Fort Walton Beach — The Nutrition Group will have a series of job fairs for food service cafeteria workers.

Open interviews will be held as follows throughout the county:

●8-10 a.m. July 9, 16 and 23 at Nutrition Center, 202 Highway 85 N., Suite B, Niceville.

●8-10 a.m. July 11, 18 and 25 in the cafeteria at Pryor Middle School, 201 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach.

●8-10 a.m. July 17 and 24 at Fort Walton Beach High School, 400 Hollywood Blvd. SW, Fort Walton Beach.

●8-10 a.m. July 13 and 27, Carver-Hill Center, 461 School Ave. W, Suite 601, Crestview.

Job seekers may also apply online at thenutritiongroup.biz/careers.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Food service job fairs scheduled in Northwest Florida

UPCOMING

WHITTEN GUEST SPEAKER: 6 p.m. July 10, Hideaway Pizza, 326 Main Street, Crestview. Crestview City Council President JB Whitten will brief the gathering on the Aug. 28th referendum, which could conceivably change the form of city government in Crestview. All registered Republicans and those interested in becoming a Republican are invited to attend.

REPUBLICAN SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM: 11:30 a.m. July 11, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 575 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. The Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated meeting includes a forum of Republican candidates running for Okaloosa County's School Board. To RSVP, contact Dolores Noechel, 305-4331 or denoechel@gmail.com, by July 7. Cost of the lunch is $18 for members and $20 for guests. www.rwof.org. 

RECURRING　

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations

Sizzling summer-like temperatures coupled with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees arrived well ahead of the first day of summer June 21.

That has Gulf Power customers already cranking up their cooling systems to beat the heat and, at the same time, looking for ways to save on their energy bills. 

“Extended days of above average hot weather can lead to higher energy bills,” said Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. “There are immediate actions customers can take, today, to take control of their power bill, like adjusting their thermostat as high as comfortably possible. Almost half of the energy in your home goes to cooling.” 

As we enter summer, typically one of the peak energy usage seasons, we want to point out six top tips that are free and can be used on a daily basis that helps customers control their power usage: 

Keep the heat out: Close your blinds and drapes during the day to prevent heat gain.

Even out highs and lows: Customers can keep their summer energy bills from busting their budget, is by signing up for Budget Billing. The free service averages the highs and lows of their electric bills by giving them an average price to pay each month. A plan is customized for each customer based on the past 12 months of their energy usage in their current location.

Adjust thermostat: The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. The standard energy industry recommendation is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees. For every degree below 78 degrees, you’ll use 5-10 percent more energy to cool your home.

A fan of fans: Ceiling fans offer an inexpensive alternative to setting the thermostat to a lower temperature because fans make you feel several degrees cooler without lowering the temperature in the room — all while using a fraction of the energy consumed by the air conditioner. Set the fan to turn counter-clockwise in the summer and be sure to turn it off when leaving the room.

Reduce heat-production: Avoid using the oven during the summer and, instead, cook on the grill, use the microwave or stove top, or prepare meals that don’t require cooking. Replace heat-producing incandescent light bulbs with cooler and energy efficient lighting. In fact, LEDs last about 10 times longer and produce four times more light than standard incandescent bulbs for the same about of energy.

Control energy use: Join Gulf Power’s Energy Select, a free energy management program that will allow you to pay a lower price for your electricity 87 percent of the time.

For more comprehensive energy-savings tips, visit https://bit.ly/2Lul9OY and gulfpower.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power offers tips to beat summer’s soaring temperatures

CRESTVIEW — Parents and rings were topics for some Crestview library classes recently.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next The Bulletin Kid! Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THE BULLETIN KID: Parenthood and rings are library class themes

News stories from all over the country find their way to our email accounts or facebook pages and it seems like there is a double standard that is taking over, whereby we have to be mindful of not offending one group of people, while we seemingly offend another group. 

It is well documented that this country was colonized by people who among other things, sought the right to practice their religion without the risk of persecution. It is evident just what a stronghold religion has in this country, when you consider just how many places of worship there are in a standard city, let alone here in the ‘South’. 

So, it seemed to create quite the buzz when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a baker who refused to create a wedding cake for two men who were to marry. A similar case in a different city last year resulted in the two women who ordered a wedding cake being successful in their bid to sue for discrimination. The baker in that case admitted it was due to his religious beliefs that he did not wish to provide the cake for the commitment ceremony.

While no one should be discriminated against for any reason, and the rights of the LGBT are to be upheld, where does that leave people who live their lives according to their religious beliefs and practices? 

Tolerance regarding non-western religions has been a hot topic also, as we should not judge those who practice a specific religion by the actions of a small break-off group or radicalized faction. Fear and hatred breed contempt, as was evident after 9/11 when terrorists splinter cells, claiming to act under the guise of the Muslim faith, carried out atrocities, while those who were born into this faith and call the USA home, could not help but be tarnished. It was an extremely difficult time for thousands of people, and while that particular topic is off the radar for most people, it continues to be an issue for many.

