CRESTVIEW — 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. Categories include floats, cars or trucks, other vehicles (antique cars, motorcycles, etc.), walking groups and school bands or musical groups.

Applications are available at the Carver-Hill Museum, 895 McClelland St. S, or J&P Glitz and Glitter, 604 U.S. Highway 90 W.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carver-Hill accepting May Day parade applications

CRESTVIEW — Poets and musicians can read, perform, improvise and play together during an open-microphone event 6 p.m. May 9 at the Crestview Public Library.

For a poetry starter, pick a prompt from the NaPoMo (National Poetry Month) section at http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com. Anyone can attend.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive in Crestview. Contact Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; or Rick Sanders, 585-6399, for details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Open microphone night scheduled

As kayak fishing continues to grow in popularity, it's striking to me how many people have neglected one of the most productive and rewarding times to be on the water.

Not only can you go after work, but you will be treated to very little boat traffic, cooler temperatures, and no need for sunscreen!

While paddling to your destination you can experience the stars overhead. When the moon is shining brightly, you will get an opportunity to observe sea life you may have never witnessed before. These could include sharks, stingray, squid and even river otters.

If you fish around the Destin Harbor or on Crab Island, you will be treated to live music and fireworks shows.

However, fishing at night does offer certain challenges.

First, you need to scout possible launching areas and make sure you can legally park your vehicle there during the night. Purchasing the lightest possible kayak will be a great benefit as you may need to carry or pull your kayak to the shore.

Before heading out, visit nws.noaa.gov to determine wind speed and direction. Also, check the local tide tables, particularly around Destin's East Pass, where the tides can become quite strong very quickly.

Once you are in the water, you need to make sure others can see you. I have reflective decals placed along the sides of my kayak, a backup LED flashlight, and a hands-free LED light clipped to an orange ball cap for an extra measure of safety.

One of the biggest hazards when paddling at night is losing your bearings. Don't make the mistake of relying on moonlight to help you see your way home. Instead, always locate two to three points for reference. Using these reference points will help you determine position, distance from shore, and how quickly you are drifting.

As always, make sure someone knows where you will be fishing, how long you plan to stay out, and where you are parking your vehicle.

Once you've started casting your line, be aware that you are not the only one looking for a meal. It is prudent to assume bull sharks are prowling nearby. When reeling in your line, stop several feet short of your boat and lift your bait up and into the kayak.

When landing a fish, never reach into the water! Instead, use a fish gripper or short hand gaff if you intend to keep the fish.

Not only does casting around docks or near disturbances on the surface greatly increase your casting accuracy, it also makes you more aware of your surroundings, which are skills you can employ any time and anywhere you choose to fish.

David Boggs is a lifelong Northwest Florida resident. He works in children's ministry at Crosspoint Church on PJ Adams Parkway in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Try kayak fishing under the stars

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 — Here's an update on construction along Ferdon Boulevard.

THE DETAILS

Crestview Crossing is the site of three new buildings for retail and restaurant use at 2150 S. Ferdon Blvd., adjacent to Publix.

Approved by City Council in February 2016, the project was conducted in two phases—the first a 4,600 and a 9,460-square-foot building for mixed commercial use. The second, a 6,000-square-foot structure for retail usage.

The 3.8-acre development will wrap around the existing Coastal Bank and Trust and connect a drive to the Publix shopping center.

Four businesses have already signed leases for phase one locations in the plaza—McAlister’s Deli, Marco’s Pizza, Sport Clips and Fusion Bistro. Sport Clips has begun hiring for its unit.

Marco’s Pizza and Fusion Bistro both operate multiple locations in south Okaloosa County. Sport Clips and McAlister’s have locations throughout northwest Florida. These will be the first Crestview locations for all four companies.

THE PROGRESS

Buildings in phase one are nearing completion after the groundbreaking for construction began in December.

Windows and doors are already being installed on the smaller of the two buildings in the suite that will become Sport Clips. The larger of the buildings, which will feature the deli and pizzeria, is awaiting exterior wall completion.

