lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Vintage organ returns to Laurel Hill church

Written by archive on July 17, 2017. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

LAUREL HILL—An early 20th-century portable pump organ has made its way back to the church where it started its service to the Lord.

Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church officials originally purchased the 1927 Bilhorn Bros. Style V "world famous folding organ," as its manufacturer’s label proclaims, for use at the church’s mission in Clear Springs, a small community midway between Laurel Hill and Crestview off Bill Lundy Road.

Bilhorn Bros. built their instruments to be portable, making them popular with missionaries. They even made special models with rot-resistant hardwoods for use in tropical missions.

The reed organ originally folded into an approximately 3-feet by 18-inch by 1-foot box, with its legs flipping up under the case. A metal handle is attached for carrying, though given its weight, two people carry it much more readily.

With only one keyboard — the church’s pipe organ has two — a player can push wind through reeds enclosed in the instrument’s wooden body by pumping the two opposing foot pedals that drive built-in bellows.

That sometimes poses a problem for Laurel Hill Presbyterian’s organist, Leon Curenton Jr., a fourth-generation member of the church.

"You want to try to pump in time to the music," he said. "But you’re supposed to keep up a steady pumping rhythm."

The Clear Springs mission eventually came to an end and church organizers stored the little organ in the historic 1903 church building. It nearly met its doom during a late 1960s housekeeping spree.

"They were just cleaning out, getting rid of extraneous stuff in the church, and she took it rather than let it get thrown out," Curenton said.

"She" was Sandra Thomas Conley, a longtime member of the church who later moved out of state. When she began downsizing her home last year, she called Curenton and asked if the church would be interested in having the organ back.

The congregation jumped on the chance to have a piece of its history returned, which Conley happily did. The instrument was in sturdy condition, though after years of storage and disuse, the straps that drove the bellows had rotted, and the works within the chest needed cleaning and restoration.

Curenton turned to Florala, Alabama, master organ repairman and restorer, David Finch, who maintains and tunes pipe organs throughout Northwest Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and parts of Georgia and Tennessee. Finch tends to the pipe organs at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church of Crestview, among other clients.

"When I asked David if he worked on reed organs, he said one of his first jobs was playing an organ just like that for the Salvation Army," Curenton said.

He sent the organ to Finch’s home workshop where it received his TLC over a period of almost a year. Finch returned the organ a few days before Laurel Hill Presbyterian’s June 25 worship service, during which Curenton hopped down from the main organ bench and performed the offertory, Bavarian composer Max Reger’s "Eins ist Not, Ach Herr, dies Eine," on the portable one.

The rich fullness of sound emitted by such a small instrument surprised and delighted congregation members.

In addition to being a link to the church’s 119-year history, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead, sees practical uses for the organ now that it is back home.

"Every now and then we have church at McDonald Campbell’s house," he said, referring to the church’s 102-year-old matriarch, who is homebound. "We can take this organ with us and have organ music during the service."

And when the church hosts its 120th anniversary homecoming next April, Curenton foresees an outdoor performance during the planned "dinner on the grounds."

Meanwhile, visitors may view and, if fortunate, hear the Bilhorn Bros. Style V during worship services 9 a.m. Sundays at 8115 Fourth Street in Laurel Hill.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Vintage organ returns to Laurel Hill church

Showing their gratitude

Written by archive on July 17, 2017. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Concerned Citizens Outreach Group hosted a free appreciation dinner for area pastors, city officials and their wives. The meal was a way to thank faith-based and civic leaders for what they've done to take care of area residents physically and spiritually, according to a group spokesperson.

The dinner took place July 15 at the Carver-Hill School Center. About 50 people attended the event, and more dropped by to visit and fellowship with one another.

City officials in attendance included Mayor David Cadle; and city council members JB Whitten and Joe Blocker, Crestview Police Chief Tony Taylor and their spouses.

Group members served a meal including ribs, fried chicken, rice, peas, potato salad and several desserts.

