CRESTVIEW — The Pregnancy Center received support for its mission — helping women with unplanned pregnancies — on Saturday during its annual 5K run.

Staffers just don’t know how much support they received.

Proceeds — which event organizers were still counting at press time — will benefit the center that provides free education and essentials, such as baby clothes and blankets, for its clients.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said volunteer Gayle Spears. "We are totally supported by churches, businesses, organizations and individual contributions."

The event — sponsored by the Mosaic Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church and Crossway Community Church — kicked off at 8:30 a.m., and runners of all ages.

Jerry Wayer, 45, used the event to help get in shape for a future marathon.

"I used to run track in high school, but as I have gotten older, I've kind of gotten out of it," he said. "You always feel good when you finish a race … you feel a sense of accomplishment."

Baker resident Liberty Sites, 15, said she was pleased with her performance.

"I think I did pretty good. I ran the first three quarters of a mile, which is pretty good for me," she said.

Liberty said she annually participates in two 5K events.

The event also had a kids’ fun run, in which 8-year-old Kristen Pittner finished first.

"It feels good; I’ve never been first place in a real race before," she said.  

Nearly 200 people registered for the event, Pregnancy Center director Sue Carrigan 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: Residents support Crestview pregnancy center with 5K Run

CRESTVIEW — In a final attempt to gather votes for a charitable contest, resident Yvonne Wood collaborated with Chill Frozen Yogurt Shop on Friday to increase her odds.

The military spouse and mother of two children approached the ice cream parlor’s management about promoting her cause. She had hoped to win one of 50 spots for a TOMS Shoes and Eyewear’s Ticket to Give trip. Flyers and business cards explained the contest; a smart barcode provided instant voting. 

"Any opportunity we have to help out anyone in the community, we try to help them out,” said shift leader Raquel Martinez, who voted for Wood.

Wood’s 600 votes fell short of making the top 50, she announced Saturday on her Facebook page, following the contest’s late-Friday deadline. Some contestants had more than 2,000 votes.

However, her motivation to help others is firm, she said.

Today, Wood is participating in the footwear company’s One Day Without Shoes event.

"People across the country will not wear shoes, just to represent the idea that some people cannot afford shoes," she said.

In addition, she is overseeing an online charitable raffle for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded soldiers adjust to living at home.

Wood would have traveled with 49 other contest winners to deliver canvas shoes for children in impoverished countrieslike Argentina, Peru or Hungary.

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: Woman’s contest bid falls short, but faith in helping others doesn’t waver

CRESTVIEW — From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27, Okaloosa County Sheriffs’ Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration drug takeback gives residents a chance to turn in medications free and anonymously at Walmarts in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville.

Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. In its five previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in more than 2 million pounds — over a thousand tons — of pills.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act.

Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sheriff's office and DEA drug takeback April 27

CRESTVIEW — For the next three months, Steven Chevalier, 20, and Mathias Leroy, 19 — business majors at the University of Nantes, on France’s west coast near Crestview's sister city, Noirmoutier — will observe American business operations through their Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce internship.

"We are going to try to discover the differences between the ways the French and American businesses work," Leroy said.

Bringing the students to town required substantial paperwork to meet criteria of the Council on International Educational Exchange, which facilitates international student travel and study programs, Chamber Executive Director Wayne Harris said. The Crestview Sister City organization assisted in housing the students.

Given the community's existing relationship with Noirmoutier, coupled with the economy’s globalization, bringing the Frenchmen to Crestview would benefit the students and local business, Harris said.

"It's important because we're no longer an island," he said. "How we do things here affects their economy. What they do affects us here."

Sébastien Jacotin, University of Nantes’ international relations officer, agreed.

"Sending students to Crestview strengthens and extends the cultural and educational exchanges between the French city of Noirmoutier and Crestview," he said.

Chevalier and Leroy willvisit Crestview businesses of all sizes, from mom-and-pop enterprises to large corporations such as L3 Crestview Aerospace, Harris said.

"It's a great sampling of the whole U.S.A. economy," Chevalier said. "This will improve my business abilities. And my English."

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: French business majors intern with Crestview chamber

CRESTVIEW — From toddlers to seniors, Walgreens customers approached the drug store's new four-legged greeter Thursday afternoon.

Dozer the Therapy Dog visits the store monthly, bringing "hugs," slurps and the warm gaze of his eyes, one blue, one brown.

