We pass each morning. You are leaving work; I'm about to start. As we approach, we smile and we both say "Good Morning." This is almost a daily occurrence. It has been maybe a year or more. It's almost a ritual, a very pleasant one.

I have figured that you work in the airport bakery. I'm an aircraft mechanic for Eastern Air Lines in what we call terminal maintenance. That is, we try to get the planes repaired if possible and out on another trip. By the way, this is the Orlando Airport Terminal and we both park our cars in the employees' parking lot. Then it's almost a half-mile walk through the parking lots and through the terminal. This long walk allows us to pass somewhere along the daily trek.

I notice you some mornings with your white uniform and flour on your face. I'm sure you work in the bakery. I'm thinking you must be in your early thirties, and I might say, kind of cute, even with flour on your face, and food coloring in your hair. Then I remind myself that I'm a happily married man and continue walking. I don't know what you are thinking. But I know what I'm thinking (would you like to know?) I'm thinking about another time, another place, and different circumstances. Then I put those thoughts into abeyance.

But I can't forget this one particular morning when you stopped, turned around, and said, "Could I talk to you a minute?" I said, "Sure." You said, "I want you to know something. Do you know what effect you have on me?" I say, "No. I guess not." You said, "Sometimes I leave work so tired I don't know if I will make it home. Then I see you and all you have to do is smile. It changes my day. I want to thank you."

Now, after many years, I am sitting home alone tonight, about ready for bed, when for some reason I thought about you. Who can say why some memories never die, and other distant memories reappear? I didn't fall in love with you, but I would like to tell you something. "I probably could have." So I will say, "It could have been different if not for timing. I don't remember your name, but your face and smile I will never forget. Thank you and good night."

April 2010

After Thoughts

As we go through life we by chance or by design come in contact with many people. By far, most of those people are forgotten. After writing this essay, I began to question why. I realized soon the attraction we had was mutual. On my part at first I'm sure it was physical. But, I realize the world is full of physical attractions. I didn't allow myself the privilege of pursuing it any further. But, on the day she stopped me things changed. She didn't have to say anything. Her eyes, her face said it all. But, I know this must end. I will not allow myself this temptation.

To this day I wonder did she feel "that smile" betrayed her. And, I also wonder how it would make her feel if she knew that at times thoughts of her invade my mind... that thought makes me smile.

Vi's Thoughts On This Story

This is a beautiful story... a story of two people whose paths cross in life... and "something" is recognized in each of them. That "something" has been the subject of many, many examinations by almost every writer and poet, but few can actually define "IT." "IT" must be a divine phenomenon that defies explanation.

I read a quote by Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, But people will never forget how you made them feel."

Gene tells the story of how two people whose paths crossed, who over time learned to anticipate each other, who exchanged smiles of acknowledgement, whose greetings denoted respect for each other, and who recognized what could have been a "seed" of something nice, except for the timing. Who knew what her circumstances were? Who knew what his circumstances were at the time?

"Timing" is forever the essence of what happens in our lives. Who can say what our lives would be if we had taken the other road at the fork! As Gene has said many times, "But for a little spark plug." Therein lies the "divine" that guides us, unbeknown to us, to the right path. Just believe it... you are exactly where you were meant to be at this time!

Memory? Another mystery... of the mind! We get flashes of memories all the time, some of them bad memories because they affected us so deeply at the time. The good memories come when we least expect them and most of them represent circumstances that made us feel complimented, acknowledged, respected, loved, etc. There is usually some "trigger" however subtle that sparks the memories. We immediately recognize the memory and ignore the "trigger." And then wonder: where in the world did that thought come from?

This story is beautiful because it tells of such a profound and yet commonplace occurrence in many lives, and explores the thought of the "Road Not Taken."

Dear Reader

The story you just read is a true story. After writing this story I thought to myself maybe it's a bit too truthful. My dear friend, Vi Payton, edits and types the things I write. I hesitated for more than a month before giving it to her, expressing my reservations about it. I suggested she read it, and throw it in the trashcan if she feels the same way about it as I do. She called me later and stated, "We are not throwing it away. Let me see what I can do with it." When I saw the results I said to her, "You took a rose and made it an orchid."

Rotary camper Marissa Keaton visits with Monticello Rotary Club members at Rotary Camp in Gadsden County. Pictured from left to right with Keaton are: John Lilly, Mark Kessler, Bill Douglas, James Muchovej, and Johnnie Abron.

Rotary members that traveled to serve meals and help with the campers were: John Lilly, Mark Kessler, Bill Douglas, James Muchovej, Johnnie Abron, and John Muchovej.

