lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Youths raise more than $10K for Crestview Pregnancy Center

Written by archive on September 30, 2013. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — During the past year, the Joy Fellowship Youth Group adopted the Crestview Pregnancy Center for its outreach mission project.

The youth group scheduled numerous fundraisers — including yard sales, car washes, a 30-hour hunger famine, bake sales and a golf tournament at Foxwood Country Club — for the pregnancy center.

Members set a goal of raising $10,000; they surpassed their goal and raised $10,992.98. They recently presented the check to pregnancy center employees Sue Carrigan and Debbie Davidson.

"I’m so proud of these young men and women for putting into practice what the Bible teaches us to do. Philippians 2:3 tells us, 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.' The youth put others first and made an impact on our community. God is so good!" Joy Fellowship Youth Pastor Joe Butryn said in an email.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Youths raise more than $10K for Crestview Pregnancy Center

Girls in Action celebrates 100th birthday Oct. 5

Written by archive on September 28, 2013. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Florida Baptist Convention is honoring Girls in Action’s 100th birthday on Oct. 5 by hosting eight parties around the state. The celebration is for all past, current and prospective GAs.

The Panhandle party is 12:30-3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Crestview, 71 Hickory Ave. Attendees can make birthday cards for missionaries who share their birthday, meet a missionary who served in the Middle East, take a stroll down memory lane and much more.

Cost to attend is $3 per person. Call 1-800-226-8584, ext. 3140 or email ebeck@flbaptist.org to register. Call GA 100 Regional Coordinator Trish Butler, 683-1559, for more details.

Jill Cumbo, the convention’s Women’s Missions and Ministries associate team strategist, came up with the idea for simultaneous statewide celebrations.

“This is such a special, once-in-a lifetime event (that) we wanted to include as many current and former GAs as possible to be a part of the celebration,” she said.

Each location will collect wrapped gifts for distribution to Florida Baptist Children’s Homes residents.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Girls in Action celebrates 100th birthday Oct. 5

Relay For Life Crestview's Early Bird Registration Party is Thursday

Written by archive on September 25, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Relay For Life Crestview's Early Bird Registration Party is 6-7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Crestview Elks Lodge 2624, 127 W. Pine Ave. Teams that sign up and pay early choose their campsite on a first-come, first-serve basis for the April 2014 event.

You can register through Sept. 30. Use discount code "relay" to sign up for $5; cost is $10 after Sept. 30.

Contact event chair Megan Bowersox, 603-2002, or the American Cancer Society office, 244-3183, for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Relay For Life Crestview's Early Bird Registration Party is Thursday

EXTENSION CONNECTION: New options for gulf anglers

Written by archive on September 24, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is one of our favorite pastimes here on the Emerald Coast. Snapper and grouper are among some of the sport fish that anglers enjoy catching the most.

But did you know that these species — along with others, such as triggerfish, amberjacks and porgies — are reef fish, and what that means when you hook them?

Reef fish, when caught in deep water, suffer from barotrauma, or rapid gas expansion in their swim bladder. The fish is caught and pulled up on the line faster than it can adjust to changing pressure.

State and federal regulations require anglers to carry a venting tool, which helps to release trapped gases through use of a hollow sharp needle inserted into the side of the fish. While this method is useful in certain conditions, research for many species is lacking or inconclusive, especially in deep waters.

Fish descending gear use has been more prevalent in the Pacific than in the Gulf and South Atlantic. There are various descending tools available for anglers to choose and learn to use.

Devices include something as simple as a weighted hook-like tool — inserted in the fish’s lip — that is lowered back to depth until the fish swims off the device on its own.

The Seaqualizer, another device, uses pressure to release the fish automatically at 50, 100 or 150 feet, depending on depth settings.

Another example is a weighted milk crate — also known as a fish elevator — that you lower until the fish can swim out on its own.

New fish descending devices can increase many rockfish species’ survival rates. Possibilities of similar effects on reef fish in the Gulf and South Atlantic are being explored and researched.

The Gulf Council has voted to remove the venting requirement in federal waters, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering a similar change for state waters.

Using venting and descending devices is a last resort; consider them only if the fish cannot get back down on its own.

Knowing when and how to use these devices is crucial to helping improve released fish’s survival rates.

See http://catchandrelease.org for the Florida Sea Grant agents’ webinar, "Get That Fish Back Down,” which describes the latest descending gear tools and includes videos on various tool uses.