"Hi! This is Dozer," his owner Angie Nousiainen said as Bobby Barry walked into the store. "He came to make you smile today."

"He made me happy, just seeing him," Barry said as he asked a passerby to take his photo with the dog.

Chance Bollinger, 5, like many children encountering the 4-year-old Great Dane for the first time, didn't hesitate to walk up and introduce himself.

"I like doggies," Chance said as he gave Dozer a hug. "I have a doggie. I always like being around dogs."

Nousiainen said many customers time their shopping with Dozer's visits, following his rounds of Walgreens, nursing homes and the Crestview Public Library on his Facebook page.

"Sometimes they buy him a treat when they're here, so now he watches their purchases," Nousiainen said.

One thing Dozer is not allowed to do is shake hands, Nousiainen said, adding that some people have skin too delicate for his claws.

Dozer is always on his leash and waits off to the side to greet customers, allowing people skittish of big dogs to enter the store without encountering him.

"Not everybody wants to say hello, but that's OK," Nousiainen said. "Dozer understands."

"We get a few that walk in and go, 'Whew! That's a big dog,'" photo counter manager Kimberly Kolb said.

Gracelynn Beck, 1, of Baker, had to gaze up at Dozer, towering a foot above her head. She was with her mom, Amanda Richburg.

Nousiainen said that after reading about Dozer's community outreach efforts on Facebook, three of his fans had their pets trained as therapy dogs.

"I always know he makes a difference when he meets people," she said. "Now, more people are being touched by more therapy dogs."

Nousiainen said she hopes Dozer may one day visit select patients at North Okaloosa Medical Center, and she hopes to find a writer to share Dozer's adventures in a series of children's books.

As Nousiainen and Dozer finished their greeting period at Walgreens, Chance and his family were checking out.

"Bye bye, puppy!" he called out as they left. "See you next time."

Want to go?

Dozer the Therapy Dog visits the Crestview Walgreens every second Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.

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: A DOSE OF PUPPY LOVE: Great Dane greets Walgreens customers

CRESTVIEW — A National Weather Service wind advisory is in effect for the inland Okaloosa County area from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. This includes Crestview, Milton, Niceville and Eglin Air Force Base.

Winds of 25 to 39 miles per hour are expected. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office stated that winds that strong make driving high profile vehicles difficult, and are capable of blowing around lightweight and unsecured outdoor objects.

Residents are urged to use extra caution and secure any lightweight outdoor objects.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wind advisory in effect through 7 p.m. today

CRESTVIEW — The NAACP’s Okaloosa County chapter will conclude its weekend celebration of the organization's 65th anniversary with a performance of a play benefiting a community leader's health expenses.

"Up on the Mountain," a three-act drama about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, by Crestview playwright Anetta Nichols, will be performed 5:30 p.m. April 14 at the Crestview Community Center.

With the Crestview City Council's approval Monday night, the city has waived its usage fee for the center, assuring that all box office receipts will benefit former City Councilwoman Lillie Conyers, who served on the council from 2007 to 2009.

Conyers, who succeeded the late Sam Hayes, is receiving treatment in Jacksonville for an unspecified illness, said local NAACP President Sabu Williams.

"We're just trying to help her through some of these challenges," Williams said. "It's hard enough having to go through medical treatment and then the financial issues on top of it are so hard."

Conyers must maintain a Jacksonville residence along with her Crestview home while she receives treatment.

"Up on the Mountain" is directed by Nikki Ford and features a local cast. It is being produced in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of King's assassination on April 4, 1968.

"It was written by a young airman on the base in January," Williams said. "She wrote the play about Dr. King from his mother's perspective.

"I encourage people to come and see, and come and learn. It's a good family event. We're doing it in afternoon so we don't step on any church-goers' toes."

Want to go?

"Up on the Mountain," a play about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be performed 5:30 p.m. April 14 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive (behind the post office). Admission is $5.

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: April 14 performance concludes local NAACP 65th anniversary events

CRESTVIEW — Wal-Mart's loss was Walgreen's gain.

When handler Angie Nousiainen offered the services of Dozer the Therapy Dog to the local branch of the world's largest retail store, management was suspicious, she said.

