Archive for September 2011

Harveys Offers Customers Opportunity To Support Local Schools With $250,000 In Free Educational Equipment

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

Harveys is offering its customers an easy way to provide free educational equipment and supplies to local schools in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.

The Harveys Hometown Educational Rewards program gives parents and supporters the opportunity to link their personal Hometown Rewards Key to local schools. Each time customers shop with their personal Hometown Rewards Key, their schools of choice automatically earn points towards $250,000 in free educational equipment. This money is divided between schools through a points system for the year, and a customer may select two schools for the program.

“At Harveys Supermarkets, we are committed to making a positive impact in our local communities, and we are proud to offer the Harveys Hometown Educational Rewards program,” said Barry Robinson, vice president of Harveys and Reid’s stores. “During the 2010-2011 school year, we donated more than $240,000 in school equipment to schools in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.”

All of the customer’s grocery purchases will earn credit for their designated school with the exception of alcohol, tobacco products, money orders, gift certificates, pharmacy, sales tax and stamps.  Throughout the year, schools redeem the accumulated points in exchange for free educational items from the Harveys catalog. Items include, but are not limited to, books, computers and sports equipment. 

Shoppers may support participating schools by linking their personal Rewards Key in one of three ways:

By completing the simple online registration form at www.harveys-supermarkets.com/OurCommunity/HometownEducationalRewards

By completing a supporter sign up form with their school

By visiting a local Harveys Supermarket and registering their Rewards Key at Customer Service

About Harveys

Harveys is an affiliate of Delhaize America, a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (DEG) (NYSE:DEG). Harveys operates 71 stores in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. For more information go to www.harveys-supermarkets.com

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Charter School’s Application Denied

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Citing a “litany of concerns” with the New Millennium Charter School’s application, the Madison County School Board on Tuesday evening voted 3-2 to go with Dr. Cheryl James’ recommendation and deny the charter school’s application.  James had stated that the application was incomplete and that some sections appeared to be “cut and paste” or omitted altogether, and that the application itself, which was faxed to the school on the deadline date of Aug. 1, was deemed late because of the missing information.

Dr. Jerri Haynes, representing the charter school, had protested the recommendation before the vote was taken, stressing that New Millennium and its supporters were “not the enemy” of the Madison County School District, but were there with the goal of offering parents a choice for children who do not perform well in traditional school settings.

“We want to close the achievement gap for those limited by low-performing schools,” said Haynes.

Haynes added that she had not had any communication from the District or the Board about whether or not there was a problem with the document as faxed, or even whether or not all the pages had arrived.   She also questioned whether the Board’s decision to enforce the deadline was arbitrary, claiming that Florida Statute allows them some discretion in the matter.

Board member Tina Johnson also questioned whether or not there was adequate communication with Haynes about potential problems with the application.

However, because of the many other concerns raised, including a lack of any financial information, particularly regarding salaries, Board member Kenny Hall made a motion to deny the request and was seconded.  Bart Alford and Clyde Alexander voted with Hall.  Johnson and School Board Chair VeEtta Hagan voted against the denial.

The school, which has a target opening date of 2013, can resubmit its application by Aug. 1 of next year, with all the noted concerns addressed and corrections made, for reconsideration by the School Board.

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Dust Not Yet Settled On Some Bus Stops

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

After the Bus Stop Controversy that plagued the last School Board meeting of Sept. 6, a handful of parents reappeared before the Board Tuesday evening to restate their cases, saying that the concerns they had raised at the earlier meeting still had not been addressed.

Susan McCool of Lee brought her two children with her to show the Board “what I’m dealing with,” i.e., that her youngest daughter was not capable of walking the lengthy distance to the bus stop, and stated that the child was still being dropped off in the afternoons, alone, in a deserted rural area with access to an open boat ramp.  Her older son, who is autistic, rides on a different bus on a different schedule with a stop in yet another location.

Because of the safety concerns, and the fact that McCool’s daughter also has an A.I.P designation (although she was initially deemed ineligible to ride the special transportation bus) the Board made an exception and ruled that the little girl could now ride the same bus as her brother.

