The Destin Fishing Rodeo is Underway!

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October 26, 2021

By Cali Hvalac, To Do In Destin

2021 marks the 73rd Annual Fishing Rodeo in “The World’s Luckiest Village” and with it comes the return of many events that were canceled in the previous year, prompting community excitement.

Since its inception in 1948, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has expanded into one of the largest fishing tournaments along the Emerald Coast. The rodeo is all month long, spanning October 1-31st. More than 30,000 anglers compete each year!

Back for 2021: Shark Saturdays, the Destin 5K Rodeo Run on October 3, the Kids Fall Movie Festival on October 11, Ringing of the Bell on October 16 and Halloween on the Harbor on October 31.

The weigh-ins happen on the docks behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster bar located on the Destin Harbor and this year’s Miss Destin, Kaylie Sparks, is right there alongside long-time weigh-master Bruce Cheves. They are free to the public and are open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. To participate, charter boats and private boats must be registered at least 24 hours prior to weighing in a fish. There is no fee for anglers fishing on a registered vessel (private or charter) and shore fishermen can participate by simply bringing their catch to the scales. You can fish by kayak, paddle board, pier, bridge, jetty, shoreline and surf – whichever you prefer. When a shark or a big grouper or tuna is on the scale, the weigh-in watching crowd reaches “standing-room-only.” The Rodeo has also become a very popular “spectator sport” in October.

If you’re planning to make a trip down to the docks, expect to see a broad spectrum of fish being weighed in. From Sharks to Amberjacks, Grouper to King Mackerel, Tunas to Marlin, the rodeo has it all. According to the Destin Rodeo website, “Virtually every gamefish is recognized with awards during the Rodeo.” Rodeo anglers are competing for more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, awarded for both daily and overall catches, sponsored in good part by area businesses. Other awards are paid for by the Rodeo through entry fees and merchandise sales.

Even if you’re not a fisherman, the energy level and excitement that comes from being at the docks for weigh-ins is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Boats back into the scales, pull the fish from their boats while the announcer hypes up the crowd. Fish are strung up on the scale while the crowds cheer and applaud the boats and their teams. For the best seat in the house, get there early, grab a few beers and snag a seat on the bleachers by the leaderboard or above on AJ’s upper deck.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo has a significant economic impact on Destin. In 2019 an estimated 36,518 anglers from 33 states and two countries, including 13,421 locals participated in the Rodeo.

Halloween on the Harbor will signify the end of weigh-ins on Wednesday, Oct. 31, when the captains, anglers, volunteers and even Miss Destin will be dressed in their favorite costume. Everyone is invited to partake in the fun!

Meet Miss Destin 2021
Having lived in Destin her entire life, Kaylie Sparks is an honors student who graduated Cum Laude and is the recipient of the Anne T. Mitchell academic honors award as well as being invited to be a member to the distinguished National Honors Society of Northwest Florida State College. She is a four-year member of the nationally ranked Niceville High School cheerleading team, which was ranked number one in the state of Florida as well as being ranked first in the nation. She is also a current member of the Verve Dance Company, has competitively danced since age two and has won many awards for her performances. Currently a freshman at Northwest Florida State College, Kaylie participates in many community organizations such as the National League of Junior Cotillion and Destin United Methodist Church.

As Miss Destin, she is promoting pediatric cancer awareness in our community, a cause she is passionate about after having overcome it herself. “I have always dreamed of fulfilling this role ever since I was a little girl. From an early age I saw the Destin community come and deliver meals to my family in difficult times. This is a great opportunity for me to give back to the wonderful people that have supported my family,” stated Kaylie.

The Miss Destin pageant was held in May and, as the winner, Kaylie received a $2000 academic scholarship. Each contestant was judged on personality, communication skills and availability to fulfill the duties of Miss Destin at this year’s Destin Fishing Rodeo.

