CRESTVIEW — This year's Blue Jean Ball patrons will get a taste of Las Vegas — and a smattering of Bond, James Bond — when the doors to Covenant Hospice's annual fundraiser open Oct. 5.

Organizers hope the seventh annual ball's theme, "Casino Royale," conjures images of the elegant world of 007 shaken, not stirred, with the glitz and dazzle of America's casino capital.

Volunteer organizer Bonnie Grundel said the ball's fundraising goal is $25,000. Donation opportunities will include business sponsorships, supporting local celebrity dancers and a silent auction.

Named for Ian Fleming's first Bond book, which was subsequently made into a TV special and two films, "Casino Royale" will feature table games including roulette, craps, blackjack and poker.

As they enter the Crestview Community Center's elegantly decorated lobby, planned to evoke the swank casinos depicted in Bond movies, guests will receive $1,000 in play money.

"If Lady Luck isn't on their side, they can make a donation to Covenant Hospice for additional play money," Covenant Development Manager Jenni Perkins said.

Gambling "winnings" can't be cashed in for prizes or real money, Perkins said. "The reward will be having lots of fun benefiting Covenant Hospice and honing your skills for your next trip to a real casino."

'Dress up or dress down'

Coupled with its blue jean roots, the evening promises to be "a classy affair but comfortable," Grundel said. "Guests can dress up or they can dress down."

Attire runs the gamut from casually elegant to evening fancy, organizers said.

"We have people come in denim and cowboy boots, and people who come in sequins and jewelry or a mixture of everything," Perkins said. "Every year some people get into the theme and come in costume."

With a dessert bar and a menu of various types of tapas, food stations interspersed around the gambling tables should eliminate long lines for food, Grundel said.

"You play games and you eat and you wander around," she said.

A martini station sponsored by Helen Back of Crestview will let guests sample one of James Bond's favorite drinks.

Popular entertainment will include an encore performance by the "Crestview Village People" and "Dancing with the Crestview Stars," sponsored by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

This year's dancers are Grundel, community volunteer Laura Chamberlain, Dr. James Stevens of 21st Century Oncology, and local Special Forces Association chapter president Steve Tuttle.

"Last year we raised more than $8,000 from the dancers alone, so this year we're going to try to beat that goal," Grundel said.

 Want to go?

What: 7th Annual Blue Jean Ball benefiting Covenant Hospice, "Casino Royale" theme

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 5

Where: Crestview Community Center

Cost: $60 per person; includes dinner, dessert, two drink tickets and $1,000 in play money.

Order tickets: 682-3628 or http://eventsatcovenant.org/bluejeanball.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The 'Royale' treatment: Covenant Hospice ‘Blue Jean Ball’ fundraiser goes Vegas

FORT WALTON BEACH — Thirteen Okaloosa County areas may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Advisories have been issued for Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach; Marier Park, Wayside Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, East Pass and Emerald Promenade, Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Henderson Beach, James Lee Park and Clement E. Taylor Park, Destin; and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville,based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. These areas present potential health risks to the bathing public.

The department tests weekly for enterococci, which indicates fecal pollution and comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 Okaloosa areas issued hazardous water advisories

The Okaloosa County Health Department has announced a pertussis, or whooping cough, outbreak involving two infants and eight children, adolescents and adults. This brings the county’s total number of confirmed whooping cough cases to 13 this year. Three isolated cases were reported about two months ago.

An infected person coughing or sneezing can spread whooping cough, Health Department Director Dr. Karen Chapman said. Public health officials urge all residents to ensure they and their children have been immunized against the disease. All patients with confirmed whooping cough have been treated and are recovering.

Whooping cough’s symptoms — similar to those of a mild upper respiratory infection — include sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. The coughing spells often make it hard for a child or older adult to eat, drink or even breathe.

The most important way to prevent whooping cough is for children to complete their primary diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTaP) immunization series by age 2; and to receive an additional dose of DTaP prior to kindergarten entry and a tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) booster prior to entering seventh grade.

All adults should receive a Tdap booster dose instead of the tetanus booster (Td), which is typically taken every 10 years. All pregnant women should receive a Tdap for every pregnancy prior to delivery or in the immediate postpartum period. Any adolescent or adult caring for infants should receive a Tdap regardless of when they received their last tetanus booster.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Health Dept.: protect yourself from whooping cough

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Okaloosa County areas may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Advisories have been issued for Gulf Islands National Seashore and Emerald Promenade of Okaloosa Island, based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. These areas present potential health risks to the bathing public.

The department tests weekly for enterococci, which indicates fecal pollution and comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hazardous water advisories issued for two Okaloosa County areas

Five Okaloosa County parks may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Advisories have been issued for Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park of Fort Walton Beach; Poquito Park of Shalimar; Lincoln Park of Valparaiso; and Rocky Bayou State Park of Niceville, based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. These areas present potential health risks to the bathing public.

The department tests weekly for enterococci, which indicates fecal pollution and comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. Ratings are based on EPA standards.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 parks receive advisories for hazardous water

A Florida doctor has released a new book to empower anxious people.

