CRESTVIEW — Michael D. Frabott, a local wood artist and craftsman, is having another show of his work in November and December at the Crestview Public Library.

"I have a lot of wood-turned objects that spread the whole gamut: kitchen stuff, decorations for the house, a lot of Christmas items," Frabott said.

Frabott's interest in woodworking comes from his dad, he said, when he was young. He studied industrial arts in college, learning drafting and how to make furniture from conception through the completed object.

After college, he taught those skills to various college and high school students, 13 of those years taking place at Crestview High School.

Frabott's current projects have purpose. 

"Everything's pretty practical," he said. "It's useful. I do a lot of jewelry holders, key racks, mug holders — wood-turned stuff on a wood lathe."

Some of his completed works include a brightly painted, Christmas tree-shaped K-cup holder, a ring holder, and wooden and glass candy dishes.

"People are welcome to come up and see what I have on display there. That's only part of the stuff I have available," he said.

"I've got so much stuff around the house, my wife's trying to shove me out," he said, laughing.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview woodworker showcases items at library

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Redevelopment Agency and Courthouse Suites, LLC have entered into a partnership contract.

The contract allows the CRA to use three office spaces on the ground floor of the building rent free for the next five years.

According to CRA Director Alisa Burleson, the agency will have full authority on how the rental spaces are utilized.

The three offices will be used as the CRA director's office, a classroom for a new CRA Entrepreneurial Program, and an office for the Main Street director, Burleson said.

Courthouse Suites, in the redevelopment area, will receive a $100,000 subsidy from the CRA to go towards offsetting part of the building costs.

According to the meeting agenda, the funds are not expected to be paid until the Courthouse Suites project is completed, and CRA has moved into the office spaces.

The money will come from the "Grant Matching Funding, Leasing and Partnerships" portion of the CRA budget.

Burleson said this portion of the budget currently has $134,000.

Once Courthouse Suites receives the $100,000, the remaining $34,000 will go to the Main Street Association partnership, Burleson said.

The lease agreement was drafted and reviewed by the CRA attorney Carol Leone.

Commissioner Shannon Hayes said an additional attorney should review the lease.

However, Commissioner Nathan Boyles said that Leone represented the board well in the partnership with Courthouse Suites.

"What I can say in my unbiased opinion having set up here, I believe this board has a quality attorney," Boyles said. "…Certainly from my position, I'm confident in the product she prepared for you. That's what you pay her for."

Alex Barthe, owner of Courthouse Suites, purchased the property in February.

The former historic lodge will be converted into office and retail space. The project is expected to be completed by June 1, 2019.

Courthouse Suites is located next to the new Okaloosa County Courthouse in Downtown Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Courthouse Suites and CRA enter a partnership

Words can heal or words can kill. Words can build up or tear down. They can make people glad or make people mad.

We like to be able to use words in America and use them freely. Freedom of speech is our first amendment right. However, we could all work on the tone of our speech.

Tone can incite a riot or calm an angry mob. We all know how we like for  people to talk to us and we need to utilize our tone preferences in our own communication with others.

Media has been pointing the finger at President Trump to tone down his forceful rhetoric.  While they have been pointing one finger at him there are three pointing back.

CNN and NBC and others have tried to blame the recent bomb attacks and Pittsburgh's  horrendous synagogue slayings on Trump's speeches. Sadly, violence and mass shootings have been happening a long time before Trump.

National media found what a frenzy could do for their ratings when Nixon was exited from the White House during Watergate. We never heard about President Kennedy's escapades or much about President Johnson's activities, not that anybody cared much what Johnson did. Back then all we saw on the news were journalists reporting from gruesome Vietnam battle scenes or marches in Alabama.

Today, the 24-hour focus of some networks and media outlets has become to do whatever possible to deface our president. Thus according to some,  the sad and scary man living in a van covered with Trump and other kinds of stickers who mailed out bombs was the fault of our President. The sudden mass killing of people worshiping in a Pittsburgh synagogue was blamed on the rhetoric of the President by some.

Everybody in America needs to accept some responsibility for where we are and what we have become. We like free speech but speech should always be used responsibly. We like the right to bear arms but guns must be kept secure and always used responsibly. Words can be dangerous and guns can and do kill people.

Actually, words are killing us in this country today. I don't like that our president commended a politician for body slamming someone. I don't like that our media has not let up for even one day and allowed him try to do his job without harassment. Whatever happened to everyone supporting the person elected because it benefits all of us if our country and those who represent us are successful?

