The holidays are upon us, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the bend. I know things are tight this time of year, but if you have something extra to give, consider the Helping Hands Fund, which assists unemployed and disabled Laurel Hill residents. The fund helps pay our needy neighbors' bills and provides them food and clothing. I am directly involved, so contact me at the address below for more information.

You know, many of us don’t count our trials and tribulations as blessings, but if we didn’t have bad times, how would we be able to be thankful for the good? Without tests, how would we know our strengths and weaknesses? One way to look at this hectic season is to simply breathe and be thankful that we are able to even experience it.

Every day can be a blessing and an adventure if we simply have the desire to look at it that way.

OK, enough of my rambling — let's review what's been happening on the Hill!

Nov. 1, Laurel Hill Head Start, along with a few other Okaloosa County Head Start centers, voyaged to Niceville for the annual Pow Wow. There, they learned about Indian culture and witnessed tribal dances and rituals. The children were allowed to participate in the dances and try on traditional clothes. Needless to say, they thoroughly enjoyed that!

Oct. 31, parents readied Laurel Hill Head Start's playground in just an hour for a Halloween festival. The playhouse became "the ooey gooey house," where children used their senses, minus vision, to identify objects. The slide became a "spooky slide" haunted by ghosts, witches and bats. Additionally, children could roll pumpkins in competition. From there, they took their prize pumpkins to the painting station and decorated them! Face painting, a fish-for-prizes booth, bobbing for apples and pin-the-tail-on-the-kitty were other enjoyed areas. All the 3- and 4-year-olds had a blast!

Following the festivities, I headed over to Laurel Hill School, where the annual trunk-or-treat took place. Pre-k, kindergarten and first-grade students paraded around the parking lot trunk-or-treating. What wonderful costumes! The rain caught us off guard, but that didn’t deter our Hoboes! Each vehicle was festively decorated, and some facilitated children's games. This year's trunk-or-treat received a very large turnout — I believe the biggest yet — so thank you to all the volunteers!

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: Fund set for needy Laurel Hill residents

CRESTVIEW — Crestview Housing Authority staffers say they are working to challenge unfavorable opinions about affordable housing.

"We really want to change the public's perspective of us," CHA Executive Director Judy Adams said.

"Unfortunately, people have an idea that we are a project," CHA program analyst David Clark said.

The CHA — which manages 273 housing units with up to five bedrooms in the Lakeview Drive, Virginia Court and West Edney Drive areas — receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Eligibility for housing depends on a household’s financial situation and size, Clark said.

"In our area, a single-person household that makes less than $36,000 (a year) is eligible for housing," he said.

Within the past seven years, CHA maintenance staffers have upgraded units — some built as far back as the 1960s — on the outside and inside. They’ve set new driveways, walking paths and metal roofing, and have added new door locks and energy efficient windows.

In addition, CHA maintenance staffers — who regularly inspect units, replace air filters and encourage use of energy efficient water heaters, toilets and interior lighting to lower utility costs — check for potential signs of crime.

"We have done extensive drug training … to target methamphetamines and other illegal substances (used inside each unit)," Maintenance supervisor Mike Riley said.

The goal is to make CHA’s properties safer, and for the public to see them that way.

"Now we are trying to get it up to the standards, where the tenants can now see it as a community,” Riley 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: Crestview Housing Authority improving properties to change public opinion

CRESTVIEW — Fixed route bus service will be free for all riders Nov. 12 in honor of Veterans Day, Okaloosa County Transit representatives announced.

Free rides will be offered on all WAVE fixed routes. Buses begin running at 7 a.m. and will continue service until 7 p.m. See a complete listing of routes and schedules at www.rideoct.org or call 833-9168.

“Our community is filled with veterans,” said Lani Birchett, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners' transit coordinator and grants manager. “They have given so much to our nation, so we wanted to try to find a small way to give to the community in their honor. We are so grateful to them and encourage all who board a bus on the 12th to thank a veteran.”

Beatrice Love-Moore, Okaloosa County Veteran Services' director, expressed gratitude for the service. “We are truly honored to have our area veterans recognized by the county,” Love-Moore said. “This effort shows that the county cares about our veterans and acknowledges their service to both our nation and our local community. Additionally, this day of free service will help a huge number of local veterans because many of them use public transportation.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Anyone can ride the WAVE bus free Tuesday to honor veterans

CRESTVIEW — Although John Henry "Doc" Holliday is renowned in American history as a Wild West gambler and gunslinger, he also was a dentist.

Fittingly, Crestview dentist Dr. Richard Thomas will host a Nov. 8 open house for a permanent exhibit featuring Doc Holliday's dental chair.

