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North Okaloosa County services calendar

To have your North Okaloosa organization's information added to these listings, email news@crestviewbulletin.com. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED: The Crestview Police Department Community Services Division accepts prize donations for the games night it has with special needs teens and adults in Crestview. Donations of bottled water, soft drinks and snacks are also welcome. Take donations to the CPD, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

SUPPORT CIRCLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS: Meetings take place as follows.

•5-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Shelter House, 120 Woodruff Ave., Suite A, Crestview. This is a Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 683-0845.

•6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 16 Ferry Road SE, Fort Walton Beach. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 243-1201.

•noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 3590 U.S. Highway 331 S., Suite 102, DeFuniak Springs. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 362-7190.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

EMPLOY FLORIDA WORKSHOPS: 9-11 a.m. fourth Thursdays of the month at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach. Learn to conduct job searches on the state system, create a resume, access labor market data for wage, job experience and education requirements for a specific occupation. Learn about Training Grant opportunities, online training courses, and the organization's virtual recruiter.

COLLEGE OFFERS ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: A Florida State University program that offers relief – free of charge – to distressed African-Americans who provide care to a loved one with dementia. It uses trained lay pastoral-care facilitators and is recruiting caregivers in North and Central Florida. ACTS 2 (African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support) won a $20,000 award as well. Caregivers participate in a 12-session, telephone-based skills-building and support program covering topics such as relaxation, effective thinking and problem-solving skills. Call 866-778-2724 toll free, 850-274-4945, or go to www.ACTS2Project.org for details.

SHINE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a Department of Elder Affairs program, seeks volunteers to help elderly residents answer Medicare questions and resolve problems, help them make informed choices about their health insurance, save money on prescription medications and learn about their eligibility for helpful programs. There is no charge for seniors to use the program. Bilingual volunteers are also encouraged to call. Dial 1-800-963-5337 for details.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED: ECH provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and provided ongoing education. They can serve in a variety of areas from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Just a few hours a month makes an impact. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689- 0300.

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Seniors vs. Crime's Crestview office, which assists senior citizens whom someone scammed or took advantage of, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Joe Loria, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 800-203-3099, see www.seniorsvscrime.com, or email crestview@svcproject.org for more information.

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over "Services" and click "School Readiness" to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Nonprofit seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS: Help veterans attend appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS: Donations wanted for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Hours are 11 a.m. to noon every day except Sundays, which starts at 2 p.m.

•Monday, Central Baptist, 682-5525, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

•Tuesday: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 850-682-3154, 178 N. Ave., Crestview.

•Wednesday, Lifepoint Church, 850-682-3518, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd.

•Thursday, Community Christ, 850-682-7474, 398 W. First Ave., Crestview.

•Friday, First Presbyterian Church, 850-682-2835, 492 Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

•Saturday, First United Methodist Church, 850-682-2018 559 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

•Sundays, Church of the Nazarene, 850-682-7995, 395 Aplin Road.

COLD SHELTER: The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 7 a.m. when temperatures are 40 degrees or below at 120 Dugan Ave., Crestview. 850-398-5670. Open Monday, Wed. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CASH HOURS: The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 120 Dugan Ave., Crestview. Call 850-398-5670 for details.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 850-634-6036.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

Crestview Public Library events

[Pixabay.com]

Here is the library's updated fall schedule. Events are at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, unless otherwise stated.

UPCOMING

Halloween Movie Marathon: noon to 5:45 p.m. Oct. 31. Come enjoy free popcorn and family movies on the projector all afternoon long. Visit https://www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library for the movie schedule.

Intro to Genealogy: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16. A free mini-seminar hosted by the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County on the basics of genealogical research. Sign up required.

Noel Night: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. A fun night for the whole family with treats, music, activities, and more!

RECURRING

Adult Services and Programs

Adult Coloring Therapy: 5-6 p.m. third Mondays. Enjoy hot tea, relaxing music, and intricate coloring.

Poetry Jam: 6-7:30 p.m. second Tuesdays.Community volunteer-led. Share your poetry, music, and more with an eclectic group of writers and artists.

Trivia Night: 6-7:30 p.m. first Mondays or as noted. Come compete in pub-style trivia for a $25 Amazon card and books and movie prizes. Team Limit: 6 people.

