One of the congregations I serve instituted a practice many other congregations around the country have as well. It is called Epiphany Stars.

Beginning the Sunday closest to Epiphany (Jan. 6) we provide star cutouts with a word written on each. Those who choose to take a star do so, without peeking first, and are asked to reflect on the word on their star for the coming year, pondering what significance this word might have in their lives, and how God might be speaking to them through that simple message.

Those words are to give a message of encouragement like “trust” or “steadfast” or “generosity.” It is sometimes interesting to watch people’s reactions at the word they receive. Sometimes people will say “Huh??”

So, one of the questions people are encouraged to reflect on is, “Why did God have me select this word?” I will admit to being one of those persons who said, “Huh??”

My word for this year has been “hopefulness.” And I was baffled as to why that word was given to me by God. I felt as though I was/am a person who is always looking forward to the best in most circumstances.

The year is a little more than halfway over. I haven’t yet had any bright flashing illuminations. But things do come to mind. Perhaps this word isn’t for me to be more hopeful, but for me to help instill more hope in others.

And this seems like a pretty good message. With so much that continues to try to undermine our sense of unity, of calm, of peace, we do indeed need to grab hold more firmly to the kind of hope that is given to us in Jesus Christ.

We don’t have all the answers to what is going on around us. We all have opinions about current matters. We agree with some. We firmly disagree with others. But just because we disagree, it does not mean we have new enemies (or old for that matter).

It does mean that we have new opportunities to learn from those with whom we disagree, to discover where we may have similar portions of thought, and to understand where the other is coming from.

Personally, I do not see such opportunities as a potential to change someone’s mind on a matter. That is not my place. But I can share my position, hear theirs, accept what I can, reject the rest, and remain civil.

With this hope in mind (of learning, growing, reconciling, reuniting), let us all face the remaining months of this year with great expectations for what the Lord is going to unfold for all of us.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: We have new opportunities to learn from others

A recent family reunion on a beach in Destin had me thinking about beach safety. While there, we experienced both yellow and red flags flying, indicating the presence of rip currents in the area. We also had daily purple flags, indicating the presence of marine pests, in this case, jellyfish. 

We also had several afternoon pop-up thunderstorms that impacted our visit. None of these completely ruined our beach vacation, but it does help to have some advanced knowledge of the severity of these threats and what to do when they happen to you.

Lightning

Lightning kills 20 or more people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.

Florida averages seven fatalities per year due to lightning and often leads the nation in lightning deaths.

Lightning is a real beach hazard, and the second greatest cause for lightning fatalities are beach activities like fishing, sunbathing, and camping. 

If planning a day at the beach, be sure to monitor the forecast and radar ahead of time, keep a watchful eye in all directions and have a vehicle nearby to evacuate to at the first sign of a thunderstorm.

Rip Currents

There are an average of 100 annual fatalities in the U.S. attributed to rip currents (U.S. Lifesaving Association). In 2021, there have been seven surf zone fatalities in Florida with five here in the Panhandle.

Rip currents are strong, narrow, seaward flows of water that extend from close to the shoreline to outside of the surf zone. They are found on almost any beach with breaking waves.

The best way to avoid getting caught in a rip current is to follow the safety flag warning system and swim near a lifeguard.

Jellyfish

In the water, jellyfish are the most common summer pest. 

Sea lice, the larval form of the thimble jellyfish, is a common near shore pest this time of year.

Keep some household vinegar in your beach bag for immediate relief if you get stung. Rinsing in warm or hot water is a good second approach. Once home, you can treat the sting with a hydrocortisone cream. If you have a serious reaction, don’t hesitate to contact Emergency Medical Services.

For more information on these topics, visit:

• Lightning safety – https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning.
• Rip currents – https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent.
• Jellyfish – http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/tag/jellyfish/.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Beach Safety – Know before you go

The first day back for Okaloosa County students is Aug. 10. Where has the time gone? It doesn't seem that long ago the last school year was over; the summer has flown by.