"Wal-Mart couldn't understand why somebody would offer to do something without getting something in return," she said. "They couldn't comprehend it and I just gave up. But Walgreen's jumped on it and said, 'Come here, come here!'"

Dozer is now a monthly greeter at the drug store — and customers love it, Nousiainen said.

‘Good response’

Many residents know the friendly black-and-white Great Dane from his visits to nursing homes and as a children's reading dog at the Crestview Public Library.

Now, every second Thursday, Dozer and Nousiainen greet customers inside the drug store’s front door.

"We've had a very good response," Ed Kiefer, the store’s assistant manager said. "We get a lot of people coming in and getting pictures with him."

Having a greeter dog was a local arrangement, not something organized at the chain's corporate level, Kiefer said. When an employee suggested bringing Dozer to the store, management was glad to try it, Kiefer said.

Dozer, who recently started his third year as a therapy dog, is certified with the nationwide Therapy Dogs Inc. organization.

Dozer had to pass four levels of obedience training at a local canine training facility and take a "pretty strict test” for certification, Nousiainen said. He also passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen course.

‘A regular dog’

Most customers' reactions have been positive, Nousiainen said.

"A lot of fans can't get to the library on Saturdays, or nursing homes aren't open to the public, so this is another opportunity for fans to say hello to him," Nousiainen said.

However, once, a woman cruised through the drug store’s door in a motorized wheelchair and surprised Dozer, who jumped in Nousiainen's lap for comfort. His anxiety was short-lived, she said, and provided an opportunity to add power chair training to Dozer's repertoire.

"The woman and him became best of friends in about two minutes," Nousiainen said.

She describes Dozer as "definitely a people person," though when he's not letting a child read to him, visiting a nursing home or greeting his fans at Walgreen's, "he is a dog.

“When he's not working, he's a regular dog laying around the house doing regular dog stuff."

Want to go?

Dozer the Therapy Dog greets customers at Walgreen's, 2350 S. Ferdon Blvd., noon to 2 p.m. every second Thursday of the month.

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: Dozer the Therapy Dog welcomes customers to Walgreen's

CRESTVIEW — Wal-Mart's loss was Walgreen's gain.

When handler Angie Nousiainen offered the services of Dozer the Therapy Dog to the local branch of the world's largest retail store, management was suspicious, she said.

"Wal-Mart couldn't understand why somebody would offer to do something without getting something in return," she said. "They couldn't comprehend it and I just gave up. But Walgreen's jumped on it and said, 'Come here, come here!'"

Dozer is now a monthly greeter at the drug store — and customers love it, Nousiainen said.

‘Good response’

Many residents know the friendly black-and-white Great Dane from his visits to nursing homes and as a children's reading dog at the Crestview Public Library.

Now, every second Thursday, Dozer and Nousiainen greet customers inside the drug store’s front door.

"We've had a very good response," Ed Kiefer, the store’s assistant manager said. "We get a lot of people coming in and getting pictures with him."

Having a greeter dog was a local arrangement, not something organized at the chain's corporate level, Kiefer said. When an employee suggested bringing Dozer to the store, management was glad to try it, Kiefer said.

Dozer, who recently started his third year as a therapy dog, is certified with the nationwide Therapy Dogs Inc. organization.

Dozer had to pass four levels of obedience training at a local canine training facility and take a "pretty strict test” for certification, Nousiainen said. He also passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen course.

‘A regular dog’

Most customers' reactions have been positive, Nousiainen said.

"A lot of fans can't get to the library on Saturdays, or nursing homes aren't open to the public, so this is another opportunity for fans to say hello to him," Nousiainen said.

However, once, a woman cruised through the drug store’s door in a motorized wheelchair and surprised Dozer, who jumped in Nousiainen's lap for comfort. His anxiety was short-lived, she said, and provided an opportunity to add power chair training to Dozer's repertoire.

"The woman and him became best of friends in about two minutes," Nousiainen said.

She describes Dozer as "definitely a people person," though when he's not letting a child read to him, visiting a nursing home or greeting his fans at Walgreen's, "he is a dog.

“When he's not working, he's a regular dog laying around the house doing regular dog stuff."

Want to go?

Dozer the Therapy Dog greets customers at Walgreen's, 2350 S. Ferdon Blvd., noon to 2 p.m. every second Thursday of the month.

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: Dozer the Therapy Dog welcomes customers to Walgreen's