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‘Theo’ of South Walton Raises $50,000 for Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles

By Heather Bennett

If you’ve read any of Life Media publications, South Walton Life, Destin Life, PCB Life, Bay Life, and now Fort Walton Life, you’ve probably noticed our sea turtle logo. That logo came to life in the form of Theodora “Theo” of South Walton, who represents all the endangered sea turtles.

Theo of South Walton, a loveable, cuddly plush sea turtle has been making waves along the Emerald Coast since her creation in 2018. Her mission is to raise awareness of sea turtle endangerment and raise funds for local organizations. One of those is the non-profit Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST), an all-volunteer organization started in 2015 dedicated to promoting sea turtle conservation through awareness and education, to locals and visitors alike. The organization deploys over 200 volunteers each year, walking the beaches, educating visitors and locals about the delicate ecosystem, and the necessity of keeping our beaches #cleandarkflat and what it means to #leavenotrace.

Their mission is primarily educational, unlike the South Walton Turtle Watch Group, which focuses on locating and monitoring sea turtle nests and overseeing volunteers for the protection of the turtles and their hatchlings.

Since the summer of 2018, and with the help of over 30 local retail stores, Theo has raised over $50,000 for the FOSWST. “Theo has been our amazing ambassador for over 4 years”, said Beth Coppedge, the founder and president of FOSWST. “The donations from the sales of Theo has enabled FOSWST to procure the Inwater Traveling Turtle Trunks which have greatly enhanced out educational program for all 5th graders in Walton County, our adorable Theo helps us deliver our critical message to leave beaches #cleandarkflat. What a better way to educate our children about sea turtle conservation, we are so thankful for the Theo program.”

Theo has evolved from just a plush toy, to a growing product line that includes Theo keychains, Christmas ornaments, hats, and even a children’s book about her adventures. Theo branded products can be found online at https://theotheturtle.com or throughout South Walton at places such as the South Walton’s Visitor Center, Pecan Jack’s 30A, Clint Eagar Design, Retail therapy in Santa Rosa Beach and 40th Street Pizza in Miramar Beach. By purchasing a Theo, you can support the efforts in raising money for FOSWST and sea turtle awareness. We appreciate all of our supporters, and hope to gain many more.

“It has been a pleasure working with and for the amazing volunteers of the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles,” said South Walton Life publisher, David White. “We look forward to a continuing partnership and hopefully reach $100,000 even faster.”

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July 15, 2022
One Woman’s Journey: How Restaurants Can Help Save Sea Turtles

By Heather Bennett

Long before people were enjoying the white sand beaches and emerald green waters along The Emerald Coast, sea turtles were coming ashore to nest their eggs. They now share the area with around 500,000 people. That number surges as tourists flock to the area. What we do affects the life of the sea turtle. The trash we leave behind, specifically plastic, has been dangerous to their health.

One thousand sea turtles die annually from digesting plastic. Plastic stays in the stomach of the turtle, and as it builds up, the brain thinks the stomach is full, but in reality they aren’t getting the nutrients that they need. The mortality rate of a sea turtle that ingests 14 pieces of plastic jumps to 50%.

Straws are the most commonly found plastic materials by our volunteers on the beach. Americans discard 500 million straws per day. With all of the restaurants along the coast where we can get our smoothies, iced coffee, sweet tea, and cocktails, you can imagine how many straws end up on our beaches and in the Gulf. Straws find their way into the water and can be mistaken by the sea turtles as food.

Plastic bags, bottles, cups and straws pollute the ocean. Turtles can mistake these for jellyfish and accidentally eat them. This is an environmental pollution problem.

There are a few alternatives to plastic straws. Paper and other plant-based straws are passed off as biodegradable, but contain polyfluroalkyl substances known as “forever chemicals” that have an extreme resistance to environmental breakdown. These can also lead to adverse health effects in humans at low levels. Reusable straws are popular, but people don’t always remember to bring them, and they are hard to keep clean and sanitary on the go.

A great alternative to these is 100% organic Bamboo Straws. Walton County resident and entrepreneur Khuyen Bui is the principal behind Econet Green Products working to make bamboo straws affordable and available along The Emerald Coast. The 100% organic Bamboo Straws are produced in a small village in Vietnam, cut from living bamboo branches, cleaned, sanitized and individually paper wrapped for single serving usage.

