CRESTVIEW — Casbah Coffee Company hosts an open mic event every first and third Friday for poets and musicians.
The next one is 7 p.m. May 1 at the coffee shop, 106 N. Main St., Crestview.
For more information, visit Casbah's Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poetry and music night this Friday at Crestview Casbah
PACE — "Beached Wails," a play written by Topher Payne and directed by Patty Barry, is scheduled for May 14-17 and 21-24 at 4646 Woodbine Road.
Evening shows, $12, begin at 7:30 p.m.; a Sunday matinee is at 2:30 p.m. Some May 14 and 21 seats cost $9.
About the play: Every summer, the Harmon sisters leave their husbands and kids for a sister trip to Gulf Shores, Ala.
This year, things get a little crazier than usual, when Hurricane Lewis hits suddenly, leaving no way out.
Tensions rise, with the sisters confronting old wounds, secret desires and new heartbreaks. They are forced into communication through a visitor who attempts to referee it all.
Seating is limited. Call 850-221-7599 for tickets.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Beached Wails' coming to Pace
CRESTVIEW — A prayer meeting for our nation, region, city and community will take place Thursday in Crestview.
Rev. Darlene Haynes of Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center in Crestview; Rev. Tom Demaree, founder of Pentecost Walk; and Rev. Sinclair Forbes of Mt. Zion AME Church, Crestview, invite everyone to attend the meeting, planned at 7 p.m. April 30 at the training center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview.
Rev. Tom Demaree will also lead a "Re:unionwalk" event along the Gulf Coast from March 8 to May 24. For details, visit http://pentecostwalk.org/.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Prayer meeting planned Thursday in Crestview
LAUREL HILL — Regional band performances and country cooking await bluegrass fans who converge on Holiday Hills Music Park April 30-May 2.
Some of the bands — including Dismal Creek, from Florala, Ala., and TrueGrass — are familiar to attendees of past Crestview Blackwater, Bluegrass and Barbecue Cook-off festivals. Both bands perform traditional bluegrass from the genre's "golden years," including music by Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe.
Also performing:
•Straight and Narrow gospel bluegrass band.
•The MaHarreys family gospel band from St. Stephens, Ala.
•Glory Bound bluegrass gospel band from Montgomery, Ala.
•The Alabama Gentlemen bluegrass band from Wilmer, Ala.
Walter Moore will serve as master of ceremonies.
Bluegrass fans who don't want to miss a note can rent camping hook-ups for $15 per night. Rough camping is available for free.
Pets are welcome in the camping area, which includes bathrooms with hot showers.
Arts and crafts vendors will provide mementoes, and the on-site Country Kitchen offers full concessions with hot food.
No alcoholic beverages, coolers or pets are allowed in the concert area.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Spring Bluegrass Festival
WHEN: April 30, May 1 and 2
WHERE: Holiday Hills Music Park, 4191 Bluegrass Parkway, Laurel Hill (take State Road 85 3 miles north of Laurel Hill and follow the signs)
COST: Weekend, $15; Thursday only, $5; Friday only, $7; Saturday only, $10; children under 12 free
NOTES: Thursday: covered dish supper, 5 p.m.; open stage, 6 p.m. Friday: music 6-9 p.m. Saturday: music 1-5 p.m., supper break 5-6 p.m., and music 6 p.m. until. No pets or vehicles, including golf carts, allowed in the music area. Bring lawn chairs, but no high-backs.
CONTACT: Betty, 652-4538; Tracy 612-6575; or Samantha, 978-0436.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill spring bluegrass festival features crowd pleasers
Editor's Note: This continues our coverage of Crestview's Relay For Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser.
The News Bulletin is proud to support cancer awareness with numerous articles leading up to the April 24-25 event.
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CRESTVIEW — Four North Okaloosa residents have the enemy in sight, and Friday, they will join a global fight.
Their mission is twofold: defeat cancer and celebrate more birthdays.
The weapon? Participation in Relay For Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser. The event is 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday at Shoal River Middle School.
'WE NEED CURES'
Rose Campau, of Crestview, will join residents commemorating the weekend to cancer survivors, their caregivers and those who have died from the disease.
For her, like so many other supporters, the issue is personal.
"After my husband died from colon cancer and his oldest daughter died less than four months later from brain cancer, I wanted to relay so no one has to hear 'terminal' and watch their loved ones gone before their time," she said.
"It's a horrible disease, and we need cures for all the cancers."
Crestview Relay co-chair Loney Whitley, a Holt resident and 15-year participant, said a chance conversation sparked his passion for the cause.
