January/February 2019 Issue

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CONTENTS CONTENTS

January/February 2019

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 1

20

16

10

12

34

6

Contributor's Page

24 Shoutouts!

9

Publisher's Page

30

Spare Time?

34

Here They Come!

10

Obstacles to Your Success.

Let's overcome them this year!

You can make a difference.

The DYW's are back!

12

16

38 Making a Difference Kada's Promise Festival of the Treese The Man in the White Coat

20

Homes that Harm

Say what? Only 10% make it?

Making resolutions stick.

Memories from the roof.

A healthier home for your family.

42 Event Calendar

.

On the Cover: Niceville High School Pole Vaulter, Sophomore Kobe Babin, cruises over the bar for his winning sunset vault.

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 5

CONTRIBUTORS Skylar Babin

Russ Whitton

Throughout her life, Skylar Capri has always been captivated by the wonder of God's creation along the Emerald Coast. As the current Miss Okaloosa as well as the Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa for 2017-2018, Skylar has a love for inspiring others and takes that role seriously.

Russ and his family (Charlene, Savannah and Jackson) moved to the Emerald Coast in 2012.

He graduated from Auburn University, earned a Masters at Lipscomb University, and later studied apologetics at Oxford University. He has been involved in mission work in India, Ghana, Mexico, Ukraine, and England.

You can follow her dream pursuits on her Instagram @skylarcaprimusic and YouTube (Skylar Capri) as she works diligently on her music and writing career.

Laura Lucy Laura Lucy owns Beachside Certifications, a CPR and first aid training company based in Destin. She also works virtually for Harbor House of Central Florida as a grant writer and marketing coordinator. When she's not working, you can find Laura and her husband Patrick trying to wrangle their crazy fiveyear-old redhead, Vivi.

He and his wife, Charlene, served in campus ministry for 16 years at Colorado State University and the University of Florida. Russ is now a local author, minister and musician. He preaches every Sunday at 11:30 am at The Downtown Church (which meets at Enlightened Studios – 144 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach). He also serves as a ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery which meets at 6:45 pm every Monday evening at the Destin United Methodist Church (200 Beach Drive in Destin, FL). His new book entitled Have You Ever Wondered? is now available on www.amazon.com.

Paul Hunter Paul Hunter, B.S., C.S.C.S, lives On the Coast with his wife and three teenagers infusing science with his playful style yielding astonishing results at Grayton Beach Fitness, voted Best Place to Work Out on 30-A.

6 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Courtney Lebedinski

Denise Gates

Courtney is an Emerald Coast transplant, healthy housing strategist, and founder of WholesomeHouses.com. As a healthy housing strategist, real estate investor, and concerned wife and mother, Courtney helps health-conscious families optimize their homes for wellness.

Denise is a freelance writer and editor, the stay-at-home mother of two teenage boys, and a military wife whose husband’s career takes her all over the country but whose heart remains in Destin, FL.

Her goal is to help others improve their family’s health and wellbeing by addressing the health hazards that exist in their home environments. In addition to consulting others on household health, she is completing a healthy remodel on a short-term beach vacation rental. She also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, running a family volunteer organization, and recording the latest episodes of The Wholesome Houses Podcast.

As any writer knows, a second set of eyes is essential before submitting an article for publication. Denise is often asked to be that second set of eyes for us – to read over articles and make sure the Is are dotted and the Ts are crossed. Denise reviews articles and restructures them as necessary to make sure the writer’s message shines through. Writers put their passion down on paper, but we run it by Denise first.

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ON THE COAST is published six times a year and is available free of charge at more than 200 strategically placed locations. ON THE COAST encourages your comments, suggestions and submissions, and we reserve the right to edit for tone, grammar, style or length. The Magazine will not be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photography. Editorials articulated in this publication do not necessarily reflect that of ON THE COAST MAGAZINE. ON THE COAST is a division of KIDZ ON THE COAST ® Publishing, INC. All materials are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publisher.

Kidz on the coast Publishing Inc., does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Kidz on the Coast Publishing Inc., or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

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2019, here we are. Happy New Year! I know many of us are ready to put last year behind us. But before we move forward completely, I want to look back and share a letter sent to me that warmed my heart and added another layer of perspective to what we have been facing here along the Emerald Coast post Hurricane Michael. Over our seventeen years of publishing this magazine, we have received many wonderful letters. This letter, however, was different. This letter was a stark reminder of reality, mixed with an abundance of gratitude and blessings, then finished with a reminder: there is always hope. The letter is shared below, removing the sender's last name for privacy:

My name is Natasia C. On October 10th I was huddled on the staircase of my rental house in Callaway, Florida, holding my 3 young kids with my husband, sister, and 1 year old nephew while Hurricane Michael assaulted our house and town. It was an experience that only in the aftermath have I realized how scary and crazy and awe inspiring it was.

In the days following, we were among many who used words like "lucky" and "fortunate." Our entire bedroom worth of stuff was ruined including electronics, a t.v., and our king bed when 2 of our windows exploded from the force of the storm pressure on our walls. We also lost some other items from the inch of water that was blown between the foundation of the house and our baseboards. All in all, however, we came out so much better than most. We were the most fortunate among the fortunate.

Our 2 cars and my husband's Harley survived undamaged, most of our belongings were salvageable, my husband's salary job was safe as he worked in Miramar Beach as a chef, and my sister and I had a job to go back to also since we worked in Panama City Beach and were able to transfer to Destin.

(We are servers at a well known corporate restaurant.) My husband's boss opened his own home in Miramar Beach to us as soon as we were able to cut our way out of our street and make contact, and the next week he offered a house he'd been planning to renovate as a more long term place to stay til we could figure things out. Since we had been planning to move to the Destin area in a few months anyway, we were able to move our timeline up with generous donations from a few friends and family and through deferral of some of our bills. Within a week of the storm we were "roughing it" in a beach house in Santa Rosa Beach, and one month later we are moved into our new house in Miramar Beach.

So, we are indeed very fortunate and have a ton of blessings to be thankful for. However, the storm has made as big a mark on my mind and soul as it did on the Panhandle. Not just the storm, but the images burned into my brain of the aftermath.

The bombed out buildings, the trees fallen on houses, the dazed look of my fellow survivors as they stepped out into a world that only hours before was a functioning community, and now it looked like ground zero for World War III. On one hand I'm so glad we were able to begin our piecingback-together of life, but I feel a strange, tremendous guilt. I still haven't posted pictures of our new house, as if acknowledging our joy is a tremendous slap in the face of my friends and neighbors in Panama City. I feel such a desperate sadness that they are being forgotten. I know many have reached out to us as victims of the storm, but the true need is east of us. I have been longing to help and volunteer and give, but the fact remains, we ARE victims too. We ARE still finding the new normal, even if its quicker than most.

