October/November 2016 by On the Coast Magazine

September/October/November 2016

Aware Is To

Alive

How To Be

Charming

What Makes Your Family

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CONTENTS

September/October 2016

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 5

24 14 5 6

Publisher’s Page Contributor's Page

Our fantastic editors who you've come to know and love!

Fitness On The Coast

5 big mistakes!

22 22 Knowing the Bernie

Swimming is back full stroke in Okaloosa County!

24 Birthday Party Guide

Venues to plan your ultimate bash!

38 Paging All Readers

Alexandra Brown shares this Issues treasures

10 Breast Cancer Awareness

40 Events

14 How Charming!

45 Making a Difference

Knowledge is power

Proper training has advantages

16 Meet Maya & Luke

Making a difference to kidz in Florida

20 Augmented Reality

Gaming has taken on a life of its own - rules to know!

The areas most extensive calendar in print! Casino Night Wiggin’ Out for a Cause

On The Cover:

Friends since preschool, Sawyer, Beck and Kobe enjoy an afternoon catching Bulbasaurs, Ivysaurs, Charizards, and Kakunas playing Pokémon GO! Watch out! Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 3

PUBLISHER/EDITOR NANCY BABIN PHOTO EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR SHANE BABIN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS REBECCA HUGHES ANDERSON, ALEXANDRA BROWN, DENISE GATES, PAUL HUNTER, CAROLYN JABS, MADISON MCINNIS, LESLIE MOLAND, ERIKA SCANNELL, CRYSTAL TINGLE, TIFFANY TOLER, DANIELLE TORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COASTALSTYLE.COM ART DIRECTOR NANCY BABIN GRAPHIC DESIGN KLYNN GRAPHIC DESIGN

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F. Scott Fitzgerald, the self-proclaimed ‘failure’ who was a hopeless romantic and famous American author of the iconic classics, The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise once wrote, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Here at On The Coast magazine, we tend to agree. Its time to start all over again… and those with school aged children know exactly what I mean! Another summer has passed as we enter my favorite season of all, Fall!!! I enjoyed a busy, fun filled summer and hope you did too. But the business of the fall ushers in an almost relaxing rhythm as we sink back into school day routines, after school activities, fall sports and prepare for family traditions just around the corner. Its time, like Fitzgerald says, to start all over… Sadly, sometimes in starting over, we also have to say goodbye. With this issue we say good bye to one of our longest, most endeared contributors, Alexandra Brown and her wonderful book review column. I still remember the very first day Alex approached me at Publix Supermarket and asked if she could contribute a column so that she could bless our children with great books to read. There seems to be a lot of books out with little literary merit and turn out to be unsavory. I completely embraced this idea as I had just had my daughter come home with a book from the library that I thought was very inappropriate, yet we didn’t catch it until a bit too far into the story.

Alex read every single book she wrote about in each issue and most times, you could count on at least 4 great treasures, as I called them. She’s an avid reader and I will miss her greatly as I’m sure you will too as she poured her heart and soul into each column, hoping it would ignite the passion she has for good books for the tweens and teens. Thank you Alex from the bottom of my heart for all these great years you’ve given On the Coast Magazine. You will be truly missed my friend. For this new year, we have embraced the change and have decided to start all over again with a new “shout out” page. This page will be dedicated to you, dear readers, and your accomplishments. Be it team congrats or a personal high note, we want to hear about it!!! Teachers, don’t be shy about submitting those kudos to kiddos to us and please include those pictures too. As you long for those ‘lazy summer nights’ and force yourself to start all over with a new school year, new classmates, new teachers and new routines, may I encourage you to embrace the change and enjoy the moments, both big and small. As we wish our talented friend and longtime contributor, Alex Brown, farewell and bid her blessings in her future endeavors, embrace our new section and trust that every sad ending is followed by a new beginning! Blessings dear readers

2004 Gold ADDY Award

2008 Silver ADDY Award

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Contributors Leslie Moland

Danielle Torley

Danielle lives in Destin with her husband, Rich, and two children, ages 1 and 3. Danielle works full-time in business development, is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), and is on the Florida Board of the Association of Proposals Management Professionals. Raised in Michigan and having lived in Texas, Washington D.C., and Dubai, UAE, Danielle enjoys the beautiful local beaches and stays active through yoga, triathlon, fire dancing, and keeping up with her young children.

Crystal Tingle

Crystal, along with her husband of 19 years and 3 boys, has been living in the Destin area since 2005. She is Founder of TheFitandHealthyLife. com which is a resource website created to teach and empower women to become the best version of themselves at any age through healthy food and fitness. Her passion to help women grew from her own transformation from frumpy mom to fit mom when she finally learned to stop comparing herself to others and focus on being the best that she could be…competing only with herself and all of this happened after 40!

After years of visiting the Emerald Coast, Leslie Moland is proud to call herself a local. She is an active part of the community, working closely with the White-Wilson Community Foundation and as public relations specialist at White-Wilson Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Leslie is a self-described Southern Belle who enjoys taking full advantage of Florida’s long, sunny days, fresh seafood and laid back atmosphere.

Michael Sherwood Michael has lived along the Emerald Coast for 13 years and resides in Miramar Beach with his children Maya (13) and Luke (11). He works in financial sales and enjoys contributing to the community by working with children in a variety of ways.

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.

Erika Scannell Erika Scannellis a busy wife and soccer mom of 5 beautiful Kiplets. When not writing or shuttling kiddos from endless activities or leading the local MOPS moms in crafts extraordinaire, she tries to squeeze in some reading, research and bible studies. Best place to find her is hiding from her children in her closet! Her first book, Struggle Of Will Part 1, can be found on Amazon and Kindle.

Denise Gates

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. 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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Madison McInnis

is completing an internship at On the Coast Magazine this summer. She is a 19-year-old student at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. At UWF she is working to obtain a major in public relations with a minor in international studies. Her goal in public relations is to utilize her passions for reading, writing, and communicating to positively impact various organizations and society. At home in Niceville for the summer, Madison enjoys spending time with family and finding the newest adventures On the Coast.

Carolyn Jabs

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict.

Tiffany Toler

Tiffany recently relocated with her newly wed husband and their dog from Eglin AFB to McGuire AFB in NJ. She enjoys contributing to On the Coast magazine doing research for all things including the event calendar, web editorial and newsletters.

Rebecca Hughes Anderson Rebecca is a Marketing Manager for National Breast Cancer Foundation, located in Frisco, TX. She lives in Plano, TX with her husband, two daughters, ages 2 & 4, and a very energetic Weimaraner. Prior to joining NBCF, she worked for JCPenney at their corporate office for 10 years. She is a graduate of The University of Arizona (BS) and Texas A&M—Commerce (MBA). She enjoys karaoke, dancing, swimming, and reading, and she volunteers her time to BSF International, Grace Outreach Center and the City of Plano. She very much hopes a vacation to the Destin area will be part of her 2017 schedule.

Alexandra Brown Alexandra lives in Destin and is married to Jerry Brown and has 2 daughters, Ellen (14) and Clara (12). She has loved reading since the age of 3 and also loves snow skiing, hiking and mountain biking.

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The 5 Biggest Mistakes When Starting an Exercise Program by Paul Hunter The weather is about to be cooler. School has begun and you have decided now is the time to make a change in your self and your body before the crux of the holiday pressure kicks in. You may have heard, “If you always do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always gotten.” True however I’d like to add a little caveat: “If you always do what you always done, you will get less results than if you had begun to do more sooner.” Why, because as time passes we get farther from our goals both physically and mentally. We add an extra pound here, pick up an unhealthy habit there. All things that can take us away from our intended goals.

right? If your body has been dormant for some time, you need to remember your brain may be strong but the tissue connecting your muscles, bones and joints together may not be so strong. It takes time for your tendons and ligaments to gain strength and with a safe and effective program it will happen. Rome was NOT built in a day but it continues to stand.

When we venture to make a change in our lives, we need to make a change in our lives and quite often it is more than one. Activity, nutrition, rest, thoughts, they all play a key role in our success, whatever we do. Quite often we find ourselves way out of balance and thus not looking, performing or feeling the way we’d like. Let’s take a look at 5 things that can keep us from achieving all that we hope we can be.

Not Fueling the Body while starting a “Diet.” “I need to go on a diet,” may be one of the most often uttered phrases in the English language. Something happens when someone begins a diet. They eat nothing but what the book or magazine says thus they cut out all snacks, extra food, etcetera. All sounds great until the body is not receiving what it needs to function at its optimum and the dieter commonly “snaps” and fills in with very familiar snacks. Remember we are looking to “be changed” 2 years from now and not have sprung back to our original shape. Make consistent changes in the right direction and your chance of success will improve.

