CRESTVIEW — Avid Europe travelers and newbies eager to discover some of the Old World — but without the limitations of a package tour — can feed their wanderlust when the Crestview Area Sister City Program returns to western France this summer.

The 11-day adventure is an unforgettable visual, historical, culinary and educational plunge into French culture. From September 12 to 23, participants will immerse in the magic of Noirmoutier, a congenial, hospitable island off the French Atlantic coast.

Because group members stay with host families — never in hotels — the trip is a culturally enriching personal experience.

"Whatever our hosts eat for breakfast, that’s what we eat," Pam Coffield, Sister City Program treasurer, said. "They take us to their favorite places on the island, and sometimes on the mainland. We see and experience life on Noirmoutier through our hosts’ eyes."

Thus, every participant’s experience is different, from bicycling along the paths that crisscross the island to poking through ts quaint shops, galleries and markets to walks through its picturesque woods and beaches.

There’s also a shortage of group activities. The Noirmoutier Sister City Committee is planning a cornucopia of experiences, beginning with an optional overnight trip to the Puy du Fou (pwee dew foo), Europe’s second-most popular theme park after Euro Disney, but dedicated entirely to history.

Watch swashbuckling Musketeers, a Viking invasion, medieval knights in battle, a Roman chariot race, the trenches of Verdun, and behold a "Ballet of the Birds" as hundreds of birds of prey swoop overhead.

At night, the world’s biggest theatrical presentation unfolds. The sweeping, epic "Cinéscénie," features a cast of 2,400 actors performing across an outdoor setting spread over 23 hectares (56 acres), with 28,000 costumes and a herd of nearly four dozen horses.

Back in Noirmoutier, more history beckons, from the 8^th-century château (castle) and its fascinating museum to German World War II AtlantikWall blockhauses, meandering narrow old streets, seaside villages and churches. In Noirmoutier’s center, famous salt marais yield up their high-grade sea salt as harvesters explain the centuries-old salt production process.

"More than anything, it’s the memorable time with our host families that make these trips so fulfilling," Mrs. Coffield said, adding she isn’t sure how many times she’s visited Noirmoutier, except to say "it’s a lot. It’s like visiting favorite relatives or best college friends. Their hospitality is so unbelievably wonderful, and don’t even get me started on the incredible food!"

What: Crestview Area Sister City Program trip to Noirmoutier, France

When: September 12-23, 2019

Cost: Airfare, land travel to Nantes, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, etc. are at participants’ expense. Optional Puy du Fou overnight excursion is $280 per person and must be paid by Jan. 15 to secure reservations

Details: Semi-escorted visit to Crestview’s Sister City. Sister City Program membership is required. Annual dues: $20 individuals; $30 families; $2 full-time students. Membership open to anyone in the tri-county area and southern Alabama.

Participation includes transportation to Noirmoutier from Nantes and back, accommodations with a host family, group tours and activities (Puy du Fou excursion is extra), meals with host families, picnics, a grand Gala Dinner, and more. Knowledge of French is not necessary.

Participants arrange their own airfare to Europe and transportation to the group rendezvous in Nantes, the closest major city served by French Rail. Most participants organize personal travel in France or Europe before and/or after the group Noirmoutier experience.

Information: Crestview Area Sister City Program, 850.603.2584, crestviewsistercity@gmail.com. For information about the program, visit www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

Want to go?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Back to Noirmoutier

CRESTVIEW — Flooding is a natural disaster that often strikes with little, if any, warning. The environmental awareness website, Natural Rivers states that floods are the most common natural hazard in North America in terms of number of lives lost and property damage. Floods can occur day or night and any time of the year. Flooding can also occur in all different terrains.

In September 2018, many of the inland towns of North Carolina were flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, displacing millions. The following month saw severe flooding in central and southern Texas that prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 18 counties. Accuweather reported in the summer of 2018 that historic flooding closed famed Hershey Park, shuttering attractions for a few days.

Flooding can cause considerable distress, uproot families and damage structures. But even people who live in flood zones can take steps to be flood-safe.

