lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

6 Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water

Written by archive on June 26, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Six Okaloosa County parks may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

On Tuesday, Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach; Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Clement E. Taylor Park and James Lee Park, Destin; Emerald Promenade, Okaloosa Island; and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.

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: 6 Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water

Crestview man named local LDS Stake's president

Written by archive on June 26, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

The Fort Walton Beach Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a new administrative team.

President Michael Patrick Roberts of Crestview has been called to supervise eight congregations covering Okaloosa County and parts of Walton County.

After study and prayer he chose his counselors, Joseph A. Anderson of Niceville, First Counselor; and Craig Miller, also of Niceville, Second Counselor.

Roberts is a doctor of internal medicine who practices at Main Street Medical Center and is affiliated with the North Okaloosa Medical Center.

Prior to being called as the new stake president, Roberts was the acting bishop of Crestview Ward 2.

In the church, he's served a two-year mission to Catania, Italy, was an Italian interpreter at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, and was a counselor to bishops, branch presidents and elder’s quorums, Young Men’s President and High Venture Scout Leader.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an unpaid ministry; those serving in any capacity continue with their regular professions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man named local LDS Stake's president

Katie vs. Cancer team nets $3K for cancer research

Written by archive on June 25, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The Katie vs. Cancer team raised $3,391 on Sunday during Praying for Carolyn, a fundraiser that netted more than $53,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The group represented Katie Mitchell, a Crestview 3-year-old who is undergoing treatments for leukemia.

Stenske, who moved to Crestview three years ago, said she is inspired by the community's support for Katie.

Walker Elementary School students made donation boxes to leave at Crestview businesses including Kelly’s Automotive, Stephanie’s House of Styles and White Sands Tanning, among others.

Fort Walton Beach resident Kim Luckie — who also had her head shaved — works for ERA American Realty, which employs Katie’s mother, Jaime.

The company is organizing July 1 and 2 blood drives at several ERA American Realtor locations in Okaloosa County. The ERA American Charitable Foundation will donate $25 to the Mitchell family for every blood donation, with a $10,000 limit.

Sunday's event raised awareness for Carolyn Hendrix, a 5-year-old Pensacola resident with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Katie vs. Cancer team nets $3K for cancer research

North Okaloosa residents asked to take HIV test

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

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County encourages everyone to “Take the Test, Take Control” June 27 in honor of National HIV Testing Day.

Walk-ins will be accepted 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Crestview clinic, 810 E. James Lee Blvd.; and at the Fort Walton Beach clinic, 221 NE Hospital Drive.

Testing is open to people ages 13 years and older. Results will be available within two weeks and.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly one in five people don’t know they are living with HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between ages 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once, with those at increased risk resting more frequently.

What to learn more? Call Ryan White, The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, 833-9240.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa residents asked to take HIV test

STAFF PICK: 'The Novel Cure: From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You'

Written by archive on June 24, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

We read novels for entertainment, but we also read to learn about life and ourselves.

Here, at last, is a delightful, witty reference book that enables us to harness that power.

“The Novel Cure” is an apothecary of both contemporary and classic literary solutions for whatever troubles you. The authors have trawled 2,000 years of literature for novels that effectively promote happiness, health and sanity.

The book is arranged alphabetically so you can look up your ailment — be it anxiety, a stubbed toe or a midlife crisis — and find the best novel to read as an antidote to your suffering.

Whatever your condition, the prescription is simple: a novel (or two) to be read at regular intervals.

Most of all, The Guardian notes, it will “reaffirm literature’s ability to distract and transport, to resonate and reassure, to change the way we see the world and our place in it.”

Ailments and prescriptions include:

•Being a Daddy’s Girl: “Emma,” by Jane Austen

•Dissatisfaction: “Cannery Row,” by John Steinbeck

•Extravagance: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” by Truman Capote

•Gluttony: “The Debt to Pleasure,” by John Lancaster

•Homesickness: “The Namesake,” by Jhumpa Lahiri

•Hypochondria: “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

•Low Self-Esteem: “The Shipping News,” by Annie Proulx

•Miscarriage: “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” by Audrey Niffenegger

•Nameless Dread: “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” by Ray Bradbury

•Shame: “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett

•Toothache: “Anna Karenina,” by Leo Tolstoy

•Unrequited Love: “Bel Canto,” by Ann Patchett

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: STAFF PICK: 'The Novel Cure: From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You'

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS: 7 fun family activities for summer

Written by archive on June 23, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Summertime is just a few weeks away, and this is the perfect time to start thinking about how to make a memorable vacation season for your family.

Creating unforgettable family memories does not need to cost an arm and a leg. All it takes is a little energy, time and creative thinking. One idea is to have a "family fun brainstorm session" over popcorn and lemonade, and you'd be surprised at how many ideas the kids will have.

To help you get started, here are some other family activities to spark your imagination.

Staycation: With the rising costs of gas, many families are opting to stay local and play tourists in their own backyards. Visit your local tourism office, go online or get tips from your family and friends on fun things to do in your neighborhood. Also look into nearby attractions such as museums, historical sites, parks, farmers' markets and zoos. Make dinner together and end the evening with family game night or a movie.

Go outside: Kids love to get active and explore the great outdoors. Find some local hiking trails; take a family bike ride; head to a public lake, beach, or pool; walk to a nearby playground; or simply play ball, throw a frisbee or play badminton in your backyard.

