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by Janet Swanson
Now that the temperatures are cooling off, how about heading down to the beach for the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, Florida on November 1st and 2nd.
Under the shady oak trees in Apalachicola’s Battery Park, you will find some of the best and freshest shellfish, shrimp, and crab just waiting for you to enjoy. Oyster harvesting in Apalachicola has been suspended till 2025. However, the oysters will still take center stage at this year's festival competitions. The festival offers local fresh seafood sold by local nonprofit organizations, arts and craft booths, as well as maritime exhibits including opportunities to meet wildlife up close and personal. In addition, enjoy musical acts from noon on Friday until the park closes on Friday night and again on Saturday. On Saturday night, a country music star will headline a concert beginning at 8:30 p.m.
In addition to enjoying all the fresh seafood, musical entertainment, and arts and crafts booths, don’t miss
the oyster shucking contest, as well as the oyster eating contest. Whether you are a participant or just an observer, everyone young and old will enjoy these two competitions.
For the oyster shucking, each contestant, wearing gloves and holding a shucking knife, faces off against 18 oysters, and the person who shucks the most oysters within the 2 minutes wins. But don’t be fooled, this contest is more for the experienced shuckers. In this competition, you not only shuck oysters, but you must do it with finesse. Contestants cannot end up having any chipped shells or mutilated oysters. There are more than a dozen criteria that will penalize your time and your score, so the last contestant standing is not always the fastest. In fact, judging this contest takes longer than the actual event itself!
Once those oysters have been shucked, it's time for the oyster-eating contest to begin. The festival suggests those who wish to witness this competition, not to sit directly in front of the contestants. In
fact, seat yourselves several rows back, giving ample room. For this competition, the oysters have already been shucked and counted into paper cups. Contestants have fifteen minutes to eat as many oysters as they can, one cupful at a time, without regurgitating. Sorry, it literally says that in the festival rules. This isn’t any small-time contest, we are literally talking about the timed consumption of 250 to 300 oysters, and therefore, not every competitor will be successful in literally keeping down that many fresh oysters.
The children will love the Blue Crab Races. These races are held at the top of each hour from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday with 20 contestants for each race. The contest is free to children up to age 12 with prizes for all participants. Be sure to sign up as soon as possible as the slots fill up quickly. The festival provides the blue crabs.
Enjoy the festival and have a great time.
10/3 Fall Holiday- No School
10/18 End of 1st Nine Weeks
10/21 Teacher Planning/No School
10/30 Report Cards
11/11 Veterans Day
11/13 Interim Reports
10/4 Feast of St. Francis
10/11 End of 1st Quarter
Pep Rally
10/12 Homecoming Dance
10/14 Data Day
Half Day/Early Release at Noon
10/17 Coffee & Conversations
10/22 Feast of John Paul II Blessing of Classrooms
10/24-25 Leon County World of Works
10/29 Senior Dress Down Day
11/1 All School mass (Mass Uniform)
11/11 Veterans Day- No School
10/3 Fall Holiday- No School
10/18 End of 1st Nine Weeks
10/21 Teacher Planning/No School
10/24-25 Worlds of Work
10/30 Report Cards
11/11 Veterans Day
10/1 Junior Senior Collage Fair
10/2 PSAT
10/4 Press The Chest
10/5 Big Bend Marching Showcase
10/8 Hispanic Heritage Elementary Celebration
Florida Folklife Assembly
10/9 Fourth Grade Ag Adventures
10/10 NJHS Induction Ceremony
10/11 Homecoming PowWow
Pep Rally End of 1st Quarter
10/14 Teacher Planning Day
10/16-17 Junior Field Trip to FSU
10/17 Fall Chorus Concert
10/18
Homecoming Pep Rally
EDEP Halloween Parties
10/22 5th Grade Agrirama Field Trip
10/23 Fall Picture ReTake
10/24 Ninth Grade World of Works
10/28-11/1 Red Ribbon Week
10/30 Junior Field Trip to FSU
2nd Grade- Animal Tales
10/31 Early Release Day 11:45a
11/1 Teacher Planning Day
11/2 Winter Extravaganza
10/3 Fall Holiday- No School
10/18 End of 1st Nine Weeks
10/21 Teacher Planning Day- No School
10/30 Report Cards
11/11 Veterans Day
11/13 Interim Reports
These awesome Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are the easiest dessert recipe (or at least apple pie recipe) you’ve ever made, and they are insanely GOOD! Snickerdoodle crescent rolls loaded with apple pie filling and caramel…WOW !!! I’m sure you’re drooling right now over these yummy pastries!
Ingredients
• 8 oz. can of refrigerated crescent rolls (8 crescents)
• 8 unwrapped caramel candies (one for each crescent)
• 1/2 cup chopped apples from apple pie filling (1 Tbsp. for each crescent)
• Cinnamon sugar mixture
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F, line baking sheet with baking paper and set aside.
Unroll crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
Place one caramel and about 1 Tbsp. chopped apples from apple pie filling on each triangle, roll the dough tightly, seal the edges, then roll between your palms to form the ball.