Shirley Agner was also dissatisfied with the current bus stop situation, saying that no one had gotten back in touch with her after she had raised her concerns at the last meeting.  Agner questioned why a bus that came part of the way down the road and turned around in a privately-owned peanut field, could not come the rest of the way down that road – about another mile – and pick up her children as well as several others, in a place where there was adequate room for the bus to turn around.

Agner was also puzzled as to why, even though she still had a Lee address after moving to a new home, she was now considered to be part of the Pinetta school zone.   Superintendent Lou Miller explained that school zones were mapped out by population and did not always correspond to the Postal Service’s addressing system, and assured Agner that the District had attempted to find empty slots in the Lee Elementary School for her children, but there weren’t any left.  The fact that some of Agner’s nearest neighbors had their children going to Lee was probably because it was a “school of Choice” and the neighbor may have signed her children up during a “window of opportunity” when there were some empty slots available.

Ivan Johnson agreed to go out to bus stop area Agner had brought into question, to see if there was a better solution that could be worked out for everyone.

 

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MCHS Band Will Perform At VSU Halftime Show

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Kristin Finney

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Want to watch a good football game and hear some good music, all while supporting some local students? Then come on out to Bazemore Hyder stadium this Saturday, September 24.

The MCHS Vaquero Guard will be playing their halftime show during the Valdosta State University halftime. They were invited to play by the Director of Athletic Bands, Eric Bradshaw.

VSU will be playing Southern Arkansas on this evening and kick-off is at 7 p.m. The cost for general admission is $10. This evening will also be the VSU Parent Night.

 

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Madison County Legislative Delegation Hearing Rescheduled

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Madison County Legislative Delegation hearing has been rescheduled to Monday, October 10, from 6-8 p.m.. The hearing will be held at the Madison County Courthouse Annex Building, Room 107, 229 SW Pinckney Street, Florida, in the County Commission Chambers.

If any member of the public would like to address the delegation, please contact Mickie Salter in Representative Bembry’s office at (850) 973-5630 or mickie.salter@myfloridahoouse.gov , to be placed on the agenda.  Appearance cards will also be available at the hearing for anyone who wishes to be heard.

NOTICE REGARDING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LEONARD BEMBRY no later than seven (7) days prior to the proceeding at (850) 973-5630, Madison, Florida.

 

 

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Blood Drive Being Held For Catherine Maultsby

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

A blood drive will be held for Catherine Maultsby on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The blood drive will be held in the Winn-Dixie parking lot in Madison from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Catherine is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. The disease is not very common, with only from 400-800 diagnoses per year. It generally affects children in their teens while they are growing fast. The condition is usually in the long bones, such as the femur or tibia.

Catherine’s leg was amputated earlier this year and she is undergoing chemotherapy to make sure that all of the cancer is eradicated.Please stop by and donate blood in Catherine Maultsby’s name this Saturday. Please visit Catherine’s Caring Bridge web page at www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherinemaultsby.

 

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Canoe Clean-Up Set For Saturday

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Employees with the Nestle Water Madison Bottling Plant in Lee will canoe down the Withalacoochee River Saturday morning to collect trash.

The trash clean-up will begin at the Madison Blue State Park (Blue Springs) and continue to the Timber River boat launch as the representatives collect trash along a section of the river. The launch will begin at 8 a.m. at Blue Springs.

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Mom Raising Money, Awareness For Bus Stop Shelters

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page 2 comments

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Sarah Morse, one of the parents at the Bus Stop School Board Meeting Sept. 6, was present again at the Board’s Sept. 20 meeting to present her idea for bus stop shelters around the county.

Over the weekend, Morse’s husband, Alan, along with a neighbor, Jimmy Taylor, his son Pat Taylor, and Kenny Hall (who purchased the materials) had erected an open-ended eight-by-ten shelter, on Old Valdosta Road in Cherry Lake.  The materials cost $380 for the eight-by-ten shelter with a four-rafter roof, and took the group about two hours to build.  The structure was built in sections, and built to be quite sturdy, yet it can be easily disassembled and removed, if a bus stop is relocated or a route is changed, or if a landowner changes his or her mind about having one of the shelters on their property.

