Off the Hook: Shark Week

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August 27, 2021

By Cali Hvalac, Silver Shade Studios

In August it’s time for everyone’s favorite: Shark Week! This year, Shark Week ran August 9 to 13 and with that comes Discovery Channel entertainment, restaurant specials, and more. Sharks are an integral part of our eco-system. So, let’s learn a little more about a few of the popular species around our area.

Probably the most noticeable is the Spinner Shark. They are one of the most fun to catch and can be easily recognized by their ability to jump out of the water while spinning in circles. They are large and slender, with a pointed snout, black marked fins, gray skin and a white belly.

Next up is a Blacktip Shark, which can grow up to 8 feet long and have black markings on the tips of their fins. They can be found in warm coastal waters around the world and frequent bays, estuaries, coral reefs and shallow waters off beaches and river mouths – all the places to encounter people. However, Blacktips are typically non-aggressive towards people unless provoked or threatened.

Mako Sharks can also be found in our Emerald Coast waters and is known to be the fastest shark on Earth – reaching speeds of up to 20 mph. Their body is cylindrical, and females usually grow to be bigger and stronger than males, between 10-12 ft. long. Interestingly enough, 92% of a Mako’s diet is Bluefish, and it will consume 3% of its body every single day.

Bull Sharks also reside in our area and are known to be one of the most aggressive. They are opportunistic predators that can eat almost anything they find, and often hunt alone. Bull Sharks get their name from their short, blunt snout and their tendency to head-butt their prey before eating it. They are often found hanging around shallow, heavily populated areas in tropical climates, and while they may be aggressive, humans typically are not on the menu.

We’ve also had some Hammerhead sharks make appearances. While they typically reside in deep waters offshore, they will migrate in the summer months in search of cooler water. They are easily recognized by their hammer shaped head and are usually gray-brown or olive green in color. Most hammerhead sharks are fairly small and are considered harmless to humans.

Fishing for sharks has become popular in the recent years. Typically, it’s a long fight, one that really tests your strength against the shark’s strength. You can take a Shark Fishing Charter with a Captain, or you can catch them yourself off the beaches. A good variety of the sharks in our area are protected, making them Catch and Release only – but perfect for the trophy angler.

Now that you’re an expert on sharks, I’ll leave you with one more fun fact: Many of the scenes from Jaws 2 were filmed from Destin to Navarre and up to the town of Shalimar, filming enveloping the Emerald Coast back in the summer and fall of 1977. It was the highest grossing sequel in history, until Rocky II was released.

What’s in Your Business Insurance Program?

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

By Joe Capers

Whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, joint venture or corporation, the type of business insurance you’ll need depends on the type of business you own, the services you provide, and how many employees you might have. All of this information will be used to help provide you with recommendations for the type of business insurance you’ll need. Other basic criteria to determine the proper business insurance program will be your specific trade, physical location, number of employees, estimated revenue and the services provided.

If you plan on running a successful business, then one should definitely plan on getting business insurance. Without this coverage, you might end up having to pay out-of-pocket for property damage, accidents, or lawsuits from unhappy clients. Needless to say, all of these very-real possibilities can be devastating for both your business and your personal finances if you don’t have business insurance. Depending on what you do, some clients won’t want to work with you unless you are insured, especially if you’re in a business where you work on a client’s property and are at risk for causing damage. And in some cases, the state may legally require you to carry some type of business insurance coverage, like workers’ compensation or general liability coverages.

For small to medium-sized businesses, Business Owners Policies or BOPs as they’re referred to, are a great product combining protection from major property and liability risks in one package, similar to your homeowners’ policy. They cover things such as:

1. Property insurance for both the building and contents owned by the company. This includes furniture, fixtures, and inventory. Your policy should always be written on the Special Form which is broader coverage, changing the policy from a named peril to an open peril policy.

2. Business Income & Extra Expense insurance, which covers the loss of income resulting from a fire or other catastrophe that disrupts the businesses operation. It can also include the extra expense of operating out of a temporary location.

3. Liability coverage which protects your company’s legal responsibility for the harm done to others. This harm can be triggered by you or your employees for what they do or fail to do in your operations that may cause bodily injury or property damage due to an error in providing a service, faulty installation or defective product. It also covers the cost of your defense as businesses can be sued even if they are not negligent or did nothing wrong.

