Emerald Coast Parent Magazine March+April 2014 by Rob Williams

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March+April 2014

contents

7 10 Column

5 The Bigger the Group!

Crystal Ryan, Emerald Coast Kids Listserv

Articles

7 Take the Party Outside! 10 Helicopter Parenting 12 Real Friends in a Digital Age

Enjoy Family, Friends and Warm Weather . . .

How to Stop Hovering So Your Child Can Soar!

Help Your Children to Understand the Value of Having Close, Reliable Friends.

Family Builders

Family Fun Guide Calendar of Events

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special!

Seasonal Events ��38 Sounds Fun ��38 Runs, Walks & More �� 40 The Arts ��42 Recurring Local �� 44 Volunteer �� 44

Resource Directory

Community resources offer a wide range of information and services for you and your family!

Listings �� 45

Families are important. Spend time enjoying life together at home and on the go.

The Family Chatter Challenge �� 22 That’s Good to Know!—Information You Can Use �� 24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care ��25, 26 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-Togethers �� 28 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids �� 30 Teach Your Kids Something New �� 32 Just for Fun: April Fool’s Day �� 33

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Emerald Coast

parent It’s Your MagazineTM

This is your magazine! Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work. As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars. If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue! Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about, enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together! Thanks, The EC Parent Team To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720 Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams Contributing Writer Crystal Ryan Contributing Writer Heidi Smith Luedtke Contributing Writer Ellen Notbohm Contributing Writer Kim Seidel Contributing Writer Joanna Nesbit Contributing Writer Jan Udlock Photography InsideOut Creative Arts © 2013 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

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Join Today! Contact: crystal@emeraldcoastkids.com

Bigger t he Group, t he Better t he Resouce! The

EmeraldCoastKids

Listserv Crystal Ryan

Along with the good old ABCs and 123s, as parents we do our best to teach our kids good manners, instill appropriate social skills and demonstrate productive habits. We do all of this hoping that one day they will grow up to be wellrounded, even tempered, young adults who will reflect greatly on us. I used to think this was a simple task . . . until my son got to the age of growing curiosity and started peppering me with questions that I found increasingly hard to answer. It wasn’t the random, yet oddly profound questions that would stump me, like “Mommy, where do my dreams go when I wake up?” It was the questions like “Mommy, why do you tell me to hurry up and finish my dinner but slow down and chew my food?” that would cause me to pause.

It really got me thinking, how does a 5-year-old decipher between the contradictions of our teachings? Such as when to “respect your elders and do as they say” as opposed to “scream and run away if a stranger tries to talk to you.” Or “you’re getting to be a big boy, you need to start doing more stuff on your own” and “never do that without an adult with you.” This is why it is impossible to play tag with my 5-year-old, because he is constantly changing the rules of the game! Is that what he’s learning from me? Should I be so concerned about the stipulations of what he is hearing as long as he’s getting the overall message? Well, last week I was having one of those days. You know those days, where you feel so incredibly busy and rushed all day long, only to realize that at the end of the day you never actually got anything accomplished. When the time came to tuck my kids into bed, I must have been thinking—out loud—of all the things that I hadn’t gotten done that day . . . that’s when my 5-year-old son whispered to me, “Mommy, don’t worry, it’s gonna be okay, it’s not the end of the world”. Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 5

I stopped dead in my tracks and was instantly overcome with a feeling of relief and happiness as those words reverberated in my mind. They were words I had heard before. Words that were frequently spoken and heard in my house. Words that were commonly and ironically directed at my son when he needed to be talked out of fits of hysteria after getting beat in a driveway race with his little brother or couldn’t figure out how to complete the next level in Lego Batman II.

My heavy sighs were replaced with laughter. In an instant, my 40-pound pre-kindergartner had managed to lift what seemed to be the weight of the world off my shoulders. My frown reversed into a smile. My heavy sighs were replaced with laughter. My anxiety over not having checked anything off my to-do list regenerated into a positive sense that tomorrow is another day. And it will come. And it too will go by faster than I would like, but still, if I don’t finish one or all of the tasks on my infinitely growing list, I will remember those poignant words from my son; words that he was taught by his father with the same goal of accomplishing a calm . . . “it’s gonna be okay, it’s not the end of the world.” And I will take some pleasure in the fact that . . . ahhhh, he really is listening! Answers to last issue’s question Q: How do you prepare your child for the birth of a new sibling? A: “We got our 5-year-old daughter completely involved. She read books to my growing tummy, helped pick names and helped decorate the baby’s room….that she insisted on sleeping in to make sure the new baby would like it.”—Sarah A: “Our 10-year-old son was not at all excited about the new baby, until we bribed him with ideas that he could earn some chore money by helping out with the baby. He really wanted an Xbox and we manipulated a way to help him get it!”—Jennie A: “We let our son help pick out the baby toys and books and just kept telling him how much his baby brother was going to love him and that he would have to teach him how to ride a bike and swing a bat.”—Delia Q: How do you get your family involved in spring cleaning? A: “Bribery . . . we can’t buy any new stuff until we make some room and get rid of stuff we don’t need.”—Kirsten A: “The best way to involve my family in spring cleaning is get them involved in something outside the house so I can actually do some cleaning!”—Miranda

We would love your responses to these questions: Q: How do you keep sibling bonds strong as they get older? Q: How do you get your kids to try new foods? Email me at: crystal@emeraldcoastkids.com. v

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Enjoy Family, Friends and Warm Weather . . .

Take the Party Outside By Jan Udlock

What better way to welcome in the warmer weather than to throw an outdoor party with family and friends. Having friends over gives a chance to share good times and build memories. Outdoor entertaining is easy, and there are many benefits to getting outside in the fresh air. Everyone wants to be invited to a party so make the next party yours. Why Outside? One of the benefits of moving the party outside is that your house may not be designed to have as many people over you’d like. Outside gives you more space to relax and enjoy your company. While the grown-ups eat and talk, the kids can frolic and play outdoors. Where there are kids, and even adults, there will always be spills and splotches. Messes and created fun are always easier to clean up

outdoors. “In an outdoor setting I don’t have to worry that a hotdog will make its way to my living room floor,” says Kim Byers, owner and creative director of thecelebrationshoppe.com. If you’re unable to have a party outdoors due to space, parks and beaches are also great places to hold a party. Check with your local government office to find out about any regulations or ordinances.

Choose a Theme To make your party fun and easier to plan, pick a simple theme for it. Themes help direct your decisions on what to have as well as limits on what you buy. You can pick your idea just by a piece of material that you like or it can be around a holiday like a birthday. End of School, Summer or Fourth of July are easy themes to decorate for. Once you’ve picked a color palette, choosing tableware or plastics is much easier.

Who to Invite? Do you want to start big or just have another family over for your party? If you haven’t done a lot of outdoor entertaining, start small. Continued on page 15

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Spring E V E N T S EVERY SATURDAY IN MARCH MARCH 8, MARCH 15, MARCH 22, MARCH 29 SPRING BREAK CONCERT SERIES Come out to HarborWalk Village for a live musical performance on the Village Stage. Concerts are free and open to the public!

MARCH 9 COMEDY COMPETITION AT CRAB ISLAND CANTINA Crab Island Cantina presents the “So You Think You’re Funny?” comedy competition. The competition begins at 6pm with sign up starting at 5pm. Competition continues every Sunday and first place wins a round trip for two to Los Angeles to perform at the World Famous “Comedy Store,” and a three-day, two-night stay at Wyndham Resorts.

MARCH 15 6TH ANNUAL IRISH STREET FEST AND GROGG MARCH This full day of Irish fun kicks off at noon with kids’ crafts, music and excitement for all ages! Dance along the village to performances by the Emerald Coast Community Band, The Irish Dance School and Continuum. Starting at 6pm guests can “Sham-Rock” throughout HarborWalk Village on an Irish pub crawl. Get your St Patty’s Day passport stamped at each stop along the way for a chance to win a special prize at the end of the night!

MARCH 16 - ARTWALK ON THE HARBOR Art along the Destin Boardwalk from HarborWalk Village to AJ’s featuring local and regional artists and vendors. The walk includes more than 40 artists and artisans from a variety of disciplines, such as painters, jewelers, soap makers, watch designers, photographers, sculptors and more! This event is free and open to the public!

APRIL 20 - VISIT WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Hop down to HarborWalk Village for a day of kids activities and family fun! Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

APRIL 24 - FINEST ON THE EMERALD COAST Taste, see and experience the area’s “Finest!” Winners will proudly display why they were voted “Finest” by Northwest Florida Daily News and Destin Log readers across the area. From “Best Margarita” to “Best Dry Cleaners,” come find out which businesses made the list! Also, enjoy a spectacular FIREWORKS show over the Destin Harbor in celebration of the Finest Winners! Tasting armbands are $20 in advance and $25 at the door! Next to the Destin Bridge Event Info: 850-424-0600 Vacations: 800-676-0091 WWW.HARBORWALKDESTIN.COM

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By Kim Seidel

Helicopter Parenting How to Stop Hovering So Your Child Can Soar!

