lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Crestview man raises cancer research awareness with exercise, photo diary

Written by archive on January 15, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is part of the News Bulletin's ongoing series on cancer-research fundraisers. The newspaper is proud to support Relay For Life Crestview, which will take place 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School.

CRESTVIEW — Daniel Richards has found a way to combine his love of running and his passion for raising awareness to find a cure for cancer.

"I'm calling it 55 days of inspiration," he says.

Since early December, the Davidson Middle School science teacher has run a mile or more each day to honor cancer survivors, those dealing with cancer and those who have died from it.

Richards honors each person by writing their first name across his face, he contemplates their journey as his feet hit the pavement, and he posts a photo diary on his Facebook page.

Follow Daniel Richards' and his "55 days to inspire">>

"There is a story about everyone," he said. "I just get to go out every day and I get a chance to think about these people and what they have gone through."

Fighting the disease is personal for Richards, whose 6-year-old son, Caleb, was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 4 months old. The Riverside Elementary School first-grader now is cancer-free after receiving successful treatments.

Richards' runs began after he met Landon Cooper of "Miles 2 Give." Cooper, with two other runners, raise funds for sarcoma cancer research. This form of cancer develops in the connective tissue.

"It inspired me to do something more," Richards said. "I had a burden and a passion to do it."

The 55th and final day of his run coincides with the Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K on Feb. 1.

Although he might get sore from the frequent running, Richards said the fatigue is nothing to complain about.

"It's very small and minute compared to what these people have gone through," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Feb.1

WHERE: Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview

COST: Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; race-day registration costs $25. The kids' fun run is $10.

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: Crestview man raises cancer research awareness with exercise, photo diary

St. Mark UMC kicks off 'Celebrate Recovery' ministry on Thursday

Written by archive on January 14, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — St. Mark United Methodist Church members invite residents struggling with addictions, hurts, habits or hang-ups to attend the 'Celebrate Recovery' kick-off on Thursday night.

The 52-week, Christ-centered program begins with dinner followed by the PG-13 recovery film "Home Run." The ministry is free and open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, church member Cathy Justice said

"It's (confidential,) non-denominational and it's not just for addicts dealing with alcohol or drugs," she said.

Those with gambling, sex or pornography addictions and unwanted habits — which may include overeating, smoking, anxiety or insecurity — are welcome to attend.

Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in California started Celebrate Recovery in 2007. Niceville's St. Mark UMC location has seen increasing attendance for the same program, which is one reason the Crestview location is planning the program, Justice said.

"There is a real need for this here," she said. "I've seen it while working as a nurse here (in Crestview)."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Celebrate Recovery

WHEN: Dinner is served 4:45-5:45 p.m. "Home Run" movie begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday

WHERE: St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2250 P.J. Adams Parkway, Crestview

COST: $5 donation is asked for an individual meal; $15 for families.

CONTACT: Karen Kay, 682-5280 ext. 102 or kkay@stmarkcrestview.com.

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: St. Mark UMC kicks off 'Celebrate Recovery' ministry on Thursday

Davidson's mission: raise more than $7K for cancer research

Written by archive on January 10, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — $6,800 is the goal to beat for Davidson Middle School's Relay For Life team.

The group collected that much from last year's Davidson Dash Run for a Cure, a 5K, 10K and kids' fun run in which residents can support cancer research and commemorate those with the disease. This year's event is Feb. 1.

VISIT the Imathlete site to sign up for the race>>

"Just honoring these people (cancer survivors) is where my heart and passion is," race director Daniel Richards said. "We try to put an emphasis on them."

Participants can write loved ones' names on a colorful piece of duct tape and wear it throughout the event, he said.

The Davidson Dash will include door prizes, a silent auction, kids' fun run, inflatable bounce house and refreshments.

Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; late entry and race-day registration cost $25. The kids' fun run is $10. And thanks to sponsors' support, 100 percent of registration fees go to the ACS, Richards said.

This is the sixth year for the event, and there will be more to come.

"I'm not going to stop doing it until we find a cure," Richards said.

WANT TO G0?

WHAT: Davidson Dash Run for a Cure 5K / 10K

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Feb.1

WHERE: DavidsonMiddle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview

COST: Pre-registration entry for the 5K and 10K is $20; late entry and race-day registration cost $25. The kids' fun run is $10.

