UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday starting Jan. 22 at the Crestview Public Library. Teen author Noah Barfield will be the guest speaker at the Feb. 26 meeting. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php

EMBROIDERERS' GUILD OF AMERICA: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic  Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville, in the Religious Education building. The Sand Dunes Chapter celebrates various forms of hand embroidery. 496-3466.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays through May 7, 2018. Call President Ruth Herington, 683-0839, for non-listed locations at members' homes.

•Feb. 5, Sonshine Studios, 426 James Lee Blvd., Crestview, "Fairy Gardens."

•March 5, member's home, "Shapes and Shadows in the Garden."

•April 2, member's home, "Wacky Gardening Secrets"

•May 7, member's home, salad luncheon. Bring one to share.

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.

HELP OTHER PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: 6 p.m. third Mondays at Community of Christ, Crestview.

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. 2nd and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. 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 event. 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 in downtown 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, Foxwood Country Club, Antioch Road. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

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

PERU, Neb. — Peru State interim athletic director Steve Schneider recently announced the hiring of J.L. Thomason to serve as the Bobcats’ interim head softball coach.

Thomason takes the place of long-time Peru State head coach Mark Mathews, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve.

In making his announcement, Schneider noted, "JL is a 2012 Peru State graduate and received his master’s from Peru State in 2014. He has served as Coach Wayne Albury’s lead assistant coach for the past six years. He understands our systems/procedures, is a good teacher of the game, knows the recruitment business, fundraising and most importantly is a person of character. He will build upon the good works of Coach Mathews."

Thomason is a former student-athlete at Peru State and came to the college from Holt. He is a 2007 graduate of Crestview High School and was a four-year letterman on the varsity baseball and football teams at CHS.

In the winter of 2012, Thomason completed his Bachelor of Science in business administration-management and later went on to earn his Master of Science in organizational management-entrepreneurial and economic development in winter of 2014.

As an athlete at Peru State, Thomason participated in baseball for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. While he was a member of the team, Thomason ranked first in the NAIA for fielding percentage (2012), maintained a career batting average of 0.381 (2011-2012), and held a career fielding percentage of 0.852 (2011-2012).

Following the 2012 season, Thomason was named as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete and a conference scholar-athlete.

Thomason was a member of the first Peru State baseball team that made it to a NAIA National Tournament. In 2012, the Bobcats played in the Paducah, Ky., regional where the team went 2-2, with an upset over in-state rival Bellevue University.

Before stepping into the interim head softball coaching position, Thomason served as a coaching assistant to the Peru State baseball team for five-and-a-half years.

Over the course of these five years, Thomason assisted the Peru State baseball team in becoming the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Western Division Champions in 2013 and achieving the Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award (2013-2014). In the 2015 season, Thomason was crucial in assisting the Bobcats to winning both the Heart regular season and tournament championships, which propelled the team to their second national tournament experience. Peru State finished 1-2 in the Grand Rapids, Mich., regional.

JL is also no stranger to the strategies behind baseball and softball as he is an expert in creating accurate scouting reports and spray charts to ensure a victory for Peru teams. He also adds that he has been a hitting coach, infield and outfield instructor, third base coach, and strength and conditioning instructor.

In addition to being a coaching assistant at Peru State, Thomason contributed to other athletic programs by managing home games for football, volleyball and basketball.

Thomason said he is pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Bobcat softball program, but is aware of the challenges. He stated, "Having been here for over seven years while Coach Mathews’ was here, I am aware of the Peru State softball traditions. I am excited to have an opportunity to serve as a head coach and will work my hardest to make the program the best it can be to honor the past and look to the future of the program."

Brooks Ivey of Falls City and Amberlin Scharsch of Aiea, Hawaii will assist Thomason this spring. Ivey is in his second year as a graduate assistant while Scharsch is serving as a student assistant having completed her eligibility last spring.

—

Article updated to include more biographical information. (Jan. 23, 2018, 8 p.m.)

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'A person of character'

CRESTVIEW — Young visitors to the Crestview Public Library enjoyed various craft projects in January based on their age groups.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Craft time

BAKER — The Baker Block Museum’s staff wants to build a pavilion that would allow for covered events as well as create a source of revenue.

