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

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 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 to 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 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

CRESTVIEW — Community Bank will host its third customer appreciation tailgate lunch.

The event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at the bank, 345 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview.

Customers can stop by and enjoy tailgate food while supporting local football programs.

Call 683-8822 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community Bank sets football tailgate party

CRESTVIEW — Among many local personalities, one of Crestview’s most familiar is “Miss Sara” Reese, a resident with mobility challenges that do little to stop her from near daily treks around town with the aid of a wheeled walker that doubles as a vehicle to carry her belongings.

From her home off Stillwell Boulevard, Miss Sara’s trips take her downtown and many times even farther.

“She doesn’t use her walker like most everyone else,” said Community Services Officer Wanda Hulion, who, like other Crestview Police Department's patrol officers, keeps an eye on Miss Sara when she’s out and about. “She uses it to carry her stuff. She’s got bags for her things, and she’s got her flashlight strapped to it because I fussed at her once for being out in the dark.”

Sometimes Miss Sara heads off to do her laundry, which hangs from her walker in plastic bags. Ever since her washer flooded her house, she prefers public laundry services, even after an officer offered to give her a stacking washer/dryer set.

Other times she’s on the Lord’s work, taking orders for and then delivering peanut brittle freshly made by members of her church.

Many residents have seen rush-hour traffic come to a polite — and surprisingly patient — halt as Miss Sara crosses Ferdon Boulevard North in the afternoon. Miss Sara just has a way of making folks feel kinder and gentler, and a little less in a hurry.

But all that traveling around town can take its toll on her walker wheels, and recently, it did, Hulion said. She started looking into a new walker for Miss Sara, but Miss Sara would hear none of it.

“She said, ‘Wanda, I don’t need a whole walker. I just need new wheels,” Hulion said.

So the officer called Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare to see about buying her friend some new wheels for her walker.

“I originally called to see if they’d offer a discount,” Hulion said. “The sales rep said, ‘Yes ma’am, how many do you need?’ I was hoping for a discount, not for him to just give them to her.”

But “just give them to her” they did, and now Miss Sara is tooling around town on a set of fine new, heavy-duty wheels valued at $120 courtesy of the nationwide health care mobility company.

That’s important to Miss Sara’s independence, Hulion said, not to mention her spirit.

“That mobility is what’s kept her going all these years,” she said. “It’s that fierce determination.

"Miss Sara’s independent and determined to keep it that way.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview police helps get 'Miss Sara' new wheels

CRESTVIEW — People interested in learning more about local and international adoption or foster care may attend a local meeting.

Emerald Coast Orphan Care will have an information session 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 James Lee Blvd E, Crestview.

The organization will show people how they can respond to urgent needs in Northwest Florida and around the world.

RSVP at emeraldcoastorphancare.org for child care during the meeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Information session on adoption, foster care set

CRESTVIEW — Air Force Airman Azyia M. Taylor graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed eight weeks' training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Basic training graduates earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Taylor is the daughter of Mark and Deborah Taylor, and sister of Brianna Taylor, all of Crestview.

She is a 2014 graduate of Crestview High School, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHS alum graduates from basic military training

BAKER — The community is invited to join Baker Block Museum in celebrating their 13th Annual Heritage Day.

The event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 on the grounds of the museum’s Heritage Park, 1307 Georgia Ave., Baker.

The museum will be open to visitors and the library will be available to those researching their family history and genealogy. The Baker Mercantile Store will offer shoppers a wide assortment to choose from including vintage, handcrafted and repurposed items.

One of the highlights of the day is J.T. Garrett’s appearance as his look-a- like, “Barney Fife," from TV's "The Andy Griffith Show."

Music for the day will be provided by a variety of groups including: Andy Lollie and the Southern Grass of Mobile, Alabama; Sugar Beach Acapella Chorus; the Holt Assembly of God Praise and Worship Band; and more.

By popular demand, food vendor “Uncle Jesse’s Grillin’ and Chillin’” will again this year offer barbecue pulled pork plates with all the trimmings. Vendors in the park will offer cakes, pies, candies, jams, jellies and other items.

The cabins will host volunteers demonstrating quilt making, cooking over an open fireplace, crocheting and spinning. Outside the cabins visitors can learn the almost forgotten crafts of blacksmithing, flintnapping, shingling, basket weaving and corn shucking.

The Northwest Florida Model A and T Club will show their collection of automobiles. Florida Fish and Wildlife will have learning and teaching exhibits available for visitors, and the Baker Fire Department returns this year and will teach about fire safety.

The park will be filled with numerous vendors featuring arts and crafts and other items celebrating the way of life for our ancestors and pioneers.

Call 537-5714 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker Heritage Day to feature demonstrations, food and craft vendors

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 — The fictional Crump family's date with death approaches Saturday evening as Act4Murder prepares for its local dinner theater presentation.

Doors open for "Murder at the Monster Bash" 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road in Crestview.

"Samuel's is a really good venue for us. We love coming there," actor and manager Chris Manson said. "We've been going there over the past several months and they're good people."

The comedy troupe is the brainchild of Paula Hilton, a Northwest Florida resident who moved here from California in 2002. Hilton acted in some murder dinner theater programs in California and started writing plays after that. She opened Act4Murder in 2003. Since then, troupe members have performed at several private and public venues in Northwest Florida, as well as fundraisers.

Saturday's show takes place at a fundraising bash called HOWSA. And what does HOWSA mean? Only Ivana Crump knows for sure. She's been pretty secretive up to this point, but tonight she'll have to spill the beans, according to the play's description.

"Ivana Crump is the hostess and I play her husband Clark. And his half-brother, Conner, has been married to my wife, her sister and their other sister — you should see the family reunion," Manson said.

When asked if there's a political bent to the show, what with Crump being a possible reference to the Trump family, Manson said, "No, this is a show we've been doing for years and update it (as needed). It has nothing political going on. Paula was trying to find a name that would kind of epitomize a well-to-do family with drama.

"I've been playing Clark for about eight years."

The cast of five also includes Joe Chase as Conner and Kay Yarbrough as Ivana, and Cynthia Bergquist and Sheila Boutwell as Ivana's sisters.

Manson couldn't say much more about the show to keep from giving it away, but welcomed the audience to wear Halloween costumes in support of its theme. They can even participate directly in the show with the purchase of a VIP ticket package.

Each Act4Murder performance sports the tagline, "but don't forget… someone is going to DIE! Will you and your friends win a prize for guessing WHODUNNIT?"

Tickets for this show start at $38, which includes a three-course meal, tax and a tip. Purchase at www.act4murder.com. Call 862-2885 for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dinner theater performance dishes up family drama

CRESTVIEW — Boy Scout Troop 30 will have a yard sale.

The sale begins 6:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

All proceeds go to the troop to fund summer camp and other upcoming camping trips.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boy Scouts yard sale is today

CRESTVIEW — First-time home buyers may attend Crestview’s first Home Buyers Bootcamp.

Attendees can learn where to start, the steps in the process and other information from industry experts including lenders, title agents and real estate agents.

Choose one of three seminar times: 9-11 a.m. Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. Nov 4, or 1-3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Comfort Inn & Suites, 900 Southcrest Drive, Crestview.

Contact Andrew Tveit, 603- 9088 or Andrew.tveit@floridamoves.com, to RSVP due to limited seating.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Coldwell Banker sets home buyers bootcamp