The ornate mid-19th-century dental chair, with its pedal-operated drill, is the pride of Thomas' extensive collection of Wild West antiques.

Thomas didn't reveal how much he paid for the chair, but said he got caught up in the excitement of the online auction in which he bought it.

"I've never been in an auction before," he said. "I should've cut my finger off. For some reason, I kept bidding it up and bidding it up and the next thing it said (was), 'You got it.'"

Thomas also acquired Holliday's appointment "book," a fan of ivory cards on which weekly patient appointments — some still barely legible — were written in pencil and later erased.

Gambler and gunslinger

The exhibit also features late 19th-century playing cards, dice, clay poker chips, a casino card shoe and a leather-topped card table, which spotlight Holliday's gambler personality.

Thomas — whose fascination with the Old West began when he was a child playing cowboys and Indians in Utah — has avidly studied Holliday's colorful life, which mainly included gambling and frequent drinking as his tuberculosis progressed.

Holliday's legend grew after he stood with the Earp brothers — Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan — during the infamous Oct. 26, 1881, "Gunfight at the OK Corral" in Tombstone, Arizona Territory.

An enlarged illustration of the quartet — walking down Tombstone's main street shortly before the battle — appears in a new exhibit room at Thomas's Alabama Street office, as will a bottle of Holliday's favorite beverage, Old Overholt whiskey, and a vintage crystal shot glass.

Thomas and his staff will unveil the exhibit on Nov. 8, the 126th anniversary of Holliday's death.

Dentist and dandy

Thomas praised Holliday as a smart fellow dentist who, he believes, was misunderstood.

"It was hard to tell in those days who was a scoundrel and who wasn't," Thomas said. "He was actually a pretty darned good dentist. He was a real smart guy."

The exhibit room, with velvet-flocked wallpaper, a pressed tin ceiling and period furnishings, reflects Holliday's elegance, Thomas said.

"He was a dandy," Thomas said. "He always dressed to the hilt. He wore an ascot with a diamond or a pearl in it."

Thomas watched in appreciation on Wednesday as contractor Joe Chancey and his wife, Becky, worked on the room to prepare for next week’s unveiling.

"Doc would be impressed with his new office," Thomas said. "I'm thinking, ‘If this stuff could talk…”

His voice trailed off as he stroked the collection of gambling artifacts.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Public unveiling of John Henry "Doc" Holliday's original dentist chair and period artifacts.

WHO: Hosted by Dr. Richard Thomas and Family Dentistry

WHEN: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 8

WHERE: 102 Alabama St., Suite A, Crestview

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 dentist to unveil permanent 'Doc' Holliday exhibit

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa residents and visitors can expect to see acrobats, performing elephants, Siberian and Royal Bengal tigers and other attractions next week when the Loomis Bros. Circus comes to town.

The circus will present eight shows Nov. 8-11 at Old Spanish Trail Park.

It’ll be a homecoming for ringmaster Justin Loomis, whose mom, Paulette Loomis, and sister live in Crestview. Paulette sings "God Bless America" to start each Crestview performance.

During the city's Nov. 11 Veterans Day parade, the renowned Loomis Bros. Circus elephants will join other groups to honor U.S. veterans.

This is the fourth year the Main Street Crestview Association has sponsored the traveling circus, which is now in its 16th year.

Previously the association hosted traveling carnivals, member Cal Zethmayr said. However, there were accountability issues regarding the association's percentage of the ticket office take.

"I started calling around to see what other carnivals or events were available," Zethmayr said. "Then I ran into Mrs. Paulette Loomis at a Main Street event and she said, 'Well, my son has a circus.'"

Zethmayr said the partnership between Main Street and the circus has been mutually beneficial and enjoyable, and has also been profitable for the association, which uses its share to produce downtown events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas parade.

"We know right to the penny what we took in," Zethmayr said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Loomis Bros. Circus, benefiting the Main Street Crestview Association

WHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 8; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Nov. 9; and 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11. Gates open an hour beforehand.

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park, at Stillwell Boulevard and Industrial Drive

TICKETS: $10 advance, $15 at gate; available at select area merchants in Crestview, Baker, Blackman, Laurel Hill and DeFuniak Springs. Details: 240-4053.

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: Loomis Bros. Circus coming to town this weekend

November is American Indian Heritage Month. Come to the Crestview Public Library and check out the books and DVDs we have on the American Indians’ rich culture.

Not sure what to check out? No problem; we will have a book display for your convenience.

