LAUREL HILL — Despite the cloudy conditions and low attendance, the event organizers considered this year's third annual Laurel Hill Christmas parade to be successful.

See the Laurel Hill Christmas Parade photo gallery>>

"We had about the same number of participants as we had the last two years," said Laurel Hill City Clerk Nita Miller. "I think the rainy weather played a factor in the low turnout."

Miller said she noticed the low turnout at the neighboring Florala, Ala., Christmas parade, which occurred later that afternoon.

Miller and several city employees dressed as Santa's elves and threw candy and bead necklaces to attendees. Also featured in the parade were several local fire departments, law enforcement agencies including the Florida Forest Service.

Even at the last minute, members from the nearby Hopewell United Methodist Church decided to participate.

"We contacted the city on Friday to see if it was alright, and they didn't have a problem with it," church member Janet Twitty said.

 Members participated by taking a tractor-driven hayride along the parade route, from New Ebenezer Road to 4th Street.

Although she was not part of the parade, Twitty said church participants are eager to be part of the parade next year.

Attendees are also willing to continue supporting of the parade.

For the third straight year, resident Melissa Matthews and her 3-year-old son, Jeremiah, stood by the side of New Ebenezer Road to catch candy and other items.

"This year was the biggest," she said. "It gets better and better each year."

Gretchen Walsh and her 6-year-old son, Charlie, Florala residents, said they had a good time attending their first Laurel Hill parade.

"I liked it because they were throwing candy," Charlie said.

His mother said they attended for another reason.

"We came to support our small local community," she said. 

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Despite weather, low attendance, Laurel Hill Christmas parade draws several participants ( PHOTOS)

Growing up, decorating the house with lights and trimming the Christmas tree were holiday highlights. I was excited to see relatives and hoped St. Nick would bring the one item I asked for, usually a doll or a teddy bear.

Boy, how much times have changed. My youngest daughter received an iPad for her last birthday. She’s 4! I got my first computer in college.

Our kids live in a time of such privilege or — depending on your view — maybe I did. And maybe this season has lost its wholesomeness.

My German grandmother used to tell me about families leaving shoes and stockings outside the door, hoping St. Nikolaus would fill them with candy or fruit. They do this each year on Dec. 6 and celebrated Christmas later in the month, but only to observe Jesus' birth.

Protestants changed the tradition so that Santa comes on Christmas Eve. Eventually, the jolly old elf started bringing electronics and bigger items.

I don't mean to be a Grinch, but Christmas has became too commercialized and, perhaps, many people have forgotten the season's true meaning.

Remember: Christmas is a time for joy, cheer, happiness, celebration, camaraderieand love of humankind.

The holiday originated from a time when luxury was lacking, so it’s supposed to be about how much thought we put in, not how much we spend.

If we can get back to this mindset, there may be hope for us yet.

Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THE HOBO HOMEFRONT: Observing Christmas' true meaning brings hope

BAKER — A national icon has graced this rural north county community.

Several residents, like Cindy Carroll, have been lining up to see a bald eagle in Baker. They recently stopped near Ritz Food Store on State Road 4 to watch and photograph the bird.

"(The eagle) seems to be a major attraction in the area these days," Carroll said. "It was a rather large bird and it looked quite healthy. It was pretty."

Motorists on Sunday pulled over to see the bird of prey, and excitement affected traffic flow, Tara Geiger, the store's assistant manager, said.

"One person actually called the (Okaloosa) Sheriff's Office about the traffic," she said.  

Josh Copeland, who works at the store, said the bird has made several visits to his family's nearby property.

But that's not the only sighting, he said.

"I have always heard other people say that (bald eagles) have been seen near Karick Lake, near Blackmon," he said.

Seeing the eagle is becoming common  — particularly since the bird was removed from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's threatened and endangered species list in 2007 — Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge director Amanda Wilkerson said.

The bald eagle's increasing numbers have been evident to staffers who have rehabilitated several of the birds the past two years, she said.

"If there are more being injured, than that means that there are more out there," she said.

Copeland said he thinks Baker's birds enjoy eating animal carcasses on the side of the road.

"There always seems to be a possum that don't make it across (Highway 4) ," he said.

DID YOU KNOW?

•The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed the bald eagle, the United States' national bird, from its threatened and endangered species list in 2007.

