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
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
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
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
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
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
CRESTVIEW — Learning she had cervical cancer was stressful for Rhonda Ward.
"It's just scary, that's all," the Crestview resident said.
However, specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Rhonda has received treatments since August, and conversations with cancer survivors have provided reassurance.
"Since we have been here, the fear has diminished," Kenny, her husband of 12 years, said. "She is going to be OK."
Carla Kelley, a manager at Badcock Home Furniture and More in Crestview, wants to ensure both Rhonda, a Laurel Hill School bus driver, and her husband are OK; she’s organizing a Boston butts fundraiser to offset the Wards’ health insurance co-pays, along with travel and living expenses.
"Kenny is a longtime employee of ours," she said. "It breaks my heart that this is (happening)."
Kelley is taking orders for cooked Boston butts until Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the furniture store. Meals will be distributed Sept. 20 and 21 at Old Spanish Trail Park.
The Wards said they appreciate the store’s efforts.
"I will never be able to thank them enough," Rhonda said.
Want to order?
What: Boston butt fundraiser for Rhonda Ward
When: Place orders 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Badcock Home Furniture and More, 594 N. Main St., Crestview. Pick up meals 5-6 p.m. Sept. 20 and 21 at Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard.
Cost: $25
CONTACT: 682-6835.
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: Boston butt fundraiser to aid Crestview couple
CRESTVIEW — The art of bookbinding dates back centuries, but a group of modern book artists has an exhibit of their contemporary works on display locally through October.
Members of The Experimental Artists Book Arts Guild, who call their group TeaBAG, showcase their creativity in the Crestview Public Library’s lobby display cases.
"They've got some really pretty books in there," TeaBAG member Mary Richardson, of Baker, said.
Richardson belongs to two regional, loosely affiliated bookbinding groups in Pensacola and Panama City, respectively. Each group meets monthly to practice their craft.
"Somebody will bring in something they made and we'll think it's real cool and say, 'Would you teach that to us?'" Richardson said.
Richardson became involved in bookbinding after taking a course at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City. After a couple semesters, some of the students formed TeaBAG.
Some of the bindings on exhibit at the Crestview library include star books, accordion folds and flat books with leaves that open into various shapes and directions, she said.
"(When) somebody finds a new technique, we try to learn it and teach it or get somebody who knows how to do it (to) come teach us," Richardson said. "Mostly everybody's just teaching each other. It's a lot of fun. It keeps us out of trouble."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bookbinders guild exhibit showcases art that binds
CRESTVIEW — Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church parishioners and the Knights of Columbus Council 7968 commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and observed “World Day of Prayer for Peace” during their regular Mass on Wednesday morning.
Watch video of the prayer being recited>>
Church members said a prayer that Pope Benedict XVI delivered during a 2008 prayer service at the ground zero site in New York City.
"We want them to remember (Sept. 11), so that the lives lost won't be in vain and they would continually be remembered,” Monsignor Michael Tugwell said.
Deacon Ken Mayfield asked attendees to not be complacent and remember 9-11 forever.
Harry Leboeuf, a Knights of Columbus member who helped organize the occasion, said a prayer for peace would be beneficial for America.
"With all of the things going on in the world, praying for peace is probably a pretty good idea," he said.
Longtime church member Rosa Garrett said peace always overcomes hate.
"We can't help people through hate," she said. "We have to overcome hate with good."
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 church remembers 9-11 with prayer for peace (VIDEO)
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have announced four additional license-free fishing days.
Florida annually offers four days on which the recreational fishing license requirement is waived for residents and visitors. Saltwater license-free fishing days this year were June 1 and Sept. 1; freshwater days were April 6 and June 8.
During its Sept. 5 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission added four more license-free fishing days to the calendar; the Florida Legislature approved this increase earlier this year. Additional saltwater license-free fishing days will be Oct. 12 and Nov. 30. Additional freshwater license-free days will be Nov. 29 and Dec. 28.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Scott, Florida Fish & Wildlife add four more license-free fishing days
