DESTIN — The Down and Dirty Destination Destin Author Bash is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Jan. 31 at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.
More than 40 authors — including S.M. Donaldson, author of "Letting Lox In" — will be present.
Tickets cost $10 per person, with a $1.24 processing fee. See the "Destination Destin Author Bash" Facebook page to order.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Author bash coming to Destin in January
Over 72 youths and a number of adults braved the rain and mud for three days last week to trek, pushing and pulling handcarts, through Blackwater Forest.
They pulled handcarts 7 miles the first day.
On the second day, they pulled 18 miles. Most of it was done with females separated from males.
This trek culminated the study of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' history class that met daily at 5:45 a.m. before high school classes.
Youths gave up modern conveniences and comforts of home to brave the elements for three days.
While trekking, they remembered the lives of pioneers whom they studied in church history class.
They also reflected on this experience and its meaning, studying scriptures and writing in their journals.
HISTORY
In 1856, Brigham Young, an American leader in the Latter-day Saint movement, used handcarts for crossing plains.
Wagons and teams were expensive, and most converts worked in factories and were unfamiliar with hitching animals to wagons and driving them. Out of 10 handcart companies, eight reached the Salt Lake Valley with no trouble.
But two companies were not so fortunate. Caught in early blizzards in October on the plains of Wyoming, they starved and experienced frostbite.
Of the 1,000 members of these two companies, more than 200 perished.
Rescuing the others "was a remarkable effort. Supplies and teams and drivers were called for at their semi-annual meeting, called General Conference, and immediately were sent out to rescue the pioneers on the plains of Wyoming," a news release states. "In spite of their efforts, they were delayed by the same blizzards raging on the plains.
"The hapless converts were down to just 4 ounces of flour to eat per day. When they saw the rescuers finally arrive with clothes and food, they cried with joy. But it took them many more days of travel before they reached their destination.
"The Willie Company took a short cut by crossing Rocky Ridge, a rough, fissured steep grade strewn with boulders. A storm was raging and it took them 18 hours in the dark to cross. Their journey began in July and did not end until December, when they were taken into homes of their fellow Saints."
IN PREPARATION
Northwest Florida youngsters prepared months for a similar journey, learning to set up tents, walking distances to get in shape, gathering supplies they would need, sewing sunbonnets and pioneer clothes, and making some of the handcarts.
Ohio Amish people made the handcarts' wheels.
At the end of their journey, they held a testimony meeting where they shared their thoughts on their experiences and of those hardy, suffering pioneers whose trek lasted for 1,000 miles.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LDS youths reflect on journey to commemorate pioneers' suffering
Vegetable gardening involves exercise and is a fun and educational outdoor activity for the whole family.
So why not make it a New Year's resolution?
Don't know the difference between a turnip and a tulip, or are you an accomplished gardener who grows everything from asparagus to zucchini? Either way, there’s something new to learn.
Children can learn that what is sown will be reaped. They also can learn about sharing and teamwork, and that not all benefits from work come in the form of money.
You can learn about science and experience food's origin in a garden. A child can discover the world of insects and learn that some are beneficial. Hopefully, they’ll learn to take care of the land and gain a skill they can share with their children.
Experienced gardeners can try to grow new things like Chinese cabbage, which tastes delicious raw or cooked. Or experiment, adding herbs such as lemon-balm, dill or chocolate mint, to the garden. Or, add color with annuals like marigolds, nasturtiums or ornamental kale.
Now is the time to begin planning.
Gardening 101
Want to start planting things? Follow these tips:
•Choose a sunny location close to a water source. Planting near the house makes it easier to care for the garden.
•Have your soil tested. This takes guesswork out of determining the amount and type of fertilizer necessary, as well as the amount of lime, if needed. Your University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences County Extension office can help.
•Make a list of plants to grow. Choose vegetables that you like, especially those recommended for North Florida, and order early to prevent delays. January is an excellent time to order seeds for your garden.
Larry Williams is an agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: A healthy New Year’s resolution
PENSACOLA — A new hospital study that examined patient engagement ranked Sacred Heart Health System’s three hospitals among the five best in Florida.
Becker’s Hospital Review and Axial Exchange developed the 2014 Hospital Patient Engagement Rankings based on readmission rates, patient satisfaction, patient education and community social media engagement.
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 23 in the nation for patient engagement. Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola and Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf in Port St. Joe ranked No. 3 and No. 5, respectively, of 160 Florida hospitals included in the study.
Becker’s Hospital Review defines patient engagement as the process by which patients become invested in their own health.
