SHALIMAR — The theme for the next Okaloosa Public Arts jury-reviewed art show is “Tribute to Sinfonia Gulf Coast.”

The art show is set 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at the Okaloosa County Administrative Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. Cash prizes are $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.

Artists may submit up to three pieces of art by Aug. 26. Work should have been created within the past two years; must be family friendly and have a musical theme; and must be framed or gallery wrapped. Pieces shown in previous OPA shows are not eligible for entry.  Bas-relief or other wall-mounted or free-standing sculpture are not eligible; all other media is acceptable. The largest acceptable framed size is 3 feet by 5 feet; the smallest acceptable frame size is 16 inches by 20 inches.

One of the works should be chosen for donation to Sinfonia's annual silent auction and gala. Artists who donate a work will get a free ticket to the gala, and don't have to participate in this philanthropic venture to be eligible to participate in the art show.

To enter, send the entry form; a non-refundable $35 check made to OPA; and CD or flash drive of works to: OPA, Shirley Napier, 1003 Shalimar Pointe Drive, Shalimar, FL  32579.     

Alternatively, send JPEG image entries to Shirley.a.napier@cox.net, entry form and $35 entry fee to OPA, Shirley Napier, 1003 Shalimar Pointe Drive, Shalimar, Florida 32579

Contact Shirley Napier, 651-8300; or Elia Saxer, 651-1591, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa art show entries sought

In this reflective ode to music, former Talking Heads lead, David Byrne, deconstructs, explains, simplifies, amplifies and asks the reader to rid themselves of any restraints when listening to music.

This book can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys music — which is everyone, I hope.

The technicalities and history of music are explained in a non-esoteric fashion, making it an interesting read for those who might have wondered why a band playing in a smaller night club might sound better than one at Carnegie Hall.

Throughout the book, Byrne throws in bits of autobiographical pieces, but the main focus is music.

Once you read this, you will have a better appreciation for it.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library staff pick: 'How Music Works' by David Byrne

CRESTVIEW — A Florida Author Takeover Event — FATE — is set for July 16 and 17 in Crestview.

The event — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive — includes book signings with more than 20 authors; vendors such as Thirty-One Bags, Scentsy, Herbal Life and romance consultants; a meet and greet; readings by authors; photos; T-shirts; and fans dressed up as their favorite fictional characters.

Authors include Crestview author L. M. Reeves; New York Times best selling author Becky McGraw; Ali Winters, Terri George and Candi Leigh Campbell.

Cost to attend is $1 or one nonperishable food item per person.

A part of all proceeds will be donated to various charities including AmVets, Make A Wish and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For more information go to floridaauthortakeoverevent.weebly.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida authors convention scheduled in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — The Rotary Club of Crestview has a new board of directors for Rotary year 2016-17.

The organization's annual banquet was part of its regular Wednesday lunch meeting June 29  at Samuel’s Roadhouse in Crestview.

The new board members are Mike Connell, Dale Henderson and Dick Russell, directors; Allyson Oury, treasurer and past president; Bill Barnhill, charter member; Larry Ward, president; Nikki Schneberger, secretary; Samma Brannon, president-elect; Mike Carroll, past president; Ronnie Lunsford, sergeant at arms.

The club presented five $2,000 checks to local organizations derived from the proceeds of the club’s 2nd Annual Great Gun Giveaway of 2016. The recipient organizations were selected by the board of directors from nominations by the club, with a focus on local entities that do not have funded marketing or fundraising functions.

The funds were presented to the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club; Elie’s Voice; Safe Connections Family Visitation Center; the Northwood Elementary School Backpack Program; and Kiwanis Club of Crestview.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Crestview contact any board member or email crestviewrotary@crestviewrotary.info.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Rotary Club names new officers, presents funding

CRESTVIEW — As Americans celebrate their nation’s independence, naturalized citizens throughout North Okaloosa County join in the celebration.

Among them is Isabelle Mills, who as a Frenchwoman volunteering at the USO in her native Marseilles, fell in love with an American Navy officer.

Helping young Americans far from their homes came naturally to the then Isabelle Hugues.

“Memories of World War II were still vivid in my parents' minds,” she said. “During my childhood I only heard positive comments about America.

