Year: 2022

From left, Jimmie Marshall, Rachel Patterson Elementary School Principal Toya McMillian and Pastor Catadro North pose December 16 with some of the food supplied by Empowerment Tabernacle through its ongoing ministry and partnership with RPES. The local church, which partners with Feeding the Gulf Coast to distribute food in Escambia, Monroe and Conecuh counties, furnishes “about 75” RPES students each day with healthy foods.

From left, Detrick Riley, Yterecia Davis, Erica Cunningham, Paul Martin, Toya McMillian, Leslie Sellers By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer A new alliance between a local school and a local prison will allow four students, for whom Christmas looked bleak, to now enjoy a gift-filled holiday.The partnership, between the staff of Fountain Correctional Facility and the students at Rachel Patterson Elementary School, evolved from a relationship that was formed long ago,…

Leslie Gonzalez, at left, prays with a local woman during the December 17 Renovation Ministries event at Westside Park. The afternoon affair was billed as a toy giveaway, and age-appropriate toys were distributed by ticket number. Gift certificates from several local businesses were included in the giveaway, but the occasion also included preaching, praying, singing and free food. More than 50 people attended the event, despite chilly winds.

For many area residents, the Candlelight Memorial Service at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home has become a tradition during December as candles are lit in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Shown at the memorial service Tuesday, December 13, are Calvin and Lou Jarman lighting candles in memory of loved ones.

Betty Cox, founder of Change of Mind Ministry, sits in the foreground between Grinch (at left) and Gingerbread Man during the December 17 Christmas in Candyland party. Special guests for the 14th annual holiday event, Santa and Mrs. Claus, are in background. A crowd estimated at “around 250” children and adults enjoyed an early dinner of pizza, hot dogs and chicken salad, along with (of course) candy and more holiday…