Today my daughter brought home the November/December issue of your magazine. She said someone was giving them out at her new school. I don't know the details, but seeing the cover with that tragically poignant photo and the bold red letters "We The People", my heart beat faster with hope! As I read the letter from the editor, I cried actual tears! Just today I had been so anxious that Panama City was being forgotten... even by myself, but the pages of your magazine truly brought hope, joy, and light into my heart!

Thank you! Thank you for not forgetting them. Thank you for telling our stories when the national media barely glanced our way. Thank you for encouraging faith, hope and love.

Thank you for shedding light for all of us that feel helpless and reminding us all to keep fighting, keep building, keep giving... and most of all, to keep hoping.

Sincerely, Natasia C. I can't thank Natasha enough for taking the time out of her day to pen this out to us. To Natasha and all of our On The Coast readers, I want to assure you that "We the people" west of our Bay County neighbors have not and will not forget. There are still so many helping to rebuild. We the people will not stop donating our time and resources until our neighbors stand on their feet again. Face Book sites for organizations such as Backroads Sports Network, The Sonder Project, 850Strong, and so many churches, are still in full swing collecting and helping. There is hope; hope for a better 2019; hope that we never forget to spread kindness; hope that we will never forget 2018, learn from it and become better as a people because of it! Happy New Year Dear Readers. As we begin our next trip around the sun, let us reflect on the encouraging words of Alfred Lord Tennyson, "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier'."

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 9

unter

by Paul H

H

appy New Year! I am sure many of you have set a resolution to lose weight, eat better or simply lead a better life. Resolutions that come to mind easily are made and quickly forgotten as we get on with our daily lives after the holidays. Statistics show that after six months, half of us who have set resolutions have stuck with them. After a year, 90% have fallen off the wagon, leaving 10% who have stuck with their resolutions for change. Seems like the odds are against us.

Change is difficult, and as I heard someone once say, “The only person who likes change is a baby.”

We are posed with many opportunities to forget about the changes we resolved to make or solidify these changes a little at a time. Change is difficult for many reasons and we all have a variety of reasons why it is difficult for us.

What got each of us to this stage of our lives are our habits, habits that are now deeply engrained in who we are. Let’s take a look at some common obstacles to our success and ways to overcome them.

Our engrained daily routines. As we go to bed

December 31st or early January 1st, we have our resolutions and the best intentions. We wake up to the kids crying and needing to make breakfast. The Franklin-Covey Institute recommends spending at least 15 minutes in “planning and solitude” the day before. Why? By the time tomorrow comes, it is too late. The day’s events have taken over us and we react to them. You may

10 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

have to get up earlier, go to bed later. Prepare the day before to make the next day easier. Invest those recommended 15 minutes to plan what lies ahead when you are the most hopeful.

It’s not all or nothing. Ate a “no-no” piece of cake or missed a workout? Learn or figure out why you did it, and move on. Our goals may be set in stone, but our plans should be set in sand because our days ebb and tide and we need to allow ourselves the ability to make adjustments. Keep your sight on the prize and learn from the obstacles.

No support system. Our parents told us we would become who we surrounded ourselves with. These people take the shape of encouragers or nay-sayers.

Those who know the road to change is difficult and root us on, especially when things get tough or temptation is at its highest, are the people we need around us when change is our agenda.

We let our history control our destiny. Quite often

when charting our course going forward, we inevitably look backward to see how we have done.

Frequently it is our unsuccessful moments that stand out and thus set the stage for our future. The good news as mentioned earlier is that we can create a new tomorrow when we take time for planning and solitude. continued on page 40

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Kee ping Your Resolutions

by Crystal Tingle

by Laura Lucy

T

he Christmas decorations are back in storage, and the champagne corks have already been popped. That can only mean one thing – it’s time to write your New Year’s resolutions. These commitments to do better date back 4,000 years to the Babylonians who made promises to their gods each year. Ancient Romans and medieval knights also vowed to straighten up and fly right as they ushered in a new year.

Today, most of our resolutions are internal, promises made only to ourselves, rather than to the Man upstairs (or men and women upstairs in the case of the Babylonians). While we don’t have any data on the stick-to-itiveness of our ancient friends, modern studies show that of approximately 40% of American adults who make resolutions, fewer than 10% keep them more than a couple of months. With that depressing statistic in mind, perhaps we should look to the past for inspiration. Share your resolutions with family, friends, coworkers, and yes, even God, or gods for the Babylonians reading this. We all know about accountability partners to keep your exercise and eating plans on track.

Why not enlist their help for resolutions too?

The people who are most successful in keeping their resolutions are the ones who make them specific and tell others what they are doing. Commit to doing a little work toward your goal every day and find others who are heading in the same direction as you, or at least people who are willing to encourage and support you on your path. Whether you want to exercise more, read a book a

12 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

week, or organize your closet, identify your tribe and ask them to help you persevere.

Here are a few of the resolutions I’m making so my 2019 will be one for the history books: Give Thoughtfully We all have limited resources – money, time, talents. How much and where we invest those resources should be an important consideration when planning our year. Does that mean increasing your charitable or religious giving? Does it mean rearranging your schedule to fit in time volunteering at a nonprofit? For me, it means planning more and reacting less. continued on page 14

KEEPING YOUR RESOLUTIONS continued from page 12 I have a hard time saying no when there is a need. Outlining how I will spend my resources this year will help me focus on giving more to the causes and organizations that I most want to support. Part of this plan is finding regular opportunities for us to give as a family. In recent months, my husband, my six-yearold daughter and I have volunteered at Crop Drop, worked at a hurricane relief food panty and given time to our church. I have no doubt that these will be some of our fondest memories when we look back on this period of our lives.

Prioritize My Husband When you become a mom, it can be all-consuming. In those first couple of years, this tiny human is literally attached to you almost 24/7. The changes to your body, and more importantly, changes to your heart make it hard to put anything but your offspring first. Intellectually, we know how crucial it is for our kids to see a healthy relationship between mom and dad. Practically, it can be a challenge to put energy into the relationship with your spouse when you are so fixated on the children. Patrick and I recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and 14 years together. I’m lucky enough for him to still think I’m cute. I think it’s time for me to brush up on his love language and get to work. My daughter, Vivi, might grumble some now about me giving Daddy more attention, but she will appreciate it in the future when she has a healthy relationship of her own.

Have More Fun Between a full-time job, side business, volunteer work and being a mom, I am overcommitted and stressed out. This year I will carve out more alone time to recharge my batteries so that I

can relax and have fun with my family instead of fretting over the next item on my to-do list. This resolution MUST include at least two road trips in 2019. We have never had so much fun as a family than last summer when our road trip included real mermaids, dolphins, whales and Florida’s best cheap motel.