In conjunction with the BOP, there are additional coverages that can be purchased depending on the type of business you have and your exposures. You should always consult your agent and purchase the correct coverages for your particular risk.

And other exposures and additional areas of coverages for a business to consider:
Business Auto coverage to protect your owned business vehicles, hired and non-owned auto and your employees when they drive on company time.

Crime Insurance to protect your business against burglary, forgery, computer fraud, employee dishonesty and other crimes.

Cyber Liability coverage for computer attacks and damage to electronic data and computer systems.

Employee Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) to protect against employee lawsuits.
Professional Liability insurance (E&O) to protect against lawsuits for negligent acts, errors and omissions that result in financial losses during business activities.

Inland Marine coverage to protect property, goods or equipment in transit and over water or land.

Umbrella coverage to obtain higher limits over underlying policies you have in place.
Workers’ Compensation to protect employees against accidents and diseases at your workplace.

(Information gathered from: https://www.nationwide.com/business/insurance/business-owners-policy-bop/)

Being a business owner is stressful. Make sure you have all the coverage and protection you need, so you can focus on being successful instead of worrying about what might happen to your business if disaster comes to visit. Business Insurance can also help in recruiting and keeping talent, find the right office or industrial space and enhance the ability to get more customers.

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 informative video on ‘Business Owners Policy,’ or call 850.424.6979 and talk with one of our experienced Team Members.

Art Classes Abound Around the Bay!

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

Artful Things Niceville
August 21 & 28 – Two-part workshop. Stained Glass on Rock. 10 a.m.-noon. All supplies and tools included $30.00 total. Dulcie Scalf instructor. Part one: choose patterns, colors and get started on your art. Part two: complete your project. Ages 14 to adult.

August 26 – Watercolor Class with Corina. 10 a.m.- noon. No experience required. Abstract Flowers. Corina Zalace, teaching artist. $47.50 includes all supplies.

September 11 – Monoprints with Carol Ann Cain. Create your own Monoprint choosing your own image. No experience necessary. Ages 10 to adult. $37.50 includes all supplies. Take home a couple of new creations!

September 18 – Kids Wind Chimes. 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Marla Armstrong, teaching artist. $32.50 includes all supplies. Ages 10-14.

September 25 – Ninja Swipe and Cell Explosion, acrylic pours with Debi Profeta. 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Create one 20”x20” canvas and one 4”x10” canvas. $77.50. Includes all supplies.

On-Going Classes
Theresia Mcinnis – Watercolor Techniques: August, 2021 Tuesday afternoons. 12:45 pm- 3:45 p.m. $30 plus supplies. Three-hour class. Learn or improve on various techniques including controlled pour and texturing. Some experience is required. www.TheresiaMcInnis.com. Call to reserve seat. 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. Text seating request. 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. Text seating request. 505-690-3945. Limited seating.

Ed Nickerson – Basics and Essentials in Oil Painting: Fridays mornings 10 a.m. – Noon. $25 plus supplies. “How to develop a good painting, and interpret what you see” using a combination of drawing and painting. Limited pallet. Beginners or next level welcome. Ed_Nickerson@hotmail.com Or text: 850-420-9609 to reserve space and more details. www.edwardnickersonfineart.com

Coming in October: Illuminated Letter Calligraphy with Elia Saxer, Felting with Jenn Dennis, Painting Florals in Oil with Jeanette Herron.

(850) 729-2600
artfulthingsniceville.com
1087 East, E. John Sims Pkwy. in Niceville

Big Orange House Designs
Aug 26 – Word Board Glass Art: What is your WORD? $58.85

Aug 27 – Stained Glass Jellyfish: Come to this full day class to CREATE with Glass! $160.50

Aug 28- Kids Paint- TURTLES! Bring your kids to have FUN CREATING this sea themed painting! $19.26

Aug 28 – “Perdu” Leather & Pearls: Come make this most popular design with Sherrie. $69.44

Aug 31 – 3D Abstract Art: Come PAINT and CREATE with Reiko! $21.30

bigorangehousedesigns.com
(850) 737-6193.
4652 Hwy. 20E, Pineapple
Plaza, Bluewater Bay, Niceville

Estelle Studio & Gallery
September 1 at 10 a.m.- Acrylic Painting: Silver Brushes (55+); 10 a.m.; $35.00. Silver Brushes is a 55 & Up social art group that will gather by weekly to create! If you love the arts, and you want to get out, this is the class for you!!

