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

CRESTVIEW — Upcoming meetings for North Okaloosa County clubs and organizations, and those from surrounding areas, are as follows.

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA: 1:30-4:30 p.m. March 26, Religious Education building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville. The Sand Dunes chapter celebrates various forms of hand embroidery. Details: 496-3466.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE FILM CLUB: 6:30 p.m. March 27, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. In Building 110, Room 238 of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Attendees will screen, "The Empire Strikes Back," Episode 5 of the “Star Wars” series. Also: Voting on officers. Free to attend; refreshments provided.

MAC USERS GROUP: 6:30 p.m. April 3, room 130 of the Northwest Florida State College Student Services Center, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Theme: "Back to the Basics and Beyond." Bring Mac devices. Details: FWBMug.com, or Jean Dutton, 862-3327 or jeancdutton@mac.com.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: 6:30-7:15 p.m. April 18, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Registration for the Nonie's Ark visit is limited to first 30 children ages 4 and up.

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays, Foxwood Country Club, Antioch Road. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB meets 5:15 p.m. every first and third Thursday at Samuel's Roadhouse off John King Road. Details: BJ Thomhave at Foxwood Country Club, 682-2012.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, room 306, 805 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, City Hall, 502 Wilson St., Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195.

SATURDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

READ TO DOZER: 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For children ages 4 and up.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month, Ryan's restaurant, Crestview. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview, for beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

HELP OTHER PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: 6 p.m. third Mondays at Community of Christ, Crestview.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First UMC fellowship hall, Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free event. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com/.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza in downtown Crestview.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations calendar

UPCOMING

EMERALD COAST CHRISTIAN WRITERS RETREAT & CONFERENCE: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 22-24 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25, Blue Lake Camp, Andalusia, Alabama. Classes, workshops, paid critiques, worship and inspiration presented by professional Christian authors. Registration ranges from $75 to $475. Meal packages also available. http://bluelakecwr.com/ or call 225-2466.

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF OKALOOSA COUNTY:  10:30 a.m. March 25, Fort Walton Beach Library, 207 Florida Pl SE. Bert Outlaw presentation, "Land Records 101."  Free. Val Moreland, 243-0352.

REPUBLICAN PARTY LINCOLN DINNER: Cocktails at 6 p.m. March 25, 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach. Dinner is 7 p.m. Featured speaker: former governor Mike Huckabee. Entertainment by The Mulligans. Dinner tickets, $100; nonrefundable. Call 240-1279 to purchase. Limited seating.

DICTIONARY FUNDRAISER: 6 p.m. March 29, Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge, 808 South Drive, Fort Walton Beach. A Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated event with bunco, dinner and an auction to support its Dictionary Project, which provides dictionaries to Okaloosa third-graders. Dinner of baked chicken alfredo penne, tossed salad and Italian bread. Tickets: $20. Call Hulda Mahlum, 217, 5775, to purchase.

THROWDOWN BENEFIT AUCTION & BBQ: March 30 through April 1, Churchill Oaks Clubhouse, Santa Rosa Beach. Features renown chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Chris Wilson, "world-class vintners, pitmasters and … musical entertainment by Silverado Pickups and live and silent auctions,” a media release states. Annual charity events, Wine Walkabout, Sip N Shop and Golf Tournament, kick off festivities on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31, benefitting Alaqua Animal Refuge and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets to individual charity events can be purchased separately. All funds raised benefit charities along the Gulf Coast, with most proceeds given to local organizations. Tickets and details: www.chichimiguel.com.

FRIENDS OF THE CRESTVIEW LIBRARY BOOK SALE: 5-8 p.m. March 31 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. The March 31 early-bird sale costs $2 for non-Friends members’ admittance.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND DIGITAL ARTS EXHIBIT RECEPTION: 6-8 p.m. April 7, Arts and Design Society, Art Center Gallery, 17 First Street, SE, Fort Walton Beach. The exhibition is on display free of charge from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays April 4-28 at the gallery. www.artsdesignsociety.org, or 244-1271 during gallery hours.

JOSE DIAZ PERFORMANCE CANCELED: A Jose Diaz performance at the Crestview library, set for 6-7:30 p.m. April 10, is canceled. Artists who would like to perform on second Mondays at the library may call 682-4432.

REGIONAL SEDER: 6 p.m. April 10, Emerald Coast Convention Center,1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Cost for the Passover meal, music, worship and celebration is $40 per person. Features recording artist Paul Wilbur and host Hosanna House of Destin. Details: 837-7430 or admin@hosannahouse.net.

‘NWF READS’ FEATURES FICTION WRITOR: 7 p.m. April 17, Northwest Florida State College Sprint Theater, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Annual literacy celebration with fiction writer and memoirist Andre Dubus. Free, with first-come, first-served seating Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Followed by Blackwater Review reception, 6-6:45 p.m., in the adjoining McIlroy Gallery. Beverly Holmes, 729-6032 or holmesb@nwfsc.edu.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 22 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Youth Center, 923 Denton Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Seventh- through 12th-graders may attend. $10 per person; includes a light lunch and conference materials. Scholarships available for students from low-income families. Theme: “Lead, Empower, Act, Discover!” Includes a hands-on, real-life simulation. Details: David Triana, 368-3505, united4agoodcause@gmail.com, or Dawn Novy, 344-7721, dnovy@bgcec.com.

ARC SUMMER CAMP DONATIONS: Arc of the Emerald Coast seeks donations of funding, water, juice, paper products and carnival toy items for an April 25-28 summer camp trip for Arc clients. Contact Arc at 863-1530 or info@arcemeraldcoast.org for details.

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 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, please contact Sharry at krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance due to the caterer needing to prepare for the correct number of attendees.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 2 p.m. March 23,Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP RESCHEDULED: The March 28 workshop has been rescheduled to 1:30 p.m. March 29 at the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. Two or more Tourist Development Council members may attend the meeting to discuss functions of the Tourist Development Department and possible privatization of its marketing activities.

Other workshops are April 25, May 30 and June 27 at the same location.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. April 4, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. April 18, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.
• 8:30 a.m. May 2, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 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.

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.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, Baker Area Public Safety Building.

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 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION: 3 p.m. third Thursdays, various locations. Call 1-800-226-8914 ext. 231 to confirm.

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