Century Ambulance reps speak out

26 Pages·2014·15.83 MB·English

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Suwannee Democrat
129th YEAR, NO. 43 | 2 SECTIONS, 26 PAGES Wednesday Edition — March 5, 2014 50 CENTS
Serving Suwannee County since 1884, including Live Oak, Wellborn, Dowling Park, Branford, McAlpin and O’Brien
Live Oak Century Ambulance
Farmers Market?
reps speak out
County’s decision
to perform
non-emergency medical
transport will be
devastating to the private
company, says reps.
“With the thin margins that we
operate, if we have any more
impact to our business, we may
have to very well consider
Come to meeting to learn more closing our operations. That’s a
very real consideration.”
The Live Oak CRA will host a town hall style meet-
- John Glover, chief executive officer of
ing on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Live Oak
Century Ambulance
City Hall to get input from residents regarding the
future possibility of a downtown farmers market. To By Bryant Thigpen
learn more about the Farmers Market, visit suwan- [email protected]
needemocrat.com, search farmers market.
Editor’s note: The Suwannee County
Board of County Commissioners listened to
concerns Century Ambulance representa-
Yoho mobile office
tives had concerning the county performing
hours today non-emergency medical transport at their
regular meeting Tuesday night. The follow-
John Glover, chief executive officer of Century Ambulance, right, with
WHO: Staff for Congressman Ted S. Yoho
Marsha Morell, Century executive vice president. Courtesy photo SEE CENTURY, PAGE 2A
WHAT: Mobile Office Hours
WHEN:Today (Wednesday) from 9-12. Teacher scores released
WHERE:Live Oak City Hall Conference Room
- 101 White Ave. S.E., Live Oak FL, 32064
Individual teacher scores will be in
WHY:Constituents who need assistance with
Friday’s print edition of the Democrat.
a federal agency or would like to voice their
opinion about legislative issues, can speak to
By Bryant Thigpen The data was used in conjunction
members of Congressman Yoho's staff in
[email protected] with other information about class-
person.
room practice and other measures of
The Florida Department of Edu- student achievement to determine
cation has released the Value Added the overall evaluation score of the
Woman jailed for Model (VAM) scores of all teachers teacher. The VAM scores are used to
in the state including Suwannee
DUI following crash County school teachers. SEE TEACHER, PAGE 3A Suwannee County School Board.
O'Brien man receives
minor injuries.
Branford man
Moving up with Pfizer
involved in
By Joyce Marie Taylor
[email protected] Edress Darsey, a 1982
Columbia County
SHS graduate, named
A Branford woman was jailed Maldonado Global Pediatric accident
Saturday for DUI after rear end-
Medical Director for
ing a vehicle, causing minor in-
major pharmaceutical
juries to the driver, according to the Florida High- By Bryant Thigpen
way Patrol. company. A Columbia County man was
Reports show that on Saturday, March 1 at 3:20 critically injured Monday
p.m., a 1995 Jeep driven by Maria Margarita Mal- By Bryant Thigpen evening when he walked out in
donado, 46, Branford, was traveling south on SR [email protected] front of a semi, driven by a Bran-
247 at 77th Rd. in Suwannee County with Jasmine ford resident, according to the
Marie Acevedo, 5, Branford, as a passenger. A Suwannee County native Edress Florida Highway Patrol.
2005 Chevy pickup driven by Tyronne Lee Hill, Darsey, PharmD, was recently Edress Darsey According to a FHP report, on
55, O'Brien, was traveling south on SR 247 ahead named the Global Pediatric Med- Monday, March 3, at approxi-
of Maldonado and slowed to make a left turn onto ical Director for Pfizer Pediatric miles outside of Live Oak with one mately 5:44 p.m., Gerald Ayers,
a private driveway. Maldonado failed to slow, Center of Excellence, according to sister, Edna Moore. 56, of Branford, was driving a
causing the front left of her vehicle to strike the Pfizer officials. In this new role, “I grew up on my parent's farm in 2003 truck and was traveling east
rear right of the pickup truck. The Jeep came to a Darsey will work to provide con- Live Oak,” Darsey said. “My mom on US 90 in Lake City. Joseph
final rest in the southbound lane facing in a south- sumer-focused pediatric expertise taught nursing at Lake City Commu- Roe, 61, of Lake City, was stand-
easterly direction and the pickup came to a final across Pfizer and work with pedi- nity College and my dad was a real- ing on the southwest corner of the
rest in the northbound lane facing northeast, re- atric centers across the US to im- tor and full-time land owner and intersection of SE Defender Drive
ports state. prove research and the health of farmer.” and US 90.
The crash report from FHP stated that after the children across the world. “As a child, I came home from The reports state that as Ayers
traffic crash investigation was concluded, a DUI in- Darsey was born in Valdosta, Ga. school every afternoon and helped approached the intersection, Roe
vestigation began on Maldonado, the driver of the to Ira and Claydell Horne and was walked out onto the roadway. Ay-
Jeep. Maldonado was charged with careless driving, raised on the family farm just five SEE MOVING, PAGE 3A ers’ vehicle struck Roe with its
DUI property damage/injury, and DUI refusal to right front corner and then
submit to a breath test. She was transported to the stopped in the right east-
TRUCK MONTH
Suwannee County Jail. The Department of Children E bound travel lane. Roe came
WES HANEY
and Family Services was notified of the incident N E E WES HANEY to a rest in the right lane also,
since there was a minor involved in the crash. GM SUPPLIER PRICING T oriented in a northern direc-
FOR EVERYONE! N N I
Maldonado and tion.
YOU PAY THE SAME PRICE R T T
the five-year-old re- GM SUPPLIERS PAY! I I Ayers stated in the report
ceived no injuries. $ A V E $ 7,878 R E R that Roe walked directly out
Hill suffered minor UP TO SE E in front of him and he was
injuries in the crash T unable to avoid the collision.
and was transported NO NEGOTIATIONS NECESSARY O S S JUST EAST OF DOWNTOWN • LIVE OAK, FL Roe was transported to
to Lake City Med- C T T 362-2976 Shands-Gainesville, suffer-
ical Center. K O O J JUUSSTT EEAASS WTTW OWOF.FW DDESOOHWWANNNETTYOCOHWWEVNNR O ••LE TLL.CIIVVOMEE OOAAKK,, FFLL ing from critical injuries.
C C FRIENDLY, NO HA 3 3S66S22LE--2,2 9B9U77Y66ING EXPERIENCE
W WWWWW..WWEESSHHAANNEEYYCCHHEEVVRROOLLEETT..CCOOMM 855471
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PAGE 2A (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
HOW TO REACH US
Century Ambulance reps speak out
Continued From Page 1A The Suwannee County as an advisor to the owner added), and reviewed their transport.
Switchboard, 386-362-1734
Board of County Commis- and has been the CEO for billing department because Morrell said she is con-
Fax, 386-364-5578
ing interview occurred Fri- sioners gave the nod to about two years. Marsha the reimbursements were cerned the county does not
Email, [email protected]
Mail, P.O. Box 370 day, Feb. 28 at the Democ- Public Safety Director and Morell, Century executive so far behind and referred have the proper medical
Live Oak, FL 32064 rat. The outcome of Tues- Fire Chief James Sommers vice president, has been them to a software compa- equipment needed to con-
Office, 211 Howard Street East day’s meeting will be pub- to begin non-emergency with the company for over ny and worked with them duct non-emergency med-
(cid:1)Publisher, lished in the March 7 edition. transport services within 20 years. to understand all of the pro- ical transporting.
Myra Regan, ext. 122 A local private company the county. The service is cessing,” Morrell said. “Inter-facility critical
that specializes in non- now available for county Century’s assistance Besides serving Suwan- care transport has to have a
emergency medical trans- residents by way of county to the county nee County with non-emer- significant amount of dif-
CONTACT US WITH port is asking the Suwan- resources. Morell said through the gency transport services, ferent equipment than the
nee County Board of Glover said Century years, Century has assisted Century also has a mutual 911 units do because 911
YOUR COMMENTS County Commissioners to Ambulance has been in the county with repairs to aide agreement with the units don’t carry IV pumps
reconsider their recent de- Suwannee County for over their medical equipment county. or ventilators and you have
cision to have Suwannee two decades. and have even donated “Today, we provide mu- to train your crews to be
If you have any questions or County Fire Rescue launch “We’ve been in the units to the county. tual aide to the county and critical care certified,”
concerns, call us at 386-362-1734 into the same business. county for 22 years. We’re “When their units were have done so for years for Morrell said.
or visit our Website at John Glover, the chief ex- very close to Suwannee broke and there wasn’t the large-scale incidents or just Glover added, “It’s a
www.suwanneedemocrat.com ecutive officer of Century County Fire Rescue,” funding to repair them, motor vehicle accidents more complex transport. In
Ambulance, is asking the Glover said. “We have we’ve let them borrow that have multiple vehi- other words, you have to
board to consider placing a been a partner of theirs for, units from us,” Morrell cles,” she said. “We’ve have the capability to take
NEWSROOM moratorium on their deci- again, 22 years. We’ve said. “When we had some been very good partners. somebody from a hospital
sion until it can be further been a part of the fabric of of our units that we were We’ve bought property that may be on trachea or
(cid:1)Editor, discussed stating the coun- this community for over rotating out, we donated here. We’ve built a build- ventilator, and to deliver
Jeff Waters, ext. 131 ty’s move to enter into the two decades now.” two units to the county.” ing here. We pay taxes here them to another sophisti-
(cid:1)Reporter, private sector would be Glover has been affiliat- “We also came into the and we employ eight cated environment.”
