Archive for November 2011

Leonard Bembry to Challenge Steve Southerland for Congress

November 17, 2011 Front Page One comment
4438

Conservative Businessman, Farmer, Citizen-Legislator to Focus on Jobs, North Florida Values

Greenville, Florida – State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-North Florida) today announced his candidacy for United States Congress from Florida’s second district. He has filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and will begin traveling the district and building a campaign immediately. A formal announcement tour will follow.

“The priorities of this Congress couldn’t be more wrong for north Florida and our nation,” said Bembry. “While politicians in Washington fight with each other and refuse to address the big issues we face, real people everywhere continue to struggle with a stalled economy and poor job market that need a jolt charge and a runaway budget that needs to be responsibly controlled. Steve Southerland has not delivered on the political promises he made in 2010 to create jobs, change Washington, DC, and bring practical solutions that will put Floridians back to work and tackle the tough challenges we face.”

Leonard Bembry was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 and was re-elected last year. He is one of the most independent members of the legislature and perhaps the most conservative Democrat in the Florida House. In the legislature, Bembry quickly earned a reputation as an expert on budget, economic development and agriculture issues. He believes that creating new and better jobs, supporting small businesses by cutting taxes and regulations, protecting our seniors and Veterans, and preserving traditional values are the biggest issues facing America.

Bembry will energetically and faithfully serve the remainder of his term in the Florida House and looks forward to a busy and productive 2012 legislative session.

“I was a farmer and businessman for almost 40 years before I decided that it was my responsibility to pursue public service. I am grounded in north Florida because it’s always been my home. It is where I was raised and where Susan and I have chosen to raise our family. We love it here,” said Bembry. “I am concerned about the kind of future we are leaving for our children and grandchildren. The country is not on the right track and our elected leaders in Washington, DC are failing the test of true citizenship by playing politics instead of solving problems.

“If elected, I will go to Washington as a common-sense, honest, hard-working, conservative problem solver who believes that a dose of north Florida values and ‘can-do’ spirit is what we need to get this country moving again,” said Bembry.

Leonard Bembry and Susan, his wife of 44 years, have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. The Bembry family spans 4 generations in north Florida.

Share

Semi Crash On Harvey Greene Drive

November 17, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Submitted by Pat Lightcap
Madison County 911 Center dispatched Emergency Medical Services to the Madison Industrial Park area at 11:45 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2011. There was a reported single vehicle accident of a truck on Harvey Greene Drive. The driver was reported to be unresponsive and having difficulty breathing. Upon assessment by EMS staff CPR was started immediately. In addition to Madison County Emergency Medical Services the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Fire/Rescue responded to the scene. More details at www.greenepublishing.com when they become available.

