CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration.

STUFFED ANIMAL DONATIONS WANTED: Crestview’s Haylee Turnage is working to collect 800 stuffed animals for children through Dec. 1. The toys will be donated to kids at the hospital who can't celebrate Christmas. The toys can be new or used, as long as they're in good condition. To donate, contact her at Haylee Turnage on Facebook, or email hayleet962@gmail.com.

MEDICARE HELP FOR SENIORS: Florida Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, or SHINE, provides free, unbiased, confidential counseling to help elderly residents with their yearly Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plan reviews. Medicare open enrollment takes place through Dec. 7. Call 1-866-531-8011 or visit www.FloridaSHINE.org to make an appointment with a counselor, or to volunteer. It is a Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Area Agency on Aging program.

ART & CRAFT VENDORS WANTED: Heritage Museum's Yule of Yesteryear annual Christmas festival is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 in Valparaiso. Vendors who produce quality, handcrafted, original items are wanted. Visit www.heritage-museum.org, email info@heritage-museum.org, or call 678-2615 to register or for details.

EMPLOY FLORIDA WORKSHOPS: 9-11 a.m. fourth Thursdays of the month at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach. Learn to conduct job searches on the state system, create a resume, access labor market data for wage, job experience and education requirements for a specific occupation. Learn about Training Grant opportunities, online training courses, and the organization's virtual recruiter.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED: ECH provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and provided ongoing education. They can serve in a variety of areas from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Just a few hours a month makes an impact. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689- 0300.

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Seniors vs. Crime's Crestview office, which assists senior citizens whom someone scammed or took advantage of, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Joe Loria, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 306-3176 or 800-203-3099, or see　www.seniorsvscrime.com　for more information.　

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over "Services" and click "School Readiness" to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Nonprofit seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS: Help veterans attend appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS: Donations wanted for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

As an investor, you may find that bonds can be a valuable part of your holdings. But there’s more than one way to own bonds, so you’ll want to be familiar with the various investment vehicles available — because the more you know, the better the choices you’ll be able to make.

So, let’s look at three popular ways of owning bonds:

Individual bonds — When you buy an individual bond, you will receive predictable interest payments. And when your bond matures, you’ll get the original principal back, unless the issuer defaults, which is not common in cases of “investment grade” bonds.

However, the value of your bond — the price you could get for it if you sold it on the open market before it matured — will fluctuate over time, primarily in response to interest rates. (When market rates go up, the value of your bond drops, and you may lose some of your principal if you sell the bond prior to maturity.)

In general, you’ll pay at least $5,000 for an individual bond, though the amount may vary. Consequently, while this approach gives you more control, it can be more time consuming and require a larger investment to build a diverse fixed-income portfolio.

Bond funds — A bond-based mutual fund typically holds several different types of bonds. This can help increase your diversification, which is important, because diversification can help reduce credit risk (although it can’t guarantee a profit or protect against a loss).

But instead of requiring a larger dollar amount to purchase the many bonds needed to gain proper diversification, bond funds are already composed of varying issuers and maturities, giving you this benefit for a smaller dollar amount purchase. A bond fund does not pay you a fixed rate of return; instead, you receive dividends, which will fluctuate based on the underlying bonds’ interest rates and capital appreciation.

In addition, bond funds don’t have a maturity date when principal is repaid. Keep in mind that when you purchase bond funds, you could be subject to capital gains taxes in two different ways: if you sell your fund shares for a profit or if the fund manager sells an underlying bond for more than it’s worth. This increased capital gains liability is one reason that many people put bond funds in a tax-deferred vehicle, such as an IRA or a 401(k).

Bond UITs — A unit investment trust, like a mutual fund, contains a variety of bonds, so you get the benefit of diversification. Unlike a mutual fund, however, a UIT is not actively managed and does not change its holdings.

Similar to mutual funds, UITs are subject to sales charges, expenses and fees. A UIT is typically established for 20 to 30 years, but, as an individual investor, you can sell your shares whenever you want, for whatever the market will bear.

Bond UITs are not without risk. Specifically, since a UIT’s bonds provide fixed interest rates, there’s always the possibility that the bonds will lose purchasing power to inflation over time.

When choosing how to own bonds, you’ll need to evaluate many factors — and we’ve only looked at some of them. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to determine which methods of bond ownership are appropriate for your needs.

By doing your homework, and getting the help you need, you can seek to maximize the advantages of adding bonds to your investment mix.

Mutual funds and UITs are sold by prospectus, which contain more complete information, including the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses as well as other important information that should be considered.

Your financial advisor can provide a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Explore different options when purchasing bonds

CRESTVIEW — A recent Family Library Time presentation at the Crestview library focused on the subject "Wild Things."

Three Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission employees set up interactive displays for attendees and answered questions as families explored native Florida wildlife.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents learn about 'wild things'

It is through teamwork that truly great things are accomplished. Last week was a shining example of wonderful things that come when people in our community unite.

