DECEMBER FISHING IN THE PANHANDLE, A6

WEDDING MEMORIES SAVED, B1 YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1937

Thursday, December 6, 2018 For breaking news, visit starfl .com @PSJ_Star facebook.com/psjstar 50¢ Skyborne Technology expands county footprint

Purchases Skyborne Technology, Inc., a geographic expansion, but has been resilient in their of negotiations as the county Costin Airport a designer, developer and also facility and operational response to Hurricane sought to secure a stable manufacturer of manned, expansion. Michael and this news adds company to occupy the By Tim Croft unmanned and drone avia- “This is exhilarating news an exclamation point to county-owned complex. The Port St. Joe Star | 850-227-7827 tion systems, announced for our storm-devastated our intent to rebuild Gulf And where the Industrial @PSJ_Star | [email protected] last week that it will expand community and the timing County.” Park provided a manufac- its footprint in Gulf County. could not be better,” said Jim Skyborne Technology turing base, the acquisition We now turn to the portion The company has exe- McKnight, Executive Direc- established its first U.S. of Costin Airport will provide of our program that includes, cuted a contract to purchase tor of the county Economic manufacturing facility at the a home for assembly, flight wait for it, positive economic Costin Airport in Port St. Development Coalition. Dalkeith Industrial Park in news. Joe, translating into not only “Our business community September, capping months See SKYBORNE, A5

‘We need to get back to some kind of normal’

Michael fails to Yes, golf carts took douse Christmas something of a hit from celebrations Michael, especially in Mexico Beach. Gaddis’ golf cart is cur- By Tim Croft rently not working. The Port St. Joe Star But whether it is one or 850-227-7827 10 or 20 carts, the Christ- @PSJ_Star | [email protected] mas parade is going to happen. One of Traci Gaddis’ “We are going to do it,” grandsons was crying. Gaddis said. “We need to With all the destruction get back to some kind of that Hurricane Michael normal.” brought to Mexico Beach, The folks in Port St. Joe the boy was beside himself pretty much bore a similar about the coming holidays. sentiment. “My grandson was The annual Christ- crying and asking, ‘Are we mas on the Coast parade cancelling Christmas,’” and festivities were gen- Gaddis said. “I almost cried erating considerable myself. I said no we are not interest before Michael; cancelling Christmas.” post Michael the goal is And, so, Gaddis, who just to gather for some each year organizes the spirit. Golf Cart Christmas Parade organizer Char- Parade in Mexico Beach, lotte Pierce said the names set to work ensuring that celebration will go on. See PARADES, A5

School enrollment strong six weeks post Michael [COURTESY OF RONI COPPOCK]

By Tim Croft “They are not all the The Port St. Joe Star same kids we had before,” hey assembled in Septem- 850-227-7827 noted Martha Weimorts, @PSJ_Star | [email protected] Assistant Superinten- ber as the "Let their be dent for Special Services. Dressed The costs of Hurricane “Some have come from lights" committee, aiming Michael are just beginning Bay County and we lost to be understood by local some students who were to ensure Port St. Joe was governing bodies. displaced.” T One positive number, The first of two state for the properly lit for the holiday season. at least for Gulf District mandated enrollment Schools, turns out to be counts was due to be Tuesday, they completed their work enrollment. taken the week of Hurri- Despite a “soft” open- cane Michael; the next will at the Cape San Blas Lighthouse in ing to start last month, come in February. enrollment in the four By that time, school holidays George Core Park, spending the day public schools is currently officials hope, they will at roughly 93 percent of also have a clearer view of dressing the lighthouse up with 60 state projections of just what state lawmakers may over 1,900 students for the provide in the way of relief strands of light. current school year. for counties, and school Given that each full- districts, heavily impacted Committee members were Bill Ken- time equivalent student by Michael. carries with them roughly “We know our ad nedy, Sandie Kennedy, Mark Haddock, $4,000 in state fund- valorem is going to drop ing, strong enrollment and we will be in trouble Scott Warren. Alexander Neville, numbers are a positive to if the Legislature does not mitigate other hurricane- Paula Pickett and Roni Coppock. related losses. See SCHOOLS, A5

Volume 81 Number 8 Opinion ...... A4 Society ...... B2 A2 B5 Subscribe to The Star Outdoors ...... A6 School News ...... B3 Phone: 800-345-8688 Sports...... A7 Obituaries ...... B4 Toy Drive Bread pudding recipes Scene Around ...... A8 Classifieds ...... B7-B8 * ** A2 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star

Teaching how to give

Star Staff Report School Student Council and let them select bikes. Lorey Pipkorn, a Bay According to Pipkorn, County teacher, recently the students loved the held a personal fund- experience. raiser for Christmas toys, “What a great teach- splitting her donations ing opportunity in giving between Gulf and Bay Lorey has provided the counties. students, while provid- Pipkorn said she ing Christmas toys for thought experiencing those who will appreciate donating would be good having that special gift for her students. under the tree Christ- In Bay County, she mas morning,” said Dr. had the students in her Pat Hardman, President class choose one thing on of the Coastal Commu- Amazon that was on their nity Association of Gulf own Christmas list. They County, which accepted ordered the toys and they the donations on behalf will be distributed in Bay. of the Gulf County Sher- Students from the Arbor School of Central Florida. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] In Gulf County, Pip- iff’s Office Toy Drive. korn took some of the “What a win for every- members of Patronis one. Thanks, Lorey.” Toy drive receives a boost from around the state

By Dr. Pat Hardman The presents have 40 years and had oper- Special to The Star begun pouring in. ated Woodland Hall Last Friday the South Academy, a school for Santa’s elves come in Gulf County Volunteer dyslexic/ADHD stu- all ages and sizes and Fire Department helped to dents, and has run the they have not forgot- move a trailer full of bikes, PSJHS High School High ten the Forgotten Coast. toys, games, sports balls Tech Program for the past Sheriff Mike’s Toy Drive and more to the St. Joseph 12 years. DRI also is the has always been a special Bay Golf Club where they The call went out to 1,400 Association Manager for project for many groups, will be organized for the schools. [SPECIAL TO THE The Coalition of McKay such as the Coastal Com- Sheriff’s Toy Drive. STAR] Scholarship Schools munity Association, This past weekend Tim which serves 1,400 pri- and this year Dyslexia Vanderveer of Ruskin from outside of our com- vate schools throughout Research Institute joined Christian School drove munity willing to be those Florida. DRI moved their in the project. from Ruskin, Florida, (684 elves. We don’t always base of operations to Port Last month, DRI put a mile round trip) to deliver know who has sent the St. Joe in August. Dr. Pat call out to 1,400 private tons of presents from his presents but thanks go Hardman is the founder schools that accept the students and staff. Arbor out to Ethan, B, C and and CEO of Dyslexia McKay Scholarship, a School of Central Florida Tarzan the dog, Shirley, Research Institute. state sponsored schol- is getting ready to ship the New Leaf School for We deeply appreciate arship for students with boxes and boxes of pres- Change, and Madison all the work and effort [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] disabilities. Knowing ents. And the boxes from County HS High School these schools have done our local elves are over- UPS keep coming in from High Tech Club and so to have toys for all the whelmed by the events other McKay schools. many more whose name kids in Gulf County. of the past two months, It takes many hands, Santa knows. We hope they all have Robyn Rennick, Program and many elves, to make Dyslexia Research the Merriest Christmas Director of DRI, chal- this Toy Drive a suc- Institute is a not-for because they have made lenged the schools to send cess and Port St. Joe is profit that had been Christmas for our Gulf presents for the toy drive. blessed to have so many based in Tallahassee for County kids.

* ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 A3

* ** A4 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star OPINION

Do we have HUNKER DOWN a retirement savings crisis? Christmas comes early

And marveled at how well folks back home…… they looked. It’s interesting And Hollis brought the with folks that you’ve known latest edition of the McKenzie and loved since birth. It’s as if Banner; the one with Kenny time rolls backwards when we Butler’s obituary. We all went gather. silent. It was that respectful, Margaret McDowell Kesley Colbert Larry Ridinger brought deep silence reserved only for up a football game played at family members. And we were “Gwaltney Field.” He said it reminded why there can’t be “You work, you save, you worry so...” mention Slick Tosh and like most folks would refer to too many of these reunions. people roll their eyes LIKE Yankee Stadium or Fenway Donna Leatherwood hugged “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” as performed by I I’m making that name up Park. And he didn’t waste time my neck. And I laughed. She Doris Day for sure. Then I get down to explaining it was just down wouldn’t do that in 1964 when the part where Rollin Trull from the Methodist Church in I wanted her to! I’d walk by her “Do I have enough saved?” is the over- rammed his big Harley right Billy Gwaltney’s side yard. He house and wave. I offered to carry riding question that permeates every through the front door of the didn’t have to. We all could see her books to class. I sat next to conversation regarding retirement Skyway Grill, owned by the it as clear as if it was 1959. The her table in the lunchroom……I planning. aforementioned Mr. Tosh….. goal post was “past the tree” at reckon she didn’t see me. Savers who avail themselves of basic tax and folks start nodding LIKE the north end zone and a stump Reggie Lawrence was the sheltered and tax free plans usually enjoy a “there ain’t no way!” out near West Church Street steady one, then and now. Just greater probability of reaching their finan- I mention Slick Tosh to marked the south goal line. rock solid. I felt I was home cial goals. Granted, there are millionaire James Hastings and he quickly Larry grew up just around just being in his presence. And retirees who haven’t utilized tax-deferred responds, “You know his son the corner from Pat Houston’s Don Melton and I played ball vehicles, but the majority of Americans owns the fifth largest hog farm Grocery and I wish I had a in every field, backyard and who have accumulated significant savings in America. He also has hun- nickel (which incidentally was empty lot in town. He knew have done so partly through the use of these dreds of acres of row crops out what they cost) for every pack something about the hog busi- plans. by his dad’s old place. He is of baseball cards me and him ness himself. And his dad, Mr. American workers will be allowed to the largest employer in Henry opened on that little bench out O. C., was one of the most contribute $19,000 in 2019 to a 401(k) or County. I believe at last count front. And I wished all over straight up men I have ever similar workplace plan. Those 55 and older he had 318 people working for again that I’d a’kept just one of known. can also make a $6,000 “catch-up” con- him.” the Mickey Mantle or Ted Wil- Emily Young asked what the tribution, which of course means that next James then moved on to tell- liams cards! people in Port St. Joe thought year many nearing retirement can save a ing me how Skunk Hollow got Graylene Lemonds was as about my stories “about us.” It total of $25,000. Those fortunate enough to its name. I had always believed quiet and polite as always. But was a great question. One that qualify for company profit sharing, which it was because it was inhabited let me tell you, she can tell that St. Joe has answered in a most often accompanies 401(k)’s, can add signifi- by smelly animals. “Not so,” story about me and her and profound way. “Emily, they all cantly to this amount. according to James, “they had Dennis Coleman riding over say to me, ‘You must have had Contribution limits on Health Savings one beer joint in the hollow to the Carroll County Fair in the happiest childhood.’” Accounts will top out in 2019 at $3,500 with and folks declared that only the back of Aunt Opel’s pickup They understand why the 576 a $1,000 catch-up contribution allow- ‘skunks’ hung out in there.’” better than I can! miles weren’t such a big deal. ance for workers 55 and older. As long as High School Classmates are Our class president, David James stopped me as we were HSA dollars are spent on qualified medical forever. Webb, wanted to know when I leaving, “You mentioned Slick expenses, the contributions and the growth I’m not sure who called this was going to put my stories into Tosh. Do you remember the are tax free, which makes it the most advan- meeting. And it was not an offi- a book. I told him the truth, night Rollin drove his motorcy- taged and possibly the most under-utilized cial reunion. But word had gone “Books are normally reserved cle right through the front door of all qualified type investments. If you’ve out that the Class of ’65 was for real writers.” of the Skyway Grill? The fight only got $3,500 to save in 2019, this is not having lunch “for all who could Hollis Mayo quickly with the Huntingdon boys had a bad place to start. I call HSA’s “Bonus make it” at a local restaurant on reminded me how friendly and broken out……and he didn’t IRA’s” to emphasize their benefits. the Saturday after Thanksgiv- helpful my older brother had want to be late!” So how are we doing? Are we saving ing. It was only a 576 mile drive been to him, “Leon would pick enough? Statistics reveal mixed data. for me…… me up in his Ford convertible Respectfully, Household retirement savings represents a I hugged Pam and LaRenda and take me anywhere I wanted greater percentage of GDP than it did five like we’d grown up together. to go.” I get that from a lot of Kes or ten years ago, as many retirement plan balances reflated following the Great Reces- sion. That said, most evidence suggests that we will face a moderate-to-severe retire- ment crisis in coming years. CRANKS MY TRACTOR After a brief uptick following the 2008 Great Financial Crisis and likely due to the wealth effect of rising portfolio and home values, savings rates have plateaued at a measly 6%. Consider that over half Turning it on for Christmas (52 percent) of households over 55 have no retirement savings. And 30 percent of American workers of all ages have no retire- Now I know Ralphie wasn’t one. ment savings and no pension options. referring to the light being out Now, I had a screwdriver, Other issues make saving for retirement on the inside of his father’s pliers, wire cutters and a more challenging for Baby Boomers than for leg lamp, but I was. I had my knife to work on my beautiful the previous generation: life expectancies fi rst serious bulb outage of Christmas leg lamp. Cutting are increasing dramatically, health costs are the Christmas season. The away the felt on the bottom of skyrocketing, fewer companies are offering BN Heard bulb on the inside of my leg the lamp, I was able to cut the pensions plans, and the cost of college has lamp that I must have in the cord lock off, pull the inner exploded for parents with children. Did I dining room window was out fixture up through the top of mention that things will likely cost more ten onundrum: an intricate and without it, my leg lamp the leg and change the bulb. years from now than they do today? and difficult problem. would not glow and put out Sometimes it is worth all of the Starting our retirement savings contribu- C That comes from the the electric love that Ralphie work and pain it takes – this tions earlier, of course, allows us to enjoy Merriam-Webster Diction- so fondly spoke. was one of those times. the impact of compounding, and means ary that has been throwing I eased the fishnet stocking that we actually need to contribute less to words since 1828. I knew I back up and replaced all of the reach our goals. But it’s never too late to had a problem, but what I could’ve dragged me away from hardware, the harp and the get started. As famous chess player Garry had was more than a prob- the soft glow of electric sex shade. Other than the hole I Kasparov once said, “It is better to have a lem – it was a conundrum. gleaming in the window.” had to cut through the bottom bad plan than no plan.” Trying not to make any Now I know Ralphie wasn’t of the felt on the base, she was wrong moves or cause any referring to the light being out good as new. Frankly, after Margaret R. McDowell, ChFC®, AIF®, damage, I was being very on the inside of his father’s going through this intimate author of the syndicated economic column careful with the task at hand. leg lamp, but I was. I had my experience, I think that I have “Arbor Outlook,” is the founder of Arbor I started on the floor and then first serious bulb outage of the a better relationship with my Wealth Management, LLC, (850.608.6121 moved to the dining room Christmas season. The bulb on lamp. – www.arborwealth.net), a fiduciary, “fee- table. The light was better and I the inside of my leg lamp that After turning it on, I had to only” registered investment advisory firm could closer to the source of my I must have in the dining room go outside and admire it. Won- located near Destin, FL. This column should difficult situation. window was out and without derful quotes came to mind… not be considered personalized invest- Everything I was trying it, my leg lamp would not glow Remember Ralphie’s father ment advice and provides no assurance didn’t seem to work. I pushed and put out the electric love noting, “Oh, look at that! that any specific strategy or investment will and pulled and even got a that Ralphie so fondly spoke. Will you look at that? Isn’t it be suitable or profitable for an investor. flashlight out so I could see the There I was in the dining glorious? It’s… it’s… it’s inde- leg better. Finally, after several room trying to decide if I scribably beautiful! It reminds unsuccessful attempts, I went needed an electrician, an me of the Fourth of July!” ahead and eased the fishnet orthopedic surgeon or pos- So while you are getting stocking down to around the sibly Dr. Ruth to advise on the ready for Christmas and the knee. Still no luck, but now removal of the fishnet stocking. holiday season, be careful with another worry crossed my mind Searching the internet, I getting the decorations out of – I not only had to be careful found the instructions on the attic (over the years, I’ve Published every Thursday at 135 TO ALL ADVERTISERS with the leg and the shoe, but I removing the light, but there stepped through the ceiling W. U.S. 98, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 In case of error or omissions in advertisements, the publishers now had to take great care not was an important caveat. There twice), electrical stuff (I’ve Publisher: Tim Thompson do not hold themselves liable to tear the fishnet stocking. was one particular model that been shocked more than twice) Editor: Tim Croft for damage further than the amount received for such With the stocking at the required doing a little cutting and fishnet stockings (I only Circulation: 850-522-5197 advertisement. knee, and the leg across the or surgery on the base of the got it to the knee once, but I SUBSCRIPTIONS The spoken word is given scant dining room table, I was on the lamp and cutting a plastic cord can’t wait for that bulb to go In county Out of county attention; the printed word verge of giving up. But I didn’t, lock, which allowed the cord to out again). 1 Year: $24.15 $34.65 is thoughtfully weighed. The 6 Months: $15.75 $21 spoken word barely asserts; the because as Ralphie said in the be pulled freely and change the Home delivery subscribers may printed word thoroughly con- be charged a higher rate for vinces. The spoken word is lost; movie, A Christmas Story, light bulb on the inside of the Read more stories at www. holiday editions. the printed word remains. “Only one thing in the world leg. I determined that I had that CranksMyTractor.com. * ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 A5

point for national and with underwater SKYBORNE worldwide interest in the applications. areas of unmanned vehi- Airships are used in From Page A1 cle systems and advanced homeland security, manufacturing,” said defense, telecommunica- Dr. John Holdnak, Presi- tions and other markets, operations and training dent of Gulf Coast State according to a press in unmanned aircraft College. release. systems. “Skyborne Technology As a homeland secu- “Acquiring the Costin represents the conver- rity or defense tool, the Airport compliments gence of these two critical airships can be equipped our strategic objective to paths of economic devel- to perform high-level have both manufacturing opment for our region. I research, superior intel- and flight operations for couldn’t be prouder, or ligence, surveillance, our aviation products in more excited that Sky- and reconnaissance Gulf County,” said Deb- borne has selected this applications and secure orah Cheek, Senior Vice college to be their educa- communications. President of Public Rela- tional training partner … In telecommunica- tions for Skyborne. And, I couldn’t be happier tions, they provide a The company, said CEO that Gulf County stands viable alternative to cell Mike Lawson, “really at the epicenter of their towers and satellites. wanted to be in Florida.” operations.” Skyborne airships can Gov. Rick Scott’s Lawson added the be launched inexpen- The Mexico Beach Golf Cart parade will be 6 p.m. CT Sunday. [FILE PHOTO] heavily promoted the company was likely to sively and from virtually aerospace and technology be heavily involved in any location. In addition, sectors and Gulf County a district public school they can be returned to provided an additional proposal to create a drone land so that payloads PARADES ‘strategic reason” for program. can be recovered and locating a facility: plenty Skyborne’s growth exchanged allowing for From Page A1 of water in addition to will bring other educa- technological updates or land. tional and job-training equipment replacement. A technology Skyborne programs opportunities In considering the com- for entries to the parade is developing has under- and in a county in need pany’s products, Lawson may have changed, but water applications. of quality jobs, the com- said consider a mother the level of interest has Additionally, much pany’s presence will have ship in the air on a tether not. of the technology and an impact as it, hope- or extremely long line. She said the number systems Skyborne is fully, grows for “years to Within the mother of floats and presenta- developing are also part come.” ship, in turn, are any tions should be at least of the military’s mission “This is where it’s number of drones which equal to last year, maybe and a segment of that at,” Lawson said. “We can be deployed, in the more. work is taking place down feel being in this area, a air and underwater, for “We are getting a lot of the road at Tyndall AFB. potential growth area, is a variety of applications. calls from people making “There are a lot of (a positive). A significant appli- sure we are going to have things moving in this “If we can help improve cation is agricultural it, wanting to be part of Christmas on the Coast will be held 6 p.m. ET Saturday. direction,” Lawson said. the local environment, assessment as well as it,” Pierce said. [FILE PHOTO] The company also will provide jobs for students assessing power grids The goal, to make the bring compelling educa- in high school and col- and a host of monitoring Christmas celebration, “We are getting a lot and Friends; Business tional partnerships. lege … we want to soak applications. as resident John Parker of calls from people and Faith-Based. The company will be that up.” “The uniqueness of our said, a “PSJ Strong” kind making sure we are Entry forms are avail- working in cooperation Long-term, the com- design is that we’ve com- of day. going to have it, able at City Hall or call with Gulf Coast State pany expects to create bined multiple designs,” Both Port St. Joe and wanting to be part of 229-8261 ext. 129. College for the manu- roughly 100 local jobs. Lawson said. “The tech- Mexico Beach will hold it.” Entry forms may also facturing of drones, Skyborne Technology, nology is proven. It just their Christmas celebra- be found online at www. airships, first responder with facilities in Cen- needed to be organized tions this weekend. Charlotte Pierce, parade cityofportstjoe.com. communication systems tral America and South into a company that can organizer and training as part of America, touts itself as at use that technology (at its Christmas on the Mexico Beach tree its educational outreach, the cutting edge of avia- potential). Coast, Holiday lighting, parade according to a press tion systems, designing “It’s a combination of Farmers Market Christmas shopping. release. and developing manned, doing business in a differ- The market will be fol- Mexico Beach officials “Northwest Florida is i.e. tethered, and ent way and doing it in an The Salt Air Farm- lowed later that evening will hold their Christ- rapidly becoming a focal unmanned technology affordable way.” ers Market will host by the annual Christmas mas tree lighting on its annual Christmas on the Coast parade, the grassy parcel next market in City Com- which will begin its trek to Parker Realty in the mons 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. down Reid Ave. around town’s business section ET Saturday. 6 p.m. ET. at 6 p.m. CT Sunday. As has become tra- Lineup begins at 5 p.m. The Golf Cart Parade dition, the Christmas ET and judging will also participants will line- market is always a bit take place. up in Parker Park at 5:30 larger and includes a Awards will be given p.m. CT, with the parade broad variety of offer- to the top parade beginning at 6 p.m. CT ings, from fresh produce displays in four cat- and continuing through to an array of arts and egories: Schools and town to the Christmas crafts, perfect for Non-Profits; Family tree.

