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

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS HALL CLOSURE: The Crestview Kingdom Hall will be closed July 14-16 as Jehovah's Witnesses from Northwest Florida and the southeastern U.S. attend a regional convention. The theme is "Don't Give Up!" Convention representatives anticipate between 11,000 and 13,000 delegates for the three events, which start at 9:20 each day July 7-9, and July 14-16 at the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama, 2195 Mitchell Center Drive, Mobile. The July 7-9 event is in Spanish; the other presentations are in English. Admission is free. Contact Todd Butler, 902-6089 or tenbutler@yahoo.com, for questions or more information.

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.

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.

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

Meet Libby, the new one-tap reading app from OverDrive, for reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks from your local library.

Libby was designed based on guidance from librarians and the feedback of thousands of beta users to provide a reading experience perfect for all users. I have personally tested Libby out and find myself using the app instead of OverDrive’s regular app. 

Here's why you’ll love Libby:

• Quick and easy for first-time users
• Integrated reading and listening experience with OverDrive Read and OverDrive Listen
• No Adobe ID or account registration required
• Faster performance and powerful search
• Same experience on all devices
• Customizable browsing options to find the books you want faster
• Simplified download settings
• Fixed-layout and Read-Along ebook support
• Support for ebook highlights and annotations
• Custom lists for tagging books you love, want to read and more

So download the app (you will need your library card to access our collection) if you love the convenience of ebooks or audiobooks.

Visit the library or call 682-4432 for an appointment if you need assistance. 

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Meet Libby, the reading app

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

AMERICAN LEGION 99TH STATEWIDE CONVENTION: June 29-July 2, World Center Marriott, Orlando. About 3,000 veterans, their spouses and family members will attend. Includes leadership training and other classes for members, a banquet, emblem sales, a kickoff with live entertainment, and program awards. All interested veterans may attend the free event. www.floridalegion.org.

PEANUT PRODUCERS SCHOLARSHIP: The Florida Peanut Producers Association will award two $1,200 scholarships to high school seniors and/or college students in 2017. The applicants or one of their family members must be actively producing peanut growers, not necessarily a member of the FPPA. Award recipients should attend a Florida junior college or four-year university. Winners receive $600 each. The remaining $600 is awarded after the completion of one semester and documentation of passing grades is submitted. Details: 526-2590. Deadline: July 1.

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS HALL CLOSURE: The Crestview Kingdom Hall will be closed June 30 through July 2 and July 14-16 as Jehovah's Witnesses from Northwest Florida and the southeastern U.S. attend a regional convention. The theme is "Don't Give Up!" Convention representatives anticipate between 11,000 and 13,000 delegates for the three events, which start at 9:20 each day June 30-July 2, July 7-9, and July 14-16 at the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama, 2195 Mitchell Center Drive, Mobile. The July 7-9 event is in Spanish; the other presentations are in English. Admission is free. Contact Todd Butler, 902-6089 or tenbutler@yahoo.com, for questions or more information.

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.

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.

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

CRESTVIEW — The Kindness Rocks Project, a movement sweeping the nation, has grown popular in Crestview.

Crestview Rehabilitation Center held a rock painting event June 26 to show support for residents and staff of the facility. Family members of residents, friends and staff attended the event and gathered in the dining room to enjoy refreshments, chat and paint rocks. The rehabilitation center provided rocks and painting supplies for participants.

The Kindness Rocks Project was started by Megan Murphy of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and has spread around the world. A Crestview woman, Nicole Bishop, brought the project to the local area.

Residents paint rocks with kind messages and pictures to hide around the city to provide inspiration and happiness to those who discover the rocks; a Facebook page named “Crestview Rocks” helps residents share their findings.  

Crestview’s Winn-Dixie has set up a rock trading post for residents to come and trade their rocks for others. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Rehabilitation Center hosts rock painting event

CRESTVIEW — The city's Independence Day celebration will include food for purchase, merchandise vendors, fireworks and a performance by the North Okaloosa Community Band.

The celebration, which is free to attend, starts at 5:30 p.m. July 4 at Twin Hills Park, 10 Hathaway St. N, off U.S. Highway 90 East, Crestview.

The North Okaloosa Band's performance begins with the national anthem at 5:30 p.m.; the group also will play other patriotic and march music selections. The band has musicians at all skill levels, who range from high school students to octogenarians. Band leaders are director Kim Whaley and associate directors Lindsey Stuart, Jeanine Cochran and Joshua Williams.

City Clerk Betsy Roy said funding for the $10,000 fireworks display — run by Pyro Shows of Tennessee — comes from the city's annual budget.

