You pay plenty of taxes, and you want them to be used wisely, right?

I bet you can't guess which public organizations return the most benefits from your tax dollars.

Give up? It's your libraries!

Even if you dislike math and cringe at phrases such as 'return on investment,' here's a fact you'll be able to appreciate: Libraries in our state deliver more than $10 in benefits for every $1 dollar they get from tax money.

Isn't that amazing?

Statisticians would say libraries "have an ROI of more than 1,000 percent," but all you need to understand is that we spend your money more carefully than libraries just about anywhere else in the world.

"I've looked at ROI studies from numerous states, and Florida's libraries have recorded the highest statewide numbers I've seen," says Kathy Dempsey, founder of Libraries Are Essential marketing consultancy. “While librarians have long been excellent stewards of public monies, Floridian librarians rank among the best anywhere. You can see results from other states at https://www.lrs.org/data-tools/public-libraries/return-on-investment/recent-studies."

Dempsey added, "Even an in-depth research report from Queensland, Australia, does not report an ROI higher than Florida's.” (See www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/226143/the-library-dividend-summary-report.pdf for that report).

The Florida study's Dempsey quotes have a local connection since it was conducted by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development at the University of West Florida. 

To anyone who may question its currency, Florida’s State Librarian Amy L. Johnson in Tallahassee explains, “Florida’s most recent Return on Investment was released in the fall of 2014. The study was based on FY2013 public library system annual statistical report data. Florida has completed three ROI studies using the same methodology. The studies are lengthy to complete based on the data analysis and the various surveys. Additional time is needed for designing collateral material to communicate the results.”

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner wrote in a Tallahassee Democrat guest column, “Public libraries have historically been places where families can learn, students can do research and job seekers can find opportunities, and the money invested into these respected institutions is returned over ten-fold.

“Florida public libraries provide education, business support and social service referrals. Nine out of 10 people surveyed believe libraries improve workforce skills. These localized services bring value to the residents of Florida by acting as a hub of information, which library patrons believe helps improve Florida’s workforce by teaching new skills.

“Librarians serve their patrons, and in turn strengthen the economy of their surrounding communities.  . . .  Florida’s 555 public libraries benefit their communities both educationally and economically, and they must continue to stand as beacons of light to the areas they serve.”

Florida public libraries receive 90 percent of funding from local sources, linking the services with the communities they serve. The old saying of “nothing surer than death and taxes” could be updated to “nothing surer than Florida libraries deliver more ‘bang for your tax dollar buck’”!

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Delivering ‘bang for your tax dollar buck’

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview Police Department Reserves officer was one of five finalists for the 2016 Okaloosa County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award introduced at the 15th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon.

During the May 23 event at the Niceville Community Center, Master Sgt. Michael Harder, who is also an assistant CPD S.W.A.T. team leader, joined fellow Eglin Air Force Base 96^th Security Forces Squadron sergeants Michael Gomez and Nathan Koenig among the nominees.

Also nominated were former Crestview Police officer, now Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy José Pereira, and Fort Walton Beach Police officer Kendra Stalls, who won the award.

Hosted by Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley and his chaplaincy staff, the yearly

luncheon honors fallen law enforcement officers from across the state as well as those currently serving their communities.

Capt. Larry Ward, commander of the OCSO Crestview station, cooked a well-received smoked barbecue lunch with sides and bread pudding for dessert. Famed Arkansas Razorbacks radio announcer Chuck Barrett delivered the after-lunch address.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview PD Reserve officer honored

CRESTVIEW — The Carver-Hill community in west-central Crestview has celebrated its history for four decades.

The 41st May Day festival took place Memorial Day weekend at Allen Park, home of the Carver-Hill Museum. Events included a parade through the historic neighborhood starting at the site of the former Carver-Hill school.

Many participating organizations included Girl Scout Troop 738 and Boy Scout Troop 773, who were first-time entries.

“We were proud to be invited and we’re looking forward to coming back bigger and better next year,” Raymonda Schwartz, unit commissioner for the Boy Scout troop, said, adding that they want to continue to be more involved in the Carver-Hill community.

 “It’s just fantastic because the people lined up on the street, they all enjoyed it,” Crestview City Councilman J.B. Whitten said, adding that favorable weather was a plus in kicking off events of the festival’s first full day.

Crestview City Councilman Shannon Hayes, who was a Carver-Hill High School graduate over 50 years ago, said he tries to attend the May Day festival every chance he gets.

