The Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library in Crestview is wonderful. It has an amazing collection of books on many different subjects, from technical information to history to science fiction. Whatever one may be looking for is available.

The library also hosts an open microphone night for musicians, writers and poets as well as exhibits of different types, all to enrich our learning.

The exhibit currently on display is "1967: A pivotal year in American film" and displays some film posters from movies made that year. Brian Hughes and his friend Clyde Ponder have graciously put their movie posters on display from now until the end of August.

It is hard to believe that 1967 was 50 years ago, and a big year for movies of all types. Here are a few titles you may have heard of or remember:

•"40 Guns to Apache Pass"

•"Barefoot in the Park"

•"Bonnie and Clyde"

•"Camelot"

•"Cool Hand Luke"

•"The Dirty Dozen"

•"Doctor Doolittle"

•"El Dorado"

•"The Gnome-Mobile"

•"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

•"Jungle Book" (animated)

•"The Taming of the Shrew"

•"Wait Until Dark"

•"The War Wagon"

•"Thoroughly Modern Millie"

•"You Only Live Twice"

There were many more films that year. Some were memorable, and some were not.

Library patrons can see an interesting variety of film poster types, including rare "three-sheet" posters for "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and the year's Best Picture Oscar winner, "In the Heat of the Night," according to Brian Hughes. There are more film posters exhibited and a plethora of information. He has done a wonderful job with this exhibit.

Dr. David Simmons, Film and Humanities professor at Northwest Florida State College, will give a presentation on the significance of 1967 in American film at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. It promises to be fascinating as well as informative. There will be a reception afterward. I hope to see you there.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Film poster exhibit is at the library

Many people are fascinated by my job as a marine scientist. I often hear wistful comments like, "I wish I had chosen an exciting career like that." I'm here to tell you it's not too late. A phenomenon called citizen science is gaining in popularity, particularly in our coastal communities.

Citizen science is public participation in scientific research by volunteers or amateur scientists. It often involves monitoring or research activities capable of being accomplished by non-professional scientists. These programs are designed to engage community members as collaborators throughout the research process including identifying research topics, monitoring and data collection, or information dissemination.

Citizen science is a fun and interesting way for people to understand and learn about what is taking place in their own neighborhoods.

Citizen scientists report joining research projects for a variety of reasons. Some want to make a difference and contribute to society. Others love science, are curious about their communities and want to ensure that local research projects include a layperson's perspective. CS projects can build trust, as scientists recognize the value of public outreach, while participants see how science can advance their understanding of the world they live in.

The University of Florida has a long history of recruiting and utilizing citizen scientists in a host of research projects. Researchers have long relied on citizen scientists to report the spread of the invasive Cuban treefrog by documenting and submitting frog sightings. The first Cuban treefrog in Okaloosa County was caught and reported by a local citizen scientist. Participating can be as simple as taking photos of the frogs (http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/citizen_sci.shtml).

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and the University of Florida Lake Watch Program have partnered for years with local citizens to monitor over 130 sampling sites within the Choctawhatchee Bay, Choctawhatchee River, all the coastal dune lakes in Walton County, and even in the Gulf of Mexico, just off shore in Okaloosa and Walton counties (http://www.basinalliance.org/page.cfm?articleID=4). They frequently recruit citizen scientists for many of their other local research projects including building living shorelines and a new oyster gardening initiative.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists citizen science as a smart, cost-effective strategy to enhance the FWC's ability to conserve Florida's diversity of fish and wildlife species and habitats, according to its website. See http://myfwc.com/get-involved/citizen-science/ for more information.

The FWC is currently seeking volunteers and college students to assist with the 2017 Seagrass Integrated Monitoring and Mapping program in Franklin County (http://myfwc.com/research/habitat/seagrasses/projects/active/simm/). This is a statewide collaborative effort which facilitates the collection and publication of monitoring and mapping data for Florida seagrasses in order to assess the status and trends of this vital ecosystem. This would be a great opportunity for those students wanting to gain some field experiences to add to their resume.

If being a citizen scientist sounds like a fun activity for you or your family, take a look at the links provided in this article, or contact me at lgtiu@ufl.edu for additional suggestions.

Laura Tiu is 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: Citizen science is a growing hobby

When your children leave home and you become an "empty nester," you'll probably make several adjustments in your lifestyle. But how will your empty nest status affect your financial situation?

Everyone's story is different, involving a range of variables. But here are a few issues to consider:

•Insurance. If your kids are through school, your mortgage is nearly paid off and your spouse has accumulated a reasonable amount of money in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may not need life insurance to replace income or pay off debts.

However, you might start thinking about other goals, such as ensuring your savings will last your lifetime or leaving a legacy to your loved ones or a charity. Life insurance may be able to help in these areas.

•Downsizing. Deciding whether to downsize your living space isn't just a financial decision — it's also a highly personal one. Still, downsizing can offer you some potential economic benefits.

For one thing, if you still are paying off your mortgage, a move to a smaller place could free up some of your monthly cash flow, which, again, you could use to boost your retirement accounts. Furthermore, if your home has greatly appreciated in value, you might make a sizable profit by selling.

If you are single, you may be able to exclude $250,000 of the gain on the sale of your home; married couples may have a $500,000 exemption. Some restrictions exist on this exemption, though, so you'll need to consult with your tax advisor before selling.

•Estate plans. Years ago, you might have made various arrangements in a will or a living trust that dealt with taking care of your children if something should happen to you and your spouse.

For example, you might have established a trust and directed it to make payments to your children at certain times and for certain purposes, such as education. But once your children are grown and have left your home, you may need to review and update your estate plans.

Keep in mind, though, that "empty nester" status is not always permanent. You've no doubt heard about "boomerang" kids who return home after college and stay until they can afford a place of their own.

If your children become "boomerangers," even for a short while, will it greatly affect your financial situation? Probably not. However, if your children are going to drive your car, you may want to be sure that they are listed on your car insurance.

Also, if they are going to bring guests to your home, you might want to consider an "umbrella" insurance policy, which typically provides you with significantly greater liability protection than your regular homeowners policy.

In fact, it may be a good idea to purchase an umbrella policy even if you don't have grown kids at home, as this coverage offers you wide-ranging protection from potentially devastating lawsuits that could arise from injuries on your property or through an auto accident in which you are involved.

You may have mixed feelings about becoming an empty nester, but like most people, you will adjust. And by making the right financial moves, you can get off to a good start on this new phase of your life. 

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Financial moves for 'empty nesters'