Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • 2022 Emerald Ball Set for April 30th

    2022 Emerald Ball Set for April 30th

    The 2022 Emerald Ball to benefit Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is set for Saturday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin. The inaugural event in 2019 raised an amazing $217,631, thanks to the generosity of our community. This year’s proceeds are earmarked for a state-of-the-art CT scanner for the hospital’s pediatric and adult patients. The scanner is considered one of the industry’s fastest and most versatile scanning modes, allowing an entire adult chest, abdomen and pelvis study to be conducted in approximately one second so patients don’t need to hold their breath. This technology will be ideal for patients who have difficulty remaining very still during a scan.

    Emeraldball Additions 35

    “We are all looking forward to giving our community an exciting evening of live music, dancing and great food at the Emerald Ball,” said Carol Carlan, president of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation.

    Guests are encouraged to wear shades of emerald for this elegant event. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. Entertainment will include live music by Tribute Show Band of Mobile, Ala. Plans also include a bourbon and wine pull and a photo booth for guests to capture memories of the occasion.
    A highlight of the evening will be the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $5,000 shopping spree at McCaskill & Company. Tickets for this exclusive jewelry drawing will be available to purchase for $100 each and will be limited to 150 entries. Individual tickets for the Emerald Ball are available to purchase for $150 and include reserved seating, dinner and two drink tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

    Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast was established in 2003 as a 58-bed hospital to meet community needs. Today, the hospital has grown to offer 76 beds and has added services over the years to meet even more needs. Services that have been added include The Family Birth Place, a Cancer Center and the state-of-the-art Judy and Steve Turner Heart & Vascular Center. One of the latest additions is a new Women’s Diagnostic Center that opened in 2021 near the hospital. Designed for the comfort and convenience of women, the new center features a spa-like environment and offers a wide variety of imaging services, including 3-D mammography, breast ultrasound, and bone density screening using the DEXA scan. The Magseed procedure to mark small breast tumors for surgical removal also is available at this location.

    Eb

    Licensed Breast Navigators help guide and support patients and provide resources for breast care. Pelvic floor rehabilitation services also are located in the new center. In addition, pediatric services also are located at the new building on Mack Bayou Loop. For more information about the Emerald Ball, visit SacredHeartEmeraldBall.com or contact Lisa Wainwright at Lisa.Wainwright@ascension.org.

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  • Stories in Song: 2022 30A Songwriters Fest! 

    Stories in Song: 2022 30A Songwriters Fest! 

    By Lori Leath Smith

    What makes your favorite song your favorite? It’s likely the story it tells.

    And that’s what is so special about the 30A Songwriters Festival. On Jan. 14-17, South Walton will be transformed into a story-in-song paradise and the “hottest” mid-January mecca for music fans. And the best part? It’s right in our backyard!

    Songwriter Fest Cover Photos

    For the past 12 years, the 30A Songwriters Festival has attracted thousands of die-hard, enthusiastic, live music fans from throughout the U.S. to listen to original songwriters spanning many genres of music perform their songs. A featured 30 venues all along Hwy. 30A will present more than 230 songwriters and 300+ solo, band and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. As some of the best performing singer songwriters in all genres of music, all ages, all stages of careers and from all over the country, this year’s headliners include iconic artists Brothers of a Feather feat. Chris & Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, Dawes, Mavis Staples, Jenny Lewis, Emmylou Harris, and Rickie Lee Jones. (See Sept. 2021 Destin Life, MyDestinLife.com.) Returning to perform two shows each throughout the weekend are songwriting legends Amy Grant, Rodney Crowell, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and Shawn Mullins!

    The festival also profiles hall of fame musicians, successful career artists and exciting up and coming musicians. Several artists making their 30A debuts this year include Chuck Prophet, Annie Mack, Madison Cunningham, RB Morris, Darden Smith and Brittney Spencer.