Roll each ball into cinnamon sugar mixture and arrange onto baking sheet leaving 2 inch space apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bombs are golden brown. Serve warm.
by Katie Truelove | ktcreative
Meet the Stern family: a vibrant, close-knit household whose adventures have taken them around the globe, but whose hearts are firmly rooted in the SouthWood community. Chauncey (44), Dusty (45), Amelia (13), Lucas (11), and Oliver (11) are not just neighbors; they’re an inspiring example of blending family, military service, and community involvement.
The Stern family's story begins with a twist of fate. Chauncey and Dusty met in January 2019 while traveling in Las Vegas. At the time, Chauncey was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, while Dusty was living right here in SouthWood. Later that year, Chauncey secured an assignment to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, bringing them closer together. In June 2022, the two tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, combining
their love of travel with their love for one another.
Careers and Passions
Chauncey, a Miami University (OH) graduate with a degree in Systems Analysis, retired from active duty in August 2023 after serving 20 years in the Air Force. Now, he runs his own real estate businesses and is fully enjoying civilian life. Dusty, a proud Florida State University alumna with a degree in Nursing, is making a difference at the Florida Department of Health in the Early Steps and Newborn Screening bureau.
Though their work lives are busy, they always make time for their favorite hobbies. The couple loves to travel and has ventured to places like Alaska, Germany, France, and beyond. Chauncey also enjoys golfing, computer games, and board games, while Dusty can often be found working
on intricate puzzles or searching for homes with pools (a passion she is well-known for in the community).
adopted from It’s Meow or Never, enjoys ruling her kingdom from her favorite perch atop the cat tower.
The Kids: Talented and Full of Life
Amelia, the oldest Stern child, is a talented singer with a passion for tennis and a love for reading. This summer alone, she devoured seven books! Lucas is equally impressive, participating in student council, cross-country, and track. His love of weather led him to start his own YouTube channel, "Lucas Weather," where he shares meteorological insights. He even had the chance to visit WCTV’s facilities and was featured on the 6 o’clock news! Oliver, the youngest of the Sterns, is a coding whiz who loves Minecraft. He has even built his own games and is a Ghostbusters fan, often seen around SouthWood with his proton pack on Halloween.
Pets and Home Life
Completing the Stern family are two cats, Chippy and Penny, both 3 years old. Chippy, adopted from Smitten With Kittens, has the adorable appearance of a chipmunk (and was fittingly named for this). Penny, who was
The Sterns have called SouthWood home since 2015, and they couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The sense of community and neighborly camaraderie is what they cherish most. Whether it’s Chauncey attending school board meetings or Dusty keeping an eye on new pool installations, they’re active and engaged members of the neighborhood. They split their time between SouthWood and Valdosta, GA, but always look forward to the time they spend in their Oak Run neighborhood.
As a family, the Sterns have created unforgettable memories. Their trips to Hawaii and Europe are particularly dear to them. In Hawaii, they explored everything from Diamondhead Crater to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and even stayed in the famous Elvis Presley hotel suite. In Europe, they traveled via military "Space A" flights and zoomed across countries on high-speed trains,
making lifelong memories while climbing the Eiffel Tower and viewing the Mona Lisa.
“Life is complicated, but we make it work and love gets us through.” This is the motto that the Stern family lives by, and it's clear from their adventures, resilience, and love for one another that they embody this philosophy every day.
So, if you ever see Dusty eyeing a house with a pool or catch Lucas filming the weather, know that it’s just the Stern family living life to the fullest—blended, busy, and full of love.
Scaring up a good time this Halloween starts with spooky costumes, ghoulish decor and treats you can share with your favorite ghosts and goblins. For an extra haunting twist, skip the store-bought candies and break out your cauldron for tempting homemade sweets.
You can celebrate the seedto-snack simplicity of one of fall’s favorite snacks – popcorn – with crunchy desserts that pair perfectly with your favorite spooky traditions. Popcorn’s smell, taste and versatility help it enhance Halloween as a budgetfriendly solution for ghostly gatherings.
Embrace the taste of autumn –pumpkin spice – with a snack that allows you to indulge throughout the season. These White Chocolate and Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn Bites offer warm flavor without the scare. Simply pour melted pumpkin pie spice-seasoned chocolate over popped popcorn, toss with toffee bits and sea salt then break into bite-sized chunks for a seasonal sweet that’s perfect for celebrating National Popcorn Poppin’ Month.
Visit Popcorn.org to find more Halloween-inspired snacks.
Go for a Ghoulish Snack Bar
Encourage a little devious creativity this Halloween with a popcorn bar (char-boo-terie board) that features everyone’s favorites. Start with enough freshly popped popcorn to feed all your little zombies and vampires then add seasonal favorites like candy corn, chocolate candies, individually wrapped treats, dried fruit, nuts and beyond.
