Community happenings

All area codes are 850 unless specified.

Heritage Museum needs volunteers
Volunteers are needed at Heritage Museum for Florida Heritage 2010, an historic preservation and digitization project that will provide valuable interpretation of archival collections including photographs, documents, and audio/visual recordings. Museum staff will provide necessary training. Call 678-2615 to volunteer.  

Bridgeway Senior Program
Bridgeway Senior Program will deliver the following meals the week of Jan. 19-23:
•Wednesday: Baked chicken.
•Thursday: Sausage and red beans.
•Friday: Grilled pork patty.

new4Not-For-Profit Seminar
O’Sullivan Creel, LLP and United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, will host a free seminar, “The Revised IRS Form 990 — A New Level of Reporting,” for not-for-profit organizations from 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 22 at Shalimar United Methodist Church Family Life Center, Room 106, 1 Old Ferry Road.
Pre-registration required by Jan. 20 at 275-1244 or e-mail mschlager@osullivancreel.com

Science Friday Seminar
The free Science Friday seminars hosted by the Science Department at Northwest Florida State College continue at 11 a.m. Jan. 23 in the Robert E. Greene, Jr. Science building on the Niceville campus in the main lecture hall, room S-110. Topic will be artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and human-centered computing. Call 729-5376.

Computer Expo at NWF State College
A free “Computer Expo 2009” for home computer users will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Northwest Florida State College Niceville campus in the College Mall, Bldg. K. The event will feature 20 free “How-To” workshops, vendor displays and door prizes. For a complete schedule visit www.nwfacug.org

Cooking classes
Executive Chef Danny Trace of Commander’s Palace and On The Rocks Bar will host a series of complimentary cooking lessons exploring authentic Creole food, culture and history at 3 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7 at Commander’s Palace. Donations for Destin Harvest will be accepted. Reservations are limited and may be made at (850) 337-8555.
Chef Danny will also demonstrate traditional dishes from the Commander’s Palace menu. Classes will also include a cocktail lesson.

Community Health Fair
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host its sixth annual community Health Fair from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 24 in the main colonnade of the hospital with free health screenings and information on health issues.
Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no need to pre-register. For accurate results on the glucose and cholesterol screenings, please do not eat or drink anything besides water eight hours prior to the test. Call 278-3600 or visit www.sacredheartemerald.org

Florida Trail Association
The Florida Trail Association will hold the following events. Visit http://westgate.floridatrail.org or call the listed number.
•Jan. 24: Volunteers needed for trail maintenance at 8 a.m. Call 983-2557.
•Jan. 24: Cold weather BBQ at 5 p.m. Call 682-6098.
•Jan. 27: Monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at LaRumba restaurant in Niceville. Visitors welcome. Call 682-6098.
•Jan. 31: Volunteers needed for trail maintenance on the Nokuse section at 8:15 a.m. Call 862-9633.
•Jan. 31: Hike on the Hutton Unit in Blackwater River State Forest at 8 a.m. Call 932-0125.
•Feb. 6: Hike around Milton with dinner following at 6 p.m. Call 995-4267.
•Feb. 6-7: Camping at Bear Lake Friday night, a bike ride around the lake at 10 a.m. Saturday, a pot luck lunch at the pavilion at 11:30 a.m. and presentation of awards at 12:30 p.m.  Call 683-0803.
•Feb. 12: Volunteers needed for trail maintenance at Fort Pickens at 8 a.m.  Call 932-5469.
•Feb. 13: Hike on the Dunes on Pensacola Beach with lunch afterwards at 8 a.m. Call 932-5469.
•Feb. 14: Volunteers needed for a bridge project in the Cimarron section at 8 a.m. Call 682-6098.
•Feb. 16: Celebrate Presidents Day with a hike at Big Lagoon State Park at 9 a.m. Call 477-7043.
•Feb. 21: Volunteers needed for trail maintenance at  8 a.m. Call 983-2557.
Feb. 22: Short, vigorous hike before going to breakfast at 8 a.m. Call 995-4267.
•Feb. 24: Monthly meeting at LaRumba restaurant in Niceville at 6 p.m. Visitors welcome. Call 682-6098.
•Feb. 28-March 1: 2 days/1 night backpacking hike of 14 miles in the Weaver Creek Section on Eglin at 8 a.m. Call 623-1646.

 new4Model search
Modelscoutbennett and bennettprophoto of Destin will hold a model search for Basic Model Management of New York City at noon Jan. 25 at Country Inn and Suites on Commons Drive. All types, ages 13 and over, are being sought. Fee is $40. Pre register at 424-6095 or 625 Harbor Blvd.

