lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

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

Wine, food tasting to benefit Okaloosa Arts Alliance

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

DESTIN — A wine and food tasting, 4-6 p.m. Sunday at La Famiglia at Harborwalk Village, will offer fine wines paired with samplings of authentic Italian cuisine.

Attendees can enjoy live entertainment and drawings for chances to win tickets to upcoming events. The Okaloosa Arts Alliance will also present grants to five local non-profit organizations.

Individual tickets cost $25 or two tickets for $45; tickets for OAA members are $20 each. All proceeds benefit the Okaloosa Arts Alliance.

See www.okaloosaarts.org, email amybaty1@gmail.com or call 499-8335 to book reservations.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wine, food tasting to benefit Okaloosa Arts Alliance

HAPPENINGS Tips to protect your ID

Written by archive on January 19, 2015. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

This time of year, we have frigid weather for a few days and then it warms up.

And then the frigid weather returns.

My collies aren't used to the freezing weather; I watched Shane run outside, bark at squirrels and go to the water bowl to drink.

Oops — it was frozen solid.

He was so cute; he scratched his paw against it and looked at me. I invited him into the house for a drink of liquid water.

Aside from bundling up — or not — for 2015's fickle weather, the beginning of this year is a good time to take stock of safety and security.

Specifically, Internet security.

Take it from me — we had a laptop so infected with malicious adware that it basically shut itself down. Apparently, a pop-up ad that looked legitimate was clicked on and it was malware.

I looked at the laptop, was checking for a solution, and the first ad that popped up said, "We are a Microsoft partner, click here and we will fix the computer."

Feeling suspicious, I texted a friend who told me not to trust them. I then called my brother, who works in IT; he walked me through the process of getting the malware off the computer and getting the system up and running again.

But it took two days.

Although I am no computer "geek," I've had some experience in this area. So here are some friendly tips to keep you safe on the net:

• Never click on an ad or offer that just pops up. It could be malware or a virus.

• Make sure your anti-virus program is up to date. There are many free anti-virus programs available; Avast, AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials are a few of the trustworthy ones.

• Never give your passwords to anyone, make sure your passwords are strong — not easy to guess — and don't use your birth date, anniversary or a child's name.

•Never give information about your credit cards or banking information to anyone who calls. Politely tell them you don't share that information, hang up and call your bank or credit card company from the information listed on your statement. Make sure the phone is answered by the right business.

•Provide no personal information by email unless you have already verified this is a legitimate request and that the information requested is necessary for refinancing your home or some other purpose. You can always call the bank or mortgage company if you have any questions.

•Don't give out your Social Security number over the phone, guard it closely, and even in person ask the person why they need it. Make sure it is legitimate need.

•Don't get too friendly with strangers on social media and don't post that you are leaving town, or give out personal information.

•There are no princes in other countries trying to get their money out of the country and needing you to send them money so they can transfer it to your checking or savings account.

•The Internal Revenue Service does not call and request payment over the phone; they send letters.

•If someone calls and says that they notice you are having trouble with your computer and they can help you, hang up. This is a scam!

I hope that you are having a great new year and remember, stay safe! If you see me around town, please say "hi."

STAY SAFE

See the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office's webpage, www.sheriff-okaloosa.org, or the Crestview Police Department, http://www.crestviewpd.org/?page_id=36, for more crime prevention tips.

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 Tips to protect your ID

Flu season in full swing, but shots still available

Written by archive on January 19, 2015. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center's staff has seen a growing number of flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room since late November, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Numerous patients have also been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications.

Flu activity in the U.S. commonly peaks between December and February, but can continue as late as May.

In the meantime, it's not too late to get the flu shot. Even if the flu season peaks soon, the virus will still be around for months.

Here are three tips to stay safe:

•Vaccinate. Get the flu shot for yourself and everyone in your family. It’s available at your doctor’s office and many urgent care centers in the area, with many offering same-day appointments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone older than 6 months, except people with severe egg allergies, be immunized. Both shot and nasal spray vaccine forms are safe and effective and rarely have side effects.

"Vaccination is the simplest step you can take to protect yourself," said Vicente Mendez, M.D., North Okaloosa Physician Group. "More often than not, the patients I see who have the flu did not take this action to protect themselves or their family."

