lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Crestview's 'Teaming for a Cure' for cancer, needs your help

Written by archive on January 30, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

I would like to take off my editor's cap for a minute and slip on a purple bracelet to thank the 28 teams and 166 residents who have signed up for Crestview's 2014 Relay For Life.

Teams are as follows: Duke It Out, Team Baker, Sacred Heart Crestview Medical Clinic, New Life Missionary Baptist Church, Lowes Heroes, Tuff Birds Fitness, Layla's Journey, Committee Heroes, Walmart Warriors #0944, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Covenant Hospice Crestview and Davidson Panthers.

Also: Speedee Printing, Riverside Elementary, Team Lynette, Walkin'-A-Crown, Southside Tiger Cubs, Family, GameMasters Guild-Zombie Apocalypse, OCTFCU, Bob Sikes Elementary, Bel Aire Terrace Apartments, Crestview High School Juniorettes, L-3 High Flyers, Live Oak Baptist Church, New Life International Worship Center, North Okaloosa Tooth Fairies and Purr-Fect Pacers.

Crestview area volunteers have raised $8,002, which benefits the American Cancer Society and furthers its primary mission: to add more birthdays for people with cancer.

Still, the local Relay needs more teams — and more dollars — to help eradicate cancer. The goal is $151,000, and we have just a couple of months to get it.

Relay For Life Crestview kicks off at 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E. Redstone Ave., here in Crestview. Proceeds benefit programs like Road to Recovery, which matches cancer patients with volunteer drivers who take them to their appointments; Look Good … Feel Better, which helps women with cancer improve their self-image; and others that directly affect our community.

We hope North Okaloosa residents will come together and "Team for a Cure" — this year's theme — by signing up their business, church, club or family. Or by donating. You also could call 850-244-9042 for more details.

In the meantime, the News Bulletin will continue its ongoing series and coverage on cancer patients. (Like this Boston butts fundraiser!)

Crestview's 2013 Relay For Life ranked 24th in the state, and we anticipate another successful year, uniting for a cause we all can believe in, and enjoying the fellowship.

Please consider forming a team for just $10. It's a great way to strengthen your work place, church or family's bonds while gaining sponsorships and fighting cancer.

Thank you, again, for those who have committed their support, and for those of you considering adding yours.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's 'Teaming for a Cure' for cancer, needs your help

Boston butts fundraiser to benefit Crestview boy

Written by archive on January 29, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Boston butts will be available, just in time for the Super Bowl, with proceeds benefiting a Crestview boy.

The Duke it Out American Cancer Society Relay For Life team will offer fully cooked butts from 4-5 p.m. Saturday in the Crestview Publix parking lot. The cost is a $25 donation.

Proceeds will benefit health care for Noah, the son of Krystal and Caleb Jackson, who was born with a cancerous brain tumor in June 2013. He is being treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where he has been since shortly after birth.

SEE Noah's St. Jude's webpage

Contact Loney Whitley, 603-3500 or 537-4654, to place your order or make a donation to help the Jackson family.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boston butts fundraiser to benefit Crestview boy

Crestview Dart League seeking new members

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

The Crestview Dart League — which recently selected officers — is recruiting members for the 2014 season.

Ellen Hashek is the president, Adam Kelley the vice president and Aaron Zimmerman is the secretary/ treasurer.

This past season's winners are as follows: •1st division: Kaos, American Legion •2nd division: Dartanians, Scrap’s Suds and Grub •3rd division: Wired, American Legion

For more on the Crestview Dart League, visit their website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Dart League seeking new members

Crestview church's cookbooks offer recipes, refuge from addiction

Written by archive on January 25, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Woodlawn Baptist Church's young adult Sunday school students hope their cookbook's recipes will nourish both body and soul.

"Seasoned with Love" features 83 recipes for entrees, soups, sides, breads and desserts, along with a Creole section. Proceeds benefit a Christian-based substance abuse rehabilitation program.

So far, the group has raised $382, church member Claudia Smythe said.

Many Woodlawn church members are familiar with Exodos Rehabilitation Ministries through church members Thomas and Kyra Crowson. The couple operates the ministry, including the Exodos Thrift Store on North Ferdon Boulevard, which benefits the program and needy residents.