Boating seminar
Boat Handling Under Power will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the University of West Florida Coombs Campus on Lovejoy Road in Fort Walton Beach.
Registration is available on-line through the UWF Continuing Education Maritime Education Web site at www.uwf.edu or call 315-0686 or 474-2914.

Collegiate High School
Applications for 2009-2010 admission to the Collegiate High School are now available. An information session will be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Crestview Public Library.
For more information, visit the school’s web site at www.nwfcollegiatehigh.org

Bridge luncheon
The Gulf Area Garden Club of Fort Walton Beach will host a bridge luncheon Jan. 28 at the Brooks-Beal Center, 100 Beal Parkway. Tickets are $10 and include bridge, lunch and door prizes. Guests must provide their own foursome.
Make reservations by Jan. 26 at 244-0953.

Media and Merchandise Auction
Emerald Coast Advertising Federation will relive the ‘80s at the  Awesome ‘80s Media and Merchandise Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29 at Hard Rock Café in Destin.
Enjoy music, a silent and live auction, food and drinks. In addition to traditional auction items, the auction will feature advertising space from local and regional publications.
Tickets are $20/person, or $125 for eight tickets and can be purchased ahead of time or at the door. For tickets, call 240-9135 or e-mail lorraine@creative-wits.com

new4Denim & Diamonds
United Way’s Denim & Diamonds, annual dinner and silent auction, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at The Palms of Destin.  
Come dressed in your favorite denim and enjoy an evening of food, casino games and an array of auction items.
A local dance contest will provide fun entertainment as several community leaders compete to see which couple can raise the most money for the United Way.
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, contact the United Way office at 243-0315 or e-mail events@united-way.org

UWF open house
The University of West Florida will host a free open house for future students from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 31 in the University Commons Conference Center, Bldg. 22. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Other open houses will be held Feb. 28 and April 18. Call 474-2230.

new4Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will offer fiber rush weaving from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 31. Cost is $35 or $30/members and includes all materials. Space is limited. Pre-register at 678-2615 or stop by the Museum at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

Topsail tours
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach will hold the following tours. A $2 park entrance fee is required. For information, call 267-0299.
•Birds of Prey: Learn about owls, ospreys, hawks and other hunters in the sky at 9 a.m. Jan. 31.

Flash Boot Camp Course
Learn the fundamental skills you need to get started creating Flash animations and applications in a four-week course from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 3 through 24, on the UWF main campus in Bldg. 78, Room 136. The cost is $99. Call 474-2914.

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 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 to 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 second Friday of each month.

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 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
•Chair Yoga: Meets at 11 a.m. Thursdays. Cost is $2.
•Duplicate bridge: At 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Community Center Annex. Entry fee: $5. No partner needed.
•French/Italian classes: Private classes by “mother tongue” instructor. Call Mario Zannetti at 650-0992.
•Game room: Open to children 10 and older and under 10 accompanied by adult from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday.
•Intermediate party bridge: At 12:45 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Community Center Annex. Call 837-1967.
•Jazzercise class: 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
•Line dancing: Class from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost $5 per class and open to all men and women.
•Low impact aerobics: From 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Bring water and towel. Cost $3 per session.
•Pilates: Class held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost $5/class.
•Table tennis: Lessons for all ages.
•Walk to music: From 8 to 9 a.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday.
•Woodcarving: Coastal Wood Carvers meet at 9 a.m. Fridays. Fee: $3 per class.
•Zumba: Dance fitness class at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Thursdays. Cost $6 per class.

Destin YMCA
If interested in the following events, contact the Destin Family YMCA at 837-8440.
•Swim lessons: On going classes, weekly and weekend. Ages 6 months to adult.
•Swim team: For developmental group and age group to seniors. Call for information.
new4DC Kid’s Club Read & Grow
Destin Commons’ Kids Club will feature Read ‘n Grow from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Playground. Children will learn through book reading, singing, art activities and more. Stroller Strides fitness program begins at 9 a.m. for moms and stroller-aged babies.

