Museum News

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April 3, 2026

Compiled by Jene Evans McCracken and Arthur Edgar

History Sandwiched In Returns in April

The Heritage Museum Association will host two “History Sandwiched In” programs on Friday, April 17, at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

At 10 a.m., Karl Eschmann will present on the Battles of Lexington and Concord, known as “the shot heard round the world.” The program is geared toward students in fourth grade and up. Admission is $7 per student; parents and chaperones are free. Space is limited; call 850-678-2615 to reserve a spot.

At noon, Dr. Bob Kane will present Part II of his program on the Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942. A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, Kane has extensively researched the mission and shares an engaging, in-depth look at Eglin Air Force Base’s role in the operation. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Both programs are free unless otherwise noted.

Student Poster Contest Celebrates America 250

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is sponsoring a student poster contest in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. The contest is open to students in Okaloosa County public, private and home schools.

Two divisions are offered: middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). First-place winners in each division will receive $100; second place will receive $50.

Posters should illustrate a phrase or idea from the Declaration of Independence that represents America today. Entries must be between 11-by-17 inches and 22-by-28 inches. Artwork must be hand-created; digital submissions and foam board are not accepted.

Entries are due by Friday, May 1, at the museum.

Spirit of ’76 Book Club Launches

The Spirit of ’76 Book Club invites the community to explore America’s founding documents through guided discussion. Meetings are scheduled for May 14 and Oct. 15 at the Heritage Museum. The first selection is The Most Important Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson, which examines the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence. The second book, We the People by Jill Lepore, explores the history and future of the U.S. Constitution.

Participants must be at least 16 years old. To join, email 250Heritage@proton.me. The first meeting will be held Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m., with light refreshments provided.

Gift Shop and Florida Map Room Get a Refresh

Visitors are invited to explore the newly reorganized gift shop at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Under the direction of Museum Manager Arthur Edgar, the space has been updated with improved layout, new display panels, and expanded inventory. Gift shop manager Deb Edgar has added heritage-themed toys, books and educational materials, including resources tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

The refresh also led to updates in the adjacent Florida Map Room, where a new exhibit case now features items such as a vintage radio from Valparaiso pioneer Addie Lewis, artifacts from the Eglin railroad, milk bottles from the former Spence dairy, and historic photos of the Valparaiso Inn. Visitors are encouraged to relax in the seating area and watch a short video on Northwest Florida history.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso

Emerald Coast Music Alliance

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Emerald Coast Music Alliance to Host World-Renowned American Brass Quintet for Free Concerts and Student Master Class

The Emerald Coast Music Alliance Foundation proudly announces that the internationally acclaimed American Brass Quintet (ABQ) will visit the Emerald Coast April 15–18, 2026. During their stay, the ensemble will present free public performances and lead a master class for area high school students at no cost.

The American Brass Quintet is widely recognized as one of the premier chamber music ensembles of our time, celebrated for its peerless leadership in the brass world. Described as “the most distinguished” of brass quintets by American Record Guide, ABQ has built its stellar reputation through celebrated performances, genre-defining commissioned works, and a steadfast commitment to educating generations of musicians.

A recipient of Chamber Music America’s highest honor, the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award for significant and lasting contributions to the field, the group boasts a rich history that includes performances across five continents, more than 60 recordings, and the premieres of over 150 contemporary brass works. Since its founding in 1960, commissions from esteemed composers have significantly shaped contemporary chamber music and the modern brass quintet repertoire. The New York Times has hailed ABQ as the “premier brass ensemble.”

ABQ will perform a free public concert at Crosspoint Church in Niceville on April 16 at 6 p.m. Seating is limited and may be reserved through Eventbrite.

The student master class will be held April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crestview High School and is open to high school students interested in band and brass instruments. Students can obtain additional information through their school’s band leadership. A performance for students, teachers, parents, and the public will follow the master class.

For more information, visit emeraldcoastmusic.org or email bob@emeraldcoastmusic.org

Musical Echoes Returns: A Festival Where Ancient Sounds Meet the Emerald Coast

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Lori Leath Smith

Each spring, something remarkable happens along the shores of the Santa Rosa Sound. The gentle notes of the Native American flute drift through the air, dancers move in colorful regalia and locals and visitors gather to celebrate one of the Emerald Coast’s most unique cultural traditions.

