CRESTVIEW — April is Financial Literacy Month, an ideal time to “Teach Children to Save.”

During the event, which runs through July 31, youths can set a savings goal, make a deposit into a savings account, and earn a chance to win a prize.

Youths age 18 and younger must make deposits to savings accounts at Beach Community Bank,   Eglin Federal Credit Union, First City Bank and    PenFed Credit Union to be eligible.

Once entry forms are collected from these financial institutions, six winners will receive $50 to deposit into their savings account.

Okaloosa $aves, part of the national initiative America Saves, is coordinated by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension in Okaloosa County.

Since 2004, Okaloosa $aves has awarded children $7,800 in savings bonds and deposits.

The organization received an A+ School Recognition Certificate at an April 14 Okaloosa County School System faculty meeting.

Call 850-689-5850 to learn more about the project.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Children's saving program kicks off in Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — Jasmine Carson, 12, has plenty to celebrate.

She won sixth place all-around at the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Level 6 Florida State Championships, held April 10–12 in Coral Springs. In addition, she placed second in the floor exercise with a score of 9.325, and third in uneven bars with a score of 9.125.

Jasmine trains at U.S. Gold Gymnastics Academy in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gymnast among state champs; trains at Crestview academy

CRESTVIEW — “Scams and Fraud: Prevention is the Key” is scheduled for May 5 at the Crestview Public Library.The program, part of the library's First Tuesday Series, begins at 10:30 a.m., with coffee and cookies served at 10 a.m.

Ashley Bailey, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office crime prevention manager, will talk about identity theft; telemarketing, mail and Internet fraud; home improvement and investment fraud; caregiver exploitation; and predatory lending scams.

In addition, attendees will receive a free “Power against Fraud Handbook."

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive behind the post office in north Crestview. Call 682-4432 for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Scams, fraud presentation scheduled at Crestview library

Editor's Note: In 2016, Crestview will observe its 100th birthday with a year-long celebration of events and activities.

The News Bulletin counts down to the city's 100th birthday with a series of monthly Crestview history stories, starting today.

CRESTVIEW — Our town was already a thriving community almost 35 years before citizens gathered to make it official.

Due to their efforts, we can set April 11, 1916, as the birth of Okaloosa County's future seat.

BEGINNINGS

The Crestview area was already settled as early as 1823, when Elijah Ward received deeds to some acreage just northeast of today's city line.

In 1827, a U.S. post office, the fourth in the state, opened north of today's Crestview near a ford in the Yellow River. Ward's house became a voting place shortly after Florida became a state in 1845.

In the 1850s, Wardville and Austinville formed, straddling the site of today's Crestview, with both receiving post offices in 1855.

In 1879, the first community school opened in the vicinity of today's Garden of Memories Cemetery on Ferdon Boulevard North.

THE RAILROAD COMES

Around 1880 or 1881, a Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad surveying party pushed through wilderness east of Pensacola and charted Crestview Station, named for the rise of high ground between the Yellow and Shoal Rivers.

In 1882, tracks were laid through Crestview, reaching DeFuniak Springs by year's end, pausing only when a yellow fever outbreak stopped all travel to and from Pensacola. The first passenger train stopped at Crestview Station in December 1882.

Hamner F. "Doc" Powell, the station's first agent and Crestview's first citizen, built the first house in town, which stood south of the present Alatex Building on Woodruff Avenue.

Crestview's post office opened March 15, 1883. By 1886, Powell had also built a two-story hotel and boarding house at the site of today's Desi's Restaurant.

In 1885, "Webb's Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida" dismissed Crestview as "a small settlement" and the 1886 "Florida State Gazetteer" said it "was only a shipping station."

But by 1889, "Elliott's Encyclopedia" described Crestview as having a 100-person population, with land selling between $1-2 per acre, four general stores, a school and a post office.

A THRIVING TOWN

Crestview Station became Crestview Junction between 1887 and 1894, when the Yellow River Railroad spur was pushed north to Laurel Hill and beyond to Florala, Ala.

By the turn of the century, the town had acquired a drug store, another hotel, a P&A train depot, a Congregational Home Missionary Church, a Masonic lodge, a Baptist Mission (from Milligan), sawmills and several other small businesses.

By 1908, thriving businesses included grocery stores, two barbershops, mercantile stores, the Okaloosa Messenger newspaper, a telephone office, a movie house, general merchandise and hardware stores, a hat shop, several cafés and restaurants, more hotels and boarding houses, a "pressing club" (cleaners), and livery stables.

With Okaloosa County's creation out of Santa Rosa and Walton counties in September 1915, Crestview leaders saw the need to formalize their community, leading to the April 11, 1916 meeting at the Congregational Church on Pearl Street, which for several years served as the temporary city hall.

Some sources said the organizational meeting was held under a tree in the church yard. The church stood where Casey Electric is now, adjacent to the northeast side of the S.R. 85 railroad overpass.

