WE THE PEOPLE
Relief from bone and joint pain is closer than you think.
If you think you need to leave town for orthopaedic care, think again. From chronic joint pain to sports-related injuries, North Okaloosa Physician Group provides orthopaedic care for patients of all ages – right here in our community. Our locations in Crestview and DeFuniak Springs provide a variety of treatments for bone and joint conditions, including joint replacement. Get relief from achy knees, shoulders, wrists, ankles and more. Request your appointment by calling 850-610-7373.
NorthOkaloosaPhysicianGroup.com North Okaloosa Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.
CONTENTS CONTENTS
November/December 2018
VOLUME 15 NUMBER 6
24
12
6
Contributor's Page
9
Publisher's Page
10
Getting Through the Holidays
12
How to Make your Christmas Merry & Bright!
Forging Ahead with Hands on History
18
Keeping your goals in the final months.
The highs & lows of a Southern Christmas.
24
Unity Happens
34 Resolutions
Making it different this year.
40 44
Event Calendar
46
Yummy Christmas Treats
A glimpse & perspective.
Festival of the Treese
What could this be?
1.4 Billion Pounds
Post Michael
20
28
28
38 Making a Difference Sandestin for Kids Gameday 5K
These artists use fire, hammers and steel.
10
Recipes to Share
Savor Simplicity
Cute goodies your kids will love.
Our communities & nation come together in times of need.
On the Cover: Christon Anderson's emotional photo that has caught the eye of thousands. "It was really unplanned and organic. The kids and I decided to take a stroll down to the yacht club to check out the damage since we had just been there the day before on one of our family walks. We had just climbed through another fallen tree and popped out to this openness. Trying to stay the leader of it, she sped up out in front of my son and I, then I kinda saw it forming, thought to myself that it could be a nice capture." Christon stated. "I took out my phone and shot 3 shots. As an artist, being our own worst critics, I personally was pleased with the shot. Even showing it to Isabel later so she could see how cool the shot was. Then a couple days later, inspired by my quarter brother’s post of him with his wrecked home as his profile pic, I followed suit.. and the rest is history."
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CONTRIBUTORS Paul Hunter 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!
Laura Lucy
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.
Laura Lucy owns Beachside Certifications, a CPR and first aid training company based in Destin. She also works virtually for Harbor House of Central Florida as a grant writer and marketing coordinator. When she's not working, you can find Laura and her husband Patrick trying to wrangle their crazy fiveyear-old redhead, Vivi.
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.
Skylar Babin Throughout her life, Skylar Capri has always been captivated by the wonder of God's creation along the Emerald Coast. As the current Miss Okaloosa as well as the Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa for 2018, Skylar has a love for inspiring others and takes that role seriously.
David Sandlin David Sandlin has finished two careers and failed twice at retirement, he is now on his encore career as the Master Craftsman at Traditions Workshop. Although his business is focused on furniture design, build, restore, refinish and repair he enjoys teaching and passing on skills for traditional crafts. He is very active helping special needs adults, the first project for his business was to design an art desk for a patron in a wheelchair – a project that gave rise to the business tag line “Building Custom Projects for Custom People”. He is also a trustee for the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and frequently volunteers to support the arts in community.
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!
6 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
You can follow her dream pursuits on her Instagram @skylarcapri123 and YouTube (Skylar Capri) as she works diligently on her music and writing career.
Christina Katz AAuthor, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations.
Jenna Testa Jenna Testa is a graduate student from Miami University in the Global Field Program through Project Dragonfly. Growing up along Florida’s gorgeous Emerald Coast, she has always had an affinity for the sea. Grateful for family, friends, and schooling that encouraged and supported her to pursue a career in marine biology. She currently is a Marine Mammal Specialist at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. While she spends much time with her “dol-friends”, she enjoys being involved in her community, from volunteering in youth ministry and aiding in conservation work. Her second passion is dance, baton twirling, and performing arts; you can typically find her every Friday night line dancing to some good ole country music.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR NANCY BABIN PHOTO EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR SHANE BABIN GRAPHIC DESIGN TRINITY GRAPHICS AND DESIGNS
(850) 642-5439 E-mail OTC@OntheCoastMag.com SALES (850) 642-5439 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/ONTHECOASTMAGAZINE www.OnTheCoastMag.com
ON THE COAST is published six times a year and is available free of charge at more than 200 strategically placed locations. ON THE COAST encourages your comments, suggestions and submissions, and we reserve the right to edit for tone, grammar, style or length. The Magazine will not be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photography. Editorials articulated in this publication do not necessarily reflect that of ON THE COAST MAGAZINE. ON THE COAST is a division of KIDZ ON THE COAST ® Publishing, INC. All materials are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publisher. Kidz on the coast Publishing Inc., does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Kidz on the Coast Publishing Inc., or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.
