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  • Special Event to Help Finance Facility for Adults with Autism

    Special Event to Help Finance Facility for Adults with Autism

    By Kenneth Books

    The Ground Up Project, an organization designed to find homes for adults who have autism, plans a unique event next month to raise funds to further that goal. And it promises to be a “wacky” and “crazy” time.

    “This is our inaugural marquee event,” said spokesperson Lisa Pitell. “We’re throwing a ball and we’ll judge the wackiest, craziest outfit to christen the wacky, tacky king and queen.”

    The Ground Up Project has operated for a little more than two years. Its founders describe it as a “think tank” project.

    “What about when the kids with autism are adults?” asked project board member Kendra Brownlee. She said Project members examined facilities for grownups with autism and “what we saw, we didn’t like. There was nothing to hope for.”

    According to thegroundupproject.org, only 7% of adults with autism have access to living outside their family home, 48 percent of them report feeling lonely and no living situations are available in our area for individuals with special needs to live independent, fulfilled and happy lives.

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

    People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

    Common signs of autism in adults include finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, getting very anxious about social situations, finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on one’s own, seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to, finding it hard express feelings, taking things very literally – for example, not understanding sarcasm or phrases like “break a leg” and having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes.

    “Even when a child accomplishes something he didn’t do in the past, it opens up new challenges,” Project board member Eric Hambright told Life Media in 2023. If Ground Up Project is successful in creating this facility, he said, “there will be plenty of demand.”

    The group’s concept includes not only a standard facility with plenty of amenities and first-class care, but a community of group homes and apartments, each suited to individual residents’ needs and desires. According to the group’s presentation to the commissioners, the facility will have a support staff onsite 24/7, along with security measures on multiple levels. Each residence will be centered around an activities center, furthering residents’ bonds with the community, sense of belonging and providing the opportunity to be socially active.

    “To my knowledge, between Pensacola and Panama City, there’s nothing like we’re contemplating,” says Lisa Pitell. “We’re trying to establish a real community.”

    “The goal is to establish a facility that will enable adults to live a little more freely,” says Project board member Kendra Brownlee.

    “We want to ensure people like us don’t have to worry about people not doing what we planned to do,” Hambright says.

    The gala event is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. Ground Up hopes to see 150 individuals attending. Tickets for the event, which has been in the planning stages for about six months, Pitell said, are $150 per person. All proceeds will go toward a residential facility for adults with autism.

    A disc jockey will be on hand, as will a photo booth, entertainment and a silent auction. Also provided will be heavy hors d’oeuvres.

    “We’re hoping to sell out,” said Pitell. “This is our first year, so we don’t have any kind of expectations.”

    The organizers hope to see outfits that are “the most outrageous or the silliest that we’ve ever seen,” Pitell said. “Of course, it’s not required that people dress up, but the goal is to get as many people participating as possible. Dress can be casual or formal. People can come with whatever level of dress they want.”

    Some VIP judges have already been set: The event’s platinum sponsor, Life Media and another event sponsor.

    For more information on the Ground Up Project, visit TheGroundUpProject.org.

    Views: 6

  • Healing in Harmony: Acupuncture’s Role in Modern Medicine

    Healing in Harmony: Acupuncture’s Role in Modern Medicine

    Tortoise Clinic Dr Karen DevoreBy Dr. Karen Devore

    In the story of the tortoise and the hare, there’s a lesson we often overlook—the power of steady, patient progress over quick, short-lived victories. True wellness, much like the journey of the tortoise, is about a measured approach. Acupuncture, which has been practiced for thousands of years, aligns with this principle, offering a way to support the body’s natural healing processes through slow, purposeful adjustments. It’s a reminder that lasting health isn’t achieved overnight, but cultivated over time.

    Acupuncture, in its traditional form, works by targeting specific energy pathways, or meridians, within the body. These meridians are thought to carry “chi,” or vital energy, and when they become blocked or disrupted, physical symptoms often arise. The careful placement of needles along these pathways reestablishes flow, reducing inflammation and pain, and promoting harmony within the body. In this way, acupuncture doesn’t just address surface symptoms but fosters an inner balance that can profoundly support the body’s resilience and overall health.