Trump has had no choice but to defend himself using Twitter. Sounds insane. Who would have ever imagined?

What frustrates much of today's media is that Trump does defend himself. He doesn't take the garbage thrown at him by pundits. He throws it back and that drives them crazy. In the past, most politicians have had to take the jabs and stabs. There was no way for the politician to really amplify his side of the allegation or verbal assault.

Today, politicians can talk back and make their own cases without the support of liberal or conservative media. The big problem is that there has been little to no limits on the words by everyone. This has to change, but especially the tone in which language is used. Hate speech of any kind often leads to other violent acts and violent acts are happening more and more.

We should try a tone-down day in America or maybe even a week or a month. How could it hurt? Please, all of us, all media, all politicians, journalists, stop the trash talk. Words inflame, incite, enrage, provoke, create hatred and are killing us in America. The louder we scream and call each other names the more bad things seem to happen. Let's all remember with freedom of speech  that we have volume and tone controls and we need to adjust accordingly.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author. 

What’s your view?

Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The tone of our free speech

CRESTVIEW — Barbara Harrison, Outreach Chair for the Sand Dunes Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, presented a Habitat for Humanity Welcome Sampler to Shawna Holman and her three daughters on October 26 at the dedication of her new home in Crestview.

This is the 61st home built by Okaloosa's Habitat for Humanity. The sampler was stitched by Mickey Stovall and framed by Cynthia Hardesty.

Sand Dunes meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Niceville. Visitors are welcome.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Embroiderers' Guild welcomes new Habitat For Humanity homeowner

CRESTVIEW — Seldom is there an opportunity for area seniors, special-needs individuals, and weary caregivers to improve or upgrade a significant change to their condition.

But not anymore!

Eden at Crestview, an assisted living and memory care community, is now in advanced construction with occupancy beginning early next year. Eden at Crestview, Florida an assisted living and memory care community has been carefully designed for residents just as these for their comfort and convenience.

Moving can be a major consequence for anyone, but completing a move to Eden is not so worrisome. Arrangements have been put in place to make the move from home to Eden a smooth and seamless undertaking.

"Transition is a concern for both the family and the residents," Alan Woods, Eden of Crestview’s executive director, said.

But he says that once it takes place, both the family and residents typically see a dramatic change for the better.

"The resident has a new life, finds joy in living, and looks forward to the days ahead," he said.

The resident has been living at home and now must move to an unknown place so that in and of itself is a cause for concern. The benefits typically outweigh the scary move to a new environment.

There are many options offered at Ede of Crestview which serve to ease the move. Freedom of movement, choice of activities and supported independence open a whole new world for residents.

But Eden of Crestview is not a nursing home. It is an assisted living and memory care community, which furnishes an environment and stimulating activities that give its residents far more choices in lifestyles and wide ranging opportunities — socialization for instance.

Many times Mom or Dad, or both become isolated from the outside world.  Residents cannot or do not drive. Family is usually busy with life and cannot make it over often. Resulting isolation causes many issues, both mental and physical.

Residents at Eden will be around and with others that they can relate to and socialize with at all times.

Safety is paramount and is a factor which residents enjoy both day in and day out, with help available whenever it  is needed. Assistance with medication and the availability of well-0rounded, nutritious meals are available as well. Restaurant style dining is means that not only is it a convenience, it means that all the shopping and cooking are done for the resident tool.

And spiritually? Residents may not be able to attend church, so there are several denominations that will come to Eden.

With advantages such as these, Eden is far above nursing home status.

Now there is a choice! You can choose to stay at an assisted living community. The Eden community will be home and homelike…not the clinical, sterile facility of a nursing home. You come and go as you please. 

Eden of Crestview is located at 575 Redstone Avenue. And with a prestigious, high-profile address in the heart of Crestview, its location is a favorable one where residents can enjoy a maintenance-free, care-free, and enjoyable life-style.

Reservations are now being taken for occupancy early new year.  Contact Executive Director Alan Woods at 850-417-0103 or by e-mail at Alan@livingateden.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eden of Crestview smooths transition to new environment

CRESTVIEW — A local child opened a lemonade stand for donations shortly after Hurricane Michael took its toll.

Three days after Hurricane Michael swept through Bay County, Riley Martin, 3, ran a lemonade stand outside her home.

Donations she received at the stand went to the purchase of supplies for young hurricane survivors.

“Riley wanted to help the kids impacted by Michael,” her mom, Taylor Martin, said. ”She did surprisingly well (at her lemonade stand). We then went and bought supplies, mostly picked by her.”