Andrew McGee, ext. 132 devastating for his busi- ed with the company for county, at no charge, (in Suwannee County resi- “Are they (SCFR) med-
(cid:1)Reporter, ness. about three years serving the summer of 2012 Glover dents.” ically equipped, and are
Bryant Thigpen, ext. 133 Glover said two units are they (equipped with) per-
(cid:1)Reporter, Arrest Record stationed at their Live Oak sonnel and (certified) train-
Joyce Marie Taylor, ext. 130 facility on Goldkist Blvd. ing to enter this business? I
that is dedicated to serving would argue they’re not,”
Suwannee Democrat Feb 27, Lia Maria Jack- SVPS, 1st App PD Appt Per Suwannee County. The he said.
ADVERTISING prints the entire arrest son, 23, 10211 Casa Palar- WFW: SCSO- A. Sutton company also has six am- Shands Live Oak Re-
record each week. If your mo Dr #8, Riverview, FL, Mar 1, Angela Stella bulances that are stationed gional Hospital CEO
name appears here and you DWLS/R 2nd Offense: Johnson, 48, 523 Orchard in Lake City that can also Richard Huth submitted a
(cid:1)Advertising Manager,
are later found not guilty or FHP- W. L. McGauley St, Live Oak, FL, Resist serve this county when letter to the commissioners
Monja Slater, ext. 105
the charges are dropped, we Feb 27, Danielle Leanne W/Viol, Disorderly Intox, needed. last week in support of
(cid:1)Sr. Advertising Representative,
will be happy to make note Bailey, 29, 336 Richardson 1st App-PD App Per WFW: Century.
Bill Regan, ext. 160
of this in the newspaper Ave, Live Oak, FL, Shoplift- LOPD- Williams Century’s philosophical “The hospital is very
(cid:1)Advertising Representative,
when judicial proof is pre- ing: LOPD- Fipps Mar 1, Maria Maldonado, differences with the much in favor of us being
Brenda Demarais, ext. 109
sented to us by you or the Feb 27, Jerimiah Ray 46, 30016 65 PL, Branford, county the provider of the inter-fa-
(cid:1)Advertising Representative,
authorities. Blunt, 36, 3346 CR 10A, FL, DUI, Refuse Breath “We have philosophical cility transport,” Glover
Jennifer Hutchins, ext. 141 The following abbrevia- Wellborn, FL, Agg Battery Test, VOP Burg/Grand issues about the local gov- said.
(cid:1)Classified/Legal, tions are used below: on Pregnant Person (Dom Theft, 1st App-PD App Per ernment entering into a pri- Morrell is concerned the
Louise Sheddan, ext. 102 SCSO-Suwannee County Violence): SCSO- M. Lan- WFW: FHP- Davis vate healthcare business,” county’s pay raises are
(cid:1) Telesales Ad Representative, Sheriff’s Office dis Mar 1, Elizabeth Jean Glover said. “We view our- based upon the success of
Nancy Goodwin, ext. 103 LOPD-Live Oak Police Feb 28, Linda Kay Perez, 46, 661 NE 12th Ter- selves as a long-term stew- the county’s new endeavor.
Department Haynes, 49, 102 Marymac race, Crystal River, FL, ard and partner of the coun- “The scary thing is the
FDLE-Florida Depart- St, Live Oak, FL, Grand VOP-O/C DWLS, Cash ty. We are actively seeking raises for county employ-
CIRCULATION ment of Law Enforcement Theft III, 1st App PD Appt Bond Per WFW, 1st App- a dialogue with the board ees are based upon the fact
FHP-Florida Highway Per WFW: SCSO- H. Harris PD App Per WFW: SCSO- of county commissioners that this inter-facility trans-
Patrol Feb 28, Denise Lashone M. Jelks to study this issue in depth port program is success-
(cid:1)Circulation
FWC-Florida Wildlife George, 23, 213 Taylor Ave, Mar 1, Roderick L. Liv- with the facts.” ful,” Morrell said. “We’re
Service Hours,M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Commission Live Oak, FL, VOP- ingston, 26, 1006 SW 5th Glover told the Democ- saying from the start, it’s
Subscription Rates,
DOT-Department of Forgery, VOP-Grand Theft, Street, Live Oak, FL, Dom rat he has had conversa- grossly over-estimated
In-county, $35 Out-of-county, $50
Transportation $5000.00 or $500.00 P&P: Viol Battery, 1st App-PD tions with Suwannee what you’re going to re-
OALE-Office of Agricul- SCSO- M. Clark App Per WFW: LOPD- Har- County commissioners and ceive from these trans-
tural Law Enforcement Feb 28, Donnell Lamar ris would like to offer their ex- ports.”
P & P-Probation and Pa- Oliver, 30, PO Box 539, Mar 1, Jonathan Andrews, pertise to the county re- Sommers reported in a
Suwannee
role White Springs, FL, Writ of 29, 8258 97 Rd, Live Oak, garding inter-facility trans- previous meeting that
USMS-US Marshals Ser- Bodily Attachment: SCSO- FL, Mad Co Wrt porting. SCFR did have funds
Democrat vice T. Ford VOP/DWLS: SCSO- “We’re the ones that available, approximately
ATF-Department of Alco- Feb 28, Jordan Brooke Descarreaux have been doing this busi- $50,000, budgeted for the
hol, Tobacco and Firearms Johnston, 29, 209 SW Mar 1, Jonathon Simpson, ness for 22 years and we construction of the
DOC-Department of Cor- Boundry Way, Ft. White, 33, 6130 284 St, Branford, can tell you how this busi- McAlpin Fire Station head-
rections FL, VOP-DUI, VOP- FL, Battery (Dom Viol): ness operates,” he said. quarters that could be used
DWLS, 750.00 Cash to SCSO- J. Brooks “Chief Sommers has pro- for raises if the money
vided a business plan to the could be replenished
Serving Suwannee County Since 1884 commissioners that we through non-emergency
North Florida Animal
think needs some analysis. medical transporting.
Rescue Health Center No disrespect to Chief If Suwannee County
The Suwannee Democrat, published Sommers, but we believe it were to continue their ef-
Wednesday and Friday. has some gross inaccura- forts in non-emergency
9980 Hwy 90 (at CR49) Medical — North Florida Animal
Periodicals postage paid at cies, particularly in the rev- medical transporting,
Live Oak, FL 32060 Rescue Health Center is now
Live Oak, FL 32064. Business located open for all of your pet’s enue line.” Glover said the county’s
at 211 Howard Street East, Live Oak, medical needs. We are a full According to Glover, decision could be life or
FL. Publication number 530180. service, state-of-the-art medical Sommers’ stated in his death for his company.
facility that offers spays and
business plan the county “We want to be in
neuters, medical treatments,
“POSTMASTER: could anticipate collecting Suwannee County and we
vaccinations, flea and tick control and
Send address changes to Suwannee so much more. Contact us at 386-963-1354 about $880 per run. want to be in Lake City,”
Democrat, PO Box 370, Live Oak, FL
to schedule your appointment. “It’s barely half that in Glover said. “With the thin
32064.” Annual subscription rate is
our view,” Glover said. margins that we operate, if
$35 in county, $50 out of county and
$50 out of state. Subscribe online at Grooming — North Florida Animal Rescue now “The revenue figures they we have any more impact
www.suwanneedemocrat.com. offers full service grooming. Please contact us at represented (to the) county to our business, we may
386-963-1295 for more information. are doubly overstated. have to very well consider
OFFICE HOURS They are vastly overstat- closing our operations.
Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wings Adoption — Come to North Florida Animal Rescue ed.” That’s a very real consider-
to find your forever friend! We have many dogs and
Glover also said he does ation.”
59 ¢ cats ready for adoption.
not believe the county has Glover mentioned that
Letters, comments and opinions on Please contact us at 386-963-1295 or see our
the Viewpoint & Opinions page are website at www.northfloridaanimalresuce.org adequately assessed the Baker and Duval counties
for more information. amount of expense associ- have been involved in in-
not necessarily those of the Open 6am -7pm
management/ownership of the 7 Days A Week ated with non-emergency ter-facility transporting,
Suwannee Democrat. Pavilion — North Florida Animal Rescue’s pavilion medical transporting. and have had difficulties
is available for all of your special events. Weddings, “There needs to be a collecting revenue.
receptions, birthdays and more. Contact us at much more diligent analy- “Ask Baker County
386-963-1295 for more information.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR sis of the financial pos- about their experience with
Letters may be mailed, faxed or ture,” Glover said. this. They’re still very
emailed to our office. All letters are 846056 855310 Glover stated he has con- much in the hole. In fact,
read. Not all letters are published. cerns regarding SCFR’s they’ve considered priva-
Letters may be edited to fit available
operations. tizing their EMS,” said
space. The editor should not alter the
“How can the county at- Glover. “But, they’ve gone
writer’s point of view. Well written
tend to its 911 demands, this route where they got
letters require less editing. Keep it to
and add inter-facility in into inter-facility ... they’re
the point, an ideal range is 150 to
there, and provide backup not in the black now. It has-
200 words. Please include your
name, address and day and evening to other counties?” Glover n’t been all peaches and
phone numbers for verification. stated. “It’s an enormous cream for Baker County. In
Letters MUST be signed. Letters to demand.” Duval County, they have
the editor can be limited to one Sommers told commis- challenges as well collect-
letter per quarter per individual. sioners at a previous meet- ing revenue.”
ing that with the recent ar- “Before the county en-
rival of a new ambulance, gages in this and puts the
RANT & RAVE HOTLINE it freed one up that is cur- citizens at risk, they need
rently being used as a back- to examine this initiative
Here's your chance to tell everyone what you
think! Callers may dial 208-8314 and leave a up and it can be utilized for very closely,” Glover
message to express their thoughts, good or non-emergency medical said.
bad, 24/7 about issues and politics, but not
about private individuals or businesses.If you
prefer, you may email your comments to Details The Suwannee Democrat
[email protected]. Your name is not 15A EASTER EGG
required, but you must
adhere to no more than (cid:0)
TREAURE HUNT
200 words.