ACT/SAT workshop
A workshop to assist students in Okaloosa County High Schools who will be taking the April 4 ACT and the March 14 or May 2 SAT will be held from 2:15 to 5:15 p.m. March 10, 11, 16 and 17 at Fort Walton Beach High School and from 2 to 5 p.m. March 12, 13, 18 and 19 at Niceville High School. All materials, snacks and drinks are furnished. Students need to bring calculators. Registration deadline is Feb. 24. For information, contact Alice Hart at (615) 585-2401, e-mail Amhart1966@aol.com or contact your high school Guidance Department.

new4Heartfelt Walkabout
Join Sacred Heart Foundation for a “Heartfelt Walkabout” from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Magnolia Ballroom at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Guests will enjoy signature dishes from area restaurants, wine tastings, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. All proceeds from the event will benefit Sacred Heart Foundation’s capital campaign to raise $5 million for the expansion of heart and vascular services at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
Tickets are $99 per person and may be purchased at Kitchenique in The Market Shops at Sandestin, Burnt Pine Golf Club, and Sacred Heart Foundation.

new4Camellia Workshop/Open House
The 10th Annual Camellia Workshop/Open House, presented by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 7 at the Okaloosa County Extension Service Building, 127 Hollywood Ave. in Fort Walton Beach.
Attendees may drop by the free workshop anytime to get hands-on instruction from local Camellia society members. Camellia plants will be available for purchase.

Author ‘s visit
Fish tales and Florida history await local children when Panama City native Timothy A. Weeks entertains with his “Wise Mullet” books and throwing his cast net at 3:15 Feb. 12 at the Destin History & Fishing Museum. Children ages 4-12 are welcome.
Weeks will also autograph both titles of his book for parents interesting in purchasing a copy for their child. Books are available at the Museum for $14.99.

Destin Woman’s Club fundraiser
The Destin Woman’s Club presents Shirley Simpson on stage as Minnie Pearl from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at Grace Lutheran Church, 4325 W. Commons Drive in Destin. Reception follows to meet “Minnie.” Proceeds will benefit Fisher House in Fort Walton Beach.
Tickets are $25 and are available beginning Jan. 12 at P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, Bayou Books in Niceville and Kitchenique in Sandestin. Call 687-1130.

Hav-A-Heart Motorcycle Poker Run
The Hav-A-Heart Motorcycle Poker Run will be held Feb. 15 at Liza Jackson State Park on U.S. 98 in Fort Walton Beach. Registration is $9 per person and 100 percent of the registration will go to Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach. The event starts at 9 a.m., last bike out is 11 a.m., last bike in by 1:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. Event is AMA sanctioned and is open to all motorcyclists and brands of bikes.
 
Cox Cablethon
The 37th annual Cox Communications Cablethon benefiting Covenant Hospice will be held Feb. 27-28 on Channel 6.
The Cablethon may also be viewed globally this year via the Internet so providing sponsors even more value for their sponsorships. All of the money raised from the Cablethon goes toward unfunded programs in Okaloosa and Walton Counties such as indigent care, bereavement and children’s programs.
Covenant Hospice, a not-for-profit organization, is now seeking corporate sponsorships and auction items for the Cablethon. Call 729-1800 or visit www.covenanthospice.org
 
Parrot Head Club Chili Cook-off
The fourth annual Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club Chili Cook-Off to benefit Relay for Life will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Fudpucker’s in Destin. Cost is $10/person to sample, vote on favorite and participate in silent auction.
Cost to enter your chili is $10 for club members through Feb. 27; $20 at the door and $30 for non-members through Feb. 27, $40 at the door. Prize awarded.
E-mail wolfcry97@aol.com to enter or donate items for silent auction.

Okaloosa County Business Expo & Largest Office Party
Join the Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach and Niceville Valparaiso chambers of commerce and their members for Okaloosa County Business Expo & Largest Office Party March 5 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center.  
The Expo, open to the public to attend at no charge, begins at 4 p.m., and Okaloosa County’s Largest Office Party begins at 5:30 p.m.  All festivities will end at 7 p.m.
Sponsorship and booth opportunities are available. For more information, contact your chamber of commerce:  Destin Area (850) 837-6241; Greater Fort Walton Beach (850) 244-8191; and Niceville Valparaiso (850) 678-2323.

Green Thumb Garden Club
The Green Thumb Garden Club of Santa Rosa Beach will host a motorcoach tour to the annual Mobile Flower Show, “Festival of Flowers,” March 28-29. Trip also includes shopping in Fairhope, area touring, a dinner cruise and Bellingrath Gardens. For a brochure, call 627-0441.