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

‘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:

• Wine Fundamentals, Saturday, July 15, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn the basics about wine, the processes, differences between red and white wine and food accompaniments. Sponsored by Twisted Grape. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members.
• Kid’s Basket Weaving: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Basket weaving: Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make a Corner Keeper Basket. Cost: $35; or $40 for museum members.
• Jewelry Making: Friday, Aug. 25, 5-6 p.m. Make your own matching necklace and earrings. All supplies included. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Pine Needle Basketry, Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Using the original Seminole technique, weave your own pine needle basket. Cost: $60; or $55 for museum members.
• Mosaics: Saturday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Knitting: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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.

DINNER FOR PASTORS AND CITY OFFICIALS: 3-6 p.m. July 15, Carver-Hill School Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. The Crestview Concerned Citizens Outreach’s annual dinner is for Northwest Florida pastors and their wives, and Crestview officials and their wives. It is free to attend. Contact Pearl Bess, 682-5733, or Catherine Dortch, 682-6287, for details.

CRESTVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1977’S 40-YEAR CLASS REUNION: 6 p.m. July 15, Warriors Hall in Crestview. “We are searching for classmates that we have lost contact with,” an event organizer said. “If you haven't already received information about the reunion, contact Sharry, krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance.

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.

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.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. July 12 at the chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. July 18, Johnny O'Quigley's Ale House, 1025 Industrial Drive, Crestview. Network, have lunch informally and get to know new chamber members. RSVP to ambassadors@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 — It's summer and many people are considering where to spend their vacation days, whether it's at the beach or the lake, the mountains or far-away amusement parks.

Before leaving town for an extended time away from home or just a weekend getaway, there are several simple steps Gulf Power customers can take to save energy in their home—and save money.

Here are five simple money and energy saving tips when leaving for the annual summer trip:

•Turn down the water heater temperature. Water heating accounts for up to 14-25 percent of the of the energy consumed in homes, with a large percentage of the cost of running a water heater due to the "stand by" losses. No sense heating the water if you are not home to use it. Instead of the recommended setting of 120 degrees, lower the temperature 10-20 degrees or turn the control knob to "vacation mode."  For an electric water heater, turn it off at the circuit breaker panel.

•Set the thermostat (programmable or manual) at a higher temperature than usual. Again, there's no sense cooling a home if no one is there. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting air conditioning system thermostats at 85 degrees so the AC will occasionally turn on to remove the humidity.

•Unplug "energy vampires," electronic appliances that even when turned off utilize a small amount of energy, called phantom loads. Some estimates suggest that Americans have anywhere between 20–40 vampire devices throughout their homes, including the coffee maker and grinder, headset and telephone chargers, laptop computer, television, rechargeable toothbrush, and printers among others. Cut standby power by using power strips and turning them off when electronics and appliances are not in use, and using Energy Star products, which use less standby power.

•Close blinds and curtains to moderate the temperature and prevent the air conditioner from running excessively. Windows let in light, which creates excess heat.  

•Make sure all the lights are switched off.  Home owners using timers or motion-detecting lights to create the illusion of being at home should use energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs in the fixtures that are set to light up.

By following these energy-saving tips and leaving homes in an energy-efficient state, customers can hopefully use the savings on their next vacation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 ways to save energy while on vacation

SHALIMAR — CareerSource Okaloosa Walton has scheduled a North Okaloosa Career Fair and Veterans Expo.

The expo is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. There is no cost to attend.

This event includes more than 40 employers and veteran’s benefits information, along with education and training programs.

Individuals seeking immediate employment are invited to meet with employers currently hiring for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. They may bring multiple copies of their resumes and be prepared to interview.

Go to www.careersourceokaloosawalton.com for a list of participating employers and community partners.

Space is still available for additional employers to participate. Contact Elizabeth Westby, ewestby@careersourceow.com or 833-7587, extension 210, for more information.

