BAKER — More than 200 well-wishers celebrated resident Mary Richardson’s 100th birthday on Saturday at the Baker Arena pavilion.

Many friends from Mary's church, PilgrimsRest Baptist Church, the Baker community and other Northwest Florida areas came to express their love for her.

Among attendees were Mary's son, Jim, from Tennessee, and grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren from Georgia, Colorado, Florida and California. 

Lauren Belcher, a long-time friend, drove up just for the day from Live Oak. The Rev.Jerry Haley and Joyce, Mary's former pastor and his wife, came from northern Alabama. 

“Grandma has a terrific sense of humor,” Mary’s daughter-in-law, Mary J. Richardson, said.

"She quipped, 'I've been dragging my feet so 100 wouldn't get here so soon … and all I did was wear out my shoes!'" she said. 

Mary’s son, John, and his wife Mary J. Richardson, granddaughters Michelle Richardson and Jennifer Hagler, and Hagler’s husband, Jon, hosted the event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Baker resident celebrates 100th birthday

CRESTVIEW — For music lovers who like some songs with their breakfast, the Crestview High School chorus presents its annual pancake breakfast Saturday morning.

Proceeds from sales of flapjacks, sausage, coffee and juice benefit the chorus' travel fund for its spring performance in Nashville, Tenn., and other expenses.

Beginning with Destiny at 7:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the morning, breakfasters will be serenaded by the chorus' various choirs.

Chanticleer, the elite mixed show choir, performs at 8 a.m., followed by the Women's Choir at 8:30 a.m., mixed Chorale at 9 a.m. and the Men's Choir at 9:30 a.m.

Call 689-7328 for more details.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Crestview High School Chorus

WHEN: 7-10 a.m. Saturday

WHERE:Crestview High School multipurpose room

COST: $6 adult, $3 children.

Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School Chorus pancake breakfast is Saturday

CRESTVIEW — Riverside Elementary School’s Pajama Drive organizers seek donations of new children’s sleepwear. 

Each class is collecting pajamas for the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, a not-for-profit agency that helps abused and neglected children in Okaloosa and Walton counties. 

Julie Hurst, the center’s CEO, said the organization appreciates the school’s efforts.

"It's really neat to see kids helping out other kids," she said.

The center presents an annual Christmas party for children it assists; that’s more than 600 kids this year, Hurst said.

"We make sure that every child that comes to the party leaves with a new pair of pajamas," she said. "Without the community's support, we wouldn't be able to do this."

Riverside’s collections have steadily risen since the school began the drive four years ago, teacher and donation coordinator Haley Kirby said. 

 "When we first started it, we only got around 50 pairs of pajamas," she said. "Last year, we got 165 pairs."

Twenty pajama sets have been donated so far, Kirby said. The drive ends Dec. 5. 

WANT TO DONATE?

WHAT:   The 4th Annual Pajama Drive 

WHEN: Donate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday near the school's front office. Deadline is Dec. 5.

WHERE: Riverside Elementary School, 3400 E. Redstone Ave., Crestview

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: Riverside Elementary collecting pajamas for Children's Advocacy Center

Hi, Hoboes! First, I apologize for this column's absence last Saturday. I was experiencing some technical difficulties and couldn’t email it. But those issues are now resolved.

Anyway, I trust everyone has been enjoying our cooler temperatures and bright, clear skies!

Fall Festival recap

The long awaited "A Day in the Country Life” Fall Festival had a few glitches but was a wonderful, sunny occasion.

Due to military cutbacks and closures, the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)’s Green Beretscouldn’t participate in the opening ceremony as planned. And Pegasus, the famed miniature horse from Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center, attempted to leave the festival early, resulting in about 20 residents successfully subduing the stallion.

My booth with desserts, clothing, and arts and crafts didn't do so well due, I think, to where I set it up. However, we enjoyed the weather, music and other booths.

School happenings

Laurel Hill School report cards should go home on Tuesday. The second grading period has begun, and tutoring for LHS students — with parents’ approval — is available every Tuesday and Thursday, except early-release day, until April. Sessions start immediately after school and wrap up around 3:45 p.m.

•••

Tuesday, pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade students threw a "fall blast" on school grounds instead of going on the originally planned trip to a pumpkin patch. We Bounce provided bounce castles for the occasion. Thanks to them! 

Meanwhile, second-graders ventured out to the Baker Corn Maze, and our itty-bitty Hoboes from Head Start went to the pumpkin patch at Oliver's Nursery in Holt. There, Head Start participants picked pumpkins, had their faces painted and enjoyed other activities.

Finally, you have until Nov. 22 to buy fruit to support the Hobo athletic department! Let’s support our Hoboes!