Morse had brought photos of the structure and was hoping to generate publicity and awareness for the shelter idea, a place where children can wait for the bus during inclement weather.

She would probably be spending a lot of time washing cars and selling lemonade to raise money for more shelters, she said, and Hall added that it would be a great project for PTO groups, or civic organizations, or even businesses that might want to sponsor a shelter and have business ads placed on the sides.

Hall also emphasized that getting the shelters in place was a multi-step, multi-organization process to get approval for the locations.  DOT regulations require that all such shelters be set back at least ten feet from paved roads, and such setbacks usually mean it is off the public right-of-way as well and sitting on private property.  The landowner has to give permission for the shelter to be located there, and once the shelter-building group has that permission, they then have to go to the bus barn and coordinate the shelter location and the requirements of the bus department.“We’re hoping to have these things throughout the county, wherever we can get the landowners to let us put them,” said Morse.

“We’d like to get the word out and let people know about them if they want to help or donate materials or money, because there’s no money in the (school district) budget for them.”

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Woods Found Guilty; Sentenced To Life Plus 10 Years

September 22, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

A Berrien County, Ga. jury found John D. Woods, 38, guilty of the 2009 killing of 24-year-old Travis Sauls. Woods brought Sauls’ body to Madison County where he burnt the remains.

According to a report published in the Oct. 7, 2009 edition of The Madison County Carrier:

A telephone call to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of Friday, Oct. 2, resulted in a two-state homicide investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the caller reported finding what appeared to be charred human skeletal remains. Sgt. Randy Jansch responded to the location, west of Highway 53 and south of Interstate 10 in Madison County.

Jansch called Capt. Mark W. Joost, the Chief Investigator for the Sheriff’s Office, to assist at the scene.

Sheriff Ben Stewart, Chief Deputy Epp Richardson, Sgt. Inv. Tina DeMotsis and Bill Pfeil, Special Investigator for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also responded to the scene.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, Woods surrendered to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office in Nashville, Ga.

The subsequent investigation revealed that on the previous Monday, Sept. 28, or Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, Woods allegedly shot and killed Sauls in Berrien County, Ga. following a disagreement. He then transported the body to the secluded area south of Interstate 10 in Madison County.

Woods escaped from custody, while serving house arrest. He eluded authorities for three weeks before being caught, attempting to board a bus in Perry.

After the jury returned their verdict on Friday, Sept. 16, the judge in the case sentenced Woods to life in prison plus 10 years.

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Build a Better Breakfast

September 22, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Diann Douglas

Guest Columnist

Often called the most important meal of the day, many Americans choose to skip breakfast.  This is why September is designated as Build a Better Breakfast Month.  A meal that has been the subject of much research over the years, it is a proven fact the breakfast eaters are better off than breakfast skippers.

Breakfast literally means breaking the fast.  Your body has gone without food during the night, operating in a fasting mode for 10 to 12 hours.  A body needs food to fuel up for the day’s activities, so that is why breakfast is so important.  It has been proven students who eat breakfast perform better in school; they have a longer attention span and score higher on tests.  The same applies to adults, their work performance is better when their body is fueled at the start of the day.  With this information at hand, you would think we all would be eating breakfast, but the American Dietetic Association reported that 48% of the children in the US do not eat breakfast.

One myth that doesn’t hold up is that eating breakfast causes weight gain.  The truth is that breakfast eaters do a better job at weight management.  Research shows people who skip breakfast will overeat the rest of the day causing weight gain over time.

There are many reasons why people skip breakfast.  Time is a big factor, people often complain they don’t have time to fix a meal and eat it before heading out the door.  Some people claim they aren’t hungry when they first get up in the morning.  Still a segment of the population doesn’t like traditional breakfast food.  Don’t let these reasons excuse you from starting your day off with a healthy breakfast.

Most breakfast foods are low in calories and fat.  Skip the coffee and donuts or a drive through the fast food window.  If you find it hard to pull a breakfast together because you aren’t a morning person, take a few minutes the night before to plan what you will eat. It may be that you boil an egg or cut up fruit and store in the refrigerator over- night.