CareerSource Okaloosa Walton works to ensure that area residents have the opportunity and skills necessary to engage in meaningful employment throughout both counties, and that every business has access to educated, trained, prepared employees.

FYI

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa career expo to feature over 40 employers

CRESTVIEW — Oliver Wade is no stranger to Crestview’s senior activity center. The agile 78-year-old retiree with an artistic flair plays there with his band, Belles and Beaus, every Saturday from 6-8:30 p.m.

But lately, he says, his band has been told to leave or otherwise was prevented from using the center at their regularly scheduled time. 

“We have been preempted from using the center, without any notice,” he said. “One evening we were told to leave, even after we had set up our musical equipment — a task of 40 minutes. The reason — because [another group] wanted to use the building to count cash for an activity on the stage or field.”

The senior center is roughly 250 feet from an amphitheater the city rents out to musicians and other performers. Wade said performances at the amphitheater often take precedence over senior citizens’ use of the center, violating noise ordinances and preventing seniors — some who drive in from Alabama — from accessing the center to see his show. 

“The parking lot is often filled with non-seniors who use other parts of the park. Seniors are forced to park on the grass and behind the building. There have been times that access to the rear (the door side next to the pavilion) of the building has been chained off,” he said.

On another occasion, Wade said he arrived to find a youth baseball meeting at the senior center; and on Saturday, June 18, he even called the police because the musicians performing in the amphitheater were so loud that even though he is hard of hearing, “the building’s block walls were vibrating.”

“The overpowering discordance forced us to call the Crestview police,” he said. “The police headquarters building is about 500 feet away from the stage area. They’re apparently deaf.”

Wade isn’t the only one complaining. One of his 80-something band mates — who requested anonymity out of fear of reciprocity — said, “Every time I come to play and someone is using the building I get upset. Two or three times, the building would be used.”

Wade said that repeated calls to the department of public works — which oversees the senior center — have not “yielded any results,” prompting him to take this issue to the media.

“They have no respect for seniors,” he said of the local government officials overseeing the center. “They are suspicious of seniors anyways.” 

Crestview’s director of Public Services, Wayne Steele, tells a somewhat different story. 

“I have never had any issues with the senior center until I am now getting complaints from this group,” he said. “We don’t have staff; we try to let them manage themselves. They are respectful with the use of the property.”

Steele said he believes the seniors' complaints are mainly caused by double booking and even though the department of public works cannot give advance notice in every instance, they have given up to two months' notice to Wade and his band mates in the past. 

“We told them that events at the amphitheater may conflict with events at the senior center,” he said. “We look at the schedule and if there is an event at the amphitheater we let them know. Sometimes they rent it out on a Friday and we are not aware until Monday. So there is a possibility that they can rent it and we cannot give them proper notification.”

In response to Wade’s claim that Steele has never addressed their concerns, Steele said, “tell them to come talk to me so we can work it out.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seniors claim limited access to Crestview activity center

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

OKALOOSA WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS: Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for its Women's Hall of Fame, in conjunction with Women's Equality Day. Nominations must be postmarked or submitted by July 10. Nominees must be Floridians, either by birth or permanent residency, volunteers who inspire others or act as role models who improve circumstances for all women and citizens in Okaloosa County. Only Okaloosa contributions will be accepted for HOF membership. Contact Mary Florence, chair@occsw.org, or visit www.occsw.org for details.

MARVIN DEBOLT JUNIOR GOLF CLASSIC: 8 a.m. July 12 and 13, Eglin Air Force Base Eagle Course, 1527 Fairway Drive, Niceville. For golfers age 8-18, with nine holes a day for ages 8-11 and 18 holes a day for 12 and up. Cost is $60 for younger level and $95 each for the older level. The cost includes green fees, food, refreshments, a tournament T-shirt and trophies for division winners. Benefits the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. Register at www.eccac.org by July 8.

CRESTVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1977’S 40-YEAR CLASS REUNION: 6 p.m. July 15, Warriors Hall in Crestview. “We are searching for classmates that we have lost contact with,” an event organizer said. “If you haven't already received information about the reunion, contact Sharry, krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance.

