May/June 2017 by On the Coast Magazine

May/June 2017

Summer

activity

guide

Dad's Play

do you believe in

Magic?

Turtle Love

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CONTENTS

May/June 2017

VOLUME 14 NUMBER 3

12 18 6

Publisher’s Page

Contributor's Page

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

Kids Without Beds?

Abracadabra!

Donate! Refer! Connect!

Help your kid’s dreams come true

Movement? Nutrition?

Shout Outs!

For the Love of Sea Turtles

Summer Activity Guide

Splash…Crack…Thunk...

Making a Difference

Super Dad!

EVENTS

Go back to what works

What you really should know

Tips and tricks to save your phone A dad's gift to his children

Community Kudos to some incredible people! Summer classes, camps and fun for all ages! Billy Bowlegs Scholarship Drawdown Emerald Coast Mud Run

On The Cover:

Jared enjoying time with his daughter Issabelle during a Father's Day Shoot

Your local television channel Information - Entertainment - Beach Style

PUBLISHER/EDITOR NANCY BABIN PHOTO EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR SHANE BABIN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS DENISE GATES, ELLA RUTH HILL, MEREDITH HORN, PAUL HUNTER, MANDA KOOLIS, VALERIE LOFTON, LAURA LUCY, ERIKA SCANNELL, CRYSTAL TINGLE PHOTOGRAPHY COASTALSTYLE.COM ART DIRECTOR NANCY BABIN GRAPHIC DESIGN KLYNN GRAPHIC DESIGN

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I recently had the pleasure of a week-long visit from my Aunt Mary, my mother’s 87-year-oldsister. I, of course, remembered her from my youth. But this was the first time that I felt I truly got to know this woman whom I hadn’t seen in over 30 years! The trip over from England was quickly arranged by her daughter Jennifer. Not only did they want to visit my mother, who is Aunt Mary’s oldest living sister, but they were rushing to visit my Aunt Lenniebelle who was very sick in Arizona. Sadly, Lenniebelle, the youngest of seven children, passed away while they were en route, barely four hours before their plane landed. So, plans were changed, and Aunt Mary and Jennifer, my cousin, left Arizona early to come to Destin and spend the remaining time with the last of the Montgomery siblings. I cannot tell you the impact this visit has had on my 90-year-old mother, my husband, my kids and me. We all thoroughly enjoyed every single moment with our two guests from overseas. I watched my mother laugh and giggle like a little girl. For the moment, they were Mary and Molly again, reliving their youth in a country far away. They bantered, made jokes and fed off all the old memories. The stories we heard were priceless and we were all so blessed to hear these accounts of times past. The life this visit brought to these sisters was magical… the stories of where they grew up in the country of Burma (now Myanmar), the way they were as children, how they fled their country during the war with Japan in WWII, how they survived, worked and went off to marry. I was truly amazed at how much courage they had. Jennifer and I sat for hours listening to the wonderful stories that we could only imagine: The beauty of their countryside. The fun times they had just walking for hours a day having innocent, childhood fun. The pet bear – yes, bear - they had that had been bitten by a cobra and died. The homes they lived in. How they escaped when the war broke out. How they managed as a family to survive and make use of everything they had on hand.

I only just this week found out that my mother actually forged a letter from her dad to their priest to say that he gave his permission for my aunt to get married! And then, my mother threw them their wedding! I also found out that my aunt, at the ripe old age of 12, dressed up in my mother’s fancy suit and, pretending to be 16, went to interview for a job as a stenographer with the military. She got the job and moved to the military barracks for two and a half years until her dad found out and had her removed because she wasn’t old enough! During the war years, these two sisters knew they needed to help their family of nine survive. They left their home in Burma and off they went to work as stenographers. They lived in the barracks and sent money home. Not one of our family members had to take from a government source, not one had to beg – they went out and made their way. I heard about the very hard and terrible times my mom had never shared with me until this visit: Sleeping in the dirt on the sides of the roads as they fled their homeland. Getting ill with dysentery and being afraid of being left behind. Not knowing if snakes, leopards or bears would have them for their next meal. They told us of horrific sights that are far too graphic to recount in this family magazine. And although they kept their windows and curtains pulled shut, they still always snuck a look. There was very little money and they worked hard to find it. But they all survived to return to Burma and India. Eventually, all but their parents and brother ended up emigrating to the United States and England. It was so fascinating, this life that was being told, shared with us for the first time. These are stories that I will now share with my children. Hopefully, my children will share them with their children,as well. The heritage being passed down is really very remarkable. So here we are now, seventeen years into the new century. Meanwhile, a whole generation from WWII era is passing away in front of our eyes, and they have so much to share and teach us. They say history repeats itself, and if we can learn from those in their golden years, we will gain much. So take some time this summer and make it a point to sit and enjoy a conversation with someone in their 80s or 90s. They will so appreciate the company, and those memories will soon fade away if we don't take the time to listen. Enjoy your summers and God bless each of you.

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CONTRIBUTORS Manda Koolis

Valerie Lofton

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.

Valerie is a Florida native and has been volunteering with South Walton Turtle Watch since 2000. If you ask her what is the most important thing in life, she would want you to know, without a doubt, God. “He gives us each our talent. Mine is in nature and art. He awakened this passion when I was a young child. Follow your passion with your eyes on God and you will certainly be filled with joy!” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 and Jeremiah 29:11-13

Erika Scannell Author of Struggle of Will Part 1, wife of 15 years to local repair man and fireworks expert Kip Scannell, busy soccer mom to 5 beautiful Kiplets. When not writing or shuttling kiddos from endless activities or leading the local women of MOMS in crafts extraordinaire, she tries to squeeze in some reading, research and bible studies. Best place to find her is in her closet hiding from her children!

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.

Crystal Tingle

Laura Lucy Laura Lucy is a freelance writer and social media manager. She also owns Beachside Certifications, a CPR and first aid training company. When she's not working, you can find Laura and her husband Patrick trying to wrangle their crazy five-yearold redhead, Vivi.

Manda has been enjoying coastal living with her sweet husband of 8 years and mini daschunds for the past three years and can't imagine being anywhere else. She has followed her husband around the country doing whatever the Air Force says, and this is by far the best place they've been! She's a jane-of-all-trades by day and a professional boudoir photographer and essential oils distributor by night. She enjoys spending her off-time playing video games with her hubby and painting art.

Crystal, along with her husband of 19 years and 3 boys, has been living in the Destin area since 2005. She is Founder of T h e F i ta n d H ea l t h y L i fe .co m 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!

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Meredith Horn Director of Marketing and Communications Meredith was inspired to explore the field of ocean conservation after a visit to Sea World, and an introduction to Spooky and Bandit, two female beluga whales. Meredith earned her degree in Education, and immediately started her career teaching about marine life in an accredited aquarium setting. There is nothing she loves more than connecting with guests about animals and shedding light on the value of our oceans.

Ella Ruth Ella Ruth is a journalism student at the University of Arkansas with hopes of a future in travel journalism or editing. When she’s not studying, you can find her reading or in the corner of a local coffee shop. She enjoys writing Bible studies, blog posts, and Instagram captions.