· Purchase flood insurance. Many people and properties are not covered for flooding under standard homeowners insurance policies. As a result, it is essential to purchase separate flood insurance. The home improvement and information site HouseLogic says that flood insurance may be required by mortgage companies for those financing homes in flood plains.

· Have a "go bag" ready. This is a great idea in preparation for any type of emergency situation. Go bags can include a few changes of clothes, important documents and phone numbers, essential toiletries, extra cash, and non-perishable foods. You may want to stock go bags with flashlights, batteries and waterproof shoes as well. Evacuate if a flood is predicted to be severe.

· Know your flood level. Check flood maps at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website (FEMA.gov) or your local building department. This will help you know just how high the water might rise in certain scenarios so you can plan accordingly.

· Safeguard key home systems. Protect sockets, switches, breakers, and wiring in a home by placing them at least one foot above the expected flood level in your area, offers the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Move the furnace, water heater and any other key appliances so they sit above the property's flood level.

· Vent the water. Foundation vents, sump pumps, drains, and more can help keep water from accumulating in or around the foundation of a home.

· Consider a grading change. The grading or slope of ground can be adjusted to direct water away from your home. If your street is prone to standing water after ordinary rainstorms, talk to your county planning or environmental services department about potential modifications.

· Prepare for the worst. Home piers or columns can lift the lowest floor of a home above flood level. It's an expensive undertaking but can be worth it in high-flood areas.

Flooding is no joke. Homeowners can safeguard their homes with some protective steps.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Protect your home and family from flooding

CRESTVIEW — When comedian Elvis Mujic came to town this week, he was a man on a mission.

Mujic has toured 47 states in the minivan he calls home, and one of the things he loves most is performing for homeless people. He visits organizations like the Salvation Army and asks around to find out where homeless people congregate so he can perform especially for them.

On Jan. 2, he contacted the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless for permission to do some standup for their clients. Mujic entertained them for about half an hour.

Mary Bayer, a volunteer at CASH, said, "It was the first time we've ever had anybody like that come in. It went wonderful. The folks really enjoyed it and it kind of got them away from their own problems, you know. It was very fun!"

Bayer said she was eavesdropping from the kitchen during Mujic's routine. He told jokes about himself, and talked about being from Bosnia.

"I would like to see him come back again," Bayer said. "Anything that brightens up their day, I'm for that."

Mujic said he takes a different approach when performing for the homeless.

"People in comedy clubs are happy already," he said. "They have money, they're happy, they're well fed."

More of a warm up is required for the homeless to begin enjoying themselves. He interacts with them and tries to lift their mood by being playful and positive.

"It's super challenging. I like it," Elvis said. "If I can do it there — if something works for them — if it makes them laugh, it's a very funny joke.

"I don't always pull it off, but it is possible and when I do it (well), it validates it," he said of his work.

An aptitude for the job

Mujic and his family moved to the U.S. when he was 7 and grew up in Detroit.

Before he became a comedian, he was a working student starting his fourth year at a Massachusetts college.

"I … did good the first three years, (and) messed up. They made me take a year off," he said.

In the break, he decided to challenge himself to lift his spirits, and hiked the Appalachian Trail for five months.

He tried returning to school, he said, but couldn't. That's when he found standup comedy — it was a fit.

"It's all sort of a slow progression," he said. "What I vividly remember is doing it and feeling, 'Oh this is very right.'"

His parents have come to accept his decision.

"I'm 29. I've done stuff like this for a long time," he said. "At this point they understand. It's a good thing and they're good people."

Visit his website, www.elviscomedy.com, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Traveling comic performs for the homeless

When most people think of Florida’s sandy beaches, they think warm, sunny summer. But what the locals already know is that winter at the beach has tons to offer.

The sand and water may be cold, but it’s a perfect time for looking for seashells.

Maybe it’s because less people are on the beach, or maybe it’s the cold weather and winter storms washing them ashore, but the beach always seems full of seashells and other great finds during the winter months.

