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FWC sets license exemption for disabled vets, military

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has implemented a recreational hunting and fishing license exemption for disabled veterans, active and reserve duty military personnel, immediate family members of these veterans and military personnel and assistants during special events designed for the enjoyment or rehabilitation of participating military personnel and disabled veterans.

Event organizers apply for the permit to exempt their qualifying participants. To qualify for exemption, special events must be designed to provide rehabilitation or enjoyment to participating disabled veterans or active or reserve duty military personnel in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Coast Guard or Florida National Guard. Immediate family members — parents, spouses and children — of participating disabled veterans and military personnel and one designated assistant for each disabled veteran are included in each event’s license and permit exemptions.

Exemptions will last for these events’ duration. FWC regional directors, as the executive director’s designee, will issue these permits. Established seasons, bag or slot limits, size restrictions and all other laws will still apply. Limited-entry activities won’t be permitted under this exemption.

This effort to help disabled veterans and those serving in the military arose during the 2013 legislative session, when the commission requested and the Legislature and governor approved the new license exemption.

Learn more about hunting and fishing licensing; see the link at www.crestviewbulletin.com/lifestyle.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FWC sets license exemption for disabled vets, military

The 'Royale' treatment: Covenant Hospice ‘Blue Jean Ball’ fundraiser goes Vegas

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

Covenant Hospice Development Manager Jenni Perkins, left, and volunteer Alice Fowler review plans for this year's Blue Jean Ball. Lou Fowler, also an event volunteer, sits next to his wife.

CRESTVIEW — This year's Blue Jean Ball patrons will get a taste of Las Vegas — and a smattering of Bond, James Bond — when the doors to Covenant Hospice's annual fundraiser open Oct. 5.

Organizers hope the seventh annual ball's theme, "Casino Royale," conjures images of the elegant world of 007 shaken, not stirred, with the glitz and dazzle of America's casino capital.

Volunteer organizer Bonnie Grundel said the ball's fundraising goal is $25,000. Donation opportunities will include business sponsorships, supporting local celebrity dancers and a silent auction.

Named for Ian Fleming's first Bond book, which was subsequently made into a TV special and two films, "Casino Royale" will feature table games including roulette, craps, blackjack and poker.

As they enter the Crestview Community Center's elegantly decorated lobby, planned to evoke the swank casinos depicted in Bond movies, guests will receive $1,000 in play money.

"If Lady Luck isn't on their side, they can make a donation to Covenant Hospice for additional play money," Covenant Development Manager Jenni Perkins said.

Gambling "winnings" can't be cashed in for prizes or real money, Perkins said. "The reward will be having lots of fun benefiting Covenant Hospice and honing your skills for your next trip to a real casino."

'Dress up or dress down'

Coupled with its blue jean roots, the evening promises to be "a classy affair but comfortable," Grundel said. "Guests can dress up or they can dress down."

Attire runs the gamut from casually elegant to evening fancy, organizers said.

"We have people come in denim and cowboy boots, and people who come in sequins and jewelry or a mixture of everything," Perkins said. "Every year some people get into the theme and come in costume."

With a dessert bar and a menu of various types of tapas, food stations interspersed around the gambling tables should eliminate long lines for food, Grundel said.

"You play games and you eat and you wander around," she said.

A martini station sponsored by Helen Back of Crestview will let guests sample one of James Bond's favorite drinks.

Popular entertainment will include an encore performance by the "Crestview Village People" and "Dancing with the Crestview Stars," sponsored by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

This year's dancers are Grundel, community volunteer Laura Chamberlain, Dr. James Stevens of 21st Century Oncology, and local Special Forces Association chapter president Steve Tuttle.

"Last year we raised more than $8,000 from the dancers alone, so this year we're going to try to beat that goal," Grundel said.

 Want to go?

What: 7th Annual Blue Jean Ball benefiting Covenant Hospice, "Casino Royale" theme

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 5

Where: Crestview Community Center

Cost: $60 per person; includes dinner, dessert, two drink tickets and $1,000 in play money.

Order tickets: 682-3628 or http://eventsatcovenant.org/bluejeanball.

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: The 'Royale' treatment: Covenant Hospice ‘Blue Jean Ball’ fundraiser goes Vegas

Knights of Columbus to observe Sept. 11 World Day of Prayer for Peace

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — While Sept. 11 will always be remembered for terrorist attacks, the Knights of Columbus hope this somber occasion will be the foundation for an annual day of earnest prayer for world peace. 

The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus passed a resolution in 2004 to observe Sept. 11 as a day of prayer for peace.