“As a child, I was so impressed when my mother told me that her red flower dress that I found so pretty was donated by American women during the war. Not only had American soldiers saved France, but their wives had taken care of my mother by dressing her so beautifully.”

FIRST VISIT TO AMERICA

In 1971, Isabelle, then 21, had an opportunity to spend a summer with a host family in Michigan.

“They treated me like their own daughter and I felt right at home,” Isabelle said. “Everything looked new and wonderful to me. I was so happy there that I went back the following summer.”

Volunteering at the Marseilles USO between 1978 to 1986 gave Isabelle the chance to socialize with Americans whose ships called at the ancient port.

“I loved that job because I met many brave, kind and interesting people,” she said. “So, of course when out of the blue one day, this charming, handsome naval officer appeared at the USO, I could not resist.”

The couple could further interact when Lt. Cmdr. Jim Mills and his crew volunteered to help Isabelle and friends from her church with a project.

“I asked them, ‘Who wants shore leave tomorrow?’” Jim Mills said. “Of course every guy raised his hand. I said, ‘Fine. First you have to help paint an orphanage.’”

MARRIAGE AND CITIZENSHIP

One thing led to another, which led to an April 12, 1986 trip down the aisle at the Naval Amphibious Base Chapel in Virginia Beach, where the appropriately named Chaplain Love united the couple in marriage.

“This is how, on a beautiful March 10, 1993, in New Orleans, after months of paper work, reading the book and taking the test, I became a proud American citizen,” Isabelle said.

“Sure, my French accent did not vanish as I was sworn by the judge, and though I don't deny my roots and my heritage, I am grateful for this great country where I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…”

The couple retired to Crestview. Isabelle works several days a week at the Eglin commissary, while Jim feeds the geese in the pond near their home.

Both volunteer for the Crestview Area Sister City Program, of which Jim is the past president, assuring Isabelle’s countrymen receive the same warm welcome she first experienced in America back in ‘71.

“It has been 30 years since we were married,” Isabelle said. “What I thought of as my dream was in fact my destiny.

“I am where I am supposed to be, here in Crestview, in Florida, in America and I feel blessed.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Naturalized citizen, Crestview resident shares her love of the U.S.

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council’s next meeting will be held beneath the city’s new display of military service branch and historical flags.

The meeting was moved to Warriors Hall for the dedication of the Friends of the Arts-spearheaded display, which will proceed the meeting.

The 5 p.m. dedication ceremony will include performances by the North Okaloosa Community Band and The Wesley Boys, First United Methodist Church’s men’s gospel quartet, which will sing an a-capella arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

During the dedication, Mayor David Cadle will narrate the community band’s performance of “Within These Hallowed Halls,” which fuses “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Amazing Grace.”

The $2,400 flag display was funded by donations from students, residents and businesses and includes flags of the six military branches and six nations that historically controlled the area that now includes Crestview.

“The flag display project is an opportunity for the Friends of the Arts, along with community sponsors, to continue our work enhancing Warriors Hall,” Friends President Rae Schwartz said.

The 50-member North Okaloosa Community Band will also perform patriotic music before and after the dedication ceremony.

The band makes its debut Monday evening at 4 p.m. at Crestview’s Fourth of July Celebration.

—

WANT TO GO?

What: Warriors Hall Flag Display Dedication

When: 5 p.m. July 11

Where: Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, Stillwell Boulevard at Industrial Drive, Crestview

Notes: Public dedication of Friends of the Arts’ service branch and historical flag display, featuring performances by the North Okaloosa Community Band and The Wesley Boys. Refreshments follow.

What: Warriors Hall Flag Display Dedication

When: 5 p.m. July 11

Where: Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, Stillwell Boulevard at Industrial Drive, Crestview

Notes: Public dedication of Friends of the Arts’ service branch and historical flag display, featuring performances by the North Okaloosa Community Band and The Wesley Boys. Refreshments follow.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Warriors Hall military services, historical flags dedication scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Twin Hills Park is the setting for a Fourth of July featuring an old-fashioned picnic, games, fireworks and the new community band’s debut.

Monday the shady groves, walking paths, grassy lawns, picnic pavilions and sports field are expected to throng with thousands of residents celebrating the nation’s 240th birthday and Crestview’s 100th.

