Years ago, I heard a story about a butterfly that was tirelessly working to break from its cocoon. A man observed the struggling butterfly for several minutes. Feeling sorry for the soon-to-be-flying beautiful creature, he took his pocketknife and slit the cocoon to assist its freedom.

The butterfly fell out of the cocoon and flapped its wings a couple of times and died. The man's good intentions crippled and killed the butterfly, preventing its own natural progression of development that would lead to its soaring through the air.

Often it's hard work and struggle that enable us to develop our internal fortitude to push forward, hang on and succeed in life. Such fortitude comes with pressures and failures. Eventually, we develop the internal muscles and a spirit to walk on our own two feet and even to soar like the butterfly.

Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, is remembered for his saying that he would float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Ali's abilities came from years of strenuous workouts and punishment to become the greatest athlete of all time.

Joy, laughter and celebration come at the end of a hard day's work. Our greatest feelings of triumph come after a long period of work and struggle to finally realize an accomplishment or a success.

I remember my dad buying a small record player when I was a kid. He bought a dozen or so records to go with it. We wore those records out. Another day came when he bought a big stereo record player that was also worn out over the years. He would work in a coal mine all week but he and my mother and another couple would often sing for two to three hours on the front porch of our house. Two to three times a week they would sing in church. Mom and Dad worked tirelessly throughout the week but at the end of the week they wanted to cut loose and sing, and many churches gladly received them.

Singing and dancing come from the soul. There has to be an internal emotion that is within the heart that desires to leap out in joyful expression. In other words, you have to want to do it and feel like doing it. I am not sure how many people today feel so good that they want to sing, dance and celebrate living. Too many no longer have even a faint hum or an occasional shuffle. Many Americans no longer have a twinkle in their eyes.

Many of us watch the news and we see a lot of unhappiness. We see a lot of rancor and critical, degrading talk on social media. There is too much unhappiness.

A lot of unhappiness comes from the world of religion. Where did religious entities and many churches ever get the idea that good religion means an unhappy, joyless person? Many Middle Eastern religious groups are all about people being glum and joyless. This is probably why some groups don't want to hear much about Jesus, who told funny stories and was the life of the party.

Many of America's problems started on April 21, 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson declared his war on poverty. He came to Martin County, Kentucky and sat on Tom Fletcher's porch while the media captured the iconic picture that put a face on President Johnson's war on poverty.

I was in Inez that day, just a child and clueless as to what it was all about. President Johnson's idea that federal dollars handed out to millions of people would solve America's poverty problems sounded good to many but it has failed. Tom Fletcher never got out of poverty nor have 40 percent of the people in Martin County, especially since coal mining is now essentially over in the region.

Waiting on a government check, food stamp allotment and government medical assistance does not bring much happiness to America's 50 million people living in poverty. Today the face of poverty can be found in any town in America and it's still as bleak as it was in 1964.

People must have work to do. A daily job, some work, a real paycheck, and a life to live give meaning, and from meaning is a feeling of purpose and happiness. When we feel good about ourselves, we hum and sing a little, dance a little and celebrate a little.

We have to get ourselves back to feeling better. It starts with our thinking followed by our deeds, and that develops our lifestyles and our destinies. Please, let's start now. Sow a good thought. Reap a good act. Sow a good act. Reap a happier lifestyle. Sow a good lifestyle. Reap a better destiny.

We can change the direction of our nation but it begins with you and me, and inside the head of every American.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hard work, right living equal singing and dancing

CRESTVIEW—Main Street has various businesses that appeal to a range of people, but one group of residents faces a difficult situation when visiting the area.

Despite hundreds of parking spaces lining the roadway, less than five are designated for disabled motorists. A disabled parking space offers permitted users space, ramps and decreased distance to storefronts.

Traditional parking spaces measure 9 feet wide on average and have additional spaces on immediate borders. This differs from disabled spaces, which are required to be 12 feet wide, with a 5-foot access that can be shared when adjacent to other disabled spots. The additional space accommodates wheelchair ramps or lifts and allows for improved mobility.

The Main Street spaces are accompanied by an equal amount of spaces on side roads stemming from the business district. The spaces are designated as disabled parking but little else is done to make them accommodating.

Most of the spots are not located near a curb ramp, making access for those with limited mobility difficult. Several of the spaces require the occupant to pass through the lane of traffic to reach the nearest ramp. This prevents ease of access for disabled patrons and forces some to travel a greater distance to reach their destination.

A misconception of disabled parking spaces is that they are for use only by individuals with wheelchairs, canes or other medical mobility devices. However, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues the permits to those with lung disease, cardiac conditions and those with portable oxygen tanks.

