COMMUNITY CALENDAR Aug. 24

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. All meetings are subject to change or cancellation.

Harbor & Waterways Board, 5 p.m. Aug. 26

Parks & Recreation Committee, 4 p.m. Aug. 27

Labor Day, closed Sept. 2

City Council, 6 p.m. Sept. 4

Genealogy Society

Jim Young, webmaster for Genealogy Society of Okaloosa County, will give a presentation on Writing and Publishing Your Family History at the monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Fort Walton Beach Library. For more information, call 243-0352.

McCaskill & Company

The community is invited to McCaskill & Company Aug. 24 in the Destin gallery, 13390 US Hwy. 98 W. for the exclusive opportunity to buy a diamond straight from the diamond cutter with more than two million dollars worth of certified diamonds to choose from. Call 650–2262.

• Sept. 10-12: The Great Estate Buying Show

Estate-buying company National Rarities will be at McCaskill for guests who are ready to sell valuables such as gold, sterling silver, diamonds, jewelry, coins and currency, watches, artwork, paintings, autographs, old photos, antique toys, vintage advertising and other collectible and rarities. National Rarities will pay on site in exchange for any of the above valuable items.

• Nov. 8-9: The Erica Courtney Adventure

Named as one of the Top 3 Jewelry Designers in the World by United Brands, Erica Courtney travels the world and mines for some of the rarest and most beautiful gems. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet her in person and experience her exquisite collection of jewelry and gemstones.

Embroiderers’ Guild

The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers' Guild of America will have its final summer stitch-in from 1:30-4:30 p..m. Aug. 25 at the Religious Education Building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville. Visitors are welcome. Call 496-3466 with any questions.

FPRA Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of FPRA Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Grayton Beer Company Taproom, 217 Serenoa Road in Santa Rosa Beach. Attendees will enjoy networking with area professionals, heavy appetizers catered by Grayton Beer Brewpub, and a complimentary champagne toast. In honoring PR excellence within the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter, the Person of the Year and Member of the Year awards will be presented. The 2019-2020 board of directors will be installed. Registration is $15/members and $25/non-members. The community may nominate their selections for Member of the Year and Person of the Year at NWFCoastFPRA.org through Aug. 22.

ECPRO August Lunch and Learn

Members of The Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) will meet for the Lunch and Learn program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE in Fort Walton Beach. Monica Herrera, ECPRO president, will speak about the Air Force Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising Program and its benefits as a direct channel for businesses to communicate effectively with the local military community. Lunch is $15/members, $20/associates of members, $25/non-members and $10/students and those who do not want to eat. For more information, call 974-3662, email info@emeraldcoastpr.org, or visit www.ecpro.org.

Artworx @ Beachworx

Create a Macrame Plant Hanger from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27 at Beachworx, 34990 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin. Cost is $45. Pay online to register at https://maxineorange.com/products/artworx-august-workshop-series or call 974-3435. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's community outreach and public programs.

Peer to Peer Support Group

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is sponsoring a Peer to Peer Support Group every Thursday at Santa Rosa Beach Community Church, Room 206, 3524 US Hwy 98, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Whether you want to learn new life skills or better understand Mental Health Recovery, you will find support here. The group is open to adults (18+), free to participate, confidential, and guided by trained peer facilitators. For more information, call the Mental Health Association in Fort Walton Beach at 244-1040.

Art Classes for Home Schoolers

The Arts and Design Society is offering Art Classes for Home Schoolers, ages 6-12, on Tuesdays from 1:30-3 p.m., on Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24. The instructor is Marcy Eady. Cost of the month is $60/members and $70/non-members. All supplies are included. Each class will explore a different medium or artist, emphasizing style, brush strokes, and color. For further information and to sign children up for this class series, visit the ADSO website at www.artsdesignsociety.org, or call 850-244-1271.

Republican Women

The Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated will meet at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 4 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 573 Santa Rosa Blvd. on Okaloosa Island. Non-members and guests are always welcome. To make a reservation, email

denoechel@gmail.com by Aug. 31. Cost of the lunch is $18/members and $20/guests.

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.

Hurricane Information Guide

Hurricane season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The 2019 City of Destin Hurricane Guide is now available on the City of Destin website and City of Destin Government Facebook page. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during and after a storm. For more information, visit: https://www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/10333/2019-Destin-Hurricane-Guide-FINAL?bidId

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society

Florida residents have experienced hurricanes along the coastline and felt the aftermath of passing storms. How do birds deal with these powerful storms? New technology is providing some interesting insights into interactions between storms and birds. Come find out what the actual impacts to birds are from hurricanes at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in room 308/309 of Student Services Building 400 at the Northwest Florida State College Niceville campus. Caroline Stahala, Ph.D will present Birds and Hurricanes. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 907-321-3701.

Sept. 14 Look for ducks, waders, hawks and migrants during a Saturday morning bird walk to the Wright Landfill and the Okaloosa Holding Ponds with leader Malcolm Swan, Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Pepitos Restaurant, 1313 Lewis Turner Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach. Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and hat. Bring camera and/or binoculars. Call 210-452-4899.

Liquid Metal Trunk Show

Today’s Boutique, 4433 Commons Drive E #E103 in Destin, will host the first trunk show by Liquid Metal, an upscale jewelry and accessory brand based out of Miami, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6-7. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an expansive selection of samples and be able to place custom orders for pieces with unique stones, colors and more. Light bites and beverages will be served. This event is complimentary to attend and open to the public.