From April 24–26, 2026, the Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary, inviting the community to experience three unforgettable days of music, art and heritage at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rosa Sound, the festival is free and open to the public.

Since becoming part of the fabric of Fort Walton Beach in 2001, Musical Echoes has grown into one of the premier Native American flute and art festivals in the nation, honoring the rich traditions, storytelling and artistry of Native American culture.

You can expect a vibrant weekend filled with live performances, flute concerts, cultural dancing, art displays, storytelling and interactive exhibits. The hauntingly beautiful sound of the Native flute—an instrument long used for storytelling, ceremony and reflection—creates a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly complements our Fort Walton Beach environment.

This year’s festival features several acclaimed performers:

Shelley Morningsong, a Northern Cheyenne singer-songwriter and 2019 Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, brings her powerful alto voice and heartfelt songwriting to the stage. With seven albums and multiple Native American Music Awards to her name, Morningsong blends contemporary Native music with blues influences reminiscent of artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bonnie Raitt.

Joining her is Fabian Fontenelle, a Zuni/Omaha performer and descendant of the famed Omaha Chief Big Elk. Fontenelle captivates audiences with powerful dance performances, traditional storytelling and sacred songs performed in the Native Zuni language. His vibrant regalia and rhythmic drumming bring ancient traditions to life in a mesmerizing cultural experience.

Also performing is Gareth Laffely, an award-winning Mi’kmaq/Cree composer whose Native flute compositions have been featured on NPR’s Hearts of Space and networks including Discovery Channel, PBS and A&E. Laffely is the youngest composer ever to reach No. 2 on the Billboard New Age chart and has collaborated with George Lucas’ Skywalker Symphony.

Beyond the stage, the festival also highlights Native-inspired artistry and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore arts and crafts vendors, cultural exhibits and artist demonstrations, while artisans compete in both the Arts Competition and the Flute Makers Competition, showcasing handcrafted pieces that blend music, tradition and visual art.

The event is supported by the local community and volunteers. Those interested in helping can assist with activities such as the information booth, raffle sales, silent auction support or festival photography. Volunteers who contribute at least four hours receive a free festival T-shirt, and high school students can earn community service hours.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Musical Echoes relies on sponsorships and donations to continue offering this unique cultural event to the public each year. Contributions of any size—including memorial or honorarium gifts—help sustain the festival’s mission of celebrating Native American music, art and heritage.

Many locals will tell you Musical Echoes is more than a festival—it’s an immersive cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the final flute note fades.

Whether you come for the music, the art or simply the peaceful atmosphere by the water, one thing is certain: once you hear the echoes, you’ll want to return year after year.

Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival

April 24–26, 2026

The Landing | 139 Brooks St. FWB

Info: info@musicalechoes.org

Volunteers: volunteers@musicalechoes.org

Free admission • Family friendly • Cultural exhibits • Live performances

NFSO Presents Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, the Awe-inspiring “Resurrection”

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

On April 18, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra — the region’s premier professional orchestra — transforms the stage of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center into a space of breathtaking scale and sound. More than 200 musicians and singers will gather for Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, the awe-inspiring “Resurrection” Symphony, in what promises to be one of the most powerful artistic events of the season.

Mahler’s Second is not merely a symphony; it is an emotional and spiritual journey. It begins in darkness and uncertainty, wrestling with life’s deepest questions, and rises steadily toward a radiant conclusion that proclaims renewal and hope. In its final movement, a full chorus and vocal soloists join the orchestra in a breathtaking affirmation of life after struggle — a moment that has moved audiences for more than a century.

This extraordinary performance unites the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, the Choral Society of Pensacola, and Niceville High School Opus One. The sheer scale of the collaboration — more than 200 performers filling the stage — creates a sound both intimate and immense, surrounding the audience in a shared experience of uncommon magnitude.

Works of this scope are rarely presented in our region. Months of preparation and exceptional artistic forces are required to bring it to life. When the final chorus rises from a whisper to a thunderous declaration, the effect is overwhelming — not only heard, but deeply felt.

Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony will be performed on Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are available at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org or by calling 850-729-6000.