When preparing breakfast, try to include a whole grain, a source of protein and a serving of fruit.  Something as easy as cheese toast on whole wheat bread with a glass of 100% orange juice will meet the description of a complete breakfast.  You may want to keep the blender handy and whip up a breakfast smoothie, ingredients like low-fat milk and fruit are easy to pour and go.  Instead of pouring milk on your cereal, change it up and mix cereal with a container of flavored yogurt and add some fruit.

Make food on the weekend that can be eaten during the week.  Whip up a batch of pancakes or waffles and freeze; one can be toasted, topped with peanut butter or cream cheese and filled with sliced fruit, roll it up and you can eat it on your drive to work.  Find a recipe for a high fiber muffin, bake a batch and eat one with a glass of milk or orange juice.

For a nontraditional breakfast, leftover veggie pizza and a glass of milk is a good choice.  Even mashed pinto beans on a tortilla, topped with mozzarella cheese and a glass of 100% orange juice will meet the criteria of a healthy breakfast.

Start your day with off right by building a better breakfast to give you nutrients and energy to fuel you through the morning.  For more ideas on creating a nutritious breakfast or meal planning on a budget, contact the Madison County Extension Service.

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension – Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer autho-r ized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

 

 

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Conservative Corner

September 22, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Nelson A. Pryor,

Lee, FL

 

The election season is heating up, already.  That wouldn’t be so bad, but those with honest disagreements hardly need to label their opponents as some sort of freak.

Let’s start with Al Gore, Jr.  In addressing those who were skeptics on “global warming”, what did he say in an op-ed piece of the NYTimes of 4/22/1990?  He only called them – just “medieval flat-earthers”!  How is that for an honest discussion over differences?

Fair Criticism?

On August 20, 2011, in Inglewood, Calif., Congresswoman Maxine Waters, of California, had the gall to tell members of the Tea Party/Conservatives, to “Go to Hell!”

Congressman Andre Carson, of Indiana, said something of significance.  He said, on August 22, 2011, in Miami, that the Tea Party is “stopping change!”  That sounds like a sensible statement.  But then he went on and declared that the change was more than just change.  “This is the effort that we’re seeing of Jim Crow.”

Carson goes on:  “Some of these folks in Congress right now would love to see us as second-class citizens.  Some of them in Congress right now with the tea party movement would love to see you and me, I’m sorry…hanging from a tree.”

Tea Party Patriot

“We’ve had Democrats calling American citizens ‘terrorists’ and ‘hostage takers’, and now an elected Democratic representative says that we can ‘go straight to hell’,” the group Tea Party Patriots said.  “The president and all leaders of the Democratic Party, who have called for civility in the past, are neglecting to censure their own.  Is civility only required from their opponents?  Perhaps it’s time for a new-NEW era of civility….The President’s silence on these latest violations of civility has been deafening, but not surprising.”

I’m OFFENDED!

Who do these officials expect to influence with such talk?  This surely is an organizational or strategic advance.  But is it?  Hopefully, it is just a few talking through their hats.

(Granny Tea Party Patriot Says:  I, TOO, AM OFFENDED!

Only those with nothing to say need to tear down others like a desperate drowning person in contact with a rescuer.  God bless our black patriots who are not afraid to speak out, such as Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Herman Cain, Allen West, Lloyd Marcus (proud “unhyphenated American”  on the Tea Party Express).  They know Jim Crow is dead except for efforts to exhume the body in tactics to generate hate between races.  So….)

Who Has Time For Such Talk?

With all the problems that this country, our country has, let’s not get small and lose sight of the bigger picture.  We need to stop hemorrhaging money.  We need to get back to basics.  We need to pay our own way.  In life, I have found that one doesn’t get ahead by getting even.

Our forefathers did a masterful job for us.  Our descendents deserve the same from us.  We can start fights and build walls; or we can tear out this “got you” mentality and rebuild our country.  Let’s start!  (JUST LEAVE JIM CROW IN THE GRAVE!)

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THE MADISON COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEWill meet  at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 27,  at the Madison Public Library.ALL REPUBLICANS WELCOMEPaid for and approved by the Madison County Republican Executive CommitteeMadisonRepublican@embarqmail.com

 

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Jacob’s Ladder: Tending To Our Spiritual Farm

September 22, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Imagine that it has not rained for weeks and that your crops are all dying.You keep waiting and praying for rain.

