lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Restaurant's breakfast menu debut raises $2,600 for mission

Written by archive on January 27, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — With area breakfasters' support, local missionaries now serving in Kenya are closer to buying a much needed van for their orphanage ministry.

While patrons last week indulged in breakfast sandwiches with oversized buttermilk biscuits, pancakes and waffles, $2,600 was raised for Ryan and Beka Boonstra’s mission.

Supporters turned out early to celebrate the Jan. 21 introduction of The Wild Olive’s breakfast menu and its Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

The McDuffie family, the restaurant's owners, are known for their faith-based generosity and willingly turned the unveiling of Chef Joseph McDuffie’s breakfast menu into a fundraiser for the Boonstra mission.

“We even had people donating money throughout the week,” restaurant host Michael McDuffie said.

The Boonstra Kenya Ministry operates orphanages in rural areas of the east African country near the capitol, Nairobi. They need to raise $9,000 for the van, Michael said.

“They are trying to purchase a larger vehicle since they have to transport themselves and their children across many miles,” Wild Olive co-owner Mike McDuffie said.

Chef Joe and his wife, Rachel, visited the Boonstra mission during the summer of 2014 and returned touched by the “great works” they witnessed, Michael, Joseph’s older brother, said.

Joseph McDuffie said he and his wife were amazed at how the Boonstras can stretch limited resources to serve the children with programs including church camps.

“It’s cool to see how just a little amount of resources go a long way,” he said. “What’s a little amount to us, they make go a long, long way.”

WANT TO HELP?

Residents wishing to donate to the Boonstra Kenya Ministry may bring monetary gifts to The Wild Olive during regular breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, 797 Pearl St. N., 682-4455. One hundred percent of money raised goes directly to the orphanage ministry.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Restaurant's breakfast menu debut raises $2,600 for mission

I AM WHERE? 'Jinxed Coffee'

Written by archive on January 27, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

In each Weekend Edition, the News Bulletin will provide clues to a certain North Okaloosa location. If you tell us the correct location, you could win lunch for two at Angel's Speakeasy in Crestview.

It's too late to enter last week's contest, but you can quiz yourself on North Okaloosa knowledge, just for fun!

HINT:

This morning I took a few practice swings with a cast iron skillet before I gave it to Pam. Can you believe a grown woman doesn’t have a cast iron skillet? How does she make corn bread?

But in 1915, people went to the flickers on this very spot. They had no choice: there wasn’t any other place to do it in the whole north county.

I take a deep whiff and can just smell the history seeping from the walls. Can I detect a hint of popping corn lingering beneath the turpentine, rubber and iron?

The clerk eyes me suspiciously with steeley eyes. Time to check out.

Where am I?

Spoiler alert:

* * * * * * * * *

The correct answer was: Juke Hill

Congratulation, Joe Coffield, who won!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: I AM WHERE? 'Jinxed Coffee'

LDS quorum members visit Northwest Florida

Written by archive on January 27, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Fort Walton Beach Stake held a Jan. 17 and 18 conference.

Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, presided over the meetings — Saturday in Fort Walton Beach and Sunday in Crestview — and addressed 998 members who attended.

Elder Robert W. Hymus, of the Quorum of the Seventy, presided over Saturday's two meetings. The Sunday meeting was held at the Crestview Community Center to accommodate members from congregations in Baker, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Niceville, Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

President Mike Roberts, who conducted the Crestview meeting, spoke of the blessings of being raised in the church, with all the teachings and examples of his parents guiding him, his brothers and sisters. Now, he said, those traditions are being carried on in his own young and growing family.

Hymus emphasized the importance of teaching children to recognize the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Several in the congregation were called to bear their testimonies.

At the close of the meeting, Anderson extended an invitation for children to come forward and shake his hand. Even though he had a plane to catch, he was there for nearly a half-hour shaking hands.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LDS quorum members visit Northwest Florida

Evangelical bodybuilders demonstrate strength of faith

Written by archive on January 23, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Though the front of Woodlawn Baptist Church’s sanctuary may look like a construction zone lately, the impression doesn’t last long.

Each night since Wednesday, stacks of cinderblocks, bricks and lumber are reduced to rubble at the hands — literally — of The Strength Team.

Led by former Seattle Seahawks football player Mike Hagen, the trio of body builders combines feats of brute strength with inspirational messages.

