Communities that Give Thrive

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October 26, 2021

By Heather Bennett

This year I am Thankful to be spending the holidays with family once again. It’s been too long for some, and although we may feel like we are returning to a sense of normalcy this holiday season, there is still an ongoing need for giving. Too many children don’t have enough food to eat over a weekend, much less over Thanksgiving, and have to return to school hungry. Too many homeless veterans go without a warm meal all year long. Okaloosa and Walton Counties alone are comprised of 35,000 people who are food insecure on a daily basis.*

There are families in our reach who are still struggling to get by who might need an extra boost this holiday season. Lucky for us, we live in a compassionate community that pulls together for its own. We have some great organizations ready to give this Thanksgiving, so we can all enjoy our holiday with family and friends.

Crop Drop, the event that kicks off the “giving” for the Thanksgiving season, will be happening again this year on November 20th. Since 2009, Crop Drop has provided thousands of pounds of produce that benefits more than 50 organizations throughout Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties. Volunteers are still needed. If you are interested, please visit the website at www.cropdrop.org or visit the Facebook page. Volunteer information is available beginning November 1st.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Sharing & Caring of Niceville, an all-volunteer agency (roughly 70), participates with area churches and civic organizations to provide meals and gifts for families, specifically coordinating community efforts to meet emergency needs of individuals and families in the Niceville-Valparaiso-Choctaw Beach area. Normal hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – noon.
Donations needed include non-perishable food, toiletries, diapers, laundry and dish soap. Monetary donations are used to purchase perishable food such as milk and eggs. If you are looking to volunteer or for an application, please contact them at (850) 678-8459 or visit sharing-n-caring.org/nicevillehome. Sign-up for Thanksgiving by Nov. 15 and Christmas by Dec. 10.

Families supported by Food for Thought programs across Walton & Okaloosa Counties will be provided food to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal along with food to support their students’ needs while they are out of school for a week, which is about 10 meals they will miss by being out of school. For more information on how to enroll, please email Food for Thought at support@fftfl.org. The organization is solely dependent on the support of the community. They are looking for volunteers to get back to their pre-pandemic numbers in order to best serve the demand of families in need. This year, the local nonprofit plans to serve 700 families for the holiday. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to support their holiday efforts, please visit www.fftfl.org. You can also sponsor a family at Thanksgiving for just $40.

The Church on Bayshore is offering a community-wide Thanksgiving Day meal from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you’re homebound, meals are available for delivery. You simply need to RSVP for the meal, to receive a delivered meal, or to volunteer. Please register at www.churchonbayshore.org/events or call the church office at 678-4621. By doing this for the community, Church on Bayshore is keeping with its vision to see people “Believe in Jesus, Belong to God’s Family, and Become who God created them to be.” You can visit www.churchonbayshore.org for more information.

You can help Crosspoint Church Niceville and Cross-point Bluewater Bay help local families in Niceville enjoy a great Thanksgiving and Christmas meal by donating non-perishable groceries. Bring any of the following items to either church’s worship venues between Sun., Oct. 24 – Sun., Nov. 14: stuffing, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, dry jell-o or pudding, canned pumpkin, instant mashed potatoes, evaporated milk, boxed pie crust, rice or canned fruit. Please include a hand-written note of encouragement and blessing written directly onto the cans or boxes with marker.

Destiny Worship Center Freeport is providing Thanksgiving meals for families in need in Freeport. You can help by picking up a Thanksgiving Bag between Oct. 23 (Saturday) – Nov. 20 (Saturday). Purchase and fill the bag with the list of items on the bag and drop off at the Destiny Campus NO LATER THAN November 14th.

Harvest House Destin will be providing food items for an all-inclusive holiday meal to cook at home. Any families in the Destin, Sandestin and Mack Bayou areas in need of a holiday meal can contact Harvest House Monday-Friday 10 a.m. -Noon by calling (850) 837-2777, or stopping into their location at 300 Mountain Dr. to place an order. Families will be able to pick up their meals on Monday, November 22rd at the food pantry. There will be no drive-through this year.

