CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce schedules events each month for members.

Here’s a look at February’s events. 

RIBBON CUTTINGS:

The chamber has scheduled the following ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

• Waffle House (South): 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at 3804 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
• Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union: 5 p.m. Thursday at 1239 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
• State Farm-Tiffany Woodam Agency: noon Friday at 938 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Light snacks will be provided.

PILOT COMMITTEE: Professional and Inspired Leaders of Tomorrow will meet 3 p.m. Friday at Samuel’s Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

PILOT’s mission is to encourage and enhance professional development in young leaders of the Crestview community, those ages 21-41, by providing social interaction and networking opportunities; by presenting topics related to personal and professional enhancement; and by participating in civic duties and activities to strengthen and develop the community.

AMBASSADORS ‘LET'S DO LUNCH’: 11:30 a.m. Feb. 20 at Hot Head Burritos in Crestview. Chamber members can network and enjoy lunch in an informal, no-pressure setting. 

Members can invite a friend, a co-worker or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber.

RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE MEETING: 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Crestview Chamber, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

If you are a member of the chamber, then you are a member of the Ambassadors Committee. Meeting attendees will learn all about the chamber’s latest happenings.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Chamber sets February events

VALPARAISO — The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will present its quarterly field trip tour for home-school students and their families.

"Historic Technology" is 1-2:30 p.m. Friday at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Students will learn how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults.

The cost to attend is $8 per student; ($6 for Museum Family Members). One parent or teacher per family enters free; the cost is $3 per additional adult. Children age 4 and under also enter free; the cost is $3 each for them to participate in a hands-on activity.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Historic Technology’ home school tour scheduled

The Better Business Bureau Foundation of Northwest Florida seeks businesses and charities to participate in its 13th annual Torch Award for Ethics program.

The Torch Award publicly recognizes businesses and charities that maintain a commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical manner.

BBB Accreditation is not required to enter; however, applicants must be physically located within the 14-county service area of BBB of Northwest Florida. Charities must have participated in BBB of Northwest Florida’s Charity Review Program within the past two years.

The BBB will contact all nominees for an on-site visit. This provides an opportunity for entrants to display the ways they incorporate ethics and integrity into their business practices.

Along with the Torch Award, BBB Foundation will award the Customer Service Excellence Award, for individuals who go beyond in their customer service activities, and Student Ethics Scholarships will be awarded to high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate leadership, community service and overall personal integrity.

The application deadline for all awards is March 30. Self-nominations are encouraged. 

An entry form is available at bbb.org/nwfl/torchaward, or call 429-0002 or 800-729-9226.

Guidelines for entries, including scholarship information, are available on the website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Entries sought for business ethics award

CRESTVIEW — A long-time employee at Crestview Manor is retiring.

Ernestine Edmunds, known as Dean, began working at the Pearl Street facility when it first opened its doors.

"She for 35 years cared [for] or touched the lives of 5,000 elder, fragile and at-risk residents, working the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift," Director Becky Brice-Nash said. "She never called out (took a day off), and cared, did laundry, comforted and was a good ear to lean on.

"She loved the residents the most. I've known her for eight years and she has always been the foundation of the manor. She saved many lives and was there when God called (his) angels to heaven."

Crestview Manor is a non-profit assisted living facility with 65 licensed beds, according to FloridaHealthFinder.gov.

Edmunds' last day working there was Feb. 2. Relatives, fellow staff members and residents recognized her years of service with cake and other refreshments.

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'She saved many lives'

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Commission on Wednesday approved financing for phase three of the PJ Adams Parkway project.

The project will add two lanes along the road from Highway 85 to Wild Horse Drive, turning about a mile into a four-lane road.

Construction was broken into four phases while the commission sorted out funding. Wednesday's decision accelerated the project, so construction will begin for the first three phases simultaneously.

Construction should start by the end of the year, County Commissioner Nathan Boyles said.

There will be some inconvenience for drivers, he said, but the road will remain open.

"It will be far less inconvenient than not doing the project," Boyles said. "The short-term pain will be more than worth the long-term gain. We'll avoid major gridlock."

County Engineer Scott Bitterman agreed that the project was necessary despite any construction woes.

"Any roadway construction is inconvenient," he said. "But it will be well worth the inconvenience."

The benefit of starting all three phases at the same time is there will be a "shorter total duration when the roadway is under construction," Bitterman said.

Phase four of the project is delayed until more funding becomes available, according to the commissioners.

Once construction on the road begins, it will last for about a year, Bitterman said.

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PJ Adams widening expected to begin by year's end

CRESTVIEW — Library Class attendees recently learned to make their own valentines at the Crestview library.

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

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Working on valentines

CRESTVIEW — Bridgeway Center Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel Cobbs has announced his plan to retire from BCI on July 31.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in January that Bonnie R. Barlow, BCI’s current chief operating officer, will become chief executive officer Aug. 1.

