BAKER — It was just a typical spring Saturday in Baker, where the entire community, it seems, comes out to support their Gators.

Football Coach Matt Brunson’s undefeated team served pancakes over the weekend in the Baker School cafeteria. At the same time, patrons waited for their cars to be scrubbed down by the 14-0 state finalists.

This wasn’t the team’s first pancakes-and-car wash fundraiser.

“We started it about five years ago,” Brunson said.

There’s a reason for this winning combination of breakfast and car care that’s becoming a local tradition, Brunson said.

“The guys come out and wash the cars for free and we charge ($5) for the pancakes — that way, we don’t get any complaints on our washing job,” the head coach quipped.

Brunson said the Gator football team’s players take pride in washing cars for the people who come to show their support. The event is their opportunity to serve the North Okaloosa County community that always backs the team.

Still, the players had their work cut out for them considering how many cars in the lot had caked-on red clay, likely from driving around Okaloosa’s back roads.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators wash cars and serve breakfast

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Comprehensive Head Start and Early Head Start offices are accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year.

All centers serve children with special needs, and all services are free to families who meet the federal guidelines or special needs criteria.

Crestview, Laurel Hill, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach Head Start centers serve children ages 3 to 5.

The Early Head Start program, for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years, is available in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach only.

Call 682-2912 for the Laurel Hill and Crestview centers, or 244-2606 for the Niceville and Fort Walton Beach Centers to learn more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Head Start accepting applications

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

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. The office is currently selling rain barrels for $65 and compost bins for $55.

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.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE seeks volunteers in a number of areas, from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Details: Ann O’Connor, 689-0300.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

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

CRESTVIEW LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL & RECOGNITION CEREMONY: 5:30 p.m. May 18, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. For all regional first responders, families and community supporters.

HOMESCHOOLERS FIELD TRIP: 1-2 p.m. May 19, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. The Historic Technology tour teaches students how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. For home-school students and their families. Cost: $7 for one student and a parent or teacher; $3 for each additional adult; free for ages 3 and younger. Cost is $3 per person to participate in catapult building. Preregistration is required at 678-2615.

PRINCESS BALL FUNDRAISER: 6-8:30 p.m. May 19, Rocky Bayou Country Club, 600 Golf Course Drive, Niceville. For girls ages 3 and up and their dad, grandfather, uncle or other “prince.” Music by B-Boy Productions and complimentary photos by Southern Belle Photography. Tickets: $25 per pair; $10 for each additional princess. Military discounts available. Reservations are required. Go to http://bit.ly/2p2Avyp or call 863-1530 to RSVP. All proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASS: 5-8 p.m. May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

VETERANS JOB FAIR: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free DAV and RecruitMilitary event for veterans, soon-to-be civilians, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses. Companies include Lockheed Martin, First Command Financial Planning, GardaWorld, Universal Studios, Air Force Reserve, L-3 Technologies, MacAulay-Brown, and Vinnell Arabia. See updated list of all exhibitors, and RSVP your attendance: http://bit.ly/2pF3xZg.

HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS: Crestview High School Hall of Fame nominations are sought. Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and athletic accomplishments. All submissions must include verifiable information.  If possible, supply the nominee’s contact information. You may resubmit previous nominations for consideration. May 26 is the application deadline. File applications with CHS’s front office or email them to Coach Tim Hatten, tim.hatten@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us, or Chris Moore at tcbjmoore@cox.net.

MAY DAY PARADE ENTRIES: The Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society is accepting May Day parade entries through May 20. It is free to participate. The parade is 10 a.m. May 27, with line-up at 9 a.m. at the Carver-Hill Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. Get application forms at Carver-Hill Museum, 895 McClelland St. S., or J&P Glitz and Glitter, 604 U.S. Highway 90 W, and turn in at the museum.

DRONES 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 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.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 2 p.m.  May 25, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.

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.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE events are for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 17, Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon May 18, Hooters, 180 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. For young leaders ages 21-41 in Crestview.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 31, Synovus Mortgage (Coast Bank and Trust on Industrial Drive).Contact Richard Harless, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com, for details.

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

BAKER — A line of thunderstorms delayed — but didn’t dampen — the Baker Gators’ ring ceremony festivities Friday.

The 90-minute delay shortened the scheduled Powder Puff games to 15-minute halves instead of their original 20 and caused the alumni flag football game to be canceled altogether.

However, considering many members of the coaching staff, including head football coach Matt Brunson, were members of past Baker state championship teams, not having to run on a wet field was a welcomed relief.

“We were glad the weather got out,” said Brunson. “We were able to continue with our activities and we ran a little bit long, but it’s okay. I thought everybody had a great time.”

The Powder Puff games were more intense than the following scrimmages, with the senior and sophomore classes facing off against each other in the final round — a rematch between the two classes from a year before when they were juniors and freshmen, respectively — with the sophomore class being the defending champions.

