lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Dog days are a good time to plant for fall

Written by archive on July 21, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The “dog days” — summer's hottest, muggiest days — usually fall between early July and early September in the northern hemisphere.

The actual dates vary from region to region, depending on latitude and climate.

In ancient times, when artificial lights didn't obscure the night sky, the Romans tracked seasons with stars.

The brightest constellation, Canis Major (Large Dog), includes the “dog star," Sirius. In the summer, Sirius used to rise and set with the sun, leading the Romans to believe it added heat to the sun.

Although the period between July 3 and Aug. 11 is typically summer's warmest period, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness.

The heat of summer is a direct result of the earth’s tilt.

Spending time outdoors this time of year is uncomfortable, potentially dangerous, due to the intense heat.

However, chinch bugs are very active in St. Augustine grass, and the summer flowers need water, so take care of those tasks early in the day and then retreat to the air conditioning to plan your fall planting.

Plant tomato plants in August for tomatoes in October. Varieties such as Sun Leaper, Florida 91, Sun Chaser, Solar Set and Heat Wave are good selections for setting fruit in high temperatures.

Many bedding plants flower quickly and can add color to the fall landscape. These include pentas, African marigolds, torenia, zinnias, melampodium and scaevola.

Dependable fall blooming perennials include lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus), pineapple sage (Salvia elegans), firebush (Hamelia patens), cigar plant (Cuphea micropetala), yellowbells (Tecoma stans) and firespike (Odontonema strictum).

Webster’s second definition of “dog days” is a period of stagnation or inactivity.

But even when the heat forces you to slow down on labor-intensive work, there is plenty of gardening “activity” to do.

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: Dog days are a good time to plant for fall

Precht named senior pastor at Crestview First United Methodist Church

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

CRESTVIEW — Crestview First United Methodist Church has a new senior minister, the Rev. Michael Precht.

Precht has been serving as a full-time elder in the United Methodist Church since 2007.

For the last five years, Precht has lived in Brantley, Ala., where he served two churches. Prior to that appointment, he was the associate pastor at St. Francis UMC in Cary, N.C. He also served as an intern or short-term fellow at First UMC, Montgomery; Aldersgate UMC, Durham, N.C.; and Hyde Park UMC, Tampa.

Precht was the program director and co-founder of the Mere Christianity Forum Inc., a ministry on Furman University campus, and he served many years on MCF’s board of directors. MCF recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Vista House, an intentional Christian community of which he was the first resident.

He graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2003 and from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity.

Precht and his wife, Jennifer, are Montgomery, Ala., natives. Their family includes Laken Johnson and two daughters, Elsa, 5, and Evelyn, 2. The family also shares their home with Guinness the Wonderdog.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Precht named senior pastor at Crestview First United Methodist Church

FINANCIAL FOCUS: What investors can learn from baseball stars

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

Baseball’s best players gathered in Minneapolis this week to participate in the All-Star Game.

If you’re a fan, or even a “weekend athlete,” you can admire these players' abilities, even if you — like most people — can’t hope to duplicate them. But if you’re an investor, you may be able to learn some practical lessons from the All Stars.

So let’s look at a few common All Star traits to see how they might apply to investors:

• Consistency — All Stars typically don’t just have a few good weeks or months — they are consistently excellent, year after year. As an investor, you, too, need to strive for consistency. Instead of periodically chasing after “hot” stocks, try to follow a long-term strategy by staying invested in the financial markets, through “up” and “down” periods, and by rebalancing your holdings, as needed, to reflect life changes.

• Ability to avoid errors — Everyone makes mistakes, but All Stars seem to make fewer of them. Whether it’s fielding balls cleanly, successfully executing a sacrifice bunt or not walking a player with the bases loaded, All Stars seem to avoid errors while making the right moves at the right time. When you invest, you need to avoid common “errors,” such as investing either too conservatively or too aggressively. Instead of going to either of these extremes, build a portfolio appropriate for your risk tolerance but still capable of helping you reach your goals.

• Preparedness — All Stars stay in great shape and often develop additional skills as the years go by. By preparing themselves in this way, they can take advantage of opportunities as they arise. As you invest, you will also need to be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. One such way to prepare is to have enough liquidity in your portfolio to make appropriate investment moves. In addition to preparing for opportunities, prepare for challenges that could jeopardize your investment strategy. For example, you may want to build an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses. With such a fund in place, you may not have to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or a big bill from the dentist.

• Awareness of limits — Not even the best All Stars do everything well. A good “singles hitter,” for instance, won’t waste much effort trying to hit home runs; a powerful, but slow, slugger might not attempt to steal a base. Investors have limits, too, based on their sophistication and their financial resources.

