CRESTVIEW — Area residents saluted those who have served our country during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Main Street in Crestview.

They cheered, waved flags and clapped for veterans throughout the events, and individually thanked them. The 9 a.m. parade included veterans groups, students, businesses and residents.

The observance included a ceremony at the Okaloosa Veterans Memorial in front of the Okaloosa County Courthouse. The Rev. Darryl Hooks, of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Crestview, gave the program’s invocation. Crestview High School student Jaynie Darby sang the National Anthem, and Crestview Mayor David Cadle read a proclamation.

At one point in the ceremony, Senior Airman Sara Twomey of the 1st Special Operations Medical Group, recognized veterans of individual wars who were present, including World Wars I and II, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and those who had served in other conflicts.

The guest speaker, Rear Adm. Vincent Griffith of the Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Operations, spoke on Veterans Day’s history.

"Ceremonies and observances like this one are being held all across the United States, and they trace their origins to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918, when guns of World War II were silenced," Griffith said.

"Since the days of our independence, more than 50 million men and women have stepped forward to answer our nation's call," Griffith said, "and nearly 1.5 million have been wounded, and almost 1.2 million have lost their lives," Griffith said.

He said service members in all branches of the American military have the same dedication and drive displayed by those who previously served.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you can take pride in knowing that those dedicated service members represent you and all Americans with honor and distinction," Griffith said. He then thanked veterans and their families for their service and support to America.

The Veterans Day observance included laying wreaths in front of the memorial in honor of fallen military heroes. Members of AmVets Post 35 in Crestview, Vietnam Legacy Vets, the Knights of Columbus, the Wingmen, the Elks Lodge and American Legion Post 395 placed the wreaths and saluted afterward.

The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps" by Crestview High School student James Camp, and a prayer.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thanking our veterans

Recently, we had to confirm the presence of the exotic Cuban treefrog in Crestview. While there have been random sightings in the south end of the county over the past few years, this was a first for North Okaloosa.

This treefrog “on steroids” feeds on our smaller treefrogs and is toxic to other animals that may prey on it. As a juvenile, they have red eyes and their hind legs show blue bones through the skin. But their body can grow to over 5 inches and their toe pads are twice the size of our native treefrogs. For more information, go to http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/cuban_treefrog_inFL.shtml.

Every year more than 85 million people visit Florida. However, people are not Florida's only visitors; Florida is also an inviting destination for invasive species that threaten to undermine the health of our environment.

More than an inconvenience, invasive plants and animals can greatly alter our native landscape, adversely impact native wildlife, destroy agricultural crops and threaten our health. Invasions of exotic species cost Floridians over $500 million each year.

The economic costs are small compared to the ecological ones.

Florida has millions of acres of public lands; these lands furnish the water we drink, the air we breathe and countless recreational opportunities. These public lands are highly vulnerable to invasion by exotic plant and animal species; it is estimated that more than 1.7 million acres of Florida's natural areas have been infested by invasive species.

By reporting sightings of invasive animals and plants, we can better assess the extent of the infestations and hopefully eradicate new infestations before they become huge problems. The goal of IveGot1 is to make identification and reporting easy and efficient as possible.

IveGot1 was developed by the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

IveGot1 is more than just an iPhone app; it is an integrated invasive species reporting and outreach campaign for Florida that includes the app, a website with direct access to invasive species reporting and a hotline, 1-888-IVEGOT1, for instant reports of live animals. Easy species reporting captures your current location and allows you to submit an image of your sightings.

Join the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council or your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) through the Florida Invasive Species Partnership and help monitor the movement of invasive species. For more information on the IveGot1 program, see

For more information on the IveGot1 program, see http://www.eddmaps.org/florida/iphone/.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Report invasive species — like this treefrog

The Crestview Public Library just purchased the latest edition of one of the most vetted reference sources for information on alternative medicine.

Can magnets relieve arthritis pain? Does the scent of lavender calm the nerves? Is St. John's Wort a mood enhancer? Authoritative, objective and in tune with the subjects that matter to students and researchers, Gale presents four volumes of current, unbiased information on alternative and complementary medical practices.