The senior class would come out victorious this year, however, with bragging rights and leaving Baker School on top of the Powder Puff rivalry.

All three of Baker’s football programs displayed their talents in the Maroon and White scrimmages with the Varsity, JV and Middle School teams lining up plays between their offenses and defenses.

The new Varsity team showed promise for next season, especially considering how many seniors on their defense will graduate in a matter of days.

“I think for the Gators the future is very bright,” said Brunson.

The JV and Middle School teams showed levels of play indicative of a K-12 football system — priming their players for the bigger stage in the coming years.

After the scrimmages, all players from Baker’s 14-0 season stood on the sidelines — with underclassmen still in their pads and jerseys and the seniors noticeably in street clothes — ready to receive their rings that were paid for by a donation from Cash Moore, who presented a check to the Gators for $10,200.

Principal Mike Martello, a Baker football alum himself, recalls memories of playing on the very field where his students received their new hardware.

“I can understand the excitement they get,” said Martello. “I’m really proud of these guys for all the hard work they put in. It’s a great feeling.”

With all of the celebration of the previous season, the Gators have more to look forward to as they prepare to play the Crestview Bulldogs on Thursday in what Coach Brunson has dubbed, “The War for the Wal-Mart,” where the winning team will have the bragging rights of wearing their school colors inside the retailer they share.

The upcoming game will be the first time in several years the two teams face each other, considering the size difference of both schools and teams.

Baker plays Thursday night at Crestview High School.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators celebrate their 14-0 season

CRESTVIEW — A stop at Crestview Nurseries on Houston Lane seems to brighten customers’ day.

Niceville resident Pat Jernigan makes it a point to visit at least three times a year.

“I love this place,” she said. “I come here when I need a pick-me-up.”

“This is the only nursery I use,” Crestview resident Linda Scoggins said. “I love their plants. I have been coming here for years.”

Alicia Rivera, who grew up in Crestview, and her daughter, Aaliyah Uhl, visited Crestview Nurseries this week with Alicia’s mother. Alicia and her family, who recently moved back to Crestview from the Seattle area, enjoy the picturesque flowers and plants.

Customers love to stroll through the nursery and browse the selection of perennials, flowering shrubs and trees, container annuals and a varied selection of glazed and terra cotta pottery.

With 10 acres of flowers, plants and shrubbery, and 20 greenhouses, Crestview Nurseries has grown into one of the largest family-owned retail nurseries in Northwest Florida.

How did it all begin?

Tommy and Jeanette Horne started potting azaleas in their backyard in the 1960s. With Tommy’s degree in horticulture from the University of Florida, their love of plants and a vision, the couple opened Crestview Nurseries.

While Tommy worked full-time at Eglin Air Force Base and the couple raised their family, they grew their own plants to ensure the highest level of quality and variety for their customers.

Over the years, Crestview Nurseries, like its plants, grew.

Today, Tommy and Jeanette’s son, Dusty Horne, runs the family business along with two of his siblings.

“I came back after college and I have always worked here,” Dusty Horne said. “I enjoy it. I get to meet a lot of nice people and I get to work outside. Generation after generation of families continue to come through our nurseries.”

Sister Bebe said that being outside working with the plants is her favorite thing about the job.

In the spring, Crestview Nurseries usually has about 10 employees; they have five in the off-season. The Horne siblings work alongside their employees.

The nurseries are divided into sections such as sun-loving plants, shade-loving plants, fruit trees, greenhouses, vegetables, tropical plants and spring color. Crestview Nurseries also sells mulch, bark, compost and dirt in bulk.

Their many years of experience include extensive knowledge about the plants and growing condition conducive to Northwest Florida.

Crestview Nurseries is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Planting instructions and a map of the nursery are on the website, Crestviewnurseries.com. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I love this place'

CRESTVIEW — Wade Bean hasn't seen his dog, a male pit bull he named Migo, since April 24, and he wants him back.

"I am completely lost without him," Bean said. "… He is the best dog I've ever had in my life."

In Facebook posts requesting the dog's return, Bean refers to him as his therapy and service dog.

"He hasn't had any formal training, but I had him for about three months when I discovered that he could detect my epilepsy seizures," Bean said. "I went to go check my mail one day and I hadn't had breakfast that morning. He jumped the fence, came up behind me and put pressure on my hand with his mouth."

Bean had a seizure immediately afterward. 

Over time, Migo has become more than a pet to Bean and his son Ethan, 16.

"He's not just a dog, he's a family member … We all miss him and need him," Bean said. 

From everything he's heard from area residents by phone, in person and on Facebook, he thinks Migo was stolen by people who use pit bulls for dog fighting and breeding in North Okaloosa County.

Why?

