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

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

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

To the books! And, beyond! This summer we’re exploring “A Universe of Stories.” Storytime Classes emphasizing outer space will begin June 10. Hours are:

• 10:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 3-5.
• 3:15 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays for ages 6-8
• 9:15 a.m. Fridays for ages 0-2.

What are Storytime Classes? They include things like read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays, action rhymes and games. Classes for ages 3 and up often include a craft.

Kids ages 9-14 will meet 3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. They’ll publish a book, design a colorful picture from space topography, build origami spaceships, sculpt an alien, silk dye their own galaxy, and become a planet while making a tasty treat.

Can’t come? Never fear! Reading logs may be completed whether far or near.

We have Summer Reading Challenges for two age groups: 6-11 and 12-17. Pick up a reading log at the front desk or go to www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php and print it from the Classes, Clubs & Services page.

Kids ages 6-11 who pick up their logs at the library will get stickers with them while supplies last.

Readers earn a Funny Money dollar for every day they read at least 20 minutes, beginning June 8 and ending July 17. Then, they can spend their hard-earned cash at the Reader Awards on July 23!

Those who can't attend the event will still receive a reading certificate and a coupon for something yummy!

Participants ages 12-17 who read 30 minutes a day June 8-July 17 may win prizes from Big Kahuna’s, The Track, Gamestop, Starbucks, Marquis Cinema and Papa Johns! Come to Reader Awards for first pick!

Reading logs are due by July 18. The award ceremony is 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

Please call me at 682-4432 with questions.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Storytime, summer reading challenges kick off in June

We have been having hot, dry weather recently here in Northwest Florida. The forecast shows hot temperatures with little to no rain, for at least the short term. The heat, winds and relatively low humidity result in an increase need for wise water use in our lawns and landscapes.

During dry weather, it’s important to implement the following water management practices to improve the water efficiency of your lawn and landscape. 

Mulching helps conserve water. On bare ground, about 60 percent of the water can be lost through evaporation. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help hold onto the water so the plants can use it. Try to mulch the entire root zone when possible or at least apply mulch all the way around the plants out to the end of the branches.

A thorough soaking to wet the soil to a depth of six to eight inches is better for plants than light frequent watering. Three to five gallons of water applied to one spot under the canopy of trees or shrubs should thoroughly saturate the root zone in that location. During dry periods, 25 percent of the root system, when watered thoroughly, can absorb all the water a plant requires at any given time. 

Apply one to two inches of water per week to the lawn when we are not getting rain. Although many sprinklers have irrigation rates of one-fourth inch per hour, some may apply up to one inch per hour. Measure your irrigation rate and uniformity by placing several open-top containers of the same size under the sprinkler and see how long it takes to apply a known amount of water such as half an inch. 

An efficient irrigation program on turf should not begin until the grass first shows signs of moisture stress. Signs include a dull, bluish-green color and leaf blades folding. The most efficient time to irrigate is between sunset and sunrise because of less evaporation, less wind and lower temperatures. Early morning is the next most effective time to irrigate, while midday is the least efficient. 

Avoid fertilizing drought-stressed plants. Fertilizers are chemical salts and will dehydrate roots when water is in short supply.

If you need to apply a pesticide, make certain the plant is not wilted at the time and spray during early morning or late afternoon.

Also avoid unnecessary pruning of plants during drought. Pruning encourages new growth, which has a high demand for water. 

For more information on watering efficiently and drought-tolerant plants, contact your county University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office or visit http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/irrigation. 

 Larry Williams 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: Wise water use during dry weather

CRESTVIEW — More than 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Among them were many relatives and ancestors of today’s Okaloosa County families.

Organizers of the Crestview D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemoration invite area residents to recognize their World War II service member heroes by displaying a framed photo on a Table of Honor during the Crestview D-Day observance, which is 4:30-8 p.m. June 6 at Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. The event and photo disply are free of charge.

“My own father was in the U.S. Army during the war,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said. “The war touched many, many families, and our family heroes deserve to be recognized during this event.”

Those wishing to honor a relative or ancestor who was a World War II veteran of either theatre of operations, European or Pacific, may bring a framed war-era photo of the veteran to Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Photos may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. June 5 or 6. Cards to identify the veteran may be completed and placed with the photo at the time the photo is delivered. Photos may be picked up after the D-Day observance. Refreshments will be served.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Table of Honor to recognize World War II veterans

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