Wood is Good

On Friday, Nov. 6, a group of homeschool students visited the job site of Gray Logging, LLC. It was certainly a fun filled learning experience for all! The students gathered at the logging shop where hard hats were distributed, and booklets describing the logging process were given out along with wooden pencils. The theme for the day was “Wood is Good” and the objective was that each participant would see trees responsibly being harvested.

Everyone was very excited to see all the big machinery in action. It was hard to pick out a favorite, but according to the cheers and shouts when a large pine tree was cut down, it had to be the fellerbuncher, or “cutter” as it is known in the woods. However, the “loader” was certainly a group favorite, too, as it spun around and quickly loaded a log truck.

The students found out what it takes to get a load of wood to the mill. Even more importantly, they discovered that a variety of products and common items are made from wood or wood by-products and quickly realized that the timber industry is “essential.” They learned and observed that loggers really do value the forests and work hard to preserve them and their way of life while providing needed items for many Americans.  Each participant was given a pine seedling to take home and plant in hopes of promoting good stewardship and an investment in the future.

The students brought a “sack” lunch to the woods and enjoyed eating picnic style. As the children ate, a few repairs were being made to the equipment and a few trucks left the job site. Then, it was back to the learning adventure.

Forester Todd explained how to bore a tree and each child got a turn at boring. Many children left with a “Core Sample.” This sample helps foresters age the tree. Aging is critical in determining whether to log a forest or not.

Special thanks to Jerry and Ginger Gray of Gray Logging, LLC for making this learning event possible. Gray Logging, LLC is Florida’s 2020 Logger of the Year.

Also, special thanks to Genesis Timber, LLC Forester Todd Whitt for his expertise in tree knowledge and to Genesis Timber, LLC Director of Operations Joshua Light for his experience and understanding of woods operation/safety. A very big shout out to Superior Trees of Lee, Fla. for providing the pine seedlings that each person received, and remember, Wood is Good!

Combat Marine Outdoors

Gray Logging, LLC had the privilege of sponsoring a dinner for the Combat Marine Outdoors in March of this year. The event was catered by Goodman’s BBQ of Perry, FL.  Combat Marine Outdoors is an organization that helps wounded soldiers. The mission of CMO is to provide Dream Hunts and Outdoor Adventures for severely wounded Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen. These hunting and fishing excursions play a vital role in the rehabilitation of these American heroes.

The following day, the marines took a trip to a tract of timber that was being harvested by Gray Logging, LLC. The participants were able to see each piece of machinery, its corresponding job was explained, and then see each piece maneuver. Kids, as well as adults, were amazed by the gigantic equipment in operation. Afterwards, each child was given a packet containing wood/tree information, coloring sheets, a list of various goods made from and/or with the wood or wood by-products showing that “Wood Is Good”.

Letter of Appreciation

Careers – Commercial Truck Driving and Logging

NFCC, CareerSource North Florida Partner to Offer New Commercial Driver’s License Certification Course

Full tuition scholarships may be available; class begins Sept. 5.

North Florida Community College and CareerSource North Florida are working together to bring a new Commercial Driver’s License-Class A certification program to the College. Regional companies, including Gray Logging, Genesis Timber, M.A. Rigoni, Suwannee Timber Management, Gilman Building Products, and Johnson & Johnson, have also helped NFCC shape the new program to meet local and regional workforce demands.

“Creating the new CDL program at NFCC has been a team effort,” said David Dunkle, Associate Dean of Economic Development and Technical Programs. “The partnership with CareerSource North Florida and other industry partners is a win-win situation for those potential students looking to train and find employment in the trucking industry.”

Classes are set to begin Sept. 5. To be considered for the program, potential students must be at least 18-years-old and must attend an orientation session at NFCC to determine program and scholarship eligibility.  The first 30 students to complete admission requirements and successfully enroll in the CDL program at NFCC may be eligible to have their tuition fully funded by CareerSource North Florida.

Training will focus on basic driving skills; material handling equipment; basic maneuvers such as backing, docking and handling; and safety measures. Students will be taught to drive on various terrains, including city and country roads, and practice driving during both day and night time frames. Classes will be held at NFCC Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with hours varying to compensate for night driving requirements.

Potential students are required to attend a one-hour NFCC CDL-Class A Orientation Session. Orientation sessions will be held at the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center (Bldg. 13, RM 221) in Madison. For more details, contact Amy Webb at (850) 973-9675, ext. 112 or email CTStaff@CareerSourceNorthFlorida.com.

More information is available at www.nfcc.edu/academics/career-and-technical/cdl-class-a-training or by contacting the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center at (850) 973-9470.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Train for a career on the road

Let NFCC help you gain the knowledge and skills required to become a safe, successful member of the trucking industry. NFCC’s experienced instructors will share insights from the road and teach you valuable concepts and techniques you’ll need to earn your Commercial Driver’s License-Class A certification.