Catch The Health Benefits Eating Gulf of Mexico Fish

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Lisa Leath Turpin, BS. Fitness & Wellness Coach

In light of the Destin Fishing Rodeo season, here’s great news for our area about the health benefits of our Gulf fish! So, we’ve all read or heard that fish is healthy for you. But cold water fish such as salmon make the healthy headlines. It’s primarily because of their scientifically known Omega-3 fatty acid profile. But good news for us Gulf Coast residents… warm water fish in the Gulf of Mexico has high Omega- 3s also. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential to good health. Essential means that our bodies don’t produce it so therefore, we must get it through our diet. They are essential for normal growth and development of every aspect of human health. These fatty acids are similar in structure, but their functions are very different.

Americans typically consume up to 20 times more Omega-6 then they do Omega-3. This causes an imbalance in our bodies which are linked to a long list of diseases including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, colitis, Crohn’s disease, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, Alzheimer’s, Lupus, allergies and multiple sclerosis. Medical research has found that a diet must include NO MORE than FOUR times as much Omega-6 as Omega-3 for optimal health. Eating Gulf fish will help raise your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids to help with the balance between not only Omega-6, but also total fats in the body consumed by the average American. This is why it’s important to eat foods high in Omega-3.

Dr. Julia S. Lytle, Ph.D & Dr. Thomas F. Lytle, Professors Emeritus, Department of Coastal Sciences, states in a brochure; Marine fish oils are the primary source of Omega-3 fatty acids while the plant oils corn, soy, peanut, cotton, sunflower and safflower are the major sources of Omega-6. All marine fish, whether caught in warm water or cold water, contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and young tunas are rich in Omega-3s, but they are also higher in total fats than leaner fish such as flounder, redfish, snapper and tilefish. Recent research indicates that most Gulf fish contain less than 5% total fat, and their fat is enriched in Omega-3s. Dr. Julia says, “Since warm water fish are lean, you can eat larger portions to increase your intake of Omega-3 and still keep total fat calories moderated.” I’d like to note though, be careful in its preparation if you are watching total fat calories. Fat is nine calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates BOTH are four calories per gram. If you add creamy (fatty) rich sauces, extra oil, or breading while cooking, you could double the amount of calories for that portion of fish.

Achieving the right balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 helps with the following:
• fight inflammation
• reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes
• boost immune system
• reduce cancer risk
• slow aging
• reduce risk of macular degeneration
• lower triglycerides

Make a healthy change by eating MORE: Gulf fish at least twice weekly, dark green leafy vegetables, add flaxseeds and walnuts to salads; LESS: processed foods, avoid deep-fried foods, REDUCE TOTAL FATS. Use olive and canola oils for salads and cooking.

This information came from a study done by the professors above through The University of Southern Mississippi, Dept. of Coastal Sciences. The basis for their conclusion was through analysis of almost 50 species of Gulf fishes.

Regardless of season, age, size or sexual maturation, Gulf fish are valuable sources of Omega-3 and they have charted the fatty acid, cholesterol and total fat in 44 species.
Visit usm.edu/gcrl/omega-3 to see the comprehensive list. To contact Lisa, email lisa.turpin@icloud.com.

Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife

The 4th quarter of 2021 lengthens our ‘To Do’ lists and reminds us how quickly this year has gone by.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo has begun and there are more celebrations on the horizon: The Bloody Mary Festival, Eggs on the Beach, the annual Mattie Kelly Arts Festival (Oct. 30-31) along with the cooler fall weather (we hope), not to mention all the other fall and winter holidays, family gatherings and shopping dates.

It’s this season that causes so many of us to let all our healthy habits go by the wayside as we indulge in so many goodies and once a year cuisine. This season also brings added stress which triggers many an extra cookie or glass of wine (happy combo). So, how can we set ourselves up for healthy success while we enjoy everything this season has to offer?
Let’s start by setting aside some time to grab our favorite cup of coffee or tea and our holiday recipes. As you look them over, what ingredients can you exchange for healthier options?

