Community happenings

APRIL 16

•Archaeological lecture: The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center will host a free public lecture about recent archaeological projects undertaken at Eglin Air Force Base from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Indian Temple Mound Museum’s main gallery. Bring bag lunch. Call 833-9595.

•Bruster’s Ice Cream: Destin Middle School Swim Team will be guest scoopers from 5 to 8 p.m. Portion of sales will be donated to the team.

•Career and Job Fair: The Career Resource Center at Okaloosa-Walton College will host an area-wide Career and Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Gymnasium on the Niceville Campus. Representatives from numerous employers will be on site to accept resumes and talk about full-time, part-time and summer employment opportunities with their companies. Call 729-5227.

•Celebrity Luncheon: The second annual “Waiting for a Cure” celebrity luncheon benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Sandestin. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at any Whitney Bank or at Fleming’s. Daron Norwood, country singer, will make a special guest appearance as a celebrity waiter. Celebrities will compete for tips (all of which go to charity), and the lunch tickets will also go to charity. Call 244-1499.

•Jazz Appreciation: Cheryl Jones of Jones and Company will perform free at 10 a.m. at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave., in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.

•Student Art Show: The Okaloosa County School District and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation present the 2008 Okaloosa County K-12 Student Art Show from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach. Call 650-2226 or 833-3100.

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Student Art Show
The Okaloosa County School District and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation present the 2008 Okaloosa County K-12 Student Art Show from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 17 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach. Admission is free. Awards presentation and reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. April 17. Call 650-2226 or 833-3100.

Bridgeway Senior Program
Bridgeway Senior Program will deliver the following meals the week of April 14-18:
•Wednesday: Hamburger patty.
•Thursday: Grilled chicken.
•Friday: Italian style pork.

TIP volunteers needed
The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) needs a few gentle, loving people. Must be ready to donate three days per month to help neighbors survive the worst times of their lives. The next class begins April 17. Call 934-6654 or 243-2291 or e-mail tcnkat@bellsouth.net for information.

Earth Day/Arbor Day
The City of Fort Walton Beach, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and University of West Florida — Emerald Coast have partnered to bring the fourth annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration to the Fort Walton Landing from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. April 18. Several hands on educational displays will be featured. Musical acts begin at 4 p.m. and include Reed Waddle at 7 p.m. Call 833-9932.

OWC science seminar
The Okaloosa-Walton College Science Department will hold a free seminar from 11 a.m.-noon April 18 in the college’s Robert E. Greene, Jr. Science building on the Niceville campus in the main lecture hall. Dr. Jennifer Beauregard, of Tallahassee Community College, will speak on volcanoes and “Explosive Eruptions of Krakatau Volcano, Indonesia.” The event is the final science seminar for the semester and is open to the public.
Groups are encouraged to call ahead to ensure seating. Call 729-5376.

Buy the Bayou auction
Covenant Hospice is the non-profit agency which will receive a portion of the proceeds from the “Buy the Bayou” auction presented by the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce beginning at 6 p.m. April 18 at Rocky Bayou Country Club in Niceville. This donation will be presented in memory of Chamber Life Director and auction founder, Beverly Rasmussen.
Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office for $10. The event will include silent and live auctions, food, drinks, entertainment and door prizes. Call 678-2323.

The Prom
“The Prom,” a retro-celebration to benefit the Seaside Repertory Theatre, will be held at 7 p.m. April 18 at the Lyceum Lawn in Seaside. Enjoy dancing to the tunes of Hotwire, food by Criolla’s and a full hosted bar. A King and Queen will be crowned.
Prom-goers are encouraged to dress reminiscent of their own high school prom so that attire will span the decades, or come as a “chaperone” in normal party wear.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at 231-0733 or at www.seasiderep.org. Reserved tables for eight are also available for $1,000 and must be reserved by phone.