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

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 — Air Force Airman Taylor N. Wiest 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.

Wiest, a 2016 Crestview High School graduate, will begin technical training in Cyber Systems Operations in July at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Her parents, Crestview residents Shawn and Jean McCarthy, are both U.S. Air Force veterans.

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

CRESTVIEW — Crestview Junction will help connect the downtown area and Twin Hills Park once its use is designated, according to the Community Redevelopment Agency’s director, Brenda Smith.

According to Smith, before anything can happen with the Crestview Junction area, the CRA board needs to meet and decide if they want to proceed with the original plan proposed in the 2017 CRA Master Plan; members meet once a quarter but can meet as often as needed to identify their priorities. 

Crestview Junction has been studied and discussed for approximately two years, according to Smith; it will be located where Industrial Drive turns into North Brett Street in downtown Crestview.

The original plan identified the area for community revitalization and destination development, as well as the possible future site for a train depot when Amtrak returns to the town. In the CRA’s 2016 annual report, it stated that the CRA has been working with survey data it procured on the area to decide how it should be used.

The CRA is currently operating off the 2015 CRA Master Plan; however, a comprehensive plan was recently completed and officials are planning to appoint the 2017 CRA Master Plan with a 30-year extension of their program, according to Smith.

Smith said that the downtown area is currently the most critical for revitalization in the city.

Once the CRA board meets and clarifies their desired use for Crestview Junction, they will begin planning the construction of this area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community Redevelopment Agency explores Crestview Junction's use

CRESTVIEW — Florida’s Department of Health issued a rabies alert for Okaloosa County after a feral cat tested positive for the disease on June 27.

Crestview News Bulletin reporter Genevieve DiNatale took to the streets to find out what residents think of this. Here’s what they said.

“It’s scary as a pet owner (of two Jack Russell terriers) — very scary. We’ll be watching them outside and watching them around our house, that’s for sure.”

Tyler Peaden

Crestview

“It’s scary. It’s real scary, cause … we have two Jack Russells at home and those are our babies.

Shelby Peaden

Crestview

“It don’t matter to me. We got animals but we keep them mostly in the house.”

Terry Ostrander

Crestview

Regarding whether Okaloosa County, and Crestview specifically, has a feral cat problem: “Yeah, because of a lot of the empty houses … shacks around here that should be demo’d. They got a place to breed, that’s where they’re going to hang out.”

Jessie Cavender

Laurel Hill

The rabies alert applies to the 32547 zip code in Fort Walton Beach and expires 60 days from the date of issue. However, all areas can be proactive in the fight against rabies. 

"Report stray or wild animals that are acting abnormally to animal control," the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Okaloosa Extension website states. "Avoid contact with these animals. Also, avoid contact with dead animals as the virus can survive in tears, saliva and brain and nervous tissue. 

"High risk animals include raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes, foxes, otters, bobcats, stray dogs and stray/feral cats."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents weigh in on rabies alert

TALLAHASSEE — The Fourth of July is considered one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles urges everyone to use caution when traveling on Florida roads this weekend for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day. The DHSMV urges motorists to make sure their vehicle is road-ready. Buckle up and never drive impaired.

The DHSMV offers the following driving safety tips for this year’s Fourth of July weekend:

•         Always buckle up. A seatbelt is a vehicle’s most important safety feature.

•         Designate a sober driver and never drive impaired. Even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving. Do not let anyone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.

•         Check the tires before taking a trip. Properly maintaining and inspecting tires before a long trip is a key step in keeping the family safe while traveling. Motorists should check to ensure their vehicle has proper tire pressure and inspect tire tread before driving to avoid potentially fatal tire failure and rollover crashes.

•         Stay focused on driving and do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior and focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes.

•         Travelers should use caution when traveling through an area with low visibility, especially at night.

•         Call *FHP (*347) to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on the road.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida Highway Patrol: Arrive Alive this Independence Day