CRESTVIEW — The Northwest Florida State College vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum, will present a free concert, "Forever Music." 

The concert — 7 p.m. April 3 at First Presbyterian Church in Crestview — includes works such as "Music Makes Me Feel Alive," "In That Great Gittin’ Up Morning," "My Banjo on My Knee" and "Don’t You Weep, Don’t You Mourn."

Schola Cantorum means "School of Singing" and is an ensemble of talented community vocalists who perform under the direction of John Leatherwood, emeritus music professor at Northwest Florida State College.

Singers include Dick Campis, Lin Loughlin, Tim Crawford, Richard Montague, Dolores DeSoucy, Wilma Shively, Sara Florence, Ruby Stillions, Laura Hernandez, David Stroup, Uma Jolly, Floyd Stroup, Charlotte Kuss, Rebecca Wendel, Mike Lindhorst and John Zirpola.

Carolyn Schlatter, also a retired NWF State music professor, is the group's accompanist. Charlotte Kuss is a flutist.

The previous version of this article incorrectly stated the date for the concert. The News Bulletin staff apologizes for this error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Schola Cantorum to perform

"When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, (grown-up) I put away childish things," the apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 13:11 (New American Standard Bible).

As a child, I expected my parents to meet my physical needs and take me to church for my spiritual needs.

Today, it seems, some young adults who have gone to college and graduated but can't find a high paying job move home and live with their parents, straining their parents' resources physically and financially.

Here in Crestview, we have many young residents who serve in our military. These young adults are self-supporting, many are married with their own families and they make our country safer.

Numerous members of the armed services have the benefit of the military paying for their college education. My husband, Jim, joined the Army and used the G.I. Bill to pay for his college degree.

What is the difference between our service members and those who refuse to grow up?

I believe that we, as a society, don't expect as much out of our children as our parents expected from us.

When I was young, I had many household chores as well as school. My parents expected me to do what I was told and make excellent grades.

I desired to grow up and be on my own. I had no wish to live with my parents as an adult. I went to college, worked and soon moved out. Sometimes it was difficult to make ends meet, but I enjoyed the freedom.

I understand there are mitigating circumstances as to why adults live with their parents; this is not what I am talking about.

I have elderly parents. If it were possible, I would go live with them until I could find them some reliable help. It would also be nice to go help my aunt, who has cancer.

I refer to those who refuse to grow up — the Peter Pans of our society. They need to become responsible adults to face what life may throw at them.

Their parents won't always be there to protect them.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview millennials — it's time to grow up

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Construction has yet to begin on the proposed site of Crestview’s first dog park.

The Community Redevelopment Agency approved the Bark Park in June 2016, and fundraising began immediately afterward to convert a site in Twin Hills Park to a dog-friendly location.

“[The city’s] still working on a site plan is my understanding,” CRA Director Brenda Smith said, adding the project has been slowed down by possible need for a retention wall due to the site’s location near James Lee Boulevard.

“It’s taking longer because you have to ensure compliance with EPA and different agencies when it comes to drainage,” she said.

The park last December reached its fundraising goal with a $62,000 donation on behalf of Crestview resident Ted Simmons. The project is being funded entirely by donations — thus far over $65,000 — and recreation grant money.

Although site plans are still being evaluated and developed, the CRA and Main Street Crestview Association have several amenities they are requiring to meet their criteria.

These features include separate large and small dog areas, benches, agility equipment, a gazebo or awning area and an entrance card swipe.

Eventually, the park could have a water feature for dogs to play in, according to a press release from December.

The entrance feature would be used to implement a payment method for park use. Residents would pay a $25 annual fee, non-residents $35. These fees would be paid to the city after dog owners present a copy of standard vaccination records. Collected money could then be recycled back into the park for repairs or maintenance.

Progress inquiries have been made at several City Council meetings. Wayne Steele, director of public services and charged with implementation of the project’s logistics, has repeatedly said the city was working with engineers to develop an appropriate plan for the site.

The project hasn’t had an estimated completion date since its inception but was expected to be in the 2017 calendar year.

The CRA and Main Street association anticipated the Bark Park to open sometime in March. Smith was unable to provide an updated timeline for the project but is still hopeful for completion in the coming months.

Steele did not return phone calls on the matter; a city representative said he is the most appropriate contact in the public services department.

Mayor David Cadle, who doesn’t have official oversight in the project, did not respond to an email about the endeavor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bark Park project delayed

CRESTVIEW — The 16^th Annual Okaloosa County Master Gardener Awards honored volunteers who provide free garden and yard advice to Northwest Florida residents.

Master Gardeners undergo a roughly seven-month training and internship program to earn their title. Volunteer work at the Gerald Edmondson County Extension Building on Airport Road in Crestview and at the Master Gardeners' Fort Walton Beach nursery is required.

These experts do much more than help people grow flowers. Their public services include:

●Identifying insects, reptiles and other wildlife

●Assisting residents with home horticultural concerns

●Promoting Florida-friendly gardening and landscaping using native species

●Analyzing soil

●Identifying fungi and invasive pests

●Staffing the County Extension telephones and laboratory

●Advising 4-H programs

The University of Florida’s Okaloosa County extension staffers recognized Master Gardeners’ efforts during Wednesday’s luncheon in Crestview.

2017 officers include Karen Kirk-Williams, president; Dave Gordon, president-elect; Scott Berry, secretary; Joe Jones, treasurer; and Alene Ogle, past president.