She has been with BCI for approximately 30 years, with 27 years of management experience responsibilities. She will ensure continuity of leadership and the successful trajectory Cobbs created for the organization.

BCI’s top six achievements over the past 25 years are:

•National accreditation awards for 24 consecutive years.

•Behavioral Insight Interviewing technique for a cohesive talented, diverse BCI workforce.

•Transformation to Information Technology systems in all areas to be paperless, with electronic documentation for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

•Strategic partnership with ABH of Lakeview Center, Inc. and Chautauqua Health Services for a "full risk" contract with Medicaid health maintenance organizations capitation. This requires that BCI pay for behavioral health inpatient hospital admissions for Okaloosa residents.

•On-site pharmacy services at BCI outpatient locations in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview.

•Creation of the Children’s Specialty Services for Coordination of Care with Early Childhood Court, and the activation of BCI’s Community Action Team. The CAT is on-call 24 hours a day for children with behavioral health disorders and their families. This includes the therapeutic focus on parenting skills.

Les Chambers, 2017 board chair, and Doug Burgess, 2018 board chair, stated, "The BCI Board of Trustees appreciates Daniel Cobbs’ leadership. Since January 1993, Dan has been the chief architect and vital element in the development and success of Bridgeway Center, Inc. The board and staff will miss Dan and his inspiring authentic leadership. We wish him much success in the future. We want to thank Dan for over 25 years of dedicated service, which involved many significant accomplishments."

Cobbs is retiring to be more active with outdoor sports, cooking and volunteering.

"While I will miss everyone at BCI as I move into this next chapter of my life, I plan to continue my support of BCI and the work that has become so important for children and families who have or are currently at risk with behavioral health care (mental illness or substance use disorders)," he said.

"I want to give my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of Bridgeway Center Inc. and to me personally over the years: BCI team members, Board of Trustees, and, of course, our community partners. Without everyone, BCI would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. It has been an honor to have been the leader of this valuable organization."

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway CEO to retire; replacement named

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

MARDI GRAS GOLF SCRAMBLE: Saturday, Feb. 10 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start at the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club, Shalimar. The cost is $70 per person or $250 for a team of four. Participation includes golf scramble, lunch, prizes, silent auction, raffles, flight winners, four holes-in-one, and closest-to-the-pin. Hole signs and additional corporate sponsorship levels, with or without teams, are available. Proceeds will benefit the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, a non-profit organization. Deadline to register is Feb. 6. Details: www.heritage-museum.org or call 678-2615.

CHELCO SCHOLARSHIPS: CHELCO will award three one-time scholarships of $1,000 in April. The scholarship is designed to help members or their dependents with college expenses. Applicants must be a CHELCO member, spouse or dependent of a member and must live on CHELCO lines. Judges from area colleges and universities will review applications for academic excellence, participation in community and school activities as well as individual need. Graduating high school seniors, current college students as well as adults returning to college are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15. Go to www.CHELCO.com, the school's guidance or admissions offices or CHELCO's six office locations for an application.

HOME SCHOOL TOUR AT MUSEUM: "Historic Technology," Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s quarterly field trip for home-school students and their families, is set Feb. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Students will learn how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. Cost is $8 per student (or $6 for Museum Family Members). One parent/teacher per family is admitted free; $3 cost per each additional adult. Children 4 and under get in free; cost for each is $3 to participate in a hands-on activity. Pre-registration is required. Details: 678-2615.

COIN SHOW: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 25, the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach. Buy, sell and trade coins, currency, gold and silver. Free appraisals, and free admission and parking in the White-Wilson Medical Center parking lot. Attendees will receive a new collectible quarter while supplies last. Details: Dave, Fort Walton Beach Coin Club, 512-4904.

ANNUAL SPRING PANHANDLE JOB FAIR: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8, St. Mary’s Parish, 165 Coral Drive SW, Fort Walton Beach. Businesses may register early due to limited space and take advantage of the lower $200 booth fee ($220 after Feb. 9). Register online at www.panhandlejobfair.com. Check-in and registration for employer set-up is from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Because space is limited, register early. Details: contact@panhandlejobfair.com.

BOY SCOUTS PINEWOOD DERBY AUTO SHOW: 8 a.m. March 24, Air Armament Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base. Forty-two classes, including Boy Scout’s Choice, Cub Scout’s Choice, Best Paint, Best Interior and Best Engine. Registration is 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and judging starts at noon. Cost is $20 before March 17 or $25 afterward. Premium parking at the event costs $30. See https://gulfcoastcouncil.doubleknot.com/registration/register.aspx# to register. DJ Dan of B Boy Productions will provide music, and Scout vendors will sell concessions. Visit the Pinewood Auto Show Facebook page for more information. 

NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: Deadline to apply is March 30. Visit www.nwfsc.edu/scholarships or call 729-5370 for details.  

