CRESTVIEW — Here are some tips from www.usa.gov and the Government Publishing Office at www.gpo.gov for proper civilian displays of the American flag:

•Custom dictates the flag be on display from dawn to dusk, but the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated in the dark. 

•Only all-weather flags should be on display during severe weather.

•The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, the floor or water.

•Damaged, tattered or worn flags should be burned and disposed of with dignity.

•When attached to a vehicle, the flag should be attached to its right side, and not draped over it.

•The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.

•The flag should never be used for advertising purposes, or as a receptacle for carrying other things.

•Flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a U.S. president, and various days for the deaths of other government officials, and on Memorial Day. They may also fly at half-staff nationally, at the president's discretion, for officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries, or after other tragic events.

HALF-STAFF HONORS

The president has had flags flown at half-staff on these occasions, among others:

•June 16, 2016, in honor of the victims of the terror attack in Orlando

•Sept. 11, in honor of the victims of the terror attack in New York

•May 15, in tribute to peace officers

•For deaths of former senator and astronaut John Glenn, Nancy Reagan, Neil Armstrong, former South African president Nelson Mandela, and Pope John Paul II

See http://bit.ly/2slbRiT for a document listing government regulations on U.S. flag displays.

Rules of presentation

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DOS AND DON'TS: Displaying the American flag

Have you noticed anything different at your library? We now have our new carpeting and lighting installed. The carpet is fresh and the new LED lighting is bright and quiet!

We have used this change to inspire us to help make the collections, resources, and layout more streamlined and easier to navigate. Thanks to the Friends of the Crestview Library we also have comfortable new seating with attached tables that are perfect for studying and reading. We have integrated our science fiction collection into the general fiction collection to give us more seating. Our teen area will soon have a new look as well!

We would like to thank our wonderful city co-workers at Public Works who helped make this transition as painless and non-intrusive to our staff and customers as possible. Our summer reading program theme this year is "Building a Better World," and projects like this make us realize that some of the people who work for the city are the folks you may never notice, but are part of the team of employees who work every day to keep this gem of a city running.

Speaking of building a better world, come join us every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Mt. Zion AME Church as we work as a team to build a model of our wonderful city!

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library getting an overhaul

CRESTVIEW — Connie and Dan Mancini of Crestview are celebrating the marriage of their daughter, Christina E. Langan of Spaulding, Illinois, to James J. Files II, also of Spaulding. The groom's parents are Jim and Sandy Files of Auburn, Illinois.

The couple met four years ago at a car show. "He was showing a car and she was there with friends," the bride's mother said. The couple got engaged on Christina's birthday in April of 2016.

Christina, a Certified Nursing Assistant, graduated from Riverton High School, Spaulding. James, a carpenter, graduated from Lanphier High School, Spaulding.

The News Bulletin publishes North Okaloosa County residents' “Celebrations” — birth, centenarian, engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements — at no charge. We may edit submissions for length and style.

Call 682-6524 or email news@crestviewbulletin.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Langan, Files wed in Illinois ceremony

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Courthouse records of marriages through May 23 include:

•Ashley Scandrett and Shane Gary, both of Crestview.

•Jasmine Rhodes of Crestview and Dwike Parramore Jr., of Fort Campbell, Tennessee.

•Marybeth Carter of Holt and Joshua Schrank of Crestview.

•Cherise Bolivar and Jose Clavijo, both of Laurel Hill.

•Angel Browning and Joseph Geenen, both of Laurel Hill.

•Taylor Lindley and Steven Giles, both of Crestview.

•Angelia Douglas and Michael Barnes, both of Baker.

•Chelsea Combest and Jesse Medley, both of Baker.

•Heather Saunier and James Parker, both of Crestview.

•Jessica Woodby and Steve Hobbs, both of Crestview.

•Lisa Harris and Moses Jackson, both of Crestview.

•Anifa Dalipovski and Otis Stafford, both of Crestview.

