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

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Crestview library. Topics: Nov. 17, Thanksgiving; Dec. 1, On the Go; and Dec. 8 and 15, Christmas.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Nov. 14, Giving Thanks; Nov. 28, On the Road; and Dec. 5 and 12, Wrap It Up.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: for ages 4 and up. Visit the library for details as the date nears.

• 6:30-7:15 p.m. Nov. 21 — Wild Things. Guess which wild animal left the waste. Dissect owl pellets.
• 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — Noel Night. Music, makings and munchies.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays in the meeting room, Crestview library. Featuring Wii and virtual reality games, etc. For sixth- through 12th-graders.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events

CRESTVIEW — Two Crestview High School graduates have completed U.S. Army basic training, and three have completed U.S. Air Force and USAF Reserves basic training.

U.S. Army Pvts. Labresha Paschall and Travis Andrew Slentz graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, respectively.

Over 10 weeks they learned basic tactical and survival skills, along with how to shoot, rappel and march. They learned the basics of Army life and military customs, including the Seven Core Army Values.

Paschall is now attending advanced individual training in Fort Gordon, Georgia, to become an information technology specialist. The 2017 Crestview High School graduate's parents are Elkeya and LaBaron Paschall of Crestview.

Slentz is now attending advanced intensive training as a drone pilot at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Crestview High School Class of 2017 member's parents are Andrew and Jennifer Slentz of Fort Worth, Texas. His siblings are Halley Robinson of Nebo, North Carolina, and Grace Slentz of Fort Worth.

USAF basic training graduates are Airman Joseph J. Gelzer, Airman 1st Class Deatric J. Herring, and Reserve Airman 1st Class Stephanie Russano. They completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

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

Gelzer is the son of Jodi L. Gelzer of Crestview. He is a 2017 graduate of Crestview High School. Herring is the son of Deanna and Steve Tanner of Crestview. He is a 2017 graduate of Crestview High School.

Russano is the daughter of Iris Miller of Crestview, and Karl Miller of Fort Walton Beach. She is the stepdaughter of Angela Miller of Fort Walton Beach, and David Velez of Crestview. Her husband is Christopher Russano.

Airman Russano graduated in 2010 from Crestview High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2014 from the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 Crestview High graduates complete basic military training

Is your grandmother’s pass-along Christmas cactus blooming really early? Do the leaf segments have “teeth” along the edges? Are the “stringy things” sticking out of the flowers yellow in color?

Well, I hate to tell you this, but that is not a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). It is a Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of the leaves and flower anthers.

The leaves, botanically referred to as phylloclades, are serrated on the Thanksgiving cactus. Additionally, the pollen-bearing anthers in Thanksgiving cactus flowers are yellow. Christmas cactuses have smooth-edged leaves and pinkish-purple anthers.

Both of these species are native to the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil, where they are found growing in trees or on rocks. Therefore, the preferred potting media for Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti should contain about 40 percent perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration.

To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out when it is not blooming. As flower buds develop, the soil should be moist to the touch. However, overwatering can kill the plant. Additionally, provide plenty of indirect light and temperatures of 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Want to get last year’s plant to bloom again? Beginning in mid-September, it will need 12-14 hours of total darkness, along with cool (60-65 degrees F) nighttime temperatures for three to four weeks. To achieve the light control, the cactus can be placed in a closet or covered with a large brown paper bag overnight.

Once buds start to form, fertilizer can be applied to encourage growth and blooms. However, flower buds will fall off with any significant changes in temperature (below 50 degrees F), light or watering.

Now, if your “Christmas cactus” doesn’t set flowers until spring, it is probably an Easter cactus, a totally different species (Rhipsalidopsis gaetner). The leaf margins of Easter cactus have small bristles and are more three-dimensional, with a thick ridge on one side. Additionally, the flowers are more star-shaped than the other two cacti.

All three cacti species have flowers that come in a range of colors including variations of red, pink, peach, purple, orange or white.

Sheila Dunning 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: About that Christmas cactus…

CRESTVIEW — Crowds lined Main Street Saturday morning for the annual Veterans Day Parade.

An enormous American flag hung over the parade route hoisted by a Crestview fire truck. Veterans of American wars wore hats and clothing representing the conflicts in which they served. Men, women and children waved American flags along the sidelines in honor of those who served our country.

