By Suzanne Camp

A group of 13 participants from Leon and Wakulla Counties joined thirty-five other people from Texas and Missouri on a 17 day adventure to the British Isles.  The trip began in Ireland where we first went to Bog Village, an old village which allows visitors to visualize how people lived in Ireland in the 18th century.  There were houses with thatched roofs where the people lived, as well as workshops and tools from that time period.  The residents of that time burned peat that they gathered from the peat bogs to heat their homes.

Later that day, we explored Bunratty Castle (pictured at left).  Originally, Vikings had resided at this site.  In the late 1200’s the first stone castle was built here.  It was destroyed and rebuilt by various warring parties over the years.  The present castle was built here in 1425.

The following day, we saw Ross Castle and took a bus tour around the Ring of Kerry which had green mountains with lush greenery, creeks and waterways.  Along the hillsides, there was an abundance of wild rhododendrons with pink blooms, a yellow shrub called gorse, and loads of wildflowers.  Sheep and cattle were often seen grazing on the hillsides which were very, very green.  There is an Irish saying that there are 40 shades of green in Irish hillsides.  We certainly enjoyed lots of green views.  The mountains were covered in green.  It really was a pretty country.  (Pictured at right:  Cassi McFarland, Lauren Staudenmaier, Taylor Blanton and Suzanne Camp on Irish hillside.)

On day three, we enjoyed a visit to Blarney Castle and the surrounding area.  The castle was originally built before 1200 AD, but was destroyed in 1446 and was later rebuilt. Some rooms are intact and others are in partial ruins.  Blarney castle is known for the Blarney Stone, a stone which legend says if kissed, will give the gift of eloquent speech. In order to kiss it, one must lie down on his back, bend over upside down and kiss the blarney stone.  (Pictured at left:  Bob Blanton kissing the Blarney Stone.)

There were many neighborhoods in Ireland with houses with thatched roofs.  What was remarkable was how beautifully landscaped and maintained the yards were.  The yards were all small, but every yard we saw appeared to be perfectly manicured, free of weeds, and full of blooming flowers.  We saw lots of poppies, red hot poker plants, salvia, geraniums, and several other plants that we couldn't identify.

We went into Trinity College Library in Dublin and saw the Book of Kells, which is an old version of the four gospels with pictures drawn on it by monks from the early Middle Ages.  The intricate drawings by the monks from many centuries ago are incredible. The students really enjoyed seeing the vast collection of the very aged books in the library.

Another interesting stop along the way was a walk down into Crag Cave, which is an underground cave with many stalactites and stalagmites.  We climbed down into the dark, murky cave to witness the interesting natural features below the ground.

To travel to Wales, we took an Irish Ferry, which looked more like a small cruise ship.  We were all so tired that most of us just chose to sleep on the ferry.  Once in Wales, we visited the ruins of Beaumaris Castle, which was surrounded by a moat (pictured at right).  We walked through dark walkways inside the castle and climbed up to the top of it and had a great view of the surrounding countryside.   We stopped in a town whose name is so long, that none of us can spell it, or even pronounce it.  I cannot imagine being a child from that town and having to learn how to spell it!

In Scotland, we went to a cute little village called Glencoe Village (pictured at left).  The houses were all so neat with beautiful little yards that were bursting with colorful blooms from flowers so carefully planted.  Each house looked as if it belonged on a post card.  We went to Loch Ness, which is a really long river, or Loch.   We saw no signs of Nessie, but we did experience an interesting show in the museum which told the history of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and all the efforts which were made to verify or deny her existence.

In another town in which we stopped along the way, some of us took an energetic hike.  We saw some giant trees along the way that were hundreds of years old.  We went to Stirling Castle and took a tour.  It had some fine tapestries on the walls.  We rode by several other castles or palaces and then toured Edinburgh Castle where we saw the crown jewels, the grand banquet hall, and toured several rooms inside.  While we were there, a wedding was taking place in the chapel and we were fortunate enough to see the bride and groom, and listen to a Scotsman in a kilt playing the bagpipes for the wedding ceremony.  

After the castle tour, we had free time to walk around Edinburgh.  We did some shopping and toured the Art Gallery of Scotland where they had the work of many well known artists such as Monet and Van Gogh.  We spent the night in a hotel in McDuff, Scotland which was across the street from the marina.  The rocky shore was pretty, but the signs saying that there was oil pollution in the water kept us out of it!

The last country we toured was England.  We started out in Chester, England, a walled city.  We went to Rydal Mount, the home of poet William Wordsworth's family from 1813 to 1850 (pictured at right).  We toured the house and surrounding gardens.  The lovely gardens surrounding the home were landscaped by Wordsworth himself.  He wrote much of his poetry in this house and on the surrounding grounds.