Su“wTahne nOereiCgoinuanlt yF lPoarridt ao”f 856839˙ You can win $200
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK PAGE 3A
Teacher scores released
Continued From Page 1A rights to the information. This data is calculated on Superintendent of teachers,” said Scarbor- them to grow.”
Florida Department of Ed- behalf of school districts Schools Jerry Scarbor- ough. “I am concerned Individual teacher
help determine the overall ucation Commissioner to complete their teacher ough said he is disappoint- that only 60 percent of scores and district
evaluation score for the Pam Stewart wrote on the and principal evalua- ed in the court’s decision teachers in Suwannee results can be found on
"student achievement" por- department’s web site she tions.” to release the numbers. County have FCAT VAM our website, suwanneede-
tion of the teacher evalua- fought hard to keep the All teachers will be in- “I cannot express data released by the state. mocrat.com. Search the
tion for teachers of stu- confidentiality of teach- cluded in the teacher eval- enough my disappoint- This means that 40 percent headline of this story.
dents who are assessed by ers’ names and their indi- uation system using the ment in the decision to of our teachers are not in- More information on
the FCAT test. For these vidual value-added data. student learning growth publish Value-Added cluded in the VAM data. the detailed process can
teachers, the VAM score is “We took on this fight measure as 50 percent of Model (VAM) data, in any Our children remember be found online at
one of the major factors because I believe the their evaluation. form. I question this treat- us...not for the number http://www.fldoe.org/com
used in determining the teacher-principal relation- The technical wording ment of professionals as pinned on them, but for mittees/doc/Value-
score for "student ship for professional de- to determine scores can be we owe the success of our how we made them feel Added-Model-White-Pa-
growth". velopment is supported highly confusing. Howev- state and nation to great and how we encouraged per.doc
For teachers of students when evaluation informa- er, in most cases 80 per-
who do not take the FCAT, tion has a period of pro- cent or more of the stu-
other data is used to calcu- tection. Your work and dent performance measure
late the "student growth" dedication have helped to is based on the teacher's
score. The scores are then create a bright future for VAM score, if the teacher
converted to an ordinal our state and our children, did in fact receive one. Looking For Something To Do?
rank of "highly effective", and I want to support that Teachers who do not
"effective", "needs im- work in any way that I teach students who take T Hhe aSuvwean nAee nDe m Eocvraet isn btri nTginog aP romote?
provement", or "unsatis- can,” said Stewart. “Re- state assessments will new interactive dimension to our online
factory". cently, the department - have the student learning readers.
The VAM has been con- and our co-defendant, the growth portion (50 per-
troversial due to its com- Florida Education Associ- cent) of the evaluation
Looking for something to do today or this
plicated formula. The ation - lost a lawsuit filed calculated based on a dis-
weekend? We’ve got the answer.
scores were released fol- by a news outlet to gain trict developed matrix
lowing a lawsuit in which access to teachers' indi- identifying local assess-
a Florida newspaper won vidual value-added data. ments and weighting. Have you got an event that our
community needs to know about? Post it
Moving up with Pfizer
yourself. The new calendar isn’t just
good-looking, it’s self-serve and user-
Continued From Page 1A Darsey has served as ad- Darsey resides in Atlanta friendly.
junct faculty at Emory Uni- with her husband, Dean,
my dad feed the versity School of Medicine and her two children,
The interactive calendar has lots of
cows. During the summer, and several schools of Madison, 15, and Hunter,
categories, from sports events to
I also helped around the pharmacy in the southeast. 13.
farm,” she said. “Working She has served on the “I started pharmacy churches to entertainment and more.
on the farm with my Dad, Board of Directors for the school at Mercer Universi- And it has an easy-to-use search
helped me to develop a Pediatric Pharmacy Advo- ty in Atlanta in 1985 and function.
strong work ethic that pre- cacy Group, an internation- met my husband Dean that
pared me for working hard al organization dedicated to same year at the First Bap-
You can find it on
in college and my profes- improving clinical pharma- tist Church in Atlanta; he
our homepage at
sional career.” cy services to children. In was a student at Georgia
Darsey later graduated 2000, Darsey joined the Tech,” she said. “We were www.suwanneedemocrat.com.
from Suwannee High Clinical Education Consul- married five years later in
School in 1982. tants team at Pfizer Phar- 1990.”
“I enjoyed attending maceuticals. Since 2006, She is an active member
Suwannee High School she has been part of the US of Perimeter Church in
where I had great teachers Medical Affairs group for John’s Creek, Ga., and is
like Betsy Burch and Con- Urology and Women’s also involved in her chil-
nie Cannon,” she said. Health. dren’s school where she
She then began her col- Over the last two years, serves on the Wesleyan
legiate career while contin- Darsey has represented the School Board of Trustees.
uing to work at the veteri- Primary Care Medical Af- Darsey’s sister also re-
narian clinic. It was then fairs group as the Pediatric sides in Atlanta and is cur-
her passion for the medical Lead for the Pfizer Pedi- rently working as a Nurse
The Suwannee Democrat
field was discovered which atric Center of Excellence. Practitioner at the Atlanta
Now offering you total access 8
4
changed the direction of When the company es- VA Medical Center. 29
www.suwanneedemocrat.com 4
her life. tablished the Global Pedi- Although Darsey has 6
“Around age 12, I start- atric Medical Director in moved far north of the
ed working for Dr. Donald December of 2013, compa- Florida border and has ele-
Burch at Burch Animal ny officials named Darsey vated up the company
Hospital. My dream was to to be the first to serve in chain, she said her upbring-
become a veterinarian. I this position. ing in Suwannee County
continued to work with Dr. “My passion is pediatric has made her who she is to-
Burch every Saturday until pharmacy and what I love day.
my third year of college most is being able to bring “I feel fortunate to have
when I decided to change my pharmaceutical experi- spent my formative years
career paths and pursue ence from Pfizer together in Suwannee County where
pharmacy,” she said. with my therapeutic pas- I had wonderful friends,
Darsey followed in her sion to make a difference, both my age and adults.
mother’s footsteps and on a large scale, in the There were many positive
joined the medical field. medicines that we study influences and support sys-
Her mother’s passion for and use in children,” she tems that impacted my fu-
helping others was very in- said. ture,” she said.
fluential in her life.
“My mother taught nurs-
ing at Lake City Commu-
nity College and later at THE VILLAGE ATTIC
the University of Florida.
Growing up, I was sur- SELF STORAGE
in Dowling Park
rounded by her nursing
students who thought she Climatized/Insulated/Fenced
‘hung the moon’. I was al-
ways very close to my “Everyone needs an Attic”
mother and admired the
way she not only taught
and mentored her students [phone]
but also cared so deeply for
855366˙
her patients. I have always
been deeply inspired by
my mother,” she said.
In 1989, Darsey graduat-
ed from Mercer University
with a Doctorate of Phar-
macy degree. She then
went on to the University
of Alabama in Birming-
ham to complete a Clinical
Pharmacy Practice Resi-
dency, followed by a Spe-
cialty Residency in Clini-
cal Pharmacokinetics at
Mercer University in At-
lanta, Ga.
After training, she
served eight years at the
Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta developing and
leading clinical pharmacy
services and a pediatric
pharmacy residency pro-
gram. While at Children’s
Healthcare, she researched
and published studies
855460
around pediatric pharma-
cokinetics, pain manage-
ment and other areas of
need.
Through the years, 855379
PAGE 4A (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
RV Show, live music, disc jam all this Health Dept. Update
February was American Heart Month
weekend March 6-9 at The SOS Music Park
Free 4-day RV show with Camping dinner with music 8 p.m. - By Stephanie Jordan as possible. a heart attack, call 9–1–1 im-
midnight. Florida Department of Health in • Limit alcohol use - mediately.
World featuring more than 125 units, The SOSMP is easy to Suwannee County Avoid drinking too much al- Learn the heart attack
50 vendors, door prizes, Two VIP Jam find…it’s just 4.5 miles cohol, which can increase warning signs, make a sur-
north of Interstate 10 and February was American your blood pressure. Men vival plan, talk to your fami-
tickets with use of a cabin will be given 4.5 miles south of Interstate Heart Month. Heart Disease should stick to no more than ly and friends to be sure they
away and there is live music Thursday- 75 on US 129 in Suwannee is a major problem. Every two drinks per day, and know the warning signs and
County, Florida. You can’t year, about 715,000 Ameri- women to no more than one. what to do if a heart attack
Saturday in the Music Hall. Zach miss it. Plenty of great park- cans have a heart attack. • Have your cholesterol happens.