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"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."Nobel Prize for Peace recipient Desmond Tutu
And yet, life must move on and we, as a people, must push through, no matter what. Like the quote from above, if we stay where we are, we will never reach the light through the darkness. Light penetrates darkness, but only if given a way in. Each of us has the opportunity to be a light to someone else. In the days and weeks since sitting through the incredible force of Hurricane Michael, I have been volunteering and working As I sit down and prepare this edition for press, I find with my daughter to help in any way needed in the surrounding it hard to focus. The words Panama City areas. From cutting down trees and clearing debris, to delivering water and food, to praying for a man on the page jumble and we met so consumed with the darkness, he admitted he was move, no longer forming considering committing suicide and crying out for help. I don’t complete sentences or have all the answers. I am overwhelmed by the needs of those coherent thoughts. The directly affected. But each day I chose to do something to share only words my brain can cling to these days include kindness and hope with another. Call it “survivor’s guilt;” call it words like hope, devastation, war zone, lucky, so close, almost whatever you’d like. The fact remains, Hurricane Michael was headed straight towards me and my area. For whatever reason, a category five, total destruction, left with nothing, but also it turned slightly east at the last moment and I was spared. I am hope, help, outpouring of generosity... both grateful and ashamed that I am grateful after seeing all that my neighbors just 45 miles from me are facing. On October 10, 2018, our beautiful Emerald Coast was hit by a catastrophic category four hurricane, the largest ever to hit Yes, this Thanksgiving I will indeed have much to give the FL panhandle area. Hurricane Michael quickly became the “fourth largest Atlantic storm to hit the US” in history. Sadly, for thanks for. I hope you will too. Our immediate fortune was, unfortunately, our neighbor’s misfortune. I will be working too many of us, after the winds and rains subside, the impact non-stop to share abundantly in the grace that overwhelms quickly fades from people’s frontal cortex. Even now, trying me. I pray you will too. There are many ways to help and get to put the final pieces together for this magazine, I am forced involved. The Panama City and surrounding areas will be to “move on”… But what about our neighbors? This edition rebuilding for years to come. Please message us here at On is supposed to focus on the joy and wonder of the holiday the Coast for information regarding how you can get involved! season quickly approaching, and yet… a large portion of our Blessings to you, my dear Readers. readership is without homes, and some have lost everything. As of this moment, some of the smaller areas of our readership “We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our are still having their power grid rebuilt - not restored, rebuilt - from the ground up, and cell service in the immediate storm lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live with area is also being rebuilt due to the winds completely ripping these truths.” -Desmond Tutu up towers and transformers from the ground. There is just too much destruction and damage for the finite mind to comprehend. It just doesn't feel right to envision and prepare to be sitting around a table of enormous proportions, delightfullymade food, happy family members and friends or celebrating Christmas, the birth of our Lord with presents under the tree… with so many still not having a home or table to return to. 2004 Gold ADDY Award
2008 Silver ADDY Award
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VISION through the
Holidays
by Crystal Tingle
by Paul Hunter
‘
Tis the season for celebration, eating and drinking. It also seems to be the season for letting loose and forgetting about all the hard work you set out to do for your New Year’s resolutions this year. How did that go? If you are like 97% of the population, 1) you’re not alone, and 2) you’re not where you’d like to be. I have found a large majority of people “just want to get through the holidays” and then they’ll get down to it. I challenge you to get a head start now. Sure! Begin your resolutions/goals now before the obstacles get a hold of you.
seem to materialize. Ever heard of S.M.A.R.T. Goals? These are goals that are (S)pecific, (M)easurable, (A)chievable, (R)elevant and (T)ime-Oriented. When you find something you want, write your goal in such a way that it covers all elements of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal and you’ll be one step closer to success.
A client recently shared with me that on one of the popular weight loss reality shows, each participant was offered to eat six giant cupcakes, which provided that participant the opportunity to choose someone from the other team to leave the show. The people who chose to eat the cupcakes were also the ones who had to weigh in, thus responsible for losing weight for the team. These people had to choose between maintaining their vision of their goal or something that would derail them from their goals and vision. Many of us have found ourselves in this position whether it is with food and weight loss, time on the Internet or watching television and getting things done, working and not going home. Hmm, French fries or the fruit cup? Whatever it is, life is full of obstacles and objections to what we want out of life. It is in the quiet moments that the changing decisions are made. The trick to success, if there is one, is to understand what you want and want it bad enough that you are able to forgo those things that will hinder you from obtaining what you set out to do in the first place. Goal setting in and of itself can be an art. We must know what we want and put it on paper, not just in our heads. Ask most people and they’ll mention they know what they want and it’s right in their heads. Until we write the goals down, they never 10 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
continued on page 32
DREAMING
OF A
COLD CHRISTMAS by Laura Lucy
Florida and Australia have an awful lot in common. We both have wildlife that can kill you. We both have men who will do almost anything on a bet, especially if that bet involves beer. And we both have a better-than-average chance of having a Christmas that’s more balmy than white. For those of us who grew up in the South, we are accustomed to the literal highs and lows of December temperatures. My husband Patrick is from New York, bless his heart, so I have plenty of experience dealing with people traumatized by their first hot Christmas. For new transplants, here are a few tips for making even the hottest Christmas merry and bright:
Step 1
Trick your taste buds into the holiday spirit. Say goodbye to the also non-existent fall season and trade that Pumpkin Spice Latte for a Peppermint Mocha. Order it iced if you must to keep from having a heat stroke, then stir it with a candy cane. Ignore that bead of sweat dripping down the middle of your back. You’re having your own personal Christmas party right there in the Starbucks. Kick up your holiday beverage game a notch (and make spending time with visiting family members more tolerable) with Christmosas (see recipe on page 12). It’s impossible to be an overheated Scrooge while sipping this refreshing, festive twist on the breakfast classic.
Step 2
Crank the AC way down and have your own winterfest. This suggestion is admittedly not the best for the environment nor your wallet, but I have known folks who were really struggling to get into the Christmas spirit who have done this. Get your house down to a chilly 66 degrees, don a tacky Christmas sweater, and light the fireplace while you’re at it. This is a gateway to hot cocoa and marshmallows, fuzzy socks and snuggling under a cozy blanket.
Step 3
Watch all the classics. If you can’t live in a winter wonderland, you can still watch a winter wonderland. Some of my favorites every year are It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, A Christmas Story, the stop-motion Christmas specials Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, and the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas, not to be confused with the much later, nightmare-inducing version starring Jim Carey.
Step 4
Taunt your friends who are freezing. It’s not the most charitable act you’ll perform this holiday season, but it sure is fun. Just because you’re a miserable puddle of sweat doesn’t mean your buddies to the north have to know that. Give them a call while they’re snowed in (again) in Minnesota and tell them all about how you took the kids out for a picnic and a walk on the beach.
Step 5
Enjoy the actual white Christmas we do have. The Emerald Coast is known far and wide for our sugar-white continued on page 14
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DREAMING OF A COLD CHRISTMAS continued from page 12 Christmas pictures. You’ll be the envy of your far-flung friends (see Step 4) when these shots hit their mailboxes. And if you’re really missing snow, build a sandman to look like Frosty or lie down and make sand angels.
Step 6
Remember why we celebrate Christmas. As Dr. Seuss’ Grinch learned when he tried to steal Christmas, “It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas (he thought) means a little bit more.” Kids can seem awfully greedy this time of year unless you give them the opportunity not to be. My daughter Vivi is six and loves going Christmas caroling at the nursing home or stopping to ring the bell with the Salvation Army volunteer to boost donations. Teach them how to give, and they will do it with a happy heart. This year, perhaps more than ever as we continue to help our neighbors to the east who lost so much in Hurricane Michael, give lavishly of yourself, of your time, of your love. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, and what better gift could we give than to demonstrate our love? Peace on Earth, goodwill to men, and all that jazz, you know? Now y’all help yourselves to a Christmosa while I go crank the thermostat down a degree or ten. Merry Christmas!