•Nearly 10,000 bald eagle nesting pairs exist in the country, compared to 400 nesting pairs in 1963, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 •Florida seems to be a hot spot for the species: The Sunshine State,Minnesota and Wisconsin sharethe country's largest concentrations of bald eagle nesting pairs  

•President Barack Obama declared Dec. 6 that wind farm operators with permits may kill bald eagles, without penalty, for up to 30 years, if they take certain precautionsto avoid doing so, and report bird deaths

•Residents can report bald eagles causing problems to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, 650-1880, or the local Florida Fish and Wildlife office, 265-3676.  

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bald eagle 'a major attraction' in Baker

CRESTVIEW — United Methodist Children's Home residents will have a cheerier Christmas thanks to the Spanish Trail Cruisers' $1,000 donation.

The money will greatly benefit the five kids, ages 13 to 17, who reside at the Duggan Street facility, Shanda Davis, a youth care worker at the home, said.

"It is going for Christmas gifts for the kids, and will help pay for activities when we go somewhere on field trips," Davis said.

Sometimes, as many as 12 kids live at the home, Colby said.

Monetary gifts make a big difference in the children's lives because they are too old to receive gifts from "angel trees." Under the latter program, donors pull an ornament imprinted with a child's name and purchase an age-appropriate gift. 

"If it (wasn't) for donations like ours, the kids wouldn't have any gifts since the home only receives enough funding for the essentials," club vice president John Colby said.

The car club's members traditionally put money raised from their signature events — such as the spring Average Joe Car Show on Main Street — back into the community.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Methodist Children's Home gets $1K boost for gifts

CRESTVIEW — From senior citizens to furry friends, food to cash and schools to churches, opportunities abound this holiday season to help north county causes.

Here are some charitable organizations, from general to specific groups, that welcome your gifts of money and time.

TIP: The Better Business Bureau advises checking out an unfamiliar charity's worthiness before donating money. One way is to search for the charity's name on the Northwest Florida BBB website.

AREA CHURCHES: Most area churches offer community support services including food banks, soup kitchens, cold night shelters and assistance for the homeless and needy.

AREA SCHOOLS: School drama programs, choruses, bands and sports programs rely on parent and community contributions.

American Red Cross: Emergency response.4100 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite A-1, 682-3356

BAKER AREA MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: Affiliation of 17 local churches. Ila Bosarge, 682-5434.

BAKER BLOCK MUSEUM: Area history, heritage and genealogy research library and museum. 1307 Georgia Ave., Baker. Ann Spann, director, 537-5714.

BOY SCOUTS/CUB SCOUTS/VENTURE CREW: Local troops and packs welcome adult volunteers and contributions. Area commissioner Rae Schwartz, 585-5672.

CARVER-HILL MUSEUM: Black history and heritage of the Crestview and north county area. 895 McClelland St., Crestview. Rae Roberson, 682-4003.

Common Ground Community Garden: Several residents grow plants and vegetables on one plot of land. Dr. Catherine Ward, 758-8481, www.CrestviewCommunityGarden.org.

COVENANT HOSPICE: End-of-life care and family grief counseling regardless of ability to pay. 370 W. Redstone Ave, Crestview. Carolyn Williams, 682-3628.

CRESTVIEW AREA MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: Affiliation of 40 local churches. The Rev. Mark Broadhead, 682-2835.

CRESTVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORERS: Youth auxiliary program. Officer Sam Kimmons, 305-7831.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE: End-of-life care and family support. Ann O'Connor, 131 E. Redstone Ave., 689-0300.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park(formerly Sasquatch Zoo): Susan Leveille, 650-1880, www.ecwildliferefuge.com

FOY SHAW SCHOLARSHIP FUNDfor local high school students. Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Dr. Pam Meadows, chairperson, 682-3212.

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS: Supports local artists and arts programs, maintains Warriors Hall grand piano, produces arts events. Rae Schwartz, 585-5672.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: Raises funds for Crestview Public Library programs, book and equipment purchases. 682-4432.

HEALTHY WOMAN: Women's health and wellness program, North Okaloosa Medical Center. Alicia Booker, coordinator, 689-8446, alicia_booker@chs.net.

HOPE HOUSE: Shelter for families and children. 5127 Eastland St., Crestview. Cyndy Freshour, 682-2374.

MAIN STREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: Sponsors refurbishment projects and events for the historic district. 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview. Ellis Conner, president, 689-3722.

Military Appreciation Recognition Committee: City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview. Bob Lynn, chairman, 682-3795.

OKALOOSA CHAMBER SINGERS: Regional professional choral ensemble. Dr. Marilyn Overturf, director, 682-9651.

RAILEY'S 13th BIRTHDAY PROJECT: Holt resident Railey Connor, 12, collects donations for area nursing home residents. Drop-off locations include the News Bulletin, 705 Ashley Drive, and First Baptist Church of Holt, 532 U.S. Highway 90.