Deputy’s Disc Jam is also set for this ing, Crafts Village, Store of About 600,000 people die checked - Your health care *Information for this arti-
the Village, golf cart rental, from heart disease in the provider should test your cle provided by the American
weekend in the Amphitheatre with hiking, bluegrass radio United States each year- cholesterol levels at least Heart Association Go Red
tickets for the Disc Jam still available show from the radio studio that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. once every 5 years. Talk with for Women Campaign
every Saturday from 5 - 8 Heart disease is the leading your doctor about this simple (http://www.goredfor-
Come out Thursday urday, March 8, all in the p.m., bicycling, rental cab- cause of death for both men blood test. women.org) and the Centers
March 6 - Sunday, March 9 Music Hall. All free. ins, primitive camping, and women. In 2012, 133 • Manage your diabetes - for Disease Control.
for a first at The Spirit of Tickets still available for huge SOS Café and Restau- people in Suwannee County If you have diabetes, monitor
Mt. Sinai
the Suwannee Music Park the 2nd annual Zach rant with TV, full-service died as a result of heart dis- your blood sugar levels
(SOSMP) in Live Oak Deputy’s Disc Golf Jam bar, live music and dancing ease. closely, and talk with your
Missionary
when Camping World pre- with disc golf tournament, in the Music Hall Thursday The good news is that doctor about treatment op-
sents Suwannee Valley’s music by Zach Deputy, Big - Saturday night and much heart disease can be prevent- tions. Baptist Church
largest 4-day RV show. This Something, COPE, Dis- more. Make your reserva- ed or controlled by making • Take your medicine - If
great show will feature the place, Les Racquet, Sumi- tions now for your RV and lifestyle changes. In fact, the you're taking medication to fundraiser
latest and greatest in RVs, lan, Holey Miss Moley and camper parking, primitive steps that protect you against treat high blood pressure,
5th wheels and travel trail- more during this weekend. camping or rent a cabin. heart disease may help pro- high cholesterol, or diabetes, Mt. Sinai Missionary
ers along with more than 50 All ages’ event, rain or Call the SOSMP at 386- tect you against many can- follow your doctor's instruc- Baptist Church will be hav-
camping accessory and out- shine. Disc Jam held in the 364-1683, email cers and other chronic condi- tions carefully. Always ask ing a fundraiser on Satur-
door recreational vendors. outdoor Amphitheatre, disc [email protected] tions. questions if you don't under- day, March 8, from 8-2 at
Guests will also have the golf tournament held on the or go to www.musi- stand something. First Federal Bank on 11th
opportunity to sign up to Magnolia Disc Golf Course cliveshere.com for more Here are some key steps to Street and Ohio Avenue.
win a stay in a furnished at the SOSMP. Tickets info. Come join us at the a heart healthy lifestyle. Surviving a heart attack The menu will consist of
cabin along with two Gold available at the gate or on- Camping World RV Show What should you do if you ribs, chicken, pork steaks,
VIP Suwannee River Jam line at www.musi- March 6-9 at the SOSMP. • Eat a healthy diet - Be or a loved one experiences collard greens, potato salad,
2014 tickets. Ted “Teddy cliveshere.com as well as The Spirit of the Suwan- sure to eat plenty of fresh any of the heart attack warn- baked beans, dessert and
MacElvis” McMullen will more info on the event. nee Music Park is located at fruits and vegetables—adults ing signs? Get medical help rolls.
host karaoke Thursday Doors to the Music Hall 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak, should have at least 5 serv- fast! You must call 9-1-1
night, March 6, Bryce open at 5 p.m. Thursday for Fla, 32060, 4.5 miles south ings each day. within minutes of the start of Sound of
Carlisle and his band Fri- dinner, music begins at 7 of Interstate 75 and 4.5 • Maintain a healthy heart attack signs—within 5
day, March 7 and Gud Mar- p.m. Friday and Saturday miles north of Interstate 10 weight - Being overweight minutes at the most accord- Suwannee
tin & the Beach Band Sat- doors open at 6 p.m. for off US 129. or obese can increase your ing to the Centers for Dis-
risk for heart disease. ease Control (CDC)—so that (SHS Band)
• Exercise regularly - you can get to the hospital
Physical activity can help quickly. Medical treatment Chicken pilaf lunch
you maintain a healthy advances that can save your fundraiser
weight and lower cholesterol life and minimize the dam- By sponsors and chefs:
and blood pressure. The Sur- age to your heart work best if Hayward Lodge 45 Free
geon General recommends given within 1 hour of the and Accepted Masons and
that adults should engage in start of warning signs. Live Oak Police Depart-
moderate-intensity exercise Heart attack symptoms ment. Menu: chicken pilaf,
for at least 30 minutes on The five major symptoms green beans, light bread and
most days of the week. of a heart attack are brownie.
• Monitor your blood • Pain or discomfort in the Friday, March 14 from 11
pressure - High blood pres- jaw, neck, or back. a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner
sure often has no symptoms, • Feeling weak, light- of 11th Street and Bynum
so be sure to have it checked headed, or faint. Ave. SW, across from How-
on a regular basis. • Chest pain or discomfort. land’s.
• Don’t smoke - Cigarette • Pain or discomfort in Contact 386-362-1796 to
smoking greatly increases arms or shoulder. pre-purchase tickets or for
your risk for heart disease. If • Shortness of breath. delivered large orders.
you don't smoke, don't start. • If you think that you or
Displace Band. If you do smoke, quit as soon someone you know is having SVEC urges
Marriage License caution in
performing
control burns
The following couples applied
for a marriage license When spring approaches,
it is common in our area to
Week of Feb. 24 – 28, 2014:
see the smoke that pre-
scribed burning (controlled
Terrance Lamar Rayford to Romona Michelle Morris burning) brings. Controlled
burning is a vital part of for-
Sterling David Wayne Kallmeyer to Melissa Ann Little est and pasture manage-
ment, reducing fuel load in
Jeffrey David Swan to Tricia Brenee Falgiani timber and stimulating seed
germination for pastures.
Week of Feb. 17 – 21, 2014:
SVEC understands the im-
portance of this process and
Gerald Frank Rickerd to Tara Louise Osborne is proud to serve and part-
ner with our agricultural
Robert Lee Carroll to Britney Michele Flowers members.
SVEC anticipates an in-
Jason Linwood Hewett to Wendy Kae Peterson crease in this management
practice for the next month
Adam Cody Atwood to Allie Michelle Curtis or so and would like to urge
anyone performing control
burns to please consider
electric utility infrastructure
before and during the
process. Recently, a pole
was damaged during a con-
trolled burn, resulting in the
need for it to be replaced.
As a friendly reminder,
SVEC would like to en-
courage land owners to
consider a few things while
planning a controlled burn.
Please identify any power
Please join our family and friends lines and place firebreaks as
appropriate to avoid any
on this joyous occasion for a surprise
damage to utility structures
70th Birthday
such as poles and guy
wires. Additionally, back
burning near electric facili-
ties will likely reduce heat
f
or and intensity ensuring a
Paulette Bryan Gardener safer controlled burn.
Should a land owner have
any questions, please call
Baynard Ward at
www.suwanneedemocrat.com March 8, 2014
386.362.2226 x.5662.
3:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
LOST
at
John H. Hale Community & Recreation Center
215 N.E. Duval Street • Live Oak, FL TD Bank envelope be-
(across from L.O. Fire Dept.) tween City Hall and Hous-
Suwannee Democrat
ton. Owner offering reward.
856065
Call 330-4965.
850660
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK PAGE 5A
OBITUARIES eyes. She worked at Nell’s Graveside services will Internationally acclaimed
restaurant for 24 years. be held, 11 a.m., Friday,
She was also known for March 7, 2014 in the Live
Carolyn Williamson her smiling face, telling Oak Cemetery. pianist to perform
Feb. 27, 2014 jokes and willing to help Please sign the guest- Submitted
anyone in need. She loved book at www.harrisfuner-
Ca r o l y n her family no matter what alhomeinc.net. Michiko Otaki grew up in
Williamson, 84, whether right or wrong. Harris Funeral Home & Harzu, a small coastal fish-
passed away Ms. Cora was a good Cremations, Inc., Live ing town in Japan. At the
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at women and will be missed Oak, Fla. 386-364-5115 is tender age of four she loved
The Health Center of Lake dearly. in charge of all arrange- to watch her older brother
City in Lake City, Fla. Services will be held at ments. practice the piano. It wasn’t
She was a Christian of 2 p.m. Monday, March 3, long before she asked for
the Baptist faith. A native at Daniels Memorial lessons, too. Brother Fumi-
of Stockton, GA., but Chapel in Branford with DEATH hiko was a talented musi-
lived most of her life in Mr. Bob Fletcher officat- cian, and his traditional
NOTICE
Live Oak and Crescent ing. Japanese parents had high
City, Fla. She was a tele- Please sign the guest hopes that he would become
phone operator for several book at www.danielsfu- a successful concert pianist.
years and invested most of neralhome.com Ray Rausch They planned his education
her life into real-estate Daniels Funeral Homes Feb. 27, 2014 carefully and were delighted
sales. & Crematory, Inc., Live when he graduated with high
She was married to Fred Oak & Branford, Fla. in Ray Rausch, 78, honors from Berlin’s Hochs-
Williamson in Wellborn, charge of arrangements. Live Oak, Fla. hule.
