CRESTVIEW — Homes For Our Troops will soon begin building a custom home for U.S. Army veteran Vicente Ramirez. A kickoff celebration is scheduled Feb. 16 in Crestview.

In 2006, Ramirez lost his left leg and was severely injured in his other by an incident involving two improvised explosive devices in Iraq.

In the nonprofit's video footage, he said, "Having a house would take a huge burden off my daily living and the issues that bring the pain."

One source of pain is the lack of wheelchair access in his family's Baker home. Vicente, who goes by Vince, has difficulty standing for long periods of time. Without his wheelchair, he has to stand a lot.

The new home will have an open floor plan and other necessities built to accommodate him, he said. They will make it easier for him to do daily tasks and do simple things with his family.

Vince and his wife, Becky, also a disabled Army veteran, have two sons. Cade just turned 3, and Ison is 6. The new home will make it easier to do simple things with them, he said.

The couple decided to build in Florida since it is near both of their families.

Vince expressed his gratitude to supporters. Their gift is "allowing him to rebuild his life," the release stated.

"These homes not only help soldiers, but most importantly, these homes help veterans be more productive individuals to family and friends," he said.

"Our homes include more than 40 special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops," Teresa Verity, JFOT marketing associate, said.

"The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, or reaching for cabinets that are too high."

She discussed the basic criteria to apply for a house through the organization. The veteran applying must be:

• a post-Sept. 11, 2001 veteran injured in the theater of Iraq-Afghanistan war.
• retired or in the process of retiring from military service.
• must have received a letter of eligibility for the VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant program
• have the HFOT home as their primary residence.
• must accept the responsibility of home ownership and have the resources to maintain a home (ongoing maintenance and upkeep, property taxes, home insurance, utilities, etc.).

Visit https://www.hfotusa.org/building-homes/veterans/ramirez/ for more information about the Ramirezes. You may also visit that site to RSVP for the Feb. 16 kickoff celebration.

Verity said the other home HFOT will be building in Northwest Florida is for Army SPC Elliott Smith of Pensacola. Visit www.hfotusa.org/esmith for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Area veteran and family to receive home from nonprofit

FORT WALTON BEACH — Advance Fire Protection Services recently presented Children in Crisis a check for $1,500 to help provide a home and care to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of the local community.

According to Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO, "We opened the Children’s Neighborhood in February 2008 and since then; we’ve provided a home to about 880 Kids and have kept all of our brother and sister sibling group families together.  We continue to have a critical need for funds to help sustain operations and care for the at-risk children of our community.  We can’t thank the employees of Advance Fire Protection Services enough for their wonderful support."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Advance Fire Protection Services Help Children in Crisis

CRESTVIEW — Gulf Power has provided a list of organizations that help people who need help paying their power bills. The Salvation Army has a program called Project SHARE. It provides emergency assistance with energy bills, heating and air-conditioning equipment repairs, and other energy-related needs. The program assists the elderly, the disabled, the sick and others who are experiencing financial hardship. Gulf Power customers can make donations to Project SHARE by adding a donation to their power bill. Here is a partial list of Northwest Florida groups to request help.

CRESTVIEW

•Sharing & Caring, 682-1134

•Salvation Army, 243-4531

•Tri-County, 306-1134

NICEVILLE

•Okaloosa County Council on Aging, 833-9165

•Salvation Army, 243-4531

•Catholic Social Services, 244-2825

•Sharing & Caring, 678-8459

FORT WALTON BEACH

•Striving for Perfection Ministries, 312 Pelham Road. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, 862-3899

•United Way, 112 Tupelo Ave., 243-0315

•Salvation Army, 425 Mary Esther Cutoff, 243-4531

•Catholic Social Services, 11 1st St., 244-2825

MILTON

•Interfaith Ministries — Santa Rosa County residents, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, 934-8385

•We Care Ministries (United Methodist Church — Santa Rosa County residents, Navarre), 939-1005

•Family Resource Center, 626-2054

•Salvation Army, Santa Rosa County, 623-4099

•Tri County Community Council, 6607 Elva St., 981-0036　

PENSACOLA United Way referral line, call 2-1-1 from any phone United Ministries (only provides assistance to families w/children) 257 E Lee St., 433-2333

•Catholic Social Services, 222 E. Government St., Pensacola, 436-6425

•Community Action Program, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Tuesdays, 1308 W Garden St., 607-2088

•Salvation Army, 1501 North Q St., Pensacola, 432-1501

•First Baptist Church, 438-8907 Olive Baptist Church, 473-4466

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS

•Caring & Sharing, 892-7656

•Tri-County Council Assistance, 892-3615

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power provides contacts for power bill help

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The 96th Test Wing is scheduled to conduct testing on the Eglin range complex, requiring the closure of State Roads 85 and 123.

Roads will be closed 6:30-7:30 Tuesday, Jan. 29.

If testing is cancelled, a back-up testing is scheduled 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 30 and 31.

Visit www.eglin.af.mil for more information and updates on road closures.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State Roads 85 and 123 to close for 96th Test Wing mission

Frederick Steadman, 68, of Milton, Florida, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019.

 Frederick was born in Waycross, Georgia, and has lived in Pace since 1990. He was the sixth child of nine, born to the late Clyde and Agnes Steadman. He is a six year U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran; and later served twenty years as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy.  He was a member of the New Faith Church of the Nazarene in Pace, Florida.

Frederick is preceded in death by his father, Clyde L. Steadman; his mother, Agnes R. Mobley Steadman; his brother, Leon Steadman; his sister, Ada Long; his daughter, Mary Anne Farmer; and his son, Jeremiah Johns.