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No doubt, it’s scary being a parent in today’s high-tech, competitive and often violent world. “We hear stories of abductions and kids getting harmed physically and sexually,” says psychotherapist Mari Jo Rapini. “We feel a need to protect our children.” Long gone are the carefree days like when Rapini grew up in a small town, prior to cell phones, the Internet and the idea that something catastrophic could happen if she was off her parents’ radar screen. There was no feeling that if she wasn’t constantly busy with piano or soccer, she would fall behind. “My parents saw their role as providing a secure home life, plenty of sleep, good food and help with homework,” Rapini says.

“

Even when the child goes to college, mom and dad are still instrumental in guiding their courses, career and social life. The kids cannot escape and, what’s more, many of them don’t want to.

Although times have changed, many parents go too far to protect their children, and in the end, unintentionally harm their kids. Called “helicopter parents,” or “overprotective parents,” they are always hovering around their kids. According to research, parents most likely to hover are moms and dads of “millennials,” children of baby boomers, born between the early 1980s and 2000. “Parents talk to their children every day via texts, emails, Facebook and websites,” Rapini says. “Even

when the child goes to college, mom and dad are still instrumental in guiding their courses, career and social life. The kids cannot escape and, what’s more, many of them don’t want to.” On the upside, studies show that when parents are involved in a child’s activities, they do better. However, there’s a fine line between involvement and over-involvement. “Being there as a guide to support your child may be helpful, but if your guidance becomes you telling your child what to do

”

Continued on page 19

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Real Friends

in a Digital Age By Kim Seidel

In art and in life, we are surrounded by reminders of the value of having good friends. As parents, it’s one of our top desires for our children to have strong, positive friendships. Along with helping them to grow socially and emotionally, friendships do so much more for your children, says Niobe Way, an author and psychology professor at New York University. “Research studies clearly have shown that close and mutually supportive friendships enable your child to feel good about him or herself, engage more positively in school, and make better choices in all aspects of his or her life,” Way says. Friendships are critical to a child’s health and well-being. “As parents, teachers and professionals, we need to understand that at the deepest level, friendships help your child thrive in the world,” Way says. “What parent does not want that for his or her child?” Experts agree that parents can help foster their child’s friendships at every age and stage. In our busy, digital and material world, one critical piece of advice for parents of teens,

elementary-age and preschoolers: Leave behind the computer games and television. Let the children play and talk together to build true bonds.

Teen friendships While the technology your teen uses to communicate with their friends is here to stay, texting and social networking should not replace face-to-face time with their peers, says Way, author of Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection (2011, Harvard University Press). Set the tone early on that playing on the computers shouldn’t be the main focus of a friendship. Invite your teenager’s friends to hang out at your house and, even better, bring them along on a family trip, says Way, the mother of two. Sleepovers work out great too, as long as all of the time isn’t spent with technology, but rather talking and sharing together. “Your goal as a parent is to help your teen build their emotional and social health, so give them that space to learn to communicate,” Way says. She shared a recent study from the University of Michigan. Researchers analyzed data from 14,000 college students. Their findings Continued on page 16

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This may be a chance for you to get to know your neighbors a little bit better. Do you have an elderly widow in your neighborhood who could join your family get-together?

Easy Food The backyard barbecue is the All-American way to entertain. Hamburgers, steaks, chicken, hot dogs and ribs are simple to serve off the grill. Remember to add veggies like corn on the cob or veggie skewers to the menu. Select sides that you can make ahead of time, like cold pasta salad and potato salad. Grilling mini pizzas for your guests is a fun idea. You can prep a few core ingredients and then let everyone pick their own toppings. “It takes the pressure off of you to come up with something everyone will like,” says Byers. If you are anxious about entertaining, it’s not a good idea to try a new recipe on your guests. Pick your favorite, simple lunch or dinner recipe and add a salad and some fruit. Guests like to bring their favorite party dish so ask them to bring one. Set up food stations in the shade and keep all food made with dairy products or mayo chilled. Brightly colored tubs or ice chests of ice filled with drinks for adults and one for the kids can be self-serve. Place food screen covers over your food to protect from insects.

Decorating Outside If you are having an evening party, strings of lights are not only for the holidays. Lights always make your party look more festive along with candles on the tables. Splashes of brightly colored pillows and cushions placed on your outdoor furniture can tie together your backyard setting. Add a tablecloth with bright cloth napkins with your theme color. Place citronella candles on the table but remember to watch out for little fingers. Kids do better when they have an area set up that is their size. Set up a card table with kid-size chairs or throw a blanket on the grass for their eating area.

Games and Outdoor Entertainment If your yard allows it, set up games like a croquet set or volleyball net. If you have younger kids, a simple wading pool with some toys can lead to hours of fun for the kids. Remember to provide extra towels and sunscreen for your guests.

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If your party is planned for the evening, patio heaters can be the answer to starting your fun outdoors sooner in the season. Table-top heaters and portable propane heaters are available at home-improvement stores.

You can have your own film festival outside with an inflatable movie screen. A simple search on the Internet will find stores that carry these screens. You can have your own film festival outside with an inflatable movie screen. A simple search on the Internet will find stores that carry these screens. Your family and friends can watch the newest flick together outside under the stars. They can bring extra chairs and your kids can use sleeping bags.

Stay Flexible As the hostess, you don’t have to prepare any adult activities; however Byers suggests to prep a few topics or questions in your mind ahead of time just in case the conversation lags. Remember that even the best plans may go awry, like the weather may not cooperate, so have a back-up plan and go with the flow. If there is any spill or accident, be gracious to the person and help them clean it up. When your guests see you take things in stride, they’ll relax more and enjoy themselves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of foods while entertaining. Your confidence will grow as you continue to have others over. Start with where you are and you can build on what you know with each get-together. Pick a simple menu and pick up the phone today. v

Jan Udlock is a freelance writer, mom of five and can be contacted at Jan@JanUdlock.com.

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Continued from page 12

indicated a 40 percent decline in empathy since 1979 with the biggest drop happening after the year 2000. “This result,” Way says, “is not surprising given the boom of cell phones, texting and social networking after the year 2000. Such technology reduces face-to-face time and without such quality time, children are not able to develop their social and emotional skills.

“We need to foster our children’s empathetic abilities and encourage them to care about each other.” “We need to foster our children’s empathetic and social abilities and encourage them to care about each other,” she says. Pervasive social problems, such as bullying and cyber bullying, would diminish if teens would connect more with their friends through real, face-to-face relationships, Way says. Parents must value friendships for their teens and provide the time and space to foster these special friendships.

Parents can role model high-quality friendships. Talk with your teens about the pleasures and challenges in your own friendships. Having friends is a great health booster to parents as well, Way says.

Elementary Years As an educator for 25 years, Melani Fay has observed a decline in the depth of young friendships. “Due to technology, kids are more shallow,” Fay says. “They’re too plugged in. Playing Wii video games is not playing together.” Studies show that children aren’t as adept at reading facial expressions and body language, Fay says. “There is just too much screen time and technology between us at all ages,” she says. “Have your children go outside with a ball or go for a bike ride with their friend.” Simple activities give children the space and time to talk about who they are about, such as their likes and dislikes. This improves the depth of their relationships. Talk to your children about far-fetched expectations they view on television, Fay says. Children receive immediate feedback and view a lot of competition on television. Teach them that life isn’t all about winning.

Television also has many unrealistic situations about friendships. “Parents need to role model good relationships for their children, but sometimes they’re too plugged in too,” Fay says. “Parents need to set limits with their technology for themselves and their children.” Her own family practices the motto, “Love the one you’re with.” That means when she’s spending time with her two daughters, she asks that none of them text while they’re together. Social gatherings offer an opportunity to mix your children up with people of all ages and to teach them about friendships. Eating dinner together also is a critical time to make connections. Have your children’s friends over for dinner.

Young Children Friendships begin at home. “Positive relationships with parents and siblings will build a secure attachment and a strong sense of self-confidence that help children to make friends once they spend more time out in the world,” says Fran Swift, a parent educator.

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Young children constantly watch their parents. “They’re learning how to relate to others about generosity, sharing, caring, and tolerance from observing the way in which their family interacts with each other and to those outside the home,” Swift says. More exposure to other friends begins when parents start to bring their children to play dates and other gettogethers with other kids. By the age of 3, children begin growing out of playing side by side—parallel play—and start interactive play with another. Around age 4, they often choose a friend they enjoy playing with. Respect your child’s temperament when helping him make friends, Swift says. Some children are slow to warm up a group, while others immediately join in with others. The reserved child often will feel more confident with a planned one-to-one connection at first. Parents can offer their child suggestions about how to say “hello” to others. Encourage your child to make eye contact when a friend says “hello” to him. It’s fun to role play these scenarios together at home, being careful not to make the child feel too self-conscious, Swift says. Keep it fun. Be observant about who your child is drawn to and create a play date for them. Young children usually do best together at a park where they can more actively play together.

