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NovemberThankful Issue
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way.
While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present and appreciating those around can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is.
This issue we focus our attention on non-profits in our area and introduce you to the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation and their goal to provide underprivileged youth with scholarships for secondary education. We also take a look at a new and upcoming non-profit organization, The Ground Up Project that seeks to provide a place for special needs adults to live and thrive into the future.
Next, we turned our lens towards South Walton Academy and their vision to provide individualized education to children of all abilities and finally to nationwide military serving organization, Operation Healing Forces, that focuses on mental health and wellness for Special Operation Forces veterans and their families.
We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. One of those partners, Registered Investment Advisor Bennett Stein, shared some of his knowledge with us this issue, look for his tips about going against the flow in investing.
This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family,
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Savannah Vasquez | savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Melanie Gray | melanie.gray@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray Learn
CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER
inside the issue
Ellison McCraney
Ellison McCraney Ingram was nine years old in 2021 when a brain tumor suddenly took his
McCraney
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BRIDGING
the Gap
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
ELLISON MCCRANEY INGRAM FOUNDATION SUPPORTS EDUCATIONAL DREAMS
Children’s charities offer so much to the community, especially to children who are at-risk, or who are from families experiencing financial hardship. However once these children reach
the age of 18, they often age-out and are left with financial burdens that put them in the same shoes that they started out in - this crisis is where the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation (EMIF) comes in.
“Most children’s charities service kids but once they are 18, they can’t help them anymore, that’s where we come in,” said Paul Barcus, Executive Director for the EMIF. “If you are a child who has benefitted from one of the charities supported by the Destin Charity Wine Foundation you are eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation.”
A group of close friends were inspired to create the foundation when long-time children’s charity supporters Doug and Merrisa Ingram suddenly lost their youngest son Ellison to a brain tumor in 2021. Paul and several friends named the new foundation after Ellison and dedicate their time and efforts to support children’s educational dreams on behalf of the Ingram family.
“Doug and Merrisa commit untold hours to charities in the area and this is our way of giving back not only to Doug and Merrisa, but to the students,” Paul said.
Since launching in 2021, EMIF awards up to 5 scholarships per year to students seeking secondary education either in a technical college or university. The scholarships cover up to $10,000 per year for four years per recipient. Along with that, Ellison also has four wells named after him in Africa to help children with access to fresh water. EMIF plans to continue both these causes.
“Most children’s charities service kids, but once they are 18, they can’t help them anymore.”
“The most important thing that we want the community to know is that we are here as part of the community, trying to do what we can to help college students in need continue in their educational dreams,” Paul said.
Bonds That Heal
THE VITAL MISSION BEHIND OPERATION HEALING FORCES
ARTICLE BY ANNALISA SAWICK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Imagine a life where every day is a battle; not just against external threats, but against your own mind and body. This is the reality for many Special Operations Forces (SOF) members, whose lives are often marred by physical injuries, mental trauma, and the strains of combat. Without the proper resources, these veterans and their families are left to continue their fight in the trenches without any weapons. Thankfully there are organizations such as Operation Healing Forces, that step in and refuse to leave anyone behind.
Operation Healing Forces understands the importance resources can play for Special Ops active duty members, veterans, their families and their caregivers. They know rehabilitation is crucial and reintegration is a journey, one that could potentially save lives and family systems.
Operation Healing Forces (OHF) was founded on the principle of honoring America's wounded, ill, injured, and fallen Special Operations Forces service members, veterans, and their families through programs that offer mental, physical and emotional healing on multiple levels. OHF is a testament to the power of human connection in healing and stands as a beacon of hope for those who feel lost.
The idea started in November of 2011 under the name Operation Cruise by Gary Markel, with the thought of providing week-long treats on his yacht for Special Operations Forces and their family members. Over the years it has transformed into so much more. What started as week-long cruises has evolved into a comprehensive program offering support, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for SOF members and their families.
In March 2016, OHF expanded its programs beyond cruises to include donations of weeks of time spent in private vacation homes and resorts, ensuring that the healing and bonding experiences could continue
through therapeutic retreats. Gary's brother, Tony Markel, joined him in this noble endeavor, along with their Board of Directors, all of whom pledged to cover the overhead and administrative costs of OHF.
