lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing is this Saturday (GALLERY)

Written by archive on July 2, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BONIFAY—The Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing starts at 5 p.m. July 5 at the Holmes County High School, 825 West U.S. Highway 90. Doors open at 4 p.m. Concessions will be available.

See the gallery of artists performing at the event>>

Tickets cost $15 in advance and $18 at the door for adults. Tickets for people ages 6 – 12 cost $5 in advance and $8 at the door, and ages 5 and younger free. Group discounts are available.

For more information, or to purchase or reserve tickets, call 850-547-1356, email four_calvary@yahoo.com, or on the Facebook pages for fourcalvary or Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing.

There will be limited floor seating. Stadium seats are allowed in the bleacher section. Handicap-accessible seating is also available.

Bonifay is known for the “Biggest All Night Sing in the World.” Dating back to the early 1950s with promoter J.G. Whitfield, the sing has a long of history of success and popularity over its 62 years. During its most popular run in the 1970s and 80s, the sing would draw as many as 14,000 – 15,000 fans.

Southern gospel artists that have been on the Bonifay platform include The Happy Goodmans, Rex Nelon, George Younce, Glenn Payne, Jim Hamill, Anthony Burger, JD Sumner, and more.

The sing has experienced many changes over the years, but there are several things that have remained constant: the music, the message, and deep history.

This year’s lineup includes Kevin Williams, guitarist for Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band; Wes Hampton, tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band); The Nelons; Four Calvary; and One Heart.

Kevin Williams began touring with the legendary Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters until 1995, when he produced the group’s last project, “I Feel Like Singing.”

Since then, he has become an integral part of the Gaither Homecoming Tour, and as a studio session player has played on countless recordings. He is guitar player and band director for the Gaither Homecoming Tour.

Wes Hampton grew up with an admiration for music, especially the music of Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Michael English and the Gaither Vocal Band. Wes was part of the worship staff at a Birmingham, Ala. church for seven years, until he accepted the tenor position for the Gaither Vocal Band in June, 2005.

Wes won the 2006 Singing News Horizon Individual Fan Award for best new artist and was nominated with the Gaither Vocal Band for a Grammy in 2007 (“Give it Away”) and in 2008 (“Lovin’ Life”). Wes’s first project with the Gaither Vocal Band, “Give it Away,” won three Dove Awards from the GMA in 2007 for best southern gospel song of the year, best southern gospel record of the year and best long form video of the year. Wes’s third album with the Gaither Vocal Band, “Lovin’ Life,” won a GRAMMY in 2009 for best southern gospel or country bluegrass album as well as a Dove Award. The GVB’s project, “Reunited,” received a Dove Award in 2010 for best southern gospel record of the year. Wes has also released two solo albums.

With numerable awards and accolades including three Grammy nominations, six Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and many songs that have soared to the top of national radio charts, The Nelons continue to produce innovative music that embraces their traditional roots, while simultaneously reaching beyond various musical boundaries with an emphasis on introducing songs for the church.

They are regulars on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour and the famed Gaither Homecoming Video Series. The Nelons released their new CD on June 24.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing is this Saturday (GALLERY)

STAFF PICK: Book helps sighted people understand blindness

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

“The Black Book of Colors” by Menena Cottin, pictures by Rosana Faria

It is very hard for a sighted person to imagine what it is like to be blind. This groundbreaking, award-winning book endeavors to convey the experience of a person who can only see through his or her sense of touch, taste, smell or hearing.

Raised black line drawings on black paper, which can be deciphered by touch, accompany a beautifully written text describing colors through imagery.

The text is translated into Braille so that the sighted reader can begin to imagine what it is like to read by touch, and there is a full Braille alphabet at the end of the book.

First published in Mexico, it has since been published around the world and has been universally praised for its unique and innovative approach.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: STAFF PICK: Book helps sighted people understand blindness

FINANCIAL FOCUS: 5 tips to secure a financial Independence Day

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

It’s almost the Fourth of July, the day when we celebrate our independence as a nation and the many liberties we enjoy as individuals.

Still, we have to keep working to earn some freedoms — such as financial freedom. By making the right moves, you may eventually enjoy your own Financial Independence Day.

