Arts in Medicine at Sacred Heart Presents “Capturing the Moment”: An Exhibition of Plein Air Paintings by Emerald Coast Artists
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s Arts in Medicine Program presents “Capturing the Moment”, an exhibition of 30 original pieces in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and ink wash. Artwork is currently on display in the second floor atrium and will remain through August 31, 2016. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, the exhibit features works by sixteen artists including
Dog-Harmony, Inc. (a local not-for-profit dog education and rescue), has been providing services to the residents of Okaloosa and Walton County since 2014. Without a designated home of their own, this passionate group of volunteers has been borrowing space from a small doggy daycare center. As the programs offered have expanded, the space has become tight. In order to continue to meet the needs of the community, Dog-Harmony, Inc. has begun searching for a new home and is asking the public for monetary donations.
The volunteers of Dog-Harmony are problem-solving dog lovers who want to make a difference. The goal is to build healthy relationships between humans and dogs, improve the lives of both, and reduce the number of dogs that are placed in animal shelters.
The key to creating these lifelong relationships is providing personalized and ongoing education, support, and training for people and dogs, regardless of age. What makes Dog-Harmony different is the focus on training and support before, during, and after one adopts a dog. This ensures that dogs and family members have the tools they need to build a successful life together. Adopting a dog is not the end of the relationship – it is just the beginning.
Early training in pet care and communication is important for our children to develop safe and happy interactions with animals. Dog-Harmony has a successful bite-prevention workshop program that its volunteers take into the community to teach children the basics. This program is so important that Dog-Harmony offers it free of charge. More recently, this program was presented to the children of Butler elementary school. The organization hopes to be able to take the program to every school in Bay, Walton and Okaloosa counties next year.
While teaching our community the requirements for proper pet care is critical, unfortunately many well-meaning dog owners in this area simply don’t have the funds for some of the important basics. To help fill this need, Dog-Harmony has a program that donates one neuter monthly free of charge. Recently the organization has also rolled out a monthly microchipping program that allows members of our community to microchip their pets for free, only paying the reduced registration fee.
If you would like to make a donation or for more information about Dog-Harmony, Inc. visit dog-harmony.org. Reach out or email questions to dog-harmony@hotmail.com.
The Arc of Walton County: Strong Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities Is Reaching for the Stars
The Arc of Walton County
As she enters the room, you can’t help but recognize the passion and energy she exudes. You’d never guess it is often months before she’ll allow herself a day off. She loves her work, sees the opportunities available for her clients, and she is working hard to chase down each one.
Kim Lonas is the Executive Director of The Arc of Walton County, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She wears a number of hats, as do so many who work in the non-profit world. She is the grant writer, grant administrator, operations manager, building superintendent, legislative advocate, transportation coordinator, and more.
Despite the financial obstacles that continuously challenge the organization, Lonas’ vision for the organization sees beyond all of those hurdles to the possibilities. She and her incredible group of dedicated team members, just need some community support to get there.
Over the next five years, she is looking to secure reliable transportation, get a bakery off the ground, and start building a new residential group home.
“The needs are so great, but as we’re able to meet each need it is going to be a tremendous benefit to our clients with disabilities and their families,” says Lonas.
One of the greatest day-to-day needs facing the organization is reliable transportation to take clients back and forth to day training, job interviews, jobs, and doctor appointments.
“Each day we have to assess our transportation needs to see which vehicle we think can get us to our destination without breaking down,” says Lonas. “Lift vehicles are essential for us to be able to transport clients. We have two, but they are so old we rarely have them both operating at the same time. Because of their age it is hard to find parts and repair work is very expensive.”
The Arc of Walton County
While this is a daily challenge she knows the work she is doing brings value to the individuals she serves.
“To see the joy, the new skills learned, and the goals reached, is worth all of the challenges we face,” says Lonas.
She has two very big endeavors on the horizon in the coming months. One is to raise $100,000 by mid-December. The funds are needed for the underwriting expense of an approximately $375,000 grant from the Florida Housing Corporation to build a new residential group home. The other is to open a bakery to allow for job training, employment and social skill development for her clients.
“I’ve had the opportunity to train in three bakeries in Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland. The bakeries employ individuals with disabilities. I have talked to several local restaurants that are willing to give us a shot and purchase bread from us when we’re up and running,” says Lonas. “I have the business plan. We just need to find an adequate space to rent in DeFuniak Springs at a reasonable price and we have to raise the dollars to purchase the equipment. It is going to be an incredible opportunity for our clients.”