•Get treatment. If you do get the flu, your doctor or an urgent care center can prescribe antiviral medication to treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to catching the flu and experiencing complications. It’s important to treat high-risk individuals promptly to avoid hospitalization.

Antiviral medication works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. These drugs can also lessen serious flu complications.

•Prevention. Avoid sick people and wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and resist touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

In addition, avoid close contact with people who have the flu or symptoms; and, if you’re sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others.

“Though this year’s flu vaccination is not a perfect tool, it’s the best way to protect against flu infection,” Mendez said. "Caregivers at our clinic and North Okaloosa Medical Center take the safety of our patients seriously, and we’ve had a high participation rate with voluntary vaccination efforts among our clinicians and physicians."

DID YOU KNOW?

Flu is one of the nation's leading causes of death, with roughly 24,000 people a year dying from flu and its complications.

Latest figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the flu hitting hard in all but seven states this year.

MORE DETAILS

Visit the flu section at www.northokaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Flu season in full swing, but shots still available

Award-winning pianist recital benefits NFSO

Written by archive on January 16, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

KENNY BROBERG RECITAL:7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Tyler Recital Hall, Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center, Niceville. The award-winning pianist will perform as part of the Guest Artist Recitals series benefiting the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Complimentary refreshments served beginning at 7 p.m.

Broberg, 21, is studying at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. His many awards include the Bronze Medal at the New Orleans International Piano Competition, Silver and Bronze Medals at the prestigious Wideman International Piano Competition, the Gold Medal at the Mika Hasler Young Artist Competition, and the Silver Medal at the Young Texas Artists Music Competition.

Broberg will perform a varied program featuring the music of Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin and Barber.

Tickets: $25, all proceeds benefitting the NFSO, available at the Box Office, 729-6000 or www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org. The cost includes complimentary beverages and refreshments starting at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall lobby.

PHOTO EXHIBIT: The Crestview Public Library's north wall features photography by the Crestview Photo Club. The club welcomes members of all skill levels. Meetings are 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the library.

Email arts or entertainment listings to brianh@crestviewbulletin.com or call 682-6524 at least two weeks before the event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Award-winning pianist recital benefits NFSO

Niceville church breaks ground on newest Crestview campus

Written by archive on January 16, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Members and officials of the Niceville United Methodist Church gathered in a clearing in the woods off Old Bethel Road Tuesday morning to break ground for their new church.

To be called the Crosspoint North Crestview Church, it will be the Niceville church’s second Crestview campus.

The church’s St. Mark United Methodist campus serves families in South Crestview. Now, church leaders are focusing on the north end of town.

“We’ve been watching Crestview for a long time because the harvest is plentiful here,” the Rev. Rurel Ausley, pastor of the Niceville campus, said.

GOD’S LAND

His wife, the Rev. Lisa Ausley, said the new campus’ location — across the street from Davidson Middle School and near Cresview High School — will benefit the church’s children and student ministries.

“We do a lot of school ministry,” she said. “There are 2,500 children within 100 yards of this campus.”

During his remarks, Rurel Ausley said the groundbreaking reminded him of Biblical stories.

“I was thinking about the children of Israel going to a new land,” he said. “The water (of the Jordan River) didn’t stop them until when? Until they stepped in it. You have to take steps.

“The Promised Land was important, but once they took the land, the focus was on becoming people of God. This is a step in establishing a people of God in North Crestview.”

CITY APPROVAL

At Monday’s meeting, the Crestview City Council, in two unanimous votes, approved sending rezoning of the almost 11-acre campus site to the state for approval, and approved construction plans for the 19,815-square-foot church.

City zoning consultant Jack Dorman said because the zoning changed from residential to “public lands,” there will be less impact on traffic. The rezoning also discourages “urban sprawl,” Dorman’s study states.

The church will receive water from Auburn Water System, but will tap into an existing city sewer line servicing the Winn-Dixie shopping center across Old Bethel Road.

Lisa Ausley said the congregation hopes to move into the new church sometime in fall.

“It’s going to go up as fast as it can go up,” she said.

The Rev. Jeff Burnett will be pastor of the new church.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Niceville church breaks ground on newest Crestview campus

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