OHF is dedicated to serving the needs of the Special Operations Forces community through a suite of programs that promote long-term mental, physical, emotional, and fiscal well-being. Their vision, "Creating bonds that cure," reflects their belief in the transformative power of human connections in enhancing resilience, empowering rehabilitation, and fostering reintegration for SOF members and their families.
“It’s imperative for our nation to understand that it’s our duty and responsibility to support those who have sacrificed so much for our nation…it’s a moral obligation.”--Kerry
For Kerry Irvin, the CEO and an integral figure in OHF, this mission is deeply personal. Coming from a military family, with a father who was an Army pilot in Vietnam and continued to serve for over 40 years, a husband who was a special operations Army Aviator and served for 32 years, and two children who are now in the military, Kerry understands the unique challenges faced by SOF members and their families. She was an officer for national security and intelligence for many years and worked closely with special ops.
“I have a lot of respect and high regard for the work they do. They are quiet professionals, and by design, the general public does not always know a lot about their missions. Many people are surprised to find out that on any given day, in about 72-82 countries, we have special ops forces on the ground numbering between 6-8,000 individuals. They are doing their duty, on behalf of our nation.”--Kerry
OHF recognizes that oftentimes relationships and lives are severely damaged by the call of duty and its aftermath. It provides a network of support that
“It’s imperative for our nation to understand that it’s our duty and responsibility to support those who have sacrificed so much for our nation…it’s a moral obligation.” — Kerry
“Every program we provide enhances mental and physical well being. When you have one of those areas out of sync, it impacts other areas of life.”
— Kerry
allows for the opportunity to grow a community of like-minded individuals that simply understands what the word “sacrifice” means. These retreats refresh their souls and bring them hope during times of weariness and loss because the battle doesn’t end when they return home.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the SOF community, OHF provides a suite of programs tailored to their specific needs. Decades of perpetual combat operations, increased suicides, and a high rate of divorce and illness within the SOF community underscore the importance of OHF's work.
“Every program we provide enhances mental and physical well being. When you have one of those areas out of sync, it impacts other areas of life. We gauge our impact by ensuring we are decreasing risk factors and helping increase the holistic well being of our service members”--Kerry
BREAKING THE SILENCE
One of the biggest challenges for SOF members is the expectation to be tough and resilient. However, this often leads to burying emotions and trauma, which can have devastating effects on mental health and relationships. OHF provides a safe space for SOF members to open up and share their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.
“It’s drilled into them to be tough. They are the most elite, most formidable military units in the world. The expectation is that they are machines, but the reality is, they are human.”--Kerry
The programs offered by OHF are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where SOF members and their families can openly discuss their personal battlefield and problem solve hardships.
With a staff comprised of former operators, SOF spouses, and other personnel with over a decade of experience serving the SOF community, OHF creates a trusting atmosphere where participants can share their struggles without fear of stigma.
While physical injuries are often visible, the invisible wounds of war, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury, can be just as debilitating. OHF offers access to a range of programs to address these issues, including mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and holistic wellness coaching.
In addition to retreat programs, OHF provides direct crisis support, employment services, financial planning, and more. They host frequent fundraising events, from golf tournaments to national security forums; providing outlets, community, and support for those that need it.
Raymond “Tony” Thomas, a former four-star Commanding General of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) understands the crucial need for benevolent organizations to counterbalance the toll taken on America’s most elite fighting forces.
“Operation Healing Forces is one of the most powerful platforms I know of to help support our nation’s Special Operations Forces. The vital programming they offer specifically targets the evolving needs within the Special Operations community and provides long-lasting positive impacts for the Service Members, Veterans, and their families.”--Tony
Having previously commanded the more than 78,000 individuals who comprise USSOCOM, General Thomas knows better than most the importance of ensuring wraparound care services are available in times of hardship and crisis.
“The tempo of special operations missions around the world is not lessening, nor are the repercussions on the lives of those who serve. We cannot afford to take our foot off the gas pedal when it comes to taking care of those who have given so much in service to our Nation. That’s one of the reasons why I chose to align myself with Operation Healing Forces as a member of their National Advisory Council. There are many organizations out there serving the military, but OHF does one of the best jobs of caring for not just the service member, but their entire family.”
Operation Healing Forces is more than an organization; it’s a lifeline for the Special Operations Forces community. Through their unwavering commitment to strengthening human bonds, OHF is changing lives on every battlefield.