Lonas estimates the cost to get the bakery up and running will be between $175,000 and $200,000.
She has already seen how employing individuals with disabilities makes such a difference in their lives.
“We currently operate a wholesale and retail nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Arc Gardens,” says Lonas. “Our clients grow the plants, build planters, manage the nursery, and market it. They do a great job and the interaction they’ve had with the community has been wonderful. We hope to be able to become a source of plants for local builders. We’re happy to grow specific plants they need.”
While much of Lonas’ programs take place in DeFuniak Springs, she recognizes the need for programs in South Walton.
The Arc of Walton County
“I met with approximately 23 families in South Walton a few months ago. We need to get some day training programs on the south end of the county,” says Lonas. “We just need to find some space that can accommodate a couple of training rooms at an affordable cost. I want to help all our Walton County individuals with disabilities, we just need some more resources to meet the need.”
The Arc of Walton County welcomes visitors to stop by and learn more about their programs. The Arc Gardens, day training programs, and the administrative office are located in DeFuniak Springs on Highway 83. Their website is currently under construction but they can be reached on Facebook or call Kim at 850.892.5013.
On June 4th Dave Rauschkolb, along with other local activists, descended upon the beaches of South Walton to “take a stand in the sand.”This was in protest of beachfront property owners claiming exclusive rights to the dry sand portions of the beach by placing no trespassing signs and obstructing its use by the general public. The morning started out with a darkened sky punctuated with a cacophony of thunder and lightening, serving as a perfect metaphor of the battle over Walton County’s “Law of the Sand.” Rauschkolb and various supporters walked 14 miles that day from Camp Helen State Park to Grayton Beach State Park in defense of the public’s customary use of the beaches.
In Florida some beachfront property owners have private property rights to most of the dry sand portion of the beach. On the other hand, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled in The City of Daytona Beach v. Tona-Rama, Inc., that beach areas used openly and freely by the public for at least 20 years, (customary use), cannot be subsequently made off limits by private property owners.
This is where it seems clear that South Walton has a point. As Dave explained, “Up until a few years ago, anyone and everyone in South Walton enjoyed customary use of the beaches. We walked, played, and set up chairs on any area of the dry sand without being harassed. As more and more tourists arrived, this issue heated up, and some beachfront homeowners got frustrated with the activities happening behind their homes. The community beach walk held in June was a perfect and peaceful example of ‘customary use’. From what I am hearing, there are a lot of people who agree with me. The walk on the beach was merely a confirmation that all areas of the dry sand, both private and public property, should be available for use by any person.”
Rauschkolb went on to express his hope that Walton County Commissioners “stand firm” and “not be intimidated by potential beachfront homeowner litigation.”
The Walton County Commissioners seem to agree. In April the Walton County Commission hired land-use attorney David Theriaque to research beach-use data to determine whether Walton County can claim “customary use”. Theriaque estimates his work will be completed in early Fall. In June, the Commissioners voted to ban all signage on the beach – setting up a potential conflict with beachfront property owners. Notifications were sent by the TDC Code Enforcement Department to beachfront property owners informing them that as of July 15, 2016 “unlawful obstructions on the beach, including but not limited to: ropes, chains, signs or fences, are subject to citations. The civil penalty is up to $500.00 per violation.”
Rauschkolb says, “One of the main concerns is the lack of consistent and solid enforcement of the Beach Activities Ordinance. Both the sign ordinance and the issue of customary use will eventually be settled in the courts. But in the meantime people should feel empowered to use the beaches as they always have. For now, no person should have the right to stop anyone from accessing the dry sand. Do we really want to see a future in Walton County where legions of tax paying citizens and freely spending tourists will be marched up to the Sheriff’s substation and booked for ‘trespassing’ on the beach?”
“The last thing we need,” says Rauschkolb, “is for a protracted legal battle over the sand of Walton County’s beaches. It will damage our reputation as being a welcoming community and certainly damage essential and important economic interests. We simply cannot afford it.”