You look across your fields and see nothing but desolation. A turn of your head directs you to the field across the dusty dirt road that you live on. That field belongs to a neighbor. Your neighbor has had much more success than you; his fields are flourishing. Crops are growing. You see water pouring out of irrigation pipes, soaking his green plants.

Too often, we neglect our spiritual lives. We don’t take time to irrigate our crops. We don’t go to church like we should. We don’t pray as we should. We don’t study the Bible as we should.

Like running a farm, our spiritual lives require effort on our part. We have to plow fields; we have to prune trees; we have to pull weeds; we have to destroy pests (sins and doubts) that may harm our relationship with God; we have to irrigate. At the end, we get the joy of reaping a bountiful harvest.

Is there anything that you’re neglecting in your spiritual life? Don’t let it die because of thirst.

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Obit: Dorothy Lee Coffie (Givens)

September 22, 2011 Obituaries Comments Off

Dorothy Lee Coffie (Givens) age 74, passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 15, 2011 in Rochester, New York.  She was born and raised in Waycross, Ga.

“Dot,” as she was affectionately called, lived for many years in Rochester before moving to Madison.  She returned to Rochester this past April due to health issues. She is survived by daughters: Norma (Donald) Harris of Rochester, N.Y., Gayle Coffie of Madison and Dorothy Mae Coffie-Wade of Jacksonville, Fl.  four brothers: Wilbert Birden of Detroit, Mich,, Bernard (Cynthia) Miller of Waycross, Ga., Willie (Linda) Gulley of Kirbyville, Tex.. and Clarence (Gwendolyn) Miller of Waycross, Ga.; two sisters, Peggy Miller-Tilley of Savannah, Ga. and Mildred Rembert of Rochester, N.Y.; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Birden of Miami Charlie Mae Givens of Madison, Costean Gulley of Rochester, N.Y., and Ella Ruth (A.W.) Tillman of Madison; one brother-in-law:, Willie (Doris) Givens of Madison; and a devoted companion, Wallace Day of Madison; 10 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a very sociable person who truly enjoyed life. She will be sorely missed.

Her family wishes to thank the Madison community for all of the kindness and support extended to Dorothy during her many years of illness.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Morning Star Baptist Church, 373 S.E. Booker Street, Madison, with Rev. Oliver Bradley and Rev. Eugene Coffie bringing words of comfort.

 

 

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United Way Celebrity Waiter Dinner Coming Soon

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Kristin Finney

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Each year the United Way of the Big Bend in Madison goes above and beyond to help those in need. One of the ways that the UWBB gains their money to do this is through charitable donations, the other is fundraisers. Without the community’s help, the UWBB would not be able to help  as many people.

On Oct. 11 the United Way of Madison would like to invite everyone in the community to their annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner. This year the dinner will be hosted by Shelby’s and will take place at Shelby’s Restaurant beside Yellow Pine Subdivision on Hwy 90, heading towards Lee.

Some might ask why this event is called “Celebrity Waiter” Dinner. This is because the people who are taking the orders, bringing the plates and cleaning the tables are local celebrities. They are local politicians, people in power and heads of business or schools.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Any money that is raised through tips or purchases of their desserts will help the United Way of Madison reach their goals for 2011. Last year the group raised over $1,000 and this year they hope to gain even more.

 

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JA Offering Vocational Scholarship

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

Junior Auxiliary of Madison County is offering a new Vocational Scholarship to offer a Madison county resident the opportunity to gain vocational job training. All you need to do is to be accepted to a local vocational program and submit an application.

Anyone interested in applying can pick up an application at NFCC or contact their guidance counselor at the Madison County High School. Applications are also available upon request at:

Junior Auxiliary Madison County

P.O. Box 15

Madison, Florida 32341

Applications are being accepted now through February 29, 2012 5 p.m.

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Madison Fleet Service: Up And Running And Ready To Roll

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Thomas McCrary was born in Asheville, North Carolina, but his family moved to Madison when he was six, and McCrary grew up going to school at Greenville Elementary and Madison High.  This was home to him until he was 30, when he moved back to Asheville, married Rebecca, his wife of ten years, and opened an auto repair shop, Auto and Diesel of Fletcher.