Caring and Sharing in Walton County is providing holiday food items for pick up November 15th-17th, the week before Thanksgiving. People must apply by filling out an eligibility form to qualify for assistance and must live in Walton County. Families will receive items for a holiday meal such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, a turkey or ham and produce. Caring and Sharing is expecting roughly 400 families to pick up meals. They are looking for any additional volunteers to help pack meals and to hand out food the week of pick up. If you’re interested in donating or volunteering, contact them at 850-267-2866 or visit the website at caringandsharingsowal.org for more information.

If you are looking for a Thanksgiving meal out with the family, Harbor Docks is once again offering free Thanksgiving meals this year.

* Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap online tool shows that 2.8 million unduplicated individuals were identified in Florida as food insecure, or not knowing where they would secure their next meal, in 2017, 35,000 in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Our Hometown Hero: Greg Voyzey, Boy Scouts

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Rita L. Sherwood

Greg Voyzey, the CEO of Boy Scouts of America, knows a bit about scouting. He actually started in the Boy Scouts when he was six years old, and even became an Eagle Scout. He continued to be active in the Scouts through high school and college, and says he’s thrilled to be in his new position since March, and feels it’s his true calling. Greg says the mission of the Boy Scouts is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout oath and law.

More specifically Greg explains, “My vision is to help young people prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders by providing them a mountain top experience.” And what does that mean exactly? “When you work hard, go through trials and tribulations, and climb to the top of the mountain, you look at the view and it’s life changing and rewarding. I want to instill that work ethic and those values in the next generation.”

Greg states a big part of his job is being involved in the community, meeting people and hearing about their background. If their values align with the Scouts, he helps them become ambassadors for kids by volunteering. “It’s all about sharing our passion and our vision to help young people.”

Are you passionate about helping kids? Greg says the Boy Scout camp in Defuniak Springs always needs volunteers and community sponsors to help maintain their current programs and also to support and develop new programs. “Don’t be afraid to step up and help a kid achieve their greatest success,” he says. To find out more information or to sign up, email him at Greg.Voyzey@scouting.org or visit www.gulfcoastcouncil.org.

Bay Buzz: November 2021 Events

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

6th Annual LuLu’s Marlin 5K Walk/Run | Sat., Nov. 6 | 8 a.m.
It’s time for the 6th Annual LuLu’s Marlin 5K Walk/Run to benefit the cheer teams of Niceville High School, Destin Middle School, Destin High School and Ft. Walton Beach High School! Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. The friendly, competitive out and back course starts at LuLu’s, goes into the adjacent Regatta Bay community, and ends back at LuLu’s. There will be a complimentary Post Run Party for registered runners at LuLu’s with food, a raffle, door prizes, silent auction and awards presentation. Entry fee, which also includes a t-shirt for runners/walkers, is $35 per person and $25 for students. Register on-line at www.lulubuffett.com/destin, or visit www.active.com. LuLu’s is located in Destin at the foot of the Mid-Bay Bridge next to Legendary Marina. For more information, call 850-710-5858.

Mountain Film Fest at Watercolor
Mountainfilm on Tour returns to WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater on Nov. 5 -6 at WaterColor Marina Park. Gates open at 5:45 PM. Films begin at 7 p.m. The films for this year’s show, a selection from the annual festival in Telluride, Colo., will explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Purchase tickets at https://www.watercolorresort.com/mountainfilm.html. Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor is a rain or shine event. Ticket purchases are non-refundable.

The 5th Annual Honor Games
Supporting Defenders of the Front Line, Veterans and First Responders, this year’s annual Honor Games will be held Saturday, Nov. 13 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Register at deka.fit/honorgames2021. 2021 Beneficiaries: Special Ops Survivors, Air Commando Association, Healing Paws for Warriors, The Special Forces Association Chapter 7 and Okaloosa Sheriff’s Star Charity. Visit www.emeraldcoasthonorgames.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram.

Green Thumb Garden Club Holiday Bazaar
Join the Green Thumb Garden Club (GTGC) for a festive Holiday Bazaar Sat., Nov. 13, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at Cantina Laredo, 585 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. The event will showcase unique, creative décor for the upcoming season and beyond—an opportunity to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind treasures, handcrafted by the talented GTGC members. GTGC includes members trained in floral designs, master gardening and flower show judging. Among the exceptional items available for purchase will be an autographed, certified Darius Rucker guitar. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Net proceeds will support primarily the Mercer Scholarship as well as Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, E.O Wilson Biophilia Center, John Horton Senior Center and other organizations. For additional information, email greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com.

