November 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2

Volunteer Call for Flutterby Children’s Arts Festival
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is calling on our community to come have fun and help children participate in this memorable weekend of arts, crafts, music, dance, and much much more! The Flutterby Children’s Arts Festival will be Nov. 14-15, in Rosemary Beach. Individuals, families, groups, and student organizations - get involved NOW by volunteering. Volunteers are needed for every aspect of the festival, from workshop assistance and merchandise sales to set up and tear down. Help is also needed before the festival to assemble the wings. Click here to volunteer. 

Sacred Heart to Host Community Education Classes in November
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is offering community education/support group opportunities throughout November, including stroke and breast-cancer support groups, classes in diabetes management and tobacco cessation, and seminars on financial matters and healthy living to senior adults. The hospital also hosts a monthly blood drive by OneBlood, including wellness checks for participants.

Nov. 11 – Blood Drive

Nov. 16 – “Maintaining Financial Health & Balance in Retirement” 
(850) 416-1620 / (877) 416-1620

Nov. 17 – Breast-Cancer Support Group
(850) 278-3980

Nov. 18 – “Healthy Holiday Eating” 
(850) 416-1620 / (877) 416-1620

Nov. 24 – Alzheimer’s Support Group 
(850) 499-3390

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Covenant Hospice is joining hospices across the country to raise awareness about the highest quality care for all people coping with life-limiting illness. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, every year nearly 1.6 million people receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country. Covenant Care serves more than 850 patients daily throughout Northwest Florida and South Alabama. In addition to the traditional medical and palliative care delivered to patients, special programs, such as spiritual care, children’s support, volunteer services, and bereavement care, extend to the entire family and community at large. 

Blue Jean Ball Raises More than $44,500 for Hospice Patients
Covenant Hospice thanks the community for its tremendous support of the 9th Annual Blue Jean Ball, which raised more than $44,500 to support patients and families in Okaloosa and Walton counties. More than 200 attendees enjoyed a Gatsby-themed night of dinner, libations, swanky entertainment, and casino games combined with an amazing silent auction, diamond jewelry drawing, and local celebrity dance competition. Funds raised from Blue Jean Ball help to fund programs, including bereavement services, children’s support programs, spiritual support services, and charity care. Covenant Hospice accepts patients regardless of ability to pay. In 2014, the organization provided more than $1.7 million in care for uninsured or under-insured patients facing a terminal illness.

Realtor Diane Cheng Joins World Impact Real Estate
Diane Cheng is a seasoned professional in real estate services, business development, program management, and business strategy. She is currently licensed in both Georgia and Florida. She works with buyers, sellers, and investors. As an honors graduate of Duke University in the fields of mathematics and computer science, Cheng’s 30+ year career has included real estate since 1983, and she has held many executive positions in Fortune 500 companies in the fields of healthcare, telecommunications, retail, sales, and marketing. Now with World Impact Real Estate, you may reach Cheng at (404) 713-0071.


Air Force Enlisted Village Celebrates 10 Years of Assisted Living at Hawthorn House
In 2005, the missing link in the continuum of care at the Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) was completed. Hawthorn House, AFEV’s 64-apartment assisted living facility, provides a home for residents who need a bit of extra help with day-to-day tasks, but who still wish to live independently. In 2011, the memory care wing at Hawthorn House was opened, featuring 16 apartments and a specialized program for residents coping with memory-related health issues. The late Chief James C. Binnicker often referred to Hawthorn House as the “missing piece in the continuum of care” at Bob Hope Village. On Nov. 10, 2015, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hawthorn House with a reception for residents, their families, staff, and special guests. Assisted living gives older adults the freedom to continue to live independently without the worries of housekeeping, cooking, or managing medication. Thanks to the support of generous donors and volunteers, we plan to continue our current programs and look forward to the future progression of Hawthorn House and the Air Force Enlisted Village community. Thank you for 10 great years and counting!

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Receives $6000 Grant 
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) received a $6,000 grant from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) is the officially designated non-profit arts agency for Okaloosa County with the mission of supporting and promoting art and culture in Okaloosa County.  The Okaloosa Arts Alliance enhances the cultural environment of its community, and promotes, coordinates, and nurtures high quality arts and cultural resources that enrich the lives of residents and visitors. The OAA is supported in part by the Florida Department of State and from arts auto license tag revenues, but could not exist without its members and community support.  

Five-year Old Donates Birthday Presents to CIC Children
Five-year old Robert Begay already knows how to be charitable.  During his recent birthday party, he told his parents that he wanted to donate all his gifts to Children in Crisis to help the kids.  He asked everyone attending the party to donate an item or toy for the CIC children. He is seen here with his gifts.