Consider these tips:

• Set free your vision. Your first step in moving toward financial independence is to establish a vision of what this freedom might look like.

Ask yourself: When do I want to retire? What do I want to do during my retirement years? How can I be confident that I won’t outlive my financial resources?

The answers can help you develop a clear picture of where you want to go — which will make it much easier to create a financial strategy for getting there.

• Liberate your full investment capabilities. Right now, you may have good investment opportunities that you are not fully exploiting.

For example, are you contributing as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan?

And when your income goes up, are you increasing your contributions to these accounts?

Both an IRA and a 401(k) offer tax advantages and a variety of investment options, so try to get as much out of these plans as you can.

• Avoid the “bondage” of a non-diversified portfolio. If you only own a few types of investments, you are restricting your opportunities — and probably taking on too much risk.

If a downturn primarily affects just one or two asset classes, and most of your investment dollars are tied up in those assets, your portfolio could take a big hit.

But if you “free up” your holdings by diversifying across a range of investments — stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit and so on — you may give yourself more chances for success while reducing the effects of market volatility on your portfolio.

Keep in mind: Diversification cannot guarantee profits or prevent losses.

• Unshackle yourself from debt. It’s not always easy to lower your debt burden, but it’s worth the effort.

The lower your monthly debt payments, the more money you will have available to invest for the future — and for your ultimate financial freedom.

Look for ways to consolidate and reduce your debts.

• Escape from disability and long-term care expenses. Few events can threaten your financial independence as much as a disability or the need for long-term care, such as a nursing home stay.

Even a short disability and time away from work can wreak havoc on your financial situation. And an extended stay in a nursing home can be hugely expensive.

The national average for a private room in a nursing home is nearly $84,000 per year, according to a recent survey by Genworth, a financial security company.

To defend yourself against the threat of disability or the expense of long-term care, you may want to consult with a financial adviser, who can recommend the appropriate protection vehicles.

The Fourth of July is a festive occasion. But you’ll have even more reason to celebrate once you can declare your own financial independence. So, do what it takes to speed the arrival of that day.

Joe Faulk is a Crestview financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: 5 tips to secure a financial Independence Day

Neurosurgeon: The greatest thing you can do you for body is to build muscle

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

If you want good health, a long life and to feel your best well into old age, the No. 1 most important thing you can do is strength-training, says Dr. Brett Osborn, author of “Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness.”

“Our ability to fight off disease resides in our muscles,” Dr. Osborn says. “The greatest thing you can do for your body is to build muscle.”

He cites a large, long-term study of nearly 9,000 men ages 20 to 80. After nearly 19 years, the men still living were those with the most muscular strength. (BMJ, formerly British Medical Journal, 2008).

Muscle is all protein – “nothing but good for you,” Dr. Osborn says.

Fat, however, is an endocrine organ, meaning it releases hormones and other chemicals. When a person has excess fat, he or she also a disrupted flow of excess biochemicals, which can increase insulin resistance and boost risk factors for stroke and high blood pressure, among other problems.

“Increased cytokines, an immune system chemical, for example, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Osborn says. “You’re only as old as your arteries!”

Strength-training has health benefits for everyone, he adds, no matter their size.

“Some fat is visceral fat – it’s stored around the organs and it’s even more dangerous than the fat you can see,” he says. “People who look thin may actually be carrying around a lot of visceral fat.”

So, what’s the workout Dr. Osborn recommends?

“Back to basics,” he says. “These five exercises are the pillars of a solid training regime.”

• The squat is a full-body exercise; it’s the basic movement around which all training should be centered. Heavy squats generate a robust hormonal response as numerous muscular structures are traumatized during the movement (even your biceps). Standing erect with a heavy load on your back and then repeatedly squatting down will stress your body inordinately – in a good way — forcing it to grow more muscle.

• The overhead press primarily activates the shoulders, arm extenders and chest. Lower body musculature is also activated as it counters the downward force of the dumbbell supported by the trainee. From the planted feet into the hands, force is transmitted through the skeletal system, stabilized by numerous muscular structures, most importantly the lower back.

