CRESTVIEW — Ten years ago, Mary Valdez hated running. Last week, she ran the Boston Marathon.

Valdez, a Crestview resident, finished the April 16 race in just under four hours, with an official time of 3:56.42 in cold, wet and windy conditions.

“Running, to me, is like coffee for other people,” she said, adding that she gets grumpy if she doesn’t have her morning run. “When I’m going to bed, I’ve got my workout clothes prepared.”

Running is a major part of her life now, but it wasn’t always that way.

“When I was growing up, I hated (physical education),” Valdez said. As an adult, she made the decision to start working out to get in shape.

“I started running and I hated it,” she said. “Three miles on a treadmill was the most painful thing. It was just miserable to me.”

It was her sister who inspired Valdez to take on her first marathon. Her thinking was that if her sister could do it, so could she. She started training and ran that first marathon in 2010.

“I hated every minute of it,” she said. “It was awful and I never wanted to run again.”

But she was motivated to beat her time and ran another marathon soon after. Before long, she was running longer races, including 50- and 100-mile races. She won the 100-mile Wildcat 100 Ultramarathon in Pensacola in 2016, beating out the next-closest female competitor by more than eight hours.

Valdez had qualified for the Boston Marathon prior to this year, but never seriously entertained the idea of competing in it.

“I didn’t think that I belonged at Boston,” she said. “Those are the elite [runners]. I didn’t belong there, so I didn’t even attempt to go through the process because it was this big, scary thing.”

While working for Gordon Martial Arts in Crestview, Valdez trained and started to improve on her race times. After she qualified for the Boston Marathon at races in both Pensacola and Panama City Beach, her friends pushed her to take on the challenge in Boston.

When she got to Boston and the day of the race finally came, she did not get the warm weather she had hoped for.

“I could not feel my toes for the first three miles of that race,” she said. “I don’t do well in cold.”

She realized that it was going to be a rough morning on the shuttle ride from Boston to the starting point of the marathon in the suburb of Hopkinton, Mass.

“I’m looking out the windows and I see snow on the side of the road.”

The snow was not a welcome sight for a Floridian without much in the way of winter clothes. Neither was the rain that did not let up for the duration of the race and became heavy at times.

Despite the poor conditions, Valdez pushed through, motivated by friends and family who accompanied her, as well as spectators along the course route.

“You hear them cheering before you even approach that city,” she said, referring to the eight cities the route winds its way through. She remembers hearing one spectator shout words of encouragement to the “lady in pink” as she passed the infamous Heartbreak Hill.

After crossing the finish line and reuniting with the friends and family that came to support her, the reality of her accomplishment set in and she fought back tears while posing for a victory photo.

“I would not have had the guts to go if it were not for my friends pushing me along to do it.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview woman takes on Boston Marathon

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview city council advanced three items on the agenda at its April 23 workshop.

The items discussed were an overhaul of the city’s property maintenance code, an update of the flood damage prevention ordinance and a change to council rules regarding scheduled public presentations. Council members also agreed to hold a special meeting April 30 to discuss elements of the new proposed city charter.

The city’s growth management department was responsible for rewriting the property maintenance code, which outlines rules for buildings, exterior property areas and features like swimming pools and lawns, among other things.

“I’ve reviewed this several times and I think it covers what the city’s looking for as far as the maintenance and the upkeep of structures and automobiles in the yard and falling-down structures,” council member Shannon Hayes said. “I’m glad to see that we finally have this where I think it needs to be.”

The proposed changes to the property maintenance code will go before the council at the May 14 regular meeting. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on it at that time.

Modifications to the flood damage prevention ordinance were necessary due to it being outdated and no longer up to state standards. Teresa Gaillard, director of the growth management department, said that “band-aids” had been applied to the now more than 20-year-old ordinance over the years, but that it now required a full rewrite.

“It’s simply modifying the verbiage of our old ordinance, and the easiest way to do that is to delete the old ordinance and adopt in our new verbiage in a format that is approved by the state, approved by FEMA and the other entities that we must address in the environmental area,” Gaillard said.

