This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County

· Resurfacing from College Boulevard to State Road 123: Intermittent lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday, Nov. 10 as crews perform shoulder work.

Walton County

· U.S. 98 traffic signal at Seascape Drive and Forest Shore Drive: A new traffic signal on U.S. 98 at the intersection of Seascape Drive and Forest Shore Drive will become operational Wednesday, Nov. 16 at approximately 10:30 a.m. The signal will be placed in flash mode Thursday, Nov. 10 to acquaint motorists with the new location. The new signal is mounted on strain poles with signal heads in the vertical position. Drivers should use caution when approaching the intersection.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2 traffic changes to expect in Okaloosa and Walton counties

Billions of leaves blanket the fall landscape and are bagged by hundreds of homeowners to be placed curbside for local trash pick-up.

Many of these leaves could be easily turned into valuable mulch or compost.

Why do all those fall leaves end up in bags to be discarded?

It’s probably because the homeowner is overwhelmed by the volume. For instance, one resident reported raking more than 100 large bags of leaves from his half-acre property. One large oak tree can contain over 250,000 leaves!

Still, bagged and discarded leaves could become quality mulch or could be composted.

Homeowners have tools for reducing 100 bags of leaves to 10 in their own backyards.

Shredding and composting can reduce leaf volume by 90 percent and provide a manageable quantity of valuable mulch and an excellent organic source for composting and converting into rich humus to improve garden soil.

Shredded leaves stay seated better on the landscape than whole leaves. They also do a better job of holding moisture in the soil and don't mat down like whole leaves.

But how do you shred leaves if you don't have a costly leaf shredder?

All you need is a lawn mower, a little extra time and concern for the environment. Just put the leaves on the lawn in rows around three feet wide and two feet deep.

Then, with the lawn mower at the highest wheel setting, run over the pile. If the mower has a bag attachment, collecting shredded leaves is a neat and easy task.

Without a bag, the easiest way to collect them is to put a 9-by-12-foot drop cloth parallel to the row of leaves. Then, by running the mower in one direction so the leaves are discharged onto the cloth, cleanup is easier.

Throw the shredded leaves in the compost pile to cut the volume by another 50 percent.

Shredded leaves will shrink within a week and compost faster than whole leaves.

To compost dry leaves, add water, a little garden soil and a cup of garden fertilizer.

For more information on gardening and landscaping, contact the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office.

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: How to reduce 100 bags of fall leaves to 10

CRESTVIEW — Surrounded by more than 60 family members and friends, Virginia Kemp celebrated her 90^th birthday with a Nov. 5 luncheon at the First United Methodist Church’s Crossroads Center.

Beaming in a pink and peach ensemble accented by a white daisy and yellow rose corsage, Kemp shared laughs and reminiscences with her guests, several of whom traveled from out of state for the occasion.

The party was organized by her daughters, Martha Barton, Peggy Blanton, Delma Welch and Elizabeth Weirich, and featured a luncheon buffet with multiple desserts prepared by event organizers and friends.

The crowning touch was a yellow and white birthday cake, which matched the lively event colors and was topped by a frosting illustration of a grand piano in honor of Kemp’s decades of piano playing at the church.

Before guests dug into the food, they enjoyed a “trip down Memory Lane,” as Welch called a multimedia presentation she prepared. The program featured photos from her mother’s life accompanied by music ranging from The Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Gershwins, Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” and a poignant tune recorded by Kemp’s late husband, Edmond Kemp.

The couple met while both worked at a south Florida hotel. Soon the Svea native swept his newfound love from her Philadelphia birthplace to Northwest Florida, where she has remained ever since.

Watching photos of her grandsons flashing on the screens, Kemp remarked, “All my girls had boys.”

Kemp, an active member of the Friends of the Crestview Library, attributes her longevity to being involved with her church, her community and her family.

“I have a good family and good friends,” she said. “We have many connections here. They’re my daughters, my friends, my church friends and my library friends.”