Religious intolerance seems to work against the grain of our basic society, yet we tolerate it, if it suits the majority opinion of the day. Without taking into consideration the feelings and basic human rights of each person as an individual we may find ourselves guilty of discrimination of a higher level. Take God out of the equation, and we may see a change of sorts to the basic structure of our society, or we may not. It all depends on the conviction some have toward their faith, versus those who have little to none.

What today’s generation needs to remember is that the world is made up of people from all different races, creeds, religious practices, etc. and has been since the dawn of mankind. Just because it is popular to support one group over another, does not make you an activist. It just makes you a human, with free will.

Barbara Dale is the receptionist for the Crestview News Bulletin. Email her at bdale@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Protecting one group’s rights while treading on another’s

CRESTVIEW — A barber at Hub City Barbers in Crestview has won a contest for best male haircut.

Quentin "Q" Paulsen was one of eight weekly winners in the Project X Instagram Contest launched in April by American Salon, www.americansalon.com; Reuzel, a hair pomade and products manufacturer; and Project X, a Netherlands barber education and scholarship provider.

Judges from the three companies selected their favorite photo based on three criteria: the haircut's quality, the picture itself, and following contest instructions for the haircut. After weekly winners were selected, they narrowed those photos down to the top 10 percent of entrants.

On June 20 Paulsen learned that he also won the grand prize, a trip for two to the Netherlands, where he will attend Project X's Old School Barber Academy.

 "I'm really looking forward to getting to meet the guys at the barber academy over there," Paulsen said. "I'll be spending about four days at a barber school that they created. They use the Reuzel pomade that we use here, and they do the old style classic hair cuts, you know, the pompadours and flat tops.

"So they've got their own school out there. So I'll be attending that and just being able to refine my craft and get to watch these guys who are really good in the barbering industry do what they do best," he said. "Thank you from me to American Salon, Reuzel Pomade and Brenton Parry."

Paulsen has been at Hub City Barbers since the business opened its doors Dec. 11, 2017 at 211 Main St. N.

HCB owner Brenton Parry said a professional colleague recommended Paulsen as a potential employee.

Parry grew his hair out, pretended to be a tourist and went to Paulsen for a hair cut.

"I sat in his chair and let him cut my hair and made sure he did a good job and the attention to detail was there. The reason why I went to check him out instead of the other two guys was the type of haircuts he does are the rock and roll style haircuts we specialize in," Parry said.

His professionalism and demeanor, and the work he did on Parry's hair sealed the deal.

"His haircuts are exactly what I needed in the shop — top notch," Parry said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Top notch' barber wins Netherlands trip

CRESTVIEW — Eden at Crestview, an assisted living and memory care community, is still on track to accept new residents at the beginning of 2019.

Eden is taking reservations. Executive Director Alan Woods has cautionary words for those waiting to decide.

"Choose now or choose what’s left over later," he said.

This is not to say any of the rooms are not stellar, only that an incoming resident may prefer one of the elegantly-appointed studio or one-bedroom apartments closer to the Eden Bistro & Bar or the full-service salon.

Eden offers three options to choose from for staying: standard assisted living, respite and short-term care.

Amenities with standard assisted living residency include routine personal care, medication management, routine health monitoring, nutritional support, utilities and basic cable television, and exercise programs. Different levels of care plans include certain amenities. Call for details.

Respite, or day stays, are for seniors whose families travel out of town or as a way to try out Eden before making a long-term commitment. Day stay visitors can take advantage of socialization and daily activities.

For seniors needing temporary care, whether for a week or up to a month, Eden at Crestview offers all the same services and amenities that permanent residents enjoy.

For seniors apprehensive about the assisted living lifestyle, they should know they can enjoy landscaped grounds without the mowing, gardens without the weeding and dining without the dishes.

Whether staying temporarily or permanently, Eden at Crestview offers a maintenance-free, care-free life. Even the payment structure is easy with the month-to-month resident agreement. Residents need only give a 30-day notice before leaving.

Do you have questions about Eden you'd like to ask someone directly? Woods will hold monthly community updates once a month at Samuel's Steakhouse, 114 John King Road in Crestview. The first will be at 5 p.m. June 28. Call 417-0103 or email alan@livingateden.com to RSVP.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eden at Crestview to offer flexible staying options

Lots of outrage has been seen and heard around America over the treatment of families illegally entering the United States. President Trump has signed an executive order to keep the families together. 

I'm not sure where Americans want to keep these families who took a great risk to enter our country hoping to gain entrance quickly and illegally. It did not work out for them. I know quite a few people who live in our country who have moved here from Mexico, Myanmar and other parts of the world. They are working very hard and are very supportive of the laws of America.

Breaking the law always has some penalty or repercussions. I'm all for keeping border families together. I would never want to see children ripped away from a mother or father. Those crossing the border for the most part are very desperate people in search of a better place. 

Every day people fill out the necessary paper work, go through the proper channels and enter our country. Millions of them are now working a job that many Americans no longer want to work which is very sad for our country. However, it's good for those who want to work it seems. 

