lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Okaloosa genealogical society meeting focuses on military records research

Written by archive on October 3, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

VALPARAISO — The Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

Guest speaker Bert Blackmon will present information on researching military records.

The meeting will be followed by an optional Dutch Treat lunch at a nearby restaurant.

For information, email gsocokaloosa@yahoo.com or visit the group's website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa genealogical society meeting focuses on military records research

Community support drives ministry serving food for the poor

Written by archive on October 3, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — No one in the Baker, Milligan and Holt areas must go hungry. At least, not with Helping Hands Ministry around.

Jesse Jordan and his wife, Linda, lead the ministry that weekly prepares hot meals and groceries for needy residents. Volunteers from Shady Grove and Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church help.

On Wednesdays, volunteers prepare hot meals at Shady Grove; every other Friday, the ministry prepares boxes of groceries, Linda said. Volunteers deliver meals and groceries, upon request, on Wednesdays. Alternatively, residents can pick up food at the church.

“All this is just planting a seed and letting (residents) know that there is someone (who) cares enough to see that they got a meal to eat,” Jesse said. “The Lord laid it on my heart to do this since day one."

It all started four years ago when a girl asked to borrow money just to buy something to eat. Jesse wanted to know if there were more families in similar situations; when he got his answer, the couple began the ministry.

Baker area businesses' contributions, Shady Grove and Good Hope Congregational Church's financial support and Destin Harvest's food donations also fuel the ministry.

With such community support, “God has blessed us tremendously,” Linda said.

FAST FACTS

•Helping Hands Ministry delivered 3,700 hot meals last year and nearly 300 bags of groceries

•The ministry has already served nearly 3,000 meals this year.

HOW TO HELP

Call Linda Jordan, 758-1766, to learn more about the ministry

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community support drives ministry serving food for the poor

Niceville UMC is considering this location for next Crestview campus

Written by archive on October 3, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Old Bethel Road could be the site of Niceville United Methodist Church's newest campus.

The Rev. Greg McKinnon, an executive pastor with Niceville UMC, said the church is close to completing the purchase of 10 acres across the road from Davidson Middle School.

A 20,000-square-foot building on Old Bethel will house a sanctuary that seats 350 people and has an area for children's ministry.

Between 150 and 200 members likely will move from St. Mark UMC, the church's PJ Adams Parkway campus, to the Old Bethel site, McKinnon said.

Jeff Burnett, who currently serves at St. Mark, will lead ministry at the Old Bethel location, which tentatively opens next fall.

The new campus doesn't have a name just yet, and church officials said Niceville UMC, as a whole, will change its name. Expect an announcement in January, they said.

In May, the church considered moving into Northview Plaza on North Ferdon Boulevard. However, renovation expenses exceeded expectations, church officials said.

As for Old Bethel, “I think it’s going to be a nice location and we are really excited about it,” McKinnon 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: Niceville UMC is considering this location for next Crestview campus

This new book highlights North Okaloosa's Creek Indian history

Written by archive on October 3, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

BAKER — A new book about Creek Indians' history sheds insight on indigenous people in North Okaloosa County.

North Okaloosa Historic Association board member Nathan Chessher, a member of the Muskogee Nation, wrote “Creek By Blood: A Last Gathering of the Creek Peoples at Oak Grove in Okaloosa County” with Julia Cadenhead.

“It’s amazing,” said Chessher, who dressed in full Creek regalia to pick up the book’s first run Thursday afternoon at the Crestview Staples. “Some people just don’t know what went on in our area.”

For example, he said, the Alabama Indian tribe's last king was killed in 1813 on the Yellow River's east bank near today’s State Road 2 crossing.

The Alabama people, he said, fled south to Northwest Florida, settling in the area and founding churches to avoid being labeled “wild” or “hostile” Indians.

The Creek-founded Yellow River Baptist Church was the county's earliest Protestant church, Chessher said.

The 100-page book includes historic photos, illustrations and documents. It is available for $25 at the Baker Block Museum and will be for sale at the Oct. 11 Munson and Nov. 1 Baker heritage festivals. Proceeds benefit the museum.

Chessher praised Staples for working with the historic association to make the printing cost affordable. Staples operations manager Barbara Williams and her husband, Pete, also contributed a $100 personal donation toward printing costs.

