BAKER — Two North Okaloosa animal lovers are doing their part to ensure that lost pets return to their owners.

The Okaloosa Lost & Found Pets and Lost and Found Pets of Crestview and Okaloosa County Facebook pages allow residents to post photos of lost pets with contact information or post information on lost pets in their care. 

The women behind the sites say they just want to help. 

'A BETTER CHANCE'

“I have had a dog disappear about 10 years ago,” said Baker resident Alison Broxson, who runs Okaloosa Lost & Found Pets. “It just drives you crazy, not knowing what happened to them.”

She never found Piston, her wirehaired terrier, but the Facebook page she created a week ago can help reunite other residents with their pets, she said.

 “I have seen so many posts for lost animals (on Facebook),” Broxson said. “My theory is that if there is one site for (pet owners) to go to, then there is a better chance of finding their pets.”

Crestview resident Colleen Barrett started Lost and Found Pets of Crestview and Okaloosa County last December.

Barrett, who owns three poodles and often pet sits for friends and family, was inspired to start the website after learning that a Facebook account for local lost-and-found pets did not exist. 

“It motivated me to do something and help,” Barrett said.

The page receives daily posts, she said.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Broxson said three of eight missing dogs referred to on her page have been returned to their owners.

She doesn't know whether the website played a role in those reunions, but she is just happy to provide a community service.

“I am an avid animal lover,” she said. “This is something I feel like I can do to help animals.”

Broxson cares for dogs, chickens, a horse and a donkey at her home.  

She plans to start an animal rescue facility upon retirement.

“I would rehabilitate and foster the animals until they find a home,” she said.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker, Crestview women create Facebook pages to reunite residents with lost pets

CRESTVIEW — Local chef Sherri Williams has earned a spot in the Macy’s Great American Grilling Guru Sizzle Showdown.

The Southwest regional contest, held June 7 in Charlotte, N.C., was one of six regionals that were part of Macy’s quest for “the country’s ultimate master of the grill.”

Williams competed with two Florida residents. The trio had one hour to prepare their grilled dishes, presenting them to “Iron Chef America” celebrity chef Cora Cat for judging.

Williams’ Grilled Thai Lamb Loin Chops was selected over Josee Lanzi’s Shrimp and Apricot Stuffed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Apricot, and Andre Alban’s Steak and Potato Sliders.

Williams will advance with winners of the five other regional competitions to New York on June 28 to compete for the title of America’s Greatest Grilling Guru, a $10,000 prize, and a trip to New York for the 2015 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks.

Chef Sam Talbot, a “Top Chef” contestant and author of a cookbook for diabetics, hosted the Charlotte event.

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’s grilling guru: Sherri Williams wins regional grilling competition, advances to New York

As if there weren’t enough to worry about in day-to-day life, people often find themselves frozen in front of their closets during the morning rush, panicking about what to wear.

“I think everyone has that terrible feeling of insecurity from time to time when you just know you have on the wrong outfit – as if it’s not just your clothes that are frumpy and outdated, but you, too,” says styling consultant Ashley Martini, author of the new book, “Styletini,” and founding member of Martini Fashions.

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, people do judge books by their covers – and perception is reality. You can sense how people respond to you, especially in relation to job opportunities and relationships.”

Getting your outfit right can be challenging, she concedes. People want to be confident yet comfortable; up-to-date yet not necessarily “hipsteriffic;” professional but not overly formal. Most have a favorite outfit or two, but those get old quickly when worn twice a week.

“One of the first things you should understand is that your criteria really isn’t conflicting – you can be stylish, professional and comfortable, all with that stamp of individuality,” Martini says. “You just have to know what to look for.”

Martini talks tips to take the stress out of the morning dress hour.

•Not all trends work for all body types.“You have to be honest with yourself; skinny jeans may not work for you, and forcing yourself into a pair that’s semi-workable is not the best way to optimize your closet,” she says. “The trendiest thing any individual can do is answer the question: Is it flattering?”

Women have six basic body types: triangle, narrow above the waist and wider on the bottom; inverted triangle, with fuller shoulders and chest and slim hips and thighs; rectangle, also known as athletic with little definition in the waist and hips; diamond, high-sitting, full stomach with wide hips and full thighs; apple, similar to diamonds, but with a lower-sitting stomach – also know as oval-shaped; hourglass, with equal upper and lower halves with well-defined waists.

•Know your measurements!Measure the parts of your body that most define your shape: your hips, shoulders, waist and bust. Wear underwear (but not shapewear) when measuring hips, and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt for the most accurate measurement. Don’t tug too tightly or loosely when measuring; the number in the center front is your hip size. To measure shoulders, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, and  extend the tape from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other.

To measure your waist, bend forward and note where your body creases – that’s where to measure.

For bust, wear a top without a bra, which often alters measurements. Wrap the tape across your back and under your shoulder blades and arms – and around the fullest part of your breasts.

•Own your plus-size, petite or tall body.You’ve probably heard the statement, “Real women have curves.” Yes, they do, but there are also real women with smaller busts; long and lean women, and some built like the ancient fertility goddess statues. All of us are “real.”

