ECTC Launches 9th Annual Season

By

-

September 15, 2021

“Season nine marks a new era of growth for Emerald Coast Theatre Company,” says ECTC co-founder and producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher. “This past year we thrived because our community gathered around us and supported us. We are excited about offering children and adults even more opportunities to get engaged in our tribe and experience the comradery and joy of live theater.”

September Performances
All professional production schedules are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. (unless noted otherwise). All ECTC productions will be staged at ECTC’s space located upstairs at 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center, located in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Professional Main Stage & Second Stage productions:

“Nunsense”
September 17-October 3
A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, “Nunsense” is a heavenly delight. With book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, this comedic spoof follows the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Sister Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. This sinfully funny musical hit will have you shouting Ha-Ha-leluia!

To purchase tickets or VIP Memberships call (850) 684-0323 or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

For information on sponsoring ECTC, call Nathanael Fisher at (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org/sponsorship.

A Pastor’s Ponderings: Heaven-Sent Emerald Coast Transfer

By

Bay Life

-

September 15, 2021

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

This region has long been rightfully considered a premier military assignment—well-known for its pristine beaches, top-tier schools and friendly communities. Military families transfer in and out. But, I want to tell you about a transfer authority far superior to Uncle Sam. Here is the story of our heaven-sent transfer to the Emerald Coast.

I was stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing headquarters from 1977 to 1981, first living on Eglin AFB before moving to Okaloosa Island and eventually settling in Niceville. This last move helped turn my life around 180 degrees. After work, I even began attending Okaloosa Walton Junior College (before it became Northwest Florida State College). After my separation from the Air Force, I transferred to Penn State University, never realizing how my return here might miraculously occur.

In January 2019, while starting the first leg of a six-month 30,000-mile trek, I told my wife that God was tugging at my heart concerning going full-time in the pastorate again. I dropped this bombshell on her as we were leaving a prayer breakfast in Atlanta on our way to Fort Lauderdale and then Naples, Orlando and in late February, Tallahassee with a dozen other Florida cities in between.

For the first time in almost 40 years, I would cross the Panhandle passing through Niceville on our way to Milton. I contacted the church instrumental in changing my life to see if they had an overnight hookup for my motorhome. They did, so we stopped! Come to find out, they had just gone through a very tumultuous year depleting their numbers, causing the small remnant to be looking for a new pastor. Guess what happened! Once we completed our travel commitments, we relocated to Niceville in June 2019. This Bible verse expressed the supernatural intervention that had taken place: “…it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23b).

Judy and I sometimes pinch ourselves in disbelief that we have now settled where we, Lord willing, will finish our life’s journey in our new home across from the church. In today’s ever-increasingly cynical world, many people struggle to believe that a God exists who cares and offers us direction. Yet, many people like me have a different vantage point. We call it a biblical worldview, and here are two of its essential precepts.

God offers heaven-sent direction to those who trust in Him and acknowledge His intervention.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God provides the right desires to those who focus on finding life’s pleasures by serving and worshiping Him.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4).

This story is another segment of our ongoing saga that has provided memories beyond our wildest dreams. I know many of you, too, have untold stories that could fill volumes. For this reason, I never tire of meeting new people, and the saying applies to me: I have never met a stranger: just people I do not yet know. So, with that, I say, “Hello, neighbor and God bless.”

Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years. He has written 20 books including the best selling “One Book” trilogy (“One Book Rightly Divided, One Book Stands Alone, One Book One Authority”); along with several devotionals (“Daily Strength”series); and prophecy books (“Reviving the Blessed Hope, When the End Begins”).

Margin For Success

By

Bay Life

-

September 15, 2021

By Ricky Tillman Harper

Margin. Business leaders talk about it all the time, usually in terms of profit and loss. Most CEO’s or business owners manage from a profit/loss sheet that often has margin calculations built in. We therefore think of margin in purely financial terms; it is the difference between revenue and expenses and is therefore the gauge of our success or failure.

