local | Crestview News Bulletin

CHECK IT OUT: Crafts, book clubs, and more library offerings

Written by archive on March 13, 2013. Posted in local, News.

Our Irish dancers had to cancel their March 26 performance at the library. They had a good reas on: their daughter is going to state with her science fair project.

Instead of dancing like the Irish that day, we're going have "An Egg-cellent Evening" of crafts and fun from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, but activities cater to elementary students and their families. Registration is not required for this free event. The first 18 to sign in will receive crafts and snacks.

Please call me at 682-4432 with questions.

It’s a girl Saturday on March 16. If you are 6 years old or older and a chapter book reader, read, "Kit Saves the Day" and come to American Girl Book Club from 10 a.m. to noon!

If you are 12-18, join Just Bookin’ It Book Club from 2-4 p.m. Call me for more information.

•••

Teachers, I am available to come visit your classroom and the library is available for field trip tours.

Thank you, Michelle Williams, for coordinating a library tour for Walker Elementary’s first-graders. Students also visited the post office, where they mailed valentines; First National Bank; and McDonalds, which made for a great field trip.

STAFF PICKS

"The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day" by Natasha Wing

In this poem based on "The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day," Tim and Maureen try to set a trap, hoping to catch a real leprechaun and take his pot of gold.

"St. Patrick’s Day" by Anne Rockwell

Mrs. Madoff's students celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with class presentations about the holiday’s history, Irish traditions and culture.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Crafts, book clubs, and more library offerings

Hosts sought for annual Fashion Spree and Tea benefit

Written by archive on March 8, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW —Organizers of the Third Annual Fashion Spree and Tea: A Spring Social, benefiting Covenant Hospice, need volunteers to host a table of six to eight guests.

The Kentucky Derby-themed event, set for 2-4 p.m. April 27 at First Baptist Church of Crestview, will feature several tea selections, teatime treats and a fashion show by The Red Raspberry Boutique & Bridal, a derby hat contest, and a competition among table hosts.

Each volunteer host selects her table’s menu and sets the table with china and décor that reflect her personality and taste.

The event has raised more than $5,200 for the nonprofit hospice in the last two years. Events such as this tea help fund Covenant Hospice’s bereavement services, children’s support programs, chaplain services and indigent patient care in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Covenant Hospice accepts patients regardless of ability to pay.

In 2012, the organization provided more than $1.5 million in care for uninsured or under-insured patients facing a terminal illness, a hospice spokesperson said.

Want to help?

Contact Jenni Perkins, 598-5003 or jenni.perkins@covenanthospice.org, to volunteer as a host for the Third Annual Spree & Tea benefiting Covenant Hospice.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hosts sought for annual Fashion Spree and Tea benefit

Boyles speaking to Democrats in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach

Written by archive on March 7, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Distrct 3 Commissioner Nathan Boyles is the guest speaker for two Okaloosa Democrats meetings.

The meetings are 6 p.m. March 14 at the Coach-N-Four in Fort Walton Beach and 6 p.m. March 28 at Coach-N-Four in Crestview.

Boyles, a Republican, will discuss recent events and plans for the country. Democrats and guests are encouraged to attend.

Call 609-3367 or visit okaloosademocrats.com to learn more about Okaloosa Democrats.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boyles speaking to Democrats in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach

Local artist’s gift erected in advance of Garden Park dedication

Written by archive on March 7, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — Crestview artist William Walton has donated a handmade sign for Garden Park in advance of the recreation area’s April 25 dedication.

Walton, who owns PortraitCarvings.com, a local business, created the sign from red cedar, Dogwood Garden Club member Thea Duhaime said. She is spearheading the club's project to dedicate the park in honor of the defunct Crestview Garden Club.

"When the Crestview Garden Club finished their work on the park in 1982, they named it Garden Park, but not officially," she said. "It wasn't until May 23, 2011, that the Crestview City Council officially named it that, in honor of the Crestview Garden Club.

