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

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

From the left, Crestview's Gretl Stenske, her son, Zac, and Fort Walton Beach resident Kim Luckie show off their shaved heads.

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.

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

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS: 7 fun family activities for summer

Written by archive on . 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

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

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

Crestview resident Katie Mitchell, 3 — flanked by her mother, Jaime, left, and Gretl Stenske — is receiving chemotherapy treatments for leukemia. Stenske and her son, Zac, will shave their heads on Sunday at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium to support Katie. The "Praying for Carolyn" event — which raises awareness for Carolyn Hendrix, a 5-year-old Pensacola resident with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer — will benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which helps fund childhood cancer research.

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.

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.  

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 . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Doug Anderson, left, and Devin McGlamery

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 . 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

Ultimate Day Camp starts soon

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE —The Eglin Chapel Protestant Community is sponsoring Ultimate Day Camp June 23-27.

Activities include archery, basketball, cheerleading, crafts and more. Students who've completed first through sixth grades can attend 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lewis School in Valparaiso.

$100 scholarships for children of active duty service members and $75 scholarships for children of non-active duty service members are available. 

Scholarships are limited.

Call the chapel, 882-2111, for more information and to obtain a discount code.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ultimate Day Camp starts soon

Stargazing program scheduled this weekend

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Henderson Beach State Park will host a stargazing program this weekend.

Northwest Florida Astronomy Association volunteers will set up several telescopes for public viewing of star clusters, planets and galaxies, and answer questions about the night sky.

Before sunset, the telescopes will be equipped for safe viewing of the sun. Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy an evening of stargazing.

The park admission fee includes the program.

The park closes at sunset; all those attending the stargazing should arrive before sunset. 

Call 837-7550 for sunset time.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Stargazing by the Shore

WHEN: 5-10 p.m. Friday, June 20

WHERE: Henderson Beach State Park, Okaloosa County, on Highway 98 just east of Destin

COST:

$6 per vehicle with 2-8 people

$4 per single occupant vehicle

$2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, extra passenger or passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Stargazing program scheduled this weekend

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Invest now to prevent outliving your income

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

Here’s an interesting statistic: Over the past three decades, the centenarian population in the United States has grown about 66 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

This doesn’t mean that you will live to 100 — but the possibility may not be as remote as it once was.

If you plan to retire in your mid-60s, and you are in good health, you may have two or even three decades ahead of you. To enjoy this time to the fullest — and help prevent the possibility of outliving your financial resources — invest for income and growth throughout your retirement years.

As a retiree, how much income do you need from your investments? There’s no one “right” percentage for everyone. Furthermore, you shouldn’t have to rely solely on your investment portfolio, because you may have other sources — such as Social Security and potentially your employer-sponsored retirement plan — from which to draw income. Nonetheless, investments can play a big role in providing you with income you’ll need during retirement.

Many retirees depend on fixed-rate investments for much of their retirement income — so it’s a real challenge when interest rates are low, as they have been the past several years.

Consequently, when you retire, you’ll need to be aware of the interest-rate environment and the income you can expect from these investments. Longer-term fixed-rate vehicles may be tempting; they typically offer higher rates than shorter-term ones, but these longer-term investments may have more price fluctuation and inflation risk than shorter-term investments. You’ll likely need a balance between short-, intermediate- and long-term fixed-income investments to provide for a portion of your income in retirement.

While it’s important to invest for income, you can’t ignore the need for growth — because you won’t want to lose purchasing power to inflation. We've experienced mild inflation recently, but over time, even a low inflation rate can seriously erode your purchasing power.

If your current monthly costs are $3,000, they will be about $4,000 in 10 years with a 3 percent annual inflation rate. In 25 years at that same rate, your monthly costs will have more than doubled to about $6,200.

