LAUREL HILL — Residents of this north county town know the winter holidays are here because the season regularly coincides with the annual community Harvest Supper. A record turnout, surpassing more than 150 of the town’s 560 residents, crowded Thursday into First Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall for this year’s event.

Extra tables were set up as more and more families arrived bearing hot covered dishes, salads, desserts and drinks. Plates ran out midway through the feast, but were quickly replaced. Long-time residents said they hadn’t seen the supper so well attended in recent memory.

“This is the most folks I’ve seen in a long time,” George “Woot” Campbell, a retired Crestview High School teacher, said. “I don’t know how long this supper’s been going on. It’s been going on since I moved here” 40 years ago.

Relative newcomers also embraced the community event.

“I’ve been coming here about two years,” Laurel Hill School student Bryce Wooten, 10, said. “It’s fun coming here to see all the people. I like everything about it.”

The Rev. Jonathan Shepard, pastor of event host Ebenezer Baptist Church, delivered the message, first noting, “I know we’re not all Baptist but we have appetites like Baptists. But before we take care of our physical appetites, let’s feed our spiritual hunger.”

Shepard expressed gratitude to see so many denominations represented at the feast and rubbing elbows with each other.

“By golly, we’re going to be in Heaven together so we might as well get along while we’re here,” he said.

Additionally, prayers were raised for Laurel Hill School student Mark Posey, 13, and Mickelly Goode, 8, who were seriously injured in a car crash that afternoon. Stori Henderson, 23, who drove the Jeep in which the children were passengers, turned in front of an oncoming truck around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to news reports. The incident happened on State Road 85.

Attending, in addition to members of the host church, were representatives of First Baptist Church, Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, Magnolia Baptist Church, Campton Assembly of God, First Assembly of God and Auburn Pentecostal Church.

Along with casserole dishes filled with favorite family recipes, many attendees had Bibles tucked under their arms for the brief thanksgiving service that traditionally precedes the supper.

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: Annual Harvest Supper draws largest crowd in recent history

CRESTVIEW — Organizers already are planning for next year’s Veterans Day Parade, having named the American Legion its host and eyeing the local VFW and AmVets organization for 2013 and 2014, respectively.

This year’s parade — hosted by local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 57 — drew 32 official marching units, down a few from last year’s 40-plus, but last-minute groups that showed up increased the number of participants, organizers said.

“We had 37 total entries this year,” DAV adjutant treasurer Debborah “Pinky” Jimison said. “Once you start counting up the people, gosh, we had well over 500 people who participated.”

From service members’ covers to Shriners’ fezzes, Cub Scout baseball caps to clown hats, the variety of headwear worn by marchers as they paraded up Main Street Saturday morning reflected the diversity of a community united by one goal: to honor local military veterans.

Landon Drake, 5, attending with his sister Jordan, 3, baby brother Dayton, 1, mom Leanne and grandmother Melissa Drake, smiled broadly as the groups went by. He seemed happy to receive an American flag to wave from a 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldier.

“I told him ‘thank you,’” Landon said.

“Wave your flag,” Melissa Drake encouraged her grandson. “We’re saluting our veterans today.”

Standing across Main Street was George Ballard, who had a 20-year career in the Army, serving in Vietnam, Germany, France, Okinawa, the Philippines, and in the U.S. from Alaska to North Dakota before retiring at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 1979.

“I was one of those who received the notice that says, ‘Greetings. You are hereby ordered to report,’” Ballard said. “Back in those days, the military was not as popular. I sometimes think we should have the draft today.”

The diverse group of participants paraded up Main Street in diverse modes of transport. There were Shriners’ racing carts and all-terrain vehicles, antique cars, 7th Special Forces Group armored vehicles, wreckers, one “Hillbilly Cadillac” (a rusty antique pick-up truck), the Crestview Police Department’s patriotically painted Humvee, wreckers and civic leaders in golf carts.

Retired Chief Petty Officer Keith Van Doren cruised along, standing on a trailer towing one of the Blackwater ATV Club’s vehicles as he tossed candy to cheering supporters. He had entered the Navy during the Korean War, serving from 1952 until his 1978 retirement.

“I’m honoring all my fellow veterans today,” Van Doren said.

Crestview City Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. was among the participants, wearing his Air Force sergeant’s blues as he piloted his ATV up Main Street. He retired after 28 years in the Air Force.

Many marchers on foot included Cub Scout packs, Crestview and Baker high school JROTC battalions and bands, and the Shoal River Middle School band. Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office posse clattered by on horseback.

“Oooh, I love your horse!” called out Charlotte Bowman, 8, to retired Army Ranger Tom Moody as he rode by astride his horse. Charlotte and her friend Shelby Fetter, 11, were visiting Crestview for the day from Navarre.

Drawing the parade to a close, a woman sat astride the lead of three Loomis Bros. Circus elephants as ringmaster Justin Loomis led the mammals through Crestview’s historic heart.

On Sunday, the DAV presented its annual Wall Ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial near the county courthouse. The event, always at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, was well attended, Jimison said.