In “Anxiety 101: The Holistic Approach to Managing Your Anxiety and Taking Back Your Life,” Dr. Eudene Harry provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety’s many forms, its causes and ways to treat and manage symptoms while maintaining balance and productivity. The book is available at www.amazon.com.

Harry has practiced medicine for more than 20 years and is currently the medical director of Oasis Wellness & Rejuvenation Center, an integrative holistic lifestyle clinic in Orlando.

She is board certified in emergency and holistic medicine.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New book by Florida doctor offers insight, release for anxiety

FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County’s Emergency Medical Services Division of Public Safety and the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center developed the STEMI program to transmit electrocardiograms immediately to the emergency room.

The system, which provides an early warning to save patients under cardiac arrest, has received widespread attention.

The National Association of Counties granted Okaloosa County the 2013 Achievement Award in recognition of the program and "hard work yielding positive results for Okaloosa County," as stated in the letter.

"This is another great example where we have worked with others in the community to increase public safety for our residents," stated Chairman Don Amunds, Okaloosa County Commissioner. "Fort Walton Beach Medical Center reached out to us as a routine transporter of cardiac patients, which resulted in dramatic patient improvement and successful outcomes, due in large part to the team commitment for better patient care," stated Public Safety Director Dino Villani.

Since STEMI's inception, three other hospitals, two in Okaloosa, began using it.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa earns National Association of Counties Achievement Award

CRESTVIEW — Britainy Pate is on her feet again following a year of paralysis.

Conversion disorder — often caused by psychological conflict — can present neurological symptoms such as vision impairment, seizures and, in Britainy's case, paralysis.

But that’s all behind her now.

"I can walk now and I can drive," the 27-year-old said. "To overcome this is a magnificent feat; it is nothing short of a miracle." 

Regaining feeling in her legs didn't happen overnight, she said. Britainy’s condition steadily improved through therapy sessions and exercises around the apartment. 

Recovery requires being stress-free, she said, adding she regularly meets with a stress counselor.

The paralysis took its toll on her family, including Britainy’s husband, Bryant, her two daughters and a stepson. 

Britainy was unemployed following paralysis, and Bryant quit his job to take care of the family, including his elderly father James.

"I'm glad she is up and walking," Bryant said. "I just hope it don't happen again, because it set us back."

Family, friends and community members provided relief, Bryant said. Residents Ken and Tina Gill, along with Southside School, provided money, food and clothing for the family. Manual Therapy LLC in Crestview gave free physical therapy services to Britainy.

Now, the family is working to get back on track.

Bryant works for a fast food restaurant and Britainy is going to school in Pensacola to become a certified nursing assistant.   

"With all of the different medical issues that I have overcome, it made sense to go into the medical field," Britainy said. "I can help people and encourage people with my situation."

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview woman can walk again following bout with paralysis

CRESTVIEW — Bruce Akers’ family seeks help raising funds for his recovery from bladder cancer.

Bruce, 49, recently returned home following a stay at Baptist Health Care in Pensacola, where he had his bladder removed. He will begin chemotherapy soon.

"He is handling it fairly well; he has his good days and his bad days" said Rachel Akers, his eldest daughter.

Family members will have a benefit fish fry, featuring a raffle of gift certificates from Crestview businesses, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at Old Spanish Trail Park. Residents can purchase a plate of fried mullet with a side of coleslaw and hush puppies. Organizers can deliver meals to local businesses. 

All proceeds will cover medical expenses and financial obligations of Bruce and Karen, his wife of 29 years.

Bruce had to quit his job at Ace Hardware in Crestview, Rachel said. Last month, the store hosted a car wash to show support. The family also raised money by having a bake sale in town.

"It has been hard on us,” said Karen, Bruce’s caretaker. She has been unable to work since having a stroke in 2010. 

The couple, who lost their Baker home to foreclosure last year, are staying with Rachel at her Crestview residence.

Karen’s 71-year-old mother, Bobbie Richards, has also helped, lending her car for driving Bruce to doctor visits since the couple’s truck has been unreliable.

Bruce just received Medicaid eligibility; benefits will cover a portion of the costs, Karen said.

Still, the illness has taken its toll on daughter Kristen Cahill's children, Jazmine, 10, and 1-year-old J.T.

 Both grandchildren are very close with their grandparents, especially Jazmine, who was "devastated" upon learning her grandfather was sick, Cahill said.

Cahill, who considers her father her best friend, said she plans to have future fundraising events.   

Residents can donate to a special fund in Rachel Akers’ name for Bruce Akers’ benefit at each Okaloosa County Federal Credit Union in Okaloosa county.

For more information on credit union times and locations, visit http://bit.ly/143ZdxD.

WHAT:Fish fry benefiting Bruce Akers

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard in Crestview

COST: $6 for a plate of fried mullet with a side of coleslaw and hush puppies

CONTACT: Amanda Odom, 259-2290

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man’s family seeks support with cancer recovery

FORT WALTON BEACH — One Okaloosa County park may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

An advisory has been issued for Clement Taylor Park of Destin, based on the enterococci standards recommended by the EPA. These areas present potential health risks to the bathing public.

The department tests weekly for enterococci, which indicates fecal pollution and comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. Ratings are based on EPA standards.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: One park receives advisory for hazardous water