lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Niceville UMC opts out of Crestview's Northview Plaza

Written by archive on August 24, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Niceville United Methodist Church leaders have opted not to move into Northview Plaza.

Niceville UMC — which has a Crestview campus, St. Mark UMC on P.J. Adams Parkway — seeks to expand its ministry in the Hub City. But Jayme Nabors of NBI properties, which manages the North Ferdon boulevard plaza, said church officials decided not to lease 16,500 square feet in the plaza's south end.

“It couldn’t satisfy their needs with what they were looking for,” Nabors said.

Greg McKinnon, an executive pastor at Niceville UMC, said the decision to keep looking for a new location came after a church engineer noticed additional remodeling work would be necessary.

“It would have cost more than we planned,” McKinnon said.

Now, church officials are considering leasing 11 acres on Old Bethel Road. McKinnon said the church should reach a decision by the middle of next month.

NBI and the church parted on good terms, Nabors said. NBI will soon renovate the plaza's south wing — which includes the former Movies & More — into retail space.

Naybors estimated that the renovation, set to begin within the next 45 days, would give the plaza five additional retail spaces.

St. Mark recently finished a $1.25 million expansion project — adding more children’s ministry classrooms, additional parking, a children’s playground, and a larger sanctuary with additional seating — to the current building.

The campus regularly has 600 in attendance on Sundays, church officials 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 opts out of Crestview's Northview Plaza

Okaloosa County Health Department celebrates breastfeeding

Written by archive on August 24, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is celebrating increasing participation in breastfeeding.

In Okaloosa County, the current rate of WIC infants ever breastfed has reached 75.8 percent, an increase of 3.8 percent in the past year.

Statewide, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Breastfeeding Report Card, 77 percent of Florida women have tried breastfeeding compared to the national average of 79 percent.

Women who choose to breastfeed usually have a timeframe in mind — but whether it’s for one week, one month or one year, the act of breastfeeding contributes to the health of the child and the community," a health department spokesperson stated. "Research shows that babies who receive only breast milk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, obesity, and respiratory illnesses.

"Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers."

In addition, breastfeeding acts as a baby’s first immunization, and healthier mothers and babies mean there are fewer doctor visits, even beyond the first year of life, the department stated.

Contact the Crestview WIC office, 689-7858, or visit HealthyOkaloosa.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Health Department celebrates breastfeeding

FROM THE PULPIT: A lesson from Ferguson — pray about it

Written by archive on August 21, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

I am pretty naïve. I don’t always have a grasp on the larger picture of what is taking place in society, various subcultures' hurts or frustration from various prejudices.

My thoughts and reactions to various incidents locally and around the globe are pretty much based on my naiveté. I hurt for people whose lives are torn apart by violence and hatred. But I also am confused by the need some have to respond with the same level, or a greater level, of violence.

Many, including I, have lifted prayers for the family of the young man in Ferguson, Missouri, whose life abruptly ended this past week. No parent should ever have to bury a child.

Prayers have been lifted for a law enforcement officer whose life has changed forever.

Prayers have been lifted for a community left reeling in violence in response to this tragic event.

I understand hurt and pain — but not to a level that leads to violence or hatred. I do not understand why people who do not know the deceased young man's family rioted, looted, spoke words of hatred, or attempted to maim or kill others.

I don’t understand why people who were not present when the tragedy occurred speculate about events, turning rumor into fact, stirring up trouble so needlessly and with such horrific results.

Jesus Christ calls us to make peace with our enemy. We are called to not jump to conclusions or spread rumors. We are called to right wrongs when they occur, but not through acts of violence.

Jesus had much to say about turning the other cheek, praying for one’s enemies, treating others the way you want to be treated, and striving for peace.

His words apply wherever violence occurs. Retribution is the world's way, not God's.

Continue praying for the hurt, anger, hatred and violence so prevalent in our world.

Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to bring peace.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: A lesson from Ferguson — pray about it

Race for Lace cystic fibrosis fundraiser kickoff is Aug. 25 in Crestview

Written by archive on August 20, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Last year Race for Lace organizers raised $75,000 and hosted activities for 2,000 people attending the cystic fibrosis cure fundraiser. Their goal this year is $75,000 again. A dinner party to kick off the event is planned 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Wild Olive restaurant, 797 N. Pearl St., Crestview.

Attendees will get race and sponsorship information, get team details and more.

To RSVP your attendance, email raceforlace@gmail.com. You may also email or text Laurie Hutchison at lhutch1@cox.net or 582-4738.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Race for Lace cystic fibrosis fundraiser kickoff is Aug. 25 in Crestview

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Late-summer landscape jobs still make a difference

Written by archive on August 19, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Gardeners often neglect their roses during the busy summer months, but it’s not too late to start rose care again. Here’s how to get those roses blooming for the fall.