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by Paul Hunter On the spectrum below, where would you put yourself? SICK

HEALTHY

Let’s get back to basics. With all the new flashy, catchy, exciting fitness products, people become mesmerized and drawn like a moth to light. We can be easily distracted by the shiny, new, magic elixir that will revolutionize your life and get you to your goal. The great news is that people have been able to be in amazing shape well before the gadgets, gizmos, special drinks and pills. I remind you of this to provide some hope. So, let’s get back to basics and talk about how your body moves. Ever sit in a chair and have to get out? That is “changing elevation.” Up and down stairs? Lunge down to tie your shoe? Walk, jog, run or sprint to somewhere? Think “locomotion.” Pull yourself up from somewhere or pull something towards yourself? How about pressing something away from you or above you, like putting the Christmas decorations away? That’s “push/pull.” You have done that already, right? How about turning or twisting to pick something up or playing tennis, golf or just about any sport? Name that movement: that's right - “rotation.” These are the basic ways our bodies move, in addition to a combination of any of these. We are human and sometimes move in unpredictable ways. Sometimes I will add the ability to hinge at the hip, 10 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

FIT

i.e. no spinal or knee movement, and your ability to hold a plank which could be with your body facing any different direction. Where these movements get a little interesting is in how well we move. When you think of a “healthy” body, what do you expect to be able to happen? I think of being able to get in and out of a chair, church pew, or toilet without assistance. No help from the hand rails, armrest, chair in front, hand on your thighs or person next to you. I think of someone who is healthy being able to go for a 30-minute or more walk, maybe even shop all day. How about being able to move without pain or compensation? These kind of “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) typically do not require “fitness.” If there is pain, discomfort, compensation or simply lack of ability then maybe there is sickness that needs to be addressed. So, if some basic things like going for walk or putting away the spices or Christmas decorations require the basic element of health, then how about fitness? What kind of things can someone expect if they pursue fitness? I have heard “physical fitness” defined as the ability to handle a physical emergency and have plenty of strength, endurance and energy for your ADLs for the rest of the day. How about being able to run a 5k race with at least a 12-minute mile? If you were fit would you think you would be able to perform

COMPETITIVE at least 25-50 pushups in a row? Jump up on to a 12-16” box? In heart rate numbers, you'd be looking to train with a minimum zone of 70% of your maximum heart rate with a maximum of 95-100% of your predicated maximum heart rate and have a relatively short recovery time. Competitive numbers are above the fitness numbers listed and there are so many additional variables to consider. I encourage you to take an honest look at yourself and decide to move forward from wherever you think you are. Go to a professional and get a fitness test. A professional will consider your healthrelated physical fitness components such as cardio-respiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. In addition, the above-mentioned body movements may be assessed as well as some skill-related components to physical fitness. To achieve what you want is rarely something tricky or extraordinary. Rather, it is the consistent application of the basics over time that allows us to achieve our goals. Otherwise stated, doing enough of the right things over the right amount of time will get you to your goals. So be wary of the gimmicks, gadgets and gizmos that promise magical results. It’s you that will get you there.

Endangered Sea Turtles By Valerie Lofton Every year, two things happen along our Florida beaches: tourists arrive, and sea turtles come back to their nesting grounds. Sea turtle season is from May to October.

Sea turtle facts: • They are endangered. • A favorite food is jellyfish. • They can navigate thousands of miles without a smartphone. • Mama can lay about 500 eggs in a season. • The east coast of Florida incubates more females; our gulf coast incubates more males. • Florida is home to about 90% of the world’s nesting loggerheads.

Sea turtles arrive after traveling hundreds of miles, being guided by their natural instincts to swim back to the same beaches where they were born. A single female may nest four or more times in one season, leaving each nest with 70-170 eggs. She waits until after dark to begin her long, laborious journey, dragging her body along the sand, instinctively seeking high ground to dig her nest and leave her eggs to incubate. The whole process can take an hour or more. After about two months, the nest will hatch and during the evening, when the sand cools off, the hatchlings know it’s time to go! They dig their way to the top of the nest, looking for the light on the horizon, which leads them to their water home. The world has seven species of sea turtles and four of them nest on Walton County beaches. The Kemps Ridley, the only daytime nester and smallest of them all, is about 60 lbs. The Green and Loggerhead sea turtles are each 350-400 lbs. And lastly, the Leatherback sea turtle can reach up to 2000 lbs. When you compare Walton County to most beaches along the east coast, you may notice a big difference in numbers of nests. With an average of 60 nests a year along our 27 miles of coastline, the same stretch of beach across from us may see 30,000 nests. This is due to sand temperature. The east coast incubates more females, and we incubate more males. The turtles normally head back to the place they were born to nest, explaining our low nest numbers. Our sea turtle girls and boys travel in the gulf stream on Sargassum (brown seaweed) until they are a bit larger. After they leave that floating home, they navigate the waters until about 20 years of age when instinctively they know it’s time to mate. That’s when our male sea turtles meander along the east coast, meeting up with pretty sea turtle girls, before they finally swim in the gulf waters again and continue to mate. They are important on both sides of the coast! With four species of endangered sea turtles needing the dry beaches for nest sites, we have a responsibility as owners of 12 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

this land to do our best to help them survive. Their greatest enemy is man. We pollute their home, we kill them with commercial fishing and poaching is still very active. How can you make a difference? Sea turtles need three things that we often overlook: clean, dark and flat. They need a clean beach to nest on at night. When we leave chairs, towels, boats, toys, umbrellas, tents, sand castles, and holes, we are hindering the work the mama sea turtle needs to do to lay her nest. Her eyesight is very good in the water, but not so good on land. When she bumps into continued on page 14

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When you go to the beach, remember #cleandarkflat and this will make a big difference for sea turtles on any beach in the world!

continued from page 12

things or falls in holes, it makes it harder for her, and she will turn around and go back to the water and may dump her eggs in the sea, never to hatch. They need a dark beach free of any manmade obstacles. White lights disorient adult sea turtles as well as hatchlings. This includes flashlights, bon fires, house lights, condo lights, street lights, string lights from events on the beaches, etc. Flash from cameras will blind them and they can fall victim to not finding the water and become an easy target for predators. They need flat beaches to navigate back to the water easily, so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become trapped in a deep hole or hindered by large sand mountains. We have documented adults and hatchlings trapped in holes. One female sea turtle on our beaches fell in a deep hole and the sand caved in on her. It took 6 people to dig her out. As an air breather, she was lucky to live.

South Walton Turtle Watch is a local group that was formed in 1995 by Sharon Maxwell and works under a permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). It allows trained volunteers to monitor and excavate sea turtle nests, collect data and work with injured or dead sea turtles. Most counties in Florida and other coastal states have volunteer groups that work with sea turtles during nesting and hatching seasons. Our volunteers commit to six months of being part of the team. The beaches are walked at sunrise and when nests are found, each one is identified by species and measured and marked with stakes, tape and a protective sign. When you see a sea turtle or sea turtle nest, please be respectful and view from a distance. Never touch a sea turtle or shine any lights on them. Never walk through a nest. If you think a sea turtle is in danger or injured, call the local sheriff office and they will contact the local turtle watch group. For more info, visit www.southwaltonturtlewatch.org www.conserveturtles.org www.carrrefuge.org

Why You Should Care About Our Oceans Did you know the health of our oceans is imperative to our survival on this planet? Our oceans produce most of the oxygen we breathe, they feed us, and regulate our climate. Today, we can all serve as better stewards for our oceans and the marine life residing within them. Over half of the depleting marine mammal populations have been seen ingesting or entangled in plastic. Play an active role in your local community by supporting conservation focused organizations, such as the Gulfarium. You will learn, explore, and become inspired to help make a difference. Celebrate marine life. Form a beach clean-up event with your friends and family. Together we can help preserve our planet for future generations.

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TECHNOLOGY ™

S T A T E P O I N T

Taking good care of your smartphone should be a priority all year long. However, in summer, doing so may seem like more of a challenge, as you find yourself onthe-go and frequently in situations that may compromise your device. Use these tips to protect your smartphone with style.

Take Care From barbecue sauce in the park to salt and sand at the beach, the summer means more opportunities for sticky situations. Use a hands-free headset whenever necessary. You may also consider throwing hand wipes into your beach bag or picnic basket so you can always capture that Instagram shot on the fly without mucking up your screen.

Use a Case These days, there is no excuse not to use a phone case, even if style is important to you. With so many colors and designs available, you can find one that complements your fashion sense, and protects your device from drops and falls. If you have a love affair with the latest and greatest, you can take heart that just like smartphones, cases are also improving, getting sleeker and gaining more functionality. For those with the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus for example, check out options like the Clayco Iris clear case, which features a

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transparent, damage-resistant back, sleek design and multiple color options. Other models offer convenience and functionality, like i-Blason’s Transformer, which has a holster capable of 360-degree rotation, and a kickstand that allows for hands-free movie viewing.

Prevent Water Damage If you are headed to the water or out on a boat, it’s important to keep your phone safe and dry with protection designed with water resistance in mind. For example, a NexCase Waterproof phone pouch is compatible with many models of phones, won’t interfere with the touchscreen or camera, and can be used to hold IDs, cash keys and credit cards while adventuring. When it comes to reliable water resistance, pay attention to the IP rating (or Ingress Protection Rating) of the case. An airtight design, such as the iPhone 7 Plus WaterProof case, has a water resistance rating of “7,” which means that your phone can be fully submerged in water as deep as one meter for a period of up to 30 minutes.

