CHIPLEY — The Florida Department of Transportation will conduct winter weather operations beginning at 1 p.m. in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in preparation for Winter Storm Inga. Operations will continue at 8 p.m. beginning in Walton County and move east throughout the evening into Jackson County.

Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as FDOT maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions on bridges and roadways. FDOT crews will deploy various ice and snow removal equipment including snow plows and salt and chemical spreaders throughout the area.

FDOT’s winter weather plan has been developed to keep Florida’s highway system safe and operational in all types of weather conditions.

If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

Follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FDOT prepares for Winter Storm Inga

CRESTVIEW — Women looking for clothing and business wear have a new place in Crestview to shop for them.

The Meraki Lady, located at 265 Main St., added women's clothing to its offerings in December.

Owner Shelly Brace and her son, Dale Riley III, marketer and photographer, said clothes at the store range from extra small to plus sizes. They also have a selection of jewelry, purses, beanies and other accessories from which customers can choose.

When asked what sets Meraki apart from other area boutiques, Riley said, "We're bringing a new different kind of trendy style to Crestview, and make it easy for people to stop by here without trying to run to Destin every time for a new outfit.

"We're kind of like a one-stop shop because we have a tanning salon, a hair salon, photography and a nail salon."

Brace said the salon part of the business opened in October. It has seven employees, and she plans to add two more employees to provide services to walk-in customers.

Salon hours are by appointment. The tanning salon and clothing boutique hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

A 'SUPER-CREATIVE' TEAM

The mother-and-son duo said they appreciate the skills each brings to the table for the multi-faceted business.

"Having my son help me with all this — it means a lot," Brace said. "He's great at marketing, and 'Mom is old-fashioned over here' and it makes it easier on me. I'm more the business aspect of it and we're both really good with people."

"Well, me and my mom are doing this together," Riley said. "We've always both been super-creative."

That shared creative streak is why the pair settled on the business' name, Meraki.

"Our cousin actually told the meaning of it," Brace said. "We were all brainstorming and coming up with different names. Meraki is an old Greek word meaning creativity and love, and it comes from the soul."

"I can look at things and get an idea (to work with)," Brace said. "He sees things in a whole new way… If we took the same picture, I do not have the same eye that he does. I can tell you that."

The company has Instagram and Facebook sites, and will soon have an online store in a few months.

Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Meraki Lady Boutique has Sunday hours. This was a typographical error on our part. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The News Bulletin staff apologizes for this error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A family business

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.

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.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16, David's Catfish House, 1296 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Network, socialize and enjoy lunch in an informal, no-pressure setting. Invite a new member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber to have lunch with you. RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Children in Crisis, 969 Davie's Way, Fort Walton Beach (located at The Children's Neighborhood). Celebrates the opening of the Kay's Cupboard Food Pantry. Call 864-4242 to RSVP by Jan. 15.

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

Welcome to 2018! Are you already tackling your New Year’s resolution? No matter what your goal may be, whether it is related to weight loss, personal finance or career, it is best to make sure that it is SMART. 

A SMART goal is one that follows these guidelines and answers these questions: 

• Specific: Exactly what would you like to accomplish?
• Measurable: How much, or how many?
• Attainable: Can it actually be done? 
• Relevant: Why is it important to you?
• Time bound: How [much time] will you [need to achieve it]? 

To just state that a goal, or resolution, of yours is to save money does not give any structure to your goal. There is no way to track your progress or hold yourself accountable. Making your goal SMART will do just that.

An example of a SMART goal may be, "I will save $500 in the next year, so I can join the fitness gym, by making an automatic deposit to my savings account and bringing my lunch to work instead of buying fast food." 

Here is an example of that goal with the SMART breakdown: 

• Specific: Exactly what would you like to accomplish? To join a fitness gym
• Measurable: How much, or how many? $500
• Attainable: Can it actually be done? Must answer based upon income, debts and ability to prepare lunches
• Relevant: Why is it important to you? Value of personal health
• Time bound: How will you know you have completed goal? One year 

Accomplishing a goal is no simple task; often it takes a lot of time, energy and work. Don’t get frustrated if you make a mistake or aren’t doing as well as you would like. Give yourself permission to adjust your goal if needed. What may be working for you now may not work for you in six months. 

It can also be very helpful to write down your goals and put them in a prominent place that you look at every day, like the mirror or the fridge. That will help keep the goal fresh and keep your motivation strong.