We traveled to York and briefly toured a magnificent old cathedral, York Minster, which is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.  We then walked in the rain to a shrine for a martyr, Saint Margaret Clitherow.

We next drove to Stratford on Avon and toured Anne Hathaway's Cottage (William Shakespeare's wife) and gardens (pictured at left), as well as Shakespeare's birthplace.  The cottage contained the marriage bed of Shakespeare and his wife which was a canopy bed which kept the insects from falling from the thatched roof onto anyone sleeping.

The following day we went to Bath, England where we saw the ancient Roman baths (pictured below), ancient artifacts, parts of columns, pottery, and Roman coins.  It was amazing what still remains of civilizations from so long ago.

After some free time for lunch and exploring in Bath, we went to Stonehenge.  They no longer let you go right up to the stones, because people were vandalizing them, but you can get within about 75 feet at one point.

Our last three days were spent in London.  We saw Buckingham Palace and the changing of the Guard.  Nelson Mandela was in town, but we didn't see him.  While we were walking to the palace, right beside us, a big delivery truck crashed into a policeman on a motorcycle.  We didn’t think he had survived, but later learned that he survived with some broken bones and a punctured lung.

We went to the British museum and spent an hour there and saw mummies in the Egyptian exhibit, some ancient Greek statues, ancient stone carvings from Iraq and many other interesting things.  We walked around Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus.  We walked by the Queen’s residence, Buckingham Palace, as well as Prince Charles’ and Camilla’s residence. 

We rode the London Eye, which is like a giant, enclosed 30 minute ferris wheel ride which gives you a fabulous view of the city.  After the ride finished, we took a river cruise on the Thames River where the guide pointed out many of the magnificent sights to see, and identified the bridges under which we traveled, such as the Tower Bridge, as well as the buildings we saw, such as the Tower of London, the clock tower containing the bell affectionately known as Big Ben, the Parliament Building, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.    Of course, a trip to London would not be complete without a ride on the underground (subway) and a double decker bus.  A great time was had by all.

If you think a trip like this would interest you, you’re in luck.  We have begun signing up participants for next year’s trip, so if you’re interested in joining us, sign up this month.  Next year’s trip will be a 13 day adventure to Italy, Greece and Turkey.  Three days of the trip will be a Greek Island Cruise.  To see a detailed itinerary, go to www.eftours.com/IAG .  The student cost for this is $3712 and the adult cost is $4282.  To sign up, contact group leader, Robert Wallace at rdwallace1@comcast.net or 877-3111, Suzanne Camp at camps@embarqmail.com or 926-1550 or Bob Blanton at bcet4fsu@aol.com or 671-4737. 

Click here for an amazing British Isles trip photo gallery by Suzanne Camp! 

This article originally published on July 6, 2008.

Theo Anderson Cox, 90, of Tallahassee, Florida, died July 4, 2008.  She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Leo Cox.

She was born in Smith Creek, Florida.  She was a Baptist.  She was a full-time mother and seamstress and cared for her grandchild.  She loved children and was very loving to all her family.

The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church with burial at West Sopchoppy Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2008 at Harvey-Young Funeral Home.

She is survived by three sons:  Byron Cox (and wife Karen) of Tallahassee, Florida, Gregory Cox of Sarasota, Florida, and Timothy Cox (and wife Vicky) of Valrisco, Florida; one daughter:  Rita Dalton (and husband Jeff) of Tallahassee; one sister:  Florence Smith of Havana, Florida; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Alice Anderson and a daughter, Janine Cox.

This announcement originally published on July 6, 2008.

Sarah Mary Ryan, 72, of Crawfordville, Florida died July 3, 2008 in Tallahassee, Florida.  She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Ryan of Crawfordville, Florida.

She was born in Rochester, New York and had been living in Crawfordville for 15 years coming from Long Island, New York.  She was a Catholic and a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.  She was a homemaker.

The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church with burial at St. Elizabeth Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Harvey-Young Funeral Home.

She is survived by one son:  John S. Ryan, Jr. (and wife Kathy) of Courtland, New York; one daughter:  Teresa Hunter of Tallahassee, Florida; one brother:  Thomas Marotta (and wife Mari) of Rochester, New York.

Five grandchildren:  Peter Ryan, Ryan Hunter, Thomas Hunter, Christopher Ryan and Shannon Ryan.  And one great grandchild, P. J. Ryan.

This announcement originally published on July 6, 2008.

Richard "Jab" Snyder, 61, passed away on July 2, 2008.  He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Marcilla Dyke Snyder.