“We’re grateful for Staples for making this book possible,” Chessher said.

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 new book highlights North Okaloosa's Creek Indian history

EXTENSION CONNECTION: All about oysters

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Oysters spend part of their life cycle as plankton, which means they float through the water and cannot swim (or they swim weakly). Plankton provide food for many animals and are the basis of the food chain. After this point, they complete their life cycles and attach to hard substrate areas, such as old reefs.

These organisms are hearty, tolerant and can live in a range of brackish (fresh and salt water combined) environments.

But that's not all.

Eastern oysters are keystone species because of the many functions they provide for estuaries they inhabit.

Did you know:

•They can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day?

•They help control algal blooms, lower the amount of suspended sediment, silt and nutrients, and improve water quality and clarity?

•They provide critical food and habitat by creating three-dimensional structures, called reefs, which are typically made of older oyster shells?

Reefs provide natural habitats to fish, crustaceans, marine worms, and many other animals. In addition, they provide protection to shoreline areas by breaking waves and lessening erosion's impact.

PROMOTING SEAFOOD

Floridians eat almost twice as much seafood as consumers in the rest of the country.

However, based on a statewide survey of 717 Florida residents, approximately 40 percent of Floridians are not consuming recommended USDA dietary guidelines of weekly eating two servings of seafood.

The biggest barriers to purchasing Florida seafood?

Respondents don't know where to find it, don’t know what types of seafood are specific to Florida (caught or raised here), and the cost of Florida seafood.

Florida Seafood At Your Fingertips, a program released this past year through a University of Florida IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant, helps answer questions about seafood safety, handling and cooking, promotes Florida’s commercial seafood industry, and provides current information.

A team of seafood, marine science and nutrition Extension professionals, as well as seafood industry representatives, created the program.

Each module contains PowerPoint slides, notes, supplemental materials such as handouts and activities, and evaluations for each topic. Topics can be taught individually or all together, depending on the program.

Learn more about the program at https://www.flseagrant.org/seafoodatyourfingertips/.

Our area offers many opportunities to learn about and enjoy Florida seafood. There are also many opportunities to participate in volunteer projects — such as building oyster reefs — that directly help the industry.

Email bsaari@ufl.edu or call 850-689-5850 for more information on marine science and natural resources information.

Brooke Saari is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: All about oysters

'Music by Moonlight' features The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — Join the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Florida State College as they present The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers in "Music by Moonlight," 7-9 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center amphitheater in Niceville.

Family fun, entertainment and great local food are a part of the event.

“We wanted to offer an outdoor concert to the community for years and are excited to join the College for this venture,” said Chamber President & CEO Tricia Brunson. “Our residents have asked for entertainment options closer to home for a long time.”

Tickets are $10 each for open seating and will be available to purchase at the Chamber office. Tickets for children ages 10 and under are $5 each. “Music By Moonlight” is open to the public.

One 20 A Modern Bistro and Hurricane Grill & Wings will be on-hand selling food throughout the concert. Concert-goers are welcome to bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the concert from the lawn. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsorships are available for $250, and include a reserved table for eight, tickets and recognition at the event and in chamber publications. For more information – contact the chamber at 678-2323 or events@nicevillechamber.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Music by Moonlight' features The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers

Crestview pastor says hospice's care extended her sister's life

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Saturday's Blue Jean Ball is more than a night of gourmet food, desserts and dancing.

The benefit is a chance to help friends, family and neighbors receiving Covenant Hospice’s end-of-life care.

The Rev. Sherrell Compton, administrative pastor at the Crestview New Life International Worship Center, Church of God, knows the value of Covenant’s services.

In May, her sister, Lisa Paterson Douglas, died of renal kidney failure.

“When they said we have to call in hospice, I said, 'Call Covenant,'” Compton said. “A covenant is an important word. They make a promise to do all they can to help the person. They made a covenant to take care of my sister.”

'GREAT EXPERIENCE'

Compton, a member of Covenant Hospice’s community advisory board, was familiar with its services and commitment to care.

“It was a great experience for me because I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of their organization,” Compton said. “This gave me the opportunity to see what it’s like on the inside.

Covenant Hospice’s focused attention benefited family members almost as much it did her sister, Compton said.

“The 24-7 care really impressed me,” she said. “They wanted to make sure she was comfortable as possible and was pain-free.