It is now time to get our children and grandchildren ready to go back to school.

Tax free holiday

Florida's back to school tax free holiday runs through Aug. 9 this year. For a complete listing of what is or isn't covered, this Florida Department or Revenue website spells out the specific rules put into place this year: https://bit.ly/3yptX1i.

This year the first $1,000 of a computer is tax free, which is quite a savings if your children need new computers for school. Basically the rules are that most school supplies $15 or less are tax free, clothing that is $60 or less is tax free, as well as the computer exemption stated above during this 10-day period.

This is a great way to save money. Remember that your child's school has a list of needed supplies that will be used during the year posted on their website. These lists are by grade, and in some instances, by classroom teacher.

Some additional tips for the school year

Make sure your student gets the appropriate amount of rest each night and that they have a positive attitude about learning and school.

Make learning fun at home and reinforce the lessons being taught at school. For instance, baking is a great way to reinforce and teach fractions to children.

Get your child up early enough that getting to school on time isn't a frazzled process, but is smooth and calm. Children do better when things are calm and serene before leaving for school.

Set out clothing, completed homework, and other needed items for school the night before, so no one is rushing around looking for things before leaving for school.

If your child will be riding the bus, learn the route, introduce yourself to the bus driver and make sure you are there to meet the bus in the afternoon if you have small children.

Go to Back to School night and meet your children's teachers in person. Let their teachers know you support their efforts and consider yourself their partner in your child's learning process.

Should you be able to financially afford more supplies than what is required, remember that teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year on classroom supplies. I certainly did every year I taught.

Supplies always needed by teachers include:

• 8.5-inch by 11-inch white copy paper.
• Kleenex.
• Dry erase markers.
• Pencils – most teachers prefer Ticonderoga brand.
• Ziploc storage bags in all sizes.
• Paper towels for clean up.
• Post It notes in a variety of sizes.
• Gift cards for supplies are always welcome.

Parents and children, we pray that you have a successful school year and learn many new things. Stay safe and keep a positive attitude.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former 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: HAPPENINGS: The first day of school approaches

CRESTVIEW — When the Best Overall Awards were announced at this month’s annual Sister Cities International conference in Washington, D.C., the organization from a city familiar to most Northwest Florida residents was called out:

The Crestview Area Sister City Program.

“This award is in recognition of the outstanding work done by your organization in advancing the goals and mission of the Sister Cities movement,” SCI President and CEO Leroy Allala said in an early July letter to the Crestview organization.

The only community between Tallahassee and Pensacola with a Sister City, Crestview has partnered with the French island community of Noirmoutier through Sister Cities International since 1997, though unofficial exchanges between the towns actually began two years earlier. It won the Best Overall Award for cities with populations 25,000 or under.

Allala said the officials judging the annual awards selected Crestview’s program as the nation’s best for persevering through a difficult year, having an active youth component, and building community partnerships.

“Overall, everyone agreed that Crestview did a remarkable job with their program in a year that posed many challenges for communities around the globe,” he said. “Several of the judges singled out the World War II Victory 75th Anniversary Commemoration and the involvement of students to lead its Stage Door Canteen.

“Sister Cities International encourages all community members to be involved with their international Sister City programs and connections, and Crestview’s application demonstrated its community’s support of developing international friendships,” Allala added.

While many other SCI member communities suspended or cancelled their programs during 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, Crestview’s program found safe ways to hold events and engage the community, which caught the judges’ attention.

“Youth and education is a key part of most Sister City partnerships, and the judges were also impressed with Crestview’s student engagement in its virtual programs with Noirmoutier,” Allala said.

“Unfortunately, most student exchanges were cancelled in 2020 (and many in 2021), but the students in Crestview persevered and found other ways to connect with their counterparts abroad,” he said.

As the sponsoring community organization for the August 2020 World War II event, the Crestview program engaged a wide variety of community organizations and businesses to produce two days of educational exhibits, an impromptu living history demonstration, film screenings, and a successful Victory Ball, the COVID era’s first social soirée in the city.