‘WE … CAME BACK AS BROTHERS’

Those participating in the annual parade included the almost 300 members of the Crestview High School “Big Red Machine” Marching Band, the Shoal River Middle School Band, and the Baker School Band. There were Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts along with Crestview and Baker School ROTC units.

The Panhandle Saddle Club rode horses and dressed patriotically. Members of the Crestview City Council drove veterans in cars and golf carts in the parade. ERA American Real Estate handed American flags to crowds lined along the parade route. The Carver-Hill Memorial Historical Society also rode in the parade.

Air Force veteran Al Blaker stood along the parade route proudly waving the American flag, as did Vietnam veteran Terry Faulkner. Faulkner served in Vietnam from 1967-1969. His father was a Marine in World War I and his brothers served in the military.

“We went over there as soldiers and came back as brothers,” Faulkner said.

Vietnam veteran Thornell Henderson and his wife Pearl also stood along the parade route waving the American flag. He served in the Army from 1966-1969 and was in Vietnam in 1967.

“Veterans are forgotten lots of times. Remembering veterans with this parade is nice,” said Henderson. He and his wife are the parents of three sons who serve in the Air Force: Damian, D’Andre, and Dante.

Vietnam veteran Bobby Sullivan volunteered along the parade route as he does every year. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1967 and was in the Air Force for 29 years.

Retired Navy veteran David Legerton was there with his wife Donna supporting the military.   

‘THESE VETERANS PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE’

After the parade, a ceremony took place at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial honoring those who served and serve in the U.S. military.

Raymond Horton, an Army veteran with the 4th Infantry Division, Field Artillery, who served in Vietnam, was there with his wife Rena. The Hortons have been married for 66 years. Those who served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan were also recognized.

     Airman Amani Perry opened the ceremony singing the National Anthem. The guest speaker was Cmdr. Anthony Mitchell, who spoke about why men and women join the military.

“We put on a uniform to be part of something great! It is also a reflection of those who raised us. When these men and women are sitting in the middle of the most God-forsaken places, they remember the good things about back home. Let us also be worthy of the sacrifice that these men and women make and thank them,” Mitchell stated.

Different veteran groups then laid wreaths at the base of the memorial. There was a 21-gun salute and a Crestview High School trumpet player played Taps. Perry then sang “America, the Beautiful” to conclude the ceremony.

“These veterans put their lives on the line serving their country,” Crestview City Council President JB Whitten said at the end of the ceremony.

“Once a year, the city comes together to thank those people for their service with the parade and ceremony.”

“Veterans are forgotten lots of times. Remembering veterans with this parade is nice.”

—Vietnam veteran Thornell Henderson

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview comes together, honors veterans

CRESTVIEW — An educational workshop for the deaf community on self-advocacy and Americans with Disabilities Act is scheduled this weekend.

The “HEARD: Deaf Access to Justice Workshop” will offer discussion and collaboration with attorneys, self-advocates and returned individuals from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 11 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

The rest of the schedule follows:

12-1 p.m.: Lunch break (bring your own)

1-4 p.m.: Know Your Rights Workshop (presented in ASL by Sharon Caserta, Disability Rights Attorney with Morgan & Morgan, Deaf/Disability Rights Unit in Jacksonville)

4-5 p.m.: Community Forum

This event, presented by the Agency for Deaf Advocacy and Services, is free and open to the public. HEARD stands for Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf. 

Contact ADAS Director Mark Ehrlichmann at deafservingdeaf@gmail.com or 443-453-5785 with questions or requests for accommodations.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Deaf Access to Justice Workshop set in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School's Thespian Troupe is presenting "Little Shop of Horrors" this week.

The first performance was 7 p.m. Nov. 9, and remaining dates and times are 7 p.m. Nov. 11 and 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at Crestview High School. Cost is $10 per person at the door.

The musical comedy tells the story of shy Seymour Krelborn, who loves Audrey from afar as they work at Mushnik’s Flower Shop on Skid Row. Mushnik’s is in danger of closing because nobody buys flowers on Skid Row. With Audrey’s urging, Seymour introduces a new and interesting plant to the world — changing the lives of everyone involved.

"It’s a big show which comes with a lot of expectations from the audience, and I felt that the students were ready for it," Annette Gebhardt, troupe sponsor and CHS Theatre and World History teacher, said. She is also director of the show.

Gebhardt is proud of the way the students have coordinated their efforts.