Now he has come home again to Madison.  High taxes, high cost of living and a bad economy that was particularly acute in the Asheville area had made the business part increasingly difficult, but “mainly, I just wanted to come home,” he said.

With 20 years of experience in diesel engine repair, including farm equipment, heavy equipment and tractor trailers (“I can fix anything!”), and a specialty in the smaller Duramax, Powerstroke and Cummins engines (Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet), McCrary has opened up shop in a new location, 171 N.E. Rocky Ford Road, directly behind Kelley’s Body Shop.  A wooden fence divides Madison Fleet Services from the back of Kelley’s business, and customers turning onto Rocky Ford Road just past Kelley’s will almost immediately see the sign for Madison Fleet Services on the left, marking the entrance in the tall wooden fence.

McCrary has been at this location about a month, but in that amount of time, he has hauled away over 30 tractor-trailer loads of junk cars and car parts, so the shop building at the back of the property is now actually visible and accessible.  The area in front has been mowed and smoothed out, and the shop itself, once stacked to the ceiling with old cars and car parts has been cleared out and cleaned up, as well as undergoing some extensive renovations.  A new ceiling has been put in, with the middle part raised several feet higher to accommodate any tractor-trailers brought in for repair.  New wooden wall siding has been added, and new overhead light fixtures are almost completed.

While he has been busy getting his shop cleaned out and set up, he has also been doing some work for James Coleburn and Studstill’s.  Now, he would like to let the folks of Madison and the surrounding area know that he is open and ready for business and confident that things will go well, and that he’ll be able to make a pretty decent living in Madison when satisfied customers start spreading the word.

He has all the diagnostic equipment necessary for the repair of the newer engines, and “I can beat the dealership prices by about a third most of the time.”  He also offers roadside assistance 24/7.

If your diesel engine vehicle needs attention, give him a call at (850)464-8340.

 

 

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Sirmon Leads Pelham Both On And Off The Field

September 22, 2011 Sports Comments Off

By Kristin Finney

Greene Publishing, Inc. 

When it comes to leading a team, a coach can’t simply do the minimum and expect the team to do the rest. Some coaches attempt to lead by example, others lead their teams by inspirational pep talks and others do a combination of the two. Justin Sirmon has chosen to lead his team in both ways.

Sirmon was raised up in true Madison County fashion. From the time he was old enough to walk he has been around football. He began playing in Dave Galbraith Little League and continued playing continuously through middle school and high school. He has represented the MCCS Broncos, the junior varsity Cowboys and of course the varsity Cowboys.

He now has the chance to not only be a part of a team, but to lead them. Sirmon has joined former Madison Head Coach Frankie Carroll, and Coach John Sirmon, at Pelham City High School. The trio coaches the Pelham Hornets. Frankie Carroll is the head coach, John Sirmon is the Offensive Coordinator and Justin is the varsity offensive line coach.

When asked about the change from player to coach, Justin said, “It’s amazing how your perspective changes from a coach to a player. From a coaches’ perspective it is vital that your team is not just a group of guys, but a band of brothers. That’s why when I was at Madison Coach Carroll would always have the team over to his house to eat or take us all to church, to build relationships. A football team is a family. It doesn’t matter the skin color, background, or heritage. However, as a player I always looked up to my coaches as role models. They were father figures for me. That is something that I strive to be for my players. My players know that they can always depend on me for anything.”

Justin got the chance to coach at Pelham through Coach Carroll. He explained, “Upon his (Coach Carroll’s) resignation, he had always told me that when I finished playing for him he wanted me to coach for him. He interviewed at several different schools and received an offer from Pelham. He called me immediately after and informed me of the news. We had all been praying that Coach Carroll would find a place to call home. So, when he was hired he brought me along with him.”