Not setting attainable goals: Here people set out to accomplish the impossible. I hear, “I need to lose 30 lbs. this week because my sister is getting married.” or “My 20 year high school reunion is in 2 weeks and I want sculpted arms.” Even the American College of Sports Medicine has a standard set that our bodies can healthily lose 1-2 lbs per week. More than that and research has shown it’s mostly water if not muscle mass. It may feel like only yesterday that you were in shape or had the shape you wanted but you didn’t actually get here overnight. If you have set the right goals, not started out too fast and received some expert instruction, your goals will be closer than you think. Do not grow weary in doing the right things.

Starting too fast going too hard: It’s, “An apple a day that keeps the doctor away”, not, “Seven apples on Saturday”. You’ve now set your realistic goals, right? You plan to continue this “healthy new you” program for a long time,

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Not getting some expert instruction. If you study the people at the top of their game you’ll find there is a coach or trainer working with them to guide them along the finer points for better results. No time? No money? It’s an investment in yourself and the knowledge goes a long way. A trainer should actually be a time manager for you; The shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line.

Not Starting at all because you see the hill and not the view from the top. The view from the top is rewarding and you’ll find that the majority would rather complain or make excuses about the trip, “They want to take or could have taken if only...”. The daily changes, the effort, the discipline, the view. It’s all worth it and so are you. You’ll be surprised at what you can become if only you stop trying to steer the “parked car” and get moving.

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by Rebecca H. Anderson

breast cancer awareness still an issue? The National Breast Cancer Foundation would say it absolutely is. It’s not that women don’t know what breast cancer is. Most women in the U.S. know of the disease, and many are aware that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most also know that mammography is still considered to be the best tool for reducing breast cancer mortality rates. So, does Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and more specifically National Mammography Day, still matter? National Mammography Day—the third Friday in October—was created by President Clinton in 1993 to remind women to schedule their mammograms. In an era of only TV, radio, print media and “snail mail,” a presidential proclamation was the surest way to shine the light on the importance of getting a mammogram. Considering today’s technology with instant information at our fingertips, is National

Mammography Day now passé? Doesn’t everyone just already know women are supposed to get a mammogram annually after age 40? Perhaps…but knowing and acting are not always the same. Ask a woman how she’s doing and you’ll often hear, “Busy.” Between work, running a household, making time for fitness, attempting to prepare healthy meals, and taking care of others, the prevailing sentiment is that there are just not enough hours in the day—particularly for moms. It’s easy to let scheduling that annual mammogram get pushed further and further down the to-do list as we tackle more “pressing” issues like paying bills, grocery shopping, and even making and keeping appointments for others. But as hard as it is to prioritize a mammogram, we must work together to make it happen. The National Breast Cancer Foundation believes the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better chance a woman has of living a full life. So, during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sure you’re aware of breast cancer, but take time to educate yourself on the importance of Breast Health Awareness. If you’re a woman over 40 and don’t have a mammogram scheduled, make the call today. If you’ve already scheduled yours, great! And everyone - encourage a friend/aunt/mom/coworker to schedule hers. This story was written by Rebecca H. Anderson, National Breast Cancer Foundation Marketing Manager, and edited for this publication. About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for twelve years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, Beyond The Shock®, breast health education, and research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org. continued on page 12

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2016 Breast Cancer Stats continued from page 10

Susan McConnell Story by Leslie Moland

Since the age of 5, Susan had a best friend. While Susan and her younger sister Sharry were very different, they were always close. Even as adults they joked and laughed like girls. One day when Susan tossed something to her sister, Sharry said “Ouch.” After some questioning, Susan, then an X-Ray technologist, found herself reviewing her sister’s recent mammogram results. Months earlier Sharry found a lump in her breast and received a mammogram in her small Kentucky town. She asked the mammogram technician about what she found, but was assured it was nothing. She was never contacted and told otherwise. Being one who did not sweat the small stuff, Sharry had ignored what she later found out was aggressive cancer growing in her breast. Five years later, Sharry lost her battle with cancer. After Sharry’s death, Susan struggled with how to move forward without her confidant. When the opportunity to become a mammography technician at White-Wilson Medical Center arose, Susan jumped on it. “Every morning, I pray that I will do my job to the best of my ability, because I know how important it is,” said Susan. “My job is to get the best possible image for the doctor and to listen to what the patient has to say. I am always going to make sure the patient’s concerns are heard and that I take everything they say seriously.” In honor of her sister, Susan spends her days capturing images that may find nothing…or that may confirm a patient’s worst fear. “Sometimes it is hard not to get emotional,” said Susan, “but my motto is to find it early, pluck it out and live. That is why mammograms are so important.”

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• Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Johns Hopkins Medical Center • On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes. • 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. • Each year it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. • Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year and approximately 440 will die. • 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. • Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.

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C RYS T AL

CLEA R

Evan Etheridge & Daniel Wyatt Prepare for a night on the Red Carpet at the Cotillion Ball

Manners Do Matter by Crystal Tingle

So, this is our social life with other families when our children are included: Do you hear them? The crickets I mean. That’s because there ARE NO social outings or dinner parties with them! Or at a maximum, it’s minimal. You know, only when required and with LOTS of pre-game coaching! Why? Because we fear them! We live with them! We know them! How they eat! How they fight! Eye contact and handshakes? Whattttt??? Scary! So, it goes like this… “Did you explain to the kids to be sociable? They are to come out of their rooms and hang out. You told them that, right? And did you tell them to say hello to everyone and ask how they are doing and make eye contact? And did you tell them to not stay on the X-Box the whole time…I mean, they need to go outside and hang also, right? And they know to not pick up their salad with their fingers, right?” I am sharing this personal information only because I KNOW I am not the only one who feels that way. You know who you are! Although, I do meet the occasional child or teen and I think to myself, “Wow! What a well-mannered, well-spoken young person.” And when I compliment the parents, they look at me like a deer caught in the headlights and respond, “My child?” That makes me chuckle. But as progressive as our world has gotten, good manners should always be a constant, especially if you live in the South. And despite my present-tense rendition above, my husband and I did recently enroll our older two boys in an etiquette class for middle and high 14 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

school youth hosted by the National League of Junior Cotillions because, well, we felt that maybe if someone else taught them, they would comply and become somewhat presentable. The classes were held once a month on Sunday afternoons throughout the school year for an hour and a half each class, making it easy and minimal to position into already-busy schedules. But, according to them, they loathed every minute of it. They were required to dress in khaki pants, a dark jacket, a tie and dress shoes. I mean, really? The atrocity of having to wear such formal clothing! This makes me chuckle. I remember a time when shorts and jeans were never allowed in proper settings such as church or a dance. I had to wear a nice dress with pantyhose and white or black patent leather shoes! Do we still even call them pantyhose anymore? Can you even still buy them? It’s so funny to me that this generation thinks a pair of dark-colored jeans with no holes is considered dressing up. The young ladies were required to attend with appropriate dress as well, but they didn’t seem to mind as much. But, despite the flack we got after each class, they enjoyed it! I know this how? Because the director of our cotillion did a very smart thing. She required the parents to attend and volunteer at least once during the course of the classes. This was brilliant because we got to actually see that they weren’t being whipped into shape with a cane pole. What I saw looked completely different from the horrific story we were fed from the unified front of our two older offspring. As you would expect, the girls were all in, poised, excited and dressed to the nines and looking rather beautiful. The boys sort of scuffled in, fixing their ties and tucking their shirts, but once it began, they were just as present as the girls, although they wouldn’t admit it.

High School Classes Cotillion Grand Spring Ball 2016

7/8th Grade Junior Cotillion Class 2016 The class was structured to cover a variety of “appropriates” and “how-to's” at the beginning, and always ended with dance instruction from the fox trot to line dancing. I mean, who doesn’t like to line dance? Proper greetings were demonstrated, from the ordinary encounter to those of more distinguished title, authority and position, and then put into practice by the students. Dining etiquette from a casual restaurant to a five-course meal was also taught and applied when the class ventured outside the normal meeting room to a formal restaurant and the symphony afterward. Other appropriates such as proper handshakes and good eye contact were taught as well. It was a very well-rounded program and all looked like they had fun throughout. I think boys just innately have to “appear” to be disinterested in matters of manners. It must be like a “guy-code.” Despite any admissions or omissions from them, the classes were invaluable and priceless yet very affordable to all, with the purpose and intent to recapture the lost charm of manners and proper etiquette. So, if you have felt my pain, or even if you have a teen who doesn’t need a complete overhaul but simply a tweak here and there, I encourage you to look into one of the cotillion or etiquette classes offered along the Emerald Coast. We attended the NLJC directed by Joan Freeman because it was close to home and came highly recommended. There is another cotillion that came just as highly recommended for middle and high school instruction of etiquette and has been around for quite some time, Blue Ribbon Cotillion directed by Lucy Knight. Her program structure and meeting days/times are very similar to the one we attended, except her classes are held off of Okaloosa Island if that location is a better option for you. You might even be an adult looking to improve your social skills for promotion or advancement at work or in relationships. It is NEVER too late! Allyson Gordon with Ladies and Gentlemen Etiquette Classes provides an adult program containing the "50 dos and don’ts of proper etiquette” in everyday life, as well as business etiquette tips from dining to dressing. So essentially there is something for everyone and an excuse for no one! Manners do matter on the Emerald Coast and should never go out of style, regardless of whether our jeans do or not.