14 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
INGREDIENTS 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped 1 c. whole fresh cranberries 1 c. green grapes, halved 1 c. pomegranate seeds 1 c. sparkling grape juice 1 bottle champagne, prosecco, or cava DIRECTIONS In a large pitcher or punch bowl, add all the fruit. Pour chilled sparkling grape juice and champagne over the fruit and serve immediately.
by David Sandlin
I
t’s hot. About 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Not quite hot enough to melt steel, but at this temperature, the metal glows bright yellow. Any time the steel glows above a dull red, the metal takes on a plastic nature and then, when it is hit with a hammer, it will move like stiff clay. This is the art and the science of blacksmithing. Traditions Workshop often brings their forge out to the Heritage Museum on a Saturday and it roars like a small jet engine, heating metal for work. Blacksmithing is part of the museum’s Heritage Alive classes, a chance for students to experience “hands-on” history. These outdoor classes are small, usually four or fewer students per instructor. According to Journeyman Blacksmith Billy Hay, “We normally put two people on an anvil; that way while one person is working, the other person is heating their metal. Teamwork is highly encouraged throughout the process; a smith needs an apprentice to clear the anvil, get tools ready or act as a ‘striker.’ With two on an anvil we have a natural team; one person works and the other is their apprentice. Then they switch roles.”
16 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
The introductory class starts with a healthy dose of shop safety, then moves onto making nails. Nails may not seem as glamorous as what you see during Forged in Fire, but this humble project teaches the basics of the blacksmithing process: hitting on and off the anvil, drawing out the steel, punching a hot cut, upsetting the metal and quenching steel to harden it. Most students can make three nails in the first hour, a far cry from the 250 nails per day that the smiths of yesteryear were expected to make. But speed of production comes with experience. The class then moves on to some heavier steel, and the big hammers come out as the apprentice will use an eight-pound sledge to help the smith draw out the metal when making a “pig’s tail” for a hat hook. Hooks teach teamwork as well as scrolling, hot bending over the horn, punching holes, selective quenching and if time allows, some ornamentation. “We like to punch square holes when we do the hanging holes in hooks,” says Master Craftsman David Sandlin. “We can punch round holes too, but you can drill round holes. A square hole is a statement that screams ‘handmade’.” continued on page 18
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BLACKSMITHING
continued from page 16
At the end of four hours of instruction, most everyone is hot, tired, their forearm feels like jelly and a two-pound hammer now feels like a ton. The final step is to apply the “secret sauce” to preserve the iron, a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil with turpentine and 10% beeswax added in that is applied to the warm metal to preserve it like a black iron frying pan. Everyone now has a hat hook and a couple of nails to mount it with. “Who is ready to make a knife?” quips Billy, an offer that is universally declined as it is really time for a break and an opportunity to reflect on what has been learned. However, knife-making is one of the advanced classes offered by Traditions Workshop. Instructors from Traditions Workshop not only teach blacksmithing, they also teach wood turning, timber framing and making cigar box mandolins and even share some storytelling. Many of the classes are offered through the Heritage Museum, but some are offered at the workshop on Green Acres Road. According to David, “We are always looking for new instructors to expand our folk school offerings.” David goes on to say, “The way we teach all our classes is safety first and always, then we try to add some history, a healthy dose of physics and a bit of math.” That is the nature of sloyd instruction. You can gain experience without knowledge but you can never gain experience by simply gaining knowledge. Hands-on training like these folk school classes makes STEM or
The forge in Traditions Workshop stays active throughout the week as the team does a lot of restoration work. “Building custom projects for custom people” is the shop’s tagline, but its primary business is furniture repair, refinishing and
restoration. Making restoration hardware at the forge is a natural progression within its furniture repair business. But the workshop doesn’t stop with furniture. If you are fortunate enough to visit, you will see life-size tin solders from a Christmas display and Marlova, the leading dragon in a recent play. Marlova was fully automated and radio-controlled; she even had an Arduino processor/range finder installed so the dragon rider would know what was behind her. This team can and does build some of the most unusual projects! Traditions Workshop also hosts the far west chapter of Florida Artists Blacksmithing Association on a quarterly basis, and in the new year they plan to start hosting “Forge on Fridays,” an open forge event where you can rent a space with tools to do your own projects. Back at the shop, Traditions Workshop is able to use hotter burning coke and coal. According to David, “Fire management is an art in itself. During introductory classes we want our students to focus on moving metal instead of managing the fire. That’s why we bring the propane forge out for Heritage Alive events.” If you are interested in blacksmithing or any of the other folk classes taught by Traditions Workshop, contact them or the museum at the numbers listed below. Strike now! The iron is hot.
STEAM classes real. You might know that heat expands and cold contracts, but the knowledge becomes practical after you have driven a hot piece of steel into a nail header and need to get it out; a quick trip to the quench bucket solves the problem as the hot steel contracts just enough to be shaken free. 18 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
Traditions Workshop, 418 Green Acres Rd., Suite 4/5 Fort Walton Beach, FL ph: 850-974-1548 Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Avenue Valparaiso, FL ph: 850-678-2615
Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 19
MARINE CONSERVATION Marine Conservation Starts Here with Us
it ALL begins with
G
YOU!