As a former island dweller, seashells have become an integral part of my home decorating scheme. They make great containers for Q-tips, candles and jewelry. Some act as decoration atop a cabinet, while others have been turned into craft projects such as a necklace or windchime. Little jars of sharks’ teeth collected throughout the years are tucked away. I even have a shell from my daughter’s first trip to the beach, labeled with the date. A little reminder of paradise.

While collecting is fun, leaving behind seashells and other marine organisms can also benefit our beaches, which is why I always limit what I take. Shells provide protection for creatures such as hermit crabs and can be hiding places for small fish. They also help stabilize beaches and anchor seagrass.

But if you do want to take home a few souvenirs, it’s important to know there are some rules when it comes to recreational seashell collection on Florida’s beaches.

The major thing to keep in mind when you are collecting is, if it’s dead, it most likely is OK to keep.

Do not keep anything that is federally protected (i.e. sea turtles, sawfish or parts thereof).

If a seashell has a living organism inside it or is a living organism (think sand dollars and starfish), you must have a Florida saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) and you must adhere to state and local limits for that species.

It’s also good to know that there are a few species prohibited from harvest, such as the Bahama starfish and live queen conch. You may collect queen conch shells when the shells do not contain any living queen conch at the time of collection.

Special rules also apply if you are collecting in Lee or Manatee counties.

To learn more about FWC’s regulations on recreational seashell collecting, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on "Recreational Regulations" and "Sea Shells." For a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Winter is perfect for collecting seashells at the beach

CRESTVIEW — Every day there seems to be one or more tragic events of mass destruction where an individual or crowds of people lose their lives. It happens everywhere, in a public park, on the street, inside a mall, or simply in the confines of a schoolroom.

So it’s no wonder that many seniors who have a healthier respect for their environment are less prone to take a walk in the park, visit the mall, attend an open-air concert, or spend much time outdoors at all. But it’s not just seniors who are affected. Shut-ins and special-needs individuals who have caregivers enjoy less fresh air and sunshine because their overseers find it more worrisome than just staying indoors where they feel less threatened.

For these individuals and groups, Eden of Crestview’s Assisted Living and Memory Care Community is a wonderful relief. The Center is located in the metropolitan area of Crestview where handsome, painstakingly manicured and securely fashioned grounds far outweigh the public parks that are not always safe.

The freedom from physical worries often enhance the enjoyment that residents of Eden derive from even the simplest activities like taking a stroll outdoors, joining a group’s social session amid the flower garden, or simply relaxing and enjoying the aura of the courtyard scene where he or she can engage with nature.

There are many other reasons why residents at Eden of Crestview’s Assisted Living and Memory Care Community often fare better there than at home. Seniors or other special-needs individuals are more often targeted for emotional extortion because they either live alone or are less likely to have immediate recourse. Utility company impostors often show up in pairs, and while one has the attention of the homeowner, the other one is rifling any valuables they can find. Another scam that faces the homeowner comes in the form of a fake Internal Revenue agent who appears at the door demanding cash — or else!

While phone scams are not completely able to be controlled at Eden, every effort is made by law enforcement to make the resident aware by sponsoring programs that expose them. Those physical confrontations are eliminated, though, because a trained and dedicated staff at Eden is in control.

"Eden at Crestview’s Assisted Living and Memory Control community is one of the safest and most desirable living facilities anywhere in the area today," said Alan Woods, who serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Center taking shape on Redstone Avenue in Crestview. He will be happy to discuss accommodating individuals or groups to other aspects of living in a surrounding that they can be proud to call home!

Call Alan at 850-417-0103 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eden of Crestview offers senior safety

CRESTVIEW — If you're looking for places to ring in 2019, many in Crestview will be closed.

However, some local restaurants and entertainment venues will remain open.

Here is a list of openings and closures for the New Year's holiday.