Savvy leaders think about margin in many aspects of business and life. These leaders search for margin at every opportunity. Margin can be found and should be chased not only on the balance sheet, but in time management, rest, family, spiritual focus, employees, friends, hobbies, and on and on.

From a business standpoint, margin allows us to take advantage of opportunity. Craig Groeschel says, “Create margin for opportunities you cannot see.” Great leaders know that running a business or any endeavor must be done with margin if you are to have available time and finances for leveraging new opportunities.

A mindset of creating time margin is so important that author Juliet Funt has created a very successful consulting firm built primarily around teaching executives how to have margin, what she calls ‘white space’ or space on one’s calendar without appointments. Ms. Funt is the author of A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness and Do Your Best Work. And yes, she is a daughter of Alan Funt of Candid Camera fame.

So how does one create margin?

Start with your calendar. Plan minutes, not hours. Shorten meetings ruthlessly. If the decision your team needs to make can be done in 15 minutes, don’t plan to meet for an hour.

Say ‘no’ to more stuff. Remember, saying yes is a no to something else.

Plan retreats, time where you allow yourself to relax, reflect, learn, and create. And do not make a list of things to do during retreat. It is a retreat, an opportunity to create mental margin. Warren Buffet famously spends 80% of his workday reading, learning, reflecting. He says, “The rich invest in time; the poor invest in money.”

Delegate. Much is written on this topic, but most leaders still do not do enough delegating. When you delegate you do two things: First, you create margin for yourself and that means you have created margin for personal, professional, and organizational development.
Second, you are engaging and empowering your staff to develop, to learn and grow, to stretch and set new goals, to become much better employees.

In short, margin is a product of planning and intentionality. As a business owner or executive do you have margin for personal development, for retreat, for friends or your family? If your profit and loss statement is the only place where you measure margin, you have truly missed the point.

Create margin for the most important things in life, your family will love you for it.
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” ~ Socrates

Foye Belle’s Power of Pink for Breast Cancer Patients Oct. 9

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

Dink For Pink | Sat., Oct. 9, 2021
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Hammock Bay Pickle Ball Courts, Freeport

“This is what our world needs more of—Community, Unity and Love. Make someone’s day a little less blue.”
~ Chelsea Berler

By Lori Smith

The power of pink is everywhere this October as many are aware of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, having experienced first-hand or been impacted in some way through family or friends—the non-profit Foye Belle Foundation is no exception. A new and fun fundraiser event, Dink for Pink, is on the scene, bringing together pickleball players, food trucks, vendors, artists, sponsors and more to raise money for small, but mighty blue bags filled with big love, hope and support—a symbol of strength and survival for cancer patients.

Hosted by the Hammock Bay Pickleball Club (HBPC), the all-day event, Sat., Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., will have you trying your luck at winning one of the many valuable raffle items, eating at the delicious food trucks, shopping local vendors or simply cheering on the HBPC as they dominate the courts! Up for raffle is one Estelle Grengs’ paintings titled “Green Flag Day on the Emerald Coast” donated by Estelle’s Art Studio in Freeport.
ALL proceeds benefit the Foye Belle Foundation and the mighty Blue Bag Movement conceived by Chelsea Berler, a local-area resident, who lost her short battle with aggressive breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 34.

It began when Chelsea noticed a lump under her arm, but by the time she went in for her first exam, the lump was nearly the size of a tennis ball. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of triple negative breast cancer that affects roughly 1% of people, is extremely aggressive, was at least Stage 3, if not Stage 4, and had spread to her lymph nodes that quickly.

Named after Chelsea’s grandmother who also passed from breast cancer, the Foye Belle Foundation was conceived during Chelsea’s regular chemo treatments. Each time she would go in for a treatment, Chelsea was saddened by how many people were utterly alone and unsupported. This hurt her heart to see this over and over, and she felt so fortunate to be loved and supported by her husband, family and many friends. Each time she had to have a chemo treatment, she would bring a bag of goodies to keep her occupied during the six-hour stretch, many times giving her items away to those who had nothing. Soon the idea grew to make “Blue Bags” for those less fortunate during theirs, to not only help them pass the time, but also to bring them comfort.