The Crestview High School Sister City Ambassadors club operated the Stage Door Canteen snack bar during the weekend, raising nearly $700 toward hosting a delegation of Noirmoutier students who will visit Crestview in April 2022.

The Victory Ball raised more than $2,600, most of which will go toward the program’s student travel fellowships to help Ambassadors students visit Noirmoutier, with some money allocated toward hosting group events for the 33 French visitors next April.

Such successful events would only have been possible through partnerships between supporters in the business community and with the city, Crestview Sister City organizers said.

“Overall, it was clear that the ongoing support Crestview receives from the municipality and the community at large have helped your Sister Cities program to maintain strong international ties and produce successful programs,” Allala said.

WHAT IS A SISTER CITY?

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched a “citizen diplomacy” initiative featuring two programs — People-to-People and Sister Cities International. The latter, based in Washington, D.C., facilitates partnerships between U.S. communities and those in other countries.

Since 1997, Crestview has partnered with the congenial town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île on the island of Noirmoutier. It is off the west coast of France, near Nantes and St. Nazaire.

Educational, economic and cultural exchanges have included performances in Noirmoutier by members of the Northwest Florida State College show choirs; student exchanges; tours of local business ventures; college student internships; and group visits.

Crestview’s program periodically sponsors community events, holds travel classes, and speaks to schools and organizations about our Sister City.

Since Crestview’s relationship with Noirmoutier began, hundreds of local residents have experienced new cultural horizons by visiting our Sister City or having our Noirmoutrin friends visit us. To learn more, visit the Crestview Area Sister City Program Facebook page, or contact program president Brian Hughes at 850-398-5459.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sister Cities International names Crestview program Best Overall

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library, located at 1445 Commerce Drive, has scheduled the activities listed below through December.

Family Library Time events are:

• Sneak Peek Party, 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Be the first to see all the improvements the library has made. There will be s'mores, live music by Rick Sanders, a book reading by Ms. Heather; marshmallow "roasting by a campfire"; and interactive animal displays provided by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• FLT will be at the Crestview Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 30.
• Touch a Truck is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 13.
• Noel Night is 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, with music, munchies and more.

Storytime classes

All Storytime classes start at 10:15 a.m., with sign in at 10 a.m. for the first 30 children to attend.

Storytime for ages 0-2 is Tuesdays in the library Story Room. Older children are welcome.

Storytime for ages 3-5 is Wednesdays in the Story Room. It is simultaneous with the Ages 6-11 class. Younger siblings may attend if accompanied by an adult, and older children are welcome. All attendees must be able to sit quietly. If any children in your party is ready for quiet sitting, come to the 0-2 Class, where there's a lot more movement.

Storytime for ages 6-11 is Wednesdays in the Meeting Room. It is simultaneous with the Ages 3-5 Class. Parents and caregivers may pick up their children in the Meeting Room at 11 a.m. They may visit once and get a feel for the class. If your child is not comfortable attending alone, attend the Ages 3-5 class with your child.

Storytime weekly themes:

• Aug. 17-18 Health Heroes; Aug. 24-25 Piggies; Aug. 31-Sept. 1 People Working.
• Sept. 7-8 Grandparents – bring biological or honorary grandparents if you’d like; Sept. 21-22 Yummy In My Tummy; Sept. 28-29 Autumn.
• Oct. 5-6 Silly; Oct. 12-13 Field Trip to Bob Sikes Airport, 5535 John Givens Road; Oct. 19-20 Dinosaurs; Oct. 26-27 Halloween  – Wear a non-scary costume if you’d like.
• Nov. 2-3 Play; Nov. 9-10 Numbers; Nov. 16-17 On the Go; Nov. 23-24 Thanksgiving; Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Variety Show.
• Dec. 7-8 Move; Dec. 14-15 Christmas.