The museum will host a day of family fun, including a chili cook-off and vendor shopping, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17 at Baker Block Museum, 1307 Georgia Ave., Baker.

"We will have vendors, food, live music, a silent auction and a 50-50 drawing," a media release stated. "We will also have a kid’s corner with bounce houses, face painting and rock painting."

Casey Kearney, M&M Express, Gospel and Bluegrass will provide live music.

Hot Dogs, Fried Oreos, funnel cakes, baked goods, homemade ice cream and boiled peanuts will be served.

All proceeds from this cash-only event will go toward the pavilion fund.

WHAT: Family fun day at the Baker Block Museum

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17

WHERE: Baker Block Museum, 1307 Georgia Ave., Baker

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker museum to host family fun day

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

PENGUIN PLUNGE: 9 a.m. Feb. 3, Turkey Creek Nature Trail, 340 John Sims Parkway, Niceville. The plunge begins at 10 a.m. Registration costs $35 per person or $30 per team, and includes a goody bag with a scarf or beanie, a raffle entry, and a chili lunch. Benefits the EOD Warrior Foundation.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. Jan. 31, Crestview Area Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive. Contact Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson at ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com for details.

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

CRESTVIEW — On Friday, over 800 local soldiers and their families were invited to a special screening of “12 Strong,” a movie about the first Special Forces Group deployed to Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The screening took place 10 a.m. at the Marquis Cinema 10 in Crestview. The Friday premiere was open only to soldiers currently in the 7th Special Forces Group. Throughout this month, “12 Strong” will premiere nationwide.

“The significance of this movie today is to tell the story of the amazing bravery of the soldiers of the 5th group and what they went through,” Army spokesperson Maj. Kimbia Rey said. “Special Forces soldiers are known as quiet professionals and they’re not often recognized for the things that they do.”

The movie follows one of three teams assigned to mission Task Force Dagger and the soldiers who partnered with the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban and al-Qaida. It’s based on the best-selling book "Horse Soldiers."

“The American public is not often provided an opportunity to hear of these things due to the classification,” Rey said. “So this is a great event to pay homage to what these soldiers did.”

The timeline of the movie closely follows the real sequence of events, but the film took artistic liberties with characters and dramatized some events, according to Rey.

“While we’re not endorsing the movie, we are in agreement that this a pretty factual account of what transpired,” she said.

The movie was approved by the U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs.

“The Army provided support to the production to help tell an accurate story, and we are looking forward to its release. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help tell the amazing story about the brave service members who faced innumerable challenges against incredible odds,” a statement released by the army said.

The 5th Special Forces Group arrived in Afghanistan 39 days after the 2001 attacks. They worked with the Afghan forces to plan offensive attacks aimed at driving the Taliban out of their strongholds and recapturing key terrain, Rey said.

The mission was completed in less than two months.

The army assisted the makers of “12 Strong” with locations used in the movie and some of the equipment.

White Sands Missile Range provided filmmakers with locations for filming that would accurately simulate the rough Afghan terrain.

The Army also provided aircraft used in the movie, including the the actual unit used in the 2001 missions.

—

Editors' Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the number of service members who attended the screening.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A screening for heroes

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

ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY: 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 19, Twin Hills Park, 100 Hathaway St., Crestview. The Florida Forest Service, Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation District, and the University of Florida Extension Master Gardeners will give away a variety of tree species in one-gallon pots. Includes a presentation on proper planting and care for newly planted trees. Species in the giveaway include Dahoon Holly, Shumard Oak, pecan, sparkleberry and river birch.

MARDI GRAS PARADE AND STREET FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. Jan. 20, Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs. Krewe de Yak's fifth annual event includes a street fair, family-friendly entertainment, a car show, parade and after-party. Contact Samantha Graves, 419-5977 or krewedeyak@gmail.com, for details. See complete schedule at www.krewedeyak.org.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

PILOT COMMITTEE: 3 p.m. Jan. 19, Wendy's in north Crestview, at the intersection of State Road 85 and Airport Road. For Crestview leaders ages 21-41.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. Jan. 31, Crestview Area Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive. Contact Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson at ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com for details.

