CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Gary Johnson, founder of New Way of Life Outreach Ministry, is raising funds for his upcoming kidney transplant.

Johnson, who has diabetes and has been on dialysis since the summer of 2016, said his doctor estimated he has seven months to live without the transplant.

Johnson said one of the most difficult parts of the transplant, a donor kidney, is already covered. One of his children is a close match and has volunteered for the surgery.

Now the family needs to raise $9,500 for the required surgery, which must be paid in advance. The money also funds the medical stay afterward to ensure his body does not reject the kidney.

An initial fundraiser for the first $7,500 is at https://www.facebook.com/donate/142669536418450/.

"Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps," Johnson said. "I have put my all into helping the community for 16 years and I am hoping to be able to help all in need for many more years to come, and be able to watch my grandkids grow up.

"That is why I am asking for your help to help me live and be able to see those years. If I don't get this transplant, I may not live to do these things. Dialysis can only work to do so much," he said.

"Thanks in advance for the ones (whose) hearts the Lord will open up to help me through this journey, and may God bless (your) life as he has blessed mine over the years. Thanks again and to God be the glory."

Johnson had to attend a six-hour class in Pensacola as preparation for the surgery. 

"They were just telling me about the complications and what all you have to go through and about the medication. It's a certain medication you have to take to make sure your body doesn't reject the kidney. It's an ongoing (thing)," he said.

His wife, Doris, will soon have to attend a caregiver class.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Nonprofit founder raising kidney transplant funds

U.S. Air Force Airman Daniel M. Hicks II graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Hicks is the son of Crystal D. and Daniel M. Hicks Sr., and husband of Sydney J. Hicks, all of Crestview.

He is a 2015 graduate of Laurel Hill School.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LHS alum graduates from basic military training

UPDATE: We have confirmed that the event promoter has canceled this event.

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HOLT — Actor Butch Patrick, who as a child portrayed "Eddie Munster" on the iconic 1960s television show, "The Munsters," will appear during the Gasser Grudge Fest on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Emerald Coast Dragway in Holt.

Patrick will bring the Munster Koach and Dragula Tribute Hot Rods, purportedly the first hot rods ever to appear on television. Butch will be on hand for autographs and photo opportunities during the event.

Gates open at 8 a.m. with $15 admission; kids 12 and under enter at no charge.

Emerald Coast Dragway is located at 7134 Garner Landing Road, Holt. Visit http://raceecd.com/ for more information about Saturday’s event or call 603-3991.

"Don't miss the unique opportunity to meet an original cast member from the hit show, ‘The Munsters,’ and the only celebrity touring with his own television hot rods!" a media release stated.

For more information on Butch Patrick and his tour dates and events, visit www.munsters.com.

WHAT: Actor Butch Patrick, aka TV’s Eddie Munster, appearance during the Gasser Grudge Fest

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10

WHERE: Emerald Coast Dragway, 7134 Garner Landing Road, Holt

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TV's 'Eddie Munster' to bring hot rods to Holt (UPDATE: EVENT CANCELED)

CRESTVIEW — On Friday, the Florida Forest Service, city of Crestview and the University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County planted a sycamore tree at Twin Hills Park in honor of Arbor Day.

The event was originally scheduled to coincide with Florida’s Arbor Day on Jan. 19, but had to be rescheduled because of cold weather. National Arbor Day is recognized in April.

The sycamore was planted near Twin Hills' future dog park, Public Services Director Wayne Steele said.

“We chose this location because the tree will get as big as these nearby oaks and provide shade for the dogs,” Steele said. “It also provides stabilization.”

There are plans to plant more sycamore trees in the future, said Maria Wilson, a Senior Forester for the State of Florida Forest Service.

Two oak trees in the park had to be removed in the past couple of years due to rough weather, she said.

“The sycamores will serve as long-term mitigation for the aging oaks,” Steele said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Arbor Day marked with tree planting

"When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night."

So said the eminent Rosa Parks, laying an element of the poetic upon her famous refusal to give up her bus seat to a white person, leading to the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955-1956, a landmark civil rights victory, and lasting legacy of peaceable protest.

The Robert L.F. Sikes Public Library is currently putting on a modest display titled, "An Ode to Black History Month: A Display in Memory of Rosa Parks." The display includes a cutout replica of the eponymous Montgomery bus with a cutout homage to Mrs. Parks. Behind the bus cutout, two retro benches are decked out with historical briefs, detailing the powerful events of the boycott.

A board displays works by local poets, capturing the poignancy of the subject in moving and timely verse. Likewise, the front display contains selections from the library for check-out, including material for children.

Bolstered by the resonance of black history from seminal figures like W.E.B. DuBois and Frederick Douglass, the display comprises many modern selections, such as [Barack] Obama’s "The Audacity of Hope" and works by award-winning authors Kadir Nelson and Walter Dean Myers.

Margot Lee Shetterly’s "Hidden Figures" is front and center, circulating the amazing story of the black women of the 1930s-1960s NASA program. Many a Coretta Scott King Award winner also lines the display.