• The deadlift centers on the hamstrings, buttocks, lumbar extensors and quadriceps, essentially the large muscles of your backside and the front of your thighs. As power is transferred from the lower body into the bar through the upper body conduit, upper back muscles are also stressed, contrasting with the squat, which is supported by the hands. Deadlifts are considered by some to be the most complete training exercise.

• The bench press mostly targets the chest, shoulders and triceps; it’s the most popular among weightlifters, and it’s very simple – trainees push the barbell off the lower chest until the arms are straight. This motion stresses not only the entire upper body, but also the lower body, which serves a stabilizing function. This provides a big hormonal response and plenty of bang for your buck.

• The pull-up / chin-up stresses upper body musculature into the body. A pull-up is done when hands gripping over the bar; a chin-up is where hands are gripping under the bar. Nine out of 10 people cannot do this exercise because most simply haven’t put in the effort. It’s also been called a “'man’s exercise,' which is nonsense,” he says. "There are no gender-specific exercises. Women, too, should aspire to enjoy the health benefits entailed with this pillar.

“There are no secrets to a strong and healthier body; hard work is required for the body that will remain vital and strong at any age,” Osborn says. “Always practice proper form and safety. Otherwise, the result will be the opposite of your goal, an injury.”

Brett Osborn is a New York University-trained, board-certified neurological surgeon with a secondary certification in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. He is the author “Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness,” available at www.drbrettosborn.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Neurosurgeon: The greatest thing you can do you for body is to build muscle

Local beauties and a beast star in NWFSC mini-musical

Written by archive on June 30, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — Cast members from throughout the county, including leads from Crestview and Baker, populate the Camp Glee production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

The mini-musical unfolds July 3 for two free public performances on the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Sprint Theater stage at Northwest Florida State College.

The fully costumed production is the culmination of a summer intensive workshop for students in eighth-grade through college who trained under college faculty in acting, voice, makeup, dance and staging.

Local actors include Daniel Thornton of Baker as the prince and the beast, Wesley Bowers of Crestview as Gaston, and Liberty Sites of Baker and Sydney Murchison of Crestview as narrators.

Rayesa Davis of Crestview plays the old woman/enchantress who casts the spell on the prince, transforming him into the hideous beast as his castle servants slowly morph into household objects.

Other area thespians include Crestview’s Ariel Schesniak, Shania Weatherford and Mercy Pettis; Baker’s Allie DuPree; Mossy Head’s McKenzie Nall; and DeFuniak Springs’ Sarah Evans.

Now in its 17th year, the Camp Glee program allows youth the opportunity to train and perform at the state-of-the-art facilities of the college's Fine and Performing Arts complex.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Camp Glee’s mini summer musical Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”

WHEN: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 3

WHERE: Sprint Theatre, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College

COST: Free admission

NOTES: Seating is first-come, first served

Email News Bulletin Staff Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Local beauties and a beast star in NWFSC mini-musical

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Treating cold-injured King Sago plants

Written by archive on June 30, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Many North Florida landscapes' King Sago plants still look sad following cold injury from our recent winter.

Want to know what to do with sagos not fully recovered?

Bob Bayer, a University of Florida-Okaloosa County Extension Master Gardener, and I can help!

Two scenarios

In many cases, all the cold-injured sagos' fronds, or leaves, turned brown, requiring removal.

Many King Sagos responded well to the dead-frond removal and to being fertilized. May and June's higher temperatures have allowed slow recovery in many cold-damaged sagos. They now are displaying new, feathery, dark-green fronds, which will harden, giving the plants their characteristic appearance.

Other sagos have not been as fortunate.

Cones' energy source

Sago plants are either male or female. Some male sagos now produce cones instead of new fronds. This resembles a yellow to tan pine cone up to 2 feet long.

Cone production wouldn't be a problem if the fronds had not been lost to cold damage. Without green fronds to produce food for the plant (through photosynthesis), the cones draw energy for growth from stored food (sugars) in the trunk.

Also, heavy rains have leeched away many nutrients that were in the soil.

As a result, these weak sago plants are attempting to propagate their species before they possibly die.

