CRESTVIEW — Community members will pause at noon today to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the third annual Stand Up and Say the Pledge ceremony.

The Crestview Exchange Club's program, which lasts about 15 minutes, includes patriotic readings and songs, and a performance of the national anthem.

"The ceremony restates the importance of our flag and what it stands for," Exchange Club president and Crestview Mayor David Cadle said. "It's a short ceremony that has a Boy Scout honor guard and former Air Force Chaplain Walter Beaman speaking,"

Exchange Club organizers have invited local World War II veteran Tom Seagle to lead the Pledge, club member Sharlene Cox said.

"That would be a special honor for us," Cox said.

The annual ceremony is part of the Exchange Club's Americanism pillar.

The organization also sponsors the annual flag display on the Crestview High School lawn for Veterans Day.

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: 'Stand Up and Say the Pledge' ceremony is 12 p.m. today

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council has unanimously selected former Mayor George H. Whitehurst as the Mae R. Coleman Citizen of the Year Award's second recipient.

Whitehurst, Crestview's longest-serving mayor, was first elected in 1961, and served three terms in office, including 1967-76 and 1995-97.

"People in this city have so much admiration for George Whitehurst for all he has done for the city," Mayor David Cadle said. "He had the vision many years ago that the city could develop into what it is today, and he acted on that vision."

Whitehurst, who founded the Whitehurst Funeral Home in 1955, is one of the group of local business leaders that Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Wayne Harris calls "The '56ers" because they founded the chamber in 1956.

Whitehurst's accomplishments in office included obtaining funding to convert the former Yellow River Railroad bed into today's Industrial Drive.

His other accomplishments while mayor and after leaving office include:

Coleman — who is assembling a citizens committee to recommend future award recipients — credited such acts for Whitehurst's honor.

"This is an award for what you do in this community, for your community and for your neighbors," she said. "It is a humanitarian award. Mayor Whitehurst did good for the city. I know he did what he did for humanitarian reasons."

When Crestview acquired a former light-manufacturing facility on the corner of Stillwell Boulevard and Industrial Drive in 2009, the city council unanimously named it the George H. Whitehurst Municipal Building. Today, it houses the Crestview Police Department and Warriors Hall auditorium.

Whitehurst's nomination followed Cadle's recommendation at the Jan. 28 council meeting.

"Mayor Cadle has made a wonderful suggestion for our Citizen of the Year recipient," Council President Ben Iannucci III said at the council's Feb. 11 meeting.

Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. moved to approve whom he called "probably Crestview's No. 1 citizen, former Mayor George H. Whitehurst, as the 2013 Citizen of the Year, based on Mrs. Coleman's comments and the mayor's recommendation."

A burst of applause sounded throughout the council chamber as five "yes" votes appeared on the tally board.

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: Whitehurst named Mae R. Coleman Citizen of the Year in Crestview

NICEVILLE — Okaloosa and Walton counties' Rotary clubs' free conflict resolution workshop is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1407 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville. Lunch will be provided.

Advance registration is required by e-mailing rotarypeaceproject@gmail.com or by signing up at www.midbayrotaryclub.org.

"Internationally renowned facilitator Kathy Suerken will share a simple methodology that can teach us how to resolve conflicts without finger pointing and in a way that enables us to eliminate the conflict without compromising important needs," a Rotary spokesperson said.

Suerken, a Rotarian, said she hopes to help residents face regular conflict.

"How much stress in our daily lives exists because of drama that is a result of conflicts that have not been effectively resolved — in the home, the classroom, in the workplace — and in our communities," she said. "If we try to avoid the problem, the conflict escalates and deepens. Attempts to settle disputes through compromise frequently leave everyone dissatisfied because what were compromised were important needs.

"Frustration, finger-pointing and bad feelings remain. (These) can lead to walls of distrust, broken relationships and, in some cases, impulsive behaviors that 'disturb the peace.'"

