Mundane Moth or Spiritual Phenomenon?

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

English writer, Christopher Fry once wrote, “Between our birth and death we may touch understanding, as a moth brushes a window with its wing.”  Margaret Fields of Bay Minette recently found a blessing and understanding in a brush with a moth.

In February, Fields was diagnosed with a grade 3 (nearly grade 4) brain tumor.  The RN was working in Connecticut as a travel nurse and while on assignment begin experiencing difficulties.  When she returned home to Alabama she was diagnosed.  “I have little memory from between February and May. 

Fields was recently able to get a break from chemotherapy.  For this reason, a friend whose father owns a cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee offered Fields a chance to spend a week at the cabin in the Smokey Mountains. 

“It was meant to be a fun time, a peaceful time, but I had headaches,” explained Fields.  These headaches lasted for 3 days.  Finally something occurred which Fields identifies as an unequivocal blessing. 

That morning Fields and a friend who was staying with her witnessed a white and brown moth land onto a redwood table.  The moth remained until nightfall.  This wasn’t just any other moth according to Fields, nor to the many who have seen the photo or heard the story.  There is an obvious cross design on its back, but to so many who have seen it, there is more going on than that. 

Some suggest there is a 3 dimensional shape within the cross, resembling the Crucifix.

Hughes Wins State Bareback Riding Competition

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

Bibb County High School Senior, James Hughes of Lawley recently won the Alabama High School Finals Rodeo Championship in the Bareback Riding competition held in Andalusia, Alabama.  He was also tapped as the over all “Rookie of the Year.”

The championship earned Lawley a position on the Alabama High School rodeo team.  He and his teammates will be traveling to Gillette, Wyoming from July 18^th – 24^th to compete at the 62^nd Annual National High School Finals Rodeo in the Bareback Riding competition.

The event will feature over 1,500 contestants from 41 states and 5 Canadian Provinces, and Australia.  The National High School Finals is the world’s largest rodeo.  The contestants compete for over $200,000 in prizes as well as more than $350,000 in college scholarships. 

The 2010 NHSFR telecast will air on RFD-TV. In addition, you can catch it on Horsecity.com.  For more information regarding broadcasts and possible schedule changes of the NHSFR Event please visit www.nhsra.com

Faith Motivating Taylor Morton’s Bright Future

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Taylor Morton’s future in athletics appears to be bright.  Going into his senior season as a linebacker for the Bibb County High School Choctaws, doors are beginning to open for this potential Division 1 College Football prospect.

Taylor recently attended a Top 100 Rivals Football Camp in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was invited to this Southeast Regional event as one of the elite in the state.  If he is selected he will go on to the National Camp in Oklahoma.  From there he will have a chance to compete in the High School All American Game in New Mexico.

Top all of this off with getting solid looks from notable NCAA Division 1 schools, and that’s a lot for a guy to take in as he ventures into his last year in High School.  All of this however, has humbled the young athlete.

“I’ve been very blessed.  In everything I do on and off the field, when people look at me, I don’t want them to see Taylor I want them to see what God has done to me.  God gets all the glory,” Taylor expressed.

Taylor’s demeanor might not be considered that of the typical high schooler by most.  Confidence, respect, and charm are only a small handful of qualities, which are immediately noticeable within moments of speaking with him.  Perhaps this is why he is well liked among his peers.  Perhaps it is because Taylor doesn’t simply suggest he is blessed with mere words, but seems to find a blessing as something deeper than the word on the surface.

Taylor's inspired nature began a few years ago, in the wake of a family tragedy.   Trent Morton, Taylor's younger brother, died in a four-wheeler accident.  “I miss him everyday and wish he was here with me,” he explains.  “God humbled me during that experience and at the same time let me know He’d be with me through everything.  That is why I believe all glory should go to God,” Taylor suggested.

“When he died they found a card in his pocket which read, ‘never, never quit.’  That motivated me to never quit at anything whether it be in my faith or in my life,” said Taylor.  “When I am on the field I play with that never quit mentality.  There are only 4 quarters in a football game, and anyone who has played knows how quickly game time goes by.  So, you have got to make the most of it.  After my brother died, I realized life is similarly short.  We have to make the most of our time here,” he stated.

With College Campus visits, potential scholarship offers, and the eyes of scouts directed at him next year, Taylor isn’t focusing on his future just yet. 

