Dear editor,

The people of Crestview are awesome! In all my travels, I’ve not found a more generous group of people who are very family oriented and inclusive of outsiders. 

At first, I did not understand this type of character because, coming from many places, those places taught me to be skeptical of people. You never knew what they were up to. 

It took me three years to finally see that the people here in Crestview are basically good people. 

Following are only three of the ways that I love Crestview people.

•Crestview has been my saving grace for affordable housing.  Before moving here, it was an adventure trying to find decent and affordable housing. In trying to find a nice place to reside before moving here, I went on www.roommates.com and found one of the best roommates that I’ve ever had along with a lovely place to stay.

•Crestview has been my saving grace in finding affordable, high quality clothing. Before moving here, I thought that I was finding some really good deals on clothing. I realized I was wrong. Now, it is hard to get me to shop anywhere else but here in Crestview. Not only are the prices on clothing a steal but the quality is unbelievable! Thanks, Crestview.

•Crestview has been my saving grace for my health needs. Little did I realize I was close to death’s bed when Dr. Marcene Kreifels saved my life through an exam that she discussed with me in detail and allowed me to think about my life.

Soon, I started on an adventure to finding out, through my co-workers, which doctors here in Crestview that they had used.

The second doctor who came into my life — and was another saving grace — was Dr. Kara Brooks. Dr. Brooks has been one of the kindest doctors that I’ve ever had. She actually takes time to listen to you and make you feel that she has your best interests at heart. 

This type of professionalism led me down the path of getting my needs met because I felt comfortable enough to reveal my gut feelings to her. Soon, Dr. Ringel came into my life and made headway in saving my life. I got the best of treatment from Dr. Ringel and his staff. 

I thank Dr. Lohrbach and his staff, and all of Sacred Heart and North Okaloosa Medical Center's staff. Crestview is the best!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: 3 reasons why Crestview is the best

Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying that who is elected to local school boards is sometimes more important than who is elected to Congress.

I don't know if Congress can be fixed, no matter who is elected, but I am convinced that it matters who we choose to govern our schools.

With the federal government reaching too far into our lives already, our school board should be locally accountable and operated according to our values here in Northwest Florida.

Frankly, I want more Okaloosa and less Obama in our schools.

Because of a change in state laws, school board elections are now non-partisan. That means political parties don't run candidates for school board anymore, but it doesn't mean that political beliefs aren't important. They are.

If our community's values are conservative but our school board becomes liberal, our children will be educated according to an agenda not our own.

So it's a fair question to inquire as to the political philosophy and partisan agenda of those who want to operate our school system.

Readers can check the same public records I did. Joe Slusser, on the November School Board ballot, is a lifelong Democrat. That's his privilege. But it's my privilege to know that he publicly subscribes to beliefs different from mine and from most local citizens.

Sorry, Joe, we can't turn over Okaloosa schools to the Democrats. Your party is messing up enough of the country as it is.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Democrats can't have Okaloosa schools

Dear Editor,

Last Sunday, hundreds of thousands marched throughout the world demanding action on climate change. 120 world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations Summit on Climate Change. What can we do?

A 2006 U.N. report estimated that meat production accounts for 18 percent of man-made greenhouse gases. A 2009 article in the respected World Watch magazine suggested that the contribution may be closer to 50 percent.

The meat industry generates carbon dioxide by burning forests to create animal pastures and by combustion of fossil fuels to confine, feed, transport, and slaughter animals. The much more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are discharged from digestive tracts of cattle and from animal waste cesspools, respectively.

In an environmentally sustainable world, wind, solar, and other pollution-free energy sources must gradually replace polluting fossil fuels. Similarly, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains must replace polluting meat and dairy products. The large variety of widely available plant-based entrees, lunch meats, veggie burgers, cheeses, and ice creams can certainly help.

Our next trip to the supermarket is a great opportunity to start the transition to a sustainable world. Our favorite internet search engine offers ample product lists, recipes, and dietary tips.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Let's transition to a sustainable world now

Dear editor,

There are only three proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot in November, but each one represents an important decision for Florida voters.

Do you enjoy our beautiful beaches?

Have you been camping recently in one of our state parks?

Do you remember what happened after the 2010 oil spill, from which we are still recovering?

If so, you should be especially interested in proposed Amendment 1: the Water and Land Conservation initiative. How and why did it get on the ballot, and what will a "yes" or a "no" vote mean on Nov. 5?

The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County is providing an opportunity for you to find out all about Amendment 1: its background, what it means for Florida, who supports it, who opposes it and how much it will cost.

On Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Destin Community Center (101 Stahlman Ave, Destin), Ron Houser of the Bay County Audubon Society will make the case for "Yes on #1," and the League will present counterarguments offered by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and other opponents.

Please join the League for this free event, so you can make an informed decision Nov. 5.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Learn more about Amendment 1

Dear editor,

In November, voters across Florida will be asked to vote on three amendments to our state Constitution. 