The third topic of discussion was a revision of the council’s rules on scheduled presentation by members of the public at city council meetings. If the council adopts the proposed changes, members of the public wishing to make a presentation must present documentation to the city clerk 12 days prior to the council meeting so that council members have time to review the material.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City council talks property code, flood prevention

CRESTVIEW — First responders sent eight people to the hospital April 24 after a motor vehicle crash on P.J. Adams Parkway in Crestview.

Commuters should expect delays along State Road 85 and associated streets as the crash has closed PJ Adams in both directions.

Witnesses say the crash occurred when a car traveling near the bus drifted into the bus' lane and the bus driver swerved to avoid it. One of the vehicles involved rolled over.

Crestview Police Department officers were still at the scene at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday.

More information will be made available as the situation progresses.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Transit bush crash sends 8 to hospital

CRESTVIEW — If you’ve read anything about what the Crestview Police Department has done in the community over the last few years, you’ve probably heard the name Wanda Hulion.

Hulion is a community services officer in the department and was recently named Crestview Police Department’s officer of the year for 2017. Along with her partner, Sam Kimmons, she is involved in a number of community outreach programs.

She heads the citizen’s police academy, the youth academy and coordinates neighborhood watch groups, school zones and safety presentations. She is also heavily involved in the department’s charitable events.

“I think probably our favorite thing to do is what we call our toy run,” Hulion said. “Usually one or two days before Christmas, we load a trailer up with whatever toys we have leftover or if we have small items that have been donated, stuffed animals, things like that.

“We’ll load the trailer up and we go over into public housing and hit the sirens and the kids come out and get stuff. We love that. You’re always warm and fuzzy after that. It makes you feel real good.”

Hulion was born and raised in Crestview and has a passion for helping her community. She has spent more than a decade in law enforcement, the last five in community services.

“First and foremost, I’m a wife and a mother,” is what she tells everyone. After her children grew up and left home, she wondered what she was going to do for the next 20 years. She spoke with a former CPD officer who got her interested in law enforcement.

“I spent a year in dispatch, which I think makes you better officer,” she said. She then spent six years on patrol, which she called challenging, but said she “absolutely loved it.”

Hulion took a community services job when it came open and hasn’t looked back. She said the most rewarding part of the job is when people say thank you. Whether it’s from a low-income family receiving food donations for the holidays or a bag of goodies from a school bus driver, gestures of appreciation mean the most to Hulion.

Another important aspect of community policing, according to Hulion, is treating people with respect.

“You arrest somebody and you treat them with respect,” she said. “Yeah, you’ve got to take their freedom. You’re taking them to jail, but you treat them with the respect they deserve. Until they treat me differently, I try to give them respect.”

Hulion said the way to lift a community up is by getting involved to help change things for the better.

“Every community has got problems; Crestview’s got their problems. But as a citizen, why sit around and just gripe and complain about it if you’re not willing to step up and try to make a difference and change something?

“You don’t have to change it all, and you haven’t got to make huge changes, but if we all pull together, we all do our little bit, we can bring it up some. We can change it. We can improve it.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Officer of the year has passion for helping community

CRESTVIEW — Children today are playing less and less outside, public schools have eliminated recess time and more electronic media have been introduced into the educational role. Outdoor play has diminished and so has a child’s ability to cope in the unprotected world (http: www.bbc.com/news/health-15427954).

They lead more sedentary lives as family roles have changed. This lifestyle has led to an obesity problem, and lack of cognitive abilities among our children and has affected a mental disconnect from the natural world. As a mom, teacher, and director, I wanted to share some of my experience that shows why and how outdoor play is so important to a child’s development.