Paul & Joan Freeman host the Junior Cotillion Grand Spring Ball Eglin Bayview Club March 12, 2016

6th Grade Junior Cotillion Class 2016

National League of Junior Cotillions Emerald Coast Chapter Mrs. Joan Freeman – Director 850-974-8537 joan.freeman@nljc.com nljc.com/chapters/ emeraldcoast Junior High and High School Niceville, Florida Blue Ribbon Cotillion Mrs. Lucy Knight –Director 850-368-0768 Thecotillionfwb@yahoo.com Find us on Facebook Junior High and High School Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

Ladies and Gentlemen Etiquette Classes Mrs. Allyson Gordon Director 850-687-5691 Find us on Facebook Adult Classes Destin, Florida Kharisma Finishing School Mrs. Cristina Harty Director 612-812-0931 cristina@kharismaschool. com http://www.kharismaschool. com Elementary through High School Private Classes Navarre, Florida

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By Michael Sherwood

haring…giving…thinking of others…being nice. These are concepts we try to instill in our children in the hope they will grow into responsible adults who will contribute to society in selfless ways. But words and discussions often aren’t enough. Better still would be to provide our children the opportunity to actually experience the personal growth and sense of happiness and fulfillment that comes from helping others. What if they had the chance to put into action now these concepts that will benefit them later in life, all while doing incredible things to enhance the lives of their less-fortunate peers? Kidz4Kidz Florida provides exactly that opportunity! Kidz4Kidz Florida (K4KFL) is a charitable program that enables kids to develop leadership, charity and entrepreneurship as they work to help underprivileged and underserved children within their community and across the state. So many youth in our communities are unable to enjoy the many experiences that others take for granted. K4KFL teaches kids how to raise funds to help these

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less-fortunate children enjoy life beyond the basic necessities through fun, enriching and educational extracurricular activities. K4KFL was founded in early 2015 by brother and sister Luke and Maya Sherwood, ages 11 and 13. They based the organization on their beliefs that kindness and the ability to help others exists in all kids, that kids can make a difference in the lives of others, and that they grow as people by giving of themselves. “It means a lot to me that I am as fortunate as I am and I want to do everything I can to help others have a fun life, too,” says Luke. “I feel sympathy for those in need, and I want to do something to help them out. I try to be the best person I can and by helping others through K4KFL, I feel as if I am making a difference.” The concept of initiating a charitable organization started a few years ago when Luke, Maya, and their

dad brainstormed ideas for ways they could help others. They came up with an idea for an organization where kids help other kids, but the organization never took shape. Then, in 2014, they bought Christmas presents for several kids in need at the Children’s Home Society of Florida. “What really moved me was one little girl’s Christmas list,” says Luke. “She asked for only one thing – a blue dress. Even though she had very little, she didn’t ask for much. This sparked something in me as I realized how fortunate I am, and I decided to try to help.”

K4KFL

K4KFL became a reality in early 2015 when Luke approached his dad to find a specific way they could help other kids. They decided to focus on providing fun, educational and enriching life experiences to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience those opportunities. They created a website and launched K4KFL.

arranged to surprise Jane at school with a special card and cupcake to celebrate her birthday.

K4KFL went on to partner with the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), the state’s oldest and largest charitable organization for children and families. One hundred percent of the money raised by K4KFL is used to provide enriching and educational experiences for children in CHS’s network. To date, K4KFL has raised almost $40,000 and with it has been able to do amazing things. It has enabled siblings who were separated in foster care to reconnect and maintain their sibling bond through fun activities such as miniature golf, skating, trips to the Emerald Coast Science Center and the Gulf Breeze Zoo, even events as simple as going for ice cream or out to eat.

“I feel great when I hear that a kid got to experience something that I do often,” explains Maya. “Sometimes I feel sad at the same time because I think about how fortunate we are to do the things that we do, while other kids are experiencing it for the first time and think it’s the greatest thing ever.”

Seventeen-year-old “Jane” was disappointed and depressed, thinking no one was going to celebrate her upcoming birthday as neither of her parents were able to care for her.

“I get emotional when I continue to hear stories of how kids don’t have the opportunities that I think every kid should have, but when I see that what I started has impacted their lives, it makes me really happy that this small thing has made a difference.” continued on page 18

While many of these may not stand out as special occasions for some children, without K4KFL, many underprivileged kids would never be able to have such experiences at all. K4KFL helps as many children as possible experience “the true meaning of being a kid,” as Luke puts it.

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

Continued From Page 17

K4KFL is in the process of expanding throughout the state and increasing participation, and that expansion push starts right here at home along the Emerald Coast. Youth of all ages, their parents and their families are invited to join together and share their passion in support of underprivileged and underserved children. It all starts on the website at www.k4kfl.org. Children and their families and friends can register and create their own page, add pictures or a personal video, and start fundraising for children in need! They can work together in groups, with their families, or individually. They can even earn prizes at certain fundraising benchmarks. Above all, they have the chance to stand up for their peers and make a difference in both themselves and the lives of others. “Try putting yourself in their spot,” Maya says. “How amazing would it be if a group of kids your age started helping you and providing you with things you have never even dreamed of?” K4KFL has received tremendous support throughout the state and particularly in our local area. Luke and Maya were the guest speakers at a South Walton Rotary Club meeting, and that club and their members have been very gracious in their support. The Pensacola Beach School Junior Optimists Club invited Luke to speak about leadership and K4KFL, and chose K4KFL to receive a contribution. The organizers of the Silver Sleigh Toy Drive, an annual event held in December in memory of a lost loved one, selected K4KFL as the recipient of the drive for Christmas 2015. Over 40 bicycles and helmets, hundreds of gifts and over $1,000 were raised at this event to benefit kids in need during the holiday season! The students and families of Destin Elementary and Destin Middle Schools have purchased hundreds of K4KFL awareness bracelets, and Senator Don Gaetz and his wife recognized the benefits of K4KFL through their generous backing. Many more people have shown their support of both the organization and in particular the children who benefit from having improved life experiences. As the organization grows, K4KFL is seeking to increase community involvement through sponsorships from local businesses. Those interested in sponsoring or partnering with K4KFL in any way should contact Luke Sherwood at luke@kidz4kidzflorida.com. Please visit www.k4kfl.org today to register or donate and start making a difference in yourself as well as in the lives of others!

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

Maya and Luke Sherwood, Founders of Kidz4Kidz Florida

K4KFL being presented with a check by Pensacola Beach Elementary School's Junior Optimist Club

Silver Sleigh Toy Drive, 2015

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www.GusuPaddleSports.com Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 19

Common Sense Rules for Augmented Reality By Carolyn Jabs

Pokémon GO may be the first breakthrough

game to use augmented reality (AR), but it certainly won’t be the last. The boundaries between virtual and tangible worlds have been blurring for a long time, and new games fuse the two into one irresistible package. As everyone knows by now, Pokémon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. So far so good. But augmented reality also creates risks. Thinking through the pros and cons of Pokémon GO gives parents a good platform for making common sense rules about the many AR games that are likely to follow. As you develop family guidelines, keep these 4 P’s in mind.

Permissions. Children under 13 can’t sign

up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and comment on what’s fun and what’s risky. AR apps also ask for permissions when they are installed, and parents should get in the habit of reviewing every request. Obviously, smart phones hold lots of information—who a child knows, where she hangs out, what photos he’s taken, what social media she uses. This

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

information may seem trivial, but it’s catnip to marketers. Even if the company that makes the app promises to use the information responsibly, tech companies often change hands. The best policy is to give each app as little permission as possible. Pokémon Go, for example, needs access to the phone’s camera but not contact information. To revise your choices after installation, find the Settings icon on the phone. Look for the Apps folder. Find the relevant app and uncheck as many boxes as possible.

