lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

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

St. Mark members, community leaders celebrate growing church

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

St. Mark United Methodist Church in Crestview celebrated the P.J. Adams Parkway campus' expansion with a Sunday afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The $1.25 million expansion added five classrooms for children’s ministry, a larger sanctuary with additional seating, a children’s playground, additional parking and a second exit to P.J. Adams.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: St. Mark members, community leaders celebrate growing church

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

Laurel Hill ministry hosts Funfest for area youths

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

LAUREL HILL — New Hope Ministries is bringing the fun — fest — to Gene Clary Park Aug. 30.

Youth Funfest activities will include a water slide, dunking booth, volleyball and basketball activities, face painting, an obstacle course, and a back-to-school fashion and talent show.

Several activities will feature cash prizes, organizers said.

No entry fee is required to attend, but the church will collect donations through food sales and game participation.

Proceeds will benefit a future New Hope youth group trip to the Six Flags amusement park in Georgia.

The church couldn't raise enough funds for a youth trip this year, event organizer Jeanette Wade said.

“They didn’t get to go anywhere this year,” she said. “This is our way of giving them something fun to do.”

Changing the venue should help, the Rev. Willie Williams said. The church usually hosts social events, but organizers hope that bringing the Funfest to Gene Clary Park will encourage more community involvement.

“In Laurel Hill, there isn’t much to do,” Williams said. “The purpose is to give these kids something to do.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Youth Funfest

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30

WHERE: Gene Clary Park, on the corner of New Ebenezer Road and Park Street in Laurel Hill

CONTACT: Jeanette Wade, 334-343-4554

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill ministry hosts Funfest for area youths

Community supports single mother after son's diagnosis with abdomen disorder

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

CRESTVIEW — After a week's stay at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Emily Holcomb is excited to bring Jacob, her newborn son, home.

Her joy follows a brief scare.

DIAGNOSIS: HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE

Her second child's July 28 birth came with an unexpected turn. Thirty-six hours after delivery, Emily and a nurse noticed that Jacob — weighing in at 9 pounds, 1.5 ounces — had no bowel movements and refused to eat.

Doctors diagnosed him with Hirschsprung’s disease, which prevents bowel movements from passing through a child’s intestines due to missing nerve cells in the lower colon.

Medical specialists performed a procedure to allow Jacob to pass stool through a colostomy bag.

Now, "the worst is behind us,” Emily, who has been staying at the Ronald McDonald house, said.

In the next three to four months, Jacob will undergo a corrective procedure, allowing him to pass stool naturally, she said.

In the meantime, Emily will provide Jacob with constant care, and she will be unable to work.

'I'M SO BLESSED'

Friends, family and even strangers have shown support by donating to a Gofundme.com account. Within nine days, donations exceeded a $3,000 goal.

“Most of these people who have donated, I don’t even know who they are,” Emily said. “I’m so blessed.”

Justin Lindsey, a Crestview Realtor, has chipped in by pledging to share an upcoming commission — up to $5,500 — with the family.

Lindsey, who works for Premier Property Group in Destin, attends the same church as Emily’s family. After learning about the situation, Justin — who is expecting his second child with wife Melissa — decided to help.

As soon as Lindsey’s next client enters a contract allowing him to sell their home, Lindsey will write the family a check.

“I want to get them the money as soon as possible,” Lindsey said.

Giving back, he said, is his motto.

“You get what you give in this universe,” he said.

WANT TO HELP?

Receive updates on Jacob Holcomb's condition or to make donations.

Looking for a home? Learn about a Crestview Realtor who has pledged his next commission for Jacob's medical bills.

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 supports single mother after son's diagnosis with abdomen disorder

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

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