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• [email protected] • www.StarkeJournal.com •Deadline Monday 5 p.m. before publication • Phone 386-496-2261 • Fax 386-496-2858
Union County TimesUnion County Times USPS 648-200 — Lake Butler, Florida Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 100th Year —35th Issue — 75 CENTS
Happy New
Year!!!
Worth Noting
Early deadlineThe offices of the Bradford
County Telegraph, Lake Region Monitor and Union County Times will be closed on Jan. 1. Deadline for the Jan. 3 edition will be Monday, Dec. 31, at noon. The publication schedule has not changed. Newspapers will be available on the street on Wednesday evening and in mailboxes on Thursday.
Farewell reception set
The staff of the Union County courthouse and the county commissioners office invites all to join for a reception on Sunday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. in honor of Patsy Elixson, Ricky Jenkins, Regina Parrish and David Reiman as they retire after years of hard work and dedication to the citizens of Union County.
Babe Ruth sign up set
Baseball sign ups for spring will be held at Spires IGA beginning Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon and will continue every Saturday through Feb. 2. No exceptions on the deadline. T-ball cost will be $60, and $80 for all other divisions. There will be a rally day and picture day on Saturday, March 9. For more information contact Steve Lynch at [email protected]
Suggs correction
Brenda Suggs who was recognized in the last edition of the Union County Times as the school board employee of the year wished to make a correction. “I inadvertently left off someone very special to me in listing my family members. My Step-dad Elton Bass who has been married to my mother for over 50 years now.”
Tri-County Beef Update
The Bradford, Baker and Union County Extension Services will be offering a Tri-County beef update on Jan. 17, at 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. at the New River Volunteer Fire Department in Bradford County. Register by Jan. 14, to reserve your place at this meeting. Topics presented will include information on agriculture damage assessment and a beef cattle production panel. Special guests include the University of Florida’s Dr. Todd Thrift, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist and Dr. Jason Ferrell, Extension Weed Specialist.
Registration will begin at 5:45 p.m. with presentations starting promptly at 6 p.m.
Contact your local county agent or the Bradford County Extension Office 904-966-6224 for additional details.
Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.
BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor
Union County resident Tara Craver appeared before the Board of County Commissioners recently to voice several safety concerns she had with speeding vehicles around a curve located near her home on Little Springs road in Worthington Springs.
Craver said that vehicles traveling down the road constantly disregard the speed limit signs. Her granddaughter, who is in her care, waits for the school bus on the curve each morning. Craver said that more than once, her granddaughter had come close to being hit.
Craver’s neighbor David Mosher said that he also had experienced issues with speeding vehicles, causing damage to his gate and his mailbox.
Chairman Wayne Smith and Commissioner Jimmy Tallman discussed ideas to help slow the traffic. According to the commissioners, speed bumps cannot be placed for safety
reasons. Tallman suggested rumble strips instead and Smith agreed. Mosher said that placing them before and after the curve might help but that placing them on the curve may cause a vehicle that hits them to lose control.
In an interview after the commission meeting, Craver said that her and her husband purchased the property 2½ years ago.
“Since we moved in, we have had several issues. Vehicles take the curve that Mr. Mosher and I live on like it’s a drag strip. One particular morning I was leaving for work when I witnessed a vehicle racing around the curve before daylight, while my granddaughter was waiting for the school bus. Outraged at the close call, the very same day I met with the road department to express my issues,” said Craver.
According to Craver, five months passed without any response and once again her granddaughter had a close call while waiting for the school bus.
“Again, I marched down to
the road department and said in a very stern tone of voice the seriousness of this problem and again, I was told it would be looked into. I practically begged for metal reflectors to be placed on the curve, speed bumps, signs or something to deter people from speeding around the curve. The road is narrow and dark with nearly no visibility day or night to be able to see oncoming traffic. There is also a fairly deep ditch that someone could easily fall into and be hurt. This is a very dangerous curve. Not to mention the safety of my child, which is my number one concern,” said Craver.
When the third incident occurred, Craver said she met with Tallman.
“He came to my home and met with me to hear my concerns. He said he’d look into it and call me within a day or two. A few days later Mr. Tallman did call and did inform me that the road department was out of the roadside reflectors and that they would have to be ordered.”
A year passed followed by another close call, so Craver and Mosher decided to speak to the county commissioners for some sort of resolve.
