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DREADEN: Crestview library aims to reconnect kids with nature

Written by archive on January 8, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

In his bestselling book, "Last Child in the Woods," Richard Louv sparked a debate that spawned an international movement to reconnect kids and nature.

He coined the term "nature-deficit disorder," influenced national policy, and helped inspire campaigns in cities, states and provinces throughout North America.

In "The Nature Principle," Louv delivers another call to action — this time, for adults.

Nature-deficit disorder is a constellation of behavioral, physical, emotional and psychological problems that occur in children and adults estranged from the outdoor world.

Louv focuses on many negatives that arise when children do not experience nature, and he highlights the gains that nature — or "Vitamin N" — have on a child's learning and overall well-being.

A "back-to-nature" movement is afoot at schools and libraries across the country. Public librarians are designing nature-based opportunities for families to develop a deeper connection with their environment.

Here at the Crestview Public Library, over 1,300 people visited the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab Sea Mobile on Oct. 3. Parents and children enjoyed the traveling aquariums, including five touch tanks with safe-to-handle species such as starfish, sea urchins, conches, crabs and sponges.

On April 18, Heather Nitzel, our Youth Services librarian, will take Story Time on the road with a field trip to the John McMahon Environmental Center, the Florida Panhandle's oldest tree arboretum. In addition to having more than 100 identified trees, the park's exhibits include turpentine industry tools and animal mounts such as deer, beaver, coyote, turkey, fox and gray squirrel, snakes, armadillo, raccoon and several species of local fish.

Nature has a profound effect on a child's social, emotional and educational development, and in the growing demand for that connection, libraries have the power to facilitate these natural experiences.

As renowned environmental expert David W. Orr writes, "The message is urgent: unplug, boot it down, get offline, get outdoors, breathe again, and become real in a real world."

STAFF PICKS

●www.usa.gov/benefits: Many people look to the government for how to apply for a federal grant.

However, what they're really looking for, often times, are benefits.

Learn more about available benefits and how to apply.

●www.usa.gov/grants: Federal grants are financial assistance awarded to an individual or organization to carry out a government service or purpose.

Visit the grants page to learn more about this process.

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DREADEN: Crestview library aims to reconnect kids with nature

CROSE: This year, get out of debt, North Okaloosa

Written by archive on January 8, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion.

Many people don't think of creditworthiness until they need a new car, a house or want to refinance something.

Then they realize its importance.

Anyone who works for the military must have a secret — or better — security clearance, and a credit check is part of the basic background check.

What many people don't realize is that securing many non-military jobs depends on your credit score. Many employers perform background checks, including a credit report; and you may be turned down for a job because of your score.

Auto and homeowners insurance companies run credit checks and determine premiums based on your credit score. When I asked my agent about this, I learned that an insurance industry's research ties a credit score to how many claims you may make.

Since this score is so important, and it's a new year, why not work on lowering debt and earning good credit in 2016?

If you have outstanding debts, pay everything on time, even if you can only send in the minimum, as being late counts against you.

If you have several outstanding credit cards, take the one with the highest interest rate and work on paying that one off by making larger payments than the minimum. But don't neglect your other debts.

An easy way to save some money is to quit buying morning coffee drinks, and bring a lunch to work. It is amazing how quickly just coffee and lunch costs add up. You could easily save $50 or more per week.

Think how good it would feel to send in an extra $200 toward your largest debt each month — and how quickly that extra money will pay off the debt and reduce interest charges.

You will be amazed at how good it feels to be debt free.

My husband, Jim, and I will deliberately save more, spend less and get out of debt.

Would you like to join us?

Janice Lynn Crose, a retired accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: This year, get out of debt, North Okaloosa

BONI: Expect fresh content, more unusual North Okaloosa suspects in 2016

Written by archive on January 8, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Happy New Year, North Okaloosa County!

Here's a fun fact: Since November, the News Bulletin's management has been planning 2016's long-term initiatives and goals.

You see, just reporting what happens in Crestview, Baker and Laurel Hill isn't good enough; we always want you to look forward to reading your News Bulletin, and we hope you will increasingly find stories that no one else is covering.

To that end, the CNB will continue its award-winning coverage and commentary on North Okaloosa County, but the staff also has much more in store.

Such as:

Fresh features: Expect long-form stories and a feature-oriented focus in our Sports section, which began with our Jan. 6-8 Midweek Edition.

Telling stories like Crestview High School graduate Anthony Brown's accidental career path toward becoming a Northwest Florida State College assistant baseball coach informs but also inspires readers.