Frederick is survived by his wife of 31 years, Vickie A. Steadman, of Pace, Florida; sons, Daniel Farmer, J. Adam Johns, J. Jason Steadman, Christopher Steadman, Brandon (Ashley) Steadman, Kyle (Deborah) Steadman, and Dustin Steadman; brothers, Jimmy (Linda) Darsey, Donald (JoAnn) Darsey, and Berry (Tangela) Hampton; sisters, Alice Claxton and Millie Barrett; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Public viewing for Frederick Steadman will be held 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019, at New Faith Church of the Nazarene of Pace, with funeral services to follow at 7:00 p.m., with Pastor Eddie Harden officiating. Frederick will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, with military honors, and Lewis Funeral Home of Milton directing.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Naval Hospital Pensacola, Sacred Heart Hospital, Kindred Home Health, Emerald Coast Palliative Care, and Covenant Hospice for the love and care given to their husband, father, and brother during his time of illness.

The family requests that memorial donations be made, in Frederick’s name, to the New Faith Church of the Nazarene, 5162 Avenida del Fuego, Pace, Florida 32571.

Lewis Funeral Home of Milton has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family at:

www.lewisfuneralhomes.net or

https://www.facebook.com/lewisfun.home/

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Frederick Steadman

CRESTVIEW — Here is the latest information on area club meetings in Northwest Florida.

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF OKALOOSA COUNTY: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at Fort Walton Beach Public Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Hank Klein's presentation will be "Major Public Land Laws in the United States." GSOC members will be available after the meeting to answer questions related to genealogy. Details: Val Moreland, 582-8202.

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 27 program meeting, Religious Education building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville. Meetings are in theCall 496-3466 with any questions.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB SCHEDULE: Club members meet first Mondays from September through May, usually in members' homes.

• 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4, Riverwood Apartments Office, 342 Riverwood Drive, Crestview. Program: container gardening.
• 10:30 a.m. March 4, TBA. Program: Bulbs and Perennials.
• 10:30 a.m. April 1, TBA. Program: Wrap It Up.
• 10:30 a.m. May 6, TBA. Program: Salad Luncheon, Woman of the Year Award and Installation.

Call 682-2691 or 683-0839 for TBA meeting locations. Dues are $25 a year.

MONDAYS

ADULT CHESS CLUB: The Crestview library hosts the Adult Chess Club 5-8 p.m. Monday evenings starting Jan. 7. Playing is free and boards are available. Call 850-682-4432 with questions.

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview, for beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. Details: info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.　 

TUESDAYS

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 7 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. Details: crestviewlions@hotmail.com, secretary Charlotte Jones, 533-9931.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 3140 Haskell-Langley Road, Crestview. Details: Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●5 p.m. weigh-in; meeting starts from 5:25-5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com/.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza, 326 Main St., Crestview. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.　

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

PANHANDLE SADDLE CLUB: 6 p.m. first Wednesdays, David’s Catfish House, 1296 N. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview. Includes socializing, dinner and a meeting. November topic: how to keep your horse healthy. Details: Donna Curry, 830-6403 or donna@embarqmail.com.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com. 

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 8 a.m. third Thursdays, FAMU College of Pharmacy in downtown Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: The Crestview Photo Club meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays at the Crestview Elks Lodge, 127 W. Pine Ave., across from Casbah Coffee Shop.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824. 

FRIDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195. 

SATURDAYS

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N., Crestview. Free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

READ TO DOZER: 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For children ages 4 and up.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations

CRESTVIEW — U.S. Air Force Airman Nikkia M. Jackson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Jackson is the daughter of Cherie Jackson of Crestview, and sister of Breanna Sprual of Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

She is a 2017 graduate of William Howard Taft High School, San Antonio, Texas. She attended Northwest Florida State College, in Niceville in 2018. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Jackson graduates from basic military training

CRESTVIEW — Eden at Crestview assisted living community director, Alan Woods, regularly holds informational updates at Samuel’s Roadhouse, 114 John King Road in Crestview the last Thursday of the month. The meetings usually feature an expert in a field relevant to senior living.

The next update will take place Jan. 31. Call Woods at 850-417-0103 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eden at Crestview update approaches

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: The CWG doesn't meet again until 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the library. The special project for the January session is to write a 300-500 word short story, essay or poem and email it to group member Tami Kidd, tamilynnkidd@gmail.com, by Jan 21. She will present the works at the meeting, remove the author names and then see if attendees can determine who wrote what and provide feedback. http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php. 

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB HOURS EXTENDED: The group now meets from 3-5 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the library. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

RECURRING

ADULT COLORING THERAPY: 5-6 p.m. third Mondays for ages 18 or older. Hot tea, coloring pages, pencils and markers are provided.

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

POETRY OPEN MIC READING: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesdays. Arrive at 6 p.m. for conversation and snacks. Poets and musicians may read, perform, improvise and play together. Free. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432. 

FAMILY HISTORY CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon every third Thursday features the basics and a question-and-answer discussion led by volunteer Cindy Barber. Contact dotdane99@gmail.com for information.

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB: 3-5 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the library. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

ESSENTIAL OILS 101: 6 p.m. every fourth Thursday and 2:30 p.m. every fourth Saturday learn about essential oils with volunteer consultant Lynisha Smith. Contact 758-6482 or YLBlessed1@gmail.com for more information.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the library for students in grades six through 12.

READ TO DOZER: 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturdays of each month (as long as it's not raining).

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

BRIGHT FUTURES VOLUNTEER HOURS: for students in grades nine through 12 to use toward Bright Futures scholarships. Contact Youth Librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events