One tip for plus-sized women: highlight your assets — shapely legs and well-toned arms are meant to be flaunted. Petite women: Opt for pieces that come in naturally shorter lengths, such as cigarette pants, knee-length or higher skirts and three-quarter and shorter sleeve tops and jackets. Showing more skin will make your limbs look longer. Tall women: Wear high heels if you want to. Just because you’re taller doesn’t mean they’re off limits.

Ashley Martini helps people illuminate their inner beauty through style and fashion trends. For more information, visit her website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Is your wardrobe stressing you out? Stylist offers confidence-boosting tips

CRESTVIEW — Residents this weekend will celebrate the National Anthem's bicentennial.

They'll gather at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the Okaloosa Courthouse, 101 E. James Lee Blvd., for a patriotic sing-along prior to signing the National Anthem.

Kevin Lusk, Crestview High School's choral director, will lead the singing of the National Anthem at 3 p.m.

Keitha Bledsoe, Davidson Middle School's choral director, will lead everyone in singing “You're a Grand Old Flag” beforehand.

Dick Reinlie, owner of Upbeat Music, will lead percussion.

The event coincides with The Smithsonian Institution's request that everyone in the country sing the National Anthem at the same time on Flag Day.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Downtown National Anthem celebration set for Saturday

CRESTVIEW — Jeanette and Charles Henderson may be married 65 years today, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.

Since they retired — Charles from the post office in 1983; Jeannette from the Okaloosa school board in '88 — “We’ve been basically full-time volunteers,” Jeanette said.

Charles was on the Baker recreation center and arena’s first board, and was a founding member of the volunteer fire department.

Close to their hearts is the Baker Block Museum and the North Okaloosa Heritage Association. Charles volunteered, and with James Griffith, oversaw the Baker Block's restoration.

When the museum moved in, Jeanette followed close behind.

“He stayed there a total of 20 years,” she said. “We were both there for 18 years after it opened. I was curator and he was in charge of maintenance and ‘honey-dos.’”

Not that the couple has actually left the building. They can frequently be found in the museum’s library, researching the history of the railroad that once served Galliver to Falco, Ala., passing through Baker.

School chums

Charles Henderson was born in Baker, and Jeannette moved to town when she was 2. They attended Baker School together before Charles went into the Navy at the end of World War II.

After the war he worked at Eglin Air Force Base for several years, and the couple bought a Baker grocery store and operated it for 13 years.

Charles then worked for the post office and Jeanette got a job at Baker School in 1956. “I did everything that needed to be done: secretary, bookkeeping, school nurse, everything.”

Come football season, Jeanette cooked hotdogs and hamburgers at the concession stand. And as school nurse, she tended occasional injuries.

“The students would get their hand in the saw in the ag department, and in PE they’d get hurt,” she said. “I got acquainted with my first blood, a lot of it sometimes, especially if there was a good fight.”

‘Put God first’

The couple has belonged to Good Hope Congregational Christian Church since they were married. Jeannette, who sings with the church’s gospel choir, has been a member since she was 11.

Jeanette says the way to keep a marriage strong is to put others first, starting with God.

“That’s kind of hard the way some people live now,” she said. “I think that in our family, we have always tried to put God first. And of course, we have a caring family.

“We’ve always loved and interacted together to keep that relationship healthy and strong. I think that is very important to a successful marriage.”

The Hendersons have three children: Dale, their biological son; an adopted daughter, Rebecca Watkins; and Jim Wood, a foster son who was 14 when Jeanette “brought him home from school one Friday to keep him for the weekend.”

‘Life is good’

Charles and Jeanette have lived in the same home for 65 years, and have seen many changes, including telephones coming to every home and business in town.

“At first we had one 10-party telephone line,” Jeanette said. “The hotel had one — it was a payphone — the school had another, and the other eight were houses. You can imagine the interesting stories we overheard.”

And hardships in those days were easily faced with love and prayer, she said.

“We didn’t know we were poor. We were happy,” Jeanette said. “We didn’t demand a lot because there wasn’t a lot available. We grew up with very little.

“A lot has happened in our 65 years. A lot of changes, but life is good. Life is good.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Very, very blessed': Baker couple celebrates 65th anniversary

CHIPLEY — Drivers will encounter lane closures on State Road 123 at Tom’s Creek and Turkey Creek in Okaloosa County from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. June 11 as crews perform routine maintenance on the bridges.

All planned activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

For more information, follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tom's Creek and Turkey Creek Bridge lane closures on State Road 123 start tonight at 9 p.m.

The Crestview Public Library is taking part in the Big Library Read program.

Library card holders can borrow Laurien Berenson's mystery eBook, "A Pedigree to Die For," Book 1 of the Melanie Travis Mystery Series, now through the morning of June 18, by visiting the library's Overdrive website.

Big Library Read is an international program that gives libraries and their patrons unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program dates, creating a virtual, global book club.