Music is an innate language that resonates within each of us. Beyond all boundaries, it speaks. It is through this universal language that 30A Songwriter Radio has created a platform to support, connect, and expand one of the most unique and bountiful music communities in the United States. Throughout the Emerald Coast and beyond, 30A Songwriter Radio is known as the go-to source for all things music. With a global reach and a hometown flavor, this 24/7 live internet radio station features candid interviews and exclusive performances from some of the region’s most talented and sought after musical artists. Archived on 30ASongwriterRadio.com is a virtual encyclopedia of musicians, music events, and the venues that support them.
With the humble beginnings of an ipad and an idea, Shannon Ireland and I began 30A Songwriter Radio in 2013. The concept blossomed and we quickly outgrew our “home studio”. In January of 2016 the next chapter, Music and Coffee was born. Located in the Blue Mountain Publix shopping center, 30A Songwriter Radio Music and Coffee offers an intimate musical experience accented with hand crafted organic coffee and unique beers, all while participating in a world wide broadcast. Whether it be our Tuesday night Open Mic, a seat at one of our musician interviews, or an up close and personal live performance, music fans are guaranteed an experience like no other.
Shannon and I are excited to be a part of South Walton’s very own “Sowal Life.” 30A Songwriter Radio will be bringing you the latest in all things music. Watch for: Artist Spotlights, CD Reviews, Shout Outs to the venues that support live music, and more!
~ Josette 30A Songwriter Radio Where the Music Lives and the Coffee Rocks!
Studio 237 School of Music Announces Summer Programs
Studio 237 piano recital
Studio 237 is a music school run from the quaint Point Washington home of Ray and Lisa Cyr. The Cyrs opened their doors in January 2011 with the mission, as Lisa says, “to educate students of all ages and to help them discover, develop and demonstrate musical talents.” Students are mainly from South Walton County and a few travel from surrounding areas. The school currently has six teaching rooms and a staff of nine teachers who offer lessons in piano, voice, guitar (acoustic, electric, bass, upright bass), drums, percussion, violin, cello, viola, ukulele, clarinet and more. Students are taught foundational principles, technique, theory and are given pieces to practice outside of class to develop their musicianship. “We teach a variety of styles”, says Lisa, “including classical, contemporary, pop, gospel and improvisation while seeking to match each student with the appropriate teacher. The result is education for performance”. Students are encouraged to perform by demonstrating their skills at events such as recitals, monthly performance groups, festivals, Piano Guild and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs events.
Studio 237 will be hosting their annual summer music camps this June and July. “Summer is always a great time to come inside, try an instrument and take a break from ‘beachy’ activities.” says Lisa.“We are offering one week sessions at half the normal price.” Classes include Music Discovery (ages 4-6), Drums (ages 8-14), Piano/Keyboard Basics (ages 7+), Rock Band (ages 10+) and private instruction 5 days in a row (ages 7+). Each session lasts one hour. The school is also open all summer long for once a week private lessons at normal rates.
To learn more about the studio, view the recitals, and locate musical resources, visit: http://www.Studio237Music.com or call Ray and Lisa Cyr at (850) 231-3199. The school is open for drop-in lessons, room rentals for piano and drum set, tours and meeting prospective teachers.
South Walton Life caught up with Walton High School Principal Russell Hughes to discuss Hughes’ campaign for Walton County Superintendent of Schools. By all accounts, Mr. Hughes has had a stellar career here in Walton County, “coming up through the ranks” as teacher, coach & administrator.
There have been numerous awards along the way. Under his leadership, Walton Middle School was selected as one of the top 20 schools in the state, and was the first middle school in the county to make an “A” and achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in the same year.
In 2007, Hughes was assigned to Walton High School as principal. The school soon made significant academic progress. In his 8 years as principal, the high school has consistently ranked above average in Florida state. For the past two years WHS has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s best high schools. In 2015 the school was again named as one of the 50 “most inspiring schools” in the country with only 2 from the State of Florida being so named. Undoubtedly, many county residents have heard these accolades before.
“I have known Russell Hughes for over 20 years and worked alongside him as a teacher and administrator. Even though many in South Walton may not know Russell, he is well respected by those who have worked with him in the classroom, community, and at the district level. They have witnessed first hand his integrity, passion and dedication to education. Russell seeks to raise the standard of education for all students across the county. He will accomplish this by doing what he does best, bringing stakeholders together from all walks of life to find solutions to current challenges and pursue new and innovative approaches in education.” says Cathy Brubaker, former Director of Seaside School.