Poker Run & Hog Wash

Destin Junior Lifeguards and parents will hold a Poker run & Hog Wash to raise money for the Destin Fire Rescue Foundation from 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. April 19 at Hog’s Breath of Destin. Bring chairs and shade. A car wash will also be held.
Destin Library

The following events are held regularly at the Destin Library. Call 837-8572
•Tai Chi for Arthritis: At 7 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost is $5/class.
•Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime: From 3-3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:30-10:15 a.m. Thursdays for ages 4 months to 4 years.
•Independent Film Series: Independent and foreign films shown at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month.
•Friends of the Destin Library: Monthly meeting held at 10 a.m. the first Friday of each month.
•AARP Tax Aide Program: Assistance available from 9 a.m.- noon every Monday, Friday and Saturday through April 15.
•Computer classes are held on Wednesdays and are scheduled as Fall semester offerings and Spring offerings. Classes are free, but do require a valid library card from an Okaloosa County library.

Destin Community Center
All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 for information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.
•Brazilian Martial Arts: Offered at 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for children and 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for adults.
•Chair Yoga: Meets at 11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Cost is $2.
•Duplicate bridge: ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Community Center and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Buck Destin Park. Entry fee: $5. Call 380-1558.
•Game room: Open to children 10 and older and under 10 accompanied by adult from 1-9 p.m. Monday-Friday.
•Intermediate party bridge: At 12:45 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at Buck Destin Park. Call 837-1967.
•Jazzercise class: 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
•Low impact aerobics: From 9:15-10:15 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Bring water and towel. Cost $3 per session.
•Oil painting: Featuring “Bob Ross Method.” Class is $35, supplies $10 and canvas $10.
•Walk to music: From 8-9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
•Woodcarving: Coastal Wood Carvers meet at 9 a.m. Fridays. Fee: $3 per class.
•Zumba: Dance fitness class at 10 a.m. Thursdays. Cost: $6/class.

Destin YMCA
If interested in the following events, contact the Destin Family YMCA at 837-8440.
•Destin Family YMCA Taekwondo Club, for ages 3-6, meets from 4-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Grace Lutheran Church.
•Youth soccer for ages 2 to 16 now registering.
•Swim classes for spring now forming.
•Registration for T-ball for boys and girls ages 3 and 4 begins May 12.
•The Emerald Coast Swim Team for ages 4-18 will practice from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
•Fitness classes are offered in the morning and evening at Grace Lutheran Church. Call for schedule.

Cutest Baby Contest
The City of Niceville Relay for Life Team will host a Cutest Baby Contest with proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Deadline to enter is 4 p.m. April 18. Send 3/5 color or b/w photo with child’s name and age at time picture taken with $10 entry free to City of Niceville, 212 N Partin Drive, Niceville Fl 32578, Attn: Cutest Baby Contest. Indicate sender’s name, address and phone number.
Age groups are 0-12 months, 13-24 months and 25-36 months. Winners receive $100 savings bond, gift certificate and plaque. Call 729-4045.

OWC Fine & Performing Arts scholarship
Applications for scholarships in the Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Division at Okaloosa-Walton College are now being accepted for the following. Scholarships are awarded each semester in varying amounts to be used for tuition at OWC.
The general requirements are maintaining satisfactory academic standing in general courses and a 3.5 GPA in the scholarship area of study; participation in ensembles or classes assigned by the division director; working at least two Broadway shows per year; attending all scheduled classes; and completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Applications are available for download at www.owc.edu/arts/scholarships.cfm. Call 729-5382.
•Dance: Due April 30 with auditions May 3 and 5.
•Visual Arts: Portfolios and applications due April 28 and 29. Portfolios will be evaluated on April 30.
•Drama, Instrument, Technical Theater, and Voice: Applications are due May 8 for those who wish to audition on May 16.