• Sugar can be replaced with honey (1/2 of recipe amount as honey is very sweet) or unsweetened apple sauce
• Flour can be mixed with almond flour (1/2 and 1/2).
• If your recipe has marshmallows and brown sugar, decrease the amounts.
• Switch sugar frosting to sour cream frosting.
• Use hummus for veggie dip instead of ranch dressing.
• Use real butter instead of margarine. If it’s not real butter, it’s not healthy! And, yes, too much butter isn’t healthy either, but at least the body recognizes it.

Look at your pantry and see how you might improve the snack shelf with healthier options. Consider gluten free crackers (Greenwise from Publix has some good options), nuts, raisins, etc.

Making a cake? Make it one layer and freeze the other layer for later. Cookies? Freeze half the dough for another upcoming celebration. If we make less, we will eat less.

Use smaller plates. Fifty years ago, plates were 8-1/2”; in the 50’s they were 10-1/2”; and today we use 12” and restaurants use 13” plates. Smaller plates mean smaller portions. If you don’t have smaller plates, use one plate for salad and dinner items.

Consider having a healthy snack before the big meal and go for a walk before you eat; no one feels much like walking after dinner.

Lastly, serve healthy beverages. Get rid of the soda and mix unsweetened fruit juice with plain or carbonated water. Serve tea unsweetened or sweeten with honey (also consider using an herbal iced tea). Drink water before you eat.

Small changes can make a difference. Have fun and explore the possibilities. Feel good through the holidays!

If you have a question, email me at succeed@healthydayhealthylife.com.

Journey Bravely: Bouncing Back

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Stephenie Craig, Journey Bravely

You wake up, the sun is shining, the water is beautiful, you’re feeling good about work, you love the people in your life, your favorite song is playing, things are going your way, you’re in the zone. Suddenly you’re blind-sided when someone lets you down, an unexpected expense occurs, someone gets ill, you experience the consequences of a poor decision you made, and the world is not cooperating with your life agenda. When life veers off the desired course, one of two things usually happens. Either you get stuck and say, “Why me, why is the world always against me?” You focus on the disappointment, think something is wrong with you, blame others, believe you’re powerless, and hopelessness sets in. Or, over time you bounce back and say, “Hard things happen to everyone and with help, I can endure hard things and grow.” So, what makes the difference between getting stuck and bouncing back? How do you cultivate more resilient bounciness in your soul?

10 Practices for Cultivating Resilience and a Bouncier Life

Accept suffering as a normal part of life. While life would be tidier if good things happened to good people and bad things happened to bad people, this isn’t our lived reality. Life eventually brings suffering to all in various ways. Enjoy when life is going your way and expect that sometimes it will get hard, you will make mistakes and there will be pain, not because anyone is out to get you, but because you’re imperfectly human.

Embrace spirituality. Connection to God and others reminds you that you aren’t alone and frames a sense of meaning and community when life gets difficult. Spiritual practice also has strong connections with experiencing a sense of love, meaning and hope in both light and dark times.

Ask for help. Vulnerably admitting your struggle and asking for support reveals to you that people you care about truly see you and value you for you, not for having it all together. Being seen and supported in this way creates deeper, more trusting relationships over time.
Reject the shame story. Making mistakes, struggling with baggage or having life hardship does not mean something is wrong with you. It simply means you’re human and humans are messy. Remind yourself that everyone you know, including the ones who seem so polished, struggle.

Embrace uncomfortable feelings as normal and temporary. You are wired to have uncomfortable feelings like sadness, fear, humiliation and rejection when life gets hard. These feelings are red flags inviting you to pay attention to what is happening inside and around you. All feelings are temporary. Though in the midst of hard feelings, you fear you’ll never feel better again, you will get to the other side. Remind yourself you’ve never had a feeling that lasted forever.

Reach for healthy coping skills. Everyone has big feelings. You are not your feelings. Coping and calming skills like mindfulness give you some distance between your feelings and your sense of self. You can feel rejected without being a reject. The rejection can just be a feeling you’re experiencing to help you pay attention to a relationship or an interaction. It doesn’t have to define you.

Embrace your agency. Believe and remind yourself that you have the ability to make decisions, seek help, connect spiritually and take meaningful action in a positive direction in your life. You aren’t powerless and you don’t have to live believing you’re a victim to others or your circumstances without hope.