“While I want to earn a college scholarship, right now I am a high school football player and I play for Bibb County.  I am a part of a team and want to help this team win a state championship.  All that other stuff will come later.  It isn’t a distraction just a bonus, or a blessing,” he explained.

After 2009, the greatest season in BCHS football history (12-1) Taylor believes there is more of the same to look forward to in 2010.  “We had a great team last year and this is no disrespect to that team, but I think the 2010 team is even better,” he said.

“You’ve got to strive to be better every year.  We can’t settle for what we did last year.  Last year we had a leading defense, but this year we are striving to make other teams score less this year than last.  We don’t want anyone to score on us,” he further stated.

Taylor attended elementary school in West Blocton and not only has friends in the community but on the WBHS football team.  For this reason he is looking forward to rebirth of the Bibb County vs. West Blocton rivalry in 2010.  With a look of excitement enhancing the smile on his face Taylor stated, “Yeah, I’ve had that one circled on my calendar since it was announced.  It should be fun and exciting.  We’re going to be ready and I know they will be ready as well.”

As the 2010 season gets closer Taylor is not the only one getting looks from Division 1 schools.  Diaheem Watkins and Tevin Crews are also making noise in those ranks.  According to Taylor, even those two aren’t the limits of the BCHS team.

“Our coaching staff does a excellent job.  Our workout program is second to none and we will have several seniors go on to play beyond the high school level.  As far as next year is concerned however, we’re all just going to go out there and play every game like it is the state championship,” Taylor concluded.   

Johnson and Battles to attend AHSAA All Star Game

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

Bibb County High School Senior defensive tackle of the 2009/2010 seasons has been selected to compete in the 2010 North/South High School All Star on July 16^th.

The event, which is supported by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, features top high school senior talents from across the state.  Johnson will be playing defensive tackle for the South squad. 

“We’re very excited.  This is another proud moment for Courtney and for Bibb County High School Athletics,” explained BCHS Head Coach Mike Battles. 

Battles was also selected for the event, as linebackers coach for the South Squad.  Courtney and his identical twin brother, Neil signed football athletic scholarships with Tuskegee University and are expected to get early playing time this season.  Before that step however, Courtney has been presented this opportunity to shine one last time as a high school athlete. 

The North / South High School All Star game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. at the Alabama A&M campus on Friday, July 16^th.

Local young adults spend summer helping kids

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

“This has been a rewarding and exciting experience and in many ways fun.  I have to go now, there is a child crawling on my back like a monkey,” said Stephanie Bamberg of Centreville.  She is a 2009 graduate of Bibb County High School and currently a student at Shelton State Community College.  Along with 2009 BCHS Valedictorian and Auburn University student, Brock Horsley, she is spending her summer in Mobile, Alabama helping kids from poverty stricken homes.

Just before the summer break representatives from the 3.0 Missional Internship Program visited college campuses in attempts to recruit students for their summer day camps.  When Auburn was visited, Brock showed immediate interest.  After one volunteer could not make the trip Brock began contacting some of his classmates.  Stephanie volunteered to go in this person’s stead almost immediately.  She literally made the decision within a week of her departure.  “I wasn’t planning on doing anything with any real purpose for my summer.  So when I heard about this it was the perfect opportunity to make myself useful and do something positive and productive,” Stephanie expressed. 

3.0 Missional Internship is an extension of the United Methodist Church, and is a mission of spreading the word and message of Christ through action and charity.  It is sponsored by the Quad W Foundation, which was established in memory of a 19-year old osteosacrcoma victim.  This young man, Willie Tichenor believed in using his short life to make a positive difference in the world around him. 

There are three main goals of 3.0.  One is to provide a deeply significant, potentially life-changing mission experience for college students.  Another is to holistically meet the needs of the poor, and finally to partner with churches in troubled communities, helping them re-connect with the people of their area. 

In the Mobile charter mainly, but not exclusively focuses their attention on children of troubled, poverty-stricken, and broken homes.  Six sites in the area provide day camps for these children.  3.0 interns feed the children, educate the children, and spend time showing compassion and friendship to these children. 

“We have bible study, teach them about hygiene, and provide physical education.  Most of the kids here are from extremely low-income homes.  Some of them wouldn’t even be eating if it weren’t for this program,” Brock stated.  “A lot of these kids are neglected and few of them actually experience love and compassion.  It makes a tremendous difference for someone to be there and tell them they are loved and that they have a purpose,” he concluded.