Daily outside play benefits the children in these areas: Play promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being for children to thrive and learn. The children are exposed to sunlight, natural elements and open air, which contributes to bone development, stronger immune system and physical activity(https://www.edutopia.org/children-outdoors- national-wildlife- federation). Fresh air promotes oxygen to the brain, moving and playing are part of developmental milestones and learning pathways, that promotes cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. Daily outdoor time is recommended to at least 40 minutes — imagine that, almost a whole hour a day.

Here are a few examples of how children can play at school: Play ball; run and chase friends; walk on balance beams; push a car; dig in the sand; fill up buckets with measuring tools; gather outside treasures; like rocks and bark pieces; look at insects; look at flowers; smell different items; kicking and chasing a ball; playing on the swing; climb stairs; go down a slide; hang on bars and see if they can go from on side to the next; catch a ball; measure water; paint, blow bubbles, and play instruments; and sing songs. They can play interactive games like duck duck goose; block play; do scavenger hunts; grow vegetables; play make believe; or even appreciate the beautiful scenery in front of them.

All of these simple — and often thought of as silly — activities actually promote good life skills such as: risk taking, social skills, fine motor skills and large motor skills. Outside experience teaches children to make choices and expand their creativity.

Children discover how things work by trial and error. They improve their coordination, begin to grasp spatial awareness like distance, speed, location, and direction. Play expands their speech and language skills due to interactions with friends, as well as learning to use reasoning skills and being observant.

They explore nature around them and reduce stress in their life. They can even sing silly songs made from their imagination. A child that masters a new skill will get a feeling of success and happiness.

At home you can introduce outdoor activities for your preschooler: It is also important for you to be part of your children’s outdoor time. You can do simple things like make an obstacle course, or craft a clubhouse from boxes.

Take a walk and listen to the sounds of nature. Smell different objects. Go to a park, let them play with other children, or feed ducks. You can fly a kite; create art with sidewalk chalk; ride a bike; jump rope; measure rainfall (math skills); and play different games like soccer, basketball, and badminton.

Rake the yard — you’ll be surprised how many chore activities can be fun and educational.  Make bird feeders, or build a bird house and see the birds return each year. Set up a play tent and have tea-time or lunch outside.

My husband always involved our children in some kind of building project, teaching team building skills and just having those important family times together that build a lifetime of happy memories.

Enjoy the outdoors with your child. You benefit from it too.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The importance of outdoor play for preschoolers

CRESTVIEW — This is the latest news from North Okaloosa companies and their events. 

Food Mart adds U-Haul services 

Food Mart, located at 510 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, now offers U-Haul products and services. 

Miner joins Bridgeway clinical staff

Bridgeway Center Inc. has a new Crestview staff member. 

Kim Miner is accepting new clients at Bridgeway’s outpatient location at Railroad Avenue as well as commercial insurance clients at Soundside Wellness Consultants on State Road 85 in Crestview.

Miner is a Florida licensed mental health counselor, licensed school psychologist, certified addiction professional and a Licensed Practical Nurse. She is also a certified life coach, employee assistance professional, and crisis responder. 

A therapist with over 25 years of experience serving in academic, residential, and outpatient settings, Miner has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior disorders, learning disabilities and developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Kim enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Therapeutic interests include Depression, Anxiety, Relationships Issues, Substance Abuse/Addictions, Women’s Issues/Menopause, Coping with Medical Illnesses, Couples Counseling, Mood Disorders, Life Transitions, Personal Coaching and Stress Management.

Call 689-7844 to schedule an appointment with Miner or for additional information. Most insurance plans are accepted. 

Annual business reports deadline set

Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships that are transacting business in Florida must file their annual reports by the May 1 deadline. Business owners may go to sunbiz.org to securely file their reports.

Annual reports are required each year to maintain an "active status" with the Department of State’s Division of Corporations. According to Florida law, a $400 late fee is imposed on organizations that fail to file them on time.

Additional information and instructions are available online.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Business briefs

CRESTVIEW — Here are some of the latest North Okaloosa events from Northwest Florida organizations.