Instead of customers receiving a free plastic straw the restaurant has to purchase, restaurant owners can purchase bamboo straws for 10 cents each and resell them in their restaurants. Organic bamboo straws available now in online stores, are reusable and unwrapped, and cost almost $1 each. They are more expensive and unsanitary compared to the Bamboo Straws sold by Econet.

“Why not offer an affordably priced organic bamboo straw that enhances your product, will pay for themselves, and more importantly, support the environment?” Khuyen said. Restaurants can ask customers to pay pennies on the dollar to help keep our beaches plastic straw free. Khuyen also said “the price can be lower than 10 cents each, if we can gain significant community support and work together for a non-plastic future.”

Life Media is supporting the purchase of these 100% organic bamboo straws by offering marketing incentives. Any restaurants that purchase the Econet bamboo straws can get a featured story in Life Media Newspapers (80,000 in circulation), recognition in a dedicated page of South Walton Life promoting use of organic straws for protecting the sea turles, and a monthly Facebook post to 20,000 followers.

If you are interested in helping prevent plastic straws from harming our sea turtles by purchasing these 100% organic Bamboo Straws, please contact Econet Green Products at 850-287-8415 or Life Media at 850-399-0228. For more information, visit the Econet Facebook Page at Facebook.com/econetgreen, or their Website at www.econetco.com for your order. If you are a consumer and would like to see your favorite restaurant carry organic Bamboo Straws, please let them know.

The carbon footprint we leave behind is a constant threat to sea turtles and other marine life that are vital to our fragile ecosystem. Let’s do our part to keep the Emerald Coast green, by becoming trailblazers in the use of Bamboo Straws, leading other coastal communities to join a positive environmental impact.

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June 7, 2022
Walton County Provides Complimentary Day-Use Admission to State Parks

Summer visitors to Walton County will once again be able to enjoy complimentary day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Walton County Tourism Department is paying the cost of entry for day-use visitors in order to increase available parking for beachgoers during the peak visitation season, as well as raise awareness of the variety of eco-tourism activities South Walton offers. This year marks the eighth year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the sixth for Grayton Beach State Park.

“This is an opportunity to help encourage our residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty of our state parks,” says Matt Algarin, director of communications for the Walton County Tourism Department. “With miles of hiking and biking trails, access to our pristine sugar-white sand beaches, and activities for everyone to enjoy, our state parks are true hidden gems within the community.”

Complimentary day-use admission is available to visitors during normal operating hours, generally 8 a.m. to sunset, and this year’s program will begin on Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

For more information on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park. For more information on Grayton Beach State Park visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/grayton-beach-state-park.

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June 7, 2022
Golden Anniversary: 919th Special Operations Wing

By Doug Stauffer

They say blood runs thicker than water, but I witnessed what happens when colleagues choose to create an enduring bond. With its many branches, this extended family of the 919th Special Operations Wing (SOW) showed the heights achieved through genuine solidarity. I had the distinct pleasure of interacting with one of Okaloosa County’s largest families. While they are not literal siblings, they are affectionately known as “America’s Citizen Air Commandos.”

The future is bright, because we have men and women willing to serve and sacrifice without much recognition. At the outset, may I express a heartfelt thanks to the 919th SOW from each of us?

One word encapsulates this unit: Camaraderie—I sensed this truth at the informal family Wing Day and the formal anniversary banquet. Yet, these two events hardly scratch the surface of who they are and what they mean to all Americans. The close bonds extend from top to bottom—starting with the Wing Commander throughout the entire organization.

They sacrifice to support the nation’s defenses at home and at distant points around the globe. The Wing Commander is Colonel Jason Grandy. He stated, ”We perform 13 unique missions and serve as the only Reserve Wing with such a diverse mission. We pride ourselves as quiet professionals; we do not work for the praise, but we want to do a good job, because that is what we do. The human capital in our Wing is exceptional.” Like most true professionals, he leads by example.

The 919th Special Operations Wing, located at Eglin Air Force Base Field 3 (Duke Field), is the only special operations Wing in the Air Force Reserve. The Wing supports the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). Its taskings include operations, maintenance, security forces, civil engineering, communications, logistics, supply, transportation services and personnel functions. As Colonel Grandy mentioned, it is the most diverse Wing in the Air Force Reserve Command, performing 13 unique missions.