"There was never any official dedication that I can find in my researching. So, with the donation of the new sign, we thought this was the perfect time to dedicate the park and to bring attention to it."

When the Crestview Garden Club disbanded as its members aged, the Dogwood Garden Club stepped up to continue their predecessors' work in beautifying the park.

"We're carrying on the tradition," Duhaime said.

Want to go?

A dedication for Garden Park, at the foot of Main Street at State Road 85, is at 10 a.m. April 25. The public is invited.

Note: In the March 2 edition of the News Bulletin, it was erroneously stated that Garden Park would be renamed Dogwood Park. The park's name will not change. We regret the error.

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: Local artist’s gift erected in advance of Garden Park dedication

Poetry and music open mic events planned for March and April

Written by archive on March 7, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — The next Crestview Public Library open-mic night for poets and musicians is 6 p.m. March 12. The event is free and open to the public.

This month's poetry starter: Imagine a world that has one major difference from ours and write a poem about it.

The library is planning a poetry slam with prizes and other activities to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. Visit the March 12 open-mic night to learn more.

Contact Esther at the library, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us, or Rick Sanders, 585-6399, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poetry and music open mic events planned for March and April

Cold weather shelter opens tonight in Crestview

Written by archive on March 7, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — The weather shelter at New Beginnings Church, 412 W. James Lee Blvd. will open tonight — March 7 — at 6 p.m.

Weather shelters remain open until 8 a.m. the following morning

The Okaloosa County Cold Weather Shelter Program provides protection during freezing weather. Shelters remain open until 8 a.m. the next morning.

Program organizers estimate approximately 50 to 65 individuals take advantage of the shelters each time one opens.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cold weather shelter opens tonight in Crestview

Three ways to vote in Crestview and Laurel Hill elections

Written by archive on March 5, 2013. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — As Crestview and Laurel Hill’s municipal elections quickly approach, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux says voters have three ways to vote — early, by mail or at the polls.

•Early voting is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 2-9 at the Supervisor of Elections Offices, 302 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

• Vote by mail. Request absentee ballots early by telephone, email, mail, in person or by visiting www.govote-okaloosa.com. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Third-party pick-up by a designated immediate family member is allowed four days before Election Day. Today is the last day to request a ballot to be mailed to you.

• Vote on election day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 12. You must vote in the precinct in which you live. Check your status before you vote, Lux said. Visit the Supervisor of Elections website and use the Voter Lookup Tool to find your precinct, update your voter registration information, request an absentee ballot, check the status of your absentee ballot, view sample ballots and future election dates, and view a map and obtain directions to your polling place.

Florida Statutes require you to show photo and signature identification when you vote in person, whether early or at the polls.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Three ways to vote in Crestview and Laurel Hill elections

Despite weather, residents bring pets to ‘Bark for Life’ (GALLERY)

Written by archive on March 5, 2013. Posted in local, News.

BAKER — Despite cold weather, event organizers are pleased with attendance of this year’s Bark for Life, a Relay for Life fundraiser that benefited the American Cancer Society.

Attendance for Southside Animal Hospital’s event, which took place at the Baker Recreation Center, was down from last year, but participants still helped raise around $600 for cancer research, organizers said.

Around 45 people attended Bark for Life, according to Vanessa Hehl, the Purr-fect Pacers’ team captain and Southside’s receptionist, said.

"Our numbers were down from last year; I honestly think it was from the weather," she said. "But it was $600 they (ACS) didn't have."

Last year's event collected nearly $1,300 for the ACS.

Dogs of different sizes and breeds, from boxers to poodles, were brought to the event. Even some cats, which were up for adoption from the Pet Welfare Adoption center, braved the barks.

While some attended for the second time, this year's event was a first for others.

"This has been fun, I have enjoyed this," said Margie Palanas, who brought both her daughters and the family’s dogs, Duke and Junior.

"This is good for them to be around other dogs," Palanas said.

Crestview resident Becky Davidson brought her American bulldog, Bella, to the event.