Place. AR games encourage

children to explore the world. That’s terrific! But kids still need boundaries. For kids mature enough to play without direct supervision, be very clear about where they are allowed to go. In the case of Pokémon GO, monsters may very well show up outside the approved play zone. Talk in advance about how you want your child to handle this situation. (To confirm that the rules are being followed, click the Pokéball button at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of captured Pokémon and details about where they were caught.) Before turning a child loose with AR, remind them about tangible concerns. Exercise special caution near water and never cross safety barricades. Don’t trespass on private property and don’t play the game in inappropriate places like cemeteries and churches. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.

enthusiasts. But the Pokémon GO game includes devices that draw Pokémon—and their hunters—to specific locations, and that creates opportunities for predators. Remind your child that all the usual rules about talking to or going anywhere with strangers apply. Encourage kids to play with friends and reiterate the fact that, even with friends, they shouldn’t go into isolated places like dark alleys or abandoned buildings. As an extra layer of protection, consider keeping track of your child’s phone with a service like Find my Friends (Apple) or Google+ (Android) Price. Apps are seductive because they seem to be free. Still, the people who develop these things need to be paid, so something is always for sale. In the case of Pokémon GO, players can purchase Pokéballs, Pokécoins and lures that will make it easier to catch rare specimens. For parents, this is a teachable moment. Consider giving your child an in-game allowance or encouraging her to earn money for game items by doing chores. Make it crystal clear that your child needs to get approval before spending real money on virtual goods.

AR games are also likely to have other costs. Because Pokémon GO depends on GPS tracking, it consumes lots of data. Show older kids how to monitor usage so they don’t incur extra charges by exceeding the family limit. Traffic is another obvious risk. People staring at phones Privilege. Playing any have bumped into things and game is a privilege that can stepped in front of cars. Some be revoked if kids don’t follow parents insist that kids set household rules. In the case the phone to vibrate when a of a craze like Pokémon GO, Pokémon is nearby so they can you may want to be flexible at walk without distraction. To its first to see how the game fits credit, Pokémon GO reminds into family life. When is it OK players to turn the game off to play? When do you expect while driving. The same rule phones to be powered down? should apply to other forms Are there things your child of transportation—bikes, can do to earn extra time? scooters, skateboards. What behaviors will result in suspending privileges? The answers to these questions won’t be the same for every People. The best games are often social, and AR is no family, and they may need to be hammered out in family exception. Chatting with others who are playing in the same meetings. Still, it’s always up to parents to be sure that the vicinity seems natural, and some objectives require teamwork. allure of AR is tempered with the real world common sense. Most of the people your child encounters will be fellow Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 21

Swimming Is Back! by Danielle Torley Eleven-year-old Kelsey Gabrysz loves to work out with her parents, Mike and Alyson, and her older sister, Katie. Not only does she join them for long bike rides and runs, but she also participates in local area swim teams (Coast Aquatics and Bernie’s Bull Sharks) and triathlon races such as the Sea Turtle Youth Triathlon in Pensacola Beach. This is exactly the type of athleticism and participation that the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) hopes to foster as they continue to spread their mission across our area. The

ECFF mission is “to develop physical fitness and water safety among the youth and adults of

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

Okaloosa County by providing facilities and programs that deliver opportunities for instruction, training, and competitive excellence, primarily in the sports of swimming, running, and cycling.” ECFF was created in January 2015 with the aim to re-open the former YMCA swimming pool facilities in Fort Walton Beach and Destin. As Pam Braseth, Chief Operating Officer and Foundation Secretary, states, “It was the general conversation in the community that "somebody ought to do something to re-open the pool" and we as a group came to the conclusion that we were ‘somebody.’ Our belief was that the organization would give the community a rallying point to place its energies and contributions, to achieve its mission.”

continued on page 46

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24 â&#x20AC;¢ Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

by Madison McInnis

Birthdays seem to roll around quickly every year, especially the older we get. We blink our eyes and just like that, another year has gone by. No matter what stage of life you’re in - childhood, young-adult, parenthood, or somewhere over the hill - there is always a reason to celebrate the gift of life! Each year the stress of planning a party may start to creep up slowly as the date approaches, and the pressure to have the perfect party begins to mount. Well, cast those overwhelming feelings aside because On The Coast is here to save the day! We have categorized a list of parties that are sure to be the talk of the town. This master list has a wide range of parties from animal adventures to sophisticated pampering days, painting parties to zip lining to sailing the high seas, and even the best places to order your birthday cake! There is something to please everybody! Most of these businesses take care of everything for you, so all you have to do is show up. How great is that? This once-a-year milestone is all about you! So check out this list and call your favorite to arrange what is sure to be a birthday to remember! But most of all, no matter where or when you choose to celebrate, have a blast and make outstanding memories because life deserves to be celebrated! continued on page 28

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

continued from page 25

High Energy A birthday party at one of these active facilities lets kids get all their energy out and have a blast in the process! Whether it’s dancing, jumping, or playing a sport, breaking a sweat while celebrating has never been a better idea. If you’re feeling sporty, consider 850 Elite Volleyball and Girl Power Station for your next party venue! The brand-new facility located in Valparaiso includes four beach volleyball courts, four indoor volleyball courts, and the Girl Power Station, a wellness center for group fitness classes. There is plenty of space to bump it, set it, and spike it all day long. Party packages offered are Volleyball, Aerial Silks, Dance and Fitness for ALL ages to adult. Call 850-582-1921 for more specific party information. Let your little one dance their heart out with their friends at Rise Dance! There will be plenty of time for cake, refreshments, and of course lots of dancing. Whether your child is a twinkle toes or prefers to freestyle, there is a dance party to fit any personality! Sample party themes include a tutu cute ballet birthday party, a pop, lock & drop hip-hop birthday party, and a Just Dance party. Rise Dance takes care of the food, table décor, paper goods, drinks, and goodie bags, so there is no need for parents to stress over the details. To get moving and grooving, call 850-714-2095.

The ONLY place on the Emerald Coast with Themed Birthday Parties! Bounce Houses • Slides • Free Arcade Games • Pre-school Play Area • Coloring Stations • Party Rooms/Areas • Weekly FB Specials • Open Play Day Every Day

r Let ou am T ne e Playzo ecorating the d and do all o you s p u n & clea guests can your UN! HAVE F

Popular Themes: Frozen, Ninja Turtles, Minion, Monster High & More!

Santa Rosa Mall, 300 Mary Esther Blvd “Newly renovated” across from Food Court next to the Carousel Mary Esther, FL 32569

bouncepartyplayzone.com • Cell 850-533-0832 • Office 850-865-3191 26 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

If cheering and tumbling are your child's passions, book their party at Ace Cheer Company in Fort Walton Beach! Book a Premium Party for an hour of gymnastics and if that's not long enough to release all that energy, book the Deluxe Party for an hour and a half of play! Each party provides staff members and an extra half hour for the refreshments you supply. Sleepover and lock-in parties are also available for children 8 and up. Call 850-226-6380 to schedule your budding Olympian's special occasion today! Catch some air while you hang sky-high in the silks at Destin Pilates & Aerial Center for your next birthday celebration! An aerial silks party is perfect for kids who love to climb and hang upside down. Trained instructors teach eye-catching tricks that will have your child feeling weightless and invincible while they fly in the air! Party packages are available for a night of fun at Destin Pilates & Aerial Center! Call 850-460-2828. Dance-style parties abound at both the Destin School of Music & Dance and the Ballet Conservatory in Niceville. Let your little dancer and friends enjoy dance styles from ballet to Broadway to jazz to hip hop! There are themes to suit your child’s special day - be a princess or a pirate or a Broadway sensation! Your child will be the star. Call 850-897-2933 to book and customize your party. A birthday party at Bounce Party Play Zone located in the Santa Rosa Mall is the way to go if you love non-stop activity. Energetic children will be in heaven! A whopping total of six inflatable bouncy houses allows the indoor (and air-conditioned) environment to have brag-worthy rights for providing maximum fun. After kids get moving on the bouncy houses, they can switch gears and enjoy

Make Your Next Birthday Party A

arcade games, air hockey, foosball, and a learning station. Choose a fun character theme from a vast list of options to personalize your party! Four different party packages are available that provide a flexibility in prices for all families. Call 850-865-3191 or 850-428-9091. Get ready to rumble and tumble at U.S. Gold Gymnastics! This spacious party venue has two locations--Destin and Crestview--and includes obstacle courses, trampolines, and fun fitness activities. The wonderful staff helps to take a load off mom and dad by providing set-up and taking care of clean up. It gets better! U.S. Gold Gymnastics provides goody bags for each child, a special birthday t-shirt for the honorary guest, and free helium for balloons. Contact the Destin gym at 850-654-3124 or the Crestview gym at 850-3063298. Has Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mania hit your home? You might want to look into a martial arts birthday party! You can expect highenergy fun with ninja warrior kicking, punching, rolling and games! Mathis Martial Arts located in both Fort Walton Beach and Destin are here to fulfill your karate kid’s wish. Call 850-344-9182 in Fort Walton Beach or 850-428-2864 in Destin.

usgoldgymnastics.com

12432 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin | 850.654.3124 2118 3RD Ave, Crestview | 850.306.3298

Your child will be treated like royalty at Emerald City Gymnastics in Fort Walton Beach for their next birthday party! Each child can participate in a wild warm-up stretch and then go crazy on the bouncy floor. Of course, all activities have coaches present and supervising for fun and safe activities. By purchasing the King/Queen package, a ¼ sheet cake, ice cream, drinks, and paper supplies are provided. If the extra supplies aren’t needed, the Prince/Princess package is available to solely provide floor time. You should expect continued on page 28 Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 27

continued from page 27 only the best set up and clean up because it is for royalty, after all! Book your celebration by calling 850-863-3991.