The Crestview Concerned Citizens group is a civic organization founded in the 1990s. Members provide street ministry, community dinners and other activities for area residents.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Showing their gratitude

Citizen science is a growing hobby

Written by archive on July 17, 2017. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

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

Financial moves for 'empty nesters'

Written by archive on July 17, 2017. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

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'

Mount Zion to honor pastor

Written by archive on July 16, 2017. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The members of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church will have an appreciation program for their pastor, the Rev. Darryl Hooks, and his wife, Ramon.

The service is 3 p.m. July 16 at the church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview.

The guest speaker is the Rev. Marcellas Davis of Adoration for a New Beginning Church, who will discuss I Peter chapter 5, verses 2-4, and the theme of God's servant being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a good example for the flock.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mount Zion to honor pastor

Preparing for 100

Written by archive on July 14, 2017. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The associate pastor of music at Crestview’s First Baptist Church, Andrew Heathershaw, has been planning for the church’s 100^th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled to take place from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 12.

When asked what he has in store for the celebration, Heathershaw said, “We are starting service with ‘Find Us Faithful,’ a song which questions if people in the future will see us as faithful to the Lord when they look back on us.” He also said that at the luncheon, the reunion youth choir will be singing, “Some Day My Lord Will Come," and a few former ministers of music will sing as well.

Heathershaw, who also oversees the technical aspects of the church’s music production, selects music from Christian publishers with song samples that pique his interest. His personal favorite songs, he said, are “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “10,000 Reasons,” a newer song about praising the goodness of God.

According to Heathershaw, American Baptist churches tend to either stick to the old or go with the "new" when it comes to musical style, but at Crestview’s First Baptist Church, they are somewhere in between. “Traditional churches do hymns only and some other Baptist churches only do new music — we are somewhere in the middle.”

He said, “It varies a lot within denominations — there isn’t a Baptist style — it just always points people to God with excellence, whatever it is.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Preparing for 100

Crestview mom holds onto hope as her baby awaits new heart

Written by archive on July 14, 2017. Posted in births, celebrations, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — When an ultrasound uncovered more than her baby’s gender, 29-year-old Ashley Hewett’s life became a living nightmare.

“This was supposed to be an exciting appointment to find out we were having a boy and then now it’s deeper than that,” she said.

The ultrasound revealed that the left ventricle of her son’s heart was significantly smaller than the right, but Hewett wasn’t too concerned when she visited doctors at Sacred Heart Hospital in Bluewater.

“They didn’t give me a lot of information when they referred me to get checked,” she said. “When I was referred they just said, ‘well, it looks like one side of the heart must be smaller, so you might want him to get checked just to be sure.’”

She added, “I didn’t have the impression that it was anything to worry about.”

The following week, a high-risk specialist at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola diagnosed her son with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare, congenital heart defect that affects normal blood flow because the left side of the heart cannot pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HLHS affects about one out of every 4,344 babies, or roughly 960 babies born in the U.S. each year. Babies born with this birth defect often have bluish, ashen skin and a weak pulse. And although a cause for the disease is still largely unknown, it’s thought to be genetic in origin.

Hewett’s son, David, arrived five weeks prematurely on April 23. Shortly thereafter, doctors determined that he would need a new heart because his tricuspid valve was leaking. “At first we felt like we were going to have a baby that might not live and this was our first baby,” Hewett said. “We almost felt hopeless.”

Generally, babies born with HLHS normally undergo a three-step surgical procedure before a transplant is required:

Step 1: The Norwood Operation — takes place in the first few weeks after birth. Surgeons rebuild the aorta then reconnect it to the heart’s right ventricle, allowing the right ventricle to efficiently pump blood to both the body and the lungs. If a baby survives this procedure their odds of survival are said to increase. According to an article in the Journal of Pediatric Health titled “Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Prognosis and management options,” the survival rate for babies who have the Norwood Operation ranges from 47 percent – 85 percent.

Step 2: Hemi-Fontan and a bi-directional Glenn procedure — takes places when the baby is between four and 12 months old. In this procedure, surgeons reroute the circulation so the superior vena casa drains into the right pulmonary artery. Hospital survival rates for the Hemi-Fontan procedure are 94 percent – 98 percent.

