CRESTVIEW — You've probably never met Daniel or Mary. They keep to themselves, out of the public eye.

They are homeless. And often misunderstood, as people may not grasp the challenges they face, homeless advocate Judy Christopher said.

“These people live a whole different life than us,” she said.

Everyday tasks many people take for granted — such as charging a cell phone or obtaining needed medication and health care — are difficult, Daniel said. 

Mary, who has dissociative identity disorder — "one minute she's Mary and the next she sounds like a sailor," Christopher said — needs help with her multiple personalities. But with cumbersome paperwork, the system isn't working for her, Christopher said.

The same is true for one homeless person who needed a birth certificate to get state identification, but would have needed a photo ID to obtain the birth certificate, she said.

Christopher, a street worker who volunteers with Crestview's HOPE Network, sees these kinds of situations all the time.

And, knowing what she does, laments the stigma and stereotypes associated with homelessness.

“If homeless get arrested, it’s for trespassing, because they need a place to stay until HUD (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) gets an opening for them,” Christopher said. “It’s not for burglaries or molesting children. The homeless just want to be left alone.”

Crestview Police Officer Sam Kimmons confirmed that much of homeless people's crime is minor.

"The biggest thing we still get is panhandling around the entrance to Wal-Mart," he said. "We get calls from people traveling down the road when someone approaches their window … You don’t really see the panhandling occurring at the north end of the city…

"A lot of the transients down by the interstate just are trying to get enough money to buy whatever provisions they need before they move on to the next town."

Daniel said he and other homeless avoid transients who abuse drugs and alcohol, steal from the homeless, and give them a bad reputation.

“There’s no drugs or nothing,” he said in a Feb. 3 interview at his camp near Cabana Way. “We don’t put up with anything bad.”

SHELTER NEEDED

Crestview lacks a shelter where the homeless can stay while administrative processes to establish benefits such as Medicaid, Social Security and veterans’ care are processed and approved, Christopher said.

And because some who are homeless lack internet access, and Crestview lacks a public transit system, using the library’s computers is not possible.

So Christopher helps homeless people file their applications, and deals with government bureaucracy to establish their benefits.

Mayor David Cadle is helping homeless advocates identify available properties that could be acquired for a homeless shelter facility.

Meanwhile, “right now, our only choice is to work with them (the homeless) while they stay in the woods," Christopher said.

When the weather cools, there is a place to stay. Community of Christ, New Beginnings Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church and Lifepoint Church regularly offer cold weather shelters in Crestview.

"Our only relief is the local churches that put them up if it’s below 40 (degrees Fahrenheit)," Christopher said. But God forbid if it’s 41 and raining."

HAND UP, NOT OUT

In addition to cold weather shelters, free meals are available. Central Baptist Church, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lifepoint, Community of Christ, First Presbyterian and First UMC are among nonprofits that operate soup kitchens.

But nonprofits like the HOPE Network and Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless do not provide just hand outs; rather, they offer a "hand up," Christopher said.

Most of the homeless don’t want to depend on charity; they simply want to get back on their feet and into an affordable home, she said.

Before that time comes, they tend to keep a low profile, Kimmons said.

"Based on my experience, most of the people who live in the woods … try to stay out of sight until they get on their feet," he said.

For people like Daniel, medical care is also a priority. Cancer has eaten into his ear; after Christopher took him to a pro-bono doctor’s appointment, he learned he will likely lose it.

Add a bum leg, and much as Daniel would like to work while awaiting his Section 8 housing application's approval, he physically can't handle much labor, Christopher said.

HOW TO HELP

Homeless advocates counted between 30 and 50 homeless people at local soup kitchens and encampments.

Ignoring them won’t make them go away, Christopher said. The solution is helping them get the health care they need and finding them a permanent home.

“They’ve been here and they always will be,” she said. “The question is how to help them. I think we could cut our numbers in half with just a little bit of help from the community.”

Christopher said it is touching when well-meaning people try to help the homeless, but she advises leaving assistance to local nonprofit organizations.

Kimmons also advised not giving hand-outs.

"If you give them money, a large amount could be spent on alcohol," he said.

Christopher advises against it for a different reason.

“If people stop giving them handouts, then they’ll come to us,” she said. “There is an option to giving handouts.”

These options include volunteering at the HOPE Network’s soup kitchens and cold weather shelters, and donating to the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless fund at any Regions Bank.

But that requires a certain compassion.  

“Some homeless will tell you they don’t want help, they’re just fine, but what they’re saying is they don’t trust you. It takes a relationship and them knowing that you really, really, care.”

So if someone volunteers to help the homeless, they must remain dedicated, Christopher said.