Check out our University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Okaloosa County Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UFIFASOkaloosaExtension/, to check out my personal SMART goal video for 2018.

For more information, contact me at 689-5850 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: Set New Year’s resolutions the ‘SMART’ way

CRESTVIEW — A murder mystery troupe will present "Decked Out for Death" in Crestview.

Act4Mystery's dinner theater performance is set 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

The play is about a swinging singles vacation on an cruise ship that proves love is in cards, even if they are playing bridge and not kissing royals.

"Our shows are nothing but fun and games, but remember, someone is going to die!" the troupe stated in a media release. "Will you and your table of sleuths win a prize for guessing whodunit?"

The cost is $38. V.I.P. packages with merchandise and recognition are available online.

The professional comedy troupe has performed together since 2003, previously under the name Act4Murder.

Call Act4Mystery at 862-2885 for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Act4Mystery schedules 'Decked Out for Death'

CRESTVIEW — A retired chef is gathering Northwest Florida residents' verbal stories for a 10-year project on food. The stories will be archived at the Baker Block Museum.

For three years, James "Oso" Wallman has recorded people's stories about the food their families grow, eat and prepare. As a chef, he has traveled to seven countries, approximately 24 states and lived in about 50 homes during his career.

"This gave me keen insight into how people would eat; how they cooked their food at home," the Crestview resident said. "I would stay in people's homes for two to four months at a time as a guest, and document and study their cuisine and culture and how they lived.

"I collected a lot of stories along the way and I wanted to continue that here."

TODAY THE FARM; TOMORROW THE WORLD

Wallman, his sister, and late brother, Joe, grew up on a farm on Airport Road in Crestview, where their mother still lives. His sister is Shirley Chestnut of Crestview.

"My mom is Mexican, and my dad (the late Don Wallman) was German-Hungarian, so we had different cuisines in the house," James Wallman said.

They raised animals, foraged in the woods, and gardened.

"We made everything from scratch. We had three big gardens, so you learned how to really prepare food from scratch, and canning it and preserving it. And from that, I just naturally went into becoming a cook locally," he said.

The family cooked a lot of food to raise money for their church as well, he said, "… so I learned from age 13 on how to prepare 5,000 burritos … 1,200 tacos for a weekend at the Mullet Festival. And from that I was able to go and travel around the world, and because everybody has to eat, I can get a job anywhere."

A HISTORY OF FOOD

Wallman has already recorded some stories from Okaloosa residents, and will interview people of all ages 11 a.m. to closing each Friday in January at the Baker Block Museum. The talks will be saved to archives at the Baker Block Museum, and senior citizens will get a free copy of the stories they share.

What kinds of stories are wanted?

One story Wallman mentioned is the 2004 visit he had with a then-112-year-old woman, Jimby Fall, in Senegal, West Africa. She told him how the French-style breakfast she eats every day — bread with a chocolate peanut spread and hot tea — harkens back to when France colonized the region. He said fish and rice dishes are a major part of the family's every day diet as well.

While in Senegal, he learned an interesting cooking method he hadn't seen before.

"I enjoyed roasted peanuts a lot and I saw a lady using a wok-type cooker over charcoal, filled with sand, and she was roasting the peanuts in the sand — like beach sand — as a temperature medium that would provide even heat. When the skins popped, the peanuts were done and (the skins could be used to) keep the sand off. I thought that was genius," he said.

That kind of ingenuity; the foods people eat; forgotten food words and techniques that may not be well known in other parts of the world; and who does the cooking at home — these are some of the things Wallman and the Baker Block Museum hope to preserve.

He wants to know about people's food sources, travels, visitors, holidays, potlucks, special dishes and family gatherings with loved ones.

"If you have a really unusual kitchen tool, please bring it with you. I can photograph those to go with stories," he said.

Wallman is hearing about other things as well.

As an icebreaker, he asked a 94-year-old about the first memory he recalls having. The man said he remembered his father holding up a newspaper with a huge headline — "Aviator Charles Lindbergh Crosses The Atlantic" — about Lindbergh completing the first solo airplane flight from the United States to Paris in the 1920s.

Call the Baker Block Museum, 537-5714, to schedule a Friday appointment. Other arrangements are available for senior citizens or residents who may be unable to travel.

NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated James Wallman's first name and the length of time he's be recording stories. He will record stories from 11 a.m. until closing Fridays in January at the Baker Block museum. The News Bulletin staff apologizes for these errors.

James "Oso" Wallman's food story recordings will be featured in a weekly radio magazine currently in development. The show will cover topics such as nutrition, food science and security, policy and sanitation. It will also serve as an educational tool.

WHAT'S NEXT?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's your food story?

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library has a number of events on tap for January through May.

The Ages 3-5 Library Class is 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: Jan. 16, Reach for Peace; Jan. 30, Tales from China; Feb. 6 and 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.

The Ages 0-2 Library Class is 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: Jan. 19, Feathered Friends; Jan. 26, Bedtime (wear pajamas); Feb. 2 and 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.

Family Library Time events are for children ages 4 and up. Scheduled events include:

•6:30-7:15 p.m. Jan. 23, Andrew McKnight concert. andrewmcknight.net.

•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.

Teen Time is 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the library for students in grades six through 12.

Children ages 4 and up may read to Dozer 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturdays of each month (as long as it's not raining).

The library also offers Bright Futures volunteer hours to students in grades nine through 12 to use toward Bright Futures scholarships. Contact Youth Librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for details.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library sets children's events

CRESTVIEW — More than 100 martial artists of all ages attended a ceremony Friday night at the Crestview Community Center.

Gordon Martial Arts academy owner and Master Instructor Tom Gordon said his school’s quarterly promotion ceremonies include more than conferring the next belt level on a student.

Students and their families socialize following the event, further reinforcing GMA’s "The Family Center" motto, while guest speakers and a voluntary fundraiser for a community organization instill valuable life lessons in his students, according to Gordon.

"Promotions are a big event for us," he said.

State Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Destin, was the evening’s first guest speaker. During his remarks he challenged the young martial artists who sat before him to not only continue to succeed at their chosen art, but also to encourage the success of others.

"Other classmates, other students, if they’re working hard, turn around and say, ‘Hey, great job,’" Ponder said. "For each new belt, for each new goal you achieve, first give thanks for that. Be grateful for that, and keep pressing hard to achieve the next level. But look behind you and see who’s coming behind you, and turn around and tell them, ‘You can do it as well.’"

Providing voluntary donations to guest speakers’ chosen charities "is a great tool for parents to explain to their children that the world is bigger than them," Gordon said. "It should instill a grateful heart and help them develop empathy as they understand that many people have it much worse than they do. Helping others is a fundamental when teaching leadership through servanthood."

Friday night, Ponder chose COPS: Concerns of Police Survivors as his preferred charity, with GMA families raising more than $200 for the organization’s Northwest Florida chapter. COPS helps local families of law enforcement officers who have been slain while on duty.

Choosing who will speak at his academy’s ceremonies involves sometimes treading a delicate balance of local politics, community leadership and moral character, Gordon said.　

"I avoid bringing people campaigning for office, but I do want the students exposed to our local public officials," he said. "I invited Rep. Mel Ponder because he is very active in our community, works diligently representing us in Tallahassee, and has a servant’s heart."

The evening’s other speaker, Ju-Jitsu Soke (grand master heir) Michael DePasquale Jr., teaches martial arts, produces anti-crime videos and training films, has authored several books, and provides martial artist actors for film and television. He instructed a combat Ju-Jitsu seminar at Gordon Martial Arts over the weekend.

For the strength and concentration required to succeed in martial arts, DePasquale advised students to look within themselves.

"Self-confidence, self-discipline, control, self-esteem comes from within yourself," he said.

"The first place it comes from is how you respect your parents."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Martial arts ceremony speakers inspire

UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday — except May 26, Labor Day and Early Voting, Oct. 27, at the Crestview Public Library. The group, which did not meet in November or December, will pick up where they left off with the next meeting, which is Jan. 22. Teen author Noah Barfield will be the guest speaker at the meeting on Feb. 26. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php

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.

•Jan. 8, member's home, "Seeds on Ice."

•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.

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.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING: 7 a.m. first Thursdays, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

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.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, room 306, 805 U.S. Highway 90 E., Crestview.

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

FRIDAYS 

STEAK NIGHT: 6 p.m. first Fridays. American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $15 per person; includes T-bone steak, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. 689-3195.

SATURDAYS

TEEN WII: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Wii playing for students in sixth through 12th grades.

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy 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.

READ TO DOZER: 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For children ages 4 and up.

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, Ryan's restaurant, Crestview. 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