Suerken will explain conflict resolution tools that can be effective regardless of age, education and culture — "as evidenced by powerful testimonials and results in over 30 countries on five continents," a spokesperson said.

Contact Kathy Suerken, 897-2616, to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rotary club sponsors Feb. 23 conflict resolution workshop

LAUREL HILL — Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church seeks artists for an upcoming community arts festival.

The Laurel Hill Spring Arts Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13 at the church on 8115 4th St.

"This is going to be a chance for local artists to strut their stuff, whether it be musical or visual arts," the Rev. Mark Broadhead, the church's pastor, has said. "It's going to be free to everybody involved."

The festival's name alone indicates a change; previous festivals occurred in October.

"We decided to move it because there was too much going on in October," Broadhead said, adding other church fall festivals were scheduled around the same time.

"Hopefully, the spring weather will bring more people out," he said.

The Crestview and Laurel Hill Presbyterian churches, which Broadhead preaches at, have presented the event for three years.

"When we first started doing this, we had around 50 to 60 people," he said. "The last time we had it, there was around 100 in attendance."

The festival features art, of course.

"We have had a good variety of different things," church member Tracey Ann Curenton said. "We've had painters, wood carvers and photographers in the past."

The festival also features various musicians.

"The last festival (in 2011) had five musical performers," Broadhead said. "One of which was a bagpipe band … who actually gave the history of the bagpipes, which was interesting."

Other performers have included an electronic orchestra from Northwest Florida State College and area church choirs.

Refreshments and other concessions are expected to be available along with a bake sale.

The bake sale's proceeds will help pay for clothing and feeding the area's less fortunate residents, Broadhead said.

There is no cost for artists to set up their displays, but the church requests a $5 deposit for those needing an electrical outlet.

Attention, vendors

Are you interested in displaying or selling your family-friendly art at the Laurel Hill Spring Arts Festival?

Call the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview, 682-2835, for details.

Want to go?

 The Laurel Hill Spring Arts Festival is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13 at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 4th Street.

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: Organizers seek artists for April 13 Laurel Hill festival

CRESTVIEW — Area Girl Scouts are choosing items for a time capsule that will tell future members their story several years from now.

Their inspiration was a 10-year-old capsule their predecessors contributed letters, photos and other mementoes to. The box had been displayed in a glass box in City Hall's lobby.

"To be opened in the year 2013," read the green engraved brass plate on the capsule's stand.

Girls from Troops 48, 316, 174, 409, 410, 88, 244, 349, 190, 312, 320, 235, 268 and 392 had contributed scouting mementoes from their respective troops. Participating troops packed items — like a T-shirt and drawings — in resealable plastic bags.

"In a lot of their bags they included what we call 'swaps,'" —  distinctive, usually handmade, patches that Girl Scouts exchange with girls in other troops, Megan Jackson, of the Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle, said. "Some girls included photos of themselves."

Most troops included a letter for members who would open the capsule. Current troop members during Monday's City Council meeting read some of the letters, which described activities their troops were involved in at the time. Some listed the former members' names.

"We plan on being in the Christmas parade dressed up as angels, but we don't really need to dress up for that," wrote one troop's author, eliciting laughter around the council chamber.

While 10 years ago may not seem far back to adults witnessing the wooden capsule's opening in the City Council Chamber, some of the girls withdrawing the box's contents were infants or unborn at the time, Jackson said.

"Some of the girls who made the capsule (in 2003) our girls know as adults now," she said.

Using materials they found in the box, the girls who opened the time capsule are tracking down their predecessors who packed it, Jackson said.

They're also considering options for the next time capsule.

They may use the same wooden box, "but sometimes girls want to add their own touch because it's their turn now," Jackson said.

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: Time capsule inspires Girl Scouts to make their own (VIDEO)

NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS EDITOR'S NOTE: On this Valentine’s Day we bring you the stories of four pairs of “sweethearts” whose love has stood the test of time and trials. We hope you are as touched by their stories as we were.

See photos of the sweethearts we interviewed for this story.

