What's Happening: Local events calendar
NORTH OKALOOSA
KofC CHARITY DINNER: The Knights of Columbus will host a dinner fundraiser on Jan. 16 at their hall at 701 E. James Lee Blvd. in Crestview. Spaghetti and meatballs will be served. Their special consists of bone-in porkchop, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Both meals come with salad and dessert. Meals are $7 per adult, $5 per preteen, and free for children under five years old.
MLK CELEBRATION CALENDAR: Activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration by the Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society are as follows:
Jan. 14 - worship service at 7 p.m. at New Life Missionary Baptist Church in Crestview. Guest pastor Darlene Haynes.
Jan. 15 - annual program at 7 p.m. at the Carver-Hill School Center. Guest speaker USAF Officer Keith Lee, Ret.
Jan. 16 - Concerned Citizens Group annual parade and guest speaker, Councilman Tim Grandberry. Line up is at 9:30 a.m. at First Church of God in Christ on MLK Ave., with the parade at 10 a.m., ending at the courthouse square on Main Street. This will be followed by the annual youth celebration at 12 p.m. at the Carver-Hill School Center.
Details: Shannon Hayes, 398-8844; George Stakley, 682-3459; Shemera Hayes, 910-237-8561, Sanford Hayes, 850-621-4186.
VOLUNTEERS FOR CRESTVIEW GROUP: The Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida is looking for fun and energetic people to join the Crestview Helping Hands Volunteer Committee. This committee supports the Ronald McDonald House with local events and fundraising opportunities. A meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. at CCB Community Bank, 1290 North Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, to see how you can help.
R.S.V.P or get more information by contacting Kim Henderson at 678-7243 or owb@rmhpensacola.org.
TIP TRAINING: The Northwest Florida Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) Winter Training Academy Program begins Jan. 14. This organization trains volunteers to assist survivors of traumatic situations.
All volunteers are summoned to the scene of traumatic events by police officers, sheriff’s deputies, hospital personnel and EMTs.
The program continues throughout the next two weeks, nights and weekends. Check www.tip-ser.org, or call 850-934-6654 for more detailed information.
LIPIZZANERS AT BAKER ARENA: On Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. the Baker Arena will host a presentation of the Lipizzaner Stallions. Tickets are $20.50 for children 12 and younger, and seniors 60 and more, and $22.50 for regular admission. They can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Crestview and online at tickets.com. Charge by phone toll free at 800-822-8258. Call 877-547-4926 for group discount and event information. Additional facility fees, ticketing fees, service charges, and/or taxes may be added to ticket prices. www.lipizzaner.com.
YMCA SIGNUPS: The Crestview Family YMCA is hosting youth basketball for boys and girls ages 2-17 and an adult basketball league for people ages 18 and up.
Registration for the February season will continue through Jan. 17 at the YMCA's 298 N. Wilson St. address. The fee is $36 for members and $48 for program participants.
Volunteer coaches, referees, and sponsors are needed. Please call 689-2999 or e-mail noymca@ecymca.org for more information.
ABE/GED CLASSES: New Life Missionary Baptist Church in Crestview is offering Adult Basic Education and GED classes through April 27. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Sanford Hayes at 621-4186 or Tony Boyer at 865-1882.
COURTHOUSE ANNEX PRESENTATION ONLINE: A historical and informational presentation on the facts and figures concerning the new Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension can be found on the county Web site. The presentation was made at the December Board of County Commissioners meeting. For more information, please feel free to call the new 311 Citizens Information Line.
From www.okaloosafl.com, select the link on the Hotline online news forum to find the presentation or follow this link: www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/hotline/extension_12-21-09.pdf.
NWFSC LATE REGISTRATION: Web registration and fee payment for Northwest Florida State College spring term is now underway. Individuals may register for classes, pay fees, purchase textbooks and complete new student orientation at www.nwfsc.edu.
Schedule adjustment and late registration ends Jan. 13.
BLOOD DRIVES: Blood drives scheduled for the North Okaloosa County area are listed below.