"They are hardworking and so supportive of each other. For months they have committed themselves to this show while doing schoolwork and managing other extracurricular activities. I want them to know how much I appreciate their work and dedication. I also hope all of Crestview will come out to support their efforts," she said.

The cast includes Jacob O'Hara as Seymour; Hannah Hancock as Audrey; Jeremy Tymon as the plant; Jolvin Mejias as Mr. Mushnik, who owns the store; Kemison Bacon as dentist Orin Scrivello. Actors who portray the three-girl "Greek chorus" are Kennedy Brown as Crystal, Jasmine Allen as Ronnette, and Amber Sticha as Chiffon. Spencer Peugh portrays Wino No. 2, and Haily Jernigan and Nate McCallum portray Mrs. Luce.

Performers also include Hunter Brown; Jessi Holderness; Abigail Odom; Alex Smith; Hannah N. Smith; and Lindsey Smith.

Crew members are: assistant director Alex Smith; tech director Hunter Morrison; music directors Hannah N. Smith and Jolvin Mejias; stage managers Jess Van Liere and Cody Morton; set manager Jess Van Liere; publicity manager Nelly Arnett; light manager Ally Love; prop manager Hannah N. Smith; makeup manager Spencer Peugh; and costume manager Emily Keiffer.

The lighting crew includes McKenna Steele, Chandler Stallings, Nekailah Harrison, and Alana Berry. Shawn Milton, Jordan Locke, and Seth Sutton handled sound. Jessi Holderness and Alana Taylor assist with props. Felicia Gordon, Karly Celano and Baillie Gouthro also handle makeup.

Ariana Fulton handled costumes, and stagehands are Tati Mason, Hailey Campbell, Tucker McDonald, Isabel Suero, Zachary Wiseman, Katie Wagner, Lillianna Cipriano, Connor Slattery, Matthew Zamorksi, Bonnie Boaz, Alix Dolzanie, Tori Raley, Baillie Gouthro, Ade Morales-Miller, and Angelina Alexander.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High's Thespian Troupe presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Not everyone is excited about the circus coming to Old Spanish Trail Park.

For 10 years, the Loomis Bros. Circus has set up their big tops in Crestview. But this year, they will be met with some protest signs.

Linda Laverne was upset last month when she received a flyer for the circus in her mailbox.

"I live not far from the show site," Laverne said. "I can hear the ringmaster practically word for word. I am very opposed to animals in the circus and I don't think there needs to be any explanation of that. These circuses are a thing of the past."

Motivated to act, Laverne contacted PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Nov. 2. The next morning, she was talking to a representative who sent out posters, signs and created a Facebook event page for the protest.

"Every animal from the dogs to the elephants…the circuses are exploiting them," Laverne said. "Those animals feel pain, they feel love just like we do. I want to educate people and take their blinders off."

Laverne plans to hand out flyers at nearby business and protest the circus at the corner of Stillwell Boulevard and Valley Road, weather permitting. Some friends and business owners have contacted Laverne to get protest signs for their yard or store windows.

Laverne said she's not an activist. In fact, when her children were younger she happily took them to circuses.

"I never thought twice about it," she said. "Then one year, I asked my daughter if I could take my granddaughter to the circus and she said no."

Almost two years as a vegan, Laverne said she's become aware — and upset — by the inhumane treatment of animals both for entertainment and consumption.

In an email to the Crestview News Bulletin, a PETA spokesperson alleged that the Franzen Bros. Circus, which leases and trains the animals for the Loomis Bros. Circus, has been cited numerous times by the USDA for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

Justin Loomis, owner of Loomis Bros. Circus, said the allegations are false.

"It's basically fake news," he said. "We've never been in trouble."

The Loomis Bros. event is a 20-year-old circus based out of Sumter County, Florida. The circus business has been in the Loomis family for three generations.

It's true that circuses have faced a decline over the years due to protests over animal rights. In 2015, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey retired elephants from its show. In 2017, the circus closed altogether after 146 years.

Locally, Santa Rosa Mall ended its relationship with Cole Bros. Circus in November 2015 after complaints from PETA. The circus had been setting up its red and yellow big top at the mall for at least 20 years.

"Animals are not ours to use for entertainment," said PETA spokesman Dan Carron. "It's unnatural and unnecessary."

Loomis said the circus can't afford to retire its animals. Oftentimes, they're the draw.

