To the books! And, beyond! This summer we’re exploring “A Universe of Stories.” Storytime Classes emphasizing outer space will begin June 10. Hours are:

• 10:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 3-5.
• 3:15 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays for ages 6-8
• 9:15 a.m. Fridays for ages 0-2.

What are Storytime Classes? They include things like read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays, action rhymes and games. Classes for ages 3 and up often include a craft.

Kids ages 9-14 will meet 3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. They’ll publish a book, design a colorful picture from space topography, build origami spaceships, sculpt an alien, silk dye their own galaxy, and become a planet while making a tasty treat.

Can’t come? Never fear! Reading logs may be completed whether far or near.

We have Summer Reading Challenges for two age groups: 6-11 and 12-17. Pick up a reading log at the front desk or go to www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php and print it from the Classes, Clubs & Services page.

Kids ages 6-11 who pick up their logs at the library will get stickers with them while supplies last.

Readers earn a Funny Money dollar for every day they read at least 20 minutes, beginning June 8 and ending July 17. Then, they can spend their hard-earned cash at the Reader Awards on July 23!

Those who can't attend the event will still receive a reading certificate and a coupon for something yummy!

Participants ages 12-17 who read 30 minutes a day June 8-July 17 may win prizes from Big Kahuna’s, The Track, Gamestop, Starbucks, Marquis Cinema and Papa Johns! Come to Reader Awards for first pick!

Reading logs are due by July 18. The award ceremony is 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

Please call me at 682-4432 with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Storytime, summer reading challenges kick off in June

We have been having hot, dry weather recently here in Northwest Florida. The forecast shows hot temperatures with little to no rain, for at least the short term. The heat, winds and relatively low humidity result in an increase need for wise water use in our lawns and landscapes.

During dry weather, it’s important to implement the following water management practices to improve the water efficiency of your lawn and landscape. 

Mulching helps conserve water. On bare ground, about 60 percent of the water can be lost through evaporation. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help hold onto the water so the plants can use it. Try to mulch the entire root zone when possible or at least apply mulch all the way around the plants out to the end of the branches.

A thorough soaking to wet the soil to a depth of six to eight inches is better for plants than light frequent watering. Three to five gallons of water applied to one spot under the canopy of trees or shrubs should thoroughly saturate the root zone in that location. During dry periods, 25 percent of the root system, when watered thoroughly, can absorb all the water a plant requires at any given time. 

Apply one to two inches of water per week to the lawn when we are not getting rain. Although many sprinklers have irrigation rates of one-fourth inch per hour, some may apply up to one inch per hour. Measure your irrigation rate and uniformity by placing several open-top containers of the same size under the sprinkler and see how long it takes to apply a known amount of water such as half an inch. 

An efficient irrigation program on turf should not begin until the grass first shows signs of moisture stress. Signs include a dull, bluish-green color and leaf blades folding. The most efficient time to irrigate is between sunset and sunrise because of less evaporation, less wind and lower temperatures. Early morning is the next most effective time to irrigate, while midday is the least efficient. 

Avoid fertilizing drought-stressed plants. Fertilizers are chemical salts and will dehydrate roots when water is in short supply.

If you need to apply a pesticide, make certain the plant is not wilted at the time and spray during early morning or late afternoon.

Also avoid unnecessary pruning of plants during drought. Pruning encourages new growth, which has a high demand for water. 

For more information on watering efficiently and drought-tolerant plants, contact your county University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office or visit http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/irrigation. 

 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: Wise water use during dry weather

CRESTVIEW — More than 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Among them were many relatives and ancestors of today’s Okaloosa County families.

Organizers of the Crestview D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemoration invite area residents to recognize their World War II service member heroes by displaying a framed photo on a Table of Honor during the Crestview D-Day observance, which is 4:30-8 p.m. June 6 at Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. The event and photo disply are free of charge.

“My own father was in the U.S. Army during the war,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said. “The war touched many, many families, and our family heroes deserve to be recognized during this event.”

Those wishing to honor a relative or ancestor who was a World War II veteran of either theatre of operations, European or Pacific, may bring a framed war-era photo of the veteran to Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Photos may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. June 5 or 6. Cards to identify the veteran may be completed and placed with the photo at the time the photo is delivered. Photos may be picked up after the D-Day observance. Refreshments will be served.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Table of Honor to recognize World War II veterans

The school year is quickly coming to an end, but Okaloosa County 4-H is gearing up for a busy summer.