In an attempt to make his players into a family, Justin not only leads them at practice, he also takes them out to eat, takes them to church and has also taken them to some of the Florida State University home games. “I spend between 25 and 30 hours a week with these guys. I am also taking 12 hours right now of college, and coaching at the same time. These two responsibilities do not mix well together. Being up all night studying game film, trying to find the opponents weakness isn’t exactly studying physical science. However, I knew this when I took the job an It is well worth it to me,” he said.

When asked how he tries to lead his players, Justin said, “The first and most important trait that I try and instill in my players is that God is greater than football. Sometimes that is easy preaching hard living. I share my beliefs with them on a personal level. Secondly, I try to make them a better man. That is what is wrong with this world today. Men wont step up and take responsibility. Football will force you to become a better man, husband and father. I try to use football as a metaphor for life. I always tell my guys: Football is life, life is football. They go hand and hand. I want my players to look back on me and be able to say that I had an influence in their life.”

“Being a coach, I have the greatest ability to impact my players lives. I enjoy coaching the guys who aren’t exactly the ideal weight and height but the guys that love the game, the guys that enjoy being a part of a team. I enjoy watching kids turn into adults right before my eyes. These kids have matured so much since I have started coaching them. However, it is nothing that I have done. These kids work extremely hard day in and day out. I also have the ability to lead my players to Jesus Christ. At the end of the day the number of men that I lead to Christ should be extremely more than the amount of football games I have won,” stated Justin.

Football is such a large part of Justin’s life, that when he was asked if he planned to continue coaching later in life he said, “I think it is safe to say that if football is in my past, it will certainly be in my future.” He describes football as his passion in life. “Football is a game that brings people together. You build lasting relationships that will last a lifetime. The guy that I played beside my entire high school career is still one of my best friends to this day. I know I could call him anytime and he will always be there for me. There is nothing like high school football. It is special. The small town atmosphere, the pep rallies, the parades is what separates high school football from the rest. Man if I could go back and redo high school I would. I believe football is not just a game, but a way of life.”

Justin is currently a sophomore at NFCC. He is finishing his Associate in Arts this semester and plans to transfer to FSU in January. While at FSU he hopes to study either Physical Therapy or Sports Medicine. He is the youngest son of John and Glenda Sirmon. He has an older brother John Sirmon Jr. and an older sister, Kristin Sirmon Woyak. Justin also added, “I would like to say that my family is my backbone in life. My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to rely solely on God.”

As for his future coaching plans, Justin said, “I would love to stay at Pelham! Pelham is an awesome community. I want to be here as long as they let me.”

 

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Hickory Grove Methodist Church Founder’s Day Coming Up

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

Submitted by Dan Buchanan

If you love the cooler weather, and we all do, you start thinking about October and November.  You also think about autumn and the leaves changing, and there being a nip in the air.  The Fall of the year has always been Harvest time on our counties’ farms.

With October, we also think about Fall Festivals and at Hickory Grove, we automatically think of Founder’s Day.  This year marks our 21st consecutive year of celebrating the “Fall Season” and our early pioneers in the Hickory Grove Community.  It seems like only yesterday that we had Mr. Julian Andrews, Randall Buchanan, Mr. Gene Poole and a whole slew of others at Hickory Grove, working hard, preparing for the huge day.  Many of those hard working members of the church have gone on to Heaven, and our working numbers are small, but we are still trying to continue the great heritage of Founder’s Day at Hickory Grove.

This year, Founder’s Day will take place on Saturday, October 15th, beginning a about 8:00 a.m., and we will conclude with a Worship Service at 2:00 p.m. promptly.  Our brand new minister, Rev. James Howes, will arrive on horseback to deliver the Annual Founder’s Day Message, just like the preachers did some 125 to 150 years ago.  They were known far and wide, as Circuit Rider Preachers, and they mostly traveled by horseback, or mule, or horse and buggy.  Rev. Howes most likely will arrive via horse and buggy this year.

The highlight of Founder’s Day is getting to see old friends and neighbors that you most likely have not seen since last year at Founder’s Day.  But, we will certainly have the cane mill running, and the fresh home-made syrup will be flowing once the cane juice has been cooked down.  This activity of “Syrup-Making” is almost a lost art, and very few folks do this activity any more.  Nowadays, you just go to the local grocery store and buy Log Cabin, or other varieties of syrup.