To help protect yourself against inflation risk, consider having at least some investments that offer growth potential, rather than only owning fixed-income vehicles. Some investment vehicles, such as dividend-paying stocks, can offer both growth potential and current income. In fact, some stocks have paid, and even increased, their dividends for many years in a row, giving you not just income, but rising income. (Keep in mind, though, that companies are not obligated to pay dividends, and can reduce or discontinue them at any time.)

To determine the right mix of growth and income vehicles for your individual needs, consult with a financial adviser familiar with your retirement plans, your risk tolerance and your family situation.

And it may well be a good idea to plan for a very long retirement.

You may not live to be 100 — but it would be a good feeling to know that you could afford to do so.  

Joe Faulk is a financial adviser in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Invest now to prevent outliving your income

Poetry, music jam sessions boost writers' confidence, facilitate self-expression

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

Andrea Hefner — reciting rhymes during the 2013 Poetry Slam at the Crestview Public Library — says involvement in the Poetry Club has helped her become a better writer.

CRESTVIEW — Poetry and music jam sessions at the Crestview Public Library have received increased attendance since they began in 2012, facilitator Esther Hurwitz said.  

Poets and songwriters — "we started off with a core group of five to seven (people),”  Hurwitz said — gather monthly to share their literary talents. “Since 2013, the numbers have really picked up … we usually have 20 to 25 people.”  

Attendee Andrea Hefner credits the club's community involvement for its growth. Members regularly visit local schools and share their work with students. Some schools allow extra credit for attending the group's meetings or competitions.

In addition, enthusiastic writers see the benefits. For instance, the small-group gatherings can help build confidence, said Hefner, whose 16-year-old daughter, Victoria, also attends.

“It’s been wonderful for me, because she is a little on the quiet side, like me,” Hefner said.

And the sessions help attendees improve their writing skills.

“I have become a better writer … since I joined,” Hefner said. “When I first started, I used to focus on rhyming, but now I have really gotten into free verse.”

In addition to sharing prepared work, attendees receive prompts to inspire creation.

 “These are subjects we normally don’t think about,” Hurwitz said.     

Regardless of what attracts people to the poetry and songwriters club, Hurwitz said the atmosphere allows them to communicate on a literary level.

“It’s magical almost: how people show up, meet and share themselves,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poetry, music jam sessions boost writers' confidence, facilitate self-expression

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Fish ponds management made simple

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

Since I have an animal science degree, I like to think the pond is the pasture and fish are the livestock.

That is, the pond must grow enough forage/food for the fish. The more fish you harvest from the pond, the more forages the pond must grow.

Just like in a pasture situation, there are good forages and there are weeds (plants we don’t want in the pond).

There are plenty of good pond plants that fish use for food and shelter. There also are a few invasive plants, so learning how to identify those "weeds" is important.

After properly identifying the weed, learn how to treat it. In many cases, herbicides are unnecessary. Very often, grass carp or simply adding a pond dye will take care of minor issues.

Fish, like livestock, produce fertilizer for plants in the pond. If you have a light harvest of fish from the pond, you probably don’t need to fertilize the pond. If you plan to harvest fish regularly, you may decide to fertilize the pond.

If you decide to fertilize this year, continue fertilizing it in the future as the fish population will come to depend on regular fertilization. Don't fertilize ponds if commercial fish feed is used, in muddy or weedy ponds, or in ponds where fish populations are out of balance.

Fish stocking rates depend on which kind of pond you want. If you want a crystal clear, plant-free pond, don't have any fish.

Bass/bluegill ponds seem to be pretty popular here. However, consider this: Bass will eat smaller fish. That is why we generally suggest stocking the pond with bluegill and catfish in the fall and stocking bass the following spring.

Triploid grass carp — which can be used to control certain pond weeds — can only be bought with a Triploid Grass Carp Permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Find the application at www.myfwc.com and search for grass carp.

LEARN MORE

WHAT: Pond Management Workshop

WHEN: 6-8 p.m. June 30

WHERE: University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Science's Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.

COST: $5

CONTACT: 689-5850, bearden@ufl.edu

Jennifer Bearden is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Fish ponds management made simple

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