Fla. on Feb. 1, 1948. She passed away on For their daughter, they
was preceded in death by Annette Harrell Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. set their sights in a some-
Fred on Nov. 29, 2005. Martinez Daniels Funeral Homes what different direction and
She was also preceded Nov. 22, 1938 & Crematory, Inc., Live hoped she would marry and
in death by her parents, Feb. 28, 2014 Oak & Branford, Fla. have a family or become a
J.B. and Mary Deese, teacher.
three brothers, B.W. , Jim- Annette Harrell Things didn’t work out
mie and Bill Deese and Martinez, age 78, quite as planned. Michiko Otaki. - Photo: Michael Darnton
two sisters Rebecca Smith formally of Live TOPS #0662 Fumihiko did become a
and Carrie Kahl. Oak, Fla. passed away Fri- concert pianist and is now on “Down Jersey Scenes,” a set ate of music at the Universi-
Survivors are one sister, day, Feb. 28, 2014 at her the music faculty at the State of six pieces by Paul Mack ty of Miami. She says she
Yard sale
Ann Underwood of Little home in Newnan, GA. University in Yokohama, Somers. The New Jersey was never comfortable play-
River, TX. and one brother She was born in Live Oak Japan. It was Michiko who composer will be attending ing Western music in Japan,
Evangelist Dennis Deese where she lived most of broke with tradition and fol- the concert and talking about where the emphasis is on im-
Friday, March 21
(Teri) of Piney Flats, TN. her life before moving to lowed a demanding career his composition. itating the teacher. It took
First Advent Christ-
and numerous nieces and Douglas, GA and then path, which will lead her to On graduating from high her a while before she be-
nephews. Newnan, GA three years ian Church of Live Covenant First Presbyterian school, Michiko moved to came accustomed to the
Visitation was 9 to ago. Annette was a single Oak Church in Live Oak, for a the U.S. to study piano at the freedom of expression in the
10:45 a.m., Tuesday, mother who after tragical- 699 Pinewood Drive concert at 7:30 p.m. on Sat- San Francisco Conservatory American schools before she
March 4 at Daniels Funer- ly losing her husband in urday, March 22. She will be of Music for her bachelor’s felt able to play according to
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
al Home in Live Oak, Fla. 1966, raised two children performing a French Suite degree, then to the Manhat- her own musical instincts
For more informa-
with services and burial to working days and nights by J.S. Bach as well as mu- tan School of Music where and to develop her own per-
tion, please contact
follow in the Live Oak as a nurse to make sure her sic of Franz Schubert, Feder- she received a master’s de- sonal style.
City Cemetery with Dr. family had everything Mary at 386-330-2535. ic Chopin, and Robert Schu- gree and began her concert On a concert tour in
Dennis Deese officiating. they needed. She then was mann. She will also play a touring career. Poland in 1987, she met
Daniels Funeral Home, faced with the death of her premier performance of Later, she earned a doctor- members of the Warsaw
of Live Oak, is in charge daughter at an early age Wind Quintet, and returned a
Water management assists 13 area
of all arrangements. that no parent should ever year later to play with them
have to go through. An- and other leading chamber
Corabell Radford nette was a wonderful, ensembles. She is probably
farmers to reduce groundwater withdrawals
July 23, 1943 loving and caring mother the only Japanese pianist to
Feb. 25, 2014 and grandmother whose play regularly with Eastern
most treasured moments and Central European or-
Corabell Radford, were spending time with Deadline to cy. fund the program each fis- chestras. Her touring credits
70, July 23, 1943 her family. She was very · Twenty-one Global cal year. Approved appli- include stints with the Brno
apply for next
to Feb. 25, 2014. proud of her children and Positioning System (GPS) cants are awarded funding Chamber Orchestra, the Slo-
Passed away at North grandchildren and their round of funds end-gun shutoffs to elimi- on a quarterly basis. vak Sinfonietta, the Swiss
FLorida Regional in accomplishments. She was nate watering of non-tar- Agricultural producers Wind Quartet, the Graffe
is April 4
Gainesville, Fla. from a a member of the First Bap- get irrigation areas. within the District have String Quartet and several
brief illness. She was born tist Church of Live Oak. · Fourteen remote con- until April 4 to apply for others. Taking time from her
on July 23,1943 in Orono- She was predeceased by SRWMD submission trolling devices to monitor cost-share funds for the position as director of key-
go, MO to the late Ted and her husband, Staff Sgt. Thirteen agricultural and control irrigation sys- next funding cycle. Funds board studies at Clayton
Bessie Berry. Ms Radford David Martinez and her producers within the tems offsite, allowing sys- are awarded through a State in Atlanta, Michiko is
spent most of her youth daughter, Luanne Mar- Suwannee River Water tems to be shut off during ranking process based on now a veteran of numerous
life in MO and later tinez Baker. Management District rain events among other various criteria, including concert tours.
moved to O’Brien area in She is survived by one (District) have been ap- capabilities. the effectiveness of the She has performed at ma-
1964. son, Mike (Shannon) Mar- proved to receive a total of · Four soil moisture proposed project to pro- jor venues throughout the
She is survived by one tinez of Douglas, GA; one $239,025 in cost-share probes and one weather tect, conserve, or restore U.S. and abroad, including
sister Doris Scott of Sil- brother, Thomas Harrell, funds to implement irriga- station to assist with irri- water resources. The Washington’s National
verton,Oregon; also by her Sharpsburg, GA; one sis- tion retrofits, water con- gation scheduling effi- funds help pay for pro- Gallery, Carnegie Hall, and
two sons: Robert and Bon- ter, Phyllis Nichols, Pelz- servation technologies, ciencies. jects that increase irriga- Atlanta’s Spivey Hall. A
nie McHaffie of O’Brien, er, SC; three grandchil- and water-saving projects. · Nineteen new con- tion efficiency and water Washington Post critic re-
Micheal and Shelby dren, Brett and Maddie These projects will reduce troller panels that work in conservation and assist marked that her performance
McHaffie of Branford, Martinez and Dustin Bak- groundwater withdrawals conjunction with other with water-saving tech- there was “ ... a tribute to
Fla.; 10 grandkids and 26 er. by an estimated 1.35 mil- technology to provide nologies. chamber playing of the high-
great grandkids. Visitation will be held lion gallons of water per greater irrigation efficien- Interested parties may est order.” Other critics
Ms. Cora was best prior to the services from day (mgd). cies among other capabili- apply online through the praise her virtuosic tech-
known by the community 10-10:45 a.m. at the funer- ties. District’s Agriculture nique, her sensitivity, and
for her red hair and blue al home. The District’s agricul- To date the District’s webpage at www.my- her fluent interpretation of
ture cost-share funding agriculture cost-share pro- suwanneeriver.com/agri- demanding works.
will pay for the following gram has reduced ground- culture or apply in person The concert on March 22
% Locally Owned & cost-share projects: water withdrawals by an at District Headquarters, in Live Oak is presented by
10
Independently · Seventeen center pivot estimated 7.5 mgd. This is 9225 CR 49, Live Oak FL the Friends of Music Con-
Operated
irrigation system retrofits the second year the Dis- 32060. For more informa- cert Series. Admission is
that will save water. trict has offered assistance tion, contact Kevin Wright free and open to the public
· Two pump upgrades to farmers through the at 386.362.1001 or toll and a reception will follow
OFF
that will provide for program. The District has free at 1.800.226.1066 the concert.
greater irrigation efficien- set aside $1.5 million to (FL only). For more information
about the Friends of Music
All Retail Purchases
Concert Series, contact Lin-
All Parts Purchased
da Poplin at 386-365-4941
* Excludes commercial and special price items or 386-752-8892.
Little Jon’s
386-219-0315 856453
Open Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm 16th Annual Lawn
EARNHARDT & SONS
Mower Race March
UPHOLSTERY
March 29, 2014 Specials
Morgan Family
Dentistry Chair
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$ 229 00
F Faammiillyy DDeennttiissttrryy –– EEnnddooddoonnttiiccss –– IImmppllaannttss John’s Lawn Equipment each
CCoossmmeettiicc DDeennttiissttrryy –– OOrraall SSeeddaattiioonn –– OOrrtthhooddoonnttiiccss US 129 North, Live Oak or
NO
Support The Arc North Florida and individuals Sofa & Chair
A A.. LLaammaarr MMoorrggaann,, DD..MM..DD TRICKS
with intellectual and developmental disabilities. $ 489 00
D Daanniieell LL.. MMoorrggaann,, DD..MM..DD
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Price includes fabric & labor.
B Beennjjaammiinn LL.. MMoorrggaann,, DD..MM..DD
race for the lead position. Prizes for the top indi-
More than 300 fabrics to select from!
vidual and team money raiser. Trophies for the
M Moosstt IInnssuurraanncceess AAcccceepptteedd -- FFiinnaanncciinngg AAvvaaiillaabbllee Price also includes spring & frame repairs,
top individual rider and top team.
new padding added to entire piece.
N Nooww wwiitthh 22 ccoonnvveenniieenntt llooccaattiioonnss For details and online registration, visit New cushion foam is extra if needed.
www.arcnfl.com/LMR or call 386-362-7143.
NO Seconds • N O Close-Outs ALL First Quality Material.
