CRESTVIEW — A car wash with a bake sale, raffle and other activities will help raise money for a nonprofit organization's homeless shelter building fund.

The Bright Future Ministries benefit is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5 in the parking lot of McDonald's, 302 James Lee Blvd. W, Crestview. All proceeds go to the BFM Homeless Shelter Building Fund.

Crestview firemen and police officers will fellowship with area residents at the event, and a One Blood mobile will be on site.

Volunteers are needed. Go to www.facebook.com/BrightFutureMinistries to sign up.

BFM is a nondenominational Christian-based nonprofit opened last year. Its goals include assisting homeless people in emergency situations with housing and other necessities. Visit the Bright Future Ministries Facebook page for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Nonprofit sets car wash benefit

HOLT — Telecommunications, or lack thereof, have raised concerns for a number of Holt residents.  

Joseph Soley says internet and telephone service has been so unreliable that it is impeding his ability to sell his Sundance Way home.

“After a lightning strike, there is no dial tone for 10 or 12 hours,” he said of service provided by CenturyLink. “Here, lately, we have been having more trouble with it because of the rain. And the other day when it was raining, it was really ‘staticky.’”

Soley’s neighbor, Gene Criswell, 79, of Fox Lane, also has concerns.

“It goes out at least once a week, the internet or the phone,” Criswell said. “There’s poor service down here. The wires down the road are not covered up; when it rains, it rains on them and the sun deteriorates them.

“I worked for the phone company for 34 years and I know a little bit about repairing phones and I’ve reported it since the cable has been cut by the so-called workers.”

Sundance Way is an uneven dirt road; along it are exposed telephone wires and boxes full of wires smashed into the ground or covered with neoprene, a synthetic rubber material.

Criswell and Soley said that a year ago a worker putting asphalt down on the road tore one of CenturyLink’s cables in half, and it hasn’t been fixed since then.   

“They come down and splice through the cable and then throw a piece of plastic over it; we call it a ‘flap rag,’” Criswell said. “And a few days after they covered it up, it was uncovered and left out to the elements, the weather, the sun and everything else.”

Soley’s wife, Lynn, said that she called the telecommunications company a number of times requesting a new modem that was never delivered, although they were charged for it in their most recent bill. 

“They were supposed to be here on the 10^th [of July], between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with a new modem and they never showed up,” she said while holding up a Post-it note where she jotted down the date she called the buisness and its estimated time of arrival.

In Criswell’s view, the business has not provided adequate or timely service to those living on dirt roads. 

“We are second-class citizens because we live on a dirt road and we pay the same taxes that they pay in Bluewater Bay and we don’t get any of the same services,” he said.

He then added jokingly, “They call it ‘high-speed internet’ and it’s like a turtle crawling. I tell them with two pieces of string and two tin cans I’d have better service.”

Mark Molzen, CenturyLink’s issues management, sustainability and diversity media contact, sent the following written statement to the News Bulletin after taking the account information of both Soley and Criswell:

"We are actively working to resolve our customers’ concerns,” the statement said. “The lines in the area are along a private road not maintained by the city and the lines have been cut numerous times, reportedly by graders.

"Efforts have been made to bury the lines, but this requires approval. We will continue to work to address the issue."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Internet, phone outages raise Holt residents' concerns

CRESTVIEW — In conjunction with an exhibit of film posters from '67 at the Crestview Public Library, Northwest Florida State College film and humanities professor David Simmons will deliver a presentation on the significance of the year.

A reception by the Friends of the Crestview Library will follow Simmons' 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14 presentation. The program and reception are free to attend.

"1967 marks a watershed year in film history," Simmons said. "Some see it as the final year of the classical Hollywood studio film. The next year would see the implementation of the MPAA's Rating System, an act that would change American film forever."

Simmons, who is adviser of the college's public monthly Film Club, said the film industry had not seen a year of such importance since 1939. That year, such renowned classics as "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone With the Wind," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Stagecoach" were released.

"1967 was also a year of immense change in American culture as counterculture values were pushing back against the establishment," Simmons said. "Hollywood film in 1967 not only reflects these changes, but influences them."

What: David Simmons' Illustrated presentation on 1967 films, followed by a reception

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 14

Where: Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive

Cost: Free

A watershed year in film

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Simmons to speak on Crestview film poster exhibit

CRESTVIEW — In conjunction with an exhibit of film posters from 1967 at the Crestview Public Library, Northwest Florida State College film and humanities professor David Simmons will deliver a presentation on the significance of the year.

A reception by the Friends of the Crestview Library will follow Simmons' presentation, which is 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive. The program and reception are free to attend.

"1967 marks a watershed year in film history," Simmons said. "Some see it as the final year of the classical Hollywood studio film. The next year would see the implementation of the MPAA's Rating System, an act that would change American film forever."

Simmons, who is adviser of the college's public monthly Film Club, said the film industry had not seen a year of such importance since 1939. That year, such renowned classics as "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone With the Wind," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Stagecoach" were released.

"1967 was also a year of immense change in American culture as counterculture values were pushing back against the establishment," Simmons said. "Hollywood film in 1967 not only reflects these changes, but influences them."