National Farm-City Week is traditionally held the week before Thanksgiving. This week celebrates the hard work that goes into supplying cities with farm products.

In Okaloosa County, we celebrate this week by giving fresh farm products to needy families in our community. This is the seventh year that Okaloosa's University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension has partnered with Okaloosa County Farm Bureau to organize this event.

The event includes the "World’s Smallest Parade" across Crestview. It consists of two tractors pulling trailers of produce up Main Street and through Crestview to the Woodlawn Baptist Church parking lot, making a pit stop at Richbourg School to pass out sweet potatoes to the students there.

Many other organizations helped make this event possible.

Woodlawn Baptist Church hosted the food distribution and supplied volunteers to help distribute food items. Volunteers from Crestview Rotary Club spent several hours bagging and loading grits, cornmeal and sweet potatoes for the event. Volunteers from USDA NRCS and Crestview Rotary also helped distribute food at the event. UF-IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center donated collards, fresh ground grits and cornmeal.

Sirmon Farms supplied the sweet potatoes at a discount. Publix donated breads and baked goods. And, as usual, Mr. Ferguson at Construction Sales and Services supplied the tractors to pull the produce across town to the Woodlawn parking lot.

I enjoy seeing our community organizations join together to do good things. I look forward to working with these great people again next year!

Jennifer Bearden 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: Farm-City Week celebrates agriculture

CRESTVIEW — Poets and musicians can read, perform, improvise and play together during an open-microphone event 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Crestview Public Library.

The poetry starter is "every word is a bird we teach to sing." Anyone can attend, and admittance is free.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive in Crestview.

Contact Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library sets open microphone poetry night

CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Community Band, with director Kim Whaley, has finalized its Christmas concert schedule.

By invitation of the Pensacola Bay Community Band, the NOCB's next performance is 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Sanders Beach Community Center, 913 S. I St., Pensacola.

The NOCB's local performance is 7 p.m. Dec. 11 in Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. The Crestview Friends of the Arts presentation will feature both sacred and secular pieces that will highlight soloists, small groups and the entire ensemble.

Like all NOCB performances, admission is free, but donations to help defray associated costs will be accepted.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Community Band sets Christmas concerts

CRESTVIEW — Schola Cantorum, the Northwest Florida State College-based community chorus, will present its annual Christmas concert.

The first performance is 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

Under the direction of Dr. John Leatherwood, the 15-voice chorus, accompanied by Kevin Schular, will perform a variety of classic, contemporary, secular and popular Christmas and seasonal music during this free concert.

From the classic "Jubilate Deo" to favorites including "O Holy Night," "Away in a Manger" and "What Child is This?" to contemporary selections including Mark Lowry's "Mary Did You Know?," Schola Cantorum — Latin for "college of singing" — demonstrates its breadth and talent in its annual Christmas treat to the community.

If you miss the Crestview concert, Schola Cantorum will also perform 6:15 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Simon's on the Sound, Fort Walton Beach; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach.

Admission is free, but offerings to cover expenses and support music education at NWFSC will be accepted at each performance.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Schola Cantorum sets Christmas concert

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

HOLIDAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Experience a history program about Victorian tea etiquette, costume, and holiday traditions while enjoying a variety of teas and light refreshments. Cost is $18 per person, or $16 for museum members.  Recommended for ages 8 and up.  Reservations are required due to limited space. RSVP: 678-2615.

EMERALD COAST CHRISTMAS MIRACLE CHILDREN’S FIESTA: 1-7 p.m. Dec. 17, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free giveway for needy families. New toys for all who attend.  The 1-2 p.m. hour is only for families with kids with disabilities. The public will be allowed to enter at 2 p.m. Food, games, DJs, singers, church choirs, clowns, magicians, dance contests for bikes and more. Free coats courtesy of the United Way’s Coats for Kids program will also be given out. Business sponsorship opportunities, volunteers and monetary or in-kind donations welcome. Visit www.unitedforagoodcause.org for details, or see the group's Facebook page. David, 368-3505, or Estela, 305-3686 or e-mail united4agoodcause@gmail.com.

PUBLIC MEETINGS 

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETING: 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

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 MEETING: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 29, Crestview chamber office, 107 Commerce Blvd. Become more involved in the Crestview chamber of commerce, network and grow your business. Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

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

CRESTVIEW — A hospice organization received Thanksgiving dinner donations from a local church.

Pentecostals of Baker Church representatives presented Emerald Coast Hospice in Crestview with enough supplies for 10 patients' families to have a holiday meal.

Volunteers delivered the supplies to patients in Baker, Crestview and DeFuniak Springs, according to ECH Volunteer Manager Ann O'Connor.

"They have been doing this for the last six years and amaze me every time," O'Connor said. This year, the church not only provided a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, but they also included a ham for each family.

"It's amazing they're in their 20s and they've grown up doing this — good people," O'Connor said of Jessica Bray and Ann Hicks, who dropped off the supplies.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast Hospice accepts Thanksgiving donations