CRESTVIEW — Crestview Community Emergency Response Team and Holt Volunteer Fire Department members are helping Holt Boy Scouts work toward earning the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.

In turn, Troop 532 members will help Holt during natural or manmade disasters.

Mark Brown, the Crestview CERT’s team chief, on Monday advised six scouts about creating a troop mobilization plan. With the scouts’ assistance, volunteer firefighters could concentrate on providing relief in the community, helping the elderly and clearing roadways during emergencies, Holt Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Chestnut said.

"They can help us out in a lot of different ways, handing out water, handing out tarps, ice," he said. "That frees up our guys to do what they are trained to do."  

First, the scouts need to identify a meeting place, such as the troop’s regular meeting location or at the church. Additionally, they need an alternative location, should the first one be unavailable. Other priorities include establishing an alternative communication method, should telephone lines and cell phone towers be unavailable.

Once the troop writes the plan, it must be presented to Brown and Chestnut.

"This is the first time we have endeavored to do the Emergency Preparedness merit badge," Scoutmaster  Max Cooper said. "I have been affiliated with other scout troops in other cities; we have really never had a mobilization plan."

Bryce Taylor, 10, summed it up.

"Let’s just say, a tornado happens out in Holt, you have got to know what to do then," he said. "That is kind of what the badge is all about." 

Scouts browsed Holt fire engines and asked questions; later, they will tour the fire station to learn how they can assist the community during disasters.

The skills they’re developing have long-term implications, Brown said.

"This badge will develop a lifelong learning process that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives," he said. "What they learn now at this early age will teach them skills that they will continue to build on."

Crestview CERT, which trains residents in emergency preparedness, provides a similar service to support Hub City emergency responders.

The group regularly assists members to become CPR-certified and trains amateur radio enthusiasts for licensed communication.

"In the first 72 to 96 hours after a catastrophe hits … it’s going to be neighbors helping neighbors at that time," Brown said.

Email CERT officials at crestviewcert@yahoo.com. Crestview CERT can also be followed on Facebook at on.fb.me/17PyKeh.

Want to help?

 What: Crestview Community Emergency Response Team meetings

 When: 7-8 p.m., fourth Tuesdays

Where: Second-floor training room, Crestview Fire Department, 321 W. Woodruff Ave. The room is wheelchair accessible.

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: Holt Boy Scouts earning emergency preparedness badges

CRESTVIEW — Run for the Hills 5K Mud Run, an Okaloosa County Farm Bureau fundraiser, is 8 a.m. July 13 at 6358 Lake Ella Road, Dorcas. A kids fun run begins at 9:30 a.m.

The adult 5K costs $45; the kids fun run costs $20. Proceeds will benefit agriculture awareness programs that the Farm Bureau facilitates in Okaloosa County schools and communities.

Register or find more details at http://bit.ly/12flCrb.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THIS WEEKEND: Run for the Hills 5K Mud Run to fund ag programs

CRESTVIEW — The Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center is hosting a kids picnic tomorrow at Allen Park.

Hours are 5-8 p.m. July 11 at 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

Everyone is asked to bring a dish or dessert. Hot dogs, chips, sides desserts and drinks will be served.

Local community kids and their families are invited to attend. For more information call 417-7017.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview kids picnic planned July 11

BERLIN — Two Crestview students are helping a German brother and sister improve their English language skills while experiencing the culture of each other’s countries.

When Jonah Fischer, 15, and his father, Tillman, visited Crestview from Berlin, Germany in 2010, he befriended Ethan Sparagowski, now a Crestview High freshman.

After hearing stories about his two weeks of fishing, swimming and visiting classes at Davidson Middle School, Jonah’s little sister, Marlene, wanted to experience some of the same southern friendship.

Last fall, the 9-year-old, known as “Lilli” to friends and family, started exchanging letters with Baker School fifth-grader Jordyn Barnes.

“Having American friends in Crestview has helped the children learn English better,” their mother, elementary school teacher Sabine Fischer, said. “They learn things from their friends that we don’t teach in the school.”

During a recent walk along Berlin’s Spree River with their parents, Jonah and Lilli stopped near the iconic Reichstag building to send greetings to Ethan and Jordyn.

Lilli hopes to greet her Crestview friend in person one day.

“Perhaps we can visit during Lilli’s Easter holidays,” Tillman Fischer said. “For now, she looks forward to each of Jordyn’s letters and is thinking of things to write to her about.”

In her first letter to Lilli, Jordyn enclosed a crocheted bracelet that Lilli proudly wears on her arm.

While her family is on its annual summer trip in their motor home to visit friends in Greece, Lilli said she would gather many topics for her next letter to Jordyn.

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: German students forge friendships in Crestview

UPDATE: Crestview's Fourth of July fireworks display has been canceled. No alternative date has been set.

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CRESTVIEW — The Hub City’s Fourth of July celebration is Thursday night at Twin Hills Park.

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North Hathaway Street, from U.S. Highway 90 to the Playground Drive-Purl Adams Avenue intersection, will close for festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

Families may enjoy children's activities including inflatable bounce houses and a slide. Vendors will be available 6-8:30 p.m. at the park’s football field.

The fireworks presentation begins at 9 p.m.

Map not displaying properly? See it on our Facebook: http://bit.ly/o5aDh

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview celebrates Fourth of July at Twin Hills Park

CRESTVIEW — Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs member Doris Day, of the Fort Walton Beach chapter, conducted last month’s installation ceremonies for new club officers. 

The Crestview chapter is part of the world's largest and oldest service organization of volunteer women. The local club, founded in 1916, became federated in 1921.

The group promotes a common interest in charitable works, wholesome fellowship, adult education and community affairs. Members participate in activities that will strengthen and improve community and state conditions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs of Crestview selects 2013-14 officers

CRESTVIEW — Jacob Robert Somers, 16, of Crestview, has earned the Eagle Scout Rank, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement.

The Troop 773 member received the rank during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Eagle candidates must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a service project to earn the honor.

Jacob led a group of Scouts and adults in marking and identifying 100 native plants and trees and the painting of a picnic pavilion at the John McMahon Environmental Education Center in Crestview.

The Crestview High School sophomore is the son of Bob and Kristie Somers. His grandparents are the late Bob and JoAnn Somers of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. and the late Charles and the late Shelby Sweeten of Newport, Tenn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teenager earns Eagle Scout rank

CRESTVIEW — As Ameylah Horton suited up in firefighting protective gear, she thought about what she wants to be when she grows up.

Asked if she would consider being a first responder, the 8-year-old said it’s possible — “because I like helping people. If someone would hurt their knee, I would give them a Band-Aid."

In the meantime, she and other children learned about the job when Crestview firefighters visited Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church on Friday for the final day of Vacation Bible School.

 Four department members displayed one of the main station's fire engines and explained the tools they use during emergencies such as burning buildings and traffic accidents.

The fire crew came at the request of Mae R. Coleman, who headed this year’s VBS event.

“I wanted these children to see how the community works,” she said.

 One goal was to teach children the importance of education, Coleman said — a point that Capt. Jody Smallwood echoed.

Fire trucks and hoses may help save lives, but “the most important tool you have is in your head," 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: Crestview AME church invites firefighters to teach life lessons