“There are no school bus signs and only one 20 mph sign. Not that these signs would slow anyone down. The road is so narrow, a school bus and a vehicle cannot pass one another without one vehicle getting off the road to let the other pass. In some areas, there is a roadside ditch on both sides. So when one vehicle needs to get over, they need to be careful as not to slide off into the ditch, especially when it’s wet after a hard rain. I do think the rumble strips would help intensely but should be placed as Mr. Mosher said at the meeting. I hope that by attending the meeting, that maybe someone really heard my concerns this time and understands the seriousness of the road conditions,” said Craver.
Mosher, his wife and his son have lived on Little Springs Road since 2004.
“They do need something to slow people down as they come into the curve right in front of my house. I have witnessed on multiple occasions people driving right into the woods and at one time they drove through my gate and were stuck there when I got home. If the rumble strips are placed before and after the curve they will do some good. If they put them in the corner it will cause more issues than it will resolve.” said Mosher. “Eventually, I would like to see the road either widened or at least repaired on the sides because in some areas you can’t fit two vehicles due to the poor road conditions. When a vehicle is at the end of the road it can’t pull in until they pull out. It’s to narrow and if you try you may end up in the ditch.”
The county should be placing the rumble strips on Little Springs Road soon and may also put up additional signs in the effort to slow traffic down.
Exciting events at Ritz Christmas Classic BY TIFFANY CLARK
Times Editor
The Ritz Christmas Classic was held at Christ Central of Lake Butler recently with a larger than expected attendance. This “Red Carpet” event had a variety of classic holiday music with swing n’ modern mix combined with a 50’s cuisine.
At the entrance of the church, on the red carpet leading into the building, there was a Rolls Royce in mint condition.
Some of the performers of the evening included: Amanda Highfill, Johnny Hostick, Daniel Wilbanks, the Union County High School Jazz band lead by band director Kelly Dorsey and Ree McNeal.
The church was decorated in an upbeat classic style with floor to ceiling effects. Behind the scenes there were volunteers making the dinner and desserts to be served while others were dressed in catering attire serving the guests. Childcare was also
provided.Some of the people who
made this event a success were: Chase Williams, Gene Mock, Brian Dermid, Trey Collins, Amy Tillis-Mock, Sakiya Davis, Connie Eades, Pastor Adam and Lisa Page, Worship leaders Gatlan and Krystal Burton, Olivia Crawford, Ashley Mock and Shilah Eades.
There was also an exciting wedding proposal at the Ritz. After a Christmas song performed by Highfill, performer Wilbanks knelt down on one knee and asked Highfill to be his wife. Attending guests applauded while Highfill hugged her new Fiance.
Pastor Page was very excited and pleased with the turnout of the event and hopes that it will be the first of many.
See more Ritz photos page 5A
After a Christmas song performed by Amanda Highfill, Daniel Wilbanks knelt down on one knee and asked Highfill to be his wife.
County to address issues on Little Springs Road
Despite the cold weather, (l-r) Brooklynn Mills, Bianca Bailey and Chyanne Mills smiled while holding up their
presents they got from the Big Red Christmas drive.See more photos page 2A
Spreading the holiday cheer, the Lake Butler Christian Acadamy presented “The Christmas Shoe Tree Farm” for the public recently. The cast included Carson Harrison,
Dylan Lane, Dalton Lane, Kandance Smith, Erica Lloyd, Director Jessica Lane, Sum-mer McRae, Whitney Scott, Michaelyn Richards, Aniston Arvin, Monica Lloyd, Andrew
Starling and Director Christn Higginbotham.
The Christmas Shoe Tree Farm
2A Union County Times • Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012
BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor
The 2012 Big Red Christmas drive was a success, helping over 200 children receive presents for Christmas.
The Hal Y. Maines Community Center had tables filled with toys for boys and girls. Children were allowed to choose their toys and also received a toy when they visited with Santa. His elf, Savannah Woodall, was decked out in an elf suit that she created herself.
The volunteers that made this drive possible were Brent Allen (Santa), Buddy Broughton, James Goodwin, Nicholas Goodwin, Randa Goodwin, Mindy Goodwin, Velma Browning, Darlene Moran, Allison Williams, Kevin Hilliard, Rebekah Harris, Kasey and Madison Sellers, Loni and Hailie Lilliston, Janine McSpadden, UCHS Swat Members Savannah Woodall, Ciara Woodall, Kelsey Harrison (SWAT and Ms. UCo High), Chaton Croft, Joe Kent, Lethia Johnson and Darci Hendricks.
The group was very pleased with the overall turnout.
Big Red Christmas a Success
(Above) Brooklin Seay smiles about her present.
(Below) Lyn Johnson could barely lift his bag of toys.