September 4 & 18 – Private Small Group (Individualized Art Lesson Group); 9 a.m. 1 hour 30 minutes; $45.00. For the more serious art student, this limited small class offers a more intimate self-paced learning environment. Estelle will guide and coach participants on completing their own beautiful masterpiece! Limited Space, Sign up soon! Current students have priority for future class sessions.

September 15 at 10 a.m.- Acrylic on wood: Silver Brushes (55+); $40.

September 29 at 9 a.m. – Silver Brushes (55+); $35.

Private group classes and parties offered.

(850) 787-1020
estellestudioandgallery@gmail.com
902 Hwy 20, Suite 106
Freeport, FL 32439

What Does Proper Hydration Do For You?

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

By Kay Leaman, HealthyDay HealthyLife

We’ve all heard that we need to drink a lot of water every day with varying opinions as to how much that should be. So, what does drinking water do for us?

Water is used by every cell, organ and tissue that makes up the body and nearly all of the major systems in the body depend on it. It is also the medium for most chemical reactions in the body, especially those metabolic reactions involved in energy production. It’s necessary for all digestion and absorption functions, and lubricates mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. It also:

• Transports oxygen, nutrients and waste in and out of the cells
• Regulates body temperature
• Moistens tissues such as mouth, eyes and nose
• Protects body organs and tissue
• Serves as a cushioning component between joints, in the spinal cord and in the brain
• Lessens the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the body
• Helps prevent constipation
• Composes 75% of our brain, 83% of our blood, 75% of our muscles and 22% of our bones

Our bodies lose water through breathing, sweating and digestion. And, when our sugar levels are high (what are we eating?) the body needs a lot of water to leave via the kidneys (ratio of 6 molecules of water for every molecule of sugar). If water is not being drunk, the body’s cells are being used to compensate and dehydration sets in. Signs of dehydration are:

• Feeling thirsty (Sometimes when you’re feeling hungry, your body is really saying I’m thirsty.)
• Skin looks dull and wrinkles and fine lines are more apparent
• Tired or sleepy, dry mouth
• Decreased urine output
• Headaches and/or dizziness

The current trend for how much we should drink is half our body weight. However, if you’re a very active person (exercising, playing sports, running, hiking, etc.) your intake should increase. And, coffee, tea and other beverages made with water should not be counted toward your daily intake. These drinks are not recognized by the body as water and are not processed the same way water is.

60-80 ounces is a good range. (Urine should be light yellow to clear when you’re hydrated.) To increase your intake, start with one extra glass a day and increase it every week or so until you reach your goal. (Take time to measure how much water your favorite glass holds.) Let’s say your glass holds 10 oz. and your target is 70 oz. You’ll need to drink seven glasses each day. A great reminder is to place seven rubber bands at the top of your glass. Every time you empty the glass move a rubber band to the bottom. This visual lets you know whether you’re drinking water or not. (I drink a 12 oz. glass of water as soon as I get up which makes my goal much easier.)

If you’re one of the many people who don’t really like water, consider purchasing a diffuser bottle. This allows you to add flavor by adding berries, melons, lemons, limes, etc. to the water. Play with mixing different flavors to find your favorite.

As with any lifestyle change, consistency is key and progress (smaller steps toward your goal over time) can produce amazing results.

To Your Health! Succeed@healthydayhealthylife.com

What Menopausal Women Don’t Know

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

By Dr. Richard Chern, M.D.

The most basic definition of menopause is 12 months with no period. There is no mystery here. All women will eventually experience menopause and most see menopause as an event you must go through and once the hot flashes or other symptoms end it’s over.

Unfortunately, this part is wrong.

Well known symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness or moodiness are experienced by most women and they come to expect these during the peri-menopausal time when the body is transitioning to menopause.

The thought that menopause ends when these symptoms end is unfortunate, because in reality this is just the beginning of menopause. The truth is once menopause starts it never ends. Menopause signifies the ovaries going into retirement and once they stop working they never restart. Just because hot flashes stop does not mean you are in the clear and, in fact, this is when things get considerably worse.