Sort responsibility and control. Notice what is out of your control, accept it and stop wasting your energy trying to control it. Notice what is within your healthy self-control, accept it and take healthy responsibility where you need to change direction.

Remember your history of enduring hard things. Keep a list of hard times you’ve survived, what you learned and how you experienced growth. Return to your list as an encouraging reminder that with connection and support, you can do hard things again.

Embrace the lessons life brings. Try to avoid blaming others and resisting life’s lessons. They are inevitable and most often bring wisdom. Accept the lesson with an open heart and incorporate the wisdom into daily life and relationships.

Be kind to yourself and others remembering that judgement creates feeling stuck not resilience. As you graciously evaluate your life bounce, remember there is no arrival in life, only ongoing journey and growth. As you need support along your journey, connect with us at journeybravely.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Hormone Therapy

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Dr. Richard Chern, M.D.

The Women’s Health Initiative Study (WHI) was started with the goal to prove that synthetic hormones worked as well as bio-identical hormones. Unfortunately, the results of this study were announced in a way that scared most women and physicians into stopping hormones of any kind with the belief that all hormones cause cancer, strokes and heart attacks.

Unfortunately, this is not the case at all. The WHI study actually shows a reduction in cancer, strokes and heart attacks with the use of bio-identical hormones. The study showed an increase in cancer, strokes and heart attacks with the use of synthetic hormones. Of course, the news only reported on the frightening side of the study and told the world that hormones are bad. This led most women to getting off of their hormones with the idea that no hormones means no cancer. This could not be further from the truth.

Women who do not receive bio-identical hormone replacement after menopause have over a 16% risk of getting breast cancer. So, no hormones means more cancer. In fact, breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks are the top three killers of post-menopausal women. Why? Because of a lack of testosterone and estrogen are associated with increases in cancer as well as many other disease processes.

Women in the WHI study who received bio-identical estrogen replacement reduced their cancer risk to 6%. That’s a 10% reduction in breast cancer. In addition, a recent study of women who received bio-identical testosterone therapy showed more than a 50% reduction in their breast cancer risk.

There is no doubt that bio-identical hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of cancer as well as many other diseases. If your doctor says otherwise, then he or she has not been keeping up with the times. In fact, the breast cancer study I am referring to was presented at the 2021 North American Menopause Society meeting in Washington, D.C., just this last month.

If you want to do everything you can to feel better and live longer after menopause (or even before menopause), then you should come see us today. We are able to get the proper full panel of labs and review them with you. Remember, normal labs are not necessarily optimal for your health. So, just because your doctor says everything is normal does not mean you are not at increased risk for cancer and disease.

Dr. Richard Chern, MD not only provides hormone therapy to men and women, but also teaches hormone therapy to doctors throughout the country. Dr. Richard Chern, M.D. is a platinum BioTE provider and runs one of the largest BioTE hormone clinics in the country in Miramar Beach. Call 850-837-1271 for an appointment.

September and October Have Historically Been the Most Volatile for the Stock Market

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager

We often get the question or the comment regarding a market correction or worse, a bear market. We also take note that, historically, many corrections have been made in September and October. Why that is so is the subject of speculation. Most folks are focused on now vs. the past of course and with the market having rallied for over a year now and multiples at historical highs, people are beginning to wonder.

While market corrections can happen at any time, we would even suggest that by the end of the day this article is being written, a correction could take place. Investors, understandably so, want to know if a market selloff is about to happen. The problem, at least in our experience, is that they don’t ring a bell at the top, signaling people to get out and they don’t ring a bell at the bottom signaling for people to get back in.

We feel investors should pay close attention to key drivers in asset valuations:

First, The Federal Reserve balance sheet. It has more than doubled in the past year and a half and is up tenfold since 2008. The current amount is $8.357 trillion as of September 8th (see federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy).

