CRESTVIEW — Common Ground Community Garden's goals of unity and self-sufficiency are on its organizers' minds.

"We pray that we plant seeds of community and good fellowship," Ashley Tillery said during her invocation at the beginning of the garden's April 10 official opening.

More than four dozen members have joined the cooperative, according to garden organizer Catherine Ward. Other volunteers assist in general garden operation.

"We have 31 plots but one has 35 little Girl Scouts involved," Ward said. Girl Scouts of Troop 1318 and Boy Scouts of Troop 773 are among the volunteers.

Eagle Scout candidates Jerry Hand and Colby Walker will supervise construction of garden signage and compost bins, respectively, Ward said.

"There are at least 90 people involved down at the garden," she said. "We've been moving so fast I haven't had a chance to build up a list of people who have been volunteering."

Rain postponed the community garden's official Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting but benefited the vegetables sprouting in some of the garden's more than two dozen raised beds.

Garden, city and Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the many anticipated benefits the garden will bring.

Volunteer expertise

To see the fruits of their labor, it takes a team effort — and a team of experts.

Garden coordinator Rick Pinch, a hydroponics professional, was instrumental in planning the garden, Ward said. He gained his role at one of the earlier planning meetings.

"He said, 'These meetings are good, but I don't want to talk about building the garden. I want to get it built,'" Ward said.

Bob Shreve, who died in a December car wreck, "made a really significant contribution with our website," Ward said. The site's interactive garden calendar will benefit growers throughout the area.

"It's just huge. There's so much going on. This has been quite a cool process," Ward said.

Mayor David Cadle recognized the impact the Common Ground Garden is having on the city when he proclaimed April 10 Crestview Community Garden Day.

At the close of the ceremony, gardeners and officials joined in "The Garden Song," singing, "Inch by inch, row by row, I'm gonna make this garden grow; All it takes is a rake and a hoe and a piece of fertile ground."

Thanks to a bevy of volunteers, plots and rows of fertile ground are sprouting fresh vegetables in downtown Crestview, augmenting families' budgets and pantries, and bringing people together.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Volunteers make Common Ground Community Garden grow

CRESTVIEW — Honey and her friends, Pixie, Andy and Jekyll, transplants from New England's snowy climes to Florida's sunshine, have happily settled into life here.

But there will be no bingo and Mahjong for this quartet, which includes a black bear, Patas monkey and a pair of ravens, respectively, that are the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park's newest residents.

The Deerland zoo acquired the animals from Forest Park Zoo in Springfield, Mass.

Forest Park Zoo Director John Lewis drove the animals to Crestview, arriving Wednesday afternoon.

Honey immediately settled in her new home, taking a dip in her pool and enjoying respite from snow still on the ground in Massachusetts.

"She was just waking up from hibernating, (and) then she gets to come down to the lovely Florida weather," Wildlife Refuge zoo director Amanda Wilkerson said.

Soul mates

The 17-year-old, 325-pound Honey lost her mate two years ago, Wilkerson said.

The Crestview zoo's 24-year-old, Albert, was also single.

"We knew we wanted to get a bear for Albert, but it had to be the right bear," Wilkerson said, adding he needed a friend closer to his age and temperament.

While Lewis was visiting his daughter, Kristen, in Crestview, he learned about Albert's plight.

"He saw Albert by himself and knew he needed a friend," Wilkerson said. "For Albert it was love at first sight, but Honey is playing hard to get."

Until they become acclimated to each other, the bears share Albert's enclosure, but are temporarily separated by what zoologists call a "howdy fence."

Sergeant Pepper, the zoo's Patas monkey, also got a new friend when Pixie moved into his enclosure, also currently separated by a howdy fence.

"He was alone," Wilkerson said. "Now it's great he has a member of his own species to play with."

Birds of a feather

Ravens Andy and Jekyll's arrival delighted park zoologists who had not encountered the species up close before.

"They're huge," Wilkerson said. "We were kind of expecting a bigger version of a crow. These are substantial birds."

Wilkerson said the zoo's staff wants to have training so they can remove the birds from their enclosure and carry them on their gloved arms.

She praised Lewis and Forest Park Zoo's generosity.

"Working with him has been a great experience," she said. "He said, 'I don't want to take your money. I just want to do something that's mutually beneficial. It's all about the animals.'"

WANT TO GO?

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park was established in 2013 at the site of the former Sasquatch Zoo.

Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Admission: $8 adults; $5 children 2-10; children under 2: free.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Massachusetts zoo donates animals to Sasquatch Zoo

What's the buzz all about? Come to the library at 6:30 p.m. April 29 to learn about how honey bees live and the respectful ways of keeping them.

All over America, city beekeepers are keeping a few honeybee hives in their backyards. Learn what is involved: how, when, where and what you will need to establish a hive.

If you're thinking about starting a beehive or are just curious about what's involved with keeping bees, then this is a great introductory presentation for you. This short presentation is designed for beginners, so no prerequisite knowledge is required.