Relaxation & Creative Zone Choose to spend your day with little to no stress in one of these calm and happy environments. Painting is good for the soul and let’s get real, a spa day is absolutely necessary every now and then. Read up on these suggestions for a day of bliss! What better way to treat yourself like a birthday queen/king than getting a massage/facial? Massage Envy in Destin and Fort Walton Beach is the only place for professional, affordable, and convenient massages and facials. Best of all, the massage therapists and estheticians will customize your massage and facial to fit your needs. If you want nothing more than to feel serene and have some “me” time, a day at Massage Envy is for you. So Stinkin’ Cute Art Studio in Niceville is hosting parties that your child will love! Choose from an art-focused party where your boy or girl can paint the activity of their choice, or choose a tea party where little girls can sip out of porcelain cups, munch on petit fours and make jewelry. The art decorating option also includes cookies, drinks, paper supplies, an 11x14 canvas, and a party favor. Both parties have a special birthday cupcake included for the birthday child, and they can blow out a candle while everyone sings the timeless happy birthday tune. To make nothing but the cutest memories, book your party at So Stinkin’ Cute! They also are available for great adult parties too! Bring on the wine, dessert and paint away. Call 850-2793434. Do you have a young thinker who would love a party option different from the typical party scene? At Young Philosophers Society, your birthday party will be unlike any other. Party options are chosen by continued on page 30

RISE DANCE C E N T E R

Bir thday Par ties for kids of all ages. Party packages include customized decor, goodie bags,dancing, games and fun! PARTY THEMES Tutu Cute Ballet Birthday Party Pop, Lock & Drop Hip Hop B’Day Party Just Dance Birthday Party or Create Your Own Book your party today! Or, ask about our event rental space. 4489 COMMONS DRIVE, STE A-B

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

DESTIN, FL 32541

850.714.2095

WWW.RISEDANC EDESTIN.C OM

Because Everything

Summer Time Art For Kids and Adults

Painting Parties For All Ages!

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850-279-3434 | 117 N. Cedar Ave. Niceville, FL 32578

Adult Birthday & Bachelorette Parties!

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Pilates & Aerial for the Last 5 Years AERIAL KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AERIAL KIDS CLASSES MOMMY AND ME AERIAL CLASSES ALL AGE CLASSES (8 & UP)

destinpilates.com

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 29

continued from page 28 the guests (or parents) and are tailored to each specific family and the party theme. Examples for activities include participation in a mini music class, creating art based upon their unique party theme, performing science experiments, Legos, and playing real rock band instruments and singing on our small stage. The possibilities are endless! Call 850-496-3767. Get creative at your next party courtesy of Abrakadoodle! MSN Money has named this company one of the 200 Top Global Franchises. Visual arts education for kids is on the rise, and there are programs for adults too! Each party includes an art teacher, age-appropriate art activities and lessons, a framed piece of each child’s original art, and all materials. Their mobile party comes to you! Additionally, Abrakadoodle makes appearances at parties and events specifically for face painting. To contact the Northwest Florida branch of Abrakadoodle, call 850-424-5058.

Pet Friendly Parties Some humans have always felt deeply connected to their furry friends or wildlife animals, and these creatures bring such joy to the people they encounter. If nature and the animals that inhabit it fascinate your child, consider one of these parties below! continued on page 32

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

850 Elite: Travel Teams, Clinics, Adult Leagues, Beach Volleyball, Camps, Private Lessons, Open Gym Girl Power Station: Aerial, Yoga, Barre, Pilates, Pilates Equipment, (Reformers and Springboards), Strength & Conditioning, Cycle, Zumba, Kickboxing, Dance, Kidz Klasses, Mama & Tots, Registered Dietician, Life Coaching, Massage and MORE!

We Host Great Birthday Parties! Take Your Pick! Volleyball: 20 kids, 2 courts, 2 coaches, 2 hours $250 Dance, Aerial or Yoga: 6-15 kids, 2 hours, 1 instructor, $200 Adult Parties too! Come join us! For More Information www.850elitevolleyball.org | www.girlpowerstation.org 850-729-0347 (Terri Fedonczak) 424 W. College Blvd. Valparaiso

Catering, Dine In, Carry Out, or Delivery

850-279-4790

Lunch Buffet Pizzas & Stromboli Hot & Cold Subs Pretzel Bread Sandwiches Salads & Cookies Kids Eat Free Every Tuesday Night! 4677 East Highway 20, Niceville | SammysPizzaAndSubs.com West of the Mid-Bay Bridge Look for the Red & Yellow Stripes!

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 31

Wet and Wild

There are fun places on the Emerald Coast that offer a celebration for your water-loving birthday child! continued from page 30 Bring out your inner party animal by booking your next birthday party at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park! Prepare to be amazed by live marine shows and animal exhibits that will take you up close and personal. The beautiful views don’t stop after the shows! Enjoy a provided lunch and cake in the Living Sea event room where you will be surrounded by marine wildlife, creating the illusion of being under the sea. During lunch, children will receive a surprise visit from either a dolphin or sea turtle mascot that will make for unforgettable pictures. Also, as the kids get ready to leave, goody bags are provided with Gulfarium keepsakes! Call 850-243-9046 for reservations. Prepare to be educated and entertained with Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters! Touch and see rescued animals that are conveniently brought to your home or any other location where animals are permitted. A hostess package is provided by Nonie which includes cake, utensils, party favor bug boxes, safari hats, invitations, and decorations. Nonie also comes ready with games that will have the children interact with each other and teach the importance of the environment. Bring the zoo to you with one phone call! 850-8629588.

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

Take advantage of your access to the beautiful beaches here on the Emerald Coast by making a splash with Emerald Coast Scuba! Multitudes of under-the-sea adventures are offered including scuba diving, snorkeling, pool parties, and several different boat trips. For more information about party packages, call 850-837-0955. A GUSU Paddlesports and a Paddle Tribe party is another great opportunity to spend the day on the water! Paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks are all available for rental. A professional staff of instructors is onsite to ensure you experience the fun, fitness, and beauty of watersports. All rentals include a board, paddle, leash, and life jacket. And no worries if you can’t make it to Destin - they can deliver to you for a small fee depending on your location. Call 850-797-2232 to book your party at Paddle Tribe 850-797-2232 or at GUSU at 850-460-7300.

It’s All Fun and Games

If your child loves to goof around and play games, then one of these parties will be right up their alley! Fat Daddy’s Arcade offers the best of both worlds for your child’s continued on page 34

We Host Amazing Birthday Parties! Maker Your Dancer’s Dream Come True!

Registration information available at www.FloridaBalletConservatory.com

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 33

continued from page 32 next birthday party! The Destin arcade is connected to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, allowing the two hot spots to join together for an unforgettable party! With this party option, your birthday boy/girl will experience a private party room in the restaurant, food, decorations, Fat Daddy’s Arcade tokens, and the opportunity to hold a live alligator! If this option doesn’t sound right for you, choose a traditional pizza party! Gameday Pizza has partnered with Fat Daddy’s Arcade to offer easy access to and from the arcade after enjoying yummy pizza at the restaurant. Included in the pizza party are a private party room, tablecloth and balloons, plates and cups, a party host, access to Fat Daddy’s Arcade, and of course PIZZA! To schedule a Fudpucker’s party, call 850-687-5181, or to schedule a Gameday Pizza party, call 850-650-3777. Make your next party an adventure by booking it at Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone in Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island. Party packages are offered which include a private room, arcade play, discounted attractions, food, drinks, and dessert. Those who love to get their adrenaline pumping can take a climb on the ropes course. As your guests dare to test their concentration, they can climb the ropes course as they balance on the thinnest of lines (while being strapped into a harness, of course) so many feet in the air! You can also discover a wide range of other attractions. Among the enticing adventures are a 4D movie, an inflatable zone, Adventure Golf, SpinO-Saurus coaster, Redemption Arcade and the Ptero Jump where

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kids can jump, flip, and bounce on trampolines… the sky’s the limit! To get a head start planning your party, call 850-400-3300. The Track in Destin is known to be a classic family recreation center! What better place to plan your next party? Best of all, every age will be entertained because of the high-speed go-karts and bumper rides or the relaxing mini golf and Kid’s Country rides. Pizza, ice cream, drinks, and access to the rides are included in your birthday package. There is no need to overthink your next party when The Track provides simple and wholesome fun! Call 850-654-4668 ext. 203 for more information.