    If the best parts of your classic British Invasion, 50s country, 60s pop and pure rock ‘n’ roll records could be transformed into a person, they might look and sound a lot like Chuck Prophet. For almost 30 years, this Bay Area songwriter has reliably delivered albums so pleasingly familiar that, had he started a few decades earlier, it’d be easy to imagine him outshining the likes of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

    Annie Mack is a soulful singer and unflinching songwriter who writes from the gut and demands your attention. She arrives fresh off the release of her powerful new release, Testify (2021). The record solidifies her position as a top-tier singer, songwriter and producer performing her own unique blend of blues, country, rock and soul.

    Grammy-nominated, 25-year-old Madison Cunningham is one of folk rock’s most exciting newcomers. Rolling Stone describes Madison’s music as “a new spin on West Coast folk-rock, with classical tendencies, electric guitars, jazz-school chord changes and alt-rock strut all living beneath the same roof.”

    Lucinda Williams calls RB Morris “the greatest unknown songwriter in the country.” Steve Earle credits him as “the reason I started writing poetry.” RB Morris is a published poet, playwright, actor and renowned singer songwriter.

    Darden Smith is a singer-songwriter based in Austin whose 30-year career redefines what it means to be a musician. In addition to 15 critically acclaimed albums, Darden continues to break new ground using the craft of songwriting in education, entrepreneurship and in service to others. He is the founder and creative director of SongwritingWith:Soldiers, a nonprofit that pairs award-winning songwriters with veterans and service members in retreat settings to craft songs about combat and the return home.

    Brittney Spencer is a free-spirited singer-songwriter and powerful live performer, spending much of the summer opening for Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, winning over one audience after another across the heartland. As a teenager, Brittney loved the Dixie Chicks and singing gospel music which ultimately fueled her dream to become a country music star. The Baltimore native moved to Nashville in 2013 and has since toured and performed as a background singer for Carrie Underwood and Christopher Cross all while establishing herself as a songwriter.

    Regular weekend and VIP weekend 30A Songwriters Festival passes are sold out. Day passes are now available for Saturday’s afternoon headline shows at Grand Boulevard ONLY on Sat., Jan. 15 for headliners Brothers of a Feather featuring Chris and Rich Robinson (of the Black Crowes), Dawes and Jenny Lewis.

    Day passes are also available for Sunday’s afternoon headline shows at Grand Boulevard ONLY Sun., Jan. 16, for headliners Emmylou Harris and Mavis Staples, both with full bands. Third act TBD. Tickets are $140 per day.

    All net proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and help to fulfill its mission to support the arts. For more information on headliners, as well as beloved local bands and performing artists, visit 30aSongwritersFestival.com. Purchase tickets at https://www.freshtix.com/events/2022-30asongwritersfestival.

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  • ECTC: Winter’s Cultural Playground

    ECTC: Winter’s Cultural Playground

    We are staying warm and cozy this winter season here at ECTC.  We are excited to offer you so many wonderful options for enrichment, education, or just plain entertainment.  The theme of the 2021/2022 season is fun and funny and this winter’s shows will not disappoint.

    We will keep the fires burning here at ECTC with Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating, and Marriage in January.  Join Miss Abigail and Pedro as they help their live studio audience navigate the murky waters of love, and maybe find a spark or two along the way.  If the cure for life is comedy then this is the remedy you’re looking for.  Think Loveline meets Dr. Ruth and combine that with the personality of Miss Abigail and the charm of Paco…we’ll have a winter concoction that is sure to warm your spirit with joy and laughter.

    2 Hillary Marshall, Alayna Brooke, Arianna Reyher, Beca Lake

    What else is there to do in January but come see a show? That’s why we’ve also got The Marvelous Wonderettes showing in January through March.  Wipe that lipstick off your collar and time travel to the 1958 Springfield Prom with us where you can be serenaded with all the classics like “Lollipop” and “Dream Lover.”  Featuring over 30 classic ‘50s and ‘60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane! Great music, fine wine, and a good time are central to this cabaret stage addition to our professional season.

    We round out our sizzling winter offerings with 2 Across in February, an intriguing look at two strangers on the San Francisco BART train, and how a crossword puzzle teaches them each a little more about life and its unpredictability.  This is the type of show ECTC fans have come to love.  If you enjoyed Bakersfield Mist, Dancing Lessons, and Maytag Virgin you are going to love the comedy and connection that take place in 2 Across.