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: Davidson's mission: raise more than $7K for cancer research

German bicyclist travels through Crestview during journey of hope

Written by archive on January 9, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Randolph Westphal wants people to know they should never give up.

The 55-year-old German — who passed through Crestview this week — bicycles through several countries, with help from his Siberian husky dogs, Chinook and Nanook, to prove there's always hope.

He should know; doctors diagnosed him with malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, in 1987. Since then, he has received 28 cancer-related surgeries; four were life threatening. On top of that, a 1996 hit-and-run nearly took his left leg and he had to use a wheelchair for a year. And he was hospitalized in August with a bacterial infection.

But all adversity fades quickly in the past when it's possible for Westphal to get back on the bike. He brings a message of endurance with people in cancer support groups, hospitals and universities.

"I just tell them my story," he said. "A lot of people find hope in a good story."

Westphal purchased a car to assist in his travels, under doctor's advice. However, it has not deterred him from his life's mission: to raise worldwide awareness of perseverance.

The Quality Inn hotel, near the Interstate 10 exit in Crestview, provided a free room Monday night for Westphal and his 8- and 10-year-old dogs. Westphal said he lives on donations from people he meets.

Offering a complimentary room is highly irregular at the hotel, Quality Inn general manager Teresa Davis said.

However, "it was something that I felt like I needed to do," she said. "If I was in a similar situation, I would hope that I would have the same amount of determination he has shown."

Most people would be discouraged after learning that they have a terminal form of cancer, she said.

"He has a strong will," she said.

Westphal plans to travel through south Florida, with stops in Panama City, Tallahassee, Tampa and Key West, before heading back to Canada.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: German bicyclist travels through Crestview during journey of hope

Distinguished Young Women invite girls to boot camp

Written by archive on January 9, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — Distinguished Young Women of Okaloosa County invites 8- to 12-year-old girls to the DYM Boot Camp.

The event is 2-4 p.m. Feb. 15 in Niceville Assembly of God Fellowship Hall, 108 N. State Road 85.

DYW's Class of 2014 will teach fashion, manners and how to "Be Your Best Self," organizers said. Participants rotate in small groups through the three training sections.

Girls will be challenged to stay healthy, be involved in their communities, study well, set goals and work to achieve them, and live within their moral and ethical principles.

Participants in the inaugural boot camp last year learned table settings, manners and age-appropriate fashion tips and accessory ideas.

WHAT: Distinguished Young Women of Okaloosa County boot camp

WHEN: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 15 in Niceville Assembly of God Fellowship Hall, 108 N. State Road 85.

COST: 35 per girl; ages 8-12 may participate

CONTACT: Carole Byrd, 205-886-5552 or carolebyrd911@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Distinguished Young Women invite girls to boot camp

Down East Boys bring 'Amen' tour to Crestview

Written by archive on January 8, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Carrying heartache into 2014 is not on the agenda for North Okaloosa residents.

At least, the Down East Boys, a North Carolina-based gospel music quartet, hope it's not. And to help with that, they'll perform a Saturday concert at Central Baptist Church.

"We will bring some good ballads to lift spirits for the new year," lead singer and manager Ricky Carden said.

The group, represented by Waynesville, N.C.-based The Dominion Agency,annually travels across the country performing at numerous churches and community events. The quartet's songs, including "Waiting for the Day," are fixtures on local Southern Gospel radio station WTJT 90.1 FM.

This weekend, the men will perform songs from their latest album, "Amen," which features "I Won't Trade My Crown" and "Under the Blood," a Top 40 hit on the Southern Gospel Music's Singing News chart.

Performing classic hymns like "How Great Thou Art" and "Oh, I want to See Him" are crowd pleasers, and Carden said fans can expect a mix of new and old songs.

The Down East Boys said they will enjoy "visiting some old friends" when they arrive in town. Libby White, organizer for the Libby and Friends concert ministry, is one of them.

This is the fourth year that the concert series has hosted the quartet, White said.

The Boys' "great music (and) tight harmonies" are just some of the reasons that make the Down East Boys such an "amazing group of men," she said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Down East Boys concert

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

COST: Suggested $10 donation

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: Down East Boys bring 'Amen' tour to Crestview

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Plant a tree on Arbor Day, Jan. 17

Written by archive on January 7, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The best time to plant a tree is, well, 20 years ago. The second best time is Arbor Day 2014.