The same is true for sports editor Randy Dickson's feature on former Bulldog Tate Sweatt's culture shock and wake-up call while playing baseball in the Dominican Republic.

Randy's skills are so versatile that he can cover the games and play-by-plays on crestviewbulletin.com, and slow down to find the heart in such inspiring features that work so well in print.

More school news: Reporter Brian Hughes and I met with Crestview High School teacher Shanna Suggs this week to cement plans for more Bulldog-driven news in the print edition and on our website.

You may be familiar with "Paw Prints," the school's student-produced online news source. Well, we will share some of the talented student reporters' content and expand CHS news.

In addition, Bulldogs can read more about their school, free of charge, thanks to a new sponsored rack the CNB will have on campus.

The CNB staff has received only positive response for its in-depth news focus that began in 2015. Like this type of story on Fairchild Road's progress. Focusing efforts on deeply researched and interviewed stories means we rely more on community partners like CHS and you-reports, but our commitment to cover everything we know about (in some way, shape or form) remains firm.

The newspaper's staff hopes to form similar partnerships with Baker School and Laurel Hill School.

More everyday folks: I've always thought that newspapers, without meaning to, tend to cover many of the same folks, day in and day out.

I call them "usual suspects": city council and county commission members, certain businesses, students and teachers, and of course star athletes.

Whatever the case, we're always looking to level the playing field. An obituary shouldn't be the only time everyday folks get in the paper.

Enter "Everybody has a story," a new weekly feature. Reporter Brian Hughes will talk to everyday folks who are awesome just because — well, he'll figure it out.

You see, he'll talk to unusual suspects, find out what makes them tick and the interesting secret talents, passions or experiences they harbor.

It should be fun for him and for readers, who can make suggestions about whom we'll cover each week.

There's much more in store, too. But I am running out of space (in the print edition) of this column!

Thank you for reading the News Bulletin.

What's your view? Email tboni@crestviewbulletin.com or tweet @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: Expect fresh content, more unusual North Okaloosa suspects in 2016

BROADHEAD: Practicing deipnon, a forgotten concept

Written by archive on January 6, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

This year, Christmas decorations first appeared before Labor Day in some places.

The day after Halloween, most stores had their Christmas displays up.

Mid-November, many homes were fully decorated outside.

Mid-December, all those going to decorate had done so.

Did you also notice, just a few days after Christmas, that many decorations had come down?

Stores, following post-Christmas sales, put away their displays. Neighborhoods once brightly illuminated by colorful displays went dark.

This seems to be a way of life in our society: We look forward to a special event or time.

Enthusiasm builds.

We take steps to make it special.

The event happens, with great fanfare. And then — it's over, and time to move on to the next event.

We have forgotten, it seems, the ability to relax and reflect.

We have forgotten a concept talked about in the Bible. The Greek word deipnon characterizes a calm, relaxed time, when no one is in a hurry, conversation flows, and relationships grow and strengthen.

There is no rush to move on to the next event.

Practicing deipnon allows you to be with other people, focusing on them and your relationship together.

What comes next is not nearly as important as the present.

Jesus and his disciples practiced this kind of relationship. They were a close-knit group of friends — they walked together, talked together and ate together.

What would your life be like if you were to do the same with people in your life?

What would it be like for you to enjoy an event and then its afterglow, instead of hurrying off to the next item on the agenda?

In this new year, why not practice deipnon?

Seek the Lord and rest in him.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Practicing deipnon, a forgotten concept

DICKSON: College football's biggest night

Written by archive on January 5, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion.

Get ready for the biggest night in college football.

The University of Alabama takes on Clemson University in college football’s national championship game. It's set for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Having lived in Northwest Florida a good part of my life, and Okaloosa County for the past 15 years, I can say with some certainty that the Crimson Tide will be a heavy local favorite.

That’s not to say Clemson's Tigers don’t have their share of fans.

One of the area's biggest Tiger fans is Crestview High School’s Matt Sanders. The 2008 CHS graduate is an assistant football and girls basketball coach, as well as the head flag football coach.

He also was an offensive lineman at Clemson and played for Tiger coach Dabo Swinney.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Sanders decked out in orange and purple as the Tigers go for their first football national title since 1981.

Fortunately for Sanders, the Lady Bulldogs have the night off, so he’ll be able to watch the big game.

Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett didn’t play at Crestview. He did play at Jack Foster Stadium against Crestview for then-district opponent Navarre.

Some so-called experts say Leggett could be the game's x factor.

Alabama defensive lineman D.J. Pettway, who played high school ball at Pensacola Catholic, is another semi-local connection to the title game.