rowing up on Florida’s Emerald Coast, I was blessed to spend much of my childhood under, on, and by our gorgeous aqua waters. I began snorkeling and diving at a young age and quickly became mesmerized by life under the sea. On family boating adventures I would keep my eyes at the horizon, hoping to spot just one more dolphin, captivated by their graceful movements, curiosity, and intelligence. One summer in middle school, I found my dream job - I could become “Trainer for the Day” at Gulf World Marine Park, where I would learn all about marine animals and their husbandry, training, education, and conservation! Spending time at our local aquariums, Gulf World and Gulfarium, enhanced my desire to study and work with marine animals, particularly bottlenose dolphins. As a Marine Mammal Specialist at Gulf World Marine Park, my role includes caring for and training bottlenose dolphins, four of which are rescues – sick or injured dolphins that stranded (came ashore) and were deemed non-releasable by the US Government. One of my favorite parts of my job is to introduce guests to dolphins and teach them how we can help protect marine animals in the wild. This is so important to me because I have seen firsthand the unfortunately numerous ways that humans are affecting dolphins and other marine species, both locally and globally. Did you know that according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, around 1.4 billion pounds of trash end up in the ocean every year? That is our trash, folks - it makes up something called marine debris which is any unnatural item that makes its way into our waterways and oceans, including plastic, rubber, cloth, and glass. NOAA found that over 200 species of animals are impacted by marine debris today. Dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, herons, gulls, and even
by Jenna Testa raccoons have to be rescued from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris and fishing gear. Despite the threats that the ocean and its marine life face because of human influences, my greatest encouragement is knowing that each and every single one of us has the power to help change that, to create a safer and cleaner ocean for all that thrive under, on, and by the sea. Marine conservation starts with us! Our everyday choices can make a big difference here in our community. Say “no” to plastic straws the next time you are at a restaurant. Educate yourself, your friends, and your family on wildlifesafe fishing and boating ventures and challenge yourself to act on it. If each of us did this along the hundred miles of our gorgeous Emerald Coast waters, we could save countless marine animals and better conserve our marine environment. I challenge each of you to take on a “conservation commitment” today! Protecting our oceans and all animals that call it home is a global need, and it takes community action to make a difference. In Belize, communities are working to protect continued on page 22
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the endangered manatees that are Here along Florida’s Emerald Coast, frequent victims to boat strikes by we all love to be out on the water putting up signs along common where we have the privilege of manatee feeding grounds and observing dolphins and other marine educating fisherman and youth animals in their natural environment. about these gentle giants. The Take part in safe practices to help Australia Great Barrier Reef Marine protect wild dolphins. First, do not Park Authority is working with feed wild dolphins. Feeding wild communities that live along the reef dolphins often leads to dolphins to reduce plastic use and use less becoming dependent on humans for harmful pesticides to keep waters food, losing their instinctual hunting clean so the reef and marine life can skills, and often puts them in harm's thrive again. They way, such as being hit by boats have contests among schools to and becoming entangled in see who can come up with the fishing gear. "In the end we will conserve only what best ideas of how to protect their we love; we will love only what we local reef. Winners are awarded Second, set the example and be the title of “Reef Guardians,” and respectful to local dolphins. It is understand; and we will understand these students carry out their recommended by NOAA to stay 50 only what we are taught." projects and make a change in yards away from wild dolphins, Baba Dioum, 1968 their own hometown. Learning cruising parallel along with them, about these unique communityso as not t o interfere with their based conservation strategies around the world, my hope is to natural behavior or separate mothers and calves. inspire our own community action right here along the beautiful Emerald Coast! If you come across a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle, stay with the animal and do not push it back into the water. Contact Here in Northwest Florida, we have resident bottlenose dolphin Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert populations that thrive in our beautiful waters. Not only do these Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). creatures play an important role in the food chain, they are a huge part of our local culture and tourism. Dolphin-watching tours, snorkeling tours, and diving xpeditions rely on these animals. When locals and tourists can observe and experience our incredible marine life like I did growing up, we can all be inspired to care for and protect our local marine animals and the marine world for years to come!
[
]
Get Involved
Everyday Actions What can you do every day to help protect our oceans and wildlife? It can be simple! Think of the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Refuse! Refusing single-use plastics can go a long way in keeping our oceans cleaner. According to the Ocean Conservancy, over eight million metric tons of plastics are being released into our oceans each and every year. Make a commitment to refuse plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic water bottles today. Replace with a reusable one to eliminate the chances of it making its way into our oceans and into the stomachs of dolphins, whales, sea turtles and more.
22 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
If you are interested in learning more about dolphins and other marine life, consider meeting them in a safe manner at your local aquariums which are open rain or shine! Join an aquarium for their next beach clean-up, and connect with them on social media for further outreach opportunities and events. Volunteer to aid in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. Gulf World Marine Park: https://www.facebook.com/GulfWorldMarinePark Gulf World Marine Institute: http://www.gwmi.info/volunteer-information Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: https://www.gulfarium.com Gulfarium CARE Center: https://www.gulfarium.com/care_center
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continued on page 32
WE THE PEOPLE ...
by Crystal Tingle
F
all is usually my favorite time of the year. The air is getting cooler. The sunsets are more majestic. It even begins to smell like pumpkin spice. But this fall came to visit with a little unwelcomed baggage. For almost 15 years, our beautiful coastline has been shielded from major hurricanes…until now. While not everyone took a hit, everyone took a hit by this monster storm because even though many of our homes were left unscathed, thousands lost everything. And when our friends and family just down the road are hurting, we all hurt. Disaster of this magnitude affects us all in one way or another. It abruptly halts everyone’s life. Without question and undeniably, it halts the families and businesses directly hit, but it also indirectly stops for the rest of us as well as we restructure our daily routines to willingly and without hesitation roll up our sleeves to help, dig into our pockets to give, or open our homes to house and help our broken panhandle restore and rebuild their lives. It is truly all hands on deck! If you have read and followed many of my past contributions to On the Coast, I write from a personal and raw perspective. I write welcoming you into my private world of joys as well, as my trials and my heart is an open book. I really don’t know any other way to be. And this article is no different. I have seen so much destruction and loss at the time of writing this that I needed to share more of my heart. And here it is… I love my small city! I love my panhandle! I love my state! And I love my country! Why? continued on page 26
WE THE PEOPLE
continued from page 25
Because WE are the people! I know that’s not quite what you were expecting me to say, but hear me out.
WE come together! We come together as a community, as a state and as a country. There is something weirdly wonderful about what disaster and tragedy brings out in us. It looks you in the face and double-dog dares you to a challenge. And from what I have seen, we the people always accept! Unity happens… compassion conquers, race disappears, hate halts and love abounds! WE happen! I have witnessed such an overwhelming tireless response to help the hurting from countless people and places like our amazing local churches, businesses and restaurants, to major ministries driving in semi-trucks with hurricane relief items, to search-and-rescue organizations, our National Guard and utility workers, to the very hands and feet of our locals being boots on the ground to sort, organize, and deliver. It overwhelms my heart to see us all as one! No one is asking if you are a Democrat or a Republican. No one cares!
