CRESTVIEW — Musicians George Keith and Scrammy Lane will perform next week at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.
Keith & Lane, the guitarist and mandolin players, will perform a variety of folk, bluegrass, country and Celtic music.
For more information on the free concert, call the library at 850-682-4432.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Strings' performance coming to Crestview library
Editor's Note: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Keep reading the Crestview News Bulletin throughout the month for news and feature stories about this issue.
CRESTVIEW — A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but there are many ways to get through it, said breast cancer survivor Lizzy Swanson.
“You just got to deal with it and have a great attitude about it,” she said.
Lizzy, a loss prevention specialist for area Tom Thumb convenience stores, had two breast cancer scares: one in 1997; the other in 2011.
Her husband, Paul, said she handled each diagnosis “like a trooper.”
“Her mental state never quavered,” he said.
After the 2011 diagnosis, she decided to have a double mastectomy. The decision to remove both breasts followed positive results of a BRCA gene test, which determines whether breast or ovarian cancer is hereditary.
Lizzy said the procedure had no effect on her spirit or her sense of femininity.
“Breasts really don’t make the woman,” she said.
When facing such a diagnosis, she said it helps to get informed immediately.
“Get knowledgeable; the internet is so great,” she said. “Definitely read up on it and realize your life is not over.”
For support, Lizzy suggests talking to other men and women dealing with the same situation.
“When you talk with other cancer survivors, it makes you healthy, because (you realize) you’re not alone” she said.
One way to do that is to regularly participate in local American Cancer Society awareness events, like Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Having her employer's support also has helped. At last year’s Relay For Life of Crestview, Tom Thumb donated $35,000 toward the ACS.
Paul remained supportive during his wife’s two bouts with breast cancer, and now Lizzy is supporting Paul while he battles stage five chronic kidney disease.
“We back each other up,” Paul said. “I love her to death.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOW TO BATTLE BREAST CANCER: 'Have a great attitude,' survivor says
FORT WALTON BEACH — She’s still the fairest of them all — and the witch is just as nasty — but the Northwest Florida Ballet gives the familiar fairy tale a whole new twist this weekend.
“The Brothers Grimm’s ‘Snow White’ has been a beloved staple of childhood for generations,” NWFB marketing assistant Megan Fontaine stated in an email. “This new production is … given new life on stage.”
Mobile Ballet artistic director Winthrop Corey choreographed the production, which opens Saturday at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. His transformation of the story premiered in March 2013.
In a preview interview on AL.com, Corey described his restaging as a performance suitable for a 5- to a 55-year-old audience member.
“I didn’t want to do anything quirky,” he said.
He particularly wanted to avoid Disney-fying the story, especially in representing the dwarves. Don’t expect Sleepy, Dopey, Sneezy and others, but do expect Corey’s delightful solution.
His production is set to music by a range of classic and popular composers, including Jules Massenet, Bedrich Smetana and Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Dazzling costumes and scenery evoke scenes ranging from a stately English garden party to the grandeur of an imperial Russia court ball for this colorful, creative, lively and glorious “Winthrop Corey’s Snow White.”
WANT TO GO?
WHAT:“Winthrop Corey’s Snow White”
WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 18; 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19
WHERE: Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College Niceville campus
COST: $32, adult; $15, children
NOTES: Tickets available at 664-7787 or nfballet.org. $80 adult, $40 child season-package tickets, with 20 percent savings, available through Oct. 17.
Email News Bulletin Arts Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Not Disney's 'Snow White': NWF Ballet gives favorite fairy tale a new twist
BAKER — Kyra Crowson wants to set the record straight about Exodos Ministries, a rehabilitation ministry for men with chemical addictions.
“To be clear, we are not a (detoxification) facility. People do not come to us suffering withdrawal symptoms and a panicky mindset,” she said in a statement. “Our men come to us for after-care. They have already detoxed and experienced withdrawal."
PHOTOS: See 34 photos from the Exodos Ministries block party>>
The ministry, which has moved from Crestview to Baker, faces some opposition. Several Buckward Road residents have posted signs on their property requesting that no rehabilitation or detoxification facility be placed in the neighborhood.
The nonprofit presented a block party on Saturday to clear up such misconceptions, event organizers said.
'NOT A SCARY INSTITUTION'
“This is to introduce to our community that we are a faith family ministry; we are not a program and not a scary institution,” Crowson said of the block party.
Although the location will be different, the ministry’s mission remains the same: to lead men from alcohol and drug addictions through spiritual guidance, she said.
Volunteers screen the men beforehand; the ministry doesn't accept individuals with a criminal background, like assault, Crowson said.
Crestview resident Brody Bonta said a three-month stay at Exodos helped him overcome his addiction to pain medication.
“It completely changed my life … I definitely could not do it on my own,” he said. “It definitely allowed me to get quiet and spend time with God.”
'IT'S A GOOD THING'
Jessica Mann, who lives next door to the new location, said she supports the effort.
“I’m not opposed to it all; I think it’s a good thing,” Mann said. “If they are trying to help people, then it’s always a good thing.”
Local businesses, organizations and churches showed their support by volunteering at the block party's skee ball and ring toss booths.
Russell Moorman — owner of AAA Waste Services in Crestview, who drove a tractor for the hay ride — said he will support the ministry in any way possible.
The reason is simple, Moorman said.
“They are trying to change lives and put (people) on the right path,” he said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Exodos Ministries celebrates new location with block party (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Committee is hosting its eighth annual Community Health Fair in October for people of all ages.