Adult Chess Club: 5-7:45 p.m. Mondays. Community volunteer-led. Play chess with members of the community. All skill levels welcome. Contact Jim Terrell, iamcalledjames@gmail.com, for more information.

Scrabble Club: 11 a.m. Thursdays or 5-6 p.m. third Mondays. Come join and enjoy a game of Scrabble with word lovers.

Crestview Writer’s Support Group: 6-7:45 p.m. fourth Mondays. Community volunteer-led. Published and unpublished writers challenge and encourage each other. Email Tami, tamilynnkidd@gmail.com, for more information.

Overbooked Book Club: fourth Saturdays at different locations in the city. Community volunteer-led. Email Regiene at strainglia@gmail.com for the current book and next meeting place.

Emerald Coast Bag Ladies: 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Community volunteer-led. Experienced and learning crochet enthusiasts welcome to help make mats for the homeless out of shopping bags.

Okaloosa Walton Career Source Mobile Unit: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, or as noted, in the library parking lot.

One-On-One Computer and Technology Tutoring: Available by appointment. Call 850-682-4432 and ask for Sharon or Melissa.

NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association: 6:30-7:45 p.m. fourth Tuesdays. Community volunteer-led. Experienced NWFAA members teach about different topics.

Intro to Sewing: 3-5 p.m. Thursdays. Community volunteer-led by Dottie. Learn the ins and outs of basic sewing, machine usage, and more. Sign up required.

Coffee and Craft: 10 a.m. to noon second Saturdays. Enjoy hot beverages while learning to make a monthly craft. Sign up required.

Proctoring: Available by appointment only with a two weeks notice. Call 850-682-4432 to schedule, or email eknie@okaloosa.lib.fl.us or jrmccarthy@okaloosa.lib.fl.us.

Youth Services and Programs

Ready Readers Class Ages 0-2: 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays, as noted. Features stories, easy-to-follow songs and rhymes, and more for fostering early literacy. Sign in starts 15 minutes prior to class.

Ready Readers Class Ages 3-5: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, as noted. Features stories, easy-to-follow songs and rhymes, a simple craft, and more for fostering early literacy. Sign in starts 15 minutes prior to class.

Family Library Time: Monthly Friday event featuring new adventures for the whole family. Check out our online calendar, https://www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library, for more information.

Lego Free Play: 4-5 p.m. third Tuesdays. Come enjoy tons of Legos and make new friends. For ages 6 and up.

Kids Chess Club: 3:15-5 p.m. first and third Thursdays. Come make new friends and learn the game of chess. For ages 6 and up.

Teen Time: 2 p.m. Fridays. Enjoy video games and special monthly events for sixth- through 12th-graders.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events

'Winterizing’ lawns mostly unnecessary in Florida

Northwest Florida lawns that were well fertilized in the spring and summer don't require fertilizer after they become dormant, Larry Williams of the Okaloosa Extension office said. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Many people fertilize their lawn too late with too much nitrogen. They wrongly call this practice “winterizing.”

If you’ve done a good job fertilizing your lawn during the growing season (spring and summer), there’s no need to apply more fertilizer now.

Many people have bought into the idea of "winterizing" their lawns, but it is not a good practice to apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season. Excessive nitrogen can cause tender new growth in our warm-season grasses, only to result in cold injury during winter.

If the lawn has not been adequately fertilized during the growing season, it may benefit from additional potassium. But the only sure way to know if the potassium level is inadequate is to have your soil tested, otherwise you’re guessing.

If you insist on winterizing (fertilizing beyond summer months), use a fertilizer with low nitrogen (represented by the first number in the fertilizer analysis), but with some potassium (the last number in the analysis). Look for a lawn fertilizer with 5 percent or less nitrogen but with potassium such as 5-2-14, 5-0-22, 0-0-7, etc. Remember, more potassium than nitrogen.

The potassium needs to be applied while the grass is actively growing. After the lawn is dormant, much of the fertilizer that could have benefited the lawn is wasted.

With normal spring/summer lawn fertilization, mid-September is the latest date to fertilize our warm season grasses such as zoysia and St. Augustine in North Florida.