Covering all aspects of the subject through more than 800 entries, “The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine” identifies types of alternative medicine being practiced today, including reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, chelation therapy, kinesiology, yoga, chiropractic, Feldenkrais, polarity therapy, detoxification, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, biofeedback, Ayurveda and osteopathy. For the practitioner or interested patient, there are current training requirements, listings of organizations, as well as descriptions of treatments.

Information on recommended therapies for specific disorders and diseases and medicinal uses for plants and herbs are balanced by conclusions of studies on efficacy and analysis of current levels of acceptance by traditional scientists and doctors. Biographies of pioneers in the field — including Deepak Chopra, Edward Bach and David Palmer –appear as sidebars through the text. Included in each entry are glossary sidebars that define key terms.

The four volumes contain more than 800 entries, approximately 400 color images, and many informative illustrations and charts pertaining to herbs and flowers, therapies and procedures, nutrition, and diseases and conditions. More than 50 new entries were added on topics ranging from cherry juice, modified citrus pectin, oleander, and horticultural therapy; the most existing entries were reviewed and updated, and many new images, charts and illustrations were added.

For additional study, each entry concludes with a listing of other books on the subject (which the library could order for you through interlibrary loan outside of our Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative) and a listing of organizations dealing with that topic and their contact information.

So from abscess and acai berry to zinc and zone diet, come have a look at the authoritative and fascinating Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.

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

FRIENDS OF THE CRESTVIEW LIBRARY GENERAL MEETING: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17, Crestview Public Library.

THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving. Wednesday, Nov. 23 hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library will be open regular hours on Saturday, Nov. 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

DRUM CIRCLE WITH PATHDRUMMER: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, Crestview library. For ages 4 and up. Limited to first 20 kids — tickets available at 6 p.m.

FIRST TUESDAY TALK: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 6, Crestview library. “Crestview through the Century,” featuring Pat Hollarn, Crestview Centennial Committee chair.

FREE GENEALOGY FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12, Crestview library. One-on-one help sessions at 6:15 p.m.Details: 849-9468.

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library offers resources on alternative medicine

CRESTVIEW — Bridgeway Center Inc. has a new billing and clinical analytics program manager.

Cindy Kelly started working in the Human Resources department at BCI in 1994. She will manage billing and analytics in Bridgeway's Crestview and Fort Walton Beach centers.

The nonprofit organization — established in Valparaiso in 1966 — has provided mental health care in Crestview since the 1970s.

Facilities include the U.S. Highway 90 West Wellness Center; Railroad Avenue, which has counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers; and Soundside Wellness Consultants, with outpatient counseling on Ferdon Boulevard North.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway Center announces promotion

CRESTVIEW — Home Depot volunteers and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 members have begun renovations on the post’s West James Lee Boulevard location.

The post was awarded a $9,100 grant from Home Depot to remodel the building. “The Home Depot went above and beyond to help us out,” Trent Rundell, a 12-year member of the post, stated.

The post, which assists veterans and their families, was chartered in 1987 and has almost 500 members. “Our programs at our post … give our veterans and their families a place for camaraderie with other vets,” Scott Hice, post commander and a 22-year Air Force veteran, said.

The post also promotes military history with community youth programs. All VFW posts also sponsor the annual “Voice of Democracy” student essay contest. Last year the Florida state winner was from the area and won a $30,000 scholarship.

James “Polo” Cutts, the Fort Walton Beach Home Depot’s store manager, along with Laura Calvery, ASDA manager at the Fort Walton location, coordinated the Nov. 10 event with the VFW Post.

So, what’s next?

“Our plan is to remodel our current facilities. We will replace ceiling tiles and fans, doors and air conditioning units. We will also do new landscaping and paint inside and out,” Rundell said. An outside recreational space will be constructed for members to socialize.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VFW Post 5450 gets a makeover

CRESTVIEW — A plea on social media in 2014 caught Baker resident Renee Wiley's attention. A woman asked if anyone could help provide for her family at Christmas. Responses were mostly positive.

Wiley decided at that point to organize a Facebook group that links people who can help with people who need help during the holidays. That group became the Christmas Angels in Crestview.

Christmas Angels in Crestview's 72 members work year-round to collect toys and other items for children. About 24 of the members wait to adopt a family for the holidays.

Wiley also established a second Facebook group, Christmas Needs. People needing help for the holidays can join that group. The Christmas Angels group provides for the Christmas Needs group.

