CRESTVIEW — Three of the community’s top chefs disproved the adage, “Too many cooks spoil the broth,” when they collaborated on a dinner for visitors noted for their discerning palates.

Multiple cooking contest winner and TV chef Sherri Williams; regional gourmet caterer and co-creator of the chamber of commerce Wine Gala, Mary Richard; and dessert specialist and Baron’s Tea owner Erica Teets joined forces to create a memorable dinner for guests from Noirmoutier, Crestview’s sister city.

And to the best of their knowledge, it was the first time such an undertaking was done in Crestview.

Until a Sept. 15 meeting at Teets’ Baron’s Tea House, the women had never met. Would such a concentration of top-notch culinary talent generate more heat than the commercial kitchen’s ovens?

“Oh no,” Williams said. “We hit it off right away.”

Over cups of tea — French crème brûlée — a menu and logistics were readily worked out for a dinner serving almost 30 guests, including 10 French visitors and their American hosts.

When the dinner guests arrived Oct. 19, many thought that given the seemingly effortless food preparation and serving, the chefs had previous experience working together.

“It came together remarkably well,” Crestview Sister City program treasurer Pam Coffield said. “It’s like they work together all the time. Our guests were so, so impressed.”

The meal began with Williams’ bacon fried tomatillos stacks with bacony crab cakes and bacon slaw.

“We Americans like our bacon,” Williams told her audience.

The appetizers segued into Richard’s salad of local greens, almonds and a crisp “Florida Delight” orange vinaigrette. Her main course, rolled pork loin with cranberry-apricot stuffing topped by cognac flambéed sautéed apples, had been roasting for two hours.

The main course was followed by Teets’ dessert tea, glazed lavender, and cream scones served with lemon curd and mock Devonshire cream.

While each chef prepared her course, her colleagues stood by to help, assembling and plating the food, and serving the guests.

“It all went smoothly,” Teets said.

As French visitor Danielle Marquet said after her scones and tea, “C’est bon!” “It’s great!”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 local chefs collaborate on Crestview's first guest chefs' dinner (PHOTOS)

MIRAMAR BEACH — Emerald Coast Theatre Company, a not-for-profit theater company, will present the Northwest Florida premiere of “Eleemosynary” by playwright Lee Blessing.

The play runs Oct. 23-25 at 560 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. Evening performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; the matinee is 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Eleemosynary” is described as a “masterful play that examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother.”

The cast includes professional actress of stage and screen Darla Briganti, from Milton, playing Dorothea, the eccentric, free-spirited grandmother. She was last seen in ECTC’s  “A Dickens Christmas”; other major roles include Mama Rose from “Gypsy” and Patsy from “Always Patsy Cline.” 

Rachel Nussbaum, of Santa Rosa Beach, portrays Echo, the precocious spelling prodigy.

Chicago actress Sharon Biermann plays Artie, a brilliant, distant mother.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $12 for students. A 10 percent discount to active duty military is available with proper and valid ID.

Ticket holders can enjoy a pre-performance art exhibition featuring Northwest Florida female artists 60 minutes before each performance in the theater lobby space.

Seating is limited. Purchase tickets at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Tickets will only be sold at the venue on a space-available basis.

Call 687-1637, email info@emeraldcoasttheatre.org or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org for more information on Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Eleemosynary' stage production set Oct. 23-25

CRESTVIEW — Drum creators Thom and Judy Dandridge will present “Music Making Fun: Drums, Tambourines, Shakers & More" in November. Admission is free.

This Crestview Public Library First Tuesday Series lecture is 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at 1445 Commerce Drive. Coffee, cookies and juice will be served at 10 a.m.

The Dandridges teach workshops on frame drum making, recreational music making, and guided drum meditation. Both have participated in and facilitated drum circles since 2001.

Lecture attendees will use drums and other percussion instruments; no musical background or previous experience is necessary.  

Call 682-4432 or see www.pathdrummer.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Music making presentation planned in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — Lifetime TV's reality series “Designing Spaces" is coming to North Okaloosa County to refurbish a Crestview area Afghanistan veteran's home.

Between Oct. 26 and 29, the show will renovate the home of Purple Heart recipient Tech. Sgt. Kevin Parke, his wife and five children in the Lake Silver subdivision.

Retired Marine Corps Staff Sgt. R. Lee “The Gunny” Ermey, known for TV and movie roles, will host the three-part episode.

The home's completed renovations will be unveiled to the Parke family in a private ceremony on Oct. 29, a media release from Military Makeover stated.

Mayor David Cadle said Crestview appealed to the series' scouting team. “They just thought they liked this community when they were scoping it out,” he said.

