lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Consider some New Year’s financial resolutions

Written by archive on December 20, 2016. Posted in lifestyle.

We’re just about ready to open the door to 2017, so you might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions.

What’s on your list this year? More visits to the gym? Learning a new language? Mastering the perfect beef bourguignon? All worthy ambitions, of course, but why not also include some financial resolutions?

By reviewing your needs and goals, you can identify some resolutions that are particularly relevant to your own situation. But here are a few suggestions:

•Build an emergency fund. If you needed a major car repair or a new furnace, or faced some other large, unanticipated expense, could you cope with it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might have to dip into those investments intended for long-term goals, such as retirement. Instead, build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

•Cut down on debts. It’s not easy to cut down on one’s debt load. But if you can find ways to reduce your debts, you’ll help improve your overall financial picture. Many debts are not “useful” — that is, they don’t carry any tax advantages — so every dollar you spend to pay down those debts is a dollar you could use to invest for your future.

•Boost contributions to your retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, take full advantage of it. Your earnings have the potential to grow tax-deferred and your contributions may lower your taxable income. Plus, most plans offer a selection of investment options, so you can choose the investment mix that fits your objectives and risk tolerance. Therefore, if your salary goes up this year, or if you think you can find other ways to free up some money, increase your contributions to your retirement plan.

•Review your portfolio. Is your investment portfolio still on track toward helping you meet your long-term goals? If not, you may need to make some changes. You’ll also want to study your investment mix to make sure it still accurately reflects your risk tolerance. Over time, and often without your taking any significant actions, your portfolio can “drift” to a place where you are taking on too much risk — or even too little risk — for your needs and long-term objectives. If this happens, you may need to “rebalance” your holdings.

•Avoid mistakes. None of us can avoid all mistakes, in life and in our investment activities. But as an investor, you’ll clearly benefit from minimizing your errors. For example, it’s generally a mistake to jump out of the market in response to a period of volatility. If you wait for things to “calm down” before investing again, you might miss out on the opportunity to participate in the next market rally.

•Think long term. Keep this in mind: You’re not investing for today or tomorrow, but for many years from now. Try to keep a long-term focus when making all your key investment decisions. By doing so, you can avoid overreacting to short-term developments, such as a sudden drop in the market or a “momentous” political event that actually decreases in importance as time goes by.

Try to follow these financial resolutions as best as you can. You could make 2017 a year to remember.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Consider some New Year’s financial resolutions

Musician returns home in Christian 'popera' concert

Written by archive on December 16, 2016. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Musician David Wise is preparing for a Crestview homecoming with his self-described “popera” group, Tenore.

Wise, a Nashville resident, is on a 60-city tour with the musical project. The trio’s show in Crestview, his hometown, will be their first-ever performance in the Florida Panhandle.

“It sort of worked out to where we had a few extra days and I suggested we head down to Florida,” Wise said. Tenore will perform 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at First Baptist Church in Crestview. Admission to the event is free.

The group is no stranger to the road, having played shows in dozens of countries and winning awards in the United States and Canada. The musicians have brought home a Gospel Music Award and multiple Covenant Awards, Canada’s GMA equivalent.

Tenore features three tenors, including Wise, Mark David Williams and Jason Catron, performing traditional and popular Christian music. The group’s three recorded albums feature full orchestral instrumentation, according to Wise. While touring, the trio often travels light by bringing only a piano player.

Despite Wise’s Crestview start, and the other members’ American roots, Tenore started their career in Canada. Shortly after, Universal signed the group to one of its labels.

Originally asked to participate as a part-time substitute roughly six years ago, Wise said he was later asked to join Tenore full time. He accepted the offer, but that wasn’t his first experience of performance.

Wise’s musical journey began at a young age as a singer listening to Christian and a cappella music. Once reaching junior high school, he enlisted in his school band as a drum major, which he continued through high school. After graduation, Wise enrolled at Stetson University as a vocal performance major.

“They always said, ‘He’ll be the one doing music his whole life,’ and here I am,” Wise said.

