Several weeks ago, I submitted my opinion concerning volunteerism, noting, “You’ll get more out of it than you’ll ever put into it.”

I’ve since had two reminders of what that means.

In the middle of September, I was assigned a Northwood Elementary fourth-grader to mentor. I say “assigned,” as a mentor never knows in advance just what kind of student he or she will get, and so it is with great trepidation that the adult arrives at the school to spend upward of an hour with an unknown quantity.

I received very little information about “my kid.” I knew his name, and that he was somewhat timid.

That was about it. 

I knew nothing about his past, his home life, or of why he needed a mentor. Of course, he did not know much about this old man who was to help him in whatever area it was that he needed assistance.

We met in the “media center” — we used to call it the library! — and I told him a little about myself, that I had two college degrees, was a graduate of USAF pilot training, had served a year in Vietnam, was married and had two kids, and a dog named Shadow.

Then it was his turn, and he was quite reluctant to open up — to tell me much about his family, how many siblings he had, or even the nature of his interests.

It took a few weeks, but eventually, the ice broke and we developed a relationship. His grades started to improve because he began to take interest in his classes, did his homework, and was finding his niche in his class.

Someone took an interest in him, and he soon took an interest in his studies.

Last week, I had another experience that reminded me about “getting more out of it.”

Some 90 years ago, the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine opened a hospital in Shreveport, La., to provide free treatment to handicapped children. Over time, 21 other hospitals, from Montreal to Mexico City, have opened; 17 provide orthopedic treatment, four provide treatment for burn patients, and one is a combined facility. All serve youngsters up to 18 years of age. To get kids in need of treatment, the various Shrine centers transport the patient and a guardian to the nearest hospital, providing transportation, a room — if an overnight stay is required — and all food.

We were having a late breakfast at a local eatery recently when a young man came up to our table and said, “You don’t remember me, but I recognized you and just wanted to thank you for taking me to Shriners at Tampa.” He was right; I did not recognize him! When he told me his name, it did not make an impression. I have made more than 50 trips to the hospitals in Tampa, Galveston, Houston, Lexington and Cincinnati. After driving some 50 kids to hospitals, they all seem to run together.

It was then that he pulled up his pants leg and showed me that his leg was just as straight as mine was. We talked about this for a minute, and then he continued on, stating simply, “I’m in the Army now, stationed at Fort Benning.”

Yes, we Shriners helped this young man into adulthood and a meaningful life. But his success story made me almost cry.

When he left our table, I simply stated to Gigi, “You get more out of it than you ever put into it.”

Bob Allen, a retired city councilman, lives in Crestview.

What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MY VIEW: Helping others helps you

Recently, I read a newspaper article on the Bay of Pigs’ 50th anniversary.

I probably would have let this time in history pass by and never even thought about it, but then I remembered I was a part of the goings-on that were brought on by the Cuban missile crisis.

After my first four-year tour of active Air Force duty — which included pilot training and being awarded the silver wings of an Air Force pilot — I chose to leave active duty to attend college.

Two things became obvious shortly after I matriculated at Ursinus College: 

•The Korean GI Bill that paid unmarried veterans $110 each month while attending classes (or $880 an academic school year) wouldn’t be enough to meet my expenses ($2,000 a year for tuition, room and board, plus books and other incidentals).

•An Air Force Reserve wing that flew C-119G aircraft was stationed at NAS Willow Grove, about 25 miles from campus. A brief visit to the unit on a Saturday afternoon found me a “slot” in the unit, and soon I was devoting two weekends and a couple of Wednesday evenings each month to learn more about the “Flying Boxcar.”

Answering the call

I received my college diploma in June 1962, and I had found employment in my hometown. All was going well until Thursday, Oct. 25, 1962, when I received a telephone call from my squadron operations officer asking if I could come in for three days of extra training. Six aircraft commanders, the status to which I had been elevated, answered the call. 

Upon arrival for duty the next day, we were advised that we were to enhance our skills at low-level formation flying. We flew a mission on Friday and another on Saturday that saw us flying over New Jersey beaches, culminating in practice heavy equipment drops on the NAS Lakehurst drop zone.

We were scheduled for a similar mission on Sunday, so most pilots stayed in the barracks on Saturday. With nothing else to do, we loaded into my car to go bowling in Willow Grove, and about 11 p.m., we headed back to the naval air station. 

