LEVY, GILCHRIST, DIXIE COUNTIES
UPDATED WEDNESDAY (FEB. 22) at 10 p.m.
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Man is thankful for job
By Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 22, 2012
WILLISTON – One of the first things 28-year-old Jeffery Middleton is buying with his earnings from Hardee’s of Williston is a new pair of shoes, he told Workforce Connection Representative Kevin Harrison.
“He said he wore out his shoes looking for a job,” Harrison said as he called Middleton a classic success story.
Starting Work
Jeffery Middleton is proud to have started working at Hardee’s in Williston. General Manager Martha Sullivan is very pleased with the young man’s work so far.
Photo by Jeff M. Hardison
Harrison mans the Mobile Resource Unit with CLM Workforce Connection. The Williston Public Library is among the places he has brought this van that is equipped with computers that have wireless connections to the Internet. That’s where Middleton met Harrison and sought his help to become employed.
“I had been unemployed since being discharged from the Florida Department of Corrections on Dec. 4, 2010,” Middleton said on Wednesday afternoon.
He had served a prison term for sales and possession of cocaine, he said.
“I’m not messing with that,” he said. “I’ve changed my ways.”
Beyond his choice to remain a law-abiding citizen, Middleton said he has found it very difficult to become employed because he is now a convicted felon and an ex-offender. Nevertheless, his first week and a half in his new job is going well for him and for management.
Martha Sullivan, general manager, said Middleton was proud of being offered a job and has taken his post seriously.
“He thought it was just going to be fast food,” she said. “We cook every meal to order. We provide fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners.”
Sullivan said Middleton is one of the best new employees she has seen. He has learned stations involved with cooking, grilling, prep and fries. Mastering those skills in a week and a half is noteworthy, she said. His attention to cleaning a grill is exemplary, she said.
This worker is not a complainer, she added. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him and he does not stall in completing a task.
“And he has yet to say, ‘When can I go home?’” she said.
Sullivan said Middleton’s starting to work was good for the company, although it may be a bit more on him than he expected. McDonald’s is undergoing renovation and this is adding customers to Hardee’s.
Middleton is thankful to be working. He said Workforce Connection helped him learn how to conduct job searches by using a computer. Harrison helped him create a resume to show his skills and work history. And Workforce Connection provided general counseling to point him toward companies that needed workers.
“This was especially good for someone like myself,” he said, “who doesn’t have transportation to go to Bronson, Chiefland or Ocala. Since I have been going to the library to see Mr. Kevin Harrison, I have seen other people who lack transportation. In this rural area, jobs are hard to find. They are going to build an Internet café. That’s not going to make jobs. That’s just going to take money from people. Why don’t they build stores? That way we won’t have to go to Gainesville and Ocala to shop.”
Middleton wants people to become more involved with their government and business leaders to make Williston thrive.
As for finding a job, he has some advice to share.
“Stay consistent,” he said. “Look the employer in the eye. And don’t give up. Just because one employer says they are not hiring, don’t give up. Keep letting them know you want to work for them. Go to Workforce Connection and use what they have to offer to find a job.”
When going to a possible employer, be prepared. Carry all the paperwork that is needed, he said.
“They want to see you are responsible,” Middleton said. “You need to show them that you’ve got yourself together. Be loyal. Be on time. It’s more than just filling out a job application. Show them you’re fit for the job you’re applying for.”
The man said he is happy to be working at Hardee’s. He is thankful.
“It’s a blessing to be able to have a job,” he said. “I will buy a pair of shoes, a decent set of clothes, stuff like that. I hope in the future to be able to support myself. I thank God above. I give God all the credit.”
Harrison said Middleton is a true “success story.” He paid his dues for a past mistake and he is now building a better life. Middleton took every opportunity offered by Workforce Connection and it paid off. This is a classic example of the best scenario, where an employer who needs a worker finds the person to fill the position.
Black history shared at the museum
New work
Carolyn Cohens stands with her most recent painting of John Golmore Riley. This and other works are on display at the Chiefland Train Depot and Museum.
Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Feb. 17, 2012
CHIEFLAND – At some point between July of 2006 and April of 2008, Tommy Harrington asked about what happened to the items for the Chiefland Train Depot.
The Chiefland Train Depot, which reportedly was built in 1913, was removed from Chiefland to Dixie County sometime after train operations stopped. Local businessmen and civic leaders joined forces to purchase and return it. That feat was completed in the summer of 2000.
It was at least six year later, after the building had been cleaned, when Harrington asked a reporter what happened to all of the things that were in it. Most of them were found, although a replica had to be made for one of the signs on the outside of the old depot.