There are approximately 1,700 members assigned to the 919th Special Operations Wing. Over 1,400 of those are part-time reservists. The Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) provide the full-time continuity and support to keep the units and members combat-ready. ARTs carry dual status as full-time civil service employees for the U.S. Air Force and participate as reservists. More than 300 ARTs and 47 civilians support the Wing in day-to-day operations.

As the only special operations unit in the Air Force Reserve, the unit has supported Operation Just Cause, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. The 919th Security Forces Squadron was the first Air Force Reserve unit to be activated to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

Family Wing Day: The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce partnered with Duke Field to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The Chamber’s business community donated the funds to provide free “Nice-cream” from Dippin’ Dots for the attendees of Family Day.

Trisha Brunson and Teresa Halverson with Col. Grandy. Photo by SrA Dylan Gentile, 919th SOW.

Tricia Brunson, President and CEO of the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber, expressed her appreciation for the 919th: “The mission of Duke Field is to serve, protect and defend our nation. Its proximity to us makes it an integral part of our local economy. They are our friends and neighbors. Their children are students in our schools; their spouses fill employment needs for our businesses, while many reservists work full-time jobs within our community. The 919th Special Operations Wing has been there for us for 50 years, standing ready to keep us safe and our nation strong. They provide us peace of mind while we provide them with a sense of home—a signature asset of Okaloosa County.”

The 50th Anniversary Banquet: “50 Years of Valor” was the theme for the evening as the 919th SOW wrapped up the weekend of celebrations with a formal gala. Lt. Colonel James Wilson, the 919th Chief of Public Affairs, said, “The 919th Special Operations Wing is one of the most decorated units in the Reserve. Since the unit’s activation in 1971, Reservists from Duke Field have earned 20 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for organizational excellence. Today’s standards are closely tied to those pioneers who established the Air Force Reserve’s presence at Duke Field more than 50 years ago. This weekend is our opportunity to honor and thank them for showing us what it means to be the ‘Best of the Best.’”

Retirees, former commanders, current leaders and everyone in attendance enjoyed reminiscing and learning about the rich history and mission of Duke Field. Major General Richard S. “Beef” Haddad gave an inspirational speech. Community leaders, Jerry Williams, President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) and the Military Affairs Chair, Teresa Halverson, expressed gratitude for our local military.

The late Brig. Gen. Donald Haugen, the 919th’s founding member, created the 919th Tactical Airlift Group in 1971. Judy Haugen is considered the First Lady of the 919th. She is the mother of retired Lt. Colonel Brian Haugen of the Taylor Haugen Foundation. The evening wrapped up by highlighting several annual award winners from the 919th, with Colonel Grandy bringing the closing remarks.

I caught up with EFCU’s Jerry Williams, a major supporter of the anniversary celebrations like so many other community events. “Our loyalty to the military stems from the fact that EFCU exists because of the military. The credit union was birthed in 1954 because of the military institutions in this area. Many of our employees have worked for the credit union while serving in the Reserve at the 919th. Presently we have two employees in the 919th—they are serving our members one day and our country the next. We are honored to play a small part in such a magnificent endeavor.”

Did you know that Niceville Mayor Henkel is a retired Air Commando? The next time you see him, be sure to express your sincere appreciation for his service.

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May 19, 2022
WCEM to Host “Hericane Florida” Leadership Camp for Young Women

Walton County Emergency Management is excited to host “Hericane Florida,” Landfall: Walton County, a free, weeklong girl’s day camp dedicated to transitioning young women into community leaders and showcasing the emergency management as an obtainable and rewarding career path. This week-long camp is for young women entering 9-12th grade in the 2022 school year and will be hosted June 6th-10th at the Walton County Emergency OPerations Center.

“After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to host Hericane this summer,” said Jeff Goldberg, Walton County Emergency Management Director. “The Emergency Management profession is more than coordination during a disaster; it is a network of critical thinkers and diverse individuals that come together to help build a more disaster-resilient community. The purpose of this program is to help Walton County’s young women find their niche, become better prepared and develop skills to apply to any career path they choose.”