Be Smart Remember that during temperature extremes, your unattended vehicle can become extremely hot very quickly without climate control. So, don’t leave your device behind when you exit your car, as these conditions can have damaging effects on its hardware and functionality. From sun to surf, take steps to give your smartphone the royal treatment. Your device will work better and last longer if you do.

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by Laura Lucy Motherhood is having a real moment right now. You can’t sling a bottle of Pinot – Grigio or Noir, whatever your preference – without hitting a mommy blogger, vlogger or activist. After millennia of toiling and suffering in silence, women are finally being acknowledged for the hard work and challenges of mothering. As a mom who struggled with just about everything when my daughter was first born, I’m incredibly grateful to live in a time when women talk openly about their struggles, share advice, attend mommy groups and regularly schedule moms’ nights out. But where does all this new mommy reverence leave dads? Unfortunately, the rise of moms coincides with a strange decline in respect for fathers. Watch most any sitcom, comedic movie or commercial with a dad in it, and you will see a bumbling, befuddled caricature of a father. Sure, I laugh along most of the time, but is this representation close to reality? Not in my world! My husband, Patrick, also known as the father of my child, has been a super dad from the very beginning. In those early days of sleep deprivation, sore nipples and C-section recovery, there is no way I or my newborn would have survived without Patrick’s daddy game being on point. And it was. He diapered, shopped and bathed while I tried to work through pain and doubted my parenting skills. He just got it done. Over time, the roles shifted as I healed and became more confident, but that never meant Patrick’s role was at all diminished. My days were filled with attending to my daughter Vivi’s needs, but Patrick was there to love her, support me and give me a break when I got overwhelmed. One of my greatest joys in motherhood doesn’t even involve me. I love to observe the special bond between daddy and daughter. My husband does all the activities with Vivi that I either can’t or don’t want to do. I love our weekly trips to the library, chauffeuring Vivi to ballet class, shopping and going to the movies. Patrick teaches her to play golf and soccer, they go hiking at the state parks, he takes her to the arcade, he trails behind her on endless loops around our cul-de-sac on her bike. It also helps my mood when the two of them give me a few hours alone in the house so I can catch up on laundry, freelance work and the DVR.

Aside from the warm and fuzzy feelings Vivi hanging with Daddy brings me, there is also evidence that children receive many benefits from spending time with their dads that are different from the benefits of being with their moms. Dads don’t play the same way moms do. In The Art of Roughhousing, Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D., and Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D., cite several recent studies indicating that roughhousing makes kids more intelligent, builds their socialization skills, increases their ethical standards and improves their ability to bounce back from adversity. Dads also encourage kids to take more risks but without going too far. He will throw you higher, encourage you to climb that tree and let go of the bike with no training wheels. I think most kids (and society) expect moms to always be present. It’s a given. When I was growing up, my dad worked long hours in retail, but he was always there for me. He never missed a dance recital – and there were many – and his only complaint was that he had to sit through “everyone else’s no-talent kids” before he could see his baby girl perform. He was right beside my mom for spelling bees, band concerts and pep rallies. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but my father’s presence and encouragement had a profound impact on the kid I was and the woman I became. According to Linda Nielsen, Ed.D., Professor of Adolescent and Educational Psychology at Wake Forest University, whose research on the relationship between fathers and daughters helped inspire Mattel toy company’s “You Can Be Anything” campaign, girls with involved fathers are more likely to achieve financial success, have long-lasting marriages, flourish in demanding maledominated careers and are less likely to have a teen pregnancy. Dads, if you aren’t already spending time with your kids without mom, start now! Moms, the next time you feel yourself getting anxious about your husband playing too rough with the kids, take a deep breath and give him some space. He is busy creating confident, independent, brilliant, resilient kids. Happy Father’s Day!

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by Crystal Tingle

With a tub of popcorn in your lap and a soda in the cup holder, you more than likely saw it. And if you are like me, you’ve watched it in the theater over and over and over again (just ask my family). And if you haven’t seen it, go watch it! I know it’s a movie. I know they are just actors and actresses, but really good ones I happen to love! I know that Hollywood often embellishes a bit for the excitement and drama, but it IS about a true story. I also know that THIS story ended with happy dreams and a bright future for Michael Oher. But before the sweet dreams and the movie debuted to make us all feel good as we walked out, his reality was less than dreamy. Michael Oher’s needs were real, basic needs, and those same needs are real and ongoing for thousands of other children just like him. Even as you read this, many happen to live in our beautiful “that doesn’t exist here” coastal paradise. Yes, I am talking about The Blind Side that came out in 2009, the beautiful, feel-good, tear-jerker, heart-full-when-you-leavethe-theater, happy ending kind of movie you want to watch over and over again, even years later. And because one family couldn’t turn a blind eye to his obvious need, they chose to open their hearts and home to him. While the Tuohys admit that he transformed their lives in an unimaginable way as well, they transformed his by giving him the opportunity to excel in the gift that was already within him, but above all, it started with the simplest provision that most of us take for granted everyday… a bed! Do you remember that unforgettable heart-wrenching threeline exchange in the movie between Leigh Anne Tuohy and Michael Oher?

“I’ve never had one before,” Michael says. Leigh Anne asks, “What, a room to yourself?” “No,” Michael responds, “A bed.” Yep! I cried here. In fact, it was one of those ugly display of emotion moments - the flood of tears and the multiple gasps of air that try to crawl up your lungs at the same time. It’s not pretty! But regardless of how disheveled we all may have looked coming out of the theaters, the movie delivered, bringing awareness to such a basic need largely overlooked and taken for granted by the majority of us who go about our starry lives day after day…a bed to sleep in. In this blessed nation where we have storage units for our overflow, no bed? Can you imagine? One young woman had this thought as well and found it completely unacceptable! “Every child should be able to have a bed to dream in” was her declaration. Apparently she loved this movie as much or more than I did, and as she left the theater, found that she had an unquenchable thirst to affect change, and that is just what she did. Beds4Kids founded by Lauren Glass is the result of this awareness. Lauren started this organization in 2010 because of the impact that same three-liner had on her. She began servicing the east Tennessee and Greater Atlanta area with beds for children and teens and has provided sweet dreams for over 400 youth since the start! As others began to see the need and feel the call to make a difference, additional chapters of Beds4Kids started to pop up in areas such as Birmingham and our very own Emerald Coast. continued on page 22

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continued from page 20

I honestly found myself caught off guard by this. I had no idea that in my own backyard, children were sleeping on floors and couches. But a sweet friend of mine who volunteers as a Guardian ad Litem, a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the best interests of a child, was not unaware. Ginger saw the need, day in and day out. Over a cup of coffee, her friend Diane mentioned an article she had just read about Beds4Kids. It was at that moment they knew they had to make a phone call. With Lauren’s direction and blessing, Ginger Davis and Diane Freeman started the first Florida Chapter of Beds4Kids in our beautiful area. Since October of 2016, they have provided beds for over 60 children and teens! But here is the other reality. Bed deliveries cost money - $250, to be precise. That amount provides the bed frame, mattress, pillow and a very special comforter and sheet set. So, although they have provided 60 beds for 60 children in fewer than seven months, there is a waitlist of over 25 children and growing who are in need. A waitlist of over 25! That’s staggering! We are such a small community compared to cities like Atlanta and Birmingham. How can we have so many children without a bed to sleep in? When I asked Ginger if I could write this article to bring awareness, I also asked if I could help with a bed delivery so I could understand in full what they do and the need that they face each day. I had the privilege to participate in three bed deliveries, and it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. These sweet faces know we are coming to set up their very own bed and they are excited! Ginger and Diane involve them in every step of the process. It gives the children ownership and a sense of pride to help. From unloading the van to putting the sheets and comforter on, they assist with it all…and then we celebrate! We celebrate the fact that starting today, they will sleep safe and dream big dreams! And yes, EVERY child does deserve that! (You, too, can watch a bed delivery at www.beds4kids.org.) “A bed gives the platform for what the children and parents need to dream,” explains Ginger. “We had a young girl say, ‘I can now have a sleepover!’ Because who wants to have friends over to an empty room? What really inspires is the reaction of the children and even the parents. They see a bed as a platform for something better...a sleepover, or for the mom who cries who is now able to envision a reading place at bedtime, or for the mom who says she can buy curtains for the window of her two boys’ room. A bed gives hope and the ability to dream.” So where do we go from here? Just like a bed…it starts with the basics! • Beds4Kids is a non-profit organization that provides beds to kids and teens who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor or on inadequate bedding. • They hope to help solve the problem of inadequate bedding for children in need and for the community providers who are struggling. • Families in need are found through community outreach, churches, schools and Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) workers. • Each bed delivery costs $250. This includes the frame, pillow, mattress and, as I mentioned before, a very special comforter and sheet set that is “researched” ahead of time. My three consisted of continued on page 54 22 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

