CRESTVIEW — With a gentle roar, 25 motorcycles, about 35 riders and a trio of escort vehicles swooped up James Lee Boulevard and into American Legion Post 75.

The American Legion Riders’ statewide, six-day Legacy Ride began Monday, and local Legion members awaited them with a hamburger and chips lunch.

“We’re glad to do it for them,” Crestview post member and local American Legion Rider Russ Chamberlain said. “It’s a great cause.”

While the ride is a fun outing, participants said its most important aspect is raising money and awareness for three charitable causes that the ride benefits.

Florida Department Commander Jay Conti Sr. said this year’s ride beneficiaries are:

• Children of veterans killed in the war against terrorism

• Project VetRelief, which supports active duty, newly separated or veteran service members

• Breast cancer awareness

Each American Legion Riders chapter solicits donations while posts visited by the Legacy Ride set fundraisers to support the causes, Conti said.

Last year’s national Legacy Ride raised more than $1 million for the children of veterans lost in the war against terrorism, while the statewide ride raised more than $20,000 for the charities it supported.

“It’s hard to say how much we’ll raise this year,” Mike Kirchoff, a rider from Panama City, said, adding money raised during the ride is pooled with other fundraisers and is presented at the Department of Florida’s annual convention in June.

Last year’s total surpassed $60,000, Conti said, adding, “We’re hoping to top that this year.”

Kirchoff offered kudos to Crestview Post 75 Commander Jeff Williams and his members for their hospitality.

“It’s really a wonderful stop,” Kirchoff said. “Posts like this put on quite a spread for us.”

Soon after their break, the members returned to their bikes to cruise off to the next stop in Pensacola.

Members of Riders chapters along the 825-mile route join the Legacy Ride and drop out as time commitments allow, though some will cover the entire route.

When the ride, which started in Lake City, rolls into Crystal River in Citrus County today, Kirchoff said it’s likely the total number of bikes will easily top 100.

“It’s fun and it’s great causes, too," Kirchoff said.  "What else can you do to raise money for good causes than go out for a ride in beautiful weather?”

WANT TO HELP?

Donations benefiting the American Legion Department of Florida’s three causes may be brought to Post 75, 898 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview, or sent to Department Commander Jay Conti Sr., 1912A Lee Rd., Orlando FL 32810-5714.

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 American Legion hosts statewide Legacy Ride stop

CRESTVIEW — Jim Bryan, who operates Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center in Laurel Hill, achieved one goal in September: earning non-profit status.

Now, he has another dream: to go national.

'UNDERGROUND RAILROAD'

The 20-acre center's Haven for Heroes program offers equine therapy for Panhandle veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the process, it also helps the horses, said Bryan, a retired U.S. Paratrooper.

"Here's what happens … pregnant mares, they'll have their babies, and the mothers will be taken to slaughter and the babies are abandoned in a lot to fend for themselves."

Bryan said more than 100 of these so-called trash babies have become his and Safe Haven co-owner Rhonda Bryan's priority.

"We pick the trash up (from places such as Oklahoma and Texas) and we get 'em back to health and we get 'em adopted out," he said. The horses are veterinarian checked, vaccinated, de-wormed and cleared for interstate travel.

Safe Haven, then, becomes a sort of "underground railroad" for horses with otherwise grim futures, Bryan said.  

First, the mammals help about 30 or so veterans, about six of whom visit the center each week for therapy.

"When you come through the gate at Safe Haven, (veterans) leave everything behind," Bryan said. "They focus on the animals. The animals are non-judgmental, and that bond has a calming effect for the veterans and their families."

The horses also are there for children with autism and people with disabilities. In addition, local judges can sentence nonviolent offenders to community service at the center.

Later, the Bryans put the horses up for adoption. "We've helped place over 100 horses in the past three years we've been in business," Bryan said.

BEYOND THE PANHANDLE

Bryan said he dreams about the center's potential.

"The goal is to expand several hundred acres so we can go nationwide," Bryan said.

Campsites, cabins, a riding arena and a clubhouse would fill 400 acres if the nonprofit receives enough donations to fund the project or gets the hoped for property as a gift.

If that's the case, it could bring 30 contract jobs for the construction, which Bryan hopes could begin next year.

PTSD is an issue he's all too familiar with: While the highlight for many 20-year-olds today is getting wild during spring break, Bryan was on the battlefield, wounded six times by the same age and already earned two Purple Hearts when he was 19. Those are among other military decorations.

"You can't cure it, but it can be desensitized," he said of PTSD.

Partnering with veterans groups like Crestview's The Scars Remain helps.