    Tortoise Clinic AcupunctureWhile traditional acupuncture is widely known, the field has evolved to include specialized techniques like Neuro-Acupuncture. Neuro-Acupuncture focuses on conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as stroke recovery, nerve pain, and various neurological disorders and diseases. By blending traditional acupuncture methods with insights from neurology, Neuro-Acupuncture can help restore functionality in ways that complement conventional treatments. Having studied this technique extensively across the globe and in some of China’s most prestigious hospitals, Dr. Lisa Forsythe, Tortoise Clinic’s Acupuncture Physician, witnessed its transformative potential. This type of acupuncture integrates Eastern philosophy with Western medical understanding, offering patients an evidence-based approach to address complex neurological challenges.

    Today, acupuncture is recognized as a valuable therapeutic modality across some of the world’s top institutions, including Johns Hopkins and Sloan Kettering, where it’s used alongside conventional treatment protocols. Studies have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness, particularly for pain management, stress reduction, and immune support. For patients dealing with chronic conditions or those recovering from illness or injury, acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive way to aid in the body’s recovery process and enhance the effects of traditional medical treatments.

    At the Tortoise Clinic, we take a holistic approach, recognizing that true health lies in addressing the root causes of imbalance. Alongside acupuncture, we offer an extensive dispensary with customized Chinese medicine herbal formulas and medical grade supplements to further support the body’s natural defenses. These herbal therapies work in tandem with acupuncture, nourishing the body from within and offering additional support to systems under stress.

    Acupuncture isn’t a quick fix; it’s a commitment to a path of healing. Each session builds on the previous one, gradually promoting equilibrium and resilience in the body. Like the tortoise’s journey, acupuncture’s effects unfold gradually, each treatment moving us closer to a balanced, sustainable state of well-being.

    I invite those who are curious to explore this path and learn more about what acupuncture has to offer. In a world often focused on fast solutions, acupuncture offers an opportunity to step back and engage with our health in a meaningful, enduring way—one that prioritizes the journey as much as the destination.

    Views: 2

  • Sean of the South: Waffle House

    Sean of the South: Waffle House

    sean dietrich w dogBy Sean Dietrich

    The Third Day of Christmas. My three French hens must have gotten lost in the mail. The weather was a stolid 34 degrees. The water in the dog bowls was stone. The sun was out.

    Waffle House was warm and inviting. The parking lot was mostly empty except for a few muddy trucks. My wife and I had an 11-year-old with us. She is blind. This is her first time attending a Waffle House.

    “Have a seat wherever,” said the server.

    We found a table in the corner. A booth. Red vinyl. Faux wood table. Laminated menus. Napkin dispenser.

    Going to Waffle House is one of my most cherished habits. I go a few times every week. Sometimes more often, if I’m on the road. I give the Waffle House corporation half my annual income. And I do it gladly.

    Sean Dietrich Waffle HouseBut going to a Waffle House with a blind child is another matter entirely. The whole ordeal is different. For starters, the multisensory experience begins with the nose.

    “That smell,” the child said, as we walked into the door.

    She used her white cane to trace the perimeter of the aisle, navigating between booth and bar and jukebox.

    “What is that smell?” she said. Nose to the ceiling.

    “It’s bacon,” said my wife.

    When you walk into a Waffle House, it’s the smell that gets you first. The smell of cured pork and frying tuber vegetables. It hits you in the back of the throat. If you’re lucky, the scent works its way into the fibers of your clothes. And it stays with you all day.

    The child was smiling. “This place smells delicious.”

    “Welcome to Waffle House,” said the server.

    We told the waitress it was the kid’s first time visiting.

    The employees made a big deal about it. You would have thought Young Harry and Meghan Markle were entering the premises.

    We sat. We talked. The waitress gave the kid a complimentary paper hat.

    I’ve known people who worked at Waffle House. The industry term for this hat is the Confidence Killer. But it looked good on the girl.

    The waitress gave me a paper hat too. She put it on my head. I looked like an unhappy mess-hall sergeant.

    The child is thrilled to be here and she doesn’t care who knows. She is dancing in her seat. Bouncing in rhythm to the jukebox music. Which is Taylor Swift.

    “Are you having a good day” says our waitress.

    “Yes, we are!!” says the kid, using not one but two exclamation points.

