COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sept. 9
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.
• Public Works/Public Safety, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12
• Harbor CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13
• City Council, 6 p.m. Sept. 18
• Business Tax Receipt Equity Study Commission, 1 p.m. Sept. 19
•Town Center CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20
• Local Planning Agency, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21
ECTC Fundraiser
Emerald Coast Theatre Company will hold a fundraiser for Darla Briganti, ECTC’s lead educational programming instructor. Visit GoFundMe.com and search for “Darla-family-fund” and link to it from ECTC’s Facebook page. ECTC established the campaign to help her with medical bills and living expenses during the difficult time when her husband was ill and passed away.
DES Spirit Nights
LuLu’s in Destin will host Spirit Night for Destin Elementary from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 11 (the second Monday of each month through April). Ten percent of food and drink sales will be donated to the Destin Elementary PTO. LuLu's is at the foot of the Mid-Bay Bridge.
MUG
The Mac Users Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the NWFSC Student Services Center, Room 132. Milton (Eddie) Branch will speak on “iCloud and Apple services - How to make them work for you.” For more information, visit FWBMug.com, call 862-3327 or email jeancdut-ton@mac.com.
Garden Club
The Destin Garden Club will meet at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 12 at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave. The speaker will be Master Gardener Alene Ogle, who will give a program on "Container Gardening.” Call 660-341-8900 for more information.
Senior Spirit Program
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s free Senior Spirit program, “Current Advances in Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 in the Resource Center, Suite 3 Conference Room. Call 278-3600 or 877-416-1620 to register.
Sacred Heart Seminar
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host a seminar, “Bodies In Balance: Fall Recovery and the Fear of Falling” featuring Leslie Moskal, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Mary Kay Cattaneo, director of Rehabilitation Services for Sacred Heart Hospital, at 11 a.m. Sept. 22 in the hospital’s Resource Center, Suite 3 Conference Room. Call 278-3600 or 877-416-1620 to register.
Coastal Cleanup
The City of Destin and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance will celebrate the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup with a cleanup of Norriego Point from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 16. Meet at the Norriego Point beach access at the end of Gulf Shore Drive. Water, cleanup tools and T-shirts will be provided to participants.
Constitution Week
The United States Constitution will be on display during September at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution. The display, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, will highlight some of the many stories of Revolutionary War patriots who are ancestors of Okaloosa County citizens. Sept. 17-23 is Constitution Week and begins on "Citizens Day," the actual day the document was signed in 1787.
Tai Chi Class
The Destin Library will offer one-hour Tai Chi classes with Barbara Rezmer, a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor, Monday mornings at 9 a.m. beginning Sept. 18. 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.
Ask 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. Sept. 19 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.
Gardener's presentation
Okaloosa County Master Gardener Dave Gordon will present "Carnivorous Plants of Florida's Pitcher Plant Savannas" at 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at the County Annex Building, 127 Hollywood Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach. This presentation will focus on the dos and don'ts of having pitcher plants in your landscape. Call 689-5850 to reserve your seat.
SHRM
The Society for Human Resource Management of the Emerald Coast will meet at 7:15 a.m. Sept. 20 at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road NE in Fort Walton Beach. Guest speaker will be Martha Bryson, HR practitioner for 20+ years. Cost is $15/members and $20/non-members. Register by Sept. 18 at www.SHRM-EmeraldCoast.org.
Basic Life Support classes
American Heart Association Basic Life Support, Healthcare Provider Initial courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast, Suite 1, Education Building. Enrollment closes Sept. 21. Cost is $50/person. To enroll, call 278-3019 or email timfeld@shhpens.org.
Voter Registration Day
Voters may register, update their address, request a replacement Voter Information Card, update their name/signature or change their party affiliation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Destin Walmart. Visit www.govote-okaloosa.com or call 689-5600 or 651-7272.
Audubon Society
Join local birders in a walk through Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville Sept. 30 led by expert, Lenny Fenimore. Meet at the Oak Creek Shopping Center parking lot by CVS in Niceville on Hwy. 20 at 7:40 a.m. Pay $5 Park entrance fee. Wear closed toed shoes and bring bug spray, binoculars and water. Call 863-2039.
5k fundraiser
The Andrew Weathers Memorial Foundation will host its annual fundraising run at 8 a.m. Sept. 30 at The Crab Trap in Destin. This year’s run will include a beach 5k as well as a fun run and obstacle course for kids. The after party and silent auction will follow the timed run and includes drinks and The Crab Trap’s signature jambalaya. Registration is $45/runner. The 2017 “Never Forget Run” will begin with an Honor and Remember Ceremony, offering a way for the community to pay respects to the Special Forces soldiers who have given their life for our country including Andrew, who gave his life for our freedom on Sept. 30, 2014. American flags will be offered to runners to wave as they run the beaches of the Emerald Coast.
Food for Thought
A free educational session will be held at noon Oct. 25 in the Twin Cities Hospital. Whitney Temple, will discuss “Awareness and Prevention of Diabetes.” Attendees may bring a brown bag lunch. RSVP at HealthyOkaloosa5210@flhealth.gov.
Camp for adult cancer patients
Adults who have been diagnosed with cancer are encouraged to register now for an upcoming Sacred Heart Health System program that offers support, encouragement and renewal. Camp Bluebird, a retreat experience for people coping with cancer, is scheduled for Oct. 25-27 at Sacred Heart’s Miracle Camp in Escambia County. Activities include arts and crafts, pampering, education, optional sharing sessions, entertainment and more. Visit www.campbluebirdfl.com or call 698-2202.
Take-A-Kid Fishing Day
The 23rd annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Day will be held Nov. 5. Harbor Docks will treat 350 underprivileged children to a day of fishing on local charter boats. Through the efforts and generosity of volunteers, boat captains and crews, children and their chaperones will be treated to breakfast, a day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and a fish fry. Each child will take home a rod and reel and a T-shirt.
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.
Make-and-Take classes
The Destin Library has a 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 Code Club for children in fifth through eighth grades will be divided into two sections, web design and game design. Meetings will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays (web design) and Fridays (game design). Registration is required to participate, and will be capped at 18 students. Register at http://www.cityofdestin.com/forms.aspx?FID=143.
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.
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.
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.
‒ 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.
‒ 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.
Destin Senior Membership: Join the Destin Seniors to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, pot luck, casino trips, cruises, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin resident.
‒ Dodgeball: From 6-8 p.m. Thursdays for children ages 8 to 14. Fee is $3/non-residents and $2/residents. A waiver will be required for your child.
‒ 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.
‒ 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 Book Club: The Destin Senior Members meet at 10 a.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave.
‒ 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.
• Senior Walking Club: The Destin Senior Members walk around the Destin Community Center’s gymnasium from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday. All of the miles that you walk will be added to our “team map” as we travel from one region to the next.
‒ Table Tennis: From 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.
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.
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.