“And not only did they make sure she was comfortable, but for family members who visited, they brought snacks and drinks. They made sure the family members were taken care of as well.”

Covenant Hospice’s team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides and trained volunteers makes regular visits to deliver medical care, help with personal care or facilitate legacy-building or reconciliation with family and significant others, senior development and communications manager Jenni Perkins stated.

EXTENDED LIFE

Care doesn’t end when a loved one has died, Perkins said.

“We also provide support for survivors as they move through bereavement to renewal,” she stated in an email.

Compton’s appreciation for her sister’s care and what Covenant Hospice does for the community led her to pay it forward.

Beautiful Ones, her church’s Women of Valor young women’s ministry, partnered with Moulton’s Pharmacy to provide personal care products for hospice patients.

“We adopted Covenant as our community outreach program,” Compton said. “I feel like Lisa’s life was extended because of the care that was given to her.”

—

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:“Arabian Nights” Covenant Hospice Blue Jean Ball

WHEN:6 p.m. Saturday

WHERE:Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive

COST:$60 each

NOTES:Tickets available at Covenant Hospice, 4100 Ferdon Blvd. S., 682-3628 or www.covenanthospice.org

—

FAST FACTS

In 2013, Crestview's Covenant Hospice office:

•Served 200 patients and their families; 35 percent had cancer

•116 Covenant Hospice volunteers provided 2,142 hours of service

•Crestview and Fort Walton Beach Covenant Hospice staff members delivered 36 end-of-life care programs worth 272 credit hours to 429 healthcare professionals

•10 full-time and three part-time staff members serve the Crestview office

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview pastor says hospice's care extended her sister's life

Crestview man among others 'making strides' against breast cancer

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

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 — Tim Grandberry hopes no one has to hear the words his wife, Pamela, did on June 7, 2010: “I’m sorry; you have cancer.”

So the Crestview resident is supporting the Oct. 18 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach. Registration for the 3.1-mile run-walk begins at 8 a.m. The event begins at 9 a.m. Residents can walk alone or with a team.

If sponsored walkers and teams reach fundraising goals, they could earn awards.

For instance, "our team (United for a Cure's) goal is $2,100," Grandberry said. "Your donation of $25, $15, $10 or whatever you can afford will help."

Donors can make checks payable to the American Cancer Society and send them to Grandberry, 1241 Gabrielle Drive, Crestview, FL 32536 to support United for a Cure. Alternatively, they can visit www.makingstrideswalk.org, click "Find a Team," enter the team's name they want to support and click "Donate."

Making Strides of the Emerald Coast currently has 96 teams and 351 participants who have raised more than $44,000, according to the Making Strides website. All proceeds benefit breast health programs, services and research.

Approximately one in eight women will have invasive breast cancer in her lifetime; approximately one in 36 women will die from it, according to the American Cancer Society's website.

Grandberry wasn't always so passionate about the cause, he said.

"It wasn’t until my wife began her battle with breast cancer that I realized the importance of joining the fight," he said. "Our team … began in October 2010. Since then, we have won numerous awards, such as most money raised, largest team and Top Online Fundraiser team."

But the awards mean nothing until cancer is a memory, Grandberry said.

WHAT: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

WHEN: 9 a.m. Oct. 18; register at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Uptown Station, 99 Eglin Parkway N.E., Fort Walton Beach

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man among others 'making strides' against breast cancer

Look Good, Feel Better programs scheduled through December

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

Look Good Feel Better group programs are open to all women with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other forms of treatment.

•1-3 p.m. Oct. 13 and Dec. 8, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Senior Circle classroom, 127 E. Redstone Ave., Suite A, Crestview.

•1-3 p.m. Nov. 10, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Classroom B, third floor, 1000 Mar-Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach.

Advance registration is required to provide cosmetics that match your skin tone. Details: American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Look Good, Feel Better programs scheduled through December

Annual Women's Day at Lebanon Baptist Church planned

Written by archive on October 1, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — The Rev. Nathaniel Sledge Jr. and the congregation of Lebanon Baptist Church invites the public to attend their annual Women's Day program.

The service, which features guest speaker Pastina Cooper, starts at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 at the church, 1288 Washington Ave., Baker.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Annual Women's Day at Lebanon Baptist Church planned

850.682.6524