But with centipedegrass, it’s best to not fertilize after August.

For research-based information on maintaining a Florida lawn, contact your local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences County Extension Office or visit http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/yourfloridalawn.

Larry Williams is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Winterizing’ lawns mostly unnecessary in Florida

Crestview Tractor Supply to host Halloween pet event

Crestview Tractor Supply is offering to take Halloween photos of customers and their pets this year. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

CRESTVIEW — Tractor Supply Company invites customers to celebrate the Halloween season with a pet photo event at its local store.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the store, 320 James Lee Blvd. W, Crestview, people may bring their four-legged family members, with or without costume, to have their photos taken by a local photographer.

The first 25 participants will also receive a free magnetic picture frame.

"At Tractor Supply, we understand that pets are a part of the family. That's why we're excited to host an event that will create Halloween memories for pet owners and animals alike," Dennis Gramling, Crestview manager, said.

"Our customers love their furry best friends, and we want to make sure this Halloween is one they won't forget."

Participating event partners will include:

– Min Pins and Mutts K-9 Rescue, which will be on site from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Pet Vet, which will be on site from 1:30-3 p.m.

In addition to the pet photos, customers may also enjoy trick or treating.

Call 850-682-0945 for more information.

The company’s online store is at www.TractorSupply.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Tractor Supply to host Halloween pet event

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

On April 2, the Airport Security Unit was notified that an eight-month-old child had fallen out of a carrier worn by the mother and hit his head on the tile floor in the bathroom. Okaloosa County Sheriff deputy Richard Winkler made contact with the mother who was extremely distraught and fearful that her baby was seriously injured. Winkler examined the baby’s head and noticed a visible injury and summoned Eglin Air Force Base EMS. He then volunteered to care for the baby until the mother could gather her composure, which also allowed him to monitor the baby’s behavior until EMS arrived. The baby’s father arrived and EMS transported the baby to the hospital. Winkler remained with the mother at the airport to assist with the care of her other baby and help get the family’s luggage from the airline. Winkler’s caring personality and selfless actions were very appreciated by the family during this emotional time. He went above and beyond to assist them in their time of need and for his actions he was presented with the OCSO Certificate of Commendation.

STUDENT NEWS

The Florida College System Activities (FCSAA) has named 38 Northwest Florida State College students to its 2018-2019 All-Academic team. Across the state, 955 students were named to the FCSAA All-Academic Team for having achieved a minimum 3.3 grade point average during the 2018-2019 school year.

The NWFSC FCSAA All-Academic honor students are:

Forensics: Deaton Arthur, Samira Chaudhry, Caleb Heathershaw and Jessica Ponce

Women’s Basketball: Georgia Gayle, Cece Mayo, Shania Meertens, Gabriela Sales, Alayjah Sherer and Anastasiia Zakharova

Men’s Basketball: Ludgy Debaut, Chris Duarte, Javion Hamlet and Eric Vila

Softball: Ashley Autuori, Marcie Bewley, Megan Brown, Amber Byrd, Sydney Byrd, Ariana Cipriano, Thalia da Silva, Summer Frye, Lauren Rase, Emily Sinclair, Brookelyn Sweeney, Alexa Veamoi and Maggie Wheless

Baseball: Noah Bailey, Matt Bosewell, Thomas Farr, Kyle Fitzgerald, Tanner Johnson, Jacob Kush, Mikey Madej, Will Moriarty, Waylon Steele, Connor Stephens and Justice Thompson

Email community news and high resolution photos for publication to friends@crestviewbulletin.com

Submit your photo:

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

NAACP to host town hall meeting Saturday

To address racial tensions in the Baker community, the Okaloosa County NAACP has scheduled a town hall meeting this weekend. [CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC]

BAKER —The Okaloosa County Branch NAACP will hold a town hall meeting in Baker to address the racial tensions and issues that have plagued the community for years.

The meeting is 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, 1288 Washington Ave., Baker, under the leadership of Pastor Nathaniel Sledge Jr. The community is invited and encouraged

to attend.

According to Branch President Lewis Jennings, “There have been a number of racial incidents happening in Baker that suggest we need to take a more proactive approach to assess the extent of problem and explore ways we as an organization can help combat the problem.