We asked why he’s running for superintendent and why not stay as Walton High School Principal. Hughes responded, “I want to do for the 8,000 students of Walton County what I’m doing for the 800 at WHS. I know what it takes to progress and I’ve gained the trust and confidence from the community to work together as a team.” He said the key is to first create the “expectation of success” for all students. “No two children are alike and no two children perform at the same level. But all students can and will progress from their own individual level.” says Hughes.
Principal Hughes shared his vision of three essential pillars in the educational process. First, each student must be prepared for “commencement to community.” This means academically, socially and in citizenship. Secondly, “We believe in pressing and progressing. Every child, no matter the background or ability is being pressed to be better and every child is expected to progress.” Finally, Mr. Hughes believes in local control of education and understanding the effects of funded mandates and directives from the State and Federal government is paramount. “We must never subject our students to strategies and directives that are doomed to fail.”
On a personal note, Russell is a Republican and resides in DeFuniak Springs with his wife Lori. The couple have been married for over 20 years and have two children. Their daughter teaches Spanish in Paxton and their son has med school aspirations.
Did you know that 4 species of endangered and threatened sea turtles nest on the beautiful beaches of South Walton? Loggerhead, Leatherback, Kemp’s Ridley and Green. Each year, adult females, who once hatched on our beaches, return to lay their eggs and begin the next generation. Nesting season spans from May 1 to October 31. In Walton County, we have two nonprofit organizations devoting their time to sea turtle conservation. South Walton Turtle Watch group walks the beaches daily during nestingseason to monitor, identify, mark and protect nests as well as deal with sea turtle strandings. The Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles conduct a wide variety of sea turtle awareness and educational programming.
Image courtesy of Faith W.
Chances are you’ve probably seen a sea turtle nest marked with stakes and ribboned off at some point. If you come across a nest, tracks, a sea turtle or a sea turtle hatchling, please enjoy from a distance.
Since only 1 in 1000 to 10,000 sea turtles will survive to adulthood, they need all the help they can get in order to survive. So how can you help sea turtles?
Tourists and locals alike can keep the beaches “#CleanDarkFlat”.
Clean – Keeping our beaches clean means “Leave No Trace” which keeps them safe for sea turtles and other wildlife. Sadly, trash and debris can entangle sea turtles or be consumed, resulting in serious health issues or even death. Remove all your belongings, including trash, when you leave the beach each day.
Dark – Artificial lights disturb nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Turn off all lights on or near the beach and close all curtains/ blinds in windows facing the beach! If you really need to use a flashlight while on the beach, please use turtle friendly flashlights (with red emitting lights). Turtle friendly flashlights can be purchased from stores throughout South Walton such as The Blue Giraffe in WaterColor and Gigi’s Fabkids in Rosemary Beach.
Flat – Who hasn’t dug a hole or built a sandcastle on the beach? Holes that are left unfilled can trap sea turtles and sandcastles create obstacles making it hard for sea turtles to get safely on and off the beach. When you leave the beach each day please knock down your sandcastles and fill in your holes.
If you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle or to report someone disturbing a sea turtle or nest, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922 or the Walton County Sheriff’s office at (850) 267-2000.
Another way you can help is to volunteer at one of the “Trash Bash Beach Clean Ups” that the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles organizes. Come join the effort June 18th from 7:30-9am at Ed Walline Beach Access and July 5th (post fireworks clean up) from 6:30-8am Rosemary Beach. Bring your own water bottle, hat, gloves and sunscreen.
Image courtesy of Valerie Lofton
Let’s keep our beaches #CleanDarkFlat for generations to come and protect these amazing creatures! For more information about South Walton Turtle Watch visit www.southwaltonturtlewatch.org
“It’s always a struggle to get better. But I love a fight”, says Danny Margagliano as he maneuvers his wheelchair into his office at 30A Local Properties in Grayton Beach. Though born and raised in Ocean City, New Jersey, no one has come to symbolize “30A Local” quite like Danny Margagliano. After a diving accident off the coast in Destin left him paralyzed from the shoulder’s down, surgery and intensive rehabilitation has allowed Danny to pursue a career in real estate.
Life rolls on.
