Education:

• $54 billion in state fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid to school districts, with up to $10 billion for school repair;

• $26 billion to school districts to fund special education and the No Child Left Behind law for students in K-12;

• $17 billion to boost the maximum Pell Grant by $500 to $5,350; $2 billion for Head Start.

Click here for enlarged view of interactive pie graph of the Stimulous Plan funding. Stimulus Package Limits Funding for Education Cornell Daily Sun, Ithaca, NY February 13, 2009 – 12:00am By Jamie Meyerson In addition to the $8.7 trillion that the U.S. government has already pledged last November in order to restore the crumbling economy, the Senate and House now have compromised on an additional $789 billion bill in the form of a stimulus package towards the efforts. The new bill, which cut $30 billion from the House version and nearly $50 billion from the Senate version, redistributed funding across the board. According to the New York Times, funding for education took one of the biggest hits. State fiscal stabilization funds that were to be used towards education were cut by $25 billion from the original bills. Senate Republicans, however, agreed to increase the general state fund to $54 billion. House Democrats also compromised, demanding that states should be allowed to use some of the money towards school renovation and repairs. According to Inside Higher Educaton, an online higher education newspaper, as of Wednesday night, it was still unclear whether or not this money could be used to improve college buildings or could merely be used on elementary and secondary schools. While previous versions of the bill called for greater spending on Pell Grants and work study programs, the details of the compromise in regards to these subjects are not yet clear. “It appears the final agreement does include a $400 boost in the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,250 … Also, the tax cut of $2,500 for tuition and related expenses appears to have survived,” stated Stephen Johnson, vice president of government and community relations, in an e-mail.
According to Inside Higher Ed, the compromise will put $200 million towards work study programs and keep the $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for higher education expenses. $40.6 billion would be also given to states to prevent cutbacks and for school modernization. Lastly, states would receive $5 billion of bonus grants for meeting certain education performance standards, as well as $8 billion for other public safety needs that could possibly include education. However, college lobbyists were told that the compromise does not include an increase in federal limits on unsubsidized student loans, nor does it propose a raise in the spending on Perkins Loans. While this package does increase some funding where it is desperately needed, some feel that it is not doing enough for social issues and programs. “I’m disappointed with the Democratic majority for compromising on things that were desperately needed by the poor, states, cities, and schools. Why take out tax cuts, state and city aid, and school construction funding, all of which are highly stimulative?” stated John-David Brown ’09, vice president of the Cornell Democrats, in an e-mail. Prof. Elizabeth Sanders, government, also feels that the Democrats let some important issues go, specifically when the Senate passed its original version of the stimulus bill. “[Senate Democrats] gave [Senate Republicans] a lot and they gave up stuff that we really cared about, and that may make [the bill] less effective as a stimulus because there will be less construction and fewer people going to work,” Sanders said. Not only do some criticize the package as letting go of important issues, but others also feel that the bill will not do enough to stimulate the economy. Some also think that the bill focuses too much on social programs and initiatives. “It seems as if some in Congress are more concerned with reviving programs denied to them over the last eight years than writing a bill that is truly going to stimulate the economy and provide long-term job security for the millions of Americans currently unemployed,” stated Rey Mensah ’11, president of College Republicans, in an e-mail.

In addition to education, Obama’s middle-class tax cut proposal fell to $400 for individuals and $800 for couples, trimming the original plan by $30 billion. Social security and disability payments also decreased, while the original $15,000 tax incentive for home buyers that was introduced by the Senate was cut down to $8,000 for only eligible first-time buyers.

Health insurance programs, specifically Cobra, were also scaled back by the new bill. Cobra refers to a government program that entitles eligible individuals to continue with his or her health plan for limited times after losing a job. While the House proposed a 65 percent government subsidy for private insurance for one year after losing a job, the latest version calls for a 60 percent subsidy for only nine months. The House’s proposal to allow states to provide temporary Medicaid to the unemployed who do not quality for Cobra was also eliminated.

Moreover, the new version held onto an extension of unemployment benefits proposed by the Senate, exempting the first $2,400 of benefits seen by unemployed individuals from federal taxes. A $70 billion provision also protects middle-income taxpayers from paying the alternative minimum tax in 2009.

Lastly, the new bill devotes over $15 billion to research, including programs such as National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Biomedical Research Agency and the Department of Energy.

The Classroom Budget

So, how do educators think the money should be spent?

Aloha Keylor, an English as a Second Language teacher at Highland View Elementary School, in Silver Spring, Maryland, wants money for professional development restored. The State of Maryland cut spending, so, to attend a conference, teachers like Keylor have to take a personal day and pay all their costs.

She’d also like to see money for parent outreach, education specialists, such as reading-recovery teachers, and after-school programs.

