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Good morning!
I hope you had a great weekend! Here’s the news you need to know to get your week started…
GIVING BACK
Taylor Haugen Foundation to host shrimp boil fundraiser for youth sports safety
The Taylor Haugen Foundation is set to host its annual Low Country Shrimp Boil fundraiser on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 3rd Planet Brewing Co. in Niceville.
- The event aims to support the foundation’s efforts in protecting young athletes from abdominal injuries. Okaloosa Gas District returns as the featured sponsor for the second consecutive year.
The event will feature live music by the band Autumn Poultry, $25 shrimp plates, raffles, and a GIF photobooth. All proceeds will directly benefit the foundation’s Youth Equipment for Sports Safety (YESS) Program.
The YESS Program provides compression shirts with EvoShield rib protection shields to student athletes. These shirts use Gel-To-Shell technology that custom molds to each player’s body, offering personalized protection.
The foundation was established by Kathy and Brian Haugen following the tragic death of their son, Taylor, a Niceville High School student who passed away after sustaining a liver-rupturing hit during a football game in 2008.
- Since its inception, the foundation has outfitted approximately 7,000 players across 18 states. However, funding remains a challenge for many schools. The foundation covers 50% of the $80 cost per shirt, with schools or sponsors responsible for the remainder.
In August 2023, the foundation provided protective gear to all 168 student athletes on Niceville High School’s varsity, junior varsity, and freshman football teams. The organization aims to expand this protection to more local schools through events like the upcoming shrimp boil and community sponsorships.
Those interested in supporting the Taylor Haugen Foundation’s mission can attend the Low Country Shrimp Boil on October 12 or reach out to the foundation regarding sponsorship opportunities for local school football teams.
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ART+CULTURE
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation to host 29th annual Festival of the Arts
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is expanding its annual Festival of the Arts for its 29th year, offering a celebration of art, music, food, and family fun from October 25-27.
- The event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick-Off Party at the Henderson Beach Resort’s Piazza Plaza. Guests can enjoy live watercolor painting by artist Melanie Moore, hors d’oeuvres, creative cocktails, and music by Coconut Radio.
The main festival, held on Saturday and Sunday at the Dugas Pavilion green in Destin, will feature art exhibits from more than 100 artists representing 16 states. The exhibits will showcase a range of artistic styles across 15 different mediums.
“Back by popular demand, our entertaining emcee Arty will be out and about once again starting on Friday with the Arty Kick-Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort,” MKAF Festival Producer Deb Nissley said. “We’re also making a splash again with Maxine Orange’s Splatter Studio, a fun immersive experience for kids.”
New to this year’s festival is master blacksmith David Sandlin, who will provide live demonstrations of his craft. The event will also include live art demonstrations, an interactive children’s art station, and continuous live music performances.
- Artists will compete for more than $12,000 in cash prizes, with judging conducted by Reanna Watson, academy director for the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama, and Sheri O. Sanderson from LeMoyne Arts gallery in Tallahassee, Florida.
The festival’s music lineup includes performances by Jones & Company, Tillman & Taff, Stormfolk, Now & Then, Roman Street Trio, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, and Luke & Kaylee. The Stage Crafters Community Theatre will also perform scenes from their upcoming musical production.
For food enthusiasts, the Cuisine on the Green will offer a variety of options, including Venezuelan, gourmet burgers, Latin vegan cuisine, and Texas smoked BBQ. A Beer & Wine Garden will also be available.
The festival is free and open to the public, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Proceeds from the event will benefit MKAF’s ArtsReach initiatives, serving local K-12 students, individuals with disabilities, and active-duty military and veterans throughout Northwest Florida and the Southeast.
Free parking and shuttle services will be available at Destin High School and Emerald Coast Centre. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Arty Kick-Off Party, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
A MESSAGE FROM VISIT DESTIN-FWB
Okaloosa Pro Rodeo Rides into Baker
Saddle up for the Okaloosa Pro Rodeo, galloping into Baker, FL this October. Step One Automotive presents two nights of PRCA-sanctioned action at the Baker Recreation Center on October 4th and 5th.
- Gates open at 6 PM, with the main event kicking off at 7:30 PM both nights. Expect a “spectacular show” featuring bull riding, vendors, and fun games for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to try the mechanical bull!
Your ticket does double duty – you’ll enjoy top-notch entertainment while supporting the Baker Gatorettes and Cheer Team. For more details, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Registration closing soon for 10th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run
Time is running out for participants to register for the 10th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. The registration deadline is October 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST, according to the Air Force Enlisted Village.
- The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, offers various race options including a 9K run, 5K run, 5K walk, and 1-mile fun run. The first 100 registrants in each of the 9K run, 5K run, and 5K walk categories will receive an official event shirt and challenge coin.
Proceeds from the run will support the memory care wing at Air Force Enlisted Village’s assisted living residence, Hawthorn House. This facility provides care for military widows, retirees, and veterans with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Every dollar raised from the event will provide care and support for the residents there,” said Scarlett Bauman, Marketing Manager for Air Force Enlisted Village.
Following the race, participants can enjoy a post-event party featuring DJ Diamond Dan, food provided by Magnolia Grill and Knife’s Edge Private Chef and Catering, drinks, and an award ceremony.
The memorial run honors CMSAF#9 James C. Binnicker, who served as the Air Force Enlisted Village’s President and CEO from 2000 to 2015. Binnicker, known for creating “The Mom Rule” to ensure respectful treatment of residents, was instrumental in developing several additions to the Bob Hope Village campus, including Hawthorn House.
- Prior to his role with the Air Force Enlisted Village, Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1990.
Those interested in participating can register at www.afev.us/run.
NEWS
Mayor to explain Crestview’s city government operations
Mayor JB Whitten will present “City Government and How it Operates in Crestview” as part of his Historic Hotspots series during City Government Week, the City of Crestview announced Friday.
- The event, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 6 p.m., will take place in the Crestview Public Library’s Meeting Room at 1445 Commerce Dr.
Whitten’s presentation aims to address confusion about the responsibilities of city government. The mayor and council members frequently receive requests for actions outside their jurisdiction, according to city officials.
The 45-minute talk will cover Crestview’s form of government, its adoption, and operational structure. Whitten will also explain the distinct roles of city, county, and school district administrations.
- A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, allowing attendees to seek clarification on topics discussed.
The city encourages residents who have questions about local government operations to attend the event.
NEWS
Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative helps over 50 adults earn high school diplomas
The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC) has assisted 52 adults in earning their high school diplomas through the Career Online High School program over the past five years.
- The Class of 2024, consisting of nine individuals ranging from their 20s to their 50s, will be recognized at a graduation ceremony on Oct. 5, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center.
Participants in the program include stay-at-home parents, working parents, and business owners whose high school education was interrupted due to various reasons such as financial needs, homelessness, pregnancy, the COVID-19 pandemic, or challenging home environments.
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon expressed pride in the program’s impact. “Their successes in overcoming their individual hardships will contribute to building a better community,” Mixon said.
The Career Online High School program offers online classes with 24/7 access, support from certified instructors, and academic coaches. It leads to an accredited high school diploma or career certificate.
- Vicky Stever, Coordinator of the OCPLC, highlighted the program’s significance.” Administering tuition scholarships and supporting adult students as they complete their diplomas is one of the most joyous and impactful services we offer,” Stever said.
The program aims to help adults achieve their high school diploma for job readiness, career advancement, and college admission. Those interested in learning more about Career Online High School or applying can visit https://readokaloosa.org/cohs.ocplc.
The graduation ceremony on Oct. 5 is open to the public and media.
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