Council 7968 of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church — 550 Adams Drive, Crestview — will sponsor a Mass and rosary, in support of this resolution, at 8 a.m. Sept. 11.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Knights of Columbus to observe Sept. 11 World Day of Prayer for Peace

The Red Roots to perform Sept. 14 at Central Baptist Church (VIDEO)

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Nika, Natalie and Nicole Taylor of the Red Roots will perform Sept. 14 at Central Baptist Church.

CRESTVIEW — You can’t smooth-talk a Christian country girl, but if you’re Central Baptist Church, you can attract her to perform a concert with her sisters.

At least, that’s the case for the Red Roots, who will visit the Hub City next weekend before releasing their third album of inspirational music in October.

Nika, Natalie and Nicole Taylor, the 22-year-old red-haired triplets from Mississippi — known for “Christian Country Girl,” their hit anthem on spurning womanizers’ advances— will perform Saturday, Sept. 14.

Learn more about the Libby and Friends concert series>> See the Red Roots' home page and their hit music video for "Christian Country Girl">>

The group, which primarily sings pop, rock and country music, also records songs with a “grassy” feel, Natalie said.

Each month, Libby and Friends presents a public gospel concert along with refreshments and door prizes. Red Roots will headline next weekend after impressing concert series coordinator Libby White, who had attended a performance in their home state.

"The way they present themselves is amazing," White said. "If your youth group is looking for good role models, they are it."

Nashville-based Red Hen Records, Daywind Music Group’s country music division,agrees that the Red Roots have that “it” factor. The company signed the group to a long-term recording and publishing agreement last month.

Performing in Crestview is a first for the trio, Natalie said.

"We are super-excited about coming to Crestview,” Taylor said."The crowd can expect high energy on stage with electric guitar solos, rockin' banjo and violin sawin.' All mixed in with a little keyboard, drums, bass and mandolin."    

Doors open at 5 p.m.; show starts at 6 p.m. at 951 S. Ferdon Blvd. Tickets cost $10 per person; $15 per area youth group.

See links to the Libby and Friends concert series, Red Roots' home page and the "Christian Country Girl" music video at www.crestviewbulletin.com/faith.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: The Red Roots concert

WHEN: Doors open at 5 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14. 

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

COST: $10 donation per person; $15 per area youth group

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: The Red Roots to perform Sept. 14 at Central Baptist Church (VIDEO)

Pastor plans to grow community involvement at Holt church

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Jay Tyler, Holt Assembly of God’s new pastor, plans to get the church more involved in the Holt community and grow the youth group.

HOLT — Since becoming Holt Assembly of God’s head pastor in July, Jay Tyler is now on joking terms with his congregation. 

"They call me a 'Yankee' because I am from Indiana,” Tyler said. "They have learned my personality already. I told them it's not wrong to have fun in church."

But it is crucial to bring that fun, and faith, outside church doors, he said.

Learn more about Holt Assembly of God>>

"When you are a pastor, you have to be part of the community," Tyler said. "Being a pastor is not just preaching … if you're not a people person, you're in the wrong business."

And being a people person means collaborating with other churches, he said. Holt Assembly of God is collecting donations for First Baptist Church of Holt’s food pantry. First Baptist Church of Holt pastor Curt Rainey said he appreciates Holt Assembly's efforts and anticipates working with the church.  

"I am excited to see what our roles as churches do towards the outreach of this community," Rainey said.

Tyler — the keynote speaker at Rainey's church for a Nov. 24 non-denominational Thanksgiving service — said working together, despite differences of faith, also is crucial.

 "I think a lot of churches get into competition … and that doesn't work," Tyler said. "The way the world works and the way that God works are two different ways. When you do the right thing for the community, God takes care of your church." 

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: Pastor plans to grow community involvement at Holt church

13 Okaloosa areas issued hazardous water advisories

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

FORT WALTON BEACH — Thirteen Okaloosa County areas may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Advisories have been issued for Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach; Marier Park, Wayside Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, East Pass and Emerald Promenade, Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Henderson Beach, James Lee Park and Clement E. Taylor Park, Destin; and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville,based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. These areas present potential health risks to the bathing public.

The department tests weekly for enterococci, which indicates fecal pollution and comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 Okaloosa areas issued hazardous water advisories

Symphony's season features music from Europe and the U.S.

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

Maestro Jeffrey Rink will conduct the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in a 2013-14 musical tour of Europe and the United States.

NICEVILLE — The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra invites patrons to join the region's premier symphony for a musical journey through Europe, America and a "Winter Wonderland."

The season's concerts begin Sept. 28 with "An Austro-Hungarian Journey," featuring music by Johann Strauss and a suite of Hungarian dances.