  • Basic driving skills
  • Material handling equipment
  • Basic maneuvers such as backing, docking and handling
  • Safety measures

Learn to drive on various terrains – city and country roads – and practice driving during both day and night time frames.

Class Schedule (320 Clock Hours)

NEW class begins February 4, 2019 | Spring Term 2019

  • Class meets Monday through Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Hours will vary to compensate for night driving requirements.

Financial Aid: Tuition assistance may be available through CareerSource North Florida’s WIOA program to qualifying applicants.

More Information: For CDL pre-requisites, contact Kelly Zimmerly at 850-973-9470 or via email at zimmerlyc@nfcc.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • Be at least 18-years-old
    • Applicants 18 to 21 years of age are only permitted to operate intrastate (only in Florida) once licensed
  • Provide copy of Complete Florida DMV-Authorized Driving Record (fees apply to obtain record)
  • Complete and pass 10 panel drug screen before application submittal (fees apply)
  • Meet Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) requirements to drive in Florida
    • Individual truck lines may have additional requirements
  • Be able to pass D.O.T. physical requirements to be employable
  • Have Class “A” CDL training permit
  • Submit an application for admission with payment of the $20 non-refundable fee to the North Florida Community College Office of Admissions.

Partnerships: This career training program is made possible through funding and partnerships between NFCC, CareerSource North Florida, Gray Logging, Genesis Timber, M.A. Rigoni, TW Byrd Sons, CF Webb & Sons Logging, Suwannee Lumber Company, Packaging Corp of America, John A. Cruce, Jr Inc, Stoutamire-Pavlik & Associates Inc. Insurance, Certified Service Center, Suwannee Timber Management, and Johnson & Johnson Inc.

Admission, program and degree requirements are subject to change. Contact the program coordinator or an NFCC academic advisor for the most current information.

NFCC Celebrates New CDL Program and Industry Partners

Pinetta Elementary School’s Career Day

On November 24, 2015 Gray Logging, LLC was invited to be a guest for Pinetta Elementary School’s Career Day. Jerry Gray was proud to take part in this event believing in instilling into everyone, especially kids, that “Wood Is Good!”
Jerry had truck driver, Freddy Stalnaker, drive and leave a loaded log truck for the presentation. A table with items made from wood and/or wood products like cellulose were on display as well as a felt board with pictures of various logging jobs within Gray Logging, LLC. The Florida Forestry Association provided pencils to be given to each student at the end of the presentation.
The weather was a bit chilly, but the students seemed to enjoy being outside to take part in the presentation. They asked interesting questions and left with a better understanding of the importance of wood materials in providing comfort and convinence in our everyday lives. One little boy exclaimed, “Now that’s what I’m gonna be – a logger!” And that’s what it was all about.

Down Home Days Parade

Bubba Greene with son, Tanner,
standing by loaded log truck

On April 16th of this year, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism held its annual Down Home Days Parade in Madison, FL.  The theme of the parade was “Keep It Local.”

Being a “Local” business, Gray Logging, LLC entered a loaded log truck in the parade.  The loaded wood held a banner that said, “Wood Is Good”.  The hope was that local residents and visitors alike would receive the message that wood is a good and useful product and that log trucks haul this useful product for our benefit.  Another message was that Gray Logging, LLC is a local business that employs local citizens and provides an economic value for the community.

Besides being a local business in the parade, the wood that was loaded on the log truck was harvested from a tract of land belonging to local Madison county Tree Farmers, Bubba and Maria Greene.  Bubba said, “I planted those trees in 1977 and it was on overnight success”!

Gray Logging, LLC log truck in the parade

Madison County, REACH Field Trip

On Friday, May 1st, several members of the homeschool group from Madison County, REACH, took a field trip to the woods operation of Gray Logging, LLC. The students, along with their parents, met at Gray Logging, LLC’s shop and business headquarters. Jerry Gray, owner and operator of Gray Logging, LLC welcomed them. He discussed with the students the many things that are made from wood, how wood products are an important and beneficial part of our lives, and that “wood is good”. Hard hats were passed out to all.

Next, the group was able to travel to the woods operation. Special thanks to the landowner, Mitchell L. McElroy, for allowing this field trip to take place on his property. The students were divided into two groups and the excitement and fun began.

One group went with Todd Witt, local forester with Genesis Timber, LLC. He discussed various tree species, determining the age of a tree, and the renewability and sustainability of the forest. He bored a hole in a pine tree and pulled out the core for examination. The students were able to count the rings and determine the age of the tree, which was twenty-four years.

Another group was under the direction of Joshua Light, Logging Operations and Tract Manager for Genesis Timber, LLC. He discussed the job of each piece of equipment used in the woods operation and each student was able to see and touch the equipment. The students were allowed to ride on the loader. Then, the groups switched.

To end the day, Jerry Gray presented each student with a Longleaf Pine seedling to be planted at home. The seedlings were donated by Superior Trees, Inc. of Lee, Florida. Forester Todd Witt gave the instructions on planting and caring for the seedling which is native to our area. In, it was a fun learning experience.