“People meant well and started working with these people and then they quit,” she said. “If you’re going to start it, you need to finish 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: Crestview's misunderstood homeless face 'a whole different life'

CRESTVIEW — Common Ground Community Garden has an additional plant to grow downtown.

The Dogwood Garden Club donated a Fuyu persimmon tree in honor of Florida's Arbor Day.

Club members and community garden supporters planted the gift Feb. 3 at 157 S. Main St.

John Bouton, one of  Common Ground Community Garden's founding directors, led the festivities and instructed attendees on cultivar and site selection, root pruning, orientation of the tree, the planting process, soil amendment, mulching, watering, and final pruning of the branches, among other lessons.

MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about Crestview's community garden at www.CrestviewCommunityGarden.org.

See more photos from the Arbor Day donation at http://sugg.smugmug.com/Crestview-Community-Gardens/.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Garden club donates tree for Arbor Day

CRESTVIEW — Anne and George “Woot” Campbell’s story intertwines with those of many friends and family members.

It goes back to Arlesia Rogers, Woot’s high school girlfriend.

“I knew her even before I went to college,” Woot said. “She was also from Laurel Hill. She was Morris’ sister.”

Morris Rogers would eventually become his brother-in-law — and boss. But first, Woot went off to Florida State University shortly after it changed from the Florida State College for Women and started admitting men.

Woot and Arlesia dated during college, but he left school for the service. Meanwhile, Arlesia graduated college and started teaching home economics at Crestview High School after a year at Laurel Hill School.

MARRIAGE AND TEACHING

In 1951, upon Woot’s discharge, he and Arlesia married and had three sons, Tommy, Andy and Scott. Woot taught for a year at Choctawhatchee High School, and left teaching for awhile.

But when Morris Rogers became Laurel Hill School's principal, he knew someone perfect for the science teaching position: his brother-in-law.

In 1972, Woot made another transition, joining Crestview High School's faculty to teach drafting.  

“When I was at Laurel Hill, I was teaching out of my career field, so when I had the opportunity to teach in my career field, I took it,” Woot said.

Arlesia, meanwhile, had befriended Anne Campbell, a new Crestview High math teacher.

Arlesia was looking forward to retiring in 1987, but a visit to the doctor brought tragic news.

FRIED EGG SANDWICHES

“She was going to retire in October,” Anne said. “In June, she found out that she had cancer. In her last two or three weeks, I was one of three who brought her food on a regular basis.”

Anne also realized she’d better look after her friend’s widower.

“Even after she passed away, I would bring Woot lunch because I knew all he had was a fried egg sandwich,” she said.

One day, about a year and a half after Arlesia died, she got a phone call from Woot.

“He called me and asked if I’d like to have some peaches off of his tree,” Anne said, adding that she gladly accepted.

Shortly later, he invited her “to ride off into the sunset and get something to eat,” which meant a drive over to Pensacola for dinner.

She hurried to the home of a church friend to discuss the development.

“I said, ‘Guess who asked me out?’” Anne said. “And she said, ‘Who?’ And I said, ‘Woot Campbell.’ And she said, ‘But that’s great,’ and I said, ‘But you don’t understand, he’s a friend.’ And she said, ‘Well, what better way to start a relationship than friends.’”

DIVINE PLAN

Remarrying was the farthest thing from Anne's mind.

“I had been divorced for almost 17 years and, for 17 years, I had said I wouldn’t ever have another man in my life, so it was a God thing,” she said.

Woot and Anne were married on New Year’s Eve 1988. Their five children — including Jimmy and Indie, from Anne’s previous marriage — participated.

“We’ve both been blessed,” Anne said. “We’ve had a lot of fun and gone a lot of places.”

Was marrying the widower of one of her best friends awkward?

“Yeah,” Anne said with a laugh. “But it was not by choice, but by God. I was not looking. I was not searching. I did not want a man.

"But along came Woot, bringing me a basket of peaches.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Retired teachers found friendship, love through grief

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Exchange Club’s annual “Stand Up and Say the Pledge” ceremony will be noon Monday.

The public, 15-minute ceremony, held annually in front of the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial behind the downtown courthouse, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on American values, Mayor David Cadle said.

“It just reminds us how often things we have taken for granted all our lives are under attack,” Cadle said.

The ceremony includes patriotic readings, history of the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner."

It concludes with a group recitation of the pledge.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents invited to ‘Say the Pledge’ Monday

CRESTVIEW — Duke It Out, an American Cancer Society Relay For Life team, and Act4Murder present "Death by Cupcake," scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Foxwood Country Club.

