Optimist-Outlook
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones - December 23rd, 2008
"New Sheriff Has Criminals On The Run!"
Last week, Tommy Grainger, Club Programs Director, asked Lou Roberts, the new Sheriff of Jackson County, to speak before the members of Marianna’s Optimist club about his transition from Chief of Police to his new Sheriff’s position.
Taking the podium, Roberts immediately expressed his appreciation for the confidence the voters placed in his many years as a senior law enforcement officer. Also, he was extremely pleased to have inherited such a fine staff of very capable professional law enforcement officers, and support personnel. The most rewarding, however, is the continued, strong support by the citizens and civic clubs, and others. For example, Roberts pointed out that the others are the various police departments and sheriff departments in and around Jackson County.
Using a recent case to make his point, he touched on the subject of the recent armed robbery and stabbing death of local victim, Windell Peterson. In this case that began on December 8th; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) was able to quickly apprehend five suspects connected with the robbery and murder. Roberts claimed evidence left at the scene identified that at least two suspects where involved in the robbery and stabbing incident. However, with the cooperation and assistance from other local and out-of-state agencies who worked around the clock in the case, three other suspects were identified, enabling the JCSO to quickly apprehend all five individuals believed to be responsible.
Other agencies involved included the Marianna Police Department, Cottondale Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission canine unit, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Apalachee and Jackson Correctional Institutions’ K-9 teams, the 14th Judicial State Attorney’s Office, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama. Also, public tips provided significant help in the case.
Sheriff Roberts admitted that it would be an impossible task for him to run the entire office by himself, and feels extremely fortunate to have Major Donnie Branch as his assistant. He, also, expressed how delighted he was that all personnel on staff during Sheriff McDaniels’ regime remained onboard, with one exception, and that was Captain Cloud who retired. Sheriff Roberts concluded with the following statement, "With our staff of highly trained and motivated officers and support personnel, we have the criminals on the run."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Optimist-Outlook-12/25/08
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones - December 16th, 2008
"Sometimes it’s Not Just Semantics!"
A distinct pleasure and major highlight of the evening at Marianna Optimist Club’s Annual Christmas Party, recently held at the Wesley Center, Marianna’s First United Methodist Church, was when the club president made the presentation of a commission check to the City Manager, Jim Dean, and City Parks and Recreation Department Director, Clay Wells, for proceeds earned thru the sale of concessions at Optimist Park.
The check, not only helps defray a small amount of the expenses necessary to operate the park, it represents the high degree of cooperation between the City Officials, including the City Mayor, City and County Commissioners, as well as, the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and all Marianna Civic Clubs. It is this spirit of cooperation and concerted effort on behalf of the City and County Officials coupled with the Marianna Optimist Club’s vision for a first class recreational facility for the enjoyment of the local youth and residents that has made the Marianna Optimist Park the reality it is today.
The MERE Project, as it was called, prior to its completion in April of 1987, was dedicated to the youth of Jackson County by the then Governor of Florida, Robert "Bob" Martinez and was renamed "Optimist Park". Since that date many young athletes have passed thru the gates of this exceptional sporting facility with its well appointed ball fields, on their way to adulthood. Today, many of those young athletes are themselves parents who bring their children to Optimist Park to enjoy. It’s hoped that this trend will continue far into the future. Our club is proud the park carries our name.
By Don Jones - December 16th, 2008
"Sometimes it’s Not Just Semantics!"
A distinct pleasure and major highlight of the evening at Marianna Optimist Club’s Annual Christmas Party, recently held at the Wesley Center, Marianna’s First United Methodist Church, was when the club president made the presentation of a commission check to the City Manager, Jim Dean, and City Parks and Recreation Department Director, Clay Wells, for proceeds earned thru the sale of concessions at Optimist Park.
The check, not only helps defray a small amount of the expenses necessary to operate the park, it represents the high degree of cooperation between the City Officials, including the City Mayor, City and County Commissioners, as well as, the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and all Marianna Civic Clubs. It is this spirit of cooperation and concerted effort on behalf of the City and County Officials coupled with the Marianna Optimist Club’s vision for a first class recreational facility for the enjoyment of the local youth and residents that has made the Marianna Optimist Park the reality it is today.
The MERE Project, as it was called, prior to its completion in April of 1987, was dedicated to the youth of Jackson County by the then Governor of Florida, Robert "Bob" Martinez and was renamed "Optimist Park". Since that date many young athletes have passed thru the gates of this exceptional sporting facility with its well appointed ball fields, on their way to adulthood. Today, many of those young athletes are themselves parents who bring their children to Optimist Park to enjoy. It’s hoped that this trend will continue far into the future. Our club is proud the park carries our name.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Optimist-Outlook: 12/18/08
Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones December 9th, 2008
"He Only Wants Good Things To Happen!"
Speaking before members of the Marianna Optimist Club, Mr. Lee Miller, Jackson County’s newly elected Schools Superintendent, stated that he appreciated the confidence expressed by his election. He said, "I only want good things to happen in our schools, and I believe in my staff at the School Board, as well as the district superintendents and their staffs of highly motivated and capable personnel." He has every confidence that every school in the county will become class "A" schools within the state.