- Laura S. Bommarito
THE GROUND UP PROJECT
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The ultimate goal of any parenting journey is to instill basic skills, confidence, happiness, and the opportunity for success and independence for our children. As a group of parents to amazing special needs individuals, The Ground Up Project is a new non-profit set to fill the deficiencies in long-term living options for those on a neurodivergent life path.
In an attempt to bridge the gap between special needs adults living their lives under the roof of a family caregiver or choosing the typical institutional
option, our organization is on a mission to create something new.
This vision includes establishing a community of tiny homes, apartments and group homes - each suited to individual residents' needs and desires. In a space where safety is of the utmost importance, there will be support staff onsite 24/7 along with security measures on multiple levels.
Each of the housing options will be centered around an activities center, furthering the residents’ bond
Supporting a community for unique adults with special needs
with the community, sense of belonging, and opportunity to be socially active. Our program will offer residents the chance for employment onsite as well as establish a strong work program in connection with the local community. The ultimate goal of our organization is to create a space where each individual has a support system in place required to lead a healthy and happy life.
As we begin the journey, our nonprofit will be leaning heavily into fundraising. From acquiring land to working with the state, and even designing the facilities; The Ground Up Project’s success relies on educating those around us of the unique challenges special needs adults face. Education will be paired with fundraising and garnering the support of our community.
UPCOMING EVENT
The Ground Up Project will host a Dinner of Design fundraiser on November 7th at 5 p.m. at Bitterroot in Destin. Enjoy a threecourse meal, paired with wine and cocktails and learn more about the impact this facility will have on the health and wellbeing of special needs adults in our area.
Contrarianism in Investing
ARTICLE BY BENNETT STEIN
A contrarian might look for characteristics in a company that are usually ignored. - Bennett Stein.
As a Registered Investment Advisor and portfolio manager, I get asked all sorts of investment questions. When I mention what I do for a living and that I follow my own style of value investing, I am frequently asked, “So that makes you a contrarian, huh?” Well, the answer to that is yes and no…and it depends.
A contrarian is someone who goes against the crowds and/or perceived wisdom of the day. In investing, contrarianism leads one to be optimistic when others are pessimistic or vice versa, favoring sectors or companies that are out-of-favor with the investment community, etc. A contrarian might look for characteristics in a company that are usually ignored or even shunned by the general investing public.
SHORT-TERM CONTRARIANISM
As a value investor, I am more likely to be a contrarian with client investments in the short-term. Value investors seek to purchase shares of stock at a discount to what they are intrinsically worth. When markets are frothy and trading near all-time highs, retail and institutional investors tend to pile in with bouts of exuberance. Everyone in your neighborhood seems to be getting rich,so why miss out?
Professional investment advisors tend to not fare much better, as they don’t want to miss out on short-term performance and lose investors in their funds or wealth management practices. Value investors tend to be cautious during times of strong investor sentiment. Run ups in share prices can lead to shares selling for more than they are
intrinsically worth, which is the opposite of what us value investors set out to do.
Conversely, retail investors often panic sell during selloffs and bear markets, wanting nothing to do with ‘risky’ markets until the ‘volatility’ ends. There are reports of drying up 401(k)s, delayed retirements, coworkers losing their shirt after poor investment choices. Money managers will often follow suit, preferring to take losses rather than risk them getting worse and underperforming the competition in the short-term. As a value investor, I tend to get optimistic during drawdowns, as price decreases tend to mean there are more excellent companies with characteristics I look for selling for less than they are worth. I don’t run out of the store in a panic when something I want goes on sale, so why do folks do the same with the stock market?
It's all but impossible to predict the movement of stocks or the markets in the shortterm, and given the irrational nature of market movements, I tend to be skeptical of what comes across my desk day-to-day.
LONG-TERM OPTIMISM
With a longer time horizon, the more optimistic and ‘conventional’ I become. If you look at stock market returns from the last century or so, the long-term index return averages around 10 percent ( 1). This long-term trend line is remarkably consistent despite the economic depressions, recessions, wars, pandemics, bouts of inflation, deflation, deficits, surpluses: you name it, the stock market tends to eventually chug along through it and end up appreciating. The stock market has its
good years and bad (good more often than bad). But if you buy an index fund or a portfolio of competently selected securities and - this is key - stay invested for decades?
