CRESTVIEW — Aromas of teriyaki and garlic rub chicken fill the air when you enter Pounders Hawaiian Grill in the Winn-Dixie Plaza on North Ferdon Boulevard.

The restaurant is the brainchild of 2003 Crestview High graduate Kakela Peters and his wife, Skylar. The couple co-owns the new restaurant, which is a family affair.

We will get to that later. First, here is how it all began.

LEARNING THE BUSINESS

Kakela Peters moved to Logan, Utah, when he was 22 and attended Utah State, where he majored in business. While there, he worked as a cook for a restaurant also named Pounders. After that restaurant closed, he worked at a Hawaiian restaurant where he was the general manager for four years. 

“I learned a lot about the restaurant business as general manager and finished my degree at Utah State, which ended up being in interdisciplinary studies.” Kakela said.

He married Skylar in 2012 and the couple soon had a son; they also have a 14-month-old daughter.

The family moved to Crestview in February of 2015 and, inspired by the first restaurant that Kakela worked at in Utah, started serving food from a Pounders Hawaiian Grill food truck.

That’s where the family affair comes in.

‘GRANDPA BELIEVED IN ME’

Returning to Crestview marked a return to Kakela’s roots. His father was Hawaiian and his mother was raised in Crestview.

When the idea to open a food truck arose, Kakela said he had his family’s support.

“My grandparents helped raise me here in Crestview and my grandpa believed in me and my idea from the start,” Kakela said. “My grandpa initially loaned us the money to start the food truck. He loved the food! Unfortunately, he passed away about six months ago.”

Word of mouth boosted the little food truck that could’s popularity, and soon the Peterses made another decision: to open a restaurant.

A SWELLING STAFF

Pounders’ menu includes four meats and three plate sizes. Meats include teriyaki chicken, teriyaki steak, garlic rub chicken and Kalua Pig, which is pork. Plate sizes include a one-meat dish called the Small Kine, the two-meat Regular or the three-meat choice called the Pounders, along with sides of rice and macaroni or green salad. 

“The key ingredient is Aloha Soy Sauce, which has to be specially ordered,” Kakela said.

With the restaurant, the logo for which Kakela’s sister designed, Pounders’ staff rose from six to 18.

“The first day we opened we were just going to take it slow and train our employees.  However, business was so good that day that we had a line out the door,” Kakela said.

So, what’s next for the restaurant?

“Eventually we will have catering, but for now business is great.” Peters said.

WHAT: Pounders Hawaiian Grill

WHEN: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

WHERE: 1338 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Business is great’

DESTIN — Crestview was well represented during the Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament this past weekend at Destin Commons.

Spartans, the team of Steve Preble and James Dufour from Crestview, ranked third during the sporting event. Twenty-eight teams competed for a $500 cash prize and trophies.

Proceeds of over $4,000 from the event and a silent auction of five cornhole board sets — custom painted by area artists — benefited the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Participants and spectators enjoyed visiting the Beer Garden sponsored by World of Beer, complete with free bottomless craft beer, bloody Marys, mimosas and snacks.

The Cumulus radio stations Z96, 99Rock, Coast 93.3, NASH FM 105.5 and NewsTalk 1260 co-hosted the event with Destin Commons, along with the support of major sponsor MedSpa of Destin and Sandestin.

“We were so pleased with the success of the first year for the Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament,” Julie Hurst, CEO of both ECCAC facilities, said. “And, most important, the monies raised will benefit our kids who are dealing with abusive situations in their young lives.

“We’re looking forward to the second annual (event) next year.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament features Crestview winners

LAUREL HILL — A Laurel Hill teenager’s friends seek the community’s help to pay for his final expenses.

Benny Lee Howell, 19, of Laurel Hill, died in an early Sunday morning traffic accident just off Steele Mill Creek Road.

Both he and the driver, Chase James Paul Locke, 19, attended Laurel Hill School, according to an Okaloosa County Schools spokesperson.

The district sent grief counselors to LHS on Monday to help Hoboes during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Howell’s friends set up a GoFundMe account to collect funds for his funeral. So far, they’ve raised $2,115 of a $7,500 goal.

The site, itself a memorial, features fond remembrances of a beloved young man who died too soon.

“Benny never met a stranger and everyone who knew him, loved him,” the site states. “He was a kind hearted, well mannered, hard working young man.

“Benny would literally give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. He never missed an opportunity to help someone and never turned away from hard work.”

The site also features a look back on lighthearted times, with a poster of “Benny-isms with English translations.”

Friends keep Howell’s memory alive with the teenager’s signature expressions such as “Slang me one nem,” “Swang on em” and “Aww hex naw.”

Loved ones will celebrate Howell’s life 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Chapel of Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home. The Rev. Mike McVay will officiate. 