He was born in Fort Myers, Florida and had lived in this area for 50 years.  He loved dog racing.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL  32308.

Funeral services wil be held Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Harvey-Young Funeral Home with burial at Duggar Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Harvey-Young Funeral Home.

He is survived by his father:  William Dick Snyder; two stepsons:  Shawn Dyke of Tallahassee and Ricky Dyke, Jr. (and wife Danielle) of Crawfordville; one daughter:  Kimberly Ann Hartsfield of Tallahassee and one stepdaughter:  Kim Dyke of Tallahassee.

Four brothers:  Jim, Ricky and Bill Snyder of Crawfordville and Tim Archer of Fort Myers; two sisters:  Linda Liberty of Atlanta, Georgia and Linda Gilyard of Crawfordville.

Three grandchildren:  Brittany and Neil Hartsfield and Chesnea Dyke; and a good friend:  Tommy Lilliston.

He is predeceased by his mother:  Mary Carolyn Galbreath and grandmother:  Daley "Monk" Snyder.

This announcement originally published on July 6, 2008.

Dear Members:

I would first like to thank you all for your very generous support in the past.  Without you, FWMA would not have been able to remain open for the past 14 years.

I apologize for sending this to you in what is becoming a very poor financial climate for all of us.  However, FWMA is at a fork in the road and has some major decisions to make.  Because of widespread economic problems facing many of our donors, we were unable to secure a sizeable grant for 2008 that we have come to rely on heavily.  Other foundations, private funders and businesses have also reduced or stopped their financial support because of their own economic instability.

Unfortunately, we have no product to sell and no optional services to discontinue - we only have lives to save.  Lives who cannot speak for themselves, who cannot raise money for their own food, medical bills and people to take care of them and whose name will not make it as headline news if they die.  FWMA has enough funds to take us to the second week in July and then there is nothing left - the credit cards are full, the bank account will be empty and we will not be able to accept any more animals.  We have already had to stop our student work program resulting in seven students losing their jobs and we are running on a skeleton staff and making cuts where ever possible.

However, we are in the middle of our busiest time of year - baby season.  Animals are coming in every day and they each need special care.  Even if we close the gates to new wildlife patients we still have approximately 200 animals at the center and operating costs of approximately $2,000 per week.

FWMA has come so far in the past 14 years and we have many great plans for the future.  We have excellent facilities here to care for our wildlife patients  and we have survived many crises - it would be such a shame to fall victim to closure as many charitable organizations have in recent months.  We have thoroughly enjoyed serving Wakulla and surrounding counties and meeting everyone who has come into our lives (both human and animal).

If you would like to see FWMA stay open and continue helping animals in need we desperately need your support at this time and in the months to come - anyone who can offer help as a monthly donor would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much for your support.

In Appreciation

Chris Beatty and Everyone at FWMA

FWMA, Inc.
198 Edgar Poole Road
Crawfordville, FL  32327

www.wakullawildlife.org

This article originally published on July 3, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

Don't Dress Like a Boy Magnet

Don’t dress like a boy magnet.

“But I want to be a boy magnet!”

Oh, you better think about that.  Start by thinking about this:  what percentage of the male population are you trying to attract?

Probably a very tiny percentage, right?  After all, you’re not trying to attract the dirty old men, are you?  You’re not trying to attract the losers and abusers.  I’m going to guess that the only guys you want to attract are the guys that you are attracted to.  I bet you’re not trying to attract any unwanted attention from guys you aren’t attracted to.

So really, it’s a very small percentage of the male population you are trying to attract, so don’t dress like you’re trying to attract them all.

So how many do you want to attract?  This is important.  I hope your answer is…one.  If you are a single Christian female, then the most you should be trying to attract is one, and that would be your future husband who will become your one and only.

And what kind of husband do you want?  A strong Christian, I hope.  A good, godly man with high principles and strong morals.

If this is the kind of husband you want, then how should you attract him?  First Peter 3 talks about how women should make themselves beautiful.  It’s not their hair or their clothes or their jewelry that makes them so attractive.  Instead it’s what’s inside, their holiness, their gentleness, their peace, their hope in God.

If you want to attract a godly man, then you must be a godly woman.  You need to work on your inner qualities and your walk with God.  And with that comes a de-emphasis on your outward appearance.

“Yes, Doug, I want a good Christian husband someday.  But I want to be attractive.  Is there anything wrong with that?”

I think you need to drill down and see what your motivation is.  Does it make you feel good to get the boys’ attention?  Is your self esteem riding on this?  Is that why you dress like a boy magnet?