Capture The Moment A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If so, then a photo booth is a must at your next gathering! When you plan the party of the year, you want to be able to remember it years down the road! That’s why Lumi Pod Photo Booth is a great addition to your next party. Choose from two photo booths: the Lumi Pod or the Lumi Air. The Lumi Pod is a stylish enclosed photo booth that fits up to 8 adults. If the enclosed space isn’t for you, try Lumi Air. This open-air booth allows 15-20 people to fit into the •frame. • • Stand, • • jump, • • smile, • pose, use a prop…the possibilities are endless! The memories will never end with Lumi Pod. Also, photos •make • •a great • • party • • favor • for all your guests. Every package includes unlimited pictures, an onsite attendant, custom/personalized picture templates, fun props, a flash-drive of pictures, set-up and teardown of equipment, and delivery Contact 850-496-6739 to book your Lumi Pod!

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PADDLE TRIBE COMPANY.COM • 850-797-2232

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

From pizza to cake, it’s important to know the hot spots where you can find outstanding food for your party. Consider some of these bakeries and restaurants to satisfy your taste buds! A birthday celebration just isn't complete without a yummy frozen dessert, and Yogo Mogos offers it all! From frozen yogurt, ice cream, continued on page 36

Please visit us at 33 S.E. Tupelo Avenue Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547

ACETRIBE.COM

Premium Party

Total party time is 1 hour and 30 minutes Includes 1 hour of playtime and 30 minutes for refreshments and presents We provide 1 staff member for 15 children

Cost: $175

$50 extra for a 2nd staff member if more than 15 children

Deluxe Party

Total party time is 2 hours

Includes 1 hour 30 minutes of playtime and 30 minutes for refreshments and presents We provide 2 staff members for 25 children

Cost: $240

Sleepover & Lock-In Parties Saturday 8:00pm- Sunday 8:00am for children 8 years & older

Cost: $525 for up to 25 party participants

Parties are reserved with a deposit of 1/2 of the anticipated party amount. Deposits are nonrefundable. Cancellations within 3 weeks of party date may be given an account credit or rescheduled. Remaining balance due 2 weeks prior to scheduled party. $50 extra to have a certified coach on hand. Paid directly to the coach who works your party. $10 per child over the maximum party limit.

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 35

continued from page 34 and sorbet to milkshakes and smoothies in so many flavors, everyone in your gang will get their favorite! Each guest can help themselves to their own cup or waffle bowl of frozen delight and add on their own toppings, from fresh fruit to nuts to cookies, candies and sauces. Special diet options are also available. Stop by Yogo Mogos at either Destin Commons or at Wild Willy's Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island for your frozen birthday treat! Just like the birthday tradition itself, Salvati’s Pizza Factory is also rich in tradition! With an authentic pizza sauce recipe from Italy and passed down through the generations, Salvati's pizza will amaze your pizza-loving crowd. From traditional Pepperoni Overload to Thai Chicken and even Bacon Cheeseburger, there is a pie to delight everyone! Menu items including wings, corndogs, paninis and salads are also served to round out everyone’s tastes. Stop by Salvati's Pizza Factory in Wild Willy's Adventure Zone on Okaloosa Island for your tastiest birthday fare. Bonnie Vie Specialty Foods crafts and delivers Pinterest-worthy cakes for every special occasion. These cakes have graced 30A magazine covers and their specialty wedding cakes have taken home multiple awards. There are 40 different flavors/fillings to choose from, so it’s safe to say that whether your taste is elegant and simple or crazy and wild there is a cake for you! Just a warning: once your cake is delivered, it may be too pretty to eat! To get the cake of your dreams, call 850-376-7779. Are you looking for something different than cake or cupcakes? Think outside the box by purchasing your next birthday treat from Destination Little Donuts! Locally owned and operated, this business is cranking out homemade, ready-to-order, gourmet donuts by the second. Choose from over 50 different flavors that promise to take your taste buds on a sweet vacation. Or, be the mastermind behind your donut and create your own flavor by choosing from their toppings and specialty icings. Call 850-424-5670 for more information. Pizza is by far one of the most unanimous party-favorite foods. Once you have the cheese-smothered pie covered with endless topping in front of you, sometimes there is a moment of wonder when you think, “How can something so perfect ever exist?” Luckily, Sammy’s Pizza and Subs is delivering to any and all pizza cravings daily! This restaurant is locally owned in Niceville and is a great place to order from for your next party. Whether you are feeding lots of hungry mouths or want to indulge for yourself, you will not be disappointed with Sammy’s Pizza and Subs. If you aren’t pizza-obsessed, no need to worry. An array of sandwiches, wings, Italian food, and vegetarian options are offered. Call 850-279-4790 to order. Take a trip back to your childhood by ordering from KISS Bakery in Destin! Made-from-scratch cakes, pies, brownies, and other yummy desserts will have you feeling nostalgic for your mom or grandma’s comfort sweets. KISS stands for “Keep It Simple Sweetie” and oh boy, are they carrying out this motto beautifully. In addition to making the sweets taste top-notch, all desserts are reasonably priced. Call 850-460-8448 for your birthday treat!

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Dessert Destination of the Emerald Coast

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(850) 376-7779 36 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

•

Scan or visit wwazone.com to book a party or for more information. Follow us on Facebook for News, Specials and Updates!

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we deliver! ® Frozen Yogurt, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Fruit Smoothies, and Creamy Milk Shakes available in low fat, non-fat, non-dairy and no sugar added options. Fun flavors and a wide variety of toppings to choose from! 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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R E A D I N G

In 2012 my children were ages 11 and 9 and loved to read. I loved reading with them and discussing the stories. We enjoyed every minute of our time spent together in great books. Finding the good books was a bit of a challenge, though. The challenge prompted the idea of writing an article so that I could share the titles of good books we found with other parents and grandparents. Since the beginning, I have written almost two dozen articles reviewing approximately 75 books. Anyone who would like a full list of the books reviewed may send an email request to kidzonthecoast@aol. com I have truly enjoyed every book that I have included over the past few years, and I think your children will as well. As my children have now outgrown the middle school age years, it is time for me to pass the proverbial baton and as such this is my last book review article. Thank you for all the positive feedback I have received. It has been a wonderful experience encouraging reading across the Emerald Coast! Before I am finished, I have a few more books to suggest for your children. First is a classic. During the summer I had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of middle school aged children. I was dismayed to find that so many of them have missed wonderful classics. Quite a few of them I have included in past articles. Another classic that I believe is a “must read” is “The Sign of the Beaver” by Elizabeth George Speare. Ms. Speare also authored “The Bronze Bow” and the “The Witch of Blackbird Pond. “ In “The Sign of the Beaver” 13 year old Matt is left alone in the wilderness to care for the home while his father travels back east to get the rest of the family. Matt is afraid to be on his own as there are Indian tribes in the area. However, he is befriended by an Indian boy to helps him fend off intruders and attacks. This book may be been written decades ago, but the action packed story is timeless and every child age 9 and up will enjoy it. Another book I feel should not be missed is “Lucky Strikes” by Louis Bayard. Set in the time of the Great Depression, 14 year old Amelia is suddenly left alone to care for her younger siblings. Her mother is dead and her father hasn’t been seen or heard from in years. To add to the difficulty she has to figure out a way to keep the family owned gas station – and only source of income – out of the hands of shrewd competitors. Her plan is to find 38 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

a new father – and fast. So, when a hobo turns up in town Amelia grabs the opportunity to portray him as her father. Can she make it work long enough to keep her family out of foster care and save the business? Read and find out! Children ages 12 and up will appreciate this wonderful story. The next two books I am including are decidedly for teens. I usually stay away from contemporary teen books as themes included in them are mature and the language is usually pretty “colorful.” However, these two books are so good I think you should give them consideration. One is “Orbiting Jupiter” by Gary D. Schmidt. The premise of this book is a heartbreaking story – Joseph is an abused, unloved, bullied teenage boy who became a father at age 13. He never even saw his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he is placed in foster care. He arrives to his foster family angry, silent and beaten. For the first time, things start to change for Joseph – his foster family is loving, patient and determined to help Joseph. This story is heart wrenching at times, it is very forthright with the abuse and difficulties Joseph has endured, yet it teaches the reader about hope and the meaning of family. I will caution parents that there is violence and language in this one, but I feel the redeeming lesson make it worth the read. The second teen book is “Learning to Swear in America” by Katie Kennedy. Don’t let the title lead you to believe that the book is all about swearing, it isn’t. The title is a clever way to show how a teenager coming from another country to America for the first time might see the way of life of an American teenager. In the story, a meteor is heading toward earth. The meteor is of the size that it will destroy much of the Western Hemisphere. Hope lies in a 17 year old Russian genius, Yuri, who may have the knowledge to help the United States destroy the meteor. The story follows Yuri’s experiences in the U.S. and his attempts to save the earth. If your teen is a science buff, he or she will really enjoy this one as scientific facts are woven throughout the story. Once again, I caution parents that there is some language in this, but I find the story to be worth it. Thanks for reading this article, and for reading in general. As a good friend of mine used to say “Readers are leaders!” and we need some good leaders in our future!

