CRESTVIEW —Babe the Blue Ox, John Henry, Casey Jones and the one about a flock of ducks carrying over a frozen lake are just some of the many stories in the American tall tale tradition.

Tuesday, members of the Crestview Toastmasters Club invite the public to share in the tradition as club members and audience participants tell a few whoppers of their own.

Tall tales grew as a means of entertainment around pioneer wagon train campfires, on steamboats traveling the American western rivers and at rural community gatherings.

They often depict stories of actual people exaggerated to underscore acts of heroism or bravado, said Crestview Toastmasters President Kathy Morrow.

Tall tales also developed as comical ways of "explaining" natural phenomena, such as the story told by Mary Stuart Masterson's character, Idgie, around the campfire in "Fried Green Tomatoes."

In it, a flock of ducks falls asleep while floating on a rural lake. When an overnight freeze binds them to the lake, they fly off in a panic, taking the frozen lake with them and relocating the body of water.

Morrow didn't promise flying frozen lakes in Tuesday's tall tale telling at the Crestview Public Library, "but you never know what people will tell," she said.

Want to go?

WHAT: Tall Tales with the Toastmasters

WHEN: 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 22

WHERE: Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive

DETAILS: Kathy Morrow, Crestview Toastmasters Club, 974-3662

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: Tall tales to be told Tuesday at Crestview library

CRESTVIEW — The newly formed Crestview Civitan Club will kick things off with a charter ceremony on Thursday at Coach-N-Four Steakhouse. The ceremony will feature the installation of club officers including President Gloria Jones, President-elect LuAnne Ellison and Treasurer Brian Spicer.

The local club will become part of Civitan International and will belong to the Alabama-West Florida Civitan District. Jacque Hawkins, the district’s 2012-2013 governor, said the club aims "to build good citizenship."

“Civitan’s purpose is to serve the community," she said, adding that the group meets human needs — particularly for developmentally disabled residents — unmet by other organizations or individuals’ efforts.

The club’s 20 members want to assist in any way possible, whether that means funding a wheelchair ramp’s construction or donating clothing, Jones said.

In addition, members plan to award a $1,000 John Simpson Memorial Scholarship to an outstanding junior or senior student in the Crestview area.

Simpson was a longtime member and contributor to the district’s Hilltop Civitan Club. The scholarship comes from his dream to recognize young people who display high morals and practice good citizenship.

Want to go?

What: Crestview Civitan Club charter ceremony

When: Noon Thursday

Where:Coach-N-Four Steakhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview

Cost:$10 lunch; reservation requested

CONTACT: Jacque Hawkins, 1-334-470-7095 or jhawkins07176@roadrunner.com

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 Civitan Club sets Thursday charter ceremony

Thomas and Dorothy Seagle's children have set their parent’s 70th wedding anniversary celebration for 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Crestview.

The Seagles were married in Camp Crowder, Mo., in 1943 and traveled all over the United States while Thomas served in the U.S. Army. He served overseas during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

The family moved to Crestview after Thomas “retired” in 1971 and began his new career as Baker School’s junior ROTC senior Army instructor. Area residents have affectionately called him “Sergeant,” even after retiring from Baker School in 1986. 

 All the while, Dorothy was a loving homemaker, keeping the home fires burning, raising five children, being Mom, counselor, driver, Little League cheerleader, a band parent and church worker.

The Seagles — faithful members of the First Baptist Church of Crestview since 1971 — have 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and another on the way.

When asked how they remained married for so long, they say, “We didn’t know we had a choice.” 

The News Bulletin publishes north Okaloosa County residents' “Special Occasions”— birth, centenarian, engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements— at no charge. We may edit submissions for length and style.

Call 682-6524 or email news@crestviewbulletin.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seagles, Crestview couple, celebrate 70 years of marriage

LAUREL HILL — Despite cancellation of this year’s Laurel Hill Hobo Festival, residents came together on Saturday to keep an area tradition going. “A Day in the Country Life” Fall Festival, sponsored by Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center and the city's volunteer fire department, provided the same atmosphere as the Hobo Festival, along with some familiar faces.

 See the festival photo gallery>>

The Hobo festival has occurred on the second Saturday in October at Gene Clary Park, offering numerous vendors, live music, food and free children’s entertainment for the past 20 years. The Hobo festival committee didn’t file necessary paperwork in time for this year's event, which led to its cancellation, but committee officials said the Hobo festival will return next year.

Patti Thornhill and John Stillwell, both from Crestview, came to sightsee. "It’s good weather for it and it gives us something to do," Thornhill said. "Plus, I wanted to see the horses."