“Even the most reserved child will enjoy splashing in water or blowing bubbles with a friend.” “Sometimes, it’s difficult for children at this age to share their favorite toys, so playing outside, going up and down slides, collecting leaves, looking for frogs and such will join two children in their common goal,” Swift says. “Even the most reserved child will enjoy splashing in water or blowing bubbles with a friend.” The best result occurs when “pure play” between two friends is happening, Swift says. The sounds of talking, laughing and playing make-believe create bonds between children. Allow time for more imaginative play—house, school, drama—and less structured activities with friends. At a young age, parents teach their children about colors and animal sounds. “It’s just as important to teach your children to recognize emotions,” Swift says. “Look at pictures of faces in books and magazines that you are reading together and talk about the feelings portrayed.” v

Kim Seidel has two active daughters, and often faces the challenge of whether to push or back away as their mother.

Books about friendship for young children In general, books about friendships can help your young child understand more about relating comfortably with their peers. Swift offers a few titles: Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen Do You Want To Be My Friend? by Eric Carle The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neil

Teen Boys Need Friends Too Contrary to popular belief, teenage boys need and want close and mutually supportive friendships as much as teenage girls, says Niobe Way, author of Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection (2011, Harvard University Press). “At the age of approximately 16, however, boys begin to lose their close male friendships due to societal expectations for boys to have girlfriends,” Way says, “and thus they shy away from friendships with other males – lest, they be labeled as ‘weak’ or ‘gay’.” During her research, Way followed 200 teenage boys over five years and observed them during early adolescence having very intimate male friendships that included sharing secrets. “Once they turned 16 years old, however, they began to lose these friendships and speak of feeling isolated and lonely,” Way says. “It’s no surprise the suicide rates for boys increase dramatically at age 15 and 16 years as well.” “As parents, we must go beyond the social norms for our sons and encourage them, as well as our daughters, to have friendships during their teenage years,” Way says. Fathers can help their son with their friendships by asking them about their friendships, and helping them process what is going on in their friendships. “Mothers do that all of the time but fathers rarely do that,” Way says. “Fathers should spend some time talking with their sons about the ins and outs of their sons’ friendships. The fathers themselves should also have emotionally intimate friendships to model for their sons – and daughters.” v

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Continued from page 11

and how to think and respond, your child begins feeling incompetent to handle the situations they are involved with,” Rapini says. “Soon, your child can’t make a decision without asking mom or dad.”

Are You a Helicopter Parent? The No. 1 clue that you are a helicopter parent is that you help your child before he or she actually needs it, says psychotherapist Christina Steinorth. “It starts with good intentions,” she says. “Of course, no parent wants to see their child suffer an emotional hurt or fail at something. Yet as time goes on, these parents jump in before their child needs the help.” A second clue that you helicopter parent is that your children are the entire focus of your life. “They dominate every conversation and thought you have. When they’re not with you, you are wondering if they’re okay and if there’s something more you can do to help them,” says Steinorth, author of Cue Cards for Life: Thoughtful Tips for Better Relationships (2013, Hunter House Inc. Publishers). If you go to great lengths to ensure your children are “perfect,” you may be a helicopter parent. “You make sure they have perfect grades, perfect friends, perfect social interactions and perfect hobbies,” Steinorth says. Still another sign is that you discourage your child’s independence. If he or she tells you about a hobby they would like to try, for example, you say something to the effect, “I know what’s best for you.” “In my experience, parents tend to helicopter in all places of a child’s life—school, sports, other activities, friends and, in later life, jobs and romantic relationships,” Steinorth says. “There really seems to be no end.” Helicopter parents hurt not help It’s ironic that helicopter parents believe they’re helping their children, but they’re actually hurting them in many ways. For starters, children of these moms and dads aren’t able to develop a valuable life skill—resilience—that enables them to learn to bounce back after life’s disappointments. With helicopter parents to protect them, these children aren’t given the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. “The truth is that you won’t be able to protect your child from everything for the rest of their lives,” Steinorth says. Continued on page 35

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FAMILY BUILDERS Family time makes the best memories. This season, go searching for the gold at the end of the rainbow, dye some Easter eggs or get lost in conversation—whatever you do, make every effort to enjoy life with those closest to you. Enjoy life TOGETHER!

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The

FamilyChatter Challenge

BY ROB WILLIAMS

“No family is perfect . . . we argue, we fight. We even stop talking to each other at times. But in the end, family is family . . . The love will always be there.”—Unknown

What is your favorite type of music and artist? Why? What type of music would you rather not listen to? Why?

If you could change something about your appearance, would you? If you would, what would you change and why?

How old do you think someone should be before they are allowed to date?

Sometimes kids ask the strangest questions—luckily for them, they’re cute and can get away with it. Sometimes parents have probing questions they’d love to ask their kid, but can’t just ask without looking like . . . well, parents. Our goal with Family Chatter is to promote fun, healthy and sometimes thought-provoking family conversations. Live, Laugh, Love and (as often as possible) Talk Together!

How old should a child be before they are given a cell phone? Does age really have anything to do with it? What are your favorite TV shows? Why? What are some of the biggest differences between cartoons now and 10 years ago?

Kids, ask your parents: How old were you when you met? Where did you meet?

Would you rather go to a school dance alone or with someone? Is going to a dance with someone considered a date?

What do you think the hardest thing about being homeless would be? Explain why. What are some ways you could help others in need?

What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve ever made? What did you learn from these mistakes that have helped to make you a stronger person?

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“Family—like branches on a tree we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one”—unknown

Use these questions to spur on great conversations: • At the Kitchen Table • In the Family Room • On Road Trips in the Car • By yelling them out loud—out of the blue— just for fun!

Should a parent have access to and be able to review their child’s social media account? Why?

Would you prefer to play a video game by yourself or a board game with your family? What game would you play?

h it?

Should children have time limits on how much TV they can watch or video games they play?

What is the best thing and worst thing about the country we live in and why?

? es o?

If you could finish high school 1 year early, would you? What are some positives and negatives about doing so?

What is one luxury you would choose to do without if you were forced to cut the family budget by $100 a month?

Do you plan on going to college? What would you like to do for a living?

Kids, ask your parents: How many jobs have you had? What were your favorite and worst jobs?

If you could be any animal, what would you choose to be? Why?

How would you define character? If someone falsely accused you of doing something wrong, would you stand your ground or run and hide?

Live Laugh Love and Talk Together ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 23

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That’s Good to Know! Information You Can Use!

This Edition: By Jan Udlock

Encouraging Your Child As a parent you have to get meals on the table, help find homework, and clean up after the puppy. You tell your child many times to get dressed or pick up his toys. You are exhausted. And it is only 7 a.m. Yet how many times has a short encouraging phone call from a friend lighteded your day? A thoughtful note can change your attitude in an instant. Likewise, your child also needs words of encouragement. Here are quick and simple ways you can encourage your child and bring a smile to his face.

Speak out.

Reward the behavior. Make a plan to promote good behavior. When out in public, if your child receives a compliment from someone on her positive behavior, she gets to go for ice cream. Compliments on her physical appearance do not count. After the librarian tells her how quietly she stood in line, include a treat stop on your errands list. This plan promotes good behavior.

Leave notes. Leave notes on his bed or in pockets of clothing telling him you are proud of him. “I appreciate the way you were kind to your sister when she took the toy from you.” “You want to be specific and not general with your encouragement,” says Liz Wong, elementary school educator. In a casual way, tell your child you see the effort he makes.

Tell your child at least once a day you love and believe in her, no matter what. You know how precious she is to you, but does she? Slow down, look in her face, and tell her. “It’s important to encourage kids because they need to know that someone absolutely believes in them and their abilities—and who better than their parents?” says Barbara Johnson, Executive Director of Child Advocates.

Reach out.

Offer praise.

Yes, you have been told it is not polite to brag, but in this case, it is necessary. Find another mom to trade bragging rights. Make sure your child is in the room, and brag to the other parent on how hard your child studied for a test. He may act like he did not hear it, but he did.

At the dinner table when you are passing the potatoes, make the announcement how proud you are of your child. In front of the rest of the family, mention how well he made his bed. Do not add negative comments. ”But he could have smoothed out his covers better.” Give the praise report without the criticism.

Hug your child. “Touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste all play a role in early attachments between parents and child,” says Rohani. Rustle his hair and smile in his face. As you are talking to him, reach out and place your hand on his shoulder or leg. Grab him for a quick hug.

Brag!

Catch the deed.