When he’s not on the road, Wise focuses on producing music and being a studio singer. He said he recently produced Tenore’s third studio album, “Impossible Dream,” and a song for actor Ruby Lewis.

Despite extensive touring, Wise said he plans to focus his future on producing — something he hopes to do full time. The trio, according to Wise, will continue to perform and tour as needed to support the musicians’ other endeavors.

In the meantime, Wise is excited for a “wonderful homecoming” to Crestview. He said he hopes to see high school friends and people in town for the holiday season.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Musician returns home in Christian 'popera' concert

Sonlight Covenant Church plans Christmas book sale

Written by archive on December 16, 2016. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Sonlight Covenant Church will have a Christian literature sale.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the church, located at 365 James Lee Blvd. W. in Crestview.

Books in a variety of categories — such as marriage, biographies, health and spiritual growth — will be available.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sonlight Covenant Church plans Christmas book sale

REV. MARK BROADHEAD: This Christmas, remember the most important gift

Written by archive on December 16, 2016. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

Can you feel the anticipation building? There is just one more week until Christmas.

Young children look forward to the visit from Santa Claus with his sleigh full of toys. Teenagers look forward to getting a little more sleep. Parents look forward to all the preparations being completed.

Some questions people are pondering include: How late will the children let me sleep? Will anyone we are not expecting stop by? What will be under the Christmas tree — besides a pile of dried pine needles? Will I receive that long-wished-for gift?

These are some typical questions and anticipations as Christmas draws near. Here are my answers to a couple of them.

“Will anyone we are not expecting stop by?” I hope so. I hope you will let in the Christ child as he knocks on the door of your heart. He is, after all, the reason we have Christmas in the first place.

Others might say Christmas is a secular holiday, but that is simply an excuse to not take to heart the real reason it is celebrated.

God chose to come to this Earth himself as one of us, to live among us, and demonstrate it is possible to live a good and righteous life. This, among other important aspects, is what we truly celebrate.

“Will I receive that long-wished-for gift?” That is up to you. Do you recognize it? It has your name on it. It is the forgiveness of past wrongdoings. It is the gift of a real life, an authentic life, offered through the Christ child that is there for the receiving.

The ultimate Christmas gift was made available centuries ago when our Lord was born. This gift is still alive today.

As you look at the various presents under your Christmas tree, remember the most important gift is waiting for you to unwrap it and enjoy it for all eternity — the gift of the Christ child.

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: REV. MARK BROADHEAD: This Christmas, remember the most important gift

Volunteers needed for Crestview Relay For Life

Written by archive on December 14, 2016. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The American Cancer Society seeks volunteers to be a part of the annual Relay For Life event scheduled for April 28.

“Community volunteers are the backbone of this movement, and you can be part of it right here in Crestview,” an event spokesperson said. “The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer.

“Uniting communities across the globe, we celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Help us make Crestview’s 20th year of Relay the best year possible!”

Funds raised help ACS provide free information and support for people facing the disease, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.

During Relay For Life events, each team’s members take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.

If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Crestview as a volunteer or team participant, visit RelayForLife.org/CrestviewFL or call 850-244-3813.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Volunteers needed for Crestview Relay For Life

Crestview Relay for Life team plans Boston butt fundraiser

Written by archive on December 14, 2016. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Relay For Life of Crestview's Duke it Out team will sell cooked Boston butts for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

The butts cost $30; 40 orders per pick-up date are available. Deliveries are set for 4-5 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 at Crestview's Publix on S. Ferdon Blvd.

Call Loney Whitley, 537-4654 or 603-3500, and leave a message to place an order.

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's April 2017 Relay for Life. North Okaloosa County residents will walk Crestview High School's track for 12 hours to reflect on a cancer patient's longest night: when he or she receives the diagnosis.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Relay for Life team plans Boston butt fundraiser

Here’s your retirement 'to do' list

Written by archive on December 12, 2016. Posted in lifestyle.