“It’s going to be wonderful,” Main Street Crestview Association manager Patti Gonzo said. The association has contracted under the Community Redevelopment Agency to run centennial events.

FOOD AND FUN

Gonzo said multiple food vendors will offer everything from cool shaved ice and ice cream to carnival funnel cakes.

Cub Scouts Pack 799 and the Crestview Recreation Department soccer team will sponsor games, while Hub City BBQ will have both cuisine and knocker balls on hand.

At 4 p.m. the North Okaloosa Community Band, organized by Lee Emerson of UpBeat Music, will debut. Emerson said the band has exceeded his expectations.

“We have grown to more than 50 members!” he said. “We have selected eight pieces to perform.”

Among the numbers is “Within These Hallowed Halls” — a stirring patriotic piece by James Swearingen that fuses “Amazing Grace” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” — which will feature a guest narrator.

“Mayor (David) Cadle will be participating as narrator for the spoken parts,” Emerson said. Cadle was director of the Crestview High School band for 29 years.

FIREWORKS AND SAFETY

The festivities culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m., “and yes, they will be at 9 and not at dark,” Gonzo said, seeking to avoid confusion that has occurred over the starting time of past fireworks displays.

The community has been raising money for the fireworks, spearheaded by the Main Street Crestview Association and Allen Turner Chevrolet,” CRA Director Brenda Smith said.

The $20,000 fireworks show is being funded by resident and business donations, Allen Turner Chevrolet and the Main Street Crestview Association.

The City Council voted to cover any shortfall in donations from contingency funds.

And, safety first.

To alleviate the danger of people parking across U.S. Highway 90 and dodging traffic as they dash to Twin Hills Park, city officials encourage attendees to park downtown and use a free shuttle bus service to and from the park.

—

WANT TO GO?

Crestview’s Centennial Independence Day Celebration in Twin Hills Park is a free family event.

Here’s the schedule:

2-7 p.m.: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Family Picnic: food available from vendors, or pack a meal and spread out on the grass. Games on the sports field.

Also: Continuous free shuttle bus between the Amtrak shack, City Hall, the Elder Services/Wilson Street parking lot, and Twin Hills Park gym at Hathaway Street and the Children’s Park. The shuttle service ends at 10 p.m.

4 p.m.: Debut of the North Okaloosa County Community Band at the sports field midfield area.

7 p.m. until after fireworks display: Free shuttle bus between Twin Hills Park gym and the Amtrak shack, City Hall, and Elder Services/Wilson Street parking lot.

9 p.m.: Fireworks

—

NORTH OKALOOSA COMMUNITY BAND

The North Okaloosa Community Band, which makes its debut at the Centennial Fourth of July Celebration, will perform:

●“Star Spangled Banner”

●“March On, America!”

●“In Honor of the Fallen”

●“Within These Hallowed Halls (Mayor David Cadle, guest narrator)”

●“Marches of the Armed Forces”

●“American Anthems”

●“1812 Overture”

●“Stars and Stripes Forever”

The band, formed earlier this year, has grown to more than 50 members. Many are former school musicians who have picked up their instruments for the first time since graduation, band organizer Lee Emerson of UpBeat Music said.

“We still need additional players,” Emerson said. “Our group is open to all skill levels and caters especially to older players who may not have played for awhile.”

Emerson said the band also welcomes 11th- or 12th-grade student band members with their school band director’s permission.

“We especially need flutes and trumpets, but all instruments are welcome,” Emerson said.

Call Emerson, 375-5938, for more information.

—

TWIN HILLS PARK

Twin Hills Park was a railroad watering pond when Crestview was incorporated in 1916.

The city, with Mayor George Whitehurst’s encouragement, bought it from the L&N Railroad and dedicated it on May 22, 1970.

The city’s library was opened in the park in 1976. After the city sold the building and moved the library to its present location on Commerce Drive, the building was expanded and is today the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center of Northwest Florida State College.

The park features a walking path with par course equipment, picnic facilities, a fishing bridge, sports fields, a gymnasium, a children’s park, and will be home to the city’s planned dog park.

Crestview’s Centennial Independence Day Celebration in Twin Hills Park is a free family event.

Here’s the schedule:

2-7 p.m.: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Family Picnic: food available from vendors, or pack a meal and spread out on the grass. Games on the sports field.