Additional library activities

Other library events are:

• Teen Time is 2:30-4:30 p.m. Fridays for students in grades 6-12. Art is first Fridays. Videos and board games are on the other Fridays.
• Lego Free Play for ages 6-17 are 4-5 p.m. third Tuesdays in the Meeting Room with Ms. Olivia.
• An astronomy workshop for ages 9 through adult was 6:30-7:30 p.m. fourth Tuesdays.
• Scavenger Hunts for all ages are held each month. Find out what is being hunted each month. Then, let a front desk librarian know how many you find for a small treat.
• The library offers Bright Futures volunteer hours for students in grades 9-12. Ask Ms. Sandy or Ms. Ginny for details.

Hours

Crestview library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.t o 5 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Call 850-682-4432 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library releases updated schedule

The Internet is a tremendous asset for many people. Yet, with this great asset comes a bit of risk.

There is always the danger that some unscrupulous persons, somewhere in the world, will try to hack into your computer to do damage to the computer or to you in a financial way.

Going to certain websites can permit malware to be downloaded to your hard drive. Malware can do malicious things when you least expect it. Viruses can be snuck onto your hard drive by being buried in emails that come from shady people who try to make an email look legitimate.

This is why it is good to routinely do a full system scan of your computer looking for “stuff” that can do you harm. A scan should be done consistently because even if you feel as though you are protected, these potentially harmful bugs can still get in.

If you don’t do a scan periodically, you run the risk of your computer crashing, or your life getting hijacked.

Sometimes without our realizing it, “stuff” gets into our lives and tries to destroy us on a personal, spiritual, or emotional level.

For example, we sometimes intentionally make decisions and engage in behavior that have the potential to attack us morally and spiritually. We may not even realize it until it is too late, and recovery efforts are difficult at best.

We must be willing to routinely do a full scan of our lives to find internal spiritual dangers. They could be large and glaring, or small and hidden. 

As you go about scanning your life, admit you have made mistakes. The truth of this needs to be accepted.

As you do, you need to remember that as bad as things may have gotten in your life, there is always hope. You have the promise and assurance that in Jesus Christ, when you discover your sins, confess them, and repent of them, you will be forgiven.

I will readily admit that when I have done my own personal scans, they have not been fun at all. But recognizing my mistakes, admitting them to God, and seeking forgiveness has always been well worth it. Each time it has been like a huge, heavy burden was lifted.

Finding my shortcomings, acknowledging them to God, and confessing them sets me free from the grip they’ve had on me. I received God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

What is it in your life that you need to give over to God? Is there a sense of selfishness, that everyone owes you something, or that they need to give in to your desires? Do you find yourself being self-centered, thinking the world revolves around you because of your importance?

How about pride, or arrogance, or bitterness? How about a sense of entitlement? What “virus” has crept into your life, waiting to damage you?

Do a full system scan of your life. Recognize how your behaviors or thoughts lead you away from God.

Confess them and be ready to receive his forgiveness. He will give it when you seek it with all sincerity in your heart. This will happen because of the love and grace promised through his Son, Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Scan your life to remove 'viruses,' keep hope

CRESTVIEW —Homeschool families of children ages 6-11! You asked. We are answering!

We are offering an Ages 6-11 Storytime Class beginning Aug. 18 that will be simultaneous with Ages 3-5 Storytime Class, like we did this summer.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and we can accommodate the first 30 children for each class. You’ll take your children who are ages 6-11 to the Meeting Room and sign them in there.

You are welcome to visit once to get a feel for the class. After that, please enjoy the library after you sign them in.

The children will do a craft with Ms. Ginny. At around 10:30 a.m., I will parade the children ages 3-5 (and their adults) from the Story Room to the Meeting Room and pick up the children ages 6-11, parading them from the Meeting Room to the Story Room, where we will read stories, play games and/or learn library skills.

I will have them back in the Meeting Room by 11 a.m. to pick up their craft and meet you.

Please call me at 850-682-4432 with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Youth Services Librarian at the Crestview Public Library.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Crestview library has new Storytime offering by request

Recently, I’ve been getting questions from homeowners about high populations of small snails. So far, questions about these non-native snails have come from the Baker and Laurel Hill areas. But, these nuisance snails may be heading your way.