Jan. 14 - City of Crestview, City Hall. 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 15 - Waffle House on South Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Every donor will receive a Free Waffle House meal. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 - Woodlawn Baptist Church, Crestview. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jan. 23 - Starbucks, Crestview. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jan. 30 - Walmart, Crestview, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is an elevated need for blood types O Negative and B Negative. Northwest Florida Blood Services is your community blood center providing blood to patients, families and friends in local hospitals across the Panhandle. Blood is used to help patients with cancer, heart bypass, in surgeries, and emergencies. To plan a 2010 blood drive, call Robert Strickland at 850-473-3853 for scheduling information.
OKALOOSA FCAT TUTORING: All Okaloosa students are invited to attend Saturday Success tutoring for the FCAT Jan. 16, Feb. 13, Feb. 26 and March 6 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Choctaw High School. For details contact Dr. Cheryl Seals (north) at 689-7177, ext. 18000 or Elaine Anderson (south) at 833-5815.
AMERICAN GIRLS BOOK CLUB: The Crestview public library on Commerce Drive behind the post office is hosting an American Girls Book Club. The club meets every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Story Room. Members talk about the book and discover more about life at different times in American history. Activities, arts & crafts, and interesting snacks are part of each session.
The next meeting is Jan. 16 and based on the book, "Meet Molly," who dreams of performing as "Miss Victory" to show her support during World War II. (by Valerie Tripp. 80 pages)
Join in by signing up in Youth Services for each meeting; get the book from the library or purchase it, and finish reading the selected book for that month before coming to the meeting. For details, call 496-9496.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION: The USDA National Resources Conservation Service and the Florida Division of Forestry will host the 2010 Arbor Day celebration at the John McMahon Environmental Center Park on Jan. 14. The Walker Elementary School’s kindergarten class will be in attendance at 9 a.m. and the general public is invited to pick up free trees from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit the NRCS Web site at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov.
1ST TUESDAY LECTURES: The Crestview public library 1st Tuesday Lectures series are featured every First Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on Commerce Drive. Planned presentations include the following:
Feb. 2 - "The History & Legacy of Carver-Hill School" with J.C. Connor, Okaloosa County Schools and former students, teachers and employees.
March 2 - "Census 2010: It's In Our Hands" by Tina Joshua of the U.S. Census Bureau.
CHAMBER MEETINGS: Call 682-3212 for further details.
HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM: Applications for the Crestview Housing Authority Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be accepted beginning Feb. 1 though Feb. 26 at the 371 W. Hickory Ave. main office in Crestview from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is for the very low income family.
GRIEF AND THE HOLIDAYS: Emerald Coast Hospice invites you to call them at 689-0300 and schedule your grief and the holidays seminar, where Hospice will provide you with ways to make it through the holiday season.
Nurses can receive 1.2 contact hours and social workers will receive 1.0 contact hours. Details: call 689-0300 and ask for Chaplain Jim Vail.
ART CONTEST: The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview is looking for artistic students in grades 9-12 to participate in the Young Patriotic Art Contest. Students have several months to create patriotic art that could earn them college scholarship money worth thousands. The deadline to enter is March 31, 2010. Details: LAVFW President Lynn Mobley, 537-3375 or 978-0685.
CHILD INSURANCE REGISTRATION: Paula Jackson of Families Count is offering assistance to local residents who want to register their children for Florida KidCare insurance. Walk-ins are accepted every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Jobs Plus on Wilson Street in Crestview. If you would rather arrange a different time, please call her at 850-685-4086. Please bring proof of income and Social Security numbers for every member of your household.
CRESTVIEW DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: Members meet the first Monday of each month from September through May. Anyone interested in learning more about gardening is invited to visit or join. Please call 682-2691 or 682-3639.
SOUP KITCHEN HOURS: In addition to being open Mondays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd.; and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Community of Christ Church at 398 W. First Ave. in Crestview is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come enjoy a free meal and friendly company, or come meet the staff and sign up to help. All are welcome and appreciated.
In addition, the YMCA on Wilson St. in Crestview now offers showers for homeless people Monday and Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This service is provided through Opportunity Inc.
Immanuel church members are in need of bikes, which they repair and issue to the homeless. Please call 423-0711 if you can assist with this service.
WEIGHT WATCHERS meets every Thursday at Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 424 Garden Street, Crestview. Registration and weigh in begin at 5 p.m.; meeting follows.
RED CROSS CLASSES: are offered in Okaloosa County. Visit www.yourredcross.org to register.
