lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

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

FINANCIAL FOCUS: What do low oil prices mean for investors?

Written by archive on January 12, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

As you’ve no doubt noticed, your trips to the gas station have been a lot more pleasant these past several months.

Certainly, low oil prices have been welcome to you as a driver. But when oil is cheap, is that good for you as an investor?

There’s no clear-cut answer. But consider the following effects of low oil prices:

• Positive impact on economy — When you spend less at the gas pump, relative to recent years, what will you do with your savings?

Like most people, you’ll probably spend most of it on goods and services. If you multiply the amount of your increased spending by that of millions of other Americans saving money on gas, you can see that consumers are likely adding billions of dollars to the economy.

Typically, a strong economy is also good for the financial markets — and for people who invest in them.

• Varying results for different sectors — Different sectors within the financial markets may respond in different ways to low oil prices, even if the overall effect is generally positive.

For example, businesses such as consumer goods companies and auto manufacturers may respond favorably to cheaper oil and gas. But the picture might be different for energy companies.

You could spend a lot of time and effort trying to adjust your investment portfolio in response to low oil prices. In fact, you may want to consult with your financial professional to determine which moves might make sense for your individual situation.

There’s actually a bigger lesson to be learned here: Don’t overreact to temporary developments. Oil prices' recent decline has certainly had an economic impact, but no one can predict how long these prices will stay low or what other factors may arise that would affect the financial markets.

That’s why you can’t reconfigure your portfolio based on particular events, whatever they may be — oil price drops, interest-rate fluctuations, political squabbles at home, natural disasters in faraway lands, and so on.

If you can keep from being overly influenced by specific events, you may be able to gain at least two key benefits.

First, by not making trades constantly in reaction to the day's headlines, you can avoid piling up heavy fees and commissions — costs that can reduce your investments' return rate.

Second, you’ll find that if you aren’t always thinking about what’s going on in the world today, you can focus investment efforts more intensely on where you want to be tomorrow.

The most successful investors set long-term goals and don’t focus on factors they cannot control, such as oil prices, interest-rate changes or other economic events.

Instead, these investors make adjustments, as necessary, to accommodate changes in their goals as well as other changes, such as revisions in tax laws — but they basically stick to their same approach for the long term.

So be aware of low oil prices, but don’t get so “pumped” about them that you sludge up your consistent investment strategy — because that strategy has the energy to keep you moving toward your important objectives.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of Crestview Financial Adviser Yvonne Shanklin.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: What do low oil prices mean for investors?

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Trees — not just important on Arbor Day

Written by archive on January 12, 2015. Posted in lifestyle.

Take a breath — thank a tree. Enjoy nature — thank a tree. Save money — plant a tree.

Florida’s Arbor Day is the third Friday in January; this year, that's Jan. 16. Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April, but each state recognizes the holiday based on the most suitable tree planting season.

Florida’s climate in January allows trees to be dormant and easy to transplant with minimal risk of shock.

Additionally, the ground is not frozen, so installation doesn’t require intensive labor or heavy equipment.

But trees are critical to our everyday life, not just something we recognize annually. Consider this:

•They are an important component of the natural landscape because of their ability to prevent soil erosion and preserve the integrity of topsoil, as well as slow water runoff, and absorb polluted water, naturally improving water quality.

•Trees also play an important role in producing oxygen and reducing the atmosphere's carbon dioxide. One mature tree absorbs carbon dioxide at 48 pounds per year.

•Trees help people heal faster. Research has proven that individuals recovering from illnesses or injuries recover more quickly when they can view trees and nature from their windows.

•Trees planted on playgrounds, along walkways and in housing areas decrease ultraviolet exposure, muffle noises, and calm people. Studies have shown that neighborhoods with more trees have fewer incidents of violence than communities with fewer trees.

•Homes landscaped with trees are worth 4 to 15 percent more and sell sooner than homes without trees.

•Studies have shown that people walking or driving down a street lined with trees are more inclined to spend more time shopping. These patrons are willing to pay up to12 percent more for goods and services when the atmosphere is enjoyable.

•Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be "heat islands," with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas.

•Trees can lower a household or business' air-conditioning and heating costs by decreasing energy use. If the right tree is planted in the right place, it can reduce the utility bill by up to 40 percent.

In Northwest Florida, over 30 percent of the trees have been removed due to storms and development. That is the same percentage of trees remaining on the world's land area.

With Arbor Day fast approaching, now is the time to plant more trees.

Sheila Dunning is a Commercial Horticulture Extension agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Trees — not just important on Arbor Day

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