    Finally, our Storyteller Series is not to be missed with your ECTC favorites on stage: Shirley Simpson as Katherine Hepburn in Katharine Hepburn, Bruce Collier as Stalin and Churchill in an original piece entitled The Fall of April, and Allan Tuttle as Harry Truman in Give Em Hell Harry are all stories that share glimpses into history.

    January marks the beginning of our Spring Educational programs too!  Our production classes may be full but we have some great classes that are offered Tues – Friday: All Things Theatre is a great class for beginning through advanced theatre students.  This class is offered for different age groups: elementary school, middle/high school, and homeschool groups.  Acting Techniques for Teens and Musical theatre Dance: Broadway through the Ages are both great classes for middle and high school students.  Check out the whole schedule at www.EmeraldCaostTheatre.org

    We’re keeping the home fires burning for you here at ECTC this winter.  Come join us for some laughter, humor, history, and fun as we begin 2022 with the goal to be swept away in stories that bring cheer to our souls!  More information, registration information, and ticket purchases can all happen at www.EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call the box office at 850-684-0323.

    1 Hillary Marshall, Alayna Brooke, Beca Lake, Arianna Reyher,

    The Fall of April (Stalin and Churchill) performed and written by Bruce Collier

    JANUARY  11 at 7:30pm

    The Marvelous Wonderettes

    Musical by Roger Bean

    Cabaret Stage: Musical Revue

    JANUARY  21 – 23

    FEBRUARY  10 – 13

    MARCH  3 – 6

    Thursdays – Saturdays  at  7:30pm

    Sundays  at  2:30pm

    Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage!

    By Ken Davenport & Sarah Saltzberg

    Mainstage Comedy

    JANUARY  28  –  FEBRUARY  6

    Thursday – Saturday  at  7:30pm

    Sundays  at  2:30pm

    Give em Hell Harry Performed by Alan Tuttle

    FEBRUARY  8 at 7:30pm

    2 Across

    Written by Jerry Mayer

    Mainstage Dramatic Comedy

    FEBRUARY  18  –  27

    Thursday – Saturday  at  7:30pm

    Sundays  at  2:30pm

    Katharine Hepburn by Shirley Simpson

    MARCH  1 at 7:30pm

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  • Santa is in Town!

    Santa is in Town!

    Holiday Happenings Around South Walton

    Santa’s arrival to our area is a highlight of the season! Where can you find him Around Town?

    You can visit Santa at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at his sleigh at his arrival during the Tuba Christmas event on Sat., Dec. 11. If you miss that, you can still visit Wednesday nights Dec. 1-15 in the Village. Visit www.baytownewharf.com.

    Sowal Santa

    Santa Days at Pecan Jack’s 30A Saturday, Dec. 11th, Noon-3pm  The best Ice Cream & Candy shop on 30A will feature a special guest again this year!  Santa’s Day at Pecan Jack’s 30A is back featuring the most delectable holiday treats. Sample their sweets, shop for the holidays and meet Santa! The first 100 guests will receive a free gift. Pecan Jack’s makes every piece of Candy, Praline, Chocolates & Ice cream hand-crafted on site.

    Hosted by the City of DeFuniak Springs, from Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, Chipley Park lights up with the annual Christmas Reflection Displays and more than 10 million lights reflecting off the lake. Open Nov. 26 – Dec. 31. Friday-Saturday, 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m. nightly. $5 per person, free for children under 5, Tuesday discount for military; $10 for carload up to five people. Carriage rides are available on select nights (Nov. 27 – Dec. 31), $10/person. (850) 978-2999.

    Santa’s Arrival By Helicopter At Norwalk Town Square

    The Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Participating non-profit organizations compete to win cash prizes totaling $7,000. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. Grand Boulevard also is hosting photos with Elf On The Shelf in Grand Park at the Festival of Trees display on Saturdays, Dec. 11 & 18 from 2-4 p.m.

    Main Street DeFuniak Springs brings back Merry Main Street! Free to attend, Merry Main Street boasts live music and theatrical performances, an outdoor market, food trucks, rides on the Choctaw Express Train, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids character appearances by The Character Clubhouse, and more family fun – all taking place outdoors along Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs. Beginning Saturday, December 4th, events occur every Friday and Saturday up to Christmas. https://bit.ly/MSD_MerryMain, Info@mainstreetdfs.org, (850) 296-9051.