There will be no hands-on beekeeping, so protective clothing and bravery will not be necessary.

Evening Library Time is free lasts about 45 minutes and is designed for residents 4 years old and up.

We'd like to thank Cub Scout Pack 799, Webelo Den 11 and Wolf Den 4 and our Friends of the Library for providing refreshments.

Please call 682-4432 with any questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Beekeeping comes to Crestview library April 29

CRESTVIEW — The carnival's at Old Spanish Trail Park through Sunday with traditional rides, midway games and all that great carny food. Armband sales benefit North Okaloosa REACT.

REACT — Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team — was founded in 1962 to provide emergency communications via citizens band radio.

"It started as CB radio back then but now it's branched out to all kinds of communications," chapter President Larry Woolley said.

The north Okaloosa County chapter was chartered in October 2011 and provides communications for community events, organizations and emergencies, Woolley said.

The carnival will be open 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. until closing Sunday. Admission is free and ride armbands are $25.

"Being the weather is so good, I think we're going to do petty good," Woolley said.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carnival for a cause comes to Crestview

North Okaloosa County's Easter activities and services are as follows:  

Hunt for Easter eggs at Hurlburt Field

Hurlburt Field's annual Easter egg hunt is 9 a.m. Saturday at the Community Park.

The event will include various egg hunts, which will vary in difficulty based on age, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and a photographer station to take pictures.

The times, age limits, and locations of the different hunting grounds are as follows:

•2 and under on the playground at 9 a.m.

•Special needs on Field 3 at 9:20 a.m.

•3- to 5-year-olds on Field 4 at 9:40 a.m.

•6- to 8-year-olds on Field 2 at 10 a.m.

•9- to 12-year-olds in the tree line between the playground and the fence adjacent to the main gate at 10 a.m.

•••

City of Crestview Easter egg hunt

The city's egg hunt for children ages 0-12 is 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Twin Hills Park, Hathaway Street, Crestview. Includes an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, bouncer, train ride and more. Children must bring a basket to collect eggs.

The hunt for 0- to 3-year-olds is 9 a.m. at the small soccer field. For 4- to 6-year-olds, it's 10:30 a.m. on the small soccer field, and for 7- to 12-year-olds it's 10:30 a.m. on the football field.

Call 682-4715 for more details.

•••

ST. MARK UNITED METHODIST EASTER SERVICES at the church, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview:

•Children/family services, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, with age-appropriate Easter egg hunt and carnival games between them.

•9 a.m. traditional service, and three contemporary services, two at 10:15 and one at 11:30 a.m.,  on Sunday. Details: 682-5280 or visit  www.stmarkcrestview.com.

•••

Easter sunrise service planned in Crestview

The Crestview Area Ministerial Association has scheduled a community sunrise service at 6 a.m. Sunday, Old Spanish Trail Park pavilion, Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Speaker, Rev. Paul Mixon, Central Baptist Church, Crestview. Music, Rev. Douglas Compton, New Life International Worship Center, Crestview.

An offering will be received to provide funds for assistance to persons and families in need.

•••

Easter sunrise service information for Laurel Hill

The Laurel Hill Area Ministerial Association is hosting the 6 a.m. community sunrise service Sunday in Gene Clary Park, Old Ebenezer Road at the corner of Park Street, Laurel Hill.

Breakfast is planned afterward at First Baptist Church, 3972 Second Ave., Laurel Hill.

•••

Baker community sunrise service planned Sunday

The Baker Area Ministerial Association will host  the community sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at the Baker High School football stadium, 1369 14 St., Baker. Music by Darren Williams of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church; speaker, Rev. Jim Vail of First Baptist Church, Baker.

An offering will be received to assist transients and needy persons and families in Baker.

•••

VFW & Ladies Auxiliary egg hunt 

Crestview Post 5450's egg hunt is 1 p.m. Sunday at its clubhouse, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. For ages toddler through 12. Bring your own Easter basket. Details: Lynn Mobley, 682-5552 or 537-3375.

This calendar features events in Crestview, Baker, Laurel Hill, Holt, Milligan or on local military bases. 

Are we missing your event? Email it to news@crestviewbulletin.com and we'll add it!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Easter events scheduled for North Okaloosa residents

CRESTVIEW — A program giving residents more information on fostering or adopting children is planned next Monday in Crestview. 

Representatives from Crestview Orphan Care will provide information on the options and process of becoming a foster and/or adoptive family at  p.m. April 14 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3253 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

RSVP your attendance on the Crestview Orphan Care website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Foster and orphan care information during April 14 Crestview presentation

CRESTVIEW — The For All We Lost Relay for Life team is hosting a yard sale 7 p.m. April 12 at 4574 Scarlet Drive, Crestview. The location is off Live Oak Church Road.

The team formed in memory of Michael D. Jarriel.

All proceeds will benefit Crestview's American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'For All We Lost' team yard sale benefits ACS Relay for Life

MILLIGAN — Demolition of a small, dilapidated former grocery store on the corner of U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 4 paves the way for a planned northbound turn lane.