True love

In their 57 years together, Martha and Charles Gafford have shared three kids, eight grandchildren and one mule.

Now they’re sharing what Charles considers to be the saddest disease of all. In 2004, Martha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

In 2010, he put her in Fort Walton Beach Rehabilitation Center, right up the street from the home they shared.

“I’ve always been a fairly strong person,” he says. “I could stand tragedy good. But I’ve shed a lot of tears over my wife’s (Alzheimer’s).”

She calls him mama if she calls him anything. He visits her every day to feed her, brush her teeth, make sure she drinks enough and soothe her if she becomes agitated.

“I feel if you have a real good husband or a real good wife — real good — if they get sick, you’re supposed to look after them,” Charles says.

He never skips a day. An internal alarm goes off about 11 a.m. and sends him up the street to visit.

She put up with him for 57 years, he says, smiling. Now it’s his turn.

When she’s agitated she calls for her mama.

He pats her soothingly and answers, “I’m right here. I’m right here.” That makes her feel better.

As much as he gives her now, he could never repay her for the gift she gave him when they were first together, he said.

She led him to Jesus.

“I don’t see how people make it through tragedy like this that don’t believe in Jesus,” he says. “When the Lord takes her, I’m not going to be behind (by) too much.”

I do, again and again For Art and Martha Sizemore, one wedding just wasn’t enough.

In their 11-year marriage, they’ve actually gotten married 10 times, and counting.

“We like to learn about other cultures and the marriages became a way to do that,” Art says.

He expresses his affection every mealtime, telling Martha he loves her at breakfast, lunch and dinner. He says he wants to remind her that she is the most important person in the world to him.

“You have to tell each other that you love each other,” says Art, who is 88. “Love is being able to sit and chat. It’s about not arguing over the little things. And you have to know that nothing is mine or hers, it’s ours.”

Martha says companionship is worth learning to find the middle ground. In their nearly 12 years of marriage, they have only disagreed about minor issues.

“We compromise because life is too short to argue,” says Martha, who is 80. “Love is thinking of the other person and providing for their needs.”

Art and Martha had been married before they met in 2001. Two years after their spouses passed away they found each other.

Today, they travel the world on cruises and trips, throwing in a new wedding ceremony along the way.

For Valentine’s Day the pair planned to head to the Caribbean to celebrate, and hope to have another trip in September.

“The older we get, the more we see that we need help,” Martha said. “If I were alone, how much more difficult that would be.

“Our lives are so much more fulfilling and joyful because we have each other.”

Give and take

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, flowers are nice. But after 65 years of marriage, it’s the other gifts that are the most priceless.

Helen and Bud Aylor, who now live at Westwood Retirement Resort, don’t consider themselves experts on love and marriage. But they’re good at it.

They say the key is supporting each other and being kind to each other. Listening to your spouse and caring about the things that matter to them also is important.

Their marriage has survived the loss of two of their three children and 17 moves, including their latest last year into the retirement community.

“This is another adventure in our lives,” Bud says.

They met at a dance when Helen was still in high school and Bud was in the Marines.

“He was a gentleman,” Helen says softly. “He always has been a gentleman.”

They say the keys to a long marriage are basic. You have to be friends. You have to know how to give and take.

“Just be kind,” Helen says.

Those tools saw them through the saddest of days and continue to shape their marriage now that they are both in their mid-80s.

“There have been a lot of beautiful days, a lot of sunshine,” Bud says.

Spiritual intimacy

Gwendolyn Jones knew right away how she felt about her now husband of 35 years, Herb Jones.

She heard him laugh and she was hooked.

“He’s very gregarious,” says Gwendolyn, who is 78. “His ability to communicate not only with me and everyone else really drew me to him.”

But Gwendolyn said there were parameters when Herb first wanted to date her.

“She didn’t like that I drank or smoked, so she said she would only date me if I stopped,” 81-year-old Herb says. “It’s been 35 years since I’ve touched the stuff.”

The key to a long lasting marriage for Herb is all about compromise.