Proceeds go to support individuals in The Arc
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A Addvveenntt CChhrriissttiiaann VViillllaaggee
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1 100882200 MMaarrvviinn JJoonneess BBllvvdd 3 3 11 33 NN JJ ee ffffeerrssoonn SStt
D Doowwlliinngg PPaarrkk,, FFLL 3322006644 P Peerrrryy,, FFLL 3322334477 training to function as independently as possible
3 38866--665588--55887700 8 85500--558844--22667744 and each client is provided opportunities to par-
ticipate fully in the community. EARNHARDT & SONS NO
w wwwww..mmoorrggaannddeennttaallggrroouupp..ccoomm 855370 1-850- 9M73A- UD6P0ISH0O6O N OL,RS F T1LE-8OR5RY0I-D97A3-4667 GIMMICK 8S55372
PAGE 6A (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
Vi e w p o i n t s / O p i n i o n s
BIBLE VERSE OPINION
“Have I not commanded you? Be
Black people duped
strong and courageous. Do not be
afraid; do not be discouraged, for the
Lord your God will be with you People in the media and A this with the fact that black
academia are mostly leftists fatalities during the Korean
wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV hellbent on growing govern- MINORITY War (3,075), Vietnam War
ment and controlling our ~ (7,243) and wars since 1980
lives. Black people, their V~IEW (about 8,200) total about
politicians and civil rights or- 18,500. Young black males
Suwannee Democrat
ganizations have become un- have a greater chance of
witting accomplices. The left- reaching maturity on the bat-
ist pretense of concern for the tlefields than on the streets of
© 2014 Creators Syndicate
well-being of black people Philadelphia, Chicago, De-
BY WALTER WILLIAMS
confers upon them an aura of troit, Oakland, Newark and
moral superiority and, as other cities. Black political
such, gives more credibility to their calls for increas- power and massive city budgets have done absolutely
ing government control over our lives. nothing to ameliorate this problem of black insecurity.
Ordinary black people have been sold on the impor- Most of the problems faced by the black communi-
MYRA C. REGAN JEFF WATERS tance of electing blacks to high public office. After ty have their roots in a black culture that differs sig-
Publisher Editor centuries of black people having been barred from nificantly from the black culture of yesteryear. Today
high elected office, no decent American can have any- only 35 percent of black children are raised in two-
Members of the Suwannee Democrat editorial board thing against their wider participation in our political parent households, but as far back as 1880, in
are Myra C. Regan, publisher, and Jeff Waters, editor.
system. For several decades, blacks have held signifi- Philadelphia, 75 percent of black children were raised
The Democrat Says is formed by that board.
cant political power, in the form of being mayors and in two-parent households -- and it was as high as 85
dominant forces on city councils in major cities such percent in other places. Even during slavery, in which
Editorial objectives for 2014 as Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington, Memphis, Tenn., marriage was forbidden, most black children were
Atlanta, Baltimore, New Orleans, Oakland, Calif., raised with two biological parents. The black family
1. Revitalize downtown Live Oak. Newark, N.J., and Cincinnati. In these cities, blacks managed to survive several centuries of slavery and
have held administrative offices such as school super- generations of the harshest racism and Jim Crow, to ul-
2. Continue work on Perimeter Road.
intendent, school principal and chief of police. Plus, timately become destroyed by the welfare state. The
3. Continue developing catalyst site. there's the precedent-setting fact of there being 44 black family has fallen victim to the vision fostered by
black members of Congress and a black president. some intellectuals that, in the words of a sociology
4. Update our LDRs and comp. plan to better protect
resources and plan for growth. What has this political power meant for the signifi- professor in the 1960s, "it has yet to be shown that the
cant socio-economic problems faced by a large seg- absence of a father was directly responsible for any of
5. Wise use of tax dollars.
ment of the black community? Clearly, it has done lit- the supposed deficiencies of broken homes." The real
tle or nothing for academic achievement; the number issue to these intellectuals "is not the lack of male
of black students scoring proficient is far below the presence but the lack of male income." That suggests
GUEST COLUMN
national average. It is a disgrace -- and ought to be a that fathers can be replaced by a welfare check. The
source of shame -- to know that the average white sev- weakened black family gives rise to problems such has
The art of
enth- or eighth-grader can run circles around the aver- high crime, predation and other forms of anti-social
age black 12th-grader in most academic subjects. The behavior.
orchestrating conflict
political and education establishment tells us that the The cultural problems that affect many black people
solution lies in higher budgets, but the fact of business are challenging and not pleasant to talk about, but in-
Dwain Walden is that some of the worst public school districts have correctly attributing those problems to racism and
The Moultrie Observer the highest spending per student. Washington, D.C., racial discrimination, a need for more political power,
I think I’m becoming too much of a for example, spends more than $29,000 per student and a need for greater public spending condemns mil-
television critic. But it’s fun. and scores at nearly the bottom in academic achieve- lions of blacks to the degradation and despair of the
It seems I can hardly watch televi- ment. welfare state.
sion anymore without pointing out the Each year, roughly 7,000 -- and as high as 9,000 -- Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at
flaws of the programming. And then I blacks are murdered. Ninety-four percent of the time, George Mason University. To find out more about Wal-
realize that without those flaws, the the murderer is another black person. According to the ter E. Williams and read features by other Creators
show would only last five minutes. Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 1976 and 2011, Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators
Just last night my wife and I were there were 279,384 black murder victims. Contrast Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
watching “Justified.” It’s a series about
a deputy U.S. Marshal, Raylan Givens, who is stationed in
Kentucky. Since the series began about three years ago, he’s Letter and Rant & Rave
probably killed 50 people. Most U.S. marshals will spend
an entire career and never draw their weapon.
Not only that, Givens is always in the midst of breaking guidelines on elections
up drug trafficking rings, solving murders and fighting cor-
ruption from Lexington to Harlan.
Well, that’s not what U.S. marshals typically do. They Qualifying for the city of Live Oak election in May porting, endorsing or criticizing candidates.
protect federal courthouses, transport federal prisoners, is noon Monday, March 17 through noon March 21. 4. Only two letters per month will be allowed from
chase escaped federal prisoners and operate the Witness Pro- The election will be held May 6 with a run-off, if need- the same person.
tection Program. ed, on June 10. Up for grabs are positions of the may- 5. Letters regarding ballot issues other than candi-
But then who would watch a TV series about maintaining or, city council seats for Districts 1 and 4 and city dates will be treated as letters of interest to the gener-
a safe courthouse? clerk. The following guidelines are for this and every al public.
Now let’s move on to reality television. Take the series election. 6. The deadline for letters on elections and ballot is-
about the loggers (Axe Men). Whenever I see one of these sues is noon Monday one week before an election for
shows, I try to anticipate what the conflict will be. There 1. Letters from a candidate will be treated as a press final publication on Wednesday, six days before an
must be conflict or else all you have are a dozen guys with release and will be reported as a story, with balance election.
chainsaws who go to work, cut down some trees, and then when needed. 7. Rants or Raves will not be accepted on candi-
go home to watch TV and drink beer. 2. Letters from the general public should stick to the dates. They will be treated as a letter to the editor.
Something has to go wrong or there is no show. And we issues and positions on issues and qualifications of the 8. This newspaper reserves the right to decline pub-
must suspect that much of what goes wrong is orchestrated. candidates. No name-calling or abusive language will lication of any letter it believes does not meet stan-
The track comes off the crane. A tree falls the wrong way be accepted. dards of publication.
and crushes a pickup truck. A cable slips, and it bangs one of 3. Letters must be 250 words or less on letters sup-
the workers on the head. He must be life-flighted out.
Then I’m watching some people dig for gem stones up in
the hills of Wyoming or Montana — one of those states
where survivalists hole up in log cabins and shoot at federal
agents.
I asked myself, what kind of conflict can one possibly
have in this programming? It’s just a couple of guys and
gals, some shovels and lots of dirt.
Well, first there’s a rock slide. Then there’s a claim
jumper. Then a severe storm moves in and forces the diggers
to curl up in a cave. Why they did that I don’t know. They
could see the storm coming 50 miles away, and there was a
pickup truck at the bottom of the hill.
Once I wrote a column about such comedy and suggested
that viewers should always consider where the camera crew
must be standing. Well in this case, the camera crew is out-
side the cave in the downpour showing the diggers all hud-
dled together in the little cave. One fellow told me after I
wrote that column that I had ruined “reality” television for
him. I’m sorry.
I’ve also noticed that some of this filming appears to be
spliced footage. One night I watched two guys digging for
artifacts supposedly somewhere in Southern Louisiana. To
convince us that they were in Southern Louisiana, they kept
showing footage of alligators. But never were the diggers
and the alligators in the same shot. Then all of a sudden the
camera swings up and in the background are mountains. I’ve
driven through Southern Louisiana, and there are no moun-
tains. There aren’t even any terraces.
When you see someone squeezing through a tight crevice
to get inside a cave, you have to realize that the camera crew
is already inside shooting back at the entrance. How tight
could that crevice actually have been?
So now it’s a game for me, to watch these shows and to
anticipate the conflict. And how many bad guys will old
Raylan shoot tonight?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Much like I had to do when I was a kid, I think I’ve cre-
ated my own entertainment in this regard. Life has given me
persimmons and I’ve made persimmonade. Letters must contain your full name, address, daytime phone number and city of residence. Letters
Dwain Walden is editor/publisher of must reflect issues of current interest to the general public and be concise. Management has the right
The Moultrie Observer, 229-985-4545. Email: to refuse any material that it believes does not meet standards of publication. Send submissions to:
[email protected]. [email protected] or Suwannee Democrat, PO Box 370, Live Oak, FL 32064.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK PAGE 7A
Easter Egg Treasure Hunt
see page 15A
Branford News
Serving southern Suwannee County, including Branford, O’Brien and McAlpin
FFA visits Capitol
Promoting careers in agriculture
By Andrew McGee lawn of the Capitol which playing,” said Rains. “It taller, thicker and was
[email protected] explained in some detail was good for us.” more economical.
about their programs. Stu- Rains said many people “They were talking
Two members of the dents and advisors were stopped to talk to the girls about a lot of stuff and we
Branford FFA chapter re- also able to walk and min- and what caught some at- promoted the idea of going
cently returned from The gle in the lobby of the tention was a picture of into an ag (agriculture) re-
Fourth Annual National Capitol. their sorghum maze they lated career,” said Rains.
