lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Acoustic guitar and Symphony Chorale highlight arts events

Written by archive on August 15, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR PERFORMANCE: 6-8 p.m. Aug. 18, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Music at the Library presents acoustic guitarist and vocalist Michael Nienhaus performing 1970s and '80s music including works by James Taylor and The Eagles. Details: 682-4432.

Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale Auditions: 6 p.m. Aug. 19, Tyler Recital Hall in the music wing of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College. The group performs with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra as well as in independent concerts. To arrange an audition time and receive audition music, contact Chorale director Lois (Van Dam) Henry at vandaml@nwfsc.edu or 729-6009.

SUMMER EXHIBITS: Learn about the Boy Scouts and some of its 133 merit badge opportunities in the lobby display cases, and view paintings by Crestview artist Nicole Weaver on the north exhibition wall through August at the Crestview Public Library.

Let the community know about your arts or entertainment event. Submit listings to brianh@crestviewbulletin.com or call 682-6524 at least two weeks before your event.

Follow Arts editor Brian Hughes on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Acoustic guitar and Symphony Chorale highlight arts events

Crestview resident balances home and work life as rising MMA star

Written by archive on August 14, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — When Chris Francis is not with his family or on the clock at Baker Metal Works, you might find him working out in Fort Walton Beach.

But these training sessions aren't just for physical fitness; they're also preparing him for competition.

You see, Chris “The Frustrator" Francis is an amateur mixed martial arts fighter, and his talents are taking him to a world tournament next month in London, England.

As part of the Fighters Source international amateur MMA league, Francis, 29, has earned a spot on an eight-member team representing the United States while competing with seven countries in the Amateur MMA World Challenge.

'THE FRUSTRATOR'

Chris said he earned his nickname after training with his older brother, James, a former MMA fighter. Chris said his brother grew frustrated from trying — unsuccessfully, again and again — to pin his younger brother down.

After several training sessions with James, Chris took the next step.

“I just wanted to compete in (MMA) tournaments and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.

Now, he has the whole family's support.

Chris says his wife, Gina, serves in a managerial role in helping sell T-shirts at his competitions. His three children are his biggest fans and offer advice during trips with the amateur MMA club, the Miami Punch. The club regularly competes with other MMA clubs in the Fighters Source league.

“The last thing they tell me, when I walk out the door is to ‘punch them in da face,'” Chris said.

NATIONAL ATTENTION

Recently, Chris received national attention when featured on Sports Illustrated’s website in the ‘Leading Off: Pictures of the Week’ section.

The photo shows him fighting Jesse Henderson during the Fighters Source U.S. Nationals in New York on July 26. Chris won the match to advance to 11-0.

Actively competing in amateur MMA events offers several benefits, he said.

“(I enjoy) the competition and training,” he said. “It gives me something to shoot towards and it keeps me focused.”

In preparation, Chris works out four days a week at the Capitao Jiu-Jitsu and MMA facility in Fort Walton Beach under the supervision of his coaches, Danny Ruiz and Daniel Silver.

Although he is currently focused on the London tournament, Francis plans to take the next step in his MMA career.

“The ultimate goal is to go pro and see how far I can make it,” he said.

Follow Chris “The Frustrator” Francis’ progress in amateur MMA on Facebook.com at on.fb.me/1p61Uwr

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview resident balances home and work life as rising MMA star

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Are you feeling sharky? (MEGA LINK LIST)

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

Are you feeling sharky? Since summer began, residents and visitors have been talking about sharks!

The Panhandle's had many sightings, including a hammerhead making appearances along the Emerald Coast. Perhaps you are one of many residents who have been following the shark tracking website when Katherine, the white shark, or any other tagged shark species was visiting the Gulf of Mexico.

Sharks have always been a fascination; that is one of the things that has made Shark Week so popular.

The Discovery Channel created Shark Week — a series of programs based on these ancient fish — in 1987, making it the longest-running cable television event.

Be mindful that much of the series is put together with entertainment in mind, so it's good to study up and know the difference between shark facts and myths during this fun week.

There are many shark types all over the world, and learning about these great creatures can be a delight.

However, safety is the top priority. See a list of ways to enjoy the water without danger.

Following these simple steps as well as being mindful of your surroundings can help you enjoy these waters safely.

The Florida Master Naturalist Program suggests these sources for research during Shark Week.

•The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries has compiled many resources for all things shark. You'll find updates on current research, shattered shark myths, species-specific updates and much more.

•The The International Shark Attack File is the lone global, comprehensive, scientific shark database in the world. ISAF — created in 1958, owned by the Smithsonian Institution, and housed at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville — features regular updates on all known shark attacks.

•Gene Helfman and George Burgess’ new book, "Sharks: The Animal Answer Guide" contains a wealth of easily assimilated information about all things sharky.

•The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Electronic Data Information Source contains information about sharks along with other program subjects.

•The Guy Harvey Research Institute lets you track tagged sharks. The institute, established in 1999, is a private organization dedicated to science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity. Dr. Mahmood Shivji, the institute’s director, developed a method to determine the shark's species through a one-step fin test — vital to protecting imperiled species.