“She’s amazing,” GFWC Crestview Woman’s Club member Jeanne Gutenmann said. “She just as sweet as ever. She gets up there (at church) at 90 years old and still plays the piano.”

“Your being here means our mama has touched your lives in some special way,” Welch told the guests.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Good family and good friends’

CRESTVIEW — Loomis Bros. Circus is returning to Crestview for its fall "Funtastic Tour," sponsored by the Crestview Historic Preservation Board.

Circus presentations are 90 minutes long and set for 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 11 and 12, and 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at Old Spanish Trail Park pavilion, on Stillwell Boulevard in Crestview.

Full-priced admission is $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12. Coupons for “Free Kids Tickets” are available at most merchants throughout Okaloosa County. There are also a limited number of discounted advance-sale tickets available from the preservation board by calling 240-4053. Tickets may also be purchased, with cash only, at the circus box office on the day of show.

All seating for the circus is general admission and doors open approximately one hour before each scheduled show time.

Featured performers include "the amazing Ashton Family, performing an extraordinary display of Risley acrobatics … the mesmerizing Cassandra: 'Woman on the Moon' performing a most unique aerial display… and James Plunkett, the 'Sultan of Silliness,' with his sidekick Cleo the Camel in a riotous demonstration of the bond between man and beast," a media release stated.

“This year, we’ve added a live band to our show,” said circus producer and ringmaster Justin Loomis. “The band is very versatile and performs everything from the circus classics to today’s latest hits.” 

“We also continue to carry on circus tradition by featuring exotic animals including White Siberian and Royal Bengal tigers along with the only mixed herd of both Asian and African elephants currently touring North America.”

In a media release, the company stated, "In light of recent announcements made by many circuses, both in the United States and internationally, regarding the removal of elephants from their shows, we would like to take a moment to inform the public on our stance regarding the subject.

"Facts show that elephants that have grown up in the circus do not adjust well to non-circus environments. They simply cannot survive without the care and interaction of humans. Releasing a circus elephant into the wild would be detrimental to their health and safety. Circus elephants are under 24-hour supervision, receive a nutritional diet and superior veterinary care. There are strict regulations set forth by government agencies on local, state, and federal levels that must be followed. The care given to our elephants not only meets these regulations, it exceeds them.

"The population of elephants in the wild has been severally dwindling over the last few years. In Africa, there are open hunting seasons for their ivory. In Asian countries, the serious loss of habitat has caused the Asian Elephant to become nearly extinct.

"We believe that education is the best weapon in the fight towards keeping elephants in the circus and we urge the public to become informed on the subject, and see through the negative propaganda. It is our greatest fear that animals which have lived in a circus their entire lives will be taken away, put into unsafe environments, and become forgotten … likely leading to their extinction.

"…At Loomis Bros. Circus, we strongly support the bond between human and animal. Therefore, at this time we will continue to display elephants in our circus for as long as we legally can.

"However, time could be running out. Many states have already passed, or are in the process of proposing, new laws against the display of elephants and other animals in a circus."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Loomis Bros. Circus returns to Crestview

On June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 officially became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Previously, the day had been celebrated as Armistice Day to honor those who served during World War I.

Veterans Day, which honors all American veterans, is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those killed in action.

We have a large retired military population here in Crestview. Chances are you are related to or know a veteran. Take this day (or any other) to get to know or thank a veteran for their services and sacrifices.

Your library has a plethora of resources you can borrow to learn about the sacrifices and hardships our veterans endured for the common good of this country. Check out our display shelf throughout the rest of November for some recommended books (including audio) and films. 

Here are some examples:

• "American Sniper," by Chris Kyle; film directed by Clint Eastwood based on Kyle’s autobiography
• "The Pacific," by Hugh Ambrose
• "For Love of Country: What Our Veterans can Teach Us about Citizenship, Heroism and Sacrifice," by Howard Schultz

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library has resources about American veterans

NICEVILLE — The classic Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol” takes a twist Dec. 1, 2 and 3 in a customized adaption by Northwest Florida State College that combines song and dance with drama, period costumes and narration to portray the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the spirits of Christmas.