Sometimes as a parent you get caught up in constant correction. You wonder if you are the best parent for the job. So, will words of praise inspire your child? Try it and find out for yourself. v

“Encourage the effort instead of praising the product,” says Trish Rohani, Marriage and Family MA student intern. With some children it is more difficult to find positive behaviors. Watch him throughout the day and catch something small. Comment on it! “I saw you wanted to argue with me but you didn’t. You showed self control.”

Jan Udlock is a homeschooling mom of 5 and a freelance writer. She loves both jobs most of the time.

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Cut out this page. Then, cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes her half. Now it’s time for you both to do your part. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other—as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

R E H y u care Organize a picnic just for the two of you—even if it’s only in your backyard. Don’t be in a rush to correct her— just listen. Think of ways to include her in some of your hobbies. Volunteer to run an errand for her. Cuddle up to her the next time you watch a movie. Don’t argue over money. Peacefully discuss future expenditures instead. Go out of your way to help her feel valued over everyone else. Make special time available to her and your children.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Help facilitate your busy schedules so that she has some time to herself. If you don’t already, help her in the discipline of the children. Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HER YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 25

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10 WAYS to sh w

M I H y u care Tell him you’re more in love with him than ever before. Text him that you miss him and can’t wait for him to get home. Don’t compare him to others. Give him a back rub after work. Ask him, “What would sound great for dinner tonight?” Support him when someone tries to put him down. Be his cheerleader. Wink at him from across the room when you’re out at a group function. Express appreciation for his working so hard to support the family!

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

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Buy him his favorite snack. Don’t say, “I told you so” when you’re right about something. Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HIM YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com

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SNACKS & CRAFTS We’ve gathered a few fun and tasty springtime snacks and crafts that will hopefully entice you and your children into the kitchen and back to the craft table. Enjoy making a small mess and have a little fun—you’ll be creating memories to cherish for years to come. Enjoy!

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Cheese Ball Baby Chicks INGREDIENTS • 8 oz. Cream Cheese, Softened • 2 packages - 8 oz. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese • 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Cooked Bacon • Sliced Cheddar Cheese • Orange Food Coloring

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Black Icing in a Tube Food Only Paintbrush Round or Oval Crackers Sharp Knife Cutting Board Mini Triangle, Tear Drop and Daisy Shaped Cutters

DIRECTIONS • In a bowl, thoroughly mix cheese ball mixture – 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, 8 oz. softened cream cheese, and ½ cup bacon. • Roll cheese ball mixture into small balls, so they will sit nicely on the crackers. Keep a small amount to attach feet, wings and beaks to the cheese ball. • Chop second package of shredded cheese into very fine pieces. • Roll each cheese ball in shredded cheese and place on a cracker. • Cut out feet from the sliced cheese by using the daisy-shaped cutter, cut wings with tear drop cutter, and cut beaks with the triangle cutter or a sharp knife. • Paint the feet and beak with the orange food coloring. • Attach feet and beaks with a small amount of cheese ball mixture. • Make small indents on each side of the cheese ball and push the wings into these slits. • Pipe on small eyes to your chick with black icing.

These little chicks make great party snacks! Experiment with your own cheese ball recipes.

Rice Krispies® Treats Chocolate Dipped Eggs INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons butter • 10 oz. package regular marshmallows • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal • Melting Chocolate in Spring Colors • Sprinkles of Different Varieties • Waxed paper • Non-stick Spray DIRECTIONS • In a microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring half-way through. Stir until smooth. Add Rice Krispies Cereal and stir until well coated. • Spray your hands with non-stick spray. • Grab a handful of Rice Krispies treats (being careful not to burn your hands) and form into an egg-shape. Place on waxed paper, flattening the bottom slightly so it will sit flat. Repeat with all of the treats. • Heat the melting chocolate according to the directions. (I recommend using a silicone melting chocolate pot.) • Dip the bottom of each egg in different colors of melting chocolate and apply sprinkles. Place on wax paper to dry.

Tip: Use a plastic egg-shaped Jell-O® mold or small plastic eggs to help shape your egg treats.

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Rainbow Cupcakes INGREDIENTS • White Cake Mix • White Frosting • Blue Food Coloring • Rainbow Sour Belts • Cupcake Liners • Frosting Syringe DIRECTIONS • Bake cupcakes according to the directions on the box. • Tint some of the frosting blue with food coloring. • Apply the blue frosting to the cupcake. Allow frosting to harden a little. • Put white frosting in the frosting syringe. Squeeze “clouds” onto each side of the cupcake. • Cut rainbow sour belts to size and push one end into each cloud. Allow frosting to harden.

Tip: Allow white (clouds) frosting to harden in the refrigerator a little before attaching the Rainbow Sour Belts. Doing so will help the rainbows stay in place.

Pot-O-Gold Cake Pops INGREDIENTS • Box of Vanilla Cake Mix • White Frosting • Green Food Dye • Chocolate Candy Melts • Lollipop Sticks

We recommend using a silicone melting pot. Silicone melting pots are very versatile and help to mix the chocolate as well as applying the chocolate to the cake pops.

• Yellow Sour Skittles • Waxed Paper • Floral Foam or Cake Pop Holder

DIRECTIONS • Bake cake according to the directions on the box, but add green food coloring. Allow cake to cool. • In a large bowl, mix the frosting with green food coloring. Crumble cake into the green frosting and mix thoroughly. Place in the refrigerator overnight to chill. • Roll into small balls. • Heat melting chocolate according to the directions on the package. • Push a lollipop stick into a cake pop and dip it into the melting chocolate. Place on waxed paper—this will create a flat top with a small ridge. Allow to dry. • Once dry put the cake pops right side up in floral foam or a cake pop holder. • Melt chocolate once again and dip sour skittles in the melted chocolate and attach them to the top of the pot to create your tasty Pot-O-Golds.

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Easter Egg Straw Wraps Made from Foamies MATERIALS • Straws • Colorful foam sheets with adhesive backs • Sharp scissors • A pen • Card Stock INSTRUCTIONS • Draw an egg shaped template on your card stock and cut it out. • Trace the template onto the back of the adhesive foam sheets (2 eggs per straw). • Cut random strips, circles, squares, and curly cues from the various colors of foam sheets. • Remove adhesive from the back of shapes and apply them onto the front of the egg. • Remove adhesive from the egg and place near the top of the straw. Remove adhesive from the matching colored egg (undecorated) and press onto the back of the first egg, allowing the straw to be trapped in between.

Tip: You can also decorate these straw wraps by using glitter-glue pens. Decorate both sides if you wish to.

String Art Easter Eggs MATERIALS • Small Water Balloons • Embroidery Floss • Foil Covered Chocolate Candy Eggs • Pin

• Equal Parts White Glue and Water Mixture • Fine Scissors • Tweezers

INSTRUCTIONS • Blow up a water balloon to stretch it out. • Stretch the opening of the balloon (this is easier if you have a friend help you and stretch it out in 3 directions) and push one chocolate candy into the mouth of the balloon. • Blow the balloon up slowly; the candy will drop into the balloon. Continue blowing up the balloon until it is egg-shaped. Tie the balloon. • Cut (3) 10 foot sections of embroidery floss per egg. • Mix equal parts of water and glue in a shallow bowl. • Dip the string in the glue until completely coated. Using two fingers, lightly pinch the string and pull the string through your fingers to remove excess glue. • Place the end of the string on the balloon and start to wind around the egg in various directions. • Repeat with each string. • Allow to dry on waxed paper overnight. • Once egg is dry, pop the balloon with a pin. • Using tweezers, remove any loose balloon pieces. 30 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Rainbow in a Jar MATERIALS • Mason Jar • Golden Coin Candies • Ribbon • Skittles – the regular variety and a seasonal variety with blue • Mini Marshmallows INSTRUCTIONS • Place the golden coins in the bottom of the mason jar. • Open the bags of skittles onto a clean cookie sheet. Separate the colors into piles – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Feel free to get creative—use pinks and teal as well. • Place the skittles in the jar, starting with purple and ending with red. Leave space at the top. • Pour mini marshmallows into the jar until they are overflowing. Push them down and close the jar, this will keep the skittles from moving. • Tie a ribbon around the lid. These rainbows in a jar are a great craft that can add color to any room. They also make great gifts.

Lucky Me, I Have You! Sign MATERIALS • 2 pieces 3/4” wood (4” x 12”) • 3 wooden squares (2.5” x 2.5”) • 3 Small Hook Screws • 3 Mini Clothespins • Staple Gun • Natural Looking Rope

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Green and Natural Ribbon Primer, Green and Aqua Paint Sandpaper White Sticky Letters Pictures of your choice Hot glue gun

INSTRUCTIONS • Spray all wooden pieces with primer, aqua and green spray paint. Allow paint to dry sufficiently in between applications. • Rough up the pieces with sandpaper. Allow the aqua and white to show through for a rustic look. • Attach white sticky letters to the finished boards. We cut white card stock on a Cricut Machine and ran it through a Xyron to make them sticky, but you can also use vinyl. Sticky white letter stickers are also an option. • Cut a 12” piece of rope. Staple it to both pieces of wood in a big U shape, with the loop on top for hanging. • Attach hook screws to the lower board (1 for each photo). • Wrap natural ribbon around squares and attach with hot glue. • Attach green ribbon in a loop to the top of each square, adhering with hot glue on the back. • Hot glue a mini clothespin to the top of each square. • Clip on your chosen photos using clothespins (approx. 2” x 2”) • Hang squares on screws.