As we headed up U. S. Route 611, with the radio in the car playing some music, an announcer interrupted the broadcast to state that the Department of the Air Force was recalling 14,000 reservists immediately to active duty! Needless to say, this changed the mood within the car, and we scurried back to base, where we found lights on in our Director of Operations’ office.

We hurried into the colonel’s office and learned that we were a part of the recall. We were to take a listing of names, find a desk with a telephone and start recalling all wing personnel, to have them report by 9 a. m. Sunday morning.

I had the “pleasure” of calling one individual’s home and being told by his mother that the one for whom I was calling had been married the day before, and that he was on his honeymoon. I extended my congratulations but made it known that I had to contact him immediately. I received his location and placed the necessary phone call. “But, I’m on my honeymoon,” stated the young airman, to which I replied, “By order of the President….”

However, I digress.

On duty

At 9 a. m., Sunday, Oct. 28, 1962, 98 percent of the wing’s membership, some who had driven some 300 miles after receiving their phone call, were in uniform and on duty.

Some three weeks later, after removing bright red paint from the wing tips and tails of all our aircraft, 80 percent of our assigned aircraft and all of our combat-ready aircrews relocated to a southern installation to conduct operations for which we had been training.

Fortunately, this training was not subsequently employed. I mention this because many people today may not know that more than a naval blockade was in effect in the fall of 1962. In addition, we should recognize the dedication of thousands of reservists in various units who face the possible disruption of family lives, separation from loved ones, and the economic impact that a reduction in income or the necessity to maintain two residences can have. 

Being a reservist who meets with his or her unit one weekend each month and collects a little extra income does not face too many sacrifices. However, there is always that possibility of receiving the call on short notice, as happened on Oct. 28, 1962 — and not knowing what lies ahead.

We are rapidly approaching the “holidays,” when many reservists will be scattered around the globe, thousands of miles from home. Here’s a suggestion: drop them a card or a care package of goodies, and check in with their family who may be waiting at home, possibly suffering more than they let people know.

A care package at Thanksgiving or Christmas might be appropriate and well appreciated.

Bob Allen, a retired city councilman, is a retired Crestview resident. What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MY VIEW: Send care packages to service men and women

Tonight’s Halloween. If you participate in the festivities, prepare for the usual sightings of costumed residents exploring their wild or darker sides, trick-or-treating and parties. If you don’t observe the festivities, Nielsen ratings suggest you’ll probably watch ABC’s “Modern Family.”

But remember: safety first. For instance:

Wear a costume that allows clear vision.

Politics reigns among favored Halloween costumes, with Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and — only in 2012 — Big Bird masks reportedly locking the top three spots. Other favorites include poor parenting product/TLC trainwreck “Honey Boo Boo,” No. 5; gymnast McKayla Maroney, No. 6; and celebrity couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West rounding out the top 10.

Whether you have fun with political catchphrases — “Binders Full of Women” reportedly is trending — piggyback pop culture “Gangam Style” or take the tried-and-true zombie makeover approach, wear something that allows you to see clearly today and tomorrow. That doesn’t just mean make mask eyeholes big enough; optometrists warn against wearing decorative contact lenses. Initially, such lenses may enhance your costume’s visual effect; however, risks include allergic reactions, infections and cuts on your eyeball, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Plan routes carefully.

It’s easy to avoid trouble when you have a plan and stick to it. Map out neighborhood hot spots beforehand and commit to them; that means no shortcuts through fields, woods or back alleys.

Additionally, mark residences to avoid. See http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/ to search for neighborhood sex offenders.

Carry a flashlight and cell phone just in case something does go wrong.

Use the buddy system.

Don’t trick-or-treat alone. Your friend watches your back and ensures no ghouls or goblins — however figurative or literal — can harm you.

Group trick-or-treating aids accountability. An invitation inside for freshly baked cookies and screening a Halloween film on a 90-inch plasma may tempt, but remind your friend of Hansel and Gretel. The thought of cannibalism in the Crestview area may be extreme, but whether it’s a German fairy tale’s witch or a registered sex offender who treats Halloween like most people see Christmas, not everyone has your best interests at heart.

Grim possibilities aside, who wants to trick-or-treat alone? Bringing a friend helps when deciding what house to hit up next. Moreover, comparing lootafterward is half the fun!

Check candy before eating it.

Chuck unwrapped or partially unwrapped treats and inspect items for tampering.

Also, ration out the candy and question whether you want to eat it at all. One in three children ages 2-19 are overweight and obese, according to the American Heart Association, but everyone has the choice to prevent this from happening. Unfortunately, few make the healthy choice.