Jefferson County WIC will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2010 at the Health Department 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 2. WIC staff and volunteers will provide fun prizes and refreshments along with information about nutrition and breastfeeding for area WIC participants

The program, "Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps! The Baby-Friendly Way," will highlight the vital role of health care facilities in the establishment of breastfeeding. The 10 Steps directly increase breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates among breastfeeding mothers, and can lower health care costs. WIC and nutrition plays a role in providing vital support to breastfeeding moms by offering weekly breastfeeding support groups for moms needing hands-on breastfeeding help, providing a breastfeeding-friendly environment, breast-pumps for working WIC moms, and connection with other community breastfeeding resources such as the La Leche League, and lactation consultants from local hospitals.

For additional information about breastfeeding, contact the health department at 850-342-0167 and ask to speak to the WIC nutritionist, or contact Holly Kirsch, RD, LD/N directly at 850-606-8300.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world August 1-7 each year. For more information, visit: www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org

Many of the different kinds of collectables, bowls and such created by George Stinson.

George Stinson, 63, moved to Jefferson County from Madison with his wife, Linda, 38 years ago.

They got married 43 years ago in Jacksonville when George was in the service. He served in the US Navy for four years as an E-3, working aboard the USS Enterprise working the elevator from the hanger deck to the flight deck, serving three tours of duty in Viet Nam.

During their marriage, George and Linda were blessed with five beautiful children, four beautiful daughters, two of which, were blind, and a strapping young son. "They have always been really good kids and I have thanked God for them every day," George said.

After being honorably discharged following his service to the country, George said he bounced around for about one year from odd job to odd job, then he took a job at the Jefferson County Road Department, where he worked for the following 19 ½ years.

Afterward, George worked in a hospital for three to four years in general maintenance. After that, he went into telemarketing where he remained until 2000, when he was diagnosed with a Degenerative Spinal Disease. (The symptoms that are caused by degenerative disease of the spine vary tremendously depending on the specific pathology a patient has. Pain, both in the back or neck and in the arms or legs, is a common finding. Additionally, neurological symptoms due to compression of spinal nerves or even the spinal cord itself can occur as well in some cases. This can typically cause sensory symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, pain, etc.) as well as motor symptoms (weakness or paralysis, muscle wasting, abnormal reflexes, etc.).

George added that he was a licensed minister in Madison at the Assembly of God for five years, then he helped out at the Assembly of God in Monticello.

When he was twelve years old, George realized that he had a natural God-given gift when it came to woodworking and creativity, so he's been working with wood ever since, toning his talent and creativity, even more so in the past four years. "I really had no time for it back then," he said. Over the years, George taught his children and now his grandchildren, how to use the tools and how to do what he does. "I teach them how to use the lathe and about all the knives, because they will hurt you," he added.

He started off making cabinets, end tables and other furniture, but nowadays, most of his equipment he is unable to work with. "I can still work with the small band saw, lathe and drill press, my son does all the other cutting for me and is my student on the lathe," he added.

All of his artistic works are natural unstained wood, each with its own beauty. Most of his pieces are made from scraps of wood brought to him by friends and he has integrated using Corian (solid counter top material) into his artworks. "Our son works with countertops and he brings me all of the scraps," said George.

After running each piece of wood on the lathe, shaping it into the form he imagines, he then uses any other required tools and sandpapers by hand, starting with a 150-grit and eventually moving up to a 600-grit. "I even use a 2000-grit sometimes on the Corian," he added.

George starts each day spending 45 minutes every morning with his Bible and in meditation. "I thank God for every day I can get up and move around, I thank God for my family and life," he added. "I wouldn't change anything in my life. I have had a good life, I have a good wife, I have good kids, I'm thankful for each day," George added.

For one to two hours each day, he works with his woodworking. "It's therapy for me," George said. "When I'm working with wood I don't feel any pain. I would rather work with wood than eat anything, well, anything except cookies. I love Oreos with double-stuff and homemade chocolate chip cookies. I do all my pieces differently, the more differently I do them the more I like it."

When asked how he gets such intricate details in his pieces, he responded, "I can't tell you that, if I told you then everyone would know how I do it," he quipped.

He has made picture frames, end tables and a very beautifully intricate Advent Wreath Stand for the Church of the Nazarene. "I don't take credit for that piece. It was my gift to God, without Him I could have never done it. God didn't ask for it, he touched my heart one day and I built it for Him. Friends gathered the wood and George created the beautiful piece.