This is a gentle reminder to us all that as these holidays rapidly approach and we start thinking about what we will have on our table to eat and who will sit around it, or as we think about the gifts we will buy for our children and family, many will still be figuring out how to get the roof back on their home that is literally sitting on the ground, or the tree out of the window if they even have a home left, and where they will find employment now. WE need to continue to cling. WE need to not forget our families that have been directly affected. I am reminded of a family that came by on one of my trips to Parker, FL. The mom told me that her daughter turned four the Tuesday before the storm and had gotten several new Barbie dolls for her birthday. By Thursday morning, they were gone. In addition, what they had on their backs were what they had been wearing for the past five days. This is one of so many stories we heard that just takes your heart and rips it right out of your chest. Our surrounding communities have already done and given so much, but we need to continue as the different phases of rebuilding arise. So please consider how you can help this holiday season. I just know that I don’t need one single thing. Nothing! I would rather use whatever my family would normally spend on me to bless someone else. Maybe you feel the same. Maybe that’s a conversation you could have as a family. Maybe you could provide a new Barbie doll to a little girl who lost hers. By the way, I went back with a couple of dolls the next trip but I didn’t see the family that day…maybe next time. I will keep looking for her sweet smile and give her a small token of hope. and maybe a little joy.
The beauty in the ashes is that even as divided as we may seem at times as a nation, we are desperate to be together. We need one another. Life WILL begin again for our friends who lost homes and everything inside them, but the journey will be long and tiring. I keep them in my heart and prayers as I ask you to also because it will be well past Thanksgiving and Christmas before even the lucky ones can find a new normal. Based on the destruction I have seen, it could take years.
There is a scripture in Psalms that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Of course this isn’t literal regarding time but rather a season of life. So in this season we are approaching, please look for ways to bring some joy and mostly hope back into the hearts of so many who are grieving so much loss. Remind them they are loved and not forgotten. Use this holiday season to bless and show our humanity as well our unity because we care. Because WE are the people!
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AFTER THE STORM
"Experiencing Hurricane Michael was life changing for my family and me. I remember sitting in the hallway closet with my parents, just waiting for the howling winds to calm down. The winds were so strong they busted one of our windows open and right in that moment when the glass shattered, we thought that this was the end...there was a chance we could die. We prayed to God that He would calm the storm and protect us. Thankfully, nothing more than that one window breaking happened. My town might be destroyed, but God has big plans for us, and I have hope that the community of Panama City and the surrounding areas will have the endurance to push through and rebuild." Ana Corder College Student "Traveling into Panama City from Santa Rosa Beach following the impact of Hurricane Michael took my breath away. The further east we drove, the greater the devastation. It's quite incongruous to see so much destruction in a land better known for sand and sun. Some buildings were lucky enough to just lose part of their siding or some roof shingles, while others just seemed to be torn to pieces. I felt great sorrow for the lives and communities that would be confronted with these images on a daily basis, and I was so glad we were there to offer strength. We spent much of our time clearing roads that were left impassable by fallen trees and tarping roofs that had been damaged. One street at a time, one neighbor at a time, we at The Sonder Project are proud to be offering strength as neighbors helping neighbors." Chad Zibelman The Sonder Project
"On Friday, October 12th, I had the opportunity to serve in Panama City by clearing trees from roadways and aiding a couple with tarping their roof. The level of damage is still hard for me to explain. As a youth pastor, my immediate question was, “How can our student ministry help those in need?” Having gone and served myself, it was my observation and opinion that at this moment, students would be most effective, and safest, serving locally. I am encouraging students to gather and donate supplies that can be sent to the areas impacted by Hurricane Michael. I believe it is our responsibility to respond to God’s blessing of protection by pouring back out our blessings through service." Nathan Sell Associate Director of Student Ministries Destin United Methodist Church
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"During my first visit into Panama City and Lynn Haven after Hurricane Michael, the severity of what happened began to sink in. The trees looked like snapped toothpicks, slanted and bare. The power lines were knotted up like a ball of yarn on the roads. With more importance, the homes and the city lay mangled and crushed by trees and debris from neighboring houses. We drove for miles and miles with no end of devastation in sight. “The city might be shaken, but it’s not broken” was my only thought. Hurricane Michael formed and quickly left a trail of utter destruction through the panhandle of Florida and parts of Alabama and Georgia, but not as fast as the help and the hope that flowed into these areas the following days. Teams from across the nation assembled, much like ours did, and rushed in to meet the needs of the children and families that were forced to hunker down through the storm. This will be the thing that will never be forgotten. It was amazing to see people drop everything they had planned on doing in order to pass out warm food, water, gas, tarps, chainsaws, and generators. We were able to perform wellness checks and provide much needed love to the people affected, regardless of who they were. The hurt will always be with those who lost everything, but the strength of the community will grow even deeper. What a beautiful thing." Jeremy Olyer Engineer
"In the middle of the devastation my heart was full of love and hope knowing that God will take care of all the affected families like He took care of us through Hurricane Katrina. My eyes could see more than destruction... I could see God presence in so many ways. Affected people being so generous and helping each other. Being able to be part of a group of young people who loves Jesus and serves Him by helping others with so much love was a true blessing for me. " Yeska Sand Realtor
"Even though I always try to see the positive side of life, the devastation was so heartbreaking I couldn’t hold back my tears. But in the midst of the tragedy, I saw people from every walk of life come together to help, give time, give donations, give hope, give love. People receiving were not greedy, they were thankful and they paid us with a big smile that said it all - a testimony of a miracle, a warm hug, or a simple handshake that touched the heart. Priceless! The positive side of adversity is that people draw closer to God and we have the opportunity to show unselfish love." Janie Castillo Flowers from the Heart
continued on page 30
Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 29
AFTER THE STORM
continued from page 29
"My crew and I geared up and headed to the inner city of the Panama City area because a friend needed us to check on her family. As we were driving, we were in despair at what our eyes were seeing. It was as if we had just entered a war zone. Everywhere we looked, favorite restaurants and hot spots were reduced to piles of rubble. It was very surreal. Now and then I would catch myself feeling as though I was on the set of The Walking Dead. I wanted to do anything I could to help our neighbors whose lives were so quickly altered, so our team of volunteers put our boots to the ground and began working. The first day we had to shovel a 98-year-old man's roof and ceiling off his living room floor. The most impactful thing to me was meeting the ladies who had just lost their homes at the Macedonia Garden apartments. They cried and we prayed over them. This whole region was turned upside down but our community is pulling together. The thing that is beautiful about the devastation is that God brought everyone together regardless of their race, financial status or political views. We are all just people. Watching the community pull together and love on one another is proof that beauty does come from ashes." Mary Cornelison Bross Stylist
30 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
I would like to shed a little light on a very touching act of kindness in the shadow of Hurricane Michael. I am so proud of the small communities surrounding the areas that have been so devastated. The support has been overwhelming. At one point as I was exiting a house in Mexico Beach you could not walk outside and not be offered a hot plate of food. Thank you Destin, Florida. Gary Martin CEO Ready Restoration Santa Rosa Beach