due to a lack of available and we will not be out SCHOOLS housing. of compliance,” said One other resigned Lori Price, Assistant From Page A1 due to the same Superintendent for circumstances. Instruction. The district was to The Christmas break protect us,” said Super- an extent nudged by will adhere to that cal- intendent of Schools state officials, includ- endar: after a half-day Jim Norton. ing the governor, to Dec. 20, schools will Financial officer open schools has soon close for the break, with Sissy Worley said it was as possible, maybe a teachers returning Jan. simply too early to dis- bit earlier than Norton 4 and students Jan. 8. cern Michael’s impacts and staff would have Meanwhile, the dis- to the budget. preferred. trict is totaling up “We hope we are held They have had to damage costs and fol- harmless (by the Legis- juggle with classroom lowing the necessary lature) for the storm,” space at each junior/ process with the insur- Worley said. “This year senior high school, but ance carrier. we will be fine. The next from the re-opening The School Board year is when we will of schools, enrollment Tuesday approved have challenges. indicated the need to spending more than “But our first goal, get the schools up and $30,000 on repairs to as always, is to educate running was pressing. the cooling towers at the kids and keep them “It’s taken a lot to the junior/senior high safe.” get our schools open,” schools, though both As for the coming Norton said. “I think towers may have to be fiscal year, Property we’ve done a yeoman’s replaced sooner than Appraiser Mitch Burke job for the community hoped. and his staff have not in doing so.” In addition, the dis- even completed their And despite more trict sustained some photography of the than two weeks of clo- damage to every school, entire county needed sure after the hurricane, with the two junior/ to assess damages to district officials do not senior high schools properties. believe they will have to sustaining the most The tax roll does not extend the school year’s damage. have to be certified until schedule beyond the Another significant July and Worley said it late May dates for high claim will be the Port will be months before the school graduations. St. Joe track, which, local picture is filled in. “Right now I don’t as Norton put it, was Early estimates out of envision us going “crushed” during the the county’s offices are beyond the school cal- time post-storm when a loss of 20 percent in endar,” Norton said. it was the headquarters county property values; Though no formal for the law enforcement Worley said she would word has come from presence in the county. not be surprised if the the Department of Edu- The School Board figure is not 30 percent cation, district officials decided to schedule a or more. believe they will be in one-hour workshop And as enrollment compliance provided prior to its January reg- has rebounded since the the current calendar is ular meeting to discuss storm, the faculty num- followed. and assess damages to bers have also held; just “We have calcu- school infrastructure one district teacher has lated every minute and a path forward on yet to return to the job of instructional time recompense. * ** A6 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star

CONTACT US Email outdoor news to OUTDOORS [email protected] December fi shing in the Panhandle

By Frank Sargeant all experienced anglers Special to The Star know, they won’t bite if there’s any red tide at December angling along all around—just as you the coast is likely to be don’t feel like eating when impacted in some areas you’ve got the flu, the by the continuing red fish appear to lose their tide, with both St. Joseph appetite. If you want to Bay and St. Andrews Bay go fishing this month, go forecast to have “moder- where the red tide isn’t. ate” levels of the noxious alga bloom. Back bay action Fortunately, it’s easy to jump in the car or boat Both trout and reds and head west to Choc- tend to crowd into the tawhatchee Bay and back country when it gets Pensacola Bay, both of chilly, settling into deeper which are showing clear holes in the creeks, canals, in the NOAA weekly fore- channels, marinas, cast, though the beach around the bridges and areas adjacent to both in prop dredges around are labeled “very low” to larger docks. As this is “low”. Traveling east to written, water tempera- Apalachicola Bay is also ture is around 68 degrees an option—again, the bay along the beaches, but itself is showing clear of with the forecast for some The bridge at Destin is a noted spot for fi nding big winter redfi sh--live baitfi sh or cut mullet are the primary offerings. red tide, but there’s a thin nights with air tempera- [COURTESY OF FRANK SARGEANT] crust of “very low” read- tures in the high 30’s and ings along the beaches. low 40’s within the next The water in Panhandle fish there are usually a shrimp—they ruin the passes and around the Biologists tell us week, the water will be bays stays warmer than lot more at this time of action of the lure. How- nearshore reefs. A double that along the beaches in year, so stop trolling and ever, some anglers who uni-knot joins line to winter because the fresh anchor as soon as the first target sheepshead do leader, allowing casting water coming in from trout comes aboard; it’s well by dispensing of the when a swivel will stick the rivers is stained with not uncommon to catch soft plastic jig tail com- in the guides. tannin from cypress and dozens from a pothole pletely, and replacing it The best flounder bite other vegetation, and about the size of the aver- with the tail section of a at this time of year is that black water acts as a age bedroom. fresh shrimp threaded all usually in the passes and heat sink anytime the sun Some of the larger the way onto the hook. around reefs close to the hits it. The warmer water rocky holes may hold not You go through a lot of beach as the fish move attracts bait, which in only trout but also reds, shrimp, but you also catch into the gulf to spawn, turn attracts fish. sheepshead and flounder, a lot of sheepshead. but the hint of red tide Some shallow areas also and some of these spots It’s also possible to in these areas this year have dark mud bottoms, are well up the tributary attract sheepshead to may slow or eliminate multiplying the heating creeks and rivers—it pays pilings of bridges and that bite. Still, it’s worth effect. Any sort of little to explore at this time of large docks by knock- checking—when the run is bayou or slough letting off year. ing the barnacles off the on, anglers routinely put a the main bays can attract If you’re seeking pilings, creating a chum 10 fish limit in the boat in fish, particularly on calm, redfish, look for struc- line of busted shell and a few hours. sunny afternoons, when ture—they particularly meat. Fishing a piece of reds and trout sometimes like to hang on pilings of cut shrimp straight down Heading upriver move into water just a the main bridges, often in this chum, with enough couple feet deep for a bit where the shallower flats weight to keep the bait Repeat cold fronts, of sunning. These fish are drop off rapidly towards close to the piling, often as often occur in late very spooky and a slow, deeper water. Trolling results in heavy catches. December and on through silent approach by wading a deep-diving plug like Shrimp imitations February, can push coastal or on push pole or troll- a Mann’s Stretch 15 is a like the DOA Shrimp, fish for miles inland, into ing motor is a must, but if good way to locate the LIVETARGET Shrimp water that’s completely you can get within casting schools. Again, where you and the Egret Lures Vudu fresh. range and toss a streamer find one there will usually Shrimp can also be very From the east, the fly, shrimp imitation or a be several—putting down effective—fish them Apalachicola, St. Marks small jig, they’ll often bite. live pinfish, cut mullet dead slow, just like a live and East Rivers dumping or Berkley Gulp crabs is shrimp, for best results. into Apalachicola Bay can Finding the fi sh a good way to connect, be very good not only for though they will also hit Flounder tips trout and reds but also for Though large numbers ½ ounce and larger jigs large bass and stripers. of trout and reds move with 4 to 6 inch tails—the If you’d like to take Choctawhatchee River, into the bays in winter, Tsunami Swim Shad is home some flounder— Mitchell River, Cypress they’re usually concen- often a good one. and who wouldn’t—opt River, Indian River and trated in relatively few for live killifish, aka “bull Oak Creek Cutoff, all on areas—you have to find The right baits minnows”, which are the east end of Choc- those concentrations to often available at area tawhatchee Bay are often score. While you can put a bait shops at this time productive due to plung- Big screen sonar with lot of fish in the boat of year. These are 3 to 4 ing holes, some over 20 side scan makes it easy to with nothing more than inch minnows that seem feet. locate the action with a bit a basic quarter-ounce jig irresistible to the tasty The Intracoastal of patient idling around with a 3 to 4 inch grub tail flatfish, as well as to red- Waterway canal dredged likely areas—hard bottom in shrimp-brown color fish. (Live shrimp are a between Choctawhatchee areas with rock or shell hopped slowly across distant second when it Bay and West Bay is not outcrops often hold fish, bottom at this time of comes to flounder, but fresh water, but because as do the pilings of many year, offering them some they do work.) it’s consistently 12 feet of the larger bridges span- variety may bring better The bull minnows are deep, it can draw lots of ning the bays. results after you’ve usually fished nose- winter fish as well—pay It also works to do it the caught several out of a hooked on a drop shot particular attention to old-fashioned way—put school. rig, with the weight on areas where creeks run that most fish can live chilling off fast, moving out two or three swimmer Sometimes all it takes the tag end of the line, into the canal. in the low to very low lots of fish to their winter tail jigs of varying weights is a change in tail colors, the hook suspended on Pensacola Bay is fed levels of bloom, but as homes. and troll them just fast going from the shrimp a short dropper from 1 primarily by the Black- enough to keep them off colors to shad or sardine to 3 feet above. Size 1 to water and Yellow Rivers, bottom through anywhere colors of pearl, white or 1⁄0 octopus style hooks and both of these can lure FISHING REPORT you suspect the fish might pale gray. in light wire work well fish far inland during cold gather. Weights of ¼, 5⁄16 It can also be very for this duty—avoid the snaps, as well—again, you and 3⁄8 ounces are about helpful to put a tiny bit extra-strong hooks used can catch both salt and right for areas 6 to 10 of “sweetener” on the jig for larger fish because fresh water species on the feet deep, the most likely hook—a sliver of fresh- they’ll kill the bait. same trip at times. zone through much of the cut shrimp about the size Spinning tackle with In short, December winter. Z-Man makes of a pencil eraser adds 15-pound-test braid and fishing may require a bit some good ones, and their scent, and that some- a yard of 15- to 20-pound of hunt-and-peck opera- ElazTech tails are softer times doubles the number test mono or fluoro leader tion until you find clean Well anglers the folks that have taken the time than normal plastic, yet of bites. The scent also is the right tackle for this water that has bait and to get some fishing in Post Hurricane Michael far tougher. The Mirrol- makes the artificial task—the rig allows cast- fish, but once you find have been rewarded and in a big way. Redfish ure Marsh Minnow is also much more attractive to ing baits to potholes and them, it can turn into a bite and Trout bite have been great in just about a favorite of many. sheepshead and flounder. docks inshore as well as holiday fishing bonanza all areas along the Forgotten Coast. Fish are Where you get one Avoid big chunks of fishing vertically in the that will last for weeks. biting on a myriad of baits from frozen shrimp to live shrimp, soft plastics and even Fish Bites. We saw a Redfish about 40 inches caught on a two inch piece of Fish Bite. So if you have the time and can escape the hard work and recovery efforts, hit the water. There is nothing better for stress relief than a few hours of fishing. As a reminder Bluewater Outriggers is OPEN, we are here Monday through Saturday and our current hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET. Come see us and the great Christmas decorations and grab some bait or just let us know how you’re doing. We are all in this together. Until next time, Happy Fishing ! * ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 A7 SPORTS