The Fed’s balance sheet is made up on the asset side of Treasuries and mortgage type securities that it has purchased on the open market. The more The Fed buys, the more money or monetary stimulus, is released into the U.S. financial system. Where does The Fed get the funds for those purchases? Typically, it is through creating or “printing” more money. There are several factors that drive asset prices, and we feel that in this environment, the key driver is the growth of the balance sheet. So, as investors’ worry grows over market corrections, keeping an eye on the balance sheet is a good indication of the amount of liquidity that exists in the financial system. The greater the liquidity, the greater the support for asset prices. If liquidity is withdrawn (through tapering as an example) that, in theory, means less stimulus and potentially less liquidity. That might mean asset prices could become more volatile.

Second is the yields on the benchmark U.S. Treasury as another significant factor that drives markets and or adds to or lessens volatility. We suggest that our clients pay most attention to the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond. Why? That is what most professional investors and market followers focus on. The yield right now is approximately 1.35%. Note the yield on the S&P 500 is very close to that. So, if the yield climbs significantly, we think (from what we have researched and concluded) to approximately double the yield of the S&P 500, that in and of itself would be a trigger or drag on stock prices.

Third, we continue to be wary of bonds and the implications yields can have on them and potentially the stock market. Should clients desire to invest in that area, we express caution as we feel that climbing yields (because of inflation, an increase in the supply of Treasuries for sale as examples) would continue to put pressure on investment grade bond prices. Inflation’s most recent reading is 5.3% year over year (it was 5.4% when reported last month). We would suggest investors consider high yield bonds or floating rate bonds in an economic environment such as this. While those carry greater quality risk, they might fare better than their investment grade counterparts.

Finally, and always, at The First Wealth Management, we encourage our clients to 1) concentrate to accumulate and then diversify to preserve 2) to monitor and make changes to their strategies over time vs overnight 3) consider the impacts that taxes can have on their savings and investments.

The First Wealth Management is located at First Florida Bank, a division of the First, A National Banking Association, 2000 98 Palms Blvd, Destin, FL 32541. Branch offices are located in Niceville, Mary Esther, Miramar Beach, Freeport and Panama City. Phone 850.654.8124.

Raymond James advisors do not offer tax advice. Please see your tax professionals. Email: Maurice.stouse@raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC, or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

The First Wealth Management First Florida Bank, and The First, A National Banking Association are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Views expressed are the current opinion of the author, not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James, and are subject to change without notice. Information provided is general in nature and is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.

Investing in oil involves special risks, including the potential adverse effects of state and federal regulation and may not be suitable for all investors.

Treasury Inflation Protection Securities, or TIPS, adjust the invested principal base by the CPI-U at a semiannual rate. Rate of inflation is based on the CPI-U, which has a three-month lag. Investing within specific sectors, or in small and mid-size companies, involves unique, additional risks. Those risks include limited diversification, regulatory risks, limited liquidity, and lack of operating history.

There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of mutual funds before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about mutual funds. The prospectus and summary prospectus are available from your financial advisor and should be read carefully before investing.

Five FPRA NW Florida Coast Members Receive 40 Under 40 Honors

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

On Thursday September 9, 2021, five members of the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) were selected for the Inaugural Class of the United Way Emerald Coast Emerging Leaders 40 under 40 Awards presented by Step One Automotive Group. This recognition highlights Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders who excel in the areas of leadership, community involvement, and professional accomplishment.

The five NWFL Coast Chapters recipients are:

Jenni Brunson, Okaloosa Gas District, President
Emily Friedlander, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Leslie Moland, APR, CPRC, White-Wilson Medical Center
Bobby Parker, Corcoran Reverie, President Elect
Shaye Smith, Center for Sales Strategy/Lead G2/Up Your Culture, Immediate Past President

“This professional accomplishment for these five members of the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of FPRA speaks to the stellar level of leadership we have within our local chapter. These individuals aspire to make a positive impact not only in our association, but also within our local community,” said Jenni Brunson, President, NWFL Coast Chapter. “I am personally honored to stand with all the award recipients and am incredibly proud to recognize the Northwest Coast Chapter’s Immediate Past President, Current President, and President Elect were all selected as honorees. The future is bright for the Champagne Chapter!”