Career and Technical Edu- Florida’s Commissioner had last fall in Branford. “All these CTE people
cation on the Hill Day in of Education Pam Stewart He explained they went were saying, ‘Not every-
Tallahassee, in celebration was present and spoke on with sorghum instead of one is fit to go to college.
of National CTE Month. behalf of CTE programs corn because it requires We need to prepare them
According to Branford during a brief awards cere- less water, grows faster, with skills they can use.”
Middle School Agriculture mony for those who have
teacher and FFA advisor been promoting vocational
Andrew Rains, the CTE education. Rains and his
event gave he and Bran- students also had the op-
ford High School students portunity to meet Florida
Sara Humphreys and Governor Rick Scott at the
Tiffanie White an opportu- event. Rains said it was
nity to remind legislators unplanned and he (Scott)
the importance of agricul- happened to be walking
ture and to help promote by.
careers in the industry. “His office was right
Rains said the groups there and they
represented that day were (Humphreys and White)
from vocational schools got to talk to him and tell
promoting trades like culi- him what they were do-
nary arts, engineering, ing,” said Rains. “It
welding and of course, worked well for them.”
agriculture education. Rains said another huge
“Basically, they were up plus was they were the
there pushing for more only FFA chapter repre-
funding towards that,” sented at the event. There
said Rains. “Well, I’m not were two state FFA offi-
sure if it was pushing for cers present, but no other
more funding, but to keep chapters were present be- from left, Branford FFA members, Tiffanie White and Sara from left, Tiffanie White, State FFA Vice President Justin
the funding going.” sides Branford. Humphreys meet Florida Governor Rick Scott. In back, Watson, Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stew-
He and others had dis- “We had a niche there Branford Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Andrew art, Former State Secretary Matthew Cantrell and Sara
play booths set up on the that no one else was dis- Rains. -Courtesy Photos Humphreys.
2nd Nine Weeks
HONOR ROLL
Coming
Friday,
Branford
Branford High School
Elementary
School
Melba Glendara Adams Mathew Daniel Dingus Shandy Maleana Jones Emma Elizabeth Sapp
Kayla Michelle Alford Mikayla L Donath Dylan Michael Kelley Chelsie Georgette Selliken
Angela Julie Anderson Arianna Lynn Donaway Caleb Matthew Kessler Spring Marie Sexton
Cody Christopher Barfield Loren Ashley Driver Charles Glenn Kines Allison Irene Shea
Macey Michelle Barfield Wyatt Eakins Cassydie Elizabeth Kinsey William Logan Shuler
Daniella Erica Barker Tayannah Bree Engle Chayanun Kokanutphong Lachelle Taylor Sikes
John Dylan Barker Jared Delaney Evert James Michael Koon Jessica Smith 5K Run
Breanna Shea Bates Destiny Paige Fennell Brianna Mackenzie Lanier Jason Eugene Smith
Jazmyne Kay Bates Megan Rena Ferguson Jayce Cannon Lee Jaylynn Marie Smith
Summer Lynn Blanco William Colton Frierson Katelynn Ann Lee Matthew Alexander Spivey For A Cure
Riley Madison Boss Ritchie Lee Glass Brock Nathan Lewis Mariah Marie Spooner
Tyler Andrew Bradley Skyler Shianne Goodin Tristan Kolin Liu Mallory Ellen Stevens
Shontae Leeanna Victoria Renee Haburn Tyanne Kristen Liu Vincent Scott Stevenson
Braymiller Trenton Riley Haderle Katherine A. Lloyd Kendall Mae Stines
By Andrew McGee
Rachel Beth Brown Aurora Danielle Hampton Madison Marie Lloyd Janyse Chanel Styles
[email protected]
Arley Marie Bryant Stacey Ellen Hancock Luis Aquino Lopez Lauren Adell Suggs
Alec James Burt Amber Danielle Hatch Dakota Sean Lorenz Nathan Jeremiah Sumner
There will be a 5K Run on
Delani Brooke Cannon Hunter Cole Hawthorne Cinthia Luna Taran Clinton Thomas
March 22 to help raise money to
Dayla Capallia Lloyd Chase Hawthorne Sydnee Lee Lutz Trinity Elaine Thomas
cure Duchenne. Duchenne is a
Marissa Angelica Carpen- Tania Marie Henderson Uriel Maya Bailey Awna Thompson
devastating muscle disease in
ter Alexis Hernandez Madison Jane Mccall Kiana Mae Thompson
children. According to
Sheri Louise Carter Hunter Ray Hill James Colton Mcelreath Victoria Rae Throckmorton
www.cureduchenne.org “...His-
Cody Austin Carver Jessica Marie Hill Rylee Shawn Mckenzie Dakota Wayne Topham
torically, most boys who have
Sabreena Edith Cary Maura Rose Hill Kelsey Maegan Meads Shawn Micheal Topham
Duchenne don’t survive past
Cameron Clegg Cassube Amber Nicole Hitt Andrew William Meyer Trevor Wayne Topham
their mid-twenties and those that
Jillian Michelle Cassube Sierra Rose Hobday Carly Ann Moore Tamrah Dianne Tyre
do are wheelchair bound by age
Yuri Chiba Wayne Edward Holder Nathan Andrew Moyer Tara Flynn Vaught
12 and experience social isola-
Rebekka Lynn Christy Dakota Lee Hollingsworth Christopher Matthew Nash Victoria K. Vinci
tion. The simplest of tasks be-
Chase Kemp Clark Codey Dell Holtzclaw Corissa LaNay Northrop Jacob Stuart Waite
come difficult and in later stages,
Tanner Christopher Clark Desyrae Mychel Holtzclaw Ashton Elizabeth Palmer Savannah Nicole Ward
heart and breathing muscles be-
Aimee Briel Clesi Ashley Nicole Horn Laila Elizabeth Pate Garette Hawkins Warren
gin to fail”. Nearly 20,000 boys
Casidy Leeann Coker Jenna Ashley Horton Rahi Patel Justin Lee Warren
are afflicted in the US and there
Kinleigh Breann Collins Sara Alana Humphreys Antonio Miguel Perez Kathrine Lynn Watkins
are over 300,000 worldwide cas-
Trevor Alton Collins Tanner Lee Humphries Haley Michelle Phillips Logan Keay Wear
es.
Daryl Paige Copeland Folsom Hunter Gimel Portillo Katherine Lynn White
The 5K Run is hosted by the
James Doyle Corbin Kayla Renae Hygema Sara Nicole Prevatt Tiffanie LeAnne White
Branford High School Honor So-
Gavin James Crawford Chelsey Yvette Jackson Luke Leon Ramsey Damian Dean Williams
ciety. Entry fee is $20 and in-
Shanelle Xaviera Creech Amanda Joann Jacobs Kasey Marie Raulerson Cleveland Alan Willis
cludes a t-shirt. Check in by 8:30
John F. Cress Marion-Ian Bacani Javier Seth Michael Reaves James Aaron Wilson
a.m. and race begins at 9 a.m.
Blake Mikel Darling Christena Nichole Jenkins Rene Marie Root Lee Elliott Wilson
Register by March 14, 2014 at
Ashley Nicole Davis Isidro A. Jimenez Megan Roush Taylor Elaine Wilson
www.active.com or stop by BHS
Megan Maureen Davis Jevin William Johnson Cheyenne Brook Rucker Madison Ann Wolfe
and ask for NHS advisor Karen
Chancy Lynn Deadwyler Claire Allison Jolicoeur Adrianna Leigh Saavedra Luis Xithe
Koon. Karen can be reached at
Courtney Deanne Dees Hannah Elizabeth Jolicoeur Christell Sanders Eric Scott Yoder
BHS by calling 935-5615.
Logan Paul Dimauro Jazmin Sarah E. Jones Jacquelline Sandoval Jessica Brooke Young
I Follow us on
Arrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B
NDEX
Legal Notices . . . . . . . . .3B Suwannee Living . . . . . .4A
55 48
Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .5A Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . .6A HI LO FACEBOOK
PAGE 8A (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
Annual Zach Deputy Disc Golf Jam
set for March 7-9 at The SOS Music Park
This artist is a one-man band joined in entertaining
over the weekend by a number of well-known bands
and a fun disc golf tournament. A huge RV show is
also taking place at the SOSMP the same weekend.
Submitted sion Disc Golf Tourney, music and primi-
tive camping
Zach Deputy’s Disc Jam featuring at Disc Golf Schedule:
least one Zach Deputy show each day is Friday:
set for March 7-9 at The Spirit of the Check-in noon until dark
Suwannee Music Park. Other bands such LongPad Doubles(optional) $10 begins
as Big Something, COPE, Displace, Les at 3 p.m
Racquet, Sumilan, Holey Miss Moley and Saturday:
more will be playing. The weekend is also Check-in 8 a .m. - 9:30 a .m.
Suwannee River Valley’s largest RV Players meeting begins at 10 a .m.
