CRESTVIEW — Shoal River Middle School will host the Boom Boom Bowl 2016 this weekend.

The event is set for 4:45 p.m. Oct. 22 on campus, 3200 E. Redstone Ave. Gates open at 4 p.m.; admission costs $3.  

The West End Zone (left side) schedule:

5 p.m. Vernon vs. Panama City

6 p.m. Shalimar vs. South Walton

7 p.m. Crestview Black vs. Lynn Haven

The East End Zone schedule:

5 p.m. Crestview Red vs. Freeport

6 p.m. Niceville 1 vs. Niceville 2

7 p.m. Walton vs. Fort Walton Beach

A $1,000 raffle will take place at 7 p.m.; tickets cost $5 each.

No outside food or drinks are allowed in the stadium.

Tents are allowed from the 20-yard line to the end zone; do not cross the parent line. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Boom Boom Bowl to feature football, raffle

These are the new, recommended books available at your library:

FICTION

• “The Queen of Blood” by Sarah Beth Durst — Durst, an award-winning teen author and three-time Andre Norton Award finalist, presents a thrilling beginning to a sweeping series about searching for sovereignty and truth to save one’s land.
• “Mischling” by Affinity Konar — Mischling was a term used by the Third Reich to denote a person of mixed blood. In this beautifully crafted story, we follow 12-year-old twins Pearl and Stasha Zamorski, who are sent to Auschwitz, where they catch the eye of the infamous “Angel of Death,” Josef Mengele. The twins use their private language and closeness of their relationship to survive horrific experiments and evils of their surroundings. When Pearl and Stasha are separated and the camp is liberated, Stasha goes on a journey through devastated Poland to find her sister. The horrors of what people are capable of doing to others are revealed in the most disturbing ways, but the beauty of life and hope shine through this excellent novel.
• “The Nix” by Nathan Hill — Offering engrossing prose, multiple interlocking stories, and deftly drawn characters, Hill shows us how the interlinked consequences of our actions can feel like fate.

ARTS & HUMANITIES, DIY, SELF-HELP, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• “The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe” by Anuschka Rees — Fans of the author’s blog, Marie Kondo devotees and anyone who’s tired of having a full closet but “nothing to wear” will treasure this superb resource.
• “Uproot: Travels in 21st-Century Music and Digital Culture” by Jace Clayton — Clayton’s progressive yet sensible perspective on music in the digital era is a must for any music lover.
• “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday — In this work, chapters teach readers how to be humble in aspirations, gracious in triumph and resilient through failures. This concise package for productive living is for everyone who desires to be “someone.”
• “Beyond Human: How Cutting-Edge Science is Extending Our Lives” by Eve Harold — An intriguing projection of the current arc of medical technology, with a rich exploration of potential societal consequences that will inform and provoke readers.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7 new books to check out

CRESTVIEW — Visiting residents of Noirmoutier, France don’t have to look far to see a symbol of Crestview’s appreciation for its Sister City.  

The “Jardin de Noirmoutier,” the Garden of Noirmoutier, is located at Northwest Florida State College’s Bob Sikes Education Center in Crestview. The area, dedicated Oct. 15, reflects the commitment to cultural and educational partnership between Crestview, NWFSC and Noirmoutier, France.

Forty-three French visitors and their Crestview area hosts attended the dedication. They shared their stories and support for the Sister Cities International program.

Some Northwest Florida residents have hosted French visitors many times.

Pam and Joe Coffield have hosted Noirmoutier visitors since the program started 20 years ago.

“We got involved in the spring of 1996 when a member of our church, the late Aileen Barley, organized the first visit,” Pam Coffield said. “We have hosted every year since and have been to visit our friends in Noirmoutier six times.”

The Coffields are hosting Marie Therese and Gerard Moreau and Gerard’s sister, Denise, this visit. Gerard Moreau is the Noirmoutier Sister City Committee’s vice president.

Pam Coffield said one of their past French guests, Anthony Brochard, a Noirmoutier World War II historian, couldn’t make the trip this time. However, she and her husband dedicated the World War II plaque in the Noirmoutier garden to him. 

“It is so important to Anthony what the United States troops did for his country during World War II,” Pam Coffield stated with tears in her eyes.

Montavius Diamond, a Crestview native and a volunteer for the Sister City program, said his family is hosting Philippe and Kathy Lemoine. 