Share

SUPPORTING MADISON’S UNITED WAY IS GOOD BUSINESS

November 17, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.
Guest Columnist
This week I thought I would shift away from the recent writings of year-end tax and financial planning and discuss another important topic:  The Madison County United Way.
You may ask, what does Madison’s United Way campaign have to do with business within our community, or income tax for that matter.  Of course, the latter is self-explanatory.  Your contributions to the United Way are fully tax deductible.  Someone who makes a $125 contribution and is in the 31% tax bracket, for example, gets a $39 tax deduction.  The United Way and its many community charities benefit by the additional $125 revenue, but your net out of pocket is only $86.  Not a bad deal.
But much more importantly than the tax benefits, is the “good” the United Way does for our Madison Community.  What’s good for our overall community is good for the business community as well.  As our community prospers and our citizens are elevated to higher standards, everyone prospers.
As Madison’s quality of life is enhanced, we all benefit, particularly those in need.  The way I see it, supporting the United Way, whether it is through your gifts of money or time, is like supporting motherhood and apple pie.  It’s a win-win situation.
The United Way makes a real impact here in Madison County.  The non-profit organization combines your gift with hundreds of others and then focuses these donations to have a measurable impact on key concerns within our community.  Last year, over twenty three local charities benefited, helping children, youth and adults achieve their full potential, improving people’s health, or promoting financial stability and independence.
For example, Consolidated Christian Ministries provided over 125,000 pounds of food and meals to an average of 572 families per month right here in Madison County.  The Boys and Girls Club at Tabula Rosa, Greenville, last year served 400 youth in Madison County through its Project Literacy (one of its many programs) at school sites in Lee, Pinetta, Greenville and Madison.
The Senior Citizens Council of Madison served nearly 420 persons, sixty and older, who may be frail, socially isolated, medically inclined, low income, or even homebound.  Their support through meals on site, medical transportation, companionship, health support, and many other services greatly enhanced the quality of life of the elderly in our community.  All three of these organizations, to name just a few, would not be able to provide the current level of support and care without the United Way.
Last year, our United Way exceeded their goal of $115,000 by raising over $121,000 in local funds.  In fact, the Madison United Way raised more money per capita than any other county in the eight county Big Bend United Way area.  But better yet, since the Madison County United Way is a member of the Big Bend United Way regional area and receives the benefit of some combined corporate gifts.  We actually received nearly $125,000 in funds which were allocated to local charities.  Through this combined effort, the Madison County United Way was actually able to allocate over 100% of funds raised to local charities.
Another interesting point that is worthwhile mentioning is that many of these charities received matching donations from other charities, foundations, grant programs or even through Federal and State programs.  In other words, for every dollar contributed, some of the charities benefited by receiving two or three times the amount from other outside sources.  Again, not a bad deal.
This past summer, I had the honor and the privilege to serve on Madison’s United Way allocation committee.  After reviewing financial data and listening to formal presentations from twenty-three local charities, we were able to make wise and prudent decisions on how to best allocate the funds to these very worthwhile charities.  The process was a humbling experience and definitely an eye opener.  After the experience of serving on the committee, I can definitely say that every dollar contributed is well spent.
The United Way is local, is accountable, and efficient.  Funds raised here in the Madison area stay right here to address local issues.  Local stakeholders decide which programs receive funds and ensure that funded programs have measurable outcomes.  And of course, its definitely efficient.  Local volunteers help conduct the campaign, making administrative costs practically non-existent.  The campaign benefits greatly from the efforts of dedicated volunteers such as Willy Gamalero, Cathy Bass, Howard Phillips, Vicki Howerton, Jackie Johnson, and many, many other dedicated individuals.
When you contribute to the United Way of Madison County, you invest in the future of our community.  You are helping more than just one person or charity – you are changing community conditions that create lasting results.  The 23 charities of the United Way need your help.  Live United.  Give to the United Way.
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.

Share

Jacob’s Ladder

November 17, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
The Greek word for withstand is anthistemi (pronounced anth-is-tay-mee). Sounds kind of like antihistamine whose root words come from anti (against) and histemi (to cause to stand) or put together, to cause to stand against. When allergies or hay fever threaten us, the first thing we reach for is the antihistamine. It helps us breathe more freely.
Like antihistamines inhibit allergic reactions, the whole armor of God as described in Ephesians 6 inhibits evil forces from harming us.
Remember, each day to put on the whole armor of God, so you can withstand the attack of the devil. Put on the sword of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation so that you may be able to quench Satan’s fiery darts.
Grab a dose of God’s antihistamine and discover how pure the air is when you breathe.

Share

Obit: William DuVall Haynie, Jr.

November 17, 2011 Obituaries Comments Off

William Duvall Haynie, Jr. age 78, died Wednesday, November 16, 2011, in Madison.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Beggs Funeral Home with burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Cairo, Ga.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11 at the funeral home.
He was born in Augusta, Ga., and moved to Greenville in 1993 coming from Palm Beach County. He went to Georgia Tech for four years and worked as an engineer with Pratt and Whitney Air Craft Co where he retired. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Hicks Town Hunting Club and attended Grace Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by one son, William DuVall Haynie III of Greenville; two daughters, Victoria Susann Carlisle (Larry) of Palm Beach Gardens and Barbara  Grace Lines (Lee) of Winter Park; one sister, Barbara Jean Maffucci of Fiterate, Mass.; A very close companion, Helen Bland of Madison; and three grandchildren.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, (850) 973-2258.