•Follow Southern Fried Science, a popular ocean science blog. David Shiffman, the blog’s creator, is a Ph.D. student at the University of Miami’s Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. His Twitter account, @WhySharksMatter, has over 17,000 followers — more than any other marine biology researcher.

•Another shark superstar living in the Sunshine State is Dr. Robert Hueter, associate vice president for Research at the Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota and a senior scientist and director of the Center for Shark Research.

•OCEARCH facilitates shark research initiatives on a global scale by enabling specific teams of scientists from around the world access to live mature sharks at sea through use of their 75,000 pound capacity hydraulic platform. You can track sharks like Katherine on this site as well.

•Just for fun, watch great white sharks trying to eat an underwater robot.

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

Coming up:

Flood Insurance Workshops for Homeowners: Get updates on changes in the National Flood Insurance Program and coastal and inland flood zone insurance handling. Two options are available:

•6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 18, Navarre Visitors’ Information Center

•6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 19, Northwest Florida State College, Fort Walton Beach Campus, Building 8

Both workshops are free to attend. Contact Carrie Stevenson, ctsteven@ufl.edu or 475-5230, to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Are you feeling sharky? (MEGA LINK LIST)

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff is Aug. 21

Written by archive on August 13, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — The American Cancer Society will host a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff rally and informational meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 363 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach.

Now is the time to get involved in the Emerald Coast walk, slated for 8 a.m. Oct. 18, and learn more about Making Strides and how to help finish the fight against breast cancer. To participate in the kickoff contact Donna Fought at 850-585-9904 or donna.msabc@gmail.com.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to build awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. In that time, 10 million walkers have collected more than $594 million. Last year, 2,500 walkers from the Emerald Coast branch raised more than $105,000.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer funds make a difference by:

•Helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early when it is most treatable

•Investing in groundbreaking cancer research to find, prevent, treat, and cure the disease

•Providing free information and services to help people facing breast cancer today when and where they need it including transportation, lodging, wigs, support programs, financial assistance, and more

•Ensuring access to mammograms for women who need them

The ninth annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is 8 a.m. Oct. 18 at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach. For additional details visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff is Aug. 21

Jones named New Bethel's pastor

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

CRESTVIEW — New Bethel United Methodist Church members have a new pastor, the Rev. Gary Jones.

The church family recently welcomed Jones and his wife, Pam, with a covered-dish luncheon.

"Everyone enjoyed great food and fellowship," a church spokesperson said.

Now, the church wants to grow.

"The Rev. Jones invites you to experience an exciting worship service with the friendly church family of New Bethel United Methodist Church," the spokesperson said.

New Bethel United Methodist Church is located at 5986 N. Highway 85 in Crestview.

Church services are as follows: 10 a.m. Sunday School; 11 a.m. Sunday worship; and 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study, preceded with a 6 p.m. covered dish dinner.

Call 682-9671 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Jones named New Bethel's pastor

FINANCIAL FOCUS: 5 college-funding errors to avoid

Written by archive on August 12, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

It’s just about back-to-school time again. If you have young children, you might be hustling them to the store for backpacks and binders.

But if you fast-forward a few years, you can envision driving your kids a little farther — to their college dorms. And when that day comes, you’ll want to be financially prepared.

So avoid making costly mistakes when preparing for, and paying, those big bills.

Here are some common errors:

•Not saving enough. Only half of all families with children under 18 save any money for college, according to a recent study by Sallie Mae, the country’s largest originator of federally insured student loans.

You might find it easier to save for college if you automatically move a set amount each month from your checking or savings account to a college savings vehicle.

•Not considering vehicles with growth potential. The same Sallie Mae study found that more parents use a general savings account than any other method of saving for college. But since most savings accounts these days pay a minimal rate of return, you will have trouble getting the growth potential you need to achieve your college savings goals.

Consider working toward your college savings goals by investing in a vehicle designed for college, such as a 529 plan or a Coverdell plan. There are differences between these plans, such as contribution limits and tax treatments, but both allow you to invest for growth potential.

As with any investment account, there are risks involved, including market risk.

•Stopping your savings once children are in college. Unless your children plan to take an awful lot of credits, they’re not going to finish college in one year.

Consequently, you’ll want to keep investing in your plan or other college savings vehicle while your children are in school.

•Taking out 401(k) loans. Your employer may allow you to take out a loan against your 401(k) to help pay for college. But this may not be a good idea for two reasons.

First, when you remove money from your 401(k) — even if you plan on eventually paying it back — you will slow the potential accumulation in your account, thereby depriving yourself of resources you will eventually need for retirement.

Second, should you leave the company, you might have to repay the loan within a limited number of days.

•Not using available tax credits. Depending on your income, you might qualify for the American Opportunity tax credit, which is worth up to $2,500, provided you spend at least $4,000 on college expenses.

Check with your tax professional to see if you qualify for this credit and how to effectively incorporate it. And be careful you don’t waste the credit, because you may not be able to use it and your plan distributions at the same time.