Brooke Saari is a Sea Grant Marine Science and Natural Resources agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: New options for gulf anglers

Wesley Boys quartet performing Sept. 29

Written by archive on September 23, 2013. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL — The Wesley Boys, an a cappella gospel quartet, will be special guests at the Fifth Sunday hymn sing during the 9 a.m. service Sept. 29 at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth St., Laurel Hill.

Attendees can also choose favorite hymns to be sung during the musical service. Light refreshments will follow worship.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wesley Boys quartet performing Sept. 29

REVIEW: Portraits, landscapes and ‘Miss Sara’ highlight library exhibit

Written by archive on September 23, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Last autumn, local artist Rita Benz delighted the community with an exhibit of paintings that included some somber and enigmatic subjects as well as travel and floral scenes.

In her exhibition currently at the Crestview Public Library through October, Benz offers another wonderful glimpse into her world — and this time it's a cheerier place.

With a range of subjects, from a rushing "Wild River" to the "Giggles and Grins" of two little girls on a tire swing, the collection of landscapes, portraits and flowers is fun, light and refreshing.

Benz's sure brush also captured a special subject. Unexpectedly grouped with two other portraits, viewers suddenly come face to face with Sara Reese.

Better known around town as "Miss Sara," the diminutive woman is omnipresent, riding her tricycle along local streets, popping up at community events, and observing the passing parade of Crestview life.

Benz's portrait of Miss Sara captures her warmth and generous soul, sharing her broad smile, her eyes aglow through her familiar large spectacles, and her hair neatly captured in a bejeweled bun atop her head.

"She's a sweetie for the community," Benz said. "I gave her that painting and the only condition was that I show it in the show."

A fawn in winter, a collection of local flowers, and a stern Indian chief are among the paintings on exhibit.

However, Rita Benz's brilliant capture on canvas of dear Miss Sara outshines them all.

Want to go?

What: An exhibition of paintings by Rita Benz

When: Through October

Where: Crestview Public Library, behind the post office

Contact: 682-4432

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: REVIEW: Portraits, landscapes and ‘Miss Sara’ highlight library exhibit

Kirk Cameron to speak on marriage, faith Saturday in Crestview

Written by archive on September 18, 2013. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Television and film star Kirk Cameron will be the keynote speaker at "Love Worth Fighting For" on Saturday at Central Baptist Church.

Cameron — who portrayed Mike Seaver on TV’s "Growing Pains" and starred in faith-based filmssuch as the "Left Behind" series and "Fireproof” — joins musical guest Warren Barfield, singer of “Love is Not a Fight” and other hit contemporary Christian songs, for the event.

Keep reading for our Q&A with the former "Growing Pains" co-star

Central Baptist Pastor Paul Mixon said he hopes the event will inspire couples to strengthen their marriages.

"Divorce has become such an easy out for married folks in our society that hosting an event like this should speak directly to the hearts of the attendees to help them see God’s plan for marriage as a lifelong covenant," Mixon said.

"(Our church) will be starting a marriage mentor program designed to link couples together using love, accountability and conflict resolution methods," he said.

Want to go? WHAT: "Love Worth Fighting For" WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 WHERE: Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd. COST: general admission (per person), $22.50; $25 at door; VIP, $35; and groups of 10 or more, $20 per person ORDER: Tickets are available at bit.ly/15WNPJw or 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday at the church front office.

Q&A with Kirk Cameron

How did the Love Worth Fighting For tour come about?

LWFF started as a one-time event in Knoxville, Tenn., in July of 2009, put on by Feed Your Faith Ministries. The response was incredible and the emails about strengthened marriages just kept pouring in, so we decided to try to put the event together in multiple cities to reach out to the community and share the message that marriages are worth fighting for!

We are now in our fourth year and have presented more than 120 of these events all over the country.

What should attendees expect?

We want people to leave with hope. Some of the (married couples who) walk through the doors are great and, for those, the LWFF event is a fun date night with stories, worship and time together.

For others, this may be a last ditch effort before calling it quits. For still others, they may be engaged or newly married and they want to builda strong marriage that will last.

Our prayer is thateveryone who attends takes something away from the event that strengthens their marriage.

Is there anything else we should know?

Just that LWFF is for everyone. Whether your relationship is fantastic and going strong or just hanging by a thread, there is something for everyone.

Warren Barfield is an amazing musician and extremely humorous … sharing personal stories from his own marriage that will have you laughing while really hitting home how the little snowflakes can build into an avalanche — if we let them build.

Our prayer is that not only will we strengthen marriages, but that we are affecting family trees.

What is your view on marriage in 2013?