    She ordered eggs, scrambled. Bacon, crispy. White toast, buttered within an inch of its grain. Strawberry jam. An Irish pint of chocolate milk. A giant waffle—blueberry.

    The waitress drew a whipped-cream smiley face on the waffle. Nobody asked her to do that.

    When the meal was finished, the waitresses asked, “Has it been a good first visit to Waffle House?”

    But the kid can’t answer. Her mouth is still full.

    So the waitresses offered to pose for a picture with us, to commemorate the monumental occasion. One that will not soon be forgotten.

    We all pose. The photographer holds the camera and tells us all to smile. “Say cheese,” says the photographer.

    “No,” says one waitress, kissing the blind girl’s head. “Don’t say cheese. On the count of three, let’s everyone say, ‘Love!’”

    Whereupon every customer joined in unison, counting down with the photographer. We all counted.

    “ONE…! TWO…!”

    Love.

    Views: 2

  • Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

    Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

    By Chris Balzer

    The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be a time of increased energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your energy usage and costs in check. This article provides practical tips for saving energy during the holidays, allowing you to celebrate sustainably and responsibly.

    Holiday Est 1

    Lighting Up the Season Efficiently

    • Embrace LED Lights: Traditional incandescent lights consume significantly more energy than LED lights. Switching to LED lights for your holiday decorations can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. LED lights also last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
    • Light Timers and Smart Plugs: Utilize light timers or smart plugs to control when your holiday lights turn on and off. This prevents unnecessary energy usage when you’re away or asleep.
    • Candlelight and Natural Light: Consider using candles for a warm and festive ambiance, and take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible. Open curtains and blinds during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

    Cooking and Entertaining with Energy Efficiency

    • Optimize Oven Usage: When cooking multiple dishes, plan to cook them simultaneously to maximize oven efficiency. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this allows heat to escape and increases cooking time.
    • Utilize Smaller Appliances: Consider using smaller appliances like slow cookers, microwaves, and toaster ovens for smaller meals or side dishes. These appliances typically use less energy than a full-sized oven.
    • Cooktop Efficiency: When using the cooktop, match the size of the pot or pan to the burner to prevent heat loss. Keep lids on pots and pans to retain heat and reduce cooking time.
    • Energy-Efficient Appliances: If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings. These appliances may have a higher upfront cost, but they will save you money on energy bills in the long run.

    Heating and Cooling Wisely

    • Lower the Thermostat: Consider lowering the thermostat by a few degrees when you have guests over. The additional body heat from people in your home can help keep the space warm.
    • Seal Air Leaks: Check for air leaks around windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. This prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering, reducing the need for excessive heating.
    • Zone Heating: If you have a programmable thermostat, consider using zone heating to heat only the areas of your home that are being used. This can significantly reduce energy consumption.
    • Smart Thermostats: Consider investing in a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature remotely and program temperature settings based on your schedule. This can help you avoid heating or cooling an empty home.

    Additional Energy-Saving Tips

    • Unplug Electronics: Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use, as they can continue to draw power even when turned off. Consider using a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
    • Energy-Saving Mode: Utilize the energy-saving mode on your electronics and appliances whenever possible. This mode can reduce energy consumption without significantly impacting performance.
    • Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water can significantly reduce energy consumption. Most modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water.
    • Air Dry Dishes: If possible, air dry dishes instead of using the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher. This can save energy and reduce wear and tear on your dishes.
    • Gift-Giving: Consider giving experiences or homemade gifts instead of material possessions. This reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping gifts.
    • Holiday Travel: If you’re traveling for the holidays, consider carpooling, taking public transportation, or choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint.

    By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can enjoy a festive and sustainable holiday season. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment. By celebrating responsibly, you can ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

    Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions (ECES) a Smile Provider Company.  We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills.  For more information on how to save and become more energy efficient, schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

    Views: 5

  • The Harmony of Learning and Celebration: Student Music Recitals During the Holiday Season

    The Harmony of Learning and Celebration: Student Music Recitals During the Holiday Season

    Studio 237 Music is excited to invite the community (free of charge) to attend our Winter Student Recital on Saturday, December 14 at Seagrove Baptist Church Sanctuary, 4915 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.  Our recitals last about an hour, with a variety of holiday, contemporary, and classic songs.