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Teach Your Kids Something New!

This Edition: For Parents with young children

SHARINGWITHOTHERS “Hey, that’s mine!” your child yells as they grab their toy away from their friend. By the time you resolve that conflict and leave them alone, another shriek echoes through the house, “Don’t touch that!” The constant drama causes you to ask yourself, “Does my child even know how to share?” Don’t worry, they know; but they are still self-focused . . . selfish. At the preschool age, your child loves to play for hours with other children—playing games, taking turns and sharing in small spurts. Each year, they become more socialized and less self-centered than they were before. However, they are still impulsive and impatient, so waiting for their turn is challenging for them. Children are just starting to recognize that it feels good to give and that it’s more fun to share with friends. This is an ideal time to instill the value of sharing by recognizing, encouraging and rewarding them when they display acts of kindness and generosity. It is also good to be firm and structured when discouraging their negative and selfish behaviors.

Sharing Can Be Fun Introduce games that require the children to play together, that require teamwork to win or finish. Doing things like arts & crafts, baking treats or building puzzles is ideal for demonstrating the value of taking turns, patience and working with others. Additional ways to reinforce this behavior can be everyday household activities like small chores, putting away the groceries and yard work. Another trick is to give your child some cookies or stickers to pass out during playtime; this fosters the joy and rewards of sharing.

Express Your Feelings with Words Not Actions Most of the time, your child screams, yells or, worse, gets physical, when they don’t know how to express their feelings. They are upset because they really wanted to play with their friend and there weren’t two of that particular toy, or the toy had sentimental value. Teach them that sharing these feelings through words is always better than through physical actions. Then remind them how they feel when somebody yells or screams at them; this gives parents the chance to teach not only the value of sharing but also communication and empathy towards others.

Sharing Will Bring You More When your child is refusing to share their things, usually it is because they are afraid that if they allow their friend to have the toy then they will never get it back. This is scary, as their toys are the first possessions, and children, just like adults, consider their possessions as part of their identity. It represents them and what they like and what they care about. This provides a great opportunity to explain to them that by sharing, they will actually receive. When they share, their friends will also share, which gives them a chance to play with a new toy, which is always fun. Then when done, they see their toy returned and a valuable lesson learned.

Establish Parameters When arranging a play date for your child, have a talk in advance with them to plan out the time. Discuss with them if there are any special toys they want to put aside before their friend comes over. Then inquire about toys they can pick that they think would be fun to share when their friend arrives and put those in a special place. Finally, have your child ask their friend to bring over some of their toys that they would like to share together as well. This premeditated action helps alleviate shock, surprise and fear, thus allowing for a smooth and entertaining day. v

Don’t Overreact with Discipline While punishment for selfish or disrespectful behavior is sometimes necessary to establish limits, it is critical to incorporate guidance and teaching so that the child can continue to learn rather than just feeling shame and frustration. Never forget, your child learns most from imitation, so model the behavior you want to see in your child! Demonstrate through your own interactions with others both at home and in public.

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Just for Fun!

April Fool’s Day Submitted By: Shailey, age 15

April Fool’s Day is a fun day that only happens once a year—full of jokes and pranks. The origins of this humorous day are uncertain. Historians have many different theories as to what it could be, but most of them clash with history or are outright unbelievable. Even so, you should strive to make every April Fool’s Day the best for you and your children. This holiday consists of people performing harmless—but humorous—jokes on one another to achieve a reaction that will make them and others laugh.

Here are some ideas for you to enjoy and try:

• Put a balloon on the tail pipe of a friend or family member’s car, when they start the engine it will sound like a tire has just been popped. (Be sure the tail pipe is not hot.) • Shake a can of soda then give it to a friend.

• Put food dye and sugar on dryer lint and say it is cotton candy. • Put some gummy worms in an apple and give it to a family member for a surprise. • Switch the salt with sugar. • Put Saran Wrap® between the bowl and the seat of the toilet.

This is the one day of the year you are able to pull pranks on your friends, family and have an excuse to tease and laugh. This is one of the funniest days of the year—so don’t be shy. Some people will go to great lengths to pull the ultimate prank, so watch your back and don’t forget it’s all for fun. v

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Continued from page 19

By hanging on too tightly, Rapini says, your child may begin to develop these negative behaviors:

1-Less confidence in their own ability to take care of themselves in situations at school or play; 2-More fearful and withdraws from novel activities; 3-More anxieties and school phobias; 4-Less interested in things, unless their parents take an interest.

Solutions to stop hovering If you’re a helicopter parent, don’t despair. There are ways to stop hovering and to replace over-protective behaviors with healthier ways to help your child now and in their future.

1-Rather than solve a problem for your child, guide him to think through his problem to find his own solution. Ask your child questions such as, “What do you think would improve this situation?” Help your child learn to problem solve, and to consider what he may be doing to contribute to a problem, Steinorth says. This teaches insight, accountability and responsibility.

2-Enjoy your life and other relationships. “It’s good for your child to see that you have your own life,” Steinorth says. “You’re role modeling independent living skills.”

“

Help your child learn to problem solve.

3-Make mistakes a good thing for your child to experience. “Kids who grow up anticipating mistakes take more risks, are less fearful and feel more confident about themselves,” Rapini says.

4-When your child is small, allow her freedom to explore, climb and be independent in a safe environment. Find parks and others places that provide security

”

from traffic and other dangers, while still offering a fun atmosphere. “When a child tries something new, it is clear that they look at the new adventure and look back at you,” Rapini says. “If they see a loving parent who embraces the new, while having confidence in them to master it, they will be empowered to soar.” v Kim Seidel is a writer and mother of two daughters, ages 15 and 11. She strives to not be a helicopter pilot. For more information, visit www.seidelink.com. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 35

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FAMILY

FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Welcome to a More Exciting Life! No matter how busy you find yourself these days, you might want to make your to-do lists in pencil rather than pen. With the Emerald Coast’s year-round sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, the stage has been set once again for an abundant year of festivals, concerts and special events. We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Don’t miss out on life just because you didn’t know what was happening. Enjoy!

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Horizons of Okaloosa County & Act4Murder present- Killer in the Kitchen Fri., March 7th, (6 p.m.) - The Wyndham, Okaloosa Island

Like a good mystery? Plan to attend our annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. Act 4 Murder will perform one of their fantastic interactive productions along with dinner, cash bar, and a silent auction. Tickets are $55 per person and all proceeds benefit Horizons! Bring your best detective skills and ready yourself for fun, food, and surprises. This year’s performance is titled ‘Killer in the Kitchen” (think reality cooking show) and just might have an appearance by a celebrity chef! For more information and up-to-date details, see our Facebook page.

Silver Sands School - Celebration of Art & Earth 2014

Thurs., March 13th, (6 p.m.) - Silver Sands School

6th Annual Irish Street Fest and Grogg March Sat., March 15th - HarborWalk Village

Wee ones can enjoy Irish music, dance, and games all day. After dark, “Sham-Rock” to each venue for live music and games. Get your Pub Passport stamped at all the participating venues throughout the Harbor and you’ll be entered for a Grande giveaway. For more information, visit www.harborwalkdestin.com or call 850-424-0600.

St. Patty’s Day Delight

Mon., March 17th - Baytowne Wharf

Easter Explosion

Sun., April 20th, (12 - 3 p.m.) - Baytowne Wharf Skip, hop or jump your way to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an explosion of fun and enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny • Kid’s Crafts • Inflatable Fun Zone • Stilt walker making Balloon Animals • Face painting. For more information, visit www.sandestin. com/events or call 850-267-4164.

Visit with the Easter Bunny

Sun., April 20th, (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) HarborWalk Village

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Henri’s Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the events plaza from 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy jubilant entertainment and celebrate St. Patty’s Day Village- style. For more information, visit www.sandestin. com/events or call 850-267-4164.

ARTwalk on the Harbor

Every 3rd Sun., March 16th & April 20th Along Destin Boardwalk Art event along the Destin Boardwalk from HarborWalk Village to AJ’s featuring local and regional artists and vendors. This event is free to the public and will take place on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 11am to 4pm. For more information, visit www. ArtWalkontheHarbor.com. You can also visit www. harborwalkdestin.com or call 850-424-0600.