Earth Day at Alys Beach
Alys Beach will host a free Earth Day celebration April 19. The day’s festivities begin with a seminar entitled “Building Better Homes and Towns by Building Green” from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Fonville Press on 30A. Pre-registration is requested. To RSVP, e-mail events@alysbeach.com. The seminar will also include a walking tour of Alys Beach.
Starting at noon, children of all ages will enjoy earth-friendly games and activities including heating treats on a solar oven and an environmental scavenger hunt.
From 2-4 p.m., guests can interact with turtles, toads and other local and exotic wildlife, courtesy of Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounter, while Mike Clark will share examples of 300-million-year-old fossils and crystals.
Radio 107.1 FM will provide afternoon music and entertainment.
For a complete schedule of the day’s activities e-mail events@alysbeach.com.

Florida Trail Association
The Florida Trail Association will hold the following events. Visit http://westgate.floridatrail.org or call the listed number.
•April 19: Hike in the Titi section of Eglin at 8 a.m. Call 683-0803.
•April 22: Monthly meeting at LaRumba restaurant in Niceville at 6 p.m. Call 682-6098.
•April 26: Float trip on the Chipola River and camping at Florida Caverns State Park at 8 a.m. Call 474-5359.

Yoga classes
A free beginner’s yoga class will be held from 11 a.m.-noon every third Saturday beginning April 19 at Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. SE, #2 in Fort Walton Beach. Call 244-0184.

Military Academy Day
Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) will host his annual Military Academy Day for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors interested in attending one of the U.S. military academies from 10 a.m.-noon April 19 at Kleman Plaza, Florida League of Cities Conference Room, Plaza Level, 301 South Bronough St. in Tallahassee. Call 561-3979.

Florida Coastal Cleanup
The Florida Coastal Cleanup will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. April 19 at the following locations. Wear closed shoes and sunscreen. Volunteers receive free T-shirt, bottled water and snack. Call 651-7131.
•Beasley Park, U.S. 98 east of Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island.
•Beach Park, east of Surfdweller on Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
•Henderson Beach State Park, U.S. 98 east of Destin.
•Rocky Bayou State Park, U.S. 20 west of Bluewater Bay.
•Destin Harbor, Lucky Snapper parking lot.

Try It On for the Cure
Coldwater Creek stores will donate $1 to the local affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every shopper who tries on their clothes in the dressing room at a Coldwater Creek store on April 20 during Try It On for the Cure.
No purchase is necessary. However, for those who do purchase, the company will also donate 10 percent of the entire day’s sales to Komen.

CPR/AED classes
American Heart Association CPR/AED classes will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. April 21, May 6, 21, June 11, 26 and July 8 and 23 at the Destin Fire Control District, 848 Airport Road. Cost is $45/class and includes textbook, instruction, all materials and CPR card. Call 837-8413 to sign up.

Seminar on Medicaid
Sacred Heart’s Senior Services program will present a free seminar on Medicaid at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. April 21 in the Suite 3 Conference Room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. To register for this free seminar, call 278-3600 or toll-free (877) 416-1600.

Presentation
Silver Sands Factory Stores presents a presentation by Louie Gravance, the person who designed, developed and delivered customer service programs for the Walt Disney Company for more than 12 years, at 7 p.m. April 22 at Destiny Worship Center, 122 Poinciana Blvd. To see a clip of Gravance’s presentation, visit www.gravance.com.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with buffet appetizers and networking followed by the program. The cost is $25/advance and $30/door. To purchase advanced tickets, visit Silver Sands Shopper Services between Coach and Michael Kors or call 654-977, Ext. 1.

Computer Basics for Windows
The South Walton Computer & Technology Club will hold two one-hour, free admission presentations, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 22 at the Faith Assembly Church, 306 S. Geronimo St. in Miramar Beach. Carl Lofstrom will demonstrate how to manage files and folders on Windows XP Computers. Call 586-0603.