Ann Toomey, Soprano

American soprano Ann Toomey is enjoying a significant international career, praised for her rich voice and dramatic presence. She has performed major operatic roles including Madama Butterfly and Tosca with Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Florentine Opera, and made a celebrated European debut in Suor Angelica at the Berlin Philharmonie under Kirill Petrenko. She has also appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel and sung Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with the Nashville Symphony, among other acclaimed engagements. A former member of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago, she was a national semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Zoie Reams, Mezzo-Soprano

Mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams has garnered recognition for her “velvety” tone and versatile artistry. A graduate of the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio, she appears regularly at Lyric Opera of Chicago in roles from La traviata to contemporary works, and has sung the title role in Carmen at Canadian Opera Company and Oregon’s Piedmont Opera. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Porgy and Bess and appears in major concert engagements including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral. Reams’ season also includes appearances with Cincinnati Opera, Minnesota Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel.

NFB Académie Opens Auditions for 2026–27

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Audition registration is now open for the Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Académie 26/27 academic year! Auditions for incoming third-grade students will be held on April 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and on April 26 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and for incoming fourth graders on April 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Auditions for incoming fifth-grade students will be held from April 28 to 30 during the regular fourth-grade Ballet class. Appointment reservations are required and must be made by April 23 at 2 p.m.

Celebrating more than 20 years of excellence, the NFB Académie is a free, integrated arts and academic program for third through eighth-grade boys and girls who demonstrate the potential to excel in dance. The NFB Académie is a nationally acclaimed program recognized as an A+ school since its inception. Register or learn more at NFBallet.org/Auditions.

Sean of the South: Dispatches Del Camino

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Sean Dietrich

“We have no rooms,” the innkeeper says over the phone.

“None?” I say.

“We are full.”

My wife and I are sitting on the ancient steps of la Iglesia de Santiago. The Church of Saint James. We are dusty and sweaty, and one of us smells like a giant armpit. (Moi.)

The stone doorway arch above us features carvings of angels and demons which date back to Roman times. Eight angels surround Christ, who is looking straight at me as though He is saying, “‘No room’ at the inn?—Now where have I heard THAT before?”

“Please,” I say to the innkeeper. “My wife and I are exhausted, there are no rooms anywhere.”

“I said no room.” And the woman hangs up.

It is late siesta in Spain. No traffic on the highways. No pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Streets are vacant. Most pilgrims have already found lodging for the evening and are already getting their complimentary massages.

At least that’s what I imagine. Because we have been hunting for a room all day, and there are no vacancies for another 20 miles. It is Holy Week, and the Camino is packed with hikers. Finding a room is like trying to locate a porta john at a bluegrass festival.

All day we have been seeing pilgrims turned away from hostels. Some, we learn, have been forced to sleep outside on doorsteps.

I am still staring at the call-ended screen. “She hung up on me,” I say in mock disbelief.

So, I take a moment. I need to get my head together. I need to figure out what we should do. Otherwise we’re sleeping on church steps tonight.

I wander into the church while Jamie sits on the steps watching our backpacks. I cross myself. I take a pew.

Tomorrow is Good Friday. And I am looking at a sculpture of Christ on a cross.

My entire evangelical childhood featured imagery of the crucifixion. We sang cute little Sunday school songs about it. We wore tiny crucifixes around our necks. We had paintings portraying the crucifixion. Jesus always had great abs.

But right now, in light of Good Friday, I’m thinking about what it truly means to truly die by crucifixion.

First, you’re stripped nude. You are not a fitness model. You are a 30-something male who eats a lot of bread and drinks wine with every meal. And it shows in your midsection.

Then, a crowd watches as a group of 18-year-old soldiers with egos to prove kick the proverbial excrement out of you. Next, they place you on timbers. They mutilate your hands with nails. Romans didn’t always use just one nail per hand.

Then, you just hang there.

It’s gross. It’s raw. There are no orchestras playing an overture. No cinematic key lighting. Your cross stands erected on Main Street. Your basic human reflex is to shield your nudity. But you can’t.

The boy-soldiers beneath your cross are screwing around, engaging in locker room banter, shooting craps, seeing which one will win your shoes.

You can’t breathe. Your lips are turning blue. Your arms are numb, devoid of circulation. Your serratus muscles and shoulders are torn from struggling against your own body weight.