"What started out as a casual conversation between me and my walking buddy, Karen, about the number of people at Duke Field who had cancer, or that we had lost to cancer, led to our first step," he said. "A couple of weeks later, we read an article in the paper about a Relay For Life meeting. We attended the meeting and that was the start of team Duke it Out."
'NO MONEY, NO MISSION'
Businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, families and other groups form sponsored teams and schedule fundraisers several months before walking the track during the main event.
So far, Crestview's 32 teams and 239 participants have raised $44,952.65, according to www.relayforlife.org/crestviewfl.
Money raised boosts local programs and services that improve the quality of life for people with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society's Emerald Coast office.
For instance:
•$1,000 helps researchers study cancer, its causes and treatments
•$50 covers four rides to and from a cancer patient's treatments. The same amount covers six nights of a cancer patient and caregiver's lodging if they must travel far from home for treatment.
•$20 goes toward providing free cancer information to people calling 1-800-227-2345 or chatting online.
The same amount of money can help cover 20 people's clinical trials from more than 6,000 ongoing studies
However, a familiar saying in Relay For Life circles is "no money, no mission." Without team fundraisers and proceeds from the main event, there is no help for people with cancer.
REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE
While participants round the track, numerous teams will sell food, drinks and refreshments. There also will be live entertainment, namely Roger Whitaker, a former correctional officer sergeant at the Florida Department of Corrections, who lives in Bonifay and covers classic country songs.
Perhaps the night's most solemn moment is the 9 p.m. luminaria ceremony, when all the lights go down except for illuminated paper bags bearing the names of those who died from cancer.
That moment of remembrance is important, participants said.
So is looking forward to the future.
"I relay for Debbie from team Duke it Out, who lost her battle last year and who had been on our team for 13 years," Whitley said. "I relay for Karen, my friend and co-founder of Duke it Out, who is a cancer survivor. I relay for Laci and Mary, two more Duke team survivors. I relay for little Noah — a constant reminder of why we relay, hoping to find a cure so no child ever has to deal with cancer.
"I relay for all those we have lost, and to honor those who are in remission or still undergoing treatment."
David Meyer also knows his motivation.
"The first reason is for my friend, whose mother lost the fight to cancer over 15 years ago," he said. "It became real to me because this woman was also like a mother to me.
"I have another friend, who last month posted on social media that his mother is fighting cancer. As I walk around the track this year, I will think about both of these women."
A half-hour before the walk around the track kicks off at 7:30 p.m., a dinner honoring those who live with cancer will remind attendees why Crestview relays.
Survivors will help promote the fight against a deadly disease, and the goal to celebrate more birthdays.
"I'm tired of burying my family and friends," Gene Cox said. "Cancer has cut the lives short of so many people I know. I love to see the survivors, and look forward to (seeing) them every Relay."
Meyer agreed.
"I relay because of the survivors I have met during previous relays," he said. "They give me hope.
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WHAT: Relay For Life,an American Cancer Society fundraiser
WHEN: 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: Shoal River Middle School, 3200 Redstone Ave. E., Crestview
COST: Free to participate; food and drinks available at various tents; all proceeds benefit the ACS
Click here for the event website>>
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TONIGHT: Here's why these Crestview residents Relay For Life
Some very loving people in Crestview want to find forever homes for abandoned, neglected and abused animals.
Feline Friends of North Okaloosa regularly offers kittens and cats for adoption. The next event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Ace Hardware in Crestview. Specials include adopting two cats for one fee, and senior citizens over 60 years old may adopt an adult cat free until May 5. Call 682-7273 or see www.felinefriend.org for more information.
Panhandle Animal Lovers rescues homeless dogs — including some from "kill" shelters, which means certain death — and offers them for adoption. You can see the pictures at www.panhandleanimallovers.com/ and call 683-4104 for more information.
The kindness of people who run these shelters is overwhelming, but their supplies are limited. Both groups always need dry dog food; dry Purina cat and kitten chow; canned Friskies cat food — no beef; puppy pads; clay cat litter; towels and blankets; paper towels and drawstring trash bags; monetary donations for spaying, neutering and heartworm treatment; and foster homes.
I realize many people want a puppy or kitten, but there are so many advantages to adopting an older pet. My husband and I prefer older pets, as they are usually housebroken or litter-box trained, and the rescue organization knows whether they get along with other cats or dogs. All of our pets are rescued; they are absolutely delightful and we love them dearly; they provide so much love and companionship.