So, how does the program work? Well, parents are asked to make a list of what their children need. The list includes ages, sizes and certain items children may want. Needs for children ranging from babies to high school students are accepted.

Christmas Angels volunteers then take the lists, along with a picture of the child or children, to pick gifts from a storage unit. Stockings and stocking stuffers are also provided. Parents — “Most of those families in need are single mothers raising their children on their own,” Wiley said — then can come by the storage unit and receive a box of gifts along with wrapping paper.

The first year the Christmas Angels went into action, Wiley lacked a warehouse to keep donations and had to store them in her home. The second year, the group had a rented storage unit in Niceville. This year, Wiley rented a storage unit in Crestview and will probably have to rent another after Thanksgiving. That unit is already filled with dolls and games, Christmas decorations and two Christmas trees.

Christmas Angels in Crestview also accepts cash donations, which go straight to purchasing what is needed to help those in need, Wiley said.

That number is growing. During its first year, 74 children received gifts; last year, 99 children received gifts, according to Wiley.

“Last year, our Black Friday shoppers doubled our inventory in the unit in Niceville. One generous couple spent $3,000 to help out. That same couple also adopted two families for the holidays. They like to do for others,” Wiley stated.

“This group has restored my faith in humanity,” she said. “There are people out there who care and don’t want a child going without on Christmas morning. All we ask is that those families who are helped out take a picture of their children’s smiles on Christmas morning and send it to us. That keeps us going.”

Interested in contributing? Contact Renee Wiley through Christmas Angels in Crestview on Facebook. Need help? Contact her through Christmas Needs on Facebook.

Wiley also has a third group on Facebook called Giving Hands in Crestview. This group is a “free-cycling” exchange group between people.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christmas Angels prepare for annual gift distribution

UPCOMING

BECOME AN AMVETS POST 35 MEMBER at no charge through Nov. 12. Eligible active duty and veteran military members may sign up at 105 John King Road, Crestview. Bring military I.D., retired I.D., or honorable discharge DD Form 214. Details: 682-8435.

HUMAN RESOURCES Q&A: 11:15 a.m. Nov. 16, Costa Leadership Institute, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Speaker Amie Remington leads a question-and-answer session on the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime rule and employment laws. Attendees may bring canned and other nonperishable food items for donation to Sharing & Caring.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Don Braun Hall, 701 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. There is a $2 donation request. Bring your camera if you attend.

RECURRING

SATURDAYS

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF OKALOOSA COUNTY: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Martha Trau, 259-4351.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month, Ryan's restaurant, Crestview. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

MONDAYS

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview. Details: Richard, 398-6620. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839, 902-1899.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

HELP OTHER PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: 6 p.m. third Mondays at Community of Christ, Crestview.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS

BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL: 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 544 Main St., Crestview. Members give each other quality business referrals; the goal is increased financial success. Business persons welcome to visit. Details: President Peggy Hollingshead, 902-9066 or peggy@drphh.com.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First UMC fellowship hall, Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: Noon, second and fourth Tuesdays at Ryan’s in Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: B.J. Thomhave, 682-2012.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free event. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. This month's poetry starter: Rules are rules. http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library/programs.php.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: Noon, second and fourth Tuesdays at Ryan’s in Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: B.J. Thomhave, 682-2012.

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

SENIOR SOCIAL: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship. See Facebook page for details.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays, Foxwood Country Club, Antioch Road. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, City Hall, 502 Wilson St., Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, Knights of Columbus Hall, 701 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview. For amateur through professional photographers. https://www.facebook.com/CrestviewPhotoClub/ or contact MSgt. Jayly Jackson, jayly.jackson@us.af.mil.

EMERALD COAST PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING GROUP: 4-6 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, Crestview JobsPlus One-Stop Center, Wilson Street, Crestview. For job seekers with a bachelor's degree and two years’ professional work experience, or more than eight years’ professional, managerial or supervisory experience. Registration: email a resume and cover letter to ecp@jobsplus02.com. emeraldcoastprofessionals.com or jobsplusonestop.com.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FRIDAYS

LAPSIT: Two sessions to choose from, 9:15 or 10:15 a.m. Fridays now through Dec. 9, in the Crestview Public Library's Story Room. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays. For children under age 3 and caregivers. Check the library's calendar, www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php, for exact dates and themes.

