CRESTVIEW — Area residents can have their personal documents shredded on site, give blood, or both during ERA American Real Estate's Shred It event.

The Crestview event is 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 938 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Call 682-4822 to schedule your appointment.

Other ERA Shred It events are as follows:

●10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8006 Navarre Parkway, Navarre.

●3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 409 John Sims Parkway, Niceville.

●3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 1270 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Blood drive, paper shredding event scheduled in Crestview

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa County Master Gardeners' fall plant sale is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24.

All proceeds from the sale — held at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Annex, 127 W. Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach — benefit the Master Gardeners' community education programs.

Event organizers recommend coming early to the event — which includes a white elephant sale — for the best selection.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Master Gardener plant sale this weekend

PENSACOLA — Author Kathleen Vestal Logan will sign copies of her new book, “Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On!” at 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

The book is a “how-to guide” for life — applying the author’s hard-earned lessons to women's everyday struggles.

“My intent is to generate helpful conversations among women so we can share lessons learned and wisdom gained,” Logan said.

The author hopes the book can serve as a trusted mentor to women who might lack supportive figures in their lives.

“Many chapters were prompted by personal experiences,” Logan said. “Others started as ideas for discussions at Angel’s Garden Gift Shop, here in Pensacola, which I’ve held since 2010.”

Logan has spent a lifetime helping others cope with their struggles. While working toward a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling, she wrote her thesis on the emotional toll of military deployment on the wives of service members —  an interest spurred by her own experience as a military wife.

Through the years, her passion for helping others led Logan to a career as a college professor and workplace counselor and, eventually, an inspirational speaker and writer.

Logan teamed up with a friend in 2006 to write her first book, “Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty."

She has since spoken to small and large groups — including Angel’s Garden — and contributed regularly to women’s publications throughout the United States.

Logan’s new book is a natural sequel to “Second Blooming,” the author said.

“Younger women asked for a book that would prepare them for the future, too,” she said. “My hope is that ‘Women’s Wisdom: Pass it on!’ partially fulfills that request.”

WHAT: Kathleen Vestal Logan book signing

WHEN: 2 p.m. Oct. 24

WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1200 Airport Blvd., Pensacola

ONLINE: www.womenswisdompassiton.com

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Author, inspirational speaker sets book signing

CRESTVIEW — A nationwide study positions Crestview as among the top cities in America to find work as a waiter or a waitress.

Crestview ranks 26th out of 396 cities to work as a waiter, according to a new nationwide study.

ValuePenguin, a New York-based research firm, studied data across three metrics — median salary, cost of living and location quotient — for its study.

See the full results at http://www.valuepenguin.com/2015/07/best-cities-waiters.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview among top places in America to work as a waiter or waitress

FORT WALTON BEACH — Legal Services of North Florida honored over 75 area attorneys for their contributions to providing pro bono legal services for those who cannot afford legal representation throughout parts of North Florida at their Pro Bono Recognition event, Wednesday at the Compass Rose in Valparaiso.

The event recognized volunteer attorneys from throughout Okaloosa, Walton, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties during the nationally recognized Celebrate Pro Bono Week and was hosted by LSNF and the Okaloosa County Bar Association in partnership with the Walton County Bar and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Associations.

 “These individuals are being honored because of their extraordinary contributions and commitment to providing pro bono legal services on behalf of poverty level citizens,” said LSNF’s Executive Director, Kris Knab. “It is through their dedication that we are able to ensure there is hope and justice for all in our community.”

 Guest Judge, The Honorable Gary Lee Bergosh, Circuit Judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit and recently appointed Chair of the Florida 1st Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, presented awardees with the 2015 Pro Bono Challenge Coin. Also honored was Kenneth L. Brooks Jr., Esq., who received the 2015 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 1st Judicial Circuit.

“It was my honor to present these attorneys with the recognition they received tonight,” said Judge Bergosh. “Pro Bono work is an important aspect of practicing law and is an important service to our community.”

Crestview honorees are Commissioner Nathan D. Boyles, S. Thomas P. Hoffer, Ryan M. Mynard, Connie Ray Roper, William Timothy Shaffer, Mark Henzler Welton, Jacob Dorman Wingard, Jr., and Susan Jeanne Winterberger.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview attorneys recognized for pro bono services

CRESTVIEW — For more than 60 years, Crestview-based Tom Thumb Food Stores has been a fixture in the northwest Florida community.

Boasting 109 area locations, the company proudly serves more than 3 million customers per month, offering a wide range of convenience items like gasoline, snacks, groceries, cold refreshments and fresh hot chicken.

Later this year, the company will embark on a new chapter in its storied history—the retail wine and spirits business.

On Thursday, company executives announced plans for a new drive-thru liquor store concept, to be located adjacent to their existing convenience store on Highway 85, south of Interstate 10.

The all-new, stand-alone “Tom Thumb Liquors” location will feature more than 2,500 square feet of retail space, as well as a drive-thru window lane for added convenience.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring a new destination to adult beverage consumers in the north Okaloosa area,” said company Vice President, Trey Powell. “We pride ourselves on responsible retailing and believe we are well-positioned to serve adult beverage consumers with Crestview’s premier selection of spirits, craft beers, and fine wines,” he added.

Tom Thumb Liquors, which is expected to open in late November, will feature more than 2,000 globally sourced items, including:

• Fine wines from both Europe and the Americas

• A full complement of spirits including vodkas, whiskeys, rums & cordials

• A ten-tap growler station affording both 32 & 64 oz. growler fills

• Dozens of local and regional craft beers, as well as a “Pick 6” sampler program

• Premium hand-rolled cigars and tobaccos

• Beverage mixers and related accoutrements; lottery, ATM, and ice

“The investment in Crestview comes against the backdrop of our ongoing remodel efforts, numerous digital signage and equipment upgrades, and a host of other store improvements to our existing portfolio,” said Powell. “We continue to reinvest in the communities we serve, and have proudly served for more than 60 years,” he added.

In addition to the liquor store concept, the company also formally announced its first convenience store location in the Shalimar area. Located at 1101 Eglin Parkway, the Shalimar store is expected to open sometime in early November. It will feature traditional convenience items, hot foods, a large walk-in beer cave and eight gasoline fueling positions.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled Nov. 7.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tom Thumb to open drive-thru liquor store in Crestview, add Shalimar location

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