Now think this through.  If this is what makes you feel good about yourself, then what will you do when you are married?  After a while, many women fall back into the rut of making themselves feel good by attracting the boys’ attention – even though they are married.

And what will you do when you get older and lose your attractive edge?  Some women panic with those first signs of old age.  That’s why you see mothers and grandmothers dressing like boy magnets.  Their self esteem hinges on grabbing the boys’ attention.

This is a rotten place to get your self esteem.  It’s fleeting.  It’s never really there. You are always chasing it but never really catching it.

The problem is that it’s like a drug.  It feels so good to snag the attention of an attractive member of the opposite sex.  It gives you a high that can last all day.  Then like other highs, once it wears off you need another one.  And to get it – now listen – to get it, what will you be willing to do?  Will you wear your clothes a little tighter?  Skirts a little shorter?  Tops a little racier?  What will you do to attract the boys?

Now let’s talk about the attention you are getting.  When you dress like a boy magnet, what you are attracting is the eyes of the boys.  They are looking at your body.  Or let me say this, they are looking at your body parts.  If you wear tight jeans, they are looking at your rear end.  If you wear short skirts, they are looking at your legs, and on and on.

Now don’t get too excited, thinking they are looking at you.  They are not really looking at you.  They are looking at your parts.  Listen, they may love your chest, but they may not like you at all.

This is not what you want, is it?  It’s demeaning.  It’s depersonalizing.

So think about it.  You dress like a boy magnet to draw the attention of the boys, which makes you feel good about yourself.  But in reality, they aren’t even thinking about you as a person.  They are just enjoying the display.  It could be anyone.

So if you think you want to be a boy magnet, you need to think it through.  I don’t think it’s going to bring the results you want.

If your goal is to attract a good, godly husband, then dressing like a boy magnet is not the way to do it.  Instead, work on your inner qualities, such as your holiness and your walk with God.

“But Doug, if I don’t dress to attract, I’m afraid I won’t attract anyone.”

Let’s go back to First Peter chapter 3.  Verse 6 says you should “do what is right and do not give way to fear.”

Yes, I think it’s a legitimate fear to think you might miss out on attracting a good husband.  But do what is right, and don’t give way to fear.

You don’t have to dress like a little “hottie” to attract a godly man.  In fact, I think a godly man will disrespect that.  It’s more likely to repel than attract.

And you know what?  A man doesn’t want to be married to a boy magnet.  When a man marries, he wants you to himself.  He doesn’t want to share you with the rest of the male population.

So think this through, and pray about it.  What are your goals?  What is your motivation?  When you get to the bottom of it, I think you’ll find that it doesn’t have any good long term effects.

It’s just not a good plan to dress like a boy magnet.

Comments?

E-mail me:  dougapple@wave94.com.

May God bless you today!  With Apples of Gold…I’m Doug Apple.

This article originally published on July 3, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

Dorothy P. Mankin, 83, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2008.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

This announcement originally published on July 3, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

The Rotary Club of Wakulla County held its annual Installation Banquet this past Thursday evening, June 26, 2008 at the Bistro at Wildwood.  Jo Anne Strickland, Rotary President for the 2007-2008 year presided over the festivities, thanking fellow members for their service throughout the past year.

Assistant Rotary District Governor Sylvia White and Past Rotary District Governor Ivan Johnson were special guests for the evening.  White began the awards presentations by awarding the prestigious Presidents Citation Award to Jo Anne Strickland.  

Strickland presented several Service Awards to those Rotarians who she felt had "stepped up" whenever asked, no matter how small or large the task.  Those members receiving Service Awards were Amy Geiger, Becky Bergeron, Mike Compton, Regina Compton, Mary Ellen Davis and Guinn Haskins.

New member Niraj Patel received the "Stepping Up" award for his help with the Valentine Celebration Breakfast both as a monetary sponsor and as a volunteer the day of the Celebration.

Rotarians Fran Councill, Mike and Regina Compton, and Becky Bergeron received certificates for their participation in the "Rotary Ramp Up" project here in Wakulla County.  They provided lunches for the local groups who constructed handicap ramps for several homes here in Wakulla County.

Program Chair Bob Ryals was presented with a certificate for his diligent work in preparing interesting and informative programs and recruiting speakers for weekly Rotary meetings during the past year.  

Don Henderson was awarded a certificate for his duties as Sergeant at Arms for the club during the past year. 

Members Becky Bergeron, Doug Jones, Amy Geiger, Guinn Haskins, Mike Compton, Jared Miller, Niraj Patel, Michelle Snow, Karla Revels, Francie Lowe, Garth Smelser, Brent Thurmond, Mike Compton, and Brian Walgamott each received special certificates for their help with the annual Rotary Valentines Celebration this past February.  They either helped with the parade organization, sale of raffle tickets, breakfast in the park, vendor organization, or entertainment during the festival.