Amendment One states that “Effective on July 1 of the year following this amendment by the voters, and for a period of 20 years after that effective date, the Land Acquisition Trust Fund shall receive no less than 33 percent of net revenues from the existing excise tax on documents, as defined in the statutes in effect …” 

These funds will be used to buy conservation land.

People, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, government-owned land already accounts for nearly 30 percent of our state. Now, the state wants to set aside an estimated $500 million per year to turn more private land into public land, which will generate less tax revenue. 

Guess who will pick up that lack of revenue. You know who — we the taxpayers! 

Even if you think that turning more land over to the state government is a good idea, does it make sense to put it in our Constitution and take it out of the hands of the people we elect to represent us in budgetary matters — our state Legislature? 

Oh, by the way, not only would we be taking it out of the hands of our elected officials, but we would be doing so for 20 years!

Read up on this amendment, vote no, and allow our Legislature to do their job and “We, the People," to keep our hard-earned property.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Stop the Florida land grab

Dear editor,

You wrote a very thoughtful editorial concerning the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We have all been involved with fundraising in one way or another, either through schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, United Way or for local, national, international, religious, social or environmental causes.

But I agree with you: the ALS challenge has taken on a life of its own. Unfortunately, more than wanting to contribute directly to the cause, we have a need to be part of the visual culture and to be famous in our own minds, fulfilling Andy Warhol's prophecy for everyone to be famous for 15 minutes.

I have contributed to some causes, such as Comic Relief, just so that I could get the cool T-shirt. But I never lost sight for the real reason and my commitment for those charities I support on a regular basis.

I congratulate the ALS Foundation in the fundraising event. But please, everyone, remember they serve a very small percentage of those in need.

The USA has always led the rest of the world in donations nationally and internationally, per capita. We recognize that we are a very wealthy and blessed nation.

Do your research when making your contributions. But do give.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Research charities before donating

Dear editor,

With the new school year, parents’ attention is turning toward school lunches.

Traditionally, the USDA used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Children consumed animal fat and sugary drinks to the point where one-third became overweight or obese. Their early dietary flaws became lifelong addictions, raising their risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

In recent years, several state legislatures asked their schools to offer daily vegetarian options, and 64 percent of U.S. school districts now do. Moreover, hundreds of schools and school districts — including Baltimore, Buffalo, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami-Dade, Oakland, Philadelphia and San Diego — have implemented Meatless Mondays. A New York City school went all vegetarian last year.

Current USDA school lunch guidelines, mandated by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, require doubling servings of fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, less sodium and fat, and meat-free breakfast. The challenge is to get students to eat the healthier foods.

Parents should work with school cafeteria managers to encourage consumption of healthy foods. Initiatives could include student recipe or poster contests, planting a student garden or instituting Meatless Mondays.

Detailed guidance is available at www.schoolnutrition.org/schoolmeals, www.fns.usda.gov/cnd, www.pcrm.org/health/healthy-school-lunches, and www.vrg.org/family.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Pack healthy lunches for kids

In regard to the piece of road that goes between the Burger King and First Baptist Church: We travel that road multiple times a day. 

The time that it was closed so the church could do whatever it needed to do for that little extra parking was a headache and added time to our commute each day.

That road serves a safe purpose and should not be closed. 

However, the road that runs in front of the church is more likely the less traveled and could easily be shut down.

There is much less traffic on that road and it seems that people who seldom travel it are the ones with difficulties, not those of us who travel Mapoles to Highway 90 daily.  

I think the city should think about the bigger issues: city parks and recreation, city sports and business taxes and fees rather than wasting time on this proposition.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Don't vacate street

The media is stating that gas prices are dropping, yet our local convenience store just raised the price by 5 cents a gallon.

We are now $3.43 a gallon. Go south 17 miles to the same type of store and it's $3.38 a gallon.

That is price gouging.

We are in the same county so the taxes should be the same.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Gas prices don't seem to be dropping

Calvary United would like to thank the 59 businesses that contributed to and sponsored the annual Back To School Bash 2014 on Aug. 15. 

By participating in and sponsoring this wholesome community event, we all endeavor to strengthen the families of Crestview and together make an exhilarating, delightful city in which to live. 

Mayor David Cadle and Chief of Police Tony Taylor attended the Bash and spoke about the spirit of giving to the youth of Crestview.  Many other organizations were there, also giving out free school supplies and supporting the families and youth of Crestview, specifically North Okaloosa Medical Center, S.W.A.T, Okaloosa County Health Dept., Hub City Ford, Big Red Bus Blood Donor bus, One Hour Heat & Air, Modern Air, and All American Insurance.

Gordon Martial Arts and Palmer AKA Martial Arts entertained the audience with demonstrations in the martial arts, young people were challenged in a food eating contest, and Calvary United wrapped up the evening with a drama/skit as the main event, “Ministry Moment”, to which many of the youth and families responded and were inspired.

For more information on involvement in future BASH events, please call Calvary United at 850-423-1198.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Church thanks everyone for Back to School Bash support