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

CRESTVIEW — Gary and Doris Johnson of The New Way of Life Outreach Ministry are planning a free Thanksgiving feast for the community's homeless and hungry.

The meal will be served at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at 398 Spring St. N., Crestview. They also invite all military members, EMS and law enforcement officers to attend.

"I know that there are a lot of us that know what it is like to be hungry and in need and without family at this time of year," Gary Johnson said. "Come out and participate with us on Thanksgiving Day."

All businesses and individuals in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas may assist with the effort.

Donations needed are: 20 turkeys; 10 hams, five roasts; turkey legs; turkey wings; celery; onions; bell peppers; cheese; macaroni; cream of chicken soup; cream of mushroom soup; cream of celery soup; eggs; white potatoes; sweet potatoes; pie crusts; whole milk; cans of Carnation milk; sugar; salad dressing; peanut oil; pickle relish; vanilla flavoring; water, sodas and juices; napkins; paper towels dinner trays; plastic forks; and spoons.

Donations are tax deductible. There is also a need for volunteers.

Last Thanksgiving, the Johnsons said, they fed 559 people, and expect to help 400 to 450 this year.

"May God bless you and your family during the holidays," Gary Johnson said.

Call the Johnsons at 229-379-1741 or 398-0431 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Donations sought for Thanksgiving meal

CRESTVIEW — In 1955, a 35-year-old two-star South Korean general named Hong Hi Choi coined the term Taekwon-Do. About 10 years later he formed the International Taekwon-Do Federation, which would serve as a launching platform for millions to do the most popular martial art in the world. Before his death in 2002, seven men were promoted to the highest rank of 9th degree black belt. The second of those men is Kwang S. Hwang.

In the martial arts world, getting the opportunity to meet a first-generation martial artist is unusual. An opportunity to catch a seminar with one is even more unlikely. On Nov. 2, the students at Gordon Martial Arts were able to learn directly from Grand Master KS Hwang. During the seminar the students were taught in fundamentals of Taekwon-Do with principles of generation of power as went through all of the color belt patterns. Afterward there was opportunity for pictures and quick visits.

Hwang was born in 1942 and started his martial arts training at age 11. Graduating top of his class, in 1968–1969, he was one of the Taekwon-Do instructors dispatched to Vietnam during the war. While in Vietnam, as a captain in the ROKA, he taught the art to the Korean Tiger Division, the Korean Army, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, and Vietnamese Army.

While in Vietnam, he received commendation medals from Korea and Vietnam. In 1971 he was service company commander of the 26th Infantry Division, which was also known as the Taekwon-Do Division. After leaving his military career, he moved to the USA and opened a martial arts school. Today he travels around the world teaching Taekwon-Do.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gordon Martial Arts students learn from taekwondo artist

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: UPCOMING

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Dominique Thompson is a senior at Crestview High School and one of nine females in Okaloosa County selected to join the 2017 Subway High School All-Star Volleyball team.

The Subway High School All-Star Series is a sequence of games between high school senior athletes from Okaloosa, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The main volleyball game is set Nov. 16 at the University of West Florida.

Here, we catch up with Dominique on making the all-star team, her everyday life and her aspirations.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

I have been playing volleyball for seven years.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I really enjoy going out and having a good time with friends and family, but if they're occupied, I would play a fun game of any sport (volleyball, basketball, football).

How much free time do you actually get between sports and school?

I don’t get a lot of free time anymore. On a daily basis, I get about 2-3 hours of free time, and time is something that all teenagers wish they had more of. We only get 24 hours in a day.

Do you play any other sports?

No, not at the school. Volleyball is the one and only sport I love.

How do you feel about making the Subway All-star team?

I am super excited about making the All-Star team. It is an honor to represent my school. I am glad I get so many opportunities because we always don’t get second chances.

What do you want to do as a career?

Law enforcement/criminal justice.

Do you plan on going to college? If so, where?

I do plan on going to college, but I’m deciding on whether or not I want to go South University or Hillsborough Community College.

What's some advice you live by?