Share

Remodeled Laundromat Part Of Revitalization Of Downtown Madison

November 17, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
To Paul Cucinella, who already owns several businesses in Madison, the coin laundromat on Rutledge Street isn’t just another coin laundromat; it’s part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the downtown of a community he knows and loves.
“We live in downtown, we work in down town and we invest in downtown,” Cucinella said of his latest project, the remodeled coin laundromat on the corner of Rutledge and Shelby.  “And we love Madison.”
Cucinella and his wife live in the historic white two-story house that they purchased and restored several years ago.  With its broad front porch and enormous screen porch on the side, it is a gracious, old-fashioned spot of charm that the Cucinellas call home, next to Madison Cleaners, across Shelby Street from the laundromat, catty-cornered from Ron’s Barbershop and within shouting distance of the post office – right in the heart of downtown Madison.
They also purchased and restored the two-storey cinderblock building behind the post office, where Ron’s Barbershop is now; however, when they first bought it, it was a dilapidated eyesore of a place with a reputation for illicit drug activity.
Today, it is more familiar to everyone as the cheerful, sunny-yellow building adorned with a large mural of the American flag, housing several new, successful small businesses.  Ron’s Barbershop is in one end, with its black and white checkerboard windows facing west on Shelby.  Around on the side is the Act 2 Community Resale Shop, a fundraiser thrift shop for the New Testament Church Center, and the Exclusive Hair Salon, each contributing to the revitalization of Madison’s downtown economy.
The renovated laundromat is “the next phase of what we’re trying to do for downtown,” said Cucinella.  He had owned the building for years, but not the business; when he finally took over, he began a complete remodeling job around the first of November, gutting the place of the old fixtures and machines and putting in all new state-of-the art washers (20 in all) and dryers (16).
“Since talking to the customers (after the remodeling) I’ve realized just what a need this was in the community,” he said.  The customers are thrilled with the remodeling that has provided them with a clean, well-lighted place where they can bring their family’s laundry.
The Madison Coin Laundry’s operating hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and wash and fold service is available from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Laundry attendant Theresa Smith is on hand to greet customers as they come in.  Smith, who attends the same church as the Cucinellas (New Testament) just started with the laundromat about a month ago.
The laundry is the latest step toward revitalization, but not the last.  Cucinella hopes bring more business and more people back to downtown Madison and hopes others will do the same, making their community a growing, vital place where small business can thrive.
“It’s just a good feeling,” said Cucinella.  “That you did something for your community.”

Share

Greenville Holds Inaugural Veterans’ Day Celebration

November 17, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
With only a few weeks to plan its celebration, the town of Greenville hosted its first Veteran’s Day Celebration last Friday, marking the day with a parade, speeches, presentation of the colors and a ceremony in Haffye Hayes Park to honor veterans from the area who had served in all branches of the military.  Participants and onlookers alike braved some chilly, blustery winds that tried to blow the red, white and blue tablecloths off the tables and pulled the occasional balloon loose, sending it sailing off into the sky.
While patriotic music played in the background, beginning with “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” the celebration began in honor of Greenville’s veterans.
In particular, the town paid tribute to three local heroes who had been killed in action:  Vietnam Veterans John Roberson (Feb. 1968), Robert Bellamy (Mar. 1968) and Arelinn Jackson (Jan. 1969).  A small candle stand in front of the gazebo held three votive candles, one red, one white and one blue, for each of the three men.
Other veterans presented the service flags for each branch of the military, including 92-year-old Earnest Sneed, WWII veteran, who presented the flag for the Marines.  Dennis Gallon, another WWII veteran, presented the Navy flag.  Lt. Willard B. Barnhart, a veteran of both WWII and Korea, presented the flag for the Army, Ronnie Moore presented the U.S. Air Force flag and Vietnam War veteran Ulyssees Roberson presented the flag for the U.S. Coast Guard.  The service flags flew from the gazebo during the remainder of the speeches, ceremony and recognition of several WWII veterans:  Rufus Crymes, Willis Bruton and Jessie Hunter.
The JROTC of Jefferson County Middle/High School served as the Honor Guard for the presentation of the colors, and Kimberly Thomas sang the National Anthem.  The keynote speaker for the event was John R. Nelson, Sr., Past District 2 Commander, Department of Florida, VFW 2005-2008.  “We are the ones who wore the uniforms,” he said, speaking collectively of all veterans.  “We are the ones who died.”
Other speakers included State Rep. Leonard Bembry, Greenville Mayor Elesta Pritchett, Madison School Board Chair VeEtta Hagan and Madison County Commissioner Renetta Warren, Clerk of Jefferson County Court Kirk Reams and Monticello Mayor John Jones.
Monticello Mayor Jones, who referred to Greenville as “Green Acres,” thanked the veterans for their service, as did all who spoke.
“With our words and deeds and actions, we say thank you,” said Hagan, acknowledging that mere words alone were not enough.
“God bless America,” said Warren a few moments later.  “And God bless our Veterans.”
As keynote speaker Nelson observed, recalling the words of Christ as he paraphrased slightly from John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man – or woman – than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Share

Midway Baptist Church Holding Boston Butt Fundraiser

November 17, 2011 Church Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Midway Baptist Church is currently selling Boston butts to raise money for cancer victim Tracy Fox.

Tracy’s doctors diagnosed her with colon cancer on Tuesday, April 19. Since Tracy isn’t working, her sister, April Leonard, set up an account in her name. Money deposited into Tracy’s account will go for medical treatment, as well as travel and other expenses.