•Angel Fani of Crestview and Ashley Feliz of Fort Walton Beach.

•Emma Cusano and John Palmbach, both of Crestview.

•Patricia Lawson of Crestview and William Barrow of Baker.

•Emily McKinion and Zachary Herman, both of Crestview.

•Sherri McNeal and Leslie Oglesby, both of Crestview.

•Cora Howard and John Day, both of Crestview.

•Belinda Ruiz-Caraballo of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and Jose Hernandez-Franco of Crestview.

•Vasana McBroom of Crestview, and Cody Small of Baker.

•Mark Rosales and Kelvin Paglicawan, both of Crestview.

•Anna Hutcheson and Robert Lee Harman Jr., both of Crestview.

•Heather O'Brien and Robert Murphy of Crestview.

•Patricia Foster of Crestview and Donald Stringer of Mobile, Alabama.

•Melissa Leaver and Larry Hall, both of Crestview.

•Laurana Lamb and Benjamin Martin, both of Laurel Hill.

•Alexus McKenny and Kelvin Capers, both of Crestview.

•Esmina Francis and Thomas Green, both of Crestview.

•Rebecca Crawford and Jeremy Henry of Crestview.

•Caitlyn Thalacker and Randy Joseph Jr., both of Crestview.

•Justin Manuel and Tristan Bird, both of Crestview.

•Jamie Allende of Crestview and Timothy  Shaffer of Fort Walton Beach.

•Olivia Wells of Freeport and Aaron Waggy of Crestview.

•Amanda Baltimore and Christopher Cuddyer, both of Crestview.

•Jennifer Mullikin and William Adams, both of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa marriage licenses

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— A new assisted living facility is in the works on West Redstone Avenue in Crestview.

Eden of Crestview will be an assisted living and memory care facility that will include 120 units, according to Lea Patel, the spokesperson for Eden.

“We will probably be breaking ground this fall,” Patel said. “That’s our plan; if the city of Crestview moves fast, then maybe quicker. It’s just planning and zoning and issues like that.”

According to Patel, the construction will be done in two phases; phase one will begin with construction and licensing. Phase two will depend on a number of residents, and the number of residents will depend on the demand of the community.

From the time construction starts, completion should be within approximately one year, according to Patel.

“We look forward to serving the community,” Patel said. “We’ve had a very nice response from Crestview.”

—

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article erroneously referred to the area in question as North Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Assisted living, memory care facility coming to town

GALLOWAY, New Jersey — Ladies Professional Golf Association golfer and Jacksonville native Amelia Lewis hosted the winner of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour girls’ national championship, Alia Scotka of Crestview, at the ShopRite LPGA Classic the weekend of June 4 in Galloway.

During the week of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, Lewis provided Scotka with the experience of a lifetime.

Alia, the daughter of Bella and Marek Scotka of Crestview, joined Lewis and Sandra Gal for a chance to witness their practice round inside the ropes May 30. Later that afternoon, the Niceville High School freshman joined Lewis on a trip to a local youth recreational facility, where Lewis gave putting lessons to special-needs children.

The next day, Alia was able to watch Lewis play her pro-am. She also toured the course and the venue to see an LPGA event from behind the scenes.

Alia and her father received VIP tickets for the tournament rounds and were able to join Lewis in the player dining area.

When asked for his take on attending the event, Marek Scota said, "It's hard to describe. It was so surreal. We arrived in Atlantic City on Tuesday and went straight to the course to catch Amelia teeing off on (the) No. 1 tee for her practice round. Alia was inside the ropes for (the) entire 18 holes to ask questions and was taking notes. After the round, we went with Amelia to one of her charity events, Field of Dreams for handicapped children. Wednesday, we followed Amelia during her pro-am round. Amelia took over Instagram for the LPGA. Alia and her were making live posts during her pro-am round."