"Manners never go out of style" The National League of Junior Cotillions is a national organization with an accredited program that teaches students Life Skills: Character Education, Dining Etiquette, Modern Manners, and Ballroom Dance. Mission Statement of NLJC: To act and learn to treat others with honor, dignity, and respect for better relationships with our family, friends, and future business associates and to learn and practice ballroom dance.

Programs Offered: Year 1 (6th Grade) Year 2 (7/8th Grade) Cotillion Premiere (Grades 9-12) Pre-Cotillion (Grades 1-4)

(coming in Spring/Summer 2017)

Director, Joan Freeman | joan.freeman@nljc.com | www.nljc.com/chapter/emeraldcoast.

THE FAMILY RESOURCE MAGAZINE Serving Families Living & Visiting our Emerald Coast for Over 13 Years!

www.OnTheCoastMag.com

Winner of 23 National Awards and 2 Addys

In Print, Online and On The Go!

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 39

Fairs, Festivals & Fun! September 8 Destin Bonefish Grill Celebrity Server Luncheon 11:15 - 2pm $20 850-650-2226 Destin Chick-Fil-A Holy Kidz Camp Fundraiser 5-8pm 850-586-8264 September 9 FWB The Landing Movie Night - Star Wars FREE 8pm 850-833-9500 Seaside Amphitheater Central Sq Cinema The Mighty Ducks FREE 850-231-6107 Valparaiso Heritage Museum Sparky n Jaws 2 Noon-2pm FREE 850-678-2615 September 9, 16, 23, 30 FWB Downtown Art Walk 5:30-8:30pm FREE 850-833-9500 September 9 Niceville Mullet Fest Site Emerald Coast Car Show 8am FREE 850-585-1806 September 10 FWB Downtown Farmers Market 8-1pm FREE 850-833-9500

Sandestin Grand Boulevard Farmers Market 9am 850-499-4697 SRB Topsail Hill Preserve Breakfast with a Ranger 8:45am $5 Adults $3 Kids 850-267-8333 September 11 Destin LuLus GUSU Paddleboard Series 9/11 United We Stand 1 mile & Kids Race 3 Mile - Surfstyle 6 Mile - 12'6" & 14' 850-460-7300 Destin Lulu’s Boots on the Beach Bash Pushups For Charity Challenge 3-5pm Donation 850-710-5858 September 13 Destin Library Who is in Your Family Tree 5:30-7:30pm 850-837-8572 Miramar Bch Seascape Resort Farmers Market 1-6pm 850-499-1714 September 13-14, 21-22, 28-29 Pensacola NAS Blue Angels Practice FREE 11:30am CALL TO CONFIRM 850-452-3604

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

September 14 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concerts FREE 7pm 850-267-8000

Destin Library Sophie, the therapy dog is back 10-Noon FREE 850-837-8672

September 15 Destin Henderson Resort Destin Chambers 50th Anniversary $120 850-837-6241

Grayton Beach St Park Coastal Dune Lake Day 10-4pm $5 per car 850-585-1617

FWB EC Science Center Planetarium Nights 5-8pm $7 Child $9 Adult 850-664-1261 SRB Churchill Oaks The Art of Giving: Kids Art Edition 6pm $35 850-290-4056 September 16 Seaside Amphitheater Central Sq Cinema Grease FREE 850-231-6107 September 16-17 FWB The Landing BBQ Festival Fri: 4-9pm Sat: 11-4pm FREE 850-244-8191 September 17 Destin Club LA Bikers Blast & Poker Run 2-5pm $10 registration 850-678-2615

Niceville MK Performing Arts Good as Gold NSFO 7:30pm $18 Military $25 Adults 850-729-6000 Okaloosa Bch Coastal Clean Up Miramar Bch, Blue Mountain Bch Ed Walline, Santa Clara, Inlet Bch 9-11am Grayton Beach, Topsail Hill St. Park 2-4pm 850-267-8330 Sandestin Baytowne Marina Kids Gameday 5K 9am 5K $35 Fun Run $20 850-267-8000 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Mercedes Benz Club Car Show 10am FREE 850-267-8000 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Farmers Market 9am 850-499-4697

September 17-18 Destin Harbor Flying High Kite Festival Make & Take Kites at Kitty Hawk 10-4pm FREE 850-837-2800

September 18 OK Island EC Convention Ctr 11-9pm FREE 850-368-3505 September 20 Miramar Beach Seascape Resort Farmers Market 1-6pm 850-499-1714 Niceville MK Arts Center Unelectable You 7:30pm $35 850-729-6000

September 21 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concerts FREE 7pm 850-267-8000 September 22 S. Walton Boys & Girls Club Evander Hollyfield $150 850-344-7722 September 23 Okaloosa Island Ramada Inn Friends of Fresh Start Gala 6-9pm $40 850-243-5648 Seaside Amphitheater Central Sq Cinema The Truman Show FREE 850-231-6107

Seaside Bud & Alleys Hurricane Party $100 850-231-5900 September 24 FWB Santa Rosa Mall Roaring 20’s Casino Night 5pm FREE 850-244-8191 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Farmers Market 9am 850-499-4697 September 25 FWB Downtown Food & Wine Festival 2-5pm $10 kids $25 & Up Adults 850-244-8191

September 27 Miramar Beach Seascape Resort Farmers Market 1-6pm 850-499-1714 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concerts FREE 7pm 850-267-8000 September 29 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Throwback Thursday Movie Movie - ET 7pm FREE 850-267-8000 Continued On Page 42

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September 30 Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Tea Fore Her $40 adult $35 child under 13 Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Fore Her Golf Outing 8-3pm $95 ind $380 team Seaside Amphitheater Central Sq Cinema The Goonies FREE 850-231-6107 September 30- October 2 Destin Seafood Festival Fri: 4-10pm Sat: 10-10 Sun: 11-4pm FREE 850-424-0600 October 1 30A V LaLa Galleries Wiggin Out for a Cause 6-10pm $125 850-892-0280 HarborWalk Village Fish the Days Rock the Nights 7-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 SRB Bayou Bills Car Show & BBQ Festival Noon-4pm FREE 850-622-9191

October 1 - 30th Destin Fishing Rodeo AJ’s Harbor 10-7pm 850-837-1913 October 5 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wed. Night Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 October 6 FWB EC Science Ctr Planetarium Nights 5-8pm $7 Child $9 Adult 850-664-1261 October 5-9 OK Island Fudpuckers Volleyball Fall Classic FREE Wed, Thurs, Fri 9:30-4pm Sat 9-5pm Sun 2-7pm 850-243-2555 October 7 Destin Regatta Bay Charity Golf Classic 1pm $150 ind or $500 Team 850-337-8080 Niceville MK Arts Ctr Black Angels over Tuskegee 7:30pm $35 850-729-6000

October 7-8 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Nashville Songwriters Tour FREE Times vary from 6-11pm 850-267-8000 October 8 FWB Downtown Farmers Market 8-1pm FREE 850-833-9500 FWB Liza Jackson Park Dog Daze 9-3pm FREE 850-244-8191 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Duck Regatta 10am FREE 850-267-8000

October 10 Destin Kelly Plantation Sugar Sands Golf Classic $250 player - $1000 Team 850-650-7600 October 12 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wed. Night Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 October 14 OK Island EC Convention Ctr Caged Combat 5:30-10:30pm 850-609-3800 October 14-15 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Fri. 6-8pm Sat 2-6pm 850-269-8000