A quick glance at the North Okaloosa schedules indicates none of the local high school teams have a game scheduled Monday night.

It’s a good thing, too, as only family members and the most die-hard of fans attend a high school game when the national championship game is being played.

If I had my way, championship game day would be a national holiday. Of course, some businesses — such as pizza joints and sports bars/restaurants — would need stay open so patrons could gather and cheer on their favorite team.

I usually watch the game from the comfort of my best recliner, but sometimes I get together with friends.

This year, I have no team in the fray, but I will probably pull for Alabama because of the Southeastern Conference ties.

I’d be interested in knowing whom you are pulling for, why, and where you’ll be watching the game.

If you don’t follow me on Twitter, follow me @cnb_sports and I’ll follow you back. I’ll retweet at times throughout the game.

Let the hype begin, and may the best team win

Sports Editor Randy Dickson will live tweet throughout the University of Alabama-Clemson University game.

Follow him at @cnb_sports and he will follow you back.

Tweeting live

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: College football's biggest night

TIU: 5 ways to curb Northwest Florida's growing plastic problem

Written by archive on January 5, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

The problem of plastic in Northwest Florida waterways grows each year.

Plastics — including bags and water bottles, among other items — pollute the water, providing a hazard to wildlife and fish.

Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods.

Shorebirds mistake colorful pieces of plastic for food.

Dolphins and whales ingest plastic by mistake.

The average American annually throws away an average of 185 pounds of plastic.

And that plastic never truly disappears; it enters our waterways through streams, rivers, storm and sewer drains, and eventually finds its way to the ocean.

A relatively new source of plastic in the ocean comes from microbeads found in toothpaste, soap, body wash and make-up. Microbeads are about the size of a grain of salt, and they are regularly flushed down the drain. They are so small that they escape water treatment systems and end up in our waterways.

Fish and other wildlife easily mistake them for food.

Several efforts are underway to curb use of microbeads. The U.S. House of representatives voted in early December 2015 to ban plastic microbeads from personal care products. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.

So, what can you do in 2016 to limit the growing plastic problem?

Here are several steps to reduce your plastic use.

Don’t buy products with plastic microbeads. Look for products with natural scrubbers like salt and sugar.

Reduce use of plastic water bottles. Carry your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug.

Use recyclable grocery bags. This could keep as many as 20 plastic bags out of the environment each week.

Buy products with less packaging. This can be difficult, as it seems common products have more plastic packaging than ever.

Pick up plastic when you see it. Join a community-sponsored event to clean the beaches. In our community, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance sponsors International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Let’s all do our part to increase awareness of marine debris' negative impact.

Make small changes to keep local waterways healthy and sustainable.

That starts with being responsible, and leaving no trash behind.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

The average American annually throws away an average of 185 pounds of plastic.

That plastic never truly disappears.

It enters our waterways through streams, rivers, storm and sewer drains, and eventually finds its way to the ocean.

Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

DID YOU KNOW?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIU: 5 ways to curb Northwest Florida's growing plastic problem

HELMS: North Okaloosa Christians, are you ready for the rapture in 2016?

Written by archive on January 5, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

I pray that your New Year is filled with the glory of God.

But I have a question for you: What if the world ended today?

Perhaps you believe in the rapture of the church, and look forward to it. Your ideology may have you convinced as to when this may occur, or you may question if it will.

Either way, are you ready to meet the Father of all things and receive judgment for your life?

Are you truly ready to go?

I come from a rather large family. Looking at natural dynamics, you would think that the oldest would be called to God first, and then the younger.

Not so.

Yes, the oldest uncle went home this year, but he was not the first of his siblings, and two of his children preceded him.

Age is no determining factor of when you are going home. Illness and disease are not factors, either.

We just do not know if tomorrow will bring us another day, so we must live life completely, sweetly hold to the Master's hands, and do all that we can to bring joy into this world, especially giving security of heaven to others around us by leading them to Christ.

Christian friend, if you have never led someone to the Lord for salvation, you have no fruit. Christ, if you remember, cursed the fig tree that bore no fruit.

How much more will we be judged if we do not make the effort to have fruit; win others?

May your new year be filled with much fruit. May you win a multitude this year, and do not grow weary of doing so.

I know that you and I will be rejected, even made fun of, possibly persecuted, for any stand we make for Christ.

Let me assure you, the effort will make the reward sweeter.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: North Okaloosa Christians, are you ready for the rapture in 2016?

SHANKLIN: Prepare now for these 4 financial disasters

Written by archive on January 4, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

“Be prepared” is the Scout motto, and it’s also good advice for anyone seeking to guard against various disasters — including financial ones.

