CRESTVIEW — Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Spirit Night is 4:30-8 p.m. May 25.
Dog Pound members will host, serve and bus tables to help raise money for the Crestview High School football team’s transportation costs to away games this season.
Beef’s will donate a portion of that night’s sales to the Dog Pound.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School Spirit Night set May 25
CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School is now accepting Hall of Fame nominations.
To be considered for induction, nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and athletic accomplishments.
Verifiable information must accompany all submissions. If possible, also supply the nominee’s contact information, though this is not a requirement.
You may resubmit previous nominations for consideration, a CHS spokesperson said.
June 3 is the application submission deadline. Deliver applications to CHS’s front office or email them to Coach Tim Hatten, tim.hatten@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High Hall of Fame nominations sought
Back in his NBA playing days, teammates thought Tom Hammonds was crazy when he’d peel off to the book store before road trips to pick up reading material on martial arts.
Who did this 6-foot-9, 220-pound man think he was? Bruce Lee? Jackie Chan?
His frame, nor did his basketball routes, fit the mold.
Of course, everyone said the same thing when drag racing caught his eye in the late ’90s.
This is Hammonds, though, the consummate athlete.
A man who led Crestview to a 3A state championship in 1985 as a McDonald’s All-American.
A man who was named ACC and NCAA Rookie of the Year at Georgia Tech, where he twice earned All-ACC honors and was an All-American.
A man drafted by the Washington Bullets with the ninth pick in the 1989 draft, which paved the way for a successful 12-year NBA run before retiring in 2001 with 3,686 points and 2,287 rebounds.
“Hambone” and “The Terminator,” people called him.
A man who was a driver in the National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock series, finishing second in the 1996 Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals before establishing the Race For Achievement program to promote racing, leadership, education and sportsmanship for teenage students.
And now, he’s a man with a 20-0 Jiu Jitsu record, accented by a slew of accolades: International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Pan Am gold medal, a World Championship at Blue Belt and, most recently, a World Championship at Purple Belt.
“When I finished drag racing, I needed something to fill that competitive fire,” Hammonds said. “I’ve always loved martial arts, and my oldest son was a Taekwondo world champion when he was about 14, 15 years old, so I’d always been involved with it. I just never participated in it.”
When he began to, people were in awe of his size.
“Jiu Jitsu is specifically for a smaller person, to be able to overcome a bigger person,” said Hammonds, who now weighs around 275 pounds. “They don’t expect a bigger person to learn it and then beat everybody. When I first started training, people didn’t understand it. But I learned, got better and it’s taken off.”
Already a member of the All Sports Association Hall of Fame and a Professional of the Year winner in 1999, Hammonds’ latest passion earned him another ASA honor: Amateur of the Year.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been called an amateur,” Hammonds laughed. “Probably since high school or college.”
His versatility within the ASA runs hand in hand with his success across multiple venues as an athlete, one whose résumé is the benchmark for area basketball players. One who continues to serve as a role model, inspiring athletes that you don’t have to fit a certain mold.
“I love sports, but I think the biggest thing is no matter what I’ve tried to do, I work hard at it,” Hammonds said. “The biggest message I tell people is ‘You can do anything in life as long as you work for it.’
“I think the biggest compliment I’ve ever received is from Coach (Bobby) Cremins, and he’ll be here this weekend. He always said I was the hardest-working player he’s ever had, and that’s transitioned into whatever I do, whether in business, Jiu Jitsu, drag racing or basketball.”
So what’s next, Tom?
“I’m enjoying what I do, just progressing belts,” he said. “But you never know.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: This Crestview man is the All Sports Association's Amateur of the Year
CRESTVIEW — Though construction is ongoing, Saturday’s visitors will get a glimpse of Katie Manor’s many amenities, the affordable senior apartment complex manager said.
While the 102-unit complex won’t be ready for occupancy until the beginning of July, its many public rooms’ generous proportions and high ceilings are already apparent. Passing through the atrium lobby and into the sunken dining area and adjacent activity and game room, visitors will have views of what will be a community garden to the north and a screened-in porch overlooking the pool and deck to the south.
Donna Menchaca, Katie Manor’s onsite property manager, said with construction ahead of schedule, between 50 and 75 percent of the apartments are leased.
Several applications are pending approval, and all applicants must undergo criminal background checks, Mechaca said. Many charter residents are from out-of-state, she said, with couples from Colorado, California and Michigan who will soon be Crestview residents. “A majority of those have family here who want to move Mom and Dad closer,” Menchaca said.