“We had a hundred programs to hand out and I only had seven or eight left. We had a good turnout,” she said. “We honored World War II veterans by having them stand up and state their name, and giving them a round of applause because they so richly deserve it. There were also a few Korean War vets. The majority of the veterans that were there were Vietnam War veterans.”

A veterans’ luncheon, hosted by the American Legion, and a flag retirement ceremony hosted by the Knights of Columbus followed the ceremony.

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: American Legion named next year's Veterans Day Parade organizer

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Public Works Director John Hofstad is the guest on WFTW Talk Radio 1260 at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. He'll talk about the county's new veterans park, Gulf Coast Marine Life Center and Wild Willy’s Adventure Island.

Call 664-1260 with your questions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New veterans park takes radio and TV show’s focus Thursday

PENSACOLA — People who donate this Thursday and Friday at any One Blood/Northwest Florida Blood Services Center could help save three lives and take home something extra.

On Nov. 15 and 16, each blood donor will get a $5 Winn Dixie Gift Card, a wellness check and a cholesterol screening. Donors are eligible to enter the drawing for a 2012 Kia Soul as well, courtesy of Kia Autosport.

The Crestview center hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at 2400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite B (behind Dunkin Donuts).

Blood donations go to our local hospitals and could literally save the lives of patients who need transfusions for emergencies, traumas, surgeries and cancer treatment. Support the needs of your community by donating blood.

Healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Call 306-2455 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Blood donation this week includes screening and wellness check

CRESTVIEW — For many who attended the Loomis Brothers Circus over the weekend, it was their first time experiencing such an event.

Several area families brought their children to Spanish Trail Park’s pavilion to see the circus, which included specialty acts and animals.

But children’s weren’t the only first-timers.

“This was actually my first time going to a circus and it was awesome,” said Melinda Carrol, 56, who attended with her daughter and three grandchildren. Her grandchildren, especially Brayden Todd, 4, gave the event a favorable review. Brayden particularly enjoyed the show’s animal portion.

“I saw elephants and I got to ride on one of the small horses,” he said.

Kids could pet and feed some of the animals in a small petting zoo of llamas, camels and goats. They also could ride miniature horses and take a ride on one of the show's main attractions, the elephants.

“I liked it, but it was really bumpy,” Luke Love, 11, of DeFuniak Springs, said after an elephant ride.

However, overall, going to the circus with his father was a treat, he said.

“This has been my first time at a circus and it has been amazing.”

“This is actually only the second time that I have been to the circus,” Luke’s father, Thomas Love, said. "I haven't been to one in many years."

Circus acts included the Poema family from Argentina, who performed several stunts and routines, namely using their legs and feet to juggle. Kathy Hannenford wowed the audience with acrobatics.    

The circus saved what many perceived as the best — and largest — for last by featuring three elephants. One elephant, Okha, balanced herself while walking on a ball. Additionally, striped tigers made an appearance, and some even jumped through a hoop of fire.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents attend circus at Old Spanish Trail Park

CRESTVIEW — A Niceville man received VIP treatment Thursday when he received a top honor from the Hub City.

George Atwell, 67, had a distinguished U.S. Army career that earned him a "Commendation of Respect" proclamation from the city of Crestview.

Atwell, a longtime Niceville resident, spent 18 years in the military, including a Vietnam tour and three-year deployment to Germany. He volunteers as a service officer at the Disabled American Veterans office in Niceville; there, Atwell — whose wife, Carolyn, teaches at Davidson — helps veterans fill out paperwork to apply for disability benefits. 

But on this day, he was ready to help students with a few words of wisdom.

"If you have confidence in yourselves, you can accomplish anything," Atwell told students, who gave a standing ovation after his speech.

Atwell is active with several Davidson functions and sporting events, Assistant Principal Kelli Howard said.

"We knew that he was a veteran and we thought it would be nice to honor someone that is in our Davidson family,” she said.

Davidson students packed the school gymnasium Thursday morning to pay tribute to military veterans during their Veterans Day assembly. The school band and chorus performed several patriotic songs for past and present military service members.

"I am very proud of what the students did here," Atwell said. "I wish all veterans had the opportunity to be part of this.

"It was very inspirational and patriotic.”

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: Niceville man recognized during Davidson veterans assembly

CRESTVIEW — Strength, honor, pride, devotion and wisdom are personal qualities that mark a veteran, Kirby Locklear, in full Native American regalia as guest speaker at the Crestview Public Library, said Tuesday.

"There is a long participation with Native Americans in the military for more than 200 years," Locklear said, noting 1800s American Indians’ duties.

"Scouting the enemy was a particular skill of the Native American soldier," Locklear said. Scouts helped pursue Mexican Revolutionary general Pancho Villa in 1916 and served in the Spanish- American War.

American Indians played a bigger role in World War I and World War II, Locklear said, praising Navajo Indians who created a secret code that opposing Japanese forces couldn't break.

The subject particularly interested Crestview resident Michael Warren.

"I came to learn more about the code talkers; I recently started reading a book them," said Michael, a member of Emerald Coast Young Marines, which prepares young men and women for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Locklear, a Lumbee Indian tribe member, was born in Robeson County, N.C., home of the tribe ranked as the ninth largest in the country, according to lumbeetribe.com. 