    Christmas Santa Claus Enjoy Sun On Deckchair At Sandy Beach

    Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. Ice rink is open now – Feb. 2nd. Hours vary daily. Visit BaytowneWharf.com.

    The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts a special light show on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from Dec. 1-22 during the 12 Nights of Lights where the tree lights in the events plaza will dance and blink to music at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Visit BaytowneWharf.com.

    Join Sinfonia’s Holiday Pops Fri., Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at Village Church of Destin featuring singer/actor of the stage and screen Nicholas Rodriguez. From holiday classics to Broadway to the great American Songbook, this festive twist of music will put everyone in the holiday spirit. Tickets $29.50 – $55.00. sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

    Stnick On Roof

    Eden Gardens State Park will be illuminated Sat., Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m. More than 2,000 luminaries will light the garden paths of Eden Gardens at nightfall. Music and carolers voices will fill the air throughout the evening and cookies and hot beverages will be provided by the Friends of Eden Gardens. The event is free and park entry fees will be waived from 5-8 p.m.

    Santa Paws at AJ’s Grayton Beach is calling all dog-lovers! Santa will be on site at Aj’s Grayton Beach on Sunday, Dec 5th from 12-2 p.m. visiting with all his furry friends. Spend your Sunday with your favorite four-legged companion enjoying brunch and live music with Will & Linda. Bring your fur pup and your camera to get a great photo. Road Dogg Rescue will also be at AJ’s looking to find foster homes or get dogs adopted going into the holiday season.

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  • Creating Christmas Memories

    Creating Christmas Memories

    By Rev. Guery H. Clendening,

    It’s that time of year. Christmas is just around the corner and before we can blink an eye, it will be over. Can I make a suggestion: take advantage of the moment to create special memories that will last a lifetime!

    Child At Christmas

    When my Wife Linda and I lived in Macon, Georgia, during Christmas we would make an annual shopping trip to Atlanta. We would take the children out of school and hit the road early. Because I was born and raised in Atlanta, I knew my way around town. We would shop from mall to mall, hunting for the best bargains. Lunch was always a special family time and a welcome break for my weary feet. But then it was on to the next group of stores.

    Personally, I am not much of a shopper but, like many, my wife loved it! So , this was the big day for me to keep quiet, not complain or to be impatient; while we went from rack to rack, counter to counter, trying on clothes, looking for the right gifts and toys.

    If you are near my age, you probably remember when Cabbage Patch Dolls hit the market. I’ll never forget my beloved wife, standing in a crowd of determined shoppers, ready for the clerks to open another shipment of dolls! What a sight to behold, watching a mass of humanity make their move to secure one of their prizes. Our shopping wasn’t over until the last store closed around 11 o’clock. But, the best was yet to come! You see, part of the agreement to take the family shopping was for the girls to agree to eat at The Varsity with me. Linda called it “greasy memories”. I loved it; two Chili Dogs, fried onion rings and a large frosty Orange Freeze. That was “icing” on top of the cake, that made it all worth it!

    After the Varsity experience, we would drive downtown to Rich’s Department Store and make our way to the top of a large breezeway between Rich’s two buildings. From there, we would view a huge Christmas tree. That was our tradition for years. We would then drive home to Macon, tired but joyful; because we had spent a beautiful day together. Fighting traffic, yes. Traipsing from store to store, yes; but nonetheless, together. I am thankful for the memory. So thankful God gave me my family and all those special times together!

    Times have changed. My children are grown now, and my beloved wife is in Heaven; but the memories created will never be forgotten. So, as we approach Christmas, may I suggest that in this busy time of the year, that we do certain things intentionally. Don’t let the Christmas rush steal from you precious moments that will last forever.

    When Jesus was born, most people of the day missed His arrival. He was born in a stable, because there was no room for His family in the Inn. (Luke 2-7). But the angels didn’t miss His coming. Thousands appeared in the clouds to announce to the shepherds: “for unto us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2-11). It’s His birthday we are celebrating. Don’t miss the moment, and what He, as the Savior, can mean in your life. Merry Christmas and Happy Memory making!.