Step 3: The Fontan operation — takes place when the child is between 18 months and 2 years old. According to an article by the University of California San Francisco’s Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Fontan procedure connects the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary artery by making a channel through or just outside of the heart to direct blood to the pulmonary artery. Survival rates for the Fontan procedure are 86 percent – 94 percent.

Hewett's baby, David, who had to forgo the aforementioned procedure because of a leaking tricuspid valve, was placed on the heart transplant list a few weeks ago. Since then, a lack of blood flow has caused his organs to partially shut down. The Hewetts can only hope that a heart becomes available quickly because longer wait times on the heart transplant list have been linked to higher infant mortality rates.

“According to the doctors last month, he wasn’t going to make it,” said Hewett. “They took him off the transplant list and gave us options to basically watch him die.” But in the last week or so, there has been a bit of a turnaround for David, whose condition has improved somewhat since he was taken off medication that was adversely affecting his liver.

“He is showing all the doctors that he’s moving in the right direction and the doctors keep coming in and commenting on how much better he looks, they are really impressed, they almost can’t believe it,” said Hewett. “I think one doctor said, ‘this is suspiciously good.’”

Ashley and her husband, Chuck, also 29, have been staying at the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainsville for the last two months after moving out of the Ronald McDonald House. “About a month ago after things started to look worse we moved into his hospital room and have been staying by his side,” she said.

Survivors of HLHS require constant medical attention, and since their hearts do not function at full capacity, those born with HLHS who make it into adulthood cannot exercise, and/or stand for long periods of time without having to sit; and often, most need more than one heart transplant.

Some of the longest-living survivors are now in their late 20s and early 30s.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview mom holds onto hope as her baby awaits new heart

Food truck owners focus on Mexican fare

Written by archive on July 14, 2017. Posted in food, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Deborah Andreozzi's longing for the Mexican food she experienced while living in Huntington Beach, California was the basis for a Crestview business venture.

Andreozzi and her business partner, Pamela Daniel, took the plunge into food trucking in October of last year with PnD South of the Border Tacos.

"When Deb moved here she loved Mexican food. They had all kinds of taco trucks out there in California. It's a known thing out there and it seems to be all Mexican. It was her favorite, but there was nothing like that here at home," Daniel said.

"I always wanted a taco truck. It was always my dream," Andreozzi said. The Crestview resident launched the truck with the blessing of her six children, who love her cooking and also encouraged her to make it a business.

Andreozzi and Daniel, friends for 17 years, brought their years of experience working at local restaurants to embark on their enterprise.

"We've been at it off and on," Daniel said. "We met at Coach-N-Four (a former Crestview restaurant, and) were both employees there. I've worked at Gator (a Baker café)."

Daniel said she'd been out of the food business for a while before they opened the PnD. She and Andreozzi even trained and worked together as Certified Nursing Assistants at Emerald Coast Hospice at one point. But their love of food and from-scratch cooking made the industry part of their lives once more.

"It's all homemade, except our chips and shells, but we blend our beans. Nothing's premade — we cook and season everything. You've always got to put your own swag," Daniel, a Holt resident, said.

That "swag" includes one of their specialties, hamburger potato taco filling.

Daniel said the hamburger potato is her favorite thing on the menu to cook. "No one else does it around here. Everybody has pork, that's carnitas. But the hamburger potato I don't think it's around this area at all. I don't think any Mexican place has that."

She said the dish hearkens back to times when you have a big family to feed and you want your food to go further. "With a big family, it went further and lasted longer because you added a potato."

Another dish at PnD you may not find on other Crestview menus are elotes, a Mexican version of corn that Andreozzi enjoyed at food stands all around Huntington Beach.

"It's fresh corn on the cob and we coat it with mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and then we put a Mexican cheese on it," Daniel said. They sprinkle a classic Mexican seasoning called tajin to it, a little chili and a little lime.

The menu also includes California smothered burritos, chicken tacos, beans and cheese, queso and chips, and sides, soft drinks and tea. Prices start at $2.95 for a la carte food items, and combination meals, served with chips and salsa or rice and beans, cost $8.95 each. Elotes are $3.95, and drinks are $1-$2.