Preventing fungal infection

In addition to producing cones, some sagos produce off shoots (pups), a vegetative means of propagation. This is a draw of energy from the parent plant without replacement. There is no guarantee that removing these pups will ensure the parent's survival.

Cone removal will decrease the plant's stress, but it also creates an open wound, which subjects the plant to possible fungal infection. Snapping off the cone will not hurt the plant. But after removing the cone, you should treat the resulting wound with a copper-based fungicide.

Always follow label directions when using any pesticide, including fungicides.

Producing new fronds

Older, mature female sago plants will eventually produce a tan reproductive structure that somewhat resembles a flattened basketball or cabbage.

You'll see walnut sized, orange-red seed as this structure slowly opens. Removing the seeds as they develop provides more energy for frond production on the cold-injured, stressed sagos.

But do not remove the female structure; this can cause permanent damage and the plant's possible death. The resulting wound would be too large to treat.

Use a complete fertilizer containing about 18 percent nitrogen to encourage new frond production.

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: Treating cold-injured King Sago plants

Local weddings for Presbyterian gay couples unlikely

Written by archive on June 28, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly's June 19 decision to permit same-sex marriages won’t immediately result in local weddings.

The decisions to redefine marriage and permit pastors to perform such weddings were difficult to arrive at, church leaders said.

“Both decisions came with much thought, discussion and prayer, and clearly the entire body that is the PC (USA) will be interpreting these actions for some time,” church leaders stated in a letter to congregations.

Because Florida does not allow same-sex marriages, “the vote is kind of a moot point,” said the Rev. Mark Broadhead, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview and the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church.

“I think this a divisive issue within our denomination and has been for 40 years actually,” Broadhead said. “I can understand both sides of the argument.”

The decisions

Meeting in Detroit, the 221st General Assembly changed language in the Book of Order to say “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman,” the church leaders’ letter stated.

Presbyterian pastors are now allowed discretion to perform “any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform.”

In addition, individual church governing boards, called Sessions, can decide whether to allow weddings for same-sex couples in their churches, regardless of what pastors feel called to do.

Broadhead said like other controversial issues, same-sex marriage takes attention away from more important matters.

“Our denomination has been focusing so much on being politically correct that we have taken our focus off spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to people that need to hear it,” he said.

Avoid distractions

Broadhead urged Presbyterians to not allow the issue to distract them from the basics of their faith.

“As with all of the issues the General Assembly has passed that rankle people, my suggestion is take a deep breath and don’t make any rash decisions,” Broadhead said. “Don’t do or say anything that would mar the image of Jesus Christ. That is key to ours and any denomination.”

For Broadhead, personally, the decision is “a matter of prayer,” he said.

“The upshot for me, I still remember that God is a God of love and grace, and God is just and holy and God’s will is going to be done with or without us.

“I have gay friends that may or may not one day ask if I will do their wedding ceremony. I will need to be in deep prayer about that so that God may provide me with the right guidance for me to answer.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Local weddings for Presbyterian gay couples unlikely

Health department: Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Written by archive on June 28, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and Okaloosa County Mosquito Control want residents and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

Standing water caused by recent heavy rainfall across the area has increased the incidence of these pests.

To prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business:

•Drain water from containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.

•Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other unused items. Even small amounts of water can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes.

•Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.

•Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

•Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

•If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.

•Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 are effective.

•Never use repellents on children younger than 2 months. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

•Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Most people will not get ill from a mosquito bite. Common symptoms of mosquito-borne virus infection may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Medical attention may be needed.

DID YOU KNOW?

•Mosquitoes develop in an aquatic environment for four to 16 days.

•Adult mosquitoes live for 21 to 33 days.

•Female adult mosquitoes can lay eggs 5 to 7 times every 2 to 3 days.

•Adult female mosquitoes mate the first or second day after emergence.

•Nearly all female mosquitoes need a blood meal to lay eggs.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department: Protect yourself against mosquitoes

PREVIEW: 2014-15 Mattie Kelly season offers Broadway, musical treats

Written by archive on June 27, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — The Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College promises a glorious tapestry of stage entertainment for the 2014-15 season.

Great musical events and dazzling Broadway spectacles combine on the Mainstage for a season that makes the most of NWFSC’s prime location on the Southern Tier touring show route.