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by Denise Gates When Jeanette Andrews was four years old, she saw a Siegfried & Roy TV special and decided, “That’s it. That’s what I’m going to do.” She got a magic set for Christmas, practiced and practiced, and performed her first show for her preschool class. Two years later, she went professional, performing her first paid show at the age of six for a local park district in the suburbs of Chicago. “It was for a day camp of four-year-olds,” Jeannette recalls. “It went great. I was so excited!" That first job paid her $10, which is monumental for a six-year-old. “I told my mom I made $10 and, because I wanted a magic book that cost $20, my mom said, ‘This is so amazing; let’s figure out how to get you paid another $10 so you can buy the book.’ My parents supported me and my career in every way humanly possible.” Throughout Jeanette’s childhood, magic was her focus. She did as many shows as she could and “practiced like crazy.” She did shows for community organizations, festivals, and retirement communities, just trying to get out there and perform as much as she could and get as much experience as possible. While other children were taking piano lessons, Jeanette took magic lessons. It’s all she wanted to do, and it’s all she did.

Also at a very young age, Dr. Julian Pittman performed his own magic shows for family and friends. He loved using his imagination. He performed magic tricks and juggling for his school talent shows and won them all. He went to a show at Busch Gardens and saw magician Mark Wilson and juggler Albert Lucas perform a show on ice. Watching them inspired him to combine their two art forms for his own performances and to go into live entertainment himself. As a teen, he worked at Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens where he continued to gain exposure entertaining live audiences through dance, music, magic, and juggling. Today, Julian’s act, called Pittman Magic, is a husband-and-wife show that includes his talented wife, Melody. “When I first met my wife-to-be, I failed to mention that I did magic and juggling because I was afraid of what she would say,” Julian recalls. “Let’s face it, ‘I juggle and perform illusions’ is not the best pick-up line.” But eventually, he couldn’t resist including her in his show. Melody was no stranger to entertainment, either. Her parents took her to see Annie when she was very young and from then on, she wanted to be on stage. She began dance lessons at a very young age and loved it. Her family also encouraged her passion with classic movie musicals with lots of dance numbers such as Singin’ In the Rain and West Side Story. She continued dancing with performance and competitive teams well into her adult years. “I remember when Julian continued on page 26

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experience of my life. I worked on research on magic for the five senses, and that is the work I have been focused on and have based my entire career on since.”

continued from page 24

first taught me how to do a few grand stage illusions,” says Melody. “He was incredibly impressed with my quickness at memorizing the ins and outs of what had to happen and when.” No doubt about it, magic is fascinating. The shows compel us, intrigue us, wow us. Each of these performers was captivated by magic at a very young age. They saw performances live and on screen and were fascinated. They wanted to perform, wanted more experience, and wanted an audience! They were encouraged every step of the way, from their parents and teachers to their peers and audiences, and they grew in their craft to become the successes they are today. Alissa Clifton’s own love of drama started at a young age when her father cast her in a church play and continued through high school as she participated in drama classes, performances and competitions. As an adult, she has been involved in community performances throughout the years as a performer, writer, and director. As the director of Drama Kids of Northwest Florida, she recognizes the appeal magic has for young ones and their desire to perform. “It’s amazing to watch a child develop the confidence to speak or perform in front of an audience,” she says. “Some kids are polishing their skills, but for others, the difference is dramatic.” Perhaps you have a budding magician in your life you would like to encourage. One terrific venue for your young magician is Magic Camp! This summer, Drama Kids is offering two Magic Camps for kids ages 6-12, one at Rosemont Baptist Church in Niceville June 12-16 and the other at Crafts Happen in Destin June 19-23. Wizards and magicians of all skills will act out magical scenes, play fun theater games, learn all kinds of magic tricks and end with a fantastic show for family and friends. Camp is limited to the first 24 students and you can register at www.dramakidsnwf.com or by calling 850737-0413. Jeanette is now a summer regular at the Seaside Repertoire Theatre. “I got my start at Seaside doing an artist residency called 'Escape to Create' in January 2014,” Jeanette recalls. “It was the most influential 26 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

Jeanette’s show is out-of-the-box in terms of what people think of as magic shows. Her performances are interactive and centered around magic for the senses. The entire audience is involved in creating the show every step of the way. “It is not a passivelywatched show, as their decisions and choices influence the show,” she emphasizes. “Much of what I do is all geared toward older kids, teens and adults, creating a smaller scale, more intimate experience.” To learn more about Jeanette and her performances, please visit www.jeanetteandrews.com. The Pittmans recently hosted their first Destin Magic Dinner Theatre at La Paz Restaurant in Destin. The Destin Magic Dinner Theatre is a family-friendly night out that includes dinner and the Pittmans’ very own world-class award-winning show. Each show features multiple large-scale Las Vegas-style illusions, comedy and closeup magic, daring escapes, balancing acts, juggling acts, and more. After the show, the Pittmans host a meet-and-greet session where guests can share their favorite moments from the show and get autographs and their photos taken with the Pittmans. “We are doing what we love and doing it with love,” Julian says. “If we can help to make people forget troubles in their everyday lives, laugh, smile, and have a good time, then we have done our job. It’s a lifelong passion.” And their passion has paid off, as the Pittmans just recently won The International Magician's Society "Merlin Award" for 2017! This award is to magic what the Oscar is to movies. Previous recipients include David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, and Penn and Teller. To learn more about the Pittmans or to book them to entertain at your next special event, visit www.PittmanMagic. com. Be sure to like them on Facebook for more performance dates and locations. To attend a dinner theater performance, visit www.DestinMagicDinnerTheater.com to make your online reservations. If you are celebrating a special event or occasion, be sure to mention that when you make your reservation for a chance to be part of their show! Magic abounds on the Emerald Coast, and everyone can be touched by it, whether by watching a performance, being a part of an interactive audience, or by learning the craft and becoming a part of magic On The Coast.

CMY

tion mily’s vaca fa r u o y f o ost ark on Make the m est waterp g r la e h t e , na’s sh in all th la p s at Big Kahu a e k a 0 ld Coast! M ach: Over 4 e b the Emera e h t t a ’t find lay splash-n-p fun you can r u o F . s n io ttract anas. rides and a Private cab . ls o o p t a e s. Gr kiddie area Packages. Plus, Group

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2014

SHOUT OUT ™

ced 4th in entary pla d in the m le E r a Shalim girls place e the b and had 4 the state halimar to osa S s is allow lo top 10! Th tary School in Oka n e n May m o le ls E a first t Nation a t o o sh KY county to ouisville, 11th in L

Shout out to Cole Rewis for receiving the Good Citizenship Award at Destin Elementary

from 18 year old Caitlin Hart, dancer ce Dan Irish of ool Sch ke Dra the in Fort Walton Beach, recently won the World Champion Irish Dance her Competition in Dublin, Ireland with nta! Atla from team y raph choreog

d Girls School Boys an Destin Middle ty un Co sa Okaloo Golf teams win ip sh on Champi

Rocky Bayou Christia n school participated in the an nual regional Math Olympics organ ized by the association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Eli zabeth Jones, student from 5th grade placed 1st place! Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Three S eas teache ide Neighbor Michie rs —Courtne hood School yK ,a recogn nd Joy Robbin rick, Brian ized by s were r the F ecently of Educ ation a lorida’s Depa nd hav r Florida tment er Best & Brighte eceived the st Scho Progra larship m.