Among Riley’s selections were Halloween snacks, crayons and coloring books. Plus there were blankets, juice boxes, several gallons of water, applesauce, toilet paper, paper towels, drink mixes, baby food, and bottles.

Riley and her family took the items to the Crestview Police Department, who then delivered them to families in hurricane-damaged areas.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview 3-year-old helps children with supplies after hurricane

CRESTVIEW — Two Panama City residents displaced from Hurricane Michael reside at the Crestview Manor three weeks after the storm created a path of destruction through the Florida Panhandle.

Sitting in the activity room at the assisted living facility, Teresita Deason and Angela Littey have nothing but the clothes on their back, donations from the community in their room, and smiles on their faces.

Deason and Littey suffer from terminal cancer and remain under the care of Emerald Coast Hospice.

Both women said they’re blessed.

“I am so secure, and I am so thankful and blessed,” Littey said. “…I am so grateful because other people did reach out helping everybody.”

“God is always with me, and I’m so close to Him so I don’t worry,” Deason said. “…This is the first time I’ve been in this place, and I cannot say anything more. Everything you need is here, and it’s just like your own home. I feel like I’m home.”

While wiping the tears from her eyes, Crestview Manor’s director, Beck Brice-Nash said she was thankful to get to know Deason and Littey.

“When they came here, they blessed us,” Brice-Nash said.

Deason and Littey lived two separate stories prior to the storm.

They had never met, but both women found comfort in their similarities.

“As soon as (Deason) walked in, it started just like that,” Littey said.

Now sharing a room in Crestview, Littey was 15 minutes away from Deason the day of the storm.

Littey lived on the 12th floor of St. Andrews Towers, which suffered maximum damage. Littey lost everything in her apartment, and many of the tower’s residents remain homeless.

Around 7 a.m. the day of the storm, Littey was evacuated to one of the three main shelters.

Littey recalls having about 300 people in the high school gymnasium, where she stayed during the storm.

“The whole gymnasium was quiet…All of the sudden there was grumbling at the door and sounded like a train was coming through,” Littey said.

The cafeteria was filled with about nine hospice patients and two nurses, but Littey said she remained with the general population in the gym.

“I stayed there a week and a half,” Littey said. “I slept on a mat on the floor before they got in cots for everybody.”

Littey only spoke positively about her experience at the shelter.

“Everybody was nice,” Littey said. “It was like a calling…We did the best we could.”

After a week and a half at the shelter, the director from St. Andrews Tower told the residents they would be leaving for Pensacola.

Littey stayed over night at the Clarion Inn in Pensacola and left at about 10 a.m. the next morning.

“Hospice found out where I was finally again,” Littey said. “I was roughin’ it.”

From Pensacola, Littey was brought to the Crestview Manor.

Two hours later, she met her new roommate — Deason.

Deason has lived in Florida for more than 50 years.

She has been through hurricanes before, but she didn’t realize the magnitude of Hurricane Michael until it hit.

Deason rode out the storm in her apartment.

“I was watching from the window, and then something hit the window where I’m watching,” Deason said. “It scared me to death. I ran to my bedroom, grabbed a pillow, and went to the bathtub in my bathroom. I stayed there for 30 minutes.”

After the storm passed, Deason lost electricity in her apartment.

“It was difficult for me to stay in my apartment without electricity and water,” Deason said.

Days after the storm, Deason suffered from an attack that left her unable to breathe.

The ambulance arrived and rushed her to Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center.

Four hours after arriving, the ambulance transported Deason to the Tallahassee Medical Center because she couldn’t stay over night in Panama City.

The next day, Deason was bused from Tallahassee back to Panama City and placed in a shelter where she celebrated her 77th birthday.

“It was just like I’m a football,” Deason said. “I’ve been thrown around.”

Deason’s social worker located her at the shelter and arranged for her to stay at the Crestview Manor where she’s been since Oct. 24.

Although Deason is ready to go home, her apartment complex remains condemned.

Neither Littey nor Deason have a timeframe for when they will go back to Panama City, but they plan on staying in contact after they return home.

“Oh, I’m going to bug her,” Deason said.

Brice-Nash said the Crestview Manor continues to get calls about people who are displaced and seek refuge.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'God is always with me'

CRESTVIEW — The Rotary Club of Crestview has released the names of winners in its second annual hay bale decorating contest. The judging took place during the Crestview Fall Festival Nov. 27 on Main Street.