Saturday, for instance, that Facebook page's fans can attend Family Day, a picnic and time with the animals, scheduled for 11 a.m. at the center.

Events like this one can ease PTSD, Bryan said.

"The biggest help is these guys and women get together and share their stories," he said.  

—

WANT TO HELP?

Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center is located at 8321 Stokes Road in Laurel Hill.

Contact 652-3350 to donate to the nonprofit organization or volunteer services.

Click here for their Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill horse rescue center, veterans program eye national expansion

LAUREL HILL — From Bogalusa, La., to Laurel Hill is about 250 miles. But Edna Gella, the Hill’s newest nonagenarian, arrived here by way of Buffalo, N.Y., Jacksonville and Fruitland Park.

Gella — born March 19, 1925 in Pine, La. — grew up in Bogalusa, a sawmill and paper-making town on the Pearl River.

Graduating from Bogalusa High School, she soon moved across the river to seek work in Mississippi. When she landed a clerical job in Jackson, her mother joined her.

Gella recalls once wanting to take the train to New Orleans for a weekend with a girlfriend, but her mother flatly refused.

“Young ladies just didn’t go to New Orleans by themselves back then,” she said. “Especially good country girls. My mother would have no part of it.”

But she got to Biloxi, Miss., during World War II, and fell in love with Raymond Mitchell, a young gunner on a B-25. When he was transferred to Buffalo, N.Y., she followed and they wed in 1942.

Settling in Jacksonville at war’s end, the couple had Raymond Jr., Dennis and Linda.

A few years after Raymond Sr. died in 1984, Miss Edna — as she’s known by friends at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church — met and married John Gella and moved to Fruitland Park near Orlando.

“She always liked to work out in the yard,” Dennis Mitchell said. “John was a contractor so they built a couple houses and she did the yard work.”

When John Gella died about 10 years ago, she moved to Laurel Hill to be near her son and his family, living down the lane from them in a home Mitchell built for his mom.

Though she takes life slower than she once did, “When she goes outside, she’ll be pulling weeds up,” Mitchell said.

Gella participates at church functions, recently hosting the February congregational supper, and is a regular at Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meetings and events. “She loves going to them,” Mitchell said. “She likes all the activity and people.”

Saturday, friends and family joined Gella for a quiet celebration of her first nine decades.

“I can’t believe I’m this old,” she said during a recent Sunday service. “I don’t feel like it.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Miss Edna’ recalls life from Bogalusa, La., to Laurel Hill

Nonie’s Ark sails into Crestview Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. 

Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters, a hands-on show, will provide a wildly educating and entertaining Evening Library Time.

If you love animals — such as ferrets, turtles, snakes, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, according to Nonie's website — and like to be up close and personal with them, Nonie’s Ark is perfect for you!

Nonie, an "edutainer," is part educator and part entertainer. She has an extensive background in zoo animal technology and wildlife education, and her fondest joy is helping children learn about wildlife in a fun, adventurous way.

This free event is sponsored by the Okaloosa County Recycling Office. You must be age 4 or older and register to attend. Seating is limited to the first 30 children and their adults who register.

Call 682-4432 to register or learn more information.

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

UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6 p.m. March 30, Crestview Public Library meeting room, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Want to have your work critiqued? Submit no more than 10 pages to mgarcia@okaloosa.lib.fl.us, or hand in a hard copy with your name and contact details at the library's front desk.

LAWN CARE IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 7,not April 2 as previously stated, Crestview Public Library. Guest speaker: Larry Williams, Okaloosa County Extension director.

FREE TAX PREPARATION: Through April 14, Crestview Public Library. Days and hours: 2-6 p.m. Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Available first-come, first-served; sign-in required. 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ forms (but not instruction booklets) are available for free pickup.

LAPSIT: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays in the Crestview Public Library's Story Room. For children at least 3 years old. Check the library's calendar at www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php for exact dates and themes.

MAKER SPACE: Children can make crafts at the Crestview Public Library beginning at 2 p.m. on early-release Thursdays.

AMERICAN GIRLS BOOK CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon, one Saturday each month (usually the third Saturday). Visit the library for more details.

BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING: Call 682-4432 to schedule one-hour appointments at the library. Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative card required.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Hands-on animal show scheduled in April

CRESTVIEW —  The Crestview Centennial Celebration Committee has prepared a tentative calendar of events throughout the year.

Member Pat Hollarn said the final calendar awaits approval by the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Main Street Crestview Association and other potential committee partners.

Suggested 2016 events:

January: A theatrical program including historical reenactments of events from the city’s history and period music.

February: A Mardi Gras parade or similar Carnival event; a concert by the Crestview High School jazz ensemble.

