Member News: Sandestin Wine Festival, Discover Roads Less Traveled, and Seafood Festival Issues Call to Artists

Shannyn Stevenson joins Newman-Dailey Shannyn Stevenson joined Newman-Dailey Resort Properties’ team of real estate sales agents. Stevenson moved to the area in 1980 and became an accredited buyer’s agent in 1999. She added listing agent to her portfolio four years later. She specializes in selling and buying rental investments, second homes, and all beachside communities along the Gulf Coast. Visitwww.KnowTheGulfCoast.com for more information.

ResortQuest Real Estate® Congratulates Top Producers of 2013
Congratulations to ResortQuest Real Estate’s 2013 top producers:
- Top Closed Sales: Nathan Abbott Team at $31.7M
- Top Closed Listings: Janette Klein at $25.4M
- Top Closed Sales: Eddie Krasauskas at $17.7M
- Production Honors: Mary Stephens Team at $15.6M, Mary Fletcher at $11.7M, Lauren Cottrell at $11.1M, Chip and Caroline Wasson at $10.8M, Rick and Dale Martinez at $10.2M, and Linda McKnight and Pat Dehlinger at $9.2M

Visit ResortQuestGulfCoast.com to search current real estate listings, or followFacebook.com/ResortQuestGulfCoast. 

28th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival Don't miss the 28th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival on April 10-13, named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine. It is a picture perfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, food, ladies strolling in hats, and live music. It draws thousands of people to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort every year. Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners, participating in preview events throughout the year, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase an unprecedented hundreds of international and domestic wines. Discount for advance tickets and accommodations are available (Code: WINE14). Visit www.SandestinWineFestival.com or call 866.91.BEACH for more information.

Hilton Sandestin Completes Major Transformation
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa completed a four-month, $12.5 million renovation of its lobby and public space, Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge, Hadashi Sushi Bar, Spa Tower guest rooms, and award-winning Serenity by the sea Spa. The renovation is part of a comprehensive, multi-year transformation project totaling more than $30 million, which has enhanced every aspect of the resort experience. For more information on Destin’s premier beachfront resort and the transformation project, visit HiltonSandestinBeach.com or call (850) 267-9500.

Snowbirds Visit Children in Crisis – Help Kids The Walton County Snowbirds, Inc., visited Children in Crisis (CIC) and the kids living at the CIC Neighborhood for a final goodbye of the season. Seen in this photo, CIC President and CEO Ken Hair (center) welcomes Snowbirds President Dom Trolian, Dee Trolian, and other members of the Walton County Snowbirds. The Snowbirds adopted CIC as one of its “Home Town” charities to support and presented a $1,000 check to help feed, clothe and care for the at-risk foster children. The group also supported CIC with numerous volunteer projects, the David Seering Concert, the CIC Charity Golf Tournament, work projects, and more. To learn more about Children in Crisis call (850) 864-4242 or visitwww.childrenincrisisfl.org.

Discover Roads Less Traveled
The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), in partnership with Visit South Walton and Northwest Florida State College, presents a series of Spring eco-adventures in South Walton County. Discover Roads Less Traveled offers visitors and residents varied opportunities to explore and discover the natural resources that make South Walton unique. Descriptions are available online at www.basinalliance.org by clicking the EcoTours information box at the lower-left. Prices vary, starting at $15. Registration is by phone at (850) 200-4160. 

Covenant Hospice to celebrate National Social Worker Month
Covenant Hospice proudly celebrates National Social Work Month throughout the month of March. The 2014 theme “All People Matter” was selected to help raise awareness about the American social work profession’s 116-year commitment to improving social conditions and quality of life opportunities for everyone. Throughout its 34-county service area, Covenant Hospice social workers help patients and families live with dignity and the highest degree of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual comfort. For more information about Covenant Hospice or to make a hospice inquiry, contact the local branch offices at (850) 729-1800 (Fort Walton Beach) and (850) 682-3628 (Crestview) or visit www.covenanthospice.org.

6th Annual Ling-A Palooza
Destin Charter Service presents the 6th Annual Ling-a Palooza! Registration takes place now through April 10, at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. The tournament is April 11 – 13, from 4 – 8 p.m. Cobia entries will be weighed at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. The event is hosted by Destin Charter Service. Call (850) 837-1995 for details.