Ribbon cutting at Veterans Affairs Clinic near Eglin

 Expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic near Eglin Air Force Base will be completed soon. A ribbon cutting ceremony is 1 p.m. April 26 at the facility, 100 Veterans Way, Eglin Blvd. It will be approximately 34,000 square feet in size, primarily adding more space for the clinic’s primary care and behavioral health services for veterans.

County Public Safety department chooses 911 Telecommunicator of the Year

The Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety 911 Telecommunications team selected Stephen Sinsel as its Telecommunicator of the Year.

Sinsel's peers nominated him for the award.

He joined the 911 Telecommunications team in 2015, "and has since displayed knowledge, skills and abilities the citizens of Okaloosa County can count on in a crisis. Stephen leads his shift and provides critical training to new team members. This training brings them up to speed so they can help others in their time of need," a media release stated.

The team credited Stinsel with continuing to hone his own skills, and he "never shies away from asking questions in order to improve his own abilities. He is not above asking someone younger than him for their input and expertise when he believes their insight could benefit him. He molds the traits of a leader and a lifelong learner together in order to help those in need and help his colleagues perform at their best," the release stated.

Florida Leadership Academy lists graduates

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute released the names of 40 first-line supervisors who graduated April 13 from the Florida Leadership Academy. Graduates serve in leadership roles at 31 criminal justice agencies throughout the state.

Students met for four week-long sessions at the Florida Sheriff’s Association in Tallahassee. They learned skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges. They also learned to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the various components necessary to being an efficient leader.

Graduates include:

•Cordis Blackwood, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

•Joel Murphey, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Community Briefs

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

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Youth Center, 923 Denton Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Guest speakers: Jeremiah and Joshua West, 12 and 10 years old, respectively, are entrepreneurs, published authors, and speakers, who have inspired children from around the world to be "change agents" in their own communities. $10 per person. Includes light lunch and conference materials, adn door prizes. www.unitedforagoodcause.org. 

SPRING FAM JAM: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 in the amphitheatre at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Family and music festival with arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, a color run, and other activities. Proceeds benefit Autism Spectrum of the Emerald Coast. www.springfamjam.com or ASEC, 496-3062.

LAUREL HILL SCHOOL REUNION: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21, LHS, 8078 4th St, Laurel Hill. Anyone who had association with the school — graduates, employees, students or parents — may attend the free event. The LHS Reunion Committee will present a $500 scholarship to one senior Laurel Hill student. Door prizes, covered dish meal.

ARTISTS WANTED: The annual Laurel Hill Arts & Heritage Festival is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28. Artists, crafters, cottage food makers and historic re-enactors and heritage organizations will be at this year's festival. There is no charge for 10-by-10 booth spaces, though a $10 donation is requested for the sound technician. No company salespeople, please. Contact Brian Hughes at 682-2835 or brian_abroad@yahoo.com for more information.

CRESTVIEW FOOTBALL, CHEER REGISTRATION: The Crestview Area Youth Association is registering children ages 5-14 for football and cheerleading. Discounts are available for siblings. Registration costs $110 February through April. A payment plan is available. Visit www.cayafootball.org for registration and details. CAYA is not affiliated with the Hub City Bulldogs.

CARVER-HILL SCHOLARSHIP: Applications for Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society's first annual scholarship award are available at area high schools, local churches and the Carver-Hill Museum, 899 McClelland St., Crestview. Applications should be postmarked by the May 1 deadline. Details: Tonsiaweda Hayes, dstsechayest@cox.net, 850-621-4187; Caroline Ferguson, cbferguson4@yahoo.com, 973-432-4829; and David Wheeler, dwheels50@cox.net, 850-685-1698.

OKALOOSA MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE: 8 a.m. to noon May 5, Okaloosa Extension Annex, 127 Hollywood Blvd. NW, Fort Walton Beach. Cost: $5 each or five plants for $20. Among the spring plants available are Mexican Flame vines, Giant Tithonia Sunflowers, Copper Canyon daisies, Salvia, and Fire Spike. Rain or shine. Master Gardeners will also answer gardening questions. Bring samples to identify plant issues. 