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  • Addressing the Florida Alzheimer’s Crises Locally

    Addressing the Florida Alzheimer’s Crises Locally

    By Matthew Eaton

    Alz 2018 Alzcare Hinsdale Robhart0516Paula Zoeller loved spending time with her kids and grandkids. However, her husband Jim began to notice a change in her he couldn’t describe. They moved from place to place, trying to find her happy spot, not realizing something more sinister was taking hold. A few months later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In the four short years since, this devastating disease has taken everything from her; memories of family, friends, things she has done and places she has been. It has robbed Paula and Jim of the joy that 41 years of life together brings. And they aren’t alone.

    Right now, roughly one in every 38 Floridians is living with Alzheimer’s. By 2025, that number is expected to grow another 24%. As more and more individuals get the disease, it is important to note that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging — it is a progressive brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Although there is currently no cure, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease. Somewhere out there is the first survivor of Alzheimer’s, but we can’t get there without help.

    Alz A29q5335The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals interested in research, the Association has a presence in communities across the country. The Association is working to address the current crisis by providing education and support to the millions who face dementia every day, while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.

    The world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s, The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held in communities large and small throughout Florida. From Miami to Pensacola, thousands of volunteers unite to raise funds and awareness for the disease. Locally, two walks take place on the Emerald Coast (Niceville) and Pensacola. Participants form a team and raise funds to walk together on event day. Some walk alone, others with a loved one facing the disease, but all walk with the hope that we can make things better. Dollar for dollar, funds go to support critical research. As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Alzheimer’s Association is currently investing more than $235 million in over 650 best-of-field projects in 39 countries.

    The Alzheimer’s Association provides support in other ways as well:

    Find support with a free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), staffed by master’s-level clinicians and specialists providing confidential support and information to all those affected in over 200 languages.

    Access free care and support resources available to all families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia at alz.org/care.

    Browse a comprehensive database of dementia and aging-related resources and programs using the Alzheimer’s Association & AARP Community Resource Finder at CommunityResourceFinder.org.

    It’s never too late to start making a difference and there are so many opportunities to participate. Form a team at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, turn your passion into a purpose as part of the Longest Day challenge or volunteer at one of the many Alzheimer’s events in your area.

    We can create a world where loved ones aren’t robbed of their memories, a world where Jim and Paula can continue their life together without the devastating consequences of Alzheimer’s. No matter what you have to offer – your time, your financial support, or even just a helping hand to someone impacted by the disease – together we will #ENDALZ. Visit alz.org today.

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  • Walton County Breaks Ground on New Scenic Gulf Drive Beach Access

    Walton County Breaks Ground on New Scenic Gulf Drive Beach Access

    The Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the Walton County Tourism Department held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access on Wednesday, Oct. 27th. The new regional beach access will be located at 907 Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach.

    “This new regional beach access will include a restroom building with a large plaza, an ADA accessible boardwalk to the beach, as well as vehicle, golf cart and bicycle parking,” said Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger. “There will also be a picnic pavilion with access to the beach.”

    Release Scenic Gulf Drive

    Since August 2016, Visit South Walton has purchased a total of seven parcels to be used as new regional access points, as well as future parking facilities. One of the most notable properties is the “Grayton Grand” project on County Road 283.

    The properties were purchased and will be maintained using bed tax dollars, a 5 percent tax collected on short term rentals. Residents do not pay the bed tax unless they are taking a “staycation” in a local rental property or accommodation.

    “Anytime we have an opportunity to provide additional beach access for our residents and visitors to enjoy, it’s a priority for Walton County,” said District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson. “We understand that it can sometimes be a long process from the time we purchase a property until we open a new access, but it’s always great to see these important steps begin. This new beach access is going to be a great addition to Miramar Beach and our county.”

    Once construction is completed on the Scenic Gulf Drive access, as well as the proposed regional beach access in Seagrove Beach, across from Café Thirty-A, the total number of regional beach access points in South Walton will increase to 11. Each regional beach access point includes parking, bathroom facilities, and a lifeguard station.