“This is the fourth time we have hosted a family from Noirmoutier and we love it!” Diamond said. “It is a great way to learn about the culture and language of another country.”

Other Northwest Florida residents are new to hosting French visitors.  

The Bears family — Dan, Liz and son Benjamin — are hosting a Noirmoutier visitor for the first time. 

“We heard through our church that host families were needed for visitors from our sister city in France. So we got involved,” Liz Bears said.

“We are hosting Benedicte Lerman, who is a journalist in Noirmoutier,” Dan Bears said. “It’s great!”

Their son, Benjamin, played nearby with Romain Corbrejand, son of Fabrice and Ghislaine Corbrejand. Although neither spoke the other’s native language, that did not keep the two boys from having fun running around.

Noirmoutier guests will be in Crestview through Oct. 24. 

Many other events are planned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Crestview and Noirmoutier, France becoming Sister Cities. 

• It is the 20th anniversary of Crestview’s relationship with Noirmoutier, France under Sister Cities International.
• Crestview currently hosts 43 visitors, including nine dignitaries, from its Sister City and neighboring towns on the island of Noirmoutier, off France’s west coast near Nantes.
• Sister Cities International began in 1956 as part of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Citizen Diplomacy” initiative. 
• Brian Hughes is the Crestview Area Sister City Program president.

FAST FACTS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Garden dedicated to Crestview's French Sister City

CRESTVIEW — The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors will donate to four local school art programs throughout October.

ECAR dropped off a $900 check Oct. 13 at Northwood Elementary School in Crestview. 

Where will the money go? Well, Northwood art teacher Beth Plantz said she is thinking about "getting the kids a few pottery wheels.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwood Elementary's art program gets boost

CRESTVIEW — Residents from Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, France, Crestview’s Sister City, and towns near it arrived Oct. 12 in Northwest Florida.

A 20th-anniversary celebration of the communities’ relationship under Sister Cities International is scheduled. The public may meet the 43 French visitors during these events:

•Jardin de Noirmoutier garden dedication, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 15, Northwest Florida State College campus, 805 U.S. Highway 90, Crestview.

•A gospel service, followed by a small reception, 11 a.m. Oct. 16, Mount Zion AME Church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview.

•Free International Quilt Exhibit, featuring quilts sewn by Okaloosa and Noirmoutier residents, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. It includes an opening reception at noon by the Friends of the Crestview Library. The exhibit will also be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 20.

•Ecumenical church service, 6 p.m. Oct. 19, First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

•"Evening in the Garden" wine and gourmet food gala, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Jardin de Noirmoutier, NWFSC Crestview campus: Unlimited gourmet cuisine, wine, specialty non-alcoholic beverages and live music by Jones & Company. Tickets cost $45 in advance or $60 at door. To purchase, go to www.crestviewsistercity.org or call Janice Crose, 683-1247.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Garden dedication, quilt exhibit among Crestview Sister City events

CRESTVIEW — "Victorian Mourning: Practices, Etiquette and Customs" takes focus during an upcoming lecture.

Bonnie Grundel of Crestview will present the event 10:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Admittance is free.

Grundel — a living-history actor — portrays Laura Rogers, a widow headed to Pensacola to attend a funeral in 1901. She weaves a tale that includes accurate historical information on Victorian customs and etiquette, and will display her extensive collection of Victorian mourning articles.

Coffee and cookies will be served at 10 a.m. when doors open. Call the library, 682-4432, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Victorian mourning presentation set in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa Master Gardener Dave Gordon will present the final program of this year's Okaloosa County Master Gardener Association Lecture Series.

"Native Azaleas and Rhododendrons” is 10-11 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Crestview Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road.

North Florida has a number of native azaleas, and dozens more have been hybridized including the Confederate Series, which is ideally suited for local growing conditions. Most are fragrant, some are evergreen, and all have picturesque blooms.

Gordon’s program will feature many photos of these native azaleas, along with instructions on how to plant and maintain them.

Seating is limited. Call 689-5850 to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Master Gardeners set Azaleas, Rhododendrons lecture

CRESTVIEW — Need something to do this weekend? Check out these fun events:

1. GATHER IN THE GARDEN as the Crestview Area Sister City program dedicates the Jardin de Noirmoutier to its Sister City members from Noirmoutier, France. The event is 2-4 p.m. Oct. 15 at Northwest Florida State College's Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, 805 U.S. Highway 90, Crestview. Admission is free. Crestview High School culinary arts program students will provide refreshments after the ceremony.