Marriage is a struggle for everyone, whether Christian or not. The divorce rates are high across the board. Families are being impacted by separations.

Our goal is to help show that God has a plan to strengthen and heal marriages.

How can couples maintain a healthy relationship?

Like everything in life that we want to excel at, whether it's work, sports or relationships, it takes time and effort.

The best performers at work, the professional athletes and the people with strong marriages didn't just stumble into being "the best.” They worked really hard to get where they are.

Take time to be together and learn about your spouse. What are their likes and dislikes? Put in the effort to make your relationship great!

Besides this tour, what have you been up to these days?

It is a very exciting time right now, as I have a new movie being released … on Sept. 24 .

You know, it's easy to get excited about your faith when things are going well in your life. But when your whole world comes crashing down on you, the questions start: 'Where is God when I need him most?’ ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?'

“Unstoppable” is a journey, based on a true story, that has become the most personal and transparent project I have ever made regarding my faith.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kirk Cameron to speak on marriage, faith Saturday in Crestview

International Talk Like a Pirate Day officially unobserved in Crestview

Written by archive on September 17, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Arr, me hearties, there will be no official local recognition tomorrow of International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Still, residents should feel free to observe the lighthearted "holiday" in their own ways, community leaders say.

"It's due to financial cutbacks that we won't be able to have a celebration this year," Mayor David Cadle said jokingly. "But if you want to do it, go ahead."

Cadle punctuated his comment with a hearty, "arrgh," in best pirate fashion, unaware that the word he was seeking was actually "arrr."

"Arrgh," according to International Talk Like a Pirate Day founders Mark "Cap'n Slappy" Summers and John "Ol' Chumbucket" Baur, is "the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin."

Some local schools will use the holiday as an opportunity to make learning fun. Fifth-graders in Glenda Nibert's class at Riverside Elementary will observe the occasion with a special project.

"Our class will be doing a creative writing assignment with Pirate Lingo Vocabulary," Nibert said, adding her students' words list will "set sail with 'arrr' class."

The all-in-fun holiday was founded in 1995 as "a ‘whimsical alternative’ to all the serious things that were making the news so depressing," according to talklikeapirate.com.

"In other words, silliness is the holiday's best selling point."

Humorist Dave Barry brought the holiday to the nation's attention in September 2002, writing in his Miami Herald column, "talking like a pirate will infuse your everyday conversations with romance and danger."

Cadle said that with recent tax rises — for county, city, school and gas — there was no need for the city to encourage more pirates in town.

"We don't need them around 'arrr' streets," Cadle said.

However, as Dave Barry reminded his readers, come tomorrow, "You have the buckles, darn it: Don't be afraid to swash them!"

Want to celebrate, matey?

International Talk Like A Pirate Day is Thursday. Visit www.talklikeapirate.com for more on the holiday’s history, a link to humorist Dave Barry's column and suggestions on how to talk like a pirate.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: International Talk Like a Pirate Day officially unobserved in Crestview

Boil water notice issued for some Milligan Water System customers

Written by archive on September 17, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

MILLIGAN — A boil water notice is in effect until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning for Milligan Water System customers on Buck Ward, Old River and Griffith Cemetery Road.

Customers may experience periods of low or no water pressure as the broken 3-inch and 4-inch lines on Old River Road are repaired.

Under a precautionary boil water notice, water used for consumption by Milligan Water System customers can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:

•Bringing water to a rolling boil and holding it there for one minute.

•Using water purification tablets or iodine, which is sold by many sports or camping stores.

•Buying commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation. Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice/beverages.

Additional precautions

Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving, and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes, nose or mouth.

Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure water is not ingested. The time spent bathing should be minimized.

Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.

Businesses and non-residential sites should take steps such as posting notices at, or disabling water fountains and ice machines for the duration of the precautionary notice. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee, etc.).

Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.

After repairs are made and the notice is rescinded

Flush your taps and dispose of ice made while the notice was in effect.

Additional information can be found online at the Department of Health environmental website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boil water notice issued for some Milligan Water System customers

8 beaches under swimming advisories

Written by archive on September 16, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Eight of the 14 locations tested through the Okaloosa County Health Department’s Healthy Beaches program showed high levels of bacteria.

Fort Walton Beach’s Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park, Okaloosa Island’s Marler Park, Wayside Park, the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the East Pass, the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville and the Clement E. Taylor Park in Destin all failed the weekly test, according to the Health Department.

People who get into the water with such high levels of fecal pollution might experience illness, infections or rashes.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 8 beaches under swimming advisories

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