History indicates you’ll do quite well for yourself, and I think that trend will continue. The prevailing wisdom among money managers and writers is to stay invested through good times and bad. This gives rise to phrases such as ‘time in the market beats timing the market.” With this, I agree wholeheartedly! In my opinion, market timing is generally a fool’s errand. Books and movies like The Big Short glamorize this concept, but you are much more likely to just end up sitting on the investment sidelines for years, missing out on positive investment returns the markets have experienced in most years.
There will be silly decisions and speed bumps and crises you won’t remember along the way. But as long as you don’t need the money in the next several years, try to stay invested don’t try to time the market. Keep your head on straight, and try to make more good decisions than bad ones. Remember, pessimists may sound smart, but optimists get rich!
In closing, contrarianism and standing out from the crowd can lead to great returns in the future
and steer you clear of investing calamity in the short-term. In the long-term, be a market optimist and your future self will thank you.
(1.) Jeremy J. Siegel, Stocks for the Long Run, New York: McGraw Hill, 2023, 6th edition, 94.
DISCLAIMER
Investment advisory services offered through Stein Financial LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Information in this article does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but is limited to the dissemination of general information on products and services. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals may materially alter the performance, strategy and results of your portfolio.
Fort Walton Beach
Thrive and Learn
South Walton Academy offers a place for children of all abilities to learn
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
South Walton Academy was founded by a mother’s passion to see her children and clients thrive. Calley Middlebrooks, an Early Intervention Therapist and mother to three children, saw a need in Walton County for a school that valued individualized curriculum and inclusion for children of all abilities.
CONTINUED >
“My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four,” Calley said. As a professional, helping families and personally, as a mother seeking services for my son, I have seen the challenges we face as a community with the difficulties of finding available services, specifically for those with Autism and other related learning disabilities.”
Calley explained that in addition to an education system that includes curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of every student, she sought to found a school that brought in therapy support for students as well as inclusive classrooms that allowed for integration of both neurotypical and neurodivergent students.
So in January of 2016, with the help of Director Jennifer Filippone and several other colleagues and therapists, South Walton Academy was founded with a mission to meet the needs of all students.
“We offer small class sizes, individualized curriculums, and offer private, one-on-one therapy services for students who need additional accommodations,” Calley said when asked what sets South Walton Academy apart. “We offer a range of educational and therapeutic opportunities and
have a focus on development, health, and conversation, which sets us aside from other therapy and academic programs.”
By implementing knowledge gained through her work as a developmental therapist, Calley has created an atmosphere that encourages children to learn in a way that matches their natural developmental stage.
“I believe when working with a child you have to look at overall development which inspired the concept of educating teachers on development including therapy skills,” Calley said. “Taking this concept through all aspects of academics, it’s easier for children to learn, which increases success. When children are successful they are more interested in learning and will ask questions, do research, and independently develop new skills in their area of interest.”
In the past eight years, South Walton Academy has seen growth from 5 to 150 students. Last year, the school built a 12,000-square-foot building that provides students and the community with an indoor, multi-sensory, play space for all abilities. This year, the school has added special emphasis on environmental education, experiential learning, and environmental stewardship.
“We use the Guy Harvey curriculum for our Marine Biology course, which has been a wonderful addition in helping with our conservation efforts as well as teaching our students about the environment,” Calley said. “We also have a Farm-To-Table Program where we have chickens and gardening. This helps our students learn how to care for animals, they get to collect eggs, they have the opportunity to plant different fruits and vegetables learning about different and healthy foods.”
“When children are successful they are more interested in learning and will ask questions, do research, and independently develop new skills in their area of interest.”
Calley Middlebrooks.
However, amid all the growth and expansion, Calley said that the new school year has come with some challenges in the financial realm. Funding that normally comes in readily from the state has been slower to come in, causing a strain on the school’s finances.
"Over the past year, the state of Florida has been significantly delayed with their scholarship funding which has caused a financial strain on our program," Calley said. "We are thankful for our community and all of the support we continue to receive. We have an amazing staff filled with therapists, teachers, and various specialists, but we wouldn’t be here today without the families who have entrusted us with their children."
For more information about giving visit www.southwaltonacademy.com.
Calley Middlebrooks, third from left, and her family.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
HOLIDAY MEALS READY TO GO
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s
Your all-natural, fresh, Joyce Farms turkey will be brined and ready to cook. Choose from a selection of delectable chef made sides ready to heat and serve. Shop online, stop by the market or give us a call. All turkeys and sides are limited and first come first serve so place your order now. Your holiday meal will be ready for pick up the day before each holiday.