Take these tips to heart if you go into the night.

For those staying in, just ensure the remote control’s batteries are fully charged.

Thomas Boni is the Editor of the Crestview News Bulletin. Email him at tboni@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnbeditor, or call 682-6524. What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: Stay safe this Halloween

Eating healthy does not have to cost more. There are several ways to save money on food. The Family Nutrition in Action October 2012 newsletter recommends the following:

Plan

Before you go to the grocery store, plan your meals and snacks for the week.

Find quick and easy recipes. Include meals that will “stretch” into leftovers, namely stews, casseroles and mixed dishes.

Make a grocery list. Ask about a membership card at your grocery store for discounts.

Shop

Shop when you are not hungry. Shopping after eating will make it easier to stick to your grocery list. Buy store brands if they’re cheaper. Purchase some items in bulk when items are on sale. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables in season; explore canned and frozen items as well.

Cook

Convenience foods, such as precut fruits and vegetables, frozen dinners, individual cups of yogurt and instant rice, will usually cost more. Take the time to cook your own and save!

Prepare meal items in advance when you have time. Cook a large batch of a recipe (double or triple the portion) and freeze in meal-sized containers.

Always practice food safety when storing foods.

Save money in each food group

The following tips will help you cut costs in each food group:

• Whole grains — Buy whole grain bread when it is on sale; freeze for later use. Make your own granola at home.

• Protein — Try canned or dried beans and lentils for a less expensive protein food. Other less expensive protein foods include nuts, seeds and eggs.

• Dairy — Buy fresh, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese in the largest packages if you can eat these foods before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes.

• Fruit — Buy small amounts of fresh fruit more often. You will have enough time to eat it and not have to throw any away. Overripe fruit is great for smoothies or baking.

• Vegetables — Cut whole carrots into sticks for snacks. Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly between uses.

Brenda Smith is with Okaloosa Saves, a program of the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Healthy foods can fit into your budget

In March, the citizens of Crestview must ask themselves: Is the system they operate under broken?

While a city form of government is nothing like our federal government — with a true checks and balance system — the current charter was established for a reason. In the current charter, the mayor and the city council both have powers, which help oversee the other.

It is not like our three-prong federal government, but it has worked for 90-plus years.

The biggest concern is over the possible creation of a city administrator, who would be hired and work at the wishes of those presiding on the city council.

While the issue of money is a valid one, an even bigger question is what will happen to the city administrator if he or she conflicts with the council or mayor. A prime example of these concerns and issues has occurred to the west of us in Escambia County. Just this past week, Escambia County set themselves up to start the search for a fourth county administrator in roughly the same number of years since they serve at the will of the commissioners.

Thus, the concern of politics, at its worse form, raises its ugly head.

What happens if the city administrator conflicts with two city council members and they can rally those seated with them?

Currently, the mayor, council and city clerk are all elected by the citizens and serve at their will. Shouldn't the people have the say — and a wide variety of belly buttons to push — if they have a concern or issue involving the city of Crestview?

Now, under the proposed charter, you want the people to have their mayor become a figurehead, instead of what the people elected him or her to do in the first place. But what should the city expect from a figurehead when it comes to issues of economic development, issues with the state or Okaloosa County?

Be mindful that Florida does have a very interesting and straightforward sunshine law that could jump up to grab a powerful city council if too many of them are in the same location, privately discussing matters they will deliberate on later.

With the need for more industry and jobs in Crestview, and how the city has to woo those looking to relocate any type of significant industry, the city needs a strong leader — not a figurehead.

Finally, Crestview residents must look at the city's finances.

Hiring a city administrator or manager is going to be quite expensive, so who is willing to take on that salary? And let us not forget benefits, retirement, a city car, and so forth.

What city services are you willing to sacrifice to fix something that is not broken to begin with?

Before picking your option, ask yourself what are you willing to give up or have the city council take away from you.

Bill Gamblin is the Editor of the Santa Rosa’s Press Gazzette.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MY VIEW: What should residents sacrifice to support government change?

Earning the Eagle Scout honor isn’t easy.

Achieving the Boy Scouts of America ranking requires a scout to:

•Pass through several phases including Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life

•Earn 21 merit badges including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Family Life and Emergency Preparedness

•Lead the troop for six months

•Participate in a Scoutmaster conference

•Plan and deliver a community-oriented service project

These things don’t happen overnight. It takes several years to progress through the Boy Scouts, and few from each area tend to earn the Eagle honor. Just 51,473 — 5 percent of all Boy Scouts — made it last year, according to scouting.org, the Boy Scouts of America’s website.