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations calendar

BLUE ANGELS HOMECOMING AIR SHOW: Gates open 8 a.m. Nov. 12 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Free admission and parking. Concessions and memorabilia are available for purchase. Reserved seating at http://www.naspensacolaairshow.com/.

ACTING AUDITIONS: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Sprint Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Auditions are for March 6-12 presentations of "Agnes of God" and "The Servant of Two Masters," directed by Clint Mahle. A 90-second prepared audition consists of one dramatic and one comedic short monologue with the comedic one having a broad physical style. “Agnes of God” is a women-only cast. Men and women are needed for “The Servant of Two Masters.” Servant rehearsals are Mondays and Tuesdays; Agnes rehearsals are Thursdays and Fridays.

FRIENDS OF THE CRESTVIEW LIBRARY: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Consider joining for $10. Refreshments served.

SENIOR BINGO: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17, Don Braun Hall, 701 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Presented by the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Lunch will be served. Call 612-6325 to RSVP.

‘BABES IN TOYLAND’: 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 848 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs. The family-friendly performances include action and music. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students ages 22 and younger. 892-9494.

'THE NUTCRACKER 'BALLET: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Debut of the Northwest Florida Ballet Symphony Orchestra led by composer and conductor David Ott. $38 for adults and $18 for children 12 and under.

LIBRARY THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE: Holiday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. The library will be closed Nov. 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving Day. Regular hours resume Nov. 26, with the library being open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WASTE PRO THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE: Waste Pro will be closed Nov. 24 to observe Thanksgiving Day. Recycling usually picked up Thursday and Friday will be picked up Nov. 25; residential garbage collection will be moved to Nov. 28.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME:  6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Topic: Drum Circle with Pathdrummer. For ages 4 and up; limited to the first 20 kids. Free tickets available at 6 p.m. before presentation.

'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Northwest Florida State College, Sprint Theater, 100 College Blvd., Crestview. Production combines vocalists, dancers and theater students. Features four Crestview residents.

FIRST TUESDAY LECTURE: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 6, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Pat Hollarn, Crestview Centennial Committee chair, presents, "Crestview through the Century."

‘A PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS’ JAZZ PERFORMANCE: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Accompanying guitarist White are trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Euge Groove. Reservation required. Front-section seating costs $80 each; general admission costs $40 each. Order at seabreeze.fm or call 729-6000.

FREE GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. One-on-one help sessions start at 6:15 p.m. 849-9468.

NORTH OKALOOSA CUB SCOUTS ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS: Rising first- through fifth-grade boys now can join the Cub Scouts. Registration, through December, costs $14; annual membership costs $24. A Boys Life Magazine subscription costs $12. Scholarships and earning opportunities are available through pack fundraising.

North Okaloosa groups include:

• Pack 530, which meets at Crosspoint Church’s south Crestview campus. Contact Cubmaster TJ Tajalle, 573-842-8214 or tj.tajalle@gmail.com, for more information.
• Pack 799, which meets Mondays at First United Methodist Church in Crestview. Contact Cubmaster John Humphrey, 380-6977 or johnhumphrey@embarqmail.com, for details.
• Pack 532, which meets at First Baptist Church of Holt. Contact Cubmaster Courtney Strom, 228-365-1995 or cejeos5@gmail.com, for details.
• Pack 731 also meets in Crestview. Contact pack chair Mike Wing, 902-3556 or mikecwing@yahoo.com, for details.

Crestview Boy Scout membership is available for sixth-grade through 18-year-old males. Contact Rae Schwartz, bakerny@yahoo.com, or Bryant Perkins, Bryant.Perkins@scouting.org, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — The Shoal River Middle School Boys & Girls Cross Country team took fifth place overall in the County Championship.

These SRMS student-athletes finished in the top 15 and earned medals:

• Eighth-grader Caleb Pursley, fifth place in the overall boys race
• Sixth-grader Trinity Holland, 13th place
• Seventh-grader Tianna McPhaul, 15th place overall in the girls race

The race wasn’t easy, according to a team spokesperson.

“It is a grueling trail race located at Northwest Florida State College,” an SRMS media release stated.

Individual times and team places are available at www.milesandminutes.net. Go to “Schedule” and “Okaloosa County MS XC Championship.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SRMS cross country team takes fifth in county championship