This occurs when facilities:
•Provide patients with information and tools that support self-care
•Have low 30-day readmission rates
•Have high patient-satisfaction scores
•Enable patients to have rich online interactions with the health system through patient portals and social media.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sacred Heart among top 5 for patient engagement
If you’re an investor, you probably had a pretty good year in 2014. But what’s in store for 2015?
It’s impossible to precisely predict financial markets' performance — but it is possible to identify economic conditions and market forces that may help shape the investment world's 2015 outcomes.
By paying close attention, you can gain valuable insights as to which investment moves might make sense for you.
Here are a few of these moves:
•Consider adding stocks. With stock prices having climbed higher and higher for more than five years, you might wonder if it’s time to scale back on your ownership of equities. After all, no “bull” market lasts forever.
Still, some factors point to continued strength for stocks over the long term. First, we are seeing signs of improving economic growth; employment gains and low oil prices are giving consumers more confidence, leading to a boost in spending. Second, corporate earnings — a key driver of stock prices — were quite strong in the second half of 2014, and companies appear poised to show more good results in 2015. Third, stocks — at least large-company stocks — are still reasonably valued, as measured by their price-to-earnings ratios.
Given these factors, you might want to think about adding quality stocks to your holdings — assuming, of course, these stocks can help meet your needs for a balanced portfolio. And be aware that even the most favorable conditions can’t assure a continued run-up in stock prices, which can and will fluctuate.
•Prepare for rising interest rates. For several years, interest rates have been at, or near, historical lows. Given the strengthening economy, and decreased need for stimulus, the Federal Reserve may well raise short-term interest rates in 2015, perhaps as early as this summer.
But long-term rates may start rising even before then, so you may want to take a close look at your bonds and other fixed-rate investments.
As you probably know, when interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds typically falls because investors won’t pay full price for your bonds when they can get newly issued ones that pay higher rates.
One way to combat the effects of rising rates is to build a “ladder” consisting of short-, intermediate- and long-term bonds. With such a ladder, you’ll be able to redeem your maturing short-term bonds and reinvest them in the new, higher-paying bonds.
•Seek investment opportunities abroad. Although economic growth has been slow in some parts of the world, especially China, many countries have initiated policies to spur economic growth. These actions can create opportunities for international equity investments.
Keep in mind: International investing involves particular risks, such as currency fluctuations and political and economic instability. So if you are considering foreign investments, you may want to consult with a financial professional.
There are no guarantees, but by following these suggestions, you may be able to take advantage of what looks to be a fairly favorable investment environment for 2015.
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: What does 2015 hold in store for investors?
MAITLAND — March of Dimes is raising awareness about the leading cause of infant mortality during National Birth Defects Prevention Month.
Each year in Florida, about 6,460 babies are born with a birth defect, including heart defects, cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome and spina bifida (open spine). Some defects have minor effects on a baby’s health; others cause lifelong disabilities.
In some cases, birth defects can be treated to improve the baby’s quality of life.
Among preventive measures is the mother's consumption of folic acid. Women of childbearing age are also encouraged to eat foods rich in folate, such as leafy green vegetables, oranges, peanuts and beans.
Other steps they can take to help prevent birth defects and have a healthy baby are:
•Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
•Talk to a health care provider about taking proper medications.
•Avoid alcohol, smoking and illicit drugs.
•See a health care provider regularly and discuss family history and use of medication.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: March of Dimes offers tips to prevent birth defects
TALLAHASSEE — Ronald McLean, 62, of Baker, claimed a $1 million prize in the $1,000,000 Golden Holiday Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.
He chose to receive his winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $754,233.91.
McLean purchased his winning ticket from Thumbs Up Food Stores, located at 1921 W. Highway 90 in Baker. The retailer received a bonus commission of $2,000 for selling the $1 million winning ticket.
The $10 Scratch-Off game features more than 1.3 million winning tickets and $33 million in total cash prizes. The game's overall odds of winning are one-in-3.41.
Scratch-Off games comprise approximately 64 percent of ticket sales and generate more than $640 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund in fiscal year 2013-14.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker man wins $1 million in lottery
NICEVILLE — “Celebration on Ice" brings world-class figure skating's glamour, grace and grandeur, combined with the pizzazz of Broadway and Hollywood, to the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center on Jan. 26.
Precision skaters will glide seemingly effortlessly over a synthetic ice rink on the Mattie Kelly Mainstage, accompanied by music ranging from classic rock and Motown to today’s radio hits.
Before there were skating shows such as “Celebration on Ice,” there was the Ice-Capades, which began in 1940, then, after decades of dazzling American audiences, fizzled out in 1995.
The spectacle drew millions of spectators to cheer world-renowned Olympic skaters, clowns and costumed pop culture icons as they swirled around the ice.