What: David Simmons' Illustrated presentation on 1967 films, followed by a reception

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 14

Where: Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive

Cost: Free

A watershed year in film

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Presentation on 1967 films scheduled

HOLT — Cub Scout Pack 532 of Holt recently took a trip to the E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport. 

Trip highlights included:

The group learned about bobcats (which is the first rank Cub Scouts earn).

They went to the animal meet and greet. There were two types of tortoises wandering the room, and three types of snakes to hold.

The Bird of Prey show, which “was fun and sometimes funny, especially when they brought out the mighty Sasquatch,” the pack’s media release stated. “And they loved the World of Wonder exhibit.

“We cannot wait to make it back and we highly recommend this location to anyone wanting something different and fun.” 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Holt Cub Scouts visit E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library guest visits the 'bear cave'

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Aug. 8 and 15, Flap Your Wings; Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, Grandparents; Sept. 12 and 19, Magic Pasta Pot; Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, Hats Off to You.

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Aug. 11, All About Me; Aug. 18-25, People Working; Sept. 1 and 8, Grandparents (bring biological or honorary grandparents if you like); Sept. 15 and 29, Mice; Oct. 6 and 13, Piggies; Oct. 20 and 27, Autumn and Halloween (wear non-scary costume if you like).

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Aug. 22, Crestview library. "Miniature Horses." For first 20 kids to register, for ages 4 and up. Visit the library for details as the date nears.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sept. 22, Crestview library. The Library Run is a tour of the library. Learn to use the catalog and race to find items. For ages 4 and up. Visit the library for details as the date nears.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays in the meeting room, Crestview library. Wii and virtual reality games, etc. For grades 6-12. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED: ECH provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and provided ongoing education. They can serve in a variety of areas from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Just a few hours a month makes an impact. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689- 0300.

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Seniors vs. Crime Crestview office, which assists senior citizens of whom someone scammed or took advantage, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Sheila Parish, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 306-3176, www.seniorsvscrime.com or 800-203-3099 for help.

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over “Services” and click “School Readiness” to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS to appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE BAND BENEFIT: 7 p.m. Aug. 4, Club L.A., 34876 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin. This Rust & Gold performance benefits the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Community Outreach Program, which supports cultural experiences for children, those with special needs, and wounded service members in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Rust & Gold, a tribute band headed by local musician Nic Turner, plays the music of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Includes a raffle and limited VIP seating. Cost is $15 for standing-room-only tickets, and $27 for a VIP table of four. Purchase at RockDestin.com.

‘HERITAGE ALIVE! CRAFT CLASS SERIES’: Learn a new skill and make something uniquely yours at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Call 678-2615 for more information or visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Upcoming events include:

• Kid’s Basket Weaving: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5. Children will experience the excitement of weaving a functional basket that will last forever. All supplies included. Recommended for ages 8-18. Cost: $40; or $35 for museum members.
• Mosaics: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Basket weaving:  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. Make a Corner Keeper Basket. Cost: $35; or $40 for museum members.
• Jewelry Making: 5-6 p.m. Aug. 25,  Make your own matching necklace and earrings. All supplies included. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Pine Needle Basketry: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 26. Using the original Seminole technique, weave your own pine needle basket. Cost: $60; or $55 for museum members.
• Mosaics:  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 2. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Knitting: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring yarn and size 8 circular needles. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members
• Loom Weaving: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. Weave on a loom with Sandy Sutton. Cost: $70; or $65 for museum members.

The museum is at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

STEELE FAMILY REUNION: 10 a.m. Aug. 6, with lunch at 1 p.m. at the Blackman Community Center, State Highway 198 N., Blackman. Call Roddy Steele, 537-7051, for more information.

PENSACOLA BAY ALZHEIMER'S WALK KICKOFF: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 22, The Bridge Bar, Gulf Breeze.

SISTER CITY FRANCE TRIP: The Crestview Area Sister City Program welcomes residents to join the Sept. 7-18 journey to Noirmoutier, France. Participants stay with host families in this immersive cultural and educational experience. They must join the Crestview Area Sister City Program and assume responsibility for their own air travel arrangements to and from France. Dues are currently $20 per individual, $2 per full-time student, and $30 per family. Details: www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

MA-CHIS POW WOW: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16 at Troy University's main campus practice field, 601 University Ave., Troy, Alabama. Parking and admission for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama event are free. Vendors include food, jewelry, Native American items and pottery, among other things. Demonstrations of Southeastern Indian skills and daily life activities are scheduled. Small gifts will be given to children at the event.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST: The next one is 7 a.m. Aug. 3 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. Cost is $5 per person.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — Members of Cub Scout Pack 532 of Holt recently visited the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Attendees included Nicholas Johnson, Tate Johnson, Adrian Cummings, Jacob Strom, Courtney Strom and Ellie Strom.

The museum has exhibits, flight simulators and other activities.

People interested in joining the Cub Scouts, which is for kindergartners through fifth-graders, may attend a meeting 6 p.m. Aug. 21 in the First Baptist of Holt Fellowship Hall, 532 U.S. Highway 90.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cub Scouts visit naval museum, set meeting