The Crestview Library invites you to take a look at a vibrant past, a hopeful present and take part in the building of a brighter future.

In the words of Rosa herself, "Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others."

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Black History Month books, poetry part of current display

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

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Fridays in the Story Room, with sign-in at 9 a.m. It is limited to 30 children per class and their caregivers. Older children are welcome if they want to attend. A story, songs and finger plays are part of the event. Topics are: Feb. 9, Baby Love; Feb. 16, Food Adventures; March 2 and 9, Let's Play; March 16 and 23, Spring and Easter; April 6 and 13, Growing and Gardening; April 20 and May 4, Clothing; and May 11 and 18, Praiseworthy Parents.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays in the Story Room, and includes a craft at 10:30. The crafts are available to the first 20 people ages 3 and up to sign in at 10 a.m. each day. Younger siblings accompanied by an adult are welcome. Topics are: Feb. 13, Valentines; Feb. 20 and 27, African Tales; March 6 and 13, Leaping Leprechauns; March 20 and 27, Easter; April 10 and 17, Feel Better Stories; April 24 and May 1, Clothing; and May 8 and 15, Praiseworthy Parents.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: for children ages 4 and up. Scheduled events include:

•6 or 6:45 p.m. Feb. 23, bear hunt. Registration required. Wear pajamas and bring a teddy bear, a flashlight, and cookies to share.

•10:15-11 a.m. March 17, Irish dance. Listen to Irish music and learn an Irish dance, the ceili.

•10:15 a.m. April 28, Nonie's Ark presentation. Registration is recommended for this event, which is for ages 4 and up and their caregivers.

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB: 3-4 p.m. every first and third Thursday. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

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

READ TO DOZER: 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturdays of each month (as long as it's not raining).

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

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Youth Association is registering children ages 5-14 for football and cheerleading. Discounts are available for siblings.

Registration costs $110 for 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.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Football, cheerleader registration opens

CRESTVIEW — The Tractor Supply Co. store in Crestview is donating 24 bags of pet food to feed dogs and cats in need of adoption.

"More often than not, animal shelters and rescues depend greatly on food donations to support the pets they take in that await adoption," said Tony Conquist, manager of the Crestview Tractor Supply store. "Our goal at Tractor Supply is to do our part in helping adoption efforts in our community because we know that pets are more than just dogs and cats, they are family."

Tractor Supply presented the pet food donation to Panhandle Animal Welfare Services of Okaloosa County.

In addition to the pet food donation, the Crestview Tractor Supply hosts pet adoption events throughout the year.

Visit TSCEventPartners.com or call the store at 682-0945 to learn more about working with Tractor Supply for pet adoption events.

For information and tips on adopting an animal and raising pets, visit TractorSupply.com/PetCare.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Tractor Supply boosts PAWS

The Main Street Land Title Company has become the leading, trusted source for real-estate closings in North Okaloosa County. 

With a relentless focus on relationships and quality, Main Street has seen great growth, and with growth comes change. So we are excited to announce some new growth and change in 2018:

Cheryl Purvines was instrumental in the birth of Main Street. We’re a different Main Street today than we were yesterday, but we’ll always be grateful to Cheryl for helping to jump start our success.

We look forward to seeing Cheryl at the closing table in the future, but on the other side. Cheryl will be joining Your House Team at RE/MAX, Agency One, Inc. on March 1.

Cheryl explained, "after much prayer and consideration, my husband and I have decided that it is time for me to take that giant leap from full-time title agent to full-time real estate agent. Main Street Land Title has been my family for almost eight years! It’s a huge transition, and I will greatly miss everyone here."

We’re very pleased that Gwen Boutwell is joining Main Street as a licensed title officer. Gwen began her career in real estate in 1993, and she’s seen many changes in the industry.

Gwen owns and operates Allstate Title and Escrow of NW Florida, but she has decided it’s time to leave the nuts and bolts of small business to someone else and focus on what she truly loves — the real estate closing process!

And if you liked Cheryl’s style, you’ll feel right at home with Gwen as she trained Cheryl when Cheryl first started working in the industry. Cheryl and Gwen will have some time together to make a smooth transition for our valued clients.

We are also excited to welcome Debby Davis to Main Street as a closing coordinator. Debby comes with nearly 20 years’ experience in the title industry and will improve the responsiveness of our back office operations and provide superior support to our team.

You may have worked with Debby in the past as she has worked extensively in the industry, most recently in Grayton Beach. Debby calls Crestview home and is happy to be back home for work, too.

And though we are growing, we still have plenty of familiar faces. Roberta Youngblood, closing officer; Celeste Acosta, closing coordinator; Misty Osborn, administrative specialist; Crystal Boyles, owner/manager; and Nathan Boyles, owner/attorney are looking forward to welcoming the new team members.

Debby will team with Roberta and Celeste will team with Gwen to offer our Realtors and clients even greater service than before.

Crystal Boyles is Main Street Land Title Company's owner/manager.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street Land Title welcomes two new employees