We want to hear from you! Send your shout outs to OTC@OntheCoastMag.com 28 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

ary art b is an exempl Cherish Web . Every ry ta wins Elemen ria te teacher at Ed fe ca e th s sform lent May she tran si a e llery to includ of k into an Art Ga or w e th g lightin ts auction, spot en ud st . Many of our to ity her students un rt po op have the b. eb would never W . if not for Mrs celebrate art

Students from Bluewater Elementary School and Cub Scout Pack 553 teamed up throughout the school year via the “Adopt-a-School” program to beautify the school campus, maintain the school's butterfly garden and make posters to display on campus honoring veteran’s on Veteran’s Day.

HUGE shout out to all USAG Jr. Olympic State, Regional and Na tional champions from U.S. Gold Gymn astics!

r students acher and he Krista Shum ia Cafarelli. ng and Soph Carter Deeri d artist he is compl Krista is an ac to Plew in t ar of ve r lo and brings he her own d pe lo She's deve . ry ta en em t" that El "Lucy Loves Ar hing videos called ac te to approach at the bring a unique ed ew vi be n art ca ard. the kids. Her ev ul in Grand Bo Foster Gallery

Mr. Pifer has been very supportive of Mary Esther Elementary. He has given donations and is generous on price matches to help with different activities we hol d at the school. Mr. Pifer and Piggly Wiggley are a big part of the Mary Esther Family! Tha nks to him, we are able to support the activit ies we do with our students and staff!

Coast A quatic s Top 3 D1 recr s Gradua uits and Sum wimmers are ma Cum tes - Sy dney D to Alab Laude awso ama, of Kentu Daniel Orcu n is heading t t to Un cky and Virginia iversity Tatum T Hack achieve ech! We are very pro ler to ments of ud and am these talented of the azing s tudents athletes !!!

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Discounts • Specials Weekly Contests • Daily Events Weekend Highlights • Breaking News

850 • 642 • 5439 www.OnTheCoastMag.com

Great Food, Live Music, &

Family Friendly Fun! Open for Lunch and Dinner!

850-424-6650 GraffitiFBS.com 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin Florida

Best Live Music Venue in town! 30 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine

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Summer Activity Guide

Summer Swim Special! Learning stroke techniques in a fun and competitive environment will help keep your child safe in the water!

All school ages welcome! coastaquatics.org coastaquatics@gmail.com 850-461-7012

First Week

Free!

Practices located in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Niceville

3238 â&#x20AC;˘ Tell them you saw it in ONON THE COAST Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Tell them you saw it in THE COAST Magazine

Summer

We strive to offer fun and engaging programs that allow your child to learn to love learning!

s! nesday d e W r e Wat

Our Summer Day Camp program offers a flexible schedule while keeping an 8:1 student teacher ratio and always providing a safe, nurturing, and fun-filled environment. We currently serve children ages 3 to 9. We will be hosting an open house on Friday, May 26th from 4pm to 6pm.

Camp Themes Week 2

Week 1

(May 30th–June 2nd)

Week 3

(June 5th–June 9th)

Hello Sunshine, Hello Summer

Blue Mountain Dinosaur Adventure

Week 5

Week 6

(July 5th–7th)

America the Beautiful

Expression Through Art

STEM Discovery

Under the Sea

Week 8

Week 7

Art & Artist

Week 9

(June 19th–June 23rd)

(July 17th–July 21st)

(July 10th–July 14th)

(June 26th–June 30)

(July 24th–28th)

Week 4

(June 12th–June 16th)

Kingdom of Imagination

Learning To Love Local Nature

Week 10

Week 11

(July 31st–August 4th)

(August 7th–11th)

Around the World Natural Landforms

Around the World Famous Landmarks

Compass Rose Summer Day Camp • www.craforedu.com Office: 850-660-1110 • Ms.Christine: 850-855-8792 • Mr.Eric: 850-687-1055 Email: compassrosesummercamp@gmail.com Address: 2060 S. Co. Hwy 83, SRB, FL 32459

Summer Activity Guide

Day Camp 2017!

Summer Activity Guide

WE CLIMB. WE TEACH. WE HAVE FUN. WE ROCK OUT! OPENING MAY 2017 2001 98 PALMS | DESTIN | FLORIDA WWW.ROCKOUTCLIMBING.COM /ROCKOUTCLIMBING

BIRTHDAY PARTIES | LOCK-INS | FAMILY FITNESS | PARENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NIGHT OUT

e Equestrian Center Lessons • Camps • Birthday Parties

4 Summer Camps: June 5-7 | June 19-21 | July 10-12 | July 24-26 Phone: 1-850-863-3295 • Call or Text 1-850-420-4973 www.equestriancenterfwb.com 208 Vicki Leigh Rd. Fort Walton Beach FL 32547

Summer Camps, Lessons, & One-Day Workshops Available!

Vocal Coach - Extensive Background in the Music Industry Nashville/Music Row She coaches beginner to advanced artists. Alissa specializes in Modern Pro Vocal & Performing Techniques, Music Industry, Life Coaching and Songwriting. (Rock, Pop, Country and Christian)

Vocal Pop Academy Aug 2017-May 2018

Sandestin & Destin | 850-830-8855 alissajoysteﬀens@gmail.com www.singdestin.com | facebook.com/singdestin

Vacation Bible School Fort Walton Beach FMI & Sign Up www.ComeGather.com

June 26th-30th 5:30-8pm Ages 4 years through 5th grade

Sailing builds confidence and character that lasts a lifetime..

Summer Activity Guide

Alissa Steﬀens Vocal Academy

Classes, Workshops and Private Lessons

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 35

Summer Activity Guide

Registration Now Open!

850-974-8537

The Irish Dance Studio 5 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach 850.225.8088 • theirishdancestudio.com

Recreational Soccer for Ages 3-18 Separate boys' and girls' teams U8 + Special teams for children with disabilities Open to children throughout the area www.nicevillepalsoccer.org Contact: Howard Hill • 850-678-2182 • howard_hill@cox.net

Summer Activity Guide

July 10th - July 13th

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 37

Summer Activity Guide

EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDU EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXP ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCO LEARN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDU WE COME TO YOU. EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXP ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCO EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDU CPR/AED and Basic First Aid Certification EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXP ENCOUNTER Discover the difference

Have Your Birthday at the Science Center!

Choose from one of our four themes: • Dino Dig • Animal Safari • Mad Scientist • Space

a hands on encounter with science can make

For more information about these programs and more, call or visit our website.

850.664.1261 ECScience.org

Party Packages Available Saturdays from 11am-1pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm

First Saturday of the month 10 am-2 pm • Ages 9-14 www.beachsidecertifications.com  850.502.3284  patrick@beachsidecert.com  BeachsideCertifications

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

Seasonal Hours:

Tue.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

31 SW Memorial Pkwy. Fort Walton Beach

Our Robotics Workshops will cover a range of robotics skills and concepts to help introduce students to robotics and give them the skills needed to compete in Lego League.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FORT WALTON BEACH

One Family, Growing Toother The Christian Life Center

Co-ed Summer Sports Camp Full Day $150 | Half Day $90 (ask about sibling discounts)

Sports and Life Enrichment Sessions Call for more information: 850-226-6905

firstkidssports.leagueapps.com (Click on Mega Sports Camp tab)

There are multiple workout area/machines The available that include treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes and resistance machines. The gym area can also be reserved for special events. (Seats & Tables for 300) With your membership, you can (for a nominal fee) participate in Zumba, Pilates, Senior Fitness, and ATA Certified Taekwando.

New Classes Starting this Summer/Fall: Co-ed Cross Training and Christian Yoga. Contact us for details: 850-226-6905

Operation Arctic VBS June 19-23

8:45 Am - 12:00 pm Pre-K - 5th Grade

(Students are placed in grade completed during 16-17 school year)

Summer Activity Guide

June 5-9

is a state of the art multipurpose facility. We oďŹ&#x20AC;er a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. Upward Program & Leagues.