Laurel Hill School students raised funds for the school's Multi-culture Club and the junior and senior proms. Some students sold cups of iced tea; others took pies in the face from attendees. Neisha Williams, a class sponsor, said the fundraiser netted around $80.  

The Rev. Mike McVay, First Baptist Church of Laurel Hill pastor and a volunteer fire department member, once again greeted attendees while wearing hobo attire. However, he said he thought there was a low turnout for the event."It (was) a beautiful day for it, but I think there was some confusion with the Hobo festival being canceled this year," he 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: Laurel Hill residents continue fall festival tradition (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Friday, attorney Brad Stewart celebrated the completion of a four-year restoration of the historic Main Street building housing his practice. A full-length mural along the north-side alleyway depicts the Main Street block on which his office is located and "postcards" of the Fox Theatre and the old Okaloosa County Courthouse.

See photos of the mural on the Stewart Building >>

The back of a postcard features a two-cent stamp bearing the likeness of downtown personality Mack Brooks, who frequently stopped while walking to and from his barbershop to watch muralist Darryl Davis at work.

"He'd give me his two-cents' worth, so now I gave him mine," Davis said.

In its early days, Stewart's building — named the Barbara Davis Stewart Building in memory of his mother — housed a dentist's practice, also depicted in the mural, and a shoe store. The block is shown as depicted during a 1950s flood when people rowed boats up Main Street.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street mural captures historic downtown scenes (PHOTOS)

THE DARK ’13, A HAUNTED HOUSE: 7 p.m. until close, Oct. 25-26 and 31 and Nov. 1-2, 314 U.S. Highway 98, Destin. Cost: $9 each. Presented by the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 75 HAUNTED HOUSE: 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $5 for adults and $3 per child age 10 and younger. Volunteers needed. Details: 689-3195.

OLIVER'S NURSERY FAMILY FUN DAYS:10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 26, 4550 Kelly Mill Road, Holt. Admission: $5 per person; bring one nonperishable food item for First Baptist Church of Holt Food Pantry to save $1 per person. Activities include a petting farm, jump houses, haystack, mining trough, bake sale, art, dunk tank, door prizes, etc. Details: Misty or Tammy, 537-9992.

AUBURN PENTECOSTAL FALL FESTIVAL: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 26 at the church, 6144 Highway 85 N., Crestview. Free food, kids' games and bounce house.

MAIN STREETCRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL: 2-7 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Featuring treats, games including a skillet toss, and a parade of dogs, cats and turtles.

FALL PET PARADE AND SKILLET TOSS: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview, during the Main Street Crestview Association Fall Festival. Line up at 5 p.m. at the tent on Woodruff Avenue. Must be in place by 5:15 p.m. to participate. Cost: $5 per associated category. Leash or harness required for cats and dogs. Skillet-toss contest is 2-7 p.m. during the festival. Details: www.crestviewpetparade.com.

BAKE SALE:2-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Presented by New Bethel United Methodist Church. Free goody bags to the first 150 children. Free popcorn and bottled water while supplies last. Details: 682-9052.

TRUNK OR TREAT: 2-7 p.m. Oct. 26, New Beginnings Church 412 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

PUMPKIN PAINTING AT THE LIBRARY: 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children age 4 and up may bring a small pumpkin for painting. Wear old clothes. Details: Heather Nitzel, 682-4432.

PUMPKIN PAINTING: 6 p.m. Oct. 30, Crestview First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave. Children can decorate miniature pumpkins. Pumpkins, paint, snacks and fellowship.

CORN MAZE AND HAUNTED TRAIL: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Oct. 28-31, 5899 Buck Ward Road, Baker. Fridays: Haunted Trail, dusk to 11 p.m. Saturdays: Corn Maze, 10-6 p.m. and Haunted Trail, dusk to 11 p.m. Sundays: Corn Maze, 12 to 6 p.m. Last four nights: Corn Maze and Haunted Trail, dusk to 11 p.m. Cost: $8.50 for maze, $16 for trail. More prices at gumcreekentertainment.com. Sponsored by Crestview Rotary Club, Gum Creek Entertainment, and Okaloosa Sheriff's Posse.

PILGRIM REST BAPTIST CHURCH TRUCK-OR-TREAT FEST: 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Pilgrim Rest softball field across the street from the church, 5595 Highway 4, Baker. Park at the church; shuttle service provided. More than 30 cars filled with candy, chili, other foods, snacks and drinks. Games, costume contest, cake walk, hayride and door prizes every 30 minutes.

CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL BONFIRE, PEP RALLY AND TRICK-OR-TREAT: 5 p.m. Oct. 31, Old Spanish Trail Park, Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview. Carnival games and other fun activities.

CRESTVIEW RESIDENTS CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN on Oct. 31. Mayor David Cadle's office recommends trick-or-treating between 6 and 8 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HOLT HARVEST FESTIVAL:6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 532 U.S. Highway 90, Holt. Free food including fried mullet, hot dogs and homemade chili, candy and games including a bounce house and cakewalk. 

LIVE OAK BAPTIST CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Free hot dogs, nachos, boiled peanuts, chili from the church's Men's Chili Cook-off and games, prizes and treats.

CHILDREN'S FALL FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9, Crestview First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave. Crafts, games and bounce houses. Free admission. Details: Frankie Burgess, 586-5577.

ARTS AND CRAFTS BAZAAR: 2 p.m. Nov. 9,Crestview First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fall Events Planner 2013: North Okaloosa Halloween and fall listings

FORT WALTON BEACH— Shelter House has added a kennel to its offerings for domestic violence victims in Okaloosa and Walton counties. The kennel will house, feed and provide veterinary services for the pets of the more than 400 women, children and men who stay at the shelter annually.  People can now bring their pets with them when leaving a violent home.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was Oct. 7 for the Kind Heart Kennel at the organization's confidential emergency shelter. that will allow abuse victims to bring their pets with them when leaving a violent home. With the opening of the Kind Heart Kennel, Shelter House becomes the only center in Northwest Florida and one of only a few in the entire state to provide this service.

Some studies show that close to 50 percent of abused women stayed in relationships because they could not take their pet with them to a shelter, and 68 percent of battered women report violence toward their pets.

“No one should have to choose between their own safety and the safety of a beloved pet,” Shelter House Executive Director Michelle Sperzel said.

“When we were first considering adding a kennel to our shelter, one of our residents was on the phone with her abuser as he shot and killed one of her dogs. Statistics are one thing, but seeing that loss first-hand was heartbreaking for all of us. The addition of the Kind Heart Kennel to our shelter removes another barrier.”

The kennel encompasses a heated and cooled dog kennel and dog run in the shelter’s backyard, an indoor cat room and pet-friendly bedrooms within the shelter, equipped with HEPA filters for residents with pocket pets such as hamsters. Having all of this on-site allows pet owners to see their pets whenever they want and provides much needed comfort during a stressful time.

Many organizations and businesses contributed to this important new resource for our community. Shelter House has partnered with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society to provide vaccinations and to foster animals that cannot be accommodated at the shelter.

Restylers donated installation of Rhino Lining floors in the kennel and cat room, and H.E.A.R.T Animal Rescue, Furry Fanatics and 3 Dogs & a Chick have also come on board as supporters.

Harbor House, the domestic violence center in Orlando, provided invaluable resources and insights from their experience adding a kennel to their shelter.

Start-up funding for the Kind Heart Kennel came from grants by the Dugas Family Foundation, American Kennel Club and Red Rover. Donations to sustain the kennel are needed, particularly in-kind veterinary and grooming services.

The kennel will also need a steady supply of pet food, food and water bowls, treats, kitty litter, litter boxes, litter scoops, leashes, harnesses, leads, collars, ID tags, bedding, toys, pet medication and vitamins, flea and tick medication, brushes and combs, shampoo and nail clippers.

Donations are accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Shelter House administrative office, 102 Buck Drive, Fort Walton Beach. Monetary donations can be made at www.shelterhousenwfl.org. For more information call 243-1201.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shelter House adds kennel for domestic violence survivors' pets

CRESTVIEW — Silvercrest Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s residents monthly anticipate visits from a furry friend.

Staffer Cindi Chapman brings her Pomeranian and Terrier, Levi, to visit with residents at the Crestview facility.

“This is what life is all about: enjoying the things that we were once used to,” resident Annette Mernik said. “One of the most enjoyable events that I can’t wait to participate in is the pet visits.

“Other residents may love their B-I-N-G-O, but I love my (Levi).”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: For Silvercrest residents, Levi comes before bingo

The state has approved a specialty Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida license plate for sale to all Florida tag owners. Sales of the new license plate will fund the association’s mentoring programs for children and create statewide awareness, a spokesperson for the association said.

A thousand vouchers must be purchased on or before June 1, 2015. Once the goal is met, production of plates will begin. Vouchers for the new plates can now be purchased for $25 plus county registration service fees at the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office, 302 N. Wilson St. No. 101, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Big Brothers Big Sisters offering specialty license plate