lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Building a healthy taco using local produce

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in food, lifestyle.

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish with a mixture of various fillings on a flat bread tortilla.

Having recently visited the Yucatan Peninsula and consumed tacos on a daily basis, it became evident to me that even in Mexico, different regions make their tacos with local available produce, meats, beans and rice. The American version can consist of anything from local produce, like zucchini, squash and corn, to the traditional tomatoes, cheese and lettuce.

Since Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5, try this taco recipe for a slant on local flavor and taste.

My goal is to build a taco that is tasty, local and provides creativity in the ingredients. We will use some of the traditional elements, but stick with me as we explore various toppings to make your taco healthy and fresh.

Select your tortilla

Tortillas vary in size, color and grain. For a healthy option, select the smaller size ones made from whole grains. My favorite is a six-inch corn blended tortilla.

Start with a protein

The filling can be made from ground turkey, chicken, pork, fish or hamburger. For a vegetarian option, try tofu crumbles, black beans or refried vegetarian beans.

Brown the meat using your favorite Mexican spice, like chili powder, garlic, cumin, white pepper and onion powder.

Pick your filling

Local vegetables this time of year that will add flavor and color can be used a filling. Try spiral cut squash like yellow squash or zucchini. Cook in a small amount of olive oil to tenderize.

You will not want to overcook — keep them crunchy. Also, shave off fresh corn and add it to your filling or mix it in with your protein.

Pick your toppings

Diced tomatoes make a great topping with color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also a favorite.

Other toppings could include diced avocado, sliced hot peppers like jalapeño, bell or other peppers that grow well in our area. Traditional toppings include various types of shredded cheese and sour cream.

Don’t forget the fresh herbs

Cilantro grows very well in this area, as well as chives, onions and parsley. Fresh herbs add a splash of color and flavor.

Finishing touches

Try the homemade salsa recipe for a side dish with chips or for a topping to pep up the flavor.

Fresh salsa

2-3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, diced into small pieces

1/2 red onion, diced

Peppers of your choice – jalapeño (hot) or bell pepper (milder)

Juice of one lime

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Add some spices like chili powder or cumin for flavor

Prepare all the ingredients and mix in a bowl. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pamela H. Allen is the interim county director and an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Building a healthy taco using local produce

Residents may qualify for Baker's free dental clinic

Written by archive on May 11, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

BAKER — The local free mobile dental clinic is soon. The event provides fillings and extractions to people in need.

It begins with a screening day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18 at the Baker Area Recreation Center, 5503 Highway 4, Baker. Clients who qualify will be booked for appointments the week of May 21-25 at the center.

Those who apply for dental treatment must be six or older, be part of a family at or below the 200 percent poverty guideline, and do not have dental insurance coverage. Childcare will not be available during the screening and clinic.

Mary Ann Henley, clinic project director, and her husband, Royce, are Baker Lions Club members. She discussed how the clinic came into being and what attendees can expect.

"'We serve.' That's our motto, and we try to reach out in the community and do as many helpful projects as we can, so that we can minister to and help other people.

"Royce made a mention at a club meeting that this was a project that maybe we could look into," she said.

The group contacted the Baker Area Ministerial Association and Okaloosa Baptist Association for help. They contacted the Florida Baptist Convention and arranged to start the clinics in 2012.

"The mobile dental unit is furnished and stocked by the Florida Baptist Convention. They take care of all of those expenses of the unit. And we just are scheduled once a year … and host the clinic here. They bring the unit to Baker, we set up at the pavilion at the Baker rec center, and then our patients come there."

Nurses will gather medical information from each patient to maintain a safe environment for the dental care to be performed, Henley said.

Volunteers fellowship with attendees at the event, and attendees receive a gift bag with dental products and donated complete Bibles. Snacks and water will be available during their appointments.

As director, Mary Ann reaches out to dentists and organizations all across Northwest Florida, including Eglin Air Force Base, to provide two dentists per day May 21-25 for the mobile unit's two chairs.

The convention provides a designated driver, a worker that does all the autoclaving for the appointments, and all the supplies dentists need to do the extractions and fillings.

Royce said the most important part for him consists of "getting the bus from south Florida …brought to Baker, put in place, and set up. And then during the week, I have other people besides just myself."

At that point, the group of more than 30 members provide support for the patients getting dental work done, and the dentists and crew.

He said they do whatever's necessary so as not to impede the people doing the work.