The third building, nearest the Publix, has not progressed as far but this is to be expected since it is part of the second phase of development.

Parking lots and roadways that will be built as part of the project have yet to be constructed.

No completion dates have been established for the projects, according to Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard. Similarly, only a “coming soon” announcement has been made on the One Commercial Property web page—the owner of the properties.

Editor's Note: The article has been updated to reflect that this will be the first Crestview location for Sport Clips.

Buildings: 3

Sizes: 4,600; 6,000; 9,460 square feet

Businesses: At least 10

Completion date: Unknown

FAST FACTS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New development nearing completion

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

OKALOOSA ARTS ALLIANCE POSTER CONTEST: Time is running out for Okaloosa kindergartners through 12^th-graders to enter. Theme: What do you consider "summer fun?" Posters must be created on 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper with markers, pencils, paint, pastels, charcoal or crayons. Winners get gift cards ranging from $25 to $75. Deadline to enter is May 4. Mail entries to OAA Poster Contest, P.O. Box 4426, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549, or drop off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at Arts & Design Society, 17 1st St. SE, Fort Walton Beach. One poster per student, with the name of the artist, their grade, and their school. Poster contest reception and winner announcement is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at Young Philosophers Society, 144 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. Email Amy Baty, amybaty1@gmail.com for contest details.

EOD MEMORIAL WEEKEND: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation activities are below. Register for tickets at http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/2017eodmemorialweekend.

●Golf Tournament, 6:30 a.m. May 5, Eglin Golf Course, 1527 Fairway Drive, Niceville. Shotgun start, 8 a.m. Registration: $70 per person or $280 per team; includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, and gift bag.

●Live and silent auctions, 5 p.m. May 5, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free. Includes nachos, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a cash bar. Bidding for Savvy Travelers, WonderWorks (indoor amusement park), the new Alcatraz East Crime Museum, BiGR Audio, concert tickets and CDs from Grammy award-winning jazz bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride.

●48th Annual EOD Memorial Ceremony, 9 a.m. May 6, NAVSCOLEOD, located on Range Road, Niceville. The names of six fallen EOD warriors will be placed on the memorial wall.

●8th Annual EOD Memorial Crawfish Boil, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6, in the Winn-Dixie parking lot in Bluewater Bay Niceville. Stop by for crawfish and refreshments. Other food items can be purchased at participating restaurants. 

●49th Annual EOD Ball, 5:15 p.m. May 6, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Attire is semi-formal, formal, and military equivalent. Keynote speaker: Admiral John Richardson, chief of Naval Operations since September 2015. Tickets: $75 per person.

FAMU RATTLER RUMMAGE SALE: 7:30-11:30 a.m. May 6, Florida A&M University Pharmacy School, 153 West Woodruff Ave., Crestview. Clothing, household collectibles, books and more. FAMU Alumni Association, Saundra Daggs, 279-6555.

COMMUNITY FOR COPS & FIRST RESPONDERS: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6, Gordon Martial Arts, 130 W. Oakdale Ave., Crestview. Free. Dunking booth, bounce house, obstacle course, games, face painting, and Crestview Police and Fire Department vehicles. Okaloosa sheriff's office deputies will also attend. Features vendor booths, door prizes and a silent auction.

TAX-FREE INVESTING SEMINAR: 6-7:30 p.m. May 11, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview. "Tax-free Investing: It's Not What You Make, It's What you Keep," with Yvonne Shanklin, Edward Jones financial advisor in Crestview. Free; dinner provided. Details: Marcia Fleming, 682-2497.

CORRECTION: The Baker Fire District Commission meets 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St. A previous version listed an incorrect meeting day.

REP. WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: State Rep. Jayer Williamson’s district staff conducts office hours for constituents every month. They are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting May 4 and continuing every first and third Thursday at the Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call the district office, 995-3698 for an appointment or details.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. May 16, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.
• 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.