That was the beginning of The Foye Belle Foundation, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that packs “Blue Bags” and donates them to cancer patients actively seeking treatment. Ninety-eight percent of money raised and donated serves to pack and ship the blue bags bursting with care. The bags are blue because Chelsea felt if cancer had a color, it would be blue.

Before Chelsea passed, she developed the foundation’s website, enlisted volunteers and started packing blue bags. She wrote a book, The Yellow House on the Left, detailing her journey from pre-diagnosis to the end. It’s Chelsea’s inspiring, last chapter where she dives into what dying young taught her about living BIG. You can purchase on Amazon and the best part is 100% of proceeds go towards packing more Blue Bags.

Chelsea further documented her journey by writing several articles published by The Huffington Post, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/chelsea-930, and gave several interviews about going through the “dying process.”

But, perhaps her greatest legacy began when her husband, Mark, promised to keep “The Blue Bag Movement” going. Mark and volunteers have shipped “Blue Bags” to cancer patients throughout the U.S. and even other countries since then. Chelsea personally selected more than 20 items in each bag—each with a purpose. They range from ginger tea and candies to ease nausea to a cozy blanket, coloring book, journal, a chemo hat, socks, playing cards, lotion, lip balm, etc. The bags cost about $115 with shipping, and have become a symbol of strength for those going through chemo. Many say their “Blue Bag” has been with them from the beginning, through good times and bad, and are cherished, because they’re always there, especially so when they’re in remission.

“Another year passed,” said Mark in July on Facebook, “but your light is stronger than ever…Chelsea, your heart is with us always and all ways.”

Bags can be ordered by submitting an online request at foyebelle.org, but are so popular, sometimes requests must be delayed when funds are too low. Currently, the request form has a message saying people should check back while fundraising efforts are underway. Mark says they don’t say no to anyone; so, his goal is to never have to shut down the request form. And many partners such as Annie’s Kit Clubs are stepping up to help by donating money and items such as handmade comfort wraps.

Donations can be made also through foyebelle.org, Facebook, PayPal Giving Fund, AmazonSmile, and through T-shirt and book sales, cash donations and event fundraising.
To read more about Chelsea’s in-depth story, view or download the Oct. 2018 Destin Life edition at MyDestinLife.com. To participate in Dink for Pink, contact Event Director Courtney Blackerby at cblackerby@absolutecamservices.com. Please join Bay Life in attending this worthwhile event.

“If you can take away any advice from me, it would be to stop thinking about tomorrow, or about next week or next month, just focus on today. Just keep it together today. Because right now – all you have is today.”
~ Chelsea Berler

The 26th Annual Festival of the Arts Serves Our Community Oct. 30-31

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

Saturday, October 30th | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Sunday, October 31st | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

By Lori Smith

Mattie May Kelly (1912-1992), a member of one of Destin’s pioneer families, wanted to leave a legacy. So, a handful of visionaries established a new non-profit in 1995 in her honor, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), to provide resources for the promotion of the Arts in Okaloosa and Walton Counties through cultural events and educational opportunities. Mattie Kelly had bequeathed a 52-acre parcel of property reserved for the future development of a cultural and educational facility for the residents and visitors of the community which now features the Cultural Arts Village on a portion of the land. Annual Concerts in the Village are held here as well as the upcoming 26th Annual Festival of the Arts, the largest juried fine art festival in our area!

Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows and one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, the MKAF Festival of the Arts is happening Oct. 30-31 at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin. “The festival is a celebration of the wonder of arts and culture,” says Deb Nissley, MKAF Director of Operations and Festival Producer. “We will feature new surprises this year including free entrance to all festival-goers! I encourage everyone to stop by to enjoy beautiful art, live music and great food!”

During the festival, more than 100 artists convene each year from throughout the U.S., who offer up their original artwork in the form of oil, watercolor, acrylic and glass paintings; photography, sculpture, pottery, wood, paper, fiber, mosaics, mixed media, jewelry designs and more. They compete for $10,000 in cash prizes in 29 award categories, including the coveted “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice Award” which is selected by festival fans. The festival will also feature a Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.