The truck is open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays at 1212 Ferdon Blvd. N. in Crestview.

Daniel and Andreozzi also provide deliveries for orders costing $20 and up. There is an additional $2 delivery charge.

Call 612-6510 to pre-order. Visit the PnD South of the Border Facebook page for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Food truck owners focus on Mexican fare

More on handling difficult situations

Written by archive on July 14, 2017. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Here's the scenario from last week's Pulpit article.

Someone at work goes to the boss and declares that you are not pulling your weight. The boss then makes a declaration that because "everyone" is not doing as they should, everyone will be punished. The boss gives the employees more work, or changes around everyone's responsibilities.

Last week's article talked about how the "boss" could have reacted to prevent the situation getting worse.

Now let's look at how individuals who are the focus of such a complaint can respond.

If the allegations are true:

•understand your emotional reaction. Anger may rise to the surface as a result of embarrassment for being called out for not fulfilling your responsibility.

•own up to your failure. Don't make excuses for your lack of effort. This will only undermine your credibility and integrity.

•offer to take measurable steps to improve your work habits. Then ask your boss to review your progress weekly for the next several weeks.

If the allegations are not true:

•understand your emotional reaction. Anger may rise to the surface very quickly, which will be a symptom of being hurt emotionally.

•do not lash out at your accuser or make any hasty decisions. Many harmful comments and decisions are made in the heat of anger, and once they are out, they cannot be taken back. Your grandmother was wise when she told you to "count to 10" (or even 10,000 if necessary) before reacting.

•after calming down to a manageable level, the Bible says to go to your accuser and speak with him or her privately. Explain how their false accusation hurt you. Remain as calm as possible, not allowing your emotions to get hooked by their reaction.

•if the accuser denies their actions or attempts to make matters worse, simply walk away. Request a conversation with the next appropriate management level and the individual together. Again, this is very Biblical. You will have a witness to your attempts to rectify the situation.

•then let the matter drop while at work. Do your utmost to not allow the hurt to interfere with your good, strong work ethic.

•seek counsel from someone outside of work to vent your hurt and anger. Talking it through will work toward your healing and ease the pain and anger.

Ultimately, Jesus says to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." You may not like them very much at the moment, but through prayer and the guidance of our Lord, healing will take place. Be open to how God provides for that to happen.

Christians are called to act and react responsibly — which often means going against what we would rather do. Give a good witness to the strength of your faith and the graciousness of God by seeking justice, not revenge.

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: More on handling difficult situations

McAlister's Deli opens Crestview restaurant

Written by archive on July 14, 2017. Posted in food, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast casual chain, opened its doors with a ribbon cutting 10:30 a.m. July 17 at 2100 South Ferdon Blvd. S. in Crestview.

Known for its "American Regional Favorites Served with a Smile," McAlister’s is home to handcrafted sandwiches, always-fresh salads, giant stuffed spuds, and McAlister’s famous sweet tea.

The Crestview store owner is franchise group DMAC, 81, which owns and operates more than 40 restaurants throughout Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. DMAC, 81 plans to continue growing McAlister’s presence in the coming years.

“We are excited to offer McAlister’s handcrafted sandwiches, family-friendly atmosphere, and genuine hospitality to Crestview,” said DMAC, 81 franchisee Dale Mulvey.

“We look forward to opening our doors and building long-lasting relationships with the Crestview community.”

McAlister’s in Crestview will serve guests every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Call the restaurant at 398-8400, or visit its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/McAlisters-Deli-Crestview-328514317580440/, for more information.

McAlister’s guests always have the opportunity to place orders online at McAlistersDeli.com or through the McAlister’s app.

The restaurant offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order catering options including breakfast, snacks, spud bars, salads, sandwich trays, box lunches and desserts, and always comes with a side of genuine hospitality.

Whether it’s for one person or one hundred, a business meeting or a family reunion, the company can cater a feast to please any crowd.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: McAlister's Deli opens Crestview restaurant

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