Dining Out for Life
Dining Out for Life will be held April 24 as local restaurants team up with OASIS (Okaloosa AIDS Support and Informational Services, Inc.) to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. Participating restaurants will donate a generous percentage of their proceeds that day to OASIS to be used locally.
Restaurants include Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House in Grayton Beach; Brooks Bridge Bar-B-Que and Café, Magnolia Grill, Caffe’ Italia, Big City-An American Bistro, and Old Bay Steamer in Fort Walton Beach; Aegean Restaurant in Shalimar; Perry’s Legendary Seafood and Steaks and French Quarter Grill in Niceville; and Cactus flower in Pensacola.
Volunteer greeters are needed. To volunteer, call 314-0950 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

Boating course
An “About Boating Safety Course,” presented by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, will be held at 9 a.m. April 26 at Coast Guard Station Destin on U.S. 98 on Okaloosa Island. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Cost is $50.00 and includes the textbook, a CD, an examination at the end of the course. Lunch will be provided.

Great Strides Walk-a-Thon
The Emerald Coast Great Strides Walk-a-Thon to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be held at 9 a.m. April 26 at Village Baptist Church in Destin. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Daron Norwood will be the featured performer at the free post-walk concert at 10:30 a.m. Call 837-8107.

Child Awareness Month
As a part of April’s “Child Awareness Month,” Guardian Ad Litem is asking local businesses and organizations to allow us to place sand buckets entitled “Buckets for Change in a Child’s Life” in an area open to the general public, where individuals could donate the change in their pockets or purses for the cause of helping abused, abandoned and neglected children in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties.
All net proceeds of the donations will be used to support the Guardian ad Litem Program, a non-profit state run program which provides volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the court system. Call 595-3726 or 485-4605.

Remembrance Celebration
Covenant Hospice invites bereaved hospice families as well as those in the community who have endured the loss of a loved one to attend a special Remembrance Celebration at 2 p.m. April 27 at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville.
The celebration will include music, singing, candle lighting and selected readings. Family members and friends are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one to be displayed on a special remembrance board at the ceremony. A reception and fellowship will follow after the ceremony. This special program is free and open to the public. Call 729-1800.

American Pride Landscape Competition
The American Pride Landscape Annual Competition for residential and commercial gardens, sponsored by Green Thumb Garden Club of Santa Rosa Beach, will take place through April 28. South Walton residents and businesses whose landscape designs create aesthetic and functional gardens that are attractive and enhance the beauty of South Walton County will be recognized.
Nominations, accepted through April 28, will be judged in two categories: Residential, and commercial and/or public gardens. Anyone residing in Walton County south of SR 20 from Okaloosa County to the Bay County line is eligible.
Preliminary judging will take place April 29-May 1. Winners will be recognized at the GTGC monthly meeting May 21 at Embassy Suites in Miramar Beach.
Submit the name, address and a point of contact to Ellen, 267-0417, or Joyce, 622-4767 by April 28.

Ms. Wheelchair Florida
Applications are now being accepted for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Florida, USA, to represent Florida in August for the national title of Ms. Wheelchair USA.
To qualify, contestants must be 18 and older by July 30, 2008 and utilize a wheelchair as their main source of mobility; however, this program does not exclude women who may be able to utilize their legs. Contestants must be residents or students in Florida for at least two months, married, single or divorced and may have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or no children.
The state competition fee is $200. Contestants may pay the fee themselves, get donations from family and friends, or obtain sponsorships from area groups, business, etc. The fee is to be submitted with the application package by April 30.
Request an Official State Representative Application Package at www.MsWheelchairUSA.org or call (330) 612-5242.

Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will offer the following craft classes. Space is limited. Pre-register at 678-2615 or stop by the Museum at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.
•Beginning Tatting: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 7, 14, 21 & 28. Materials included. Cost: $35, $30 for museum members.
•Basket Weaving — Cracker Basket: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17. Most supplies included. Cost: $30, $25 for museum members.

Victorian Tea
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will host a Victorian Tea with the assistance of the ladies of the Walton Guard Civil War re-enactors group with seatings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 10 at the Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso. Pre-registration is recommended.
The cost is $10/person and $5/Heritage Museum members. Call 678-2615.

