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CRESTVIEW — Area green thumbs will celebrate Florida’s Arbor Day Friday morning with a tree giveaway and tree planting at the University of Florida/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension location on Airport Road.

The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Choctawhatchee Bay chapter donated a $200 winged elm tree to be planted during Friday’s events. The tree can grow as high as 40 feet, Okaloosa County Master Gardener Sandie Olsen said.

“Its seeds are a great bird attractor,” Olsen said. “And it’s not susceptible to Dutch elm disease.”

The Dogwood Garden Club of Crestview likewise donated a tree, also to be planted during Friday’s events.

“They (county Master Gardeners) have a landscape master plan and this will be part of it,” Dogwood member Celia Broadhead said.

County Extension officials, Master Gardeners and state forestry officials will offer advice on tree planting in the north county region, including a planting demonstration by County Extension commercial horticulture agent Sheila Dunning. Maria Wilson, the Florida Forest Service’s senior forester, will distribute free mayhaw, red maple, cherry bark oak and yellow poplar saplings.

Planting these and other trees native to northwest Florida is preferable to importing non-native exotic species, such as the palm trees some residents like to plant in their yards, retired forester and Forest Service Poet Laureate John McMahon said.

“Native trees are likely to adapt better to our local conditions,” he said. “They grew up here and are acclimated to growing in our soil. They’ve adapted to our conditions, including our colder winters. They are easier to maintain than exotic trees.”

Events begin Friday at 9 a.m. with the sapling giveaway, which lasts until noon or until all trees are given away.

Dedication of the DAR’s winged elm is at 10:30 a.m.; Dunning’s planting demonstration will follow.

Coffee and a guided tour of the new extension building will be provided at 11 a.m.

All events are free.

McMahon encouraged interested residents to visit the Crestview McMahon Environmental Center on Butler Circle, off Maypoles Street, beneath the fire tower. The center has been the location of past years’ Arbor Day events.

“We have more than 100 native species tagged for easy identification,” said McMahon, for whom the center was named.

Though national Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, state Arbor Days are observed to correspond with optimal local tree planting conditions.

Florida’s Arbor Day is the third Friday of January.

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Want to go?

Arbor Day events — Friday at the University of Florida/IFAs County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road — are as follows.

9 a.m. to noon: Sapling giveaway (while supplies last)

10:30 a.m.: Dedication of DAR winged elm; tree planting demonstration

10:45 a.m.: Dedication and planting of Dogwood Garden Club’s tree

11 a.m.: Refreshments and tour of County Extension building

Admission for all events is free.

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: Tree giveway among Arbor Day events on Friday

CRESTVIEW — Instead of having a regular Sunday evening service, New Life Missionary Baptist Church had a panel discussion on current events.

The discussion, sponsored by the Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical Society, involved input from community members of different political backgrounds including members of Republican, Democratic and Tea Party organizations.

County Commissioner Wayne Harris represented the Okaloosa County Commission and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.

Also on the panel was Sabu Williams, representing the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, and the Rev. Charles Flowers, representing the local clergy.

The discussion became heated when gun control was raised in a question regarding the Dec. 14 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Williams and Democratic Party member John Whitley favored banning the sale of assault rifles that can fire multiple rounds before reloading.

"When (the Founding Fathers) wrote the Second Amendment, they only had muskets," Whitely said.

Williams agreed with banning assault weapons, but said Americans should be able to defend themselves.

"I believe every household should have a gun," Williams said.

Harris weighed in on the impact of additional gun laws.

"There are over 25,000 gun laws in this country; one more won't make a difference," he said.

Instead, the country should focus on improving mental health treatment, he said, adding that God should be brought back to public schools, a statement that drew applause.

Among other topics discussed involved Crestview's economic infrastructure and political differences within the parties.

Organizers allowed questions from the audience, one of which pertained to whether Crestview traffic can be alleviated on State Road 85.

The county lacks the funds to add or improve roadways, Harris said, adding that neither he nor the other commissioners have a say on S.R. 85.

