LAUREL HILL — The incoming cooler weather for the fall season, may have helped the 2014 Laurel Hill Hobo Festival with a successful turnout.

PHOTOS: See 39 photos from the 2014 Laurel Hill Hobo Festival >>

“The weather is perfect for it,” resident Whaylond Davis said.

 Davis said he regularly brings his family to the community event, which took place at Gene Clary Park on Saturday.

While Davis has regularly attended the event in the past, it was the first time for Joanna Arntz, who was visiting from Ponce de Leon. Arntz said she was enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere.

“The kids have plenty to do (here),” she said.

While many children visited the play areas and the inflatable attractions, other children were looking to earn money.

 Dorcas residents, Kyanna Oliver, 11, and Gracie Cade, 9, sold lemonade.

“We always wanted to do this,” Kyanna said.

The sisters said they would save money they earned from the event.

“It’s been going really good,” Gracie said referring to the amount of money they collected. 

Neighboring vendor Sherry Gosh, who sold homemade goods, noticed an increase in attendance from last year’s replacement festival, “A Day in the Country Life” Fall Festival.

“It’s been busier than last year, the traffic has been doubled,” Gosh said. “It’s been a good turnout.”

In addition to visiting vendors, attendees also listened to live music and registered to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Attendees also gave back to the community by donating non-perishable food items towards the cause of Sarah Wayer, 15, who recently won Supreme Beauty in the 2014 Northwest Florida Miss Heart of the USA pageant.

The pageant’s goal is to eliminate hunger by supporting a local food pantry, Wayer said. Now, she is collecting on behalf of the Sharing and Caring organization of Crestview.

Wayer was also thankful for the community’s support.

 “There have been quite a few donations…which is really exciting,” Wayer said. “It’s great to see the community get involved.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents enjoy cooler weather, entertainment at Hobo Festival (PHOTOS)

FORT WALTON BEACH — The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties and their partners are collecting coats for the annual Coats for Kids at Christmas" program.

Drop off new or gently used coats through Nov. 7 at Bank of America; BB&T; BBVA Compass Banks; Beach Community Banks; Bluewater Fitness; Boeing Company; Bounce Party Play Zone at Santa Rosa Mall; CCB Community Banks; Centennial Bank; CHELCO;, Children’s Place at Silver Sands; Coastal Bank and Trusts; Covenant Hospice; Destin Cleaners; Eglin Chapel; Eglin Federal Credit Unions; First City Bank; First Service Residential; French Laundry; Gold’s Gyms in Fort Walton Beach and Destin; Hancock Bank; Horizons; MITRE Corporation; Northwest Florida State College; Okaloosa School District Office; Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office chaplains; all Publix grocery stores in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville and South Walton; Regions Banks; Summit Bank; Trustmark Banks; and Twin Cities Hospital.

Volunteers will pick up and deliver donated coats to Bangkok Cleaners, The French Laundry or Destin Cleaners for cleaning. Participating United Way agencies will distribute the coats to any child at no cost to the family.

For more information, please contact the United Way at 243-0315; events@united-way.org or www.United-Way.org.

Last year Coats for Kids at Christmas volunteers distributed more than 2,000 coats to families in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Way’s Coats for Kids at Christmas gets underway

CRESTVIEW — The Helping Other People Effectively Network will host a status update meeting on cold night shelters and soup kitchens in Crestview.

The meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Crestview Community of Christ, 398 E. 1st Ave., Crestview.

Organizers ask attendees to bring a friend, fellow church member, neighbor, or anyone interested in shelters or soup kitchens to the meeting. 

For more information, contact Ann Sprague, 850-826-1770.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Group hosts meeting on North Okaloosa shelter and soup kitchen programs

FORT WALTON BEACH — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast hosted their inaugural Steak & Stake fundraising dinner Sept. 25 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. More than 225 guests attended the event, which raised more than $32,000.

The evening began with a VIP reception, hosted by Cox Communications, with special guest speaker Jim “The Rookie” Morris.

Morris' life story was the inspiration behind the 2002 Walt Disney film "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid. To motivate his rag-tag high school baseball team, the then-35-year-old schoolteacher made a bet that he would try out for the big leagues if his team won a district championship. When his team won, Morris followed through on his promise, going to a try out where he threw 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph. Three months later, he achieved his dream of pitching in the Major Leagues.

"Mr. Morris has a unique and exciting story. We were excited for our club members and community to hear his inspirational story and how great futures are started," said Shervin Rassa, chief executive officer for BGC Emerald Coast. "Although his story takes place on a baseball diamond, we can all relate to reaching and fulfilling our dreams.”