Show at the SOSMP along with free live Round 1 Tee-off 10:30 a .m.
entertainment three nights in the Music ShortPad Doubles (optional) $10 be-
Hall. gins at 3 p.m.
Live bands including promoter Zach Sunday:
Deputy will keep the vibe flowing each Round 2 Tee-off 10:30 a.m.
day in the Amphitheater to provide a time Awards begin at 3 p.m.
of relaxation between disc golf competi- Ring of Fire - Immediately after awards
tion. For more information about the disc
The Disc Jam features a disc golf tour- golf tournament contact Patty and Wahoo
nament on the Magnolia Disc Golf Course Young 386-205-3614 or
at the SOSMP. This weekend of disc golf [email protected].
and music is for all ages and will take Visit http://zachdeputy.com/discjam/ for
place rain or shine. more info. To purchase tickets, go to
Ticket prices: www.elevate.com or contact the SOSMP
$40 advance/$50 at gate for music and at 386-364-1683, email spirit@musi- Zach Deputy.
primitive camping cliveshere.com or go to www.musi-
$45 advance/$55 at gate for Am Divi- cliveshere.com.
sion Disc Golf Tourney, music and primi- The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
tive camping is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles
$50 advance/$60 at gate for Pro Divi- north of Live Oak.
COPE.
Suwannee Relay for
Life car show
Saturday, March 29 at South Oaks others.
Square, 1528 S. Ohio Ave., Live Oak. All Activities include a Suwannee County
proceeds go to Relay for Life. Registra- Sheriff’s Office K9 demonstration; kids
Big Something. tion is from 9-11 a.m. Judging is at 2:30 finger painting; armored SWAT tactical
p.m. and awards are at 3 p.m. Save $ and vehicle; door prizes; food; entertain-
pre-register before March 14. Goodie ment; 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.
bags for the first 50 paid registrations. For more information on how to regis-
All cars, trucks are welcome. New, mus- ter, call 386-590-2232 or email lone-
cle, street rods, antiques, imports and [email protected]
Dave Ramsey's Financial
Peace University training
The First Baptist Church of on March 3 at 6 PM in our fellow-
Dowling Park will be conducting ship hall. This training includes
their spring session of Dave Ram- nine sessions beginning on
sey's Financial Peace University March 10 at 6 p.m. Cost for
training. We all need a plan for book, CDs and other training ma-
our money and Dave's plan will terials is $93 plus shipping and
show you how to get rid of debt, handling. You may sign up
manage your money, spend and through link
save wisely, increase wealth, give www.daveramsey.com/fpu/loca-
like never before and much more. tions/org/47020/class/250029 or
This Training is definitely for you call Paul Guilmette 386-362-
if you want to know what God 3545. The church is located at
says about money or if your cred- 11274 235th Ln. near the intersec-
it cards are your emergency fund. tion of CR 250 and CR 136 in
A free preview class will be held Dowling Park.
SUWANNEE RIVER READINGS Boy Scout Troop
NORTH FLORIDA Mon.-Fri.
8:30 am-6:00 pm
PHARMACY Branford 2013 693 has new
Saturday 9am-1pm
OF BRANFORD Sunday-Closed
sponsor,
Now accepting
Blue Cross Blue Shield meeting location
Health Options
Everything For Your Home Recovery Boy scout troop 693,
From Prescriptions to Medical Supplies Harry Reeve scout-
m a s t e r ,
305 SW US Highway 27
Cherry Lumbert Branford, Florida 32008 troop693@wind-
Pharmacist [phone] The water levels provided here refer to the height at the US Hwy. 27 stream.net, (386) 590-
784394 bridge in Branford in feet above mean sea level (ft-msl) at the gauging
station. In the past the levels were read as gauge height not mean sea level. 6121, have begun
meeting at the Live
2/24/14.............................16.65 2/28/14.............................17.82
Oak Shrine Club,
2/25/14.............................16.94 3/01/14.............................18.03
11557 100th Street, on
To advertise your business here, 2/26/14.............................17.26 3/02/14.............................18.18 Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 p.
2/27/14.............................17.45 3/03/14.............................18.22 m.
The Shrine Club has
Sponsored By:
call 386-362-1734
recently become its
SCAFF’S
charter organization!
Supermarket
for more information Membership is open
to 11-17 year-old
Branford 386-935-1527
845992 boys.
855312
SCAFF’S
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK PAGE 9A
Congressman Yoho to visit
Live Oak Heritage Trail
brochures available
Will be at
Woman’s Club of
Live Oak March 7 The Suwannee County Historical Com- with them, architectural features or histori-
mission has released a new brochure: A cal events relating to them. Many of the
Congressman Ted Self-Guided Downtown Heritage Trail of buildings are listed on the state or national
Yoho will be speaking Live Oak. A free copy is available at the Register of Historic Places. A photo of
at the Woman’s Club of Live Oak Public Library, Branford Public each building accompanies the descriptive
Live Oak on March 7 Library, Suwannee County Chamber of information.
from 12-1 p.m. The Commerce and Suwannee County Histori- In 1900, the lumber industry and rail-
public is invited to at- cal Museum at 208 N. Ohio Ave. roads put Live Oak on the map. Early
tend but seating is lim- The brochure describes 30 buildings in downtown businesses were along the rail-
ited. Please RSVP by the Live Oak Historic Business District. road tracks and Ohio Street. Today, most of
March 5 by calling These businesses and homes were built the buildings within three blocks of the in-
Janet Airth at 386-362- prior to 1925 and have historical signifi- tersection of Howard and Ohio Streets
4915. cance because of the people associated were built prior to 1925.
Sarah Luther joins SRWMD
as engineering specialist
Sarah Luther recently joined the
Suwannee River Water Manage-
ment District (District) as an engi-
neering specialist in the Resource
Management Division. In this ca-
pacity she will review water use
permit applications and assist the
Agricultural Team in processing
Yoho
cost-share program applications
and contracts.
Boy Scout Troop 408
Luther earned her B.S. in Agri-
cultural and Biological Engineer-
ing from the University of Florida
Meets on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the American
(UF). As a student at UF, Luther
Legion Post 107, 10726 142nd St., between Live Oak and
served as President of the Ameri-
McAlpin. Membership is open to boys ages 11-17. Join us
can Society of Agricultural and Bi-
for camping, hiking, canoeing, and many other outdoor ac-
ological Engineers. She also
tivities. 386-209-3480
served as the captain for the Quar-
Free Tools to Quit ter Scale Tractor Design Team, a
competition in which students
build lawn mower sized pull trac-
Smoking Classes
tors over the course of a year. In
addition, she conducted a research
Free Tools to Quit Smok- get information on how to project on anaerobic digestion as
ing Class Thursday, March select and get ready for part of the University Scholar’s
6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 your quit date. You’ll learn Program.
p.m. at the Branford Li- about what triggers you to Prior to employment with the
brary (703 Suwannee Av- smoke, dip, or chew, and District, Luther cared for farm ani-
enue NW in Branford) and how to handle withdrawal mals and performed general farm
on Thursday, March 13 symptoms. The program maintenance at the UF Swine
from 6-8 p.m. at Shands offers a free 30-day supply Unit.
Live Oak Regional Med- of nicotine patches, “We welcome Sarah to the Dis-
ical Center (1100 11th lozenges, and/or gum trict and look forward to using her
Street SW in Live Oak) in (while supplies last and expertise to further the District’s
the Regional Medical Cen- when medically appropri- efforts in partnering with the agri-
ter Administrative Confer- ate), as well as follow-up culture community to save water
ence Room. support. Call 866-341- and reduce nutrient loadings,” said
Tools to Quit is a two- 2730 to register for either District Executive Director Ann
hour seminar where you’ll of these classes. Luther Shortelle.
852165
PAGE 10A (cid:0) SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
How to guarantee your garden starts off on the right foot
As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot soil quickly crumbles, you can start prepar-
wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands ing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is
dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for still clumped together, it needs more time to
gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to dry out before you can begin your prep work.
come as well.
Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a Initiate edging
head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening Edging is another task gardeners can begin
season is still around the corner, completing the follow- as they get ready for the season. Edge plant
ing projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade
foot. with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge
flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough
Clear debris so grass roots that may eventually grow into
One of the best things you can do for your garden as the flower bed are severed. Depending on
winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be how large a garden is, edging can be a time-
especially harsh on a landscape, and gardens left to the consuming task, so getting a head start allows
elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. homeowners to spend more time planting and
Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during tending to their gardens once the season hits
the winter frost, and even garbage that might have full swing.
blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden
over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won't Fight weeds
take long, but it's a great first step toward restoring the Though weeds likely have not survived the
garden before the time comes to plant and grow the gar- winter, that does not mean they won't return
den once again. once the weather starts to heat up. But as in-
evitable as weeds may seem, homeowners
Examine the soil can take steps to prevent them from turning
Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where
thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the sea- plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted
son starts can help gardeners address any issues before against unsightly and potentially harmful
they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can weeds. Spring is a good time to apply a pre-
turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportu- emergent weed preventer, which can stop
nity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or weeds before they grow. Though such solu-
mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a pro- tions are not always foolproof, they can dras-
fessional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to tically reduce the likelihood of weed growth.
adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy Though gardeners might not be able to start
a successful gardening season. planting their gardens in late winter or early
Another way to examine the soil is less complex but spring, they can still get outside and take
can shed light on when would be a good time to get back steps to ensure their gardens thrive once
to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the planting season begins.
856948