“A Christmas Carol: In Concert” is set 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2; two performances are set 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Sprint Theater of the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

The more than 50-member cast features North Okaloosa residents Michael Brooks of Crestview, who portrays the adult Ebenezer Scrooge and Madison Anderson of Crestview, the show's narrator. Other cast members include the jovial Mr. Fezziwig, played by Keith Holcombe of Crestview; Gentleman No. 1, Dawson Nunn of Crestview; and Richard Conley of Crestview plays Dick Wilkins.

NWF State College faculty and staffers directing the show include Joseph Taylor, director and choreographer; Anthony Borella, assistant director; Allison Everitt, music director; and Lois Henry, Belle Voci's director and pianist.

Included in the $25 ticket price are Victorian-style desserts and beverages. The menu (served at intermission) includes baked brie and dried cherry tartlets; pomegranate and vanilla crème tartlets; hazelnut and fig tartlets; triple chocolate and orange mini cupcakes.

It also includes gingerbread brownies; eggnog fudge; peppermint meringues; cranberry scones; pistachio goat cheese log; red velvet cake truffles; cranberry lime spritzer punch; gingerbread hot chocolate; regular coffee with assorted creamers; sweet and unsweet tea; and water.

Contact the Box Office at 729-6000 or purchase tickets at www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org. Early purchase is strongly recommended, as the event has sold out the past several years.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'A Christmas Carol: In Concert' features Crestview residents

BAKER — Hundreds of people attended the 12th annual Baker Heritage Day at the Baker Block Museum.

Local bands performed music while visitors enjoyed booths and exhibits displaying arts and crafts, home-baked goods, handmade furniture, and demonstrations of past trades, along with local businesses, antiques and vintage automobiles.

Carl Commander and his son, William, demonstrated shingle roofing, a late-1800s — and time consuming — trade. The tools used to create shingles for roofs were a mallet and froe along with a draw knife and shave horse.

“It was a very slow process,” Carl Commander said.

Betty Courtney, who has had a booth at Baker Heritage Day for 12 years, made and sold homemade jellies and jams along with cakes like red velvet, pound cake and cornbread cake. 

“I really enjoy the people here and like sharing my homemade goods,” Courtney said.  Her grandson, Hunter, and friend, Connie Barber, helped.

Andy and Carol Armstrong had a booth for the first time at Baker Heritage Day. Their craft of making horseshoe and metal art was called Andyworks. 

“Andy was a commercial water well driller for 47 years. After retirement he started making items with horseshoes and other metals,” Carol Armstrong said. Their work included candy dishes and Christmas trees made of horseshoes.    

Brothers Wyatt and Waylon Perry, of the Baldwin County Blacksmiths, demonstrated the colonial era skill of blacksmithing.

“Blacksmiths made horseshoes, nails and brackets,” Wyatt Perry said. 

April and Garrett Constantine came to the event in full Native American attire. April Constantine is a descendant of the Muskogee Creek Indians and belongs to the Wind Clan. She and her husband were there to promote the 26th Annual Pow Wow Celebration set Nov. 19 and 20 in Milton.

A highlight of the event was none other than Barney Fife (also known as J.T. Garrett of Crestview) and his sheriff deputy’s car.

“For years people told me I looked like ‘Barney Fife’ from ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’” Garrett said. “My daughter entered me in a Barney look-alike contest in Florence, Ala., and I won. I’ve been to Mount Airy, N.C., nine times where Griffith was from and have been a parade marshal at least 18 times. I have really enjoyed it.”

Baker resident Sonja Brunson was there with her daughter, Vanessa Menhennett; sister, Mary McFadden; and mother, Lonnie Bell Messick. Lonnie Bell will turn 93 on Nov. 8.

“We come to Heritage Day every year. I like to come to see what people made in the past,” Brunson said.