PSJ boys open soccer season Baker ends Port

Star Staff Report St. Joe’s season Hurricane Michael has pro- vided a fuel, a theme, for the in semifi nal Port St. Joe Jr./Sr. High School boys’ soccer team. By Seth Stringer and found the end zone. By The team has dedicated the Gatehouse Media game’s end the Gators allowed season to working together a Sharks backfield averaging toward the goal of “be stronger BAKER –Baker enjoyed a 200-plus yards per game with together” or #SharkStrong- 48-27 win over Port St. Joe 35 touchdowns to just 81 rush- forPSJ, said first-year Coach in the 1A state semifinal last ing yards and a score. Don Maples. Friday. Josh Butts threw for three Maples had been teaching at Doug Griffith Memorial scores and 144 yards. the 29 players new aspects of Stadium. Baker quarterback Payton how the team wants to play The game ball belonged to Rockwell, not getting many individually and collectively. many. snaps with McLaughlin play- “One thing we have estab- There was Junior McLaugh- ing under center, tacked on a lished early is we make no lin of course, the senior back 2-yard touchdown run for the excuses,” Maples said. “Not padding his state-leading Gators, who moved the chains about the storm, time lost, Marlon Lopez has eight goals in three games. [FILE PHOTO] rushing total with 241 rush- at will against a foe that had who we have, don’t have, ing yards (mostly out of the allowed 62 points all season on anything. scoring four goals in the first 20 minutes. wildcat) and four rushing the shoulders of six shutouts. “We also established need- half as Port St. Joe came out The Tiger Sharks settled touchdowns on 24 carries to No team had topped 20 ing each other because one “firing on all cylinders.” down, started to find a rhythm accent a 40-yard touchdown points. Baker posted 41 by person can’t bring success Blake Gay made it 5-0 after and held the score to 5-0 jump pass. halftime. to the team. It is everyone Alexander took a through entering intermission. There was Eric McQueen, The pair of teams entered together, working not for pass from Gerson Flores, cut "Our talk at halftime cen- the recipient of that jump the night with no common individual agendas, rather it back and sent a crosser to tered around having an pass to give the Gators some opponents or a head-to-head what can be achieved collec- Gay who put the ball in the athletic character, being breathing room at 27-14 in the matchup this season. Yet while tively for team success.” back of the net. resilient, and choices" Maples second quarter. the Gators hadn’t been chal- Maples pointed to strong Port St. Joe also had sev- said. "We simply panicked, There was Brad Inscore, lenged all season, the Sharks leadership from captains eral shots clang off the reverted back to the ‘old’ style who shined on both sides of had been challenged twice. Marlon Lopez, Ford Kuhnel crossbar or miss inches wide. of soccer kicking it forward the ball. On a fourth-and-14 First came a 14-9 win at 4A and Sean Farnsley, adding the Larry Lance, a seventh- and hoping we could outrun at the Sharks’ 15 yard line, Marianna and most recently players are working hard and grader, scored off an assist the other team and get a goal. Inscore hauled in a pass in a 17-12 region semifinal win trying everything that is being by Lopez and Lopez followed “It was good for this to around the 7, turned upfield over Blountstown. thrown at them. with his fifth goal of night. happen even though at the and carried three tacklers to On Friday night they simply Lance finished the scor- time the team didn't under- the sticks at the 1 yards line, couldn’t contain McLaugh- Port St. Joe 5, ing in the final minutes off stand how. In these moments where McLaughlin did the lin. Baker’s other 12 foes can Franklin County 0 an assist from Kuhnel. our team can grow or we can rest to push the lead to 21-7. empathize, no opponent able The 8-0 halftime score roll over, concede the game Moments later he forced a to hold McLaughlin to under Hurricane Michael delayed ended the game on the mercy and go home early.” fumble that bounced directly 130 yards or out of the end zone training for two weeks and it rule. Maples told the team that into the hands of Derek Peo- McLaughlin had touchdown showed when Port St. Joe Freshman goalkeeper the hole dug was likely too ples, who took the gift 40 runs of 4, 1, 26 and 1 yards and opened play at home against Caleb Heiden earned the deep, but “victory would be to yards to the house to give the connected with McQueen on the Seahawks. shutout win. fight, compete, make Wakulla Gators a 41-14 halftime lead. his only pass for a 40-yard Lopez scored three times in "As far as our first two earn everything while growing There was Baker’s entire score. the opening half to stake the games, a team is always and learning under pressure." defense, which in the first half Baker ended the night with Tiger Sharks to the lead. glad to get wins when open- During the second half, Port limited the Sharks to 11 yards 323 yards of offense, while Port “We were still trying to find ing a season,” Maples said. St. Joe controlled the tempo, rushing and forced three sacks St. Joe mustered 225 a rhythm and we possessed “What changed from the had the majority of posses- the ball but gave up opportu- first to second game was the sions, created opportunities nities with mis-timed passes information we were able to and had near misses on shots. and runs,” Maples said. take from the first match, Freshmen Ashton Burkett “The second half was install a better understand- and Porter Hodges stepped better in terms of possession, ing of our roles, reading cues up along with seventh-grader but the opportunities created which trigger movements to Lance. went missing.” support, creating chances. Heiden came up big with Elias Alexander made it 4-0 “The by-product of that is timely saves in the second half early in the second half off we played a full 80 minutes and sophomore Luis Ponce, an assist by Lopez and Lopez in the first game, and we play freshman Halston Fulk, Farn- followed with a “screamer” 40 minutes and score eight sley and Kuhnel kept things from 20 yards that sailed goals in the second.” organized, leading from the just under the crossbar for back. his fourth goal of the game. Wakulla Christian 5, "You have to tip your hat to Port St. Joe ended the season 11-1. [COURTESY OF WAYNE TAYLOR] Joel Bogeart earned the Port St. Joe 0 Wakulla Christian on devis- shutout in goal. ing a plan to mark Marlon The Saints got out of the Lopez,” Maples said. “They Port St. Joe 8, gate early and often, scoring literally kept five players on Franklin County 0 three goals in the first 12 min- him. Port St. Joe girls utes as Port St. Joe struggled “Overall, I am extremely Following the Thanksgiv- to figure out the defensive proud of these boys who may ing break, the Tiger Sharks organization. Wakulla struck be growing into young men open with shutouts were up against Franklin twice more on long balls and athletes. They fought, County again, this time in played over the top leading didn't concede a goal, and Star Staff Report Chloe Jones had a clean Eastpoint. to one-on-ones with Heiden played some real soccer at sheet in goal, making two Lopez was again the fuel, extending the lead to 5-0 after times in the second half.” The season may have saves. started late due to Hurricane Michael, practices and games Port St. Joe 6, lost in the wake of the storm, Franklin County 0 but the Port St. Joe Jr./Sr. traveled to take on North High School girls’ soccer team The Lady Tiger Sharks took Lady Tiger Sharks Bay Haven, taking a 9-6 was ready once it hit the pitch. to the road for the first time first-quarter lead and coast- The Lady Tiger Sharks and the result was another ing to victory. Lenox led the opened the season with three shutout as Jones had another open season 1-2 way with 18 points, three consecutive shutouts, led by clean sheet in goal, making rebounds, six steals and the scoring of Ebony Alexan- three saves. Star Staff Report South Walton 44, four assists, Gant added der and Zoe Gerlach. Port St. Joe opened the Port St. Joe 34 eight points, three rebounds “We have just two upper scoring in the seventh minute The Port St. Joe Jr./Sr. and one steal, Larry five classmen this season with when Madelyn Gortemoller High School girls’ basketball Port St. Joe traveled to points, three rebounds and many new faces, but the team hit the crossbar only to have team that reached the state Fort Walton to play in the four assists and Croom two is proving they will be a fun Ebony Alexander punch in the Class 1A title game last year Emerald Coast Thanksgiving points and three rebounds. team to watch,” said Coach rebound. is not the same team opening Classic, hosted by Choctaw Bobby Alexander. Gerlach fed Gortemoller in this year’s campaign. High School. The Lady Tiger Bay 31, Port St. Joe 28 Alexander thanked the the slot minutes later and Gor- After the loss of four key Sharks played Class 4A South Gulf County Soccer Boosters termoller converted to make it seniors, some say Coach Walton. South Walton was On the road again, and and the Gulf District Schools 2-0. Kenny Parker and the Lady down 11-10 after one quar- the Lady Tiger Sharks’ next maintenance department for Shakeria Yates, in her first Tiger Sharks are rebuilding. ter but had built the lead to three games are also on the efforts in making the season year with the program, fol- Parker, though, thinks 27-14 by halftime. Port St. road, Port St. Joe traveled to possible and for the many lowed with a pair of goals, by season’s end his team Joe was down by more than take on Class 5A Bay. improvements that were unassisted in the 14th minute has a chance to get back to 20 points in the third quar- After the first quarter left made to the field over the off and again five minutes later on Lakeland. ter but got within six. Larry the teams knotted, Port St. season. a “beautiful assist” by Gerlach. The Lady Tiger Sharks had 12 points, four rebounds, Joe took a 18-17 lead into He also thanked the parents That made it 4-0 at the will be led by seniors Te-Te one assist and three steals and the break. It was still a one- and community for coming first-half water break and Croom, in her second Lenox added 10 points, three point margin after three out and supporting Port St. Ebony Alexander and Corzine season, and Quinci Elphin- rebounds, four assists and periods, but Port St. Joe Joe soccer. added goals to make it 6-0 at stone, who did not play last two steals. Croom had five couldn’t hold on, out-scored halftime. year. points, three rebounds and a 9-5. Port St. Joe 8, “The ladies settled in during Other players to watch are steal, Johnson two points, six Gant had nine points, two Franklin County 0 the second half with a focus ninth-grader Mimi Larry rebounds and one block and rebounds and one assist and on possession and defense,” and two eight-graders, Jae India Gant, a seventh-grader, Johnson added nine points The season-opener just Coach Alexander said. “The Lenox (who had a game high two points and a rebound. and 10 rebounds. before the Thanksgiving break young team did a great job 24 in the state semifinal last Lenox chipped in six was a spotlight for the Port and kept Franklin off the year versus Paxton), and Port St. Joe 33, points, two rebounds, five St. Joe offense as Alexander scoreboard.” Mari Johnson who has much North Bay Haven 17 assists and three steals and scored four goals, Gerlach London White took over in improved and is a force on Larry had four points, three three with Haley Corzine goal during the second half and the boards. The Lady Tiger Sharks rebounds and two steals. adding the final tally. registered one save. * ** A8 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star SCENE AROUND

A shrimp boat run aground near the Stump Hole. [COURTESY OF JOHN SELLERS]

Watching the sunset from the Port St. Joe Marina [COURTESY OF Mexico Beach Pier [COURTESY OF RON RUDOLPH] JAMES MORPETH]

Full moon over St. Joseph Bay [COURTESY OF TERRY STRAIN] St. Joe Bay sunset [COURTESY OF SANDIE KENNEDY]

“Never get tired of it.” [COURTESY OF CAROL AND PHIL DOHMEN]

Send us your photos that spotlight the best that Gulf Coast has to offer. This page is for photos submitted to The Star by readers. A pod of dolphins in the Gulf [COURTESY OF MELISSA JUBERG}] Please submit your photos to tcroft@starfl .com. * ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 B1 COMMUNITY Libraries up and running after Michael