(Above) The volunteers included Brent Allen (Santa), Buddy Broughton, James Goodwin, Nicholas Goodwin,
Randa Goodwin, Mindy Goodwin, Velma Browning, Darlene Moran, Allison Williams, Kevin Hilliard, Rebekah Harris, Kasey and Madison Sellers, Loni and Hailie Lil-
liston, Janine McSpadden, UCHS Swat Members Savan-nah Woodall, Ciara Woodall, Kelsey Harrison (SWAT and Ms. UCo High), Chaton Croft, Joe Kent, Lethia Johnson
and Darci Hendricks.
(Top right) Ms. UCo High Kelsey Harrison holds baby Ervin Tomlinson while Mindy Goodwin helps him hold
his new toy.
(At right)Santa and his elf Savannah Woodall pose with Tyrell Udell after he received a gift.
(Below at right) Savannah Woodall, Santa, Ciara Woodall, Joe Kent, Ms. UCo High Kelsey Harrison, Darci Hendricks and Chaton Croft were very happy with how
the Big Red Drive turned out.
(Below) UCHS SWAT member Lethia Johnson helps Brooke
Drew pick out her toys.
(Above) Anna Pearl Norton, Heaven Scott, Rico Ridge-way, Jarico Whaley, Akira Jon and Keyonna Ridgeway
are ready to go after an exciting day at the Big Red.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 • Union County Times 3A
BY TIFFANY CLARKTimes Editor
Local artist Bobbi Crosby recently displayed her artwork at the Christmas in the Park in Worthington Springs. Many who attended the event stopped to marvel at her cement artwork that ranged from small to enormous. Although this is only one of the many creative works of Crosby, the cement leaves that she hand makes are life-like and vibrantly painted.
Crosby began by creating small leaves twelve years ago, but as with all of her artwork, her ideas and artwork grew. With her husband Jerry by her side, she began casting leaves that were extremely large. She quickly found that her artwork had grown past the stability of the concrete when poured thin enough to be realistic, so with that, Crosby began reinforcing her work with wire laid in the casting.
The pieces she made were long and wide enough to be used as tabletops, so that’s what she did. Thinking outside of the box, in her own yard, Crosby used tree stumps as table legs, creating a table to compliment her and her husbands home made burn pit.
“I’ve known all of my life that I had an artistic streak in me. When I was very young, the best gift I could get was a 120-piece set of Crayola crayons. As I got older, I loved to paint but I quickly realized that I had no talent for drawing or painting people, animals or buildings, but I could always make things with my hands. Most of the art that I have done has been self- taught,” said Crosby.
With her love of nature, trees, flowers and leaves, combined with a good idea, her leaf creations began.
“Twelve years ago, my boyfriend’s mother, now my mother-in-law, called to tell me about something she had seen on TV. She described how to make leaves out of concrete, clean them and paint them. That was right up my alley. So, I tried it and pretty soon I had leaves everywhere. I started making small leaves like fig, avocado and potato vine. But I soon graduated to making huge leaves like elephant ear and Japanese banana. The garage was literally littered with leaves.”
Crosby also loves to cast castor bean leaves but said that she is highly allergic to them, so casting them can be tricky. But when the casting and painting is complete, it is worth it.
In 2002, Crosby opened a small shop in High Springs. She offered hand-made soaps and lotions, and the small leaves she had created that made perfect soap dishes. She also sold the medium and large leaves.
“The elephant ear leaves make great outdoor tables, and the Japanese banana leaves make great coffee tables. Because of the economy back then, I had to close the shop. I started doing art shows in Gainesville. My favorites were Kanapaha and the O’Connell Center shows,” said Crosby.
There is no particular art
that Crosby limits herself to. She has done crafts such as macramé’ hanging lamps, tables, making soaps, lotions, custom
handcrafted window valances and much more. Some of her most recent work has involved wood burning, which she said she really enjoyed.
A piece of her new work was on display at the Christmas in the Park. A large piece of Cypress wood that Crosby had burned patterns into resembling veins of a leaf. This piece took her some time to complete.
Although artwork can become frustrating, Crosby doesn’t feel
that it is. “No matter how it comes out,
I like it.” I don’t think I could ever give it up. The pleasure that I have gained is immeasurable. The best thing about it is knowing how you want a piece to come out and having to make variations along the way with a feeling and sense of reward at the end product. I think the purpose of my art is to have some permanence. The concrete leaves will hopefully outlast me,” said
Crosby.When asked what advice
she had for beginning artists, Crosby said, “I’m not sure that I’m qualified to give anyone else advice about art or creativity, but if you don’t try to do or make something, you will never know what you are capable of doing, and it will never be made.”