“It’s great for the community that we have this, where we can come together and recognize and remember our history and the people who contributed to making this neighborhood … a great neighborhood,” Hayes said.

Following the parade, the Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical society kicked off the May Day festival with a proclamation from Crestview Mayor David Cadle and a posting of the colors from the Crestview High School Junior ROTC; and volunteers from the community took their places to begin plaiting the Maypole.

The Prince Hall Masons started a tradition this year at Spring Hill Cemetery: honoring veterans for the Memorial Day weekend.

J.R.L. Conyers Lodge 364 and the youth organization they sponsor, Reginald T. Lewis Council 34, Knights of Pythagoras placed flags on the graves of military veterans at the historic cemetery to give youths a sense of pride, patriotism and service.

Crestview District Deputy Grand Master Malcolm N. Haynes Sr. credited Past Master James South in developing the idea to honor veterans buried at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Haynes said of South, “He felt that we needed to get the children involved and the lodge involved in recognizing the veterans at this particular cemetery.”

Billy D. Anderson, Worshipful Master of the J.R.L. Conyers Masonic Lodge, added that since their membership consisted of mostly veterans of all military branches, it was appropriate that the members participate in something that the community had never done before.

Anderson said that they were showing the Knights of Pythagoras, the youth organization the lodge mentors, their future responsibilities.

“We have them come out to special events,” said Anderson of the Knights of Pythagoras, “but we also have them to come out so that they can see what we do as men, to give them an example of positivity.”

The Masons have been a part of the May Day festivities since their inception; and while the planting of the flags at Spring Hill Cemetery was not an official part of the Carver-Hill celebration, it will now have a standing that members hope will last for future generations.

• Carver-Hill High School was a K-12 institution that exclusively taught black students during a period when students of different races didn’t mix.
• The School Avenue institution — 1954-1969 — was named after scientist George Washington Carver and the Rev. Edward Hill, a local advocate for funding black students’ schools.
• The Okaloosa County School System converted the former school — which it closed following its desegregation decision — into an office building.
• The Carver-Hill Museum, on McClelland Street, preserves the school’s history with sports memorabilia, yearbooks and photos.

FAST FACTS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Historic community celebrates heritage, honors fallen heroes

CRESTVIEW — Two downtown businesses are making Florida Retail Federation history. Mike Carroll, of Hub City Smokehouse on Main Street, has been named the 2017 Florida Retailer of the Year, and April Meier of Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark Bakery & Boutique won the title of Florida Outstanding Retail Leader. 

This purportedly is the second time, ever, that two companies from the same town were awarded these honors during their 19-year run. 

The awards will be presented June 8 in St. Petersburg. Both business owners were nominated in February by the Community Redevelopment Agency of Crestview. 

“Back in February, I was given the opportunity to nominate businesses for the Florida Retail Federation’s annual awards,” Brenda Smith, director of the CRA, said. “I chose three businesses based on their awesome contributions to an 18-hour business day and/or commitment to projects and community impacts that benefit the CRA.” 

Bill and Tracy Toannon of Casbah Coffee Company were also nominated. The package that nominees had to compile included questions about things they do for the community, how they entice customers and what sets them apart from other businesses. 

The judging panel comprised University of Florida professors who teach retail management, along with veteran industry experts. 

'WE'VE TURNED THE CORNER'

“I’m honored,” Carroll said. “When I was notified (about the award) a week and a half ago — I mean, wow. I was the retailer of the year for the whole state. As far as I know, they’ve never had a restaurant.” 

So what sets his restaurant apart?

Hub City Smokehouse has a line of aprons hanging by the door with the names of regular customers on them. Carroll said that this makes people feel like they’re part of the place. 

“We do a lot of thinking outside of the box here,” Carroll said. 

There is also a large collection of shot glasses on the wall of the restaurant; people bring in shot glasses from trips they have taken and Carroll trades them for a barbecue sandwich. 

Carroll retired from the military and worked as an engineer for a land developing company; that’s what brought him to Crestview. About six years ago, he and his wife quit their jobs and decided to open a restaurant. 

Hub City Smokehouse was located on PJ Adams Parkway for about three years and has been on Main Street for another three years. They have another location in Baker that is a deli inside of a convenience store. 

“We’ve turned the corner, there’s no doubt,” Carroll said. “There was a lot of hard work."

“We are proud to honor Michael as a tremendous representative of Florida’s retailers and the impact our industry can have both on our customers and community,” said R. Scott Shalley, FRF president & CEO, in a media release. “Michael’s contributions locally, via his service on multiple non-profit boards and significant time spent volunteering, highlight the many ways that retailers are making a difference throughout Florida.”