I hope my words have inspired you to do more than buy a gym membership in January that you will abandon by March. Put some thought into your resolutions and put them out there. If you see me around town, please ask me how I’m doing with my resolutions and I’ll do the same for you.

Cheers to a fabulous 2019!

14 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

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The Roof: The Beatles’ Final Concert

by Russ Whitton

Y

ou never know who you might meet on 30A!

Last summer, I was doing a book signing at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and someone mentioned, “You know, you should meet Ken Mansfield. He’s also a Christian speaker and a local author.” I remember thinking, “I bet we’ve got a lot in common.” So, we arranged to meet for lunch. Little did I know, he was the Grammy Award-winning, former U.S. manager of the Beatles’ Apple Records! (So much for having a lot in common). Recently, I had the great honor of sitting down with Ken to discuss his seventh published book entitled The Roof: The Beatles’ Final Concert.

On January 30, 1969, Ken Mansfield was there! He was on the roof as an eyewitness to one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s most significant events - the Beatles’ last live performance together. Sitting beside Yoko Ono and Ringo Starr’s first wife, Maureen Starkey, on the rooftop of Apple’s headquarters (located at 3 Savile Row in the ritzy Mayfair district in central London), Ken stands out in the iconic photographs taken on that day because he is the only one wearing a white coat. Here is a portion of our conversation: Ken, congratulations on your new book! It has now been five decades since that cold Thursday afternoon when you were privileged to be among a handful of witnesses as the Beatles performed their legendary final concert.

Q: What was it like working with the Beatles and witnessing one of the most monumental events in Rock ‘n’ Roll history?

16 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

A: In worldly terms, my story is about “a lucky man who made the grade.” I happened to be in the right place at the right time. As the U.S. Manager of Apple, I was invited into the Let It Be sessions to experience Rock ‘n’ Roll history in the making. I was blown away by being one of only two people in the studio besides the Beatles and Yoko Ono. I never realized how good the Beatles were until I was in the Apple basement studio with the other person, my old friend Billy Preston, watching them play their instruments and seeing their creative process unfold before me. Being on the rooftop for the Beatles' final performance was certainly the high point of my music industry career.

Q: What is something that Beatles fans might be surprised to learn about that legendary rooftop concert?

A: Their common down-to-earth manner and how they never made you feel inferior just because they were a Beatle and you weren’t. They were very loyal to old friendships and those people they had history with. There was always a deep sense of camaraderie that surrounded them and the people working with them. They stirred a sense of dedication inside you without ever requesting it. I felt privileged to be a part of their world and wanted to respect that. I was so amazed at how normal and easy it was to be with, and work for, these four guys. The Beatles was a giant superstar group, while they were simply themselves. continued on page 18

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 17

THE ROOF

continued from page 16

A: In short, it was a last-minute solution to getting live footage for the Let It Be film. It is interesting to note that the Beatles had not played together live since appearing at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966 (885 days prior). The Beatles wanted what every famous performing band wants when it’s over, and that is to go out on top. I love the way John Lennon famously (and humbly) ended the Beatles’ final live performance: “I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves, and I hope we passed the audition.”

In addition to working with the Beatles, Ken Mansfield was a high-ranking executive at Capitol Records, MGM Records and Barnaby/CBS Records, working with such notable performers as James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Judy Garland, Willie Nelson, David Cassidy, Don Ho, Eric Burdon, Badfinger, Jessi Colter and Andy Williams.

As a record producer in the 1970s, he was instrumental in spearheading country music’s “Outlaw” movement by producing Waylon Jennings’ number-one album Are You Ready for the Country and Jessi Colter’s number one single I’m Not Lisa.

In 1991, Ken produced the Gaither Vocal Band’s Grammy and Dove Award-winning album Homecoming. In 2000, he penned his first book entitled The Beatles, The Bible and Bodega Bay. Amazingly, this was the only book officially approved by the Beatles outside their own Anthology.

Q: What inspired you to write The Roof?

A: As the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ final performance began coming into focus, I was overwhelmed with requests to share my words, thoughts, feelings and impressions of that historical day. I was privileged to be on the scene in the days, weeks, and months leading up to this monumental event. I am one of the few remaining people who went up there with the Beatles and Apple mates that day and can uniquely describe the event and the emotions we shared. I not only wanted to share all the intricate pieces that came together that day, but I felt an obligation to include a firsthand experience feel of the event for the loyal legions of faithful fans, friends and followers who had made Apple and the Beatles an integral part of their lives for so many years.

Ken now lives, loves, and writes on the beautiful Florida gulf coast with his wife Connie.

Q: What was the mood of the band at that time?

It is a masterpiece of Rock ‘n’ Roll history and is sure to become one of the most important and informative books about the final days of the greatest rock band of all time.

A: In hindsight, the band was clearly burned out having just completed the massive thirty-song White Album in addition to a single featuring “Hey Jude” and “Revolution.”

Those sessions were filled with internal strife and strained relations among the group. Now, fewer than three months later, they were being asked to go to the well once more to deliver yet another album and a documentary feature film to boot.

Q: Why did the Beatles choose this particular location for their last live performance together?

18 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

If you are at all interested in the Beatles, the 60s, the music industry or how someone can go from being "on top of the world working with John, Paul, George and Ringo" to becoming a Christian speaker who wholeheartedly embraces the teachings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John --- you really should buy and read this book!

The Roof: The Beatle’s Final Concert is now available on Amazon.com

Home is where the RISK IS

by Jenna Testa

Why Better Health Begins in Your House

By Courtney Lebedzinski

A

s another busy year begins, many of us have committed - or perhaps recommitted - to healthier habits and practices. Inspired by ideas and images of improving our health, we tell ourselves that this will be the year we make it happen. But defining what “better health” may look or feel like can be challenging, leading many to ask themselves - How can I best improve my health?

The Gene-Environment Interaction Think back to 8th grade science class when you learned about genes, genetics, Mendelian inheritance, and - my favorite Punnett squares. If this doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry.

Some of us are convinced that a better diet or exercising more will bring the health improvements we desire. Others might tackle water intake or sleep quality as a way to feel better. But almost no one thinks about their home environments as the proxy for good health.

Basically, classical genetics teaches that our genes make us who we are and play an important role in our predisposition for certain health issues. It also suggests that any person’s genetic health is simply a function of their parents’ dominant and recessive traits. Turns out, it’s not quite so elementary.

Over the last decade, mainstream science has come to a new understanding of how human gene expression works. This field, called epigenetics, is the study of how our environment influences our genes.

To put it simply: Our genes may “prime” us for certain health issues, but it takes the right environment or circumstances to trigger that gene to express itself.