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.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. April 17, Cracker Barrel, Crestview. This is a "pay your own way" event with all menu items will be offered. RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING: 4 p.m. April 17, Gulf Coast Home Health, 2207 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview. Celebrating the organization's new location.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. April 25, Crestview chamber, 1447 Commerce Drive. Amber Ellis, ambassadors@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.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK FESTIVAL: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28. Festival includes a 5k run/walk and fun run. Registration is required for the 5k. Vendor space is available. Call 678-2615 for information.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY: 5-8 p.m. May 1 and May 8, Heritage Museum. Two-part class by Joy Stoy. Learn to weave longleaf pine into baskets using the original Seminole techniques $60 or $55 for museum members. All materials included. RSVP due to limited space:678-2615.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4, Heritage Museum. With Carol Dickson. $45 per person ($40 for museum members). 678-2615 or info@heritage-museum.org to register. All materials included.

INTRO TO BLACKSMITHING: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5, Heritage Museum. $60 per person ($55 for museum members). All materials included.  Reservations required. 678-2615 or info@heritage-museum.org. All materials included.

MOTHER'S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 12. Cost is $20 per person. Attendees will experience a history program about Victorian tea etiquette, costume and traditions while sampling a variety of teas and light refreshments. Space is limited. Call 678-2615 to make a reservation.

'CAN YOU DIG IT?' HOME SCHOOL FRIDAY: 1-2:30 p.m. May 18, $7 per student, one adult is free but $3 per additional adult, In "Can You Dig It?" Students will uncover the past and engage their critical thinking skills in a hands-on simulated archaeology dig. Working with a real archaeologist, students will learn the basic principles and techniques of archaeology. 678-2615 to register.

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

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY POSTPONED: The building at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview, is currently under construction due to a flooding incident. The Concerned Citizens of Crestview group will give an update when the giveaway resumes.

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.

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.

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.

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 306-3176 or 800-203-3099, or see　www.seniorsvscrime.com　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.

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, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

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.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

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.

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

UPCOMING

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA: 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 22 program, in the Religious Education building of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic  Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville. Celebrates various forms of hand embroidery. 496-3466.

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF OKALOOSA COUNTY: 10:30 a.m. April 28, Fort Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE. The speaker has changed for the April meeting. Joe Meyer will give a brief overview of Eglin cemeteries. Val Moreland, 243-0352. 

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. May 7 at a member's home, salad luncheon. Bring one to share. Call President Ruth Herington, 683-0839, for address.

MAC USERS GROUP: 6:30 p.m. May 7, Student Services Center, Room 308/309 at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Frank Berte: Using Mac File Structure, Photo Editing/Photo Enhancement PSD files and Introduction to Facebook. Bring Mac devices. FWBMug.com, or Jean Dutton, 862-3327 or jeancdutton@mac.com.

RECURRING　

MONDAYS

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview, for beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Yearly membership: $20.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

THE OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. Details: info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS 

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 7 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. Details: crestviewlions@hotmail.com, secretary Charlotte Jones, 533-9931.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 3140 Haskell-Langley Road, Crestview. Details: Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●5 p.m. weigh-in; meeting starts from 5:25-5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. http://cvwlibrary.tumblr.com/.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza, 326 Main St., Crestview. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Greater Federation of Women's Club building, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Details: Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Cmdr. Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

PANHANDLE SADDLE CLUB: 6 p.m. first Wednesdays, David’s Catfish House, 1296 N. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview. Includes socializing, dinner and a meeting. November topic: how to keep your horse healthy. Details: Donna Curry, 830-6403 or donna@embarqmail.com.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, room 306, 805 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 8 a.m. third Thursdays, FAMU College of Pharmacy in downtown Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FRIDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195.

SATURDAYS

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N., Crestview. Free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

READ TO DOZER: 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For children ages 4 and up.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

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