BOY SCOUTS' SCOUT-O-RAMA: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks St. The free, family-friendly event includes games, demonstrations, crafts and community booths. Scouts will demonstrate scouting skills, games and activties and crafts. Public safety and community organizations will provide activities at the event; among them will be Okaloosa Emergency Medical Services and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

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.

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: 6 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.

CHAMBER SPONSORSHIPS: People or companies interested in sponsoring a chamber breakfast or Business After Hours event in 2018 may contact the chamber. There are still a few spots available. Email info@crestviewchamber.com or call 682-3212.

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

Valentine's Day is almost here — and it's a pretty big business. In fact, U.S. consumers spent about $18 billion on their valentines in 2017, according to the National Retail Federation.

Of course, recipients certainly appreciate flowers, candy, jewelry and so on, but this year, consider going beyond the traditional favorites to give your loved ones something more longlasting — a financial gift.

And, while you're doing so, why not also go beyond the traditional definition of a "valentine"? After all, not all that $18 billion went to spouses or significant others. A sizable amount also went to non-romantic connections, including children, parents, friends, teachers — even pets.

So, in the spirit of ecumenical Valentine's Day gift-giving, here are some suggestions for financial gifts for your loved ones:

•For spouse or significant other — One valuable gift to your spouse or significant other might be an IRA contribution. While you can't directly contribute to someone else's IRA, you can certainly write a check to that person for that purpose.

This gift is particularly valuable because many people have trouble coming up with the maximum annual IRA contribution, which, in 2018, is $5,500, or $6,500 for individuals 50 and older. As an alternative to an IRA contribution, you could give shares of a stock issued by a company whose products or services are enjoyed by your spouse or signfiicant other.

•For your children — It's never too soon to start saving for college for your children. Fortunately, you have a few attractive college-funding vehicles available, one of which is the 529 Savings Plan. You can generally invest in the plan offered by any state, even if you don't live there. If you do invest in your own state's plan, you might receive a tax incentive, which could include a deduction, match or credit.

Plus, all withdrawals from 529 Savings Plans will be free from federal income taxes and, in most cases, state income taxes as well, as long as the money is used for qualified college or graduate school expenses of the beneficiary you've named. (If a withdrawal is taken from a 529 Savings Plan but not used for a qualified expense, the portion of the withdrawal representing earnings is subject to ordinary income tax and a 10 percent federal penalty.)

•For your parents — You can probably find a number of thoughtful and valuable financial gifts for your parents. You could, for example, offer to pay a month's worth of their premiums for their auto or health insurance. Even if they are on Medicare, they may still be paying for a supplemental policy, so your gift may well be appreciated.

But you might want to go beyond helping them with just a single component of their financial situation and instead provide them with assistance for their "big picture." To do so, you could arrange a visit with a trusted financial professional, assuming your parents aren't already using one. This person could look at all issues, including investments, retirement accounts, long-term care and estate-related financial strategies, and then make appropriate recommendations and even referrals to other professionals.

Everyone likes the hearts, flowers and sweets of Valentine's Day. Nonetheless, give some thought to making financial gifts — they can make a difference in your loved ones' lives long after the chocolates are eaten and the roses have faded.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Consider financial gifts for all your valentines

The 4-H slogan is to "Learn by Doing" and our youths are doing just that by learning through the experiences that they decide to embark on as club members.

Upcoming weeks will showcase this experiential learning approach. Okaloosa County 4-H has Teen Retreat, 4-H Day at the Capitol, and our County Events coming in February and early March.

Over Presidents Day weekend, the NW District Florida 4-H Teen Retreat will take place at Camp Cherry Lake. This youth-led weekend gives teens the ability to plan the whole weekend from T-shirt design to workshops and fun shops.

Our teens have been engaged in the entire planning process via virtual planning meetings for months now. The theme this year is the "4-H'ers Guide to an Apocalypse," with workshops and fun shops that include building bug-out bags, grilling, fishing and even archery!

The 4-H Day at the Capitol is an opportunity for members to travel to Tallahassee on Feb. 22 to partake in various endeavors. The youths are encouraged to make an appointment with elected officials to discuss the 4-H program.

Youths also have the options to go to the Museum of Florida History, the Tallahassee Museum, Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the Florida governor’s mansion.

County events allow our 4-H youths to show their talents through photography, demonstrations/illustrated talks, graphic design, public speaking, and share-the-fun. County events are implemented through the experiential learning approach. The 4-H youths are making their own decisions, taking risks, applying what they have learned, and learning through reflection.

County events allow them to express what they have learned and receive feedback that they can learn from in a hands-on learning environment. The qualifying youths will have the opportunity to advance to district, state and regional/national events.

Our Okaloosa County 4-H county events registration will end March 5 and the county events will be held on March 10.

I can be reached via email at twilken@ufl.edu or by calling the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office at 850-689- 5850 if you would like to find out more about 4-H in our county.

Taylor Wilken 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: How 4-H members 'learn by doing'