Crosby was unsure of who her favorite artist would be but she said that she loved pottery. “The potters I like best are Ken Jensen in St. Augustine and Sally Douglas in Christmas.
The couple has lived in Union County since 2004. “Gratefully
escaping the busy-ness of Gainesville, Jerry and I love living here in Union County,” she said.
They designed and built their home in 2006, crafting it much like her artwork, unique. Crosby has two sons; one resides in Gainesville and the other in Merritt Island. Crosby still creates her art at home, enjoying every minute of it.
See more Crosby photos on page 4A
Nothing is too big for local artist Bobbi Crosby
Crosby tried wood burning and found that she really enjoyed it. Although It took a while to complete this mas-
sive piece, the results were worth it.
This elephant ear cement piece was large enough to be a table top.
Bobbi and her husband Jerry.
Casting a castor bean leaf is the hardest piece for Cros-by to make.
Crosby paints the leaves both realistic and colorful.
Got a Story? Tell us about it.
4A Union County Times • Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012
LEGALS
Continued from Page 3A
Crosby
(Above) Crosby’s smaller leaves were on display earlier this month at the Christmas in the Park in Worthington
Springs.
Each leaf that is cast comes out unique because they are different in texture and size. Some of the leaves that are damaged before casting add character to the piece
in the end. No two leaves turn out exactly the same.
When set on an old stump, this leaf and stump combo makes an outdoor table.
Got a Story? Tell us
about it.
Joann Trowell was recently named the transportation school related employee of the year. Trowell began working for the Union County School Board in September of 1990. For most of her career she has driven a bus, route #23, which she still drives today. Trowell also fills the role of a data entry specialist at the bus garage. She has been married to James Trowell for 35 years and has two children, Jessica Myers and son-in-law Ben and Chris Trowell and daughter-in-law Corrie. She enjoys spending time with her 4 grandchildren, Baleigh, Benji, Brooklyn and Brylin. She is a member of the Johnstown Missionary Baptist Church. Union County School Board transportation supervisor Mike Pittman said, “ Joann is always going above and beyond what is expected of her. She gets here early and works late often. She is always sure that the job is done correctly and efficiently. Her character is proven by the honesty, integrity and loyalty displayed through her work. She always meets the public with a smile and a great attitude. She
is a tremendous asset to the transportation department. We at the bus garage are thankful for her loyal service.”
Trowell, transportation school related employee of year
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 • Union County Times 5A
Lake Butler Elementary School
The LBES students who were named Tiger Cub last week were: Hayden Barnes, Kandy Kane, Jesse Chaikin, Seth Cox, Kaiden Croft, Chloie Dalton, Wayne Elixson, Landen Gibson, Gabriel Fillyaw, Landon Flanders, Luke Johns, Calista Law, Jaylynn Moates, Andrew Mohl, Eli Moppert, Austin Murphy, Lily Neal, Ashton Newsom, Parker Parrish, Tifton Roseke, Levi Vickers, Natalie Waters and Hayleigh Williams.
After school tutoring will resume on Monday, Jan. 7.
Due to the winter season, the Tiger Up morning mile program has been postponed until mid-February.
The 50-point book club is designed to acknowledge LBES’ top readers in the accelerated reader program.
The newest 50-point book club members are: Arthur Brown, Jordan Cazee, Garrett Courson, Kylee Davis, Trevor Holtzendorf, Sabrena Howard, Madison Johnson, Sabrina Miller, Taryn Norman, Martin Odum, Gwenyth Parrish, Quinten Rawls, Violet Romero, Hunter Sherrod, Hunter Vedder and Jackyria White.
The newest 100-point book club members are: Taylor Batson and Jackson Holton.
The newest 250-point book club member is: Jared Philbrick.
Lake Butler Middle SchoolAny girls in grades 6-8 who
are interested in playing softball need to have all paperwork in by Tuesday, Jan. 8.
School News...
(Below) Behind the scenes at the Ritz, Gene Mock, Chase Williams, Brian Dermid, Trey Collins
and Amy Tillis-Mock work on the food to be served.
(Above) Pastor Adam and Lisa Page.(At right) Union County High School’s band director Kelly Dorsey brought the Jazz
band to perform at the Ritz.(Above) Worship Leaders Gatlin and Krystal Burton
More at the Ritz
The Lake Butler Elementary School’s 4th grade saftey patrols for
2012/2013 are (Back row, l-r) Caitlyn Smith, Hunter Parrish, Noah Tallman, Brian Kish, Katherine Dorsey, Elaine Odom, Kelsey Starling, Miya
Jenkins, Kelly Denson, Maci Whitehead, Brooklyn Williams and Lake Harris.