Tax Bills in the Mail
Okaloosa County property tax bills should be arriving any day now, and, if paid by the end of the month, property owners may take advantage of a 4% early payment discount. A variety of payment options are available. One option is the secure and fast online payment system at www.OkaloosaTax.com, where there is no charge for using Echeck. Another payment option is to visit one of our conveniently located offices around the county. 

Dugas Family Foundation Donates to Children’s Advocacy Center 
The construction progress of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) new Walton County Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs is moving along well, especially with the help of a generous donation of $500,000 by Steve and Lynn Dugas, representing the Dugas Family Foundation. The Dugas Family Foundation is a philanthropy and grant-making organization with a focus on giving to Walton and Okaloosa County charitable groups. The Dugas recently met for a check presentation with Julie Hurst, CEO of ECCAC, and several board members and took a tour of the 15,000-square-foot facility that is now under roof with interior sheetrock commencing. The new Center is slated to open in April, 2016, just in time to coincide with national child abuse prevention month.

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer Offers 50% Off to Veterans
In celebration of Veterans Day, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer invites all military veterans to enjoy 50% off their meals Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Friday, Nov. 13. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is a locally owned and operated full-service restaurant located on the historic Destin Harbor. Visit it at 210 Harbor Blvd., in Destin, or call (850) 460-8900.

November 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 1

Destin Water Users receives Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) Recognition
Destin Water Users (DWU) won the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) Medium Wastewater Plant of the Year Award, and Joe Fosdick was named FRWA Wastewater Operator of the Year at the FRWA Annual Conference, held recently in Daytona Beach. A medium public waste water system is defined as serving a population greater than 3,300. To qualify for an award, the plant must have a state certified drinking water operator, be in compliance with the State of Florida, and be a current FRWA member in good standing. 

Fosdick, DWU’s wastewater treatment plant operator, is responsible for the overall operation and preventative maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and associated equipment in accordance with federal, state, and DWU operating instructions, policies, and procedures.  Currently second in charge of the operation of the George French Wastewater Reclamation Facility, Fosdick has been with DWU since January of 2006. In order to qualify for the Operator of the Year award, a wastewater operator must possess active certification in the State of Florida, must be in compliance with the Department of Environment Protection, and be employed by a current FRWA Member System.
 
World Impact Real Estate Welcomes Realtor Chris Sennett
Realtor Chris Sennett’s family was in the military and moved around the U.S. and overseas often, until the Sennetts settled in the Panhandle in 1979.  Sennett loved the area immediately, but left to pursue an undergraduate degree in marketing and a master’s degree in international business.  His professional career took him to San Francisco, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, and abroad to France and Belize. Sennett brings a lot of marketing savvy to his clients and is keen on listening to their needs, as he tailors a strategy for both his sellers and buyers.  He is a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, but knows the area well from Pensacola to Apalachicola.  He is fluent in French and Spanish, is a licensed pilot, and loves the outdoors, remodeling, and spending his free time with his wife and daughter. Now with World Impact Real Estate, you may reach Sennett at (850) 259-156.

Hilton Sandestin Appoints New Director of Marketing
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa announced Angela Vaughn as the resort’s new director of marketing.  In her role, Vaughn will help grow visibility through public relation efforts, strengthen brand standards, and implement innovative marketing strategies for all brands under the Hilton Sandestin umbrella, including Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Serenity by the sea, Sandcastle’s Restaurant and Lounge, Hadashi Sushi Bar, and Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill. Vaughn joins Hilton Sandestin Beach with more than 12 years of experience in the marketing, public relations, and advertising fields. Most recently, Vaughn worked as community & public relations coordinator for Visit South Walton (VSW). 

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces Board of Directors
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) announces the 2015-2016 board of directors: President Bill Head; Chair of the Volunteer Committee/Vice President Ken Hair, Children in Crisis; Treasurer Susan Kneller; and Chair of the OAA Grants Committee/Secretary Becky Belcher, Arts & Design Society. The Board of Directors are Keri Woods, Pyramid Inc.; Nellie Bogar, Youth Village; Demetrius Fuller, Sinfonia Gulf Coast; Ursel Behnken, German Club; Jeanette Shires, Mattie Kelly Arts Center of NWFSC and NWFL Symphony Guild; Chris Manson, The Beachcomber; Jean Starkey, Stage Crafters; Gayle Vann, The Arc of the Emerald Coast; James K Baughman, Sr., Author; Pat Federinko, Artist; and Bill Johnston, Emerald Coast Pipes & Drums. 