"American Impressions," Nov. 16, features the regional premiere of guest artist Jeff Midkiff's "Concerto for Mandolin" from "The Blue Ridge."

The program also includes Antonin Dvořák's "New World Symphony," a salute to our young nation.

Bells will jingle and carols will deck the halls for the popular annual "Holiday Pops" concert on Dec. 13, transforming the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center into a musical winter wonderland.

On Feb. 7, 2014, "The Stars of Tomorrow Meet Handel" features annual concerto competition winner guest artists and the NFSO's performance of George Frideric Handel's "Water Music."

The season concludes April 12, 2014, with "A German Spring Celebration," including Robert Schumann's "Spring" Symphony and Felix Mendelssohn's "Overture to the Beautiful Melusine."

A highlight will be Ludwig van Beethoven's soaring, majestic "Choral Frantasy," performed by German pianist Alexander Krichel, the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale and guest soloists.

Want to go?

WHAT: Tickets for each Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra concert

COST: $24.50, including a $2 "ticket processing fee" levied by the Mattie Kelly Center.

DETAILS: 729-6000 or www.nfsymphony.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Symphony's season features music from Europe and the U.S.

10 free live oak trees available with Arbor Day Foundation registration

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Floridians who join the Arbor Day Foundation this month will receive 10 free live oak trees as part of the foundation’s Trees for America program.

Click here to become an Arbor Day Foundation member for $10 and select from live oak trees, crape myrtles, white dogwoods or other species>>

The trees will be shipped postpaid between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, the ideal time for planting. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Planting instructions are enclosed with each shipment.

New Arbor Day Foundation members will also receive “The Tree Book,” with information about tree planting and care.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 10 free live oak trees available with Arbor Day Foundation registration

Crestview attorney earns top prizes at Sarasota dance championship

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

Muncelle Mitchell and her Fred Astaire studio instructor Chris Schultz dance the rumba late August during the Central Dance Championships.

CRESTVIEW — Entering a January dance competition just to be a good sport has turned a local attorney into an avid dancer who has earned multiple first-place prizes following her first regional competition.

Muncelle Mitchell, of the Chesser and Barr law firm's Crestview office, competed in the Aug. 23-24 Central Dance Championships in Sarasota.

Dancing in the student category with her Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructor Chris Schultz, Mitchell competed in the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, rumba and cha-cha, netting 34 first-place and six second-place awards.

"It was a little scary at first," Mitchell said of her first big competition. "But Chris was wonderful. He's an amazing teacher and kept me calm."

Mitchell first tried ballroom dancing when friends encouraged her to participate in January's Dance for Life fundraiser at Crestview High School. She never imagined she'd still be dancing, let alone in a large regional competition.

"It quickly became an addiction and a love," she said. "I didn't think I'd ever be competing, but I'm certainly glad that I did. It was an unforgettable experience."

"She is already a strong regional contender," studio co-owner David Colón said.

The studio's staff also competed and brought awards back to Crestview. Colón and Hannah Kania won second place in the mixed novice tango and mambo category.

Schultz joined instructor Katie Guillen in the open smooth tango and foxtrot category for another second-place medal.

Dancing is now an integral part of Mitchell's life and part of her wellness regimen.

"I don't think I could function without my weekly lessons with Chris," she said. "Mentally, physically, it's great therapy."

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: Crestview attorney earns top prizes at Sarasota dance championship

Okaloosa Health Dept.: protect yourself from whooping cough

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

The Okaloosa County Health Department has announced a pertussis, or whooping cough, outbreak involving two infants and eight children, adolescents and adults. This brings the county’s total number of confirmed whooping cough cases to 13 this year. Three isolated cases were reported about two months ago.

An infected person coughing or sneezing can spread whooping cough, Health Department Director Dr. Karen Chapman said. Public health officials urge all residents to ensure they and their children have been immunized against the disease. All patients with confirmed whooping cough have been treated and are recovering.

Whooping cough’s symptoms — similar to those of a mild upper respiratory infection — include sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. The coughing spells often make it hard for a child or older adult to eat, drink or even breathe.

The most important way to prevent whooping cough is for children to complete their primary diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTaP) immunization series by age 2; and to receive an additional dose of DTaP prior to kindergarten entry and a tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) booster prior to entering seventh grade.

All adults should receive a Tdap booster dose instead of the tetanus booster (Td), which is typically taken every 10 years. All pregnant women should receive a Tdap for every pregnancy prior to delivery or in the immediate postpartum period. Any adolescent or adult caring for infants should receive a Tdap regardless of when they received their last tetanus booster.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Health Dept.: protect yourself from whooping cough

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