Also: Continuous free shuttle bus between the Amtrak shack, City Hall, the Elder Services/Wilson Street parking lot, and Twin Hills Park gym at Hathaway Street and the Children’s Park. The shuttle service ends at 10 p.m.

4 p.m.: Debut of the North Okaloosa County Community Band at the sports field midfield area.

7 p.m. until after fireworks display: Free shuttle bus between Twin Hills Park gym and the Amtrak shack, City Hall, and Elder Services/Wilson Street parking lot.

9 p.m.: Fireworks

—

NORTH OKALOOSA COMMUNITY BAND

The North Okaloosa Community Band, which makes its debut at the Centennial Fourth of July Celebration, will perform:

●“Star Spangled Banner”

●“March On, America!”

●“In Honor of the Fallen”

●“Within These Hallowed Halls (Mayor David Cadle, guest narrator)”

●“Marches of the Armed Forces”

●“American Anthems”

●“1812 Overture”

●“Stars and Stripes Forever”

The band, formed earlier this year, has grown to more than 50 members. Many are former school musicians who have picked up their instruments for the first time since graduation, band organizer Lee Emerson of UpBeat Music said.

“We still need additional players,” Emerson said. “Our group is open to all skill levels and caters especially to older players who may not have played for awhile.”

Emerson said the band also welcomes 11th- or 12th-grade student band members with their school band director’s permission.

“We especially need flutes and trumpets, but all instruments are welcome,” Emerson said.

Call Emerson, 375-5938, for more information.

— 

TWIN HILLS PARK

Twin Hills Park was a railroad watering pond when Crestview was incorporated in 1916.

The city, with Mayor George Whitehurst’s encouragement, bought it from the L&N Railroad and dedicated it on May 22, 1970.

The city’s library was opened in the park in 1976. After the city sold the building and moved the library to its present location on Commerce Drive, the building was expanded and is today the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center of Northwest Florida State College.

The park features a walking path with par course equipment, picnic facilities, a fishing bridge, sports fields, a gymnasium, a children’s park, and will be home to the city’s planned dog park.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview celebrates centennial-themed Independence Day

CRESTVIEW — The Emerald Coast Rider will give free trolley services for Crestview's Fourth of July celebration at Twin Hills Park and Fort Walton Beach's celebration.

To take advantage of the service in Crestview, park on Main or Wilson Street. The bus will stop at City Hall, Elder Services, and the old train station, then drop people off at the park. The trolley will run continuously from 2-10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks are at 9 p.m.

Fort Walton Beach pick-up and drop-off locations are from the parking lot at the City of Fort Walton Beach Auditorium; Uptown Station; and from Emerald Coast Convention Center to the festival site. The trolleys will run continuously from 5-10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks are at 8:45 p.m. at the Landing in Fort Walton Beach.

—

Note: Okaloosa County officials stated Thursday that the trolley services for both Crestview and Fort Walton Beach will run continuously until 10 p.m., not 7 p.m. in Crestview as they originally stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free trolley services run unti 10 p.m. for Northwest Florida fireworks

CRESTVIEW — Bulldog Athletic Director and Football Head Coach Tim Hatten is offering a football camp for area youths age 4 and up.

Attendees will learn new techniques and sharpen their football abilities.

Registration is 5:30-6 p.m. July 17 and the camp is 6-7:30 p.m. July 17-19.

Cost is $50 per person, which includes a T-shirt.

Participants are asked to wear cleats and bring a water bottle. No equipment is required for camp.

For more information, contact Chris Moore, 259-1808.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High schedules football camp

CRESTVIEW — Crestview’s Toastmasters International Club held its open house and installed new officers during its June 28 meeting.

During the meeting, member Kathy Morrow shared why public speaking skills — particularly those learned during Toastmasters Club meetings — can benefit people in their everyday lives.

New officers are as follows:

●Patti Adams, president

●Bruce Adams, vice president of education

●Angela Williams, vice president of membership

●Richard Powell, vice president of public relations

●Michael Dunn, treasurer

●Martha Williams, secretary

●Kathy Morrow, sergeant at arms

The Crestview Toastmasters Club regularly meets 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the GWFC Clubhouse, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VIDEO: Crestview Toastmaster shares how public speaking skills aid everyday life