Paying for college can be challenging. but if you can avoid making these mistakes, you have a better chance of getting your kids through school without derailing progress toward your other financial goals.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: 5 college-funding errors to avoid

Crestview man recovering from burns

Written by archive on August 11, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

A Crestview man is recovering from upper-body injuries he received over the weekend while trying to burn debris.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other first responders were called to 3400 Melissa Lane around 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

They found 35-year-old Kyle Cox alert and responsive, but with what appeared to be second-degree burns to his hands, arms, and chest.

Cox said he was attempting to burn off a pile of brush in a burn pit on land across the street, using gasoline as an accelerant.

However, when he ignited it, he was accidentally burned. Cox was flown by medical helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola and then on to the USA Burn Center in Mobile.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man recovering from burns

Students to pray over backpacks, enjoy bounce houses Aug. 17

Written by archive on August 11, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa School District's 2014-15 academic year begins Aug. 18. But before North Okaloosa students feed their minds, a local church invites them to feed their souls.

Crestview First United Methodist Church's Aug. 17 Back to School Round-up will allow students to reflect on and celebrate the upcoming school year. Children may bring their backpacks for a time of prayer over the backpacks and to honor all school employees.

Services are at 8:30 a.m. (traditional), 9:45 a.m. (contemporary) and 11 a.m. (traditional) at 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

A free hotdog lunch will follow the last service. There also will be bounce houses, crafts and games for the children.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Students to pray over backpacks, enjoy bounce houses Aug. 17

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Strong tree structure can reduce hurricane damage

Written by archive on August 6, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

With the 2014 hurricane season's peak approaching, Colorado State University researchers reaffirmed their June forecast for a relatively quiet summer.

CSU meteorologists Phil Klotzbach and William Gray predict nine tropical storms will form in the Atlantic Basin — which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea — between Aug. 1 and the hurricane season's end on Nov. 30. Of those storms, four tropical storms will strengthen into hurricanes with at least 74 mph winds.

Forecasters think one of those hurricanes will intensify into a major hurricane with peak winds exceeding 110 mph.Currently, the Atlantic's conditions are not favorable for hurricane formation this summer and aren’t expected to improve. Hurricanes draw energy from seawater that has been heated to at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is even a few degrees cooler will not sustain a tropical storm.

The likelihood that tropical storms will form in the Atlantic increases in August, after waters have absorbed heat for several months. The hurricane season's peak is Sept. 10, when conditions usually are most favorable for storm formation. After September, hurricanes are more likely to form in the Caribbean Sea. There is still time to assess the structure of the trees in the yard and make corrections.

Urban forest is much different from a natural forest. Trees often develop a form that is more susceptible to breakage when grown in developed commercial and residential environments. As a result, trees need preventive pruning to develop strong structure. Research and observation show that well-pruned trees can create a more wind resistant urban forest.

Pruning to create stronger tree structure is an ongoing process. To minimize the likelihood of tree damage, reduce the length of limbs that have a weak attachment to the trunk and balance the canopy by reducing limbs' length on the side where weight is concentrated. Do not remove interior branches, as this concentrates foliage at the tips of branches and causes them to break in strong winds.

See http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.shtml for more information on pruning>>

Limbs more than half the diameter of the trunk and multiple trunks of similar size must be reduced to form strong branch unions and eliminate co-dominant leaders. A reduction cut is pruned back to a smaller lateral branch. Good pruning cuts avoid cutting into the collar, the swollen area at the base of the branch where it joins the trunk. The tissue is rich in energy reserves and chemicals that hinder the spread of decay.

Preventative pruning only applies to woody tree species. Palms need fronds to protect the bud and provide nutrients for growth.

Arborists report that results from previous storms revealed that palms that had been “hurricane pruned” had more damage than those not pruned.

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare your trees for hurricane season. Take action now.

Sheila Dunning is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Strong tree structure can reduce hurricane damage

Yacht club hosts Paddle for the Promise to benefit Covenant Hospice

Written by archive on August 6, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 9 at the yacht club on Choctawhatchee Bay. A series of races for all skill levels and ages begins at 9 a.m.

Participants can choose between the 5-mile elite or 1-mile recreational course, as well as a three-person team relay race. A 1-mile youth race will also be offered. A stand-up paddleboard jousting tournament will top it all off. Awards will be offered in various categories for each event, including best costume for jousting competitors.

A post-race celebration with food, beverages and live music will be held on-site following the races. In addition, a prize drawing will be held for a 12-foot Starboard “Atlas” donated by Dog House Surf Shop. Tickets are on sale now for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20; the winner doesn't have to be present.

Registration fees are $30 for each race entry and $20 for the youth race. Fees include an event T-shirt and goody bag for each racer as well as the post-race celebration. Advance registration and prize drawing tickets are both available at www.eventsatcovenant.org/paddle or in person at Covenant Hospice’s Fort Walton Beach office, 220 Eglin Parkway NE. Day-of-event registration fees increase by $10.

All proceeds support Covenant Hospice’s special programs in Okaloosa and Walton counties. These include bereavement services for adults and children who have experienced a loss, chaplain services, specialized programs for veterans and indigent patient care.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Yacht club hosts Paddle for the Promise to benefit Covenant Hospice

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