The ovaries’ job is to produce estrogen and testosterone! When this production ceases, you lose both of these hormones as well as protection they provide against numerous diseases. During menopause, the body begins its slow decline into old age. Both estrogen and testosterone protect against heart attack, cancer, strokes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and so much more. Breast cancer, stroke, and heart attacks happen to be the top three killers of menopausal women, and the reason is because of the lack of testosterone and estrogen. We previously discussed the recent study showing that testosterone pellets in women decrease the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women by more than 50%!

In our clinic, the majority of post-menopausal women we see have a common complaint. They cannot stay asleep all night and routinely wake up much earlier than they want and then can’t get back to sleep. This is from a lack of estrogen and actually happens to men as they lose their estrogen. Yes, men have estrogen! Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining sleep. No estrogen = No sleep. And no sleep is associated with all sorts of problems such as anxiety, depression, increased risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s and more. Hair starts thinning, skin gets thinner, fatigue happens faster, memory starts failing. These changes all occur because of a lack of hormones.

Did you know that testosterone is the most prominent hormone in the female body throughout their entire life? Testosterone plays a major role in the prevention of disease, it improves mood and can reverse osteoporosis.

Dr. Richard Chern, M.D. has been providing BioTE bio-identical hormone therapy longer than any other physician in the region. He trains providers throughout the U.S. on hormone therapy for men and women. He is a key opinion leader for BioTE and has participated in studies on the efficacy of both testosterone and estrogen in the prevention of disease.

Dr. Richard Chern, M.D. and Sue Griffin, APRN are currently accepting new patients. Please call 850-837-1271 for an appointment.

Sports Fans… The Emerald Coast Classic is Back Nov. 26-27!

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

The seventh annual Emerald Coast Classic college basketball tournament, presented by Global Sports, will be played Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 26-27 at The Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College. Area basketball fans can purchase tickets now, from $15 on the ticket link on the official tournament website, www.emeraldcoastclassic.com.

The semifinal round games on Nov. 26 will feature LSU playing Penn State at 6 p.m. Central Time, followed by Oregon State facing Wake Forest at 8:30 p.m. Central Time. Both LSU and Oregon State played in the 2021 NCAA Tournament with Oregon State advancing to the Elite Eight.

The championship game on Nov. 27 will tip off at 6 p.m. Central Time at The Arena at Northwest Florida State College with the third-place game set for 3 p.m.

“Because of the popularity this tournament has achieved on the national level, we want to give Northwest Florida State basketball fans as well as area fans from the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance before we make them available for fans of the participating teams,” said Maury Hanks, tournament director of the Emerald Coast Classic.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for second-year Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes, who served as head coach at Northwest Florida State College from 2011-13, guiding the Raiders to a 62-6 record.

“The Emerald Coast Classic is one of the top men’s tournaments in all of college basketball,” said Forbes. “Maury Hanks (tournament director) does an unbelievable job running a first-class event. “Northwest Florida State is a very special place to me and my family. I can’t think of a better place to spend Thanksgiving with our team and our fans than Niceville and Destin while playing in such a prestigious event.”

LSU, under the guidance of head coach Will Wade, enjoyed a top 10 incoming recruiting class after competing in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year.

“We are looking forward to participating in this year’s Emerald Coast Classic Thanksgiving weekend, “Wade said. “There are three other outstanding teams on our side of the bracket that we look forward to playing and I’m sure LSU fans, who already love the Destin area, will enjoy watching some very exciting college basketball there come this November.”

For the sixth consecutive year, CBS Sports Network will televise the Tourney. “With this field representing some of the top basketball programs in the country, the Emerald Coast Classic will be one of the premier preseason college basketball tournaments,” said tournament director Maury Hanks. “We are thrilled by CBS Sports Network for its continuing coverage of the tournament.”

Wayne Tinkle has guided teams to five NCAA Tournament appearances during his 16 years as a collegiate head coach including leading Oregon State to the Elite Eight of the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

“We’re really excited with our opportunity to play in the Emerald Coast Classic, one of the premier preseason tournaments in the country,” added Tinkle. “The tourney field is loaded with top level teams year in and year out, and we hear the hospitality is unmatched!”
First-year coach Micah Shrewsberry welcomed the opportunity to have Penn State play in the tournament as well.

“We’re excited to be a part of this year’s Emerald Coast Classic and know that the strong field of teams will be great non-conference tests for our team,” said Shrewsberry. “The tournament will give us the opportunity to compete against some of the top teams in the country and I know our group will be looking forward to bringing their best down to the Emerald Coast.”