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: Fall Festival in review, school happenings

BAKER —   The Baker community brought Gator pride to the school’s homecoming parade this afternoon, a finale for the homecoming festivities.

The parade featured the school's ROTC program, cheerleaders, marching band and football team, among other school clubs and organizations.

Also on the parade route were finalists in this year's Miss Baker contest. Miss Teen Baker, Alexis Baggett, said being a part of the parade was a first for her.

"It's a really great feeling…," she said.

 Alexis rode atop a 1979 Chevy Corvette, driven by Mike Killam, while throwing candy to parade-goers.

Many attendees are regulars to the annual event; several have their favorite spots along the parade route.

"The last few years we have stayed along the main road…," said Jaclyn Ware. She and her son, Nathan Welle, 10, were near the First Baptist Church of Baker awaiting to catch candy.

Nathan had three empty bags for the parade.

"I just come for the candy," he said.

Stacie Prahl makes it tradition to attend the parade.

"It's the best little parade," she said. "It's just part of being in this community."

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: Baker community gathers for annual homecoming parade

CRESTVIEW — Kathy Morrow’s recent kayaking trip took an unexpected turn as her pink bejeweled craft plunged into the 100-foot deep scenic Lake Jackson near Florala, Ala.

But Morrow's tale had a happy ending — which included a tiara and scepter — and was just that: a tale.

Crestview Toastmasters Club members tell such tales to entertain fellow members who then critique their public speaking skills, Morrow said.

Her "All Hail the Turtle Queen" exemplified the American tall tale tradition, Toastmaster of the Day Minty Knighton said.

"It focuses on humor, puns and a surprise twist at the end," Knighton said.

Visitors attending Tuesday’s open house saw how the club develops members' communication and leadership skills. The evening also featured improvised "Table Top Topics" speeches based on objects selected for each speaker by Master Sharon Johnson.

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: Crestview Toastmasters share tall tales and impromptu speeches

CRESTVIEW — Beginning tonight, Crestview High School cheerleaders will present two attractions not for the faint of heart, cheerleading parent Scott Guthrie said.

"People can expect cheerleader zombies and other monsters” while visiting the haunted house and haunted woods on John King Road, the father of varsity cheerleaders Ashley and Breanna Guthrie said.  

Breanna, 15, hinted at even more thrills. 

"I don't want to give too much away, but there is scary stuff inside and outside," she said.

Scott Guthrie, and other cheerleaders’ parents, transformed his work area near Vettes Unlimited into a haunted attraction.

They see it as a win-win situation: Residents enjoy a frightening night while the school's cheerleading and competition squads raise funds to charter a bus bound for an Orlando competition next year.

"We are hoping this will be the biggest fundraiser for the team this year," cheerleading Coach Nikki Sweatt said.

"(Competing in Orlando) is extremely important to us because we work hard …,” cheerleader Erin Davis, 15, said.

The added benefit, particularly for the Guthries, was that preparing for the fundraiser offered plenty of bonding time.

"I have definitely enjoyed doing this," Scott Guthrie said. "I would do anything for my girls."

WANT TO G0?

WHAT: Haunted House and Woods, a Crestview High School cheerleading program fundraiser

WHEN: 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 7-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday  

WHERE: 164 John King Road, Crestview

COST: $5 donation per person

INFO: Barbecue and refreshments will be available for purchase on Saturday

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: Haunted house, woods to serve spooky fun, raise funds

Shelter House is continuing financial education and economic empowerment workshops thanks to a $30,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation.

The funds allow the nonprofit and community partners like Wells Fargo to work with domestic violence survivors on budgeting, building savings and repairing credit scores through economic empowerment courses. Shelter House also teaches abuse survivors’ children about how to handle their finances.

As part of the grant, Shelter House annually presents the Women and Money Economic Empowerment Conference, bringing together local experts and nationally renowned speakers for a day of workshops. The fourth annual conference will take place Feb. 22, 2014, at the Northwest Florida State College Costa Leadership Institute.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shelter House gets $30K Allstate grant for financial workshops

CRESTVIEW — 2013-2014 community workshops kick off at 10 a.m. Oct. 26 with a Day of Women and Money! at First Baptist Church, 171 W. Hickory Ave., Crestview.

It includes free financial education workshops through 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Topics include basic checking and savings, the importance of credit, how to pay yourself first, how to deal with creditors, types of loans, taxes and tax credit, identity theft, budgeting on a low income and retirement planning.

This free workshop is hosted by Shelter House and made possible through a grant from The Allstate Foundation. Men are also welcome to attend.

For more information on upcoming workshops or to register for this Saturday's event, call Shelter House at 243-1201. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Financial seminar for domestic violence survivors planned Saturday in Crestview