Florida recognizes the event on the third Friday in January, so the next observance is Jan. 17.

Arbor Day is an annual celebration of trees' role in our lives; we promote and plant trees on this holiday, which was first observed on April 10, 1872.

The idea for Arbor Day in the U.S. began with Julius Sterling Morton, a journalist and nature lover who in 1854 moved from Detroit to present-day Nebraska — and noticed there were virtually no trees there. So he wrote and spoke about environmental stewardship and encouraged everyone to plant trees.

Morton said that trees were needed to act as windbreaks, stabilize soil and to provide shade, fuel and building materials for early pioneers to prosper in the developing state.

The State Board of Agriculture accepted an 1872 resolution by Morton "to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit." The first Arbor Day, on April 10, 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska.

By 1920, 45 states and territories celebrated Arbor Day and, eventually, the observance became a nationally recognized holiday. In 1970, then-President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day.

Today, all 50 states observe Arbor Day, usually when it's the optimal climate for planting trees. In Florida, the ideal time is January, so Florida’s Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday of the month.

Similar events are observed throughout the world. In Israel, it is the Tu B Shevat (New Year for Trees) on Jan. 16, 2014.

Germany has Tag des Baumes on April 25.

Japan and Korea celebrate an entire week in April.

Even Iceland, one of the world's treeless countries, observes Student’s Afforestation Day.

Trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and some day provide wood products, wildlife habitat erosion control, shelter from wind and sun, beauty, and inspiration for ourselves and our children.

Sheila Dunning is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Service in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Plant a tree on Arbor Day, Jan. 17

A time to grow: Pilgrim Rest's new pastor eyes church's expansion

Written by archive on January 7, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church's congregation is getting too big for its sanctuary.

"It is absolutely crammed, packed in here on Sundays," new head pastor Geoff Prows said. "We actually had several people standing in the back (at a recent church service)."

Church officials counted more than 400 faithful at a recent Sunday morning service, and regular attendance purportedly exceeds the 225 seating capacity.

But having an overflow of believers is "a good problem to have," the Tennessee native said, and there are plans to expand the sanctuary in the near future.

Church officials are working with Cosco & Associates Inc., an architecture and construction company, to determine optimal layout plans. A building fund has been set up for the project.

Prows, who recently relocated his wife and two children to Baker after church members voted him head pastor in October, said he is fortunate to serve a growing congregation.

Aside from expansion, little else about Pilgrim Rest needs changing, Prows said.

"I don't want to take anything from what they have already done here … (but) I want to add to it," he said, referring to annual events that attract people outside the congregation. Nearly 700 people registered for the church's Easter Egg Drop last year, and some 2,000 showed for October's Trunk or Treat, church officials said.

In addition to working with area churches and ministering to residents in spiritual need, Prows plans to schedule a drive-in family movie night and organize a community-involved football game.

Darren Williams, the fulltime associate pastor who oversees the children's ministry, said Prows is a good fit for the church and the community.

"He brings energy and excitement," Williams said. "I think outreach is going to be a huge asset for him in this community."

As for Prows, he's in it for the long haul.

"I told the congregation that I am going to retire here," he said.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A time to grow: Pilgrim Rest's new pastor eyes church's expansion

Help now available in Crestview for teens with addiction

Written by archive on January 2, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Crestview teenagers with substance abuse or addiction problems can turn to a new helpline to find rehabilitation centers.

Teens can call the Crestview Adolescent Rehab Helpline, 367-0210; email mail(@drugrehab-crestview.com; or visit http://www.drugrehab-crestview.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Help now available in Crestview for teens with addiction

2013 in art and culture: Organizations, events enhance area livability

Written by archive on January 2, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The city's cultural "livability" is one of its most attractive assets in luring major businesses to the area, Nathan Sparks, the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council's new president, has said.

Looking back on 2013, the Crestview area can rightfully bask in these artistic and cultural accomplishments that enhance and enrich residents' lives. They are, in no particular order, as follows:

COMMUNITY THEATRE

View From the Stage, Crestview's community theatre troupe, presented two full productions in 2013.

Its spring comedy, "See How They Run," brought lots of laughs, mistaken identities, slamming doors and all the fun of British farce to the Warriors Hall Stage.