Guests were entertained by emcees Shane Moody and Ted Corcoran, along with the clubs' Youth of the Year candidate, Daishawn Kyser. The Youth of the Year is the premiere recognition program for members age 14-18 who promote service to their club, community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals, poise and public speaking ability. Clubs recognize Youth of the Month winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. Winners have the potential to receive scholarships and compete at the national level.

“Daishawn is a young man that embodies the character, personal growth and leadership qualities we look for in a Youth of the Year,” Rassa said. “His story is similar to so many young people we hear about today. What makes Daishawn’s story different is that despite his tribulations, he has emerged as a leader with perspective and aspirations to better his life despite the odds stacked against him.”

Youths from all seven clubs sat at every table with dinner attendees. They handed out their own business cards and shared the story of of what Boys & Girls Clubs means to them and how their club has a positive impact on their lives. Adults enjoyed juicy, mouth-watering hamburgers, while club members were treated to a special steak dinner.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is proud to recognize their sponsors for their generosity and continued support. They are Cox Communications, Acentria, Coastal Bank & Trust, Destin Commons, Florida Blue, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, McMahon & Hadder Insurance, AT&T, Copy Products, Matthews & Jones, Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties; and annual partners All Sports Association, United Way, Centennial Bank and Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

For more information on this and other great events by BGC Emerald Coast, visit www.bgcec.com; or contact Jessica Davis, Development & Marketing vice president, at jdavis@bgcec.com or call 850-862-1616.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Steak & Stake fundraiser nets more than $32,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs

LAUREL HILL — After several months of work, the Laurel Hill Hobo Festival Planning Committee has scheduled and programmed Saturday’s Hobo Festival.

Now the committee needs residents to attend, organizers said.

“We just need participation now … and we hope (the community) will be there,” committee member Betty Williamson said. 

Traditionally, the festival took place the second Saturday in October. This year, the event will take place the first Saturday to not conflict with other community events.   

Last year's festival was canceled due to a nonprofit status issue when filing event paperwork. “A Day in the Country Life” Fall Festival, sponsored by the city’s volunteer fire department and Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center, replaced it.

Williamson and Mayor Robby Adams, who is also part of the festival committee, said residents asked if the festival would return this year.

“We had a lot of people asking about it,” Adams said. “I think it’s great that we are bringing it back.” 

Robby's wife, Debra, who served as treasurer, agrees. 

“I believe the festival is something good for our community and a time we can come together and enjoy a day at the park,” Debra said.  

This year’s festival will feature live music from Johnie Jackson and Friends, SALT and Juke Joint Willie. In addition, free children’s activities will be available throughout the day.

Attendees can visit nearly 30 vendors – including food, arts and crafts on the festival grounds, Robby Adams said.

They can win prizes — including gift certificates and other items donated by area businesses — during a raffle and silent auction. Winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

One addition for festival attendees is the covered seating area.

“Everyone can bring a chair and enjoy the live entertainment in the shade,” Debra said.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to Sharing and Caring in Crestview.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Laurel Hill Hobo Festival

WHEN:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4

WHERE: Gene Clary Park, located on the corner of New Ebenezer Road and Park Street, Laurel Hill

COST: Free to attend

NOTES: See laurelhillhobofestival.org or www.facebook.com/Laurelhillhobofestival for more information

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hobo Festival returns Saturday after one-year hiatus

CRESTVIEW — Boy Scouts of America organizational rules allow for a troop musician. A Crestview troop has taken the position much further.

Troop 773 has its own complete, eight-piece jazz band.

“It was just an idea that came across a few people,” trumpeter and Life Scout Austin Carrico said.

“At first everyone was a little skeptical about how it would turn out. But when we got together for our first meeting, it all fit together like puzzle pieces. Everybody liked it.”

Austin and his fellow band members also play for their high school jazz bands.

Austin attends Niceville High while Matthew Kannapel, Germainye Hudson, Matthew Erk, Nick Johnson, Jerry Hand, Joey Best and Nathan Behr play for Crestview High.

“They found the resources they needed and started practicing,” Austin’s dad and assistant Scout Master Kelly Carrico said.

“It’s mostly for fun, but they want to play at the next Court of Honor and other functions.”

AN UpBEAT ADVISER

One of the community resources the boys draw from is Dick Reinlie, jazz musician and owner of UpBeat Music in Crestview.

“He’s an amazing person,” Austin said. “We love how he takes time out of his busy life to help out the troop. He’s a great guy overall.”

Currently, Reinlie is helping the band master John Coltrane’s “Blue Train,” but Austin said the boys plan to add other selections to their repertoire, including the New Orleans jazz standard, “Second Line,” and Miles Davis’ “Milestone.”

Practicing twice a month, band members hope to perform in six months at Troop 773’s next Court of Honor.

“As Dick Reinlie gets them going, and they feel comfortable, and they get the momentum going, he’s going to let them take over,” Carrico said.