Also, on Nov. 16, join us for the American Indian Living History Hunting Camp. The program begins at 1 p.m. Relive the past with Blue Heron (Wah-ka-chobee), a Seminole/Creek Indian. Farris Powell presents a historical impression of the Seminole warrior at the turn of the 19th century.

You will find yourself back in the 1830s, sampling the food and seeing the clothing, weapons, tools, games and musical instruments from that period.

The outdoor program is designed for school-aged children through adults. Bring blankets or chairs and dress for the weather.

Learn about more library happenings at the Crestview library website, call 682-4432 or visit 1445 Commerce Drive, behind the Crestview post office.

Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Relive American Indian history this month

CRESTVIEW — A night of music, dancing, gourmet cuisine and cultural displays is on tap next Saturday for the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Wine Gala.

With the theme "Moonlight and Melodies Cultural Celebration," the chamber's Arts and Culture Committee will help organizers enhance the festivity.

As part of the state's Viva Florida 500 celebrations, special performances will include a Native American flute player and demonstrations of African and Latin American dances, event chairwoman Crystal Boyles said.

Bob Sikes Airport's fixed-base operator, Emerald Coast Aviation, is the evening's host and, along with L3 Crestview Aerospace, is a premier sponsor.

"Hopefully, we'll have nice weather and can have the hangar doors open and have the runway lights on and really set the tone for the evening," Boyles said, adding there will be a silent auction and a wine raffle.

Jones and Company, led by Dr. Cheryl Jones, and special guest vocalist Sandra Daggs will provide entertainment.

Country Chicken and Fish, Helen Back Again, Johnny O'Quigley's Ale House, Chill Yogurt, Sorabal Korean BBQ, Boudreaux's and other establishments will provide food.

Want to go?

WHAT: Moonlight and Melodies Cultural Celebration Wine Gala

WHO: Sponsored by the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce

WHEN: 6-9 p.m., doors open 5:45, Nov. 9

WHERE: Emerald Coast Aviation main hangar, Bob Sikes Airport, 5545 John Givens Rd.

TICKETS: $40, available at the chamber of commerce or online, www.crestviewchamber.com. Details: 682-3213

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: Cultural component will augment annual Wine Gala on Saturday

CRESTVIEW — St. Mark United Methodist Church has additional funding for student ministries following its annual pumpkin patch benefit, volunteers said.

Area students visited the patch throughout October. Like in previous years, the church ordered pumpkins from a Native American reservation in New Mexico. 

Volunteers haven't tallied their collections, but said they initially received donations for 15,000 pumpkins.

In addition to selling pumpkins, the church facilitated games, story time and crafts.

"We have had all of the kindergarteners in this area (visit us)," volunteer Amy Valle said. "The teachers love it because we only (charged) $5 for their students."

Several parents, including Quanisha Patrick, the Riverside Elementary School PTO’s community involvement coordinator, chaperoned.

Patrick, who visited the patch with her 5-year-old daughter, Rielle, said the trip marked a first for her.

"(I’d) never been to a pumpkin patch,” she said, adding that she appreciated that “the church loves the community enough to do something like this.”

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: St. Mark’s pumpkin sales support student ministries

CRESTVIEW — Dogwood Garden Club members, who are beautifying local public areas this autumn, seek new members to join the fun.

Tuesday morning, club members worked at Northwood Elementary School and Garden Park. The park, at the foot of Main Street, is one of the club's major projects.

At Northwood, club members planted fall bedding flowers for students to maintain. In the park, the women weeded and planted fall flowers.

Club member Thea Duhaime, who coordinates the Garden Park project, worked with city Public Works crews to have tables and benches pressure washed, and to remove a dead tree and old, scraggly plants.

"They got everything on my list done," Duhaime said. "I am so appreciative of (assistant director) Carlos Jones and (facility maintenance foreman) Kenny Martin for the work they had done."

A goal is to design new plantings for around the park's fountain now that overgrown plants are gone, Duhaime said.

Member Ruth Herington — who is also a Master Gardener — said although she has been in the area for several years, she still is not used to Northwest Florida's fall planting season.

"That's hard for those of us from up north to understand," she said. "We always planted in the spring."

The Dogwood Garden Club welcomes new members, Club President Celia Broadhead said.

The club is open to anyone with minimal gardening skills, member Sarah Petty said.

"We're not like the Master Gardeners where you have to go to school," Herington said. "We're just a happy group. We welcome everyone."

WANT TO JOIN?

The Crestview Dogwood Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday each month. Call Ruth Herington, 683-0839, or Thea Duhaime, 682-3629, for location and information.

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: Dogwood Garden Club in Crestview seeks new members