Additionally, people with severe walking limitations due to arthritis, neurological or orthopedic conditions qualify for the permit.

Main Street’s limited number of spaces falls within legal guidelines due to the wording of Florida Statute 553.5041, which dictates disabled parking laws. A minimum number of disabled spaces is only set when concerning government offices, metered parking or public lots.

A public government building needs only a single space in the “general vicinity” if one is not provided on the building’s premises. Within the building’s premise would include a marked parking area for a certain structure, such as the parking lot reserved for City Hall.

One disabled space must be designated for every 150 metered spaces, according to the law. This is the only other calculated minimum set for such spaces. Main Street is exempt from this provision since it doesn’t use metered spaces.

Public lots require no fewer than 2 percent of available parking to be accessible, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2010.

Outside these rules, disabled parking spaces must only be “increased on the basis of demonstrated and documented need,” according to the Florida Statutes.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Is there enough disabled parking on Main Street?

Last year, Americans spent more than $19 billion on Valentine's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation, with the majority of this money going to flowers, candy, cards and an evening out.

These gifts were thoughtful, of course, and no doubt appreciated, but they were also somewhat disposable, for want of a better word. On the other hand, some financial gifts can have a pretty long "shelf life." Beyond simply enclosing some money in a card, what sort of financial gifts can you give? The answer depends somewhat on the recipient. For example, if your sweetheart is also your spouse, some of the gifts suggested below may be redundant to the financial moves you make together.

However, if you aren't married, or if you and your spouse maintain separate finances, these ideas may make excellent Valentine's Day presents:

•IRA contributions: Technically, you can't contribute directly to someone else's traditional or Roth IRA, but you can write a check to your loved one — although, of course, he or she is free to use the money for any purpose. Like most people, your valentine may not usually contribute the yearly maximum amount — which, in 2017, is $5,500, or $6,500 if you're 50 or older — so your check should be quite welcome. A traditional IRA can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and contributions may be tax-deductible. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and any withdrawals you make before you reach 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty. A Roth IRA's earnings are distributed tax-free, provided withdrawals aren't taken until the account owner is 59½ and has had the IRA for at least five years.

•Charitable gifts: Consider making a gift to a charitable organization supported by your loved one. When you send cash to a qualified charity, you can get a tax deduction, but you might gain even bigger benefits by donating appreciated securities you've held for more than one year. By doing so, you can generally deduct the value of the securities, based on their worth when you make the gift. Plus, neither you nor the charity will have to pay capital gains taxes on the donated investments.

•Contributions to an emergency fund: It's a good idea for everyone to maintain an emergency fund to cover unanticipated expenses, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or out-of-pocket medical bills. If your valentine doesn't have such a fund, consider helping him or her establish one, with the money going to a liquid, low-risk account.

•Gym membership: Although not actually a "financial" gift, a gym membership can nonetheless bring some positive economic results to your valentine. For one thing, the insurance industry is providing more incentives to encourage people to exercise and live healthier lifestyles. But even if a gym membership doesn't give your loved one a break on insurance premiums, it can nonetheless result in better physical conditioning, which, in, turn, could ultimately result in lower medical costs.

On Valentine's Day, you may still want to get your sweetheart something associated with the holiday. But if it's within your means to do so, also consider one of the above suggestions for financial gifts. Your generosity will still be felt long after the chocolates are eaten and the flowers have faded.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Consider financial Valentine's Day gifts

Okaloosa Saves and the University of Florida will host the Eco-Nomic Living Expo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Santa Rosa Mall. Admission is free.

In 2016, a Federal Reserve study found that "Forty-six percent of adults say they either could not cover an emergency expense costing $400 or would cover it by selling something or borrowing money."

What that means is if someone's oven broke, or their air conditioner was on the fritz, they would not be able to repair or replace it because they don't have enough money saved. Okaloosa Saves is a non-profit organization committed to educating youths and adults about saving money and supporting them along the way.

The Eco-Nomic Living Expo is one way we can do this. The expo will have over 45 vendors, all with a focus on health, home, environment and money. In addition to vendors, Gulf Power is bringing in their fuel-efficient vehicle and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension will offer seminars throughout the day on topics such as lawn care, GMOs, micro-plastics, heart health, investing, identity theft and more.

4-H and the Family Nutrition Program will be there all day featuring activities for kids. While you're there, don't forget to vote on your favorite youth and corporate piggy bank.

We have limited space in the Rain Barrel workshop! Create and take home your very own rain barrel to use in your home garden and save your wallet. Pre-registration is required at economicliving@eventbrite.com.

