CRESTVIEW — If you see Jason Driver hoofing around town with a backpack this weekend, be assured he’s not running away from his Crestview home.

The Crestview man is training for a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, a personal journey of introspection that also raises funds for a Florida State University scholarship.

“Picture a pasty, overweight asthmatic who speaks NO Spanish walking a 100-kilometer pilgrimage in northern Spain in the summer,” Driver said.

His brother, Joel, died of cancer in January 2012, but the two often talked of traveling in Europe together.

“After he died, the family came together and started a scholarship in his name at FSU,” Driver said. “I am now trying to raise enough money for a second scholarship in his name.”

Driver has raised a little over $1,200 of the $15,000 goal.

“It won’t all come with this trip, but it’s a start,” he said.

HIKING THE CAMINO

The idea of hiking the Camino de Santiago started with discovering “The Way,” Emilio Estevez’s film about the pilgrimage, Driver stated in his blog, fromcouchtocamino.blogspot.com.

Later he discovered a cross that Joel gave him is the Cross of St. James, a symbol of the Camino de Santiago.

More connections followed.

The 110-kilometer route Driver will hike is the Camino Inglés, “the English route,”which Irish, English and Scandinavian pilgrims traditionally followed after arriving at the port of Ferrol.

While visiting Ireland earlier this year, he learned Irish pilgrims would gather at St. James’ Gate in Dublin before embarking on their pilgrimages to Santiago, the saint’s name in Spanish.

Driver promptly bought the credentials book — pilgrims obtain passport-style stamps at villages they pass through — and got it stamped at St. James’ Gate.

“My Camino had officially started,” Driver said on his blog.

Like the other Caminos de Santiago, Driver’s hike will end at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

There, because he will have walked more than 100 kilometers, Driver will receive his “compostela,” a certificate testifying to his accomplishment.

“I know that I won’t be alone,” Driver blogged. “Joel’s been with me the whole time.”

A LIFE-CHANGER

Driver will hike through the province of Galicia, where villagers speak a regional dialect. He plans to complete the Camino in five days.

“What’s really pretty about the (Camino) Inglés is it’s not as well traveled,” Driver said. “The towns are farther apart. You have to work to walk certain distances to get to villages or else you sleep outdoors.”

Supporters can follow Driver on his blog, where a GPS tracker he’ll carry will constantly update his progress. Upon his return, Driver said he wants to share the experiences with his 8-year-old son, Brendan, “and maybe (he’ll) try to push his own boundaries too."

“For many people, the Camino de Santiago has a mystical element,” Turespaña, a Spanish tourism website, states. “Many pilgrims set out on the Camino inspired by a different kind of spirituality, which manifests itself in the need to find out more about oneself, to find the answers to certain personal questions and to discover inner peace.”

“As Gandalf said to Bilbo (in J.R.R. Tolkein's novel, "The Hobbit"), not only do I think I will be a different person when I return, I’m betting on it,” Driver said.

HOW TO HELP

Jason Driver will document his July 17-26 pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago on his blog, fromcouchtocamino.blogspot.com. Donors can find a link to contribute to the FSU Foundation Joel Driver Memorial Scholarship, or they may send donations to P.O. Box 3062739, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2739.

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: Educator to hike the Camino de Santiago in memory of his brother

CRESTVIEW — The plight of a fictional snowbound Scandinavian kingdom inspired a local Girl Scouts troop to assist residents affected by regional springtime floods.

The Waterfront Rescue Mission now has a bin of blankets, clothing and personal hygiene products to provide residents thanks to Crestview Troop 676 members.

Four of the troop’s Brownies spearheaded the project, parent troop leader Amanda Converse said.

“The idea came from ‘Frozen,’” she said, referring to the 2013 Disney film. “In the movie, the town got frozen over and people needed blankets. Our girls realized that flood victims in our own town might need help, too.”

Brownie Tessa Campbell, 8, placed calls to several local charities, and determined that the South Ferdon Boulevard thrift store needed donations the most, Converse said.

Brownie Kaylee Gjesdal, 7, created a flier to solicit donations while Brownie Genesis Jimenez-Chavez, 7, arranged a drop-off location at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

With the aid of older Girl Scouts and younger Daisies — girls who will advance to Brownie next year — bag after bag of donated materials tumbled into an oversized bin last week.

“They filled it up!” store manager Felicia Davis said. “I was so proud of them. It’s really great to have that community involvement.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Disney's 'Frozen' inspires local Girl Scouts to help local flood victims

Okaloosa County Transit is offering free rides for everyone on Thursday, also known as National Dump the Pump Day.

The promotional event includes all WAVE routes in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and includes route 14, the WAVE Express.

Businesses that encourage employees to ride are eligible to win the OCT Dump the Pump Commuter Challenge; email Bob_Berkstresser@OCT.org for details.  

The American Public Transportation Association sponsors the event to highlight public transportation's benefits.

Federal and state grant programs, and the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners fund the WAVE. 

Call 689-7809 in Crestview, or 833-9168 in Fort Walton Beach, for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free Okaloosa County Transit bus rides available on Thursday

LAUREL HILL — Several North Okaloosa residents are working to revive the Hobo Festival.

Volunteers are preparing for this year’s event with assistance from city officials including Mayor Robby Adams, event co-chair, and City Councilwoman Betty Williamson.

Now, with the necessary paperwork in place, organizers seek additional volunteers.

“We need personnel,” event chair Elgin “Trae” Duley said. “The more people we have doing a piece of this puzzle, the easier it is to get the work done.”

The festival committee — which earlier this month started meeting at Laurel Hill City Hall — is discussing setting an official date and vending prices, and organizing potential contests, among other things.

“This is new territory for all of us,” said Debra Adams, Robby’s wife.

Crestview resident Tara Llewellyn — in charge of the festival’s auction, featuring items donated by local businesses — anticipates the event's revival.  

“I think it’s great that current leadership is bringing the festival back and trying to make a difference,” she said. “I think it will be very beneficial to the community and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Sherill Ward, the city’s water clerk, is the committee’s secretary and seeks talented local residents to perform at the festival. 

 “I’m always looking to be more involved with the city,” Ward said. “I’m just excited that we are bringing this back.”

More than 50 vendors, children's activities, entertainment from local musicians, an auction and — of course, food — comprised prior festivals.

A festival fixture is the city's iconic hobo, which honors the city’s railroad history. After the Civil War, soldiers-turned-migrant-workers traveled railroads and provided manual labor on local farms during pit stops in town.

Last year’s festival was postponed due to a nonprofit status issue with the Internal Revenue Service, Duley said.

“We decided to postpone it rather than make a possible mistake,” he said.

However, this year, all systems are go.

“We are ready to rock 'n’ roll,” he said.

EmailNews Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitteror call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'NEW TERRITORY': Committee seeks volunteers to revive Hobo Festival

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

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 — 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

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