    Harper At Piano On Stage Touched Up

    The holiday season is synonymous with joy, togetherness, and traditions that warm the heart. Among the festive lights and spirited gatherings, one tradition often stands out: the student music recital. These performances, a blend of hard work, creativity, and holiday cheer, provide an opportunity for budding musicians to shine while spreading seasonal joy.

    A Showcase of Growth and Talent

    A recital is more than just a performance; it is a milestone. After months of practice, they step onto the stage to showcase their progress. The holiday season adds an extra layer of excitement, with students performing festive classics like Jingle Bells, Silent Night, or even more challenging pieces like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

    Recitals provide a platform for students of all ages and skill levels to gain confidence, share their passion for music, and experience the magic of live performance. From the first notes of a young beginner to the advanced student, the event is a testament to the transformative power of music education.

    Building Community Through Music

    Holiday music recitals are not just about individual achievement—they are about community. Parents, teachers, friends, and family gather to celebrate the performers, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth. In many cases, these events become community-wide celebrations, fostering connections through shared appreciation for the arts. Familiar melodies bring memories of past holidays, evoking a sense of nostalgia and unity.

    Adding a Personal Touch to the Holidays

    Holiday recitals often take on a festive flair, with venues decorated in seasonal themes and performers wearing holiday attire. The repertoire can range from traditional carols to jazzed-up arrangements of popular songs, offering something for everyone.

    The Role of Teachers and Studios

    Behind every successful recital is a dedicated teacher or music studio. These professionals put in countless hours organizing the event, selecting appropriate pieces, and preparing students for their moment in the spotlight. Studios like Studio 237 Music exemplify this commitment by creating a nurturing environment that allows students to thrive musically while celebrating the holiday spirit.

    Teachers also use recitals as an opportunity to impart life skills. Students learn discipline, perseverance, and the value of presenting their work to others. These lessons resonate far beyond the stage, influencing their personal and academic lives.

    A Lasting Memory

    For many, the holiday recital becomes a cherished memory. Performers remember the applause, the glow of the stage lights, and the pride they felt in their accomplishment. Audience members leave with hearts warmed by the holiday spirit and a renewed appreciation for the talent and effort displayed.

    Student music recitals are more than just performances; they are celebrations of growth, community, and the enduring magic of music. As students take the stage, their notes are a reminder of the beauty of sharing, the power of tradition, and the joy of being together. Whether you’re a performer or an audience member, attending a holiday recital is sure to make your season brighter.

    Since 2011, Studio 237 Music Lessons is located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.  Our teachers are ready to teach: Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Drums, Songwriting and more.  For more info: give us a call at (850) 231-3199, or email Studio237Music@gmail.com,  see our teachers/studio at: www.Studio237Music.com.

    Views: 2

  • South Walton Live Music Scene

    South Walton Live Music Scene

    Sinfonia Grinch

    Still Standing A Tribute to Elton John LIVE @ Old Florida Fish House Dec. 14

    Still Standing carries on the legacy and amazing music of the iconic Sir Elton John.  Close your eyes and you will swear you are listening to Elton in person, as the amazing Ben Frey looks, sounds and performs his incredible music catalog to perfection! Show starts at 7 p.m. The Dinner Package is $69 which includes dinner starting at 5 p.m. View the dinner menu and purchase tickets at www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.

    Sinfonia The Grinch in Concert Dec. 14

    Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents The Grinch in Concert at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. To view seating options and purchase tickets, visit sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

    Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season. Bring the entire family to remember exactly why Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become an enduring classic celebration of the holiday spirit. Sinfonia Gulf Coast will perform James Horner’s beloved film score from Ron Howard’s award-winning film live as movie magic unfolds on the screen. Don’t miss this beloved tale of the Whos, the Grinch, and his furry sidekick, Max as they rediscover the true meaning of the season. This family friendly film in concert is bound to grow your heart three whole sizes, just like the Grinch.

    A Very Grayt Christmas with Will Thompson Band at Grayton Beer Company Dec. 21

    Get ready for A Very Grayt Christmas Celebration at Grayton Beer Company Taproom from 6-9 p.m. The holiday event features food trucks, drink specials, ugly sweater contest, cookies and cocoa table, raffle and the Will Thompson Band playing your favorite tunes to get you out on the dance floor! Purchase tickets: https://www.willthompsonmusic.com/event-details/a-very-grayt-christmas.

