Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame – 30th Anniversary
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Hall of Fame on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
This year’s inductees were:
- Peggy Brockman – Business Professional: Founder of Bring Hope Now, recognized for 30+ years of leadership in youth mental health, suicide prevention, and domestic violence advocacy.
- Martha “Jenny” Hamilton (posthumous) – Education: Beloved Choctawhatchee High School educator, cheer sponsor, and student activities director for 35+ years.
- Helen Harris – Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts: President of ADSO and owner of HH Arts, advancing public arts through education and projects like OPA’s Heron Project.
- Sherry Harlow – Pioneer: Retired Eglin Federal Credit Union PR manager with 45 years of service, financial educator, and founding member of Emerald Coast PR Organization.
- Kay Rasmussen – Military: Associate Director, One Okaloosa EDC, with 20+ years as a military liaison, securing major federal funding and strengthening defense partnerships.
- Eloise Stevens – Community Service: Retired Air Force Lt. Col., Desert Storm veteran, and active leader in women’s health, senior safety, education, and youth mentoring.
- Donna Tashik – Carolyn Spencer Humanitarian: Executive Director of Fresh Start for Children & Families, empowering homeless families toward self-sufficiency.
Since 1995, 147 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, honoring and recognizing women who have made important contributions to Okaloosa County. The first Women’s Hall of Fame was held in 1995. Details: https://occsw.com or 850-685-8027.
Honoring Valparaiso’s Founders
A new exhibit at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, The Vale of History, honors influential figures who played pivotal roles in the founding and growth of Valparaiso.
The display features portraits and photographs of community leaders whose entrepreneurial, civic, educational, political, and cultural efforts helped shape the city. Among those highlighted are Addie Lewis, Lula Edge, Jessie “Granny” Edge, Mr. and Mrs. Perrine, Mr. and Mrs. Plew, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Ruckel Sr., Mr. C.W. Ruckel, Raymond Plew, Byrne Williams, and members of the Spence family.
Two glass cases showcase heritage items from early Valparaiso residents. Contributions include prized artifacts shared by Marion Ruckel, a fourth-generation descendant of James Plew, and by the Spence family. Mrs. Windy Horton, great-great-granddaughter of John Perrine (who named the city of Valparaiso), donated several never-before-seen photographs. The museum also thanks Principal Chatman and Media Specialist Bethany Colman of Addie Lewis Elementary for donating portraits of Addie Lewis, and Principal Melissa Kearly of Edge Elementary for donating portraits of Lula Edge and Jessie Edge.
The concept for The Vale of History was developed by Museum Manager and Exhibit Coordinator Arthur Edgar, who brings more than 30 years of museum management and exhibit experience. Volunteers who helped bring the project to life include Carole Barlow, Ashlyn Burns, Cloey Coates, Deb Edgar, Jené McCracken (Collections Trustee), and Mike Weaver (Trustee).
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located on Westview Avenue in Valparaiso and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Call for Local History Help
The Heritage Museum is assisting Professor Amy Milligan of Old Dominion University in her research on Jewish service members stationed at Eglin AFB between 1938 and 1990. Community members with information are encouraged to contact Collections Trustee Jené McCracken at 850-678-2615. Contributions will aid Milligan’s forthcoming article in the Journal of Southern Jewish History.
Niceville Veterans Day Parade Returns
The City of Niceville’s annual Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. Registration is open for groups, organizations, and individuals wishing to participate. The city is also seeking nominations for Grand Marshal — a veteran who embodies patriotism and service. Nominations and parade inquiries can be sent to pio@nicevillefl.gov. Register online at https://cityofniceville.org.
Patriotic Start to America 250
The Snowden-Horne Society, Children of the American Revolution, opened the America 250 ceremony at the Hsu Foundation on Sept. 3 with the Pledge of Allegiance, the American’s Creed, and the Preamble — presented in both spoken word and American Sign Language. Foundation CEO Amanda Negron also presented a $1,000 donation to support the Society’s America 250 mural project.
Exploring Shipwrecks of the Blackwater
On Nov. 5, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists will host Dr. Nicole Grinnan for Shipwrecks of the Blackwater River. Grinnan will share the maritime history of the region through the remains of lumber schooners, steam tugs, and fishing smacks resting on the riverbed. The free event begins at 10 a.m., with refreshments at 9:30.
Niceville Town Hall Meeting Oct. 2
The City of Niceville invites residents to a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Dr. N, Ste. C. Mayor Dan Henkel and City Manager David Deitch will provide updates on projects and answer community questions. No RSVP is required.
Apply Now for Free & Reduced Meals
The Okaloosa County School District reminds families to apply for free and reduced-price meals for the 2025–26 school year. Applications must be renewed each year, with a Sept. 22 deadline for students with expiring benefits. Apply anytime online at www.myschoolapps.com or call 850-301-3020 for assistance. Nutritious meals help students stay focused and ready to learn.