Hosting the annual festival is one of the most significant ways MKAF is able to continue its commitment to provide inclusive arts education programs for children and adults of diverse abilities and backgrounds. These include an array of high-quality visual and performing arts programs such as Arts for All Abilities, Arts Empower and Warrior Arts. Arts for All Abilities is a program committed to helping people with disabilities learn a variety of art programs.
Arts Empower, led by accomplished artists, serves K-12 students, at-risk youth, and children and adults with special needs. Warrior Arts seeks to offer therapeutic art classes for veterans/active duty military in order to heal both visible and invisible injuries. Warrior Arts’ signature program is the Zentangle, an open-ended drawing activity that increases focus and creativity, while alleviating stress and anxiety. MKAF’s outreach program has been recognized by The Florida Department of Education with the Award of Distinction.
MKAF also offers a comprehensive model of artist residences, hands-on workshops and public education events featuring music, theatre and the visual arts. Programs are offered free of charge to participants made possible by grants, private and corporate gifts; and supported by MKAF event fundraising. For signature events, a portion of profits from Concerts in the Village and Festival of the Arts help to fund these community outreach initiatives.

Now in its 26th year, MKAF bridges the gap to those who either lack access to the arts or could uniquely benefit from the experience. Since 1995, these outreach programs have inspired more than 337,800 children and adults in over 75 schools and partner agencies in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

For more information, visit MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.

To read more about Mattie Kelly, her family and her living legacy, see the February 2020 Destin Life article here: https://mydestinlife.com/the-kellys-a-destin-pioneer-family-leaves-living-legacy-for-community.

Multiple Grant and Scholarship Opportunities Available at Northwest Florida State College

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is lowering the barrier to higher education by offering multiple grant and scholarship opportunities for the Fall Term. It’s not too late to apply!

NWFSC has been awarded grant funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). It is our goal to reach as many students as possible. Funding will be awarded per semester (Fall and Spring) and will be on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been awarded. Grants range from $300 – $1,200. Eligible students must be in a degree-seeking program and enrolled in a minimum of six credits. Students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov will be eligible for larger amounts. Visit www.nwfsc.edu/financialaid to apply for your share of free money to attend NWFSC in the Fall. Remaining Fall term start dates are October 13.

“At NWFSC, we pride ourselves on our efforts to keep tuition and fees as affordable as possible,” said President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “Our mission remains resolute, to improve lives in Northwest Florida, and we will do that one student, one opportunity, and one possibility at a time.”

Full-tuition scholarship opportunities are currently available through the Job Corps Scholars Program. This program targets individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 years old who are seeking specialized training in high-demand technical training programs. Students who qualify may receive up to 12 months of training (including tuition and fees) at no cost. All required books, uniforms and equipment are provided through the scholarship award. Scholarships are funded through the Department of Labor and are intended to place workers into the workforce that possess the skills and certifications needed to be successful in the following programs:

Certificate Programs that are covered:
• Dental Assisting (CCP)*
• Infant Toddler Specialization (CCC) and Preschool Specialization (CCC)
• Firefighter/EMT Combined (CCP) and Emergency Medical Technician (CCC)*
• CNC Machinist/Fabricator (CCC) and Engineering Technology Support Specialist (CCC)
• Food and Beverage Operations (CCC)
• Correctional Officer (BASIC, CCP) and Law Enforcement Academy (BASIC, CCP)*
• Welding Technology (CCP)*

Programs followed by the * indicate Selective Admissions Programs which require an additional application step with that department. Acceptance into the JC Scholars Program is contingent on the students’ acceptance into the Selective Admissions Program.

In addition to tuition and fees, Supportive Services such as transportation or childcare assistance may be available. Supportive Services are provided on an individual needs basis. Students will have the support of a Personal Counselor throughout their entire training period and will then transition to an Employment Counselor who will assist them will skills such as Resumé Building, How to Create a Resumé, Cover Letter or other professional documents. The Employment counselor may also provide up to 12 months of support during the post training period.

