local | Crestview News Bulletin

VBS sessions to start soon

Written by archive on June 2, 2019. Posted in local, News.

Here is a list of Vacation Bible School offerings from local churches. Submit VBS information to faith@srpressgazette.com to have it added to the list.

CRESTVIEW

First Presbyterian Church of Crestview VBS is 6-8 p.m. June 10-14 in the church's education building at the corner of Beech Ave. W. (off South Ferdon Blvd.), Crestview. The theme is "Roar! Life is Wild, God is Good." Call 850-682-2835 or email churchoffice@fpc-crestview.org for information. Preregister by June 1 at vbspro.events/p/roarfpc.

Crestview First United Methodist Church will host Roar VBS for children age 4 through rising fifth-graders. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon June 24-27 at 599 8th Ave., Crestview. Drop off time is 8:45 a.m. Register at http://fumcrestview.com/vbs-2019.

PACE

Woodbine Church will feature VBS with the theme "Power Up, Raise Your Game" 5:30-8 p.m. June 10-14 at 5200 Woodbine Road, Pace. It is free and open to community children ages 4 through fifth grade. There will be nightly fun themes, from Crazy Socks to Wild Hair, concluding with a Mario Party Night. Each year a mission fundraiser project is selected. This year, “Mobility Worldwide” will benefit those in greatest need with the least resources in poor or underdeveloped counties. For more information visit mywoodbinechurch.org or call 850-995-0007.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VBS sessions to start soon

Summers aren’t complete without 4-H

Written by archive on May 31, 2019. Posted in local, News.

The school year is quickly coming to an end, but Okaloosa County 4-H is gearing up for a busy summer.

Residential camp, day camps, workshops, and district and state events are filling up nearly every week this summer to keep everyone’s schedules jam packed.

The first on the agenda is overnight camping with Escambia and Santa Rosa County at 4-H Camp Timpoochee in Niceville the first week of June. This week-long camp is filled with shooting sports, marine exploration, kayaking, and creative dramatic classes, to name a few.

Next on the agenda are day camps and workshops that are held in June and July. Workshops will be held at the Eglin and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base School-Age Programs and Youth Centers, focusing on topics ranging from theatre arts to wilderness. Three 4-H Day Camps will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Library and are open to all youths, not just 4-H members. They are:

June 19-21, Explore 4-H, for ages 5-7.
July 10-12, Space Explorers, for ages 8-11.
July 17-19: Junk Drawer Robotics: ages 12-18.

4-H members may also participate at 4-H district- and state-wide events throughout Florida. 4-H Legislature is a state-wide event consisting of teenagers ages 13-18 heading to Tallahassee to develop their debate, public speaking, and legislative skills.

They spend the week sponsoring, lobbying, and debating on the House and Senate floors with youths across the state of Florida.

4-H University is another state-wide event where youths ages 14-18 spend the week at the University of Florida attending educational workshops. They have the opportunity to meet faculty, explore career opportunities, and participate in community service activities.

Have a youth interested in one of the 4-H camps or events being held this summer or joining 4-H? Go to https://bit.ly/2VNwRZC, follow the Okaloosa 4-H Facebook page, or contact them at 689-5850, twilken@ufl.edu, or koakes@ufl.edu.

Katie Oakes and Taylor Wilken are agents at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Summers aren’t complete without 4-H

What's happening in North Okaloosa County

Written by archive on May 31, 2019. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 9 a.m. to noon June 1, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event includes free health and wellness screenings, health education and demonstrations; door prizes, family entertainment and a snack bar. Call 682-3212 for more information.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

RECURRING

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.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 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.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 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.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH FAIR VENDORS, SPONSORS: The chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for its upcoming health fair, 9 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Call 682-3212 for more information.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

Reading challenge theme is Universe of Stories

Written by archive on May 30, 2019. Posted in local, News.

The crazy apocalyptic heat of Floridian summer is upon us! Of course, with the solar flares of doom come the bored children, free of their educational confines for a few months.

Now, you probably already know that your local public library will be offering a stellar Universe of Stories theme for its summer program, including a reading challenge for kids ages 6-11.

Before you strap in the young ones to come pick up reading logs, throw the older ones in the car too!

Crestview Public Library will be offering a teen summer reading challenge again this year, including amazing prizes like Big Kahuna’s tickets and free pizza coupons.

If your child is ages 12-17, all they will have to do is read 30 minutes a day to get credit! The official start date for all summer reading is June 8, and logs will be due back to the library on July 18.

The Reader Awards for all ages is 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. If you can’t attend, your teen can stop by the library the following week to pick up a prize.

If you’re stuck indoors because of the ludicrous inferno outside, be cool and read!

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reading challenge theme is Universe of Stories

Seasonal services under way in Fort Pickens

Written by archive on May 30, 2019. Posted in local, News.

GULF BREEZE — The seasonal tram service in the Fort Pickens Area began on May 20.