“That means if she wants to go north and I want to go south we meet in the middle,” Herb says. “If she wants fish for dinner and I want steak, we go to a restaurant with both.

“The way to a happy marriage is to not be stubborn and to not get overwhelmed by selfish intent.”

Gwendolyn said the lasting marriages are made up of respect and integrity.

“Love is not meant to be based on sexuality. I know that’s what a lot of people think,” Gwendolyn says. “Love is a relationship of trust, respect and spiritual intimacy.”

This year, Herb said he’s gotten Gwendolyn a pass to a seminar she will enjoy. And Gwendolyn said she’s got a pretty special gift for her husband.

“He’s getting a big hug, big kiss and an ‘I love you.’”

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.

Contact Daily News Assignment Editor Wendy Victora at 850-315-4478 or wvictora@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @WendyVnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lessons on love from local sweethearts (GALLERY)

CRESTVIEW — The Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society will host the annual Black History Program at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Carver-Hill School Center.

Guest speaker for the event is the Rev. Edward J. Parker, pastor of First Church of God in Christ. The First Church choir is providing music as well.

Refreshments will be served by the society. Donations are welcome.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Black History program Feb. 15 at Carver-Hill Center

CRESTVIEW — Employees at the Dogwood Acres veterinary clinic recently had the opportunity to give some advice to pet owners.

Ami Johnson, a certified veterinary technician, and Kristy Guthre, head receptionist of the clinic recently sat down with the Crestview News Bulletin to discuss what pet owners should know to keep their pets healthy.

Parvovirus

One deadly threat that Dogwood Acres' patients experience increasingly is parvovirus, Johnson said.

"It basically dehydrates (dogs) until they die; it affects the intestinal track and the stomach," she said. Symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.

Dogs can contract the virus — typically transmitted through animal feces — from soil, which can incubate it up to a year.

A series of about four vaccinations per year can help protect dogs, Johnson said, adding the vaccines must be kept cold to work.

To ensure effectiveness, people should vaccinate their pets before introducing their companions to a new environment or strangers, she said.

Vaccines cost about $20 each, which is less than paying for medical treatments should health problems arise, Johnson said.

Heartworms

Heartworms — spread from host to host through mosquito bites — result from larvae entering dogs' bloodstream.

 Within six months, the larvae can form adult heartworms, which can damage canines' hearts.

"Heartworms around here are all year round because it does not get cold enough to kill mosquitoes," Guthre said.

Preventive medication can be purchased at retail stores and veterinarian clinics.

Dogs affected by heartworms can be treated, but the cost exceeds that of preventive medications, which run from about $8 to $10 a month, depending on the dog's size.

Conversely, heartworm treatment injections can range between $500 and $900, depending on the dog's size.

Rabies

Humans bitten by animals infected with rabies can die without immediate treatment. The virus attacks the central nervous system and carries symptoms including depression, sensitivity to touch, painful swallowing and drooling, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Due to the risk, the law requires pets to receiveregular rabies shots from licensed veterinarians.

"They should start getting rabies vaccinations once a year," Johnson said. "After the first couple of years, they have the option of getting a three-year shot."

Dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated starting at 4 months old, under Florida statutes, which require owners to receive vaccination certificates.

A pet may be exempt from a rabies shot if a licensed veterinarian provides documentation stating the shot would harm that pet. However, that pet should receive the shot as soon as it can. 

"There is no cure for rabies; once you get it, you die," Johnson said.

Exercise

Several factors — including the dog's size, how much the animal eats and how active it is — play into how much dogs should exercise, Johnson said.

However, a rule of thumb is that "they usually should be walked for 30 to 45 minutes a day," she said.

Owners taking their dogs to a dog park should be cautious of the other dogs.

"One thing you want to think about when you get all of those dogs together is their vaccinations," Johnson said.

Even if the dog park has a sign posted requesting all dogs be vaccinated, it won't deter those who are not.

"Everyone should be honest about that, but some people are not," Johnson said.