He also makes tops, coasters, pen and pencil sets, collectables, Christmas tree ornaments, bowls, salt and pepper shakers, toothpick holders, center pieces, napkin holders, working lighthouses, vases with lifelike flowers, candleholders and the like. He uses any kind of wood, working on different projects and the more difficult a piece is to create, the better he likes it.

When the Bailey-Eppes House, also known as the "Painted Lady" burned down a few years ago, George went to the site, rummaged through the wood and found two inside stairway steps and he made the most beautiful bowl you could ever see. He sells a goods number of his pieces, but there are some, including that particular bowl, that he will not sell. "That bowl is a piece of Monticello history. I also don't sell the Christmas gifts I make for family members," he added. He said that he makes Linda and all family members something for Christmas and each grandchild gets a new tree ornament every year. "I love working on the tree ornaments, it gives me such great pleasure to do them," he added. "George even has one piece he created from a Osage Orange limb. The tree can only be found out west in areas such as TX, AR and NM. "It's an ugly little tree until you open the wood up, then it's absolutely beautiful," George said. He added that the pieces he does sell goes back into making his other pieces, he buys some exotic woods and each of the pen and pencil sets, costs him $10 each to make after he purchases the inner mechanisms. George even does commission work. "I can make anything, if it's made of wood, I can do it," he said.

"George is just multi-talented," added Linda.

These days, George is homebound, only leaving the house to go to the doctor's office. He cannot be alone and every day his kids and grandkids are there. "There's always someone around the house," he added. Linda said George is in excruciating pain every day. Knowing of George's condition, once per week, Church of the Nazarene Pastor Tim Hildreth tapes his weekly sermons and brings the tapes to George and visits with him for a while.

Those interested in commissioning one of George's artworks or purchasing existing pieces can email him at George.Stinson@gmail. com.

The Library Book Club will be back at the library in August. The club usually meets the third Monday of each month, but the library is no longer open on Mondays. There were only five members at the July meeting, so it was decided to try a Tuesday meeting next, to see how everyone feels about it. It will be Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The book selected is: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, in honor of the celebration of 50-years since it was published. We hope anyone interested will join us for this meeting. We try to use the first 30-minutes of the meeting to select a title for the next month, and you're welcome to give your suggestions at that time.

Our July title was Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. We will also pick a day and time to go to view the movie by that title at our next meeting. This book brought up discussion of divorce, food, and religion: all great topics for a lively conversation. We all tend to make conclusions from our own personal experiences, so this was observed. Two people can like or dislike the same person for the same reason! We all left without bad feelings, so that is good too. If anyone would be interested in knowing the titles of all the books we have discussed, they may send an email to douwahnadance@ yahoo.com (Abi V'vest). We've been meeting for over a year, so sometimes a new member suggests a book we've already read. It's so good to also get suggestions for titles from people who cannot join us. Thanks to those avid readers for their input.

Covenant Hospice has expanded its pediatric palliative care program, Partners In Care-Together For Kids (PIC-TFK.) The program started up in Pensacola, FL, and has been in existence since 2005. It's available to children and their families, who are enrolled in Children's Medical Services (CMS,) from birth to age 21, with a potentially life-limiting condition. Serving Jefferson, Madison, Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla, and Franklin counties.

The PIC-TFK Program is a partnership between the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Florida Department of Health, and Florida Hospices and Palliative Care. Through this collaborative relationship, Covenant's PIC-TFK Program is able to offer specialized palliative care nurse assessments, therapeutic counseling services for the child and/or family member, respite care, personal care, and bereavement support, in the child's home.

Specialized pain and symptom management consultation will be provided by Dr. Paul Robinson, medical director of Covenant's PIC-TFK Program, at the request of the child's Primary Care Physician.

The referral process is easy. If there is a child and family interested in being a part of the PIC-TFK Program, contact the child's Care Coordinator at 850-487-2604 to begin the referral process. For more information about this program contact Erik Persson, PIC-TFK Program manager or Holly Herring, director of Children and Family Support Services at 850-509-1565.

Aucilla Christian Academy's recent multi-year reunion proved to be a fun time for all those who attended. Pictured left to right: Jennifer Williams, Roslyn Joyner Bass (ACA class of 1995), Dori Handley Collins (ACA class of 1990), Melissa Oglesby (ACA class of 1989), Catherine Baker, and Katrina Richardson Walton (ACA class of 1995).

Friends and classmates met at the Country Club Saturday morning to swim and eat, while enjoying catching up on 'ole times with friends. It was a family affair and children gathered around their parents to play and meet each other, also.

Saturday evening was an "adults only" reunion, as everyone gathered back out at the Country Club for good food, fellowship, and dancing.

