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

ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES GROUNDBREAKING: Orthopaedic Associates of Fort Walton Beach will have a groundbreaking ceremony for its local building 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the new location, 5300 S. Ferdon Blvd. The new office wiill open in June.

SOCK HOP: The American Legion Post 75 Auxilliary will host a 50s-style sock hop at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the post, 898 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview. It will feature UR12 Karaoke with Glenn Rhyne, contests and prizes for best costume, hula hooping, the Twist, and more. A 50/50 drawing and raffle will be held, and food will be available from Arnold's Café on site, staffed by the Sons of the American Legion.

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.

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.

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

Most of us are familiar with the traditional cowboy rodeo like the one held in Baker each year. However, we have a different kind of rodeo happening in our backyard that some may not be as familiar with — the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

This saltwater fishing tournament was the brainchild of some Destin locals looking for a way to attract tourists to Destin for a May weekend in 1948. Flash forward to 2019 and the 71st annual Destin Fishing Rodeo operates everyday from Oct. 1 through 31, with daily, weekly and overall weigh-ins and prizes.

Over 30,000 anglers compete in the event for over $100,000 in cash and prizes.

There is something for everyone at the Rodeo. There are over 29 divisions with 33 species targeted.

You can participate in many ways including private boat, party boats, hiring a charter, kayaks, and paddleboards. While anglers on registered boats pay no fee, due to high demand, it’s recommended to make your reservations early.

No boat, no worries. You can also fish from the pier bridge jetty or beach, free for anglers 14 and under and $25 entry fee for those 15 and over. In addition, any child who enters the Rodeo with a fish weighing 1 pound or more gets a free rod and reel.

If you are more into spectating than fishing, there are plenty of opportunities as well. Around 4-7 p.m. each night, the majority of boats bring in their catch to a barge tethered behind AJ’sSeafood and Oyster Bar at the Destin harbor. Here, anglers weigh their catch in front of cheering crowds and pose for pictures with Miss Destin, hoping to win a spot on the huge leaderboard displaying the current front runners.

Other special events include the popular Shark Saturdays, the 5K Rodeo Run, and Halloween on the Harbor.

The Rodeo takes place on the Destin harbor boardwalk near AJ’s. Add this event to your October bucket list and come and join the fun. Yee-haw!

Visit www.destinfishingrodeo.org/ for additional information and rules.

Laura Tiu 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: Get ready for a different kind of Rodeo

CRESTVIEW — Sensei Brannon “Mak” Remaklus, owner of Atlas Martial Arts gym in Crestview, will speak on the topic of bullying with a real-world application and understanding of what bullying is (and is not).

The free Family Library Time program is open to the first 30 kids ages 4 to 17 at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last about an hour.

Remaklus uses a coaching approach with a high prioritization on autonomy, responsibility, self-discipline and character building. His intervention technique acknowledges everyone’s personal role of responsibility.

Following this discussion, there will be a demonstration by current students and then some brief sample instruction with interaction. Finally, participants will get to make their own finger puppet ninja to take home.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Remaklus to present information on bullying

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

RECURRING

POETRY OPEN MIC READING: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesdays. Arrive at 6 p.m. for conversation and snacks. Poets and musicians may read, perform, improvise and play together. Free. Details: Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432. The next one is 6:30 p.m. June 11 at the library.

ADULT COLORING THERAPY: 5-6 p.m. third Mondays for ages 18 or older. Hot tea, coloring pages, pencils and markers are provided.

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

SCRABBLE CLUB: 11 a.m. Thursdays and 5 p.m. every third Monday. Registration is not required. Call 682-4432 for more information.

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB: 3:15-5 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the library. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

FAMILY HISTORY CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon every third Thursday features the basics and a question-and-answer discussion led by volunteer Cindy Barber. Contact dotdane99@gmail.com for information.

ESSENTIAL OILS 101: 6 p.m. every fourth Thursday and 2:30 p.m. every fourth Saturday learn about essential oils with volunteer consultant Lynisha Smith. Contact 758-6482 or YLBlessed1@gmail.com for more information.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the library for students in grades six through 12.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

BRIGHT FUTURES VOLUNTEER HOURS: for students in grades nine through 12 to use toward Bright Futures scholarships. Contact Youth Librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for details.

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

Ladies and gents of Crestview, there seems to be a vague drop in temperature betwixt sunset and sunrise, which generally indicates one thing: we are officially entering Floridian Fall, otherwise known as "Less-Hot-Summer."

If you’re a pumpkin spice fan draped in infinity scarves like myself, this means spooky season is here! Unfortunately, as an adult, we can’t go trick-or-treating. It’s up to awkward adult parties to assuage our desire to dress up, and burgling candy from the kiddos’ stash to satiate our sweet tooths.

However, the Crestview Library has something brewing in our metaphorical cauldron that will appease and please!

Our second annual Trunk or Treat will be held 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive. The librarians and sponsors only have so many trunks and treats available to serve the wonderful costumed children. Participants need to be parked by 4:30 p.m. and will get a free entry into the Best Trunk competition.

