lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Free hunter safety Internet-completion course offered at Bass Pro Shops in Destin

Written by archive on October 13, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

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

Exodos Ministries celebrates new location with block party (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Written by archive on October 13, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

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)

Church: food, clothing ministry closed due to reorganization

Written by archive on October 10, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

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

October proclaimed Italian American Heritage Month in Crestview

Written by archive on October 10, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

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 Methodist church hosting annual crafts bazaar

Written by archive on October 9, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Crestview First United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at its Crossroads Center, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

Lunch will be available for purchase during the event.

Limited spaces are still available for artists and vendors. For more information, contact Bobbi Burton, 850-758-8085.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Methodist church hosting annual crafts bazaar

Homecoming service announced at Svea Assembly of God

Written by archive on October 9, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL — Svea Assembly of God Church north of Laurel Hill is hosting Homecoming this month.

Services begin with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and morning worship at 10:45 a.m. at the church, 4638 Grimes Road.

Guest speaker is Joel Davis, and guest group Sound and Spirit will sing after lunch.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Homecoming service announced at Svea Assembly of God

Blue Jean Ball nets $20K for Covenant Hospice; organizers announce ball's 2015 (VIDEO)

Written by archive on October 9, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

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)

Fall Bluegrass Festival returns to Holiday Hills Music Park

Written by archive on October 8, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL — Organizers are wrapping up planning for the Holiday Hills Music Park Fall Bluegrass Festival.

Bands will take to the stage in Alford Ranch's pole barn, just as they had for the spring festival after the original performance barn burned down in an accidental blaze.

For bluegrass music fans like Lena Dietiker, that’s good news.

“They’re the nicest people, and it’s always a great time,” the Crestview resident said.

Festivities begin Oct. 16 with a covered dish supper followed by bluegrass jammin’ on the stage. The next day, bands play from 6-9 p.m.

Featured bands include Straight and Narrow, The Alabama Gentlemen, Cedarrock, Dismal Creek, Route 55 and Truegrass. Arts and crafts will be on exhibit and offered for sale. Food is available at the park’s Country Kitchen.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs — no high-backs — and pets on a leash are welcome at the campground. Food isavailable for purchase at the park’s Country Kitchen.

Hook-ups are available for $15 for those who bring their campers or trailers. Rough camping is free.

Call 652-4538, 612-6575 or 978-0436for more details.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Holiday Hills Fall Bluegrass Festival

WHEN: 5 p.m. Oct. 16; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17; 1-5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Oct. 18

WHERE: Holiday Hills Music Park, Alford Ranch, 4191 Bluegrass Parkway, off State Road 85, 3 miles north of Laurel Hill

COST: $15 weekend ticket; $5 Thursday; $7 Friday; and $10 Saturday. Camping: Hook-ups: $15; rough camping: Free

NOTES: Bring your own lawn chairs; no high-backs; pets welcome on a leash in the campground; food available for purchase at the park’s Country Kitchen. Information: 652-4538, 612-6575 or 978-0436

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fall Bluegrass Festival returns to Holiday Hills Music Park

"Camelot" performance scheduled at Niceville college campus

Written by archive on October 8, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — The Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, will present one of Broadway's most memorable productions.

"Camelot," a Lerner & Loewe musical, retells the story of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

Tickets are $47 at the Box Office, 729-6000 or www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org. Price includes $2 box office processing fee.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: "Camelot" performance scheduled at Niceville college campus

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Blame ragweed, not goldenrod, for fall hay fever

Written by archive on October 7, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Goldenrod, with its yellow flowers held high on stems swaying by autumn winds, is a familiar sight this time of year.

This plant often is blamed for the sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes that many people have while goldenrod blooms. But ragweed is the common culprit causing these allergy symptoms.

Ragweed — which blooms the same time as goldenrod: August to frost — releases billions of tiny, lightweight pollen grains into the air this time of year. Its pollen causes much of the hay fever problems.

Goldenrod's pollen is too large, heavy and sticky to be windborne. It relies on insects to carry its pollen.

I suppose if you put your nose right up into a cluster of goldenrod flowers and took a big sniff, you might be bothered by the pollen, but otherwise, it’s not going to get into your nose.

Goldenrod is an innocent bystander; ragweed remains camouflaged, releasing its pollen. Ragweed visually blends in with other green plants.

Despite the fact that common ragweed, an annual, can grow 3 to greater than 6 feet tall, it just does not get your attention.

It is quite common along roadsides, vacant lots and abandoned fields. Its inconspicuous flowers start out green, similar in color to the leaves; they turn a yellowish green and finally dry to a brown color. They are never showy.

Enjoy goldenrod's blooms this fall, but please do not blame them for your allergies.

Larry Williams is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Blame ragweed, not goldenrod, for fall hay fever

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