Harvest House Annual Christmas Bazaar
Harvest House is hosting its 13th Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. It will be held outside and include plenty of Christmas items for sale that must go. All proceeds go back into the mission. If you are looking to donate or volunteer, you can call Harvest House Destin at (850) 837-2277 to find out how you can help. Visit www.harvesthousedestin.org.

10th Annual 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races
Join the signature 10th anniversary of the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day races, Nov. 25 in Rosemary Beach. With a 10K, 5K and 1-mile run/walk, there is a race distance for every ability. The 30A10K Thanksgiving Day Races have donated more than $430,000 to local charities. All money raised this year will be donated to: The Point Washington Medical Clinic, the Walton County Education Foundation, Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem, and the Seaside School Foundation. The 10K race ensues at 7:30 a.m. The 1-mile fun run starts immediately after at 7:35 a.m. The 5K race starts at 9:30 a.m. Visit http://30a10k.com to register.

The Nutcracker 2021
NFB’s 52nd season begins with The Nutcracker at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. NFB’s 42nd annual performance is the only full-length version in the area and features a cast of more than 140 performers including international guest artists and over 100 local children. The NFB Symphony Orchestra, led by music director and conductor David Ott, will provide musical accompaniment for all public performances. To purchase tickets, visit nfballet.org; $40 Adult/$20 Child.

Inspect What You Expect. Home Inspections—Buyer or a Seller?

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Gail Pelto

Home inspections are one of the privileges that a home buyer has when purchasing a home and are initiated once you have a contract in place. There are two purposes to have them done: one is to let you know what you are buying and the second is to find out if there are any issues that need to be addressed before you close and take possession of the home. There are many types of inspections. The two most common when purchasing a home are a Property Inspection and a WDO inspection:

Property inspection – the inspector conducts a thorough review of the home’s most important components i.e., structure, HVAC, plumbing, roof, electrical system. If they find any issues, they will point them out or recommend that a licensed professional do further investigation. They can also do a wind mitigation report which gives more detail about how the roof was installed and constructed; consequently, the wind mitigation report may result in some homeowner’s insurance benefits. My recommendation: DO NOT WAIVE THE PROPERTY INSPECTION, even if the home is newly built. Keep in mind that if you’re buying a “used” home, the inspector will most likely find items that are not up to today’s building codes. That’s normal. Also, know every item on the inspection report does not always contractually need to be repaired or replaced.

WDO Inspection – Wood Destroying Organisms, i.e., termites. We want your home to be pest free (and if financing, so does your lender!).

Mold inspection – Checks for water intrusion and mold. Particularly important if there’s been water intrusion, if mold remediation has taken place, if there are cracks in stucco, if something came up in the property inspection that warrants further investigation, etc.

Septic inspection – Sometimes buyers get a septic system inspection, sometimes not. It’s recommended if the property has a system that’s older and hasn’t been inspected in several years, and/or if there’s a problem flushing commodes or running water.

Foundation inspection – definitely recommended if you or the property inspector suspects an issue with the foundation.

Pool inspection – To make sure there’s no evidence of leaks, if all the equipment is in working order, etc.

Why should Sellers get an inspection done? Sellers often lose out, because things could have been prevented that either delayed or jeopardized the sale of their home. So, I recommend that you get a Property Inspection to mitigate what you can as early as you can in the sales process. If you have a home that you are putting on the market for sale, then get an inspection done beforehand. First, it allows you to know up front what needs to be repaired or replaced. Second, if you’re handy, you just might be able to fix some of the items yourself which can save you money. Once you go under contract, anything that needs to be repaired/replaced by you now, contractually, has to be completed by a “licensed professional” (electrician, plumber, etc.).

Besides the list above, there are other inspections you can have done and the inspections you should consider having done all depend on the house you’re buying or selling. For more information, consult with your real estate agent (ME!). Remember, inspect what you expect, and email me if you you’d like a pre-inspection checklist or list of local inspectors. I’m here to help: gail.pelto@gmail.com.

Gail Pelto is a Board Member with The Rotary Club of Destin and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation—and yes, a powerful, full-time real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Success Realty. Call her with any real estate questions you have, and she’ll guide you in the right direction. Call her direct at 850-374-0454 or email to Gail.Pelto@kw.com. Want to know what the value of your property is today? Go to www.DestinAgent.com.