Rotarians Garth Smelser, Doug Jones, Mary Katherine Westmark, Marj Law, and Amy Geiger were recognized for their particpation in the Dictionary Project, which was carried out during the fall.  The project provided every third grader in Wakulla County with their own dictionary.  The project was the brainchild of Rotarian Garth Smelser.  Smelser's wife, Julie, also received a certificate for helping out with the project.

Smelser was also awarded the coveted prize of "Rotarian of the Year" by fellow club members for his work on the Dictionary Project and for graciously assisting in other projects during the past year.  Strickland also presented him with a scrap book she made containing all the thank you notes received from Wakulla County third graders for their dictionaries.

Strickland presented several members with Paul Harris Fellowships, including Brian English, Becky Bergeron and Garth Smelser. 

Finally, 2007-2008 President Jo Anne Strickland presented each club member with a personalized coffee mug as a token of her appreciation for supporting her during her term.   

Past Rotary Governor Ivan Johnson installed the new officers for the 2008-2009 year.  They are Brian English, President; Becky Bergeron, Vice President; Doug Jones, Secretary; and Garth Smelser, Treasurer.  Board members for the 2008-2009 year are Amy Geiger, Guinn Haskins, Niraj Patel, and Mary Katherine Westmark.

After the officers were installed, incoming president Brian English gave his acceptance speech, in which he spoke about his hopes and plans for the coming year.  He then presented outgoing president Jo Anne Strickland with a special award for all her hard work in making the club a huge success for another year running.  During Strickland's term close to $15,000 was given to needy organizations right here in Wakulla County.  The club also presented Sunshine State Reader Books to both Wakulla Middle School and Riversprings Middle School, as well as dictionaries to every third grader in Wakulla County.  The club also assisted in building handicap ramps for several local families, provided emergency relief to disaster victims in Kenya, and helped provide flu shots to veterans through the Wakulla County Health Department.  In addition, the club won first place for their Display Board presentation at the Rotary District Conference in Panama City.  Strickland received a standing ovation from the club.

Photo 1:  Sylvia White presents Jo Anne Strickland with President's Citation Award.

Photo 2:  Garth Smelser receives "Rotarian of the Year" award from Jo Anne Strickland.

Photo 3:  Ivan Johnson installs 2008-2009 officers.

Photo 4:  Brian English presents Jo Anne Strickland with Past President's Award. 

This article originally published on July 3, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

{sidebar id=3}Happy Birthday to Jo Anne Strickland on June 27, 2008.

Hope your 3rd Anniversary of your 30th Birthday was a great one!  I hope you have a wonderful year.  

Love,

Mary Katherine

This Birthday Wish originally published on July 3, 2008.

{sidebar id=3}Happy Birthday to Anne Ahrendt on June 29, 2008!  

Happy birthday to our camping buddy!  Hope you had a happy day!  Wishing you many more to come!

Love, 

Mary Katherine, Jay Emily and Jason 

This Birthday Wish originally published on July 3, 2008.

Wakulla.com has been running a poll for the past few months on the site asking readers if their household currently recycles its trash.  The options were:  

A total of 570 readers answered the poll, and the results were as follows:

47.5% of  readers (271 votes) answered "No, but would if curbside service was available";   

33.9% of readers (193 votes) answered "Always"; 

9.6% of readers (55 votes) answered "Never";

and 8.9% (51 votes) answered "Sometimes".

Well, guess what?  The majority of poll takers may soon get their wish.  Jim Bouton of Quantum Garbage Services is interested in providing curbside pickup to residential neighborhoods in Wakulla County at no charge (thanks Bob!).  He is planning to target the more heavily populated areas first, such as Songbird, The Farm, and other established neighborhoods in Wakulla County.  This would also include the area of Shell Point.  You do not have to be a regular Quantum customer to take advantage of this new service.

If enough interest is generated, Jim would like to provide the service on a weekly basis.  He plans to initially pick up plastic, aluminum, glass, and newspaper.  Other items may be added later.  He is also planning to provide special containers for those who decide to subscribe to the service.  

In order to make this happen, Jim needs your help.  If you are interested in taking advantage of this service, please contact him at 508-9169 to let him know.  The more folks who want to take advantage of the service, the better the chances of it actually becoming a reality.  He would like to get at least 100 subscribers.

Help Wakulla County become a more "green" community!  Please call Jim today and let him know that you are interested in taking advantage of his gracious offer.