The evening proved to be a huge success and was enjoyed by all who attended.

Gordon "Brandon" Darnell was selected to attend the Boys State Program by the American Legion members of the Otto Walker Post 49. From left to right are: 2009-2010 Post Commander Buddy Westbrook, Brandon, and mother Sondra Darnell.

Darnell is a student at Aucilla Christian Academy, and is the son of local residents Sondra Darnell and Terry Darnell of Monticello. He played baseball under coach Ray Hughes. "This applicant came highly praised and recommended by School Principal Richard Finlayson," reports committee chairman Buddy Westbrook. "We are all very proud of him."

He was selected because of his impressive GPA, has an interest in government, and shows outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to his school and community.

The Boys State Program is a comprehensive one-week course in state and local government developed to offer youth a better perspective of the practical operation of government and to show that the individual is responsible for the character and success of his government. Delegates who are selected to attend this program "learn by doing" as they progress through the various phases of government. As such, it is an activity of high educational value, born out of the need for youth training and practical citizenship.

Florida American Legion Boys State is a "leadership action program" where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course. It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it. Along the way they will have the opportunity to learn the political process. Each level of government is run by those delegates who have been elected to serve. Instruction is presented on the law and court system, law enforcement, military and ROTC opportunities, and Florida political history.

The 6th Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark benefit will be held 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 24 at the University Center Club, 1 Champions Way, Doak Campbell Stadium, Building B in Tallahassee, FL.

Experience a decadent three-course meal as you may never have before... without your sight. Dinner is served in pitch-black darkness by the Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team with their night vision goggles. Your remaining senses will be stimulated to savor the smell, taste, and texture of your dining experience. Ultimately, this unique dinner will expand your understanding of what individuals who are blind experience throughout their lives and raise funds to help people with vision loss through your local

non-profit, Lighthouse of the Big Bend~Guiding People Through Vision Loss.

(For safety purposes, no children under age 12)

The evening schedule is as follows: 4 p.m.- University Center Club doors open; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.- Reception on the UCC first floor with honorary hosts Mike and Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, live music, cash bar, basket raffle, and training on "How to Walk, Sit and Eat in the Dark; 5:30 to 8 p.m.- 3-course dinner in the dark, served by the Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, with their night vision goggles on; 8 to 8:30 p.m.- Keynote Speaker Christopher Thomas, raffle drawing, and the presentation of the Paula Bailey "Inspirational Community Member Award."

The cost of tickets is $55 individual; $600 reserved table for eight; and $700 reserved table for ten. To make a donation online go to www.lighthousebigbend.org or mail a check to Lighthouse of the Big Bend, 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL 32301. All sponsorships are tax deductible (Federal ID #59-2288754)

For more information contact Executive Director Barbara L. Ross at 850-942-3658x201 or info@ lighthousebigbend.org

John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital welcomes pathologists Seth J. Bilello M.D. and John Pham M.D. to its Pathology Associates, P.C. medical staff.

Bilello earned a BS degree in Biology at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL; obtaining his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA where he also completed an internship and residency in anatomic and clinical pathology. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Pathology in both. He completed a surgical pathology fellowship at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists, and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology. He is joined in Thomasville, GA by his wife Dana and daughter Hannah.

Pham earned his BS degree in Cellular Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Washington State in Seattle, WA where he also minored in Botany, Microbiology, and Chemistry. He obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA. He completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, OH, and completed a cytopathology fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. He is board certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and College of American Pathologists.

Carolyn Kempton and Margo Marvel volunteered to wash dogs at Wag the Dog Saturday.

"We will be scheduling more dog washes in the near future."

Contact Kessler at 997-4540 if you would be interested in volunteering.

District 3 Vice Commander Ron Slik installed the new officers for the American Legion Otto Walker Post 49, during the July 13, 2010 meeting. Pictured from left to right: Slik, also post adjutant/secretary; Paul Klug, commander; Chester Cox, vice commander; Harry Mulhearn, treasurer; Bert Banks, sergeant-at-arms; and Dick Dibble, Chaplin. Not pictured is Buddy Westbrook, judge advocate/historian and District 3 Commander.

District 3 Vice Commander Ron Slik presented the installation to the membership. He also announced Outgoing Commander Buddy Westbrook to the membership as the newly elected District 3 Commander.

New Post Commander Paul Klug spoke briefly about his plans for this new year. It was also announced that Post 49 has received notice from the Department of Florida that the Sons of the American Legion has been chartered with 10 new members.

The Ladies Auxiliary will not meet again until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14. The American Legion Post 49 will continue to meet at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Otto Walker Post on South Water Street.