Winners were determined by which hay bale bucket received the most one-cent votes from festival attendees.

There were 11 total contestants in two categories: one for commercial businesses, and other for nonprofits and individual participants.

The Rotary Club hopes to have even more participation for next year," Allyson Oury, club treasurer, said.

Business category winners were: first place, Okaloosa County Airport; second, Hub City Smokehouse; third, SAPC.

Nonprofit/individual winners were: first, Girl Scout Troop No. 1318; second, Brannon Family; third, Shoal River Republican Club.

The Rotary Club of Crestview meets for lunch Wednesdays at Samuel's Roadhouse in Crestview. Contact the club at facebook.com/crestviewrotary for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Rotary Club announces hay bale contest winners

CRESTVIEW — Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County handed over the keys to their 61st homeowner on Oct. 26.

Shawna Holman and her three daughters, Laniyah, Kaleeah, and Malayah, moved into their home built by over 2,000 hours worth of volunteer service.

"As I was driving to sign the mortgage papers this morning, I was fine," she said. "But then, on the way there, it kind of became surreal…It's been a great day."

While looking at her beautiful new home, Shawna said her favorite part is the driveway.

"We've lived in a small apartment complex for a long time…(her daughters) always wanted to ride their bikes and stuff, but there was always a lot of traffic," Shawna said. "…I can sit outside and watch them."

A year in the making

Shawna said she would not have imagined this happening a year ago.

"I'm glad I picked this specific journey because throughout the year, it actually made me focus more on doing what I was supposed to do and going to work everyday," she said.

Shawna's experience with Habitat for Humanity guided her to becoming more financially responsible so she could pay the down payment and buy new furniture, she said.

"I lived two hours away from here, so I also had to save money to go back and forth to do the hours," Shawna said. "… All the debt that I've previously had and mistakes I've made in my early 20s, they're gone now."

One of the requirements to receive a home through Habitat for Humanity is each adult must put in at least 300 hours of work towards the home.

Shawna said her daughters were the driving force behind her motivation.

"Sometimes life happens unexpectedly. I didn't picture doing it alone at first, and then, life happens. You just have to make the best of it," she said.

As for what’s next, Shawna was focused on one thing—hanging out and eating pizza with her daughters and their dog in their new home.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shawna Holman, her three daughters get a new start

CRESTVIEW — The Nichols family takes the spookiest night of the year to the next level in Crestview with a haunted walk-through full of ghostly displays and free treat bags for their visitors.

Grady and Lisa Nichols have always loved the holiday season starting at Halloween and ending at Christmas.

“Growing up, that was our favorite part of the year, and I was so excited that (Grady) wanted to go big with everything,” Lisa said.

Lisa said they began decorating 27 years ago, and the decorations were on a much smaller scale than they are today.

Along with scouring the Internet for decorations, Grady — or “Mr. Halloween” as Lisa calls him — made many of the characters in the house with pantyhose and latex for skin.

His signature touch is naming the character something that starts with a “b” like “Bucky” and “Bandito Bucky.”

“It’s a dying art,” Grady said.

But, this tradition dates back further than 27 years.

Grady said he’s been celebrating Halloween at this level since he was young.

“I remember when I was a kid. Some of my best memories were at Halloween,” Grady said. “… I just remember being so excited about it.”

After decorating their house for so many years, the Nichols have many unique items, so many that they have their own version of a haunted walk-through in their house.

The spooky journey begins with tombstones lining the front yard and giant, blow-up dragons.

They have a “Star Wars” display featured in the garage, with rare, life-size characters from the hit movies including Darth Vader and R2-D2.

The spooky sounds can be heard from the driveway.

After entrance into the house is granted by ringing the eyeball doorbell, Lisa greets visitors with a bag of goodies like candy and small toys.

The walk-through ends with a “creepy corn field," Grady said, but visitors are welcome to hang around and go through again.

Grady and Lisa said kids are welcomed inside because there aren’t jump scares unless requested.

If a group would like jump scares, the Nichols have actors hidden throughout the house ready to give a good scare.

Their decorations attracted over 450 guests last year, and Lisa said some of their neighbors and friends offer to help out.

Eventually, the Nichols hope to expand this into a business.

“We would like to do this year round,” Lisa said. “That’s our ultimate goal.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. for the Nichols’ Annual Haunted Graveyard Halloween Night.

The event is located in the Fox Valley Subdivision at 611 Terrier Trail in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Nichols family goes all out for Halloween