This free week-long camp provides exercises in disaster preparedness, leadership skills, networking tools, career exploration, professional development and confidence building. Program curriculum fire safety and fire extinguisher training, a mock activation, drone training, CPR certification, storm spotter training, basic first aid, confidence building and more.

“One of the most unique aspects of the program is the one-on-one mentoring camp participants will receive,” Said Donna Free, Walton County Emergency Management Deputy Director. “From local, state and national emergency agencies to private sector organizations and higher education, we wanted to ensure our mentors would provide perspectives from a wide range of disciplines to fit each girl’s interest.”

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the public safety field or you are looking to become better prepared for the professional world, Hericane has something for everyone. Registration is now open! To register, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hericane2022. WCEM is actively looking for sponsors to help underwrite the cost. Please email Jeff Goldberg at Jeff@waltoncountyem.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities. WCEM says “Please join us as we endeavor to empower the next generation of female leaders. For more information, please visit www.waltoncountyem.org or Walton County Emergency Management on Facebook.

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May 14, 2022
It’s Almost Time for ArtsQuest May 5-7!

The Exciting and Historic Arts Experience Returns During Art Month
Saturday, May 7th | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Sunday, May 8 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Boulevard

By Lori Leath Smith

As a child growing up in Grayton Beach in the 80s, Jennifer Steele never dreamed she’d one day become the director of a non-profit that would help cultivate the arts in our region. She just knew she loved visiting the little art shop of local Grayton Beach artist Susan Foster where she would buy postcards and photos. Susan’s gallery was her first experience with fine art and as much a part of young Jennifer’s childhood memories as Grayton Beach itself.

Susan, along with another local Jan Clarke, dreamed of having an art festival with other local artists to help bring the community together to provide a sense of community the art world provides. Susan and Jan began mentioning their arts festival idea to other locals such as Van Ness Butler, and the buzz began with folks coming into the gallery talking excitedly. The Walton County Tourist Development Council, who also administered the festival’s first TDC grant, recommended they schedule the event during a slower time of year.

The rest is history. In 1989, with a small community gathering, the first Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival, now called ArtsQuest, was born! Early organizers chose Mother’s Day weekend with the event becoming one of the first in our area to promote a “shoulder season.”

Many locals, all volunteers and names you might still recognize today, were involved in this first endeavor including Jeff Ellis, Chris and Manny Chavez, Malcolm Patterson, Paul Digiamico, Doug Krumel, Nicky Frye, Jack Houston, Hilda McDonald, Kitty Tyler and several more. Through the years, it evolved into a weekend event and has moved to various locations such as Eden State Gardens, Seaside and The Village of Baytowne Wharf to accommodate its growth.

In the meantime, Jennifer was growing up and witnessing it all happen in her hometown. Today, 34 years since the festival’s inception, Jennifer is the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) Executive Director and ArtsQuest is one of the largest juried art shows in the region bringing in thousands of attendees from all over. Having evolved into much more than a community gathering, in a VIE Magazine article, Jennifer describes ArtsQuest as “an intricate and beautifully detailed tapestry, woven over the years by locals tooled with varying backgrounds, resources and talents.”

Eventually, realizing the need for a non-profit organization to help cultivate the arts in Walton County, the CAA was formed as the official local arts agency. Its vision is to continue to make Walton County a home and destination for cultural and artistic excellence where lives are enriched, the economy is stimulated and the community is strengthened through the arts. It offers support, connection and access opportunities for all forms of art, every variety of maker, all levels of learners, and especially, art lovers all throughout the year.

Through sponsorships, advocacy, funding and educational programs, the CAA directly connects people to all things art related. ArtsQuest was the first event the CAA ever produced and has truly become a beloved CAA signature event — one of the most significant ways CAA is able to continue to fulfill its mission. It bridges the gap for those who either lack access to the arts or could uniquely benefit from the experience.

Each year, the CAA produces popular, large-scale events, including the 30A Songwriters Festival, Valentine Tour of Homes, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival and the Flutterby Children’s Arts Festival; operates The Foster Gallery, a local artist collective showcasing art works from more than 30 local artists in a quarterly rotation; and also presents over 250 exciting and educational art workshops in its offices at the Bayou Arts Center. Further, the CAA recently partnered with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association to launch the nation’s first permanent Underwater Museum of Art off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park. Visit umafl.org to learn more about this Art in Public Spaces program that is expanding the county’s artificial reef system. The CAA also provides much-needed arts funding through its Art For All grant program to Walton County’s teachers, students, artists and arts organizations.

