PAXTON — Five Paxton School elementary students traveled to Houston, Texas, last week with 15,000 robotics students from across the U.S. and 40 countries for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship Houston, which includes competitions for students in elementary, middle and high school divisions. Paxton’s students, ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to third grade, were selected to represent the 137 teams in their 16-county region of the Florida Panhandle based on their work on their “Mission Moon” project.

The young STEM students are members of the school’s FIRST Lego League, Jr. team self-named “Lunar Cats” and have been meeting since September to learn about the moon and what is needed to live there through hands-on activities. They then used their knowledge to build a moon base out of Legos that solved all of the problems humans would encounter on a long-term mission. Their build included coding two robots to deliver materials from their rocket and to push ice from the moon’s surface to the moon base for melting and provision of liquid water to the base.

“Each year FIRST chooses a theme for the year’s building and coding project and the kids were excited to investigate the moon this year by making craters with rocks and flour, visiting the moon with the Apollo 11 astronauts through virtual reality, and lots of other fun activities,” said team coach and fourth grade teacher Sheryl Evans. “The focus of our program is really three-fold: science, engineering and coding, and communication skills.”

In Houston, Paxton’s students gathered with 60 other FIRST Lego League, Jr. teams where so-called “soft skills” were emphasized. The team, in only their third year, participated in interviews by a panel of FIRST reviewers and presented their Lego moon base and display board at the World Expo for other teams and visitors from around the world to visit.

The Lunar Cats team received the “Explore and Design” award at the World Expo for their work, but Evans says that wasn’t the real prize. “Watching these young kids confidently answer questions about their design from the Australian team at the next table, shake hands and exchange swag with team members and their chaperones from the Ukraine, or giggle about something silly with the kids from the Vietnamese team, that’s when you see the process come full circle.”

“Science and engineering doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When students know their science, can build and code a solution using critical thinking skills, and then have the confidence to share that knowledge with others … that’s when we’re really preparing our students for real life.”

In the closing ceremonies held at Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros, thousands of students listened as Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, concurred with Evans, “We can’t build the future for our children. We must build our children for the future.”

FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Paxton's junior robotics team attends World Expo

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

DAY OF DNA: The Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County is sponsoring a day of presentations on the use of DNA for genealogy from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27 at the Robert L Sikes Public Library in Crestview. Kristina Clever, of Clever Genetic Ancestry, will be the guest speaker. Seating is limited and registration is required. Email gsocgsig@gmail.com.

CRESTVIEW ROTARY ROUNDUP: 6-9:30 p.m. May 3, Barnhill Arena, Baker Area Recreation Association, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. All proceeds benefit the club's outreach programs from nonprofit charities to educational support. Guest speaker is retired Cold Edward Hubbard, and former prisoner of war in Vietnam.Details: crestviewrotary@outlook.com.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4, Main Street, Crestview. Includes 8 a.m. 7K fun run, and appreciation event begins at 10 a.m. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight organizers and other groups will be present as well. Event sponsorships are available through the Main Street  website.

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 on Main Street in Crestview. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight will be among the agencies present. See a fire truck up close, or the tools safety personnel use in their work. Agencies may also compete against each other in various activities.

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.

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS: Chamber members may attend free 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. April 11 yoga classes or 7:30 p.m. April 11 Open House at Grateful Hearts Yoga, 5719 State Road 85 N, Crestview. Light refreshments will be served at the open house. RSVP your attendance to Tim or Grace, gratefulheartsyogastudio@gmail.com. Limited class spots are available.

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

One day, as I was shelving books, two of my library girls and their mom walked up to me. Eyes sparkling, they said, “Ms. Heather, wouldn’t it be so cool if kids could put their books in the library for other kids to read?” Finally, it has come to fruition!

Kid authors, submit your books to the front desk! We’ll review them and put them in the Little Library (which Chick-fil-A donated to us) for other kids to read and enjoy while they’re in the library.

There are a few pre-made books on which to pen and illustrate your stories, or you may design your own.