    Old Florida Fish House Weekdays

    For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.

    FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch 

    Enjoy live music on Fridays and for Sunday Brunch at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com.

    AJ’s Grayton Brunch, Live Music & Sunday Funday

    AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Come for brunch, stay for the music and dancing. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m., AJ’s brunch is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Enjoy live music with Will & Linda 12-4 p.m. and Pickled Pickers on the Main Stage at 5 p.m. Check ajsgrayton.com for other live music throughout the week.

    Shunk Gulley

    Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or upbeat party songs, the talented musicians know the vibe of the area. Visit www.shunkgulley.com.

    The Bay

    Come out to The Bay with family and friends every Wednesday night starting at 5 p.m. for dinner, cold drinks and a bonfire with various musicians on the beach of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a midweek tradition in South Walton. Sunday Pickin’ @ The Bay features The Sand Ole’ Opry with Mike Whitty & Friends on stage from 4-8 p.m. Mike brings in new musicians to play every week.

    Wednesday nights:

    Dec. 11: Jared Herzog

    Dec. 18: Lips Manly & the Manly Men

    Sounds of Seaside Concert Series

    Enjoy an evening of live music in the Seaside Amphitheater on Wednesdays. Sounds of SEASIDE features musicians ready to entertain the whole family. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages. Visit seasidefl.com for more details.

    Dec. 11: Boukou Groove

    Dec. 18: Fred Domulot

    Views: 3

  • Americana Concerts Return to Camp Helen with a Music Festival Finale

    Americana Concerts Return to Camp Helen with a Music Festival Finale

    Camp Helen

    Listen for Americana music floating along the shores of Lake Powell as it mingles with the salty evening breeze at Camp Helen State Park this winter. Americana Concerts in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park are back and better than ever on Saturdays from January 11 to March 1 at 6 p.m.

    Tickets are now available for purchase for a suggested donation of $15 directly on the Friends of  Camp Helen website (www.friendsofcamphelen.org).  The ticket price includes park admission, food, and beverages.  There will be limited seats available for each show. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30.

    Little Mercies, a young trio of talented Tallahassee musicians who trade instruments around like passing a plate of biscuits to a table full of hungry children, kick off the season on January 11.

    Nikki Talley, along with exquisite guitar and harmonies by hubby Jason Sharp, offers a sweet trip down the Appalachian trail with a little Florida seafaring thrown in for texture. They will perform on January 25.

    Americana 2

    On February 8, Ben Gage takes the stage. Although he comes from the rust belt of Ohio, he is anything but rusty.

    Crowd favorites, Mike and Maggie Mckinney are back on February 22. Lucky Mud SwampyTonk…. Folkabilly, harmony and discord, dark and light from a Florida and beyond perspective.

    The last Saturday show March 1 features Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald, quintessential folk musicians with the rarest quality of combined stellar songwriting, beautiful musicianship and unreal vocals and harmonies.

    For the first time ever, the grand finale of the series will be the Roots and Wings XII Festival  Sunday, March 2, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.  Roots and Wings XII is a one day music festival that includes morning workshops and afternoon concerts by some of the finest touring Americana singer/songwriters in the country today. The festival begins at 10 am with one hour morning workshops, free with the purchase of a ticket, in guitar/mandolin/fiddle (choose your specific instrument) (workshop I) followed by vocal/harmony (workshop II) and ends with songwriting (workshop III). These workshops follow each other so that everyone can attend all three. They are totally immersive and interactive,  everyone gets involved. It’s a sharing experience when we believe everyone, at any level, has something to add.  Tickets are $50 and include parking, lunch, concerts, and workshops. Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, November 29.

    Americana 1

    Scholarships will be offered to younger musicians. Concerts begin after our lunch break (1 to  1:45 p.m.), also included with the purchase of a ticket, at 2 p.m. with local favorite duo Lucky Mud,  purveyors of SwampyTonk & Folkabilly, Florida style, followed by David Singley, jazz-influenced guitarist, former touring backing guitar player and former Minnesota professor with poetic lyrics and soulful melodies turned solo singer/songwriter. The duo Paul Kamm & Eleanore  MacDonald from Northern California are the quintessential folk singer/songwriters who are the complete package of vocal/harmony beautiful songs with meaningful, heartfelt messages for today and always. Our final performer, Wyatt Espalin hails from the heart of Appalachia,  Hiawassee, Georgia. He brings big beautiful vocals, multi-instrumental talents, and powerful songwriting.