Tracy said that she had been out of work with an injury and was set to return to work when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Tracy and her husband, Albert Keith Fox, have one son, Toby.

The Boston butts are available for $25 each. Tickets may be purchased from any church member or by stopping by Suwannee Insurance at 348 West Base Street in Madison.

Pickup for the Boston butts will be Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon, at Studstill Lumber, located at 702 South Duval Avenue in Madison

For more information or to place your order, please call (850) 973-8312.

An account has also been set up for Tracy at Madison County Community Bank. Simply go into the bank and tell one of the clerks that you wish to deposit money in the account for Tracy Fox’s cancer treatments.

Share

Lighthouse Children’s Home Choir To Appear At Mt. Olive Baptist Church

November 17, 2011 Church Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

The Lighthouse Children’s Home Choir will appear live in concert on Sunday evening, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, located on Highway 53 South in Madison.

There will be a time of singing and the girls sharing their testimonies.

Everyone is invited to go to the service for a special blessing.

Admission is free. A love offering will be received for the Lighthouse Children’s Home.

For more information, call (850) 973-2070.

Share

Wounded Warrior Dove Hunt Set For Saturday

November 17, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

A Wounded Warrior Dove Hunt will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Wildwood Kennel, located south of Madison at 1502 SE Rogers Sink Road.

The Wounded Warrior Dove Hunt is an outreach of the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. It is open to brave men and women who were wounded in the U.S. military.

Bud and Marisa Leonard, owners of Wildwings Kennel, donate all the outreach hunts.

For more information or directions, please call Wally Davis at (850) 673-6630 or Bud Leonard at (850) 971-2832.

Share

Happenings at Madison First Baptist Church

November 17, 2011 Church Comments Off

By Nell Dobbs

Guest Columnist

“Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” Psalm 118. “In everything give thanks.” We learned Psalm 100 in sixth grade with Miss Louise Watson. Verses 5 and 6 say, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courses with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.”

We sing, “God is good. God is so good all the time.” Let us be aware of needs of others and help as we can. There are so many needs of all kinds. We receive so many blessings. God’s love, grace, mercy, His promises and provisions on earth and in Heaven, forgiveness, faith, fellowship, food, friends, family, freedom, safety, seasons, the Bible; for all men and women of faith today and of old; thinking of Mr. and Mrs. Van H. Priest and the beautiful flowers given in loving memory of them by their family, only Jargo Clark in attendance these days and their love for the Lord; our church, community and businesses.

A special dedication of the hundred plus Christmas shoeboxes by Judy Phillips and the poem she read, written by Vernelle B. Allen, “Blessings in a Shoe Box.”

The Veterans’ Day program at Pinetta was fantastic and a special thanks to everyone involved. Recognition was given in our church to those who served and then to the families of those who served with prayers for those now serving. Ricky Henderson, in the offertory prayer, also prayed for protection for all now serving and expressed thanks for them.

Preacher Law’s morning message was from the book to the left of Revelation – an easy way to find Jude, which is not een one chapter. We are to keep ourselves in the loved of God; be concerned about everyone; seek out through Sunday School, through deacons, through following, be an encourager and be fishers of men. God love us all so much.

The Harvest Festival Saturday from noon-3 p.m. was really fun and greatly enjoyed by many. Thanks to all involved. The baby shower for Shellie and Joey Smith was good Sunday.

Bless the Quick family in the sudden death of Mark, who was young and our youngest brother Lew’s friend’s family in Cantonment. Lew too his friend to the eye doctor and ten feet from the door, he fell and died seven hours later. Lew’s friend was 77.

Bless all the other sad ones. Bless all the ill ones and families. Roger McCollum is now home under Hospice care; Jane Simmons is in ICU at South Georgia Medical Center; and our niece, Virginia Denman in Arizona.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, there will be a churchwide Thanksgiving dinner.

We thank God for guiding us and providing for us. Amen and amen!

Share

Second Annual Chili Challenge Slated

November 17, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Cool weather, longer nights, what better way to warm up than with a hot bowl of chili? The second annual Madison County Chili Challenge has been set and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger than last year’s.
The cook-off will be held on Saturday December 3, during the 2011 Light Up Madison Downtown Christmas. The downtown Christmas event will be from 6-9 p.m. The judging for the chili cook-off will be held at 7 p.m. The winners will be announced at 8 p.m. All who enter will receive a free chili cook-off t-shirt.
The cost per entry is $20. All winners will receive a cash prize. For more information on the cook-off call 973-2788. Applications and information is available at the Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 248 SW Range Ave.

Share