lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Bridgeway employees celebrate National Social Workers Month

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

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Bridgeway Center Inc. associates recently attended the 2014 National Association of Social Workers-Northwest Florida Unit Annual Appreciation Luncheon at The Meridian at Westwood in Fort Walton Beach.

The association celebrates what social workers do with individuals, families and communities they serve during National Professional Social Work Month. Community service providers displayed exhibits of their organizations to promote networking with area professionals and awareness of available services.

Karen McGavin, Bridgeway's clinical services program supervisor and clinical intern coordinator, and Donna Morgan, Community Care assistant program director, presented company materials during the event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway employees celebrate National Social Workers Month

Equestrians seek help sending Baker teen to national horse competition

Written by archive on March 28, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Family and friends are doing what it takes to make sure Hanna Greenfield competes in the country's second largest Arabian horse show.

It'll cost almost $3,000, including registration fees and travel costs, for the 12-year-old to participate in the Arabian Horse Association's Region XII in May in Perry, Ga., horse trainer Marissa Brown said.

Trainers at The Equestrian Center in Fort Walton Beach hope fundraisers help the Baker School student and her horse, Espania, a 20-year-old Arabian mare, make it there.

So far:

•An anonymous donor contributed $1,000.

•Leslie Gilchrist is selling Mary Kay products and donating 80 percent of proceeds.

•Brown created a gofundme.com account that has raised $75, as of this writing.

Such efforts are worth it, as Hanna's dedication to training earned her 20 top-placing awards in Class A competitions, family members said.

"If she is willing to go out there and do what she does with the help of her trainers (Devon Smith, Daphne Whitehead, Randee Harvell and Brown), then it's the least we can do to try and help her get the money to go," said Sharon Adams, Hanna's grandmother.

Hanna has earned 10 points in Class A shows, which is enough to compete in Perry, Brown said.

And she has earned almost 100 ribbons after participating in almost 40 competitions since 2010, trainers said.

"We are going to get her there one way or the other," Whitehead said.

Hanna said she appreciates everything the center has done for her and hopes all of her hard work pays off.

"I feel like we can still do this," she said.

Learn more about Baker School student Hanna Greenfield's fundraising efforts to participate in the Arabian Horse Association's Region XII in May at on Facebook or at gofundme.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Equestrians seek help sending Baker teen to national horse competition

Free CPR training available to local residents

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

Emerald Coast Hospice and Okaloosa and Walton Counties' American Heart Association will provide free CPR training to local residents.

CPR Anytime, developed by the American Heart Association, uses a “practice while watching” technique that allows users to practice CPR on a mannequin while watching a DVD.

Just 6.4 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive, in part because the vast majority of those witnessing a cardiac arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR, a news release stated. "The impact of providing bystander CPR is profound. It more than doubles the chance that a sudden cardiac arrest victim will survive. Yet victims receive bystander CPR in only about 27 percent of cases."

Contact Krista Schueler, 862-1069, or Amanda Curtis, 689-0300, to schedule time with a CPR Anytime coordinator.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free CPR training available to local residents

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Let's talk trash, how to prevent it from entering our watersheds

Written by archive on March 26, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

What do fishing line, plastic bottles, balloons, plastic bags, food packaging and baby diapers have in common?

They are all types of man-made objects found in our local waterways and become marine debris.

Marine debris is man-made waste that somehow makes it into a waterway. Once it travels through the currents, it can distribute worldwide. Marine debris is considered one of the world’s most widespread pollution problems.

As spring takes hold and warmer days creep in, locals and visitors flock to our outdoor areas — like local rivers, lakes, beaches, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico — for adventure and fun.

These areas are economically and ecologically important to all the Panhandle's surrounding areas. They are part of a watershed, the area in which all water flows into a common area.

Every water body and wetland has an associated watershed, whether it is a small backyard pond or a large bay. Everything that occurs within this area directly determines that water body's health. Understanding this is crucial to creating a healthier landscape that we all work to create, conserve and protect.

Waterway debris can harm animals and post a health risk for humans. The risk of broken glass, rusty hooks and entanglement can harm health and enjoyment of these areas. Items such as ropes, bags, nets and other debris can wrap around boat propellers, clog intakes and create costly damage and safety hazards.

It is just as important to keep streets, sidewalks, yards and other land areas clean, as they are part of the watershed. Trash in these areas will ultimately become marine debris.

So, no matter what recreational outdoor activities you enjoy this spring and summer, please remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. Pick up your trash and help keep our waterways clean for us and the generations to come.

The smallest actions, such as recycling your fishing line in local monofilament bins, can make a big difference.

Contact me at bsaari@ufl.edu or 689-5850 for more information or to become involved in local clean-ups.

DID YOU KNOW?