Contact Mary Ann Henley, 865-3144, for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents may qualify for Baker's free dental clinic

Help restock local food banks during Stamp Out Hunger

Written by archive on May 2, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Help make a difference in the community by participating in the nation’s and the community’s largest food drive: the 26th annual National Association of Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive taking place May 12. The goal is to help local food banks restock their pantries.

The NALC, in conjunction with the US Postal Service, the AFL-CIO, UFCW, Valpak, and United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, May 12 will be collecting non-perishable and non-expired food items to include quick meals like macaroni, spaghetti, soups, canned meats, peanut butter, canned juice, canned fruits, canned vegetables, baby food and cereal.

To participate, place food donations in a bag next to the mailbox early the morning of May 12. The letter carrier will pick up the donations as they make their regular mail routes and then deliver them to local food banks.

For a list of our participating local food banks, visit www.united-way.org/food-drive/

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Help restock local food banks during Stamp Out Hunger

‘Small but mighty’

Written by archive on April 20, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL — On April 24, 1898, Rev. Erasmus Ellerbe Ervin, then pastor of First Presbyterian in DeFuniak Springs, organized the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church with 11 charter members. It was the flourishing railroad town’s second church, a Baptist congregation having been organized the year before Rev. Wilson’s visit.

For the past 120 years, congregations big and small have gathered at Laurel Hill Presbyterian to worship, mourn, celebrate, sing, study and serve their community. At a special 11 a.m. worship service on April 29, the church will celebrate its first century-and-a-fifth.

The Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, led since 2007 by the Rev. Mark Broadhead, continues to serve the people of Okaloosa County’s oldest municipality and surrounding areas.

“I call it the little church with the big heart,” Rev. Broadhead said. “It’s small but mighty.”

Some other highlights from the church's history include the following:

•The church, with their Baptist brethren in Christ, first met in the Masonic Hall. Members soon began constructing a sanctuary on Fourth Street, land

•The new church building opened for worship in 1901, even as the $1,000 construction project was wrapping up, and remains Okaloosa County’s oldest continuously used place of worship.

•Sunday services are still held beneath the same high cathedral ceiling in the simple 30-foot by 40-foot sanctuary. Around 1925, a two-room Sunday school addition was added to the rear of the church. One of the rooms was divided into two rooms during renovations in 1956.

•A small portable pump organ purchased in the 1920s will be featured during the April 28 120th anniversary worship celebration.

•Church members acquired a pipe organ — the only one in northern Okaloosa County — from Mississippi College in 1995. The smaller Sunday school room was again partitioned into a pipe chamber, housing the Moeller Organ’s 245 pipes.

•In 2013, the wall dividing the two rear rooms was removed, opening up the space as a fellowship hall and gathering spot for church meetings, suppers and public events, such as the sweets and treats that follow the church’s annual December Living Nativity. A community crafters group will soon begin meeting in the hall.

WHAT: 120th anniversary worship service

WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 29

WHERE: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth Street

NOTES: The Rev. Mark Broadhead, pastor, with guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Roy Martin, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Florida. Worship service followed by dinner on the grounds.

NOTABLES WHO ATTENDED LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN

•Earl Campbell, a trombonist in the first Okaloosa School Band, predecessor of the Crestview High School Big Red Machine

•Ernest Willie Campbell, former Masonic Grand Master of the State of Florida

•Ferrin Campbell Sr., former Okaloosa County Sheriff and State Representative

•Ferrin Campbell Jr., former Laurel Hill mayor

•Lt. Gen. Robb Chedister, former Eglin AFB commander

•"Cooter" Douglas, former noted radio personality

•Dr. Mabel Jean Morrison, former educator and philanthropist

•John Monroe Summerlin, first sheriff of Okaloosa County

•Mamie and Pearl Tyner, local philanthropists

•McDonald Campbell, 103 years old, is still attending. She's the church matriarch and the first librarian of the current Laurel Hill School.

LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATION

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Small but mighty’

Common courtesy can inspire gratitude

Written by archive on April 20, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

It has been said of late that common courtesy is not so common any more. While this may be true, there are still pockets of it around. I say this because I recently experienced two instances of it.

The first occasion was last week. I went for a preliminary consultation for a minor surgical procedure I need to have. At this doctor’s office I experienced courtesy and professionalism of the highest level.

A cheerful greeting from the person at the front desk, a brief 10-minute wait (which included time for filling out one form) before someone led me to an examination room, the calm demeanor of the one confirming my medical history, and an unrushed exam and conversation with the surgeon left me feeling well cared for and that they were taking me seriously.