Recipients of the inaugural 40 Under 40 award honor were ultimately selected, out of nearly 150 nominations, by an anonymous review committee of the United Way Emerald Coast. Awardees were celebrated at a reception September 24th after receiving complimentary head shots and will be featured in the October issue of VIP Magazine.

Whatever Happened To Trust?

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Myrna Conrad

There are so many discrepancies in our world today that it is hard to know who or what to trust. Trust is a “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.”

I do believe that it is harder to trust today than it was a few decades ago, even a few years ago. There is now so much more information available, at our fingertips. We are bombarded with thoughts, ideas and advertisements for the latest and greatest thing.
There is such a plethora of new and changing information that it is hard to know what is legitimate and what is bogus, especially when some of the information seems to contradict other information. The speed with which things change also make it hard to know what to do and who to trust.

Who do you trust to educate your children? I remember when we could send our children to school trusting that teachers were instructing them in the basics of reading, math, science, language and legitimate history (not history that has been rewritten). Now, in many schools, rather than being taught core curriculum, children are being taught more about how they should think and feel on social issues, which should be the responsibility of the parent(s), not teachers.

Due to social media, even friendships are different today than they used to be. Trust is established by spending face-to-face time with someone. Today, people have friends that they only communicate with via social media. Instead of working out disagreements, people can just “unfriend” you with a keystroke. Trust is also broken when people post pictures or information on social media that is hurtful or just plain mean. It is harder to know who to trust with your friendship when friends are so provisional and transient.

Of even more importance, who can you trust with your heart? If you haven’t met that perfect mate in high school or college, where do you go to meet and date someone trustworthy today? Many people are using dating sites to meet people. But how do you know if a person is who they say they are and how do you determine who is safe and trustworthy without spending face to face time with that person? Many other people have been hurt and betrayed in a relationship, finding it hard to learn to trust others and even themselves. Trusting your heart to someone is hard, because it can be so easily broken. However, the alternative is a very guarded and unhappy life.

What about religion and the question of who we can trust with our eternal destiny? There are so many different religions, teachings and denominations. There are even disagreements within each of these religions and denominations. Each of us should search for truth when it comes to this most important question of where to place our trust. I have found that the one person I can trust beyond all other is the one who was willing to die for me, Jesus. I can trust Him because of His teaching, His works, His promises which were all kept, to include that He would die and conquer death by His resurrection on the third day. I can and have placed my trust in Him, which has changed my life forever.

It is important that we know how to discern truth and know who and what can be trusted. It is also important to be someone who can be trusted. Here are a few strategies:

Be Aware:
– Think about those who can be trusted in your life.
– Be aware of people’s willingness to trust you.
– Realize that integrity and character take a lifetime to build, but only a moment to lose.

Be Intentional:
– Be careful to research what you hear to see if the source is reliable and trustworthy.
– Take time to develop relationships. In order to have great friendships, you must be a great friend.
– If you have been hurt in the past, don’t let this stop you from opening your heart to trust again.
– Make every effort to be someone that can be trusted.

None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. But, it is so important to live a life of honesty and integrity. We want to find people that we can trust, but we also want to be a person who can be trusted.

Meet Local Artist Share Norville—Artful Things Niceville

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

By Lori Leath Smith

“We are thrilled when we have clients come in and tell us how inspired they are when browsing the gallery. That’s a large part of what we want to give back to the community.”
~ Share Norville, Artful Things Niceville

Artful Things Niceville is as warm and inviting as its owner, Share Norville, where local authors adorn the shelves, fine art and local artist commissioned pieces are displayed, art supplies, pottery and custom framing is available and you can express yourself in your own art. In fact, Share encourages all to do so. “It’s a time for art appreciation, a time to be inspired and also to feel you are a part of our gallery family.”