Hop down to HarborWalk Village for a day of kids activities and family fun! Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! For more information, visit www.harborwalkdestin.com or call 850-424-0600.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at: info@itsyourmagazine.com

The Silver Sands School Parent Teacher Organization will host our 5th Annual Celebration of Art on March 13th. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. “Celebration of Art & Earth 2014” will be an exhibition of student artwork, all of which incorporate recycled materials. Many student-made items, including the popular mosaic stepping stones, artwork and other goods and services, will be available for sale or auction. Every dollar we raise that night will be spent to enrich the lives of all of our students! Celebration 2014 will fund field trips, and visiting science and arts programs. (Donations of auction items are currently being accepted. Your generous support is appreciated!)

“Showcase of Style” Choctaw High School’s 3rd Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show Sat., March 15th - Choctawhatchee High School

“Showcase of Style” Choctaw High School’s 3rd Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show will be Saturday, March 15th, 2014 at Choctawhatchee High School. Spectators FREE! Door prizes, vendor booths and food will be available. Vehicle Registration will be 7:30 am-10 am. Award voting ends at 12 noon. Winners Announced 1:00-1:30 pm. Show vehicle entry $20 w/preregistration online, $25 day-of registration. All proceeds benefit the CHS Style Marchers Band Program. For more information, visit www. stylemarchers.org/events/carshow/ or Email: David Mobley at stylemarcherscarshow@ gmail.com. Event will go on Rain or Shine.

2014 Okaloosa RevFest

Sat., March 15th - Sun, March 16th - KC’s Sandbar Okaloosa RevFest is the first music festival of its kind in Fort Walton Beach, FL! We bring

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SOUNDS FUN information contact Esther Hurwitz at the library 850-682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa. lib.fl.us or Rick Sanders 850-585-6399 or go to cvwlibrary.tumblr.com or www.facebook.com/ crestviewpubliclibraryfl or visit http://www. cityofcrestview.org.

28th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival a Revolution of Art and Music to Okaloosa County with 10+ original bands and several original artists from the region. The second annual Okaloosa RevFest will be held at KC’s Sandbar in the heart of downtown Fort Walton Beach, FL. Okaloosa RevFest is a full day of art and music with doors opening at 12p and music going until 2am or later! For more information, visit www.okaloosarevfest.com.

10th Annual Triple B BBQ Festival

Sat., March 29th, (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) - Crestview See highlighted area for details.

2nd Annual Poetry Slam @ the Library

Tues., April 8th, (6 - 8 p.m.) - Crestview Public Library To celebrate National Poetry Month, the Crestview Public Library is holding a Poetry Slam. Multiple prizes will be awarded in two categories (middle & high school students and college students & adults). Bring three original poems to perform. For more

Thurs., April 10th - Sun., April 13th Baytowne Wharf See highlighted area for details.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

Run, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and is followed by a day of historic celebration with re-enactments, craft demonstrations, live entertainment, a Kid Zone with bounce house, children’s crafts, and much more. If you are interested in signing up, please remember to review the RULES section of the application. Vendor space is limited. Registration forms are available at the Museum or you may print and mail your application or fax to 850-678-4547. For more information, call the Museum at 850-678-2615.

Thurs., April 24th - Sun., April 27th Grand Boulevard

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend of April. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines the world has to offer. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food seminars, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information, including a list of attending winemakers and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

6th Annual Spring Market

Sat., April 26 - Sun., April 27- Emerald Coast Convention Center This two-day shopping extravaganza will feature vendors from around the country selling unique gifts and quality merchandise. This event enables local residents and visitors to shop while supporting the various community projects of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Market hours will be Saturday from 8 am until 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am until 3 pm. If you are interested in being a sponsor of the event or would like a vendor application, please contact us at JLECMarket@ yahoo.com., visit www.jlec.org/?nd=spring_ marketcall or call 850-259-4956.

10th Annual Triple B BBQ Festival

Sat, March 29th, (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) - Crestview The Triple B is the area’s premier BBQ Festival & Cook-off. Thousands attend each year to enjoy mouth-watering BBQ, live music & shop with local vendors. The Triple B is held in Historic Downtown Crestview each Spring. Last year, an estimated 10,000 people attended. For more information, visit www. crestviewchamber.com/pages/TripleB.

38th Saturday in the Park

Sat., April 26th - (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) - Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is seeking Craft Vendors, Food Vendors, Re-enactors and traditional craft demonstrators for their 38th Annual Saturday in the Park on: April 26, 2014 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. This family-fun event has long supported the Museum’s efforts to promote the rich history of Northwest Florida. The festival begins with the Heritage 5K Run/Walk, and the Kids Fun

8th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival Thurs., April 10th - Sun, April 13th Baytowne Wharf

Don’t miss this very popular event in April 2014, featuring Celebrity guests! The Sandestin Wine Festival is a pictureperfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, food, ladies strolling in hats, and live music. The event is one of the best of the year and draws thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Affectionately called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” the 28th annual Sandestin event this year is scheduled for April 10-13, 2014. Discounts for advance tickets and accommodations are available. For more information, visit www.SandestinWineFestival.com or call 850-267-4164.

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2014 Emerald Coast Football Combine

Yoga for Arthritis

Sat., March 8th - Morgan Sports Complex in Destin Fri, March 14th - Destin Library The Friends of the Destin Library’s Friday, March 14th meeting (3:00 PM) will feature an informative presentation by Kim Mosby, owner of Sunshine Yoga in Destin, Florida, on yoga techniques that will help alleviate arthritis pain and bring back movement to the body. Mosby is a certified Ashtonga Yoga instructor, trained in India. This program is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Ms. Mosby will discuss the benefits and misconceptions of yoga as well as the many aspects of yoga for health. Those attending this presentation are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing so they may try out some moves and techniques presented and demonstrated during the program. The Sunshine Yoga studio is located at 211 Main Street in Destin, Florida. Contact information for the studio is: telephone: 850-687-8603; website: www.sunshineyogastudio.com; email: kim@sunshineyogastudio.com and on Facebook at: Facebook/SunshineYogaByKim. Kim Mosby was featured in the August 2013 issue of Destin Life magazine (Journey to India: Teacher Returns to Open Sunshine Yoga by Kim) that detailed her Ashtonga yoga training in India. For more information about this event contact the Destin Library at 850-837-8572. .

The 2014 Emerald Coast Football Combine is set for March 8 at the Morgan Sports Complex in Destin. Current and former college and high school coaches will be on hand to participate. Please pass this along to anyone you know who has a child playing football. Our goal is to get opportunities for as many kids as we possibly can. We have direct contacts with over 300+ college coaches and assistant coaches who will get direct info from the combine. For more information call 850-240-0693.

Run for the Health of It 5k/8k

Sat., March 8th, (8 a.m.) - Saint Mary Parish Life Center The second annual Run For the Health of It 5K & 8K run/walk will be hosted at the Saint Mary Parish Life Center on March 8, 2014. The race is scheduled to begin 8 a.m. Saturday morning at the Saint Mary Parish Life Center on 165 Coral Dr. in Fort Walton Beach. Participants of all ages and athletic abilities are welcome. This year the event will offer a 5K as well as a 8K route for runners and walkers. The 8K route is 5 miles, and offers something different for runners and walkers in the area! The run will help raise funds to provide healthcare services and education to our local community via the new White-Wilson Community Foundation.

8th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament

Fri, March 14th - Fort Walton Beach Golf Club’s Pine Course

City of Destin’s 14th Annual Run with the Dogs 5K Sat, March 15th - Destin City Hall Annex

See highlighted area for details.

The City of Destin Parks & Recreation Department will host the 14th Annual Run with the Dogs 5K Run/Walk on Sat. March 15,

8th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament Fri, March 14th - Fort Walton Beach Golf Club’s Pine Course

Come enjoy a wonderful day of golf for a great cause. The 8th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament will be held on March 14th, 2014 at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club’s Pine Course. Lunch will be provided at 11am, followed by skill games, and a shotgun start for this four-man, best ball scramble at 12pm. Golfers are invited to then bid on silent auction items while enjoying hors d’oeuvre at the awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin. One lucky golfer will have the chance to shoot for $1Million! This will be a truly great event all benefiting Children in Crisis. For more information call 850-864-4242.or call 850-267-4164.

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2014, at 9 a.m. This run is open to individual runners/walkers. A “stroller division” has been added this year. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their dog, big or small, to run or walk the race. Preregistration costs $20 and must be completed by March 1. Preregistration costs increase to $25 if registered between March 2 and March 14. Day-of registration costs $30 and will be from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. next to the Destin City Hall Annex (4100 Indian Bayou Trail). Participants can also register online at www. runsignup.com until March 14. The race begins at 9 a.m. Early packet pick up will be Thursday and Friday at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. from 5 - 8 p.m. T-shirts and prizes for winners of each category will be awarded. Bubba Gump

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RUNS, WALKS & MORE Shrimp Co. is sponsoring the award ceremony and celebration following the race. Dogs are required to wear their current rabies tag and must be on a short leash. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs (bring your baggies!). Registration forms can be picked up at the Destin Community Center, City Hall, and down loaded online at www.cityofdestin.com. For more information, call 850-650-1241 or email Nick Coleman at ncoleman@cityofdestin.com.