As for me, I’ve spent countless hours studying the complex interactions between our homes and other buildings and our health, and I am now convinced that well people cannot thrive inside of sick environments.

Let’s begin by exploring how our homes and other surroundings can affect us.

Photo:https://unsplash.com/photos/nWX4pKwzLoE

20 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

As an example, if an individual already has the genetic marker for breast cancer, it might be the daily exposure to hormone-disrupting plasticizers continued on page 22

HOME IS WHERE THE RISK IS

continued from page 20

from vinyl window blinds that turn this gene on.

alternatives to natural materials.

The average American spends 90% of their time indoors, with some 30% of their life spent in their bedroom alone! Is it any wonder then that, from an epigenetic perspective, our homes have profound implications on our health?

The result is that our homes could now be contributing to new health concerns.

The Risks Inside Your Home Environment

Have You Considered...

• The radon test that many people perform when purchasing a home maybe prone to false negative results.

•

Experts recommend that you test your water at the faucet at least once per year (then use contaminant-specific filtration).

•

The third most common way that people bring radioactive material into their home is through granite countertops.

•

A broken CFL light bulb (the curly kind) releases neurotoxic mercury vapors, and all humans and animals are advised to evacuate the room immediately.

•

As long as your smart TV is plugged into the wall, occupants are exposed to levels of microwave radiation – even when the TV is off.

Photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/YetXBrsPqBE

Some people believe that their homes could never harm them – their home is too new, or expensive, or clean to make them sick.

We all want to believe our homes are safe havens - spaces for rest, relaxation, and comfort. But it is that same coziness that can lull us into a false sense of security about the safety of our homes.

•

Your sofa and mattresses are likely covered in halogenated flame retardants which are known to disrupt your hormonal system.

How is Designing for Human Health Different?

The truth is that even the most expensive custom home is capable of negatively influencing occupant health.

With risks including lead, mold/moisture, carbon monoxide, radon, asbestos, toxic lighting, chemical pollution, non-native electromagnetic frequencies (nnEMF), poor indoor air quality, contaminated water, pests, asthma/allergies, unsafe conditions, psychological stress, thermal discomfort, and noise pollution, the list of possible negative home-health interactions is quite staggering.

How Did We Get Here?

Over the last century, the increase in manufacturing, innovation, and technology has profoundly influenced every aspect of our lives, including our houses. We used to build with local and natural materials such as rocks, adobe, and plaster using time-tested building principles, a building process largely forgotten in post-Industrial Revolution America.

In 2019, this building style has been replaced with modern construction materials and techniques that could unintentionally yet potentially endanger the health of some occupants.

In response to buyers’ demands of bigger, faster, and cheaper homes, manufacturers have turned to using man-made material 22 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/tOZ-f5kl9BA

So I’ve got a question. What if we started building, designing, and remodeling our homes with occupant health in mind?

Considerations when designing homes for human health include everything from site selection and building design to the toxicity of building materials and furnishings. In studying this concept of a healthy home, we look at the following: Designing for human health is different than building “to code.” In fact, building for human health occasionally opposes continued on page 24

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Send your shout outs to OTC@OntheCoastMag.com 24 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

ol wins 2018 ach High Scho Fort Walton Be pionship! am Ch ng ty Saili Okaloosa Coun Emerald Coast Middle Sch ool is excited to announce that Mrs. Amand a Pacheco is our Teacher of the Year!

to ty is committed Okaloosa Coun uth with stability, yo s es help the homel s and access to classe continuity, and ccess. su ic em ad ac sure programs to en from t or pp generous su rt Thanks to the Fo as ch su rs rtne for community pa od Fo , ub Woman’s Cl ppa Ka Walton Beach ta el D a ph local Al Thought, two Retired loosa County ka O , rs te ap Ch ptist Ba t rs Fi n, ciatio hers!

Teachers Asso ot ss ille, and countle Church Nicev

High 2 of South Walton Congratulations to n at wo o wh s nt ip Stude School Leadersh . Oratory U.S e Th cy cra the "Voices of Demo and Makena Kimball Project. Way to go ! ell pb m Ca Alivia

Kadance Frederick sen, Jr. Miss Silver Sands and organiz er of Kada's Prom ise, donated over 500 teddy bears and bla nkets to the Florida Co alition for Childre n for neglected and ab used children.

For Dia bet Walton es Awareness Month Beach ,t L diabet es edu ions Clubs p he Fort cation rovide bookm d o n a rks to o easy-to Pryor, ver -us Brune r, Dest 3500 studen e ts at in and Schoo Meigs ls in O kaloos M a Coun iddle ty.

Community

Shout Outs!

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 25

HOME IS WHERE THE RISK IS continued from page 22

certain building codes, such as those that require the use of highly-fluorinated fire retardants, which could become harmful indoor air pollutants capable of making occupants ill.

Photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/IC5sX-7PRN8

So now that you know what building for human health is (and isn’t!), let’s discuss how we can take this knowledge to your house!

A Resolution for Truly Better Health: One Year to a Healthier Home Challenge As thousands of additional bodies are taking over gyms all across the Emerald Coast, this year I propose a different type of resolution.

What if you tackled your health goals by addressing your home environment? If you’re willing, I would like to take you through a year-long journey of creating a healthy home for yourself and your family.

Here are some of the healthy home topics we will be covering this year:

Designing for human health is different than “green” building initiatives such as the tiny home movement or LEED certification. While building for human health and building for the environment often look very similar, there are certain times that the path clearly diverges. For example, with a scoring system weighted heavily toward energy conservation, solar panels are very popular in “green” certifications. Solar panels, and their power inverters more specifically, can produce powerful electromagnetic fields and could create harmonics or “dirty electricity” throughout the home’s wiring, both of which come with their own set of health effects.

Designing for human health means considering much more than just indoor air quality. The few building standards that consider human health tend to focus solely on indoor air quality.

Although an important consideration, to be sure, I cannot agree that healthy indoor air quality is the single most important metric of human health. Focusing solely on indoor air quality neglects the other legitimate concerns that exist in conventional housing, as mentioned above.

26 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

1. Start with safety 2. Upgrade your lighting 3. Filter your air and water 4. Keep it dry 5. Minimize indoor emissions

As a tool for you, I’ll be posting free downloadable worksheets, helpful information, extra resources, and climate-specific tips exclusive to On The Coast Magazine readers, so be sure to grab those at www.wholesomehouses. com/onthecoast I’m looking forward to helping you make progress on this year’s resolution, so let’s get started with your first challenge (see page 28) and change the way that you feel at home!

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HOME IS WHERE THE RISK IS continued from page 26

A HEALTHIER HOME, NOW! January 2019 Healthy Home Challenge With the holidays still a fresh financial wound, let’s use January as the month to get a quick and completely free win, shall we?