However, boys who do go the distance have received significant training that uniquely prepares them for life’s mishaps.

If they get a flat tire in Timbuktu and lose cell phone reception, they can build a fire, pitch a tent and camp in the woods. They could make a sundial to tell time and plan their days. They can hunt, fish and live off the land for as long as they need to.

If they’re camping with friends and someone passes out, they can build a stretcher out of tree branches and fabric from their clothes to safely transport the person. If it’s a burn, they can dress the wound. If it’s a broken bone, they can splint it.

Scouting projects and survival tips preceded iPhone’s “There’s an app for that” trademark — and we were better for it. Long before smart phones made us lazier — I mean “more efficient” — scouts had a do-it-yourself project that saved you a trip to the store and some cash, but more important, exercised your brain and made you self-sufficient.

The same is true for the Girl Scouts of America, who also learn vital life skills and receive early entrepreneurial experience, as we all know, with their Girl Scout cookies.

Despite efforts to politicize either organization, these groups, at their core, make America better by teaching kids to stand on their own two feet, not freak out when they get a paper cut and, above all, serve as community leaders.

The News Bulletin covers Austin Boyd’s Eagle Scout project in today’s edition because Austinis one of the “5 percent,” the few Boy Scouts going the distance to become a leader at a young age — 17. We believe his floating duck nest project at Twin Hills Park is just one way he will help improve our community.

It all started with a phone call. If you’re in Crestview or outlying North Okaloosa areas and know a person, project or event with wide interest, we’ll be there, too.

Thomas Boni is the Editor of the Crestview News Bulletin. Email him at tboni@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnbeditor, or call 682-6524. What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: In praise of scouting

Editor's note: While researching an article about school cafeterias, News Bulletin staff writer Brian Hughes recently lunched with about 200 Riverside Elementary School students and shared this critique:

I followed Kaleb, Cayden, J’Marcus, Hayle and their classmates through the line and was impressed by how much the servers cared for their students. At one point, manager Lydia Bradley paused to tie J’Marcus’ shoelaces for him.

Selections all looked and smelled delicious. There was no depressing, stale-food smell I always associated with the lunch line as a kid. Everything radiated freshness and gave no indication of having sat under warming lights since late morning. In fact, there was a constant parade of freshly prepared food coming from the kitchen.

Staff was also constantly cleaning up the serving and dining areas and buffet line as each wave of youngsters trooped through. Every kid enjoyed a clean, tidy lunch line as well as a clean table and bench in the multi-purpose room.

I decided on one of the hot entrées. Tempting as the quesadilla looked, I opted for the chicken patty sandwich. The whole-wheat bun was fresh, and the baked breaded chicken patty was savory and tender. The edges were not at all tough, as often happens when they sit on a serving line too long. The baked tatortots were much lighter and tastier than their fried cousins, and the baked breaded green beans were something new for me and — with that wonderful cornmeal breading that fried okra is done with — really gave the veggie an enjoyable kick. Everything was lightly seasoned with none of that unpleasant fast-food institutional reheated tang.

I was delighted with the choice of a fresh orange half, but opted for the fruit cocktail just to see if it had that nasty, canned fruit ‘tin’ taste.

It didn’t.

The fruit was crisp and was served in a rich, tasty juice.

For a beverage, there was a selection of fruit juice as well as bottled water and sweet tea. I took a container of 100 percent apple juice, which hit the spot after such a tasty lunch. Then, I sat back and envied the kids.

If only my school cafeterias had served such great choices!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: REVIEW: Lunching with the Eagles

It’s October, you’ve seen the ubiquitous pink ribbons around the city and in the News Bulletin, on television and web advertisements, and you know the importance of breast cancer awareness.

However, do you really know anything about breast cancer?

Knowing someone with breast cancer — his or her diagnosis, concerns and the medical process, and everything in between — ensures you’ll have a firm grasp on the issue. Conversely, hearing sound bites and seeing pink ribbons everywhere contributes to awareness, but it doesn’t make you knowledgeable.

Further, if you know no one with breast cancer, you may not understand the issue as well as you should — and that ignorance, sometimes, can cost you your life. For instance, diagnosis of the disease often follows regularly scheduled mammograms for those affected, and if you don’t understand these routine tests’ importance, you may not frequently receive them.