Did we mention all of the door prizes we have? Some of these include a television, lots of baskets filled with goodies, and even money! A donation-based drawing will be held for an original, hand-painted rain barrel by local artist Rafi Perez (www.rafiperezart.com) and there will be goody bags for our first 350 guests who sign up to be Okaloosa Savers. Set-up will be available for the #imsavingforcontest; the first 50 people to complete a video at the expo will receive a gift card and be entered into the national contest to win $1,000.

Okaloosa Saves cannot wait to see you at the Eco-Nomic Living Expo on Feb. 11 at the Santa Rosa Mall. Check out economiclivingexpo.com for more information and visit our Okaloosa Saves Facebook page. Contact me at jbreslawski@ufl.edu or 689-5850 for more information.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ways to save at this weekend's expo

If becoming healthier was one of your New Year’s resolutions, check out a new bestseller that’s been getting a lot of attention: “The Case Against Sugar” by Gary Taubes. The Crestview Public Library has it in both print and audio formats. 

The news magazine “The Guardian” had an insightful January article. Read the entire article at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jan/05/is-sugar-worlds-most-popular-drug. 

FROM THE BOOK'S PUBLISHER: 

From the best-selling author of “Why We Get Fat,” a groundbreaking, eye-opening expose that makes the convincing case that sugar is the tobacco of the new millennium: backed by powerful lobbies, entrenched in our lives, and making us very sick.

Among Americans, diabetes is more prevalent today than ever; obesity is at epidemic proportions; nearly 10 percent of children are thought to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. And sugar is at the root of these, and other, critical society-wide, health-related problems.

With his signature command of both science and straight talk, Gary Taubes delves into Americans' history with sugar: its uses as a preservative, as an additive in cigarettes and the contemporary overuse of high-fructose corn syrup.

He explains what research has shown about our addiction to sweets. He clarifies the arguments against sugar, corrects misconceptions about the relationship between sugar and weight loss; and provides the perspective necessary to make informed decisions about sugar as individuals and as a society.

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'The Case Against Sugar' tackles addiction to sweets

CRESTVIEW — With Northwest Florida's mercurial winter weather, we've entered the season of periodic dense morning fog. The Crestview Police Department joins the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dept. in offering recommendations to make residents' morning commutes safer when fog blankets the area.

"Reduce speed!" Cmdr. Andrew Schneider said. "Officers can cite you for driving unsafe speeds for the road conditions, even if you're doing the posted speed limit."

"Driving in fog can feel like driving while wearing a blindfold," an article on SeniorDriving.AAA.com states. "Objects, such as other vehicles or traffic signals, may not be visible until the last moment – sometimes too late to take proper corrective action."

The Police Department reminds motorists that driving with hazard flashers activated is not only a distraction to other motorists, it is also illegal in Florida.

"Turn your headlights on," Crestview Police Officer Chaise Rawles said, but he cautioned motorists not to rely on automatic headlight activation systems in their vehicles. "It can't detect fog and won't turn your lights on," Rawles said.

Using headlights is particularly important, Schneider said, even if it's daylight. Vehicles driving without headlights blend into the fog bank are not visible to oncoming traffic until they are too close to react to, he said.

"If you can't see them, they can't see you if your lights aren't on," Schneider said. 

The officers also advised drivers to avoid using high beams in fog.

"Use low beams only," Schneider said. "High beams can reflect back on the fog and distract your vision."

•DRIVE WITH LIGHTS on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.

•SLOW DOWN and watch your speedometer before you enter a patch of fog. Be sure that you can stop within the distance that you can see. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. Speed is a major factor in fog-related crashes.

•WATCH OUT for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little to hear better.

•REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and cell phone. Your full attention is required.

•USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS liberally for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windshield.

•USE THE RIGHT EDGE of the road or painted road markings as a guide.

•BE PATIENT. Avoid passing and/or changing lanes.

•SIGNAL TURNS well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop.

•DO NOT STOP on a freeway or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal (people tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog), then carefully pull off as far as possible. After pulling off the road, turn on your hazard flashers (it is illegal to use your emergency flashers except when stopped). Move away from the vehicle.

Sources: Crestview Police Department, Florida Highways and Motor Vehicles Dept.

Foggy weather driving tips

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Driving tips for Northwest Florida’s foggy mornings

CRESTVIEW — “Cooking Matters with Healthy Okaloosa" is the next First Tuesday Talk topic at the Crestview Public Library.

Chandra Williams of the Okaloosa County Health Department will present the information 10:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. 