Influenced at an early age by the rather Bohemian feel of South Walton County where Share lived in the early ‘80s, her attraction is to many different types of arts— paint, paint brushes, music, a plethora of mediums, gardening, tai chi, teaching, giving, sharing and ultimately seeing the smiles of others, as they find joy from playing with the arts. “I played for years with Chinese movement arts, had a greenhouse and an art room in my home in Birmingham, where I worked for several years in administration and finance in the corporate world.” Her first love, music, took her there where she played with different artists over the years. But, after growing up in Ft. Walton Beach and later Destin, then traveling Hwy. 30A, “I kept telling myself I would come back to our beautiful emerald waters.” And she did when Family matters dictated her return in 2016.

Share wasted no time planting herself in the Niceville community, and was drawn to Artful Things Niceville. “My mother wrote poetry and sang; my father also enjoyed singing and both brothers had a love for art—one worked in oils and the other charcoal.”

Finally, able to live out her own creative passion, she became an Artful Things Niceville artist creating pieces for the gallery. Share’s specialty — recycled art. Never one to follow the norm, when younger, she played with string art and “created” from things she had on hand. “This, over many years, morphed into “whimsical reworks” where I would take items like jewelry boxes, lamps, picture frames, etc., that were bound for the trash and rework them into functional art with an upbeat style,” says Share.

In 2019, Share purchased the gallery and is now carrying on the vision of former owners, sisters Candice and Carole Atkinson. “There was the perfect opportunity, because I was participating in this gallery,” she said.

Fast forward two years and the gallery is celebrating its success with a special all-day sale, Thursday, November 11, and a reception from 5-7 p.m. with door prizes, live music, refreshments and an opportunity to meet many of the 51 participating artisans of the gallery, six who recently received an honorable mention in the Okaloosa Public Arts Show. “I am hoping everyone will consider coming for the fun, amazing artworks, great books and unique gifts that are available locally by local artisans,” says Share. “The intent behind Artful Things Niceville is to support local artisans, encourage and inspire young and old alike, beginner to experienced, and bring a bit of fun to our community,” she adds.

There’s something for everyone who wants to bring out their inner artist: a variety of workshops such as calligraphy, encaustic wax, watercolor, air dry clay, techniques in oil, linocut- stamps and book writing; ongoing classes in oil, acrylics, basic drawing and basic anime; a beginning homeschool art curriculum; kid-focused workshops, birthday parties, open-air art days and camps, too!

Name brand art supplies include Golden, Windsor-Newton, Grumbacher, Prisma, Speedball, Ampersand, Canson, Arches, Strathmore, Copic, Pinata and even custom orders. And the Gallery discounts art supplies for local art students.

Art instructor M.J. Montgomery stands ready to take your special custom framing order. “We recently had the honor of framing 14 separate certificates of completion for a local karate student,” says Share. “Often clients bring us their precious memories for specially designed framing and we have special framing deals for businesses.”

In-house studio artists, Charlotte Arnold, Carol Ann Cain and Joan M. Langham, as well as Chris McLoone, photography, social media and instructor, and newest member, Ren Colbert, are available to answer questions and share their knowledge in the use of specific mediums and products.

“Keep an eye on our social media pages, watch for our listings here in Bay Life and come play, be inspired and take home a beautiful local work of art!” says Share.

1087 John Sims Pkwy. E., Niceville | (850) 729-2600 | Artfulthingsniceville.com
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Art Classes Abound Around the Bay! November 2021