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

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 — For many women, there’s nothing more frightening than being assaulted.

Fortunately, local martial arts experts say, a woman can take some basic steps to resist or defeat an attacker.

Gordon Martial Arts, in conjunction with the Crestview Police Department Community Services division, will offer a free Women’s Self-Defense Course 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at the academy’s 130 Oakdale Ave. W. location.

"They do a really excellent program," Community Services Officer Sam Kimmons said. "We’ve offered it before and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the women who participated."

Topics include identifying and using a woman’s natural weapons; identifying targets on a male assailant; how to listen to the inner voice and identify signs of an impending attack; how to defend oneself in an attack; and how to be more proactive and in control in an attack situation.

Grand Master Tom Gordon, owner of the studio, said his trained and certified female martial arts staff would instruct the course.

"The reason I love teaching this class so much is because it’s women empowering women," GMA managing director and course instructor Amanda Howard said.

Gordon said his staff would also cover situations such as being choked, being grabbed from behind and being pushed to the ground.

"It’s always good to give back to the community that we love so much," he said. "Greg Bledsoe and I started doing free women’s self-defense classes over 20 years ago. Now we’re in the unique position of going more into an assistants role as Mrs. Amanda Howard and Ms. Mary Valdez lead the classes.

"They can communicate directly to women in terms they understand best," Gordon said. "I’m just there to play the attacker and take the falls.

"It’s harder than it looks, by the way!"

WHAT: Free self-defense course

WHEN: 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27

WHERE: Gordon Martial Arts, 130 Oakdale Ave., W., downtown Crestview

NOTES: Basics of self-defense instructed by trained and certified female martial artists; cosponsored by the Crestview Police Department. Pre-registration is not necessary.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘It’s women empowering women’

Over time, you will run into various suggestions for investing successfully, yet, upon closer inspection, many of these ideas turn out to be myths — which could cause you trouble if you treat them as solid advice.

Here are five of these myths, along with some reasons for ignoring them:

•You can find the next "big thing." All of us probably wish we could have "gotten in on the ground floor" of Apple or Microsoft or some other tremendously profitable company. And who knows? There may indeed be a similar other business out there, waiting to take off. But it's almost impossible for anyone to identify these potential "blockbusters." There's really no shortcut to investment success — you need the patience and discipline to invest for the long term, and you need to build a portfolio that's appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.

•Investors should always seek to "buy low and sell high." This is actually good advice — or it would be, if were possible to consistently follow it. But how can you know when the market is "high enough" to sell or "low enough" to buy? You can't — and neither can anyone else. Trying to time the market rarely works. A more appropriate strategy is to invest regularly and to diversify your holdings among stocks, bonds, government securities and other vehicles, based on your goals and risk tolerance. Diversification can help protect you against market downturns that primarily affect just one asset class. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can't guarantee profits or protect against all losses.

•It's always smart to buy investments that have performed well recently. You may have read, in investment prospectuses, that "past performance is no guarantee of future results." These words are certainly true; just because an investment has had a good run recently, it doesn't mean its success will continue indefinitely. You need to evaluate each investment on its own merits and on how well it fits into your overall portfolio.

•International investing is too risky. In today's global economy, it may be more risky not to invest some of your portfolio internationally. U.S. stocks represent less than half of global stock market capitalization — so by stopping at our borders, you are depriving yourself of a world of opportunities. It's true that foreign investments carry some special risks relating to currency fluctuations and political and economic events, but you can help contain this risk by confining your international holdings to a relatively small percentage of your portfolio. A financial professional can suggest the best ways for you to add a global element to your investments.

•You need a lot of money to make a lot of money. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a sizable amount of money to invest right away. But the world is full of people who started investing with small sums and ended up having enough money to enjoy the retirement lifestyle they had envisioned. If you're just beginning to invest, put in as much as you can afford each month; as your income goes up, increase your investments. As an investor, time is your greatest ally.

Sticking to a consistent investment strategy can help you write your own investment tale — and you can leave the myths to the storybooks. 

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Don't get swayed by these investment myths