Interested patrons can borrow "A Pedigree to Die For" using a valid library card, and read on all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android phones and tablets, and Kindle without worrying about waiting lists or holds. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period.

The Big Library Read program is made possible through a partnership between OverDrive — the leading supplier of eBooks to libraries — and Kensington Publishing Corp., publisher of Berenson’s unusual and fascinating mystery.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Popular eBook, audiobook available without waiting lists or holds

BAKER — Paul Garrett has pica, an eating disorder that causes an appetite for things with no nutritional value; things that can even be dangerous.

He has ingested mulch, sticks, rocks, dryer lint and wallpaper; magnets had to be surgically removed from his intestines.

The 9-year-old's parents, Laura and Philip, keep a watchful eye over their youngest son, but it's challenging, they said, because Paul also has autism.

“It’s very hard to figure out a child who cannot verbally communicate,” Laura said. “It’s physically impossible to watch a child 24-7.”

Hope in Val-P

The Emerald Coast Autism Center in Valparaiso will help treat Paul's autism and potentially cure him of pica.  However, the costs are steep.

Laura said it costs more than $2,100 each month for visits the facility. Annually, it will cost the family around $26,000.

Health insurance covers none of the expenses, but a $13,000 scholarship helps some, and the family's Gofundme.com account has raised $3,900.

 “Right now, we got June and July covered,” Laura said. “Now we are working on August.”

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church members want to help. Members of the church, which the Garretts attend, are organizing "Pitchin' in for Paul" fundraisers.

'Amazing to us'

Church member Lauren Roper, who became close with the Garrett family after recently moving to Baker, said she was compelled to help.

“They are just a very godly family,” she said. "(Paul) is so smart and sweet; you can’t help but fall in love with him.”

A June 22 benefit luncheon and silent auction will follow Pilgrim Rest's 11a.m. worship service. All proceeds will go toward Paul’s education at the autism center.

Members also are planning an as-yet-unscheduled pancake breakfast and a yard sale in Crestview.

Laura and Philip said they appreciate the support.

“We are just a normal family with a mortgage and bills,” she said. “This (covering treatment costs) would not be attainable without friends and family.

“It’s amazing to us that the people we just recently met are spearheading this,” Philip said. “It’s huge what they are doing.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Luncheon benefiting Paul Garrett

WHEN: 12:30 p.m., following the 11 a.m. worship service on June 22

WHERE: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 5595 S. U.S. Highway 4, Baker

COST: Donations requested

WEBSITE: gofundme.com/8pkry0

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Overcoming an eating disorder: Pilgrim Rest church members rally to help Baker Boy

CRESTVIEW — Local musicians look forward to performing for a hometown crowd during this month’s Northwest Florida Music Festival.

Ten musical groups, including some Crestview natives, will perform during the June 20-21 event at Old Spanish Trail Park.

'Not a hobby'

Eric Melvin wants to show how far he has come: He started out performing at Crestview restaurants, but now he's playing bass guitar with the Nashville group, Favorite Sons.

“I’m personally looking forward to showing people what we are doing,” Melvin said. “… This is a top priority for all of us; it’s not a hobby.”    

 The band's members, who tour across the Southeast, are working on their first full-length album. 

Crestview native Brian Thames, lead singer of Confederate Smoke, hopes that performing at the festival will bring more exposure.

“I’m doing this as practice for the big stages,” he said.

Thames, who joined the band earlier this year, said Confederate Smoke will cover popular country songs and feature original material.

“I’m really fired up about it,” he said of the music festival. “This is something I have wanted to do for years.”

Fundraiser

A portion of festival proceeds will benefit Children in Crisis, a nonprofit organization in Fort Walton Beach that provides shelter for abused, neglected and displaced children.

“I am a big advocate for abused children,” event organizer Sammy Collingwood said. “I grew up poor and I have been down some of those roads.”

Collingwood made it a point to ask country music singer Jason Michael Carroll to headline the festival.

“He has a song called ‘Alyssa Lies'; it’s a true story about a little girl,” he said. The song tells the story of a girl who lies to cover physical abuse she suffers at home. 

“If you listen to the song, it will make you cry," Collingwood said.

Benefiting Crestview

Bringing a country music festival to Crestview has been Collingwood's passion for the past five years.  

He's organized it; now he just needs people to attend it. If large numbers attend, especially from out of town, it will help the city's hotels, restaurants and gas stations.

The festival will include children’s activities such as bounce houses, inflatable slides and face painting.

 Saturday will also include a motorcycle show; enthusiasts are encouraged to bring out their custom motorcycles and potentially take home a trophy.

“It’s going to take the community to help put this on the map and help up get this started,” Collingwood said.

“It’s going to do nothing but benefit Crestview."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Northwest Florida Music Festival

WHEN: Gates open at noon June 20. Gates reopen 9 a.m. June 21 

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard in Crestview

COST: $25 for a one-day pass, $40 for two-day pass; available at northwestfloridamusicfest.com. Follow updates at facebook.com/nwfmusicfest.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Country music headlines Northwest Florida Music Fest