Studies have shown that more than 260 species of animals worldwide have ingested or been entangled in some type of debris. Approximately 100,000 marine animals, such as dolphins, whales and sea turtles are choked or entangled in fishing line, nets and ropes yearly.

Brooke Saari is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Let's talk trash, how to prevent it from entering our watersheds

Relay For Life seeks teams, sponsors for cancer research, programs fundraiser

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

CRESTVIEW — Crestview’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life organizers are still accepting teams and seeking sponsors to help ensure another successful year.

Relay For Life will take place April 25-26, beginning at 6 p.m., at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E. Redstone Ave., Crestview.

“The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love,” Loney Whitley, the local fundraiser’s event cochair, said.

“If cancer has touched your life, participating in a Relay For Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fi ght back and help end cancer forever.”

Contact Megan at 603- 2002 or Loney at 603-3500 for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Relay For Life seeks teams, sponsors for cancer research, programs fundraiser

Teenager's medical fund reaches half-goal

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

CRESTVIEW — Anna Hutcheson is halfway near a $70,000 goal that could save her life.

The 17-year-old has had Eisenmenger syndrome since birth, and needs a double lung and heart transplant, according to University of Florida Health Shands Hospital doctors.

Her family is receiving help from the Children's Organ Transplant Association, which helps coordinate fundraisers to offset costly medications and therapies.

They can add $2,600 to the COTA collection following the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 5450's Saturday fundraiser. Volunteers sold barbecue pork plates and organized two raffles with prizes donated by local business.

"I am driven by (helping) children," VFW member, event organizer and family friend Barbara Beadle said. "I can't imagine having a child in dire need of a transplant."

Anna has limited activity, headaches, shortness of breath and dizziness, and she must take several medications and receive an oxygen treatment at night, but her spirits are up, her mother said.

"She is like a normal teenager, without all of the running around," Patricia Hutcheson said. "She tires very easily."

Dr. Jennifer Wayer and Crestview Family Dentistry staffers organized a dental exam fundraiser last December. In October, family members set up a photo booth during the Fall Festival in downtown Crestview. In addition, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville high schools have organized fundraisers, and several collection containers are in Crestview area businesses, Patricia said.

Most of those benefits, which raised $31,825.24 for the Crestview teenager, would have been impossible without the community's involvement, public relations coordinator Jessica Nance said.

The efforts will continue with an April 28 to May 3 Chill Yogurt fundraiser, in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit Anna's treatment fund.

The money's one thing, but finding a suitable donor is another, her mother said.

"She is on the (transplant) list and they are waiting for the perfect donor," Patricia said. "We are really grateful for everything the community has done."

HOW TO HELP

Learn about future fundraisers or donate toward Anna Hutchenson's health care costs at cotaforteamannahutch.com.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Teenager's medical fund reaches half-goal

Button, button: Couple's button collection provides history lessons

Written by archive on March 26, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — That a jacket's fasteners could be miniature works of art probably doesn't strike the average person as he or she dresses for church.

But maybe a visit to the Crestview Public Library lobby display cases will make them think twice about the common button's artistry.

PHOTOS: See photos from Barb and Don Lanier's button collection exhibit at the Crestview Public Library>>

Valparaiso residents Don and Barb Lanier have been collecting buttons for 36 years. Their exhibit spans a wide range of subjects and vintages.

The buttonologists — "I didn't know there was such a word," reference librarian Sandra Dreaden said — display buttons ranging in subject matter from animal life to heraldic symbols.

Materials include buttons made of glass, gems, metals and locks of human hair, and buttons Barb Lanier made from pine straw.

There are clay buttons produced by American Indians, West German "moonglows" and Swiss livery buttons bearing noble families' crests.

Collectors by happenstance

The Laniers, who are members of the Florida and Texas state button societies and the National Button Society, began collecting buttons "by happenstance," Don said.

"We just wanted something to do when I retired," he said. "I'm not a golfer, I'm not into sports, I don't fish and I don't hunt and I don't chase women because Barb won't let me."

While the couple lived in San Antonio, they started buying jars of buttons at flea markets, thinking they'd separate them by material and color and create art projects.

Instead, a flea market vendor introduced them to the local button society's president, who invited them to a club meeting. Today, Don is the North Florida Button Club's president.

Among the button fanciers' cornucopia are two small, dark metal buttons bearing the United States seal. They are U.S. Army World War I button lockets that house a miniature photo of the soldier's sweetie.

"It's amazing what you can learn from a little tiny ornament that you can put on your clothes," Don Lanier said. "You can learn a lot about history from buttons."

Want to go?

Don and Barb Lanier's button collection exhibit is in the Crestview Public Library's lobby display cases through April. Residents interested in joining the North Florida Button Club may contact Don Lanier, bardon56@aol.com or 729-7594.