No trips to the store and absolutely no money needed, this challenge will allow you to sleep in a healthier home as soon as tonight!

Below are five $0 healthy home hacks that you’ll want to try!

Even implementing just a couple of these tips could yield incredible results!

Turn off your router at night. Though a wired connection is healthier, faster, and more secure, I get it – it’s 2019 and you want wireless internet! Even if you must have WiFi during the day, turning your wireless router off at night (using a cheap timer, if needed) will help give your body a break from strong electromagnetic fields.

Take your shoes off at the door. Your shoes are covered in chemicals and pesticides, viruses and bacteria, and even poop!

This simple step will drastically reduce the amount of nasties on your floor – a must for those with little crawlers in the home.

Unplug your electronics when not in use. Many electronics, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, wireless printers, and even some CPAP machines broadcast extremely high levels of microwave radiation – even when not turned on.

Toss the air fresheners. The smell of “ocean breeze” coming from your plug-in air freshener is actually a proprietary laboratory blend of hundreds of different chemicals under the deceptively-innocent-sounding term “fragrance.” Many of these compounds have known negative health consequences.

Want more free healthy home tips? When it comes to EMF, distance is your friend. Not only will walking into the next room to turn off your alarm clock help you wake up, it will spare you an electromagnetic assault that can rival what occurs under high-tension power lines.

CREATE YOUR SLEEP SANCTUARY February 2019 Healthy Home Challenge When it comes to “healthifying” your home, few things can make a bigger impact than your bedroom. Not only do you spend more time here than anywhere else in the home, it is where you are located during your body’s critical rest and repair stage.

Because of this, building biologists and other healthy housing strategists often place a primary focus on creating a calming sleep sanctuary. Here are my top tips for helping you design a health-promoting bedroom: Your room should be electrically quiet. The ideal is to cut the circuit breakers to your bedrooms every night. The next best strategy involves removing all non-necessary electronics from the bedroom, unplugging remaining devices when not in use, and positioning the devices that operate overnight (such as a CPAP machine or alarm clock) as far away from the bed as possible.

Use natural textiles. What goes on your skin goes in your skin, so it is important that both your pajamas and your bedding be made of natural fibers. Choose options made with organic cotton, linen, jute, or wool.

The goal is total darkness. Your bedroom should be completely dark when you go to sleep. To achieve this, you may need to purchase black-out curtains and put LED covers over the indicator lights of anything still plugged in.

Reduce allergens. Your pillow and mattress are havens for dust mites and other allergy-triggers - and you breathe them in all night long! Keep dust mites, bacteria, and fungus under control by disinfecting your mattress and pillow with a vapor steamer (dry steamer) every two months. Also consider removing carpeting and bulky curtains from your bedroom.

Cool it down. Studies have shown that a cool air temperature can improve your sleep quality. Ideally, program your home to be in the 60-65° F range during sleep and then to begin warming up about 30 minutes before sunrise.

For bonus zero-cost tips and tricks for creating a health-focused home and to access more of my favorite bedroom best practices, hacks, and resources download my January & February Challenge Worksheets, visit www.wholesomehouses.com/onthecoast 28 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

AMERICA’S ENERGY AFFORDABLE ABUNDANT AMERICAN PRODUCED ALWAYS RELIABLE

Did you know that natural gas is one of America’s greatest energy sources?

Natural Gas is proven to save you money when heating your hot water, your home, while cooking dinner, even drying clothes and it is reliable during power outages.

To reduce emissions, 86% of electricity produced in Florida was made with natural gas.

Source: American Gas Association

Go straight to the source and start using affordable, abundant, American produced and reliable natural gas.

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HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT NATURAL GAS? Professor Green of GreenNology can help!

Visit www.GreenNology.com to find out more.

by Denise Gates

I

n 1996, Lynn Ketter had four children in Okaloosa County schools. While volunteering in their classrooms, she saw there were some students who could benefit from a little extra attention and care. She learned about the Okaloosa County School District Mentor program and decided this was one way to provide it. Her first mentee was a 5th grade student, and they continued their mentor/mentee relationship through the 9th grade. Her second mentee was a 6th grade student, and she mentored her through middle school and her first year of high school.

As a professor of teacher education at Northwest Florida State College, part of Dr. Ketter’s job is to observe pre-service teachers in classrooms in Okaloosa and Walton County. “I know from firsthand observations there are many, many more students who would benefit from a little extra attention and care,” she says. “One mentor and one mentee are not enough to address this need. It is a small sacrifice of time, but the rewards and benefits to students and the community are longlasting and well worth it.”

valuable asset to our education,” she explains. “Mentoring helps students feel loved and content so they are ready to learn. It warms my heart each week to see numerous mentors enjoying lunch, a card game, or having fun with their mentees.” These moments are difficult to accomplish within the busy classroom atmosphere. Many times, teachers will supply the needed activity and the mentor will work one-on-one with the student.

“Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor.”

–Lailah Gifty Akita

As a school-based mentor coordinator for many years, Dr. Cheryl Seals has also evidenced the positive impact on mentoring. “Students who are mentored achieve higher grades, higher test scores, have higher attendance rates, increased self-confidence, fewer behavior referrals, increased communication skills, and increased peer/family relationships,” explains Dr. Seals, Assistant Principal at Shoal River Middle School. “Mentoring is one of the most valuable contributions that an individual can make to a student’s future.”

Heather McClaren is a school guidance counselor at Plew Elementary. Her goal is to help each child at Plew, but with over 800 students, it is a challenge. “It is difficult to reach out and give individual attention to each student, so our mentors are a 30 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Scott Varnum (mentor to Woody Williamson, not pictured) Rhyann Martin (9th grade) Taylor Nixon (10th grade) George Katzman (mentor to Sam Crowson) Sam Crowson (11th grade)

continued on page 32

THE FLORIDA LOTTERY TAKES EDUCATION FURTHER ®

Since the Florida Lottery’s establishment in 1988, we have given players the opportunity to transform their lives, and we have been steadfast in pursuit of improving education statewide, year after year.

Legislature to assist students in pursuing postsecondary educational career goals. Since the program’s inception, we have contributed more than $5 billion to send over 800,000 students to college.

Over the past 30 years, the Florida Lottery has remained committed to enhancing public education in Florida.

Throughout that time, we have contributed more than $34 billion to public schools, universities and colleges, and directly to students through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

The Florida Lottery is proud to be a dedicated and dependable funding source for public education, contributing more than $1 billion annually for the past 16 consecutive years, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the country.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which is primarily funded by the Florida Lottery, was created in 1997 by the Florida

We thank you for helping us reach these incredible milestones, as a portion of every ticket purchased goes towards education.