Cynthia Bergquist, Joe Chase, Mark Clutter, Tanya Gray, Jessika Keish and Matt Williams will act out Paula Hilton's murder mystery dinner theater.

Tickets cost $35 per person; cost includes a three-course dinner — "a delicious Sweetheart Salad, followed by a romantic tour of Italy that samples chicken alfredo, chicken parmesan, lasagna or spaghetti wrapped up in a strawberry delight and, for dessert, cupcakes!" — along with a "hilarious show," an event spokesperson said.

Doors open 6:15 p.m. at the country club, 4927 Antioch Road.

Call Loney, 603-3500 or 537-4654, or Laurie, 826-0959, for tickets.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview dinner theater set for Valentine's Day

CRESTVIEW — Stella Carr will turn 5 years old on Feb. 28, and one of her fondest birthday wishes is to help local animals in need.

Stella wants pet shelter donations instead of presents, "because I love the animals and they need the food," she said Monday afternoon.

The family — Melissa and Doug Carr of Crestview, and their children, Andrew, 17, Brad, 10, and Stella — has already received several donations of towels, dog food and other necessities.

Melissa said the donations will benefit the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society in Fort Walton Beach.

The Carrs will collect donations through Feb. 28, and will distribute them the day of Stella's birthday party.

Melissa said her daughter loves animals so much, they decided to have her party at the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park in Crestview.

"They do a little tour (for party attendees) and she gets to see the lemurs," Melissa said.

Stella has two dogs of her own — Chi-Chi, a chihuahua, and a boxer named Tigress, or "Ty Ty," and soon will have a third dog to love.

"She wants to adopt a shelter dog," Melissa said.

Her mom assured her that they would begin looking for a rescue pet to bring home when they drop off the donations.

In the meantime, Stella "loves going to the pet adoptions just to play with the dogs 'because they won't be lonely,'" her mother said. "Love this kid!"

Email Editorial Assistant Renee Bell, follow her on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl gives up birthday presents for love of animals

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce seeks vendors for its 11th annual Triple B Cookoff.

The event — which features the Blackwater, bluegrass and barbecue — is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 28 on Main Street.

Space is limited. The application deadline is March 20. Download the application>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wanted: Vendor applications for Crestview barbecue festival

CRESTVIEW — An SUV glides to a halt on a street in a North Crestview neighborhood. The driver and passenger hop out and, cell phones in hand, root through underbrush and around fence posts.

Have spies infiltrated Crestview? 

Nope.

In fact, the entire North Okaloosa County area is dotted with more than 225 geocaches, hidden containers bearing trinkets called swag; for the county's 2015 centennial, cache swag in county libraries and parks includes commemorative coins. The caches also include logbooks so finders can record their discovery.

Want to go geocaching? Here's what you need to know:

•Each cache has a name. Local ones include “V is for Valley” for a cache on Valley Road, and “You’ve Got Mail,” for a cache by the post office.

•Geocaching.com’s map logs each cache's coordinates.

•Clues about a cache's location can be simple or tricky.  Degrees of difficulty, from 1 to 5, are listed on the Geochaching.com map entry.

•The essential tool for finding a cache is a GPS or cell phone with global positioning technology.

•“Event caches,” regional or local gatherings of geocachers, can include meals, picnics or “CITO” events, a clean-up gathering meaning “cache in, trash out.” The Panhandle Geocachers' next meeting, for example, is listed at 6:30 a.m. March 2 at N 30° 43.711, W 086° 34.108.

For Okaloosa Public Library Cooperative coordinator Vicky Stever — known by her geocaching handle FLLibraryChix — the sport's appeal is that anyone can do it.

“It’s a whole hidden world. There are so many levels to this game, and that’s what I like about it,” Stever said. “You can do it on a small scale, or you can be a person who is just consumed with the hunt."

Stever said she enjoys simple treasure hunts, but one day will accept a greater challenge. 

"A cache aboard the USS 'Alabama,' anchored in Mobile Bay, requires finding clues all over the ship that together reveal the cache’s location," she said.

“I want to try that one someday."

ONLINE

Visit www.Geocaching.com to view cache maps and register as a cacher so you can record caches you find and those you hide.

Contact Vicky Stever, 609-5101 or vstever@co.okaloosa.fl.us, or Dorothee Bennett, drbennett@co.okaloosa.fl.us, for more details.

FYI

Breakfast Meeting B4 Work, the next Panhandle Geocachers Crestview “event cache," is 6:30 a.m. March 2 at Burger King, 3210 Ferdon Blvd. S.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Geocachers hike and seek hidden caches all over region