Kids on campus Northwest Florida State College

Summer enrichment and fun learning for kids entering 3rd - 8th grades. Classes include: athletics, theater, life skills, hands-on science, academics, art, dance and lots of FUN! Registration Begins: April 17

Session I: June 12-22 • Session 2: July 10-20 850-729-6086 • www.nwfsc.edu/KidsOnCampus • Niceville

Oﬀicial Billabong Surf Camp: 3hrs instruction with t-shirt! (9am - 12pm)

Summer Activity Guide

Ride On Summer Camps: 4, 2hr sessions (10am -12pm)

Rentals & Watersports

Mini lessons:

30 min introduction

Group lesson:

2 or more ppl, 1hr instruction

Private Lessons:

Rentals:

Stand Up Paddleboards, Kayaks, Beach Service, Beach Chair and Umbrella Rentals

1hr instruction

Open 7 days a week! (Weather permitting) Rideonsurf@cox.net | 850-240-7822 Captain Dave's on the Gulf 3796 scenic hwy 98 Destin Florida

We Offer: Self Defense for Women and Kids, Jiu Jitsu, Camps, and Private Lessons. Fort Walton • 850-621-3868

EA/EO

Destin & Niceville • 850-428-2846

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

Summer Activity Guide

VBS 2017

SWIM LESSONS KIDS SNORKEL CAMP (ages 5 and up)

KIDS SCUBA CAMP (ages 8 and up)

KIDS AQUA MISSION NIGHT DIVES CPR & First Aid Classes Available WWW.DIVEDESTIN.NET • 503 HARBOR BLVD. • 850-837-0955 Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 41

Summer Activity Guide

SUMMER

On Stage

Experience and training in theatre can improve students' communication, critical thinking, self confidence and team-based skills! ECTC offers summer theater camps throughout June and July, for students ages 4 to 18.

LEARN ABOUT OUR 2017 SUMMER CAMPS BY GOING TO EMERALDCOASTTHEATRE.ORG

Summer Time Art For Kids and Adults

Painting Parties For All Ages!

Join us for

Open Art Studio

• Birthdays • Ladies Night • Youth Groups Or Any Special Event!

Tuesday - Friday 10am-3pm 850-279-3434 117 N. Cedar Ave. Niceville, FL 32578

Add us on Facebook!

Summer Swim Lesson Programs All ages/ability levels are taught during every session. Class sizes are limited for optimal safety and student success. Register for classes at the Bernie R. Lefebvre Aquatic Center. Pool hours: 5 a.m - 8 p.m.

Morning Sessions

2 weeks/8 lessons $65 • Week 1 - Mon-Fri 9:00a.m. • Week 2 - Mon-Weds 9:00 a.m. Session 1: June 5 - June 14 Session 2: June 19 - June 28 Session 3: July 10 - July 19

Evening Sessions

4 weeks/8 lessons $65 • Tuesday & Thursday 7:00 p.m. June Session begins June 6 July Session begins July 6 August Session begins August 8

Saturday Sessions

4 weeks/4 lessons $35 • Saturday 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. June Session begins June 3 July Session begins July 8 August Session begins August 5

www.facebook.com/ECFitnessFoundation | ecfitnessfoundation.org

BERNIE’S BULL SHARKS SUMMER SWIM LEAGUE

Ages 5-18. $100 for the summer. 10% discount per sibling. Practices held M-W-F 7:30-9:00 a.m. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER SEASON INQUIRE AT THE POOL FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Destin Aquatic Center team will be available as soon as the pool is opened. Check Facebook and website for updated information.

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

1127 Hospital Road Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Tel (850)863-SWIM

Destin Aquatic Center 4345 Commons Drive W. Destin, FL 32541

RUSSIAN INTENSIVE

WITH GUEST DMITRI ROUDNEV JULY 17-21 Summer Classes available! BALLET • TAP • JAZZ • HIP HOP MODERN

•

PRE-DANCE

CONTEMPORARY •

KINDERDANCE

Improve technique, gain new skills, express creativity, and make friends! Students gain exposure to multiple dance disciplines during the week long themed dance workshop culminating in a performance on the last day for family and friends.

June 5-8 - Destin 9:00-12:30 Frozen, Ballerina Princesses & The Little Mermaid Ages 4-8

June 19-22 - BWB 9:00-12:30 Frozen, Ballerina Princesses & The Little Mermaid Ages 4-8

June 26-29 - Destin 9:00-12:30 Broadway, Rock, & Pop Stars Ages 4-8

MAKE YOUR SUMMER COUNT! • One-to-One Instruction in Reading, Writing & Math • Grades K-12 • No Contracts • Fast-Paced Summer Programs

Summer Activity Guide

Themed Workshops

CALL TODAY

850.424.7935

to schedule your FREE Diagnostic Assessment!

Located at

sandestin.tutoringcenter.com

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

Summer Activity Guide

Fort walton beach’s Premier Gymnastics Facility Since 1992

EMERALD CITY GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS Preschool Gymnastics (walking - age 5) Recreational Gymnastics Boys Gymnastics Cheer’nastics (Cheer & Tumbling) Pre-Competitive & Competitive Gymnastics

We offer Adult GyMnastics & Yoga Punch cards available for all adult classes!

OPEN GYMS “Big Kid” Open Gym (ages 6 and up) Fridays 7:30 - 9pm, $10 Pre-School Open Gym Mon & Fri 9:30 - 11 am, $5

s p m a C r e m m u S

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

DLC SUMMER DAY CAMP 2017

Look for Summer Adult League Basketball! (2 Leagues - 18 & Over and 30 & Over) Starts in June PLUS: 4 Week Youth League in July!

Vacation Bible School June 4-8 Sunday 4-6 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 12 PM

Summer Activity Guide

June 12-August 4 MON - FRI 8 AM - 5 PM $100 PER CAMPER SIBLINGS $60 EACH

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ 45

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

FUN for the WHOLE FAMILY! BRING YOUR KIDS….we have all the supplies!

Mark your calendar and join the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club for an evening of fun. The Rotary Club of Fort Walton Beach will host its 3rd Annual Billy Bowlegs Scholarship Drawdown on Friday, May 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach. This must attend event benefits local students with higher education opportunities. Key programs include the Kay Stokes Memorial Nursing Scholarship, the James S. Sutton Scholarship Fund, and the John T. Morgan III Memorial Scholarship Fund. Purchase a Drawdown ticket for the opportunity to win a choice of one of three grand prizes which includes a cash prize of $10,000. You do not need to be present to win the grand prize. Tickets are $100 and allow up to two people to attend the event for a delicious dinner, drinks, music and a chance to win other door prizes. Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Get your tickets soon as only 550 tickets will be sold. For more information or to purchase tickets, see one of your friendly Fort Walton Beach Rotarians or visit www.fwbrotaryscholarshipinc.org. The Rotary Club of Fort Walton Beach would love your support of this main fundraiser as they seek to raise funds to provide additional scholarships for deserving students. To date, over 460 local students have benefited. All proceeds of our efforts stay in our local community.

Get muddy to do good! The Emerald Coast MudRun for Orphans is Saturday, May 16 at the Northwest Florida State College campus. This 10-ton muddy event is sponsored by Heart of the Bride Ministries (HOB), a Niceville, Florida-based 501c3 founded in 1997 through one family’s desire to help orphans around the world. HOB wanted to offer our community the opportunity to do good in a fun and different kind of way and came up with the MudRun. It started six years ago and boy, did it take off! The MudRun has grown from around 1,700 MudRunners to over 4,000 and has raised over $366,000 for orphan care. It is a family event, with several 5K Fun Runs throughout the day where you run at your own pace and the obstacles are optional. There is a 5K competitive and a 10K Elite for all you competitors out there. There is a Kids Zone for the children and 1-Mile Kids Fun Runs. And don’t miss Zero Dark Dirty – the 5K Fun Run with the added twist of running at night. So come on! Challenge yourself and a friend and register for the Emerald Coast MudRun for Orphans at www.emeraldcoastmudrun.com. Use coupon code “ONTHECOAST” to save 10% off of registration. Tell your friends, mark it on your calendar and make this May 16th a day to remember for the whole family. So what are you waiting for? Let’s join together, let’s get muddy and do good! 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 • 47

Lulu’s Destin Emerald Coast Sings! Singing Competition 7pm 850-684-0323

MAY 3 Destin HarborWalk Village Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour 8-9:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 SRB Topsail State Park Geocaching Around Topsail 9-2pm $4 - $6 850-267-8330 MAY 4 30Avenue Music on the Green 6-9pm FREE 850-231-1127 Destin MK Arts Village Emerald Gold Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 SRB Seaside Rep Theatre Live: Griffin House 7:30pm $25 850-231-0733 MAY 5 Destin Rotary Club Cajun Crawfish Bash 5:30pm-9:30pm $35/person 850-837-1071 FWB Landing Grape Drink Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000 Niceville MK Arts Center Northwest Florida Orchestra “Stars of Tomorrow” 7:30-9:30pm $25 850-729-6000 Seaside Amphitheater Dance Festival Lecture & Demonstration 6pm FREE 850-231-0102