The construction materials and assorted common household goods “are all just tools to share the greatest love story that ever existed,” former Cleveland Browns running back William Green said.

With Zeb Bishop, a 6-foot, 5-inch tall, 310-pound former track and field athlete, Green and Hagen brave fire, smash bricks, roll up frying pans, bend rebar into loops, lift audience members and twist horseshoes backward to form heart shapes.

“The heart represents the love Christ has for you,” Hagen said. “Open up your heart and let Christ in.”

HEAVENLY AWARDS CEREMONY

Hagen and his teammates have had their share of accolades on the athletic field, but there’s one prize they have yet to win, he said.

“When you stand before the Lord, it’s going to be a great awards ceremony for believers,” Hagen said. “But when the unbelievers stand before the God, there will be no lawyers jockeying for position. There will be no settlement out of court.”

The team’s demonstrations and spirited evangelism enthuse their audiences, inspiring people to come forward and profess their faith, and reinforcing the faith of many others.

“I thought it was pretty great,” church youth member Wesley Barrow said. “I definitely felt a little inadequate, though.”

The Strength Team performs two more 6 p.m. shows tonight and Sunday at Woodlawn Baptist Church.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:Presentation by The Strength Team

WHEN:6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

WHERE:Woodlawn Baptist Church, 824 Ferdon Blvd. N.

COST:Free admission; a love offering will be received to support The Strength Team’s mission work in Haiti and elsewhere.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Evangelical bodybuilders demonstrate strength of faith

Milligan pastor stands by his sign's words (VIDEO)

Written by archive on January 21, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

MILLIGAN — The Rev. Mike White says Milligan Assembly of God's controversial sign about the sanctity of marriage came straight from the heart.

"Sometimes, we have to see if we’re really serious about what we believe,” he said. “It’s time for the church to stand up against sin.”

See Brian Hughes' interview with the Rev. Mike White>>

Many of society’s ills rest on pastors afraid to speak up against sin for fear of offending someone and losing members or financial support, White said.

“This is where I feel the church has failed,” he said. “Our ministers who stand in our pulpits have failed to preach against sin. It’s time the church acts like the church and be that voice it needs to be — and be unapologetic.”

The sign raised passionate debate among readers as near as North Okaloosa to as far as San Francisco. Here, he answers some of the questions they raised on Facebook.

Who decides the sign's message?

White: I normally do it. When the Lord gives me a thought, most of the time, it’s me.

What message did you want to send with this sign?

White: I felt compelled by the spirit of the Lord to make a stand. I felt compelled to make a stand and say our church would not perform any homosexual marriage at all.

Did your church members express concerns about the sign?

White: No, sir! The opposite happened. Ours is a very strong church. It stands strong for morality. As a pastor, it’s been eye-opening for me to see that reaction. I’ve been strengthened by our church’s reaction.

Have you received phone calls about the sign?

White: I received two or three extra-length emails, and a total of two or three calls. We got a lot of comment on the internet, too.

Did this sign seem controversial initially?

White: I don’t see what is insulting about what was put on the sign if you’re a Christian. I’m going to Heaven or I’m going to Hell. It’s an inter-self decision that you’re going to have to make yourself. It’s not something you just put on a sign.

What are your views on same-sex marriage?

White: It is a sin. It is a sin against God’s creative work. Not only did God make us in his image, he made us in his likeness. Why would God make anything or create anything that is an abomination against himself?

If someone in your church were gay, how would you treat them?

White: We welcome them here. We love them. We don’t love the sin, but we love them.

“The best thing we can do about sin is get it out of our heart by going to Christ and ask him for forgiveness,” White said.

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Agriculture's importance cannot be overstated

Written by archive on January 21, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

Hello, Okaloosa County! I'm Evan Anderson, your new University of Florida Agricultural Extension agent.

I look forward to covering Okaloosa and Walton counties after moving here to Florida from West Virginia.

I grew up and studied horticulture and agricultural education at West Virginia University.

My experience includes work on outreach to farmers in West Virginia as well as operating a community supported agriculture and market garden, growing vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Agriculture's importance cannot be overstated. Beyond food, which people need to survive, agriculture supplies us with many other materials. For example, locally grown cotton fibers are wonderfully useful for clothes.

