer receives financial support from North Florida Community College’s general operating budget. The shift in funding was approved by the NFCC District Board of Trustees and considered a necessary change as the college prioritizes expenditures amidst another year of reduced state funding. A special announcement regarding the change was sent to NFCC’s “Friends of the Mansion” members in June.
“Over the years, Friends of the Mansion members have made monetary donations, volunteered time, and shown a great love for NFCC’s historic conference center,” said Maria Greene, WSG Conference Center Coordinator. “We are making changes, but our annual membership drive is currently underway and we continue to hold events, weddings and tours in the Mansion. It’s business as usual for now as we look for ways to build extra revenue.”
Greene is looking as far ahead as June 2012 with her current budget and needs the continued support of donors and the community. According to NFCC President John Grosskopf, the College is also actively seeking partnerships or alternative solutions that can keep the WSG Conference Center open to the public; even if that means taking NFCC out of the equation.
“NFCC is very proud of its tenure as the primary steward of this very important local treasure; however, we are now in a position where we must align all of our resources to the fulfillment of our primary mission, and we cannot continue to fund this endeavor,” said Grosskopf. “We will be working to find our successor to take over from here.”
The Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center, listed in the Historic American Building Survey and the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1860. NFCC purchased the WSG Conference Center property in 1988 through a Florida legislative appropriation to preserve and use it as a conference center for the six rural counties which the College serves.
Many of the antique furnishings and accessories inside the Mansion are loaned or donated by individuals within the area and according to Greene, these items will be handled with the upmost respect in regards to the donor or owner, whatever the future brings for the Mansion.
“The Mansion has become a valued icon in our community, full of history and character,” said Greene. “I appreciate all the community support, especially our Friends of the Mansion members, and ask for continued support and feedback as we work to build the future of the Wardlaw-Smith-Conference Center.”

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Dilan Lawson Wins Dizzy Dean World Series

Dilan-Lawson
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Dilan Lawson has put a smile on the faces of his parents, grandparents and members of the Madison County community. The 10-year-old superstar has returned from South Haven, Miss., with a Dizzy Dean World Series championship under his belt.

Dilan began his baseball career six years ago in Madison County, playing tee-ball in the Babe Ruth League. He has been playing travel ball for the last two years, currently playing for Parks and Recreation in Valdosta, Ga.

Dilan is the number one pitcher for Parks and Recreation.

Coached by Carl Rose, who is assisted by Dilan’s dad, Mike Lawson, Parks and Recreation was the only team in the 10 and under World Series who went through undefeated. They played a team from Louisville, Ala., in a two out of three series for the title and won the first two games, 14-3 and 16-9. They did not have to play a third game.

Dilan is the son of Mike and Lindsey Lawson of Madison. He has a younger brother, Thad, who wants to follow in his brother’s footsteps and became a ball player. His grandparents are Bobby and Phyllis Lawson and Jim and Cindy Hunter and Rosa and Bill Crowder.

Dilan attends Madison Academy.

 

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Area Youth Land Summer Jobs Through Workforce’s iWork3

Enjoying the iWork3 program at Lake Park of Madison were Youth Shanika Arnold, Supervisors Deena Hames, and Connie Walker, Youth Tyresha Hill and Supervisor Kim King.

Enjoying the iWork3 program at Lake Park of Madison were Youth Shanika Arnold, Supervisors Deena Hames, and Connie Walker, Youth Tyresha Hill and Supervisor Kim King.

Supported by North Florida Workforce Program staff, over 100 youth (ages 16–21) from Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties are busy at work this summer, earning above minimum wage for jobs to which they applied and interviewed. “Our program’s name, iWork3, indicates the third year that area youth have been engaged in life and work skills training,” said iWork3 Coordinator, Breanda Taylor.  “This temporary work will improve their lives and increase their opportunities for securing self-sustaining employment, including networking with local employers who will be valuable employment references in years to come.”

According to iWork3 Assistant, Allesandra Camejo, “Prior to starting their jobs, youth participants completed Work Readiness Week, and continue their employability training through bi-weekly Life Skills Workshops where they learn skills that may be applied at their worksites. Also, youth were taught how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and completed training activities to earn their CPR (Infant, Child and Adult) and OSHA/MSHA credentials – common requirements for many local employers in our region.”

Besides having the opportunity to acquire nationally-recognized work credentials, these young workers were also introduced to Florida Ready to Work credentialing program.  Florida Ready to Work is part of a nationwide Career Readiness Credentialing network.   Through this program, jobseekers review and increase their basic skills and are then assessed to determine their skill level, earning a bronze, silver, or gold credential.  The credential will be signed by Governor Rick Scott.   Youth who diligently access this Internet-based program for at least one hour each week during the summer are given the opportunity to test for their Ready to Work credential and earn a $100 incentive when they pass.

Some of the many participating worksites for iWork3 from throughout the six-county region include: Doctors Memorial Hospital, City of Perry, Madison Clerk of Court, Madison Recreation Association, Jefferson County Property Appraiser, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, Three Rivers Regional Library, Comprehensive Community Services, Suwannee Co. Sheriff’s Department, North Florida Printing, Hamilton County Economic Development Authority and Suwannee Valley Nursing Center.

