Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida: Year-End Highlights & Volunteer Call
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida closed out the year with several festive and meaningful milestones, celebrating volunteers, community partners and plans for an ambitious year ahead.
During the holiday season, the museum hosted a successful Christmas Bake Sale as part of Yule of Yesteryear. Volunteer “elves” Paula Pride and Debbie Moon led the effort, with heartfelt thanks extended to community members who donated baked goods, as well as The Donut Shop, Publix and Winn-Dixie for their support.
The museum also honored Connie Wolfe as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year. A retired elementary school teacher, Wolfe serves extensively in hospitality and education and is the museum’s primary educator for school visits. She is especially known for teaching children about Florida archaeology and hands-on activities such as pinch-pot making. The recognition was a well-deserved tribute to a gracious and dedicated volunteer.
In support of educational outreach, Brad Embry, representing the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented a $200 donation to museum manager Arthur Edgar. The funds will support Project 250, an initiative focused on engaging young people in American history.
Looking ahead, the museum will host a Volunteer Recruitment Information Meeting and Social on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Veterans Room at the museum, located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso, across from Perrine Park. The public is invited to learn about volunteer opportunities ranging from education support and hospitality to collections care, displays, office assistance, genealogy, writing and special events.
Speakers will include Arthur Edgar; volunteers Deb Edgar, Ken Walsh, Jené McCracken and Connie Wolfe; and newsletter editor Carole Barlow. The museum also shared plans for an exciting 2026, highlighted by Project 250, led by trustees Dr. Marie Hallion and Dr. Barbara Palmgren, celebrating America’s history and heritage.
Quilts of Valor Honors Mid-Bay Rotarian Jess Parnell
Mid-Bay Rotarian Jess Parnell was presented with a Quilt of Valor during a Jan. 10 ceremony at the Air Force Armament Museum, hosted by the Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville/Valparaiso. Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts awarded to service members and veterans touched by war as a tangible expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Parnell served more than 28 years in the U.S. military, including 22 years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer with more than 3,000 flight hours in the F-14, and six years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Radioman 2nd Class. He was joined by family, friends and fellow Mid-Bay Rotarians for the presentation. Learn more at the Quilts of Valor Foundation or the Flying Needles Quilt Guild.
Elder Services Seeks Heater Donations for Seniors
Elder Services of Okaloosa County is asking the community to help keep vulnerable seniors warm by donating portable electric heaters. Heaters are provided free of charge to low-income Okaloosa County seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. For information or to donate, contact Elder Services at (850) 833-9165 or visit 207 Hospital Drive N.E., Fort Walton Beach.
Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber Annual Awards Celebration Set for Feb. 19
The Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, marking the close of a successful 2025 and the ceremonial passing of the gavel to 2026 leadership.
Held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The District at Okaloosa Gas District’s new building, 511 Government Ave., the evening will feature a “Blazers and Blue Jeans” theme, a reception, buffet dinner, awards presentation, and networking.
Outgoing 2025 Board Chair Steve Schutt of Movement Mortgage will reflect on the year and present awards, followed by remarks from incoming 2026 Board Chair Dr. Cristie Kedroski of Northwest Florida State College. A limited silent auction and partnership opportunities are also available. Seating is limited.
Robins & Morton Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Okaloosa Gas District Headquarters
Robins & Morton celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Okaloosa Gas District headquarters on Jan. 14 in Valparaiso. The new campus includes a four-story, 152,000-square-foot office building, an 18,400-square-foot operations center, a 7,200-square-foot vehicle maintenance building, and a 23,540-square-foot warehouse, allowing the district to consolidate team members into a centralized, community-focused location.
Designed to serve both employees and residents, the facilities feature indoor and outdoor spaces for community events, along with kitchen and catering areas. Robins & Morton served as general contractor, with DAG Architects as architect.
Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship Applications Open
Frances Roy Agency is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship, an annual award honoring the life and legacy of Roy Warner, a craftsman whose integrity, work ethic and pride in skilled labor continue to inspire future generations.
The scholarship supports students pursuing trade-based education, including construction, mechanical, industrial, medical, creative, entrepreneurial and other vocational fields. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors, graduates or current trade school students who demonstrate commitment to their chosen trade and submit a personal essay reflecting their passion and the values Roy Warner embodied.
“Our team pours so much heart into this scholarship because Roy Warner wasn’t just my grandfather; his life shaped the values that built this agency,” said Shantelle Dedicke, founder and president of Frances Roy Agency.
One recipient will receive a financial award toward trade school education, selected by a committee of agency team members and Warner family representatives.
Applications are due April 15, 2026, and should be submitted to hello@francesroy.com. The recipient will be announced May 23, 2026, Roy Warner’s birthday.
More information is available at www.francesroy.com.
