Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters provide a wildly educating and entertaining Family Library Time. Nonie’s Ark is a hands-on show. That means you can touch the animals! If you love animals and like to be up close and personal with them, Nonie’s Ark is perfect for you!

Nonie’s Ark sails into the Crestview Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.

Nonie, part educator and part entertainer, has an extensive background in Zoo Animal Technology and Wildlife Education, and her fondest joy is helping children learn about wildlife in a fun, adventurous way.

The Okaloosa County Recycling Office sponsors this free event.

You must be age 4 or older, and register in order to attend! Seating is limited to the first 30 children ages 4-14 who register and their adults. People ages 15 and up are welcome to attend without registering.

Call 682-4432 or come to the library at 1445 Commerce Drive to register or ask questions.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Nonie's Ark to visit Crestview library

CRESTVIEW — The Friends of the Crestview Library's Spring Book Sale returns this weekend.

It starts with an early bird sale 5-8 p.m. March 31 at Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. There is a $2 admission fee for non-Friends members. 

The second part of the sale is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1 at the hall. Admission is free of charge that day.

A selection of books, CDs and movies will be available for sale.

"Please note that we will no longer be having a fall book sale," Chairman Dot Moxcey said, "so be sure to take advantage of this spring book sale.

"All money goes to support the Crestview Public Library, providing everything from new books and programs for children to special projects like the library mural, lobby display cases and the 'Whiz Kid' statue."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Spring book sale set

CRESTVIEW — This week's Bulletin Kids are Heidi and Jedah Hammond of Baker, ages 10 and 8, respectively.

They attended the beekeeping basics program March 21 at the Crestview Public Library.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next The Bulletin Kid!

Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker children learn beekeeping basics

CRESTVIEW — Ryan’s Steakhouse at 3000 S. Ferdon Blvd. closed its doors for the final time Sunday evening.

The restaurant has been shut down, according to a statement from its corporate offices.

“This [closure] was a business decision and is in no way a reflection of the hard work of the location’s management or employees,” the statement from Ryan’s corporate management read. “We appreciate the community’s patronage and hope to serve you at one of our other locations in the future.”

No other statement or additional comments were made.

“This store is now closed,” read several signs on the location’s doors, offering no insight or information on the reason.

Food Management Partners, which owns the Ryan’s chain as well as other buffet restaurants, closed 74 restaurants in February 2016. Several more closures occurred the following month.

FMP bought Ovation Brands — which oversees Ryan’s — in March 2016, and the company declared bankruptcy that month.

The Crestview and Pace locations escaped the ax during the mass closure but the restaurant chain’s Pensacola location was shut down. The Pace location is still open for business, according to the company’s website.

Ryan’s in Crestview recently faced health department issues including five complaint-driven inspections in the past 16 months by the Florida Department of Business Regulation and three since February.

A Feb. 16 inspection flagged the company for 29 violations; an inspection the following day found 24 violations.

A passing inspection was conducted March 1, when seven violations were found but none considered “high priority.”

Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard confirmed Chick-fil-A is in the early stages of building a location on the site. The company has been filing paperwork and will undergo its first technical review meeting with the city in April. Current plans state the restaurant will accommodate approximately 130 people, according to Gaillard.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story reported no information regarding a possible Chick-fil-A location was known. This story has been updated to reflect that information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ryan's closes; Chick-fil-A makes plans

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

CRESTVIEW—Since 1969, Special Olympics Florida has provided athletes with special needs and disabilities an opportunity to excel.

The non-profit organization features athletes in a range of sports such as stand-up paddleboard, track and field, soccer, golf, swimming and flag football. Competitors can be as young as 2; there’s no upper age limit.

“We don’t look at their disabilities; we look at their abilities,” Special Olympics Florida Okaloosa County Director Pamela Sparks said.

Some of those abilities were on display Saturday for the county’s Summer Games at Crestview High School and Davidson Middle School. The games are one of several events the athletic organization schedules throughout the year.

“One of the most common questions we get is, ‘When is Special Olympics?’” Sparks said. “It’s not a one-time event; it’s events that are 365 days per year.”

One of the athletes for Saturday’s Games was Harrison Mauldin, who ran the 10-kilometer race. He has been nominated to compete on the national stage in 2018, according to Sparks.

Mauldin is one example of athletes achieving through Special Olympics. There’s between 100 and 200 roster athletes and 60-70 advancing athletes, Spark said. Roster athletes compete in Crestview or the Okaloosa County area but don’t travel to regional, state or national competitions. Those who do travel are called advancing athletes, Sparks said.

The organization also organizes “unified teams” for some sports. Such teams comprise a mix of special needs athletes and those without special needs. Soccer and flag football are two sports featuring unified teams, which still compete against “full teams”— a team whose full roster has special needs. A full team defeated a unified team 8-3 during a soccer match Saturday.

The organization starts working with children as young as 2 years old through its Youth Athletics Program for ages 2-7. From there, athletes can advance to the “Little Elite,” for ages 8-11.

“The Little Elite not only helps [young athletes] prepare but it helps get parents ready for their children to possibly travel for competition,” Sparks said.

Special Olympics Florida in Okaloosa County is made possible entirely by fundraising, donations, sponsorships and volunteers, according to Sparks.

The travel cost to compete in Orlando is about $3,500 per bus; that excludes lodging, food or other travel-related costs. Sparks didn’t have an exact number, but said yearly travel expenses approach six figures.

While traveling provides athletes further recognition and opportunities, Okaloosa hosts frequent events to ensure those who don’t travel can have a rewarding experience.

With the Summer Games wrapping up over the weekend, the organization’s next event will be March 29 as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The event starts in the Panhandle and in Key West with the torches meeting in May in Orlando.

The Crestview segment will start 8:30 a.m. March 29 at Publix and end at the downtown war memorial.

Okaloosa County athletes will also have the chance to participate in the Area 1 Summer Games on April 8. This is a regional competition featuring athletes from Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia and Walton counties.

Visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org for more information on becoming a Special Olympics athlete, volunteer or sponsor

ONLINE

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'We don't look at their disabilities; we look at their abilities'

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