'I AM TRULY GRATEFUL'

"We are more than honored to be selected for this prestigious award and follow so many previous recipients that have been inspired to achieve the results that are possible in a retail business today,” Meier said. 

Meier has owned Pawsitively Scrumptious, a pet supplies store and pet bakery, for four years. Her business has always been located on Main Street. 

Before owning this business, Meier said that she owned a floral company for a short time. She is also a retired Air Force veteran. 

“Our sincere appreciation goes to our CRA and Brenda Smith for nominating us for this award,” Meier said.

Meier's support for the Crestview area contributed to her recognition, according to the federation's media release. 

"April is active in numerous business organizations and also mentors other business members," it stated. "Her singular efforts raised over $65,000 toward the completion of the Crestview Bark Park, which is scheduled to open this summer. She also helped raise funds for the Crestview Police Department to purchase two working canines and provided north Okaloosa County Area Fire Departments with 'Waggin O2 Fur Life,' Aubu-Bag kits to assist with life-saving oxygen masks for pets that might be involved in a home fire, among other efforts."

Meier said she appreciated the community's support for her, too. 

“To chase our dream, without the support from our community, employees, family and friends, this business would not have been possible," she said, "and for that, I am truly grateful."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'We are more than honored'

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

MAY DAY PARADE: 10 a.m. May 27, with line-up at 9 a.m. at the Carver-Hill Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview.

MOTORCYCLISTS MEMORIAL DAY RIDE & CEREMONY: 11 a.m. May 29, Niceville City Hall. Vietnam/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club Chapter Z will precede the event with a ride from Bayou Plaza, John Sims Parkway, Niceville, to the Fallen Soldier Monument at the hall. After the ceremony, the day continues at the American Legion Post 221, Niceville. Free event includes cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers, music and a 50-50 drawing.

DRONE PRESENTATION: 10:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Mario Werth gives the library’s First Tuesday Talk on the versatility of drones, especially in the areas of agriculture and real estate. Werth’s drone exhibit is in the library's lobby display case through June 30. Doors open at 10 a.m., refreshments served. 682-4432.

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.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

MA-CHIS LOWER CREEK INDIAN TRIBE OF ALABAMA GENERAL MEETING: 1 p.m. June 10, 64 Private Road 1312, Elba, Alabama. GPS users can enter 2950 County Road 377, Elba, Alabama. Agenda: Low Income Home Energy Program, summer cooling, 2018 plans, Community Service Block Grant plans, scholarships, WIA Pow Wow, a new program for rental housing and guest speakers. At 4 p.m., there will be the Annual Little Green Corn Ceremony. Bring a covered dish. Details: Chief James Wright or Vice Chief Nancy Carnley, 334-897-3207, machis@centurytel.net or chiefjames@centurytel.net.

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.

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 Crestview Police Department capped off National Police Week with a royal visit.

Crestview student Lindsay Huckabee, Teen Miss Choctawhatchee Northwest Florida, visited bearing a container of cookies and brownies.

Presenting the treats to Sgt. Josh Grace, Lindsay thanked him and his fellow officers for their service to the community, adding, “I baked these myself.”

Sgt. Grace thanked Lindsay, assuring her that he would share the baked goodies with other officers. But before the tray made it to the training room where treats are shared, it made a stop at the Dispatch Center.

“Dispatchers like cookies, too,” senior dispatcher Shawnee Rawles said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Teen Miss Choctawhatchee Northwest Florida bears treats for police

CRESTVIEW — Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Crestview Unit 57 will conduct a Memorial Day observance.

The ceremony is 10 a.m. May 29 at Live Oak Park Memorial Cemetery, 112 North Ave. E., Crestview.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Cold Robert J. Allen will be the guest speaker.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Disabled veterans group sets Memorial Day service

CRESTVIEW — Bookworms and Northwest Florida authors can mingle and exchange ideas this weekend.