There exists a few challenges for the County Schools System, but has confidence in the high caliber of teachers, students, and parents who are more than able to meet those challenges. He wants to forge the educational community into a well oiled machine, able to produce the best schools, and students in the state, and the entire United States.
His initial step in that direction will be to improve communication between his office and the district offices, as well as, throughout the entire school system. He plans to have monthly district meetings, and visit each school on a regular basis. He is here to give his full support in the areas that require his attention, and work just as hard as the rest of the team to meet the challenges that face this county’s educational needs in today’s economy, as well as, in the foreseeable future.
Not only is Mr. Miller fired-up to meet the challenges at hand, he has the experience necessary to lead the team in a positive direction. He will not be satisfied with anything less than everyone’s best effort. However, he doesn’t expect anyone to work any harder than himself. If that spirit prevails, Jackson County will become the best in the state.
Mr. Miller knows what the job entails; he has been there, done that. Immediately upon graduation from Florida State in 1975, he became a high school level Math teacher. Then was appointed to Deputy District Superintendant, and on to Assistant Principal. Prior to election, he served as Principal of Golson Elementary where 950 very active Kindergarten students, thru the second grade, became acclimated to the public school system. However, running for public office has, more than anything, put things into proper focus for him. He understands the importance the roll of educator has in the lives of students and their hopes for the future. The public has placed their trust in his hands, and the educators who will fulfill that dream of a better future for our children.
By Don Jones December 9th, 2008
"He Only Wants Good Things To Happen!"
Speaking before members of the Marianna Optimist Club, Mr. Lee Miller, Jackson County’s newly elected Schools Superintendent, stated that he appreciated the confidence expressed by his election. He said, "I only want good things to happen in our schools, and I believe in my staff at the School Board, as well as the district superintendents and their staffs of highly motivated and capable personnel." He has every confidence that every school in the county will become class "A" schools within the state.
There exists a few challenges for the County Schools System, but has confidence in the high caliber of teachers, students, and parents who are more than able to meet those challenges. He wants to forge the educational community into a well oiled machine, able to produce the best schools, and students in the state, and the entire United States.
His initial step in that direction will be to improve communication between his office and the district offices, as well as, throughout the entire school system. He plans to have monthly district meetings, and visit each school on a regular basis. He is here to give his full support in the areas that require his attention, and work just as hard as the rest of the team to meet the challenges that face this county’s educational needs in today’s economy, as well as, in the foreseeable future.
Not only is Mr. Miller fired-up to meet the challenges at hand, he has the experience necessary to lead the team in a positive direction. He will not be satisfied with anything less than everyone’s best effort. However, he doesn’t expect anyone to work any harder than himself. If that spirit prevails, Jackson County will become the best in the state.
Mr. Miller knows what the job entails; he has been there, done that. Immediately upon graduation from Florida State in 1975, he became a high school level Math teacher. Then was appointed to Deputy District Superintendant, and on to Assistant Principal. Prior to election, he served as Principal of Golson Elementary where 950 very active Kindergarten students, thru the second grade, became acclimated to the public school system. However, running for public office has, more than anything, put things into proper focus for him. He understands the importance the roll of educator has in the lives of students and their hopes for the future. The public has placed their trust in his hands, and the educators who will fulfill that dream of a better future for our children.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Optimist Outlook- Dec. 11, 2008
"Do You Have $200? Do You Have A Job?"
By Don Jones
If so, you may be qualified to own a brand new 1200 square foot, 2 bath, and brick veneer home. This may sound like a TV Commercial for a used car, but it’s true. If you earn less than the median income standards for your family size, and have need for a home due to current substandard living conditions, you may qualify for a brand new, Jackson County Habitat For Humanity (JCHFH), 1200 square foot, brick home for only $200 dollars down, and $200 dollars per month plus tax, and insurance, with a 0% interest, twenty year mortgage.
As a matter of fact, there is an empty, one-year old, 1200 square foot brick home in Green Wood, Florida, just waiting for someone who meets the above standards. You could be that family that meets the above standards, and be able to immediately move into the home that is just setting there empty.
All you have to do is submit your application to Jackson County’s Habitat for Humanities, put in five-hundred hours of sweat equity, meet the maximum earning standards, have the $200 dollars for the first month, plus tax and insurance, and be able to show that you are a good financial risk. If accepted, you’ll live in the house of your family’s dreams, and have the opportunity to own your own home. Also, because the home’s purchase price is only around $66,000 dollars, far below market value, you will inherit close to $30,000 dollars in equity upon acceptance.
Historically, JCHFH began its work in Jackson County in the year 1989. To date, after twenty years, they have built forty-two homes for deserving families throughout the area. Their total equity in homes is now over one million dollars, as the prescribed twenty-year, home mortgages have begun to mature.