To pop popcorn on a stovetop, cover the bottom of a 3- to 4-quart pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil (don’t use butter, it will burn). Place 3 kernels of popcorn in the pan, cover with a loose lid that allows steam to escape and heat. When the kernels pop, pour in enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan, one kernel deep, then cover the pan and shake to evenly spread the oil. When the popping begins to slow to a few seconds apart, remove the pan from the stovetop. The heated oil will still pop the remaining kernels.
White Chocolate and Pumpkin
Pie Spice Popcorn Bites
• 12 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
• 3 cups chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon light olive oil
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup toffee bits
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt, crushed
Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
In microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate, olive oil and pumpkin pie spice; microwave on medium 2-3 minutes, or until melted and smooth, stirring after each minute.
Pour melted white chocolate mixture over popcorn; add toffee bits and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spreading to edges of pan; sprinkle sea salt over top.
Let cool; refrigerate 1-2 hours, or until set. Break into chunks for serving.
Tip: Homemade pumpkin pie spice can be made by combining 3 parts ground cinnamon with 1 part ground nutmeg, 1 part allspice and 1 part ginger.
Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. In fact, understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care.
Despite the old adage that “you’ll catch your death of cold,” the cold itself doesn’t cause illness. More accurately, the cold is more hospitable to viruses, making it easier for them to spread. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your health when temperatures drop.
A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to ward off intrusive germs. If you’re otherwise healthy, protecting your immune system can be as simple as stepping up typical healthy habits, like eating plenty of nutrient-rich produce, getting enough sleep and exercising. Managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful in managing your body’s immune response.
If your immune system is compromised by an underlying condition, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what you can do to add an extra layer of protection during the cooler months, including any vaccines that may help boost immunity.
Cool, dry conditions can wreak havoc on your nasal passages, drying them out and reducing the protective layer of mucus that helps fight infection. Sinus pressure and congestion are often some of the first warning signs you’re coming down with something.
People naturally spend more time indoors when temperatures drop, but there are some benefits to getting outdoors. One is the natural exposure to vitamin D. Sunlight is a natural source of this important vitamin, which plays a pivotal role in immunity. Sunlight also triggers the body to produce serotonin, which boosts your mood, and multiple studies show a strong correlation between mental and physical health.
It may seem overly simple, but the everyday act of washing your hands can play a big role in preventing illness, especially after you spend time in public places. While out and about, you likely come in contact with many surfaces others may have touched, including door handles, shopping carts, touch screens and menus.
Keeping your body well-hydrated throughout the day can help ensure all your body’s systems are functioning as they should. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t use the nutrients you consume properly, which affects your immunity. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body before they can cause an infection.
Find more practical tips and products to help manage your health during the colder months at Mucinex.com.
Birds fly out as Fall rolls in!
More than 300 bird species found in North America during the summer will make their way to Latin America or the Caribbean, some covering distances of nearly 7,000 miles. Parks, backyards and nature refuges across Florida will host some of these winged visitors for the next few weeks as the birds make their way to their fall and winter destinations. Tallahassee is on the Atlantic Flyway, a migration route that stretches from the Caribbean to the Arctic and Greenland and Tallahassee is considered one of the top birding cities in the United States.
“Migration is an interesting part of bird behavior,” explained Angela McDonnell, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited here in Tallahassee. “Besides the amount of daylight, it appears that age, sex, weather and the availability of food, water and shelter are the major factors in migratory behavior.
Bird migration is a fascinating time for many bird watchers. It is also a fun time for many people who feed the birds. And migration can happen in your own backyard! Wild Birds Unlimited can help you enjoy this season with these tips and products:
• Bird Migration by Stan Tekiela – Explore the fascinating journey of bird migration with Stan Tekiela, a renowned naturalist with over 30 years of experience. This award-winning coffeetable book combines Tekiela’s stunning photographs with insightful observations, capturing the essence of migratory behaviors from small songbirds to majestic raptors. Discover the marvels of migration and gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible travelers across the U.S. and Canada.
• Migrating birds need stopover sites that provide an adequate food supply for a quick replenishment of fat reserves, water, and shelter from predators.
• VORTEX Binoculars – so you don’t miss any of the migrating species coming through, having a pair of binoculars handy helps to catch all the action.
• Merlin Bird ID – Discover Merlin Bird ID, the leading bird identification app available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Merlin Bird ID is your ultimate tool for recognizing the birds you see and hear. Unlike other bird apps, Merlin is powered by eBird, the world’s largest database of bird sightings, sounds, and photos.
• Flyin’ Bistro™ Cylinder Feeder – This versatile feeder accommodates a range of seed cylinders, Stackables®, no-melt cylinders, and seed characters. It includes a protective dome to shield food from rain and a drainage-equipped tray. It is ideal for holding a variety of bird foods.
• Bird Baths – providing a fresh water source for migrating birds is critical and it helps attract the birds to your yard. We have a variety of bird baths and accessories from which to choose.
• A brush pile or wood pile in your yard provides needed shelter and another food source (insects) for migrating birds.
Bringing people and nature together is what we do at Wild Birds Unlimited, so let us help you take the steps to participate and enjoy the migration season!