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  • The 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Serves Our Community Oct. 30-31

    The 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Serves Our Community Oct. 30-31

    Saturday, October 30th | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Sunday, October 31st | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    By Lori Smith

    The 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Serves Our Community Oct. 30-31Mattie May Kelly (1912-1992), a member of one of Destin’s pioneer families, wanted to leave a legacy. So, a handful of visionaries established a new non-profit in 1995 in her honor, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), to provide resources for the promotion of the Arts in Okaloosa and Walton Counties through cultural events and educational opportunities. Mattie Kelly had bequeathed a 52-acre parcel of property reserved for the future development of a cultural and educational facility for the residents and visitors of the community which now features the Cultural Arts Village on a portion of the land. Annual Concerts in the Village are held here as well as the upcoming 26th Annual Festival of the Arts, the largest juried fine art festival in our area!

    Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows and one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, the MKAF Festival of the Arts is happening Oct. 30-31 at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin. “The festival is a celebration of the wonder of arts and culture,” says Deb Nissley, MKAF Director of Operations and Festival Producer. “We will feature new surprises this year including free entrance to all festival-goers! I encourage everyone to stop by to enjoy beautiful art, live music and great food!”

    The 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Serves Our Community Oct. 30-31During the festival, more than 100 artists convene each year from throughout the U.S., who offer up their original artwork in the form of oil, watercolor, acrylic and glass paintings; photography, sculpture, pottery, wood, paper, fiber, mosaics, mixed media, jewelry designs and more. They compete for $10,000 in cash prizes in 29 award categories, including the coveted “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice Award” which is selected by festival fans. The festival will also feature a Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.

    Hosting the annual festival is one of the most significant ways MKAF is able to continue its commitment to provide inclusive arts education programs for children and adults of diverse abilities and backgrounds. These include an array of high-quality visual and performing arts programs such as Arts for All Abilities, Arts Empower and Warrior Arts. Arts for All Abilities is a program committed to helping people with disabilities learn a variety of art programs.
    Arts Empower, led by accomplished artists, serves K-12 students, at-risk youth, and children and adults with special needs. Warrior Arts seeks to offer therapeutic art classes for veterans/active duty military in order to heal both visible and invisible injuries. Warrior Arts’ signature program is the Zentangle, an open-ended drawing activity that increases focus and creativity, while alleviating stress and anxiety. MKAF’s outreach program has been recognized by The Florida Department of Education with the Award of Distinction.
    MKAF also offers a comprehensive model of artist residences, hands-on workshops and public education events featuring music, theatre and the visual arts. Programs are offered free of charge to participants made possible by grants, private and corporate gifts; and supported by MKAF event fundraising. For signature events, a portion of profits from Concerts in the Village and Festival of the Arts help to fund these community outreach initiatives.

    Now in its 26th year, MKAF bridges the gap to those who either lack access to the arts or could uniquely benefit from the experience. Since 1995, these outreach programs have inspired more than 337,800 children and adults in over 75 schools and partner agencies in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

    For more information, visit MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.

    To read more about Mattie Kelly, her family and her living legacy, see the February 2020 Destin Life article here: https://mydestinlife.com/the-kellys-a-destin-pioneer-family-leaves-living-legacy-for-community.

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  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) will be recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness throughout the month of October. Domestic violence is abuse that happens between people that live in the same household. It encompasses a number of different abuses such as physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Domestic violence can happen between family members in a household, but the most commonly reported domestic violence is intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, many people are affected by this, including children. SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), a national organization, reports that every year at least 3.3 million children in the United States will witness domestic violence.

    Eccac Niceville 2018 3

    Jasie Landeros heads up the prevention department as ECCAC’s Outreach Program Manager. She said, “Though oftentimes domestic abuse occurs between adults, the effects of this can certainly be felt and seen through children. And, as always, if you see something, say something.”

    Children who are exposed to violence in the home are 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually assaulted than the national average. It is also a fact that children who witness domestic violence or intimate partner violence are at a greater risk of “repeating the cycle” when they are adults, whether it is by entering abusive relationships or by becoming the abuser. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

    ECCAC is in its 21st year of operation with centers in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs. They have provided over 150,000 services at no cost to more than 14,000 children experiencing abuse, abandonment or neglect to include mental health therapy, crisis intervention, referrals to other community providers, interviews and medicals.