The fair is 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.
Up to 80 vendors will provide healthcare information, screenings, services, education and more.
The committee's goal is to build awareness of the many health-related organizations available in Crestview and surrounding areas.
Local talent will perform throughout the day.
For details on vending or more information, call 682-3212.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Community Health Fair planned in October
VALPARAISO — CoffeeHouse Live! is coming again to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Emerald Coast, 1295 Bayshore Drive, Valparaiso.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the public is invited to enjoy the fun of a coffee house with open mic, music, poetry, storytelling and performances of all kinds. It begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Admission is free, but donations at the door are very much appreciated.
Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged but not required.
A “Haunted Room” will be open for children of all ages. Event coordinator Dave Abraham said, “This has been such a fun event over the many years we have been having the “CoffeeHouse LIVE!
Refreshments will be available.
Call Dave at 850-217-8481 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CoffeeHouse Live! planned in Valparaiso
DESTIN — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a free hunter safety Internet-completion course in Okaloosa County.
The course takes place at Bass Pro Shops, 4301 Legendary Drive, Destin. Instruction is from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 28 and 30, and attendance is required at both class sessions.
Students must complete the Internet course before coming to class and bring a copy of the final report from the online portion of the course. The final report form does not have to be notarized.
An adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. Students should bring a pencil and paper with them to take notes.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
People interested in attending this course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling Hunter Safety Coordinator Will Burnett at the FWC’s regional office in Panama City at 850-265-3676.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free hunter safety Internet-completion course offered at Bass Pro Shops in Destin
CRESTVIEW — Mayor David Cadle has proclaimed October National Italian American Heritage Month in Crestview. Among observances, the local Order Sons of Italy lodge is hosting its annual pasta dinner.
Richard A. Capozzola Lodge President Thomas Hughes Sr. said Cadle’s proclamation followed Gov. Rick Scott’s statewide proclamation.
“Ties of Italy to America date back to Italian explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci, the namesake of this country,” Cadle stated in his proclamation.
“Italian immigrants are recognized for their courage in coming to America and their strong belief in family and tradition, and the descendants of these early families have worked diligently to become educated and productive Americans while honoring their Italian heritage,” he stated.
Hughes, who has two Italian stepchildren, said the Crestview lodge welcomes anyone of Italian ancestry or anyone interested in Italian culture to join its 35 members.
“I love Italian culture and heritage, I love my stepchildren, and of course, I love Italian food!” Hughes said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT:Order Sons of Italy Crestview Lodge Family Pasta Night
WHEN:5-7 p.m. Oct. 17
WHERE:Foxwood Country Club, 4927 Antioch Road, Crestview
COST:$7, adults; $3.50, children under 12
NOTES:Cost includes pasta with meatball or sausage, salad, bread, dessert and water. Cash bar available.
CONTACT: Joy, 689-8995, or Karen, 682-1416
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: October proclaimed Italian American Heritage Month in Crestview
CRESTVIEW — The Raymond Williams Mission Center, which provided food and clothing to needy residents, has been closed since Sept. 18.
Jason Stokes, New Beginnings Church's associate pastor, said a reorganizational effort within the church led to the ministry's closure, and no date is set to reopen the facility.
In the meantime, the church has received phone calls about the situation.
“We hate to be an inconvenience to anyone,” Stokes said. “It wasn’t because we did something bad or because of the people we were serving.”
The ministry’s volunteers provided free food and clothing for almost 60 people each day.
Donations from Milton’s Bay Area Food Bank, food from Winn-Dixie and Wal-Mart, financial support from New Beginnings Church members and contributions from government commodities fueled the ministry.
Stokes said he doesn't know when it will be, but the church plans to inform the public about a potential reopening date.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Church: food, clothing ministry closed due to reorganization
CRESTVIEW — Covenant Hospice has an extra $20,000 after the annual Blue Jean Ball, staffers said.
The Oct. 4 Arabian Nights-themed evening included a dinner buffet by Chef Brian Cartenuto, a silent auction and — of course — dancing, a Blue Jean Ball fixture.
Optometrist Dr. Wanda Batson, Joel Davis of Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes, and gastroenterologist Dr. Khalid Moussa participated in the Dancing with the Crestview Stars segment, which matched community business leaders — amateur dancers — with professional partners from Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
The event also featured a crowd-pleasing Bollywood performance, belly dancing and fire juggling in the Crestview Community Center.
"I think the entertainment was so fantastic," Covenant's senior development and communications manager Jenni Perkins said. "We were extremely pleased with the turnout and the results. We had just glowing remarks."
Now, organizers already are planning for next year's ball.
It'll bring a"1920s speakeasy, Great Gatsby sort of feel in the community center," Perkins said.
In the meantime, Covenant — which has a number of locations throughout the Florida Panhandle — has other fundraisers planned before the new year.
Locally, there's the 2nd Annual Covenant Alzheimers Services' Miles of Memories 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk. It's scheduled for 8 a.m. Nov. 8 at Bluewater Fitness Center in Niceville.
Covenant Hospice’s physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides and trained volunteers make regular visits to deliver medical care, help with personal care or facilitate legacy-building or reconciliation with family members and significant others.
“We also provide support for survivors as they move through bereavement to renewal,” Perkins stated in an email.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Blue Jean Ball nets $20K for Covenant Hospice; organizers announce ball's 2015 (VIDEO)