At this time of year, your life is probably more hectic than usual, so you may have assembled an impressive “to do” list. This can be a helpful tool for organizing your activities in the near future — but have you ever thought of developing a “to do” list for long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement? If not, you may want to think about it — and here are a few list-worthy items to consider:

•Examine — and re-examine — your planned retirement age. You may have long counted on retiring at a certain age, but are you sure that this goal is the best one for your overall financial situation? Think about it: If you like your job, and you stayed at it for just a few more years, you could significantly boost the funds in your 401(k) or other retirement plan, and you might even be able to delay taking Social Security — which, in turn, would result in larger monthly payments.

•Put a 'price tag' on your retirement lifestyle. When you retire, do you want to travel the world or stay at home pursuing your hobbies? Will you truly retire from all types of work, or will you do some consulting or take up part-time employment? Once you know what your retirement lifestyle might look like, you can better estimate your costs and expenses — and this knowledge will help you determine how much you need to withdraw each year from your various retirement accounts, such as your IRA, 401(k) or other employer-based plan.

•Be aware of retirement plan withdrawal rules. It isn’t enough just to recognize how much you need to withdraw from your retirement plans — you also must know how much you must withdraw. Once you turn 70½, you generally have to start taking money out of your traditional IRA and 401(k). These required minimum distributions, or RMD, are based on your account balance, age and other factors, but the key word to remember is “required” — if you don’t withdraw the full amount of the RMD by the applicable deadline, the amount not withdrawn can be taxed at a 50 percent rate.

•Review your health care situation. When you turn 65, you will likely be eligible for Medicare, but you’ll want to become familiar with what it does — and doesn’t — cover, so you can establish an annual health care budget. And if you are planning to retire early, which might mean losing your employer-sponsored health insurance, you will need to be prepared for potentially large out-of-pocket costs.

•Think about long-term care. One service that Medicare doesn’t cover — or, at best, covers only minimally — is long-term care. If you faced an extended stay in a nursing home, the costs could be catastrophic. A financial professional may be able to help you find a way to reduce this risk.

•Develop your estate plans. Estate planning can be complex, involving many different documents such as a will, a living trust, power of attorney, etc. So you’ll want to work with a legal professional to ensure you’re making the right choices for yourself and your family.

By checking off these items, one by one, your retirement “to do” list will eventually get “done.” And when that happens, you may find yourself pretty well prepared to enjoy life as a retiree.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here’s your retirement 'to do' list

LAURA TIU: All about starfish

Written by archive on December 11, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

The star has a lot of symbolism this time of year. However, this unique shape is present year-round in our beautiful coastal waters.

It’s in the form of starfish or, more correctly, sea stars; because they aren’t a fish. Sea stars are echinoderms, which means “spiny skin.” There are 512 species documented from the Gulf of Mexico. They are related to sea urchins and sand dollars.

Sea stars can live up to 35 years in the wild. One of their most fascinating attributes is that they can regenerate or regrow a limb if it loses one. They do not have a head, heart, brains or blood and they breathe by filtering ocean water.

It is impossible to tell males from females based solely on outward appearance. They move along the sea floor using suction-cup feet, which also help them capture and consume their prey.

Many unique species make their home in Florida; however, they tend to be a rare sight on the Emerald Coast. The explanation that I have read for this is that there is a series of sandbars that extend into deep water all along the Emerald Coast, and the shells collect on the outermost sandbars and never make it to shore.

But we have seen mass strandings of these creatures. In 2014, west of Pensacola, and again in January 2016 at Port St. Joe, beachgoers reported seeing thousands of stranded starfish over several weeks.

Wildlife officials said cold weather, storms and high tides led the starfish to wash up on the shore. They believe that the starfish congregate in mass during cold weather and the high tides or storms wash them ashore.

Beachcombing for shells and starfish is a popular hobby, especially during winter months when it’s too cold to swim. Early morning is generally a good time to look before everyone else has walked the beach.