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Bay Life

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October 26, 2021

Artful Things:
ONGOING CLASSES
Rosalyn O’grady – Oil or Acrylics, Tuesday mornings 10 a.m. – noon, $20 per session plus supplies – Bring a photo to paint from or paint from a still life set-up. Email Roslyn. ogradytr@cox.net www.RosalynOgrady.com
Theresia Mcinnis – Watercolor Techniques, Tuesday afternoons. 12:45 pm- 3:45 pm. $30 plus supplies. Zoom available. Learn or improve on various techniques including controlled pour & texturing. www.TheresiaMcInnis.com. Sign up at gallery 850-729-2600
Charolotte Arnold – Open Studio With Live Model, Wednesdays 10:30-1:30 pm. Uninstructed-$15 limited to 6 seats. Bring your own supplies- your medium and an easel Sign up at gallery- 850-729-2600
MJ Montgomery – Anime and Drawing Basics, Wednesday afternoons: 3:30 – 4:30 pm. $10. Suggested ages, 10 to 110! Learn the basics of character design, shadowing, eyes and hands. Bring your sketchbook and come learn something new. Limited seating. Text seating request to: 505-690-3945.
MJ Montgomery – Semi Private Drawing Basics, Thursday afternoons: 3:30 – 4:30 pm. $20. Suggested ages, 10 to 110! Learn the basics of drawing and build your skills to transfer to any medium. Bring your sketchbook and come learn something new. Text seating request to: 505-690-3945. Limited seating.
WORKSHOPS FOR OCTOBER
30-Children’s Art for Halloween, with instructing artist Corina Zalace. Reserve quickly as these seats go fast for the kids. 10 am – noon. $37.50 includes all supplies. Ages 8- 12.
30-Halloween Linocut – Stamp making, with instructing artist Chris McLoone, $47.50 includes supplies. 1 pm- 3:30 pm. Create your own personal stamp, for stamping cards, or for use in art.

WORKSHOPS FOR NOV.
6-Black Letter Gothic Hand Calligraphy, 10:30 AM – 1 PM. Award winning artist Elia Saxer shows you the fun you can have with this style calligraphy. Used for invitations, cards, and announcements. Complete your own special quote. $85 includes all supplies and handbooks for this 2- ½ hour workshop. Limited seating.
11-Second Anniversary All Day Sale! Artists, authors, and artisans alike will have sales on their works, just in time for holiday shopping. Join us from 5 – 7 pm for Sips, Fun and Door Prizes. Meet the artisans of the gallery and have some fun.
13-Kids Christmas Cards 10 am- Noon. Teaching artist and children’s book writer, Corina Zalace. Ages 7-12. Create 4-5 Cards using watercolor. $37.50 includes all supplies. Limited Seating.
18-Christmas Cards with Encaustic Wax. 10:30- 12:30 pm.$47.50 Ages 14 and up. $47.50 Create 4-5 cards in this 2-hour class. Corina Zalace Artist- teacher- writer.
19-Clay Choir Girls – 10 :30 – 1:30 $47.50 Create your very own unique 6-1/2” Choir girl complete with song book. Expert clay and multi medium artist Marcy Eady.
20-Children’s Advent Calendar – Teaching artist, Marla Armstrong, Ages 6-12. Creating 24 days on the calendar for that daily surprise. $32,50 includes all supplies- except the surprises. Limited seating.

COMING IN DECEMBER:
4-Calligraphy Christmas Card-Illuminated Letter – Elia Saxer
Stained Glass Box – Dulcie Scalf
18-Christmas Sale – Open Air Art Day
(850) 729-2600
artfulthingsniceville.com
1087 East, E. John Sims Pkwy.
in Niceville

Big Orange House Designs
OCTOBER CLASSES:
29-Kidz Paint Pumpkins: Bring your kiddo in to paint a cute wooden pumpkin! $5.35
30-Kidz Paint Pumpkins: Bring your kiddo in to paint a cute wooden pumpkin! $5.35

NOVEMBER CLASSES:
3- Macrame Wall Hanging with Chloe: Learn lots of new knots to accomplish this fun wall hanging! $63.90
16-Niceville High School Swim Senior Letter: Come CREATE a letter with photos of your Senior! $37.45
bigorangehousedesigns.com
(850) 737-6193.
4652 Hwy. 20E, Pineapple Plaza, Bluewater Bay in Niceville

Estelle Studio & Gallery
NOVEMBER CLASSES:
18-Christmas Ornament Paint Night 6-8 pm
19-Paint and Pie (Paint and Sip Event) 6-8 pm. This event will have a Turkey Give Away!
Private group classes and parties offered.
(850) 787-1020
estellestudioandgallery@gmail.com
902 Hwy 20, Suite 106
Freeport, FL 32439

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