It seems to me that taking care of helpless pets, especially those who are abandoned, neglected or abused, is part of what we, as Christians, are called to do.
Kindness toward animals is one way of tangibly showing our faith in the Lord. He created animals, and we are to be good stewards of God's creation.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
Email listings of upcoming events to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Crestview pet rescues offer forever homes
MOBILE, Ala. — Music that church choirs across the nation will perform includes a song written by a Crestview man.
University of Mobile senior Ryan Jackson wrote “My Savior My King” two summers ago, and it was included in the album “Hymns and Worship” released last year by the university’s record label, 8Eighty Records.
Now, the song is receiving even wider release.
“How Excellent" — a book of music for choirs, praise teams, church orchestras and worship, from Prism Music Publishing in Nashville — will feature Jackson's music.
WATCH: Official music video for Ryan Jackson's "My Savior My King">>
Recently, the university submitted several works by students and alumni for consideration in the Prism project.
Roger Breland, the UMobile Center for Performing Arts' executive director, said Prism Music selected the school’s music program to make live concert CDs that accompany the book.
More than 200 worship pastors in Mobile listened to Jackson's music, along with that of others, during "The Retreat," an April 20-21 conference presented by the UMobile Center for Performing Arts, the Fisher-Brewer Worship Institute and Prism Music Publishing.
“How Excellent” composer and arranger Bradley Knight, worship leader at the Plano, Texas campus of Prestonwood Baptist Church — which has more than 40,000 members, directed the university’s 200-member choir, 65-piece orchestra and ensembles, including Voices of Mobile.
“I’m blown away by the opportunity and the goodness of the Lord,” said Jackson, who majors in worship leadership and will graduate in a few weeks. He will earn royalties from the song, which has the potential to be performed worldwide. He plans to head to Nashville to pursue songwriting.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man's song featured in praise and music book (VIDEO)
FORT WALTON BEACH — Eight Okaloosa County parks may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.
On Wednesday, Liza Jackson and Garniers Parks in Fort Walton Beach; Wayside Park, Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Clement E. Taylor Park and Henderson Beach, Destin; and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.
Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.
Call 689-7859 or 833-9247 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 8 parks receive advisories for hazardous water
When the Okaloosa County Livestock Judging Team competed in the annual West Florida Livestock Show last month, it was significant.
Our county hadn't sent a livestock judging team to the competition in over 15 years. Not until the March 6 event at the William M. Inman Agricultural Center in Quincy, Fla.
The group representing Okaloosa participated in the Livestock Judging Classes' Junior and Senior Divisions.
So, what is livestock judging?
Well, it consists of carefully analyzing animals and measuring them against a standard commonly accepted as being ideal. Livestock judging also has been defined as a study of the relationship between an animal's form and function.
There are two components: placing a group of animals, and orally justifying your decision — or, as it’s commonly known, giving reasons.
When a judging team member analyzes a class of animals, he or she is not only comparing the animals in the class, but also comparing each animal to the ideal animal in that species.
To do this, the judge must establish priority areas and develop strategies to arrive at the final placing of that particular class.
So, what are the benefits of being on a livestock judging team?
Well, it allows youths enrolled in 4-H Livestock Projects to demonstrate their knowledge of cattle, swine, lambs and meat goats.
This can lead to opportunities for traveling and scholarships.
In addition, the experience helps kids build self-esteem, and communication, observation and critical thinking skills.
Okaloosa County’s Livestock Judging Team meets monthly at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Building, 3098 Airport Road,Crestview.
Misty Smith is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
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DID YOU KNOW?
4-H, the Florida Cooperative Extension's youth development program, is open to all youths ages 5-18.
The group offers opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop leadership skills, and form attitudes to become productive, contributing members of the community.
If your children are interested in joining the Livestock Judging Team, contact Misty Smith, 689-5850 or mismith@ufl.edu.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's what it takes to be an Okaloosa livestock judge
CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center's staffers are celebrating National Donate Life Month.
The annual observance — which Donate Life America and partnering organizations established in 2003 — encourages people to register as eye, organ and tissue donors.
Last year at NOMC, 10 donors' contributions restored sight for up to 12 people, and various bone, tendon and skin grafts helped 400 or more people, according to the hospital's spokesperson.
Lesley Lang, of Life Net Health of Florida, recognized NOMC's "outstanding commitment to tissue donation," during an April 14 Donate Life Month flag-raising ceremony.
Learn more about organ donation here>>
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Organ donation takes focus in April