Medicare Open Enrollment is Here. Now What?!

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Greg Durette, Florida Health Connector

It’s finally here again—Medicare Open Enrollment or more precisely, the Annual Election Period (AEP). Every year, from October 15th to December 7th, Medicare eligible folks are able to do pretty much anything they want with their coverage. Some of my previous columns have addressed many of the details of those options but, simply put, you can add, drop or change virtually any plan and change to or from any insurance company.

Piece of cake right? Wrong! The reason is, many folks do not want to relive the information overload they experienced when first becoming eligible. Remembering the volume of phone calls, emails and mountains of regular mail would understandably send anyone running for cover!

Please know, this time will be different. First of all, you now have had some time to experience what the plan you originally selected can or cannot do for you. Were you happy with the premium? Were all your doctors in the network? Were all your prescriptions covered at a reasonable cost? Did you get any of the extra benefits like Dental, Vision, Hearing, Tele-Health, At Home Care, Caregiver Support or Over-the-Counter cash allowances?

If the answer to any of these is no, then now is the time for you to get answers so you can make the right choices for 2022.

The problem for many folks becomes, where can they get this information without re-igniting the aforementioned onslaught? The answer – YOU need to initiate contact. That means calling your current agent or broker and/or finding other sources of information.
Calling Joe Namath will likely cause that onslaught to re-ignite as the company he represents simply gets you to call so they can SELL your information to some agent willing to pay to get access to you. In fact, many of these types of advertisements do exactly the same thing. Call them all and get ready to buy the jumbo size mailbox and voicemail box!
Instead, look for advertising from local folks you know will be able to get you what you are looking for. They WON’T SELL your information to strangers. This simple tip will allow you to rest assured, you will not be overwhelmed again.

Once you have decided which person or place to call, do it. But, be ready to answer a few questions about what you currently have, what you are paying (some plans can be as little as $0 per month!) and what it is you would like to improve or change with a new plan. Also, make sure you are ready to answer questions about your doctors and prescriptions so you can make sure what you are moving into will provide you with all you expect. You are looking for no surprises. So, also have a few questions of your own!

The bottom-line message is this; be not afraid. This time of year, (AEP) is designed to help you make improvements, not make you relive the trials and tribulations of your initial enrollment.

Reach out and look to how you can possibly make things better for you. Your health might change from year to year, but your need for excellent health insurance remains a constant.
Follow these simple steps and make 2022 your best health insurance year yet!

Greg Durette is a qualified, licensed agent with Florida Health Connector providing Medicare throughout the State and is based in Niceville. He has been in the insurance industry for over 38 years and can be reached at his office at 850-842-2400 or his mobile at 978-509-2941.

Thunderbird Intertribal PowWow Nov. 5-7

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

The community is invited to the 33rd Annual Thunderbird Intertribal PowWow, November 5-7 at the Mullet Festival site, Hwy. 85 N. and College Blvd. in Niceville. Activities include contest dancing, intertribal dancing, storytelling, traditional drums and singers, handcrafted, authentic native crafters from all over the united states, exhibits and demonstrators.

Friday, Nov. 5, is Children’s day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Powwow at 7 p.m. Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing into the night. The craft competition will be held Saturday 10-11 a.m. with special performances 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Grand entry and opening ceremonies commence at 1 p.m., followed by intertribal, exhibition and competition dancing until 5 p.m. Night grand entry is at 7 p.m. followed by Intertribal dancing, dance exhibitions and competitions into the night. Sunday Church service is at 10 a.m. at the arena with intertribal dancing, dance exhibitions and competition winner noon to 4 p.m.

Powwow: $5; Ages 12 and younger $3; Children’s day: $3. Visit www.thunderbirdpowwow.org.

Mid-Bay Rotary Cornhole Tournament Nov. 13

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

Bags will fly for the second time this year on Nov. 13 at 3rd Planet Brewing after the resounding success of the Rotary Club of Mid-Bay Bridge June Charity Cornhole Tournament. The two-person team tournament will feature a Social Division and a Competitive Division. Teams select their own partners and compete in a double-elimination event.

