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Organizations showcase to answer question: 'What is there to do here?'

Written by archive on . Posted in local, News.

The annual Triple B festival, organized by volunteers from the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, is one of many ways residents can get involved in their community. The chamber seeks contact information for all open-membership community organizations, clubs, volunteer opportunities and associations for a spring 2014 activities showcase.

CRESTVIEW — From social and service to recreation, arts, fraternal and culture groups, more than 50 organizations, clubs, societies and associations are active in North Okaloosa County.

The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce wants to gather all of the region's open-membership groups under one roof at one time to answer an often-asked question:

What's there to do around here, anyway?

A core group, including chamber President Dennis Mitchell, executive director Wayne Harris and community vice president Paul Lowery, gathered over hot wings at Uncle's Bill's Sept. 10 to discuss the idea.

Organizers include chamber Arts and Culture Committee chairwoman Rae Schwartz and News Bulletin staffers.

To plan the event — tentatively envisioned as a spring 2014 carnival at the Crestview Community Center — organizers want a complete list of all north county open-membership organizations.

A preliminary brainstorming session developed a list of almost 60 groups from the American Legion Riders to the Young Marines.

Organizers invite each local group to send its contact information to the chamber of commerce to develop a community-wide organizations database that will also be used to help new residents find their Crestview niche.

Be included!

The Crestview News Bulletin wants to help the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce include all local open-to-the-public organizations, clubs and societies in an upcoming Organizations Showcase.

Send your group's name, main contact person, contact phone number and email address to Brian Hughes at the News Bulletin, brianh@crestviewbulletin.com.

Groups may also contact Rae Schwartz at bakerny@yahoo.com.

Call the chamber of commerce, 682-7413, for more 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: Organizations showcase to answer question: 'What is there to do here?'

CHECK IT OUT: GED practice site is open; 2002 test expires soon

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Starting in January 2014, there will be a new General Education Development test.

The GED’s current, 2002, paper-based version expires at the end of 2013 — and your scores will expire too if you don’t finish and pass the test by then. Finish the test now so you won’t have to re-take parts you’ve already passed. The exam consists of writing, reading, social studies, science and math subtests.

Beginning in 2014, all GED testing in Florida will be computer based. In addition, the test’s price will increase. So now is a great time for you and your family and friends to get their GED.

More doors open with a high school credential. That can mean a better job, college and a sense of personal fulfillment.

To help you study and practice, the library provides the online Gale/Cengage Testing and Education Reference Center. Go to www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php and click on the “Electronic Resources” tab on the left. Click on the “Testing & Education Reference Center” icon and enter your 14-digit library card number for access. Under “High School Tools,” you will find practice tests and an entire 945-page “Master the GED” book to read online.

When you get ready to actually take the GED, call the Northwest Florida State College Adult General Education Department, 729-5397, or the Testing Center, 729-6016, for more information; or visit www.GEDcomputer.com.

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: GED practice site is open; 2002 test expires soon

Old Warrior Ranch to host YMCA fundraiser on Sept. 29

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Zachary Mann rides a horse directed by his mother, Dawn Mann, at Old Warrior Ranch in Crestview. "Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a Day," a Crestview YMCA fundraiser, is Sunday, Sept. 29 at the ranch.

CRESTVIEW — Tom Moody seeks the community's support in giving a facelift to the YMCA in downtown Crestview.

Membership fees and dues cover just enough to pay utility bills, he said.

"We need to generate some money," he said. "We need to paint the place and the outside (of the building) needs pressure washing."

In addition, the facility could use a storage area for sports equipment, which currently is placed in crowded offices. 

To raise money, Moody organized the "Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a Day" at Old Warrior Ranch.

Families up to four members can attend for $20; all funds raised benefit the Crestview YMCA, which has more than 3,000 members.

Ticket sales are limited to 200.

Families are encouraged to wear their cowboy hats for horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, line dancing, archery and fishing; anglers should bring a fishing pole and bait. Children can play in a bounce house and attendees can swim in the ranch’s pool. Hot dogs and refreshments will be available. 

"It's going to be a family-oriented day," Moody said. "We are going to have all sorts of fun and western activities."

Want to go?

What: "Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a Day,” a Crestview YMCA fundraiser

When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

Cost: $20 for up to a family of four. Purchase tickets 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday or 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Crestview YMCA, 298 N. Wilson St.  

Where: Old Warrior Ranch 3229 Audrey Drive, Crestview.

CONTACT: 689-2999.

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: Old Warrior Ranch to host YMCA fundraiser on Sept. 29

North Okaloosa pajama drive for foster children ending Oct. 11

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North Okaloosa County residents can donate new, unworn pajamas in infant through adult sizes for foster children who may have been abused or neglected and could use pajamas for a sense of security.

Collection sites for “Tucking Kids In Safe and Sound,” a pajama drive for foster children served by FamiliesFirst Network, are as follows:

•FFN Crestview Service Center, 100 Premier Drive, Unit H, Crestview

•Woodlawn Baptist Church, 824 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

•Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview

•Crestview News Bulletin, 705 Ashley Drive, Crestview

•FFN Fort Walton Beach Service Center, 340 Beal Parkway, N.W., Fort Walton Beach,

•FFN DeFuniak Springs Service Center, 79 N. Davis Lane, DeFuniak Springs

Other businesses, including various Wal-Mart Supercenters, are expected to participate. Deadline for collections is Oct. 11.

Contact Terri Marshall, FFN foster parent recruiter, at 418-3203 for additional locations and other details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa pajama drive for foster children ending Oct. 11

Children's coat drive begins in Crestview

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CRESTVIEW — Mount Zion AME Church has kicked off a winter coat drive for Crestview children.