We hope that the benefits of our contributions continue to be felt in communities across the entire state.

floridalottery.com

continued on page 30

TO BELIEVE IN THEIR DREAMS continued from page 30

Outstanding senior, Bethany Simene joined the Take Stock family her freshman year. On her left is Take Stock program coordinator, Nicole Snider. On her right is College Success Coach, Susan Campbell.

self-esteem, improve academic and life skills, focus on time management and confidence, and empower them to make better life decisions.

Pictured left to right is Tyanna Brown and Dr. Cheryl Seals

“The look of pride on a student’s face is priceless when they learn a skill and overcome an obstacle,” says Heather.

Dr. Seals agrees. “The role of mentors is critical for our students,” she explains. “Mentors are instrumental in helping students remain task-focused. The positive effects on school mentoring are far-reaching. As a result of mentoring, many students stay in school and learn important social and/or life skills because a caring adult mentor provided one-on-one time as a listener, encourager, and positive role model.”

Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit organization committed to changing the lives of students across Florida, believes that it takes a mentor to create a pathway for success. “I like being a mentor because It gives me a chance to invest in a young man’s life,” says George Katzman, a Take Stock mentor at Baker School.

He is proud of his mentee Sam Crowson, whom he has been working with since Sam’s freshman year. George has been a mentor with Take Stock for over five years and has worked with five different students including Sam. Take Stock mentors are volunteer members of the community who are committed to making a difference in the lives of their students. Okaloosa County has 61 active Take Stock mentors who dedicate their time each week to inspire and guide their mentees. These are caring and compassionate adults who enjoy working with students and truly care about helping their students succeed. They employ a variety of activities and conversations with their mentees in order to help the student establish goals, develop 32 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

The month of January is National Mentoring Month. National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how all of us can work together to increase the number of mentors to help ensure positive outcomes for our young people. According to www.nationalmentoringmonth. org, mentoring has been proven to drastically improve the lives of students from all backgrounds. At-risk youth with a mentor are 78% more likely to volunteer in their communities, 52% less likely than their peers to skip school, and 55% more likely to enroll in college. And, as you can imagine, mentoring not only benefits the student but the mentor as well. School mentors develop a sense of satisfaction in knowing they have played a significant role in the academic success of a student. They give unselfishly to their students and receive huge rewards in return.

“I believe our mentors are the greatest humans on earth!” says Heather. At Plew Elementary School, she witnesses laughter, joy, and deep conversations on a daily basis between mentors and mentees.

Pictured left to right: Heather McClaren - Plew Guidance Counselor, Harley Busbee and Dr. Lynn Ketter

continued on page 40

SMART Talented &

Ready to Compete!

I

t's back! Okaloosa County is thrilled to be the host to the Distinguished Young Women State Program for the second year in a row! Distinguished Young Women is a prestigious sixty-one year old leadership and scholarship program for collegebound girls who value and excel in scholastic achievement, interview skills, public speaking, talent, and fitness. Scholarships are awarded to those who excel in various categories with the intention of propelling young women into successful post-college careers to impact this nation and even the world!

In the Florida State Program, senior high school girls representing a number of counties and cities from the state of Florida will be coming together for a full week of workshops, service projects, fun activities, and rehearsals to prepare for the competitive showcase. Who will be our State Representative at Nationals later this year?

It is an honor to be hosting so many intelligent and passionate young women for the State Program, and they will be welcomed to the Emerald Coast not only by the public but also by our most prosperous and successful businesses. Their Presenting Sponsor, The Jay Odom Group, tops the sponsor list this year, and they are followed by our Partnering Sponsors, Mr. Bob Levison of Systems of Sound, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Gulf Power, Destin Commons, FWB Medical Center, and the Dugas Family Foundation.

State Week kicks off with the arrival ceremony open to the public at Destin Commons at 4pm on Monday, February 17th. The DYW’s will stay with host families for the week. The public is also invited on Tuesday, February 19th, to The Gulf at 5pm for community night where the public can get autographs, take pictures, and get to know the girls.

After a long week of special appearances and rehearsals, the competitive showcase will take place at the Fort Walton Beach City Auditorium at 6:30 on Saturday, February 23rd. Tickets are $20 for adults, less for students, and a family rate is available for those with 2+ children.

Photos taken by Rhonda Shaffer of Rhonda Clicks

continued on page 36

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN continued from page 34

DYW is the ONLY program of its kind in the country, and it requires weeks of training for the local competitions and months for State and Nationals. With the amount of preparation DYW demands, the girls who participate gain invaluable skillsets including confidence, independence, leadership, community service, organization, professionalism, time management, public speaking, interviewing ability, and more! Even better, the bonds, encouragement, and connections found between the DYW sisters last a lifetime. When the curtain goes down and the lights go out after the showcase – that it is not the end, rather it is beginning of what each girl has become and what each young woman can forever offer to their communities.

Last year, Florida awarded $20,000.00 in various scholarships at the 2018 showcase. The Overall Winner, Valerie Trapp of Winter Park, was awarded $10,000.00 as the new DYW of Florida, plus $1,500.00 for various other awards.

The First Alternate, Angelica Jones of Jacksonville, was awarded a total of $3,800.00, while the Second Alternate, Skylar Babin of Destin, was awarded $2,100.00. The remaining amount was awarded to DYW’s from other FL cities.

If you'd like to sponsor the State DYW Program, please contact Carole Byrd at 205886-5552. To sponsor the Okaloosa DYW Program, please contact Marion Taylor at 850-217-4004. To sponsor the Walton County DYW program, please contact Julie Stuckey at 850-267-8110. If you have a rising Junior, please do reach out to your local county branch representative on how to participate.

Photos taken by Rhonda Shaffer of Rhonda Clicks

36 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Kada's Promise Collecting New Teddy Bears and Blankets Kadance Fredericksen, Jr. Miss Sugar Sands with the Miss Northwest Florida Scholarship System, has created her own organization called Kada's Promise and through partners such as Florida Coalition for Children, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and The Children’s Neighborhood, Kadance, is collecting and providing a teddy bear and blanket to help abused or neglected children as they deal with their traumatic events.

The goal of Kada’s Promise is to promote that every child has a right to a safe childhood free of violence and to encourage community involvement in preventing child abuse and neglect.

There will never be an answer to “WHY?” but Kadance now knows that she can do something and is motivated daily by a quote by Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

To report a case of child abuse, call the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96ABUSE. Want to get involved? Donate new teddy bears of any size, blankets or fleece material to turn into blankets. www.kadaspromise. com, email kadaspromise@ gmail.com or call (850) 305-4652.