A local author meet and greet is set Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

Guest authors Include:

• MC Brown, Destin, author of “Waiting for the Daffodils,” “Remember the Rose” and “We Were Brave”
• Devin Lee Carlson (represented by Laurie Allen), Crestview, author of “Amongst the Fallen”
• Jocelyn Donahoo, Crestview author of “The Cookie Cutter House”
• Tess Harris, Fort Walton Beach, author of “Asian Delights – The Tess Harris Cookbook” and “The Tess Harris Dessert Cookbook”

• Tom Hooten, Niceville, author of “Hollytime”
• Tammie Hunter, Crestview author of “The Imperfect” (coming summer 2017)
• Jeff Janes, Crestview, author of “I Said Not Now”
• Tami Kidd, Baker, author of “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” and “Deadly Deception” (coming Summer 2017)
• Daniel McKnight, Mary Esther, author of “In the Jaws of the Dragon”
• Terry B. Miles Jr., Crestview, author of “Nautrame”
• Bob Newkirk, Niceville, author of “Beneath the Cemetery,” 1862
• J. Louise Powell, Pensacola, author of “Romp through the Swamp” and “One Cuppa Brew: Book 1 in the Thyme For Tea Series (Volume 1)”
• Lauren Scharhag, Crestview, author of eight fantasy, children’s books and poetry
• Angela Yuriko Smith, Holt, author of 15 books in young adult horror, non-fiction, children’s books and poetry.
• AK West, Crestview, author of “Finding Freedom”
• DV Wilson, Shalimar, author of “The Green Tunnel”

The authors will be available to sign books, answer questions, and discuss their work.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview author meet-and-greet scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Four years ago, Crestview resident Shirley Perring wrote a letter to a dozen manufacturers asking for a walk-in tub for Crestview Manor on Pearl Street.

She described the bathing conditions as “something out of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’” She added that residents at the low-to-no-income assisted living facility were playing bingo for toilet paper because funds were so scarce.

Nashville-based Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co., was the only manufacturer that replied. The company’s founder, Mike Duffer, donated two hydrotherapeutic tubs, due to the number of residents, and he decided to donate toilet paper for life at the facility. Duffer and his PR agency’s president, Derek Farley, have made numerous visits to Crestview to meet with the Manor’s facility director, Becky Brice Nash, and Perring.

Recently, Perring’s daughter, Ronda, asked if she could arrange a donation: a walk-in shower for her mother, who has spent her entire life giving while never asking for something herself. Duffer immediately approved the request and Farley coordinated a scheme that would keep Shirley out of the house for six hours while the tub was being installed.

“Shirley is the very heartbeat of Safe Step Cares,” a media release from the company stated. “She is the poster person for the philanthropy; and when we heard that she could use an assist herself, giving her a shower was one of the quickest decisions in company history.”

Farley met Perring for lunch after a few bogus meetings were created by her company, Jackson Hewitt, who knew about the plan.

Farley and Perring said their goodbyes in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel and then Farley raced to the Perring residence, where Ronda, daughter Sinder and husband Don were waiting.

When Perring entered her home, she yelled, “What is Derek’s rental car doing next door?” and “I can still smell his cologne.”

Busted, Farley tried to backpedal and say he just wanted to meet her husband and daughters. But it was too late, as Farley’s agency video guru John Deaver, had the cameras rolling. An installer was spotted and then Farley led her to the bathroom, where Perring broke down in tears upon seeing her new walk-in shower.

“This is beyond amazing,” she said. “Mike Duffer, Stuart (Hall, Safe Step CFO) and Derek are angels on earth. They restore my faith in companies, they restore my faith in humanity.”

Farley also visited Crestview Manor, treating the residents to pizza for lunch, which he delivered himself.

“I’m just a proud messenger with the greatest PR gig in the world,” he said. “Mike and Stuart give me the opportunity to play Superman but they are the real superheroes.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'They restore my faith in humanity'

Nearly 450 Aspen Dental practices will open their doors on Saturday, June 24 to provide free dental care for thousands of veterans across the nation as part of the Healthy Mouth Movement. 

The Healthy Mouth Movement is a community giving initiative launched by Aspen Dental in 2014 to deliver free dental care and oral health education to people in need across the United States. In the past three years, over 7,000 Aspen Dental team members volunteered their time and talents to deliver $7.6 million in free dental care to over 12,000 patients in need.  

Of the more than 21 million veterans across the U.S., fewer than 10 million are enrolled for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health benefits, which for many does not include dental care, because the VA only provides dental benefits to veterans who are classified as 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war, or have a service-connected dental condition or disability.

The following Aspen Dental locations will provide these services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24:  

• 3716 Airport Blvd., Mobile
• 4873 US-90 Suite A, Milton 

The following Aspen Dental locations will provide these services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24:  

• 2670 S Ferdon Blvd #108, Crestview
• 1156 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville 

Visit www.HealthyMouthMovement.com for more information, or call 1-844-AspenHMMto schedule an appointment at a participating office in the area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Aspen Dental to provide free services for veterans