Entry fees are $30 for Social Division and $40 for Competitive Division. Rotary Club, in partnership with 3rd Planet, is raising funds for charities. There will be 16 spots held for each division through Nov. 6. After that date, the field will be filled with Social Division teams at $35 per team. 3rd Planet is donating prizes in both divisions. Bags supplied in social division; players supply bags in competitive division. There will be raffles available at the event, as well an “Air Mail” contest where players compete to put bags in the hole without sliding them on the board. Prize for the Air Mail event is 50-50 split of entry fees. Players can register and pay fees online at the 3rd Planet website under Events. Spots in the tournament are not reserved until payment is received. Sponsorship status is available for $50 and businesses provide their own banner. All entry fees will be used to support Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary’s numerous community and charitable organizations, as well as scholarships. Rotary meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Mulligan’s Bar and Grill at the Bluewater Bay golf course.

Holiday Help

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

Christmas is Coming to ECCAC—
It’s Adopt-A-Family Time!
ECCAC is seeking donors who will purchase new and unwrapped gifts for individual families for Christmas. Gift certificates are great for teens and Christmas decorations are always a bonus if funds allow. Last year, the program helped 197 children in 70 families have a festive holiday season. You can sign up now for Adopt-a-Family on-line at www.eccac.org/adoptafamily. Or, contact Nicole Steinbrink at nicole@eccac.org, or call her at 850-833-9237, Ext. 222 to make arrangements. Then shop for the families and bring unwrapped gifts by December 14th, or sooner to the Niceville or DeFuniak Springs Centers. You can also consider making a 2021 year-end tax-deductible donation. ECCAC’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, and restore the lives and futures of these impacted children. Visit www.eccac.org. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.

Angel Tree Christmas Gift Assistance Program
Together, the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities help hundreds of families in our community each year provide gifts to thousands of children on Christmas morning through the Angel Tree Christmas assistance program. Local families in need can register their children for Angel Tree by registering at www.SAAngelTree.org or through the Salvation Army’s Facebook page by Oct. 29. Designed for children up to age 12, availability is on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. Once the organizations reach a certain number of children registration will be closed.

After registration, angels (a child) can be adopted by community members and donors who then provide Christmas gifts and clothing for the child. The Salvation Army is seeking corporations that would like to host an Angel Tree at their workplace. Please call (850) 243 4531 ext. 14.

Freeport Christmas Angels
Freeport Christmas Angels, Inc. will be opening its Christmas ‘store’ on Sat., Dec. 17 and Sun., Dec. 18, location TBD, for families in need to come in and pick out toys for their children to open on Christmas Day. Last year, Freeport Christmas Angels provided Christmas gifts for more than 100 children who were 6 months to 17 years of age from 34 families. The organization collects toys and also raises funds to purchase toys and is collecting gifts now. There is an application process. Visit the Facebook page to apply. You can help by donating purchased gifts for children ages 0 to 17 or money to our Facebook fundraiser: Facebook.com/FreeportChristmasAngels.

“Geek Lights” Announces Charity selection for 2021 Season
The Geek Lights on the Corner Christmas lights and music show has selected Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms, or CALM, as the charity that will receive collected donations for the upcoming holiday season. “This will be our second season sponsoring CALM,” said Jeff Werner, who puts the “Geek” in Geek Lights on the Corner. “We forged a great relationship with the staff at CALM last year, and our visitors responded so positively to them as our chosen charity. We set a record for donations last year, and we’re really hoping people will step up again to help. The Geek Lights crew really believes in CALM’s mission.” Behind-the-scenes preparations for this year’s show – which is Season 14 – have been underway since the show shut down in January. The primary outdoor assembly commences in November, and there will be three Community Build Days for anyone who wants to help. Watch the show’s page at FaceBook.com/GeekLightsOnTheCorner for detailed information and to sign-up to help.

Every Month is Life Insurance Awareness Month

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Joe Capers, Insurance Zone

Although the life insurance industry has adopted the campaign that September is life insurance month, it is my belief that every month is Life Insurance Awareness Month.
Recent market research done by LIMRA (Life Insurance and Market Research Association) shows that 36% of Americans plan to purchase life insurance this year. When it comes to Millennials, 48% say they plan to buy coverage. This is especially important since their research also shows that 42% of households would face financial hardship within six months should a wage earner die unexpectedly — 25% would suffer financially within a month.

