COMMUNITY CALENDAR Jan. 11
All area codes are 850 unless noted.
Destin City Hall
All City Council meetings, workshops, executive sessions and CRA Board meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. All other board and committee meetings are held at City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail.
• Harbor CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11
• Special Magistrate Hearing, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12
• Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, closed Jan. 16
• City Council, 6 p.m. Jan. 17
• Town Center CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18
Career Connection Expo
NWFSC will hold a Career Connection Expo for students seeking a boost in exposure to local employers and opportunities from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 12 in room 302 of the Student Services Center. Email clark110@nwfsc.edu for more information.
Mary Hong to speak at Library
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library presents local glass artist Mary Hong at 2 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Destin Library. The program is free and open to the public. Hong, famous for her unique mixed media approach to art, will explain how she combines paint and glass on canvas. She has previously exhibited at the Destin Library and is the recipient of the 2014 Artist of the Year award from the Walton County Tourist Development Council.
Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Perfect for every child who has ever loved or yearned for a pet, "How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets?" delights readers of all ages as they peek into the mischievous world of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's bestselling "How Do Dinosaurs..." series. A fun-filled storytime begins at 11 a.m. Jan. 14 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Crystal Lake Plaza in Destin.
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society
Malcolm Mark Swan leads a northern excursion in search of waterfowl, raptors, Winter Wren, Rusty Blackbird and sparrows such as the Dark-eyed Junco around Hurricane and Karick Lakes in the Blackwater River State Forest on Jan. 14. Meet at the Armament Museum parking lot at 7 a.m. or the Crestview Whataburger south of I-10 off Hwy. 85 at 7:30. Dress for cold weather and bring water, snacks and binoculars. For more information, call 210-343-9082.
• Jan. 28: Join wildlife photographer Walter Spence for a walk through Valparaiso and Lincoln Park searching for a variety of aquatic and upland species of birds. Meet at the Mattress Depot in Bayou Plaza in western Niceville at 8 a.m. Bring binoculars and cameras. For more information, call 582-7064.
Tai Chi Class
The Destin Library will offer one-hour Tai Chi classes with Barbara Rezmer, a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor, every Monday morning at 9 a.m. The cost is $5/session. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants with registrations (on a first-come first-served basis) accepted by phone or in person. Call 837-8572.
Independent Film Series
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will sponsor a movie drama, "Pay It Forward," at 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Destin Library. The program is free and open to the public. Directed toward a mature audience.
Spine Health Dinner
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host an “Evening with the Expert” event featuring the newest technology in spine health and spinal surgery at 6 p.m. Jan. 18. at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Miramar Beach. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Seating is limited. Call 278-3600 to register.
Public hearing
Chairman Mel Ponder and members of the Okaloosa County state legislative delegation will have a public hearing from 4:30-6 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Student Services Center, Room 302, at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Delegation members will hear public comments on proposals for the 2017 Legislative Session.
Snowbird Stroll
Now in its second year, the Snowbird Stroll from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 19 is similar to the Third Thursday Wine Walkabout. Guests check in at the Artists at Gulf Place to receive their complimentary commemorative glass and a map with all the participating merchants. Guests will enjoy live music, giveaways, wine and hors d’oeuvres at more than 15 stops in the Gulf Place neighborhood. Another Snowbird Stroll will be held from 4-6 p.m. feb. 16. Cost to participate is $20.
Open house/ribbon cutting
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach will host an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Jan. 25 to formally announce the opening of their newly expanded emergency department. Attendees will be given a short tour of the new emergency department expansion.
Meet the Doc
Pregnant women and new moms are invited to join Sacred Heart Medical Group Pediatrics for a free class about giving babies a healthy start at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Sacred Heart Medical Group at The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway West - Unit 1 in Miramar Beach. Spouses, friends, family members and support people are also invited. Call 278-3885 for more information.
Seaside Institute
The Seaside Institute and the Future Symphony Institute present Building Communities with Music Jan. 26-28. Join the senior fellows of the Future Symphony Institute — philosopher Sir Roger Scruton, architectural theorist Léon Krier, and orchestral musician Andrew Balio — in company, conversation, and concert. Tuition is $500. For information and registration visit http://www.seasideinstitute.org/new-events/.
Information session
Current or prospective students of NWFSC are invited to attend an information session for the Associate in Science in Radiography program at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in building 420, room 310 on the Niceville campus. Call 729-6444 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/radiography.
Income tax help
Volunteers from AARP will provide free individual federal tax assistance on an appointment only basis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 2— April 13 at the Destin Library. A special one time only tax assistance session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 30. Call 837-8572 to make an appointment.
