COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sept. 25

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.

Local Planning Agency, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26

Board of Adjustment Hearing, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2

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

Okaloosa County Republican Club

The Okaloosa County Republican Club will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at American Legion Post 235, 105 Hollywood Blvd. SW in Fort walton Beach. Karen A. Chapman, MD, MPH director, Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, medical director, Florida Department of Health Statewide Family Planning Program, guest speaker, will speak on the health of Okaloosa County. Her mission is to protect, promote and improve health through integrated state, county and community efforts. Dinner is available for $15 for members and $17 for guests. For reservations email nathanlepper@yahoo.com.

Truth in Financial Management

Fred Carnes will present a talk on “Truth in Financial Management” at noon Sept. 27 in building 1, room 126 at the UWF Emerald Coast Campus. Over the last 40 years Carnes has assembled 19 sayings he calls Financial Management Truths. For more information, contact Center for Lifelong Learning 863-6548.

Cache In, Trash Out

On National Public Lands Day, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park hosts a Cache In, Trash Out Adventure and Bike Your Park Day from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 28. Participants will explore the park by foot or by bike while looking for 13 geocache locations and will learn more about the area of the park they are in and help maintain it by picking up trash as they go. Check in at the Ranger Station between 9 a.m. and noon. When finished, check back in at the Ranger Station for a prize. Participants will need a GPS or smart phone capable with GPS, water, weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Event is free with regular park admission.

Genealogical Society

The Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 28 in the Fort Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. The program, Introduction to DNA Painter, will be presented by Cindy Barber. DNA Painter is a free website that lets users bring together their DNA matches from multiple testing companies and display them in a graphic format. This presentation will introduce the site's features and tools for chromosome mapping and relationship prediction. How to paint your matches and tips for sorting them will be discussed. Call 582 8202.

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.

Topsail Kids' Club

Children can join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach for Kids' Club from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 29 for a fun time with their parents, filled with nature crafts and activities. Bring a snack and stay afterwards for more fun. Future dates are 10 a.m. Oct. 14; 2 p.m. Nov. 17; and 10 a.m. Dec. 9. Program is free with regular park admission.

Coin Show

The Fort Walton Beach Coin Club will host a coin show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Drive in Fort Walton Beach. Please park in the White Wilson parking lot. Free admission and parking. Attendees receive a free new collectible quarter while supplies last. There will be dealers willing to buy, sell and trade coins, currency, gold and silver. Free appraisals. For more information, call 512-4904.

FPRA

The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will meet from 11:30 a.m.. to 1 p.m. Sept. 30 at Surf Hut in Destin.

FPRA State President-Elect Devon Chesnut, APR, CPRC. will present “Lights, Camera, App-tion” and provide insight into a library of apps that can be used to create graphics and videos in a matter of minutes. The cost is $15/students and members and $25/non-members. Register at www.nwfcoastFPRA.org. Prices will increase $5 on the day of the event. Seating will be limited.

Republican Women Federated

The Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated will meet at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel, 573 Santa Rosa Blvd. on Okaloosa Island. Guest speaker is Cathi Chamberlain, author of Rules for Deplorables: A Primer for Fighting Radical Socialism, an antidote to Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. Hear how a former Playboy Bunny and California leftist became a Florida State Certified Building Contractor and a Florida Conservative. Her book will be available for purchase. To make a reservation, email denoechel@gmail.com by Sept. 28. Cost of lunch is $18/members and $20/guests.

Living Shoreline Dedication.

On Oct. 4, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance of Northwest Florida State College and the Flynt family, in partnership with the City of Valparaiso, will hold the Mike Flynt Living Shoreline Dedication. Flynt was a founder of CBA, a committed public servant, and a champion for local waterways. That legacy will be honored by dedicating the living shoreline project at Florida Park to his memory. We invite you to join us as we celebrate his positive impact on our lives from 10-11 a.m. Oct. 4 at Florida Park, 254 Florida Avenue in Valparaiso. Come as you are. RSVP to cba@nwfsc.edu.

Blessing of The Animals

A “Blessing of the Animals” service will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 5 in the outdoor chapel of Immanuel Anglican Church, 250 Indian Bayou Trail in Destin. Each animal should be under leash control or in a carrier. For information, visit www.iacdestin.org, call 837-6324 or email Deacon Jon Bryan at jon.iacdestin@gmail.com.

Topsail Under the Stars

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach and the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association present a viewing of the sun, moon and stars from 3:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 5. Solar telescopes will be out until the sun sets, then the astronomy association will switch telescopes and assist in viewing any constellations, planets and other celestial objects that are visible. Participants need to be in the park before the gate closes at 6 p.m. Program is free with regular park admission.

ACT/SAT Workshops

A workshop to assist students in Okaloosa County high schools who will take the Oct. 26 ACT and Nov. 2 SAT will be held from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29 in the Media Center at Fort Walton Beach High School and also from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 23-24 and 30-31 at Niceville High School. All materials, snacks and drinks are furnished. Students need to bring calculators. Registration deadline is Oct. 7. For information, contact Alice Hart at 615-585-2401, email Amhart1966@aol.com or contact your high school guidance department.

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..

The Track Fundraiser

The Track Family Fun Park in Destin will host the Ninth Annual Fight the Fight, Find a Cure breast cancer fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19. Guests are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of Track activities while supporting the Women’s Health Services Fund at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. All proceeds from the event will help provide screening mammograms for underserved women in our community. The cost is $15/person for an unlimited park pass and $10/person for unlimited Kids Country and golf-only pass. Guests may purchase hot dogs, drinks and homemade baked goods to support the breast cancer fund. Food items will be available while supplies last. Passes must be purchased at the park. Call 654-4668.

Retired Officers' Wives' Club

NWFL Retired Officers' Wives' Club luncheon will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17 at Two Trees Restaurant at FWB Golf Course, 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd. Program is Handmade Victorian Jewelry for Flower Lovers. Cost is $15. New members, wives of retired officers from all services, are welcome. RSVP for lunch at NWFloridaROWC@gmail.com.

Out of the Darkness

Seventh Annual Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Florida Panhandle Chapter, will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national education and advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025. The event is free and open to the public. Online registration and fundraising are encouraged. Interested participants, walkers, and donors can visit AFSP.org/EmeraldCoast.

Blood Drive

OneBlood will have a blood drive hosted by The Market Shops in Miramar Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be parked in The Market Shops parking lot, adjacent to U.S. 98. All donors will receive a complimentary Halloween OneBlood T-shirt, a free mini-iced cinnamon biscuit from Maple Street Biscuit Company, a kid’s scoop of ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, and 10 percent off a purchase at Clean Juice in The Market Shops.

McCaskill & Company: The community is invited to McCaskill & Company, the Destin gallery, 13390 US Hwy. 98 W, Nov. 8-9 for 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. Call 650–2262.

Holiday Craft Show

The City of Destin’s 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Destin Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16. There will be hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions, and much more from over 50 vendors. Vendor booths are available for $45/residents and $55/non-residents (+$10 for a corner booth). This includes an 8 ft x 10 ft space, one 6 ft table, and two chairs. Register early, as space is limited. Admission to the public is free. Call 654-5184 for more information.

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.

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 beginning Nov. 7. 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.

‒ 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.

‒ Zumba Gold: Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday beginning Nov. 7. This is a low impact class using Latin music for fitness/dance. Fee is $6/session.

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.