Organizers aim to collect 200 new or gently used coats by Dec. 20. So far, they have received almost 20 coats, several hats and monetary donations to buy more coats.

Drop coats off at Mount Zion AME Church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview.

The Concerned Citizens Group of Crestview, individuals and other organizations are participating.

Contact Ervin Johnson, ejohn582@cox.net, or Tomyka Muse, tomyka81@aol.com, if interested in helping. 

Want to help?

If you do not have a coat that you no longer need but would still like to help, donate by visiting www.gofundme.com/coats>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Children's coat drive begins in Crestview

Family Day encourages families to eat dinner together Sept. 23

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Informed Families, Florida’s national Red Ribbon Campaign sponsor since 1982, has a new public service campaign for this year’s “Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children,” celebrated on Sept. 23.

FLFamilyDay.com offers tips, video and a game on how to overcome technology and other distractions so families can share a meal together; the challenge offers the chance to win a $250 Publix gift card or one of six $100 gift cards for residents registered by Sept. 24.

Students’ grades, behavior and the chances of avoiding substance use or abuse improve with the frequency that children eat dinner with their families, according to 10 years of studies by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family Day encourages families to eat dinner together Sept. 23

Community leaders pause for 9/11 Patriot Day observance

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Community leaders pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 victims. From left are Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Mitchell, former president Karen Hardell, business leader Cliff Calderwood, former city councilwoman Linda Parker and Mayor David Cadle.

CRESTVIEW — Community leaders took time before Wednesday morning's Government Issues Committee meeting for a moment of silence in remembrance of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The monthly Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce committee meeting coincidentally fell on Patriot Day this year.

Committee chairperson Ashley Rogers of the Chesser & Barr law firm requested the observance prior to introducing speaker Nathan Sparks, executive director of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council.

Sparks said he was attending an economic conference in Toulouse, France, when the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred. Many of the participants in the conference were Americans.

"It was one of those moments that made so many of our hearts stop," Sparks said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community leaders pause for 9/11 Patriot Day observance

Women of Valor juniors donate products to hospice patients

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Our Beautiful Ones, Women of Valor’s junior group members, recently prepared gift bags for Covenant Hospice patients. Members pictured are from New Life International Church, Life Point Church, People’s Baptist Church, New Life Baptist Church and Fellowship of Praise. They will be featured during the annual Women of Valor conference slated for Sept. 21 at the Crestview Community Center.

CRESTVIEW — Representatives of Our Beautiful Ones, Women of Valor’s junior division, recently visited Covenant Hospice, gift bags in hand.

The group — formed by young women from five area churches — created gift bags with personal care products and other therapeutic items for local hospice patients. Moulton’s Pharmacy sponsored the effort.

“We are so very grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of these young ladies and their mentors,” Covenant Hospice volunteer manager Carolyn Williams said.

“These beautiful gift bags will surely bring a smile to the faces of those we serve. Our goal is to bring comfort and compassion to those facing the final chapter of life, and with the help of this remarkable ministry, we will certainly add some joy to their days as well.”

Women of Valor is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to positively mentoring women.

To learn more about Covenant Hospice, go to www.covenanthospice.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Women of Valor juniors donate products to hospice patients

CHECK IT OUT: Free e-book collection contains published works

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Project Gutenberg offers more than 42,000 free e-books that you can download or read online. Click “electronic resources” on our web page, www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php, and select “Project Gutenberg.” 

Bona fide publishers produced these high-quality e-books. Project Gutenberg volunteer staffers digitized all titles. Browse for books or quickly search for popular, latest or random titles.

Available file formats include HTML, Kindle or Plucker; you can download titles with or without images.

Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Free e-book collection contains published works

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Money management for women starts in October

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When we talk about money and financial matters, it is easy to assume people are alike.

However, that is simply not the case. How we approach financial issues or handle money daily depends on what we know — or what we don’t know — and our past experiences.

Certain issues affect how women approach managing money and handling financial resources.

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension’s latest program, “Women & Money: Unique Issues” — which looks at financial management for women across the life cycle and through family transitions — begins Oct. 1 in Okaloosa County.

The program focuses on changes women may encounter and their impact on economic status. No matter what age you are, whether you are a novice at handling money or think you have it under control, these classes can teach you more and empower you to plan for successful financial future.

So, what are these unique issues that affect women when dealing with money?

Generally, contrasted with men, women:

•Are less financially secure throughout their life.

•Have lower earnings over their lifetime, earning 71 cents for every dollar a man earns.

•Are more likely to be a single parent.

•Experience higher poverty rates.

•Are more likely to be widowed or divorced. Widowed women account for about 40 percent of women 65 and older; 13 percent of men 65 and up are widowed. The average widowhood age is 55 years old.

•Spend more years out of the workforce due to caregiving.

•Are less likely to participate in a retirement plan.

•Have less retirement income.

•The average monthly Social Security benefit amount for women is $1,023, contrasted with men’s benefit of $1,323.

•More than 4 million more women than men lived in poverty, as of 2010. This may be due to lower earnings but also because unmarried and divorced women are most likely to have responsibility for raising and supporting their children.

 “Women & Money: Unique Issues” is designed to provide women with information and encouragement about being financially successful.

No matter where you are in your path toward understanding financial management, you likely will increase your confidence in managing your finances.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: “Women & Money: Unique Issues”

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 1, 8 and 15

WHERE: Okaloosa Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview

COST: $20; includes materials. Register by Sept. 27 at http://fcs-nw.eventbrite.com or in person at the Crestview extension office.

Elaine Courtney is a Family & Consumer Sciences Extension agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Money management for women starts in October

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