"I had a complete stranger message me (via Facebook) on Tuesday the 25th (of April). She said she saw a person leading my dog away and she knew it wasn't me. I walk him from here to Walmart and back, so everyone has seen me with him," Bean said.

Bean reported the dog missing to Crestview Police Department and Okaloosa Animal Control. A CPD investigator is assigned to the case, but more evidence is needed, according to CPD Public Information Officer Brian Hughes.

Migo has a scar that runs from his left nostril all the way down his bottom lip, and a broken bottom right tooth, Bean said.

Contact the Crestview Police Department, 682-3544, with information on his whereabouts.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Missing pit bull 'a family member,' owner says

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’: 7 p.m. May 13, and 2:30 p.m. May 14 at Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs. Tickets: $12 for students 22 and younger, $15 for adults. Call 892-9494 or email infor@fcweb.org to purchase.

MOTHER’S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Relax and enjoy light refreshments while learning about etiquette and customs of taking tea in Victorian England. For ages 6 and up. Cost: $16 per person; $13 for museum members. Reservations required; call 678-2615.

‘COMING HOME’ PERFORMANCE: 6 p.m. May 13, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. The Calling Dance Company presents a faith-based story centering on hope amid loss. A portion of the proceeds benefits Covenant Care's Camp Connect, a grief counseling camp for children. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and free for children age 4 and under. Purchase at www.TheCallingDanceCompany.org.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASSES: 5-8 p.m. May 16 and May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

CRESTVIEW LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL & RECOGNITION CEREMONY: 5:30 p.m. May 18, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. For all regional first responders, families and community supporters.

HOMESCHOOLERS FIELD TRIP: 1-2 p.m. May 19, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Cost: $7 for one student and a parent or teacher, $3 for each additional adult; free for ages 3 and younger. $3 per person to participate in catapult building. For home-school students and their families. The Historic Technology tour teaches students how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. Preregistration is required at 678-2615.

PRINCESS BALL FUNDRAISER: 6-8:30 p.m. May 19, Rocky Bayou Country Club, 600 Golf Course Drive, Niceville. For girls ages 3 and up and their dad, grandfather, uncle or other “prince.” Music by B-Boy Productions and complimentary photos by Southern Belle Photography. Tickets: $25 per couple, $10 for each additional princess. Military discounts available. Go to http://bit.ly/2p2Avyp or call 863-1530 to RSVP. Reservations are required. All proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

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.

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.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE events are for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 17, Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon May 18, Hooters, 180 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. For young leaders ages 21-41 in Crestview. 

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

North county students were well represented in the Okaloosa Arts Alliance’s eighth annual school poster contest.

Participating schools included: Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville and Destin, Crestview High School, Liza Jackson Preparatory School, Walker Elementary School, Florosa Elementary, Edge Elementary, Destin Middle School, Max Bruner Jr. Middle School, Northwest Florida Ballet Academie, Baker School, Northwood Elementary, Lotus Learning & Arts Center, Shalimar Elementary, Davidson Middle School, Northwest Florida Collegiate High School and Pryor Middle School.

Winners from Crestview area schools included, by division:

Elementary (K5-4): First Place, Gracie Bridges, fourth grade, Walker Elementary School

Middle (5-7): Third Place, Kaitlyn Bowler, seventh grade, Davidson Middle School

High (8-12):

• First Place, Kylie Little, ninth grade, Crestview High School
• Second Place, Monthita Rasee, 11th grade, Crestview High School
• Honorable Mention: Addison Sanders, 10th grade, Crestview High School
• Honorable Mention: Trace Kerrell, ninth grade, Crestview High School

Each first-place prize was a $75 gift card, donated by Eglin Federal Credit Union, each second-place prize was a $50 gift card, donated by the Destin Target and each third-place prize was a $25 gift card, donated by the Niceville Wal-Mart.

All 241 entries were on display during the May 6 OAA Poster Reception at the Young Philosophers Society.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Area students among Okaloosa Arts Alliance School Poster Contest winners

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Youth Association, also known as C.A.Y.A., will host sign-ups this Saturday.

Registration runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13 at the Crestview High School Field House. The football program is for ages 5-12; cheering is for ages 5-14.

C.A.Y.A. plays in the Panhandle Youth Football Association. Its football season runs from June/July (training camps), August to October for regular season, post season October to November, and November for All-Stars.

All money made by CAYA is reinvested into the program for trophies, a banquet, training and game equipment, uniforms and the training facility, among other things. The team provides 95 percent of all equipment to players and cheerleaders. All football gear is less than five years old and is changed out every three to five years for new equipment.

All practices are at the same place and games are on Saturdays within 50 miles from Crestview.

All C.A.Y.A coaches are required to attend training. C.A.Y.A also has two certified doctors as safety trainers and medical assistance at all practices and games in addition to a player safety coach.

See http://cayafootball.org/index.html for more details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: C.A.Y.A. sets football sign-ups