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UF-IFAS experts: Clean and cook holiday meals thoroughly

Written by archive on November 20, 2017. Posted in local, News.

’Tis the season for holiday feasts, so before and after you enjoy a nutritious, tasty cornucopia, be sure to clean and cook thoroughly, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts say.

Here are hints to avoid food-borne illnesses from a holiday meal, according to Samara Deary, a family and consumer sciences agent with UF-IFAS Extension Bradford County; Nan Jensen, family and consumer sciences agent with UF-IFAS Extension Pinellas County; and Amy Simmone, UF-IFAS professor of food safety and food science in the department of family, youth and community sciences:

Wash your hands.

Wash your hands before, during and after preparing holiday feasts — that 20-second step will do more than anything to help prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.

"When preparing a meal, if you do not use safe practices in the beginning, it increases the chances of illness greatly," Deary said.

In addition, clean your utensils before you cook, and while you’re preparing your meal, don’t eat any raw dough.

"This is the time of year for making sweet treats and desserts," Jensen said. "Many of those goodies are made with flour or eggs and can contain harmful germs such as E. coli and Salmonella. While you may be tempted to ‘take a taste’ of the raw dough or batter, the advice is wait and enjoy them after they have been baked so you don’t risk getting sick."

Thaw the turkey.

The best method is to thaw in the refrigerator a few days before preparation. It takes about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey to thaw properly. If you forget to remove the turkey from the freezer, you can thaw the bird in cold water that you change every 30 minutes.

Once you’ve removed the turkey from the refrigerator, avoid leaving it on the counter, because bacteria will form on the warmer surfaces.

The safe internal temperature for turkey and other poultry is 165 degrees. Cook stuffing and turkey separately. Also, keep foods you won’t cook separate from items that can contaminate other foods, such as raw eggs, meat, poultry or seafood. Then, cook your food to the proper temperature.

After the meal, a lot of us want turkey sandwiches and other leftovers. Refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees or colder as soon as possible or within two hours. Eat stuffing and gravy within one to two days. Turkey will last for up to four days.

For longer storage, pack in freezer bags or airtight containers.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UF-IFAS experts: Clean and cook holiday meals thoroughly

What's happening in North Okaloosa County

Written by archive on November 20, 2017. Posted in local, News.

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

WASTE PRO HOLIDAY CLOSURE, SCHEDULE: Waste Pro will be closed Nov. 23 in observance of Thanksgiving. Residential garbage collection will take place Nov. 27 instead. Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday recycling will be picked up Nov. 24.

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

North Okaloosa County services calendar

Written by archive on November 18, 2017. Posted in local, News.

COLD SHELTERS: The following Crestview shelters open at 6 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. when temperatures are 40 degrees or below.

Sunday: Lifepoint Church, 400 Ferdon Blvd. S, 682-3518.
Monday: Helping Hands house, 428 McLaughlin Ave., 398-5670. Hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Community of Christ, 398 First Ave. W., 682-7474. Hosted by Joy Fellowship.
Thursday: Helping Hands house, hosted by Woodlawn Baptist Church, 398-5670.
Friday: The Full Gospel Restoration Full Gospel Church, 383 Texas Parkway, 682-6029.
Saturday: Helping Hands house, hosted by First United Methodist Church, 398-5670.

PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED: The Crestview Police Department Community Services Division is accepting prize donations for the games night it has with special needs teens and adults in Crestview. Donations of bottled water, soft drinks and snacks are also welcome. Take donations to the CPD, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

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.

SUPPORT CIRCLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS: Meetings take place as follows.

5-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Shelter House, 120 Woodruff Ave., Suite A, Crestview. This is a Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 683-0845.
6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 16 Ferry Road SE, Fort Walton Beach. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 243-1201.
noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 3590 U.S. Highway 331 S., Suite 102, DeFuniak Springs. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 362-7190.

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.

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.

COLLEGE OFFERS ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: A Florida State University program that offers relief – free of charge – to distressed African-Americans who provide care to a loved one with dementia. It uses trained lay pastoral-care facilitators and is recruiting caregivers in North and Central Florida. ACTS 2 (African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support) won a $20,000 award as well. Caregivers participate in a 12-session, telephone-based skills-building and support program covering topics such as relaxation, effective thinking and problem-solving skills. Call 866-778-2724 toll free, 850-274-4945, or go to www.ACTS2Project.org for details.

SHINE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a Department of Elder Affairs program, seeks volunteers to help elderly residents answer Medicare questions and resolve problems, help them make informed choices about their health insurance, save money on prescription medications and learn about their eligibility for helpful programs. There is no charge for seniors to use the program. Bilingual volunteers are also encouraged to call. Dial 1-800-963-5337 for details.

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 800-203-3099, see www.seniorsvscrime.com, or email crestview@svcproject.org 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.

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

No second Walmart for Crestview

Written by archive on November 17, 2017. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — Some social media rumors are true: A second Walmart is not coming to the Crestview area.

In a letter to the Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management, Jason Toole of CPH Inc. in Panama City stated that Walmart Management has ended its attempt to build a second store; this one would have been on Richbourg Lane in Crestview.