(Third row, l-r) Kaitlyn Gainey, Whip Davis, Paden
Clyatt, Brycen Peacock, Jackson Romrell, Noah
Sanderson, Douglas Knagge, Julianne Roberts,
Lynsie Johnson, Cody Harrell, Ryan Patrick,
Abby Crawford and Hunter Williams. (Second row,
l-r) Jocelyn Gibson, Chloe DuBose, Katy White, Madelyn Whitehead,
Hannah Perron, Emily Johnson, Lili Hart, Kayley Thornton, Destiny Daniels, Roberto Saravia, Desmond
Givens, Tristin Bynum, Keeley Durrance, Gracie Cabral and Hailey Britt. (Front row, l-r) Sergeant
Braxton Dukes, Lieutenant Delaney Sweat, Captain Emily Davison, Captain Hayden Johnson and Sergeant Skyler Shatto. (Not pictured) Colton Cox, Quaneria Epps and Spencer Taylor. Photo submitted by Tammy Wilkerson.
6A Union County Times • Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012
Become a mentor
The Take Stock in Children program in Union County is looking for new mentors to help change young lives in the community. Take Stock in Children in a statewide non-profit organization and the Foundation for Florida Gateway College serves as the lead agency for the program in Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union counties. Take Stock in Children pairs good students, who have the odds stacked against them, with mentors who provide the support, encouragement and guidance they need to succeed in school. Mentors meet with their mentees for 30 minutes every week on the school campus. All it takes is a little time to make a difference that will last a lifetime. For more information on Take Stock in Children, contact the program office at 386-754-4392 or mailto:[email protected].
Programs to benefit Senior Citizens of WS
Activity programs have been set at the Worthington Springs community center to benefit the senior citizens of Worthington Springs. Programs will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of games are available. Non-expensive meals are also available to help raise funds.
Medicare/Medicaid counseling set
There will be free Medicare/Medicaid counseling sponsored by SHINE on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Union County Health Department, 495 E. Main St. in Lake Butler.
SHINE counselors assist seniors and persons with disabilities to understand health insurance choices, apply for assistance and file appeals.
SHINE does not sell insurance or represent any insurance entity. For information or to learn about volunteering for SHINE, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Substitute Teacher training set
The Union County School Board will be holding substitute teacher orientation on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Training will be held at the Adult Education Building. Attendance at this workshop and a high school diploma or GED is required in order to be a substitute for Union County School Board, 2012-2013 school year. After you have completed training and the application packet, you will also need to be fingerprinted. The fingerprint fee is $54.50.
Call the Union County School Board, Personnel Department and ask for Pam Pittman at 386 496-2045 ext 230 or send an email to [email protected] in order to pre register.
Health Advisory meet
The Union County Health Advisory Group will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Union County Health Department in the lobby.
Your involvement in the Union County Health Advisory group is important so be sure to join and invite your neighbors, business associates and other community leaders to join.
The meeting will end no later than 7 p.m. Call 386-496-3211 and ask for Winnie Holland, administrator, if you have any questions.
Free Clothing for ‘the family’
There will be free clothes for “all of the family” on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford right off Hwy 121 just before entering town. Follow the signs.
Host an Exchange Student
World Heritage, a non-profit student exchange program, is seeking volunteers to serve as area representatives in the local community. World Heritage offers qualified students from around the world, between the ages of 15-18 the opportunity to spend a high school year or a semester in the United
States with a host family. Area representatives are the cornerstone of the organization making all of this possible.
Area Representatives recruit and screen potential host families, supervise the exchange students in their community, organize activities with the students throughout the year and provide support to host families, students and schools. Area representatives receive compensation covering their expenses incurred for each student placed and supervised.
For more information call 1-800-888-9040 or email [email protected]
Rotary meetThe Lake Butler Rotary meets
weekly on Tuesday, at noon at the First Christian Church. Prospective members are invited to attend. Lake Butler Rotary is part of Rotary International. For more information contact G. Bird at 386-496-2526, or ask any Rotarian.
Notice of regular meetings
The Lake Butler City Commission meets at city hall at 5:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.
The UC Board of County Commissioners meet on the
third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the board meeting room located in the courthouse.
The Worthington Springs Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Worthington Springs Community Center.
The Union County School Board will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m.
Meeting times or days may change in the event of a holiday.
