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 Published and unpublished writers challenge and encourage each other.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

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

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

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 close 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 — Here is the latest information on area club meetings in Northwest Florida.

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. 

BOY SCOUT TROOPS 30 AND 33: meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays during the school year at First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave., Crestview. Boys and girls ages 11 to 18 may join. Contact bsacrestviewtroop30@gmail.com or smicrestviewtroop33@gmail.com, or visit www.beascout.scouting.org. 

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. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting. 

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.

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.

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. Commander 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.

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.

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 PHOTO CLUB: The Crestview Photo Club meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays at the Crestview Elks Lodge, 127 W. Pine Ave., across from Casbah Coffee Shop.

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

FRIDAYS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 75: Community Family Gathering dinners, 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays at the post, 898 East James Lee Blvd., Crestview. First Fridays, steak dinners, $15 each. Second Fridays, grilled and smoked BBQ chicken dinners, $10 each. Third Fridays, fish fry, $10; fourth Fridays, spaghetti dinners, $8. Live band performances 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays. A full list of all the meetings and events the legion has is posted at www.alpost 75.org. Visit the site or their Facebook page for more information.

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.

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

Here we are at the beginning of fall, many preparing for the festivities of Halloween or other fall celebrations. Hayrides, corn mazes, and spooky decorations are popping up all around.

One of the most common ways to celebrate fall is by cooking a hearty chili or whipping up some sweet treats. These foods make us feel warm and cozy and help us to celebrate the fall season, but can be a hazard to our health and waistline. Added fats, sugars, and salt can lead to developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other diseases.

When choosing to celebrate with food, keep in mind some healthy habits recommended by the USDA Food Guide, MyPlate:

1. Fill half of your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. These are full of nutrients your body needs to function well.

2. Limit fats and sugars. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a yummy treat every now and again, but make sure that they are occasional.

3. Choose lean proteins with lower fat content.

4. Limit salt intake. Choose lower sodium foods, and limit adding salt to recipes.

5. Choose low fat or fat-free dairy products to include in your meals.

6. Increase your level of exercise. It is a wonderful time of year to go for a walk!

Here is a recipe from the “What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl” website to help you kick off your healthy fall.

Microwave Baked Apples

Makes: 4 servings

Here is a sweet apple treat that you can prepare in minutes in the microwave.

Ingredients

4 large baking apples

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Wash apples and remove core.

2. Cut a thin slice off bottom of each apple to form a flat surface. Place apples in a microwave-safe baking dish.

3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small dish. Spoon mixture into center of apples.

4. Cover with wax paper and microwave on high power 6 to 10 minutes or until apples are soft.

Source: Kansas Family Nutrition Program, Kids a Cookin’

Visit https://bit.ly/2nPoRwy for this and other recipes. 

For more information, contact me at 850-612-9700 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu.

Jill Breslawski 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: 6 healthy ways to celebrate with food

Your library, by you. That simple phrase means a lot to me. As the Adult Services Librarian at the Crestview Library, I help manage quite a handful of programming here. In my work, I have found one thing to be particularly invaluable for the success of our classes, clubs, and events: the gracious service from our helpers and volunteers.

We currently have more than eight regular classes and clubs run by community leaders. These people have dedicated their time and attention to teaching, growing relationships, and helping their fellow library patrons. I am incredibly grateful for the long-standing dedication and the passion they’ve shown.

Which leads me to my plug: if you have a special talent, know a trade, or have a hobby or interest, consider forming a class or club here.

If you’re interested, email Emily Knie at eknie@okaloosa.lib.fl.us. The librarians here do a lot. But we can reach even further and climb higher because of our community leaders. They build their library; and if you want, you can too!

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Some library programs provided by helpers, volunteers

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.

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

Okaloosa County 4-H is staying busy this fall with fundraisers, workshops, and community involvement.

Crestview’s Tractor Supply Company and others across the United States are participating in the Paper Clover Campaign through Oct. 20.

Starting Oct. 5, for the first time ever, our 4-H and FFA youth and families will receive discounts on apparel, shavings, and feed. The money raised during the campaign will help youth across the state attend camps and activities that promote leadership, like our residential camp at Camp Timpoochee, 4-H Legislature, and 4-H University.

Fort Walton Beach Library and Okaloosa County 4-H are working together to provide workshops and day camps throughout the season.

The Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center is hosting their Fall Carnival from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 18 at 132 Jet Drive NW. Okaloosa County 4-H will be there to distribute candy, 4-H surprises, and information about our program.

For more information about our 4-H events, workshops, and 4-H program, please contact me, Katie Oakes, at 850-689-5850 or koakes@ufl.edu.

You may also visit the 4-H website, http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosa/4-h-youth-development/programs/; or follow us on Facebook (UFIFASOkaloosaCounty4H).

Katie Oakes 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: Enjoy fall with Okaloosa County 4-H