"After making several drop offs of donations to Panama City and being able to go a l ittle further each time the more I saw exactly what’s pictured below. This is now their normal living. Complete devastation and all I could do was cry my way home. Grateful I had a place to return to but felt the guilt and hopelessness of not being able to do more. It’s overwhelming. It’s unfathomable. It’s complete shock that burns the chest, breaks the heart, and makes it difficult to breathe and all I can think is will it change quick enough in order to save their lives. Can we really save our neighbors? I’m trying not to give up hope but I know the only way the change will happen is if we can come together but I fear too many have already forgotten them. Please don’t forget the victims of Michael. They aren’t given the choice." April Sledge Marcell Health & Fitness Coach Santa Rosa Beach
Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 31
VISION THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS continued from page 10 Once you know what you want and have written it in such a way, you must keep it in front of you. Reading through your list of goals at every meal will help. Pictures will help, too. Peruse through magazines and find pictures of things you want, cut them out and make a book to look through. I recently read about a woman who did this and, when she moved into her new home, had a friend gasp as she looked through this woman’s “goal-book” and saw pictures of rooms set up the same way as the ones in her new home, including paint colors and furniture. This woman knew what she wanted and kept it in front of her. Two months from now, people will be asking what your New Year’s resolutions are. Do you wait until Christmas to think about such things? “Oh, what will I wish for this next year?” Mom told me, “If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.” This next year, you have the opportunity to make it your best year
32 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
yet. Think about how many actual years old you are and all the knowledge and wisdom you have collected, and put it to good use this next year.
I warn you to not look back and think of what might have been. Rather, look head and work towards what will become and
Make it a Phenomenal Year!
Wrap up the holidays
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Where Members Matter Most Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 33
N
ew Year's resolutions have become heavily commercialized. Messages coming from all directions would have you believe you are falling short as an acceptable human being in a multitude of ways. You are too poor, too unfit, too uneducated, too lonely, too busy, too selfish, too boring. You name it and you need to change it, preferably starting on January 1st. But unless parents are clear that they are enough as they are, you risk passing this annual habit of self-recrimination on to your children and their future children. This year, resist external messages designed to make you and your family feel inadequate and flip New Year's resolutions on their heads. Resolve to no longer let an annual holiday undermine your family's sense of wholeness and worth. Resolution comes from the word resolve, meaning to make a decision or determination. This January 1st, why not become determined to resist self-criticism altogether? Take some time over the New Year transition to assess everything you enjoy. Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other down. Because, of course, when you feel critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows. Instead, start discussing these topics over the holidays and, as the New Year approaches, watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful ringing in of the New Year every family craves. Discuss what was joyful last year. What choices did family members make that brought them joy? Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as you can from what did work, so don't be afraid to admit to any mistakes you feel you may have made. A balanced year is full of ups and downs. Express feelings of joy.Have a deeper conversation about
choices you made last year that brought you joy. What were the smartest decisions you made from your perspective? How did these positive choices make you feel? Would you make these same choices again? One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year's happiest moments before the New Year rolls in. Imagine next year as even more joyful. Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious or inspired as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a college of her choice while another simply wants to maintain a long-time enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person's joy is unique to them. Each family member can tell the story that makes them feel the most content, and no one else in the family should interject their ideas or expectations. Affirm each other's visions. After everyone has shared, family members will feel motivated to help each other. First affirm the validity of each family member's dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving shared individual goals can help reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don't have to compete with anyone. Parents can take whatever actions they can throughout the year to support each family member's dreams. And parents should expect support for their dreams, as well. Don't sit back and let the kids have all the fun! You are the creator of your family traditions; you don't have to go along with the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build family members up, rather than a negative, critical ways that tear family members down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices this year and every year, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives and you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year. continued on page 36
34 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
FOCUS on
Rather Than
Resolutions
& Create A Great Year For Your Family by Christina Katz
FOCUS ON JOY
Resources For A More Joyous New Year
continued from page 34 New Year's Eve Family Share This New Year's Eve, go ahead and try to stay up until the ball drops. You don't have to stay up until midnight unless it makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, why not watch a television broadcast from an earlier time zone? Most likely you can stream the broadcast online, if you can't find it on television.
Family Bucket Lists, Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day by Laura Krupicka Gracious Living In A New World, Finding Joy In Changing Times by Alexandra Stoddard
After dinner, before the New Year arrives, have each family member share a bit of their joy from the previous year. Younger kids may need help, but try to let them gather materials and present on their own as much as possible. Emphasize how well each family member is sharing for someone their age. Notice how younger children's enthusiasm might give older family members permission to be more effusive. Encourage the whole family to show interest and ask questions so each presenter can make new discoveries about their passions.
Finding Joy: 101 Ways To Free Your Spirit And Dance With Life by Charlotte Davis Kasl Simple Abundance, Daybook Of Comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Here are some ideas for what each presenter might share:
• • • • • • • •
Toast your joys with sparkling juice Read a favorite book passage aloud Teach others in the family how to do something you enjoy Play a favorite video or board game together Perform a short skit Prepare a favorite dish or dessert Sing a song Make collages of your joys
36 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
• • • • • • •
Do a dance Show a favorite television or movie trailer Present artwork Make a family joy alter with photos and candles or string lights Take the family on a guided tour using Google maps Share a video of you and your joy in action Daydream out loud about future, imagined joys
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Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 37
Sandestin For Kids Gameday 5K Sandestin invites you to get up and dress up for gameday at the 3rd Sandestin Foundation for Kids Gameday 5K on Novemebr 17th from 8:30 - 2:30pm! The race includes a 5K for all ages and 1 mile fun run for kids 12 and under throughout Sandestin. Participants will be able to soak in views of the resort including the Choctawhatchee Bay, beautiful golf courses, ponds, nature and so much more. PLUS! Don’t miss the post-race tailgate fun at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina; corn hole, bounce house, face painting, amazing silent auction items and college football games. Proceeds benefit Sandestin Foundation for Kids. The Sandestin Foundation for Kids organization allows for funds to be gifted to needy children and families quickly in the event of a tragedy. Sandestin Foundation for Kids goal is to provide support immediately, when it is needed most to children throughout the community and abroad. For more information call 855.270.5105. To register: http://bit.ly/SDFK2018
Festival of the Trees Festival of Trees held annually in Grand Park at Grand Boulevard, showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees from twelve local, nonprofits. The trees debut the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and remain in the park through Christmas for the public to enjoy and learn more about the missions of these organizations. During the kick-off, Nov. 20 from 4-6PM., twelve local, non-profit organizations are competing to win cash prizes totaling $7,000, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners, at 6PM. For the People’s Choice Award, cast your vote for your favorite charity tree at Grand Park between 4-6PM and the tree with the most votes will win. This year’s Festival of Trees participating organizations are: Boys & Girls Clubs of The Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Emerald Coast Hospice, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles, H.E.A.R.T. Animal Rescue Inc., Shelter House, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Inc. Florida, The Arc of Walton County and The Sonder Project.