For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

Veterans 48 Keeps It Real: Builds Bikes for Vets, And Much More

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Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

By Michelle Ruschman

“Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day. We are just trying to reduce that 22 by giving them more purpose and giving them a distraction if nothing else.”
~ Jeff Powell

Local Jeff Powell is the founder and President of Veterans 48, a 501c3 non-profit organization, whose goal is to build modified bikes for wounded veterans. Jeff himself spent 30 years serving in the air force, and upon retiring, realized he was missing a critical piece of his life from being active duty: The camaraderie he had enjoyed being part of a community of military men and women. When he retired, Jeff missed the people who spoke the same language, understood the experiences he’d had, and the bonds that were formed from lives unique to warriors. When he left a distinguished military career there was a deep sense of loss as the call signs, stories, and nicknames ended.

“After that much time, culturally, socially, you pick up habits. Separating from that culture, that environment, even though it’s a positive retirement, it still leaves you isolated and feeling without purpose. I tried the contractor thing, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. I worked for Tesla and that was fun for a while, but it was too physical. So, I bought this building. I always loved riding; so did my friends. We call ourselves Wild Hogs. There’s a sense of freedom when you ride, but you’re also trying to survive, just trying not to get hit and keeping it between the lines. It lets you get out of your head. I want to give that back to guys who have lost a leg.”

Many men and women who leave the military tend to retire at their last assignment. As friends move on from the base, however, loneliness sets in for those who have left the life and still remain. It can especially take a toll on soldiers who have come back from combat. The isolation can jeopardize their mental well-being, particularly if they have come back from combat with life-changing injuries. Jeff and his wife, Jackie, also a retired vet decided to build a community that these vets could be a part of, and Veterans 48 was born.
“Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day so we are just trying to reduce that 22 by giving them more purpose and giving them a distraction if nothing else.”

Jeff and Jackie are avid motorcycle enthusiasts and it was bike building that became the “excuse” for their fellow vets to gather. Their building at 50 Hill Ave., just outside the back gate of Hurlburt Field, is the clubhouse in which he invites vets to come, gather, tell their stories, and rebuild the community they left behind. At Veterans 48, they can have a cup of coffee, listen to music, and settle in for great conversation where “we understand us,” says Jeff.

The campaign Veterans 48 is currently promoting is for vet, Brandon Gingras. Brandon was removed from combat due to spinal injuries. He has since developed his own non-profit, Hunt Pray Eat, to help veterans’ sons without fathers. Once funds are raised for parts, his bike will be built by the kids in his program with professional supervision. The plan is to raffle off the bike to fund Hunt Pray Eat. The goal for builds done through Jeff’s organization is that each bike has authentic, brand-new parts. To donate to the current and future builds, go to veterans48.org/donate.

Jeff stresses that this isn’t just for people who love motorcycles. There’s even a single mom who is a gunsmith and veteran, who fixes and restores guns. He’s excited about all the activity that happens in his building.

“It’s about the connection. Get off the couch and come to the shop. Not the clinic at the VA, not the doctor, not the bar. Come to this healthy environment where we joke and kid and tease each other, just like we do in the military, and get back to that camaraderie you miss when you get out. This is for the military who want to find that community again.”

For more information, visit Veterans48.org and to donate, veterans48.org/donate.

Michelle Ruschman is a local writer, artist, jewelry artisan and speaker. Connect with her at michelleruschman.com, on Insta @michelle_ruschman_art, and on her Facebook group, The Prodigal Artist Gallery.

Happenings Around the Bay: September 2021

By

Bay Life

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August 27, 2021

Bay Buzz: Events! September 2021

By

Bay Life

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August 28, 2021

UWEC Kicks Off Virtual Singing Competition & Fundraiser, Rock United
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) has kicked off Rock United – presented by Gulf Power Company, a virtual singing competition for local bands and musicians. Rock United celebrates and recognizes the great musical talent in Okaloosa and Walton counties while helping our community by supporting the efforts of United Way Emerald Coast.

Rock United is organized in a single-elimination bracket tournament. The winner of each match-up is based on the number of votes in the United Way Rock United fundraiser. Every $1 raised equals one vote. Money raised during tournament voting will benefit United Way Emerald Coast’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every member of our community.