However, it’s important to be aware of and follow appropriate harvesting regulations to stay legal and avoid potential fines. A Florida recreational saltwater fishing license is required to harvest a seashell containing a living organism, even when harvesting from shore.

So, look and touch, but toss that sea star back into the ocean to see another season.

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: LAURA TIU: All about starfish

Lessons from a man and a deer

Written by archive on December 9, 2016. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

One snowy day during deer-hunting season, Mr. Kulik went out with his rifle, three sandwiches and a Thermos.

He tramped through the woods until he came upon a well-used deer trail. The hunter looked around for a hiding place where he could keep a sharp lookout for deer. He found a sheltered nook in some rocks and settled in to wait.

After an hour, he became hungry and decided to have lunch. He had just finished two sandwiches and enjoyed a drink from his Thermos when he saw it: Less than 20 feet away was a magnificent eight-point buck. The closest cover for the deer was 30 yards away.

There was no way that Mr. Kulik could miss. He had been hunting for many years and had shot many deer, but he had never had a chance like this.

But Mr. Kulik didn’t move. He just sat there, waiting for the buck to realize that he was there and break for cover. If the deer had done that, then Mr. Kulik would probably have taken him down with one or two shots. However, the deer did not run.

That eight-point buck, who must surely have had to flee from any number of hunters, didn’t even offer to run when he became aware of the hunter. Instead, the deer began to slowly walk toward Mr. Kulik. Carefully, step by step, he moved closer, curious perhaps, until he was right in front of Mr. Kulik, looking steadily into his eyes.

Mr. Kulik didn’t know what to do, so he just reached out and scratched the buck’s head, between his antlers. The deer didn’t even flinch, so Mr. Kulik ran his hand over the buck’s side and flanks — he was petting a wild deer! The hunter proceeded to give his last sandwich to the deer, and the deer ate it. Soon the buck moved away and slowly continued down the path.

Mr. Kulik never shot another deer. After such an experience, he just couldn’t.

This story illustrates a powerful point. It can be very easy to hate an enemy from a distance. But once you are up close and interact with such a person, your mind and heart will change.

Jesus says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

As you prepare yourself for Christmas, won’t you hear his message and obey? After all … this is part of the reason he was born.

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: Lessons from a man and a deer

Free clinic to serve uninsured, 'underserved'

Written by archive on December 6, 2016. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Dr. J.D. Bailey and his wife, Penny, moved to Crestview about a year ago hoping to open a medical clinic here.

Both are retired from the Air Force after serving 30 and 24 years, respectively, and both worked at the Pentagon. Bailey has 18 years’ experience as a family physician.

Shortly after they arrived in the area, a friend contacted them about becoming board members of Crossroads Medical and Dental Clinic, a Valparaiso free clinic.

Soon, Central Baptist Church in Crestview raised interest in a Crossroads satellite free clinic. The church owned an empty building at 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., that could support the cause.

“This was the vision of Paul Mixon, pastor of Central Baptist Church, who wanted a medical outreach in the community,” Penny Bailey said. “He has worked tirelessly with the city of Crestview for the past six months to get Crossroads Clinic to Crestview.”

Now, that vision is a reality.

“We just received word Monday morning that the license has been approved by the city,” Penny Bailey said.

Crossroads, a non-profit organization, provides free medical care for those who have no medical insurance and meet Florida criteria for receiving this service. It began 12 years ago and, in that time, reportedly has provided millions of dollars of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care for its patients.

Cindy Bray, the Valparaiso clinic’s administrator, and Mixon did not immediately return calls for this article, but Crestview’s Crossroads satellite location will open in about two weeks, with regular office hours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, the Baileys said.

“My wife and I are thrilled about the opening of the Crestview Crossroads location,” said Dr. Bailey, the medical clinic’s primary physician. “We have been serving our country for a combined 54 years and have the desire to serve our community. North Okaloosa County and Walton County are underserved as far as medical care is concerned.

“We want to provide medical care to those who need it.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free clinic to serve uninsured, 'underserved'

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