Chocolat' Fare
The 14th Annual Chocolat' Fare and Jewelry Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Destin Life Center, Building G, at Destin United Methodist Church. For information, call 321-446-3888.
SERRV International Craft Fair
The Joy Circle of the First Presbyterian Church, 134 Beal Parkway SW in Fort Walton Beach, will hold its 16th annual SERRV International Craft Market in the Fellowship Hall of the church with handmade craft and food items from 26 countries around the world available for sale. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 and 26.
Caregiver Support Group
Covenant Alzheimer’s Care support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related illness is held at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Brookdale Fort Walton Beach, 233 Carmel Ave. Call 864-4600.
Food For Thought Thursdays
Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, 435 Grand Blvd. Suite Q104 in Grand Boulevard, will give 20 percent of food and drink sales to Food For Thought Outreach during Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month.
Coffee House Discussions
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will host a series of informal round table discussions at 1 p.m. Feb. 7, 14 and 21 at the Destin Library. These events have been designed to explore unique and exciting ways to refresh minds, bodies, and spirits at any age. The programs are free and open to the public.
• Feb. 7: Dr. Ellen Ryan, professor emeritus in Ggerontology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, will discuss how creativity can shape a meaningful life.
• Feb. 14: Dr. David Ott, internationally recognized American composer and conductor, will discuss the healing power of music.
• Feb. 21: Barbara Rezmer, fitness instructor of “Tai Chi for Health,"will demonstrate why Tai Chi is called “medication in motion” and explain how this gentle exercise can benefit all ages.
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library encourages all to join these events and enjoy a cup for coffee and lively discussion. For further information, contact the Friends Guild at friendsofthedestinlibrary@gmail.com.
How to Wine and Dine Your Valentine
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will host a presentation by Sommelier Jim Phinick, wine consultant at Destin ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Destin Library. The program is free and open to the public. For further information, contact the Friends Guild of the Destin Library at friendsofthedestinlibrary@gmail.com.
Spring Craft Show
The City of Destin’s Annual Spring Craft Show will be held at the Community Centerfrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 18. More than 50 vendors will show handcrafted jewelry, woodcarvings, paintings, food items and much more. Vendor booths are available for $45/residents and $55/non-residents. Space is limited so vendors need to register early. Admission is free to the public. Call 654-5184 for more information.
Make-and-Take classes
The Destin Library has announced a new series of free how-to workshops for ages 18 and up that focus on practical projects and skills you might not have learned in school. Workshop will be held the last Tuesday of the month, at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration. Call 837-8572 or email mfontaine@cityofdesitn.com.
Code Club
The Destin Library's new Code Club, dedicated to enhancing the programming and coding education of today’s youth by providing free programming materials to schools and libraries, is open to children in fifth through eighth grades. Meetings will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays and 4:30-5:30 Tuesdays. Registration is required to participate, and will be capped at 18 students. There is no cost to register. Small snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 837-8572 or email mfontaine@cityofdesitn.com to register.
Bereavement Support Group
Share and learn more about the grief journey you are enduring with an Emerald Coast Hospice bereavement group at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Destin Library. Groups are free and ongoing.
Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market
The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday in Grand Park in Miramar Beach between Cantina Laredo and Tommy Bahama’s. Vendors will offer locally sourced food-based items including produce, eggs, milk, butter, grass-fed beef, chicken, lamb and pork, honey, pickled vegetables and gourmet jams.
30A Farmers’ Market
This community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays in Town Center in Rosemary Beach features fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese and more. Market is held on Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Seaside Farmers Market
Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.
Bridge
Emerald Coast Bridge Club will be held at 10 a.m. Monday and Thursday at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 307 Harbor Blvd. in Destin, in the old Parlor. Cost is $7. No partner necessary. For more information, call 380-1558 or email nzdet@aol.com.
Destin Life Center
Recreation and fitness activities at Destin Life Center at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, are from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday visit the Soul Café for lunch. Call ahead for dine in or pick up. For information, call the DLC at 837-2021.
• Adult Open Soccer: From 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Fee is $2/player.
• Adult Open Volleyball: From 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Fee is $2/player.
• Pickleball: From 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
• DLC Fitness Cardio/Weight Room: Nautilus equipment, three treadmills, two ellipticals and one recumbent bike. Memberships are $40/calendar quarter; $30/month; $20/week; and $10/day.
• Community Fitness Classes: Indoor cycling, Zumba, Rise and Stretch, PIYO, Cardio Dance, Forever Young (senior aerobics) and more. Costs are $40/month; $7/class; $20/month Forever Young, fitness for seniors; and $3/individual Forever Young.
Destin Community Center
All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.com for information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.
• Aerobics: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. Bring water and towel. Cost is $3/session.