CRESTVIEW'S FIRST MUNICPAL LEADERS

Upon its April 11, 1916 incorporation, these were Crestview's first town officials:

Mayor: W.R. White

Town clerk: Dr. DeLacy

Aldermen: President, C.H. Griffith, J.W. Bowers, L.E. Bowers, Dr. E.R. Marshburn and W.G. Wallace

Town marshal: W.T. Mathis (resigned April 26, 1916) and W.A. Douglas

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at brianh@crestviewbulletin.com, follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview: from 'shipping station' to county seat

NICEVILLE — The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors' May 30 golf tournament at Eglin Golf Course will benefit Emerald Coast Toys for Tots.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m., followed by lunch and a silent auction at 11 a.m. and a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. The golf course is located at 1527 Fairway Drive in Niceville.

“We have a big need for toys, and with that comes a big need for monetary donations, which is why fundraisers such as our upcoming golf tournament are so important to the Emerald Coast Toys for Totsmission,” said Ashley Botelho, ECAR's Toys for Tots Task Force chair.

During the 2014 holiday season, Toys for Tots provided 16,906 toys to 10,204 Okaloosa and Walton County children. This was an average of 1.66 toys per child, just below the organization’s two-toys-per-child goal. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eglin golf tournament to benefit Emerald Coast Toys for Tots

CRESTVIEW — Regional artists and crafters, classic vehicles, a bounce house, live music and food will highlight North Okaloosa's annual spring festival on Saturday.

The Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival, sponsored by the Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian churches, presents the talents of area artists, crafters and performers, as well as local history and traditions. The Baker Block Museum and North Okaloosa Heritage Association join the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Committee and the Friends of the Arts in supporting the event.

"It's the little festival that just grew," the host churches' pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead, said. 'It's a really fun opportunity for families throughout the region to come see what God-given talents some of our local artists have, both visual and musical."

FROM PIPES TO PIANO

Opening with light pop and folk ballads by Crestview singer and acoustic guitarist Aaron Overton, music includes Professor Dennis Mitchell's ragtime and honky-tonk piano, and the haunting skirl of Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums.

Gordon Martial Arts' taekwondo students will demonstrate their routine of patterns, basic kicking skills and board breaking.

The Wesley Boys gospel quartet will debut its new lineup with Jim Hight — who replaces retired bass singer Joe Dunn — joining lead tenor Kevin Lusk, second tenor Brian Hull and baritone Leon Curenton.

Crestview beach music guitarist and vocalist Jordan Rogers rounds out the live entertainment.

DIVERSE ORGANIZATIONS

Exhibits will represent a cross-section of public services and community organizations including:

•University of West Florida’s Public Archeology Project

•Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mobile discovery exhibit

•Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program

•Crestview Area Sister City Program, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the community's relationship with Noirmoutier, France

•Ancestry research by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

CARS, COBBLER AND BOUNCE HOUSE

A show-and-shine for classic vehicles is scheduled, and dash plaques will be presented to the first 25 cars that arrive.

Several local nonprofits — and attendees' taste buds — will benefit from festival food sales.

For instance, Crestview Boy Scout Troop 773 members will cook their signature Scout Cobbler in a Dutch oven over a campsite fire.

The First Presbyterian men’s group will grill burgers and hotdogs to raise money for food baskets for needy families.

Desserts, baked goods and plant sales by both host churches will benefit community outreach programs, including school supplies for needy Laurel Hill School students.

And snacks and drink sales will benefit LHS fifth-graders' field trip to New Orleans.

A children's bounce house also will be available during the event.  

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25

WHERE: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church yard, 8115 Fourth St.

COST: Free admission, free booth space

NOTES: Arts and crafts festival featuring area artists and artisans, classic car show-n-shine, bounce house, food and live entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP

11 a.m.: Aaron Overton, acoustic guitar and vocals

Noon: Gordon Martial Arts exhibition

12:30: Professor Dennis Mitchell, honkytonk and ragtime piano

1:45: Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums, bagpipe band

2:30: The Wesley Boys, gospel quartet

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Arts & Heritage Festival returns to Laurel Hill this Saturday

CRESTVIEW — A mayoral commission to produce a presentation vase for Crestview's sister city has revealed secrets inside an old log.

When Mayor David Cadle asked wood artisan Dannis Young to create a gift commemorating Crestview's 20-year partnership with Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, France, Young saw an opportunity to use a log stashed behind his Crestview home.

He knew nothing of the tree's background, except that honey locust produces a soft, golden glow when he applies his chisels while the wood turns on his lathe. "Locust wood almost has a fingerprint in it," he said. "It has signatures."

While hollowing out the vase's bowl, he found evidence of a lightning strike. About 20 years ago, lightning struck the honey locust. The tree survived, but the strike's result added the marks to the wood. "You could scrape it with your fingernail and smell a charred smell to it," Young said.