This snail’s shell is conical in shape, tan to light brown in color and ranges in size from 3/4- to 1 inch in length.

It appears that these snails came in on CSX railway cars from Mexico. The first known populations in our state were all near CSX railways. They are an introduced species from the West Indies and were identified as Bulimulus sporadicus.

In Florida, these snails were first reported in the Jacksonville area in 2009. Since then, they have been found in other parts of Florida, including in the Panhandle. Infestations also have been described in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas in recent years.

How they affect agriculture

I first saw these snails myself several years ago while on a farm tour in Jay/Allentown area in northern Santa Rosa County. Their numbers were impressive, attached to farm harvesting equipment and in the debris/leaf litter of cotton and peanut fields.

It’s their populations (extremely high numbers) that are creating problems. So far it appears that these snails are mostly feeding on decaying vegetation and not as much on living plants. 

Their high numbers are creating problems when it comes time to harvest certain row crops. They also have become a problem for citrus growers, mainly in clogging the micro-sprinkler emitters used to irrigate citrus trees. And, in the landscape, they become a nuisance as the snails climb up the sides of houses and tree trunks and cover landscape plants.

These snails thrive in Florida’s tropical climate and with an abundance of organic matter on which to feed.

Changing its habitats

In home landscapes, modifying areas that hold moisture or that stay overly wet may reduce favorable feeding, breeding areas for this snail.

This may include reducing or eliminating areas that hold moisture such as mulched beds and groundcover plants.

It may help to be careful to not irrigate too much. I’ve been trying to convince people to make this change for years.

Our lawns, landscapes and gardens do not need to be watered on any kind of schedule. They need to be watered when we are not getting adequate rain. Has it rained at your landscape lately?

So far, chemical control has not been very effective. However, there are slug and snail baits that you could try. Some of these are quite toxic to pets and wildlife. Always follow the directions and precautions when using any pesticide, including molluscicides!

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Small snails find their way to Florida from Mexico via rails

With the days being so hot, please don't leave your pets outside all day. Bring them in so they have cooler air and make sure there is plenty of water, both inside and outside.

Because our companion pets have fur, they can potentially heat up faster than we do. One important safety procedure to always follow is never leave your pet in a parked car.

On humid days, it is especially important to bring your pets inside as the increased humidity makes it difficult for your pet to cool down through their panting. When it is hot outside, don't expect your pet to walk on ultra-hot asphalt. They can burn their paw pads. Buy some booties made for dogs, walk on the grass only, or best of all, wait until it is evening and much cooler to take them out.

Should your pet get heat exhaustion or heatstroke, here are suggestions from the Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat).

"Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian."

Pets are important members of our families. Just as we don't want to be sitting outside in the extreme heat, neither do our pets enjoy being out in this heat.

Heat strokes in children

Keep your children inside during the heat of the day, as you don't want them to get over-heated or get heatstroke. Let them play outside in the early morning hours and late in the afternoon when the heat isn't as intense.

Make sure that there is plenty of water or drinks with ice for your kids.

Here are a few of the symptoms of heat exhaustion in children from the Children's Health website, https://bit.ly/2UAa2y4.

• An elevated body temperature, usually between 100˚ and 104˚ Fahrenheit
• Cool, clammy skin despite the heat
• Goose bumps
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Increased thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Should your child exhibit any of these signs take them into an air  conditioned environment and give them cool fluids with electrolytes to drink.

Cool wet towels applied to their skin can also help get their temperature down.

If your child won't drink, is agitated or having seizures, call your doctor immediately. If your doctor is unavailable, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Heat stroke in children can be very serious.

An additional safety tip for both pets and children is to never leave them unaccompanied next to a swimming pool or other body of water.

It only takes a second for a pet or child to fall in and a potential tragedy could occur. Be aware of your surroundings and enjoy your summer!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former 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: HAPPENINGS: Taking care of your pets and children during hot weather