Live as if you were going to die tomorrow, and learn as if you were to live forever. Tomorrow is not always guaranteed, so make the best out of today and always seek knowledge. Also try not to procrastinate, it hurts your future.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Catching up with all-star volleyball player Dominique Thompson

CRESTVIEW — Three Northwest Florida companies are banding together to assist the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Synovus Mortgage, Coastal Bank and Trust (a Synovus branch) and Lori Zimmerman and Laurie Brady from Remax Agency One are using 100 percent of the proceeds from November mortgage applications and accepting donations to provide funding for the shelter. Coastal Vice President Karen Donaldson got the approval for a $25 match per application filed for the bank, as well.

Amber Ellis, mortgage loan originator for Synovus, said, "As I have been processing applications for new homeowners (around Thanksgiving), it occurred to me that Crestview has residents that have no home.

"I felt since Synovus culture is to impact the market in which we reside that fundraising for the homeless was a perfect fit."

That impact is already being made. On the first day, business participants presented donations totaling $102 to Ann Sprague, CASH president, according to Ellis. She said Zimmerman and Brady are challenging real estate agents to step up and match their donation of $25 per application.

"A big shout out to Dale Henderson, of Lee GMC. [He] donated his 50/50 winnings from the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. I received another pledge from Anderson’s Heating and A/C," Ellis said.

Area residents and real estate agents who wish to make a donation to CASH may go to any Coastal Bank and Trust and deposit into the account in the name of Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Ellis said all Coastal Bank and Trust locations will have the One Hopeful Place cans for people to donate to the homeless shelter in Fort Walton Beach as well.

"We're trying to get them as much money as we can, with them being in a temporary location. I encourage businesses and people in the community to step up and let’s help get a permanent (homeless shelter)," Ellis said. Anyone who can assist with land may contact Ann Sprague at 826-1770.

Contact Ellis at 865-4560 to participate in the match program; to apply for a purchase or refinance; or for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Companies help support Crestview homeless shelter

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

HOLT — Elie’s Voice — a Holt-based non-profit organization — operates with the mission to help children in need and to promote suicide prevention.

The organization was founded in March 2015 by sisters-in-law Angela Meeks and Jennifer Oliver after the death of 13-year-old Elie, Meeks' son.

Elie and his other siblings, at their mother’s request, went to live with Meeks’ sister-in-law, Oliver, and her husband in Laurel Hill. This move caused challenges for Elie, who was a student at Shoal River Middle School.

Elie committed suicide on Dec. 18, 2014.

The Oliver and Meeks families formed Elie’s Voice to help remove Okaloosa County children’s risk of suicide and ensure kids feel loved. The name Elie stands for “Every Life Is Essential,” the organization’s slogan.

Elie’s Voice has no paid members, according to Oliver, and is run solely by volunteers and donations. The organization works to implement suicide-prevention programs and assemblies in local schools.

“We currently service the following schools in Okaloosa County: Walker Elementary, Riverside, Shoal River, Davidson and Laurel Hill,” Oliver said.

Elie’s Voice oversees the Back Pack Buddies program that provides packs of food to children in need of food assistance outside school.

“The back packs are food for the weekends to make sure they have enough food while not receiving the meals at school each day,” Oliver said. “They receive things in the back packs like oatmeal, grits, cereal, soup or spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, applesauce, beef sticks, peanut butter crackers, fruit snacks [and other] assorted, individually wrapped, non-perishable food items.”

The organization also provides back packs and school supplies for each of the children in their program, as well as other children in need in the community.

“We packed over 250 back packs with school supplies this year,” Oliver said.

Elie’s Voice hosts a Christmas Stocking program each year and provides filled Christmas stockings for each of the students in their program and others in the community who may be in need.  

“We have some new things coming up in 2018 with our suicide prevention program,” Oliver said. “We are going to be doing a Christmas party for the Children In Crisis, Inc…. in Fort Walton Beach. We are also collecting non-perishable food items and household items for their pantry.”  

Elie’s Voice has a Facebook page where Meeks and Oliver update the community on the organization’s programs and volunteer opportunities.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Holt non-profit promotes teen suicide prevention