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

CRESTVIEW —Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

HISTORIAN TO SPEAK AT CRESTVIEW LIBRARY: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Historian Hank Klein will speak on the topic "The Early Days of West Florida." Call 682-4432 to reserve a seat. 

RICHBOURG SCHOOL CRAFT FAIR: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 2, at the school, 500 Alabama St., Crestview. 30 different vendors will attend, and door prize raffle tickets will be sold. SIF Portrait Studio will have a Valentine’s Day photo setup and provide one free professional picture to those who check out their booth. All proceeds will be used so its teachers can buy items classroom/technology items needed for the students.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

JANUARY BREAKFAST CANCELLED: The chamber's January networking breakfast has been cancelled. The networking breakfast schedule will resume Feb. 7. Please check the dchamber's scheulle at www.crestviewchamber.com for more scheduled events.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

I have spent the past four years doing quite a bit of education about marine debris and plastics in the environment. After sharing the research detailing the enormity of this growing problem, listeners are often anxious to know what they can do to help. I typically recommend the five R’s: refuse, reduce, repair and recycle, in that order.

Refuse and reduce are the first two actions to take, as this is how to keep plastic, particularly one-time-use plastic, out of the environment. You can easily refuse to buy or use bottled water and other drinks by simply carrying your own water bottle. There are several great brands on the market that keep you drinks cold, or hot, whatever your preference. 

Another item that has a bad reputation and is easy to refuse is the plastic straw. Campaigns like "Ban the Straw" and "The Last Straw" have encouraged people to forgo the straw or use a reusable straw. I’ve also seen compostable straws and even some edible straws. You can also easily avoid Styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery by using real dishes and silverware at events and picnics.

Finally, refuse to use plastic bags from the store. While convenient, they are disastrous to the environment.  Simply get some reusable bags to haul your groceries and other products, put them in your car and, this is sometimes the hardest part, remember to take them into the store with you! It’s simply a matter of developing a new habit.

Repair items as best you can versus dumping them at the first sign of wear. Can you fix those holes in your socks and pants instead of throwing them away?

Recycling is at the end of the list. This is because recycling is often not the solution imagined. 

While many plastics are recyclable, that does not mean that they actually get recycled. Recently, China stopped accepting plastic waste from the U.S., and as a result, the market dried up. Now, much of what is collected for recycling is ending up in the landfill anyway. 

Recycling is part of the solution, but the primary goal should be refusing and reducing your personal use of plastics on a daily basis.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Enact the 5 Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle

CRESTVIEW — A local march and celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began Jan. 19 on the avenue that bears his name in Crestview.

Participants of various ages, accompanied by a drummer,  sang spirituals as they made their way to the Okaloosa courthouse on Main Street.

The Rev. Clay Williams, of Greater Union Baptist Church in Century, opened the celebration near the Veterans Memorial wall. The event soon moved to the gazebo due to intermittent rain and strong gusts of wind.

Participants said the Pledge of Allegiance, then Natalie Grisby led them in singing the national anthem.

Master of Ceremony David Wheeler introduced Crestview Mayor David Cadle. Cadle said  King believed "humble citizens, united in faith, can come together to save the world." He quoted King's words, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that a true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others."

Wheeler said King was "a man who sometimes doubted the path that he chose, but he was influenced like all of us … When you start dealing with oppressed people and give them some kind of light, you better watch out because the light will then be on you," Wheeler said. "You must be able to stand up and face it," even when it's actually easier to sit down and do nothing.

Parade participants and attendees also included city council members Shannon Hayes and J.B. Whitten.

Tanisha Hines introduced the program's guest speaker, Vivica Aaron, who she described as her sister in Christ and friend for over 15 years.

Aaron gave a history of Dr. King's life, using a timeline she received when she visited The King Center in Atlanta. It detailed his life, including the fact that he was stabbed in 1959 while autographing one of his books in Harlem, New York. In 1964 he was named Time Magazine's Man of the Year, and won the Nobel Peace Prize. He was fatally shot in Memphis April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn.

With scriptures such as Isaiah 41:10, and "putting on the whole armor of God," Aaron encouraged attendees to face adversity with faith and courage, taking a stand about things that matter, things like racism.

"Yes it is still happening," Aaron said. "Let's take a stand. Domestic violence — take a stand." She also encouraged taking a stand against child abuse, physical and sexual. "Human trafficking, bullying, elder abuse, animal abuse, anything immoral or unethical — take a stand," she said.

She and Wheeler encouraged those present to educate themselves further on King's life and works.

The Crestview Concerned Citizens group, a civic organization which coordinated the event, thanked everyone who helped bring the celebration about, including the JRL Conyers Masonic Lodge No. 364 of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview march, celebration honor Dr. King's legacy