EOD Memorial Challenge

Sat, April 26th - EOD Memorial on Range Road EOD Memorial Challenge - 5K Ruck (30 lbs. back pack) trek through the woods, 1/2 mile swim, 10K run; Starting at the EOD Memorial on Range Road. Looking for volunteers and sponsors. A great way to participate is by having your organization sponsor a water stop (decorate, play music, cheer and bond with the community). For more information contact Melissa Tackitt, melissa@ eodwarriofoundation.org.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at: info@itsyourmagazine.com

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SOUND OF MUSIC

Fri., March 14th - Sat., March 23rd, (7:30 p.m.) Ft. Walton Beach Civic Auditorium Stage Crafters Community Theatre Presents “The Sound of Music” March 14, 15, 16 • 21, 22, & 23, 2014 Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse Words and Music by Richard Rodger & Oscar Hammerstein II Directed by Nancy Kruzek & Pamela J. Strecker Vocally Directed by Shalyce Klimetz The world’s most beloved musical is the story of Maria, who is dispatched as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her love for the children and generous spirit win the heart of the stern Captain. Then on the eve of WWII the family is forced to flee the Nazis and escape from Austria over the mountains to Switzerland. The most popular musical of all time, and family entertainment at its very best. Show performances at Ft. Walton Beach Civic Auditorium 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549 Tickets are $20.00 available online at www.stagecrafters.com, In person at PS Gifts in Fort Walton Beach or Bayou Books in Niceville or at the door one hour prior to show time. Student tickets $10.00 at the door only. Stage Crafters is a completely volunteer not-for-profit organization.

THE RAT PACK IS BACK - Special NFSO Fundraiser Event Sat., March 8th, (7:30 p.m.) - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage

Direct from Las Vegas – “The Rat Pack is Back!” presents a special performance Match 8 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO). This smash hit show, in its 14th successful year in Las Vegas, has criss-crossed the country recreating the music that shaped an era. Relive the great songs and terrific voices of the original Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop – as this tribute show is performed by some of the world’s most talented impressionist entertainers joined by the NFSO in “big band” mode! Tickets are on sale now for $35 each by phone or in-person from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office. No group or package discounts For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter. org, or call 850-729-6000.

PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE – NWF State College Series Spring Theatrical Production

Madrigals and Belle Voci Spring Recital Sun., March 16th, (2 p.m.) - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Tyler Recital Hall

A free Spring Concert to immerse yourself in the refreshing sounds of classic vocals in a concert that features a repertoire ranging from the Renaissance madrigal to the contemporary gospel spiritual and vocal jazz. The members of both vocal ensembles are all scholarship students of the college’s Fine and Performing Arts Division. The Madrigals perform under the direction of Allison Everitt and the Belle Voci performs under the direction of Lois Van Dam, both of whom are NWFSC voice professors. For more information, visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org, or call 850-729-6000.

Wed., March 12th - Sat., March 15th, (7:30 p.m.) Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Sprint Theater Northwest Florida State College brings one of Neil Simon’s best comedies to the Sprint Theater stage at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” will be presented March 12 to 15 at 7:30 p.m. by the college’s Fine & Performing Arts Division. In the play, main character Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm, which has suddenly hit the skids, and he gets the ax. His wife Edna takes a job to tide them over, and then she too is sacked. Compounded by the airpollution killing his plants, and with the walls of the apartment being paper-thin, allowing him a constant earful of his neighbors private lives, things can’t seem to get any worse... Then he’s robbed, and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money. Mel does the only thing left for him to do-he has a nervous breakdown and it’s the best thing that ever happened to him. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 for youth age 18 or younger. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, or call 850-7296000.

place where good and evil struggle to be a dominant force. It’s a place where birds grow 16 feet tall, aliens exist, and cats fight with light sabers. The show follows the story of an outcast young bird as he tries to come to terms with the strange power he has been given, which has resulted in banishment from his tribe. Will he ever be reunited with his family? Can he and his new warrior cat ally and his other new friends use their unique skills together to overcome impending doom? A must-see theatrical experience for the whole family! Advance tickets will be available for purchase starting February 24, 2014 through the NWF Ballet. Prices are; $28 for adults, $14 for children (12 and younger). For more information call 850-664-7787 or visit at www.nfballet.org.

Northwest Florida Ballet presents LIGHTWIRE

Sat., April 5th, (7:30 p.m.) - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage From the creators of the international sensations Corbian the Dinosaur and The Ugly Duckling comes Lightwire: The Show! This electroluminescent extravaganza will be performed for one night only at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Young and old alike will marvel at the magic of Lightwire Theater’s newest stage show! LIGHTWIRE: THE SHOW will take you to a fascinating

NORTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat., April 12th - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will close the 2013-2014 season on April 12, 2014 with a “German Spring Celebration”, beginning with a performance of Robert Schumann’s “Spring” symphony, as well as Overture to the Beautiful Melusine, Mendelssohn’s musical depiction of the story of the Little Mermaid. The stage will be filled to capacity as the NFSO concludes the evening with Beethoven’s majestic Choral Fantasy, featuring virtuoso German pianist Alexander Krichel, the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale and six guest vocal soloists. Tickets to NFSO concerts are $22.50 each for adults, and $16 each for Active Duty Military and youth age 18 and younger. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, or call 850-729-6000.

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Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra

Sat., April 12th - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage See highlighted area for details.

Soundstations Showchoir & Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert - NWF State College Series Thurs., April 17th, (7:30 p.m.) - Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage

The Soundsations Showchoir and the Jazz Ensemble of Northwest Florida State College join together to present a spectacular endof-year concert on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the main stage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. The lively variety show will include song, dance, and a great line-up of jazz favorites. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 youth 18 and younger. NWFSC students may obtain one free admission per ID, in person from the Box Office. For more information, visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org, or call 850-729-6000.

Dance Facets 2014

Fri., April 25th - Sat., April 26th, (7:30 p.m.) Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Main Stage Northwest Florida State College present their annual dance concert, Dance Facets 2014 featuring original works and choreography, stunning talent and more. Dancers will perform original dance presentations featuring: classical ballet, contemporary, and modern. Dance Facets will be enhanced by special lighting effects designed by NWFSC students and staff. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth, age 18 and younger. NWF State College students may obtain one free admission per ID, in person from the Box Office. For information, visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org, or call 850-729-6000.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at: info@itsyourmagazine.com

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RECURRING LOCAL

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For more information visit www.nwfastro.org. The library also has a telescope available for one-week checkout thanks to an NFAA donation. For library information call 850-682-4432 or go to www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php

Home School Fridays and Hands-On History Saturdays

1st Fri. & Sat. of each month, (10a.m. - 2 p.m.) Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida Make history part of your future in 2014 for Home School Fridays and Hands-On History Saturdays, once a month for ages 5-12, at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Each month, from January through June, a different program will be presented related to Northwest Florida history for children and families. Friday March 7th - Can You “Dig It”? - What is an archeologist? What is the process for unearthing and recording historical objects? We will discover important vocabulary terms related to archeology. After which we will work together to dig, investigate, observe, collect and record data. Come with us and explore through hands-on learning! Friday April 4th & Saturday April 5th - Be a Curator - How does an artifact get from the ground to an exhibit in a museum? This important job involving research, observation, accessing, recording, organizing, and finally displaying is essential to preserving history. Together we will investigate actual artifacts and learn about this fascinating process as we become curators! Cost: $7 per child or $5 for Museum Family Members. SPACE IS LIMITED! For more information or to pre-register, call 850-678-2615.

Pre-School Story Time

Every 1st & 3rd Tues. of each month, (1:30 p.m.) Fort Walton Beach Library Let your child explore the magic of books: 3-5year-olds (includes 6-year-olds in the summer).

Twin Hills Drum Circle

1st & 3rd Sun. of each month, (4 - 6 p.m.) Twin Hills Park on Hwy 90, Crestview This is a fun music-filled group for the community out at the park every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. It is a great chance to break out the drums and feel the beat or sit and relax and take a load off your feet! We play all types of percussion from hand drums, to djembes, to wooden sticks to buckets. All our welcome, including the kids. For more information call Tiffany at 772-323-6029.

Poetry & Music Jam

Every 2nd Tues. of each month, (6 - 7:45 p.m.) Crestview Public Library Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form openmic poetry reading and jam session. For more information call Esther at 850-682-4432 or Rick at 850-585-6399.