Another highlight will be all the boiled peanuts you can possibly eat.  Make sure you go see Eugene Williams and Charles Wooten and get a bag or two.  Our thanks really need to go to Willie Agner and his family for growing all the peanuts for our church.  We picked them off about three weeks ago, and they are stored in a freezer, getting ready for Founder’s Day.

And don’t forget the chicken pileau, the collard greens and hoe cakes, and the absolute best bar-b-que you can find anywhere.  Stephen Williams has a knack for smoking and then pulling the Boston Butts, and just thinking about the pulled pork makes your mouth water.

Hopefully, we will be able to let you know more about what will be happening at Founder’s Day via the local newspapers.  SO, be watching for additional activities that you will enjoy at Founder’s Day at Hickory Grove, which will take place on Saturday, October 15.

 

 

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Jackson’s Drug Store Offers Warm, Friendly Service

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc. 

When one walks into the Jackson’s Drug Store at 1308 SW Grand Street in Greenville, it’s as if one has walked through a magical door to the past. One will get a warm, cozy feel as they look at walls and racks lined with gifts, candies and vitamins. Keep walking and, at the back, one will meet the friendly pharmacy staff.

Danny Jackson, owner of the store, comes from a long line of pharmacists. As a matter of fact, his grandfather Jackson owned the store when his Danny’s father, Charles, was born. Later he sold the store to Sam Henley, who ran the store as Greenville Drug Store until the early 1990s before closing it. In 1993, Danny reopened the friendly hometown pharmacy.

Charles Jackson owns the Jackson’s Drug Store in Monticello. In addition to Danny, Charles’ daughter, Marsha Plaines, is also a pharmacist, Son David, former PGA golfer, runs the Jefferson County Country Club. Charles’ brother, William, who used to own a drug store in Jasper, helps Danny at the store in Greenville on occasion.

Assisting Danny at the Greenville pharmacy are Pat Brooks and her daughter, Lee Anne Agner; Regina Vassell; and Jeanie Metzger, who also works in the Monticello store.

Danny is quick to help customers who have questions and concerns about their medications. If a customer needs medicine during off hours, they can call (850) 997-3977.

Another hometown touch offered by the business is delivery to homes and businesses in Greenville and nearby areas.

Jackson’s Drug Store also offers compounding, when medications are not available commercially.

Danny and his mother, Tracy, who works at the family’s store in Monticello, worry about the impact that the insurance companies are having on hometown pharmacies.

“The insurance companies do not want to pay for what you do,” Tracy said. “You can’t make a profit anymore.”

“It’s getting tough because the reimbursement rates are so low,” Danny said. “The only way to make money is to cut costs.”

Danny said that mail order pharmacies are also eating into the profit margins of the small businesses. The companies lobby Congress and the insurance companies, who tend to favor the huge companies over the small pharmacies.

Danny said that he thinks people calling, writing and emailing their legislators and Congressmen will help the hometown pharmacies. “We’ve done everything we can,” he said. “Now, it’s up to our customers.”

He said that Jackson’s Drug Store truly values their customers and offers friendly, family service.

Danny and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Tyler, who is a senior at Aucilla Christian Academy, and Jenny, who is in seventh grade.

Stop by Jackson’s Drug Store, located at 1308 SW Grand Street in Greenville, or give them a call at (850) 948-3011.

 

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Greenville Hardware Now Open For Business

September 22, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

Robin Housh has opened GREENVILLE HARDWARE on the corner of US Hwy 90 and Broad Street (across from Dollar General).  The store offers lawn equipment supplies such as mower blades, oil and weed eater line; bath, plumbing and electrical parts; PVC pipe; yard tools; nuts and bolts; nails and caulking; door hardware.  Duplicate keys can be made on site.  Additionally, Greenville Hardware is stocking deer feed and attractants.

Hours are: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, please call (850) 948-2102.

Owner Robin Housh, along with her husband, has been an annual supporter of the 4th of July event held in Greenville.  She saw an opportunity to fulfill a need in her community by opening Greenville Hardware.  Housh decided it was time to expand her business interests since she already has an on site take-out business, The Simple Life, where customers can get fast and tasty food to go.

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