Eventually, the Chiefland City Commission formed a committee to improve the old Train Depot and to make it into a small museum with a couple of offices. It currently houses an office for the Greater Chiefland Area Chamber of Commerce, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. State Rep. Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) has a district office at the depot too. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
 The Chiefland Historic Train Museum is inside the depot. It is open for self-guided tours during the hours when the Chamber is open. Carolyn Cohens, a 63-year-old author, illustrator and artist provides free guided tours, which can be arranged when the Chamber is open -- or at other hours.
Cohens is known for her work in helping celebrate Black History Month in Levy County as well. There was recently a get-together at the Courthouse, where J.L. Dunmore, the first black firefighter for Chiefland, was honored. This event was sponsored by Levy County Clerk Danny Shipp.
African Art
This gourd painted by Carolyn Cohens is used as she visits with chidlren at area schools to teach about Black History.
Until mid-March, some of Cohens’ works of art related to Black History Month are on display at the Chiefland Train Depot and Museum. Patrons are asked to call Chiefland City Hall at 352-493-6711 to arrange a guided tour of the museum, which will include Cohens sharing her insight about local black history.
A quick brush through the museum that was provided by Cohens to HardisonInk.com on Friday evening shows some of what visitors may see and hear.
This artist who has some of her “Turpentine Years” works on display at a different venue in Melrose, has on display at the Chiefland Train Depot Cohens’ three-week-old painting of John Gilmore Riley.
As noted on the website for a museum honoring him, “John Gilmore Riley was born in 1857, when slavery was a way of life and educational pursuits for blacks were illegal. With the help of his Aunt Henrietta, Riley defied the law of the land and learned to read and write. Riley began his first teaching job in 1877 at a school in Wakulla County.
“In 1881 he began teaching at Lincoln Academy, one of three freedmen schools built during the Reconstruction era in Florida to provide secondary instruction to blacks. In 1892 Riley became principal of the school until his retirement in 1926. In addition to his career as an educator, he also distinguished himself as a leader in business and was Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida. John G. Riley died in 1954. The house that he built for his family in 1890 stands today as a testament to the rich, cultural heritage of African-Americans.”
Cohens said her paintings on display at the museum may be bought by patrons. They are works of art that reflect parts of life and they are scenes that have meaning to her.
One painting is of an Indian brave, or a Native American. Cohens said the city is named for it being a place where chiefs once lived.
Another work shows a child carrying an American flag that is waving in the wind. Cohens said she lived in Germany and Japan while she was married to a serviceman, and when she would see an American flag, it reminded her of home, which she longed to return to.
Children of different races playing together are the subjects in another painting that reflects some of the relatively recent history in Levy County from Cohen’s perspective. When she was growing up in Otter Creek, she played with white children who are still her friends today. She says children are not tainted by political or other influences, and this is easily seen as they play and have fun together.
A singular magnolia blossom graces another canvas in a work by this painter.
“This is Levy County in the wild,” she said. “I love to ride around the county in the springtime and see all of the flowers. My grandfather (Amos Gibbs) would tell me stories about dipping turpentine and cutting cross ties (for railroad tracks). He worked for Etter Usher, Charlie Atkins and Mack McKinsey.
“Grandfather would grow crops, butcher hogs, and do everything he needed to get by. He built the house I live in today, with help from other people in the community. Back then, everyone worked together to help one another.”
Another one of her works has become named “A Day With Words.” It shows a black woman reading to a black child. Cohens said there was a time when it was prohibited for black people to learn to read and write.
“This painting is shown in schools to encourage the young ones,” she said.
Another painting is one she calls “Uncle Buddy’s Guitar.” There was a man named Buddy McCray who lived in Otter Creek and played the guitar she said. “He would pick it, and we would have so much fun,” she said.
There is a painting of a rose. It has a lavender background. With this painting, Cohens had a bit of fun. She said one of her friends painted a room lavender, and so she has named this rose “Phyllis.”
“Celebration of Life” is yet another painting that falls into the category of works with strong ties to Black History. In this painting, Cohens has captured people dancing around a fire as a drummer beats out a rhythm. A hut in the background adds to the total piece, which is part of her conception of Africa.
“This shows blacks that were born in Africa,” Cohens said, “and their journey to America, and then their overcoming of the trials and tribulations to have this become their home.”
 There are a few books she has written, which are for sale. One extremely interesting work is one that has each page individually burned by hand by her. It has a first copyright of 1995. It is titled The OrgiNATION of the Black Man. This book is held together by yarn and includes amazing small works of art on each page.