There was a problem with insurance codes at the check-out window when I went to pay. The same cheerful woman that welcomed me worked hard to get matters clarified, even going "up the ladder" in the billing office to get matters straightened out. They were.

I then asked a question this cheerful woman couldn’t answer, but that was okay because I didn’t really need an answer. However, before reaching my car in the parking lot, I heard my name called. She came running out with an answer to my question. I was pleased, grateful, and downright bowled over.

Talk about going the second mile! I was treated with courtesy and helpfulness.

On the second occasion, my wife and I went out to dinner this past week. It was a nice restaurant. The ambience was wonderful. The food was excellent. But what truly made an impression was the demeanor of our server.

She has been working there only a month, but her courteousness, politeness, timing, and attention to our needs were all spot on. This young lady was poised and professional. She chatted and laughed with us without being intrusive in the least.

So wonderful was our experience that I did something I very rarely do. I spoke with the manager to give my compliments for the food and dining experience, but more importantly to give our praise about our server. (And yes, her tip reflected our pleasure.)

While courtesy may not be so common any more, I would encourage you to live according to the standards of our Lord. One of his teachings to take to heart is, "Treat others the same way you want to be treated."

If we all do that, common courtesy will become common once again.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Common courtesy can inspire gratitude

God answers prayers

Written by archive on April 17, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

How do you respond when things don't go your way? Your response may depend on the generation of which you are a part.

A few will say: Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.

Some will say: This too shall pass.

Others will say: Why do I never get what I want?

Still others will say: I don't want to deal with this unpleasantness. You fix it for me. Give me exactly what I want and demand!

How do you respond? Are you able to accept that some things just don't turn out the way you had hoped or anticipated? Do you kick and scream until you get your own way? Or do you wind up somewhere in the middle — disappointed but accepting of the situation?

Again, your response may be, by and large, dependent on your generational position. Or, it may be dependent on your geographical location and the type of community in which you grew up.

How you respond may also be tied into the level and maturity of your faith in God.

I might dare say that those who petition God for unrealistic requests – like a new car, more money, more material possessions – are rather new to the faith and somewhat immature in this area. They tend to see God as a giant genie who is supposed to grant all their wishes.

(If you haven't already, watch the movie "Bruce Almighty" and you'll get a hint of why God does not give us everything we desire.)

It is important to understand that when God doesn't give us what we ask, even when it sounds so reasonable and sincere, it is because it is not the best thing for us or those for whom we ask.

For example: When my mother was dying of pancreatic cancer, prayers were lifted for healing. When she died, a few people were disappointed that their prayers went unanswered.

They were somewhat taken aback when I assured them their prayers were answered. I said, "She has received the ultimate healing that can be given. She is in heaven, cured of her disease, free from pain, and rejoicing in the presence of our Lord."

I'll ask again, how do you respond when things don't go your way? Let me encourage you to look at the situation through the eyes of our loving Lord, and be accepting that what is ultimately the best is what he will do for you.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: God answers prayers

Schedule of North Okaloosa Relay for Life events

Written by archive on April 10, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events and fundraisers for the Crestview Relay for Life, which is 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. April 20 at the Crestview High School, 1250 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Send your fundraiser information (event name, time, date and address of event) to news@crestviewbulletin.com. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

•A Speedee Printing and Lou Lou Beans raffle benefits the Crestview Relay For Life. Tickets are $5 each. The prizes are a Simply Southern T-Shirt, beach bag and a 16-ounce Corkcicle canteen. A winner will be announce 3 p.m. April 12 on the LLB Facebook page. Go to LLB, 973 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview, to purchase tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Schedule of North Okaloosa Relay for Life events

New restaurant coming to town

Written by archive on April 10, 2018. Posted in food, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Rumors about a new restaurant coming to Crestview have been confirmed by a general manager at the chain.

Jorge Lopez, general manager of Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina in Shalimar, said they are planning to open a Crestview location later this year.

The new restaurant will be located at 1900 S. Ferdon Blvd. in the Crestview Crossing shopping center. The location will be more than 4,000 square feet and will seat around 152 people.

Lopez said they ran into some delays, but they have now signed a lease and applied for permits to begin work on the restaurant. He is tentatively hoping to have the new location open by the end of summer.

“We’re excited going up there and being part of the community,” Lopez said.