Still a Mother’s Day weekend tradition, this year’s ArtsQuest, May 7 and 8, is being hosted by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and features exhibiting national, regional and local artists as well as art workshops and live art demonstrations. With continuing support from Visit South Walton and additional support from the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and Emerald Coast Magazine, the festival will provide an opportunity to view and purchase original art from more than 100 artists who convene each year from throughout the U.S. They will display their original artwork in various mediums including, but not limited to, ceramics, glass, oil and acrylics, photography, sculpture, metal and wood. They will also compete for awards and cash prizes totaling $10,000. Further, the festival will offer heritage art demonstrations, a CAA member artist exhibit, a Walton County student exhibit, continuous live music and entertainment and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.” A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park.

You will find this year’s featured artist, Orestes Barrios Marañón, who was also the 2021 ArtsQuest ‘Best in Show’ winner, at the event. His featured piece, “Fable In Eden,” is a parody of fables and everyday life, creating stories with each of the characters that live in it. His wide range of work will be on display and “Fable In Eden” is the featured image on all ArtsQuest marketing materials.

An independent engraver, painter, cartoonist, sculptor, designer, set designer and children’s book illustrator, Orestes was born in Cuba in 1963, studied at the Provincial School of Arts of Pinar del Rio specializing in plastic arts and graduated from the National School of Arts “Cubanacan” in Havana in 1983. Orestes has received more than 20 national and international awards for his artistic work as well as various recognitions for his teaching. He has had eight personal art exhibitions and participated in more than 70 collective exhibitions in Cuba, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Spain, France, Uruguay and the U.S.

ArtsQuest is now part of a full month of art activities in May! Art Month Walton County is a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and venues throughout the county. It includes “Under the Sea”–a fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art, Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach, the Longleaf Writers Conference, Music on Main in DeFuniak Springs, Sinfonia Goes Pop, Xanadu–a production from Emerald Coast Theatre Company, gallery events and more.

Would you like to help and join the rich history of volunteers for ArtsQuest? Sign up at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer. ArtsQuest will happen rain or shine. Open to the public with only a $5 admission donation requested, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or see the inserted Art Month program for more information. Destin Life looks forward to seeing you there!

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April 29, 2022
Easter Reflections: Death Gives Way to Life

By Rev. Gueary Clendenning

Spring is here! The grass, dormant for several months, has turned from brown to a beautiful carpet green. Wilted plants and flowers are coming alive again, and the cold winter wind has been replaced with a warm gentle breeze. Yes, Spring is here!

Last year, in early spring, a friend and I traveled to Macon, Georgia, hoping to see the cherry trees in bloom. It has been reported that Macon has over 350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees that bloom in the middle of March for about 10 days. During this period, Macon is called the pinkest city in the world. At this time, Macon celebrates an event called the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Unfortunately, our visit was about a week too late to see the trees in bloom.

The history of the cherry trees began in 1949. A native of Macon, William A. Fickling, discovered a unique and unrecognized tree blooming in his yard. Later, while visiting Washington, D.CHe realized, seeing the same type of tree there, that it was a Yoshino Cherry Tree. He and his family began distributing the tree throughout Macon, and well, the rest is history!

Tradition has it that the tree symbolizes eternity and the blossom’s speak of renewal and new beginnings, and because of the blossom’s short duration, they represent the briefness of life on earth. It seems fitting that the death and resurrection of Christ is celebrated in the spring of each year. The death of Jesus was like a bitter winter storm to all those who were close to Him. But His resurrection three days later- when death gave way to life- was the awakening of Spring!

Can you imagine the response of the women coming to Christ’s tomb that early Sunday morning and finding His body missing? Then two men, probably angels, dressed in white, appeared and said, “why seek the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen” (Luke 24:5-6)

Many today are living in an endless wintertime, seemingly without hope. We have a message to share: Jesus Christ is alive! There is hope for change. Spring is here and all who put their trust in Christ will experience a new beginning! Jesus said, “because I live you also shall live.” (John 14:19).