Approximately $16 million annually is contributed to the local economy by agriculture and forestry, and the Extension Service has served those who work in these industries for a century.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to work for Extension in such a fantastic place, and I hope that I can help not only local farmers, but also communities, in every way I can.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or the Okaloosa County Extension office at 850-689-5850 for information on our programs.

Evan Anderson is an agent at the University of Florida/Institute of Agricultural Sciences' Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Agriculture's importance cannot be overstated

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Don’t let low rates sink your retirement plans

Written by archive on January 21, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

Over the past few years, if you’ve taken out a mortgage or another consumer loan, you’ve probably welcomed the low interest rates you may have received.

But as an investor, if you’ve kept any retirement savings in fixed-rate investment vehicles, you may have seen low rates in a less favorable light.

That’s why it may be time for you take a closer look at your financial strategy for working toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

You can always hope that interest rates will rise — and perhaps they will — but the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates at record lows in recent years to stimulate lending and boost the economy.

But rates can’t get much lower, and if inflation were to heat up, the Fed could reverse course by starting to raise rates.

If you’re going to do a good job of building financial assets for retirement, you really can’t afford to play “wait-and-see” with interest rates.

Instead, consider the following moves:

• Rebalance your portfolio. No matter what your situation is, it’s a good idea to periodically rebalance your investment portfolio to help ensure it still reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals.

If you’re concerned about low rates harming your future investment income, you have more reason than ever to review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed, relative to your objectives.

For example, if it seems that your portfolio has become “overweighted” in any one vehicle, you may need to change your investment mix, keeping in mind your individual risk tolerance.

• Redefine “retirement.” Retiring from one career doesn’t have to mean retiring from work altogether.

If you decide to work part time, do some consulting or even open your own small business, you may be able to earn enough income to take some of the “pressure” off your investment portfolio in terms of providing you with the money you need to live on during retirement.

Also, by working during your nominal retirement years, you may be able to delay taking Social Security until you’re a little older, when your monthly checks can be larger.

• Review your withdrawal strategy. During your retirement, the amount you choose to withdraw from your investments each year will depend on several factors, including the size of your portfolio and the amount of income it is providing.

As you chart your retirement strategy, you’ll need to factor in a realistic withdrawal rate.

• Re-examine sources of investment income. You may want part of your retirement income to come frominvestments that offer protection of principal. If so, you don’t have to settle for the lowest-rate vehicles.

By looking at various alternatives and blending them with your overall portfolio, you may be able to boost your income without significantly increasing your investment risk.

Just because interest rates are low, you don’t have to lower your retirement expectations — as long as you plan ahead and explore your options.

Yvonne Shanklin is a Crestview financial adviser. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Don’t let low rates sink your retirement plans

HAPPENINGS: A smile and greeting for every snowbird

Written by archive on January 20, 2015. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

This is the time of year when winter snowbirds return to Northwest Florida.

Welcome back; we are glad you have returned!

It is enjoyable to share a cup of coffee and catch up with our part-time residents. I have made new friends with people from Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois and other northern states. I hope they find our area as welcoming and friendly as our family does.

It is delightful talking with them about their hometowns and hobbies. Several of the ladies enjoy sewing and quilting; many attend our churches and Bible studies. They also frequent our restaurants and coffee spots, so it is easy to get to know them.

When I am out and about, I try to greet at least one person I don’t know. A smile and greeting are always welcoming.

While I am out, seeing our military in uniform makes me very grateful for the sacrifices they make for us. My family prays for our troops and their families, especially those who have loved ones deployed.

But I digress. We know where the winter snowbirds are, but what about when you travel?

Where would you like to go on a winter vacation, if time and expense were no object?There are so many fabulous spots to visit in our country.

Since I am not a fan of cold, I would go someplace warm such as Walt Disney World, San Diego or the Grand Canyon.

We have relatives who go to Arizona each winter. Skiers would love the ski runs in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington State, Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain — all gorgeous places.

Drop me a note and let me know where your ideal winter vacation would be. I am sure that we would all like to visit different places; it would be fun to explore our wish lists!

If you have any “Happenings” please drop me an email so that I can publicize it. My email is NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com Have a wonderful week and please say “hi” if you see me around town on my jaunts.

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.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: A smile and greeting for every snowbird

THIS WEEK: Florida Chautauqua assembly delves into transportation

Written by archive on January 20, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — The Florida Chautauqua’s Winter Assembly will focus on how people have traveled through the centuries.