What do we do with these border families now? Do we keep them in full service hotels or house them at a resort property in Disney World? They have left third world countries where conditions apparently were not very good. How much can we be expected to do for people showing up demanding entrance to America? What would you do for people showing up at your front door demanding lodging and meals and even health care? It's hard for most people when family shows up unannounced.

I found in interesting watching the outcry of demonstrators and different media personalities. I have wondered where are the daily cries over how America treats our children and unborn children? Right now while I am writing this there will be about 3000 legalized abortions in America. Add that number times 365 days in our country. There were 652, 639 legalized abortions in 2014 according for the Center for Disease Control. 

Seven thousand children are abandoned each year in the United States. China is said to have over twenty million orphans. 

How many babies and children spend their first five years in daycare and then are raised essentially by the school? It's a tough day for America's families who are trying to financially survive. However, money, things and attainments never take the place of time with children and families. It's easy to see this looking back. 

I'm glad there are Americans who have verbalized their pain concerning the importance of children and parents being together. It's important. Maybe there will be some outrage down the road on the state of America's families who enjoy the privileges daily afforded to our families but for different reasons don't treat their children very well.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author. What’s your view?

Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Border Pain and Our Children

CRESTVIEW — Upcoming North Okaloosa County events and surrounding area activities are as follows. 

WELDING ORIENTATION: 4:30 p.m. June 25, in the welding shop, building 500 at Northwest Florida State Collge, 100 College Blvd., Niceville.For anyone interested in beginning the program this fall. Scottie Smith, Professor of Welding, 729-5224 or smiths60@nwfsc.edu.

FREE DENTAL X-RAYS: The Northwest Florida Dental Assisting Clinic will over free dental X-rays Monday-Thursay through June 21. Participants must obtain a written prescription from their dentists, who can fax it to the clinic at 729-6480. Those with no access to a dentist’s office may contact faculty member Dr. Elvira Chiccarelli to write a prescription for the serviceon site. Call for details or to schedule an appointment.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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.

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. 

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.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 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.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

HEALTH FAIR: Visit the events tab at www.crestviewchamber.com or call 682-3212 to sponsor or purchase a booth for the chamber's 2018 Annual Health Fair. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 4 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

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

HERITAGE ALIVE CRAFT CLASSES: June 16, Americana Basket weaving. June 16 – Intro to Blacksmithing. June 22 – Advanced Blacksmithing. June 23 – Wood Turning. June 30 – Intro to Blacksmithing. July 6 – Watercolor Painting. July 7 – Soap Making. July 14 – Mosaics. July 27 – Basket Weaving. Visit http://www.heritage-museum.org or call 678-2615 for fees, details. 

SUMMER CAMP EXPLORATION: 9 a.m. to noon June 18-22, Heritage Museum. Learn and explore the history of Northwest Florida. Hands-on activities and topics associated with science, technology, engineering and math training. Students will solve mysteries in the museum's Paradise Gardens, learn about caterpillars, butterflies and bees; explore public safety vehicles and meet K-9s; make a catapult and a straw rocket. For ages 5-14, $75 per student ($65 for museum members.) Reservations required at 678-2615.

JULY 4 $2 ADMISSION: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4, Heritage Museum. Admission reduced to $2 for the holiday. Exhibits include military, Native American, and early fishing and turpentine industries. Hands-on Discovery Room for kids, a garden, and café.

KIDS SUMMER SAGAS SCHEDULE: 10:30 a.m. to noon at museum. Summer program for ages 5-14. Cost: $10 per person ($8 for museum members. Reservations required due to limited space.

•Mad Hatter's Tea Party, July 14. A real tea party with finger foods and prizes while attendees learn the significance of tea throughout history and simple table manners.

•Ice Cream Social, Aug. 4. Learn the history of ice cream, and make homemade ice cream.

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

CRESTVIEW — Gill Powell Sr., established what is now called Powell, Powell & Powell Attorneys at Law in 1951. The Crestview-based firm has seen three generations of attorneys with all three of his children practicing together, and now some of his grandchildren.

His son, Gill Powell Jr., never expected that all three of his children would follow in his footsteps and become attorneys, but they did just that.

His daughter, Lacey Powell Clark, has worked for the family firm since she was a teen.

Lacey started at the firm answering phones when she attended Crestview High School. She said her father and grandfather never pressured her into studying law, but it just felt natural.

“It’s been wonderful working with my dad. I’m so incredibly blessed, and wouldn’t want to work for anyone else,” Lacey said.

Gill Jr.’s other daughter, Ginny, also works for the firm, and his son Beau is an attorney in Milton.

“It’s been wonderful working with them and they’re all excellent lawyers,” Gill said. “I practiced law with my dad and now (they) did, too. It’s about as good as you can get and I’m proud to death of them.”

Clark will soon be appointed as a circuit judge for Florida’s first judicial circuit. She said becoming a judge has always been her dream, as her grandfather was also a judge in the same circuit.

When it comes to celebrating Father’s Day, the Powell’s do what most families do — sit down to a nice dinner together and celebrate the fathers in the family. Lacey’s husband, James Clark, is also an attorney with the firm and they have two children together.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview law firm sees three generations