Emerald Coast Toys for Tots Needs Volunteers
With the holidays on the horizon, it’s time for Emerald Coast Toys for Tots to ramp up its efforts. The mission of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens. Hundreds of volunteer hours need to be filled to ensure the program will run smoothly this year.  The organization and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors are asking for help from anyone that would like to help kids or from any group that needs volunteer hours. Please email emeraldcoasttoysfortots@gmail.com to learn how you can get involved. 

Children in Crisis Opens New Foster Home
Children in Crisis (CIC) cut the ribbon on its fourth new foster home, “Travis Tringas Cottage” located at the CIC Children’s Neighborhood.  More than 150 community leaders were in attendance to witness yet another significant milestone in CIC’s development. The new facility provides a home to 12 foster children and keeps sibling families of brothers and sisters together. Seen here are Kitty Johnson, chairman of the CIC Board of Directors; Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO; other members of the CIC Board; the John and Pat Tringas Family; and representatives from the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Arts in Medicine Program Hosts November Art Show at Sacred Heart Hospital’s Atrium Gallery
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Arts in Medicine program will host an art show and sale featuring the works of 15 members of the Local Color Artists Club, based in Okaloosa County. The exhibit will feature a variety of works and mediums, including oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, plen air, photography, and metal. The art exhibit opens in the Sacred Heart Hospital 2nd Floor Atrium Gallery on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and continues through Wednesday, Dec. 30. The public is invited to come meet the artists and enjoy refreshments on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 3 - 5 p.m.

Halloween Howled at Destin Commons 
The Halloween Haunt and store trick-or-treating was a howling hit at Destin Commons this past weekend. More than 300 kids, their parents, and dogs strutted their creative costumes in a costume contest, while hundreds of on-lookers observed the haunting happenings. Winners included Nix Thomas and Harley Fagan for 0-2-year-olds; Aiden Bartlett and Landon Fagan (seen here) for 3-4-year-olds; and Amber Villareal, Sara Newfield-Grover, and Alayna Curray for 9-12-year-olds. Kids enjoyed Halloween trick-or-treating at stores throughout Destin Commons, as well as a lively costume contest for kids and dogs.

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Accepting Grant Applications
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) is accepting grant applications through Dec 1, 2015.  The Okaloosa Arts Alliance will be awarding $4,000 in grants to local non-profits and schools within Okaloosa County to aid in their art and/or cultural programs for 2015. The grant application and guidelines are available on the website at www.okaloosaarts.org. For questions or comments, please email Amy at amybaty1@gmail.com.
 
Two Hospitals in Tri-County Area Earn “A” for Patient Safety 
An announcement released nationally by the independent hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group shows key shifts among many hospitals on the A, B, C, D and F grades rating them on errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. Fort Walton Beach Medical Centerand Twin Cities Hospital earned an “A” in this elite national ratings program, recognizing its strong commitment to patient safety. The Hospital Safety Score is the gold standard rating for patient safety, compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading patient safety experts and administered by The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent nonprofit. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the Hospital Safety Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Opportunity
The Longleaf Alliance is partnering with Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to cut down invasive Chinese tallow and mimosa trees, and volunteers are needed to help move the tree debris, including limbs and cut up trunks, from participating properties to a collection point at the edge of the properties. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wear clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle, and a hat. Water, Gatorade, and gloves will be provided. For details, contact Rachel Gwin at gwinr@nwfsc.edu.

Harmony Beach Vacations Introduces...
Harmony Beach Vacations introduces Harmony Beach Realty! Whether you want to sell your existing property, or if you are looking to acquire a new condo/home/land, Harmony Beach Realty is here for you providing a full range of real estate services. The Harmony Beach Realty team includes John Toombers, realtor and licensed real estate broker, and Sharon F. McCreary, realtor. Call (850) 650-0551.

Help the Children’s Advocacy Center Make a Difference this Holiday Season
It’s not too early to start planning for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) 2015 Adopt-a-Family program to help children in need over the upcoming Holiday season. ECCAC is seeking donors who will purchase gifts for individual families who have been identified by the Center. Last year, the program helped more than 300 children and their families have a brighter Holiday. Contact ECCAC at ChristmasProgram@hotmail.com or call (850) 833-9237x268 to make arrangements to identify an Adopt-a-Family, then shop for them, and bring unwrapped gifts by Dec. 11, or sooner, to the Niceville Center.