Here are some events that can have serious financial consequences, along with suggestions on preparing yourself:

Loss of employment — If you were to lose your job, your family might have to struggle financially to make it until you’re employed again.

To protect against this potential threat, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses. That’s a lot of money, of course, so it will be challenging to build such a fund — but try to contribute something each month to a liquid, low-risk account.

Without such an emergency fund, you might be forced to cash out your 401(k) or other retirement plan to pay for your living expenses during your period of unemployment.

Loss of health — If you were ill or injured, you might be out of work for weeks or months. Your employer may offer you some type of disability insurance as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient. So you may also want to purchase an individual plan to cover as much of your after-tax income as possible.

You’ll have the flexibility to create a policy that is tailored to your needs, budget and overall financial goals.

However, policies vary widely in cost and benefits, so you’ll want to shop around for the coverage that best meets your needs.

Loss of life — Death may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, if you were to pass away, it would be emotionally devastating to your loved ones — but it could also be financially catastrophic.

Would your family still be able to pay the mortgage?

Could your surviving spouse afford to send your kids to college?

Without life insurance, your death could leave your family without the ability to cover financial obligations.

The exact amount you require depends on a variety of factors, such as your family’s expenses, size of family, savings needs over time, and so on.

Generally speaking, you can choose between two broad categories of insurance: term and permanent. Term insurance, as the name suggests, is designed for a specific number of years and only provides a death benefit.

Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, because, in addition to the death benefit, it offers a savings component.

A financial professional can help guide you through your options to determine which one is appropriate for your needs.

Loss of property — If you own a home, you already have homeowners insurance, but it doesn’t hurt to periodically check your policy to make sure it’s kept up with any improvements or additions you’ve made to your house or other property.

If you’re under-covered, and had to pay out-of-pocket for some major damage, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments.

And while you’re making sure your property is covered, you might also want to consider adding “umbrella” coverage, which can provide extra protection to you in case someone is injured at your home, or even at an event at which you may be in charge, such as a Scout meeting.

With luck, you can avoid all the threats to your financial security and that of your family.

But you can’t count on always being lucky — so you need to take “financial disaster preparedness” measures soon.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Prepare now for these 4 financial disasters

CROSE: 9 personal New Year's resolutions

Written by archive on January 4, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

We have said goodbye to 2015, and have welcomed the New Year, 2016.

Did you make any resolutions?

How long do you think you will keep them?

How did you do on your personal resolutions last year?

I generally don't make resolutions — they are easy to break — and I usually don't manage to keep them until February. But there are general guidelines I hope to follow, just as I did last year.

From last year's list, I managed over half of what I hoped to accomplish.

This year, I hope to:

Spend more time in Bible study and prayer
Continue to glorify God with my musical gifts
Visit more shut-ins where they live, and send more cards and notes to cheer them
Make more time to spend with family and friends
Spend less money and save more
Walk the collies more
Appreciate the beauty around me — the natural world, the lovely sky, flowers, birds, and other cute critters
Share my faith in Christ with those who need Him
Be thankful for everyday miracles and thank the Lord when they occur

Many times, we miss everyday miracles because we are in such a hurry. We need to take the time to reflect on the blessings that our Creator gives each of us and thank Him appropriately.

What is on your list of things you would like to do better this year?

You may be better off avoiding hard-and-fast resolutions that are easily broken, and instead aim to do certain things to improve your life.

For instance, my husband, Jim, and I replace our smoke detector batteries each New Year's Day. The first of January is always a good time for that task. It's easy to remember and important to follow up on each year.

Have a happy, blessed New Year as we begin the adventure of 2016.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

Share your New Year's resolutions on this article's interactive version at www.crestviewbulletin.com or facebook.com/crestview.bulletin

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 9 personal New Year's resolutions

LEWIS: Start 2016 with e-audiobooks

Written by archive on January 4, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Happy New Year! Have you started to adjust to those New Years’ resolutions that you made?

If you’re like me, you made several and hope to keep at least one or two that will make this year better, more exciting and interesting than the last one.

One of my resolutions is to stay current with technology — starting with the Crestview Public Library's newest addition: OneClickdigital e-Audiobooks.

The app is easy to download and available to all who have a library card.

Just follow these instructions:

●Access the library’s OneClickdigital website at http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library/electronic_resources.php and click on the red OneClickdigital graphic.

●Create a free account

●Download and install the OneClickdigital Media Manager

You will need your library card number, email address and ZIP code.

You also must select your computer’s operating system — Windows or Mac; select your portable device type; and create a username and password.

Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LEWIS: Start 2016 with e-audiobooks

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