The cookbook idea came after the death of Claudia Smythe's mother-in-law, Louise Smythe. She preserved Louise's recipes in a family cookbook, which gave her inspiration.

"I thought this would be a great way to help out a great organization," she said.

Sunday school attendee Sandy Cooney said she submitted 10 recipes for the book and bought a copy of the cookbook for her family.

"We want to get the word out about this ministry," she said.

Cooney said her family has enjoyed the culinary creations she has prepared for them using the recipes.

Kyra Crowson, Exodos ministry's admissions director, said the North Okaloosa-based organization appreciates the support, which benefits current enrollees.

"This is a huge encouragement for us," she said. "Not only does this help these men, it (also) helps their families here in this community."

HOW TO HELP

The "Seasoned with Love" cookbook is available for $15 at Exodos Thrift Store, 696 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Proceeds benefit Exodos Rehabilitation Ministries. Contact Claudia Smythe, 974-3270, for more details.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview church's cookbooks offer recipes, refuge from addiction

Reminder: Gulf grouper recreational season will not close Feb. 1

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

The Feb. 1 through March 31 closure that would have affected several species of grouper in Gulf state waters has been removed and will not occur as it has in previous years. This closure was removed at the September 2013 meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A similar closure was also removed in federal waters shoreward of the 20 fathom line, or about 120 feet (excluding waters off Monroe County). For details visit the NOAA Fisheries website and click on “Fisheries,” “Gulf Fisheries,” “Reef Fish” and “Gag and Shallow-water Grouper Framework – Recreational Season.”

The closure would have applied to the following species: black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind.

The closure did not apply to gag grouper, which has its own season and opens April 1 through June 30 in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties; and from July 1 through Dec. 3 in all other state waters of the Gulf (excluding Monroe County, which is managed under the Atlantic season).

For more information regarding Gulf grouper fishing regulations, go to the FWC website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reminder: Gulf grouper recreational season will not close Feb. 1

Crestview theatre troupe casting 'The Miracle Worker'

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

CRESTVIEW — William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker" is one of theatre's most challenging plays.

View From the Stage feels up to the challenge and will cast the drama next weekend.

The story of tutor Annie Sullivan's struggle to break through to a deaf, mute, spoiled and stubborn Helen Keller won four Tony Awards when released in 1959. It ran more than 700 performances.

Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke reprised their stage roles as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller in the 1962 film adaptation, which won three Academy Awards.

When done well, "The Miracle Worker" is a tour de force that leaves audiences emotionally moved and cast members physically and emotionally drained.

"Certain parts are intense and physically demanding," View From the Stage Executive Director Berit Faust said.

The story is a departure from the light comedies the community theatre troupe staged for its first two productions, and last month's tune-filled "A Christmas Carol."

Its production ups the ante for substantive, thought-provoking theatre in Crestview.

Faust said the troupe will cast three adult male roles, seven adult female roles and eight youth roles, ages 7-15. Performances are tentatively set for April 11-13.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:Auditions for "The Miracle Worker"

WHEN: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 1; 4-6 p.m. Feb. 2. Call-backs at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 if necessary

WHERE: Journey Java Connection, 269 N. Main St., Crestview

DETAILS: Roles required include three adult males, seven adult females and eight children ages 7-15. Some parts are physically demanding. Come prepared to read; provide a recent head shot and résuméof experience.

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: Crestview theatre troupe casting 'The Miracle Worker'

Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church centennial attracts current, former flock (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

Written by archive on January 22, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — Roy Simon says love is a key ingredient to Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church's longevity.

"We all love each other," said the 58-year-old, a longtime member. "It's just togetherness … no matter who you are or where you are from, everybody chips in."

Simon — who is studying to become a deacon at the church — and 100 others helped celebrate Lebanon's centennial with a memorial banquet on Saturday at the Baker Recreational Center.

Watch video from the memorial banquet>>

See 19 photos from the event>>

Current and former church members filled the community center to celebrate Lebanon's legacy.

"I was not going to miss this for the world," Marcell Young, of Tallahassee, said. "This is my church, this is my home."

The 28-year-old, who was master of ceremonies, said attending the church left an indelible impression.

"The reason that (Jesus) Christ is in my life is because of these people," he said.