Workforce Summit
The Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties presents the Third annual Workforce Summit May 8 and 9 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The theme for the event is Economic Stimulus: Florida Style.
The 2008 Winners of the “Best Places to Work” will be announced at the Breakfast of Champions on May 9. Agenda and schedule information is available online at www.JobsPlusOneStop.com.
Registration is $100 per person which includes breakfast and lunch and may be completed online at www.JobsPlusOneStop.com. Applications for the “Best Places to Work” award are also available at this website. Call 651-2315.

Great Moms Walk
The Shalimar United Methodist Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) chapter will host a Great Moms Walk and family event from 9-11 a.m. May 10 at Ferry Park Fitness Trail in Fort Walton Beach to raise awareness as well as spread the message that mothering matters.
Free registration begins at 8:30 a.m. During the walk there will be entertainment and activities for the entire family. Strollers and wagons are welcome.

Maritime education courses
The University of West Florida Division of Continuing Education will offer maritime education courses, taught by the United States Power Squadron, in Fort Walton Beach at a cost of $40/person. To enroll, call 474-2914 or visit ContinuingEd.uwf.edu.
•How to Use a Chart, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 24.
•Knots for Mariners, 9 to 11 a.m. May 3.
•Sail Trim and Rig Tuning, 9 to 11 a.m. May 10.
•Heavy Weather Sailing, 9 to 11 a.m. May 17.

Lifeguard training courses
The Destin Fire Control District will hold a free United States Lifesaving Association lifeguard training course May 12 to 16 at the fire station at 117 Crystal Beach Drive. Lifeguard positions are available for the upcoming season and starting pay is $14.17 per hour. The public is invited to attend regardless of whether or not they are seeking employment. Call 837-8413.

Jr. Lifeguard program
The Destin Fire Rescue Foundation ‘s Jr. Lifeguard program will be held June 9 to Aug. 7. Class size is limited to 50 participants ages 8 to 17. Cost is $400 for the eight-week program. Juniors will scuba, swim, snorkel and much more.
The Lifeguard In Training program begins this summer. All perspective candidates must have completed the eight-week Jr. Lifeguard program prior to application. Call 837-8413.

Destin History & Fishing Museum
If you are interested in volunteering for The Destin History & Fishing Museum, call 837-6611. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Training and toning demonstrations
Free accelerated strength training and toning demonstrations will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. Call 420-5044

Vessel safety checks
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer free vessel safety checks on any kind of recreational watercraft from kayaks, canoes, personal watercraft, to large cabin cruisers and sailboats.
Boat owners may call to schedule by contacting Flotilla 14, Destin, at 244-5374.

Harvest House volunteers
Harvest House needs volunteers. If interested, call Lainie, 837-2277, or Caroline, 685-4013.

Heritage Museum volunteers
Volunteers are needed at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso, to meet and greet, exhibit tours, and for special events. Call 678-2615.

Hospice of the Emerald Coast
Hospice of the Emerald Coast in Crestview has openings for volunteers. Call 689-0300.

Bridgeway Center
Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers who possess a valid driver’s license. Arrive on site between 10 and 10:30 a.m. Each route will generally take between 45 minutes and an hour and fifteen minutes. Drivers are needed Monday-Friday, or even one day a week, for Destin and Fort Walton Beach routes. Destin routes will be based out of the Destin Senior Center at 108 Stahlman Ave. Fort Walton Beach routes will be based out of the Creative Senior Center, 31 Memorial Drive SW. Call 833-7479.
Bridgeway Center also offers classes in anger management, parenting, coping skills, drug alcohol traffic education and more.

Prayer meeting
Every Friday from noon-1 p.m., a noontime prayer meeting will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4325 Commons Drive. All are welcome for five minutes or the entire hour to pray for the city, nation, marketplace, revival and personal refreshing.

Soul strength and stretch
Classes for all ages and all levels of fitness are held at 5 p.m. Tuesdays at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin. Bring mat and bottle of water. Fee is $5/class. Call 837-1943.