Artistic Book
The OrigiNATION of The Black Man, is a book written by Carolyn Cohens and it includes some of her artwork as well.
It tells a story, which includes some about slavery. Each copy sells for $20. It is no War and Peace, but it is a work that is worthy in own right.
Cohens has visited schools in the area to help children learn about different aspects of Black History. So, she is an artist, an author, an illustrator, a poet and a teacher. The woman’s gentle voice surely lets children relax as they learn something about the days of the past.
Rotary bike ride gels
Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison
© Feb. 16, 2012
SUWANNEE VALLEY – The Suwannee Valley Rotary Club on Thursday (Feb. 16) continued working on its Tour de Melon bicycle ride planned to coincide with the Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival.
Riders can take the 50-mile loop twice to make it a “century ride.” The Tour de Melon is a family trail ride.
This is the first year for the ride that starts and ends in Chiefland, where the annual Watermelon Festival attracts many people to the area. Sometimes, the festival is rained out. The bike ride event is on June 2 (a Saturday) and starts at 7:30 a.m.
Dr. Bill Martin, an orthodontist, brought a watermelon bike helmet to Thursday’s meeting. He also brought as his guest Jessica Southard of Bronson, who was the 2009 Florida Watermelon Queen and the 2010 National Watermelon Queen.
Watermelon Queen
One of the guests at the Suwannee Valley Rotary Club on Thursday (Feb. 16) was 2009 Florida Watermelon Queen and 2010 National Watermelon Queen Jessica Southard of Bronson.
In other news from the Rotary Club meeting, John Lohde has joined the club, and Scott DeBerry of Deberry Marketing announced that he has joined the staff of Levy County Clerk of the Circuit Court Danny Shipp to become the second “I.T. guy” for the county. DeBerry said he is thankful for the employee health insurance benefits available for his wife now.
Shipp, a Democrat, is running for reelection and Wilbur Dean, a Republican, has started an account to indicate his intent to seek election.
 Another candidate was at the meeting. Sheree Lancaster is running for Gilchrist County Judge. David Miller (Duke) Lang is the other candidate in that non-partisan race.
Although he is a Suwannee Valley Rotary Club member, Levy County Sheriff candidate Evan Sullivan, a Republican, missed the meeting. Also running in that race for Levy County Sheriff are Bobby McCallum and Noel Desmond, who are both Republicans.
Sporty Helmet
(to the right) Dr. Bill Martin wears a watermelon bicycle helmet at the Rotary Club of Suwannee Valley meeting on Thursday. Martin is among the first sponsors for the first ride, which some hope will become an annual event.
 Publisher's Note: This is another day of the daily series (The Christian Press) that is planned to run forever. The series started on Nov. 1, 2011, about nine months after HardisonInk.com came to fruition.
From Ash Wednesday, we are taking 40 days (not counting Sundays) until Easter for the time known as Lent. During this time, we will run A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL, COUNTING THE COST OF THE CROSS, by Dr. Tom Farmer Jr.
Dr. Farmer suggests that readers take a moment and keep a log of their thoughts after reading each devotional.
After Lent, and on Sundays during Lent, we will return to the series of pieces from the book that is titled Strength for Service to God and Country, which are daily devotionals for people in the service of others. The book was first copyrighted in 1942. The former company known as Providence House Publishers put out the last issue in 2002. That publishing company went out of business in 2011. We want to thank its successors for letting us use some of these devotionals.
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Feb. 22, 2012
Day 2… Discipline is Difficult
Read Matthew 7:13-14
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My wife Peggy and I enjoy walking together for exercise when our schedules permit it. We have observed many times that “the first mile always seems to be the hardest.” Once the first mile is behind us, the rest seems to go much quicker and more easily. In the spiritual disciplines that we will need to keep the “fire burning” I these 40 days of Lent, underscore this truth: Satan will put every conceivable road block before us as we seek to be faithful. Remember that if we allow one day to lapse, then day two will likely follow with another reason to not keep our commitment to Counting the Cost of the Cross.
Prayer and reading God’s Word is the only time God has our total attention. The noise, activity and constant movement in the world keeps our hearts and minds engaged and most certainly drawn away from listening to the voice of God.
Jesus was led into the wilderness where, for 40 days, He disengaged from everything to commune with God and to fight off Satan’s attacks. Find a time each day that will be your appointment with God. Pray… read the Bible and meditate by allowing the Holy Spirit to use this time for cleansing and renewal of your life. Let nothing keep you from this daily discipline. Remember, “the first mile is hardest” --- get started and the routine will become easier and the results heartwarming as you make every effort to stay on the path for this journey.
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