Keynote speaker and former member Pastor Dwight Baggett, who serves at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Crestview, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Laurel Hill Pastor Tommie Lewis were among attendees.

Family tree displays and slideshows at the event illustrated Lebanon's long-spanning tradition across the generations.

Lewis, whose father, Will, also served as the church's pastor, said Lebanon's families form the church.

"They are made up of all different families from different places," he said. "They had the resources to work through all of their troubles."

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church centennial attracts current, former flock (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

COVER STORY: County extension celebrates 100 years of home, farming advice

Written by archive on January 22, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County's University of Florida Extension is celebrating 100 years of helping people farm, garden and live better.

Over the years, with evolving technology, the local office has used various communication methods, from radio parties to (soon) smart phones.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: COVER STORY: County extension celebrates 100 years of home, farming advice

Local playwright's musical traces music through the 'Generations'

Written by archive on January 22, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — A chance meeting at a coffee shop was the final impetus playwright and Crestview resident Mike Smith needed to make the dream of producing his musical come true.

Initially, Smith envisioned a show that pays homage to the 20th century's influential black music. He produced a forerunner of "Generations: A Collection of Black American Music" while he was a Texas student performing with a group called The Legacy Singers.

"We were invited to do a show for Black History Month in college and it was 'Generations,'" he said. "The campus and community took … to the show and it was so well received that I thought, 'We may have something here.'"

Back home in Crestview, at his favorite Starbucks table, Smith mulled ways to polish, improve and tighten the show.

At a nearby table, Paul Hinton, First United Methodist Church's contemporary worship music minister, was wrestling with creative challenges as he polished his historical novel.

Mutual encouragement

Hinton and Smith got to chatting and, with each other's encouragement, the book and musical progressed.

"I told him, 'Man, you should do something here,'" Hinton said.

Smith and Dr. Cliff Herron, the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center's executive director, discussed bringing "Generations" to the Mainstage at Northwest Florida State College.

"Mattie Kelly decided to bring us onboard in July, so we've been practicing for quite some time now," Smith said. "It's been a lot of work. It's been a little more work than I anticipated."

In 10 acts, beginning with the early 1900s, "Generations" brings each decade's music, history and culture to the stage, starting with what Smith called a "soul-stirring Negro spiritual."

Each member of the 10-actor cast respectively introduces each decade.

"It is 10 monologues of what was going on in black history, entertainment, sports (and) politics," Mike said. "After each monologue, the band strikes up and the cast comes out and performs the music of the most popular artists of that decade."

Historic influences

Historic events often influenced selections, Smith said.

"You can hear how the music was real relevant and how the music started to evoke what was going on in black history," he said.

"In the 1960s, as the fire hoses were being turned on and the dogs were being released, you hear Aretha Franklin singing 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T.' Yeah, it was about a man, but it had hidden meaning.

"In the '70s you hear Earth Wind and Fire singing, 'We made it, but we have a ways to go.'

"In the '80s you had black-on-black crime, and you had Michael Jackson singing, 'I'm starting with the man in the mirror; I'm trying to make a change.'"

"Generations" runs Feb. 28 at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center, with a Feb. 1 sneak preview for the Democratic Black Caucus' Okaloosa County chapter.

Smith said response to sneak preview showcases has surpassed his expectations. He said he was gratified to see "Generations" had, as he hoped, touched audiences' emotions.

"You’ll smile, you’ll cry, you’ll sing out loud, you’ll dance, you’ll reminisce," Mike said. "You’ll shout 'amen!'"

WANT TO GO?

WHAT:"Generations: A Collection of Black American Music"

WHEN:7:30 p.m. Feb 28

WHERE:Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville

TICKETS: Advance: $20 from producers, 499-3627; $25 in person, at the door or by phone from the Mattie Kelly Center box office, 729-6000

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: Local playwright's musical traces music through the 'Generations'

Art exhibit features interactive textile

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

CRESTVIEW — Lincoln Sayger's "Quixotic Reference" is an interactive textile work crocheted in acrylic yarn.

The artwork is also a QR, or "quick response" code, which the piece's title plays off of. When scanned with a smart phone, it becomes a digital link to a crocheting advice website.

The piece is among works by local artists on exhibit at Journey Java Connection, 269 N. Main St., Crestview.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Art exhibit features interactive textile

850.682.6524