“From the River to the Rocket: A Journey into the World of Transportation,” is a four-day, family-friendly, educational, cultural and entertaining gathering in the American Chautauqua tradition.

The assembly opens tomorrow and runs through Sunday.

Through lectures, presentations, displays and demonstrations, attendees will learn how American creativity and, sometimes, pure gumption propelled advances in travel and communication.

KEYNOTE HERO

Former astronaut Fred Haise, a lunar module pilot during 1970's nearly catastrophic Apollo 13 mission, will be the assembly's keynote speaker.

“We can’t be more proud to have Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise in our community,” Florida Chautauqua Association president and program chair Christopher Mitchell said.

“Mr. Haise’s contributions to space exploration (are) astounding, and thanks to his brilliant achievements and unbelievable experiences, our world is witnessing the technological advances in space we all never would have dreamed possible in our own lifetime,” Mitchell said.

Haise — whom actor Bill Paxton portrayed in Ron Howard's blockbuster film, "Apollo 13" — retired as president of Northrop Grumman Technical Services.

THINGS THAT GO ZOOM

Assembly attendees can get up close and personal with free exhibits of classic Studebakers and rub shoulders with “Tin Can Tourist” portrayers and their 1930s and '40s camping trailers.

The American car tradition includes an exhibition of original automotive design drawings by car designer Theodore Pietsch II, including his designs from the Studebaker Museum.

Displays of antique engines and old-time tractors join model trains and flyable model aircraft.

Historians present illustrated breakout sessions on transportation topics, including the development of Florida’s railway system, presidential carriages, Methodist circuit riders, the Eisenhower interstate system and Florida’s contribution to the space program.

SOCIAL TRAVEL MILESTONES

At one of the Chautauqua’s famed “performance teas,” historic re-enactor and actress Joanna Maddox portrays American pilot Bessie Coleman, the first black flyer to hold an international pilot’s license.

“A Bus Ride with Rosa Parks,” a dinner performance featuring Maddox, focuses on the civil rights pioneer’s historic Dec. 1, 1955, act of civil disobedience.

At another performance tea, Maddox interprets Dr. Mae Jemison, a chemical engineer, scientist, physician, teacher and astronaut who became the first black woman in space.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Augmenting ticketed events are free presentations, including a Civil War re-enactment around Lake DeFuniak, a pioneer village, a Muscogee Indian encampment, art shows and wildlife exhibits.

Artists will demonstrate plein-air painting, and children can get hands-on construction experience at the Home Depot Kids Clinic.

Historic displays include student projects, the Chautauqua Porcelain Show and associated displays in the Walton County Heritage Museum and the historic DeFuniak Springs Library.

THE AMERICAN CHAUTAUQUA MOVEMENT

The Chautauqua movement — founded in the 1800s in Chautauqua, N.Y. — gathered experts in a range of humanities to share their knowledge with attendees.

The assemblies featured lectures, sermons, concerts and demonstrations of scientific advancements.

These summer gatherings proved so popular that a winter assembly was created in DeFuniak Springs. Some of the modern Winter Assembly events are held in that original Hall of Brotherhood overlooking Lake DeFuniak.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:“From the River to the Rocket": The 2015 Florida Chautauqua Assembly

WHEN:Jan. 22-25, hours vary. Free exhibits, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE:Hall of Brotherhood and surrounding venues, Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs

COST:Astronaut Fred Haise lecture, $15; tickets limited. $150 “passports” include all events. Individual event and presentation tickets also available.

NOTES:Visit www.floridachautauquaassembly.org or call 892-7613 for passport or ticket purchases.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THIS WEEK: Florida Chautauqua assembly delves into transportation

Christian wellness seminars scheduled

Written by archive on January 20, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — A Creation Health Seminar is scheduled for 1:45-3:15 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 24 through March 14, at the Crestview Public Library.

Creation Health is a faith-based wellness plan with seminars and a training program.

"By consistently practicing Creation Health's principles— choice, rest, environment, activity, trust, interpersonal relationships, outlook and nutrition — we fulfill God’s original plan for our lives, which is to live and be happy," an event spokesperson said.

Pastor Martin Fancher, who opens Saturday's seminar, has presented the same lecture at the University of West Florida and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christian wellness seminars scheduled

850.682.6524