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.

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

WaterVentures Learning Lab is a traveling science center loaded with museum-quality, directed-learning activities about how water moves through our lives.

This 53-foot semi-trailer will be in the Crestview Public Library parking lot from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. May 13. Registration is not required for this free event, which is geared for children ages four and up and their adults.

Visit waterventures.us for more information or call 682-4432 with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Center teaches science about water use

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

CRESTVIEW —The Kiwanis Club of Crestview's annual clay shoot will benefit the local John McMahon Environmental Center.

The shoot begins with registration, a light breakfast and warm-ups at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start is 9 a.m. May 6 at Shoal River Sporting Clays, 3985 U.S. Highway 90 E, Crestview.

Practice shots are $5 per 10 shots. The schedule includes a safety briefing, and noon lunch and award ceremony.

"The whole Kiwanis membership will be there to process people, get them fed, get them signed up for the shoot," Crestview Councilman and Kiwanis member JB Whitten said.

The cost is $400 per team or $100 per person, which includes 100 clays, 12-gauge or 20-gauge shells, breakfast and lunch, goodie bags and awards to top shooters and each member of the high-scoring team.

Participants must bring their own shotguns, eye and ear protection, and golf cart or four-wheeler transportation for the range. Transportation is also available in advance at a cost of $75.

PHASING IN IMPROVEMENTS

Funds from the shoot and sponsorships will help support the project to revitalize the John B. McMahon Environmental Center in Crestview. Phase I includes installing restrooms, playground equipment, fencing and parking.

The effort's first phase will cost about $10,000, and after it is complete, the club will continue to address the center's needs, according to Whitten.

"Well, we're kind of doing it in pieces. We're looking at some of the first phases we want to do. They cost about $10,000," Whitten said. 

The center's refurbishment is an ongoing group project. Kiwanis members will evaluate further needs at the center and address them according to the master plan they submitted to the city two years ago.

Goals include cleaning the pond and adding a safety-approved children's park.

"It's ongoing," Whitten said.

OTHER SERVICES

The Crestview Kiwanis Club also has other community service projects and fundraisers throughout the year, according to Kiwanis officer Karen Donaldson. 

Club activities include:

• Scholarship funding
• Monetary or product provision for the Children's Advocacy Center and Crestview Pregnancy Center
• Providing financial assistance and labor during the annual No Child Without Healthcare event.

Contact Karen Donaldson, 826-2630 or karendonaldson@coastalbankandtrust.com, for details about the shoot or sponsorships.

WHAT: Kiwanis Clay Shoot Fundraiser

WHEN: 8 a.m. May 6

WHERE: Shoal River Sporting Clays, 3985 U.S. Highway 90 E, Crestview

COST: $100 per individual, $400 per team

CONTACT: Karen Donaldson,  826-2630 or karendonaldson@coastalbankandtrust.com

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kiwanis continues 'ongoing' park improvements

CRESTVIEW — From the Netherlands to Crestview is about 4,700 miles. Today, it's a journey easily accomplished with a couple of plane rides and a lift from the airport in a matter of 12 hours or so.

It's just 480 miles from the former World War II German labor camp in Racwicz, Poland, to the Netherlands. But for a 5-year-old boy making the arduous journey home on foot at war's end, it was a multi-week trek that built indelible memories before he was reunited with parents he had never known.

Ninth-degree martial arts Grand Master Rudy Timmerman used the struggles of being that boy — and a frequent bullying victim — in post-war Netherlands to focus on the discipline the arts teach.

During the April 20-23 Korean Martial Arts Festival, sponsored by Gordon Martial Arts of Crestview, Timmerman and 12 other highly ranked and regarded masters from around the country gathered at Warriors Hall to teach junior and adult seminars, present demonstrations and reunite with old friends.

"Most of the instructors I see here I have interacted with before," Master Toderick Thornton of Atlanta said. "It's like a family atmosphere. That's what we promote at our school."

