CRESTVIEW — American Legion Post 75 members will serve spaghetti dinners soon.

The meals include spaghetti with salad and dessert for $7 a plate starting 6 p.m. July 28 at the post, 898 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview.

Entertainment featuring Yum Yum and Aftermath starts at 8 p.m. in the lounge.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview American Legion sets spaghetti dinner

CRESTVIEW — Air Force Airman 1st Class Ciera R. Dorsey graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed eight weeks' training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Basic training graduates earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Dorsey is the daughter of Sheila Moore and sister of Celeste and Candice Dorsey of Crestview. She is the granddaughter of Icelene Moore of Laurel Hill. She is a 2009 graduate of Crestview High School and earned an associate degree in 2012 from Northwest Florida State College, Niceville.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dorsey graduates from basic military training

CRESTVIEW — A young Crestview resident is looking to surpass the funds she raised last year for Ronald McDonald House of Pensacola.

Kadance Fredericksen, 10, winner of the 2017 Little Miss Northwest Florida title, wants to top a previous donation of $1,031.12 she collected at a lemonade stand benefit.

She has set a goal of $1,500 for the current fundraiser. She will accept donations through Aug. 3 for the effort.

Donors may also purchase T-shirts or make Paypal donations to assist with Kadance's goal.

"We've had people donating for about two weeks and will turn in the money Aug. 3 at the Ronald McDonald House," Lisa Fredericksen, Kadance's mother, said.

She said her daughter has been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House all year long. She also collected 113 pounds of soda tabs in 2016 and presented them to RMH. The house sells the tabs to pay utility bills.

Kadance's desire to help the organization has expanded beyond fundraising, according to her mom.

"She's organized the pantry there, hosted kids' parties there, provided and helped cook meals, baked muffins and cookies. She's done all kinds of stuff," Lisa Fredericksen said.

People who wish to donate may go to https://www.paypal.me/LFredericksen482.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl boosts Ronald McDonald House

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

KIDS FUN DAY: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29, Blackman Community Center, 7590 U.S. Highway 189, Baker. Free. Lighthouse Church and Golan Assembly of God present water slides, snow cones, puppetry, hotdogs and goody bags. Door prize winners must be present to win. Children should bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen.

NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE BAND BENFIT: 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.
• Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located 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.

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. 

OKALOOSA TRANSIT COOPERATIVE MEETING: 9:30 a.m. July 27, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. Tiffany Bates at 850-332-7976, ext. 217. Visit www.wfrpc.org for the full agenda.

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 — 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 — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Poets and musicians can read, perform, improvise and play together during an open-microphone event 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Crestview Public Library.

The poetry starter is "space heater." Anyone can attend, and admittance is free.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive in Crestview. Contact Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; or Rick Sanders, 585-6399, for details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Open microphone night scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Damonie Johnson, a 14-year-old Crestview resident, has published her first journal, "A Girl’s World," where she penned her coming-of-age experiences. 

“A Girl’s World is a journal that is supposed to help a girl explore herself, the relationships that she is in with her friends, her family — just that concept — the world that she’s in, and how she feels about certain topics,” said Johnson, who co-authored the journal with her friend Laila Turner, 10, from Kennesaw, Georgia.

“When I wrote A Girl’s World, I was hoping that it would help girls get a better understanding. I think we all feel like we all have to be a certain way, have to look a certain way and have a certain body type; there’s always this expectation."

In addition to the journal, Johnson and Turner have created “vision/dream boards” and a coloring book for purchase on their company’s website, www.true2youpub.com.  

“True 2 You Publishing has the journal, which is the first product that has been created as well as vision boards,” said Latoya Jordan, Johnson’s stepmother. “We have a vision board for girls called ‘Girl Talk’ and a vision board for boys called ‘The Playbook'; it’s the one thing we try to do for boys because she couldn’t write ‘A Boy’s World,’ you know, but we definitely did not want to exclude boys from this process of discovery.”

Jordan said, “The vision boards are essentially ways for kids to identify their goals, what plans they want to put in place in order to properly execute those goals and the challenges they face as they try to achieve those goals and some positive affirmations.”

And the co-authors, with a collective age of 24, have taken "A Girl’s World" on the road. On Friday, July 21, the authors hosted a vision board party in Acworth, Ga.; on Saturday they were set to attend Greenbrier Mall’s Annual Back-to-School event in Atlanta to present a talk-show format that motivates young people to have a successful school year. They will kick off a mini-book tour Oct. 1 at the Girls World Expo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

When she isn’t writing or studying, you may find Johnson playing the trombone, which she hopes to play one day in a professional orchestra. Johnson will be attending Crestview High School in the fall.