Outside skin cancer, this is the most common cancer form among our country’s women, with one in eight females developing invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Moreover, it’s the second leading cancer-related death for women — so you might say the stakes are high.

And you may be playing Russian roulette with your health.

Healthy Woman, a North Okaloosa Medical Center resource, hopes to prevent that. Its Pink Heals Tour 2012, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the medical center, shines a bright light on breast cancer.

The event’s featured guest is a pink Jacksonville firetruck named Chase, which bears the names of countless breast cancer survivors who share their stories with the simple strokes of a permanent marker. Crestview breast cancer survivors are scheduled to speak, as will Dr. Loretta Brestan, a general surgeon who will explain the medical process to attendees.

It’s going to get personal, it’s going to be educational and it may ultimately save your life. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no fun. Attendees can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Further, 105.5 FM “The Wolf” will broadcast from the medical center.

Just go. Take a step out of the “awareness” shadow and into the light of true knowledge.

It just may save your life.

Thomas Boni is the Editor of the Crestview News Bulletin. Email him at tboni@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnbeditor, or call 682-6524. What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: Forget breast cancer awareness; aim for expertise

A check of my calendar has shown there will be an election soon.  This will not be a routine, boring election, for it will be one in which a president, one-third of all senators, and all 435 members of the United States House of Representatives are elected. 

On the state level, the state’s electors will decide some changes to the state’s constitution; locally, Crestview residents will determine whether a new city charter will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

Aside from the state issues, each voter within the state can cast his or her ballot for the presidential candidate of his or her choice: one candidate for senator, and one candidate for representative. Locally, those of us within the city of Crestview can decide the form of government that will rule the municipality, along with some other less significant but noteworthy changes.

I trust that each concerned resident has secured a draft copy of the proposed charter and has taken the time to read it and digest its contents.  I have read it several times, and each time I have had different thoughts about the wording.

Let’s look at some of the major, standout provisions. In Section 4.01(a), it is stated that the mayor shall have the following powers and duties:  “to be recognized as the official head of the city for all ceremonial purposes…,” and “to preside at all meetings of the city council with authority to participate in discussions, but without power to vote.”

In other words, the city’s elected chief would be relegated to greeting visitors at the front door of City Hall, riding in parades and kissing babies.

To make the incumbent feel important, the council will let the mayor rap the gavel to bring a meeting to order or adjourn it, and possibly enter into a conversation without the power to determine a considered item’s outcome. The current day responsibility to oversee public safety, like police and fire departments, would be removed. That should make the mayor feel important!

So that the city is kept in good order and with discipline, the City Council’s five elected members would select a city administrator (presumably from the outside) to run all the city’s day-to-day operations. Based on what I have read in several publications’ Help Wanted columns, the going annual salary for such an individual is around $100,000 plus benefits, a city automobile and a private office, with an assistant and benefits. Added together, the cost of having such an individual employed could very easily amount to an annual outlay of $200,000, though that’s not to say Crestview’s expenditures would be the same.

Here’s how it would work: the City Council would hire the administrator, who would run the city with the council’s direction. However, the council members could do nothing unilaterally. All the council’s actions must be taken during open sessions, so a majority of council members present at a regularly scheduled meeting must first approve any direction they give. An appointed administrator has virtually no direct supervision.

To streamline City Hall’s operations, the proposed charter eliminates the elected city clerk position and provides an appointee who answers to the city administrator.

It is reasonable for one to ask “why.” 

Some three years ago, it was suggested that a charter review committee analyze the existing document and recommend changes. Numerous paragraphs are no longer applicable, namely positions for a city physician and a city tax collector. 

Some paragraphs are needed, namely the procedure to take if an elected official decides to resign from office. Several members in the past few years have “resigned,” but there is no “paper trail” to that effect.  One can say that he or she resigns, but there is no document to prove it.  Further, to whom is a letter of resignation given?

When asked why these changes to the charter were recommended, one member of the charter review committee replied, “Every town has a manager.”  When the subject of an elected city clerk versus an appointed city clerk arose, it was stated that “almost all cities in Florida have one.” 

Thus, the upcoming election is more that Mitt Romney versus Barack Obama, or Bill Nelson versus Bonnie Mack.  It is about every citizen in Crestview and the form of government that will be in existence.

Bob Allen is a former Crestview city council member. What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "My view." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MY VIEW: The importance of this year's election