For many, life insurance is not a pleasant discussion and we like to avoid the topic as no one likes to discuss or think about death. But, we also know how important life insurance is, because our loved ones will still have to deal with income replacement, funeral and general expenses, mortgages, college and so much more.

The two most popular life insurance products are Term Life and Permanent Life. Your goal and budget will determine which policy will best fit your needs. Both of these forms of protection pay an income tax-free death benefit. Term life covers you for a limited period and permanent life provides lifelong coverage.

Term Life is the most affordable and is for a set period of time – 10, 20, or 30 years typically, and does not accrue cash value. This is a great tool for someone on a limited budget and who needs a certain amount of coverage for a specific number of years. It also allows for the highest amount of death benefit with the least amount of premiums and most term policies can be converted to permanent life without providing evidence of medical condition.

Permanent Life comes in the form of Whole Life or Universal Life, and both offer varying degrees of flexibility through the life of the policy. Whole life insurance premiums remain the same over the life of the policy and the death benefit and cash value is guaranteed as long as you pay the premiums. Universal Life provides the same features as whole life with added flexibility to adapt to changes in your personal situation or changes in the financial marketplace. With this type of product you can adjust the premium payment, death benefits and the insurance company’s investment portfolio, and some companies will allow adding a long term care rider to help prepare for potential long term care expenses.

Now there are other types of universal life insurance policies that provide Long Term Care coverage along with a death benefit. These fixed premium products pay for services that fit your needs based on the plan of care provided by your licensed health care practitioner. The services are paid for either your home or a facility when you are no longer able to perform 2 out of 5 of the ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and eating.

There are also some life policies (term and permanent) that can provide for the security and longevity of a business. Business Life products can help keep a family business in the family, protect a key employee or fund a buy/sell agreement.

Term and permanent life insurance plans are important components of your overall financial planning. A well-structured Life Insurance Program often contains both term and permanent life insurance and no matter what kind of life insurance policy you purchase, your beneficiary will be the person or persons who will receive the death benefit.

Life insurance can do some amazing things for people. It can keep your families in their homes, pay off debts and loans, provide a stream of income, and assure a child’s education. It can also protect your business by keeping a family business in the family, protect a key employee so the business can continue while you search for and train a replacement, or fund a buy/sell agreement.

Insurance Zone, founded by Joe and Lea Capers, is a full service commercial and personal lines insurance agency serving Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach (30A) and Inlet Beach. Visit their Video Library on www.ins-zone.com and watch our 3 informative videos on Life Insurance ‘How much Do You Need, Term vs Permanent and Protection from Financial Hardship’, or call 850.424.6979.

Athlete Safety Matters

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Kay Phelan

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) has had their Okaloosa and Walton County schools Child Safety Matters prevention programs in place for the past several years. They have reached roughly 37,000 K-12 students each year in 66 different schools.
The nation has recently witnessed the sexual abuse testimonies of several young female Olympians before Congress about how long it took to hold accountable the now imprisoned former physician, Larry Nassar, and his collaboration with the USA Gymnastics organization. It took years for these abuses to come to the public’s attention. These brave Olympians, including famous gymnast Simone Biles, have called attention to the inaction of many professional adults involved who didn’t listen and delayed taking legal action against Nassar.

Armed with the knowledge that 95% of child abuse is preventable through education and awareness, ECCAC is expanding their Child Safety Matters with Athlete Safety Matters. These are programs initiated by the Monique Burr Foundation For Children, based in Florida.

Athlete Safety Matters is a comprehensive curriculum that educates and empowers youth athletes with information and strategies to prevent, recognize and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse and digital dangers. With youth athletes clustered by grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, trained facilitators can easily present the lessons in any venue using turnkey scripts along with engaging, interactive PowerPoints.

“ECCAC is anxious to roll out Athlete Safety Matters as soon as possible to educate children, coaches, educators, volunteers and parents,” said Jasie Landeros, who heads up the prevention department at ECCAC as their Outreach Program Manager. “We are asking interested advocates related to school sports, recreational sports, private travel teams, team organizations, and school educators to reach out to me so ECCAC can bring our athlete program to them.” Contact Jasie at jasie@eccac.org or call (850) 833-9237, Ext. 267.

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