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: CHECK IT OUT: Library accepting young authors' work

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

DAY OF DNA: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27 at the Robert L Sikes Public Library in Crestview, the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County is sponsoring a day of presentations on the use of DNA for genealogy. Kristina Clever, of Clever Genetic Ancestry, will be the guest speaker. Seating is limited and registration is required. Email gsocgsig@gmail.com.

CRESTVIEW ROTARY ROUNDUP: 6-9:30 p.m. May 3, Barnhill Arena, Baker Area Recreation Association, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. All proceeds benefit the club's outreach programs from nonprofit charities to educational support. Guest speaker is retired Cold Edward Hubbard, and former prisoner of war in Vietnam.Details: crestviewrotary@outlook.com.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4, Main Street, Crestview. Includes 8 a.m. 7K fun run, and appreciation event begins at 10 a.m. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight organizers and other groups will be present as well. Event sponsorships are available through the Main Street  website.

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 on Main Street in Crestview. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight will be among the agencies present. See a fire truck up close, or the tools safety personnel use in their work. Agencies may also compete against each other in various activities.

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.

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS: Chamber members may attend free 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. April 11 yoga classes or 7:30 p.m. April 11 Open House at Grateful Hearts Yoga, 5719 State Road 85 N, Crestview. Light refreshments will be served at the open house. RSVP your attendance to Tim or Grace, gratefulheartsyogastudio@gmail.com. Limited class spots are available.

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 annual Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival celebrates the attributes that made north Okaloosa County the economic powerhouse of the late 19th century.

This year, the festival will be held on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the side yard of Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, located at 8115 4th Street.

The event is sponsored by the Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian Churches and the Friends of the Arts. There is no cost to attend, but there will be crafts, food and beverages for sale.

“It’s a little festival with a century of roots behind it,” said Mark Broadhead, pastor of Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church “Many of our exhibitors’ families have been here for many generations. Theirs are skills and recipes that are passed on from parents to children.”

Local heritage groups, including the Baker Block Museum, will share regional history with festival attendees.

The festival’s performance artists include a variety of regional singers and musicians, from the vocal talents of Douglas Black to the big symphonic band sounds of the North Okaloosa Community Band.

More than 30 exhibitors, community organizations, performers and services will participate in the annual festival. The event will include things such as handmade crafts, artistry, cottage industry foods, and live music.

Food sales will benefit community social services and programs, including Laurel Hill School, the town’s Little Free Libraries, Crestview Boy Scout Troop 773, the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s food pantry, and Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church’s community outreach programs.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘A little festival with a century of roots’

CRESTVIEW — Members of Davidson and Shoal River Middle School drove their way to the top of the leaderboard during Monday’s Middle School Athletic Conference Golf tournament.

The nine-hole tournament was held on the Oaks Course at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

Gracie Grant, a member of Davidson’s team, was the low medalist for the day in the girls’ category for the Class 2A division. Grant finished the round at one over par, giving her a score at 37 and the victory.

“She is an unbelievable golfer,” said Davidson’s golf coach, Chris Small. “She deserves it because I have never seen anyone work harder at it.”

Small said Grant, who is a seventh-grader at the school, won the event last year, too.

When asked about her determination and focus during the event, Small said it was nothing different than how she performs during practice.

“She keeps getting better and works very hard at it,” Small said.

On the boys’ side of the event, Shoal River team member, Alexander Fagan found himself tied at the top of the leaderboard at five over par with Ruckel’s Kyler Long to win the boys Class 2A division.

Fagan attends school at the STEMM Center, but plays golf for Shoal River’s team.

Shoal River’s golf coach, Robert Maddens, said Fagan is one of the more competitive players on the team.

“He practices five to six days a week. Even when we don’t have practice, he will still go practice,” said Madden. “He takes it very seriously. If there is free time after practice, he goes to the putting green or driving range.

“He is focused and determined every time he is on the course,” he added.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson's Grant and Shoal River's Fagan win golf tournament

CRESTVIEW — Many people in the community will join together to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle during the annual Relay for Life of Crestview event taking place at Crestview High School.