“This is the fifth time doing the series,” publicist Pam Steele-Unger said. “The producers of the show scout different places. They get recommendations from military groups and other organizations.”

“Military Makeover, R. Lee Ermey, and valued sponsors are dedicated to giving back to our military and assisting veterans and their families in need of improved housing solutions,” the release stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lifetime series to feature Crestview home makeover

CRESTVIEW — "Wildflowers of Northwest Florida," a free seminar, is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Okaloosa Extension office.

The seminar, featuring veteran Master Gardener Dave Gordon, is 10-11 a.m. at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.

Space is limited; call 689-5850 to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wildflowers seminar scheduled by Crestview extension office

Whenever anyone asks me about the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen, I don’t hesitate in naming Baker’s Houston McTear.

The 1976 Baker graduate, who ran track and played football, was a world-class sprinter — the co-world record holder in the 100-yard dash, turning a time of 9 seconds flat on May 9, 1975.

Houston is the only athlete in Florida history to win championships in the 100 and 220 or — as the case is now — 200 meters, all four of his high school years.

As a senior, he also won the state championship in the long jump, giving him nine individual championships. Just two other male athletes have won nine state championships in track and field.

When I gather with Gulf Breeze High School friends at class reunions, it seems that the conversation at one time or another gets to McTear's exploits. Men now in our mid- to late 50s talk about Houston in hushed tones of awe reserved for a greatness not likely to be seen again in high school track.

Houston's older brother, George, was a tremendous athlete in his own right, competing in the sprints as well as the shot put and discus. Other McTear brothers and cousins followed, and each possessed the family legacy of speed.

The McTear brothers weren’t the only attractions on Baker's 1970s track teams. Baker's David Swinston, a pole vaulter, won state championships in 1974 and 1975. Swinston’s vault of 14 feet, 6 1/4 inches in 1975 was the best vault at the state meet in any classification.

By the way, Baker won the track state championship in 1975.

And no other Okaloosa County school has won more state football championships than the Gators. Baker’s four state championships are equal to the combined number won by the other four public schools that play football.

I mention these things because the Crestview News Bulletin wants to help celebrate 100 years of Baker School. Part of the celebration is recognizing the school’s most accomplished teams and athletes.

We want to tell the forgotten stories of athletes and teams in days gone by or maybe a story that was never told.

Whether the sport is football, basketball, baseball, softball track or volleyball, we want to share the stories of Baker’s athletic history and greatness.

If you can help me get in touch with Houston McTear, I’d love to talk to him. I also want to hear other stories.

You can email those ideas to randyd@crestviewbulletin.com. Thanks for your help.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: Help the Crestview News Bulletin celebrate the Gators' greatness

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School’s football team takes to the field one last time in 2015 on Friday, when the Bulldogs host Fort Walton Beach in a District 3-6A game.

Friday’s game might not be do-or-die time for the respective teams, but both need a district win. The loser won’t be mathematically eliminated from the playoff race; they will face an uphill battle to make the post season.

“If we lose this game, Choctaw beats Niceville and we beat Niceville, Niceville is out," Bulldog Coach Tim Hatten said. "We (Crestview and Niceville) are both 1-2 (in district), but we have them on the head-to-head (playoff tie-breaker) because we beat them.”

It has been a tough year for the Vikings under first-year coach Tommy Johnson. Fort Walton Beach is 1-5 overall and 0-1 in district play. The lone Viking win was a 35-34 victory over Rutherford last month.

Fort Walton Beach has been outscored 271-111 this year. The Vikings managed to score more than 35 points just once: in the win over Rutherford.

Crestview (3-4), coming off a 29-28 overtime loss to Milton, has lost its last two games.

Hatten expects a tough game from the Vikings, although they have had a tough season. “They’ve struggled,” he said. “But Tommy does a good job with them and they are going to come to play. They are little bit down in the talent and depth departments because of coaching changes and other things — depletions (of the roster from players leaving the program).

“They play hard and they’ve got good skill players. If you turn the ball over against anybody, you get beat.”

Hatten said the Vikings will show a variety of looks on offense. At times, they might line up in a spread formation. Or, depending on the game situation, they could get into I formation.

He said basically they will try to find the scheme that gives them the best chance to win.

“Defensively, they are going to give us four or five looks as well,” Hatten said. “It all depends on down and distance, and the personnel you have in the game.”

WHAT: High school football, Fort Walton Beach at Crestview

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Crestview High School, Jack Foster Stadium

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview football coach expects tough game from the Vikings

BAKER — Chipley High School's tough football team awaits Baker School on Friday.