This article originally published on July 3, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name.

North Florida Month-to-Month
Gardening Guide

July 2008 

Children's Gardens

Encourage magical places, open endless pathways to discovery, and draw on a child's natural exploration and curiosity with a Children's Garden.

What to Buy / Plant

Children find huge sunflowers irresistible, and love the texture of "fuzzy" lambs ears and strawflowers, too.  They look closely at the intricate shapes of bleeding hearts and the origami like flowers of columbine.  Try the sensitive plant, which curls up when touched; show a child how a snapdragon talks, and plant balloon flowers known as platycodon.  Invite butterflies into the garden by planting monarda, pentas, and lantana; plant moonflowers for nighttime fun while attracting sphinx moths.  Show children which fragrant plants to crush and smell like lavender, pineapple mint, lemon balm, and scented geraniums.

Prune/ Propagate

Mid-summer is the time to cut back herbaceous plants and the perfect time to propagate the cuttings.  Also, pant seeds of love-in-a-puff, and the shimmering money plant.

Edibles

Children love small and large vegetables, like grape tomatoes or giant  pumpkins.  Try plants that come in surprising colors, such as purple carrots,
striped beets, rainbow chard, and 'Easter egg' radishes.  And what child wouldn't like fresh strawberries, blueberries or tiny orange kumquats?

Pests

Let children know that some insects are beneficial, and even destructive bugs are highly interesting.  Make homemade bug spray and give them the  job of spraying plants.  Ingredients include the grated rind of one lemon, 1-cup lavender, 1-cup sage, 1 pint boiling water, and 1-teaspoon  non-detergent soap such as castile or Murphy's Oil Soap.  In a quart jar, mix lemon and herbs.  Pour  water and let  steep until cooled to room  temperature.  Drain, reserving the liquid.  In a plastic spray-pump bottle, dilute 1/8 cup of the herbal liquid to 2 cups water and add the teaspoon of  soap.

For Fun

Teach riddles and rhymes to make gardening basics easy to remember.  Following is a list of some of the really delightful ones I've heard.  If you have some of your own please share them with me.

"Many vegetables love potato, but keep them away from eggplant and tomato."

"Lettuce is easy to grow, on average except when competing with sunflower or cabbage."

"To plant your carrots, deeply till, but keep them far away from dill."

"Beets of red should never be in a bed with beans of green, nor mustard wed."

"Onion, garlic, leeks and shallots keep bugs away from carrots, but these bulbs, unseen disagree with its neighbor bean."

This article originally published on July 2, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

Although driving ATVs (all terrain vehicles or 4-wheerlers) allows children to practice their driving skills, the activity may be too dangerous for most kids and pre-teens.

Consider the following:

• In 2006, 39,300 children under the age of 16 were treated in emergency rooms for ATV accident related injuries.  The same year, 111 children under the age of 16 were killed in ATV accidents.
• Wearing a helmet while riding an ATV reduces the risk of fatal head injury by 42 percent, and the risk of nonfatal head injuries by 64 percent.  But helmets can’t protect against other common injuries like spinal cord, chest and abdominal damage.

Use the following guidelines to keep your kids safe:

1.  Make sure your child always wears a helmet – Use a US Department of Transportation-approved helmet with face protection.  Long sleeve shirts and pants should also be worn.

2.  Only allow 16 year olds to drive – young children have slow response times and less coordination than older children.  If you allow a child younger than 16 to drive, ride with them.

3.  Make sure the ATV is the right size for your child – If you choose to let your child ride, limit all rides to youth-sized ATVs.  Manufacturers’ guidelines state that children under 16 should operate ATVs with engines smaller than 90 cc.  Children ages six to twelve should operate ATVs with engines smaller than 70 cc. 

Don Keenan, founder of the Keenan’s Kids Foundation, has published a book on kid’s safety titled, 365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, which is available at www.balloonpress.com or at www.amazon.com .  Proceeds benefit the Keenan’s Kids Foundation. 

This article originally published on July 2, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

{sidebar id=3}Happy (although late!) Birthday to Francie Lowe on June 23, 2008.

Happy Birthday Francie!  Hope you had a fun day down in the Keys!  We'll get together soon to celebrate.

Love,

Mina, Melanie, Amy and Mary Katherine 

This Birthday Wish originally published on July 2, 2008.

During the Fourth of July holiday, many people take to the water to celebrate the country’s independence. The warm, sunny days of summer, combined with viewing fireworks, put many more boats and people on the water in close proximity. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boaters to practice cautious behavior while boating on this busy day and especially to wear life jackets all the time while boating.

