As summer classes and events are winding to a close, we are so thankful for the many people who helped us [at the Crestview Public Library] build a better world.

In Mo Willems' "The Thank You Book," Piggie attempts to thank everyone who is important to him. His friend, Elephant Gerald, is certain he will forget someone. I'm also afraid I'll forget someone, but here I go.

Thank you:

Children — for listening and reading and laughing and learning with us

Parents — for bringing children and making us a part of your child's summer

Coworkers — for checking items in and out; for shelving; for your patience with the crazy; for your support in so many ways

Audrey Milcarek — for teaching ages 6-8

Jean McCarthy — for teaching ages 9-14

Sharon Jones and Marie Heath — for teaching the Mt. Zion Outreach

Angie Nousiainen — for bringing Dozer the Therapy Dog

Dozer — for listening to children read

Crestview Police Department — for teaching us to trust police officers

Volunteers — for shelving, shelf-reading, cleaning and your patience with the crazy

Whataburger, Applebees, Papa John's and Little Caesar's — for free food for reading

Friends of the Crestview Library — for providing milk to go with our cookies at the Reader Awards

Donors — for funds or items for activities or awards

Stop by to read to Dozer 10-11 a.m. July 20 or Aug. 5 if it's not raining.

We have one Ages 3-5 Library Class before school starts. Join us at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 8 for stories and activities that'll make you want to flap your wings!

The Ages 0-2 Library Class starts again at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 11. We'll learn "All About Me."

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HEATHER NITZEL: Thank yous are in order

CRESTVIEW — The John Irving Steele family will have a reunion.

The event is 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.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Steele family reunion set

CRESTVIEW — The Beach Brawl Sk8ter Doll Panhandle roller derby team, part of Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc. has members from Crestview, Milton and Holt, as well as Tennessee and Alabama.

The Beach Brawl Sk8ter Dolls are the home team of the nonprofit Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc., ranked 205th internationally by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (www.wftda.com). A portion of ticket sales are donated to local charities and their communities.

The remaining doubleheader bouts for the season are listed below. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Some team names were unavailable as of this writing.

Aug. 19: Clarksvillians vs. BBSD; Tallahassee Rollergirls vs. Dixie Derby Girls.

Sept. 16: Panhandle United Roller Derby vs. Savannah Derby Devils; BBSD vs. Hellions.

Oct. 28: Panhandle United Roller Derby vs. Muscogee Roller Girls; Sugar Sands Roller Dolls vs. Gulf Coast Rollergirls.

Note: The previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Panhandle United Roller Derby Inc. is ranked at 205 in the nation. It is actually ranked at 205 in the world by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. The article also incorrectly referred to bouts as matches and used an inline skate picture. WFTDA rules require four-wheel skates, referred to as "quads." The News Bulletin staff apologizes for these errors.

The News Bulletin staff apologizes for this error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Three games left in roller derby season

BAKER — A Kids Fun Day will offer free entertainment for area residents.

Lighthouse Church and Golan Assembly of God's Kids Fun Day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at Blackman Community Center, 7590 US Highway 189, Baker.

Activities include water slides, snow cones, puppetry, hotdogs and goody bags. Door prize winners must be present to win.

Children should bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kids Fun Day in Baker offers water slides, prizes

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School softball player Kylee Kimmons is the recipient of the 2017 Whitney Megan Langley Memorial Softball Scholarship.

The Langley family congratulated Kimmons, who will attend Northwest Florida State College in in the fall, and plans to study psychology.

The Langley family created the scholarship nine years ago after Whitney, a former pitcher for the CHS softball team, died in a car accident while playing college softball in Alabama. The scholarship is presented based on the nominees’ traits of leadership, teamwork and dedication.

"Whitney’s parents, Greg and Marge Langley of Crestview, and their children are forever thankful for the love, kindness and support that they received from their family, friends and the community," a media release stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Kimmons wins Langley memorial softball scholarship

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

NORTH OKALOOSA CAREER  FAIR & VETERANS EXPO: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. Free. Features more than 40 employers and veteran’s benefits information, education and training programs. On-site interviews for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Bring multiple resume copies. Go to www.careersourceokaloosawalton.com for a list of participating employers and community partners. Contact Elizabeth Westby, ewestby@careersourceow.com or 833-7587, extension 210 to participate as an employer.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SENIOR BINGO: 10:30 a.m. July 20, Don Braun Hall, 701 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview. Lunch will be served. Call 682-6126 to RSVP.

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.

‘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.  

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. July 20, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.
• 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.

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.

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. July 19, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.  

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon July 20, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S., Crestview. Guest speaker: Crestview News Bulletin and Santa Rosa Press Gazette Editor Thomas Boni. Group membership is for chamber members ages 21-41.

RIBBON CUTTING: noon July 21, SportClips, 1900 Ferdon Blvd. S, Suite 100, Crestview. The store is located in the new shopping center next to Publix. Go to www.haircutmencrestviewfl.com to see what services SportClips offers.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST CANCELED: No July breakfast is scheduled. 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 — Jaedyn "Jae" Williams will be 7 years old soon, and the Crestview resident wants nothing more for his birthday than to help others.

To that end, he is requesting donations of paper and cleaning products, drinks and other items through July 31 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola.

A video on his Facebook page list those items and encourages area residents to "be the change" they wish to see in the world.

'Be the Change'

With assistance from his parents, Jaedyn has collected and distributed monetary, food and other donations to people and organizations across Northwest Florida. The family became friends with some of the children they met when contributing to the Ronald McDonald House and Sacred Heart Hospital.

"Some of them have Facebook pages that help them share their story. I would often read them to him and show him photos of his friends' pages, which led to Jae asking for his own." He was persistent about it too, she said. It took six months to convince her, but she finally started https://www.facebook.com/Jaedynisthechange after he told her his reasoning: "Mom, if you let me get a Facebook, we can help other people help too and then lots of people can help and be the change."

Jaedyn is a special needs student with high-functioning autism and severe Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Despite these and other issues, his parents, Cassey and Stephen Williams, focus on the positive things about life.

"We have often had to comfort him through situations of being bullied at school due to other children making fun of him for being overly emotional and not being able to understand and speak like his peers," his mother said. "This experience, although far from easy, has taught us as a family so much. Instead of focusing on the 'bad' we started teaching our son the good."

"We asked him, 'What can we do to make sure that other people don't feel like others have made you feel?' He came up with the "Be The Change" slogan all on his own, because that's what he wants to do is change sad and mad hearts into happy ones," Cassey said. Their efforts also had an unexpected impact.

"We had no idea he would run with this as he has … he wants to stop everywhere and make sure everyone has what they need and that they feel appreciated," his mom said.

HOW TO HELP

• Email bethechange_jae@yahoo.com, call or contact Cassey Williams, 850-736-3717 or via Facebook message. The email address may also be used for Paypal donations.
• Drop off donations at the Q92 radio station on Ferry Road in Fort Walton Beach or arrange neutral location drop offs.
• They also accept cash, checks or money orders, and Square app credit card payments for the Ronald McDonald House.

Some of Jaedyn's activities over the past few years

•presented Crestview Police Department officers and staff with cake, cards and treats on his sixth birthday

•helped at car wash fundraisers and Comic-Con for Ronald McDonald House and other organizations

•made and shared cards, food, drinks and treats with veterans, nursing home residents, and homeless people.

•collected donations and helped make Thanksgiving dinners for first responders

•helped raise more than $300 for the police memorial being built at the Crestview Police Department

FYI

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boy requests Ronald McDonald House donations for birthday

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