ARTwalk on the Harbor

Every 3rd Sun. of each month, (11a.m. - 4 p.m.) Destin Boardwalk

Stargazing Basics

Every 3rd Tues. of each month, (6:30-8 p.m.) Crestview Public Library Tom Haugh with the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association will be at the Crestview Public Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every third Tuesday to answer astronomy questions and help beginners get started stargazing.

Art event along the Destin Boardwalk from HarborWalk Village to AJ’s featuring local and regional artists and vendors. This event is free to the public and will take place on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 11am to 4pm. For more information, visit www. ArtWalkontheHarbor.com. You can also visit www. harborwalkdestin.com or call 850-424-0600.

Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

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RESOURCE

DIRECTORY Planes, trains & automobiles . . . and everything else in between! The Emerald Coast has a wealth of attractions for all those who visit or call the coast home. It's amazing just how much there is to do if you embrace your adventurous spirit and simply explore your own backyard. Whether you're looking to plan a field trip or just a fun family outing, there's always something to look forward to on the Emerald Coast. Here are just a few ideas for places to visit. And don’t forget to send us your favorites! info@itsyourmagazine.com

Wesley Mansion Welcome to Eden Gardens State Park The focal point of this 161-acre park is the beautifully renovated, two-story Wesley house with its elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens inspire visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. Named after a wealthy Florida timber family, the park is part of the family's estate. The house holds the second largest known collection of Louis XVI furniture in the United States. Visitors can also take a stroll along the grounds and enjoy the picnic area. 181 Eden Gardens Road Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 850-267-8320 www.floridastateparks.org/ EdenGardens/

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS Sheriff & Police Okaloosa County Sheriff �� 850-651-7400

Libraries Destin ��850-837-8572 www.readokaloosa.org/details_destin.html

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-833-9590 www.readokaloosa.org/details_destin.html

www.sheriff-okaloosa.org

Walton County Sheriff �� 850-892-8186

Walton ��850-267-2809 www.focbl.com or www1.youseemore.com/ walton/about.asp?p=22

www.waltonso.org

Bay County Sheriff ��850-747-4700 www.bayso.org

Escambia County Sheriff �� 850-436-9580 www.escambiaso.com

Santa Rosa County Sheriff �� 850-983-1100 www.santarosasheriff.org

Navarre �� 850-981-7323 www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries

Crestview �� 850-682-4432 www.cityofcrestview.org/library.htm

Niceville �� 850-279-4863 www.cityofniceville.org/library.html

Ft. Walton Beach Police �� 850-833-9546 www.fwb.org

Panama City Beach Police �� 850-233-5000 www.beachpolice.org

Florida HWY Patrol �� 800-665-2794 www.flhsmv.gov/fhp

Florida Poison Control �� 800-222-1222 www.fpicn.org

US Coast Guard ��850-244-7147 www.uscg.mil/d8/stadestin

Fire Department Destin ��850-837-8413 www.destinfire.com

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-833-9565 www.fwb.org/fire

South Walton ��850-267-1298 www.swfd.org

Navarre �� 850-939-5236 www.hnfd.org

Niceville ��850-897-3689 www.northbayfd.org

Chambers of Commerce Destin ��850-837-6241 www.destinchamber.com

Navarre ��850-939-3267 www.navarrechamber.com

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-244-8191 www.fwbchamber.org

Walton County ��850-267-0683 www.waltonareachamber.com

Niceville �� 850-678-2323 www.nicevillechamber.com

Crestview �� 850-682-3212 www.crestviewchamber.com

Pensacola �� 850-438-4081 www.pensacolachamber.com

Panama City Beach �� 850-235-1159 www.pcbeach.org

Museums Air Force Armament �� 850-651-1808

Crestview �� 850-682-6121 www.crestviewfl.org

www.afarmamentmuseum.com

Destin History & Fishing ��850-837-6611

Panama City Beach �� 850-872-3053 www.pcbfire.com

Medical Centers & Hospitals Destin Emergency Care ��850-837-9194 www.fwbmc.com/our-services/destinemergency-care-center.dot

www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

Indian Temple Mound Museum �� 850-833-9595 www.trailoffloridasindianheritage.org

Heritage Museum of NW FL �� 850-678-2615 www.heritage-museum.org

Walton County Heritage ��850-951-2127

Ft. Walton Beach Medical �� 850-863-7610 www.fwbmc.com

N. Okaloosa Medical Center �� 850-689-8100 www.northokaloosa.com

www.waltoncountyheritage.org

Wesley Mansion �� 850-231-4214

White Wilson Medical-Destin ��850-837-3848 White Wilson Medical-Ft. Walton �� 850-863-8100

Post Offices

www.sacredheartemerald.org

Emerald Coast Urgent Care �� 850-654-8878 www.emeraldcoasturgentcare.com

Niceville Twin Cities �� 850-678-4131 tchospital.com

Navarre Baptist �� 850-939-4888 www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/BMPNavarre

View a large collection of antique fishing rods and reels. The most unique is constructed of split bamboo with an original Penn Reel that belonged to Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy vintage photographs of early Destin settlers, boat captains and much more. Tues. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Fri. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Admission Fees: Adults $5 Seniors & Military $4 Children $3; Children under 6 are Free Destin History & Fishing Museum 108 Stahlman Ave. Destin, FL 32541 850-837-6611 www.destinhistoryand fishingmuseum.org

www.ecscience.org

white-wilson.com white-wilson.com

Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with an awardwinning exhibit of fish caught in Destin.

www.floridastateparks.org/EdenGardens

Emerald Coast Science Center �� 850-644-1261

Sacred Heart �� 850-278-3000

Destin History & Fishing

www.usps.com

Destin ��850-837-6312 Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-244-2625 South Walton �� 850-269-1186 Navarre �� 850-939-0381 Niceville �� 850-678-2021 Crestview �� 850-682-2634

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Public Transportation

Delta �� 800-221-1212

Okaloosa County Transit ��850-833-9168 www.rideoct.org

Mid Bay Bridge ��850-833-7562 www.mid-bay.com

United Airlines �� 800-864-8331

Movie Theaters

AMC Destin Commons 14 ��850-650-4579 At the Destin Commons Mall

Cinema Plus ��850-302-0129 Downtown FWB

Lively 10 ��850-654-2992 Off of Hwy 98 in Destin

Regal Sun Plaza ��850-244-4252

Air Force Armament Experience the aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I right through to today's high tech planes and bombs. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue. Outside displays include vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built - the SR-71 Blackbird! Admission is FREE and all are welcome! Mon. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Tues. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Wed. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Thurs. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Fri. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Sat. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Sun. Closed Air Force Armament Museum 100 Museum Dr. Eglin AFB, FL 32542 850-651-1808 www.afarmamentmuseum.com

www.delta.com Service may be provided by Delta or a Delta Connection carrier. Provides nonstop service daily to Atlanta, GA (ATL).

Mary Esther Cutoff

UA Santa Rosa 10 ��850-243-5260 At the Santa Rosa Mall in FWB

Radio Stations

www.united.com Express Jet provides nonstop service to Houston, TX (IAH).

US Airways �� 800-428-4322 www.usairways.com Provides non-stop daily service to Charlotte, NC (CLT) and Washington, DC (DCA).

Southwest �� 1-800-I-FLY-SWA / 800-435-9792 www.southwest.com Provides non-stop flights daily to and from Baltimore, MD (BWI), Houston, TX (HOU), Nashville, TN (BNA), and Orlando, FL (MCO) with connecting service to international destinations.

AirTran ��800-Air-Tran / 800-247-8726

1120 AM – Progressive Talk 1260 AM – Fox News Talk 1340 AM – ESPN Sports 91.1 FM – Contemporary Christian 92.1 FM – Oldies 93.3 FM – Adult Contemporary 95.3 FM – Talk Radio – Local Crestview 98.1 FM – Country 99.5 FM – Rock 102.1 FM – Classic Rock 103.1 FM – Adult Contemporary 105.5 FM – Country 106.3 FM – Smooth Jazz 107.3 FM – Classic Rock

www.airtran.com 3 Daily Flights to Atlanta with 351 seats.

Rental Cars

Avis ��800-331-1212 Enterprise ��800-261-7331 National �� 877-222-9058 Budget �� 800-527-0700 Hertz ��800-654-3131

Airports NW Florida Regional Airport – VPS ��850-651-7160 www.flyvps.com

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport–Panama City Beach ��850-763-6751 www.iflybeaches.com

Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional ��850-436-5000 www.flypensacola.com

Destin Airport ��850-651-7160 www.flydts.com

Crestview Airport – Bob Sikes ��850-651-7160 www.flycew.com

Airlines American Eagle ��800-433-7300 www.aa.com Provides non-stop service to Dallas, TX (DFW).

It’s our goal to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. If we have omitted any resource you feel could be useful to our community of readers, please feel free to send us your recommendations at: info@itsyourmagazine.com

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 47

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