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club Cinco de Mayo Scramble 10:30am $100/player 850-264-9901 Foley, AL Festival GC Hot Air Balloon Fest 2-10pm FREE $5 Parking 251-943-3291 MAY 6 Foley, AL Festival GC Hot Air Balloon Fest 2-10pm FREE $5 Parking 251-943-3291 Destin Commons Burnin’ Up The Beaches Car Show 4-6pm FREE 850-376-1037 Destin Commons Spring Latin Festival 11-4pm FREE 850-337-8700 Niceville MK Arts Ampt Mother of All Burgers Battle $20+ 3-7pm 850-243-7676 Seaside Amphitheater Dance Festival Performance Showcase 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0102 Shoal River Sporting Clays Kiwanis Skeet Shoot Tourney 8-2pm $100 Per Indv or $400 Team 850-689-4349 MAY 7 30A VUE “Tea Fore Her” Breast Cancer Benefit 1-3pm $40/adult 850-699-3233

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

FWB Harley Davidson Classic Car Show 10-1pm FREE 850-502-5648 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Crawfish and Blues Cruise 1:30-4:30pm $48/adults, $25/kids 850-650-2519 Seaside Amphitheater Dance Festival & Movie Night 7:45p 850-231-0102 MAY 9 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Hugh Mitchell & The High Tide 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 10 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series Selwyn Birchwood 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 11 30Avenue Music on the Green 6-9pm FREE 850-231-1127 Destin MK Village Flow Tribe Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 MAY 12 FWB Conv Ctr HealthFair & Career Expo 10-7pm FREE 850-609-3800 FWB Landing Friday Night Concerts Side Project Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000

MAY 12 - 14 Pensacola Bay Center Disney on ICE 10:30am $33 and up 850-432-0800 MAY 13 Destin Community Center Founder’s Day Celebration 8am FREE 850-654-5184 FWB DeFrance Antiques 2nd Saturday Market 9-2pm FREE 850-314-7500 Milton, FL Riverwalk Blackwater Glow Run 7pm $25 850-554-4609 Valpariso Heritage Museum Mother’s Day Victorian Tea 2-4pm $18 850-678-2615 MAY 13-14 Sandestin Grand Boulevard ArtsQuest Fri 10-6pm Sat 12-6 $5 Donation 850-622-5970 MAY 14 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Butler Elementary School Butler Does Broadway 6pm FREE 850-267-8180 MAY 16 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Boukou Groove 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 17 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series Big Al & The Heavyweights 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8180 continued on page 50

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continued from page 48 MAY 18 30Avenue Music on the Green Continuum 6-9pm FREE 850-231-1127

MAY 19 - 21 FWB Civic Auditorium “Movie Magic” Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm $15 850-833-9590 Gulf Shores, AL The Hangout Music Festival 11am-11pm $309/3-Day Pass 850-725-1823

Alys Beach MAY 20 Digital Graffiti Festival Destin HarborWalk 8-11pm Harry T’s $25/Child, $50/Adult Crawfish Boil 850-213-5500 $20 11am-4pm Destin MK Arts Village 850-654-4800 Fountain City Concert 7pm Destin MK Arts Village $15 or FREE if member Tailgates Down… 850-650-2226 Phriends All Around $25 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf 10 -6pm Bubbly Baytowne 704-576-3425 5pm FREE FWB First City Bank 21+ The Little Pirates Parade 850-267-8180 Doggy Pirate Parade 9-11am MAY 19 FREE Alys Beach 850-244-5151 Digital Graffiti Festival Illuminated+ Niceville, FL 8-11pm NWFL St College $175 EC MudRun For Orphans 850-213-5500 7am-10pm $30 and up FWB Landing 850-678-9008 Friday Night Concerts Black Eyed Blonde Sandestin Linkside 6-8pm Little Black Dress Party FREE 6pm 850-654-1000 $90 850-863-8112 Niceville Rocky Country Club Emerald Coast Princess Ball Sandestin Hilton EVENT Cocktails & Camo Gala 6-8:30pm 6pm-10pm $25 $125 850-863-1530 850-833-9237 Rosemary Beach South Barrett Square Walk Her Way 5:30-8:30pm $30 850-231-7382 Seaside Repertory Theatre Live: Jeff Black 7:30 pm $25 850-231-0733

Seaside Repertory Theatre Live: Kim Richey 7:30 pm $25 850-231-0733 SRB Watercolor Marina Park CVHN Smile Mile & 5K 7am $45/Adult, $25/Child 850-622-3200

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

MAY 21 Alys Beach Arboleda Park Digital Graffiti Festival Brunch & Closing Event 8-11pm $25/Child, $50/Adult 850-213-5500 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Sunday Cinema 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 22 Sandestin Baytowne Lagoon Hydroflight Monday with Ben Merrill 6:30pm & 8:30pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 22, 29 Seaside Amphitheater Pinocchio 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733 MAY 23 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm 850-267-8000 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Continuum 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 24 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series Chris Alvarado 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 25 30Avenue Music on the Green 6-9pm FREE 850-231-1127 Destin Harbor Blessing of the Fleet 4-5pm FREE 850-424-0600

Destin MK Arts Village Alter Eagles Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 FWB Ok Island Conv Ctr World’s Greatest Baby Shower 5:30-8:30pm FREE 850-833-9284 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Magical Thursday Pirate Magic Show 7pm & 8pm shows FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 26 FWB Landing Friday Night Concerts Triggerproof Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf, Marlin Circle 100 Days of Summer Pepsi Beach Ball Drop 5-9pm 251-224-1000 Rosemary Beach Town Hall Courtyard Sculpture Exhibition 4pm FREE 866-348-8952 MAY 27 - 28 SRB Baytowne Wharf Live Music & Fireworks 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 27 Destin HarborWalk The Good Looking 7-9pm FREE 850-424-0600 FWB Landing 5k Family Fun Run/Walk $15 850-833-9500 Niceville MK Arts Center The Coasters Concert 7-9pm $15 850-729-6000

Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Amphitheater ALABAMA Concert 8pm $20 + 251-224-1000 MAY 28 Destin HarborWalk Journey Tribute Band 4:30-6:30 PM FREE 850-424-0600 Destin HarborWalk Flash Flood 4:30-6:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 Destin HarborWalk Fire Spinning with Just Add Fire 9pm FREE 850-424-0600 SRB Alys Beach Sinfonia Goes Pops 7:30pm $15 and up 850-460-8800

MAY 29 SRB Baytowne Wharf Memorial Day Program By Sandestin Veterans 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 MAY 29, 31 SRB Alys Beach Adventures in Alys 10am FREE 850-231-0733 MAY 30 Destin HarborWalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 7:30pm FREE 850-424-0600 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm 850-267-8000

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Kyle LaMonica 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8000 Seaside REP Theatre Improv Bootcamp Ages 5-14 2pm $25 850-231-0733 MAY 30, JUNE 1 Seaside REP Theatre Illusionist Jeanette Andrews Tues 8pm, Thurs 2pm, Thurs 6pm $25/adults, $15/students Ages 10+ 850-231-0733 Seaside REP Theatre Improv Comedy Awkward Oxen Late Nite 10:00pm Ages 13+ $10 or 2 for $15 850-231-0733

MAY 31 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series Moon Lagoons 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 1 Destin MK Arts Village The Embers Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 JUNE 1-30 Niceville MK ARTS Center Katherine Ace “Fantasy & Myth” Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm FREE 850-729-5382 continued on page 52

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continued from page 51 JUNE 1 Alys Beach Amphitheater Awkward Oxen Improv Hour 10am FREE 850-231-0733 Destin HarborWalk Village Red, White & Blue Hero Celebration 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Magical Thursday Pirate Magic Show 7pm & 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 2 FWB The Landing Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival 3-9pm FREE 850-244-8191 JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Seaside REP Theatre Magic Workshop w/Jeanette Andrews Ages 5-7 Friday 2pm Ages 8-14 Friday 3pm $25 850-231-0733 JUNE 3 FWB The Landing Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival 11am-9pm FREE ENTRANCE $15/Kid Bracelet for Activities 850-244-8191 FWB High School Billy Bowlegs 5k Run 6pm – Kids Fun Run 9pm – 5k $25 850-244-8191 PCB Conservation Park Anchors Away 6k 8am $25 850-763-7102