Residential camp, day camps, workshops, and district and state events are filling up nearly every week this summer to keep everyone’s schedules jam packed.

The first on the agenda is overnight camping with Escambia and Santa Rosa County at 4-H Camp Timpoochee in Niceville the first week of June. This week-long camp is filled with shooting sports, marine exploration, kayaking, and creative dramatic classes, to name a few.

Next on the agenda are day camps and workshops that are held in June and July. Workshops will be held at the Eglin and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base School-Age Programs and Youth Centers, focusing on topics ranging from theatre arts to wilderness. Three 4-H Day Camps will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Library and are open to all youths, not just 4-H members. They are:

• June 19-21, Explore 4-H, for ages 5-7.
• July 10-12, Space Explorers, for ages 8-11.
• July 17-19: Junk Drawer Robotics: ages 12-18.

4-H members may also participate at 4-H district- and state-wide events throughout Florida. 4-H Legislature is a state-wide event consisting of teenagers ages 13-18 heading to Tallahassee to develop their debate, public speaking, and legislative skills.

They spend the week sponsoring, lobbying, and debating on the House and Senate floors with youths across the state of Florida.

4-H University is another state-wide event where youths ages 14-18 spend the week at the University of Florida attending educational workshops. They have the opportunity to meet faculty, explore career opportunities, and participate in community service activities.

Have a youth interested in one of the 4-H camps or events being held this summer or joining 4-H? Go to https://bit.ly/2VNwRZC, follow the Okaloosa 4-H Facebook page, or contact them at 689-5850, twilken@ufl.edu, or koakes@ufl.edu.

Katie Oakes and Taylor Wilken are agents at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Summers aren’t complete without 4-H

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 9 a.m. to noon June 1, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event includes free health and wellness screenings, health education and demonstrations; door prizes, family entertainment and a snack bar. Call 682-3212 for more information.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

RECURRING

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment. 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH FAIR VENDORS, SPONSORS: The chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for its upcoming health fair, 9 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Call 682-3212 for more information.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

The crazy apocalyptic heat of Floridian summer is upon us! Of course, with the solar flares of doom come the bored children, free of their educational confines for a few months.

Now, you probably already know that your local public library will be offering a stellar Universe of Stories theme for its summer program, including a reading challenge for kids ages 6-11.

Before you strap in the young ones to come pick up reading logs, throw the older ones in the car too!

Crestview Public Library will be offering a teen summer reading challenge again this year, including amazing prizes like Big Kahuna’s tickets and free pizza coupons.

If your child is ages 12-17, all they will have to do is read 30 minutes a day to get credit! The official start date for all summer reading is June 8, and logs will be due back to the library on July 18.

The Reader Awards for all ages is 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. If you can’t attend, your teen can stop by the library the following week to pick up a prize.

If you’re stuck indoors because of the ludicrous inferno outside, be cool and read!

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reading challenge theme is Universe of Stories

GULF BREEZE — The seasonal tram service in the Fort Pickens Area began on May 20.

The trams are operated by Dreamcatcher Shuttle Service of Pensacola, through a service contract and will largely mirror the tour boat operating schedule. The service is available for all visitors at no charge and will make stops at the Fort Pickens Plaza, Campground, and Langdon Beach.

Trams will stop at each of the three shuttle stops between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. The new service utilizes electric tram vehicles, which can carry 27 passengers and travel at regular park speed limits. The fully accessible vehicles feature solar panels to extend the battery charge and drive time.

It offers tour boat passengers and campers a convenient way to access the swim area at Langdon Beach while offering day-use visitors an easy way to move about the park including the Mine Storeroom, which opened May 17.

The Mine Storeroom is operated by Pensacola Bay Cruises and is offering snacks, cold drinks, and ice at the Fort Pickens Plaza. The Mine Storeroom is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Pensacola Bay Cruises began their summer operation May 17, offering all-day hop-on, hop-off cruises between Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach, and downtown Pensacola.

Visitors arriving by tour boat at Fort Pickens are not required to pay the park’s entrance fee. For more information about the Pensacola Bay tour boat service, visit www.cruisepb.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seasonal services under way in Fort Pickens

CRESTVIEW — The Democratic Women's Club of North Okaloosa will hold its regular monthly meeting soon.

Guest speaker is Jennifer Copus, a local attorney with Copus and Copus.  She will be talking about the immigration problems in the Crestview community.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. June 4 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Democratic Women to meet