Summer is just around the corner, our children will be finished with school on Friday May 25, the last day of classes for Okaloosa County Schools.
If you haven't thanked your children's teachers, please thank them now. Most of our teachers go above and beyond for our children and deserve our gratitude and thanks. If you can, a little token of appreciation, homemade cookies, or a gift card and a note of thanks go a long way. I know that when I taught, I very was appreciative of every thank you card I received, they meant a lot. Teachers have a lot of stress these days, let's tell them we appreciate their efforts.
What wonderful plans do you have for the summer? Are you taking a nice vacation to visit relatives? We are so fortunate that we live in the beautiful state of Florida that has so much so offer, whether we stay here in Crestview or travel to other parts of our state. Do you plan to visit Walt Disney World, Sea World or Busch Gardens? Or do you plan to visit our beautiful beaches? Perhaps you want to take your kids to the Gulfarium, Big Kahuna's, or the Emerald Coast Zoo. We have many wonderful places to visit here at home. Perhaps you would like to volunteer at the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, SOCKS (Save our Cats and Kittens) or PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare) or some other worthy organization. There are many organizations that would love summer volunteers from responsible youth and adults.
The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin AFB is a wonderful place that features all types of military aircraft, from World War II forward and a MOAB on display, (Massive Ordnance Air Blast, nicknamed the "Mother of all bombs." For those interested in military history, there is plenty to see and learn. I could spend two or three days there.
We have many lovely parks all over Crestview and Okaloosa County; two of those parks are Twin Hills Park in Crestview and Turkey Creek Park in Niceville. We also have wonderful rivers, so many things from which to choose.
Jim, my husband, and I would like to thank all of our hardworking teachers for another year of dedication to our children. We would also like to thank all of the substitute teachers, please know that you are very much appreciated.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Summer in Crestview