Call to Artists: Heritage on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Destin Seafood Festival Announces 2014 Poster Contest The theme of the 36th Annual Destin Seafood Festival – ‘Heritage on the Harbor' – celebrates the festival’s location, right on the Destin harbor, among its docks, charter boats, and fishermen. Artists are invited to submit their handcrafted work showcasing this theme by Monday, June 2, at 11 a.m. NO COMPUTER-GENERATED OR ENHANCED ARTWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. The winner will be announced on June 15. For an artist’s application or to find out how you or your business can be a part of the festival, contact the Festival Event Coordinator at (850) 428-7783 orinfo@destinseafoodfestival.org or visit www.DestinSeafoodFestival.org. 2014 festival dates are Oct. 3 – 5.

Destin Water Users’ General Manager, Richard Griswold, Retires Destin Water Users announces General Manager Richard Griswold has retired. Griswold’s decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of nearly 15 years serving as the general manager with the company. Griswold assumed the leadership role at Destin Water Users in August 1999. During his employment, Destin Water Users has won well over 20 State and National awards, including being named Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Plant of the Year, Wastewater Plant of the Year and EPA Reclaimed Water System of the Year. Destin Water Users is currently reviewing potential candidates to assume the position of general manager.

Emerald Coast Magazine Presents Top Salon Makeover Charity Competition
The 3rd Annual Emerald Coast Top Salon will be held on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the newly remodeled Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. EC Top Salon 2014 will completely challenge the expertise and creativity of the top nominated 10 area salons as they embark on a 24-hour head-to-toe makeover transformation of a local resident (model) of their choosing. The event culminates with all 10 newly made over models enjoying their moment in the spotlight as they reveal their new look during a dazzling runway showcase. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $57 per person. To purchase tickets or for more event information, visitEmeraldCoastMagazine.com. 

Sunset Camp is Back
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is pleased to announce the return of its popular Sunset Camp, an evening program for children ages 6-14. This fun and educational experience is available select evenings from 4 – 9 p.m., in spring and summer. Activities include a dockside dolphin interaction, with the opportunity to feed and give behavior signals to an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, an ocean-themed scavenger hunt throughout the park, and an exploratory trek along the beach. Program participants will receive a t-shirt and enjoy dinner next to the seals. Spring dates are March 18 and 25, and Florida residents receive a 10% discount (call to get discount). Visit www.gulfarium.com or call (850) 243-9046 to register.

38th Saturday in the Park Heritage Festival and Heritage 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will host the 38th Saturday in the Park Heritage Festival on April 26, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This free family oriented event offers activities for everyone. The festival begins with the Heritage 5K Run/Walk & Kids 1 Mile Fun Run at 8 a.m., and then continues through the day with live entertainment, historic craft demonstrations, re-enactors, folk artists, food vendors, and a Kid Zone with old-fashioned toys, contests, and more! Register for the race on Active.com or call (850) 678-2615. For event details, visitwww.heritage-museum.org. 

Gimme Abbey Concert Celebrates The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals and Realty are delighted to present Gimme Abbey, a tribute to the two greatest bands in rock and roll history, on April 24 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. The Return and Satisfaction, two nationally acclaimed tribute bands, have joined forces for this special tribute that takes audiences back to the 60’s. Admission is $18/adult and $15/adult for members. Children under 12 are free. Picnic Supper Club tables are available for $125 for a table for six and $150 for a table for eigh. For more information, visit www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call (850) 650-2226. 

Identity Theft and Financial Scam Prevention Complimentary Seminar
Don David, financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, is presenting a complimentary seminar “Identity Theft and Financial Scam Prevention.” The featured speaker is Jonathan Woolcock, a special agent with the United States Secret Service. The event takes place Wednesday, April 9, at Regatta Bay Golf and County Club. Enjoy refreshments from 5 – 5:30 p.m., and the presentation from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. RSVP is required. Please call Don David at (850) 269-7007. The event is sponsored by Legg Mason Global Asset Management.

Okaloosa Arts Alliance School Poster Contest
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) invites all Okaloosa County School students to participate in the 6th Annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. The OAA wants to know what you consider “Summer Fun. ” It can be anything you can create on paper with markers, pencils, paint, pastels, charcoal, or crayons. There will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for three elementary school students (K-4), for three middle school students (5-7), and for three high school students (8-12) in Okaloosa County. The poster contest deadline is April 15, 2014. For details, please contact Amy Baty at (850) 499-8335 or amybaty1@gmail.com.