Boating accidents usually are caused by the operator’s inattentiveness.  Most boating accident fatalities are men, and most accidents involve a single vessel.

“We are so fortunate in this country to have the freedom that we have, and that includes freedom on the water,” said Capt. Richard Moore, the FWC’s boating law administrator. “But, with this freedom comes personal responsibility to make sure your passengers are safe and you are not creating a hazard for other boaters.”

{sidebar id=1}The FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section reports 27 fatalities so far this year. Eighteen of these deaths were attributed to drowning, and many could have been prevented had the victim been wearing a life jacket.

The FWC has recently launched the “Wear It Florida” campaign, which educates boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets all the time while on the water. In addition, the campaign promotes more comfortable styles of life jackets than the traditional life jacket. To learn more about this campaign, visit WearItFlorida.com.

“We all expect to have a good time when we celebrate the Fourth of July,” Moore said. “No one expects anything to go wrong, but that can all change in an instant if someone is not paying attention or falls overboard.”

There are a variety of life jackets available to boaters. New styles are much smaller, lighter and more comfortable to wear than the traditional vest life jacket. One new style, the “belt pack,” is worn around the waist. A “suspender” style also is available. These types of life jackets are inflatable, and some models activate automatically if the wearer falls into the water.

“You and your guests could wear one of the newer styles and be totally unaware of having it on,” Moore said.

In anticipation of heavy boat traffic this weekend, the FWC will have an increased presence to promote boating safety and strictly enforce boating-under-the-influence laws.

This article originally published on July 2, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

Steve Smith,
Coordinator
Men's Fraternity of Wakulla

News & Updates #27 - July 2, 2008

It’s the wee hours in the morning that I’m writing these News & Up-dates, I’ve just completed reading several devotional messages along with their Scripture counterparts. I found it very interesting that even though these devotionals are not connected with each other, the content, or at least the understanding of the content was so similar and tied so perfectly with the Stand Firm daily devotional we use in Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla for July 1 & 2.

I know this message is somewhat different from the usual News & Up-dates I write, but I’ve been concerned about the effectiveness of our efforts in Men’s Fraternity. We have ventured from the standard Men’s Fraternity format in several ways and perhaps confused some. I would apologize, but I’m not going to; please, let me explain; The concept of Men’s Fraternity is to reach men and help them become better men, etc., to do that, one must connect with other men to see that we’re not alone in our quest, hence the discussion time following the video presentations by Dr. Robert Lewis. It’s difficult for men to share, especially with strangers or even other men we know though not very well. Sharing is an intimate thing, done only with close friends and those we trust. Currently we are not doing the video presentations (they are scheduled to continue in August) but instead we’re discussing the daily content from the Stand Firm devotional magazine as they might apply to our day to day lives & circumstances.  This, coupled with our involvement in the community, working side by side enables us to draw closer to each other so we can build that bond of friendship and trust, hence the activities & projects we’re involved in.

{sidebar id=1}Taking this a step further, as a faith based organization we want to be able to share the love of God with others in a non-threatening way.  Unfortunately, the Christian community has portrayed the image of pointing fingers, condemnation and hypocrisy instead of love and God’s forgiveness. We are all sinners, saved by grace!! Our goal in Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla is to bring men to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and show how He can bring joy & happiness into their lives. The only effective way of doing that is by example. We all go through trials & temptations of different sorts but we think we are going through them alone… We are not alone, each of us has a story to tell…to share with others and show how God has had a vital part in our lives. “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another” is a prime example of how we can help each other and share God’s love.

Now you might be wondering what this has to do with my initial comments, well lately I’ve been extremely busy (as I know we all have been) with “other needed ‘to do’ activities” and the activities of Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla have stepped up but not the man-power. This has presented some concerns and questions about our effectiveness in reaching men. Without manpower, we cannot take care of projects in our community, (caring for widows & orphans and those in need), without that comradery we’re not able to connect with each other, (brother to brother, Christian w/non-Christian) to build the bond of friendship and trust, without that bond of fellowship we’re not able to share effectively by example (Jesus ministered outside the walls of the church). Yes, we can work within our own church groups, and minister to those within our congregations, but then are we really reaching out ‘beyond the walls’. \

The Ministry of Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla is dependent upon the Christian men of our community being involved, showing up when we gather, sharing with each other and supporting the work of the ministry. We are non-denominational for a purpose, we are ‘not a church’ for the purpose of allowing unity of different churches in our community to work together while sharing the common bond of Christian love & service. We welcome the opportunity to be able to come and talk with your church or men’s group and explain the work & mission of Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla. Visit our website; www.byHISgrace.cc/MensFraternityofWakulla or visit our booth at Chautauqua at Hudson Park this Saturday, July 5th from 10:00-2:00.