 "Highway 85 is a state road; we can't touch it," he said.

The Rev. Jerry Jones, associate pastor at Mercy Seat Ministries in Fort Walton Beach, was the discussion’s facilitator.

"Things got a little heated at the end, but that’s the thing about living in this country where there are different points of view," he said.

The Rev. Sanford Hayes was pleased with the event.

"It was a good turnout," he said. "The (panel members) answered the questions in an intelligent manner."

Hayes said he thought the audience gained insight on the issues discussed.

The panel was part of Carver-Hill's recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Hayes previously said this panel discussion is part of King's dream of becoming one nation, not divided.

Shalimar residents Gary and Nancy Stelling attended to support Whitley and the Democratic Party.

"It was good to get everybody together and talk about it,” Nancy Stelling said. "It seems to me it was at least a good starting point."

Arden Farley, an Okaloosa County resident, agreed.

"I thought it was good," Farley said. "I thought they all made excellent points."

"I plan on coming to the next one," Farley 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: Gun ownership rights fuel heated debate at MLK panel discussion

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CRESTVIEW — The Emerald Coast Young Marines on Saturday learned about being a U.S. Marine as they honored a service member injured in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, of Milton, reportedly received six surgeries for injuries including a torn rotator cuff, shattered jaw and a brain injury. In addition, she experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

But on Saturday, she was the Young Marines’ honored guest an Elks Lodge luncheon.

She appreciated meeting group members who sent her letters of encouragement while she recuperated.

“To put faces to the names of the young Marines that have been writing me throughout my recovery is a great feeling,” Ennis said. “I hope I can empower them half as much as they have done for me.”

Elks Lodge 2624 provided lunch for Ennis, her family and the Young Marines, their parents and staff.

Attendees said Ennis was a role model.

“She really inspires me … how she can be in a helicopter crash and (still) be here to tell us about her experiences,” Pfc. Michaela Cantwell, 10, of Milton, said.

“Now I’m thinking about being a gunner,” Michaela said. Ennis served as gunner on helicopters that transport military personnel and supplies.

Many Young Marines said Ennis’ story wouldn’t deter them from facing dangerous situations.

Pfc. Carson Caldwell, 10, of Crestview found Ennis’ ordeal “emotional,” but said he still wants to be a Marine. “I think I can handle it; I’m strong enough.”

Carson's brother, William, also is a member of the ECYM. Their mother, Michelle Caldwell — a group volunteer — has personal experience dealing with wounded service members. Allen, her eldest son, received a serious head injury during hand-to-hand combat training at the United States Naval Academy, ending his military career with an honorable discharge.

Allen has since attended the University of Central Florida and, all things considered, his mother said he is doing well.

“It has left him with some personality changes … I don’t know if he will ever be fully recovered,” Michelle said.

Although being a military mom can be difficult, Michelle said her children have chosen this path.

"Some other countries, you don't have a choice, but in this one, you do," she said.

“We should all do what we can for our country and our community,” Michelle said. “Sometimes, we have to sacrifice ourselves for other people.”

As for Ennis, she plans to meet with a medical review board to learn whether she can continue her drill instructor career.

If she retires, Ennis would like to pay it forward with a medical degree.

"I want to work with service members who have PTSD," she said.

Want to join?

The Emerald Coast Young Marines meet on the first and third Saturday each month at the Elks Lodge in Crestview. Boys and girls ages 8-18 may join the group.

Deadline to register this year is Jan. 30.

See emeraldcoastyoungmarines.com for more information.

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: Emerald Coast Young Marines honor wounded troop member

In December, the state Department of Transportation awarded a $13.9 million contract for the project intended to relieve traffic congestion on U.S. 98 and provide better access to Hurlburt’s Field’s main gate.

Two two-lane bridges will be built on U.S. 98 over Cody Avenue. Construction should begin this summer.

Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, said congestion at the intersection has been frustrating for Hurlburt and surrounding communities for years.