Leslie Fuqua assumed the responsibilities as Executive Director of JCHFH in April of this year, replacing the previous Executive Director, Ralph Harrison, who remains with the program and continues to provide his valuable time and experience. Also, David Melvin, of Melvin Engineering, serves as President of the Board. According to David Melvin, the organization is always in need of both skilled and knowledgeable workers and supervisors. So, please, if you are a skilled, or a qualified home builder, or contractor, and would like to volunteer some of your time, you are needed. Also, anyone in need of a home and meet the above requirements, contact Leslie Fuqua, Executive Director, P.O. Box 6114, Marianna, Florida 32447, or phone 850 482 2187.
By Don Jones
If so, you may be qualified to own a brand new 1200 square foot, 2 bath, and brick veneer home. This may sound like a TV Commercial for a used car, but it’s true. If you earn less than the median income standards for your family size, and have need for a home due to current substandard living conditions, you may qualify for a brand new, Jackson County Habitat For Humanity (JCHFH), 1200 square foot, brick home for only $200 dollars down, and $200 dollars per month plus tax, and insurance, with a 0% interest, twenty year mortgage.
As a matter of fact, there is an empty, one-year old, 1200 square foot brick home in Green Wood, Florida, just waiting for someone who meets the above standards. You could be that family that meets the above standards, and be able to immediately move into the home that is just setting there empty.
All you have to do is submit your application to Jackson County’s Habitat for Humanities, put in five-hundred hours of sweat equity, meet the maximum earning standards, have the $200 dollars for the first month, plus tax and insurance, and be able to show that you are a good financial risk. If accepted, you’ll live in the house of your family’s dreams, and have the opportunity to own your own home. Also, because the home’s purchase price is only around $66,000 dollars, far below market value, you will inherit close to $30,000 dollars in equity upon acceptance.
Historically, JCHFH began its work in Jackson County in the year 1989. To date, after twenty years, they have built forty-two homes for deserving families throughout the area. Their total equity in homes is now over one million dollars, as the prescribed twenty-year, home mortgages have begun to mature.
Leslie Fuqua assumed the responsibilities as Executive Director of JCHFH in April of this year, replacing the previous Executive Director, Ralph Harrison, who remains with the program and continues to provide his valuable time and experience. Also, David Melvin, of Melvin Engineering, serves as President of the Board. According to David Melvin, the organization is always in need of both skilled and knowledgeable workers and supervisors. So, please, if you are a skilled, or a qualified home builder, or contractor, and would like to volunteer some of your time, you are needed. Also, anyone in need of a home and meet the above requirements, contact Leslie Fuqua, Executive Director, P.O. Box 6114, Marianna, Florida 32447, or phone 850 482 2187.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Optimist Outlook- Dec. 4, 2008
As many know, both Judge Woody Hatcher, and son, Chuck Hatcher, have dedicated their lives to serve the citizens in Jackson County. Woody Hatcher has served a distinguished career as a Jackson County Judge, and is currently the longest sitting judge in the State of Florida.
Also, doing a fantastic job for the Citizens of Jackson County is Judge Hatcher’s son, Chuck Hatcher. Serving as Jackson County’s Director of Parks, and Reclamation Program, for the past two years, Chuck may not yet be as famous as his father, Woody Hatcher, but he and his staff of hard workers have already made a big improvement in the county’s parks and recreation areas.
With significant improvements in the facility and operations of the Blue Springs Recreational Area, Citizens Lodge Park, and numerous other county park facilities within Jackson County, Chuck Hatcher’s reputation for getting things accomplished is spreading.
When asked how he managed to get so much accomplished in such a short period of time, Chuck said, "Before accepting the position as Director of County Parks and Reclamation Program, I warned the County Commissioners that I had just one strong character asset, and just one deficit; they are both the same, I like to get things done!"
It is obvious that the County Commissioners didn’t consider this character flaw to be a disqualifying factor. Since taking on the responsibilities for County Parks and Reclamation Program, Chuck Hatcher’s name is quickly becoming a household name in regards to the significant progress being made at all major recreational sites throughout Jackson County.
During his presentation to the Marianna Optimist Club, Chuck presented an overview of what has been accomplished as well as work in process and items which are in the planning stages.
Also, doing a fantastic job for the Citizens of Jackson County is Judge Hatcher’s son, Chuck Hatcher. Serving as Jackson County’s Director of Parks, and Reclamation Program, for the past two years, Chuck may not yet be as famous as his father, Woody Hatcher, but he and his staff of hard workers have already made a big improvement in the county’s parks and recreation areas.
With significant improvements in the facility and operations of the Blue Springs Recreational Area, Citizens Lodge Park, and numerous other county park facilities within Jackson County, Chuck Hatcher’s reputation for getting things accomplished is spreading.
When asked how he managed to get so much accomplished in such a short period of time, Chuck said, "Before accepting the position as Director of County Parks and Reclamation Program, I warned the County Commissioners that I had just one strong character asset, and just one deficit; they are both the same, I like to get things done!"
It is obvious that the County Commissioners didn’t consider this character flaw to be a disqualifying factor. Since taking on the responsibilities for County Parks and Reclamation Program, Chuck Hatcher’s name is quickly becoming a household name in regards to the significant progress being made at all major recreational sites throughout Jackson County.
During his presentation to the Marianna Optimist Club, Chuck presented an overview of what has been accomplished as well as work in process and items which are in the planning stages.
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