The trams are operated by Dreamcatcher Shuttle Service of Pensacola, through a service contract and will largely mirror the tour boat operating schedule. The service is available for all visitors at no charge and will make stops at the Fort Pickens Plaza, Campground, and Langdon Beach.

Trams will stop at each of the three shuttle stops between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. The new service utilizes electric tram vehicles, which can carry 27 passengers and travel at regular park speed limits. The fully accessible vehicles feature solar panels to extend the battery charge and drive time.

It offers tour boat passengers and campers a convenient way to access the swim area at Langdon Beach while offering day-use visitors an easy way to move about the park including the Mine Storeroom, which opened May 17.

The Mine Storeroom is operated by Pensacola Bay Cruises and is offering snacks, cold drinks, and ice at the Fort Pickens Plaza. The Mine Storeroom is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Pensacola Bay Cruises began their summer operation May 17, offering all-day hop-on, hop-off cruises between Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach, and downtown Pensacola.

Visitors arriving by tour boat at Fort Pickens are not required to pay the park’s entrance fee. For more information about the Pensacola Bay tour boat service, visit www.cruisepb.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seasonal services under way in Fort Pickens

Crestview Democratic Women to meet

Written by archive on May 30, 2019. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — The Democratic Women's Club of North Okaloosa will hold its regular monthly meeting soon.

Guest speaker is Jennifer Copus, a local attorney with Copus and Copus. She will be talking about the immigration problems in the Crestview community.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. June 4 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Democratic Women to meet

Okaloosa School District to host job fair

Written by archive on May 30, 2019. Posted in local, News.

FORT WALTON BEACH — A recruiting fair for Okaloosa County teachers is scheduled.

OCSD's Teach at the Beach Recruiting Fair is 9-11 a.m. June 1 at Choctawhatchee High School, 110 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach.

Primary and secondary principals will meet with attendees and share the work being done at county schools.

Potential hires should bring resume copies. register at www.okaloosaschools.com; email personnel@okaloosaschools.com or call 850-833-5801.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa School District to host job fair

North Okaloosa County services calendar

Written by archive on May 24, 2019. Posted in local, News.

COLD SHELTERS: The following Crestview shelters open at 6 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. when temperatures are 40 degrees or below.

Sunday: Lifepoint Church, 400 Ferdon Blvd. S, 682-3518.
Monday: Helping Hands house, 428 McLaughlin Ave., 398-5670. Hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Community of Christ, 398 First Ave. W., 682-7474. Hosted by Joy Fellowship.
Thursday: Helping Hands house, hosted by Woodlawn Baptist Church, 398-5670.
Friday: The Full Gospel Restoration Full Gospel Church, 383 Texas Parkway, 682-6029.
Saturday: Helping Hands house, hosted by First United Methodist Church, 398-5670.

PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED: The Crestview Police Department Community Services Division is accepting prize donations for the games night it has with special needs teens and adults in Crestview. Donations of bottled water, soft drinks and snacks are also welcome. Take donations to the CPD, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

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.

SUPPORT CIRCLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS: Meetings take place as follows.

5-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Shelter House, 120 Woodruff Ave., Suite A, Crestview. This is a Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 683-0845.
6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 16 Ferry Road SE, Fort Walton Beach. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 243-1201.
noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 3590 U.S. Highway 331 S., Suite 102, DeFuniak Springs. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 362-7190.

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.

EMPLOY FLORIDA WORKSHOPS: 9-11 a.m. fourth Thursdays of the month at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach. Learn to conduct job searches on the state system, create a resume, access labor market data for wage, job experience and education requirements for a specific occupation. Learn about Training Grant opportunities, online training courses, and the organization's virtual recruiter.

COLLEGE OFFERS ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: A Florida State University program that offers relief – free of charge – to distressed African-Americans who provide care to a loved one with dementia. It uses trained lay pastoral-care facilitators and is recruiting caregivers in North and Central Florida. ACTS 2 (African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support) won a $20,000 award as well. Caregivers participate in a 12-session, telephone-based skills-building and support program covering topics such as relaxation, effective thinking and problem-solving skills. Call 866-778-2724 toll free, 850-274-4945, or go to www.ACTS2Project.org for details.

SHINE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a Department of Elder Affairs program, seeks volunteers to help elderly residents answer Medicare questions and resolve problems, help them make informed choices about their health insurance, save money on prescription medications and learn about their eligibility for helpful programs. There is no charge for seniors to use the program. Bilingual volunteers are also encouraged to call. Dial 1-800-963-5337 for details.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED: ECH provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and provided ongoing education. They can serve in a variety of areas from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Just a few hours a month makes an impact. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689- 0300.

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Seniors vs. Crime's Crestview office, which assists senior citizens whom someone scammed or took advantage of, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Joe Loria, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 800-203-3099, see www.seniorsvscrime.com, or email crestview@svcproject.org for more information.　

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

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.

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: Nonprofit 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: Group 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.

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: Help veterans attend 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: Donations wanted for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

What's happening in North Okaloosa County

Written by archive on May 24, 2019. Posted in local, News.