The Gators (5-2), riding a three-game winning streak, will try to spoil Chipley’s homecoming.

Baker took a dramatic, 35-28 come-from-behind win from South Walton last week. The Tigers, 3-3, are coming off a 42-8 win over Franklin County.

Blountstown — the only common opponent for both teams — beat Baker 28-21 and Chipley 35-12.

Gator Coach Matt Brunson takes nothing for granted as he prepares his team for the Tigers.

“We’ve put the South Walton win behind us,” he said. “We are turning our gaze down Highway 90 towards the east, towards Chipley.

"Like Chipley always is, they are big up front, they are athletic in the skill positions, and Coach (Chip) Harris and his staff do a great job.

“We will definitely have our hands full. I think it will be a very physical, old-fashioned, 1A, get-after-each-other football match. They get in the I (formation) and run downhill, and so do we.”

Brunson said Chipley — which he believes will run a 4-4 set on defense, with four down linemen and four linebackers — praised the Tigers' playing technique. Chipley defends the run well, with eight guys in the box, but that leaves the Tigers exposed to the passing game on the defense's back end.

Brunson stressed the game's importance as Baker prepares for a District 1-1A showdown with Northview on Oct. 30. “We don’t want to have a letdown,” he said. “Our guys are getting better. They are working hard. We are peaking at the right time, getting ready to go over to Northview in a couple of weeks and play for a district championship. I don’t want to have a letdown at this time.

"We are going to do everything we can to prevent it.”

WHAT: High school football, Baker at Chipley

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Philip Rountree Stadium, Watts Avenue, Chipley

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker football coach: 'We don't want to have a letdown' Friday night

BAKER — Alec Black is anything but a high school football team's typical center.

Most players who anchor the heart of a high school offensive line are at least 6 feet tall and weigh well more than 200 pounds.

And most snap the ball with their right hand.

Black, Baker School's center, is all of 5 feet, 9 inches and 180 pounds. And he snaps the ball left-handed.

None of these obstacles keep him from being a rock for the Gators.

“He does a great job handling the snapping duties,” Baker Coach Matt Brunson said. “Sometimes we are under center and other times we are in the gun. We will go no huddle, up tempo, and sometimes we huddle.

“He does a great job handling the blocking schemes we asked him to do and handling the snap. I think there’s an advantage of a left-handed snapper snapping the ball to the quarterback, because it puts a good spin on it.

"He’s the perfect size for a Baker Gator center.”

We now catch up with Alec Black.

How old were you when you started playing football?

I was about 6 years old.

What's the best part of football?

Being able to hang out with my teammates and always having fun and going out and hitting people.

What's the worst part of football?

Inside run at practice. It’s where we line up on scout team and let the defense hit us.

What are your expectations this season?

I hope we can go undefeated for the remainder of the season, make it into the playoffs and hopefully win a state championship.

If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?

Track, because I’ve been in track since the eighth grade and it’s something I know and love.

What is your favorite football experience?

A: Last year, going to the second round of the playoffs.

What are your hobbies outside football?

Fishing, bowling, video games and hanging out with my friends.

What's your dream career?

I want to be a pilot in the Air Force.                                                                   

Do you want to play college football?

I’m not really interested in playing college football. I don’t think it would be my cup of tea.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Avengers.”

Who is your favorite singer?

Five Finger Death Punch

If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?

Probably, Goofy so I could be carefree.

If you could go back and live in any other period in history, which one would you choose?

The 1940s, because I want to be able to experience the challenges they did like World War II and the Depression.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 things you didn't know about Baker Gator Alec Black

Dear editor,

On Sunday, Sept. 25, I was one of 31 outriders on the Bonifay Wagon Train that traveled along Highway 90 from Crestview to Mossy Head.

Along the way, I lost my camera. I was trying to document the ride. I discovered my loss about 7 miles east of Crestview.

On Friday, Oct. 2, I drove along this stretch searching the right-of-way from my vehicle. I had with me 50 flyers to post and hand out. I gave them to individuals, store clerks, real estate agents, drivers, business owners and/or their employees, and posted a few along the way.

I want to thank you all for accepting a flyer from me.

The flyer I handed out read, "LOST: Small Black Pocket Size Olympus Camera / Between Crestview and Mossy Head / South side of Highway 90 / If found, please call (850) 968-2163."

All without exception were empathetic and did not offer any disparaging or discouraging remarks.

All who I encountered that day were polite, considerate and offered to help in some way or other. It was an uplifting experience to meet with each and every one of you.

A special thanks to Josh, who saw a posted flyer, found the camera on Oct. 8 and arranged to give it back to me that evening.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Thanks for help finding lost camera