“People are curious to see what life was like before all of the technology came around,” Menhennett said.

Baker Block Museum board member Tracy Curenton answered questions and sold the books, “The Heritage of Okaloosa County, Florida” and a Public Pictorial on Crestview. 

Phillip Hill and Junior Dukes made homemade ice cream in an Amish ice cream machine from the Baker Block Museum.

“It does make 5 gallons of ice cream at a time,” Hill said.

Long-time Baker resident Robert Allen promoted his company, Hometown Contractors Inc. He explained how Henderson Park, where the event was held, was named after his wife’s cousins, Jeanette and Charles Henderson. 

As he did some people watching, Allen said, “I really love listening to the music they have out here for this event. I just really enjoy this day.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I just really enjoy this day'

CRESTVIEW — For people who need help comparing plans or applying for the Health Insurance Marketplace, North Okaloosa Medical Center is offering free assistance during the Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017 open enrollment period.

Appointments may be made with the hospital’s certified assisters by calling 689-8170 or booking at www.GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector.

The Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, and this year’s open enrollment marks the fourth annual campaign to extend health care coverage to citizens who would otherwise be uninsured.

News of several large insurers reducing their participation in the upcoming Marketplace, or exiting it all together, has spurred concern about rising premiums and higher deductibles. However, Kaiser Health News reports that most enrollees will be insulated from premium increases, since eight in 10 receive subsidies based on income and household size. KHN also projects any changes to premiums or deductibles will vary state to state and, in some instances, county to county, since the number of insurers in each location influences competitive pricing, and insurers continuously enter and exit different markets.

“There are always questions concerning changes to premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits before open enrollment launches each year,” Ronnie Daves, CEO of North Okaloosa Medical Center, said. “This will always be the case as insurers enter and exit different markets. But what is consistent, year to year, is the value of the Marketplace. Millions of people are able to sign up for insurance who otherwise wouldn’t have access to care, or who would face a financial crisis due to medical bills.”

The government uses household income to determine who is eligible for financial assistance. This aid might include advanced tax credits to help pay for premiums, or discounts on co-pays and deductibles. Most enrollees are expected to qualify for some type of financial support in 2017. Individuals re-enrolling in the marketplace should re-evaluate and compare plans, as the lowest-cost option can change from year to year.

“I think this is where our certified assisters add so much value,” Daves said. “They know how to explain the pros and cons of each option, and they carefully screen each person to make sure any subsidies toward premiums, or any discounts available for deductibles or co-pays, are accessed.”

All Marketplace health plans must offer comprehensive benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services; doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services, and mental and behavioral health treatment.

Individuals eligible for health insurance who do not purchase coverage not only pay a penalty when filing their tax return, but they also forfeit financial help with healthcare expenses throughout the year. The penalty is either 2.5 percent of family income or a predetermined flat rate, whichever is higher. The 2016 penalty was $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, with a maximum fee of $2,085; these fees will be adjusted for inflation in 2017.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free Health Insurance Marketplace assistance available

CRESTVIEW — A 12-station sporting clay shoot is scheduled.

Check-in for the Ed McMillan Memorial Sporting Clay Shoot is  8:15 a.m. Nov. 12 at 3985 US Highway 90 E, Crestview. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m.

Registration is required by Nov. 7. Participation is limited to the first 80 registered shooters.

Four-person team registration is preferred. Cost is $120 per person or $450 per team. This includes shells, clays, prizes, refreshments on the course, an awards luncheon and an entry into a raffle after the tournament. Participants must use their own 12- or 20-gauge shotgun, eye protection and hearing protection, all of which are required.

Raffle prize opportunities including a raffle for a Ruger 10/22. Tickets are one for $5; three for $10; and seven for $20. The fee is partially tax deductible as a Boy Scouts of America donation.

For more information contact Jim Boksa of the Gulf Coast Council Boy Scout office, 476-6336; fax, 476-6337; or jboksa@bsamail.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Registration ends soon for Boy Scout clay shoot