By Tim Croft Certainly, there were The Port St. Joe Star rippling impacts. 850-227-7827 Staff was scattered for @PSJ_Star | [email protected] a time after the storm and Brockman had to make the On the scale of damages difficult decision to cancel inflicted by Hurricane a Smithsonian-sponsored Michael in early October, exhibit, “Hometown the Gulf County Libraries Heroes,” which dealt with fared pretty well, at least the role of sports in small physically. communities. At the Corinne Costin “I did not feel com- Gibson Memorial Library fortable putting up a in Port St. Joe, a hole was Smithsonian exhibit given carved into the roof. the roof,” Brockman said. This, of course, allowed On the other hand, Michael’s rains full entry. the Florida Humanities “It only affected the Council agreed to allow furniture,” said Nancy the library to use grant Brockman, coordinator of funds not expended on the the Gulf County Libraries. exhibit to be spent replac- “And a globe, that was also ing materials lost to the lost.” storm. Not just any globe, but “That was very generous one donated in memory of of them,” Brockman said, Alice Core by a book club adding that there is the comprised of Indian Pass possibility the Smithsonian residents. exhibit arrives next year. “They have graciously And, lastly on the said they will replace it,” impacts side of the ledger, Brockman said. the absence and subse- At the Charles White- quent spottiness of access head Memorial Library in to the Internet, an impor- Wewahitchka a tree fell on tant component of library Ashley Antley reunited Don Waits with his son’s wedding album. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] the roof; only the removal operations, played a role of the tree, during which a in re-opening as did the window was shattered, left a mark. See LIBRARY, B7 Wedding memories RESCUED

By Tim Croft been shared more than 13,000 The Port St. Joe Star | 850-227-7827 times and those shares came from @PSJ_Star | [email protected] across the country, with folks from several states, Alabama, Georgia shley Antley just needed and beyond, commenting on the some alone time on find and wishing Antley good luck A the beach in the days on her search. after Hurricane Michael. Antley finally received a reply Children’s artwork from the Books and Artists program. The St. Joe Beach resident was from the groom’s aunt. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] near the Highland View Bridge That was Oct. 22. when her search for some serenity The groom, as it turned out, was became a treasure hunt. Chad Waits, whose father, Don There, among the sand and some Waits, lives part-time in St. Joe debris, Antley found a wedding Beach. HURRICANE MICHAEL photo album. “I had the album in my home and The only information she had like a lot of things it was lost after to go on was the bride and groom Michael,” Don Waits said. “I had were “Sara and Chad.” no idea all that was going on with Looking for strong So, she did what many did while Facebook, something like 12,000 searching for loved ones or trea- or 13,000 shares. sured memories in the days after “I couldn’t believe it. I figured Gulf County women Michael; Antley took to social they were lost and gone forever.” media. As it turned out, much had Her first post, which included a blessed Chad and Sara’s lives since CCA hosts seminar understand it better, we photo of the bride and groom from those wedding snaps. Thursday can cope and help others the album, went up on Facebook The two remained married since better. Oct. 18. Special to The Star Coastal Community In just a few days, the post had See WEDDING, B7 Association has recog- The trauma of Hurri- nized the need for women cane Michael has affected in our community to us all. come together and learn Some of us had little about the underpinnings physical damage and of trauma, how to put changes, but are trying to words to what we are help others deal with their going through, and how TRIVIA GUY losses. Do we know how to learn to live through to help? Do we feel a sur- this challenging time. vivor’s guilt? Do we feel Today, from 1-3 p.m.- in a manger, but what is a overwhelmed as we try to ish (ET), the Coastal 1. In “The Twelve Days of manger? help? Do we want to get Community Association Christmas” song, what is Flowerbed, Animal feeding back to normal (and are a of Gulf County is host- widely believed to signify the trough, Donkey cart, Pile of little angry others can’t ing a seminar “Strong Old and New Testaments? clothes seem to move on)? Women Dealing with Calling birds, Swans, Turtle 5. Ordinarily, what do most Some of us are deal- Trauma” at the Scallop doves, French hens elves wear on the tips of their ing with life changes, in Republic on Cape San Blas WWilsonilson CaseyCasey 2. There is an explicit refer- shoes? homes, jobs, location. We Road. We have invited ence to “Christmas” in which Buttons, Whistles, Holly, Bells smile, say “It will take Dr. Pamela Valentine, “Trivia Fun” with Shakespeare play? 6. Who also is called “Old time.” “Stay Panhandle counselor and adjunct Wilson Casey, Guinness “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “The Man Winter”? Strong.” But do we really professor at FSU College World Record Holder Tempest,” “King Lear” Fred Freeze, Carl Cold, Ben have the words to deal of Social Work, to lead the from Woodruff, S.C., is 3. Who were the male Burr, Jack Frost with our grief, anger, seminar. published in more than co-stars in the 1954 movie fear? Strong women, stiff Dr. Valentine’s exper- 500 newspapers across “White Christmas”? ANSWERS: 1. Turtle doves, upper lip – how do we tise is in helping people the country. Comments, Brando/Holden, Crosby/Kaye, 2. “Hamlet,” 3. Crosby/Kaye, stay strong when we feel to learn to work through questions or suggestions? Hope/Brynner, Heston/Niven 4. Animal feeding trough, 5. so weak? Dealing with [email protected] 4. The Christ Child was laid Bells, 6. Jack Frost trauma is a process. If we See STRONG, B7 * ** B2 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star SOCIETY/ LOCAL PSJ Garden Club news

Special to The Star

The Port St. Joe Garden Club December meeting is Thursday, Dec. 13 at 216 8th Street. There will be no featured speaker this month but we are having a plant exchange and a holiday party. A luncheon will be served at noon but come a little early to visit and mingle. A business meeting will [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] follow the luncheon. Don't forget to bring com so we can ensure cans of food for the food sufficient chairs and food shelf. If you are interested for all. We hope to see you in attending please email at our lovely and historic psjgardenclub@gmail. Garden Center on Dec. 13.

The Forgotten Coast Ukulele band played Christmas carols. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] County Democrats meeting, holiday ‘Christmas in the Garden’ party set for Dec. 10 Special to The Star and hear a county recov- ery update from newly The Gulf County Dem- re-elected Chairman of draws large turnout ocrats’ monthly meeting the Gulf County Board of and holiday party is County Commissioners, scheduled for Monday, Sandy Quinn. Special to The Star Dec. 10 from 6:30 p.m. Please bring a non-per- to 8 p.m. ET (new time) ishable food item for the Although the weather at the Port St. Joe Garden Food Bank or a children’s did not cooperate, rain- Club located at 216 8th book or toy to support ing most of the day Street. local holiday toy drives. and turning the yard Join us to celebrate Refreshments will be into a giant puddle, the with new and old friends, served. Everyone is wel- crowds still came to reflect on 2018 and look come. Please visit our the Port St Joe Garden forward to success in Facebook page for more Club's Christmas in the 2019. information:https:// Garden event last Sat- We'll also learn next www.facebook.com/ urday. The building was steps for Amendment 4 GulfCountyDemocrats/. decorated with Christ- mas cheer and filled with sounds of Christmas carols when the Forgot- ten Coast Ukulele band Dunn joins in call played. And gardeners and those just struggling for agricultural with their current state Special ornaments were handed out to those braving the weather and attending. of landscaping, or lack [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] thereof, came away with disaster funding useful information from those branches or fronds spend less time, money Blas discussed the care the three informative that are totally brown, and chemicals in your and selection of roses in Special to The Star clear that they need help. presentations presented suggesting "now is not yard plant native or Bay a coastal environment. We will continue to make throughout the day. the time to reshape that and Gulf friendly spe- Rick provided sugges- WASHINGTON, DC our case until their needs Jill Beebee and Patty tree or bush." cies. In other words stop tions of roses that will do – Congressman Neal are met,” said Dr. Dunn. Dunlap, both master Patty Dunlap focused fighting nature and join well in our coastal envi- Dunn (FL-02) joined In a letter to House gardeners and Port St. on lawns and peren- in and enjoy it. Anita ronment and advised with members repre- leadership the members Joe Garden Club mem- nials and along with focused her presenta- that the best way to learn senting areas across the wrote, “losses from these bers, discussed what Anita Groves, Training tion on Bay and Gulf about growing roses is southeast in advocating storms were particularly to do post Hurricane Coordinator with the friendly landscaping and to join a Rose Society for adequate agricul- painful as the storms Michael. Jill discussed Apalachicola National provided many sugges- where other members tural disaster funding in arrived late in the grow- which trees are most Estuarine Research tions for the species that share their passion and the wake of Hurricanes ing season after extensive wind resistant; need- Reserve, emphasized now will thrive in this coastal knowledge of roses. Michael and Florence. A investment into this less to say, slash pine is the time to regroup and environment. All proceeds collected bipartisan coalition of 28 year’s crop. As this Con- trees as we can all attest think about how you use Rick Thomas, Master at this event will be used members from Florida, gress comes to an end, to are not high on the your yard and plan your Rosarian from Thomas- for the re-beautification North Carolina, South farmers are attempting wind resistant scale. landscaping accordingly. ville, GA and part time of our areas special com- Carolina, Alabama, and to secure the credit they She advised pruning only If you would like to resident of Cape San munity spaces. Georgia wrote to Speaker need to put crops in the Paul Ryan and Minor- ground for next year. ity Leader Nancy Pelosi Further, with an increase urging House action on in farm bankruptcies by agricultural assistance by 39% over the past two the end of the year. years, we are concerned “I’ve visited countless that absent timely assis- agriculture producers tance for agriculture, across the Second Dis- many vulnerable farm trict and listened as they families may not survive described the absolute the economic circum- devastation their opera- stances that they face.” tions suffered, and it’s SHH on the Gulf Guild hosts Christmas Gift Shop sale

Special to The Star Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24 and Christmas ‘Tis the holiday season Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25. as Sacred Heart Hospi- Unique gifts, holiday tal on the Gulf hosts its decorations, nativity annual Guild Christmas sets, angels, jewelry, Gift Shop Sale. and much more will be The event will run available for purchase at weekdays through 25 percent off regularly Friday, Dec. 28. marked prices. The hours are 10 a.m. Bring a friend and until 2 p.m. ET Monday enjoy lunch in the hos- through Thursday and 8 pital’s cafeteria and do a.m. until 4 p.m. ET Fri- some holiday shopping days with the following that benefits others. All exceptions: proceeds support new The Gift Shop is closed and expanded health- on Thanksgiving Day, care services for our Thursday, Nov. 22, community. * ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 B3 SCHOOL NEWS S.O.A.R-ING AT PSJES S.O.A.R. students for the week of Nov. 30 at Port St. Joe Elementary School