16 artists who live, work, or perform along the Emerald Coast are competing in Rock United this year including Autumn Poultry, Jason Balbuena, Bangarang Peter, Emily Bass, BoDean and the Poachers, Reese Branton, Jared Herzog, Jody Lucas, Chapman Martin, Donnie Morgan, Nick 2, SheAndTheIts, Skunk Lip, ThatGuySlimm, Phil Tittle, and Wild Charge.
The Grand Prize winner will be awarded $2,500, perform at the Sound Waves Music Series featuring Cole Swindell on November 6, 2021, at the Gulf on Okaloosa Island, and receive a robust media package including a photoshoot with Blacksuit FM Photography, a billboard feature from TierOne Media, a full-page article in VIP 30A Magazine, custom t-shirts from Fresh Prints of South Walton, and studio recording time with Immanuel Music Project.
View artist videos and vote for your favorite at united-way.org/rockunited. To stay updated with Rock United throughout the contest, follow the Rock United Facebook page @RockUnitedUWEC.

Eggs On the Beach Cooking Competition Returns to Seascape Resort on Oct. 16
Registration open for Cook Teams, Tasters and Sponsors
The Emerald Coast’s official Big Green Egg EggFest cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach, is returning to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Oct. 16, 2021. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the family-friendly event celebrates the delicious results of cooking on the Big Green Egg while benefitting two local charities—the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought.

“We’re excited to see this event evolve,” said Bay Breeze Patio co-owner and event co-founder Wayne Paul. “Bigger is not always better. After canceling the 2020 event, we’re redesigning the event in a new location at Seascape that will allow us to separate team tents and provide space to spread out. We’re looking forward to welcoming first-time participants as well as welcoming back some of our veteran cook teams to the 2021 competition.”

Registration is now open for cook teams of all types. Backyard grilling enthusiasts, non-profit organizations, restaurants and businesses are all invited to show off their skills at the grill for a chance to win prizes and be recognized as the best. With several ways to win, including People’s Choice Awards, Judges Awards, Knob Creek Awards, and Best Booth Display Award, there are many opportunities to be rewarded. Cook teams of up to six are provided a large or extra-large Big Green Egg, lump charcoal, fire starter, plate setter, table, tent, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins and toothpicks. Teams are responsible for bringing their favorite recipe, ingredients and booth décor.

Consider registering to be a taster. Tasters nibble on tasty bites ranging from meats and seafood to veggies and desserts that have been cooked on the Big Green Egg then vote on their favorites. The “People’s Choice” votes will help one lucky team win bragging rights and a brand new large Big Green Egg.

This year’s 2021 cooking competition has a new location behind the Seascape Towne Center overlooking the pond and fountain. The new location will allow each cook team to have their own 10×10 tent, allowing for more prep space and social distancing. In addition, the tiki bar, public restrooms and access to Seascape Towne Center businesses will provide added convenience and enjoyment for cook teams and tasters.

The best part is that Eggs on the Beach will once again support two incredible local non-profits that are serving needs in our community among students and active and retired military. For those who have thought of owning a Big Green Egg, Demo Eggs, which are used during the competition, are available for pre-sale at a discounted price.

Eggs on the Beach will take place from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021. To learn more, register a cook team or purchase taster tickets, visit www.EggsontheBeach.com.

It’s Almost Time for the Patriot Boat Parade! Sept. 5!
Load up your boats, make history and join Boaters for America 1st as it hosts a Patriot Boat Parade on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in an attempt to break the world record for largest boat parade. Powered by Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN), staging will begin from 9:15-9:45 at the west side of Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach and end at the Destin Bridge. An electronic counter will be positioned under Brooks Bridge to count each boat registered. The American Spirit and other boats will lead the way and thousands are expected to join.
“We’re an independent event,” says co-organizer of the event Anne Ziegenhorn, “and we’ve hired a professional audit team to verify and certify our parade.”

Initiated by Chandra and David Rich (same as last year) and co-organized by Anne Ziegenhorn, an admin of ‘I’m a Florida Trump Girl’ and The American Spirit Party Boat, the Patriots United Trump Flotilla World Record attempt costs only $22 per vessel to register. Once registration, accountants and other incidentals are paid for, funds raised will benefit the TITS Committee 501c3: The Implant Truth Survivors non-profit charity.