    For additional data on domestic abuse and further information, visit www.eccac.org, or  contact Jasie Landeros at Jasie@eccac.org, 850-833-9237, Ext. 267. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.

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  • Veterans 48 Keeps It Real: Builds Bikes for Vets, And Much More

    Veterans 48 Keeps It Real: Builds Bikes for Vets, And Much More

    By Michelle Ruschman

    “Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day. We are just trying to reduce that 22 by giving them more purpose and giving them a distraction if nothing else.”
    ~ Jeff Powell

    Veterans 48 Keeps It Real: Builds Bikes for Vets, And Much MoreLocal Jeff Powell is the founder and President of Veterans 48, a 501c3 non-profit organization, whose goal is to build modified bikes for wounded veterans. Jeff himself spent 30 years serving in the air force, and upon retiring, realized he was missing a critical piece of his life from being active duty: The camaraderie he had enjoyed being part of a community of military men and women. When he retired, Jeff missed the people who spoke the same language, understood the experiences he’d had, and the bonds that were formed from lives unique to warriors. When he left a distinguished military career there was a deep sense of loss as the call signs, stories, and nicknames ended.

    “After that much time, culturally, socially, you pick up habits. Separating from that culture, that environment, even though it’s a positive retirement, it still leaves you isolated and feeling without purpose. I tried the contractor thing, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. I worked for Tesla and that was fun for a while, but it was too physical. So, I bought this building. I always loved riding; so did my friends. We call ourselves Wild Hogs. There’s a sense of freedom when you ride, but you’re also trying to survive, just trying not to get hit and keeping it between the lines. It lets you get out of your head. I want to give that back to guys who have lost a leg.”

    Many men and women who leave the military tend to retire at their last assignment. As friends move on from the base, however, loneliness sets in for those who have left the life and still remain. It can especially take a toll on soldiers who have come back from combat. The isolation can jeopardize their mental well-being, particularly if they have come back from combat with life-changing injuries. Jeff and his wife, Jackie, also a retired vet decided to build a community that these vets could be a part of, and Veterans 48 was born.
    “Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day so we are just trying to reduce that 22 by giving them more purpose and giving them a distraction if nothing else.”

    Veterans 48 Keeps It Real: Builds Bikes for Vets, And Much MoreJeff and Jackie are avid motorcycle enthusiasts and it was bike building that became the “excuse” for their fellow vets to gather. Their building at 50 Hill Ave., just outside the back gate of Hurlburt Field, is the clubhouse in which he invites vets to come, gather, tell their stories, and rebuild the community they left behind. At Veterans 48, they can have a cup of coffee, listen to music, and settle in for great conversation where “we understand us,” says Jeff.

    The campaign Veterans 48 is currently promoting is for vet, Brandon Gingras. Brandon was removed from combat due to spinal injuries. He has since developed his own non-profit, Hunt Pray Eat, to help veterans’ sons without fathers. Once funds are raised for parts, his bike will be built by the kids in his program with professional supervision. The plan is to raffle off the bike to fund Hunt Pray Eat. The goal for builds done through Jeff’s organization is that each bike has authentic, brand-new parts. To donate to the current and future builds, go to veterans48.org/donate.

    Jeff stresses that this isn’t just for people who love motorcycles. There’s even a single mom who is a gunsmith and veteran, who fixes and restores guns. He’s excited about all the activity that happens in his building.

    “It’s about the connection. Get off the couch and come to the shop. Not the clinic at the VA, not the doctor, not the bar. Come to this healthy environment where we joke and kid and tease each other, just like we do in the military, and get back to that camaraderie you miss when you get out. This is for the military who want to find that community again.”

    For more information, visit Veterans48.org and to donate, veterans48.org/donate.

    Michelle Ruschman is a local writer, artist, jewelry artisan and speaker. Connect with her at michelleruschman.com, on Insta @michelle_ruschman_art, and on her Facebook group, The Prodigal Artist Gallery.

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