"We came to the one last year and had a great time," Davidson said. "We just have fun with all dogs and the kids — a lot of good entertainment."

The event had several activities for pets and kids. While dogs were encouraged to run through the training course, or get their nails trimmed by Southside staff, kids could jump around in a bounce house or have their faces painted.

Bark for Life is one of many events that Davidson attends to support cancer research.

"They are all for a good cause; hopefully, one day they will find a cure," she said, adding that she has lost a family member to cancer and two relatives are cancer survivors.

The animal hospital organized the event after a coworker at the veterinary clinic had a close call, Hehl said.

"We kinda had cancer hit close to home with Kim (Hathcock); luckily, hers was benign," she said. "We started seeing a lot of our good clients battling cancer.

"It’s just all for a great cause no matter what," Hehl 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: Despite weather, residents bring pets to ‘Bark for Life’ (GALLERY)

CHECK IT OUT: See this Lincoln information source

Written by archive on March 5, 2013. Posted in local, News.

The 2,100-page encyclopedic “Lincoln Library of Essential Information,” now in its 44th edition and 89th year, commemorates Abraham Lincoln, whose example demonstrated self-education’s possibilities.

As Lincoln said, "A capacity, and taste, for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish, and facility, for successfully pursuing the unsolved ones."

FactCite.com, which features content from The Lincoln Library, contains thousands of full-text articles of extensive historical, biographic and reference material. It is divided into five subject areas:

•American history

•Biographies

•Sports

•Greek and Roman mythology

•Essential information

Featured pages include "Explore the 50 States" and "Countries and Cultures of the World” — both great sources for homework help.

FactCite is featured on our library website, cityofcrestview.org/library.php, on the Electronic Resources page. Your 14-digit library card barcode is required for access.

LapSit

Today at 10:15 a.m. is one of my favorite LapSit programs of the year — "Bedtime" — because the children, parents and staff may come in their pajamas, robes and slippers. So if you've never seen our Mike in his Korean "hanbok" you may want to stop by today!

Plant lecture March 21

Dennis Mitchell, a qualified environmental professional and retired Troy University professor, will be the guest speaker for the March 21 Friends of the Crestview Library meeting.

Mitchell will educate attendees on local poisonous plants, including one with a 2,000-year-old story involving this country’s colonial times and some famous Americans.

The program begins at 10:30 a.m. and everyone is invited to attend.

Free financial courses

A free "Investments 101" series, with financial adviser Joe Faulk, is on six consecutive Mondays, 6-7 p.m. April 15 through May 20.

Class topics include:

•Take Stock in the Market

•IRAs: Retirement Can Be Less Taxing

•A Smart Start to Mutual Funds

•Focus on Fixed Income

•Tax-Free Investing

•Retirement by Design

Registration is not required, but the first 20 to reserve a seat and attend that evening will receive free workbooks. You may attend any or all classes. Call 682-8844 to register.

Book sale begins April 5

Mark your calendar for the next Friends of the Library book sale April 5, 6 and 7. A $2 admission charge for non-Friends members applies for the 5-8 p.m. Friday early bird sale, but you may join at the door.

The Saturday and Sunday sales run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an especially large selection of large-print books for this sale only.

‘Going Green’ April 2

Next month’s First Tuesday installment, "Going Green: What You Can Do at Home," will be presented by Tina Gainey of Greenway Saves. The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. April 2.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: See this Lincoln information source

Baker woman injured in I-10 crash

Written by archive on March 4, 2013. Posted in local, News.

Theresa Diane Rainey, who is 52, was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries following the 9:10 a.m. crash.

She was heading westbound on the interstate when she veered off toward the median a guardrail that separates two overpasses for Pine Forest Road. Her Dodge pickup went through the guardrail and struck a car on Pine Forest Road.

The driver of that car, Tanya Marie Bray of Cantonment, was not injured.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker woman injured in I-10 crash

850.682.6524