Master Naturalist Special Topics: Wildlife Monitoring Course
The UF/IFAS Okaloosa/Walton County Extension, Florida Sea Grant, and participating organizations throughout the state are offering Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) Special Topics modules on April 7 – 9. The FMNP Special Topics classes are designed to provide detailed information and/or hands-on skills in specific subject areas. As such, the objectives of these courses are to provide participants with additional knowledge and skills to make them more effective educators, citizen scientists, and informed participants when engaging in conservation issues. Registration is open at http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/wildlife.html. For more information, contact Brooke Saari, UF/IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant, at bsaari@ufl.edu or (850) 685-7359.

Publix Presents Check to United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Pubix managers presented a check for $363,041 to United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties for the 2013 Campaign, making Publix this local United Way’s largest campaign donor. PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS CHARITIES, INC, supports the generosity of their Publix associates in Okaloosa & Walton Counties by giving a matching dollar gift to the United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties. Publix’s commitment to the local United Way and our community is strong in their dedication to improving the quality of life for many of our residents. The United Way joins many in our community to say “thank you” Publix for making a difference! 2nd Cajun Crawfish Bash The Rotary Club of Destin presents a “Cajun Crawfish Bash” on Friday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m., at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Proceeds will benefit Food For Thought, Harvest House, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. The public is invited to join in the Cajun festivities with all the classic crawfish cuisine and fixings. Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbeque chicken will also be served. The Season Ammons Band will perform. Enter an exciting charity raffle to win fabulous prizes. Tickets are $25 per person and $10 for children under 12. Day of event, tickets are $30 per person. Call (850) 837-1071 or ask any Destin Rotarian.

Sacred Heart to Host Blood Drive March 19 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host the Oneblood mobile unit on Wednesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the main entrance of the hospital. All donors will receive a free t-shirt and a meal ticket to the hospital’s café. Whole blood expires after only 42 days, which increases the importance of ongoing blood drives. You must be 17 years old or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a picture identification card, be in good health, and not have donated within the last 55 days. Donating one unit of blood can help save three lives! For more information about Oneblood, please visit www.oneblood.org. For more information about Sacred Heart, please visit www.sacredheartemerald.org. 

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Creates Youth Orchestra
Sinfonia Gulf Coast is broadening and strengthening its music education initiative on the Emerald Coast by creating the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra. The program will launch immediately by incorporating the talents of a longstanding local youth orchestra into the area's only fully professional symphony, following a unanimous vote by Sinfonia's board of directors. More than fifty Okaloosa and Walton county students who previously performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, which is under the umbrella of Northwest Florida State College, will transition into Sinfonia's new program. For details, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Taylor Haugen Foundation Receives Dugas Grant
The Taylor Haugen Foundation Youth Equipment For Sports Safety (YESS) Program recently received a very generous $140,000 grant from the Northwest Florida-based Dugas Family Foundation. The goal of the YESS Program is to educate and equip middle school and high school student athletes with modern sports equipment available to protect our most valuable resource...our children. In partnership with safety equipment vendors, such as EvoShield, the Foundation provides grants and matching contributions to organizations to access high-quality, new aged sports safety equipment. Visit www.taylorhaugen.org for details.

Request for Information for the “2014 Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook”
The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is gathering information on children’s summer programs for the “2014 Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook,” designed to help parents find safe, fun and educational daytime summer activities for children. The criteria for the guidebook includes programs offered to youth ages 4–18 and during the months of June, July, and August. If your agency/business offers such summer programs, please send us a general description of the programs you wish to have listed including dates, times, cost, and any items the children may need to bring. Visit www.United-Way.org for details. Deadline to submit your event is April 4, and books will be available May 1.

Tracy Steely – Realizing Opportunities Tracy Steely joined World Impact Real Estate as a full time agent. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and has a great deal of knowledge about the real estate industry. While living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, she sold real estate and worked closely with building contractors and land developers. Today, she lives and works in the Santa Rosa Beach area. She is a certified Military Relocation Professional, and 10 percent of all of her proceeds are donated to the United Service Organizations (USO). For details, visit www.worldimpactrealestate.com.

WSRE Celebrates 18 Years of “Shining Stars”
The Escambia County School District’s Elementary Principals Association, in partnership with WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, hosted the 18th annual Shining Star Awards on March 6, honoring 33 elementary school students in Escambia County for their leadership and service to the community. In an awards ceremony at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, each winner was presented with a certificate of achievement along with a new bicycle and helmet. Area principals and teachers selected the Shining Stars based on good citizenship, leadership and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honor and patriotism. For more information, visit wsre.org. 

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