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group: From 3-4 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at the Destin Senior Center in Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. This support group is free to the public. It is sponsored by Emerald Coast Hospice. Materials are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. This support group can be for family members and care providers in helping to deal with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Call 654-5184 to make reservation.
• Capoeria: Class in the Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics and music will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. for all ages.
• Chair Yoga: Monday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. Cost is $4/class.
• Destin Senior Chair Exercise 50+ years: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. consists of performing light exercises to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and circulation. Free/residents.
• Dodgeball: Ages 13-16 play from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; ages 17 and up from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays; and ages 8-12 from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.
• Game Room: Open to children age 10 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Basketball/volleyball court, ping pong/foosball/air hockey/pool tables
• Grief Support and Education: At 3 p.m. the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at the Destin Senior Center in Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. These sessions are facilitated by Emerald Coast Hospice’s Bereavement Coordinator, Christopher Keown, and are free to the public. Anyone dealing with grief, assisting someone in their grief or curious about the experience, is welcome to join in.
• Line dancing: Beginner lessons are at 12:30 p.m. Thursdays with open dance from 1:15-1:30 p.m. and intermediate lessons from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Class is $6.
• Pickleball: Play from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 Mondays; 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12-1:30 p.m. Fridays. Racquets and balls are available¬¬. Just bring gym shoes. Reservations must be made in advance. Fee: $3/non-residents or $2/residents. Lessons for beginners from 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesdays until Feb. 15. Fee $3. Call 654-5184 for more information.
• Senior Art Lessons: The Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers six-week sessions for Seniors (50 years and older). The current lessons began Oct. 6 with three weeks of pen and ink, then three weeks of acrylics. Fees are $20/non-Destin residents and $15/residents. Cost includes materials.
• Senior Drop-In Hours: The Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers senior drop-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday for Seniors (50 years and older) to meet and enjoy each other’s company, participate in games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, cards, etc.
• Senior Knitting: Sessions and lessons for beginners and all skill levels from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. No registration required.
• Table Tennis: From 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.
• Yoga: Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Bring a mat and towel. Fee is $6/session.
• Zumba Gold: From 11 a.m. to noon a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Fee is $6/session.
Referral Leaders International
More than 30 of the top Destin professionals and business owners meet Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 790 on the Gulf to share connections and referrals. Come ready to talk about your products/services and get help to grow your business. Call 897-1957.
Toastmasters International
To become more effective communicators and leaders, visit one or more of the Toastmasters clubs at the following locations or visit www.toastmasters.org/Find-a-Club.
• Club 702 White Sands Toastmasters, 12-1 p.m. Thursdays at 415 Racetrack Road NE in Fort Walton Beach.
• Club 1919 Emerald Coast Toastmasters, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays at Education Bldg 251, Room 122 on Eglin AFB.
• Club 9478 Hurlburt Toastmasters, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Education Center Bldg. 221, Classroom L on Hurburt Field.
• Club 724908 Destin Toastmasters, 5:45-7:15 p.m. 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at Walton County Utility Building.
• Club 817348 Crestview Toastmasters, 6-7 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Crestview.
• Club 851515 Lake DeFuniak Toastmasters, 12-1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at Northwest Florida State College, Room 103 at the Chautauqua Center.
Seniors of Destin
The Seniors of Destin meet the fourth Friday of the month for a covered dish and to celebrate all birthdays for the month. The program is sponsored by the city of Destin and Gentiva Home Health. Each month has a featured guest speaker that pertains to senior living. Call 685-5310.
Betterment Alliance
The Main Street Betterment Alliance meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 311 Main Street. Call 837-3818.
Destin Business Builders
Destin Business Builders Networking group meets from 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Destin United Methodist Life Center. Call 651-1300 ext. 13.
Coffee and Cars
Emerald Coast Muscle Car Club hosts Coffee and Cars the last Sunday of every month at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach. For information, call 200-2465 or email dfureigh@fwb.org.
Food Buying Club
A small group interested in eating healthy and purchasing smart meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 125 Scottsdale Court in Mary Esther. On the second Tuesday, the group meets at Fountain Square in downtown Fort Walton Beach for the Growing Local film series. Call 863-4040.
Kiwanis Club of Destin
The Kiwanis Club of Destin meets every Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Destin Methodist Church Life Center on Beach Drive in Destin. The public is invited to attend the club’s weekly meetings.
Destin Rotary
The Destin Rotary meets at 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday at Rutherford’s 465. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Destin/241220675890226.
Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary
Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary meets at 8 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Coast Guard Station Destin on Okaloosa Island. Anyone wishing to become a member is welcome to attend. Prior military duty is not required. Call 865-9130 or email www.flotilla14.info.