The 8th Annual Apple Classic 5k/10k Run On Saturday, February 9, 2019, students, teachers, friends and families will run or walk the 5k/10k course in beautiful Hammock Bay Town Center in Freeport. Runners and guests will enjoy a newly streamlined course plus several post-race activities snacks, music, family games and 3 school participation grants.

The 8th Annual Apple Classic 5k/10k Run will aid Walton Education Foundation (WEF) as they support the needs of every Walton County district school, student and teacher. For more information about Walton Education, please visit www. waltonedfoundation.org.

• 16 schools impacted by WEF and the ``AppleClassic Run • $38,000+ awarded to teachers in 2018-19 • 10,000+ Students impacted by WEF in 2018 • $8,000 in College Scholarships for Take Stock in Children for 2018 school year • 150+ Displaced students from Hurricane Michael need help!

On the Coast Magazine is a proud media sponsor of local charitable events. For sponsorship information, e-mail OTC@OntheCoastMag.com

38 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine 38 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

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NEW YEAR, NEW ME! continued from page 10

Not keeping goals fresh and in front view.

When we keep our goals in front of us, we are able to chart our course according to them. I remember, when learning to drive, I was taught to keep my eyes on the horizon, NOT the hood ornament. Our daily tasks become the hood ornament while our daily goals become our horizon we strive for continually. I also learned what the windshield wipers were for. Without them, I couldn’t see the horizon, where I am going. Our daily planning becomes our windshield wipers helping clear our vision for the things we ought to do to get us where we set out to go.

by Laura Lucy

Fear of success. This sounds a little odd, doesn’t

it? Success is scary because it requires something of us.

With the new success comes change, responsibilities and expectations. If you have made it far enough to want to change, you are ready for the change. Embrace it and look forward to it: You deserve the rewards of your newfound success.

No, change is not easy because it requires something different from us. If it didn’t, we wouldn't have to change.

Then we’d be where we are right now, only wanting to change. Set resolutions and change: for the better, for others and for ourselves.

TO BELIEVE IN THEIR DREAMS continued from page 32

There are many children who need an adult mentor and do not have one, so the call for mentors is increasingly important.

But what does it take to become a mentor? Mentors assume different roles during the course of a relationship, and share some basic qualities:

“As an educator, I know how important caring relationships are to the success of students,” says Dr. Ketter. “Education and learning are about relationships. And, mentoring is about building relationships.”

• A sincere desire to be involved with a young person • Respect for young people • Active listening skills • Empathy • Ability to see solutions and opportunities • Flexibility If you are interested in becoming a mentor, see a Mentor Coordinator at any public school in Okaloosa County or contact Debbie Tate at tated@okaloosaschools or (850) 833-5856 to get started. You can discuss whether you would like to be a “buddy” to a student or help a student with their academics.

You will reap many benefits, rewards and look forward to your mentoring sessions each week.

Take Stock is always looking for mentors who would like to commit to positively impacting their community by working with a Take Stock student. For more information about how to become a mentor, please contact Nicole Snider at Nicole. snider@okaloosaschools.com 40 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

·

· ·

Asking Harley Busbee about her Mentor, Dr. Ketter she said: I’ve known her so long I feel comfortable talking to her about the weekends or stuff!

I like going to the library and reading with her.

Dr. Ketter helped me branch out more and build confidence because I was nervous to talk to people. Now I have more friends!

Niceville Library Cover to Cover Book Club 12:30-1:30PM FREE 850-279-4863 January 1 Gulf Place Edwin Park SWFD Polar Plunge 11-12pm $20 850-267-1298

Inlet Beach Camp Helen State Park Americana Music Series 6:30-8:00pm FREE 850-233-5059

Okaloosa Island Pelican Plunge 10:30am-12pm $20 850-650-4725

Niceville Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-4697

January 2 Crestview Library Chess Club Ages 6-17 3:15-4:15pm FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Library Snowbird Movie Matinee 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572 January 3 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Registration 1-3pm FREE 850-654-5184 Niceville Library Sensory Accepting Time 2:30-3:30PM FREE 850-279-4863 January 4 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 January 5 Destin Life Center Pickleball 9-Noon $2 Members 850-837-2021

Sandestin Grande Blvd Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-4697 Seaside Farmers Market 8-12pm FREE 850-231-5424 Seaside REP Theater Escape to Create Ensemble 7:30pm $25 850-231-0733 January 6 FWB The Landing Farmers Market 7-12pm FREE 850-244-8191 Rosemary Bch Barrett Park Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-469 January 8 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184

42 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Niceville Library Evening Book Club 6-7PM FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville MK Arts Center Kinky Boots 7:30-10:30 $47 850-729-6000 January 9 Destin Library Snowbird Movie 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572 January 10 Destin Henderson Beach Resort Art Wave 6-9pm $40 855-741-2777 January 11 Blue Mountain Beach Warehouse 360 Music Hall The Flight of Jackie Cochran 6-9pm $20 850-687-0662 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 Niceville Library Lego Club 4-5pm FREE 850-279-4863 Seaside REP Theater Live @ the REP Caroline Cotter 7:30pm $25 850-231-0733

January 12 Destin Life Center Pickleball 9-Noon $2 Members 850-837-2021 Niceville MK Arts Center ABBA 7:30-10:30 $45 850-729-6000 January 13 Destin Harbor Walk Winter Concert 2-4pm FREE 850-424-0600 FWB The Landing Farmers Market 7-12pm FREE 850-244-8191 Rosemary Bch Barrett Park Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-469

Pensacola Bay Center Kevin Hart 7pm $35-$125 850-432-0800 January 15 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Library Independent Film Series 2-4pm FREE 850-837-8572 January 16 Crestview Library Chess Club Ages 6-17 3:15-4:15pm FREE 850-682-4432

Destin Library Snowbird Movie 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572

Niceville Library Sensory Accepting Time 2:30-3:30PM FREE 850-279-4863

Niceville MK Arts Center The Power of Perseverance 7:30-9pm FREE 850-729-6000

Rosemary Bch Barrett Park Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-469

Niceville Library Pet Partners 3:30-5:40pm FREE 850-279-4863

Niceville Library Writers Group 6-7:45PM FREE 850-279-4863

January 18-21 30A Songwriters Festival Times & Locations Vary Packages range $90-$300 850-622-5970

Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

Niceville MK Arts Center Mutts Gone Nuts 7:00 $10-$20 850-729-6000

January 17 Coastal Branch Library Winter Programs 10am FREE 850-267-8330

January 18 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432

January 19 Destin Life Center Pickleball 9-Noon $2 Members 850-837-2021

January 22 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432

Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863

Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

Inlet Beach Camp Helen State Park Americana Music Series 6:30-8:00pm FREE 850-233-5059 FWB The Landing Farmers Market 7-12pm FREE 850-244-8191

Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184 January 23 Destin Library Snowbird Movie 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 continued on page 42

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 43

continued from page 43 January 24 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863 Coastal Branch Library Winter Programs 10am FREE 850-267-8330 January 25 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 Crestview Library Hot wheels speedway 6-7pm FREE 850-682-4432 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville MK Arts Center Earths Prehistoric Aquarium 7-9pm $10 - $15 850-729-6000 Seaside REP Theater Live @ the REP Escape to Create Don Carroll & JC Hallman 7:30pm $25 850-231-0733 January 26 Destin Community Ctr Gumbo Contest 11-1pm FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Life Center Pickleball 9-Noon $2 Members 850-837-2021

EO Wilson Biophilia Center Fiesta in the Forest 5-8pm $40 850-835-1824 January 27 FWB The Landing Farmers Market 7-12pm FREE 850-244-8191 Rosemary Bch Barrett Park Farmers Market 9-1pm FREE 850-499-469 Saenger Theatre Romeo & Juliet 2pm $22-$57 850-595-3880 January 29 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184 January 30 Destin Library Snowbird Movie 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572 January 31 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863 Coastal Branch Library Winter Programs 10am FREE 850-267-8330

44 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

February 1 Crestview Library Finger play and games Ages 0-2 9:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 February 2 Destin Community Ctr John Denver Show 8-9pm FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Legendary Marina Palate & Palette 6-9pm $125 and up 850-243-1201 Inlet Beach Camp Helen-State-Park Americana Music Series 6:30-8:00pm FREE 850-233-5059

Niceville Library Last Word Book Club 11:30-12:30pm FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 February 7 Crestview Library Chess Club Ages 6-17 3:15-4:15pm FREE 850-682-4432 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Baby Book Toddler Storytime 10:30am FREE 850-279-4863

Niceville MK Arts Center Jim Witter – Timeless Hits of Barry Manilow 7:30 pm $37 850-729-6000

Seaside REP Theater Live @ the REP Ryanhood 7:30pm $25 850-231-0733

February 5 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432

February 8 Crestview Library Finger play and games Ages 0-2 9:15 am FREE 850-682-4432

Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup & Craft Show 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184

Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432

Niceville Library Evening Book Club 6-7PM FREE 850-279-4863 February 6 Destin Library Snowbird Movie Matinee 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572

Miramar Beach Royal Palms Grill Masquerade Gala 6:30-10pm $100 850-585-4747 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

February 9 Okaloosa Island The Island Resort Top Hats & Tails 6-9pm $60 850-865-6866 Sandestin Hilton La Lumiere: Party of the gods 6:30pm $225 850-460-7777 www.hannahmartinsparty. com February 10 Sandestin Hilton La Lumiere: Brunch 11:30-1:30pm $ Not Avail.

850-460-7777 www.hannahmartinsparty. com February 11 Destin Community Ctr Adult Basketball $2 resident $3 non 5:30-9pm 850-654-5184 Niceville MK Arts Center Wizard of Oz 7:30pm $47 850-729-6000 February 12 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Harborwalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 6-8Pm FREE 850-337-8880 Destin Library Civil Rights in America 2-3pm FREE 850-837-8572

Niceville Library Cover to Cover Book Club 12:30-1:30PM FREE 850-279-4863 February 13 Destin Community Ctr Todd Allen Show 7-9pm FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Library Snowbird Movie 1:30 FREE 850-837-8572 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 February 14 Destin Community Ctr Youth Dodgeball 6-8pm $2 Resident $3 non 850-654-5184 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Baby Book Toddler Storytime 10:30am FREE 850-279-4863 February 15 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

February 15-16 Sandestin Baytown Wharf Gumbo Festival 5-7pm Friday 12pm Saturday $35 800-622-1038 February 16 Inlet Beach Camp Helen State Park Americana Music Series 6:30-8:00pm FREE 850-233-5059 February 17 Destin Commons Distinguished Young Woman’s Arrival Ceremony 4pm FREE 205-886-5552 February 18 Destin Community Ctr Adult Basketball $2 resident $3 non 5:30-9pm 850-654-5184 February 19 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Snowbird Meetup 8:30-11 FREE 850-654-5184 Harborwalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 6-8Pm FREE 850-337-8880 Destin Library Independent Film Series 2-4pm FREE 850837-8572 Okaloosa Island, The Gulf Distinguished Young Woman Meet the State Reps 5pm FREE 205-886-5552

February 20 Destin Community Ctr Todd Allen Show 7-9pm FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Library Snowbird Movie Matinee 1:30 FREE 850837-8572 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Pet Partners 3:30-5:40pm FREE 850-279-4863 February 20-24 Alys Beach 30A Wine Festival 6-8pm Wednesday 6:30-9pm Thursday 3:30-6:30pm Saturday 11:30-3pm Sunday $25-$775 850-213-5500 February 21 Crestview Library Chess Club Ages 6-17 3:15-4:15pm FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Community Ctr Youth Dodgeball 6-8pm $2 Resident $3 non 850-654-5184 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863 Niceville Library Baby Book Toddler Storytime 10:30am FREE 850-279-4863

continued on page 46

continued from page 43 Niceville Library Writers Group 6-7:45PM FREE 850-279-4863 ™

February 22 Crestview Library Bear Hunt 6-6:45pm FREE 850-682-4432 Crestview Library Teen Time 2-4pm FREE 850-682-4432 Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

February 23 Destin Brewery Rock the Road 5k &10k 8:30am $30-$45 850-842-4745 Destin Community Ctr Spring Craft Show 11-4pm FREE 850-654-5184

February 26 Crestview Library Reading and Crafts Ages 3-5 10:15 am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin Harborwalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 6-8Pm FREE 850-337-8880

February 28 Destin Community Ctr Youth Dodgeball 6-8pm $2 Resident $3 non 850-654-5184 Niceville Library Baby Book Worms 9:30am FREE 850-279-4863

FWB Auditorium Distinguished Young Woman Niceville Library State Competition/Program Family Movie Night 6:30pm 5:30-7:30 $20 FREE 205-886-5552 850-279-4863

February 24 February 27 Destin Community Ctr Destin Library Spring Craft Show Snowbird Movie 9-3pm 1:30 FREE FREE 850-654-5184 850837-8572

Niceville Library Baby Book Toddler Storytime 10:30am FREE 850-279-4863

February 25 Destin Community Ctr Adult Basketball $2 resident $3 non 5:30-9pm 850-654-5184

We love our calendar but things do change so, it's always best to confirm your event by calling the number listed below the event or by visiting their websites.

46 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Niceville Library Pre-K story Time 10:30-11 FREE 850-279-4863

Okaloosa Island EC Convention Center World's Greatest Baby Shower 5:30pm FREE 850-833-9284

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