Contact the University of Florida Okaloosa County Extension, 689-5850, http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu, or visit the Gerald Edmondson Extension Building, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview, for membership information.

—

Editor's Note: A photograph on this page previously stated Margaret Stewart achieved 9,000 community service hours. She actually achieved 5,000 so far. 

10-year recognition (2004-2014)

• Dave Gordon
• Dick Hickenbotham
• Joan Langham
• Carol Moody
• Amy Jo Rosati

10-year recognition (2006-2016)

• Carol Baker
• Bob Bayer
• Matt Donavin
• Dorothy Green
• Linda Kulaw
• Jim Martin
• Jane Montgomery
• Ann Phillips

15-year recognition (1999-2014)

• Andy Donatelli
• Honey Jennings
• Bob Thomas
• Ed Fabian
• Lynn Fabian

20-year recognition (1996-2016)

• Rick Hastings
• Laurie Mackey

500-hour recognition

• Les Chambers
• Mary Grace Evors
• Marilyn Koser
• Linda Kulaw
• Alene Ogle
• Lynda Penry

1,000-hour recognition

• John Bauer
• Joe Michetti
• Ann Phillips 

2,000-hour recognition

Karen Kirk-Williams

4,000-hour recognition

Lynn Fabian

5,000-hour recognition

Margaret Stewart

9,000-hour recognition

Andy Donatelli

2016 Outstanding Service to Youth Award

Lynda Penry

2016 Outstanding Telephone Communicator

Margaret Stewart

2016 Outstanding Educator of the Year

Dave Gordon

2016 Community Outreach Award

Mary Grace Evors

2016 Master Gardener of the Year

Alene Ogle

2016 Rookie of the Year

John Sweda

2016 Friend of the Master Gardener Award

Joe Donatelli

2016 Hospitality Award

• Donna Edmiston
• Ed Fabian
• Lynn Fabian
• Sandie Olsen
• Ann Phillips
• Carol Rose
• Margaret Stewart

AWARD RECIPIENTS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Master Gardeners honored

CRESTVIEW — La Esperanza Latin Grill’s former home is being rebuilt and its new owner will be familiar for the community.

Mr. Mattress will move to the site of the now-closed restaurant, according to Crestview Permit Clerk Betty Mathis of the city’s growth management department. The site is under construction and no information is available on a completion date, according to Mathis.

The company currently operates a location at 3381 S. Ferdon Blvd., in front of the Walmart Supercenter.

Once construction of the old grill at 3045 S. Ferdon Blvd. is completed, the company will move its operations, according to a representative from Mr. Mattress. The site will not be a secondary location.

The representative also did not have a timeline for construction to be completed or a scheduled grand opening date.

Although the company will not be a new addition to the area, it will continue to reinforce the strong presence of mattress stores in Crestview.

Currently, a mattress can be purchased in nearly a dozen locations around the city.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mattress store under construction

The Crestview News Bulletin is offering our readers a special treat: namely, a chance to provide a memorable Easter for your family.

Just look to the right of this page under "Related Content"; click on the Funny Bunny link; unscramble the Easter-themed words; and send your completed answer form, in person, to our office at 638 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, or email the answers to news@crestviewbulletin.com for the chance to win three great prizes.

Those who unscramble the most words will be entered into a drawing to determine the winner.

The Funny Bunny and the Scrambled Words Contest's grand prize includes these items: a gift basket featuring a stuffed bunny and a lot of candy, courtesy of Walmart; a $25 gift card from Floral Designs; and a John Deere toy tractor from Wise Equipment. See an image of the grand prize at www.crestviewbulletin.com. 

We must receive the completed forms, in person or by email, by April 7.

We will pick a winner on April 10 and announce the contest results in the April 12 News Bulletin.

Employees of the newspaper, participating businesses and their families are not eligible to participate in this contest.

Good luck! 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Enter the 'Funny Bunny' contest to win Easter prizes!

CRESTVIEW — Specialist Nathaniel Castonguay, a 2013 Baker School graduate, has completed military occupational specialty training as a nurse with the U.S. Army.

He attended the phase one nursing program at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas and transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for the final phase of the U.S. Army Practical Nurse Course, graduating March 1.

Castonguay received the Faculty Award, which gave him five promotion points. He will be stationed at Fort Bliss to serve as a nurse at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

He has received three promotions, with the fourth scheduled in October.

Castonguay joined the Army in October of 2014, attending basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Castonguay was raised in Baker and attended Troy University from 2013-2014.

His family members include his wife, Ashley, of Fort Bliss, and James and Gail Castonguay, his parents; Haliegh Castonguay, his sister; and Bud and Zelma Rowell, his grandparents, all of Baker.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker man completes Army nurse training

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

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

FREE TAX PREPARATION: By appointment from 2-6 p.m. Mondays, and first-come first-served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through April 18 at 1445 Commerce Drive.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN: Exhibitors sought for the Laurel Hill Arts & Heritage Festival, which is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 29, next to Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth St. Includes woodworkers, fabric artists, visual artists, quilters and community service and organization representatives. No company sales representatives, please. Free to exhibit; no commissions on sales expected. Details: festival chairman Brian Hughes, 603-2584 or brian_abroad@yahoo.com for details.

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.

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 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: Helping Hands — North Okaloosa County services calendar