Restaurants

While many opt for the traditional southern New Year's Day meal of greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and soup, many might also like to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

• Hub City Smokehouse – 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve, regular hours New Year's Day

• Wayne’s Catfish House – regular hours, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

• Vitaliano Pizza Pasta and More – hosting a New Year's Eve dinner at 5 p.m., closed until then

• Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant – open New Year's Eve from 11 a.m. to 2p.m., closed on New Years Day

• Peppers Mexican Grill and Cantina – open regular hours both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

• Casbah Coffee Co. – closing early at 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve, closed New Year's Day

• Hideaway – closes New Year's Eve at 8 p.m., closed on New Year's Day

• Desi’s Downtown Restaurant – closed till Jan. 4

• Pounders Hawaiian Grill – closed until Jan. 2

• The Wild Olive – closed until Jan. 2, open Dec. 29 for breakfast and dinner

• David’s Catfish House – closed both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Entertainment

Looking for things to do for the New Year's holiday? Here's some entertainment places in Crestview that will be open.

• Emerald coast zoo – closed New Year's Eve, open New Year's Day

• Ride Hard – open both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Marquis Cinema 10 – open both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

• Jumpin Beans Playzone – open New Year's Eve and closed New Year's Day

Grocery stores

• Publix North and South – open New Year's Eve until 9 p.m., open New Year's Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Winn Dixie – open regular hours New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Government offices

Federal, state, city, and county offices will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Yea's Day

If you know of other businesses remaining open or closing, email news@crestviewbulletin.com or call 850-682-6524.

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's open, closed New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Crestview

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely above average — when it comes to seafood consumption, that is.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its annual report earlier this month which found that seafood consumption in the United States increased in 2017. The report notes that the average American ate 16.0 pounds of fish and shellfish in 2017, up 1.1 pounds from the year before. 

This is a significant increase and great news for both seafood producers and consumers. The American Heart Foundation recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish rich in omega-3s) two times per week. We currently only consume about half of that. 

This recommendation includes a variety of farm-raised and wild-caught fish. Both are crucial to meet current and future demand for seafood and omega-3 fatty acids.  Increase seafood consumption has many health benefits, including:

•reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.

•reduced decline in brain function in old age.

•can be beneficial against depression.

•reduced risk of Type 1 diabetes and several other autoimmune diseases.

•lower risk of developing macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness.

•may lead to improved sleep.

Those are a lot of good reasons to increase your seafood consumption.

In addition to consuming more seafood, consumers are consuming more variety. While the top 10 consumed seafood species remained relatively unchanged, they now only account for 84 percent of total consumption, with less popular species gaining acceptance. 

This year shrimp once again topped the list, jumping three-tenths of a pound in 2016 to 4.4 pounds in 2017. Salmon, up from 2016 by more than two-tenths of a pound at 2.41 pounds, claimed the second slot, with canned tuna, at 2.1 pounds, coming in third.

Experts attribute this increase in consumption follows higher domestic landings and more globally sourced product. Both are great news for American jobs and American health.

Source: http://www.noaa.gov/media-release/american-seafood-industry-steadily-increases-its-footprint, Dec. 13, 2018.

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: Are you above average when it comes to seafood?

Welcome 2019! The new year brings the return of our Coffee & Craft workshop for its third year.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at we will have a lot of fun painting and designing perpetual calendars. February’s class will give everything a personal touch with embroidery. We will learn to bomb our baths in March. There will be so many exciting crafts, and that is only the first quarter!

The class is always free and materials are provided, but space is limited. Please call to reserve your space. Donations are much appreciated and help to enhance the quality of material and instruction provided.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive.

Jean McCarthy is the Crestview Public Library's administrative assistant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Get ready for our Coffee & Craft sessions

BBVA Compass continued their great support to Children In Crisis again this year.  Thanks to the generous donation of $2,500 from the Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids program, all the kids living at the CIC Neighborhood will receive specialized training and counseling.

According to Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO, "The donation from BBVA Compass helped provide our children living at CIC with a vital educational program.  This donation truly makes a difference and we are very thankful."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BBVA Compass Donates to CIC Kids

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

UPCOMING

POETRY OPEN MIC READING: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and following second Tuesdays. Arrive at 6 p.m. for conversation and snacks. Poets and musicians may read, perform, improvise and play together. Free. Poetry starter: Christmas presents. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432. 

 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.

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.

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