"We (the NAACP) are not interested in stirring up more tensions, rather we are focused on helping the community understand their problems, define ways to address them, and offering hard work to help ease ongoing and/or future tensions.

To that end I will be working with local pastors, community leaders and others around the area to bring to the table all the resources we have at our disposal," Jennings said.

The Okaloosa County Branch NAACP has been chartered since 1948 and celebrates more than 71 years of community service in civil rights advocacy throughout the county.

For more information contact the NAACP at naacpfwb@naacp.gccoxmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NAACP to host town hall meeting Saturday

Crestview Public Library events

[Pixabay.com]

A previous printing of the Crestview Public Library events contained incorrect information from the previous fall. Here is the library's updated fall schedule. Events are at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview, unless otherwise stated.

UPCOMING

Trunk or Treat: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29. Come enjoy festive decorations, games, candy, and prizes for a best trunk contest! Sign up your trunk today at 850-682-4432. A great way to advertise for local businesses.

Halloween Movie Marathon: noon to 5:45 p.m. Oct. 31. Come enjoy free popcorn and family movies on the projector all afternoon long. Visit https://www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library for the movie schedule.

Intro to Genealogy: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16. A free mini-seminar hosted by the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County on the basics of genealogical research. Sign up required.

Noel Night: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. A fun night for the whole family with treats, music, activities, and more!

RECURRING

Adult Services and Programs

Adult Coloring Therapy: 5-6 p.m. third Mondays. Enjoy hot tea, relaxing music, and intricate coloring.

Poetry Jam: 6-7:30 p.m. second Tuesdays.Community volunteer-led. Share your poetry, music, and more with an eclectic group of writers and artists.

Trivia Night: 6-7:30 p.m. first Mondays or as noted. Come compete in pub-style trivia for a $25 Amazon card and books and movie prizes. Team Limit: 6 people.

Adult Chess Club: 5-7:45 p.m. Mondays. Community volunteer-led. Play chess with members of the community. All skill levels welcome. Contact Jim Terrell, iamcalledjames@gmail.com, for more information.

Scrabble Club: 11 a.m. Thursdays or 5-6 p.m. third Mondays. Come join and enjoy a game of Scrabble with word lovers.

Crestview Writer’s Support Group: 6-7:45 p.m. fourth Mondays. Community volunteer-led. Published and unpublished writers challenge and encourage each other. Email Tami, tamilynnkidd@gmail.com, for more information.

Overbooked Book Club: fourth Saturdays at different locations in the city. Community volunteer-led. Email Regiene at strainglia@gmail.com for the current book and next meeting place.

Emerald Coast Bag Ladies: 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Community volunteer-led. Experienced and learning crochet enthusiasts welcome to help make mats for the homeless out of shopping bags.

Okaloosa Walton Career Source Mobile Unit: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, or as noted, in the library parking lot.

One-On-One Computer and Technology Tutoring: Available by appointment. Call 850-682-4432 and ask for Sharon or Melissa.

NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association: 6:30-7:45 p.m. fourth Tuesdays. Community volunteer-led. Experienced NWFAA members teach about different topics.

Intro to Sewing: 3-5 p.m. Thursdays. Community volunteer-led by Dottie. Learn the ins and outs of basic sewing, machine usage, and more. Sign up required.

Coffee and Craft: 10 a.m. to noon second Saturdays. Enjoy hot beverages while learning to make a monthly craft. Sign up required.

Proctoring: Available by appointment only with a two weeks notice. Call 850-682-4432 to schedule, or email eknie@okaloosa.lib.fl.us or jrmccarthy@okaloosa.lib.fl.us.

Youth Services and Programs

Ready Readers Class Ages 0-2: 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays, as noted. Features stories, easy-to-follow songs and rhymes, and more for fostering early literacy. Sign in starts 15 minutes prior to class.

Ready Readers Class Ages 3-5: 10:15 A.M. Tuesdays, as noted. Features stories, easy-to-follow songs and rhymes, a simple craft, and more for fostering early literacy. Sign in starts 15 minutes prior to class.

Family Library Time: Monthly Friday event featuring new adventures for the whole family. Check out our online calendar, https://www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library, for more information.