To learn more about JC Scholars, visit our webpage www.nwfsc.edu/job-corps-scholars. Interested students are encouraged to contact the NWFSC Job Corps Scholar Program at 850-729-4900 or jcscholars@nwfsc.edu.

Eggs On the Beach Cooking Competition Returns to Benefit Local Charities Oct. 16

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

The Emerald Coast’s official Big Green Egg EggFest cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach, returns to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Oct. 16. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the family-friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Seascape Towne Centre and will celebrate 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.

Cook teams will be smoking, grilling and baking their favorite dishes on the Big Green Egg while tasters sample the delicious bites and vote for their favorites.

This year’s event will be held in a new location behind the Seascape Towne Center, which features a Tiki bar with flat screen TVs that will air the day’s most popular college football games. Each cook team will have their own 10×10 tent, allowing for social distancing in an open-air setting and access to Seascape Towne Center businesses, providing convenience and enjoyment for cook teams and tasters.

In addition to tasting delicious bites, tasters will have the opportunity to sample Knob Creek Rye Whiskey craft cocktails and seasonal beers from local and regional breweries. Returning beer sponsor, Abita Brewery, will be serving cook teams and providing samples of their new seasonal brew, 35th Anniversary, for attendees 21 and older.

The annual cooking competition will feature a mix of cook teams, ranging from backyard grillers to local restaurants to non-profit organizations, presenting a variety of dishes from meats and seafood to veggies and desserts cooked on the Big Green Egg.

“We’re excited to see this event evolve,” said Bay Breeze Patio co-owner and event co-founder Wayne Paul. “After canceling the 2020 event, we’re coming back better than ever. The new location at Seascape will allow us to have a more intimate and customized experience. The best part is that Eggs on the Beach will once again support non-profits that serve our community’s needs.”

Providing a home away from home for military families during medical treatment, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast serves those who have served our country. Fighting food insecurity among area students, Food for Thought provides backpacks filled with healthy foods to students in need. In addition, these two charity partners along with other non-profit organizations will have cook teams in the 2021 event and compete for taster votes to earn cash donations toward their cause. Participating non-profit teams include Food for Thought, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Boys and Girls Club, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, South Walton Academy, Rotary Club of Destin, Walton County Skate Society, The Combat Diver Foundation, Healing Paws for Warriors, and the Blue Angels Foundation.

The cooking competition will be enhanced with live music and drawings for a chance to win a Mini-Max Big Green Egg as well as products and gift certificates from area businesses. Beer, wine, cocktails, water and sodas will also be available for purchase at the Tiki Bar.
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. Demo Eggs are available in Large or XLarge and come with a nest (metal stand), rubber mat and plate setter along with a limited lifetime warranty. Demo Eggs will be available for pick-up between 4 – 5 p.m. on October 16.

The community is invited to taste the amazing results of cooking on the Big Green Egg while supporting area non-profits. Two cook team spots remain for any grillers who want to share their talents and compete for prizes. Taster tickets are on sale now ($40 in advance; $50 day of). Learn more and sign up or purchase tickets at www.EggsontheBeach.com.

Bay Buzz Events Oct. 2021

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

Niceville Young Professionals Golf Tournament
Join the Niceville Young Professionals for the inaugural Niceville Young Professionals Golf Tournament, Friday, Oct. 1 from 8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Eglin AFB Golf Course. Registration opens at 8:15 a.m. and the best ball tournament starts at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start! (Rain Date: Monday, October 4). Thanks to Corporate Sponsor, Okaloosa Gas District, Hole-in-One Sponsor, Niceville Insurance Agency and Frontline Insurance! Register online at NicevilleChamber.com, email info@nicevillechamber.com or call 850.678.2323.