Young, who's turned wood since he was introduced to the craft in high school in his native Meridian, Miss., said the vase became more than he planned. "I think it'll be one thing, but when you start turning, the wood starts telling you what it wants to be," he said. "The wood talks to you."

Young finished the vase with beeswax, which added a soft luster to the honey locust wood's golden glow. "I like to use all-natural materials," he said. "I don't like to use chemicals because you never know who will come in contact with it and how it might affect them."

After applying polish, Young let the vase sit in various locations for a week, ensuring it wouldn't crack under different temperatures and humidity levels.

Cadle, whose representative will present the gift May 9 to Noirmoutier officials, said, "I am just so very pleased with this.

"It's great our gift to our Sister City is something directly from the Crestview area, made by a Crestview artist."

WANT TO GO?

Crestview wood artisan Dannis Young will exhibit turned bowls, vases, goblets and other materials made from locally sourced wood at the Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25, at 8115 Fourth St.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview craftsman's vase reveals hidden surprise

The first Earth Day — celebrated April 22, 1970 — signified the beginnings of the modern environmental movement. 

The Crestview Public Library has many resources to help you learn about everything from the movement's history to what the current state of our environment is and how governmental policies can affect the environment. 

We also have resources that can help you do your part to have less of a negative impact on the environment. 

Whether you’d like to find the most fuel-efficient automobile (see Consumer Reports) or discover helpful hints to consume less, we can help.

Marie Garcia is the Crestview Public Library's assistant director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GARCIA: Learn more about conservation at the Crestview library

CRESTVIEW — Had Emmanuel Menz's supervised visit with his non-custodial parents been at Safe Connections instead of a fast food restaurant, it's unlikely he would have been kidnapped.

"We would never have a child out of our line of sight," Safe Connections Executive Director Sharon Rogers said, referring to situations like last year's Menz kidnapping. "We do visits in a safe place, never out in the community, where there are too many variables."

The 18-year-old nonprofit — which also has centers in DeFuniak Springs and Shalimar — opened its Seventh Avenue location in Crestview on Thursday after several months of renovations.

FEELS LIKE HOME

Finding affordable, commercial property to renovate was a challenge, Rogers said. Criteria included providing separate parking and entrances for visitors and custodial parents with children.

A Seventh Avenue house's complete remodeling provided the security and comfort Safe Connections sought. Spaces include two cheerfully decorated primary visitation rooms stocked with toys and children's books, a holding room and a custodial parent waiting room with a TV. A security area separates the building's two sections.

"We make the setting so nice and comfortable, it's like a big comfy place to visit," Rogers said. "We provide really respectful and courteous supervision, but with training."

Visiting parents must arrive 15 minutes before the custodial parent and child, and be checked for any inappropriate materials before the visit, program coordinator Ken Tate said.

"It can be dangerous," he said. "They're not always happy when they come here. But we treat them as parents, with respect. When they see we're here to help them, they cam down."

'GRASSROOTS PROJECT'

A group of child psychologists, DCF supervisors, family attorneys and other child welfare professionals founded Safe Connections, Rogers said. The idea of a supervised visitation was, in 1997, "a fairly new concept," she said. "We started with $700. It was truly a grassroots project with volunteers."

Safe Connections' purchase and renovation of the Seventh Avenue home was funded through a Northwest Florida Impact 100 grant of $128,000. Much of the center's continued operations are funded through a $400,000 Okaloosa County U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Safe Haven grant.

Other funding comes from grants, a contract with the Department of Children and Families, and local gifts, Rogers said.

HARSH REALITIES

The center's clients include families with domestic violence or mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, paternity cases and parents who have been incarcerated, Rogers said.

She anticipates Crestview's center will have at least 25 family clients within six months. Children visiting their parents at Safe Connections generally live with a single parent, grandparents, foster families or in shelters such as Children in Crisis.

"The realities why there is a need for a center like ours are pretty harsh," Rogers said. "But when parents are seeing their children, they are making changes. It reminds them to get their act together and be strong for their child, pay their child support, meet their obligations."

"We see success stories where people turn the corner and say, 'I want to be a responsible parent,'" Tate said.

WANT TO GO?

Referrals to the Crestview Safe Connections family visitation center can be made by contacting case manager Heather Smith, 398-8855, 618 Seventh Ave.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Safe Connections' new center offers supervised family visits in Crestview

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam wants the state's agricultural land owners to apply for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program by May 30.

The program's goals include:

•Protecting valuable agricultural lands

•Creating conservation easements that ensure sustainable agricultural practices

•Preventing conversion to non-agricultural land uses in Florida's rural base

•Helping to protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations

Florida agriculture employs more than 2 million people and has an annual economic impact estimated at $120 billion, making it the state's second-largest industry. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Last chance to apply for Florida's agricultural land protection program