[SPECIAL TO THE STAR] Saluting our retired educators

By Elinor Traci Moses, Franklin information, please con- Elinor Mount-Simmons, retiring in 2016. Cur- Mount-Simmons County School District tact F/GREA’s secretary vice-president and sec- rently, she is an Special to the Star superintendent, spoke of Elinor Mount-Simmons retary of F/GREA, academic coach with the importance of those at emountsimmons@ is a 36-year veteran ED Corps (Conserva- Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 who chose teaching as gmail.com or call (850) teacher with Franklin tion Corps of For- was National Retired their career choice. “A 323-0544. County School District, gotten Coast) Educator’s Day, a special career in education is a day annually observed service career, a calling throughout the United placed on an individual’s States on the third life to make a difference Monday in November to and positive impact in the recognize the men and lives of those that they women whose career in November. teach,” she said. “The involved many years Although a teacher Franklin County School devoted to teaching boys can retire with as few as District is very fortunate we are and girls in classrooms all 10 teaching years, full to have many of our retired across the country. retirement begins at 30 educators still participat- Florida is home to thou- years’ experience or age ing in some capacity to FLORIDA sands of retired women 65, with many enter- support our schools. Their and men who dedicated ing retirement having contributions are vital to years of their life edu- had three decades plus the successes of the stu- cating children, and the of teaching time. Many dents and classrooms, in STATE Forgotten Coast is home retirees are members which they support. to many who taught in of the Florida Retired “I am very thankful for our local schools, as well Educators Association the continued work of as those who taught else- (FREA), which boasts our retirees in Franklin where but who now enjoy over 13,000 members County, and appreciate FSU Panama City their retirement years in throughout Florida. The how their passion for edu- Small campus. Major university. our area. local branch of FREA is cation drives their desire to In recognition of this the Franklin/Gulf Retired continue to make a posi- pc.fsu.edu day, Gov. Rick Scott Educators Association tive impact in the lives of issued a proclamation (F/GREA), headed by Lois the students in Franklin stating that “Florida is Byrd, a retired elemen- County,” Moses said. home to many retired tary teacher from Gulf Missy Cumbie, past educators who have County with 38 years president of F/GREA, spent much of their lives teaching experience. who retired from Franklin giving their time to our “We have approxi- County Schools in 2013 students… We recognize mately 30 members, after 38 years of teach- Florida’s retired educa- and the majority of ing elementary students, tors for their dedication them continue to foster said that “Retired teach- to empowering stu- a relationship with our ers have retired from dents and strengthening county’s education com- their classrooms but not our local and statewide munities by regularly from life. Many still find communities.” contributing time and ways to work with chil- This special day of talents to our schools, dren, volunteer in their recognition was first both in Gulf and Frank- communities through observed in 1979 on the lin County,” said Byrd, different organizations, third Sunday in Octo- current president of F/ and provide services for ber when then Gov. GREA. “Individually, we those in need. Bob Graham issued a are substitute teachers, “Teachers are givers proclamation declar- mentors, tutors, class- whether they are still ing the observance. It room volunteers, as well working or have retired,” was celebrated again the as other tasks, offering said Cumbie, who owns same date the follow- our assistance in a variety Magnifying Minds, a ing year, but in 1981, the of ways. tutoring company that designation of Retired “As an organiza- provides educational Teacher’s Day (which tion, we also support support services for stu- [ 66% ] changed to the Retired our school districts by dents attending Franklin $ Educators Association granting scholarships County’s schools. OF 10 MILLION CAMPAIGN GOAL in 1982) became a law, to graduating seniors, If you are a retired FSU Panama City is poised and ready to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s careers. again signed by Graham, Adopt-a-Teacher teacher residing in Frank- We invite you to help our community’s students pursue a nationally recognized FSU degree and moved to the third Rewards program, pro- lin or Gulf County, and by supporting the Campaign for Our Community’s University. Gifts to the campaign support Sunday in November, viding Valentine’s Day not currently a member student scholarships, enhance and expand academic programs, improve community the date was chosen breakfast for faculty and of F/GREA, you are outreach, and provide equipment and technology. For more information, contact Mary Beth because it was the Sunday staff, in addition to other invited to join the orga- Lovingood, Director of Development, at (850) 770-2108 or [email protected]. preceding National Edu- activities that support our nization. For information cation Week, which county’s educators and on the next meeting starts the third Monday students,” she said. date and/or additional

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NF-1091654 * ** B4 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star FAITH

NICHOLAS ‘NICK’ WILLIAM IRBY RONALD CLAYTON ‘RONNIE’ RAFFIELD MELVIN LOUIS ‘CROOK’ LINDSEY, JR.

Nicholas (Nick) Wil- Kleinschmidt of Atlanta, Mr. Ronald Clayton Melvin Louis liam Irby, 17, of Orange GA; grandparents, Tom “Ronnie” Raffield, 75, of “Crook” Lindsey, Park, FL, passed away and Dianne Semmes, Port St. Joe, FL, passed Jr., passed away on Sunday, November of Wewahitchka, FL; away Sunday, Novem- December 2, 2018, 11, 2018 at Orange Park aunt, Amy Semmes ber 25, 2018 in Port St in Panama City, Medical Center. Nick of Centreville, VA; Joe. Ronnie was born at Florida after a long was a senior at Oakleaf grandparents, Jack home in Highland View illness. Melvin was High School in Orange and Donna Irby of of to the late Capt. Carl and born October 6, Park, FL. He enjoyed PC Fairplay, MD; godfather, Laura Raffield. He was a 1933, to parents gaming, bowling, chess, Dr. Ralph Boyd of member of First Baptist Melvin Lindsey Sr. going to movies and Pensacola, FL; great Church of Port St. Joe. and Ludie May Hill. spending time with his aunt, Teresa Lykins of Ronnie was a lifelong He was predeceased friends. Nick brought so Wewahitchka, FL; great commercial fisherman by his wife, Ida much joy to his fam- uncles, John Semmes and a founding member Belle Lindsey. He is ily and friends with and Glenn Semmes of Raffield Fisheries, survived by Louis his wonderful sense of of Wewahitchka, FL Inc. in Port St. Joe, FL. Judy, Mike White; many Edward Lindsey humor, personality, and and Richard Minger of Ronnie loved fishing, nieces and nephews (Mary Jane) of Port quirkiness, he will be Port St. Joe, FL; and crabbing and cookouts that he loved dearly. St Joe, Charles Lydoll logger for four years deeply missed by those cousins, Rusty Smith, with his family and Funeral services Lindsey (Debbie) and then worked who knew and loved Angela Harris, Justin friends. Ronnie is pre- were held on Thursday, of Wewahitchka, as a Maintenance him; he liked nothing White, Jeffery Semmes ceded in death by his November 29, 2018 Lynn Wayne Lindsey Foreman at St Joe better than to harass and Carl Lykins. parents and a brother, at 11 a.m. EST at Oak (Brenda) of Deland, Papermill from 1943 (lovingly) and pull jokes Funeral services were Carl Eugene Raffield. Grove Assembly of God Donald Capps (Donna) until he retired in on people, especially his held Friday, November He is survived by Church with Rev. Scott of West Palm, Freddy 1995. He loved to mom and two broth- 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. (CST) his wife, Peggy Raf- White and Bro. Dave Capps (Faye) of Port deer hunt and fish. ers. He was preceded at Westside Baptist field; two sons, Tommy Fernandez officiating. St Joe and Robert Visitation was in death by his great- Church in Wewahi- Humphrey and wife Interment followed in Capps (Regina) of held December 4, grandparents, Hugh and tchka, FL with Pastor Stephanie, Bink Nor- Pleasant Rest Cemetery. Overstreet. He is also 2018 graveside from Madge Semmes: and his Derrick Gerber officiat- ton and wife Kim; one The following gentle- survived by brothers 1-2 p.m. ET at Holly aunt, Mary Jane Minger. ing. Interment followed daughter, Heather men served as pall bear- John Gordon Lindsey Hill Cemetery. Nick is survived by in Roberts Cemetery Sheppard and husband ers: Chris King, Jason (Sandra) and Fred H. Funeral services his father, Jack Irby, in Honeyville, FL. The Al; two brothers, Har- White, Zane Sweazy, Lindsey of Sumatra. were at 2 p.m. ET. Jr. of Orange Park, family received friends old Raffield and wife Trey Humphrey, Greg He leaves behind many Services are FL; mother, Allison Friday, November 16, Sandra, Danny Raffield Rutland, Bink Norton, grandchildren and under the direction Semmes Patterson; 2018 from 10 a.m. (CST) and wife JoAnn; grand- Chase Ford, Daniel great-grandchildren. of Comforter step-father, James until service time at 11 children, Trey and Kayla Raffield, Daniel Bron- Melvin worked as a Funeral Home. Patterson II of Orange a.m. (CST) at West- Humphrey, Thomas son, Larry Branch Park, FL; two brothers, side Baptist Church. and Rachel Allen, Zane and Tommy King. Zachary and Jacob Irby All arrangements Sweazy, Savannah and In lieu of flowers, DEDA GILBERT SHEFFIELD both of Orange Park, are under the direc- Chase Ford, Brook- please make a donation FL; step-brother, Trey tion of Marlon Peavy at lyn Sheppard, Alyson to the Gideons Inter- In loving memory Patterson, of Pace, FL; Peavy Funeral Home Sheppard and Andrew national at https:// of Deda Gilbert step-sister, Allyssa in Blountstown, FL. Sheppard, Lexi Combs; www.gideons.org/ Sheffield, a memo- great-grandchildren, donate in memory of rial service will Clayton Humphrey, Ronald Clayton Raffield. be held 11 a.m. Karsen Humphrey, Expressions of sym- EST on Saturday, Port St. Joe, Aiden Humphrey, Aus- pathy may be viewed December 8, 2018 ten Allen and Aneyha or submitted at www. at the Holly Hill Montgomery Allen; brothers-in-law, southerlandfamily.com. Cemetery pavilion Perky White and wife in Port St. Joe. Johanna White, Scott Southerland Family Funeral churches to team White and wife Amelia, Home for fun, clean-up Johnny White and wife Lynn Haven Email obituaries to [email protected]