MISCELLANEOUS
CHORAL SOCIETY AUDITIONS: The Choral Society of Pensacola will hold auditions for new singers on Saturday, Jan. 9, in Room 801 of the Pensacola Junior College Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd. Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The auditions, will take place in a very relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere. Call Mr. Chen at 850-484-1810 for more information. Auditions on other days can be arranged by special appointment.
ROWC MEETING: The next meeting of the Retired Officer's Wives Club will be held Jan. 21 at the Eglin Officers Club. A presentation on "Experiences in Afghanistan" will be made by an nurse from the Eglin Hospital. Social will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Please call the reservations chairman at 609-8075 by Thursday, Jan. 14.
CHILDREN'S CHORUS AUDITIONS: The Pensacola Children’s Chorus will hold auditions for boys and girls in grade three as follows:
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 3:30 - 6 p.m. – boys and girls in grade three are invited to audition for the preparatory choir – Choristers.
All auditions take place at the Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center on the campus of First Presbyterian Church, 46 E. Chase Street, in downtown Pensacola. It is not necessary to make and individual appointment, and auditionees do not need to bring a prepared song. Details: 850-434-7760.
CASTLE FOR A KID: If your family has used the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida in Pensacola, then you may be eligible to win a free room makeover for your child.
Okaloosa or Walton county residents that have used our local Ronald McDonald House are invited to enter their story in the Castle for a Kid Makeover Contest, including how long they stayed and what it meant to you and your family. The winner will receive a free room makeover for their child compliments of Keely Fell, children’s room designer and owner of Pretty Please at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, in honor of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida’s 25-year anniversary serving our local families. The deadline to enter is Jan. 15. Go to www.rmhpensacola.org for a complete list of rules and how to enter. Videos and photographs are encouraged. Details: Kim Henderson, 678-7243 or owb@rmhpensacola.org.
FLORIDA TRAIL SCHEDULE: Visit http://choctaw.floridatrail.org for details on the group’s upcoming events.
Saturday, Jan. 9 at 8 a.m. Volunteers needed for trail maintenance on the Garcon Point Trail. Details: 850-623-1646.
Friday, Jan. 15 – Sunday, Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. Camping and hiking at St Joe Peninsula State Park. Details: 850-723-7924.
Saturday, Jan. 16 at 8 a.m. Volunteers needed for trail maintenance on Eglin AFB reservation. Details: 850-492-8258.
Saturday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. hike in Conecuh National Forest in Al. Details: 850-484-9111.
Saturday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. hike on Eglin reservation to the Alaqua campsite. Details: 683-0803.
Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Monthly meeting at Bayou Blues in Niceville. Visitors welcome. Details: 682-6098.
Saturday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m., four-mile full moon hike around Bear Lake with pot luck dinner afterwards. Details: 682-6098.
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. hike in Gulf Shores, Ala., at Bon Secour NWR. Visit Fort Morgan afterwards. Details: 850-723-7924.
ADVENTURE CLUB: For details on club activities, call Clarice Hebinck at 850-581-4591 or e-mail her at freklz100@cox.net.
2010 DENIM & DIAMONDS, a fund-raiser for the United Way, will be held Friday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island. To reserve a corporate table of ten ($900 per table), to buy individual tickets ($100 per person) and/or to make a donation for the Silent Auction, please contact the United Way office at 850-243-0315 or e-mail rondad@united-way.org.
ONGOING
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS SEEKING MENTORS: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is looking for adult volunteers who would enjoy spending at least two hours every week mentoring a child. The mentors pick up their little brother or little sister at their home and spend a couple of hours doing activities such as going to the library, museum or park, going to the beach, hiking, roller skating or playing a sport.
Interested volunteers should contact Big Brothers Big Sisters for an interview at 850-664-5437.
SENIOR CENTER MUSIC AND MORE: The Crestview Senior Activity Center at Old Spanish Trail Park invites seniors to join an afternoon of music from 1 to 4 p.m. every Friday. Bring your keyboard, guitar or other musical instrument. Fun is the keyword. Card and bingo days also available. For details call Estelle at 682-8230.
QUARTER BINGO: The Crestview Knights of Columbus is now offering Quarter Bingo every Tuesday. The games run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The K of C hall is located at 701 James Lee Boulevard, Crestview. Come join the fun.