March: Co-sponsorship of the Triple-B Cook-off South Stage entertainment.

April: The city’s 100th birthday party will mark the April 11, 1916, incorporation meeting held under an oak tree in the Congregational Church yard.

May: A partnership with the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration to salute our armed forces.

July: An old-fashioned Fourth of July in Twin Hills Park with traditional early 20th-century games and a family picnic before the city’s fireworks display.

September: A Constitution Week observance with a patriotic program at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial and downtown events.

October: A Ghost Walk with actors interpreting historic personalities from the past 100 years; Centennial organizers also hope to brand the Fall Festival as an old-fashioned town celebration.

November: Following traditional Veterans Day events, centennial activities would honor Crestview’s military heroes from World War I to the present.

December: The city’s annual Christmas parade would be themed, “Crestview Christmases Through the Decades.”

June and August will have no events.

The Crestview Centennial Committee meets monthly on the next-to-last Monday afternoon. The next meeting will be 1:30 p.m. April 20 in Crestview City Hall.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tentative calendar prepared for Crestview centennial celebration

CRESTVIEW — The Florida State Fire Marshal’s office is still investigating a Sunday morning fire that gutted an Amos Street apartment building, leaving one resident dead.

Meanwhile, eight people need help replacing life's essentials. None of them had renter’s insurance and, apart from the clothes they were wearing — “and flip-flops on our feet,” resident Beverly Forrester said — they lost all their belongings.

See photos of the Amos Street apartment fire aftermath>>

It's been particularly difficult for some of the residents, including Lamar and Alvin McTear, who, until some donations came in from DeFuniak Springs, needed work pants and boots to return to their jobs.

Forrester said something awakened her about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday. Then her dog, Puppy Boy, started barking — "he knew something was wrong. I started smelling smoke, and I got up and saw a poof of black smoke,” she said.

Forrester and her husband, Tim Albaugh, banged on doors and walls to awaken other residents. She said one neighbor ran into the victim’s apartment twice to try to rescue the victim, but the smoke was too thick to see her.

“It makes you think, doesn’t it, about taking everything for granted,” Scherie Green said. She and her companion, Levi “Red” Knight, are disabled, on fixed incomes and lost needed medications in the fire. “He takes eight medicines a day,” Green said of Knight.

Forrester's sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Bob Roberg of DeFuniak Springs, and family friend Chris Mars began helping the homeless residents.

The DeFuniak Piggly Wiggly and Crestview Sharing and Caring have donated food, and Triangle Chevrolet-Buick, cash, to help the residents remain in the Crestview Super 8 motel after their Red Cross vouchers expired.

Churches in Crestview and DeFuniak Springs have raised hundreds of dollars in cash to pay the families’ motel bill, while an anonymous Fort Walton Beach donor gave $2,000 to help the eight people.

“This is just blessing,” Mars said. “We needed a hand for them and God was the big hand. As people in Christ, people in the community, need to know there’s a need right now in Crestview.”

And Forresters' faith is unshaken — “God is behind us,” she said. “He is the one who’s gotten people together to help us so far. He’s putting the right people in our path.”

HERE'S WHAT'S NEEDED: men’s pants, 30/34, 34/32, 36/32, 36/34 and 38/34; men’s shirts, large, XL, XXL, XXXL; and women’s slacks, petit 0-1, plus 4X-5X

Contact Beverly Forrester, 612-1482; Faye Roberg, 333-1442; or Chris Mars, 520-5086 or 892-7730, to help.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 8 Crestview homeless fire victims keep the faith during aftermath

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, which includes the Crestview Public Library, will take part in the Big Library Read program. Library card holders can borrow and read the autobiography eBook "Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard" by Laura Bates, until April 1 by visiting here>>

"This is a riveting, true-life tale of Shakespeare professor and prison volunteer Laura Bates as she teaches about the playwright in supermax solitary confinement, developing a friendship with a brilliant, dangerous convict," a news release states. "Patrons will be able to select a lending period of one, two or three weeks, which begins at the date of checkout."

Patrons can read the eBook on all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android phones and tablets, and Kindles without worrying about wait lists or holds. Titles expire at the end of the lending period, and there are no late fees.

“This is an excellent opportunity for those who may have never read an eBook through OverDrive to become acquainted with this service," Crestview Public Library Director Jean Lewis said. "Just sign on with your library card number and read!”

The Big Library Read program is made possible through a partnership between OverDrive, the leading supplier of eBooks to libraries, and Sourcebooks, publisher of Bates’ autobiography. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Shakespeare Saved My Life' available at no charge during Big Library Read