Some one- and two-bedroom units feature enhanced doorbells and other audio alerts for the blind, and flashing lights for the deaf. For wheelchair users, some units have lower kitchen countertops. Each unit has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a trash chute on each floor alleviates having to tote garbage through the building.
“They are starting to come together,” Summit Construction assistant site superintendent Dave Pierson said as crews laid wood-grain flooring in kitchens and tile in bathrooms.
The amenities are particularly attractive, Menchaca said. In addition to the pool, which features a wheelchair lift, community center, garden and porches, residents will find:
●A licensed beauty salon
●Community kitchen for group dinners and cooking contests. (“Some of our residents get pretty serious about our Crock Pot cook-offs,” Menchaca said.)
●Library with quiet reading lounge
●Fitness center
●Movie room
●Computer lab
●Dog park
●Outdoor grills
●Wi-Fi in common areas
●Card-access security
●Daily continental breakfast in the dining room
●Monthly activities and events
“We are on pace to be ready for July 1,” Summit Construction site superintendent Chuck Renner said.
—
●Units: 102 pet-friendly 1- and 2-bedroom apartments
●Rental: 1-bedroom, 611 square feet, $686; 2-bedroom, 895 square feet, $815
●Minimum resident age: 55
●Total size: 104,000 square feet
●Opening: July 1
WANT TO GO?
Katie Manor Apartments, an affordable senior living complex, holds a hard hat construction tour 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30. Free guided tours, snacks and refreshments are available. Information: 639 Brookmeade Drive, 603-3559, katiemanor@wrhrealty.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Katie Manor senior apartments eye July 1 opening (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
Mention development and readers’ inevitably comment that one thing Crestview needs more of is more places to eat. Does it really? Are choices really that limited in the county’s biggest city?
CRESTVIEW — When the City Council green-lighted four development projects in February, including two new eateries, City Councilman Doug Faircloth welcomed the new businesses, “especially Jimmy John’s and David's Catfish House.”
“I agree,” then-Councilman Joe Blocker, now council president, said. “Anytime we can get more places to eat is alright with me.”
And it’s alright with residents, many of whom consistently lament a perceived shortage of dining establishments in the county seat.
The announcement unleashed an inevitable flurry of Facebook comments as readers itemized a litany of chain restaurants and stores they want “the city” to bring them:
While stores like Costco and Target top their wish lists, restaurant chains include Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Chuck-E-Cheese’s for the kids are also in demand.
Does Crestview really have such a dearth of places to eat? The numbers say no.
COUNT THE CHOICES
A check of YellowPages.com for “Crestview restaurants” brought up 108 listings. Eliminating places that have closed, are duplicate listings, or are out of town narrowed the list to 65 current eateries within the Hub City, not counting several others that are not Yellow Pages customers.
Of them, 37 are national or regional chain establishments, and of those, 12 can be considered “fast food,” which commentators on the News Bulletin’s website and Facebook pages tend to feel the city has a sufficient number of.
“We need less fast food and more shops,” Grenda Wright Bush wrote.
“There's enough fast food joints already in this town!” Paul Thompson commented. “If we have to have more eateries, how about healthier ones like Zoe's Kitchen.”
CHAINS VS. LOCALS
Matthew Bryant, who settled in Crestview in the early 2000s, says he and his wife’s dilemma is not deciding to go out to eat, but where to go.
“We were immediately impressed with the number of places to eat when we got here,” Bryant said. “Not many towns this size have so many choices, especially locally-grown places.”
It’s those “mom-and-pop” establishments that provide the local flavors and atmosphere many people seek. Plus they like supporting the local economy.
That’s not to say corporate chains are bad.
“I used to like to eat at chain restaurants,” Mike Carroll, owner of Hub City Smokehouse and Grill, said. “At one point in time, somebody had to build the first Olive Garden.”
But, Carroll said, locally owned establishments have more flexibility to effect immediate changes when needed, among other advantages.
“We had a problem with our pancakes being too fluffy. I fixed that immediately, rather than having to go to corporate. We can make immediate changes as opposed to a chain.”
“Big corporate chains, you don’t get that personal touch that you get with local people,” Wayne Scott, owner of Wayne’s Catfish House, said. “We have a lot of customers we do special food for that you don’t get with corporate chains.”
He should know. For years he was manager of Ryan’s Steak House, where “seasoning our food wasn’t an option because they wanted the food to taste the same across the country,” Scott said.