The two met many LPGA players and staff, and an LPGA writer interviewed the Crestview teenager. "We watched two tournament rounds of great golf that's out there, as we followed Amelia along the way. It is a really great experience for Alia. This event was really awesome to be around," Marek Scota said. 

Last December, Alia won the Amelia Lewis National Championship by shooting 74-74-148 at Championsgate in Orlando. She has since added two second-place finishes and another victory in April.

Crestview teenager Alia Scotka's visit with Ladies Professional Golf Association golfer Amelia Lewis included Instagram posting and an LPGA interview.

See the Instagram takeover: http://bit.ly/2rujrWV

Read Mark Lamport-Stokes' LPGA article: http://bit.ly/2rgB645

More to the story

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Really awesome'

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — The Belief Foundation is celebrating its first year at its center in downtown Crestview.

The not-for-profit organization partners with local schools and the juvenile court system to provide mentoring for at-risk middle and high school youths living in the Crestview area.

“We're teaching them how to defend themselves with education,” said Rosa Rivera, director of the Belief Foundation. “Empowering them with education. By doing that, they get into the rhythm of 'I want to get my high school diploma, I want to stop what I'm doing.'”

A cookout and fundraiser Saturday also served as a memorial for the organization's co-founder, Jeremias “Cheeko” Rodriguez, who died in February. Rodriguez and his mother, Rivera, started a 24-hour response line to help children in emergencies. The phone number was printed on bracelets given to local children through schools and Belief Foundation events.

“My son was the one that would go out at all hours of the night and pick up the kids,” Rivera said. “We would make chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate. We would give them blankets so they can sleep. That's what we do here.”

The foundation pairs each of its students with a volunteer mentor who provides two hours of tutoring each week at the center. Each child's curriculum is individualized to develop areas of academic weakness and help achieve personal goals.

“My goal for the first year was for us to get one graduate and at least seven children with grades in the 40s and 50s and get them to A's and B's. It was very successful,” Rivera said. “We have one that went to Crestview High School. His grades were in the 30s, he was about to fail. He was in a special class. This year, he got all 80s and 90s.”

All volunteers must pass a background check. Rivera said most of the volunteers come from Crestview; a few live in Niceville. Additional volunteers lead programs outside the two-hour tutoring, such as dance classes in the center's music and dance studio.

“We teach them how to dress and present themselves properly. Hardees works very closely with us,” Rivera said.

“The goal for next year is to expand, with the amount of children we are getting from the probation officers, the Wraparound Program and the schools,” Rivera said. This year the foundation is organizing a basketball team at Crestview High School.”

Also new for this year is the “Dress for Success” program.

“We're going to teach them how to make their clothes,” Rivera said. “We're going to teach them how to sew and how to cook.”

Over two dozen people attended Saturday’s celebration, which featured a DJ, professional singers and a dance performance by one of the foundation's students.

Emerald Isle Seafood provided a crawfish boil and Just Faith Ministries grilled. The Emerald Coast Bag Ladies were on-site to teach those interested how to create mats for homeless individuals out of plastic grocery bags.

The Belief Foundation's summer program starts June 13. The center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information is available at belieffoundation.org. 

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Empowering them with education’

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

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.

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. June 15, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.

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 emailtiffany.bates@wfrpc.org.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION: 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

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. June 14, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Guest speaker: Jason Autrey, Okaloosa County Public Works Department director.  Among topics that may be discussed are north county roads and the new courthouse.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon June 15, Waffle House, 298 James Lee Blvd., Crestview. For people ages 21-41.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. June 20, Panera Bread, 2670 S. Ferdon Blvd. No. 102, Crestview. Informal, no-pressure networking lunch. Invite a new member, a friend or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber. RSVP: ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com 

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. June 21, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

ANNUAL INSTALLATION & AWARDS BANQUET: 5:30 p.m. June 22, Crestview Community Center, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Tickets: $40 per person, $400 per table. Go to http://www.crestviewchamber.com/events/register/10799, call 682-3212 or email info@crestviewchamber.com to purchase.

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