Special to The Star debris from your yard to the curb. We will not be A community “Fun- able to remove the debris Bishop visits FUMC of PSJ Day and Clean-up” from your property. All will be held in Port St. services are completely Joe 12-3 p.m. Saturday, free and open to anyone Special to the Star Dec 15. Victory Temple in the affected area. F.B.H church in Port Join us for the free “The best is yet to St. Joe will partner with community “Fun-Day.” come.” the True Divine Baptist Bring your families and Those are the words Church of Montgom- a chair to sit and relax of Bishop David Graves ery, AL to serve the and enjoy a day of fun of the Alabama West community during the in the “Fun Zone” to be Florida Conference of aftermath of Hurrican located at 315 MLK Blvd the United Method- Michael. from 12-3 p.m. ET. Bring ist Church as he visited We would like to the kids out to enjoy the area November provide assistance to bouncy houses, games, 5-7. Graves traded in anyone in need of help face painting, food, and his bishop’s crozier for cleaning up debris from more. This event is free a shovel, and his robe around their home. and open to everyone. for work clothes. He Providing teams with For more information was scheduled to take manpower and equip- please contact Har- his staff to a leader- ment needed to help lotte Bolden-Wright at ship retreat at the beach clean up and move 334-538-7666.w elsewhere, but after the storm he felt compelled to change those plans. He soon made plans to visit the areas impacted by the storm—as did Bishop Graves and his Cabinet [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] many United Method- ist Committee on Relief cleaning walls. His faith getting back to normal. do about it. If we have (UMCOR) emergency was shown by his works. I believe that there are to wait we might as response teams. The It is an honor to have two different types of well try to make it the bishop and his staff Bishop Graves visit our waiting. The first is the latter kind of waiting. I slept on the floor of church, he exemplifies waiting of exasperation. am trying to learn to be First United Methodist servant-leadership and It is despondent and excited about what our Church of Apalachicola inspires us all.” filled with dread. This community might look and came in to Port St. On Wednesday night, type of waiting is life- like in a few years with Joe and Mexico Beach at a special church draining. The second restored churches, new to work during the service, Graves shared type is completely homes, and thriving day. The Bishop’s team words of hope and different; this is the businesses. I am learning worked hard at muck- celebration over the waiting of Advent. It is to wait with hope ing out the Children and hurricane relief work hopeful and filled with instead of trepidation. Youth Wing at FUMC being done. He stated expectation. This type of Bishop David Graves Port St. Joe. He made a his belief that despite the waiting is life-giving. In shared recently in our visit to the Methodist devastating damage to my home, we experience community that he Care Closet operat- the community that the the waiting of Advent. believes that “the best is ing at the STAC house “best is yet to come.” We have an Advent yet to come.” I believe on Eighth Street to Wreath where each week that too. The prophet celebrate the recovery Rebuild we light one more candle Isaiah says that those work being done there, until Christmas Day. “who wait upon the and then he visited By Dr. Geoffrey Lentz My children also have Lord shall renew their the Methodist Learn- Dear Friends, an Advent Calendar strength: they shall ing Center temporarily “What are you waiting that yields a delicious mount up on wings as located at the Methodist on? Christmas?” morsel of chocolate eagles, run and not be Care Closet building on Those words describe every day until Dec. weary, and walk and not Fourth Street— there exasperation with 25. With Christmas, be faint.” I want to learn the children sang “Jingle someone who is taking the expectation of to wait like that, where Bells,” putting everyone their sweet time. We Christmas Day is almost my hopes and dreams in the holiday spirit. are all getting a lot of as wonderful as the day sustain me even when Geoffrey Lentz, pastor experience at waiting. itself. their fulfillment is far of FUMC, said, “I could Waiting in fuel lines, Here in the Forgotten away. I want to learn to have never imagined a waiting on insurance Coast and elsewhere, wait like I am waiting on visit by a sitting bishop adjusters, waiting on life has turned into a Christmas. like this. He led by FEMA or SBA, waiting waiting game and there Peace, scraping floors and on our community is nothing that we can Geoffrey * ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 B5 FOOD

WHAT SOUTHERN FOLKS EAT Comfort and joy for your table

Bread pudding. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR] Eggnog bread pudding. [SPECIAL TO THE STAR]

Ding-Dongs and little drizzled with a caramel inserted into the center sugar, and cook while Lightly dust with pow- fruit pies there. Mom sauce. Heavenly. When of the pudding comes out stirring until well incorpo- dered sugar. Serve with liked buying some of we went back another clean, about three hours. rated. About one minute. whipped cream. those to put into our night, months later, we school lunch boxes. were so ready for that Serve while warm, drizzled Use some non-stick cook- The butter/brown sugar We didn’t care that bread pudding that we with a tablespoon of but- ing spray on the inside of a mixture, will turn to cara- Stephanie Hill-Fraizer they were a little stale ordered it first, afraid terscotch syrup. You can 2-quart baking dish. Then mel sauce and prevent the by the time Thursday after our dinner we’d use any fl avor syrup you pour the butter/brown pudding from sticking to rolled around. We were be too full to eat any. prefer, such as caramel or sugar mixture into the the bottom of the dish. It’s n moments of con- just happy that there It was just that good. chocolate, of course. baking dish and allow to so good, and I think it’d siderable strain, was a cute little cup- Well, I’ve learned to spread across the bottom. make a perfect addition to ‘I I tend to take to cake in there waiting make bread pudding This second recipe, shared In a separate large mixing your holiday table. bread-and-butter pud- for us at lunchtime. now, myself, and have with me by my friend, Chef bowl, whisk the eggs. Add ding. There is something Now that I’m an adult, found it’s even fun and David Wallace, always the eggnog and Half n Half Enjoy! about the blandness I have to say I really simple to make in a slow works perfectly and uti- creamer (or whole milk). of soggy bread, the don’t get into those cooker. This frees up lizes a minimal number of Stephanie Hill-Frazier crispness of the golden kinds of snack cakes your oven space dur- ingredients. Using eggnog Mix well, then add cubed is a writer, food blog- outer crust and the anymore. They’re just ing the holidays, which eliminates the need for bread. Gently toss all, ger and regional televi- unadulterated pleasure a little on the waxy side is a real benefit! It’s fl avorings and spices and coating all bread cubes. sion chef, whose on-air of a lightly set custard for me, and I would delicious with a cup makes it a perfect choice As an optional Christmas nickname is “Mama that makes the world just as soon do without of coffee in the morn- for a holiday dessert. touch, add 1 /2 cup of Steph.” She grew up seem a better place to something sweet as eat ing, or when sitting dried cranberries and a in Gulf County, on St. live.” Clement Freud, one. But there is still by a fire at night when 1 /2 cup of chopped or Joe Beach, a place she food-writer, grandson something special about you’re ready for some- Eggnog bread whole pecans. Pour bread will forever call home. of Sigmund Freud driving by a bread store, thing sweet to share. pudding mixture over top of brown Bread is called the remembering ourselves It can also be doubled sugar mixture and evenly She is married and has “staff of life,” as it as kids with Grammy if you have a large • 1/ 2 loaf French bread level all. three sons who are consid- has sustained hungry and Mom filling up a bag enough slow cooker! (cut into 1 inch cubes) Allow dish to remain in the erably taller than she is. humans for thousands or two with bread and • 3 whole eggs fridge until approximately You can find more of her of years. What a won- treats from the shelves. I hope you enjoy this • 1 cup eggnog an hour before serving, or recipes at WhatSouthern- derful creation bread I know that bread is simple, warm dessert. • 1 cup Half n Half cook immediately. Bake FolksEat.com, and she’d is; so good that nearly usually thought of as creamer (or you can sub- at 350 degrees for about love to hear about your everyone loves it. Peo- something savory, to stitute whole milk) 45 minutes. The pudding own favorite recipes via ple on diets wouldn't go alongside bacon and White Chocolate- Before you start, in a should puff up and be email at Steph@ mourn if, say, aspara- eggs, or sprinkled with Pecan Bread saucepan, melt 1 stick lightly brown on top. whatsouthern gus became a “must- garlic and butter for Pudding with butter, add 1 cup brown folkseat.com. not-eat food.” But enjoying with a pasta Butterscotch Drizzle take away their bread, dinner. But let’s not and they lapse into a forget the dessert that (Makes about six servings) discouraged state. bread makes outstand- Bread is not only deli- ing, taking on a starring Ingredients: cious, but also inex- role: bread pudding! pensive, which helps My family never made • 1 /2 loaf stale French parents on a budget fill bread pudding, so I bread, cubed or torn into the bellies of hungry never really thought bite-sized pieces children. It’s satisfy- much about that des- • 2 /3 cup chopped or ing, it smells wonderful sert when I saw it on halved pecans when it’s baking, and menus. However, ten • 2/3 cup white chocolate it is easily used as an years or so ago, my chips ingredient in many of mother-in-law and I • 4 eggs, beaten our favorite foods, like were having dinner at a • 3/ 4 cup packed brown Thanksgiving dress- local restaurant, and she sugar ing or a peanut butter encouraged me to try • 1 teaspoon vanilla and jelly sandwich. the bread pudding with extract When I was a child, whiskey sauce. “Best • 2 cups half and half my grandmother loved bread pudding I’ve ever • 1 stick of salted butter, taking mom, my sister had,” she assured me. melted and me to the “bread I ordered it, and • Jar of butterscotch ice store” in Panama City. she was right on the cream topping It was a day-old bak- money. That dessert ery outlet, and it made was creamy, warm, and Method: buying bread even more decadent. I was only economical. Grammy able to eat a few bites, Butter the inside of your was frugal, so she’d buy as it was so rich, which slow cooker, and then several loaves to keep I deeply regretted. place the bread, pecans, in her freezer, which Some time later my and white chocolate chips I guess made her feel husband and I went to a in it. (Tip: Using a slow- secure, having lived in restaurant called Seth’s, cooker liner is even better an orphanage as a child a small place with sea- than buttering, helping and then living through food and steaks on the make clean-up easy) the Great Depression as menu, and we heard a young woman. Hav- people raving about In a medium mixing bowl, ing bread in the freezer Seth’s bread pudding. whisk together the eggs, was security to her. We decided to order one sugar, butter, vanilla, and “All sorrows are less to split. Another victory half and half until sugar with bread…” Miguel for the dessert world; dissolves completely. de Cervantes Saavedra his bread pudding was a We children liked the thinner concoction than Pour the liquid mixture bread store because the first I’d tried, and over the bread in the slow there were things was studded with white cooker. Cover and allow to like Ho-Hos and chocolate chips and cook on low until a knife

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* ** B6 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star Caring for hurricane damaged palms, landscape plants

By Ray Bodrey brush, Indian hawthorn Gulf County Extension Director for shrubs; and even vines UF/IFAS and ground covers such Special to The Star as confederate jasmine, creeping fig, English ivey and lantana. With Hurricane Michael Palm and other landscape recovery progressing, plant recovery from the many of you may be hurricane will be a slow turning your attention process, so please be to your landscape. Most patient and safe. Contact palms and landscape plants Gulf County Extension thriving in this area are at 639-3200 for more adapted to coastal weather information. patterns. However, a storm Supporting information as fierce as Hurricane for this article can be found Michael can obviously in the following the UF/ damage the most storm IFAS publications: hardy plants. “Hurricane-Damaged Understanding growth Palms in the Landscape: is key in caring for a palm Care after the Storm” after storm damage has by Monica L. Elliott occurred. The growing and Timothy Broschat: point of a palm is the http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ terminal bud, located in pdffiles/EP/EP46500.pdf the top of the plant. This & “Assessing Damage and is where the palm fronds Remove broken fronds that are smothering the bud. [EDWARD F. GILMAN, UF/IFAS] Restoring Trees After a emerge. If this bud area Hurricane” by Edward F. becomes damaged, no new Gilman, Mary L. Duryea, leaves will develop and done during the first few for removal. Uprooted However, the area has had Eliana Kampf, Traci Jo unfortunately the tree will months after the hurricane. palms should be placed significant rainfall since Partin, Astrid Delgado & die. If by chance the palm Start by removing any upright as soon as possible Hurricane Michael, which Carol J. Lehtola: http:// has multiple-stemmed hanging broken or dead and replanted at the same will help flush or leach salt monroe.ifas.ufl.edu/ trunks, the undamaged fronds that could be depth as before the storm. from the soil. Irrigating pdf/Hort/Assessing_ trunk(s) should survive. hazardous to people on Bracing maybe be needed your lawn or landscape Trees_After_Hurricane. It’s important to wait your property. It’s a good for up to 6 months. plants will help disperse pdf & “Salt-Tolerant at least 6 months to see if idea to remove any fronds Unfortunately, many the salt, as well. Good Plants” for Florida palms develop new growth. that are covering the bud, home landscapes have news, there are a number of by R.J. Black: http:// Palms usually rebound as well. This will allow new been affected by Hurricane salt tolerant to moderately ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/ slowly after a storm. fronds to form. Leave any Michael’s storm surge, salt tolerant plants in our IR/00/00/17/13/00001/ Actually, it may take a bent green fronts attached. flooding and sea spray. coastal landscape. Some EP01200.pdf couple of years before These fronds still have vital The salt from ocean water examples are live oak, the palm produces a full nutrients that the tree is can cause harm to many loquat, magnolia for trees; UF/IFAS Extension canopy of fronds. Pruning utilizing. Once the frond species of palms and oleander, wax myrtle, is an Equal Opportu- the palm canopy should be turns brown, then it is safe other landscape plants. yaupon holly, bottle nity Institution.