Some wealthy and highly experienced investors may embark on complex or risky strategies, or purchase hard-to-understand investments. But these risky techniques and complex investments are not for everyone. Smart, “everyday” investors know this and stick with proven strategies and comprehensible investments.

You may never step foot on a baseball diamond. But as an investor, you can still pick up some gems of wisdom from the All Stars.

Joe Faulk is a Crestview financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: What investors can learn from baseball stars

Distinguished Young Women scholarship program to feature 2 Crestview students

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

CRESTVIEW — Distinguished Young Women of Okaloosa County’s third annual scholarship program is at 7 p.m. today in the Fort Walton Beach City Auditorium, 107 SW Miracle Strip Parkway. Admission costs $7 per person.

Competing for the 2015 title are:

Crestview High School students Elizabeth Anne Hinson and Savannah Denyse Barefield; Collegiate High School students Sasha Nicole Larson and Destiny Jean Keller; Niceville High School students Jessica Rene Warsheski, Erin Murphey, Taylor Angeli Marie Maderazo and Jessica Virginia Gwendolyn Gunn; Choctawhatchee High School students Lydia Rose Clark, Rachel Lauren Hidalgo, Elizabeth “Ellie” Ann Boykin, Shannon Maureen Claflin, Christie Lynne Schenck, Jacklyn Leigh Henley and Sabrina Musteric; and Fort Walton Beach High School students Jacqueline Orcutt and Alyssa Monae Miles.

Distinguished Young Women, formerly America’s Junior Miss, is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization that awards scholarships to young women in their senior year of high school who excel in the evaluation categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

Many local businesses — including primary sponsors CCB Community Bank in Niceville, with President Alan Wood; and Systems of Sound, with owner Robert Levison — support Okaloosa County’s 2015 DYW program.

Destin’s Natalie Lawson was the Distinguished Young Woman 2014 for Okaloosa County. In January she competed in Winter Garden, Fla., and won the title Distinguished Young Woman of Florida. She competed at the national competition in June and finished in the Top Ten for the Distinguished Young Women of America 2014.

Saturday evening’s competition will culminate in Lawson awarding the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa County with the DYW medallion.

Arden Marie Robertson, a Collegiate High School graduate, took the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa County honor. Robertson, the first Okaloosa County winner, is now an honors student attending Texas A&M University.

She will return to Okaloosa County to present the Arden Robertson Spirit of DYW award as a part of the Saturday evening program.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Distinguished Young Women scholarship program to feature 2 Crestview students

Redesign the Rack contest deadline extended

Written by archive on July 17, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview News Bulletin is moving into its new office, 638 N. Ferdon Blvd., on Friday and the staff would like the yellow newspaper rack outside the office to reflect North Okaloosa's spirit.

The winning artist will receive a $100 commission, bragging rights, and their work published in the News Bulletin.

Staffers have identified two leading candidates among submissions received, although newspaper management reserves the right to use no submitted concept unless it's right fit.

“North Okaloosa County's spirit includes a love of our military and our nation; the area's bountiful natural resources; hometown pride — whether you root for Crestview's Bulldogs and enjoy the Big Red Machine, Baker's Gators or the Laurel Hill Hoboes — and a rich history of railroad commerce; not to mention signature local events like the Triple B Festival," News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni said. "But what does it mean to you, the artist? And how can our newspaper rack display that hometown pride? That's the point of this design contest."

A mural-style design is preferred.

Email submissions to News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni by July 31 to enter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Redesign the Rack contest deadline extended

Okaloosa parks pass hazardous water tests

Written by archive on July 16, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — No Okaloosa County parks have hazardous bathing water this week, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated.

On July 16, all 13 parks passed tests based onEPA-recommended enterococci standards, and only three, Marler Park on Okaloosa Island, Lincoln Park in Valparaiso, and Henderson Beach in Destin, earned "moderate" instead of "good" ratings.

Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

Call 689-7859 or 833-9247 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa parks pass hazardous water tests

Baker church hosts movie presentation

Written by archive on July 16, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — Shady Grove Assembly of God Church will host three viewings of the movie, 'God's Not Dead."

The first viewing is 7 p.m. Friday, July 18, and the other two are at 6 p.m. July 19 and 20 at the church, 1189 Shady Grove Church Road, Baker.

No admission is charged. Groups are also welcome to attend.

An offering will be taken up each evening.