2. ENJOY A PIANO RECITAL featuring guest artist Yejin Lee, whose solo debut recital was 2015 at Carnegie Hall in New York. Lee will perform along with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Tyler Recital Hall, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Lee competed and claimed top awards at the Dallas International, Kingsville International, Wideman International, Oberlin International and Korean Chopin piano competitions, and performed at various music festivals and master classes, including the Banff Music Festival. Tickets, $20 each, are available at http://bit.ly/2dg6s3H. 

3. LURCH LIKE A ZOMBIE during the annual Fort Walton Beach Zombie Walk and Can Food Drive, which starts at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 SE Brooks St. The entry fee is four cans of food for Fort Walton Beach Sharing and Caring. Participants wear zombie attire and tour downtown businesses. A performance of "Thriller" is part of the event.

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

CRESTVIEW — Downtown Crestview comes alive with ghosts this Friday.

THREE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Learn from the spirits of Crestview as they help celebrate the city's centennial with a historical walking tour Friday on Main Street. Repeated at 15-minute intervals, the tour provides insight into Crestview's first 100 years from 10 influential residents who lived here. The tour is not a Halloween-related event. It is non-scary and suitable for people of all ages interested in Crestview history.

2. The View from the Stage theater group of Crestview will portray ghostly inhabitants, including William C. Mapoles, considered the father of Okaloosa County; and Emma Grove, dubbed "the sixth councilmember" for her attendance and input at council meetings.

3. It starts and ends at the Peaden Distillery, with stops along Main Street in between. Books and Centennial-themed souvenirs will be available for purchase at the distillery, located in Main Street's historic Fox Theater. Coney Island and Pawsitively Scrumptious will be open during the tours and they will have specials in honor of the occasion.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

The ghost walk is the 10th of 12 events planned by the city of Crestview for its 1916-2016 Centennial celebration.

Rae Schwartz, one of the event's organizers, said, "Any city is a product of the special people whose vision and passion helped create and shape it. Reading about Crestview's history (in a wonderful book like 'Crestview: The Forkland') is a great way to learn about our past; but watching our history come to life is much more immediate — and more fun!"

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Ghosts of Crestview, a Crestview centennial event

WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 14, with additional tours at 15-minute intervals

WHERE: Peaden Brothers Distillery, 382 Main St. N., Crestview

TICKETS: $5; purchase at Coney Island, Pawsitively Scrumptious, Casbah Coffee Company and Rustic Reflections, all in downtown Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ghost tours offer glimpse of Crestview's past

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview man's homage to one of the U.S. military’s heroes now comes in the form of a biography.

Johnathan McDaniel's new book, "The Dansville Darling," is an ode to his grandfather, John Jackson Wray of Crestview, and the 32 years he spent serving as a member of the U.S. Air Force and Army.

"I felt like there are many people in the military who are unsung heroes because they don't tell their own story,” McDaniel said. “It's a code of honor that prevents them from bragging about what they've done.

"There's many out there. He's one of many and I wanted to make sure his story was told."

Wray was born May 5, 1924, in Dansville, New York to Cora and Jack Wray. He retired as an Air Force chief master sergeant in 1975. He participated in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His work as a fighter pilot in Korea inspired his grandson to write about him.

It took McDaniel about two years to compile his references for the book.

"The research was the hardest part. It's very hard to find old military documents," McDaniel said.

The work has been a rewarding journey for McDaniel, though. His family was "very supportive. My mother (Wray's daughter, Kathy Wray-McDaniel of Crestview) was so proud that she cried when she received the copy of the book," he said.

The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Between his grandfather; his dad, Jerry McDaniel — who spent 20 years in the Air Force — and McDaniel's 10 years as an Air Force F-16 mechanic and Morale, Welfare and Recreation officer, the men have 60 years of military service.

Johnathan, a counselor at Eglin Air Force Base, and his wife, Ritsa, have two daughters ages 6 and 11.

The book was released Sept. 18 and is available on Amazon.com. The Dansville Darling Facebook page also has more historical photos and details about John Wray.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A labor of love