Pepper’s offers standard Mexican fare, including a variety of burritos and fajitas, along with a wide range of margaritas. They also feature the popular Loco Burrito Challenge, where customers can win prizes and a spot on the Loco Burrito Wall if they consume a 20-inch Loco Burrito in less than 30 minutes.

Lopez said customers will find the same menu items and quality service they’ve come to expect from the Shalimar location. He also said the chain will be active in the Crestview community.

“I think that’s really important anywhere we go, going into the community,” Lopez said.

The Crestview location will be the chain’s seventh restaurant in the panhandle. The original restaurant opened in 2005 in Port St. Joe.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New restaurant coming to town

Believe in the things not seen

Written by archive on April 6, 2018. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Early in the morning Mary Magdalene learned that the body of Jesus, which had been place in a tomb, was missing. It was assumed someone had stolen the body. Sadness deepened to greater grief because now they had no way to give Jesus a proper burial.

But then… surprise! Jesus, very much alive, appeared to Mary. He came back to life just as he said he would. She ran and told the others Jesus was alive. Skepticism was rampant, I'm sure. What she "saw and heard" was more than likely dismissed as the wishful delusions of a grief-stricken woman.

Later that evening, the disciples were in the upper room with the windows and doors locked. Suddenly Jesus stood among them. Can you imagine the utter shock that ran through them? Their friend, teacher, and Lord had been killed. And now he stood before them very much alive – just as Mary had said.

They saw for themselves that Jesus had come back to life, just as he said he would. And they were ecstatic! They then knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was who he said he was – the Son of God, the Messiah. What joy! They saw and believed.

Thomas had not been there when Jesus appeared, and did not believe the others when they told him Jesus appeared to them. He said, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

How like so many people today. Proof is demanded. They want to see with their own eyes because "Seeing is believing."

No, we cannot always trust what we see. Computer programs allow modifications of photos to the point where photos are rarely allowed as evidence in courts of law. There are those who are very good at slight-of-hand manipulations causing us to see something that isn't there. Misinformation on social media is rampant.

Thomas the doubter wanted proof. In this instance, Jesus gave it to him. When Jesus appeared to his disciples again, he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

And there it is. Today there is no physical proof of our Lord's resurrection from the dead. We have to take the word of those who were there that did have the proof. We have to take the word of our Lord. We need to trust the stirring of God's Holy Spirit within us.

Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven to rule the world. He is still the friend of sinners.

Blessed are we who have not seen and yet have come to believe!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Believe in the things not seen

Anti-smoking campaign raises awareness of smoking rates

Written by archive on April 6, 2018. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — This week was the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida Week.

The annual awareness campaign started April 2 and ends tomorrow. It's focused on the theme of achieving health equity.

This year’s campaign aims to bring awareness to higher smoking rates in certain populations, such as low-income individuals, the LGBT community, people with mental health issues and racial and ethnic minorities.

Carissa Hickok is the Okaloosa County Health Department’s program manager for school health and tobacco.

“We’ve made great strides in Florida, just amazing things that have happened so far since Tobacco Free Florida has started,” Hickok said. “But there are still opportunities for improvement, and we’ve still got a ways to go since we’re not at our goals yet.”

Hickok said pregnant women in Okaloosa County smoke twice as much as the average pregnant woman in Florida. In Okaloosa County, that rate is 11.7 percent versus 5.7 percent for the state.

Okaloosa County as a whole has a 17.35 percent smoking rate, nearly two percentage points higher than the overall rate for the state.

The health department is working with the state to get a better view of the landscape of tobacco advertising and sales across the county. Hickok said they’ve found that retail stores in low-income areas tend to have far more tobacco advertising.

The statewide campaign is also launching new TV ads promoting free tools to help Floridians quit smoking.

Students at area schools are participating in events as part of Tobacco Free Florida Week. SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) clubs consisting of middle and high school students are raising awareness on their campuses through lunchroom events and posting flyers.

There were also student-organized events at Northwest Florida State College during the week. The Tobacco-Free Task Force is working to make NWFSC a tobacco-free campus.

Hickok praised the student-led movement and the work they’ve done in the community.

“They’ve worked with city councils to get proclamations signed, resolutions signed. They’ve helped us work with multi-unit housing, trying to adopt policies there. The youth have an amazing voice and an amazing passion for this.”

For more information on Tobacco Free Florida or Quit Your Way services, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.

Click to listen:

LISTEN: From the Newsroom

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Anti-smoking campaign raises awareness of smoking rates

LAUREL HILL PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATION

LISTEN: From the Newsroom

850.682.6524