Global Climate Strike

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Last Friday, September 20th, millions of people worldwide gathered to advocate for positive environmental change and protest the inadvisable policy decisions being made by those in power.

The Global Climate Strike was organized in part because of the long-standing Fridays for Future strike. F4F was started by the globally inspiring teen activist Greta Thunberg. Every Friday, she strikes to bring awareness to the climate crisis our world is facing. Now she is inspiring a generation of young people to advocate and many more besides join in.

The Panhandle’s main strike location was on the historic steps in Tallahassee. Local student activists, event organizers, local adult advocates, and city officials all spoke. People stood alongside the road, held signs, and chanted for hours. People chatted with strangers about governmental policy, sustainable habits, environmentally friendly pet care, and so much more. Below are a few photos taken at the event by http://www.instagram.com/noahs.notions.

Never Forgotten Angel Gowns assembly help needed ~ 3rd Saturday of every month

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Never Forgotten Baby Gowns is a non profit that was founded in June of 2017 and the group was started by women from Rivertown Community Church. Although Angel Gowns is not new, it was a need in our area that they felt The Lord called them to fill.  They currently serve our communities in the Florida Panhandle. Their goal is to provide a glimpse of God’s love for His children by providing a service to families who experience the loss of a baby. They repurpose wedding gowns into burial “angel gowns” for stillborn, premature, and infant deaths. These gowns will be provided at ‘no charge’ to grieving families in our communities and are donated to Jackson County Hospital in Marianna.

If you wish to donate a wedding gown or pastel colored formal please let them know. If you wish to donate lace, thread, pearl like beads, small satin covered type buttons, ribbon, cutting boards, seamstress scissors (that have not been used for paper), sewing machine, or other quality items please let them know. If you are interested in joining the group please let them know so they can share some information with you.

Like to sew? Consider joining ‘Never Forgotten ~ Angel Gowns’ Saturday, October 19th for one of the monthly sewing/crafting baby bracelets gathering. They meet at the Jackson County Library 9am-1pm on the 3rd Saturday of the month (as announced on the FB page).

From donated wedding dresses repurposed into beautiful burial angel gowns in which they donate to Jackson Hospital/OB Unit. Whether you sew for fun or are a talented seamstresses won’t you consider using your talents to help our community. Making the angel gowns is not difficult and you are welcome to “come and see” at any of the Sewing Saturday monthly events in the Marianna. They provide the wedding dress material, patterns, as well as examples, guidance and encouragement. For more information click on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenAngelGowns

Volunteers needed this Saturday~Sept 21st

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Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity-Washington & Jackson Counties need volunteers. Saturday, Sept 21st from 7:45am to noon at 4217 Oak Street in Marianna. They will be deconstructing the interior of this home to prepare for its complete renovation. Skilled and non-skilled volunteers are needed. If you are interested please register for this volunteer opportunity by calling the office at 850-482-2187 ext. 102.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, all month mental health advocates, prevention originations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. It truly is okay if you don’t feel okay. According to the officials with the Life Management Center, Bay and Washington counties rank among the highest in the state for suicide rates. For those dealing with a crisis Life Management has a phone line always open. The 24/7, 365 days a year phone number is 850-522-4485. Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather then increase suicidal ideation.

Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide, that’s 22 too many. HOPE can help with PTSD, TBI, depression, anxiety, pain, marriage/family issues, spiritual concerns. The HOPE project provides free Equine Assisted Therapy and free counseling for Vets, First Responders and their family members. This is a nonprofit organization that seeks to bring hope and healing through the use or horses who many of which have been rescued from slaughter houses. Call 850-896-4868 for more information.

For outside of Bay County #SuicideAwareness, call 800-273-8255 available 24 hours everyday.

Sept 21

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September 21st is another busy Saturday in the Panhandle. Read below the photos for information on a few of the things going on. It is going to be another hot on so don’t forget your sunscreen and to stay hydrated. Have a great weekend!

International Coastal Cleanup is Sept 21st from 8am to noon. St. Andrew Bay Watch, City of Panama City, and the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership are teaming up with International Coastal Cleanup After the cleanup Panama City will be serving hot dogs for all volunteers. Please meet at 3151 W 10th St in Panama City.
Franklin County Coastal Cleanup on Sep the 21st from 8:30am to 11:30am. Several locations to meet at ~Battery Park, under the bridge ~Lighthouse Park, in front of lighthouse ~12th Street out about 12 miles ~146 Box Cut Road, Alligator Point ~City Pavilion on Marine St. across from RV park. Be sure to check photo for more locations. Volunteers should bring work or closed toed water shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Snacks, water, rash bags, and tee shirts will be provided.
Clothing Giveaway and Yard Sale Fundraiser held on Sept 21st from 9am to 3pm at Oak Grove Church located at 613 Madison St in Port St Joe. They will have clothes for FREE. The furniture and household items with be for sale for cash or PayPal only. The yard sale is to help raise funds for operating expenses.

 

Sept 21, Carrabelle’s three museums will offer free admission as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 15th annual museum day. Check Franklin County Tourist Development Council on FB for more information.
Sept 21st at 10am at Milk & Honey in Marianna you can meet the midwife and The Doulas. You are invited to meet Jordan Miles, our area’s newest practicing Certified Nurse Midwife with full hospital privileges (including water births) at Jackson Hospital in Marianna. While you ask questions and learn your options you can enjoy the yogurt and coffee shop!
Sept 21st starting at 10am at The Boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach enjoy larger then life show kites, professional stunt kite flying lessons, a family fun fly perfect for any age, and special activities at the Kitty Hawk store at The Boardwalk. Kites will be flying on the 21st and 22nd.