The worst part is, almost none of your friends are here. Few are brave enough to attend your last hours. Doesn’t anyone care? Isn’t anyone going to say goodbye? Aren’t you important in anyone’s life?

Meantime, there are four other guys crucified alongside you. Hollywood films, and various evangelical bumper stickers will depict only three crosses on this fateful Friday. But in reality, there are five crosses, and you’re just one of them.

In other words, you are not given special treatment. No sacred ceremony. Charleston Heston does not attend your death scene. You are just another state inmate on the roadside. No big deal.

Most people who are crucified will hang for entire days before finally dying. Crucified persons do not receive burial, either. Usually, Romans let birds pick their skeletons clean. In simple terms, you are trash.

And you know what hurts most? It’s that people did this to you. Not wild animals. Not an act of nature. Fellow human beings.

Because the harsh truth is, people are not always nice. People hate. People start wars. People hurt each other, and often for no reason. They posture, they compete, they gossip. They invent rules and dogmas so they might force others unto their will.

And in this moment of nude agony, you see all these failings of human nature beneath you. You watch it all, with human eyes. And you forgive them. For we are fools who know not what we do.

I cross myself and exit the chapel.

My wife is sitting on the steps with our bags. We still have no rooms. We are low on food. We are in a foreign country, and we have a long way left to walk. But I think, perhaps, I’ve just remembered why I’m walking.

The Resurrection: The Foundation of Hope for Every Generation

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

The empty tomb is more than a moment in history – it is the living foundation of hope for every generation.

Every spring, the world seems to come alive again. Trees grow new leaves, flowers start to bloom, and the sunshine warms us, reminding us that winter does not last forever. Creation itself seems to whisper a gentle reminder that life follows death and that hope follows despair. For Christians, this season has a much deeper significance. It points us to the most important event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The resurrection is more than just a religious tradition or seasonal celebration; it is the heart of the Christian faith. Without it, Christianity would be indistinguishable from any religion. The Apostle Paul made this point clear when he wrote:

“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Everything about the Christian message (the gospel) hinges on that empty tomb in Israel. Yet, the resurrection cannot be separated from the cross that came before it. On the cross, Jesus Christ willingly shed His precious blood for our sins, bearing the judgment every sinner deserves. The Scripture declares, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

On that cross, the sinless Son of God became our substitute, taking our sins upon Himself and offering His righteousness in place of our sins to all who believe. The resurrection then stands as God’s declaration that the sacrifice was accepted, that the debt of sin was paid, and that eternal life is now available through the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

When Christ was crucified, His followers were devastated. Their hopes seemed shattered, and their future uncertain. But early on that Sunday morning, something happened that forever changed history. The stone was rolled away—not to let Jesus out, but so we could see that the grave was empty—and the risen Savior appeared to His disciples as living proof of the victory. Sin and death had been defeated once and for all!

The resurrection was more than a moment of encouragement for the first believers—it became the enduring hope for every generation.

Because Christ lives, death does not have the final word for believers. Because Christ lives, forgiveness is real, and salvation is freely offered. Because Christ lives, those who trust in Him have a secure future for eternity. The Apostle Peter described it this way:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Notice the phrase—a lively hope. The resurrection gives believers a living and lasting hope that no circumstance in this world can destroy. Every generation desperately needs that hope. Every individual needs that hope.

We live in a time of uncertainty as world events change rapidly. Nations struggle, cultures shift, and many people feel as though the ground beneath them is shaking. Yet the message of the empty tomb reminds us that the most important foundation has never moved. Jesus Christ is alive.

The resurrection assures us that God still rules over history and that His promises remain sure. It reminds us that light ultimately triumphs over darkness, truth over deception, and life over death.

For believers, the resurrection is not simply something we remember once a year—it is something we live every day. It shapes how we face difficulty, how we treat others, and how we look toward the future.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that the gospel message must be passed from one generation to the next. The hope found in Christ was never meant to stop in any generation. It is a truth that must be shared with our children, our neighbors, and the generations yet to come.

Two thousand years ago, the angel at the empty tomb spoke words that still echo through history:

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6).

Because the tomb is empty, hope is alive—and it will remain the foundation of hope for every generation until Christ returns.