“I can see some company chef in Chicago saying, ‘tomato gravy? What the hell is that?’” Carroll said. “Plus, the mom-and-pops are a little bit more personable.”
TRICKLE DOWN
Many local restaurants rely on local suppliers for their food, Main Street Crestview Association Director Brenda Smith said. Supporting their restaurants has a trickle-down effect across the economy.
“It’s like helping your neighbor,” she said. “You keep everybody in business. By purchasing local you’re helping the local farmer, and you’re getting the benefits of seasonal foods, and they’re fresher because they don’t have to be shipped.”
While the Bryants generally prefer the local restaurants—“The Wild Olive is the bomb,” Bryant said. “It’s the first place we take out-of-town visitors”—they do have favorite chain eateries where they know the food and menu will be consistent from city to city.
“If we’re traveling and I see a Houston’s, I’m there,” Bryant said. “But when we’re home, we like choosing a local place because we know it’s food we won’t find anyplace else.”
A review of local restaurant listings in the Yellow Pages, Yellow Book and visual counts gives an idea of local residents’ dining opportunities:
70: approximate eateries in Crestview
37: number of chain restaurants
12: number of “fast food” chain restaurants
9: approximate eateries in neighboring North Okaloosa County communities
5: roadside food trucks/trailers in Crestview
COMING SOON
Projects approved in February by the Crestview City Council include two free-standing chain restaurants:
• David's Catfish House: The Andalusia, Alabama-based restaurant will open its fourth location, a 4,800-square-foot Crestview eatery, on 4 acres behind the Ferdon Boulevard North McDonald's and CCB Community Bank. The site will have parking for 70 cars.
• Jimmy John's Sandwiches: 3301 Ferdon Blvd. South. 1,150 square-foot local branch of the Champaign, Illinois-based gourmet sandwiches restaurant on a .78-acre site
In addition, Crestview Crossing, 2150 Ferdon Blvd. South, will be built in two phases, with the first featuring retail or restaurant buildings.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eating out in Crestview: Are more restaurants needed?
LAUREL HILL — Starting Saturday, the sport of Airsoft again has a venue in North Okaloosa County. Evolution Airsoft opens in a previous operator’s wooded 22-acre site at the end of Robbins Road.
Its clearings are filled with moveable barricades and obstacles, as well as permanent structures representing rudimentary forts, towers and buildings.
Sam Allen, who, with friends and a partner, lease the parks-and-recreation-zoned land from Okaloosa County, “but the lease went up from a dollar a year to $100 a month.” He expects 20 to 30 players a day.
The sport, which Allen says is popular with active duty and retired military personnel and “a lot of military enthusiasts,” consists of shooting other participants with 6-mm plastic BBs using generally air-powered guns.
While being struck by one of the BBs can sting, they’re not lethal, Allen said.
SAFETY FIRST
Reopening the field fulfills a need for local Airsoft enthusiasts who have no place to play the game in North Okaloosa County, Allen said. He credits his son for encouraging him to open Evolution.
“My kid, who was 12 at the time, wanted an Airsoft gun, so I started Googling for places to play,” Allen said. They found the Laurel Hill site, but it closed in July 2015.
“Airsoft teaches kids about gun safety,” Allen said. Before his sons were allowed to participate, they spent a couple weeks learning to operate their guns at home, he said.
“I don’t play around when it comes to safety,” he said. “I want to run this place right and focus on the kids who are still going to be coming here for five or six years.”
PLAYING SCENARIOS
A typical round of Airsoft might include several groups of seven or eight players who begin the round in different locations around the venue.
Organizers create scenarios and missions, such as rescuing a kidnapped scientist and returning him safely to the winning team’s base, or capturing another team’s base.
As teams scurry through the underbrush, creep along trails, pop out of gullies and shelter behind obstacles, Allen and his partners enhance the experience by tossing rechargeable flash grenades and smoke grenades.
“It’s stuff that adds to the effect but doesn’t hurt anybody,” Allen said.
By making some of the barriers moveable, “we’ll be able to change the dynamics of the game,” Allen said, altering the terrain from weekend to weekend.
Some serious players invest as much as $1,500 in top-of-the-line costumes, woods gear and equipment. Allen said the average players just needs the basics.
“If you’re playing Airsoft with $1,500 kit and you get annihilated by a kid in a pair of $20 blue jeans, you’re going to feel pretty dumb,” Allen said.
FUTURE PLANS
Future plans include building a multi-room “shoot house,” in which players can route their opponents from rooms and hallways.
