Westonwood Ranch will offer a camp in July for individuals with developmental differences. Individuals should be able to function in a small group setting, three to four campers per group. Acceptance into camp is based on a review of the application. Campers are grouped based on age range and social needs to help develop social skills plus make new friends.
The cost is $200 for Westonwood Horse Camp, which includes riding, July 25-28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., for ages 5-18. Fifteen spots are available. Email equine@westonwood.org or call (850) 880-2220.
Heritage Museum Summer Camp!
Registration is open for July Summer Camp at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso.
The museum plans two summer camp sessions next month, one for children in grades K-2 and another for grades 3-6. The K-2 summer session is July 11-15; The grade 3-6 session is July 18-22.
The camps will be held at the Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day and will offer a variety of classes such as crafts, history, science and food.
The cost is $75 per week. Visit heritage-museum.org for more details or call (850) 678-2615 to register.
BBBS Announces Okaloosa County Big of the Year
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida chose Daniel Pink as the 2022 Okaloosa County Big of the Year. Daniel’s Little Brother Alex joined other staff members May 23 at the Okaloosa STEMM Academy to surprise him with the award.
Daniel was matched with Alex more than two years ago, in the height of a pandemic. Despite the challenges and restrictions prohibiting the pair from meeting in person, they were able to build a relationship. Daniel would send Alex care packages in the mail and stayed in touch with him, calling him at least once a week.
Daniel continues to be a positive influence in Alex’s life by helping him through all sorts of challenges, including the transition to middle school. He encourages Alex to work on school projects, read new books and helps him with his homework.
“I have one complaint,” Daniel said. “I asked for a Little Brother and now he’s almost taller than me!”
The Freeport Republicans will meet Tuesday, July 12, at the Hammock Bay Clubhouse, 1830 Great Hammock Bend. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.; meeting 6-7 p.m. July’s speaker is Shane Abbot, candidate for the Florida House, DIstrict 5. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the same location and time.
The Walton County Republican Executive Committee will meet Monday, July 18, at the Hammock Bay Clubhouse, 1830 Great Hammock Bend. Registration, 5:40 p.m.; meeting 6-7 p.m. These meetings are open to Republicans in Walton County. The REC meets on the third Monday of each month at the same location and time.
Lincoln Dinner
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will be the keynote speaker at the Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee’s annual Lincoln Dinner Friday, July 15, at the Island Resort, Fort Walton Beach. For information and to obtain tickets, visit Okaloosagop.com or contact OCREC Chair Sandra Atkinson at (850) 543-8742, OCREC Vice Chair Cheryl Stubbs at (850) 797-3605, or Diana Gilbert at (850) 897-2592.
ECTC’s production of “The Tempest” at Grand Boulevard will be performed every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Grand Park through July 28. The show is free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. In case of rain, “The Tempest” will be performed upstairs in the 560 building. (850) 684-0323; www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Northwest Florida State College was recently presented with the Triumph Gulf Coast Horizon award for its accelerated implementation of its FAA certification program at the Aviation Center of Excellence.
The Horizon Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate outstanding innovation and lead efforts to create substantial job opportunities throughout the region.
Trivia fans, come test your Trivia skills with friends of CALM Friday, Aug. 12, 6-8pm at VenYou201, 201 Redwood Ave. Niceville. The event is free. Feel free to bring your own beverages and vie for door prizes. Heavy appetizers will be provided.
RSVP to wandanv@cox.net.
Niceville Women’s Charity Names 2022 Award Winners
The Christ Our Redeemer Council of Catholic Women announced its charitable donations for the 2021-2022 season. The ladies of the council gave away four $1,000 monetary awards to non-profit agencies and a $750 scholarship to a local graduate.
The four groups to receive awards were The National Council of Catholic Women’s support of Catholic Relief Services efforts in Ukraine, A Bed 4 Me, Shelter House of Northwest Florida and Twin Cities Pavilion.
The $750 scholarship was awarded to Page Doloff, a graduate of Niceville High School.
For more information, contact Pat Kramer via email at ccw@cor.ptdiocese.org.
Bluewater Bay Residents Avoid Traffic Crunch on Local Roads
White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive in Niceville will close to through-traffic Saturday afternoons, on May 28 to Sept. 3, from noon to 6 p.m. to maintain traffic safety and relieve those residing along these roadways of congestion as a result of southbound tourism traffic from State Road 293 toward the Mid-Bay Bridge. Message boards along State Road 20 and State Road 293 will activate at approximately 11 a.m. on closure day. Sheriff’s deputies will manage the blockade and patrol the area.
ECCAC Looking for Front Desk Volunteers at Both Centers
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs need front desk reception volunteers.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, attend a training class, be fingerprinted and undergo a background check. Individual orientation appointments can be arranged.
ECCAC provides services in a child-friendly environment to help identify, treat and support children in abusive situations, as well as helping to prevent child abuse through education and prevention programs.
For further volunteer information, contact Volunteer & Event Coordinator, Ana Michalzik, volunteer@eccac.org, or call her at (850) 833-9237, Ext. 283 or go to www.eccac.org, If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Get your groove on to raise some dough for Dog-Harmony in its Woodstock-themed 2023 calendar contest, “Peace & Paws.” Dogs will compete for calendar model slots during the contest’s Summer of Love (June 15-July 15). All dogs that participate will be professionally photographed at Dog-Harmony, 237 Market St., Santa Rosa Beach, by Mills Photo Design. To enter your pup, register and create your pup’s campaign page.
To register, email hello@dog-harmony.org or visit Dog-Harmony’s Facebook page for instructions. The direct link to sign up for the contest is: secure.qgiv.com/event/calendarcontest2022.
Costa Enterprises McDonald’s raised $5,000 through Shamrock Shake® sales for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida. Beginning in February, 25 cents was collected from every Shamrock Shake® sale at Costa’s 28 locations throughout Northwest Florida. These funds will be given directly back to the local charity, which provides love and support to families of children with medical needs by giving them a place to call home in Pensacola.
This give-back effort is part of the company’s “Costa Cares” initiative, which aims to provide outstanding community service through various fundraising efforts and community partnerships. To learn more, visit costamcd.com/costa-cares.