Her advice to young aspiring writers is to never lose sight of yourself throughout the writing process. 

“… Just do the best that you can,” she said. “If you are trying to write a book, just put motivation into it and have the motivation to keep going because I can understand how it can be frustrating, so try to stay strong and be who you are, write from your heart and do things from your heart from passion.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teen explores self discovery in her new book 'A Girl's World'

CRESTVIEW — There’s been quite a turnout at McAlister’s Deli since its grand opening Monday on 2100 S. Ferdon Blvd. 

“It’s been really busy. The expectation was very high for the store because we are in a pretty high population area that seems to be underserved,” said Lance Youngblood, the VP of Operations for DMAC81, McAlister’s parent company. 

He added, “I am pretty happy with what we have seen so far…”

Their most popular sandwich, says Youngblood, is the McAlister’s Club. 

“The McAlister’s Club is the most popular sandwich because it’s a safety net for people because everybody knows a club is going to be pretty good and they see a big menu and it scares them a bit. Their first order is something kind of easy.” 

Another popular menu item is the French Dip Sandwich, but as people keep coming in their tastes evolve.  

“There are other sandwiches that seem exotic to people, but on their second or third visit they start to branch out and start ordering something different," Youngblood said. 

What distinguishes McAlister’s from competitors, Youngblood says, is primarily the quality of the food. 

“First of all the quality is much better,” he said. “Our food would be more comparable to a Panera [Bread] or something like that. Our sandwiches are often more flavorful; they are bigger. We have bread options, we have corn beef, pastrami, your basics like turkey, ham and roast beef. We wouldn’t consider our sandwiches like sub-type sandwiches. They are more traditional sliced breads and just different varieties.

“You can eat at McAlister’s four or five days a week and be pretty happy with it and I think that’s what sets us apart from the competition," he said. "You can’t do that at Panera, you can’t do that at Subway and you can’t do that at Firehouse [Subs]. We are always coming up with something and our customers are always blown away by the size [of the sandwiches],” he said. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's been really busy'

CRESTVIEW — Residents are concerned about U-turns taking place throughout the city, particularly at the three-way intersection near the Tom Thumb gas station on PJ Adams Parkway.

“Is there any plan to do anything about all the illegal U-turns at PJ Adams next to Tom Thumb? I just witnessed three within a five-minute span and I never see any cops there. There has to be some kind of deterrence, there's eventually going to be a life-threatening wreck,” Christopher Root, a Crestview resident, said in a Facebook message to the News Bulletin. 

Some residents visiting the Tom Thumb shared Root’s sentiment. 

“It can be [scary]. You have to make a U-turn here if you are going north on 85,” said Crestview resident Ian Ellsworth, who made a pit stop at the Tom Thumb by the three-way intersection. “In the middle of rush hour, you have a bunch of people getting into the turn lane blocking people from getting into PJ Adams.”

On June 24, a Honda van with an out-of-state license plate allegedly crashed into two vehicles while making an illegal U-turn at the intersection where PJ Adams Parkway meets Tom Thumb, slowing traffic in the area for hours while the police conducted an investigation. 

“There is an illegal U-turn there; it’s very unsafe with that being a highly congested area, particularly in the morning and evening,” said Sgt. Josh Grace of the Crestview police department.  “It’s posted as a no U-turn, it's high on the lights.” 

Grace said that out-of-state drivers often ignore the signs in Crestview because it’s not their final destination. 

“First off, people familiar with the area, they know there is no U-turn there. Crestview is a travel area. People have tunnel vision and they don’t pay attention to the signage because they are using it as a travel way,” he said.

Another notably dangerous intersection, he said, is where Walmart Road intersects with 85. 

“Walmart Road and 85 is more of a problem,” he said.  “It’s more dangerous there because of the width of the road, there isn’t enough room to make a U-turn.” 

The problem for drivers at that intersection is that they need to make a three-point turn because the road isn’t quite wide enough to accommodate a smooth U-turn.

His advice to drivers?

“If you have to make a U-turn, go to a safe location with a turn lane, or drive a little out of the way. But, mainly, people need to pay attention.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Illegal U-turns raise concerns for Crestview residents