As Uncle Sam is prone to say, "WE WANT YOU!"

If you’re interested in decorating your trunk and handing out candy, please call the library at 850-682-4432 or visit to sign up. It’s totally free to participate, and you get to wear costumes and chew on fun size bars whilst handing out sweets to adorable kids.

What better way to dust off your lightsabers, cowboy hats, and mummy wraps than volunteering your trunk at your library?

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Trunk or treat to your heart's content at library

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

RECURRING

POETRY OPEN MIC READING: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesdays. Arrive at 6 p.m. for conversation and snacks. Poets and musicians may read, perform, improvise and play together. Free. Details: Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432. The next one is 6:30 p.m. June 11 at the library.

ADULT COLORING THERAPY: 5-6 p.m. third Mondays for ages 18 or older. Hot tea, coloring pages, pencils and markers are provided.

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

SCRABBLE CLUB: 11 a.m. Thursdays and 5 p.m. every third Monday. Registration is not required. Call 682-4432 for more information.

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB: 3:15-5 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the library. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

FAMILY HISTORY CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon every third Thursday features the basics and a question-and-answer discussion led by volunteer Cindy Barber. Contact dotdane99@gmail.com for information.

ESSENTIAL OILS 101: 6 p.m. every fourth Thursday and 2:30 p.m. every fourth Saturday learn about essential oils with volunteer consultant Lynisha Smith. Contact 758-6482 or YLBlessed1@gmail.com for more information.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the library for students in grades six through 12.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

BRIGHT FUTURES VOLUNTEER HOURS: for students in grades nine through 12 to use toward Bright Futures scholarships. Contact Youth Librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for details.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COLD SHELTERS: The following Crestview shelters open at 6 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. when temperatures are 40 degrees or below.

• Sunday: Lifepoint Church, 400 Ferdon Blvd. S, 682-3518.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: Community of Christ, 398 First Ave. W., 682-7474. Hosted by Joy Fellowship.
• Friday: The Full Gospel Restoration Full Gospel Church, 383 Texas Parkway, 682-6029.

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

“There are these weeds spreading all over my yard. They have little round leaves that are real close to the ground and spread in every direction.

"I keep trying to get rid of them by mowing my grass shorter, but they are killing my grass. What are they and how do I get rid of them?”

Here at the Extension office, this is a conversation I have had nearly daily for the past month. We are here to help with identification and control of many landscape problems, including weeds.

However, my first word of advice is to change the mowing practice. Short, spreading weeds cannot be mowed out. You need to do just the opposite. Mowing as high as possible (3-4 inches) will help to reduce weeds by shading them out, therefore, reducing their spread.

In every instance, the weeds have been common lespedeza and/or prostrate spurge. Both grow close to the ground with a spreading habit. Both have small, rounded leaves and produce small, light-colored flowers. But, if you look close, there are significant differences that will help with identification.

Common lespedeza, also known as Japanese clover, is a prostrate summer annual that forms 15-18 inch patches. The stems are wiry. It has dark green trifoliate (arranged in threes) leaves with three oblong, smooth leaflets. Leaflets have parallel veins nearly at right angles to a prominent mid-vein. Its leaves have smooth edges and a short spur at the tip of each leaflet. Flowers appear in late summer with small pink to purple, single flowers found in leaf axils on most of the nodes of the main stems. As common lespedeza matures, the stems harden and become woody.

Prostrate spurge is a summer annual broadleaf weed that spreads by seed. The leaves are oval in shape, small, and opposite along the stem. As it matures, a red spot may form in the center of the leaf, earning it the common name spotted spurge. Another distinct characteristic is the stem contains a milky sap that oozes when the stem is broken. Light pink to white-colored flowers appear from early-summer through the fall.

Both are annual, broadleaf weeds, so there are several post-emergent herbicides available to kill the ones present.

Don’t forget the pre-emergent herbicide application in late winter though. These weeds can drop plenty of seed. The importance of knowing which weed you have is more about the message they are trying to send you. These weeds can indicate other issues that may be part of the reason the grass is thinning and allowing the weeds to take over in the first place.

Common lespedeza is a legume. It thrives when water is plentiful and soil nutrients are low. If this is the weed “taking over” your yard, you need to get a soil test and evaluate your watering habits. Improving fertility and reducing soil moisture will naturally weaken common lespedeza.

If your thin patches of declining grass are being replaced with spurge, it may be time to submit a sample for a nematode assay. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that imbed into and on grass roots.

Research has shown that spurge is a weed that can thrive with high populations of nematodes. Turfgrass species are easily harmed by them.

If the assay indicates harmful population levels, unfortunately there are few options for reduction of the nematodes. However, several ornamental plants are tolerant. So, you may need to consider creating a landscape bed area rather than continuing to battle poor-looking grass.

Weeds can serve as indicators to soil conditions that may need to be addressed. Learning to identify weeds may teach you more than just their names.

Sheila Dunning 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: Creepy weeds may be indicator of problems