For local students of Korean martial arts, the chance to meet, take selfies with, and learn from world-renowned masters is an exceptional opportunity.

"It's inspiring, honestly," said third-degree black belt student Richard Rounsaville, who has studied at Gordon Martial Arts for 12 years. "You can learn so much from all these masters and take away a little from each."

One celebrity attending the festival didn't do much teaching, but was herself a subject of respect and admiration by even the grandest of masters. They bowed in deference before requesting to take a selfie with Dana Hee, a 1988 U.S. taekwondo Olympic gold medalist.

Hee inspired legions of martial artists by rising from being a victim of sexual and domestic assault to one of the nation's most celebrated martial artists, Grandmasters Society and Taekwondo Halls of Fame inductee, actress, film stuntwoman and TV sports commentator.

"We women, we did well in 1988," Hee said. "We even beat Korea, and they were expected to be the world champions."

Timmerman's seminar on how to successfully smash 2-inch-thick concrete blocks, with a government-regulated 2,000 pounds per square inch pressure resistance rating, drew an appreciative audience.

Smashing the block is simpler than most people build it up in their minds to be, Timmerman said.

"Over-thinking is the worse thing you can do," he told the students. "It interferes with your computer," he said, meaning the artist's mind.

Like everything in life, smashing the block comes down to mind over matter, taking one's time, using energy efficiently and following instructions.

"The problem is convincing you that two bricks are no worse than one brick. One or five, it makes no difference in how you have to hit it," Timmerman said.

And if at first a student doesn't succeed, it's no disaster, even with an audience gathered around that nonetheless applauded effort and intention as much as accomplishment.

"In a thing like this, there's always tomorrow," Timmerman said. "You don't have to do it today."

Students have a whole year to practice chopping paving stones to size in their backyards. Studio owner and Chief Master Tom Gordon will produce the festival again next year, as he does every year.

And in the same location.

"People have asked me to move the festival to other cities around the country," Gordon said, "but I won't. Crestview's my home."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Martial arts grand master teaches at Crestview festival

CRESTVIEW — "My passion is to give children a voice,” Carita Smith, Guardian Ad Litem in Okaloosa and Walton Counties’ volunteer recruitment coordinator, said.

The Guardian Ad Litem Program, which represents victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment in the court system, held its annual "Forgotten Child" Ceremony April 30 at Twin Hills Park. The event raises awareness of the need for this program’s volunteers. Attorneys, coordinators and Crestview area residents, including Guardian volunteers, threw flowers into the water to reflect on children still waiting for help.

“This event is very important to me," said Smith, the event coordinator, who has been with the program for six years and coordinates the Forgotten Child ceremony.

Many local students participated in the ceremony. Crestview High’s JROTC Color Guard presented the flags. Young students gave the welcome and invocation; they also sang and played the National Anthem.

Bob Sikes Elementary School students created the banner for the ceremony. Toni Taylor, who has been teaching in the Okaloosa County Head Start program for 25 years, performed a solo. Smith and student Mahari Bass presented a special song and dance.

One of the guest speakers at the ceremony was Dr. Anna May, a volunteer child advocate with Guardian Ad Litem. She spoke of the need for more volunteers for the program.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Bryan H. Carter, the Guardian Ad Litem circuit director for the First Judicial District. The district covers Okaloosa, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Carter works with all of the staff and volunteers to advocate for children in court.

"Our primary focus is on the child. A volunteer stays with the child throughout the court case. We work closely with the Department of Child and Families. There are currently 505 children in Okaloosa County under court supervision. Guardian Ad Litem currently works with 420 of those children," Carter said.

The ceremony concluded with attendees throwing flowers into the water. This symbolized children who do not have a volunteer from the Guardian Ad Litem program in the court system.

The Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer program provides training and certification by judges. Contact Carita Smith, 689-5060 or Carita.Smith@gal.fl.gov, to volunteer. 

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Our primary focus is on the child'