Gas MONKEY Propane, Right Side Broadcasting and I’m a Florida Trump Girl are primary sponsors and hosts. Additional sponsors include the American Spirit Party Boat, About Face: A Therapeutic Skin Care Center, Dock & Deck Techs, James O’Donoghue of Nautilus Civil Technologies, Fubar, Chem-Dry by the Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee, Waterside Landscape, Life Media and The Island Hotel by RL.
Registration is open until Sept. 4. 2021. Please visit the website at www.patriotsunitedtrumpflotilla.com for registration, all the details and last-minute changes. Additional updates and race information can be found at Patriots United Trump Flotilla FB Group www.facebook.com/groups/patriotsunitedtrumpflotilla.

The Market Shops Sixth Annual Bloody Mary Festival Set for October 23, 2021
Proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity – Walton County
On Saturday, October 23, The Market Shops will host its Sixth Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. The annual event, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative Bloody Mary’s made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast.

For a $40 donation, guests are invited from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy up to 25 of South Walton’s most coveted Bloody Mary’s served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida and Frillseekers Gifts. A panel of select food critics and local celebrities will judge each Bloody Mary to select the winners for the most delicious and most creative. There will also be a highly coveted first-, second-, and third-place People’s Choice Award that is selected by each guest in attendance.

There will also be plenty of food from the various restaurants located directly in The Market Shops. Local craft brews will be served by Idyll Hounds Brewing Company along with champagne, provided by Hey Mama Wines, from the Bubbly Bar sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and the Hyatt Place by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard. Guests will be able to cool off with alcohol-infused popsicles provided by Swell Pops and a hydration station by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. A lounge area with additional seating and cornhole games provided by Vacayzen will be set up on the main lawn, along with SEC football streaming on the big screen courtesy of Insurance Zone.

Guests can enjoy a commemorative photo booth courtesy of Legendary Marine, music by DJ Dad, a cigar bar by Shore Thing Cigars, and exclusive shopping opportunities from The Market Shops merchants. Headlining the event will be a live performance from Dread Clampitt on the main stage brought to you by Carter & Company CPA, LLC.
Tickets are currently on sale through 850Tix for the pre-sale price of $40 or can be purchased the day of the event at the door for $60. Visit www.themarketshops.com.

Women in Science Conference Sept. 9th
The Emerald Coast Science Center’s Fifth Annual Women in Science Conference is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2021 at Northwest Florida State College. At the Women in Science Conference, the goal is to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, doctors, and more. Young women will have the opportunity to hear from women in professional STEM fields right here in Okaloosa County, as they enlighten our audience about their careers and deliver advice. Presented by Emerald Coast Science Center, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, and Twin Cities Hospital, the Conference is a celebration of women in all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professions. The evening will consist of inspirational presentations from professional women in STEM careers. All ages are welcome, especially middle school and high school students looking to discover careers in STEM. Guests will have a chance to mingle with the speakers and other guest professionals, and all speakers will be a part of an open panel Q&A session for audience members to ask questions. Light refreshments provided.

This year’s speakers include Katrina Benzrihem, Chemist at Plasmine Technology, Caroline Stewart, Chief Nursing Officer at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Jerri Coomes, Service Advisor at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Jennifer Galloway, Director of Sensor and Electronic Solutions at BAE Systems, Camryn Kruger, Emergency Operations Center intern and student at the University of Vermont, and Samara Potter, Electrical Engineering student at UWF.

For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/womeninscience2021. Students free, Adults: 10.00. Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Northwest Florida State College, Student Services Center, Bldg. 400, 100 E College Blvd., Niceville.

Mid-Bay Rotary’s 27th Annual Oktoberfest Service to the Community
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club will hold its 27th Annual Oktoberfest Friday (5-10 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) September 24 & 25. The Octoberfest will be held again at Merchants Walk in Bluewater Bay. The festivities will include the Joe Occhipinti German Band, Accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, Face Painter Maria, The Emerald Coast Community Band and Folk Musician Gary Schmitz. There will be over 35 vendor booths as well as a children’s giant slide, rock climb and bouncy house. Brats and Kraut, German Pretzels, Chicken, Hot Dogs will be served. Domestic and German beer, soda and water were also served. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend this outdoor event. Free admission.