Just weeks ago, the community paused from frantic Christmas preparations to enjoy a delightful musical version of "A Christmas Carol" presented by the company.

The Florida Chautauqua Theatre in nearby DeFuniak Springs fills a niche with spring, summer and fall Music and More theatre arts courses and youth productions.

STUDENT THEATRE

Crestview High School's drama program and student chapter of the International Thespian Society's annual spring and fall plays, "Sleepy Hollow" and "Dear Ruth," respectively, were enjoyable, enthusiastic productions.

The Thespians' "Bulldog Idol" spring competition for a second year showcased the vocal talents of students who were winnowed down to five final competitors. Michelle Bryant was declared the winner.

New last year was the fall "Crestview's Got Talent," a Thespian-produced student talent show.

SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

Attendees of the Crestview High School band's two annual concerts packed the Pearl Tyner Auditorium. In addition, band members, in a variety of ensembles including the four-piece Sax to the Max quartet — appeared in local festivals and venues.

With 120 voices, the Crestview High chorus, under director Kevin Lusk, performed spring and Christmas choral music concerts featuring songs in a variety of genres performed by show and traditional choirs.

School choral and band music concerts, including Baker School and middle school groups, were welcome additions to the community cultural calendar.

COMMUNITY CHOIRS

Adult choral music resounded throughout the region from the accomplished Schola Cantorum and Okaloosa Chamber Singers community choirs.

Directed by Northwest Florida State College music professor Dr. John Leatherwood and retired former Crestview High choral music teacher Dr. Marilyn Overturf, respectively, the ensembles' spring and Christmas concerts were delightful, professional experiences.

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO

David Colón and Erika Moreno, the Main Street dance studio's owners, are stalwart supporters of community arts and charitable organizations and host the Crestview High ballroom dance club.

Studio dancers are fixtures at a variety of community and school events. Dance for Life, their annual late-winter showcase, displayednational and local talents while raising funds for Covenant Hospice.

SISTER CITY PROGRAM

Crestview strengthened its nearly 20-year Sister Cities International relationship with Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France, through cultural, educational and economic exchanges and community presentations.

In May, 30 student performers with the Northwest Florida State College Soundsations and Madrigals choirs performed in Noirmoutier.

In June, a 22-member delegation helped commemorate America's role in France's World War II liberation and toured an Airbus plant producing components for planes to be assembled in Mobile.

Two University of Nantes students served three-month summer internships at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, while Crestview High French Club members and girls' soccer players began fundraising for summer 2014 visits to Noirmoutier.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Organizers in area schools presented a gala celebrating the many cultures and nationalities that make up northern Okaloosa County.

More than two dozen countries representing five continents presented cultural displays and performances in Shoal River Middle School's gymnasium in a colorful evening of fun and festivity.

Students from Shoal River Middle School and the school district's English for Speakers of Other Languages program contributed research and set-up assistance as they learned about other cultures.

CRESTVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY

Masterpieces from area artists — some exhibiting for the first time — filled lobby display cases and covered the library's exhibit wall.

Programs including monthly First Tuesday lectures, special presentations and crafts instruction for children enriched the community's cultural life.

Music at the Library, now in its third year, enhanced weekday evenings with performances by small ensembles and individual musicians.

The library is also headquarters for community cultural groups including Friends of the Arts and the Crestview Sister City Program.

NORTHWOOD ARTS & SCIENCE ACADEMY

Under new Principal Dr. Donna Goode, the school blossomed with regular weekly instruction in visual and performing arts. Students experienced monthly theatrical or music performances, with some produced by the students themselves.

November's reopening of the school's library led to a morning art club where kids draw and peruse art books selected by librarian Kristal Petruzzi.

Educators say that students who participate in the arts excel in "core" subjects including mathematics and science over students who don't.

BAKER BLOCK MUSEUM

Baker Block Museum continued its role in collecting and preserving the north county's heritage in a fun, eclectic repository for artifacts from glass insulators to a backwoods still.

The facility, operated by the North Okaloosa Heritage Society, includes a regional genealogy and research library and archives, and the adjacent Heritage Park collection of historic buildings.

The museum and park were the site of the annual Baker Heritage Festival, a bustling, family-friendly celebration of area folk arts and folkways.

Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2013 in art and culture: Organizations, events enhance area livability

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