CRESTVIEW — Relatives of Esau Jamison, a 9-year-old boy who died Nov. 10, are raising funds for his funeral expenses.

Donors have contributed $2,655 of the $7,098 required so far at https://www.gofundme.com/esau-jamison-3-the-mechanicmybaby. People may contribute there or contact McKinnie Funeral Home, 682-3335.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of Esau, who is believed to have hanged himself last week. His body was found 3 p.m. Nov. 10 in his bedroom.

There were no additional signs of trauma and no evidence of foul play, but the home was in disarray and the utilities were off, according to a statement from OCSO.

Esau’s death shocked the community, but the GoFundMe page focuses more on the boy’s life. The page lists some of the things Esau loved doing.

His family began calling him "The Mechanic" due to his ability to fix broken items. "He was always fixing things around the house and the neighborhood. Anything we had that tore up in the house, he was the first one to take a look at it. He always went with his 'PawPaw' to fix cars and stuff," Jamison's stepfather, Robert Smith, said.

Esau, who wore No. 3 for the Crestview Titans football team at Twin Hills Park, also loved to fish. "He stayed at Twin Hills Park," Smith said.

When asked what he and his wife, Jentry Jamison-Smith, wanted people to know about their son, Smith said, "That he was loved by everyone, and always had a smile, a smile that would light up the room.

“He was very special to us. He was loved everywhere we went. We've been from Fort Myers to Alabama, and everybody loved him."

For more information, contact the funeral home, or Esau's cousins, La'Freda Portee, 904-860-0502; or Avia Burriss, 276-3918.

Note: This article was revised Nov. 18 to correct the spelling of Jentry Jamison-Smith's name.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family seeks funds for Crestview boy's funeral

Editor’s Note: This story is part of our Celebrate Community series, which focuses on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — A group of miniature horses in Baker is helping Northwest Florida residents in their time of need.

Nancy Lambert said animal-assisted therapy work with her regular-sized horse, Pepper, led her to form Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis last year.

"A friend of mine worked at a school for gifted adults. I had bought one of my larger horses to her facility several times. Because some of the people there weren't mobile and couldn't come out and see the large horse, that kind of gave me the idea for the miniature horse. So I started doing my research and talking to people who do miniature programs.

"I did a year's worth of work before I actually launched anything. I had to make sure that I had insurance and I had to make sure that I actually knew what I was doing. In 2015, I started training the minis and making sure they were the kind of personalities that we needed for the program, and working on my documentation to obtain my 501 (nonprofit status,)" Lambert said.

Now the certified Pet Partners handler has three miniature horses — Picasso, Elmer and Cavalier — that go indoors to visit with residents and patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other areas.

The minis have made hundreds of therapy visits. Kindred Spirits currently supports 12 facilities, bringing cheer and good will to area residents of all ages.

Lambert, her husband Joey, and other family members who work at the donation-supported Kindred have been to Silvercrest Manor, Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center and Crescent Park Village in Crestview; a veterans facility in Fort Walton Beach; and other Northwest Florida locations.

"We've also supported two events for awareness fundraiser Prater-Willie Syndrome, and Turner Syndrome," Lambert said.

Nancy says the most rewarding part about her service is the reactions they get from people.

"Most residents love on them, some sing to them, talk to them, hug them. Their smiles — people come alive. We've had facilities tell us that they have people they have never seen smile until that that day, and they haven't stopped smiling.

"It's good for the minis too. They encourage those relationships and they encourage that attention, and they enjoy it as well," she said.

“… It makes me feel good inside that I get the responses that I do."

—

Learn more about this organization here: www.facebook.com/KindredSpiritsTherapyMinis/

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It makes me feel good inside'

CRESTVIEW — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is an IRS initiative led by the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties to provide free income tax preparation.

The program offers free tax return preparation assistance to people with low to moderate income. Florida’s VITA programs have aided working families in receiving more than $14 million from the Child Tax Credit, providing taxpayers a financial boost.

VITA assistance can help residents retain funds, save and spend locally.

The group is recruiting volunteers to work in the Crestview and Fort Walton Beach communities. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.

Volunteers should commit to at least four hours per week Jan. 17 to April 17 at a VITA site.

As a VITA tax preparation volunteer, you will receive IRS training and certification, expand your knowledge of federal tax return procedures, add a new skill to your resume, serve local citizens and help stimulate the local economy.

Email cindy@united-way.org or call 243-0315 for more information. Include all your contact information along with the location you would like to serve: Crestview or Fort Walton Beach. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wanted: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance partners

CRESTVIEW — Carver Hill Memorial & Historical Society Inc.'s Christmas cantata is set 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 502 McDonald St.

The “Prince of Peace”-themed event is free to attend. Rehearsals are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Carver-Hill School Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview.

Contact Darlene Jenkins, 398-6310, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carver-Hill group sets Christmas cantata

CRESTVIEW — The Belief Foundation Inc. of Crestview will give away free turkeys while supplies last.

The giveaway starts at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at 176 Industrial Drive, Crestview.

The foundation's members mentor and offer a positive support system to at-risk middle and high school youths in Crestview.

For more information on the organization, visit http://www.belieffoundation.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview foundation hosts free turkey giveaway

UPCOMING

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

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.

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.

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

UPCOMING

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.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA: 6 p.m. Dec. 16, Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview. Theme: "The Prince of Peace." Free to attend. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. Nov. 14; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21; 7 p.m. Nov. 28; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Carver-Hill School Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. Darlene Jenkins, 398-6310.

RECURRING

CRESTVIEW COMMUNITY GARDEN FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. third Saturdays, 157 Main St. S., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: WHAT'S HAPPENING

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — The Department of Defense announced the 2016 winners of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards, which are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon systems and military equipment maintenance.

The Forward Support Co, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the 31st Munitions Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy are among the award winners.

The awards will be presented during the 2016 DoD Maintenance Sumposium Dec. 6 in the Albuquerque Convention Center, New Mexico.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7th Special Forces wins maintenance award

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