RELAY FOR LIFE: American Cancer Society spring walkathon fundraiser. Megan Bowersox, 244-9042.            

SCHOLA CANTORUM: Community chorus based at Northwest Florida State College. Dr. John Leatherwood, 729-6071.

SHARING AND CARING:Crestview food bank, 298 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. Robin Marston, 682-1907.

SOUP KITCHENS AND COLD WEATHER SHELTERS:Operated every day but Sunday by the Crestview Area Ministerial Association and participating churches. Anne Sprague, coordinator, 826-1770, cnasprague@embarqmail.com.

SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION, CHAPTER 7:Supports 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)'s soldiers and families. Steve Tuttle, president, 7SFG cantonment, Eglin Reservation, 398-2539.

UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME:Shelter and home for youth. 120 Duggan Ave., Crestview. Mae Knox, 398-5649.

VIEW FROM THE STAGE:Crestview community theatre troupe. Berit Faust and Sandra Peters, 398-8814.

YMCA:Community family fitness programs. 298 N. Wilson St., Crestview. Sarah Traver, 689-2999.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Charitable Giving Guide 2013: North Okaloosa causes to consider

Gulf Power Company has honored a North Okaloosa service group with a Power of Service award.

The utility presented Crestview's Carver-Hill Museum with a $2,500 check to aid community outreach.

Carver-Hill Museum honors the now-closed, segregated Carver-Hill School and chronicles the local African-American community's history with displays of photos, yearbooks and sports memorabilia.

S4P Synergy of Fort Walton Beach, another Power of Service recipient, creates a partnership between churches, businesses and government entities to provide emergency financial assistance with utilities, rent, food, prescription medication and funerals.

The recipients received the awards — which recognize groups continuing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy — during a Dec. 6 ceremony in Fort Walton Beach.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carver-Hill Museum recognized for continuing MLK's legacy

CRESTVIEW — A question posted on Answers.com raised questions in Michael Skinner's mind, especially when he suspected the "correct" answer didn't seem so correct.

The 10-year-old turned to a more authoritative source than the questions-and-answers website's user-generated content.

He wrote to the "Ask Shagg" comic strip.

See video of Michael's reaction when he learns his question was published>>

"It was just curiosity" that inspired him to ask the shaggy yellow cartoon dog, he said.

Michael's mom, Deanna Skinner, said the boy sent his question in August and received an email stating the answer would run in late fall. It was published in the Northwest Florida Daily News' Dec. 8 edition.

"He was so shocked," Deanna said. "He was extremely surprised and happy…"

Michael never doubted that Shagg E. Dawg creator Peter Guren would use his question, which was, "Is it true that a raccoon cannot jump?" It was just a matter of time.

"I believed that he would answer it," Michael said. "It's finally in there!"

Guren, who said he receives questions from readers all over the country, said Michael's query caught his eye.

"Basically, I (didn't) know if raccoons can jump," he said. "It was a question I wanted an answer to, too. That's usually how it happens."

Michael, who received a stuffed Shagg E. Dawg for having his question published, added the plush pooch to his collection of 44 stuffed critters.

Homeschooled brothers Michael and Jimmy, 14, now have 61 stuffed animals, collectively.

When Michael's not studying or playing with the toys, he builds things with Lego blocks and plays with Transformers.

And yes, Shagg E. replied, "a raccoon can jump, especially when someone is threatening."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A Shagg E. answer: Comics character answers Crestview boy's question (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Numerous Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center residents' family members can expect Christmas gifts when they come to visit.

And the packages will be pretty, thanks, in part, to about 20 Crestview High School students in Stephanie Sanders' leadership class who helped with gift wrapping.

The students — toting tape, scissors, wrapping paper and gift bags — visited Dec. 3 to assist.

With the sometimes difficult task of using scissors and tape out of the way, all residents need to do is present the gifts and enjoy time with their loved ones this Christmas, event organizers said. 

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHS leadership class wraps gifts for nursing home residents

LAUREL HILL — Laurel Hill's third annual Christmas Parade is 3 p.m. Saturday.

The route begins near Industrial Park on New Ebenezer Road, snakes across State Road 85 connecting to 4th Street, and ends on Chicago Avenue near Laurel Hill School.

See a map of Laurel Hill's 3rd Annual Christmas Parade route >>

Crews from the city's volunteer fire department, Almarante Fire Department and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol, among other agencies, will participate and toss candy to the crowd. 

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill's 3rd Annual Christmas Parade is Saturday (MAP)