Holistic Health Expo

The Fourth Annual Holistic Health Expo will explore, experience and embrace natural health, complementary medicine, holistic wellness and inspired living. Events at the Emerald Coast Convention Center include Exhibitor Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 8. Presentations are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8. Workshops will be at noon both days.

MUG

The Mac Users Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 in the NWF State College Student Services Center — Rooms 308/9. “Online backup and archiving services and how they work” will be presented by Eddie Branch. For more information, visit FWBMug.com, call 240-3146 or email edbranch105@gmail.com.

Super Smash Brothers Tournament

The Destin Library hosts an evening of smash-powered madness from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 10. Register for the Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate Tournament, a free event for kids 12 and up and all skill levels, at www.cityofdestin.com, click on the Library page under the Services tab and then select Teen Services from the menu. Controllers will be provided and play will be bracketed by skill level if there are enough competitors. There’s a $25 grand prize to the winner. Call 837-8572 if you have any questions.

Gardening in the Panhandle classes

The University of West Florida’s Center for Life Long Learning (CLL) Gardening in the Panhandle classes will begin Sept.16 and run seven weeks. These classes are offered by Okaloosa County Master Gardener volunteers as non-credit continuing education courses each spring and fall semester. Information on class description, schedule, location, cost and instructions for registration can be found at http://cll-fwb.org/RegistrationSchedule.html. Class size is limited and registration and payment is handled through the college.

NWF Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club

The Northwest Florida Retired Officers' Wives' Club luncheon begins at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at Two Trees Restaurant at FWB Golf Course, 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach. The program is on Essential Oils. Cost of lunch is $15. New members, wives of retired officers from all services, are always welcome. RSVP for lunch or receive more information by email at NWFloridaROWC@gmail.com.

Amvets fundraiser for kids

American Veterans Post 29 in Destin is planning the first Vets for Kids Christmas Fundraiser to raise money for the Destin Community Center's annual Christmas gift drive for local underprivileged families. The event, with many musicians and a silent auction, will be held Sept. 20 and 21at 106 Benning Drive. All donations are welcome for the auction, including art, jewelry, clothes and gift certificates.

Camp Bluebird

Adults who have been diagnosed with cancer and those who are cancer survivors are encouraged to register now for an upcoming Sacred Heart Health System program that offers support, encouragement and renewal. All adult cancer patients are encouraged to participate, even if they are not seeing a Sacred Heart physician. Camp Bluebird, a retreat experience for people coping with cancer, is scheduled for Oct. 9 – 11 at Sacred Heart’s Miracle Camp, and registration for this camp is underway. Located on Beulah Road in Escambia County, the Miracle Camp complex is nestled in a 40-acre nature preserve and includes dorms, a dining hall, activities center and nature trails. Camp Bluebird activities include arts and crafts, pampering, education, optional sharing sessions, entertainment and more. For more information, visit www.campbluebirdfl.com or call Tim Gilbert, camp director, at 698-2202.

Styling Your Table: Tablescaping for Special Occasions

Enjoy award-winning tablescapes in individual and commercial categories, hosted by the Green Thumb Garden Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at 400 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach..

Code Club

Learn about Android app design using MIT’s Scratch language at The Destin Library’s Code Club for middle schoolers at 4:30 p.m. Fridays. For more information or to sign up call 837-8572 or message Library on Facebook.

Tai Chi Class

The Destin Library will offer one-hour Tai Chi classes with Barbara Rezmer, a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor, on Monday mornings 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.

Good Grief luncheons

An Emerald Coast Hospice\ lunch is open to anyone who has experienced a loss and is looking for some support and company through the grieving process. We encourage attendees to also bring a friend or family member. Everyone orders off the menu and pays for his or her own lunch. To RSVP, call 837-2589. Third Monday lunch is at Olive Garden Destin and third Tuesday lunch is at Applebee’s Miramar Beach, 8670 Hwy. 98 West.

Healing Walking Group

The Emerald Coast Hospice walking group is open to bereaved individuals who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. Walk and talk, at a relaxed pace, with others who are grieving and share ideas, comfort and companionship from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in Miramar Beach and Thursdays in Destin. RSVP at 837-2589

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.

Kiwanis Club of Destin

The Kiwanis Club of Destin meets at 8 a.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursday in the Coffee Café at the Village Baptist Church, 191 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. Visitors welcome.

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

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 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays. 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. Only recreation right now is Pickle Ball. Please call the Connection Desk for the current calendar at 837-2021.

Destin Community Center

All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.comfor information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.

‒ Capoeria: Class in the Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics and music will be held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for all ages.

‒ Chair Yoga: Classes from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Fee is $4/class and is open to everyone.

‒ Dance Exercise: Class will be held from 12-1 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday for men and women of all ages and incorporates modern dance styles, yoga, and Tai Chi movements. Fee is $3/session non-residents and $2/session residents.

‒ 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, potluck, casino trips, cruises, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin resident.

‒ Game Room: Open to children age 10 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.

• Line Dancing: Class will be held Thursdays with beginner lessons at 12:30 p.m. Open dance is 1:15-1:45 p.m. Intermediate lessons are at 1:45 p.m. Class us $6.

• Dodgeball: Open Dodgeball will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays for children ages 8 to 14. Fee is $3/non-residents and $2/residents per session. A waiver will be required for your child.

‒ 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 the “team map” as we travel from one region to the next.

‒ Table Tennis: Play from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.

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.