On the Coast Magazine is a proud media sponsor of local charitable events. For sponsorship information, e-mail OTC@OntheCoastMag.com
38 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine 38 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
November 18 Pensacola Downtown WinterFest 4:30-8pm $9-$35 850-583-1365 November 1-30 Destin Harbor Walk Flounder Pounder Tourney 7-7pm $40-$50 850-424-0600
November 16, 23, 30 30A Horse Farm Friday Concert 7-10pm $10 850-208-3114
Sandestin Baytowne on Ice See ad on page 43 for times $11 Skate, $3 Skate Rental 850-867-8000
November 17 FWB Choctaw High school Choctaw Cheer Turkey Trot 7am $30-$40 850-585-4893
November 12 Downtown Crestview Veterans Parade 10am FREE 850-682-3212 November 14 Pensacola Saenger Theater Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30pm $64-$94 800-745-3000 November 16 Destin Commons Santa Arrives 6-8pm FREE 850-337-8700 November 16-17 Destin Community Center Holiday Craft Show Friday 11-4pm Saturday 9-4pm FREE 850-654-5184 November 16-18 Niceville MK Arts Center The Nutcracker Friday 7:30 Saturday 7:30 Sunday 2:30 $18-$38 850-837-3099
FWB Timberlake 5k &1/2 Marathon 8AM $25-$30 850-651-8958 Holt Emerald Coast Dragway Monster Truck Showdown 12pm $12-$25 480-772-7490 Sandestin Baytowne SDFK Game Day 5K-1mile 8:30am $35 Fun Run FREE for Kids 855-267-6564 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Sparkling Wine/Holiday Lights 4-6pm FREE 850-267-8117 Seaside Amphitheater Nutcracker 5pm FREE 850-231-0733 November 17- November 30 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Coastal White Christmas Carriage Rides 10-9pm FREE 850-837-3099
40 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
Rosemary Beach Unleashed Pet Festival 2-4pm FREE 850-880-6399 November 20 Niceville Matie Kelly Arts Something Rotten 7:30pm $47 850-729-6065 November 20-December 25 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Festival of Trees 10-9pm FREE 850-837-3099 November 22 FWB The Landing Recycle Run 5k run or walk 8am $10 850-833-9576 November 23, 24, 30 Pensacola Downtown WinterFest 6-8pm $9-$35 850-583-1365 November 24 Destin The Henderson Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6-8pm FREE 855-741-2777 Grayton Beach State Park Kous Kouri 8-4 Mile Races 8-11am $40-$60 850-267-8300 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Here Comes Santa 6-9pm FREE 850-267-8117
Seagrove Beach to Seaside Christmas Parade 8:30am FREE (850) 267-1216 November 24-25 Destin Harbor Walk Santa Visiting 12-4pm FREE 850-424-0600 FWB Belles & Whistles Southern Market Santa’s Workshop - Ages 4-12 10-6pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun $1-$25 850-737-2120 November 24- November 30 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits 2pm FREE 850-837-3099 November 27 Niceville MK Arts Center A Season For Singing 7:30-9:30pm $15-$10 PHONE November 29 Destin Community Center Christmas Tree Lighting 6-7pm FREE 850-654-5184 Destin Emerald Grande Bourbon at the Bay 5:30-8pm $45 850-837-6241 Destin Emerald Grande Sequins & Suits Auctions Wine Taste 7pm $300-$1100. 850-678-2323 Pensacola Bay Civic Centre Harlem Globetrotters 7pm $27-$250 850-215-5121 November 30 FWB The Landing A Downtown Holiday 11-6pm FREE 850-244-8191
Sandestin Hilton EC Cattle Barons Ball $175 850-512-4440 Valpariso Trinity Pres Church Trinity Southern Ball 6-9:30pm $4 850-678-0060 December 1 Crestview Downtown Christmas Parade 5:30pm FREE 850-682-7413 Niceville Christmas Parade 10am FREE 850-699-0045 December 1-2, 8-9,15-16, 22-23 Destin Harbor Walk Santa Visiting 12-4pm FREE 850-424-0600
Belles & Whistles Southern Market Santa’s Workshop Ages 4-12 10-6pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun $1-$25 850-737-2120
December 1, 7, 14, 15, 16 Pensacola Downtown WinterFest 4:30-8pm $9-$35 850-583-1365
December 1 - December 15 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits 2pm FREE 850-837-3099
December 2-12 Sandestin Golf Course DGEUSA Golf Tournament 5:57pm Prices Vary 941-894-7270
December 1- 31 Sandestin Baytowne on Ice See ad on page 43 for times $11 Skate, $3 Skate Rental 850-867-8000
December 5, 12, 19 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concerts 6pm FREE 850-267-8117
Sandestin Grand Boulevard Coastal White Christmas Carriage Rides 10-9pm FREE 850-837-3099
December 5-22 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf 12 Nights of Lights 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm FREE 850-267-8117
December 6-8 Water Color INN The Refresh Retreat Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday 9-8pm Saturday 8-1pm $180-$680 850-534-5000 December 6-23 Sandestin EC Theatre Co It’s a Wonderful Life Shows 2pm & 7:30pm $28-$30 850-654-1282 December 7 Niceville MK Arts Center Holiday Pops 7:30 $25 850-729-6065 December 7, 14, 21 30A Horse Farm Friday Concert 6:30-10pm $10-$25 850-208-3114 continued on page 42
Parades and Santa Arrivals
November 16 Destin Commons Santa Arrives 6-8pm FREE 850-337-8700 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Here Comes Santa 6-9pm FREE 850-267-8117 Seagrove Beach to Seaside Christmas Parade 8:30am FREE (850) 267-1216
November 24-25 Destin Harbor Walk Santa Visiting 12-4pm FREE 850-424-0600 November 24 Sandestin Grand Boulevard Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits 2pm FREE 850-837-3099 November 30 FWB The Landing A Downtown Holiday Santa's Arrival 11-6pm FREE 850-244-8191
December 1 Crestview Downtown Christmas Parade 5:30pm FREE 850-682-7413
December 9 Destin Harbor Boat Parade 8pm FREE 850-424-0600
Niceville Christmas Parade 10am FREE 850-699-0045