Summer movies and concerts: Many movie theaters offer summer matinee promotions that can make for a fun family outing and save you lots of money. Also, many communities offer movie and concert nights in the park where you can enjoy some free entertainment under the stars and possibly even meet some new neighbors.

Visit a national park: Did you know there are almost 400 parks under the National Park System here in the U.S., including well-known destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite? Not only do these parks offer spectacular scenery and exciting experiences for everyone in your family, but depending on when and where you go the cost can be free or free entrance with parking costing as little as $10–$20.

Host a block party: Speaking of neighbors, consider hosting a neighborhood potluck party. Get your kids involved in creating invitations or flyers and take a family walk to personally deliver the invites door-to-door. You will probably be surprised at the friendly reception you receive from your neighbors; this is also a great way to introduce an informal "Neighborhood Watch" program once people get a chance to meet each other.

Take a class: Local stores and businesses often offer free classes, workshops and demonstrations during the summertime, with topics ranging from home repair, to gardening, to beading and artwork. Check out stores like Home Depot, Michael's and local libraries for classes in your area.

Back-to-basics: When it comes to family fun, don't forget classic and simple ideas such as creating a lemonade stand, putting together a family play or concert, having a backyard campout or washing the car together. Often the simplest and most fun summer activities are also free.

If you're hoping your summer plans will involve some travel, check out this helpful calculator to budget your costs.

Click here for Money Scene archives.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS: 7 fun family activities for summer

Katie vs. Cancer team nets $3K for cancer research

Written by archive on June 23, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

The Katie vs. Cancer team raised $3,391 on Sunday during Praying for Carolyn, a fundraiser that netted more than $53,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The group represented Katie Mitchell, a Crestview 3-year-old who is undergoing treatments for leukemia.

Stenske, who moved to Crestview three years ago, said she is inspired by the community's support for Katie.

Walker Elementary School students made donation boxes to leave at Crestview businesses including Kelly’s Automotive, Stephanie’s House of Styles and White Sands Tanning, among others.

Fort Walton Beach resident Kim Luckie — who also had her head shaved — works for ERA American Realty, which employs Katie’s mother, Jaime.

Sunday's event raised awareness for Carolyn Hendrix, a 5-year-old Pensacola resident with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

What: Blood drive supporting Katie Mitchell and family

When:Noon to 5 p.m. July 2

Where:ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, 938 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Katie vs. Cancer team nets $3K for cancer research

Mother, son, shave heads to support Crestview girl, aid cancer research funding

Written by archive on June 21, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Gretl Stenske and her son, Zac, would give anything to help Katie Mitchell, a 3-year-old receiving treatment for leukemia.

"Anything" includes all the hair on their heads.

Gretl and Zac, 15, will have their heads shaved on Sunday at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, where more than 100 teams will support children with cancer.

Spreading the message

“By doing this, I feel like I can be … a walking billboard for this disease,” Gretl said. “I felt like I needed to do this in order to get the message across.”

Her message is that more needs to be done to beat childhood cancer.

Four percent of federal funding goes toward childhood cancer research, according to the St. Baldrick Foundation website. The foundation, which raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, will benefit from the “Praying for Carolyn” head-shaving event on Sunday. The event will raise awareness for Carolyn Hendrix, a 5-year-old Pensacola resident with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

Stenske and her son are among five participants in the Katie vs. Cancer team, which has raised more than $2,200 of a $5,000 goal.

'We are blessed'

Stenske, who moved to Crestview three years ago, said she is inspired by the community's support.

Walker Elementary School students made donation boxes to leave at Crestview businesses including Kelly’s Automotive, Stephanie’s House of Styles and White Sands Tanning, among others.

In addition, supporters have followed Katie's progress on the Katie vs. Cancer Facebook page.

“To see how this community has surrounded this family is phenomenal,” Stenske said.

Fort Walton Beach resident Kim Luckie has raised more than $1,200. Luckie — who will also have her head shaved — works for ERA American Realty, which employs Katie’s mother, Jaime.

Jaime appreciates all the support.

“It’s been hard, but we are blessed by all of the help we have received,” she said.

UPCOMING

What: St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser

When:2 p.m. Sunday

Where:Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St., Pensacola

Notes:Benefits childhood cancer research; visit bit.ly/1iH9Lu0 for details on the Katie vs. Cancer team

•••

What: Blood drive supporting Katie Mitchell and family

When:Noon to 5 p.m. July 2

Where:ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, 938 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mother, son, shave heads to support Crestview girl, aid cancer research funding

Gospel greats Anderson and McGlamery in concert June 28

Written by archive on June 20, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — A gospel concert featuring Doug Anderson and Devin McGlamery is 6 p.m. June 28 at Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

A $10 donation is suggested at the door. A love offering will be collected.

Anderson is a founding member of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, of which Doug has been a member since 2009.

For more on the singers, visit the Doug Anderson and Devin McGlamery websites.

You may also visit the Libby and Friends concert website, or call Libby White at 850-496-7106.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gospel greats Anderson and McGlamery in concert June 28

Shady Grove Assembly of God plans 92nd Homecoming

Written by archive on June 20, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — Homecoming services at Shady Grove Assembly of God start at 10 a.m. June 29. The church is located at 1189 Shady Grove Road in Baker.

Services feature singing by Rich Maharrey & Judah, of Bagdad, Fla.; the Rev. Louie Pettis, former pastor (1981-1985) will be the guest speaker.

Lunch will be served at noon in the Fellowship Hall.

Call the church office, 537-2774, for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shady Grove Assembly of God plans 92nd Homecoming

850.682.6524