Good Fences, Great Neighbors – and a Few Laughs Along the Way

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Jon & Brittany Younkers

In neighborhoods everywhere, one thing still rings true: good fences make good neighbors. At Dirty N Sturdy Fencing, we’ve found that statement to be surprisingly accurate — and sometimes pretty entertaining, too.

A well-built fence does more than mark property lines. It creates privacy for backyard barbecues, keeps pets safely contained, and adds a clean, finished look to any home. It also removes that awkward moment when you’re not quite sure where your yard ends and your neighbor’s begins. Simply put, a quality fence makes life easier for everyone.

Recently, our crew completed a fence installation for a homeowner looking to add privacy and security. The finished product was sharp, sturdy, and built to stand up to the elements. As the team packed up, a neighbor wandered over, took a look, and admired the craftsmanship before heading back home.

A few minutes later, his wife walked over with a smile and a simple question: “Since you’re already here, when can you come back and do ours, too?”

We’ll take that kind of compliment any day.

Moments like that remind us why we love what we do. A great fence doesn’t just improve one property — it can inspire the whole street. Before long, one backyard project turns into a neighborhood upgrade.

And let’s be honest — sometimes privacy is the whole point. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening outside, blocking the view of the neighbor’s trampoline Olympics, or simply wanting a little more personal space, a good fence makes all the difference. On the flip side, maybe you’re just trying to block out that neighbor who enjoys their freedom a little too much. Either way, we’re here to help.

At Dirty N Sturdy Fencing, our focus is simple: build strong fences, treat customers right, and leave every yard better than we found it. If the neighbors start calling afterward, well, that’s just proof the job was done right.

Because when a fence is built the Dirty N Sturdy way, everyone on the block notices — and sometimes, the neighbors want one, too.

A Community Loss with Special Recognition – Danton Barto

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Barbara Palmgren

A phone call came one night at our home. It was my son’s best friend from Niceville High School. I was also his civics teacher and a fan of all the sports he played at Ruckel Junior High and Niceville High School. His voice was low and clear. I would have known it anywhere. It was Mickey Barto.

Mickey now lives in St. Petersburg, and I see him when I visit family in the area. He always comes to holiday parties, and I play golf with him as he harasses my sons and grandsons while they place bets on every hole.

Mickey asked if he could stay with my husband and me for a few days. He had been invited to attend a luncheon to honor his younger brother, Danton, who died due to complications from COVID-19 in 2021. Danton was only 50 years old.

I was absolutely thrilled to see him, and my husband, who is the chef in our household, immediately began preparing menus for dinner. Any chance to spoil one of our extended family members is always an opportunity we never miss.

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Mickey asked if I would attend the luncheon with him. We walked together into the Emerald Coast Convention Center, where he was surrounded by old friends and his sister, Sara. There were two honorees that day inducted into the All Sports Association 2026 Hall of Fame. Danton was one, and so was Coach John Hicks, also from Niceville. I knew and admired Coach Hicks when I worked at Niceville High as a guidance counselor and International Baccalaureate coordinator. His record of success from 1999 to 2019 is remarkable. This was Niceville’s moment to be treasured, for sure.

Emcee Bernard Johnson of Florida Power & Light introduced people who knew and worked with Danton throughout his career. They spoke of his achievements in the many sports he played, with football being his first love — his record tackles, his professional football career, his coaching, and his compassion for others. His football jersey, No. 59, was retired by the Memphis State Tigers. His football jersey, No. 44, was retired by Niceville High. And now, this honor from the 57th Annual All Sports Association.

Someone came up to me and said they heard Mickey was as good an athlete as his brother. I smiled. I didn’t want to take anything away from Danton’s special day. Yes, Mickey earned numerous athletic awards at Ruckel and Niceville, playing on the state championship football team in 1988. To say the two brothers grew up learning, loving, and sharing their talents in the sporting world would be an understatement. The difference was that Danton carried his abilities beyond high school into college and professional sports. Danton had a passion for the game that could not be matched.