 

Photographers needed~Sept 19th

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All call for photographers. Help tell the story of 1 year after a category 5 devastated our communities, they are planning to cover 2 counties. Meet Sept 19th at 4pm CT at .Chipola Baptist Ministries located at 2540 Lakeshore Drive in Marianna. Contact Coba Beasley at 850-526-4050 for more information.

WFEC planned outage on Sept 19 for certain areas

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West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is having a planned power outage on September 19th from 9pm to approximately 10:30pm impacting all members served by the Chipley substation. The junction inside the substation that was damaged during Hurricane Michael will be repaired by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, WFEC’s generation & transmission cooperative during this time. This outage will impact 3,962 meters in Chipley, Wausau, Orange Hill, Duncan Community, Sapp Church Community, Rock Hill Community, New Home & Salem Communities, Hwy 273, Richter’s Crossroads, Lovewood Community, and the Falling Waters area.

WFEC apologizes for any inconvenience this outage may cause. These repairs are necessary to improve the quality of service to the members in that area. For addition information or to verify if you will be affected by the outage, contact your local district office at (850) 263-3231 or (800)342-7400.

September 15th

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September 15th is the 3rd Sunday of the month. Today people everywhere are celebrating Wife Appreciation Day, National Cheese Toast Day, Greenpeace Day, National Felt Hat Day, National Double Cheeseburger Day, National Linguine Day, National Online Learning Day, National Tackle Kids Cancer Day, and National Crème Dev Menthe Day. That is a lot of National Days going on. Below each photo are a few facts about some of these days.

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day on September 15th gives you a chance to be part of the cure for pediatric cancer research. Join other Tackle Kids Cancer supporters and volunteer to rally our community and raise needed funds for pediatric cancer research. Join the team in several ways. Donate! Support essential clinical care, unique support services, and groundbreaking cancer research needed to find a cure. Get involved by organizing a fundraiser or volunteering for an event. Use #TackleKidsCancerDay to share on social media. Also September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Greenpeace Day is observed on September 15th commemorates the movement that began on this day. Founded in 1971 by 17 activists protesting nuclear testing off the shores of Alaska, Greenpeace now boasts a worldwide membership. Taking on environmental issues and raising awareness, their campaigns continually strive to support and preserve the Earth. This day highlights activism in the name of the environment. The day recognizes peaceful protest for change to improve air quality, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, use of plastics, water quality. Conservation and preservation fall under their topics of environmental justice. How can you observe Greenpeace Day? Learn more about activism. Find out about the roots and how its influence has changed the world around you. Use #GreenpeaceDay to post on social media.
Wife Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for spouses to show appreciation to their wives. The relationship between a husband and a wife takes balance. Every day, spouses do things for each other, sometimes without thinking. Other times, work and responsibilities get in the way. This observance offers a way to remind husbands to show a little appreciation to their wives. This particular observance sets aside time for couples who have no children. Not every woman is a mother, either by chance or choice. Since so many holidays celebrate families with children, this day offers a day for those who remained childless. Couples may choose to celebrate the day traditionally with a gift of flowers, perfume, jewelry or clothing. However, other options include a day at a spa, tickets to a show or dinner at a nice restaurant. A foot massage and cooking breakfast or dinner at home can also say, “Thank you for all the things you do every day. I appreciate them.” Share your celebration using #WifeAppreciationDay to post on social media.
One of America’s favorites, National Double Cheeseburger Day recognizes a food icon savored across the United States. Hamburger. Seasoned ground beef, grilled and placed between two slices of bread or a bun. Top with sautéed onions, peppers, pickles, sliced onions, and cheese. Add condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Any one of these combinations would create a modern American version a hamburger. Now, double the patties and the cheese. The celebration requires it. It is most likely that the hamburger sandwich first appeared in the 19th or early 20th centuries, but there is much controversy over its origin. Over the years, the hamburger has become a culinary icon in the United States. Whether you cook together or go out to eat, remember to #CelebrateEveryDay and share your meal using #DoubleCheeseburgerDay to post on social media.

 

 

 

Lake Ella Park

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Lake Ella Park is located in Tallahassee on North Monroe Street. This park is a beautiful and well maintained park. There is a .7 mile paved path around the lake with a fountain. Lots of natural beauty. This park has ample parking around the whole park. This is a dog friendly park with a drinking fountain/place to fill water bowls. They have bag/trash stations so you can pick up after you dog if you left your bags at home. The Shops of Lake Ella have a variety of locally owned shops. They have a stage and every other Thursday they have live music and food trucks from 5:30 pm to 8:30pm.

National Day of Encouragment

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September 12th, yesterday, was National Day of Encouragement! This day was dedicated to uplifting people around you and making a positive impact. Even though this was yesterday, it is something we could all do everyday.

Verbal encouragement has been proven to increase physical performance by as much as 33% according to several studies. Don’t you feel a little more motivated, a little more excited to complete a task when someone offers you kind words? Try encouraging a friend, coworker, family, pet, or yourself with phrases like: ~ I believe in you no mater what. ~ You are safe and loved. ~ Be gentle with yourself, you are doing the best you can. ~ I’m proud of you. ~ You’re important to me, and I’ll support you no matter what. ~ I know it’s tough right now, but I’m cheering for you and believe you can make it through this.

These are just a few examples. I hope today you give yourself a kind word, and then pass it on. Walk with empathy, kindness, and love.