VOLUNTEERS: Emerald Coast Hospice is in need of volunteers in the Walton-Okaloosa area. Becoming a hospice volunteer is similar to helping a neighbor in need. The only qualification required is your desire to help someone in need. You don’t need any medical skills; you don’t need a college degree: you don’t even need to know what to say. All you need to do is sign up for Emerald Coast Hospice Volunteer training. Please come and bring a friend and see what we have to offer. Details: Ann O’Connor, 689-0300.
CRISIS HOTLINE/RAPE CRISIS CENTER: by Bridgeway provides free confidential crisis intervention, certified Rape Crisis Center services, on-site intake and evaluation, suicide prevention and crisis stabilization. They also provide free services and advocacy to victims of violent crime 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The center also assists victims of sexual assault with the information and personal advocacy they need, whether or not they chose to report the crime.
Call anytime, day or night. There is help available. Don’t give up. Make the call to 682-0101 or 244-9191.
LIVING WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS: Every year, approximately 600,000 Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis undergo knee replacement surgery. When all other options for treating severe osteoarthritis of the knee have been exhausted, artificial knee joints offer a solution with a high rate of success. To prepare for this major operation, and learn how to protect the new joint and keep it intact for years to come, the American Arthritis Society has compiled 12 useful and practical tips for self-care and made them available on its web site. Developed with the help of some of the world’s leading knee surgeons, each tip is easy to follow and can be helpful in preparing for your operation. They can be viewed online at www.americanarthritis.org.
NOARC MEETINGS: The North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club regular monthly meeting is at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday night of each month. The club meets at the Dorcas Fire Station #42, about seven miles east of Crestview, on Deer Creek Road about half a block north of Highway 90. Club information is available on the group Web site at www.w4aaz.org. Details: Bob Walker, 537-9456.
VA TOLL FREE SUICIDE HOT LINE: VA’s Suicide Hot Line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
HERITAGE CRAFT CLASSES: The Heritage Museum keeps traditional handcrafts alive through the popular and ongoing Heritage Craft Series. Call 678-2615 to pre-register or for more information. Pre-registration is required for all classes.
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Financial assistance for childcare is now available through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties for eligible low-income families who need help paying for child care. Call Child Care Services at 833-9330 or 833-9333 for income eligibility and appointments.
HERITAGE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS: Use your talent, skills and creativity to benefit the community and help preserve local history.
Volunteer training is available in all areas of museum operations including: exhibit tours, meet and greet, special events and archives. For details on the volunteer opportunities, contact Carol Visalpatara at 678-2615 or at cvisalpatara@co.okaloosa.fl.us.
YMCA VOLUNTEERS are needed to invest their time and skills in North Okaloosa YMCA. If you have a service to offer, time to volunteer, or would like additional information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Susan Goff at 682-8635.
EMERALD COAST HOSPICE: Adult and teen volunteers are needed. Volunteers serve in different ways to assist both the patient and the entire family. Several methods of volunteering are available, including working directly with patients, clerical, fundraising, bereavement and public relations opportunities. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689-0300.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN: If you are pregnant and concerned about alcohol and drugs, free and confidential help is available. All pregnant women are eligible for priority substance abuse treatment services.
WISE is a program of the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. For details, call 689-4024 in Crestview.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters needs volunteers to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel in the event of any natural or manmade disaster affecting Okaloosa County.
Okaloosa County Public Safety will open the EOC, located at the Okaloosa County Courthouse in Shalimar, when a disaster occurs. There will be a need for data entry volunteers. For details, please contact Yvonne Earle at 863-1530, extension 230.
BAKER BLOCK MUSEUM: is a good source for local history, artifacts, photos, and a good selection of area newspapers.
Hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with special tours available upon request. For details, call the museum at 537-5714, Jeanette Henderson at 537-4401, or e-mail bakermuseum@aol.com.
DAV NEEDS VOLUNTEER DRIVERS: Volunteers are needed to drive the DAV van, which takes veterans to their appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola. You would only drive two days per month. For further information, contact the local Veterans Service Office at 601-A North Pearl St., or call 689-5922.
SHELTER HOUSE: It costs more than $100 a day to shelter a victim of domestic violence. For details on how you can help, call 683-0845.