JUNE 3, 10, 17, 24 Destin HarborWalk Village Rock The Docks The Lagoons 7-9pm FREE 850-424-0600 JUNE 4, 11, 18, 25 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Sunday Cinema 8pm FREE 850-267-8000

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm FREE 850-267-8000 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Casey Kearney 5-7 PM FREE 850-267-8000

Seaside REP Theatre Improv Bootcamp JUNE 5 Ages 5-14 FWB First St. up Eglin Pkwy 2pm Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade $25 7pm 850-231-0733 FREE 850-244-8191 June 6, 8 Seaside REP Theatre PCB The Carillon Beach Inst Illusionist Jeanette Andrews Mighty Hurricanes Concert Tues 8pm, Th 2pm, Th 6pm 7-9pm $25/adults, $15/students FREE Ages 10+ 850-234-7819 850-231-0733

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Magical Thursday Pirate Magic Show 7pm & 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 9 FWB Landing Friday Night Concerts Alexa Burroughs Band 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000 JUNE 11 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Sunday Cinema 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 12 PCB The Carillon Beach Inst Reasonable Doubt Concert 7-9pm FREE 850-234-7819

JUNE 5, 12, 19, 20 Sandestin Baytowne Lagoon Hydroflight Monday with Ben Merrill 6:30pm & 8:30pm FREE 850-267-8000

JUNE 7 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733

Seaside Amphitheater Pinocchio 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000

Destin HarborWalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600

JUNE 5, 7, 12, 14 SRB Alys Beach Adventures in Alys 10am FREE 850-231-0733

JUNE 8 Alys Beach Amphitheater Awkward Oxen Improv Hour 10am FREE 850-231-0733 Crestview Public Library The Exciting World of Drones 10:30-11:30am FREE 850-682-4432

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm FREE 850-267-8000

Destin MK Arts Village The Maxx Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226

Seaside REP Theatre Improv Bootcamp Ages 5-14 2pm $25 850-231-0733

JUNE 5-9, 12-16 Seaside Solomon Square Stories by the Sea Mon-Fri @ 4pm FREE 850-231-0733 JUNE 6 Crestview Public Library All About Drones 10:30-11:30am FREE 850-682-4432 Destin HarborWalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600

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

Destin HarborWalk Village Red, White & Blue Hero Celebration 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600

JUNE 13 Crestview Public Library Poetry & Music Jam 6-7:45pm FREE 850-682-4432

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Kyle LaMonica 5-7 PM FREE 850-267-8000

June 13, 15 Seaside REP Theatre Illusionist Jeanette Andrews Tues 8pm, Th 2pm, Th 6pm $25/adults, $15/students Ages 10+ 850-231-0733

JUNE 14 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733

JUNE 18 Baytowne Wharf Sunday Cinema 8 PM FREE 850-267-8000

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000

JUNE 19 PCB The Carillon Beach Inst Raised on the Radio Concert 7-9pm FREE 850-234-7819

JUNE 15 Alys Beach Amphitheater Awkward Oxen Improv Hour 10am FREE 850-231-0733

JUNE 19-23 Seaside Solomon Square Stories by the Sea Mon-Fri @ 4pm FREE 850-231-0733

Destin HarborWalk Village Red, White & Blue Hero Celebration 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600

JUNE 19, 21, 26, 28 SRB Alys Beach Adventures in Alys 10am FREE 850-231-0733

Destin MK Arts Village Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226

JUNE 20 Destin HarborWalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Magical Thursday Pirate Magic Show 7pm & 8pm FREE 850-267-8000

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm FREE 850-267-8000

JUNE 16 FWB The Landing Friday Night Concerts Moos Brothers Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000 JUNE 17 FWB Props Brewery Father’s Day 5k $30 850-243-1007 FWB The Landing Latin Salsa Festival 10am-10pm FREE 850-240-4417 Sandestin Marketshops Chicken Wang Thang-Cook off Benefit to Summit Missions 2pm 850-687-0546

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Pop & Shop Concert Series Hugh Mitchell & The High Tide 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8000 Seaside REP Theatre Improv Bootcamp Ages 5-14 2pm $25 850-231-0733 June 20, 22 Seaside REP Theatre Illusionist Jeanette Andrews Tues 8pm, Th 2pm, Th 6pm $25/adults, $15/students Ages 10+ 850-231-0733 JUNE 21 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733

Sandestin Baytowne wharf Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 22 Alys Beach Amphitheater Awkward Oxen Improv Hour 10am FREE 850-231-0733 Crestview Community Center Installation & Awards Banquet 5:30pm $40 850-682-3212 Destin HarborWalk Village Red, White & Blue Hero Celebration 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600 Destin MK Arts Village Trigger Proof 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Magical Thursday Pirate Magic Show 7pm & 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 23 FWB The Landing Friday Night Concerts Jukebox Super Heroes Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000 JUNE 25 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Sunday Cinema 8pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 26 PCB The Carillon Beach Inst Legacy Concert 7-9pm FREE 850-234-7819 JUNE 26-30 Seaside Solomon Square Stories by the Sea Mon-Fri @ 4pm FREE 850-231-0733

JUNE 27 Destin HarborWalk Village Fat Tuesday Parade 7-10pm FREE 850-424-0600 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Booming Tuesday Fireworks 7pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 27, 29 Seaside REP Theatre Illusionist Jeanette Andrews Tues 8pm, Th 2pm, Th 6pm $25/adults, $15/students Ages 10+ 850-231-0733 Seaside REP Theatre Improv Bootcamp Ages 5-14 2pm $25 850-231-0733 JUNE 28 Rosemary Beach N. Barrett Square The Tales of King Arthur 6:30pm FREE 850-231-0733 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Concert Series 7-9pm FREE 850-267-8000 JUNE 29 Destin MK Arts Village The Joe Band Concert 7pm $15 or FREE if member 850-650-2226 JUNE 30 Fort Walton Beach Landing Friday Night Concerts Show Me Dragon Concert 6-8pm FREE 850-654-1000

We Want To Know About Your Events! Please Share them with us on our website! www.OntheCoastMag.com

Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 53

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Paw Patrol, hot pink Minnie Mouse and Spider-Man! What a precious moment to watch that sweet little boy point out and name all the characters on his Paw Patrol comforter! The cost of each bed delivery is kept down because of community partnerships like Mattress Depot in Niceville. Stan and Karen Skipper, the owners, were looking for something just like this to be a part of when Ginger and Diane approached them. Each mattress and bed frame is purchased by Beds4Kids at cost! Special thanks to Mattress Depot for helping to make a difference! So how can you partner with Beds4kids? DONATE! Funding is needed. There is a waitlist for children who need a bed. Beds4Kids Florida Chapter will accept any amount. Do not feel like you can’t donate unless you give $250. Any amount given will be put toward a bed purchase for a child. REFER! If you know of a family with children or teens who need a bed, contact Ginger Davis at (210) 410-8113 or go online to www. beds4kids.org and fill out an application. You may also email requests or questions to b4kinflorida@gmail.com. CONNECT! Find Beds4Kids on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ b4kinflorida to donate, connect, and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and fundraising events. Make plans to attend the next fundraiser, Dinner of Dreams, a night of live jazz and culinary delight on Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 pm at One 20 Modern Bistro in Niceville. Contact Ginger or Diane to get your ticket! Like, follow and share to help get the word out. Offer fundraising ideas or ask how you can help or get involved. As a mother of three boys, each of whom not only has his own bed but his own room as well, it wrecks me to know there are children out there with neither. Beds4Kids may have started in another state, but it has come home to make a difference in ours. Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” And these ladies have both...the dream to make a difference in the lives of over 60 children and counting and the courage to see it through to provide a bed for so many more who need one! Now, as a community, let’s do our part! Let’s dream big! Give a bed! Give a dream! www.beds4kids.org (online applications here for a child who needs a bed) b4kinflorida@gmail.com Follow Beds4Kids: https://www.facebook.com/b4kinflorida/ @b4kinflorida –Instagram and Twitter

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