Danton attended Memphis State, where he was a four-year letterman and two-time Butkus Award nominee. He holds the school record for career total tackles (473). He won the All Sports Male Collegiate Award in 1994. After college, Danton played five years of professional football in the CFL and AFL. He then coached for 10 years as head coach of the Memphis Xplorers, leading the team to its first league championship. Taylor Morton, Rams senior personnel executive, spoke of Barto’s work as an NFL scout. Taylor talked about Danton’s toughness as a football player and his love of the game.

I watched Mickey listen to the stories, holding back tears. How do you measure the worth of a brother? There is no way. But Danton’s memory will not be forgotten in the county where he was loved. Danton will forever be enshrined on the Wall of Honor at the conference center, thanks to the All Sports Association.

With one last look at his brother’s photo on that wall, we walked from the luncheon. It was time to change from suit and tie to golf shirt and shorts and play a round with his extended family at Shalimar Pointe Golf Course.

Golf Series: Green Grass, Green Tees, Great Golf at Bluewater Bay Golf Couse Await this Spring!

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Barbara Palmgren

Back in the folk-rock era of the 60’s, a hit song had folks humming and smiling. It focused on wandering on to “where the grass is greener still.”

“Green, green, it’s green they say,

On the far side of the hill.

Green, green, I’m goin’ away,

To where the grass is greener still.”

Today, travelers who wander down to our paradise, see soft white sands, green golf courses, emerald green and blue waters and enjoy air-conditioned comfort of tourist stores and restaurants in every part of the Florida Panhandle.

One such place to stop for both golf and a welcoming bar and restaurant after a golf round, is the Golf Club at Bluewater Bay in Niceville. The Blue Tee restaurant inside the clubhouse offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A few days ago, as a golf reporter and one who pretends she is a golfer, I spent time with the person I think is the key to success for any golf course.

That person is the golf course superintendent. Maligned in the movie Caddyshack, Bill Murray was the hopeless man who spent time chasing a gopher in a war he was never going to win. Unlike Bill, Alfredo Riveras, employee of Elite Golf, the management company for the course, is not chasing gophers or other critters. He’s stockpiling oak. Lots of oak. Oak trees that once drained precious water from the fairways. And he’s winning the battle. If anyone still uses a wood burning fireplace, you may want to contact Alfredo for logs that can be used for your home!

Why is this important? Between the tee box where a golfer hits his or her drive and the green where putts determine the score for the hole, lies the long stretch of fairway. The fairway must be green. Not brown. Not grey. But green. Getting water to this stretch of land is critical. Large trees with roots expanding into the fairway won’t work. A mature oak tree can consume over 40 gallons of water a day during growing season.

And we have a longer growing season in the south. A much longer growing season. This competition for water between turfgrass and tree roots can only end in dry spots on the fairways and golfers who won’t play the course.

Alredo Riveras was a trusted assistant superintendent working many years in the Dallas area for Elite Golf. Elite Golf selected Alfredo for this new position in Bluewater Bay and Alfredo was the perfect choice to be head course superintendent. Greens that were once brown are now green. Alredo showed me before and after photos. But, I had to know for myself. I walked on these new greens and was amazed. Alfredo knew how to use the right fertilizer, sand, aeration and water to produce what golfers want above all else: perfect greens. Art Jean, one of 330 owners of Preserve Bluewater Bay, the organization who raised funds to save the course two years ago, is proud of Alfredo’s hard work and results. Art had a “I told you so” grin on his face while I took photos of the green.

Alfredo’s crew begins work at 6 a.m. mowing fairways, greens, raking sand traps and preparing for morning golfers. They then tackle other tasks: tree trimming, re-edging greens, maintaining equipment and mowing the rough. Equipment is owned by the course and maintained by a mechanic in the maintenance crew. Golf carts for golfers are leased.

Elite Golf analyzed the course before agreeing to manage the business. In addition to the above improvements for greens and fairways, they wanted greens expanded to the original size of the course designed by Jerry Pate. Elite Golf also wanted certain tee boxes lengthened. Why? Eighteen-hole golf courses should all be a minimum of 6,000 yards for a semi-professional golfer. All the 18-hole courses in our area understand this requirement and offer a series of tee boxes to attract all levels of golfers.

So, keep humming that old familiar tune, knowing now, at Bluewater Bay…

“Green, green, it’s green they say,

On the far side of the hill.

Green, green, we’re hitting our

drives,

To where the grass is greener still.”

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