This world is caught in the cold darkness of confusion and trouble. But because Jesus Christ arose from the dead, the Bible says “Therefore He is able to completely save those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25)

So, dear friend, no matter the season you find yourself in, your life can be changed from winter to spring, through the living power of the resurrected Christ! This Easter can be a new beginning for you if you’ll join the millions of Christians who will be celebrating what Easter is truly all about. Let the Easter message come alive for you, as Death gives way to life!

Happy Easter.

Rev. Gueary Clendenning is the retired pastor of the Valparaiso Assembly of God.

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April 14, 2022
Keeping Military Families Together During Times of Medical Need

By Michelle Ruschman

Publisher’s Note: Our area is blessed with several military installations, serving thousands of military personnel and possessing a significant deployment commitment. Consequently, our family and friends in the military are continuously placed in harm’s way. Fortunately, we have Fisher House, which provides a home away from home with no fee, where our military and their families from throughout the U.S. receive caring, unconditional support.
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast is a tangible “thank you” for those who have served in the military. Located on Eglin Air Force Base, across the street from the hospital and VA Clinic, this nearly 11,000 square foot five-star facility includes 12 private suites, a large common kitchen and areas where guests can rest and renew. Any time a military member or family member is being treated at any local medical facility, they are eligible to use the Fisher House.

The idea of Fisher House first started in the 1970s when Pauline Trost, the wife of Admiral Trost, saw an injured combat veteran return home and wondered where the family would stay during this time of crisis. She knew high-priced hotels would only add a financial burden to an already difficult time. This thought never left her and it led to a critical partnership. Pauline brought the need for housing to her husband, and he reached out to Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher who were builders, philanthropists and patriots. They caught the vision immediately and went to work. Since then, the Fishers have donated more than $20 million in the building of homes that receive families of hospitalized military personnel, free of charge. Today, the number of homes has grown to 92 throughout the U.S. Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, our area’s own, was built in 2010 and was number 48.

In 2019, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast hosted more than 1,100 guests and provided 2,900 bed nights, saving military families over $290,000 in lodging.

It is the goal of Mia Hughes, our local Fisher House’s Executive Director, for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast to be a home away from home when our military members need it the most. “If it’s the birth of a baby and grandma doesn’t live here but wants to come, she can stay at Fisher House. We’ve also had babies that were delivered, but mom got ill and couldn’t be around the baby,” Mia says. “They’ve stayed at our house so they could be close. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve also had guests who were dealing with end-of-life situations and were in their last stages. During the pandemic, however, because it’s a military installation, they restricted some of the access. Life-ending scenarios were given higher priority.”

“Many of our guests will only stay a few days, but our record is 13 months,” Mia continued. “One family had a member going through oncology treatments and they were able to stay here. Before that, a guest of 11 months was blinded during the battle in Afghanistan, and he used our home for therapy. Fisher House was built to help lighten their load.”

Fisher House of the Emerald Coast serves every branch of the military from Pensacola to Panama City. So, guests will not be more than an hour from the therapies and services they require.

Fundraising efforts are continual; monies raised provide much needed funding to the house to support the operation and the maintenance of the home, and to provide the families with any necessary items needed during their stay. Are you interested in partnering with Fisher House? Mark your calendar to attend the Fisher House gala on October 27th with guest speaker Joey Jones, Fox News Contributor and former marine who lost both his legs in combat.

There are additional unique ways you can help as well. “We’ve had corporate teams come for one week in the spring and fall to help clean the house,” says Mia. “They do it for team building and we’re always so grateful for the extra help. It’s their way of giving back.”

“We also have a young guy who lives in Birmingham, and his mom, who was a volunteer, passed away in 2016. On the anniversary of her passing, he comes to the Fisher House and makes her recipe for Cornish Hens for those there at the time. It’s his memorial tribute to his mom and he does it every year he can,” she says.

Fisher House accepts meal donations, enough for eight to 12 people, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Because Covid protocols are still in place, the food needs to come from local restaurants. Although the fridge is always fully stocked, these needed donations bridge the gap. If guests have specific dietary needs or desires, the staff does their best to accommodate them as well to make the stay easier. As Mia says, “We love making people happy and want this to feel like home.”

If you’d like to learn more, go to fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org or you can reach Mia Hughes directly at Director@fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org or 850-259-4956.