Other worksites specifically from Madison County that participated in iWORK3 as a mentor are Madison Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Central School, Madison Youth Initiative, Madison Public Library, Lake Park of Madison, NFCC and Tri-County Electric.

“Workforce:  Solutions for North Florida’s Economy,” says the sign above the main Career Center located at 705 East Base Street in Madison.  By the program’s end in mid-August, it is hoped that the young people served this summer through iWork3 will have discovered more about themselves and overcome the barriers facing them since enrolling in this innovative work readiness program. Another goal of the program is to put more young people in the talent pipeline from which area employers choose their future workforce.

iWork3 and other career and employment focused activities are made available to area youth and adults through national legislation the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) in 1998.  In such legislation, a year-round youth program was established to assist youth with facing barriers to employment and assisting them with opportunities to move towards self-sufficient (high skill/high wage) occupations available in our region.  The year-round Youth Career Consultant is Sara Shepherd. More information can be found at www.NFWorkforce.org.

For next summer, any youth or prospective worksites may contact Breanda Taylor, Summer Youth Employment Program Coordinator (iWork4) at 850/973-WORK or 866/367-4758.

Services are also available for adult jobseekers and include but are not limited to job search, resume, and cover letter assistance and referrals to intensive and training services as needed to secure gainful employment. For more information on the Workforce Investment Act program, visit www.NFWorkforce.org or call the numbers listed above and ask to speak to a WIA Career Consultant.

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One Tough And Strong Little Sister

Jacob’sLadder
Jacob BembryColumnist

It’s Wednesday afternoon, a little after 2 p.m. It has been a long time since I remember being this exhausted.

The reason for my exhaustion is that I took my sister, Abbie, to the dentist Tuesday night in Gainesville. I thought that it would be a routine examination and then decide where to go from there. I knew that Abbie needed her teeth extracted and I thought that she would be put under anesthesia when they did it. She would be in dreamland and wouldn’t know what had happened until it was over.

Instead, the dentist decided to start extracting her teeth. Abbie was placed in feet straps and hand straps and a number of dental assistants also had to hold her head and her shoulders down. At one point, she flexed the muscle in her arm and broke one of the straps. I had told them how strong she is. I don’t know if they believed it until they saw that.

A local anesthetic was used (I believe Novocain) and the dentist began pulling her teeth. Abbie struggled against the pressure. The dentist said that he had given her plenty of anesthetic so she wasn’t feeling pain, but she was feeling pressure.

As I watched, my heart was breaking because I didn’t like to see Abbie struggle the way she was doing or be subjected to any pain or pressure. At the same time, I was relieved because I knew that she would not have to worry about any toothaches again and she has suffered with them for years.

My family and I were down there with her for hours Tuesday evening and when we all went home, it was one long trip back.

I believe that Abbie will get over any anger that she may feel towards me at this time when she realizes that what was done was in her best interest. For years, we had been trying to find someone who could help. Thanks to Zane Gaston, a dental assistant at the health department, we found out about the after hours clinic at Tachachale in Gainesville.

God has given me a tough and strong little sister, who will celebrate her 42nd birthday this Tuesday, Aug. 9. If you see Abbie, make sure you tell her “Happy birthday.” I am sure that it will make her happy.

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Georgina Simpson

Georgina Simpson, 75, of Madison, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2011, in Smith Northview Hospital. She was born in Havana, Cuba. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Madison.   She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.  She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Tony Simpson of Madison, and Stan and Debbie Simpson of California; a grandson, Sean Simpson; two brothers, Humberto Herrera and Jorge Herrera, both of Orlando; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will hold services at a later date.

Sympathy can be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com

Music Funeral Services/Azalea Crematory of Valdosta is serving the Simpson family

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Nicholas Heinrich

Nicholas Heinrich, age 93, died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Lake Park Nursing Home in Madison.

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

He was a mechanical engineer and worked at Fairbanks-Morse in New York.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine Heinrich, of Madison. He had two sons, Nicholas Heinrich III, and Bruce Heinrich; one daughter, Cheryl Nelson of N.Y.; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral services.

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NFCC Chillin’ And Grillin’ Is A Success

Some of the college’s employees are seen during the NFCC Chillin’ and Grillin’ event. Seen from left to right are Saint Leo’s Lisa Burnham and Christy Roebuck, and NFCC’s Kim Scarboro, Desiree James, John Grosskopf, Gail Hackle, Wesley Thompson and Lynn Wyche.

Some of the college’s employees are seen during the NFCC Chillin’ and Grillin’ event. Seen from left to right are Saint Leo’s Lisa Burnham and Christy Roebuck, and NFCC’s Kim Scarboro, Desiree James, John Grosskopf, Gail Hackle, Wesley Thompson and Lynn Wyche.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

North Florida Community College took their community outreach into the community on Thursday, July 29. NFCC staff hosted a Chillin’ and Grillin’ event that allowed community members and prospective students to see what is happening on campus.

During the event, hotdogs, chips and sodas were given out to those who wanted them.

There were also booths set up for NFCC, St. Leo and some of the activities that take place on campus. All of these booths were designed to give information to the public about the programs at NFCC.

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