In other news & events:

Change in scenery outback behind Cornerstone Ministries; Have you see the changes in the landscape behind Cornerstone Ministries? You can now see our location “Outback” where we gather each week. There’s still some morework to be done, but it’s a great improvement.  It was nice to look out over the open field last week as we cooked steak on the grill for our Quarterly Family Night Cook-out and see the road. A good time of food & fellowship was had by those in attendance.

Check out the Ark-Almighty site on our website, we’ve had several opportunities for service come in and are listed on our website under the ‘Ark-Almighty’ icon. This is where we list projects & opportunities for service, available to anyone who wishes to submit a need or a helping hand. You might check that out if you have or know of a need or you want to help meet a need. Information listed on ARK-Almighty is confidential and goes only to the Coordinator. Just the “project information” is listed on site, contact information is handled through Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla. As not everyone has or uses the computer, you could relay or provide information regarding known needs in your community and we’ll follow up on them as we can. Needs & Helpers both are needed.

Visit our booth at Chautauqua this Saturday, July 5th at Hudson Park where we will be set up to display pictures of some of the projects we’ve been involved in, hand out information about Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla, and answer questions about the ministry. Look for our sign above the tent.

Partnering together in HIS Service

Steve Smith, Coordinator
Men’s Fraternity of Wakulla
“Serving God, Family & Community, one man at a time”
P.O. Box 1024
Crawfordville, FL 32326
850-926-3018 (H)
850-508-2560 (C)

MensFraternityofWakulla@byHISgrace.cc
www.byHISgrace.cc/MensFraternityofWakulla

This article originally published on July 2, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name. 

Dr. Joseph P. Doyle, Jr. of Crawfordville died at his home on Tuesday, July 1.

He was born in Rector, Arkansas, on February 9, 1917, to Joseph Preston and Maude Millar Doyle.  After graduating from high school, he attended Central Methodist College and later Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri.  While in medical school, he was pastor of several Methodist churches near St. Louis.  Barnes Hospital was the location he chose to complete his ob/gyn residency.

Dr. Doyle was drafted into the Army while still in medical school and upon receiving his medical degree immediately reported to duty and served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War.  In 1977 he retired as a Colonel from the Army.

Since his military retirement, he enjoyed private practice in Camilla, Georgia, emergency medicine in Albany, Georgia, and ten years service with the Florida Department of Corrections.

He is survived by his wife, Jimmie; two daughters, Libby Reineman and Mary Watkinson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; three stepchildren, Lisa Hamsley of Sylvester, Georgia, and Marc Wiggins and Lana Lane of Tallahassee; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL  32308, or the American Bible Society.

The family is receiving friends at their home at 112 Old Still Road, Crawfordville, on Thursday, July 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Seafarer’s Chapel in Shell Point on Sunday, July 6, at 5 p.m.

This announcement originally published on July 2, 2008.

NOTICE OF COMMUNITY MEETINGS

The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners will hold two Community Meetings. The first meeting will take place on July 10, 2008 from 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. at the Commission Chambers and the second meeting will take place on July 14, 2008 from 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. at the Wakulla County Public Library.

Purpose of Meeting – To allow citizens to participate in discussions regarding the proposed “Draft” County Charter.  To date, the Board of County Commissioners has approved certain elements to be included in a County Charter.  These forums will provide citizens an opportunity to ask questions or learn about elements that are included in a Charter form of government.

All citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

Any handicapped, visually or hearing impaired person or any non-English speaking person needing special assistance should contact the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at (850) 926-0919 or TDD (850) 926-1201.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces the formation of the Imperiled Butterflies of South Florida Workgroup (IBWG) to directly address the significant declines experienced by a number of South Florida butterflies.  The public is invited to log on to the IBWG’s interactive Web site at http://share2.myfwc.com/IBWG/default.aspx to exchange information and to learn about the on-going efforts to protect imperiled species, including the endangered Miami blue butterfly.

Local, state and federal agencies, the North American Butterfly Association and the University of Florida, joined together to form the IBWG because of conservation and management issues surrounding the Miami blue.

“This Web site aims to advance awareness and promote understanding for butterfly conservation, the habitats that sustain them and the roles they play as an indicator species in the larger environment,” said Mary Truglio, an FWC biologist and IBWG steering committee member.

The IBWG continues to work together to increase and/or stabilize imperiled butterfly populations in South Florida and to safeguard important habitats.

Florida Duskwing	Florida Leafwing	Miami Blue

FWC Photos courtesy of Mary Truglio

This information originally published on July 2, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name.