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March 13, 2022
Free Federal Income Tax Preparation Available in South Walton County

Free Federal income tax preparation is being offered in South Walton County for low to middle-income families and individuals, with special attention to senior citizens. Tax Preparation service will be available from Feb. 15 to April 14, 2022 at the Walton County Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach.

Taxpayers must make appointments on-line at tinyurl.com/44kf76rx or by calling (850) 404-9125.

The site will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Tax Aide is also offered in DeFuniak Springs at the Life Enrichment Center, (850) 892-8746, Thursday, 10 pm to 1 pm by appointment only.

This service is sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS. There are no age restrictions, AARP membership is not required, and the service is absolutely free. Taxpayers must bring their 2020 tax return, Social Security cards for taxpayer(s) and all dependents, picture IDs, and all tax documents received, including information on stimulus payments and advance child tax credit received. Bring checking or savings account information if direct deposit of refunds or direct debit of amounts due is desired. If applicable, bring Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for each individual. Taxpayers who wish to itemize deductions must bring appropriate information. Note that complicated tax returns involving rental properties, inventories, depreciation, etc. cannot be prepared.

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March 13, 2022
Sixteen Musical Candles, And Sinfonia Gulf Coast is Just Getting Started

By Beth Clavier

What’s in a name?
Well, in Latin, “Sinfonia” means a group of musicians, which local founder, Artistic and Music Director Demetrius Fuller says is how Sinfonia Gulf Coast got its clever moniker. “I wanted Sinfonia to represent any group of musicians, not just a full orchestra, so we can remain versatile in what we present.”

Our locals love a local story.
Demetrius grew up in the area and attended Fort Walton Beach High School, where the strong history of music programs and his very supportive parents inspired him at a young age to make music his career. He went on to study at the University of Cincinnati’s prestigious College Conservatory of Music, where he received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and then went on to post graduate work in Geneva, Switzerland with additional training in Italy, France and Estonia. From 2005-2007, he was visiting professor and guest conductor at the Festival of Music in Poços de Caldas, Brazil, and was selected to conduct the Unity Academy Orchestra in Erbil, Northern Iraq.

He could’ve settled anywhere with this extensive background. But Demetrius had a passion to bring the musical arts back to his hometown and our local region and knew he could do it in a way that nobody else had done before. “I wanted to create Sinfonia so that our community would have its own professional, stand-alone organization dedicated to all genres of music and could provide access to music education for the region’s school districts,” said Demetrius.

From Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s inception in 2005, the organization has provided countless unforgettable concerts that Northwest Floridians may have otherwise never had the opportunity to attend. Among several industry A-listers that have performed with Sinfonia, some very recognizable names include Vanessa Williams, Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Morrison, Patti LuPone, Roberta Flack, Mary Wilson and Jane Lynch. With Demetrius’ go-big or go-home mentality, it’s no surprise that he chose to bring the talented Bernadette Peters into town for Sinfonia’s first major event back in 2006. That was the hook; that’s what turned heads and accelerated Sinfonia’s reputation as a fully professional orchestra and entertainment organization in our area.

Making a mark has never been an issue for Demetrius as he lives and breathes his craft. His drive to foster a love of music in the next generation is why Sinfonia took over the management of the region’s only youth orchestra in 2013, when then director Liz Aylor determined it needed a larger support base. Since then, the youth orchestra program, along with its many branches, has grown exponentially. Now under the direction of Conductor Aaron King Vaughn, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra is thriving with opportunities to perform alongside professional musicians regularly. Just this year, a first of its kind after-school violin program was born by Aaron at Destin Elementary school. It has been a success, which has fueled his goal to expand into more schools across the districts. “The excitement and pride I see in my student’s faces is priceless to me, because in many cases, this will be the only time they will ever be exposed to music in this way and it will forever leave a lasting impression whether they choose to continue their music education or not”, said Aaron.

This year is Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 16th season, and with the limitless opportunity to reach new students and patrons alike, it’s fair to say that Sinfonia is still in the prelude of the organization’s history. If there is one thing Northwest Floridians are adept at, it’s embodying the local vibe and fervently supporting local businesses. Music is a universal language, so come and immerse yourself in one of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s offerings this season. Your support is instrumental to its success!

Beth Clavier is the director of events and patron services for Sinfonia Gulf Coast. To find out more or to get involved, visit www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, email info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call 850.460.8800.

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February 19, 2022