The event starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

“This year’s Relay for Life Event is going to be one for the record books. Our teams and committee have been working so hard to bring this event to life,” said Megan Bowersox, event lead for Relay for Life of Crestview. “We can’t wait to honor our survivors and caregivers and celebrate life. This is a family-friendly event with live entertainment, food, games and more.”

The American Cancer Society is fighting cancer on every front, standing shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients and those supporting them. Last year, 2.7 million participants in the U.S. raised more than $279 million at more than 3,500 events to help beat our biggest rival.

Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay for Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.

In addition to the support of the community, Relay for Life of Crestview is also supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s sponsors include Vertex Aerospace, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Allen Turner Chevrolet, CHELCO, Eglin Federal Credit Union, G2 Entertainment and Cumulus Media.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/crestviewfl the event page on Facebook “Relay For Life of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Annual Relay for Life event to be held at Crestview High School

The benefits of being bilingual and learning a second language have been studied and shown to improve cognitive function and improved academic success.

Learning a second language has been shown to increase empathy, awareness and a positive attitude toward the native speakers of the language being learned.

With your library card you will have free access to Rosetta Stone, one of the most popular language learning programs that uses immersion style learning.

Choose from 30 languages:

•Arabic; Chinese (Mandarin); Dari; Dutch; English (American); English (British); Filipino (Tagalog); French; German; Greek.

•Hebrew; Hindi; Indonesian; Irish; Italian; Japanese; Korean; Latin; Pashto; Persian (Farsi).

•Polish; Portuguese (Brazil); Russian; Spanish (Latin America); Spanish (Spain); Swahili; Swedish; Turkish; Urdu; Vietnamese.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Crestview library to get Rosetta Stone access

CRESTVIEW — About 120 Gordon Martial Arts students advanced to their next martial arts belt levels April 5.

"I’ve learned a lot in the three months I’ve been doing Taekwon-Do," Teresa O’Connor, a Crestview mother, said. "I mainly signed up for exercise and self-defense."

Acquiring discipline, whether one’s own or for one’s children, is another motivator, GMA owner Master Tom Gordon said.

Parents have also commented on how the respect their children acquire at GMA for their instructors, elders and each other carries over to home.

"Master Gordon and his staff are wonderful," one mother said after the ceremony. "I’ve seen a definite improvement in my kids’ behavior since they’ve been coming here."

Many students achieved impressive levels of accomplishment. Jeremy Morgan attained his fifth-degree black belt in Taekwon-Do, a feat Master Gordon said happens to only about one in 2,000 practitioners of the discipline when they start as white belts.

Master Greg Bledsoe, a long-time GMA instructor, was awarded his seventh-degree black belt, an even more rare accomplishment. He was presented a pair of chevrons for his new uniform by guest instructor Master Michael Munyon of Michigan. He and several other masters visited to teach a three-day International Taekwan-do instructors course.

Three teen students, Trent Tucker, Asline Heringer and Phenix Mayo, received their first-degree black belts in Taekwon-Do, and adult Matt Young received his first-degree black belt in hapkido.

Landen Daves, Lillie Dale and Sydney Rosnick received the blue uniforms and equipment of Black Belt Club students.

Gordon, a former adult league football player, said the way students continue to attain higher ranks long into adulthood sets martial arts apart from most other sports.

"In almost all other sports, as you get older, you get benched. In martial arts, you get more respect."

And that, said new Crestview Mayor JB Whitten, is a matter of perseverance. During motivational remarks to the students and audience, he likened his political career to striving for a black belt.

"The first time I tried (for public office), I got beaten," he said. "But I didn’t go home and cry. I tried again, and that time, I got elected. You always have to keep trying."

Following his remarks, as is tradition for GMA guest speakers, a bucket was passed and raised $232.50 from the audience for his choice of non-profit: the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Whitten’s comments came as validation to Teresa O’Connor’s efforts, who was awarded her yellow belt that night.

"When I first came to Gordon Martial Arts, I couldn’t get off the floor," she said. "Now I got this (belt), and I’m making friends. And I lost weight!"

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gordon Martial Arts belt ceremony showcases multiple attributes