Attendees will gain hands-on learning through activities like using an onsite pop-up grocery store tour, making easy healthy recipes and playing interactive games.

Call 682-4432 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Healthy cooking seminar set

CRESTVIEW — Kiwanis Charity Clay Shoot organizers have sponsorships available for the second annual sporting clays fundraiser.

The shoot starts with registration and a light breakfast at 8 a.m. May 6 at Shoal River Sporting Clays, 3985 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview. A safety briefing for participants is at 9 a.m. and the shoot starts at 9:30 a.m.

Titanium sponsorship costs $2,000 and provides:

•Complimentary entry fee for two teams (eight shooters)

•Name on event banner

•Name on score cards

•Sponsor name and/or logo on four shooting station signs

•Recognition at award ceremony

Platinum sponsorship costs $1,500 and provides:

•Complimentary entry fee for one team (four shooters)

•Name on event banner

•Name on scorecard

•Sponsor name and/or logo on two shooting station signs

•Recognition at award ceremony

Gold sponsorship costs $1,000 and provides:

•Complimentary entry fee for two shooters

•Name on event banner

•Sponsor name and/or logo on one shooting station sign

•Recognition at award ceremony

Silver sponsorship costs $500 and provides:

•Half-price entry fee for two shooters

•Name on event banner

•Name on shell table

Bronze sponsorship costs $250 and provides:

•Sponsor name and logo on one shooting station sign

Other sponsorships available include goodie bag donation items for bags to be given to each shooter; and award sponsorships for the four first-place, four second-place, four third-place and one best shooter winners.

Proceeds will be used to renovate the John B. McMahon Environmental Center in Crestview. The project's first phase covers installing restrooms, playground equipment, fencing and parking.

Contact Karen Donaldson, 826-2630 or karendonaldson@coastalbankandtrust.com, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Kiwanis clay shoot sponsorships available

CRESTVIEW — Act4Murder, a professional comedy troupe, will present a murder mystery dinner performance. 

Seating for "A Vacation to Die For" starts 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Samuel’s Roadhouse Grill, 114 John King Road, Crestview. Dinner and the performance begin at 6:30 p.m.

"The show will have you roaring over the antics of Becky Boudreaux, Kitty Wunkus, Tommy Wunkus, Mama Wynonna and Bunky Wonky as they sing and dance their way into your hearts. It’s all fun and games, but remember, someone is going to die! Will you and your table of sleuths win a prize for guessing whodunnit?" the media release states.

The cost is $38 per person. RSVP at www.act4murder.com. V.I.P. packages with special merchandise and recognition are also available there.

Call Act4Murder, 862-2885, for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'A Vacation to Die For' coming soon to Samuel's Roadhouse

CRESTVIEW—Building homes is nothing new for Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County. The nonprofit is currently working on its 58^th home in the area.

The site at 582 S. Savage St. is being sponsored by Gulf Power through a grant program. The utility company has partnered with Habitat on about three projects, according to the regional nonprofit’s Community Outreach Director Melissa Litscher.

The organization builds about 2.5 homes each year, Litscher said. The completion process for each home is about six months and takes the work of 600-700 volunteers.

These volunteers come from various backgrounds and become involved with Habitat through different means. Help is enlisted from local businesses, churches and the military. Volunteers of all skill levels can contribute their time to the building process. Building volunteers must be at least 16 years old but other opportunities are available for individuals as young as 13.

The typical day for a Habitat volunteer begins with a morning meeting to discuss the day’s projects or tasks, according to Litscher. From there, more experienced volunteers take charge of those less experienced and teach them the skill they need for the day.

Aside from Gulf Power, Habitat affords construction projects with the help of individual donors, business sponsorships and its two area ReStore locations in Fort Walton and Crestview. Homes are built on land the organization has acquired through donation or purchase.

Contrary to the belief of some, Habitat homes are not given away.

“Homeowners buy at cost of construction, not appraised value,” Litscher said. The approved families are offered a zero percent mortgage and complete 300 hours of “sweat equity,” she added. Sweat equity is a Habitat form of community service that can include time at a ReStore location, building homes or select financial management classes.

Other requirements for ownership include having existing unhealthy or unsafe living conditions, financial strain, a $500 down payment and living or working in Okaloosa County for at least one year, according to the organization’s website.

Habitat opens the housing application process occasionally and allows between three and five people to be approved before closing it, Litscher said. This ensures applicants will receive housing in a timely matter.

Visit www.habitatfwb.org for more information on volunteering, donating or homeownership. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hub City's latest Habitat for Humanity home under construction