Lego Free Play: 4-5 p.m. third Tuesdays. Come enjoy tons of Legos and make new friends. For ages 6 and up.

Kids Chess Club: 3:15-5 p.m. first and third Thursdays. Come make new friends and learn the game of chess. For ages 6 and up.

Teen Time: 2 p.m. Fridays. Enjoy video games and special monthly events for sixth- through 12th-graders.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events

Library provides book requests throughout county

Emily Knie

Remember back in the halcyon days when people actually listened to radio music stations to request songs? While I know some of you are still radio junkies, I feel as though I haven’t touched that dial in years. Nevertheless, I do indeed miss calling in a request and excitedly standing by, waiting to jam to the first few notes of a beloved pop or rock song.

The Crestview Library may not be able to provide songs on request like radio stations and streaming services can (although we do have a decent CD collection), but even so, we can certainly take book requests!

There are numerous ways we can procure that elusive next novel in your favorite series or that eccentric how-to on an unusual hobby. Firstly, if you’re a cardholder (it’s free for Okaloosa County residents), we are part of a wonderful group known as the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

What does that mean for you? Your card has the power of six libraries in one! You can not only visit and use your card at all of the Okaloosa locations, but you also have the ability to place holds and pick up books from other libraries without ever having to leave your home city.

Secondly, if for some crazy reason an Okaloosa library doesn’t have a book you would like, you have the option to put in a purchase request with your home library. Unless it’s for the 7 millionth copy of Delia Owens’ "Where the Crawdads Sing," your request will likely be obliged.

Lastly, if neither of the first two options work out, most of us offer Inter-Library Loan services to acquire materials from all across the country.

Suffice to say, we may not be running a “total request live” radio or music video program, but your library has a wealth of literature and resources just a request away from your fingertips. We are here to serve you! 

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian and interim assistant director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library provides book requests throughout county

Meet the authors of the Baker Block Museum's latest book

A book signing is scheduled Saturday at the Baker Block Museum. [CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC]

BAKER — The Baker Block Museum is hosting a book signing for the newest book in its local history series Oct. 19. Tracy Curenton and Mark Curenton, the authors of A History of Laurel Hill will be on hand during the museum’s 3rd Saturday event to sign copies and answer questions.

The event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum,  1307 State Road 4, Baker.

Drawing from interviews, newspapers, public records and photographs, the book tells the story of the historic town and one of the county’s largest population centers at one time.

A History of Laurel Hill covers the early history of the area under Spanish rule through the Civil War, the coming of the railroad, the Great Depression and into the 20th century.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Meet the authors of the Baker Block Museum's latest book

What's happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Registration is 7 a.m. Oct. 19 at Blackstone Golf Course, 108 Blackstone Lane, DeFuniak Springs. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. Sponsorship and entry forms are available. Call 850-225-1390 for details and forms.

WRESTLING TEAM ZOMBIE 1K/5K. The Crestview High School Wrestling program will have a Zombie Run 1K/ 5K to raise funds for its upcoming season. Preregistration is 7:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at the high school, 1250 Ferdon Blvd. N, Crestview. The run begins at 8:30 a.m. The fun run costs $10 per person, and 5K costs $25 per person. Medals will be award for ages 18 and up by age group; for male and female divisions, and best time. Prizes will be awarded during the one-mile fun run. Concessions will be available.

FREE FALL FESTIVAL: Pyron Chapel Baptist Church will have a festival featuring a chili competition, hot dogs, s'mores, games, a cake walk, and a hayride. The event is 4-7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the church, 6498 William Gary Johnson Road, Baker.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

CERT TRAINING: Free Community Emergency Response Team certification training classes will be held in Crestview for adults age 18 and over. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26; 1-5 p.m. Oct. 27; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2; 1-5 p.m. Nov. 3, all at Crestview Fire Station No. 1, 321 N. Woodruff Ave., Crestview. Attendance at all sessions is required for certification. Preregistration is required at www.nokaloosacert.org or https://okaloosaflcert.samariteam.com/Default.aspx to register.

RECURRING

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

TROY UNIVERSITY OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. second Wednesdays, Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Get information about furthering your education, and TU bachelor and master degree programs.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment. 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

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