1.Remove healthy top growth, as well as dead twigs and branches. Cut out any diseased, injured or spindly growth and shorten the main canes and lateral branches. But leave at least half the length of each main cane that’s one to three years old. It takes healthy rose bushes approximately six weeks from pruning to the beginning of a flush of flowers.

2. Follow a spray schedule to control insects and diseases. Weekly application of a fungicide is especially important. This will provide a “protective shield” over the new growth that will greatly reduce black spot and powdery mildew problems.

3. If the roses have not been recently fertilized, an application of fertilizer now will be beneficial. If granular fertilizer is used, spread it well beyond the drip line of foliage and water it in for faster action.

Now is a good time to propagate many ornamentals such as oleanders, hydrangeas and azaleas.

To produce azaleas in this manner, take tip cuttings 3 to 5 inches long with several leaves attached. Place the cuttings in a rooting medium in a shady area and keep them moist by covering them with a plastic bag or by using a mist system. Many rooting mediums can be used. The most common are sand and mixtures of peat and perlite. You may want to use a rooting hormone to hasten root growth.

Late summer and early fall is an ideal time to lift daylily clumps, divide and replant them. The objective is to get the new divisions to establish a good root system during the fall and late winter period.

The transplanting process is relatively easy. Divide the clumps, retaining as many of the roots as possible with each division. Prior to planting the division, cut back the foliage to one third its original height. Daylilies should not be planted too deep. Set the new divisions as deep as they grew originally.

Several late-summer landscape jobs pay big dividends a little later. Try these tips and see the difference!

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: Late-summer landscape jobs still make a difference

GUEST COLUMN: Preserve the harvest for winter meals and holiday gifts

Written by archive on August 19, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The cucumbers have filled the vegetable drawer, you’ve run out of cabbage recipes and your family is refusing to eat one more BLT. Or maybe you just couldn’t resist that special deal on a bushel of tomatoes, potatoes or apples at the farmer’s market. So what is a gardener or shopper to do with all that produce?

Since properly stored vegetables will hold their flavor and nutritional value longer than those left in a plastic bag or set on the sunny kitchen counter, consider preserving some for the long winter ahead using one of several methods.

Storage orchard racks and slatted crates placed in a cool dark location have long been used to store squash, onions and potatoes. The stackable nature or drawers provide ample storage space, so fruits and vegetables do not touch. Keeping stored fruit separated prevents rot from spreading from one fruit to the next. Plus, the slatted sides allow airflow to extend storage longevity.

Those in colder climates can store their carrots and parsnips right in the garden. Once the soil gets a bit crunchy, cover them with straw or evergreen boughs for easier digging in winter. Then dig as needed or harvest during the first winter thaw. If this isn’t possible or not your style, try out a root vegetable storage bin. The root crops are layered in sand or sawdust and placed in a cool dark location. Just remove and use as needed. No snow shoveling needed.

Drying is one of the oldest food preservation techniques. Most of us have grabbed a few bundles of herbs to hang and dry. Expand your drying endeavors to include fruits and vegetables. The goal is to quickly remove moisture without cooking the food. You can make your own dehydrator or purchase one. Research has shown that blanching vegetables and fruit before drying helps destroy harmful bacteria. Blanching involves a steam or boiling water bath followed by a cold water bath. Timing varies with the fruit or vegetable you are preparing.

Another ancient food preservation technique, fermentation, is experiencing a comeback. Cultures around the world have fermented fruits and vegetables for thousands of years. Unique flavors, storage options and health benefits have many gardeners revisiting this tradition. Fermenting cucumbers into pickles, cabbage into sauerkraut, and berries into preserves are just a few options. The ingredients can be as simple as water, salt, and spices. All you need is a vessel, vegetables and fermenting culture. You can jump-start your efforts with a fermentation crock kit (gardeners.com) which includes the crock, cover and weights to make sure your veggies stay safely submerged in water.

Or quickly lock in the flavor and nutrition of your fruits and vegetables with freezing. You’ll need airtight containers or bags that are durable, don’t leak and won’t become brittle in cold temperatures. Some produce does not freeze well and others may need to be blanched before they are packed in the freezer bag or container. But frozen items can easily be retrieved from the freezer and included in your winter meals.

Canning is a bit more involved, but can be lots of fun. This process preserves the food and keeps it safe by preventing the growth of undesirable bacteria, yeast and mold. The sealed jars keep the flavor in and bad microorganisms out. So gather your produce, jars, pressure cooker, canner and friends to create tomato sauce, salsa, jams and jellies to enjoy or give as gifts.

Whatever method you choose, do a bit of research before you start. You’ll have greater success and a lot more fun. The National Center for Home Food Preservation website, http://nchfp.uga.edu, provides all the basic information for storage and food preservation.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including "Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening" and the "Midwest Gardener’s Handbook." She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated "Melinda’s Garden Moment" segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website offers gardening videos and tips.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GUEST COLUMN: Preserve the harvest for winter meals and holiday gifts

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Not investing carries some risk, too

Written by archive on August 19, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

You’ve no doubt heard about the risks associated with investing. (This investment carries this type of risk, while that investment carries another one.) And it is certainly true that all investments involve some form of risk.