The event is expected to draw a crowd, but Roy said festivities will be significantly smaller compared to last year's event, which was part of the city's 100th anniversary celebration.

Areas near Twin Hills will be blocked off for parking. Attendees may also park in the lot near the facility's gym.

While pets are not prohibited at Twin Hills Park, Roy recommended that people not bring their pets due to the loud noise levels of fireworks displays.

"They do have to have them on a leash and the owners have to have their vaccination records with them," she said.

Other Northwest Florida holiday and summer fireworks shows are:

•HarborWalk Village's Independence Day weekend: Featuring live music performances, 7-9 p.m. July 1-4 at 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin, and fireworks display 9 p.m. July 4 over the Destin Harbor.

•The Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival is 5 p.m. July 3 at Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Drive, Destin. The barbecue fundraiser has 17 competitors cooking to win $15,000 for their partner charity. Entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and the barbecue tasting begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $1 per sample to vote on the People's Choice winners. The event includes kids’ activities, street performers, and continuous live music. It ends with a fireworks display and over $80,000 in donations to local nonprofits.

•4-10 p.m. July 4 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks St. SE. It includes live music, entertainment, food, merchandise vendors and kids' activities. Fireworks start at 8:15 p.m., followed by live music from Continuum.

•Red, White and Baytowne, 6-10 p.m. July 4 at Baytowne Wharf, 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach. Celebrate with kids' activities, restaurants and bars, live music, and a 9:15 p.m. fireworks display over Baytowne Lagoon.

•The Twin Cities Fireworks Show over Boggy Bayou is 8:45-9 p.m. July 4 at Lincoln Park, North Bayshore Drive, Valparaiso.

•9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 5 through Sept. 3 at the Okaloosa Fishing Pier, 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fireworks in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — Jayce Redding, 2, of Crestview, was among children recently enjoying the Age 0-2 Library Class at the Crestview Public Library. He got the opportunity to play with Crestview Police Department Officer Wanda Hulion's flashlight.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next The Bulletin Kid! Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Got a flashlight?

CRESTVIEW — Niceville author Angela Yuriko Smith will present two readings from her "Literary Lizard" children's book series.

The first one is 3:15 p.m. July 11 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. The second one is 10 a.m. July 12 at the library.

A book signing will follow each presentation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Author sets 'Literary Lizard' readings

CRESTVIEW — Toastmasters International’s Crestview chapter has installed new officers for its July 1 through June 30, 2018, term.

Randy Newman, TI’s Area 53 director, led the June 27 installation ceremony.

Crestview Toastmasters’ new officers are:

• Karen Brown, president
• Patti Adams, vice president of education
• Susan Morgan, vice president of membership
• Bruce Adams, vice president of public relations
• Rhonda Rice, secretary
• Richard Powell, treasurer
• Shawn Ordway, sergeant at arms

Toastmasters International helps members meet their public speaking goals.

The president is responsible for presiding over the meeting, assisting the club in earning distinguished club recognition and serves as the CEO.

The vice president of education is responsible for educating and training members, coordinating the club schedule, assisting with education awards, planning speech contests and ensuring each member has a mentor to help him or her get acclimated with the club.

The vice president of membership promotes the club through open houses, membership campaigns, and manages the process of bringing guests to the club.

The vice president of public relations promotes the club to the local community, works with media, and keeps all club social media updated.

The secretary maintains club records and takes minutes at the executive committee meetings.

The treasurer is responsible for receiving and disbursing monies to members as well as balancing the checkbooks and creating a budget.

The sergeant at arms keeps track of the club’s property and ensures the club always has a place to meet.

Crestview Toastmasters meets 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Crestview, 150 Woodlawn Drive. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Toastmasters Club installs new officers

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— Hall’s Motorsports’ 10th location is being built on Highway 90 West in Crestview.

According to Steve Schnitzer, the general manager of Hall’s Motorsports in Fort Walton Beach, construction should be complete this summer.

“If the rain stops… we hope to be in by Sept. 1,” Schnitzer said. “We’ve been working on getting permits for it for almost a year.”

According to Schnitzer, the building will be approximately 12,000 square feet, with room for three more buildings of equal size for growth. Schnitzer will be the general manager of the Crestview location.

Hall’s Motorsports is a family-owned business with nine locations in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The company began in 1972 and had a location originally on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach; the store is now located off Mary Esther Cutoff.

Hall's will sell Polaris, Kawasaki, Kymco and SSR, with several more brands in the works. There will be approximately eight staff members at this location.

“We’re very excited,” Schnitzer said. “There’s a big market up there for side by sides and farm units. We are hoping to add about two more buildings of like size, hopefully within a year or so of that place opening, as we add more franchises.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hall's Motorsports coming to town this fall