Florida Health Care Association awarded Lisa McGinley, administrator of Brynwood Center in Monticello, with the FHCA 2010 Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award. Pictured from left to right are: Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmitt Reed, McGinley, and Gulf Coast Health Care President Craig Robinson presented the award on Thursday at the Monticello facility.

Over the past years, McGinley has been actively involved in FHCA legislative activities. From meeting with lawmakers and agency representatives to educate them about the important work carried out by longterm care providers, or meeting with the media to help them gain a better understanding of the need for adequate Medicaid funding to preserve resident quality care, McGinley never hesitated to speak on behalf of the profession. She testified during legislative committee meetings, took part in television and newspaper interviews and provided testimonials during member meetings about the importance of being involved. As president of FHCA District X, she helped organize a number of grassroots initiatives, including encouraging fellow members, resident family members and Brynwood staff to visit the Capitol and meet with local lawmakers or send emails and letters to share important information about the Association's longterm care issues.

"FHCA is pleased to present Lisa McGinley with the Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award," said Emmett Reed, executive director of Florida Health Care Association. "Her enthusiasm and dedication to the profession and her passion for grassroots makes her an excellent role model for other longterm care providers across the state."

The Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award is given to an FHCA member for his or her hard work and dedication to the Association and its members during the preceding legislative session. The late Arthur H. Harris was a long-time member of FHCA who was always at the ready to advocate on behalf of the profession and the Association. Previous years' Award recipients choose the winner and his/her identity is kept secret until the award is bestowed during the FHCA Annual Conference.

Brynwood Center Administrator Lisa McGinley displays awards and other information during a recognition gathering Thursday at the center. Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmitt Reed and Gulf Coast Health Care President Craig Robinson joined her in honoring the Brynwood staff, area partners, and friends.

First as the winner of the 2010 Media and Community Involvement Award; second for Administrator Lisa McGinley who was recognized for the 2010 Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award; and third as a 2010 recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality National Award.

Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmitt Reed and Gulf Coast Health Care President Craig Robinson presented the awards on Thursday, July 12 at the Monticello facility.

The Florida Health Care Association is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long-term care facilities that provide skilled nursing care, short-term rehab, assisted living, and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. FHCA was founded on the premise that its members have a moral obligation to the residents they serve, and since 1954 the Association has worked diligently to improve quality of care and quality of life for the state's growing elder care population.

The National Quality Award is presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, an organization with approximately 11,000 members nationwide, and is based on the core values and criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program. The commitment to quality designated by this award is a key to developing systematic, sustainable, person-centered care and services.

Brynwood Center Administrator Lisa McGinley, Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmitt Reed, and Gulf Coast Health Care President Craig Robinson, honored the Brynwood staff, and area partners with special recognition and a Jimmy Buffett luncheon, on Thursday for their receiving of the Florida Health Care Association 2010 Media and Community Involvement Award.

Brynwood Center is a 97-bed facility that is committed to encouraging its employees, residents, and associates to become vital change agents and positively influence long-term care at the local, state, and national levels. Brynwood is intertwined with the Monticello community, encouraging local citizens to become active participants in enhancing residents' quality of life and representing the facility in the community's civic and humanitarian associations. Brynwood Center promotes the initiatives of the long-term care profession by actively taking part in the legislative process, with staff hosting facility tours for legislators, testifying at the Capitol during committee meetings and meeting with lawmakers during FHCA's Lobby Wednesdays, and other legislative events. The facility is actively engaged with the media, with local and statewide reporters visiting the facility regularly to promote facility events and for in-depth interviews on issues that impact nursing home residents, from funding cuts to healthcare reform. The promotion of health and pursuit of excellence on behalf of Brynwood is further exemplified in its "Smoke-Free Florida/Brynwood" initiative and participation in the American Health Care Association National Quality Awards program endeavors.

"FHCA is pleased to present Brynwood Center with the 2010 Media and Community Involvement Award," said Emmitt Reed, Executive Director of Florida Health Care Association. "Their enthusiasm and dedication to their residents and the work they do to involve their local community makes them an excellent role model for other long-term care facilities across the state."

The 2010 Media and Community Involvement Award is part of Florida Health Care Association's Long Term Care Excellence Awards. These awards annually honor an FHCA and Florida Center for Assisted Living (FCAL) Administrator of the Year, the Willis J. Gregson Associate Member of the Year and a number of community volunteers for their service to long-term care. For more information about FHCA's Long Term Care Excellence Awards, visit the Quality Improvement section of the FHCA website at www.fhca.org