    Views: 1

  • Bringing Home the Bacon: Gatherings With Jennifer Provides Fresh Catering Options for the Emerald Coast

    Bringing Home the Bacon: Gatherings With Jennifer Provides Fresh Catering Options for the Emerald Coast

    Jennifer

    Jennifer Hall is a single fur baby mom who loves to cook and entertain. She traveled all over the United States before finally deciding Panama City Beach was the place to be, relocating to the area in 2014.

    Jennifer has always loved to cook, teaching herself when she was young. Eventually, this love of cooking grew from a passion to a business. When she first moved to Florida, Hall opened up The Shack  Pub and Grub, a food truck concept.  She would go set up at bars that didn’t serve food and host a Steak Night or Whole Hog Roast that eventually evolved into Mystery Murder Dinner Shows. These proved to be a big hit. Jennifer took this concept to breweries, bars, restaurants and other local hot spots like Captain Anderson’s Event Center. Then Hurricane Michael hit and business slowed to a stop. Jennifer thought outside the box and decided to start making dessert bacon, bacon caramelized in brown sugar and spices, and package it in decorative holiday tins which she sold to restaurants and bars for the holidays. This effort expanded into smoked holiday hams, which are smoked over twenty-four hours and topped with a bourbon brown sugar glaze.

    Eventually, through word of mouth, Jennifer came to be known as the ham lady or the bacon lady. So in 2019, she did the next logical thing: she founded Gatherings by Jennifer.  “Everyone loved my cooking, and I have hosted big events of 250 people or more, as well as small, romantic home-cooked meals for two,” she says.  “I’ve taught myself to cook pretty much anything, and it has helped me venture out into different venues.”

    Though her specialty foods are equally popular at weddings and corporate functions, she also hosts holiday parties that are mystery-themed.  Think Bad Santa or Ugly Sweater Office party with an assortment of great food and a “whodunnit” to solve before evening’s end.

    In addition to Jennifer’s catering business, with the help of some great friends, she also started Emerald Coast Bonfires, and it’s been a huge hit. Emerald Coast Bonfires is equipped to handle all beach bonfire needs whether it’s a fun-filled family outing, a romantic night under the stars or a majestic beach wedding anywhere along the Emerald Coast.

    For more information find Jennifer at  Www.emeraldcoastbonfires.com and Www.gatheringbyjennifer.com.

    Views: 3

  • Road to Redemption: Holli Detweiler

    Road to Redemption: Holli Detweiler

    By Victoria Ostrosky

    Road To Redemption

    In June of 2004, Holli Detweiler checked into the hospital for an outpatient procedure.  Her anxiety level was high because her dad had died after being put under anesthetic for an outpatient procedure years before.  But she went ahead with her appointment because she needed to know if she had endometriosis, which could affect her ability to be a mother.

    While under anesthesia, there was a complication, and Holli’s heart stopped. The doctors worked diligently to stabilize her.  She was in the ICU in Pensacola for seven days in an induced coma, and her family waited to see if she would be ok.

    About four millennia ago, God miraculously brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, where they were more than spectators of God’s miracles. They had front row seats to Egypt’s progressive destruction delivered one plague at a time, while they remained safe in Goshen.  The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night was their protection and their guide as they journeyed to the Promised Land.  The Red Sea opened for their safe passage on dry ground.

    Spectators?  No.  They were participants.  But they were even more than that.  Those stiff-necked Hebrews were the reason God was acting in the first place.  His covenant with their forefathers and His steadfast love for them compelled His actions.

    In Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, He described the short-lived wildflowers and how their beauty surpasses even that of Solomon.  He spoke about the birds and God’s provision for them, and that He knows when even one falls to the ground.  The Father loves His creation and, especially, His redeemed ones.

    Holli Detweiler.photo

    Humans experience life in three dimensions, but we’re aware of more.  Einstein and others believe there are actually ten dimensions.  We know there’s the spiritual dimension that is active even though we can’t see it.  Constant warfare, as explained by the Apostle Paul, is being waged in the unseen realm.  As a counter-measure, he exhorts us to suit up and fight against the enemy of our souls.