“I see this as a tremendous opportunity for both those of us who commute to Hurlburt Field and those who drive past the installation,” he said in an email.

The overpass should extend to about 3,750 feet west of the intersection and 2,500 feet to the east, according to the DOT.

In addition to the overpass, the work will include improvements to utilities, drainage, traffic signals, traffic management systems, lighting, signs and pavement markings.

Temporary lane closures will occur during utilities relocation, said Tanya Branton, a spokeswoman for the DOT. Officials will provide advance notice.

That job should be finished by the time construction begins this summer, she said.

The contract for design and construction of the overpass was awarded to Superior Construction Co. and Michael Baker Corp.

It came in under budget. Last spring, DOT officials said they had set aside $21.2 million for the job.

The $7.3 million in savings was passed on to other projects in the DOT’s Northwest Florida district, Branton said.

Officials said traffic likely will get a little worse before it gets better, but they are working to provide alternatives during construction.

Dan Wilcoxen, Hurlburt’s chief of military construction, said they are working closely with DOT and Okaloosa County to coordinate potential secondary gate access points.

The options being considered would be implemented about July.

The entire project is expected to be complete in the winter of 2014, Branton said.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4440 or lreinlie@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crews start preliminary construction for Hurlburt overpass

CRESTVIEW — Newly elected Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles will speak at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Crestview Public Library.

“I am going to discuss some of the accomplishments that the county has made which may not have been publicized," said Boyles, District 3 commissioner.

Such achievements include balancing the county budget and improving several county roads, he said.

In addition, he mentioned area airport improvements along with the water and sewer departments' water and sewer installations at Eglin Air Force Base. 

"I will also discuss the challenges facing the county for the new year," Boyles said, adding he will discuss the “lean” budget cycle.

 Another challenge Boyles mentioned was working with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office to place resource officers in area elementary and middle schools.

"We will be discussing (with the sheriff's department) ways to make sure they have the resources without taking any officers off the roads and away from other units within the department," Boyles said.

A question-and-answer session will be included.

Boyles was invited on behalf of the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization that presents several library fundraisers throughout the year.

A Friends of the Library general business meeting, also open to the public, will follow Boyle's speech.

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: County commissioner will speak Jan. 17 at Crestview library

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VALPARAISO — The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s 2013 board of trustees have been meeting as of Dec. 13, the organization announced.

Executive Committee members are Gordon King, chair; Steve Czonstka, vice-chair/finance; Donna Miller, vice-chair/membership; and Diane Plank, secretary.

Newly elected board of trustees members are Frank Berte’, David Jeffcoat, Martha Trau and Vandy Vela-Schneidt.

Continuing trustees are Carole Apfel, Lannie Corbin, Terri Fedonczak, Beverly Gross, Harold Peek, Bill Reeder and Erik Stoer.

The museum's staff, Gina Marini and Ginny Wimmers, presented trustee Bill Reeder with the 2012 Kenneth E. Bailey Preservation and Stewardship Award, which honors board members who exemplify giving of their "time, talent and treasure," as stated in a press release.

Reeder has served on the board for more than 20 years and with every director since the museum's inception. Along with various committees, he also served several years as board chairperson.

“Mr. Reeder’s years of support and dedication are commendable and his efforts invaluable,” Marini said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Museum group elects officers, presents stewardship award

VALPARAISO — The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (115 Westview Ave.) has scheduled several crafting classes as part of its Heritage Alive! series. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Call 678-2615 to register.

Available classes are listed below.

•basketweaving, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 19: $30 ($25 for members). Beginners and advanced weavers will make a heart basket.

•hand quilting class, 10-11 a.m. Jan. 26 to March 2: $35 ($30 for museum members). Students will learn hand appliqué and create a quilted wall hanging.

•pine needle basketry, 5-7 p.m. Feb. 5 and 12: Learn the original Seminole techniques and make a beautiful pine needle basket in this two-part class. $55 ($50 for members).