Dinner Of Dreams
A Bed 4 Me invites you to an evening of live jazz, culinary delight, specialty beer and wine on Sunday, October 3 at 5 p.m. for cocktail hour and dinner from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Niceville Senior Center. Enjoy a four-course dinner provided by local favorites, One20 a Modern Bistro, Wharf 850, and Toast Wine Bar and Cafe Bienville, Beer provided by 3rd Planet Brewing, wine served by Toast Wine Bar all while listening to live music performed by the very unique Roman Street Trio from Mobile, Ala. Join us for this special evening as your support helps A Bed 4 Me provide beds to children in our area that do not have one of their own. Tickets $120. Purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-dinner-of-dreams-tickets-165624024917.

Freeport Mayor’s Charity Ball
Join Freeport Mayor Russ Barley for the Annual Charity Ball on October 16 at Hammock Bay Lake Club. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per Couple; Corporate Tables are $300.
Contact Tim Ard, Chairman, at (850) 585-3304 for more information.

Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest
Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 13th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 8-9, 2021. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.

Friday, October 8, Beer From Around Here 6-8pm | Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza
Saturday, October 9, Grand Craft Beer Tasting, 2-6pm | Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza
Tickets: Baytownebeerfest.com

4-H Camp Timpoochee’s Family Trick or Treat Night
4-H Camp Timpoochee is gearing up for its 2nd Annual Family Trick or Treat Night Friday, October 29! Last year was an overwhelming success with over 450 folks coming out to trick or treat, and this year is slated to be even bigger and better with additional cabin and tent spaces available to sponsors, and hopefully a food truck or two to fill all the hungry tummies. The winner of the decoration contest will receive a free Business Break at Timpoochee! If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a cabin or tent space to hand out candy or fun branded items, contact Ariel at 850-897-2224 or Email timpoochee4h@ifas.ufl.edu. All donations go back into the Camp Timpochee facility for much-needed repairs and program materials.

Join VFW Post 4437 Events
October 30: Live music. Split Kricket at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

November 13: VFW Post 4437 Annual Golf Outing: Sponsorship and team sign up available. Contact VFW Post 4437 for more information.

November 20: Live Music. Finger Faya 7 p.m. Open to the public. All funds support VFW Post 4437 and Veterans in our area.

VFW Post 4437 is also open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights for Membership Drive. Live music/Karaoke weekends. Open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.vfwpost4437.org, call (850) 892-3539 or www.facebook.com/VFWPost4437/ for more information.

Art Classes Abound Around the Bay!

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

Artful Things
October Classes:
2-Illuminated Letter Calligraphy with instructing artist Elia Saxer. Complete your own 6” x 6” masterpiece of your Initial using gold-leaf and gouache. $75 includes all supplies, instruction book and three and a half hours with this outstanding artist- instructor.
9-Florals in Oil: 10:30 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m. Instructing artist Jeanette Herron. Instructing artist Jeanette Herron will walk you through the finer points of painting floral in oil. Experience necessary. $77.50. Includes supplies. Bring specific brushes.
16-Felting with Jen Dennis. 10:30- noon. $24.50. Jen is known for her works in fiber. For this intro class she will demo wet felting and then help you create your own felt river rock soap. The resulting wool product is naturally antibacterial, breathable and odor resistant. Soap is fragrance free/hypoallergenic.
22-Encaustic Wax Cards. 10:30 am- 12:30 pm. $47.50 includes all supplies. Corina Zalace shows you the fun you can have with an iron and beautiful rich colored bees wax. Complete 5 cards with envelopes. Suggested ages 14 – adult.
30-Children’s Art for Halloween with instructing artist Corina Zalace. Reserve quickly as these seats go fast for the kids. 10 a.m. – noon. $37.50 includes all supplies. Ages 8- 12.