    While Holli was in the induced coma, she recounts an NDE (near death experience).  “I remember a bright light overtaken by reds and blues and blacks.  Then the light would take over again.  I was temporarily out of my body, and I heard voices and saw images.  I believe the bright light showed me that God was there.”

    As she began to awaken from her coma, she told her mom that she was at peace with dying.  “I’m ready to go home.”  But God had other plans.  Holli found out later that a man had come to the hospital and had prayed over her while she was in the induced coma.

    After her release from the hospital, Holli underwent therapy to help get her strength back. “I was in dark places and couldn’t understand what had happened.”  To this day, she still struggles at times with PTSD and depression.

    Even as believers, we sometimes become filled with anxiety and fear.  Even crippling anxiety.  As believers we know God doesn’t want us living in defeat, so how do we fight back and overcome?  Getting in the Word, staying in the Word, and prayer.  The more we ingest the living Word, the more the Spirit speaks to our hearts.  The more the Spirit speaks, the more we desire to commune in prayer with our Heavenly Father. This is how we abide in Christ, just as Jesus encouraged us to do. In this scenario, spiritual growth isn’t optional.  It’s exponential.

    When Holli recounts her experience, she says “I learned a lot.  I was floored at the amount of people who prayed for me and supported me financially, and how they came together.”  She absolutely believes in miracles.

    And although she still struggles, God has blessed her with a loving husband and three children. “God’s not done with me yet and I work on hearing His voice.”  And when it comes to anxiety –  “Don’t stop praying and believing.  God might not answer how and when you want but He always has your back.”

    You can catch Holli Detweiler’s entire interview and listen to many other incredible stories on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.rtrdestiny.com.

    Views: 6

  • Just a Few More

    Just a Few More

    By Rev. Pete Hyde

    Chaplain Pete Headshot Crop2018

    Just a few more days until Christmas. Just a few more days to get in the spirit of the secular celebration.  Just a few more days to make those final travel plans.  Just a few more days.  It’s on the news.  It’s in all the commercials.  It’s in all the ads that clutter social media. One almost wants to scream, “Repent for the end is near! Please let the end be near!!”  Some of us want to scream, “Praise God, for the end of the season is near!”  I guess I need to get out my “Bah-Humbug” sign.

    Just a few more days to get in the spirit of Christmas, to get filled by the Spirit of Christ, to share the Spirit of Christmas, to be the Spirit of Christmas – now there’s a challenge for you.  Just a few more days to get past the syrupy Hallmark sentimentality of Christmas always ending up “happily ever after.”  Just a few more days to get past the presents under the tree and find the Nativity scene and be reminded of why we celebrate.  Just a few more days to get over the stress of Christmas dinner and remember the last dinner shared by Jesus and the disciples on his last night on earth before he gave his life for you and me.

    Just a few more days to grasp the reality of Christmas.  This little, sweet baby, who carols claimed didn’t even cry, lying in a manger with mom and dad, shepherds, cows, donkeys, horses, sheep and wise men all gathered around would change the world for eternity in his short life here on earth.  His earthly ministry would only span three years during which he would challenge the status quo, the hierarchy of the church, the government and even a building.  He had no church board or denomination or TV or radio show or Monday morning devotional.

    He would have a message, a mission and a group of dedicated followers who were willing to carry the mission and message even after he had left them.  He would have a singular vision, mission and goal – to save the world for the sake of God’s kingdom.  He would touch lives, hearts and souls as he journeyed through his short life that the “authorities” would end for their own purposes.

    Just a few more days to realize He was and is so much more than a baby lying in a manger.  He was and is the Son of God.  He came as the Light of the World.  He came that we might have life and have it abundantly.  He came to save us from our sins and bring us into a relationship with God His Father.  He came to gather dedicated followers who spread His message to the world in which we live.  He came to be in ministry and mission as an example of what our mission and ministry should be.  He was from the “beginning.”

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1: 1-5).

    Just a few more days and we celebrate the coming of the Savior, the coming of the Promised One, the coming of a new age, the coming of a new way of “doing church”, a new opportunity to commit our lives to God and dedicated followers.  Are you ready?  Just a few more days!

    Rev. Pete Hyde serves as chaplain with the South Walton Fire District

    Views: 1

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