GOP Lincoln Dinner Sept. 25
The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee (OCREC) will have its annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021, at the Island Hotel. Representative Anthony Sabatini will be the keynote speaker. He is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, serving the 32nd District since 2018. Representative Sabatini is a strong advocate for individual liberty and a constitutional freedom fighter for Florida. He has filed and sponsored legislation on a variety of issues, such as cracking down on Big-Tech censorship, mandating the use of E-Verify, making Florida a Second-Amendment Sanctuary, tightening elections laws, etc. He is the only member of the state legislature to receive a 100% rating by the American Conservative Union and the highest lifetime rating from the Club for Growth in Florida (95%). He received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Florida and also serves as a captain in the Florida Army National Guard. For more information on the Lincoln Dinner and to obtain tickets, visit the Okaloosagop.com website. You may also contact OCREC Chair Sandra Atkinson at (850) 543-8742 or OCREC Vice Chair Cheryl Stubbs at (850) 797-3605.

Hammock Bay Pickleball Club Hosts Fundraiser
The Hammock Bay Pickleball Club (HBPC) is hosting an all-day event, Sat., Oct. 9, 2021, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. to raise funds for Foye Belle, a local foundation that donates signature “Blue Bags” of comfort items to support women going through cancer treatment.
There will be raffles, food trucks, vendors and Foye Belle T-shirts for sale!
To participate, contact Event Director Courtney Blackerby at cblackerby@absolutecamservices.com. Visit Foyebelle.org for more info.
Hammock Bay Pickleball Courts are located at 1850 Hammock Great Bend, Freeport, FL 32439

What Ever Happened To: Humility?

By

Bay Life

-

August 28, 2021

By Myrna Conrad

Many people mistake humility for weakness, passivity or insecurity. However, a humble person is anything but weak, passive or insecure. It takes a person with tremendous inner strength to realize and admit his or her limitations and to live free from the ever-present pull of pride and arrogance.

In today’s internet saturated society, we are told that we need to promote ourselves. Social platforms seem to encourage vanity, self-promotion and the need to be liked or followed. People today are being told they need to focus on their own identity and who they want to be. The real question should be, how much time are we willing to spend with God so that He can show us who He wants us to be?

We do not see much humility exampled by the leaders of our day. Instead we are bombarded with “look at me” and “I did this or that.” It seems that the very dangerous attitude of pride prevails in our world today. Pride focuses on “who is right,” while humility focuses on “what is right.” I don’t hear many people within our government or leadership today talking about the great things someone else has done. Instead there is a lot of time spent degrading the other person, so that they will look better. I saw a shower curtain once that had this phrase printed all over it, “It’s all about me.” That pretty much sums up a lot of people in society today.

While some think of humility as being passive, a humble person is very active in finding ways to serve others. It’s important for us to think past ourselves and accept that we are not the most important person in any given scenario. Finding ways to serve others can help us do this. The humble person knows how to give with a generous heart, yet how to receive with a thankful heart. I love this quote by Rick Warren, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”

A humble person has learned to admit they do not know it all. It takes a person who is secure in who they are to be able to embrace humility. A humble person is quick to admit when they are wrong and eager to learn from their mistakes. Because a humble person is able to accept their own limitations, they are better able to feel a deeper compassion for those around them.

Many more benefits stem from humility than from pride. Humility frees a person from the stress of having to be perfect or hiding their imperfections. Humility also fosters an attitude of gratitude while pride tends to lead toward entitlement.

Humble people are quick to take responsibility for their actions. A humble person accepts that they are not always in control and they are okay with that. They realize their need for other people and most importantly they realize their need for God.

Abraham Lincoln said, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven, but many have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of God’s redeeming and preserving grace.”

Do you want to develop an attitude of humility? Here are a few strategies:

Be Aware:
– Determine if you have the correct understanding of humility.
– Pride creeps into all of our hearts. Examine your attitude each day.
– Be aware of your insecurities so that you don’t use others to cover your own mistakes.

Be Intentional:
– Develop a heart of serving others. Find ways in your home and community to serve.
– Always be willing to take responsibility for your actions and quick to ask for help when you need it.
– Look for ways to encourage and help others rather than promoting your own self.
– Focus on what is right instead of who is right.

“Most of the shadows of life are caused by standing in our own sunshine.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

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