* ** The Star | Thursday, December 6, 2018 B7

STRONG

From Page B1

traumas of all kinds. “When you can learn the language Atlantic School of Medi- that identifies what you or cine. She runs a counseling others are going through and practice in Tallahassee where understand that it is a pro- she works with individu- cess, then some of the stress als, couples and families. related to the trauma can be Her doctoral research was in relieved.” resolving emotional trauma Dr. Valentine will stay and was published; it also over until Friday for anyone won an award for outstanding who would like to schedule a dissertation. Dr. Valentine one-on-one session. taught at the University of Dr. Valentine has a PhD Alabama, directed the social in social work from FSU as work program and worked well as a medical degree from with brain trauma research.

WEDDING

The art work is currently on display at the Port St. Joe Library. [PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE STAR}] From Page B1

their 2005 wedding in Ari- LIBRARY zona and now reside in the Pacific Northwest. From Page B1 “Thank you Ashley Antley for finding our wedding album,” Chad posted on libraries locations adjacent to Facebook. “I’ve enjoyed FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery reading everybody’s Centers. thoughtful comments.” “It was a combination of The post announcing the things, but we finally got open, find and successful end of the at least a soft opening, in early search was met with a stream November,” Brockman said. of “awesome” and “amaz- “We weren’t really making a big ing” comments, noting the deal of it because of the Internet blessing the reunion of album Chad and Sara Waits were and we weren’t sure the roof Books and Artists was a collaboration between the library and to family would have. married in 2005; their album would hold. Leslie Wentzell at The Artery. Sheila Waits, the groom’s was found near the Highland “It was important to get Inter- mother, also passed along View Bridge. [SPECIAL TO THE net access.” The program, in collabora- Regular library her thanks. STAR] Check and check and the tion with Leslie Wentzell at The hours return “Thank you Ashley for libraries are now both open for Artery, allowed children ages looking after my son and needed joy right after the regular hours. 4-10 to explore different types The Gulf County Librar- daughter-in-law’s wedding storm and is such a happy “We will start doing some of art found in children’s books. ies are open Monday, album,” she wrote. ending, which I think we all programming and we will roll A book was read, the art style Tuesday and Thurs- “The work you are doing need more of,” Antley said. out more programs as we can,” discussed and the children day: 10-6 ET (9-5 CT here is such a blessing.” Don, relating the story Brockman said, arriving at the worked to create a work of art in in Wewahitchka) and Ashley, heading into Port in this newspaper’s office, last ripple of impact. the same style as the illustrator. Friday and Saturday St. Joe that day, was able to could only shake his head. In the wake of Michael, and Art types explored included 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. ET. meet up with Don and pass “I can’t thank her enough,” with estimates of tough budget pointillism, collage, and print- Both branches have the treasured find on. Don said. years ahead, the Board of County making. The children’s art working Internet and “It brought a lot of much “It was pretty amazing.” Commissioners cut funding to is currently on display at the are able to send a FAX. non-county agencies, such as library. Tuesday Tales has also the libraries, by 4 percent. The reception will also include restarted: Tuesday “It brought a lot of much needed joy right after the The Port St. Joe branch will holiday music by the Ukulele mornings from 10:30- storm and is such a happy ending, which I think we all host a reception for its “Book Orchestra of the Forgotten 11:30 a.m. for ages need more of.” Artists” program 10 a.m. until Coast beginning at 11 a.m.with 0-3 years old with a 12 p.m. ET Saturday. refreshments afterwards. caregiver. Ashley Antley

* ** B8 Thursday, December 6, 2018 | The Star CLASSIFIEDS

tions will make a deter- Live & Online Furnished one 100 Acre State of Minor Boat mination no less than Public Auction the Art Horse Farm Repairs 30 days after this pub- Mon. Dec. 17, 2018 bedroom, one HOUSE AT bath apartment Over $1,500,000 in- Craft Service Co. lished notice and will 10:00 A.M. WILLIS LANDING vested. Completely (formerly, Craft Clean notify the voter of the Global Tech LED, LLC available for rent Approx. 1,800 SF, 3 furnished. Great for Services) available for determination and ac- 8901 Quality Road in Port St Joe. bedroom, 2 bath, on campers and/or small fiberglass, tion taken. Bonita Springs, FL Private entrance. stilts, with parking un- equipment, etc. Ad- gelcoat and paint re- 34135 All utilities in- derneath. Will also con- jacent to Destin and pairs on your boat in Brenna C. Jewell Large Inventory con- cluded, with TV sider selling. Panama City Beach. Port St. Joe and Mex- 9023 Cockles Ave. sisting of LED lighting $1,200/mo. Drastically reduced ico Beach . Many years Port St. Joe, FL 32456 products, retrofit kits, and internet. Preference given 850-685-4255 for quick sale. No experience in the area, warehouse equipment, or 850-685-4258 storm damage! e-mail me with descrip- Rebecca V. Hanlon forklift, tools, office fur- to displaced indi- 575,000 firm. Call tion of damage and a 323 W. Lakeview Drive niture, office equip- viduals. Back- Agent (850)865-0838 picture or two. I’ll share Wewahitchka, FL ment, testing equip- ground and credit some advice. 32465 ment, electronics, com- check required. This notice published puters and so much Dec 6, 2018 more. Catalog and Sales Assistant $800/month. If you didn’t Buy it! John M. Hanlon photos available at needed for No pets. advertise here, Classified. 850-705-1522 Gulf County Supervisor www.moeckerauc- Art Gallery you’re missing out Make your move 22245S of Elections tions.com Full Time/Part Time Notice of Pub: Nov. 6, 2018 Preview: Day of sale Must have retail ex- on potential to the medium Practice Closure 9-10AM. 15%-18% BP. perience and expe- customers. that’s your number Shoreline Medical Assignment for the rience with Art and one source of Group’s office in Port Benefit of Creditors Social Media. St. Joe closed on Oct. Case #18-CA-004785 Call 850-899-0866 Loft In Historic information about 8th, 2018 at the end of AVIATION Grads work To register: $100 re- homes for sale! business and will not with JetBlue, United, fundable cash deposit Southside reopen due to facility Delta and others- start and valid driver’s li- Need a APALACHICOLA: For all your hous- Home 4BR/3½BA Historic damage from hurricane here with hands on cense. (800) 840-BIDS helping hand? Aprox. 1000sq.ft. Beau- ing needs - con- Michael. Patients are training for FAA certifi- info@moeckerauc- home at 115 Avenue Advertise in tiful open space. Avail- B., Apalachicola. Lo- sult Classified - encouraged to sched- cation. Financial aid if tions.com able 01/01/19. No pets/ ule with other providers qualified. Call Aviation AB-1098 AU-3219 the Help cated within walking when it’s time no smoking. Furnished. distance to downtown as soon as possible. All Institute of Mainte- Eric Rubin Wanted $975 plus ½ electric to buy, paper charts were de- nance 888-242-2649. shops, parks, and Section in the bill, ½ water, cable incl. marina. stroyed by the storm. $975 security dep. (6 it’s the resource The electronic record Spot Advertising Classifieds! $2500 per mo./$1200 747-5020 mo. min). Apalach. security deposit and 1 on which to rely. of office notes since works! CALL 850-653-3838 2013, as well as some year lease. lab and test results, will CALL 850-370-6001 be available to elec- tronically fax to new providers by calling Google phone number 850-739-1608. If you have questions please call the above Google number and leave a detailed message on the voicemail. Pub: Nov. 22, Dec 6, Apalachee Center, INC. 13, 20, 2018 22357S NOW HIRING FOR OUR POTENTIALLY ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MOBILE RESPONSE TEAM INELIGIBLE REGISTERED Let a little & CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY VOTER’S NOTICE Design Construction MOBILE BICYCLE classifi ed do a ACTION TEAM & Aluminum LLC The Gulf County Su- REPAIR SERVICE BIG job for 850-371-9837 WILL SERVE LIBERTY & FRANKLIN pervisor of Elections *New Home Builder St. Joe and the sur- you. has received informa- *Hurricane Damage rounding area. You COUNTY, FL AREA tion the person(s) listed Home Rebuilding have a full-time bicycle below is potentially in- & Remodeling mechanic again! Small Price • Mobile Response Team - Do you have a eligible to be registered *Kitchen & Bath Doctor Sprocket pro- for Big Results! desire for providing crisis service to your com- to vote. Failure to con- *Sheetrock Work vides service to your lo- munity? If that answer is yes, our Team Coun- tact this office within 30 *Structural Repair cation and has a full selor position would be the right role for you. days after this notice is *Screen Rooms & Pool shop in PSJ. The Star Lanark Village published may result in enclosures Local references avail- 850-747-5020 • Community Action Team - Are you a a determination of ineli- *Carport covers able. Restoring lots of parent/guardian that has taken care of a child End Unit Apartment bikes since the storm. or visit us online at gibility by the supervi- *Fencing/ Privacy & or teen who has struggled with behavioral 3 bed, 1 bath sor of elections and re- Chain Link Call or text (850) emeraldcoastmarketplace.com issues? If so, you would be an ideal fit for our moval of the registered FL Lic# CBC1259559 545-5105. Therapeutic Mentor position. $775 mo. w/ $1000 SD voters’ name from the Pickup and delivery For all your buying and statewide voter regis- available. Doctor selling needs. • Community Action Team - If you are dedi- 1 year lease required. tration system. You Sprocket is a PBMA ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ cated to providing individual, group, and/or - Pets Friendly - should contact this of- Certified Mechanic. family therapy, our Therapist position would fice by calling be a great opportunity for you. Must have a 850-229-6117 to re- Roger’s Master’s degree in Human Services Timber Island ceive information re- Remodeling (psychology, social work, etc.). 1 bed, 2 bath condo garding the basis for the potential ineligibility & Drywall **All positions require a valid driver’s license $800 mo. w/ $1,000 SD and instructions on Interior,Trim, with no more than 6 points on driver - No Pets - how to resolve the mat- Painting, history report.** ter, or request addi- Sheetrock, also. tional assistance if Contact Stephanie Luckie Carrabelle needed. 35 years exp. Li- at (850) 523-3212; censed & Insured or [email protected] 1 bed, 1 bath house An administrative hear- No Money Down APPLY ONLINE AT: on river with dock ing will be held regard- Free Estimates http://apalacheecenter.org/ ing the potential ineligi- 850-247-2129 careers-opportunities/ $1,000 mo. w/ $1,000 SD bility of these persons 409-670-6533 NF-4530506 - Pet Friendly - on January 7, 2019 at 9:00 AM EST in the Su- pervisor of Elections Turn to classified! Office - 401 Long Ave, You can bank on NF-4530464 Port St Joe, FL 32456. our bargains! The Supervisor of Elec-

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