Allen also foresees Evolution Airsoft playing a serious role in the community. With Eglin Air Force Base shooting ranges heavily booked, the military and area law enforcement agencies can reserve the field for training and practice, he said.
Thursday, Allen was putting several more obstacles together for Saturday’s 10 a.m. opening. For a $10 fee, Airsoft fans can play all day. Rental guns will be available, and food will be for sale. Evolution will be open every other Saturday.
Groups, including Boy Scouts, social clubs and church groups are welcome to try the sport, Allen said.
“Everybody’s got glory stories at the end of every game,” Allen said. “It doesn’t matter what your social setting is or what your religion is. Here we want a safe and friendly family environment for everybody.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Airsoft returns to Laurel Hill; field opens April 30 (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
FORT WALTON BEACH — Covenant Care is seeking individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of patients and families and in supporting the organization.
A volunteer training will be held on Wednesday, May 11 and Friday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covenant Care office (220 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL). Interested volunteers will need to attend both days and lunch will be provided.
The sessions will provide an overview of hospice care, including Covenant Care’s programs and services, and will prepare each individual to work in their area of interest.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Volunteer time commitments are flexible and based on volunteer availability.
Covenant Hospice Volunteers fill many roles in the organization including visiting with patients and families, supporting family members by offering emotional support and practical help, assisting with fundraising events, providing administrative support in the office, serving as outreach Ambassadors in the community and much more.
To register for training or to learn more about volunteering with Covenant Care, contact Carole Haws, Volunteer and Community Relations Manager at 850-863-6165 or carole.haws@choosecovenant.org.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Covenant Care seeks volunteers; training sessions are May 11, 13
FORT WALTON BEACH — Walter Hooks, board chair for United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, stated that the organization's new president and CEO will succeed Ken Hinrichs, how is retiring.
Rick Owen, the new executive, is a 27-year Air Force veteran who recently served as Okaloosa County's administrative manager and RESTORE Act coordinator.
“I believe that our United Way under Rick’s leadership, will continue to set the pace for our neighboring United Way organizations,” Hooks said.
“Our critical talents and skill set for the next United Way executive included, more than anything, the desire to help local people in need by partnering with our funded service agencies and by collaborating with other service providers to make our community the best it can be.
"Rick Owen exceeded all of our expectations. He demonstrates visible leadership, integrity, a willingness to go the extra mile, grant writing and fund raising skills, and the wisdom to wisely budget precious donor dollars to get the job done,” Hooks said.
Owen retired as a chief master sergeant after serving in various positions, culminating with aircraft maintenance director for an Air Force unit in Germany for nearly three years. There he managed 480 personnel in five specialized areas of aircraft maintenance.
Prior to that Owen directed Weapons Systems Test and Development at Eglin starting in 2007. Following his military experience, he assisted the Okaloosa County administrator in hiring the airports/tourist development directors and recently has provided technical assistance to Community Solutions, the committee that has been the catalyst for creation of One Hopeful Place, a shelter and training center due to open by July 1st that will serve the area’s homeless population.
“I am humbled and blessed to have this opportunity and thank the selection committee, as well as the Board of Directors, for their trust and confidence in my ability to perform in this role,” Owen said.
“I look forward with tremendous enthusiasm to serving the many United Way partner agencies in both Walton and Okaloosa Counties as well as the chance to expand our volunteer and sponsorship outreach through both legacy networks and an increased social media presence.”
Owen has a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University. He is a member of the Eglin and Hurlburt chiefs’ groups. He and his wife, Kimberly, are the parents of three children and reside in Mary Esther.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Way of Okaloosa and Walton counties selects president-CEO
CRESTVIEW — The monthly networking breakfast for the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled.
The event, hosted by Habitat for Humanity, is 7-8:30 a.m. May 5 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.
Program information is presented at 7:30.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chamber breakfast meeting is May 5
PENSACOLA — CareerSource Escarosa has partnered with Pensacola State College to host its annual Spring Job Fair on Friday, April 29.
The event is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pensacola State College Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio (Building 23), 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola.
Attendees can network with more than 40 area employers actively seeking talented individuals to fill open positions.
Attending employers will recruit individuals to fill positions in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, administration, hospitality, customer service and retail, communications, government and corrections.
Job seekers should dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, as some employers may choose to conduct on-the-spot interviews.
Visit CareerSourceEscarosa.com or contact Morgan Cole at mcole@careersourceescarosa.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Job hunting? Then come to Pensacola State College on April 29