Destin LuLu’s Billy Claus Event 1pm FREE 850-710-5858
December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 Destin Harbor Walk Santa Visiting 12-4pm FREE 850-424-0600
December 15 FWB Santa Rosa Mall Breakfast with Santa $3 for Kids $5 for Adults Family of 4 - $12 8-10am 850-244-2172
December 8 Pensacola Downtown Christmas Parade 5:30-8:30 FREE 850-434-5371 Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine • 41
continued from page 41 December 8 FWB Landing HOHO Hustle 5K 8am 25-$30 850-243-1007 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Tuba Christmas 5-7pm FREE 850-267-8117 December 8-9 FWB Belles & Whistles Southern Market Santa’s Workshop Ages 4-12 10-6pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun $1-$25 850-737-2120 Sandestin Golf Resorts Tee Off For Toys 7-5pm Donate toy or gift card $15 plus cart fee 850-267-8155 December 9 SRB Christ the King Church Winter Wonderland Concert 1-3pm FREE 850-267-3332 Destin Harbor Boat Parade 8pm FREE 850-424-0600 Destin Harbor Walk Village Holiday on the Harbor 1pm-8pm FREE 850-424-0600 Destin LuLu’s Billy Claus Event 1pm FREE 850-710-5858 December 10 Destin United Methodist Church Christmas Concert 9-11am FREE 850-837-2021
December 13 Pensacola Saenger Theater A Charlie Brown Christmas 7:30pm $32-$59 800-745-3000
December 22 FWB Eglin Parkway Egg Nog Jog 9am $25-$35 runner7@cox.net
December 14 December 22-23 Destin Grace Lutheran Church FWB Belles & Whistles Holiday Pops Concert Southern Market 7:30pm Santa’s Workshop Ages 4-12 $29-$55 10-6pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun 850-654-1679 $1-$25 850-737-2120 Pensacola Saenger Theater Sara Evans At Christmas 7:30pm December 25 $43-$218 800-745-3000 December 14-15 Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Ice Skating Performance 6pm and 7:30pm FREE 850-267-8117 December 15-16 FWB Belles & Whistles Southern Market Santa’s Workshop Ages 4-12 10-6pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun $1-$25 850-737-2120
Merry
Christmas! December 29 Okaloosa Island Elk Lodge Round the Bay Relay & Ultra 5am -Staggered Starts $30-$50 850-244-5632 January 1 South Walton Ed Walline Park Polar Bear Plunge 11am $20 850-267-1298
South Walton High School Ballet Conservatory The Nutcracker 3pm $15 December 31 850-837-1133 Destin Harbor Walk New Years Eve December 16 Fireworks on the Harbor Pensacola Saenger Theater 8pm & Midnight Twas A Girls Night Before FREE Christmas: The Musical 850-424-0600 7:30pm $33-$58 Destin LuLu’s 800-745-3000 Family Noon Years Eve 10am Start December 18 FREE Destin The Henderson 850-710-5858 ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas 5:30pm Sandestin Baytowne $275 Wharf 850-460-8800 Baytowne Countdown/NYE 6pm-1am December 21 - 22 FREE Destin United Meth. Church 850-267-8000 Lightwire Theatres A Very Electric Christmas Seaside Amphitheater Friday 7:30pm, Sat 2:30pm Countdown Seaside/NYE $15-$35 7pm - 12:30am 850-226-8072 FREE 850-267-1216
42 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
January 1 Destin Henderson Beach Polar Plunge Time TBA FREE 850-837-8413 30A Walline Beach Access Polar Plunge Time TBA FREE 850-267-1298
We love our calendar but things do change so, it's always best to confirm your event by calling the number listed below the event or by visiting their websites.
FAMILY FEATURES ™
44 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
FAMILY FEATURES ™
Poppable, Handmade Holiday Decor These clever recipes can help you make edible decor or gifts to give to friends, family and co-workers. Find more creative holiday recipes at popcorn.org.
’Tis the season to pop up some holiday fun by creating a scenic winter wonderland that tastes as great as it looks.
Source: The Popcorn Board
Gather the kids and make a hands-on family holiday tradition out of crafting festive, edible decorations. Popcorn is the perfect choice to pop up and eat while decking out your creations. At 30 calories a cup, whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn offers a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday party nibbles. Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO, glutenfree, has no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar-free.
Holiday Popcorn Snowman
Yield: 5 snowmen 1 package (1 pound) large marshmallows 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional 1 teaspoon vanilla 10 cups popped popcorn sprinkles (optional) licorice (optional) gum drops (optional) cinnamon candies (optional) In large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour over popcorn and stir. Butter hands well and form into balls. Decorate with sprinkles, licorice, gum drops & cinnamon candies, as desired.
Source: The Popcorn Board
Holiday Popcorn Snowman
Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer Yield: 8 reindeer 8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 16 pretzel sticks 16 eyeball candies 8 red candy-coated chocolate candies Place popcorn in large mixing bowl. In saucepan set over medium heat, heat marshmallows, chocolate, butter and salt, stirring often until smooth. Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn until well combined. Scoop 3/4 cup popcorn mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture to make eight balls total. Place each ball in paper muffin cup liner. Insert pretzel stick on each side of ball to resemble antlers, attach two eyeball candies for eyes and red candy for nose. Let cool completely.
Tip: Eyeball candies can typically be found in baking aisles of supermarkets or bulk food stores. 46 • Tell them you saw it in ON THE COAST Magazine
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