•chair caning, 5:30-7:30 p.m., March 5, 12 and 19: $55 ($50 for members). Do you have a chair that needs re-caning? Sign up for the museum's three-day workshop.

•fiber rush weaving, 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 7: $55 ($50 for members). Students will learn fiber rush weaving and make their own foot stool.  Register early and stain or paint your stool to match your home décor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hand quilting and more at the Heritage Museum

NICEVILLE — The Emerald Coast Quilt retreat and show, "At the Beach," is 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28, March 1 and 2 at the Palms of Destin, 14073 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin. The Flying Needles Quilt Guild is the host.

Quilters may enter one or two quilts — depending on available space — completed no more than three years prior to Feb. 28, 2013. Submissions must be original to this show. Fee per entry is $15 ($10 for Flying Needles members).

The deadline to enter is Jan. 26. Application forms and quilt show information are available at www.flyingneedlesquiltguild.org.

Email your application and digital image of entry to FNQGquiltshow@cox.net, or mail it with a photograph to Flying Needles Quilt Guild/Quilt show entry, PO Box 1652, Niceville, FL 32578.

Quilts will be judged and cash prizes or awards given in the following categories: pieced; appliqué; hand-quilting (including whole cloth); other techniques (three-dimensional, clothing, embroidery, paint, or photo transfer). There will also be a Viewer’s Choice voted on by show attendees.

Quilters may sign up to have their quilt appraised by Alma Moates, who attended American Quilters Society appraisal classes in Paducah, Ky., and successfully tested to became AQS-certified in Quilted Textiles.

Contact Rosemary, 897-0430, or Donna, 613-6589, for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Quilt show entries sought

CRESTVIEW — The city will celebrate civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a couple of events this month.

Birthday celebration

The Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical Society on Sunday will present a birthday celebration and panel discussion at 5 p.m. at New Life Missionary Baptist Church.

Seven representatives from local organizations ranging in different political backgrounds will comprise the panel.

"Instead of just having one guest speaker, we wanted to spice things up," said Pastor Sanford Hayes, event organizer.

Representatives from local Republican, Democratic and Tea Party organizations will be part of the discussion. Okaloosa County Commissioner Wayne Harris also is expected to take part in the discussion.

A representative from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, and a student from the Northwest Florida African American Student Association also will be in the panel.

"We try to get the perspectives from the many points of view," Hayes said. "Okaloosa County is a great place to live," Hayes said. The county is trying to live as one nation, which was the goal of Martin Luther King Jr."      

The discussion — which the Rev. Jerry Jones, associate minister of Mercy Seat Ministries in Fort Walton Beach, will facilitate — will focus on Okaloosa’s future job opportunities and population growth effects.

Parade

A Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Jan. 19 will begin at 9:45 a.m. on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Lloyd Street. It will end at the Crestview Courthouse.

Anyone who wants to march may do so, organizers said. Participants are known to sing inspirational songs like "We shall Overcome."

In addition, parade participants will hold signs and banners commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.

"We typically get around two hundred people that participate," said Catherine Dortch, 81, president of the Concerned Citizens Group of Crestview.

King, a clergyman and activist who used civil disobedience in the 1960s to advance civil rights, received the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.

"He did a lot of things for us," Dortch said. "He believed we shouldn't be judged by the color of our skin, but by our character."

When the parade finishes at the courthouse, attendees may stay for a program featuring guest speaker Adrienne McKinnie, a businessperson and member of the Crestview Kiwanis club and the Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical Society.

"I plan to speak about how far we have come (as a nation) and to expand on the legacy that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has already established." McKinnie said.

Mayor David Cadle is expected to deliver a proclamation for the event.

Want to go?

"Living the Legacy,” a panel discussion, is at 5 p.m. Sunday at New Life Missionary Baptist Church, 285 Duggan Ave.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 19 on the corner of Lloyd Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Black history lecture: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5, Crestview Public Library. George Stakley will discuss the Carver-Hill School and Museum’s history. Coffee and cookies are served at 10 a.m. Call 682-4432 for details.

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 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. this month