Locklear enlisted into the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school. His career took him to many places across the globe and awarded him several high honors.

There was one airbase in particular that Locklear seemed to favor most. 

"I got one of the best assignments you could get (while in the Air Force)," Locklear said. "I was stationed at Hurlburt Field in 1980."

 He returned to the area, having been stationed elsewhere, in 1992. He finished his career in 2000 as lieutenant colonel with 3,100 flight hours.

When he isn't working at Duke Field as a defense contractor, he often volunteers for the American Red Cross in Okaloosa and Walton counties and is the Thunderbird Intertribal Council’s vice chair.

Attendees Tuesday participated in a traditional Native American dance, following Locklear's lead and moving to the beat of Native American music around the meeting room. 

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: Veteran presents information on Native Americans in the military

National Friends of the Library week may have been in October, but after reviewing our total fiscal year 2011-12 volunteer hours, special gratitude is in order.

Our Friends of the Library volunteered 503 hours last year. Another nine adult volunteers contributed an additional 303 hours.

We also had 41 high school student volunteers who worked 1,819 hours last year. Their youthful enthusiasm, strength and computer savvy support our library staff and programming endeavors. 

Their willingness to do everything — from shelving books and preparing children’s crafts to cleaning projects and setting up and taking down the meeting room — helps the library do more with less.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Volunteers assist Crestview Public Library’s efforts

CRESTVIEW — Organizers already are planning for next year’s Veterans Day Parade, having named the American Legion its host and eyeing the local VFW and AmVets organizations for 2013 and 2014, respectively.

This year’s parade — hosted by local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 57 — drew 32 official marching units, down a few from last year’s 40-plus, but last-minute groups that showed up increased the number of participants, organizers said.

“We had 37 total entries this year,” DAV adjutant treasurer Debborah “Pinky” Jimison said. “Once you start counting up the people, gosh, we had well over 500 people who participated.”

From service members’ covers to Shriners’ fezzes, Cub Scout baseball caps to clown hats, the variety of headwear worn by marchers as they paraded up Main Street Saturday morning reflected the diversity of a community united by one goal: to honor local military veterans.

Landon Drake, 5, attending with his sister Jordan, 3, baby brother Dayton, 1, mom Leanne and grandmother Melissa Drake, smiled broadly as the groups went by. He seemed happy to receive an American flag to wave from a 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldier.

“I told him ‘thank you,’” Landon said.

VIDEO: See "Related Media" at top left of this article.

“Wave your flag,” Melissa Drake encouraged her grandson. “We’re saluting our veterans today.”

Standing across Main Street was George Ballard, who had a 20-year career in the Army, serving in Vietnam, Germany, France, Okinawa, the Philippines, and in the U.S. from Alaska to North Dakota before retiring at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 1979.

“I was one of those who received the notice that says, ‘Greetings. You are hereby ordered to report,’” Ballard said. “Back in those days, the military was not as popular. I sometimes think we should have the draft today.”

The diverse group of participants paraded up Main Street in diverse modes of transport. There were Shriners’ racing carts and all-terrain vehicles, antique cars, 7th Special Forces Group armored vehicles, wreckers, one “Hillbilly Cadillac” (a rusty antique pick-up truck), the Crestview Police Department’s patriotically painted Humvee, wreckers and civic leaders in golf carts.

Retired Chief Petty Officer Keith Van Doren cruised along, standing on a trailer towing one of the Blackwater ATV Club’s vehicles as he tossed candy to cheering supporters. He had entered the Navy during the Korean War, serving from 1952 until his 1978 retirement.

“I’m honoring all my fellow veterans today,” Van Doren said.

Crestview City Councilman Charles Baugh Jr. was among the participants, wearing his Air Force sergeant’s blues as he piloted his ATV up Main Street. He retired after 28 years in the Air Force.

Many marchers on foot included Cub Scout packs, Crestview and Baker high school JROTC battalions and bands, and the Shoal River Middle School band. Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office posse clattered by on horseback.

“Oooh, I love your horse!” called out Charlotte Bowman, 8, to retired Army Ranger Tom Moody as he rode by astride his horse. Charlotte and her friend Shelby Fetter, 11, were visiting Crestview for the day from Navarre.

Drawing the parade to a close, a woman sat astride the lead of three Loomis Bros. Circus elephants as ringmaster Justin Loomis led the mammals through Crestview’s historic heart.

On Sunday, the DAV presented its annual Wall Ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial near the county courthouse. The event, always at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, was well attended, Jimison said.

“We had a hundred programs to hand out and I only had seven or eight left. We had a good turnout,” she said. “We honored World War II veterans by having them stand up and state their name, and giving them a round of applause because they so richly deserve it. There were also a few Korean War vets. The majority of the veterans that were there were Vietnam War veterans.”

A veterans’ luncheon, hosted by the American Legion, and a flag retirement ceremony hosted by the Knights of Columbus followed the ceremony.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview thanks its veterans at annual parade: VIDEO