For more information call the church office, 537-2774.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker church hosts movie presentation

NW Florida author releases thriller novel nationwide

Written by archive on July 16, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Fort Walton Beach author Catherin Elizabet Belle announces the nationwide release of her new thriller novel, “The Cabin,” where she tells the story of a young girl, orphaned by violence, who turns to the only other family she has: the Mescalero Apache.

The story introduces readers to Catherin Cahill, who has spent her life on Bar C riding the range with her father and is considered to be a drover fit to “ride the trail with.” She also spent a large portion of her time living with the Mescalero Apache, where she trained with the young warriors

After the slaughter of her parents, she returns to the Mescalero Apache Reservation for a time of healing and reflection. The mystery of who killed her parents and for what reason haunts her mind like the thorn of a cactus stuck in the saddle riles the horse.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher's website, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Belle spent her youth on the family farm and ranch near the German community of Rowena, Texas. Spending her adult life in the corporate world, she maintains her heart and soul is still mired in the land and the animals that inhabit it. She attended numerous educational facilities, but she insists that her best education came from the “School of Hard Knocks.

Her professional career has been a kaleidoscope of experiences in varied career fields, leaving her well versed on a variety of topics and with a strong curiosity in others. In 2005, she closed the doors on her desktop publishing business. Retiring, she embarked on a new career with a new challenge: writing.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NW Florida author releases thriller novel nationwide

Residents, visitors urged to take precautions during extreme heat

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

Residents should take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County states.

Tips:

•Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

•Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks

•Eat smaller meals more often

•Reduce or eliminate strenuous activity outside or reschedule to coolest time of day

•Spend more time in air-conditioned places

•When outside, seek out shade during peak sun (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

•Use sunscreen

Signs of heat exhaustion:

•Heavy sweating

•Paleness

•Muscle cramps

•Tiredness

•Dizziness

•Headache

•Nausea or vomiting

•Fainting

•Skin — cool and moist

•Pulse rate — fast and weak

•Breathing — fast and shallow

Untreated heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke.

If you suspect heat exhaustion, try these cooling measures:

•Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician

•Rest in an air-conditioned environment

•Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath

•Wear lightweight clothing

•Prevent sunburn with a 30 SPF sunscreen

Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or you have heart problems or high blood pressure, a department spokesperson states. Otherwise, help the person cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Heat exhaustion, a milder form of heat-related illness, can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Infants and children up to 4 years old, people 65 or older, and those who are overweight, ill or on certain medications are prone to heat exhaustion.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents, visitors urged to take precautions during extreme heat

Crestview theatre buff takes director's chair in Pace production

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

CRESTVIEW — Retiring from his civil service job at the Eglin Air Force Base hospital gave Crestview actor Joe Perna the opportunity to pursue his real love: The theatre.

Thursday, “Soulmate Central,” the play he is directing, opens at the Panhandle Community Theatre in Pace.

The comedy by Rick Ready is particularly special to Perna: Ready wrote it as a wedding gift for the director and his former wife, Bonnie Marks.

“Years ago I was doing a show and I was in the process of getting married, and I was kidding around and said, “Why don’t you write something for Bonnie and me?’” Perna said.

The two remain friends, and Marks is Perna’s assistant director for his third time directing “Soulmate Central” at PCT.

Primarily associated with the Stagecrafters theatre troupe in Fort Walton Beach, “I go through periods where I take a break and I branch out,” Perna said.

Last year he directed Neil Simon’s “Jake’s Woman” for Northwest Florida State College, and he would like a chance to work with Crestview’s View From the Stage community troupe.

Perna said he loves community theatre.

“It’s a lot of work; you don’t get paid,” Perna said. “The adulation is great, and I’m at the point where I really love doing it. Getting paid would be nice, but that’s another story.

His two favorite shows to direct are dramatically different.

“I directed ‘The Seven Year Itch’ and ‘Frankenstein,’” he said. “Those two I really loved. With ‘Frankenstein,” I added a lot of special effects that weren’t in the script because I like to think outside the box. It was a good experience.”

“I like the classics,” Perna said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Panhandle Community Theatre’s production of Rick Ready’s “Soulmate Central”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 17-19 and 24-26; 2:30 p.m. July 20 and 27

WHERE: Woodbine Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Road, Pace

TICKETS: $12; July 17 and 24 shows, $9. Reservations: 850-221-7599 or panhandle_community_theatre@yahoo.com.

NOTES: Contains adult subject matter. No one under 13 may be admitted.

Email News Bulletin Staff Arts Editor Brian Hughes at brianh@crestviewbulletin.com, follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview theatre buff takes director's chair in Pace production

850.682.6524