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: Button, button: Couple's button collection provides history lessons

New north county art guild plans next meeting, demos

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

CRESTVIEW — North county artists can expect more gatherings for sharing creative techniques after an organizational meeting's attendance exceeded expectations.

Eighteen painters, fabric and textile artists, photographers, a wood craftsman, jewelers and sculptors attended the March 20 organizational meeting at the downtown Journey Java Connection.

The response pleased textile and bookbinding artist Mary Richardson, who served as moderator.

"I was thrilled by the turnout," Richardson said. "In my mind, I was hoping for 10 people…"

The local artists' guild's next meeting is tentatively 4 p.m. April 17 at a location to be announced soon, Richardson said.

At the kickoff meeting, artists discussed their philosophies about art, described their areas of interest, and were unanimous in their desire to maintain the group's informality.

Attendees said they find inspiration and encouragement in observing other artists at work.

"I would like to see some actual demonstrations," professional painter Johnna Esteberg said. "It makes the meetings more productive."

The group will facilitate such observation and networking opportunities, Richardson said.

"We want to have a program or demonstration or workshop at each meeting, something for people learning new techniques and to share ideas," she said.

That will be particularly beneficial to multi-talented artists like Trace Connolly, who works in a variety of media including wrapped jewelry and ceramic painting.

"I can never do just one thing," she said.

WANT TO GO?

The local artists' guild's next meeting is tentatively 4 p.m. April 17 at a location to be determined soon. Contact Mary Richardson, 537-0340 or Maryj19mr46@embarqmail.com, for more details.

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: New north county art guild plans next meeting, demos

HOBO HOMEFRONT: Before speaking, consider what you're really saying

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

During a conversation, people tend to use certain communication styles to achieve a certain goal.

Here's a list of what I mean:

•Avoiding: Sidestep, postpone or withdraw from the issue. Use when potential harm outweighs benefits to resolve a matter, or when time is needed to collect information or cool down.

•Accommodating: Sacrifice your goals to satisfy another party's concerns or yield to another point of view. Use when relationships are most important or to reach a quick, temporary solution.

•Controlling. Pursue your goals without the other person's agreement. Use when unpopular actions must be implemented or when inaction will produce dire consequences

•Compromising. Provide quick, mutually acceptable alternatives — or both parties give up something. Use when two parties of equal power are strongly committed to mutually exclusive goals or to achieve temporary solutions for complex issues.

•Collaborating. Identify each person's concerns and find alternatives that meet both sets of needs or find solutions that fully satisfy both parties' needs and concerns. Use when relationships and issues are both important or to gain commitment and acceptance for a high-quality decision.

These are the different communication styles. So ask yourself: “Is this approach the best one to use right now in order to reach a successful outcome to the problem at hand?”

Constantly consider this question, because the communication style you choose could derail the conversation, take focus off the other person, block the other person from finding a solution, create distance between you and the other person or diminish the other person’s motivation and sense of being valued.

Your chosen style could have long-lasting effects if you offer a high-risk response such as ordering, threatening, moralizing, advising, offering a logical argument, questioning, judging, praising, name-calling, diagnosing, reassuring or diverting.

Listening, on the other hand, is a disciplined skill. You can’t do two things at once if one of them is to be listening well. You can’t listen if you are trying to figure out what to say. Also, don’t expect to listen well if you are busy assuming.

Just a few things to reference over spring break. Have a safe week.

Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOBO HOMEFRONT: Before speaking, consider what you're really saying

Benefit dinner raises more than $15,000 for Exodos Ministries

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

CRESTVIEW — Exodos Ministries now has an extra $15,000 that can help staffers minister to men recovering from chemical addictions.

Residents donated the money Monday during the sixth annual benefit dinner and auction at Woodlawn Baptist Church. More than 200 people attended the event, which allowed more people to learn about Exodos' substance abuse rehabilitation services, organizers said.

"This is always a great opportunity to educate people about what we do," Kyra Crowson, Exodos admissions director, said.

Kenneth Cadenhead, Exodos Thrift Store manager, said area churches and individuals' support is crucial to the ministry.

Area churches monthly contribute between $800 and $1,000; individuals donate between $1200 and $1500, he said.

The rehabilitation ministry also raises funds through proceeds from the North Ferdon Boulevard thrift store.

Additional income will particularly be beneficial when the ministry moves to Baker. Cadenhead said the move would allow the ministry to help additional residents.

"In the past, we have only been able to accept seven men," Cadenhead said. "With our new facility we will have the capacity to have up to 12 and eventually 16 (individuals)."

Teel & Water Real Estate Company recently donated two slightly used mobile homes, a single and doublewide unit, to temporarily shelter more men in the program.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Exodos Thrift Store

WHEN: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

WHERE: 696 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

CONTACT: 682-1511Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Benefit dinner raises more than $15,000 for Exodos Ministries

850.682.6524