The closest dog park for Crestview residents, outside of apartment complexes' offerings, is in Niceville. The city's Community Redevelopment Agency has discussed the possibility of adding such a facility in Twin Hills Park along with a skate park. The CRA is expected to present proposed plans at their next yet unscheduled meeting. 

A dog park may be unsuitable for dogs considered antisocial.

"Each dog is different, and it depends on what they have been through," Guthre said. "Some may have been left in crates all of their lives and that's all they know.

"They are either comfortable with it, or they have anxiety because (of being outside) of it."

Dog training classes can help these dogs become more sociable, Johnson said.

Diet

For pet owners unsure of how much to feed their pets, the answers appear on the brand of dog food they purchase.

Each bag of dog food has a chart that tells the preferred amount of food for each animal depending on the dog's age and weight.

But knowing how much to feed animals isn't enough; you also need to know what not to feed them — generally, that includes table scraps.

"Animals don't metabolize people food the way (humans) do," Johnson said. "(Dogs) can get what is called pancreatitis, which is when the pancreas becomes inflamed."

Pancreatitis can lead to other health problems including diabetes, Johnson said. However, these problems can be avoided if the animal keeps a healthy weight.

"The less (fat) your pet has, the longer they will live," Johnson said.

Ultimately, maintaining a dog's health should be considered the same way humans maintain theirs: with annual check-ups, Johnson said.

"Bringing them in for annual exams either once or twice a year would be beneficial," Johnson said.

For dogs over the age of seven, it is recommended that they are brought in for check ups twice a year. 

"The older dogs get, the more often they should have check ups," Johnson 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: PUPPY LOVE: Pet specialists give advice on pet health

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa residents are remembering a lifelong Holt resident who served as a Crestview barber for nearly 60 years.

Leon Johns, of Leon's Barber Shop, died at age 86 on Saturday. His funeral was yesterday at Holt Assembly of God Church.

"One thing I could say about Johns was that he knew how to cut a good head of hair," LaRue McKinney, of Crestview, said. He attended the Holt church where Johns was a long-time member. "He was always a kind-hearted and nice man."

Johns served on the church board for eight years and, with his wife, Mildred, coordinated a ministry for senior citizens, friends said.

"Having been in business for as long as he has, my father knew a lot of people," Allen Houx, his son, said. "He is definitely going to be missed." 

Johns was born in Holt in 1926. He spent four years as a firefighter in the U.S. Army, and served in Europe during World War II.

"My mother told me that he is one of the men responsible for bringing the water system to Holt," Houx said, adding his father spent 15 years on the Holt water system board of directors.

"He was always busy and a hard worker," Houx said.

In his spare time, Johns enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.

 Johns leaves behind Mildred, his spouse of more than 50 years, and their four children.

"Off and on, the family has been in the hair-cutting business," Houx said. Although Houx — and his sister, Jami — didn't take to his father's profession, his two sisters did.

"Both Linda (Clayton) and Nina (Roberts) have worked in the hair-cutting business," he said.

Mildred operated beauty shops for several years in Crestview and Holt.

Leon's Barber Shop will continue serving customers, family members said.

"We plan to keep the business going," Houx said. The shop employs four licensed barbers, including Johns' grandson, Andrew Scoles. He works with Johns' longtime friend and colleague, Wayne Melvin.

"We worked together for nearly 16 years," Melvin said, adding that he will remember Johns' giving spirit.

"If there was anything you ever needed, he would always be there," he said. "He was just a good friendly neighbor."

Melvin remembers Johns' inevitable response to those who asked when he would retire.

"He would always tell them he would retire when the good Lord is ready to take him," Melvin said.

Johns was forced to retire in 2010 due to declining health.

Brackney Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements, is accepting flower donations and contributions for Emerald Coast Hospice.

Those who want to share memories of Johns and offer condolences can visit http://bit.ly/WEZMxR.

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: Long-time Crestview barber and Holt resident dies at age 86