The Ice-Capades' glory lives on in shows such as “Celebration on Ice.”
“The ‘Celebration on Ice’ cast consists of professional figure skaters, specialty ice acts, comedians and a feel-good theme that makes the show great fun for audiences of all ages,” Mattie Kelly assistant director Sylvia Bryan said.
“From the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, to the exhilaration of Broadway and Hollywood, the family-friendly show is performed to the sounds of American classic tunes,” she said.
REMEMBERING THE ICE-CAPADES
Of all the events and shows the folks took my brother and me to see in The City — growing up within proximity of New York, there was no other city — Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus and The Ice-Capades still evoke the warmest memories.
Madison Square Garden seemed particularly huge to a small person, but when the houselights dimmed, it could be a remarkably intimate venue.
Especially that magical early 1970s January that Mother got rink-side seats for the Ice-Capades and we took my grandmother for her birthday.
The thrill of occasionally getting showered by ice crystals as cast members’ blades whizzed by on the other side of the low wall was surpassed when suddenly, after a particularly elegant sequence, a gentleman in evening clothes skated right up to Nanny and presented her with a gorgeous bouquet of at least two dozen frosted roses.
For a brief moment, the Hughes family was the focal point of the entire Garden as the spotlight caught the lot of us while the gentleman kissed Grandmother’s hand.
For about a week, I entertained the idea of being an ice performer, but attempts to remain upright while whizzing — so I thought, though it was more like floundering — around the frozen lake soon knocked the thought right out of me, bruised rump and all.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: “Celebration on Ice”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26
WHERE: Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center, on Northwest Florida State College's Niceville campus
COST: Tickets are $37 for adults and $22 for ages 18 and younger. Rates for groups of 10 or more are $32 adults, $17 for youths. Sales support Northwest Florida State College scholarship programs.
NOTES: Tickets available at the box office, 729-6000 and www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.
Email Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Celebration on Ice’ coming to Mattie Kelly Arts Center
Christmas gifts are opened, played with, exchanged, returned or put away.
Decorations are slowly being taken down.
Sad trees with no lights and decorations are out by the curb.
The Christmas and New Year's holiday seasons are almost behind us. Company has gone home and our lives are returning to what they were before Thanksgiving.
Weight was gained — guilty as charged — and now it's time to stick with our New Year's resolutions.
So far, I'm on track, and it's not even 2015 yet!
We have been eating a rainbow of vegetables — delicious.
Walking the collies would be easier if the weather would quit drizzling. Since I can't walk, I will ride the stationary bike.
I have spent time in prayer, but still need to spend more time in my Bible.
It is time to clean the house and get caught up on other chores that were neglected while I was baking and cooking.
My husband has been busy cutting up branches and preparing them for the trash.
There's so much to do, but I don't want to lose the wonderful things that happened during the holidays: namely visits with friends, letters received and terrific church services I attended.
But most of all, the grace and peace I have experienced.
We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to display our beliefs with nativity displays, menorahs and other faith-related items.
We are blessed with freedom, and need to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.
My hope is that just because the holidays are gone for this year, we won't lose the grace and patience displayed throughout the season.
Let us reflect on the blessings we will receive from the Lord throughout 2015. Send a note to a shut-in, make the call you've been meaning to make, and have a cup of coffee with a friend.
I wrote to one of Jim's elderly uncles today and we plan to meet friends for dinner tonight and another friend for lunch later in the week.
Please let me know what you will be doing to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.
I hope to see you around town when I am on my jaunts. If you see me, please say "hi."
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 and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Reflect on 2015's upcoming blessings
CRESTVIEW — How do photographers interpret “street life” in their images? The Crestview Photo Club wants to know.
The club’s “Street Life” online photography competition starts Jan. 1 and runs through the month. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners.
“Get your creativity on!” club member Elaine Lowry said. “It’s a petty varied topic, so we’re just looking for people shots or street scenes, really; whatever people shoot that says ‘street life’ to them.”
The contest is open only to non-members of the club, Lowry said.
“It could be somebody who just shoots a photo with a phone or a professional,” she said.
To enter, photographers must upload titled photographs depicting street life compositions to the Crestview Photo Club’s Facebook page, where the public can vote for their favorites.
The club asks for a $2 donation per submission, which the non-profit uses to mount public exhibitions, such as one running in January at the Crestview Public Library, and for materials for services including the club’s Fall Festival photo booth, Lowry said.
Photographers should send their names, phone number, email address, photograph titles and donations to the Crestview Photo Club, P.O. Box 1573, Crestview FL 32536-1573.
Email News Bulletin Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview group's contest asks photographers to interpret street life