But what about not investing? Isn’t there some risk associated with that, too?

In fact, by staying on the investment sidelines — or at least by avoiding long-term, growth-oriented investments — you may incur several risks.

Consider this:

• You might not keep up with inflation. If you put all your money under the proverbial “mattress" — or, more realistically, you keep it all in “cash” instruments and very short-term investments, you might think you are “playing it safe.” After all, you might reason, your principal is protected, so even if you don’t really make any money, you’re not losing it, either.

But that’s not strictly true, because if your money is in investment vehicles that don’t even keep up with inflation, you can lose ground.

Even at a relatively mild 3 percent annual inflation rate, your purchasing power will decline by about half in just 25 years.

• You might outlive your money. For a 65-year-old couple, there’s a 50 percent chance that one spouse will live past age 90, according to the Society of Actuaries.

This statistic suggests that you may need your investments to help provide enough income to sustain you for two, or even three, decades in retirement.

• You might be unable to maintain your financial independence. Even if you don’t totally run out of money, you could end up scrimping by — or, even worse, you could become somewhat dependent on your grown children for financial assistance.

For most people, this prospect is unacceptable. Consequently, you’ll want to make appropriate financial decisions to help maintain your financial independence.

• You might be unable to retire on your terms. You would probably like to decide when you retire and how you’ll retire — that is, what sort of lifestyle you’ll pursue during retirement. But both these choices may be taken out of your hands if you haven’t invested enough to retire on your own terms.

• You might not be able to leave the type of legacy you desire. Like most people, you would probably like to be able to leave something behind to your family and to those charitable organizations you support.

You can help create this type of legacy through the appropriate legal vehicles — such as a will, a living trust and so on — but you’ll still need to fund these mechanisms somehow. And that means you’ll need to draw on all your financial assets, including your investments.

Work with your financial adviser to determine the mixture of growth and income investments you need during your working years and as you move toward retirement to help you meet your retirement goals.

However you do it, get into the habit of investing, and never lose it — because the risks of not investing are just too great.

Joe Faulk is a Crestview financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Not investing carries some risk, too

Oktoberfest organizers seek artists

Written by archive on August 18, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The 20th annual Oktoberfest and Arts & Crafts Festival at Winn-Dixie Plaza in Bluewater Bay is looking for artists and craftsmen interested in selling their work.

The festival, sponsored by the Mid-Bay Rotary Club, is 5-10 p.m. Sept. 26 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 27. Cost for the two-day event is $100.

Call Bert, 897-3190, to obtain an application.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Oktoberfest organizers seek artists

Mullet Festival returns to Niceville this October

Written by archive on August 18, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The 38th Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival Arts & Crafts Show, scheduled Oct. 17-19 in Niceville, is accepting applicants. Artists and craftsmen with original, exclusive creations may apply.

Prospective participants should submit three clear photos of their work and complete a brief narrative on the pre-application form.

Photos must be original and should represent the applicant's overall work. Kit works — manufactured, commercial, or import items — are not allowed.

Visit www.boggybayoumulletfestival.info for an application.

Contact Sylvia Niedzwiecki, 107 Drew Court, Niceville, or 678-4543 for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mullet Festival returns to Niceville this October

Community Health Systems offering free identity theft protection following cyberattack

Written by archive on August 18, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — A cyberattack on two physician practices owned by North Okaloosa Medical Center has been "eradicated," according to parent company Community Health Systems.

Community Health is working with federal law enforcement authorities in their investigation and will support prosecution of those responsible for the attack, the company said in a statement.

The cyberattack, which possibly took place in April or June, took information on more than 4 million patients from Community Health Systems’ computer network, according to the company. Limited personal identification data belonging to some patients seen at North Okaloosa Physician Group and Gateway Medical Clinic during the past five years was compromised during the attack.

Transferred information excludes any medical or credit card information, but includes names, addresses, birthdates, telephone numbers and social security numbers.

“Right now, our clinics are the only ones that we know of that the patients are affected,” said Rachel Neighbors, NOMC's marketing director. “No one from the hospital side (had their data stolen).”

Neighbors said the clinics will notify all patients affected and offer them free identify theft protection.

“Anybody who’s affected, no matter what the scope, we’ll help them get all those things resolved,” Neighbors said.

Tomi Galin, Community Health Systems' senior vice president of marketing, confirmed that Santa Rosa Medical Center was one of the facilities targeted by the cyberattack, but did not clarify how many local patients were affected. Community Health Systems will notify those patients by letter and also offer them free identity theft protection, she said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community Health Systems offering free identity theft protection following cyberattack

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