Musical events include the humor and athleticism of “Recycled Percussion,” doo-wop sounds of the “Midtown Men,” familiar themes from “The Music of Marvin Hamlisch,” and the swinging big band beat of “In the Mood.”

Touring Broadway productions include the fantasy of “Camelot,” one of the Great White Way's most beloved classics, and “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a contemporary Tony winner that’s “a grown-up prequel to ‘Peter Pan.’”

For sheer variety, this is one baker’s dozen audiences won’t want to miss.

Sept. 12: Upright Citizens Brigade. The renowned New York improvisational theatre presents a night of improv comedy. $12

Oct. 6: Mike Huckabee. An evening with the Fox News chat show host, former presidential candidate, and bass guitar player, who’ll perform with the Northwest Florida State College Jazz Ensemble. Free for people age 18 and younger; $15 for adults. VIP/reception tickets, $65. Benefits NWFSC scholarships.

Oct. 10: "Camelot." The grandeur of Lerner & Loewe’s beloved musical envelopes the spectacular retelling of the tales of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot with some of Broadway’s most memorable show tunes. $47

Nov. 5: Recycled Percussion. The group, made famous on NBC's “America’s Got Talent," has been rocking the Las Vegas Strip with extreme percussion, humor and athleticism. $37

Jan. 6, 2015: "Menopause: The Musical." Never has “the change” been so funny; the show sold out when it played the Mattie Kelly Center in 2012. $47

Jan. 22, 2015: "Midtown Men." The four original Broadway cast members of “Jersey Boys” present a show of 1960s pop favorites with tight choreography and harmonies. $47

Jan. 26, 2015: "Celebration on Ice." Real ice and real skaters present spectacular precision skating and sparkling costumes. $37 adult; $22 youths.

Feb. 2, 2015: "Million Dollar Quartet." When Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins came together to make music, they also made history. This smash-hit-filled musical recreates the event. $47

Feb. 7, 2015: "One Singular Sensation: The Music of Marvin Hamlisch." Celebrate the music of the legendary Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar-winner. $37

Feb. 10, 2015: "Peter and the Starcatcher." Laughter and fantasy fill the stage in this hilarious “adult prequel to ‘Peter Pan.’" $47

Feb. 20, 2015: "In the Mood." The brassy, bold big band sounds of Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman and Ol’ Blue Eyes recreate the music of The Greatest Generation. $37

March 10, 2015: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." The classic MGM movie musical, with all its boisterous romance, bursts to life. $47

March 14, 2015: Cirque de la Symphonie. Acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, equilibrists and strongmen perform to classical masterpieces performed by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. $37

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Mattie Kelly Arts Center Broadway and Artists Season tickets

WHEN: Priority ticket sales for season holders and sponsors start Aug. 8; General public season package sales start Aug. 15; single-show online sales start Aug. 29; phone and in-person sales start Sept. 2

WHERE: Mattie Kelly Center Box Office, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville campus

NOTES: Box Office sales available at 729-6000 or www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org. Prices listed include $2 box office processing fee.

Email News Bulletin Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PREVIEW: 2014-15 Mattie Kelly season offers Broadway, musical treats

Amateur radio operators demonstrate emergency preparedness procedures this weekend

Written by archive on June 27, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

North Okaloosa County Amateur Radio operators will participate in a national emergency preparedness exercise, or “Field Day,” this weekend at their club station in Dorcas Fire Department Station 42.

The public can visit the on-air operation this weekend between 1 p.m. Saturday through mid-day Sunday. NOARC members will have at least four stations set up and will talk to other Field Day locations all over the country.

This annual event is held during the last weekend in June, but this year's event is special, organizers said.

“This is the 100th anniversary of our national organization, the Amateur Radio Relay League," NOARC President Bob Walker, N4CU, said.

“We are also marking the 35th anniversary of the founding of the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club. We invite anyone interested in learning more about Amateur Radio to visit us this weekend."

The location is on Young Deer Creek Road about 8 miles east of Crestview, directly behind the old Mattox Store on Highway 90.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Amateur radio operators demonstrate emergency preparedness procedures this weekend

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