On-Going Classes:
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.
Coming in November! Plan now to help us celebrate our second anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 11th. Door prizes and refreshments served from 5-8 p.m. There will be all day sales in time for holiday shopping!
(850) 729-2600
artfulthingsniceville.com
1087 East, E. John Sims Pkwy. in Niceville

Big Orange House Designs
October Classes:
1- Bottle Floral Glass Art: Come make GLASS ART with Ang! $58.85
7-Designer Leather & Pearl Party: Come CREATE this gorgeous Leather & Pearl wrap or Rainy Day Necklace! $69.55
8-Glass Art Open Studio: PUMPKIN PATCH TIME! Come and make a cute glass design. $26.75
15-Open Studio Glass Art (5×7): Glass on Glass FUN- no experience necessary- just bring your ideas! $47.92
16-Glass Art Open Studio: PUMPKIN PATCH TIME! Come and make a cute glass design with Ang! $26.75
21-5×7 Glass on Glass: Come make a glass on glass window in the studio! $50.12
21-Word Board Glass Art: What is your WORD? $58.85
22-Glass Art Family Tree: Come and make a 12×12 glass tree on board or an 8×10 glass window. $96.30
22-Halloween Cookies w/ Mery: Join us for a fun HALLOWEEN themed cookie decorating class w/ Mery! $19.26
23-Halloween Cookies w/ Mery: Join us for a fun HALLOWEEN themed cookie decorating class w/ Mery! $19.26
23-Open Leather & Pearls: Make beautiful jewelry with Sherrie on SAT! $21.30
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
Save the Date:
Nov. 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
October Classes:
2-Acrylic Painting: Booze & Boos (Paint & Sip) Halloween Event: 6-8 p.m. $35.00
Celebrate a fun night of painting with your favorite beverage and friends. No prior painting experience required. Estelle will walk you through the creative process from a blank canvas to your completed masterpiece! All supplies provided.
13- Silver Brushes Paint Class 55+: 10-11:30 a.m. $35
Ever wanted to play with thick acrylics and learn how to use a palette knife? Then come create with Estelle and learn all the fun using these mediums can be! An 8×10 canvas and all supplies included.
23-Acrylic Painting: Kids Costume Halloween Party Paint Event: 5-7 p.m. $35.00
You don’t want to miss this fun night of painting, Halloween treats and prizes. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Prizes will be given out for the most original, creative and funniest costumes. All supplies provided.
27-Acrylic Painting: Silver Brushes (55+) Galloween Paint: 10-12 a.m. $35.00
Get dressed up for a paint night of spooky fun! 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!!
Private group classes and parties offered.
(850) 787-1020 |
estellestudioandgallery@gmail.com
902 Hwy 20, Suite 106
Freeport, FL 32439

ECTC Opens 9th Mainstage Season with “Nunsense”

By

Bay Life

-

October 2, 2021

One of Off-Broadway’s most popular musical comedies, Nunsense, is running now through Sunday, Oct. 3. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 3.

This comedic spoof follows the misadventures of the Little Sisters of Hoboken trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, after the deaths of the rest of the sisterhood from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia (Child of God), the remaining nuns stage a talent show to raise money to bury their dearly departed. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Sister Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.

Tickets are $36 per person for adults, $34 for seniors (55 years-old and up)/military and $30 for students (must show ID). Purchase at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Performances are held at 560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

ECTC October
Special Events:
Oct. 2, 2:30 p.m.
Jr. Thespian/Company Showcase
Group and solo works by talented ECTC teens include classic and contemporary musical theatre pieces, improv, and comedic and dramatic selections.

Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Storyteller Series:
Shirley Valentine by Shirley Simpson
Wondering what has happened to her youth and feeling stagnant and in a rut, Shirley finds herself regularly alone and talking to the wall while preparing an evening meal of ‘chips and egg’ for her emotionally distant husband. When her best friend offers to pay for a trip-for-two to Greece, she packs her bags, leaves a note on the cupboard door in the kitchen, and heads for a fortnight of rest and relaxation. There, she rediscovers everything she had been missing about her existence in England. Will she return?

Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Comedy on the Boulevard
ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians.

Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Bryan Kennedy and Forrest Williams Songs Around the Campfire

Oct. 29/30-7:30 p.m.
Cabaret on the BOO-levard
Join your favorite ECTC performers for a spooky night with some of the most popular hair-raising Broadway showtunes including Wicked, The Addams Family and Beetlejuice.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 per person. Purchase at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. All events are held at 560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY