CRESTVIEW — Velma Conyers has reached a milestone that few people do: turning age 104.

She’s still going strong too, according to her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Malcolm Haynes of Crestview.

"Up until two years ago, she lived by herself," Conyers' daughter said. "She loves her independence."

What’s a typical routine?

Well, Conyers tends to get up early, anywhere from 5-8 a.m.; dresses herself with little assistance; drinks a cup of black coffee with her breakfast; and goes about her day.

The centenarian enjoys working word puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. She still goes to Bible study and attends church almost every Sunday.

In fact, she does so well, health-wise, that in-home medical services aren't currently necessary, her daughter said.

The couple describes Conyers as a feisty, funny woman. "She makes you laugh — just her wit," Mary said. "She's still mentally very sharp."

What’s the secret to a long life? Conyers said:

•"You have to just be yourself and don't be doing all kind of things. Just take it easy."

•"Treat people like you want to be treated. (Life is) kind of rough nowadays, so you be nice. Have the love that you can help people and be nice yourself, and pray and ask the Lord to be with you and help you. If you do, you'll make it."

•"Ask the Lord to help you go through whatever you got to go through."

ABOUT CONYERS' LIFE

Charlie and Hattie G. Jones, Conyers' parents, moved to Crestview when Velma was 8 years old. They'd previously lived in Deerland, near Dorcas. She survived her parents, her oldest brother, Willie, and youngest brother, Albert.

She married James Robert Lee Conyers on March 31, 1929. The couple served as active members of the Crestview Masonic Lodge, in his case, and Order of the Eastern Star, in hers. The Masonic Lodge now bears his name, and the Order's name is now the Velma K. Conyers Chapter 7 Order of the Eastern Star.

She was Worthy Matron of the order for 45 years; her husband, who died in 1986, achieved a "final degree in Masonry Knights Templar … Because of his many contributions to Prince Hall Affiliated Masonry and the community, he received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanity from Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida," an Order of the Eastern Star document states.

Velma Conyers also received recognition for the support she provided to local African-American residents through the years.

"People stop by to (see her and) just thank her for how she has been a beacon in the community," Malcolm Haynes said. "At one time she worked in the lunchroom at the high school of Carver-Hill, and many people tell us if she hadn't been there, they wouldn't have eaten that day. She would see that they got fed if they couldn't afford it."

The couple's five children are Bobbie, James, Charlie, Mary and Freddie Conyers. They have 15 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The family and the JRL Conyers Masonic Lodge 364 will observe Velma Conyers’ birthday at noon March 18 at the lodge, located at 550 McDonald St., Crestview.

While her family considers her a blessing, they're not the only ones.

Visitors literally express their thanks for Mrs. Conyers and what she has done for residents in the African-American community in Crestview through the years.

Her daughter also mentioned that she headed and served as hostess when they had the USO in Crestview for the African-American community.

However, one of the best things about Conyers is how she is an example for her children and grandchildren for how to live; focusing on others before herself, according to her son-in-law.

"She's pretty much an inspiration to the family," Malcolm Haynes said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman turns 104, share's life's secrets

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has scheduled its second annual Rubber Duck Race.

It starts at 11 a.m. April 22 adjacent to the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

The cost is $5 for one duck, $10 for three, and $20 for seven. 

Prizes are $100 for third through 10th place, $250 for second place, and $500 for first place.

Event sponsors are Emerald Coast Aviation, the Paul Hsu Foundation, Bob and Peggy Hollingshead, the Friends of the Crestview Library, Publix, Okaloosa Gas, Hothead Burritos, Dr. Richard Thomas, Cal Zethmayr — WAAZ, and Eglin Federal Credit Union.

Email foundationduck@gmail.com or www.crestviewchamberfoundation.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chamber foundation sets duck race

CRESTVIEW — European Union nations and communities annually celebrate their respective heritages during the Journey of Patrimony weekend.

This year, Okaloosa County residents will be there during the Crestview Area Sister City Program’s “A Journey Into Noirmoutier’s Heritage” trip.

Membership in Crestview’s Sister City program is open to anyone, and any dues-paying member can attend the Sept. 7-19 trip.

Details and itineraries are being finalized, but participants can anticipate:

•Hospitality: A fundamental of a Sister City relationship is the “people-to-people” relationship. Hence, participants never stay in hotels.

“We are welcomed into a Noirmoutrin home as part of the family,” Sister City program treasurer Pam Coffield said. “That means everybody’s experience is a little different.”

•Gastronomy: Visiting a nation world-renowned for its cuisine, the Crestview contingent will dine in style. Food-centric events include a beach “pique-nique” and a gala including local entertainment.

•Exploration: Participants will discover beaches; shady forests; winding old streets; a towering château (castle); St. Philbert’s church, which was begun in the ninth century; villages; sea salt production marshes; the market; and monolithic World War II bunkers.

•Heritage: The Sept. 15-17 Patrimony Weekend features visits to historic sites, including the château and its museum, historic homes and other venues. Re-enactors will recreate traditions, crafts and historic events.

•World War II re-enactment: Members of the Atlantic Wall Memory World War II re-enactment and vehicles club will display and demonstrate restored weapons, vehicles and equipment, including an American searchlight refurbished partially through support from Crestview donors.

Participants travel to Nantes on their own and rendezvous in Nantes. For the next 10 days, expenses are minimal — limited to souvenirs and a few meals. An optional Puy du Fou experience is $320; a Chateaux of the Loire trip is $350.

To join, reserve your spot or for more information, including the trip’s full cost, contact President Brian Hughes, brian_abroad@yahoo.com or 603-2584, or Treasurer Pam and Joe Coffield, jcoffield@cox.net or 682-8437.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview residents plan trip to French Sister City

Back when I was in college, a “rager” was a wild party. Now the only “ragers” college kids have is when a speaker they disagree with comes to campus. They manufacture rage, all at the expense of the First Amendment.

With such rage on its campus, a $70,000-per-year Middlebury College degree just went down in value — again.

The "Cliffs Notes" version of the latest college “snowflake” movement happened at leafy Middlebury College in Vermont. Well-respected author and academic Charles Murray was set to speak. The kids wanted no part of him, and a spineless administration would not take a stand for free speech.

The rage was so bad, the mob assaulted a faculty member who was escorting Murray on campus; she had to be hospitalized.

To celebrate their accomplishment, I suppose the students then went into the campus quad and played hacky sack (with helmets, for safety) because it just felt right.

I never trust a college that doesn't have a real football team.

The First Amendment has died a slow death on college campuses, strangled over time by their left-wing bureaucracies. If our founders were around today, (after visiting the Times Square theater district to catch the musical "Hamilton") they would be appalled by what happened at Middlebury College.

Colleges, which I have long said have priced themselves out as a value proposition for many, are the front lines of the war on free speech. College professors were supposedly tenured to protect their speech and ideas that might be controversial, but they are the ones who, hypocritically, are diminishing our First Amendment for others.

Parents, students and employers must continue to ask themselves if taking on so much student loan debt for such lame "educations" is smart or dumb. Sadly, the middle class is hurt most by such prohibitive costs.

The left, represented by their perpetually enraged leaders, including Elizabeth Warren, owns the education system. Warren got a job at Harvard by pretending to be Native American. She made $429,981 per year and taught one class — and then somehow blamed others for the high cost of college.

Campuses were supposed to be places where ideas were debated. Today they are places where opposition speech is labeled "hate" and shut down. Many college campuses cannot stand the idea of free speech unless it is speech they agree with; if they do not like what is said, they seek to silence the speaker.

The sad fact is that, in a recent poll, 41 percent of millennials said there should be limitations to free speech if they view it as “hateful” or might offend someone.

Hey snowflakes, that is what free speech is: speech we don’t agree with. How badly has the education system failed us that 41 percent of these kids do not understand that?

College kids are so Bernie Sanders liberal today. Forty-one percent of them don’t believe in free speech and the other 59 percent believe the federal government should pay for it.

This weak, millennial generation grew up receiving participation trophies, expecting us to applaud and positively reinforce what little they do.

Jugglers, street mimes and community theater actors need applause — real leaders don't. I cannot imagine General Patton or General Eisenhower putting up with this. I just hope this generation does not have to go to war.

There is a self-absorbed oddity to this millennial generation. I always wonder why millennials want to take selfies or videotape everything they do, even sex. I'm just the opposite. When I am done with sex, my only solace is, "Well, at least no one had to see that."

Russia is taking over other countries, ISIS is marauding and killing, we have an unsustainable $20 trillion in debt, and we spend our time fretting over PC silliness. We may look weak and feckless as a world power these days, but we are still the world's undisputed superpower when it comes to televised singing and dancing contests.

Even Yale’s Calhoun College has been embroiled in a PC-led name-change battle because Sen. John C. Calhoun owned slaves around 1800. Shocker! 

I’d suggest they change the name to Trump University; that name became available recently.

Bet they won’t.

Ron Hart, a libertarian and award-winning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart.com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Liberal colleges continue to embarrass

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on North Okaloosa County nonprofits that enhance our quality of life.

CRESTVIEW—Evacuating to an emergency shelter can be a stressful and confusing time. For those with special needs those feelings can be compounded.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, with assistance from the volunteer-based Okaloosa-Walton Medical Reserve Corps, comes to the aid of those with special needs in times of evacuation.

“This isn’t a ‘plan A’ location for people but it’s an option,” Assistant Director of the DOH-Okaloosa Carrie Ziegler said.

That location is Davidson Middle School, which within a matter of hours can transform into a refuge for people requiring concentrated oxygen, electronic-based life support equipment, or other low-need medical care.

The school gymnasium already functions as a general population shelter for people seeking a place to stay during times of inclement weather, but a separate wing of the school converts to a hospital-like environment.

Ziegler stresses that the facility doesn’t have the resources or staff of an actual hospital, so individuals with more “serious conditions” are encouraged to consult those fully-functioning medical facilities.

What the special needs shelter can provide is more specialized care than that found in a general evacuation shelter.

Shelter seekers check into the location’s triage and have needs assessed by the medical volunteers and staff before being placed into one of several classrooms. The rooms are void of traditional student desks and replaced with large, green sleeping cots. Each room holds nine cots.

Different rooms service different needs such as oxygen machines or fans. Individuals in need of a caretaker or medications must supply their own, given the shelter’s limited resources.

The capacity is approximately 87, according to a representative for the shelter. Volunteers and staff work in several shifts based on the nature of the emergency and altogether about 70 workers of both medical and non-medical backgrounds run the operation.

The special needs shelter hasn’t opened since Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and that’s why volunteers and staff conducted a practice exercise Monday. The school’s spring break allowed the various departments to clear needed classrooms and run mock emergency scenarios.

The exercises included patient actors who were given prompt cards to help volunteers address a range of scenarios.

The practices allow volunteers and staff to gain insight to how the shelter should function and to address questions or concerns that might not be written into policy.

One such debate occurred over a “patient” who was admitted to the shelter with a dog. Service animals are permitted but generally, an individual can’t bring their pet. However, this sparked questions from attendees such as what to do if a patient refuses to be separated from their pet or if current weather conditions prevent them from leaving.

“We have evaluators that are a part of the sessions and not only do they take notes on performance but also note questions such as that,” Ziegler said. “The questions are reviewed by staff and used to make our process better.”

A full exercise like Monday’s takes place about every other year, according to DOH-Okaloosa Public Information Officer Ryan Mims.

“I’d say about 90 percent of our staff has been recycled since the last time we had to open,” Mims said.

The logistics of running a full-scale exercise are cumbersome and thus, smaller exercises and training are conducted throughout the year, according to Mims.

The Reserve Corps and DOH-Okaloosa advise individuals to pre-register for the special needs shelter to ensure adequate resources and care if an emergency occurred. Registration is active for a full year but does not guarantee the shelter can accommodate a person’s needs. The number of currently registered individuals was not immediately available.

Visit www.snr.floridadisaster.org/ to register for the shelter. Call 833-9240 for any questions concerning the shelter or to become a member of the Medical Reserve Corps.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated the Medical Reserve Corps were the lead in the shelter operation. This information has been corrected to the reflect the DOH-Okaloosa as the operation's lead.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PROVIDING PLAN B

CRESTVIEW—Walmart is turning its attention toward Crestview’s north end as it prepares site plans for a new Supercenter at Richbourg Lane and Industrial Drive.

The proposed site is currently undeveloped and sits on approximately 20 acres, according to Crestview Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard. Some site clearing has already begun in the wooded area across from Johnny O’Quigley’s Ale House as planning stages are underway.

Originally proposed plans are being revamped after the company requested the addition of new sanitary sewer lines.

Developers have been in conversation with the city of Crestview, officials from Okaloosa County and the Florida Department of Transportation, Gaillard said. Although the proposed location falls outside city limits, the presence of a Walmart and accompanying gas station would be impactful to the city and State Road 85.

The company will know by June 30 whether it can secure a development order and begin construction. That process is looking “very favorable,” Gaillard said.

There’s no guaranteed construction timeline as of yet, even if the company secures the proper permitting. Progress on similar projects can take months or “sometimes years” to complete, Gaillard said.

The process can also be slowed by the company conducting thorough and rigorous site research and planning, something Walmart has been doing, Gaillard added.

The company already operates a Supercenter near the city’s south end at 3351 S. Ferdon Blvd. near Interstate 10. The addition of a second location is something some residents would prefer to avoid.

Several social media commenters reacted negatively to a News Bulletin release of site photographs on Friday and called for the city to open a Target.

"In reality, they are opening more businesses in Crestview but it's more of the same," Yanira Ortiz said via an Instagram message.

Ortiz lives between Crestview and Laurel Hill and said she faces a lengthy drive to Fort Walton Beach.

"If we had a variety [of businesses] in Crestview we could inject economy in Crestview and not have to buy in other cities," she added.

Jess Golden agrees.

"We're just doubling what we already have," Golden said via a message in reference to a second Walmart and Publix. "We need to bring in something new."

She suggested bringing in a Target or Kmart to make Walmart more competitive.

Luring Target to a city is easier said than done, according to Community Redevelopment Agency Director Brenda Smith in a previous interview.

The process involves a city marketing itself to Target and engaging the company in conversation, according to Smith. If the company expresses interest it will conduct a feasibility study and measure the city against a set of metrics, she added.

“Without a city master plan, [Target] won’t even consider looking at us,” Smith said.

Target corporate offices did not respond to a phone call and email on the matter.

Regardless of the city’s ability to lure a Target to town, Walmart is interested and is pursuing expansion in the Hub City with a second location.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Walmart eyes second Crestview location

CRESTVIEW—The City Council prepared for improved code enforcement and the city touted a new way to explore local events at its meeting Monday evening.

Code enforcement

Ordinance 1619 was approved on its first reading by unanimous vote. The ordinance allows the city and the city’s code enforcement to define what an “unsafe structure” is and how they can begin to be dealt with.

“Until this ordinance passes, [the city] has no definition of what an unsafe building is,” Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard said during the introduction of the proposed ordinance. “It’s the first (step) towards a solution” to code enforcement and blight, she added.

Melissa Simpson, a local Realtor, asked during public comment if the ordinance would provide the city with the ability to penalize individuals for blighted structures and allow them to demolish those buildings if remediation attempts failed.

City Attorney Ben Holley and Gaillard confirmed it would not grant those abilities.

“You can’t make a step until you take this one,” Gaillard said in reference to Ordinance 1619. Without its adoption, the city would not have a way to spearhead later efforts to condemn or demolish unsafe structures.

The ordinance will go to a second reading before it is adopted to the city code.

Councilman Joe Blocker expressed interest in hosting a town hall-style forum or workshop for property owners to explain what the current code laws state and what rights they have property owners.

“Property owners have rights as well,” Blocker said, a sentiment he has expressed during past conversations on code enforcement.

“Property owners have rights but they also have responsibilities,” Gaillard added.

Community events

Crestview launched a new Facebook page called “Crestview Events” as a source for events and happenings in the community.

Events are currently listed on the official city page and website but are limited to those endorsed or sponsored by the city, according to City Clerk Betsy Roy. The new page will allow citizens a chance to promote and discover other events happening in the area.

Roy also highlighted a mobile app for Android and iPhone users called “City of Crestview” for free download. The app presents users with several icons including City Council, police and fire departments, public services and jobs. Clicking the icons will bring individuals to the city’s mobile website for the respective selection.

Users can also register for alerts and notifications from the city using the app or the www.cityofcrestview.org web page. The alerts include public safety information, road closure details, meeting agendas and office closure information.

The goal of the notifications is to provide an additional method for people to stay informed during emergencies.

Honors and appointment

Two service recognitions were made during Monday’s meeting—Mayor David Cadle and Fire Chief Joseph Traylor presented firefighter Jonathan Hoke with a service award commemorating his 10 years of service with the Crestview Fire Department.

Additionally, Cadle and Police Chief Tony Taylor recognized investigator Ralph Garrett as the department’s officer of the year.

Cadle appointed Joshua Molyneux to be the commissioner of the Crestview Housing Authority, an appointment that was unanimously adopted by the council. Molyneux has been the interim commissioner for over a year and will now serve in the official capacity for four years.

“He’s going to do a great job in anything he does,” Councilman J.B. Whitten said. “He’s the right man in the right place.”

The next City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 27. A workshop will precede the meeting and is currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council prepares to toughen up for blight fight

CRESTVIEW — A Career Source mini job fair is scheduled soon in Crestview.

The fair is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

Employers will be hiring on the spot. They include Adecco, Waffle House, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, CEFCO, Twin Cities Pavilion, Certified Manufacturing, Inc. and PeopleReady.

Openings include customer services, restaurant managers, servers, cooks, laborers, electricians, welders, production assemblers and carpenters, among others.

Career Source Okaloosa-Walton also has 50 construction positions immediately available at a Niceville site, and 25 more at a Navarre site. Workers make $15 an hour plus overtime. A background check and drug test are required. To apply, go to the Fort Walton Beach center, 409 Racetrack Road NE, or call 833-7587.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview job fair set

The library now has a free English as a Second Language class.

Hank Halle teaches the class 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the library. It's for native Spanish-speaking adult students who would like to improve their communication skills in English.

Call 682-4432, send an email to jrmccarthy@okaloosa.lib.fl.us or drop by the library at 1445 Commerce Drive to sign up, as seats are limited.

We also offer a variety of online programs to help those seeking to learn English (and other languages).

We have Rocket Languages, BrainFuse HelpNow and Basic ESL, thanks to our membership with the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

Visit readokaloosa.org and with your library card choose the resource that best suits you.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library offers free English as a second language class

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