As previously stated the mission of these interns does not target children exclusively.  On Fridays, the kids and their college-aged mentors go on field trips inside of the community.  According to Stephanie, they have visited a half-way house in order to express forgiveness and kindness to criminals re-entering the system.  They have visit soup kitchens to help feed the poor.  They have even visited the former criminals of the half way house and extended invitations to help in the feeding of the poor.  The halfway residents did not hesitate to throw themselves into a moment of honest social work.

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in conjunction with Whistler United Methodist Church have made dorms from Sunday School classes in order to house the interns during their two month stay. 

“We all think about what we want in life and think about what we want to do in life.  The more we help people the less want and need there is.  That is why I believe I decided to do this and it has been a great experience,” said Brock.

“This experience has made me a lot closer to God.  It has strengthened my relationship with Him,” concluded Stephanie. 

For more information about 3.0 Missional Internship visit:  www.3mlt.com

For more information about the Quad W Foundation visit:  www.quadw.org

For more information about the United Methodist Church visit:  www.umc.org

Ward presents BCHS with $25,000 grant

Though State Representative Cam Ward announced he would be presenting Bibb County High School with a grant for $20,000 to update the Softball facilities, there was a little more than initially announced. Bibb County Education Superintendent Don Elam and Bibb County High School Vice Principal, Wes Lawley are seen here with Rep. Ward receiving a check for $25,000. “I am particularly proud of the close working relationship that I have enjoyed with the Bibb County Board of Education over the last eight years.  This partnership has allowed us to accomplish a lot of good things for public schools,” said Representative Ward. The Public School and College Authority approved the grant in May at the request of Representative Ward.  (Photo by Daniel Bamberg)

Local VFDs receive nearly $2700

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@centrevillepress.com

State Representative Cam Ward recently handed out checks from the State in the amount of $1485 to each of Bibb County’s Volunteer Fire Departments.  He also handed out checks from the office of State Senator Bobby Singleton in the amount of  $1200 to each department.

April Weaver, Republican nominee to take Ward’s seat in District 49 (with Ward moving to the Senate), was on hand.  Representative Ward suggested that the fire chiefs should put her to work early.  He passed the proverbial torch to his likely replacement and future colleague, as Weaver handed the checks out to fire department members.

“What you folks do with the money you get is more than any other county.  You all do a great job and we appreciate everything you do.  You volunteer your service for crumbs and serve your community well,” explained Ward. 

Departments who received these checks were:  Brent Volunteer Fire Department, Brierfield Volunteer Fire Department, Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Centreville Volunteer Fire Department, Eoline Volunteer Fire Department, Green Pond Volunteer Fire Department, Lawley Volunteer Fire Department, Randolph Volunteer Fire Department, and West Blocton Volunteer Fire Department.

Rep. Ward delivers grant check to West Blocton Elemetary

Representative Cam Ward recently awarded a $15,000 grant check to West Blocton Middle School to benefit the “Computers on Wheels,” program.  This money is given to provide the school with more adequate and up to date computers for their students.  It will help purchase new PCs which can be carried from room to room by the way of a cart.  In the photo are Mayor Jabo Reese, Principal Duane McGee, myself and Matt Hartzell.

Bibb County Correctional Facility Breaks Chapel Grounds

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@centrevillepress.com

“One may worship anytime and anyplace; but this Chapel will allow the individuals to embrace a feeling of reverence.  All who enter will be encouraged to reflect and search for the changes necessary to make a positive reentry to society,” expressed Warden Cheryl Price of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

On Thursday, June 24^th a groundbreaking ceremony for a new chapel at the Bibb County Correctional Facility was held. The staff of the Bibb Correctional Facility, the Alabama Department of Corrections, along with hundreds of Alabama government, businesses, social services, volunteers and faith leaders came together for the event which ADC believes will serve to meet the needs of incarcerated men for hundreds of years.

The Chapel will provide space for several different types of religious volunteers.  These persons will use the new building to minister to those who are housed inside the correctional facility.

The new Chapel will include a 350-seat sanctuary, educational classrooms, Library for books and audiotapes, a Chaplin Office and clerical area and restrooms for offenders and volunteers. 

The Chapel, which is currently in place, was designed to seat only 175 individuals.  Bibb County Correctional Facility, however houses nearly 2,000 inmates.  A former prisoner spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony explaining what a difference faith made in her life while on the inside.