Walmart spokesperson Phil Keene confirmed the decision via email.

He stated that the company is focused "on investing in new ways to serve our customers through innovative in-store and online offerings that save time and money, by improving our existing stores and by investing in associate training in order to provide superior customer service.

"With that in mind, after rigorous review, and consideration of several business factors, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with building a new store in Crestview. We greatly appreciate the support of local officials and members of the community as we worked through the development process," he stated.

Walmart still has plans for Florida branches, though.

"Florida continues to be an important market for the company, and one of our largest, with more than 375 stores and clubs and more than 107,000 associates. We announced plans in May to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Florida this year through new store growth, store remodels and innovations that will save our customers time and money," Keene stated.

To that end, the organization will hire up to 95 associates for a Navarre Neighborhood Market, and a Pensacola Neighborhood Market opened in May. It also remodeled one Pensacola store and will finish remodeling another before the end of the fiscal year, according to Keene.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller-footprint stores that employ up to 95 people and offer fresh produce, meat and dairy products, bakery and deli items, household supplies, health and beauty aids and a pharmacy, according to the company website.

Keene's statement confirms growing social media rumors that led some readers to ask the News Bulletin for the project's status.

Walmart's decision means Crestview's South Ferdon Boulevard location, located just near the Interstate 10 exit, will remain the Hub City's lone branch.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: No second Walmart for Crestview

Gary Johnson has a 'New Way of Life'

Written by archive on November 17, 2017. Posted in local, News.

CRESTVIEW — Community leader Gary Johnson is ready to move forward with a new outlook and a new ministry following a tumultuous couple of years.

Johnson, who once headed the Brotherhood of Love ministry, was arrested in January 2016 after signing a stolen vehicle’s title and bill of sale as a witness. Authorities say he knew the vehicle was stolen; Johnson, who spoke to the News Bulletin over the phone Wednesday, said he was just trying to help a friend and wound up paying a price for it.

“At first I said it was a mistake, but I don’t see it being a mistake; I really don’t think I did nothing wrong because I had no knowledge of it,” Johnson said. “Rather than just let it keep going on, I went and I didn’t plead guilty, I didn’t plead not guilty. I got a year probation and I did six months probation; they cut it off early.”

Now, Johnson and his wife, Doris, are looking toward the future as heads of a new organization. New Way of Life Outreach Ministry is their newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, through which they plan to serve the community by reaching out to troubled youths and others who might be headed down a dangerous path.

“We are creating a new way of communication, a new way of love and a new way of peace and a new way of happiness and joy so we can come together as a people,” Johnson said. “It don’t make any difference what your race is, it’s about us as a community and as a people, and wanting to make a change. And the only way you can make a change is with a new way — cause the old way ain’t the way.”

With the holiday season coming, New Way of Life plans to hold the same Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas toy giveaway held in years past under the Johnsons’ previous organization. This year, New Way of Life seeks local businesses and individuals who can help donate food and supplies for the Thanksgiving feast, including turkey, roasts, macaroni, sugar, napkins and plastic ware.

The meal will be served at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at 398 Spring St. N., Crestview.

For Christmas, the Johnsons hope to gather toys and clothes, both new and gently used, to give away to children as part of their “Santa Claus is coming to town” campaign, where they are looking to bring hope to children who might not experience the same “Santa Claus” joy other children get to have.

“There are kids in Crestview and surrounding areas that have heard what other kids say about the wonderful clothes and toys they get from Santa Claus, but they never get a chance to see it,” Johnson said.

All donations are tax deductible and can be dropped off at 398 Spring St. N., Crestview, or can be picked up by Johnson or his wife by calling 229-379-1741 or 398-0431.

“It don’t make any difference what your race is, it’s about us as a community and as a people, and wanting to make a change. And the only way you can make a change is with a new way — cause the old way ain’t the way.”

—Gary Johnson

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gary Johnson has a 'New Way of Life'

Okaloosa County clubs and organizations

Written by archive on November 17, 2017. Posted in local, News.

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. info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS

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.

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

What's happening in North Okaloosa County

Written by archive on November 17, 2017. Posted in local, News.

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

PIONEER DAY: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, 4281 State Road 20, Niceville. Family-oriented event. Activities include making rag dolls, dipping candles, churning butter and learning pioneer survival skills. Demonstrations include campfire cooking, blacksmithing and beekeeping. A 19th century chuck wagon will be on display, as well as toys and fishing tackle from days gone by. Children will enjoy the storyteller. Food concessions available. Admission costs $5 per car with up to eight people. No pets allowed. Rain date, noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Details: 833-9144.

GLOBAL MISSION GIFT FAIR: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church's Christian Life Center, 363 Miracle Strip, Fort Walton Beach. Theme: 20 Years of Sharing God’s Love. The fair focuses on feeding those in the world who still hunger—both at home and abroad. Eight booths (four local organizations and four global ones) will offer ministries one can support while giving Christmas gifts to loved ones in the process. There will also be a gift shop and a bake sale. June Gunnerson, 651-5955.