During the 1990’s Margagliano was a professional surfer, traveling the world and competing in tournaments from Hawaii to California, New Jersey to Central America. In 2008, he moved to Santa Rosa Beach and worked for the South Walton Fire District as a firefighter and paramedic before being injured in April of 2012. Looking back, he says “It’s ironic, that after riding some of the biggest waves in the world, I would be felled in the tranquil waters of Destin, Florida.” Though his injury to his C4 to C6 vertebrae has him bound to a wheelchair, he continues the rehabilitation battle. At the end of 2014, Margagliano, with the help of the state funded Vocational Rehab, passed a driving test that allows freedom from reliance on others for transportation. His latest surgery in April 2016 was a tricep tendon transfer from his bicep, which has already helped his arm control, mobility and function, and with further rehabilitation the prognosis is great for more and more improvement.
Bobby Johnson, owner/agent at 30A Local Properties says “Danny is an inspiration to all. Whenever one of my agents talks about things that are not working out or they are slow, I say, come meet Danny. He shows up everyday. He calls clients. He gives 100%. His attitude is infectious and should be a reminder to all of us that life is what you make it. He has every obstacle placed in front of him but proves to all that if you keep on ‘rolling’ forward you can achieve anything. We are blessed to have him and he helps make all of us better.”
Teamwork!
Danny and his mother, Arlene Margagliano, joined 30A Local Properties in May of 2015 as a team. “The dynamic with my mother works really well”, he says. Danny focuses on the technology, marketing, and communication aspects of real estate while Arlene uses her extensive knowledge of the area and works face-to-face with clients showing properties from Inlet beach to Destin. “Buyers and sellers get a package deal when working with team Margagliano”, he says. “Another huge advantage is our brokerage, 30A Local Properties. The office works as a large team helping each other with buyers and sellers making sure that the end goal is achieved, that all of our clients are comfortable, at ease and happy. There is no competition between agents here. There is only agents helping agents to make sure that we all succeed and that all our clients have a pleasant experience with home buying or selling.”
Community Support…
Danny said that he continues to be deeply indebted to the countless number of generous people who’ve shown their support to him since the accident. “I’m truly amazed and thankful to be part of the South Walton community. I love the feeling of being able to get out to Seaside or other events along 30A and have people I know come up and say hi. There’s no place I’d rather be.” When asked if he had any final words for the interview, he said, “Life goes on. Keep on rolling!”
Nicole Paloma at Monet Monety (courtesy of Marsha Cavaliere)
The Nicole Paloma brand has been part of the Grayton Beach community since 2010.
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Beginning her career as a maker of children’s clothing, Nicole began sewing for her own daughters. Friends took notice and became customers. Then friends of friends starting ordering, which translated into into the business model she still uses to this day: “Make dress, sell dress, buy twice as much fabric.” As Nicole says, it’s just that simple. The quick growth and popularity took Paloma to the wholesale children’s market. Finding a massive lack of personal connection and creativity, she switched gears to work within the local beach vibe in South Walton. Designing women’s items was much more fun and working within the truck-show model, and she quickly found herself so busy that a permanent space became a necessity. In 2011 Nicole opened her doors at the shops of Grayton on Logan Lane.
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Nicole’s line of women’s casual/street wear quickly expanded. With encouragement from a dear friend and beloved local, known as “Sheila the Great,” Nicole made her first couture piece for an entry into South Walton’s Artist of the Year program. This sparked Nicole’s sweet spot of creativity. That dress, named the “DelMar,” became part of a feature article in Southern Living Magazine in which Nicole modeled her own design. Excited and nervous, she submitted an application to the Cultural Arts Alliance and was awarded a spot in the inaugural 2013 South Walton Fashion Week.
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Paloma went on to design her first haute couture collection. Vie Magazine recognized her efforts and named her their Rising Star, further propelling Nicole’s path forward. Her SWFW designs for 2013, 2014, and 2015 have set the foundation for her custom designs from couture to bridal to streetwear.
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In 2015 Nicole Paloma moved into one of Grayton Beach’s most iconic landmarks, the Monet Monet Estate on 30A. She continues to put her talents and passions to use not only for fabric but humanity as well. She has been know to say, “We don’t sell clothes around here, we give inspiration, but the clothes do keep it all alive and flourishing.”
Nicole Paloma: Shops of Grayton (photo courtesy of Marscha Cavaliere)