"There's been stores there for a long time," dating back to Milligan's role as Okaloosa County's first seat, Baker Block Museum Director Ann Spann said.

The building demolished two weeks ago was of modern cement block construction and was not historically significant, Spann said.

Debra Benoit, who owned the property with her husband, Edward, said the state purchased a portion of the land to obtain right-of-way for planned intersection improvements.

As the main highway to Baker, the intersection is on the Florida Department of Transportation's Five-Year Work Program plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

The plan's other 2013-14 local projects include replacing the U.S. 90 Yellow River bridge, adding right turn lanes on southbound State Road 189 from Baker onto the Galliver Cutoff, and a northbound right turn lane from S.R. 189 to 14th Street in Baker.

The $1,847,000 turn lane from U.S. 90 up S.R. 4 is on the Okaloosa Walton Transportation Planning Organization's list of transportation improvement projects to be completed this fiscal year.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milligan store demolished for planned turn lane onto SR 4

CRESTVIEW — Two weekend fundraisers' event organizers have expressed appreciation for the community's support.

Dance for Life

The local Covenant Hospice is still tallying proceeds following Fred Astaire Dance Studio's weekend "Dance for Life" benefit. But what is certain is that money raised Saturday will help fund multiple services for terminally ill patients, according to Jenni Perkins, Covenant's senior development and communications manager.

"All of the funds go back into Okaloosa and Walton counties," Perkins said. Covenant will use the money to care for patients and their family members, including those under-insured, and to fund chaplain services.

Between 200 and 250 people attended the show at Crestview High School that featured celebrity dancers Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad, among others, Perkins said. Fred Astaire raffled off five dance lessons during the event.

"The people of (Covenant) Hospice caught our attention with the amount of work they do," said David Colón, who owns the dance studio with his wife, Erika Moreno. "It felt natural for us to support them."

Crestview Pregnancy Center 5K/10K Run

Proceeds from the Crestview Pregnancy Center's annual 5K/ 10K Run are unknown at this time, but a number of residents turned out for the event on a cloudy Saturday.

PHOTOS: See 7 photos from the Pregnancy Center 5K / 10K event>>

Crestview resident Philip Herzog took first place, as he did last year, while pushing his 23-month-old daughter, Olivia, in a baby stroller. "We came back to defend our title," he said.

Christine Atkisson, one of five Mothers of Preschoolers members, said the club, an event sponsor, often refers new moms to the center.

"Our main mission is just connecting moms and help to encourage and support each other," she said. 

Crestview resident Ron Mahn, retired from the U.S. Air Force, represented Fort Walton Beach's Team RWB ─ red, white and blue ─ chapter. The group encourages veterans to be active in the community by participating in physical and social activities.

"All of us want to be part of our community; this is our opportunity to support Team RWB and Crestview, along with supporting the Crestview Pregnancy Center," he said.

Event proceeds, which are still being tallied, will help pay for free pregnancy tests and other items for expecting women, Sue Carrigan, the center's director, 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: Fundraisers fill hospice, pregnancy center's coffers (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Martial arts enthusiasts from across the nation and abroad have gained knowledge on new self-defense moves and how to better instruct students.

All it took was a trip to Crestview during last weekend's Korean Martial Arts Festival, which featured a full schedule of activities at Warriors Hall Auditorium and host Gordon Martial Arts' facility.  

PHOTOS: See 10 photos from the 2014 Korean Martial Arts Festival >>

The festival featured 30 instructional sessions from 16 instructors who taught self-defense techniques through taekwondo and hapkido.

"I'm like a kid in the candy store," Amanda Jeffries, a GMA student and one of an estimated 80 attendees, said. "I have learned more things than I have expected to learn."

Among her favorite demonstrations was Australian native Geoff Booths' "bag-fu" lesson on how a plastic shopping bag, in a pinch, can be a self-defense tool.

The bag can be stretched, rolled up like a rope, and be used to defend oneself against an assailant.

"I could see it used in a women's self-defense course," Booth said. "No one sees (a plastic bag) as a threat or weapon."

Attendees also learned how to defend themselves against the threat of firearms, knives and bullies.

Atlanta native Marlin Sims said the annual festival helps instructors hone effective teaching techniques.  

"I think each time the instructors come here, they take away (something new)," he said.

Learning new things has meant positive life changes for Alexis Bermudez, a festival attendee and GMA student.

The 7-year-old is more sociable since practicing martial arts, which also has taught her life-long lessons, her mother, Crestview resident Lisa Bermudez, said.

"Now, she uses the word integrity a lot," Lisa said. "She always wants to help others and do the right thing, because that is what she has learned at (Gordon Martial Arts)."  

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Austrailian native Geoff had the last name of Johns, his correct last name is Booth. A special thanks to a reader, who brought this to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience this error has caused.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Martial arts enthusiasts hone techniques during festival (PHOTOS)