"Retiring the elephants was their (the Ringling Bros.) demise," he said. "I don't want that to happen to us. The elephant is our mainstay feature…I wouldn't stand for animal abuse."

As for the protests, Loomis said he's not concerned that it will affect attendance.

"We have great attendance at most shows," he said. "I'm not against the protest. That's freedom of speech. I think people should come and see it for themselves."

As for Laverne, she's never protested before, but she went out to buy wooden stakes for her signs. It doesn't matter if anyone stands out there with her.

"It's not something I've ever done," she said.

"I just know I couldn't listen to the ringmaster one more year and know I didn't do anything."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PETA, Crestview woman protest circus

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

BLUE ANGELS HOMECOMING AIR SHOW: 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sky Hawk Drive. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days. Admission, parking and blanket seating are free. Other seating tickets may be purchased at www.naspensacolaairshow.com/. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.

 PINE FOREST UNITED METHODIST FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11, Pine Forest United Methodist Church, 2800 Wilde Lake Blvd., Pensacola. Over 160 arts, crafts and other vendors, food, and live music. Free admission and parking. Door prizes. Proceeds used for community ministries. www.pineforestumc.org or 944-0170.

EMERALD COAST HONOR GAMES: 7:15 a.m. Nov. 11, LuLu's restaurant, Destin. Breakfast, $10 per person. Honor game event proceeds go toward $100,000 goal for suicide prevention for veterans. ECHG events include a Ruck 22 march, national anthem, raising of the colors, military demonstrations and vehicle displays, a raffle, prizes and the honor games competition. Attendees include Congressman Matt Gaetz and Rep. Mel Ponder, who will listen to members of the Special Operations Survivors. Attendees may also register to walk in the Ruck 22 march, which is 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Destin Middle School. They'll walk 22 honorary laps around the track with soldiers in honor of veterans who have committed suicide. All ages and abilities welcome. Cost is $22 at the event or www.emeraldcoasthonorgames.com/copy-of-competition-1.

RESTORE ACT WITH DON GAETZ: 5:30–7 p.m. Nov. 14, Room 302 of the Northwest Florida State College Student Services Center, 100 College Blvd., Niceville.  The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County invites everyone to catch up with former State Sen. Don Gaetz, now of Triumph Gulf Coast, who will discuss County Commission-approved RESTORE Act projects, fund dispersal and when the work will begin. Free event; RSVP to info@lwvokaloosa.org. Detail: Mary Blackwell, 850-621-4088.

SENIOR BINGO: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16, Don Braun Knights of Columbus Hall, 701 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview. The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary event includes lunch. Call Rosemary at 682-6126 to RSVP.

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.

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.

COMMISSIONERS TO MEET WITH TRIUMPH GULF COAST: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13, in the County Commission Chambers at the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. They will discuss county projects for pre-application submission to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., which oversees the use of funds received due to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.

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.

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' & WAFFLE HOUSE RIBBON CUTTING: 1 p.m. Nov. 14, Waffle House, 1130 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Network, socialize, and enjoy lunch in a very informal, no-pressure setting. Meeting followed by 2 p.m. ribbon cutting. 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.

MAC COMMITTEE: 11 a.m. Nov. 14, Samuel's Roadhouse, Crestview. Membership fees apply to this committee. Marian McBryde, Committee Chair, MAC@crestviewchamber.com.

PILOT COMMITTEE: 3 p.m. Nov. 17, McAlister's Deli, 2100 Ferdon Blvd. S., Suite 110, Crestview. Young professionals ages 21-41 meet to encourage and enhance professional development in young leaders of the Crestview community.

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

BAKER — The Baker School cross country team went to the 1A Region meet Nov. 4 in Lake City.

The girls team placed sixth overall, ensuring a spot at the state championship Nov. 11 in Tallahassee. They are Maya Espinosa, 10th grade; Allison Morse, 10th grade; Gabi Espinosa, eighth grade; Eliana Butler, seventh grade; Julia Knight, seventh grade; Karley Bishop, sixth grade; and Maci Bussanmus, eighth grade.

Maya Epsinosa placed third overall, running a season personal best of 20:24.

This will be the first time Baker is attending the state meet as a team. Maya Espinosa and Gabi Espinosa have both participated in the state meet as individuals.

Greg Chaitha, a senior, participated in the regional meet for the boys. Although he ran his season personal best, he did not advance to the state meet.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker cross country girls going to state meet