Carrico said to his knowledge, Troop 773 is the only Boy Scout troop in Northwest Florida with its own scout band.

“I have not seen or heard of any scout troops with a band,” Carrico said. “There is a music merit badge, which most of the boys in the band already have, but this is the first (scout troop) band I’ve heard of.”

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 Troop 773 forms region’s only Boy Scout band

CRESTVIEW — The Friends of the Crestview Library's annual fall book sale has grown too big for the library. So this weekend, the event moves to Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Memorial Building.

The event is the “largest used book and media sale in the Panhandle," Friends Book Sale chairwoman Dot Moxcey said.

Booklovers come from surrounding counties and Alabama for the two annual sales, Moxcey said.

“People are so into this sale,” she said.

VIDEO: Here's what to expect from this weekend's book sale>>

And this weekend, they'll notice more variety. CDs, DVDs and VHS cassettes and jigsaw puzzles join hard-cover and paperback books. Book genres include cookbooks, fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, romances, large-print books, college textbooks, book sets, classics and history books, Moxcey said.

“Most books will be priced from 25 cents to $1,” she said. “All are in good-to-new condition.”

Previous book sales were held in the library’s main meeting room. As the event grew in size and popularity, books overflowed to the outdoor front porch.

After April's sale packed the available space, it became evident a new venue was needed, Friends President Rae Schwartz said.

“We’re disappointed that it’s not here at the library but we’re happy that it’s grown so much it had to move to a larger facility,” Library Director Jean Lewis said.

The sale's proceeds help fund large purchases not possible under the library’s tight financial constraints, Lewis said.

“They’ve bought computers, the mural, and two years ago, they did the Whiz Kid sculpture,” Lewis said. “Most of the things that enhance the beauty of the library, the Friends have purchased.”

Proceeds also help fund new book and e-book acquisitions, educational materials and public programs, Moxcey said.

Residents Bob and Gigi Allen have arranged piano entertainment by Crestview High School senior Morgan Seip for Friday evening’s “Early Bird Preview." The couple helped found the Friends of the Arts, which obtained and maintains the Warriors Hall grand piano on which Morgan will perform.

“Friday night is the best time to come,” Moxcey said. “We usually have 30 or 40 people waiting in line before we even open.”

Friday’s preview is $2 for non-members, but admission is free for Friends members. New members may join at the sale and receive free admission, Moxcey said. Individual memberships are $10; family membership is $15.

“Anyone that’s interested in helping out, the Friends would welcome them as members,” Lewis said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Friends of the Crestview Library Fall Book Sale

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5

WHERE: Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., at Industrial Drive, Crestview

COST: $2 early bird entry on Friday, Oct. 3; free for Friends members

NOTES: Annual fall book and media sale benefiting the Friends of the Crestview Library. Proceeds help fund library equipment and programs. Friday’s Early Bird Preview includes live entertainment by pianist Morgan Seip.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Biggest-ever library book sale outgrows the library

BAKER — This month, after more than two years' planning and searching for funding, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida will begin monthly food distribution for needy North Okaloosa County residents.

The nonprofit considered Baker and Laurel Hill for distribution. A Crestview Rotary Club grant and the Baker Area Recreation Center’s offer of free facility use facilitated opening a Baker site, caseworker R.J. Johnson said.

Food distribution — first-come, first-served — begins at 3 p.m. every second Tuesday at the Baker Area Recreation Center. A photo ID is required.

Staffers also will be available to help qualifying residents apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, organizers said.

UNDERSERVED AREA

Pat Hollarn, a former Catholic Charities board member and the Crestview Rotary Club's treasurer, said the grant the local club received from Rotary International was “a bit less” than they had applied for.

“We applied for more, but we only got $1,500, which we are expected to match in kind with labor and goods,” Hollarn said. “It isn’t enough to go through the year, but with other fundraisers we’re going to undertake, I think we’ll have enough to last the whole year.”

Catholic Charities hopes to also open monthly distribution in Laurel Hill, most likely at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, which has offered its facilities, Johnson said.

“Right now we are starting in Baker,” Johnson said. “Depending on funding and the need and response, we may rotate locations.”

Catholic Charities also organizes fourth-Tuesday food distribution at St. Margaret’s of Scotland church in DeFuniak Springs.

The north county site will serve an underserved population that can't get to the organization’s Fort Walton Beach food distributions, Hollarn said.

“It was so difficult for some of those people to get to the Fort Walton Beach area,” she said. “I think we will have people waiting for us when we open.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Catholic Charities food distribution for needy families

WHEN: 3 p.m. second Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14

WHERE: Baker Area Recreation Center, 5503 Highway 4

COST: Free

NOTES: Photo ID required. Food distributed first-come, first-served. Staff available to help families register for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

EmailNews Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitteror call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Monthly food distribution beginning in Baker