Want to donate? Here's the GoFundMe site. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Funds needed for Laurel Hill teen's funeral

CRESTVIEW — Pamella Dunbar just wants her dog back home and unharmed.

"Our Delilah has been missing since Sept. 27 near Northwood (Arts and Science Academy) in Crestview, Florida,” Dunbar stated in a message to the News Bulletin. "Delilah was sitting on our porch the last time I saw her.”

Dunbar can’t share some characteristics to identify the dog, but that’s only because Delilah came around later in life, and that information simply isn’t available.

"We took Delilah in after finding her covered in fleas and pregnant,” Dunbar said. “I found the owner who stated she couldn't keep her because she is elderly and the dog is too much, so I agreed to keep her.

“I'm not sure how old Delilah is. She is pure black and very sweet.”

Dunbar is sure of one other thing: Just before Delilah disappeared, the dog was enjoying her favorite pastime.

“She loves soaking in the sun rays but when I walked outside to get her to come in, she was gone,” Dunbar said.

Dunbar said she grew close to Delilah after seeing her through pregnancy.

"We helped her through labor and delivery and helped find homes for her babies,” she said.

Anyone with information on Delilah's whereabouts should call Dunbar at 902-7554.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview dog missing since Sept. 27

CRESTVIEW — Starting Panhandle Animal Lovers was an easy decision for Crestview resident Hanne Berg.

"My husband (the late Bob Berg) and I started out being failed fosters for dogs,” she said. “We got them to foster and wound up being theirs.”

The story hasn’t changed much since she’s opened PAL, a private no-kill dog shelter.

"That has happened here a lot also,” Berg said. “I keep the ones that are not adoptable too."

Berg shelters and cares for the dogs herself until PAL finds a suitable home for them. The biggest need is shelter, but PAL always seeks donations: food, towels and foster homes.

There are no employees at PAL; "I have a couple of friends that help and that's it,” Berg said. “They basically help with the emailing and that kind of stuff, and fostering also. We're always looking for foster homes. When you have foster homes you can save more animals.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOSTERING

According to the PAL website, http://awos.petfinder.com/shelters/FL638.html, early canine training from foster parents socializes dogs and makes them easier to place in permanent homes.

Berg said she appreciates a dedicated group of friends who help with fostering.

One such friend, Christy Barrentine, has duties that range from taking photos and videos of dogs for the PAL website to fostering them.

The Barrentine family originally had two dogs. "(Berg) asked me to foster a dog and we wound up falling in love with that dog and kept it. We wound up fostering eight, but we kept four," Barrentine said.

Janice Speaker's relationship with PAL began similarly.

"I've been with them about nine years,” Speaker said. “It started with a dog that I found in the woods that was really wild and (Berg) helped me find her a home.

"It's a wonderful group. Hanne dedicates her whole life to it and gets dogs adopted. She does find them homes. She is strictly no kill."

INVESTING THE NECESSARY TIME

Fostering a dog is just like any relationship, Barrentine said: "You have to give it time,” she said. “If you already have a dog (and foster one), if the dogs don’t immediately get along, that's to be expected. Give them time to work out their issues."

It also takes time for dogs to "get their bearings" in a house new to them.

"If they have an accident in the house, don't jump to conclusions that they're a bad dog,” Barrentine said. “Just be patient."

That patience has its rewards.

"My life's not boring, thanks to them. They keep me on my toes and we have a good  time in here. And just the amount of love they give back to you," Barrentine said.

"One of ours was abused before we got her and a couple of them were found on the streets half-starved to death and covered in fungus. They're just super grateful and it makes you feel good that it's made a difference in their life."

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

Jennifer Brown, whose family has fostered PAL dogs and adopted two with lifetime medical issues, said another benefit of adoption from a shelter — whether PAL or another site — is that it saves two lives: that of the animal adopted and the one the adoption makes room for in the shelter.

"I just wish people would realize the good family dogs and cats that are put down because there are not enough homes for them,” Brown said.

People who adopt animals from Berg are charged a small fee to cover associated costs: spaying, neutering, heartworm tests, microchipping and other necessities.

However, "We don't just adopt out to anybody,” Berg said. “You have to fill out an adoption application and we kind of use our gut instinct also." That level of consideration means a happy, permanent home for the dog and the dog owner.

MICROCHIP NOW, SAVE HEARTACHE LATER

Another necessity for pet parents, Berg said, is microchipping and putting an identification tag around the pet's neck.

"They need to microchip their animals. They need to always have a collar on their dogs with an ID tag or a rabies tag," Berg said. "And also, if they have a microchip, it's easier to have the dog (reunited) with their owners. It doesn’t cost many dollars to get an ID tag. There are so many lost dogs around here.”

To view, adopt or see which dogs are available from PAL, go to the PAL website or contact Berg at 683-4104. The shelter is at full capacity and cannot accept dropped off animals.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's made a difference in their life'

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