Destin HarborWalk Village Fish the Days Rock the Nights 7-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600

October 15 Freeport Live Oak Landing Explore the Outdoor Festival 10-2pm FREE 850-267-2064

SRB Topsail Hill Preserve Breakfast with a Ranger 8:45am $5 Adults $3 Kids 850-267-8333

HarborWalk Village Fish the Days Rock the Nights 7-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600

October 8-9 EC Convention Ctr Emerald Coast Con 10-9pm $25 - $70 850-863-1530

Milton Fenner Ride Big Brothers/Big Sisters 18, 40, 62, 100 mile bike ride 8am $5 B4 Oct 12 $55 After 850-433-5437 continued on page 44

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continued from page 42

October 16 Destin LuLus GUSU Paddleboard Series 9/11 United We Stand 1 mile & Kids Race 3 Mile - Surfstyle 6 Mile - 12'6" & 14' 850-460-7300 October 17 Destin Community Center Fall Festival 5-8pm Tickets 4/$1 or 20/$5 850-654-5184 Destin Community Center Jack-O-Lantern Contest Drop off B4 3pm Prizes for 1st - 3rd 3 categories 850-654-5184 October 19 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wed Night Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 October 20 Niceville MK Arts Center Chamber Concert Under the Stars 7pm $10 850-729-6000 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Vocal Pop Concert 6:30pm FREE 850-267-8000 October 21-23 Niceville Boggie Bayou Mullet Festival Opens at Noon on Fri Opens at 11am Sat & Sun $15 Fri & Sat $10 Sun (family day) 850-279-6436

October 22 HarborWalk Village Fish the Days Rock the Nights 7-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 Destin Lulu’s Marlin 5k 3-7pm 850-833-7655

Niceville MK Arts Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert $37 850-729-6000 October 23 Watersound Beach The Hub 30A 30A Half Marathon & 5K 7-1pm 850-420-5845 October 24 Seaside Halloweener Dog Derby 10-2pm FREE 850-738-5511 October 25 Niceville MK Arts Center Second City Comedy Free Speech While Supplies Last 850-729-6000 October 26 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wed. Night Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 October 27 Niceville MK Arts Center Stars of America Ballet 7:30pm 850-729-6000

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

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Throwback Thursday Movie Wizard of Oz FREE 7-9pm 850-267-8000

Seaside Amphitheater Halloween Movie Night 7:30pm FREE 850-231-0733

October 28 Destin Commons Halloween Haunt FREE 6-8pm 850-337-8700

October 29-30 Niceville MK Arts Village Festival of the Arts Sat 9-5pm, Sun 10-4pm 850-650-2226

Destin MK Arts Center Pete the Cat 9:45am & 11:30am $6 850-729-6000 October 29 Destin Lulu’s The Great Pumpkin Paddle 2pm 850-460-7300 Destin Lulu’s Boolu’s Haunted Fun Event Bounces, Face Painting, Crafts Contest, Movie Night 5-8pm FREE 850-710-5858 FWB The Landing Walk to End Alzheimers 8-11am 850-244-8191 HarborWalk Village Fish the Days Rock the Nights 7-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 Santa Clara Bch Access 30A Trash Bash Cleanup 7:30am FREE

We want to know about your events! Please share them with us on our website at www.OntheCoastMag.com

October 29 - February 11 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Baytowne on Ice HIGHLIGHT 11-10pm $13 (1.5 hours & skate rental) 850-714-7614 October 31 FWB First Baptist Church Trunk or Treat 5:00-7:30pm FREE 850-226-6905 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Trick or Treat Street 6-8pm FREE 850-267-8000 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Halloween on the BOOlevard 4-7pm FREE 850-837-3099 November 4-6 Sandestin Hilton Weekend To Remember 501-228-1708 November 5 Destin HarborWalk Village Blues, Brews and BBQ 11-4pm $25-$30 Adult $15-$20 Child 850-424-0600

2nd Annual Wiggin’ Out For A Cause

Thursday – October 13 – 6 to 10 pm V Lala Galleries – 30Avenue 12805 US Hwy 98 East at Eastern Entrance to Scenic Hwy 30A Inlet Beach, FL 32413 Don’t miss this entertaining ladies night out at V Lala Galleries on October 13, from 6 to 10 pm. Filled with libations, food, fun, music and happenings, the 2nd Annual Wiggin’ Out For A Cause will benefit Walton County kids at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Upon arriving, ladies will select a mystery swag bag with a unique on-loan wig inside. She will then be whisked away into the style lounge to transform her look with hair and make-up touch up by area stylists. Now the fun begins…will the ladies be recognized by their friends? Ladies will go on to mix, mingle and partake in many activities throughout the evening, such as karaoke and photos with Epic Photo Co., and more. Check out the silent auction and door prizes, and don’t miss the outstanding group of men on hand serving drinks, food and selling raffle tickets. Make it a staycation thanks to the Official Lodging Partner, The Pearl Hotel. For a limited time, The Pearl will offer a special rate of $199/night for Wednesday, October 12 and Thursday, October 13. Kick off your charitable night with a complimentary drink ticket to Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge with your room booking. Visit eccac.org to grab your tickets and get the special lodging code. Proceeds raised will benefit ECCAC’s Centers in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. The ECCAC’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children, and restore the lives and futures of these impacted children. A limited number of tickets are available for this events. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets now at $75 each. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.eccac.org/calendar-of-events/2016/8/2/wiggin-out-for-acause, or call 850-833-9237, Ext. 283. Any tickets remaining will be sold at the door for $100 per person.

Make plans to come out to Casino Night at the Santa Rosa Mall main entrance on Saturday, September 24 at 5:00pm to enjoy an exciting Roaring 20s-themed night of games, entertainment, dancing, drink and food! Sponsored by AJ’s Restaurant (with locations on beautiful Okaloosa Island and on Eglin Parkway, overlooking Cinco Bayou) and hosted by Referral Partners & Marketing (RPM), a committee of the Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce, this event benefits four great local non-profits: Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Science Center, Jobs4U, and Okaloosa Saves. Other generous sponsors include Old Bay Steamer and Gulf Coast Immediate Care. With tasty food provided by AJ’s, Olive Garden, Tijuana Flats and Sam’s Club, along with spirits and beverages and the thrill of playing your favorite casino-style games like a highroller, this evening is promising to be a fun one. Casino games

include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Money Wheel, Poker, Casino Uno, and more! Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and admission price includes casino “money” to play games, entertainment, dancing, drink and food! There will also be amazing prizes including hotel stays, theme park tickets, gift certificates, electronics, and a whole lot more! So tell your (over-21) friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to join you and get your tickets now! Tickets are on sale at the Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce (850-244-8191) or from many of the RPM businesses. There are a limited number of tickets available so don’t wait to purchase yours. For a complete list of locations where tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.rpmfwb.com or check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/RPMFWB/. See you at Casino Night! On the Coast Magazine is a proud media sponsor of local charitable events. For sponsorship information, e-mail OTC@OntheCoastMag.com

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 45

continued from page 22

In July 2015, the ECFF had the opportunity to begin fulfilling their mission when they were granted a sublease for the Fort Walton Beach pool, in coordination with the Liza Jackson Preparatory School. Between July and December 2015, they worked to secure donations and conduct the necessary renovations to the pool. Through a steady stream of volunteers, discounted contractor materials and services, and cash and in-kind donations, work quickly progressed on the facility. The community rallied together to help with the renovations. As Kelsey says, she and other families were able to “… help fix up the pool by painting, scraping letters off the old time boards, sweeping, and sometimes just playing while others worked.” Since its opening last December, the Bernie R Lefebrve pool, affectionately known as ‘the Bernie’ has achieved above and beyond its initial mission. Programs at the Bernie include: • • • • • • • • • •

Lap Swim and Family Swim Aquacize Swim Lessons for ages 6 months - 106 years USA Youth Swim Team and Masters Adult Swim Team Lifeguard, First Aid & CPR Training Military training High School & Middle School Swim Team Summer Swim Team Special Olympics training Water Polo

Each of these programs has been met with resounding success – hundreds of children are learning to swim, club and school swim teams are training and hosting meets, and the Bernie recently hosted the regional Special Olympics Swim Meet, welcoming athletes from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. So what’s next for the ECFF? The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation recently announced that the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation has met all of the requirements to proceed with negotiations to re-open the Destin pool and aquatics center. The ECFF plans to begin securing donations and making renovations as soon as possible in order to re-open the existing pools and facilities to the public. For more information on the ECFF, the Bernie R Lefebrve Aquatic Center, or to donate towards the Destin pool renovation, please contact the foundation at www.ecfitnessfoundation.org or by email at ecfitnessfoundation@cox.net.

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