“I keep a hopeful attitude,” she says about whether federal money will trickle down, but she adds, “I’ll believe it when I see something concrete.”

The Afterschool Alliance’s Jen Rinehart hopes after-school programs can tap into the funding slated for Title I. Right now, 6.5 million children participate in after-school programs, but she says an additional 15 million kids would be in a program if it were available to them.

“Funding for after school is very tenuous,” Rinehart says. “We often see programs started up and programs closing.”

Jim Rex, superintendent of South Carolina’s schools, says his state has a number of needs, including a court mandate to do more with early-childhood education. “We have been pushing for universal four-year-old kindergarten for at-risk kids,” Rex adds. “We’d be delighted if the stimulus plan helped us move that forward.”

After much back and forth, the new stimulus compromise has to be approved by both the House and Senate before Obama can sign it into legislation. Reports state that Obama hopes to sign the legislation by Monday

“In the last 18 months more people are trying it,” Vaughan said. He credits chefs such as the Food Network’s Bobby Flay with popularizing the trend among restaurants.

Betsy Surcouf, general manager of Williams-Sonoma at Destin Commons, says she has seen firsthand the rising interest of plank grilling among her customers.

“Planking has inspired a lot of backyard chefs, too,” she said. The method involves placing fish, meat or most any other food atop a wooden plank and then putting the plank on a grill or in an oven. Unlike traditional grilling, planks add a barrier between the fire and the food that slows the cooking process and gives food a rich, smoky flavor.

“It’s just a tasty and interesting way to cook,” Vaughan said. “And, honestly, it’s very simple, very user-friendly once you get through the prep.”

Plank Talk
There’s nothing fancy about planks. You can use almost any variety of wood from a lumberyard, but you’ll want to be sure it has not been treated. Treated wood may be poisonous if cooked upon, so it may be best to play it safe and purchase your planks from a specialty store, such as Williams-Sonoma or Fresh Market, both in Destin. Some fish markets and grocery stores also sell planks. Prices generally range from about $15 for a four-pack to as much as $30 each for thicker pieces.


Planks come in a variety of species. Cedar is the most common grilling wood. Pecan, alder and hickory also are good choices. When planking in an oven, it is best to use a portion of wood of at least one inch in depth. The planks will burn a little in the cooking process, so you should not expect them to last more than once or twice. If the plank can be used more than once, Surcouf suggests cleaning it with warm water and a firm dish brush. However, no soap should be used, as it may hamper the flavor.

Before using, planks should be soaked in water, wine or fruit juice for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours. Soaking the wood keeps it from burning and allows the food to steam during the cooking process. Once the food has been prepped, and the plank soaked, brush a small amount of olive oil over one side of the plank, place the food on the oiled side and set the plank on the grill or in the oven.

“Then keep an eye on it,” Surcouf warned. “The wood will burn and will char on the edges, but you don’t want it to catch on fire.” Many plank-grillers have seen their planks go up in flames, but don’t let that discourage you. Just spritz with water until the flames subside. Do expect to see some charring on the plank, Surcouf says. With the grill lid down, the smoke from the burning wood and steam from the soaked plank gently cook the meat, resulting in a moist and aromatic result.

Food for Thought

Fish may be one of the most popular plank-grilled foods, but don’t limit yourself, says Criolla’s Vaughan.

“I’d try an old classic like bacon-wrapped scallops, on the plank,” he says. “That would be phenomenal.”

Other options include shellfish such as lobster and shrimp. Pork and steak tend to work best with harder woods like alder or hickory, as those types burn slower, allowing more time to cook the meat.

Even fruits and vegetables can be planked.

“You can really get creative,” Surcouf said. “I’ve made desserts on the plank, like cinnamon-stuffed apples with crème fraîche. And peaches are wonderful grilled on the plank.”

Vaughan says home cooks should not be intimidated by planking, but rather to experiment with different foods cooked on wood.

“I could even see some brunch items on the plank, like salmon or even eggs,” he says. “You can just develop some of your own unique ideas. Put a different spin on it. There really should be no mystique about it.”

———————————————————————

Planked Salmon with Pinot Noir-Berry Sauce
Recipe Courtesy Williams-Sonoma

1 cup Pinot Noir
1 small shallot, minced
2¼ cups blackberries, chopped
2 tablespoons veal demi-glace
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 16 cubes
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste
2 teaspoons sugar
4 salmon fillets, each 8 ounces, with skin
¼ cup olive oil
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Soak a cedar plank in water for 2 to 4 hours.


In a small pot over medium heat, combine the wine, shallot and 1½ cups of the blackberries. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Press the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and return the liquid to the pot. Set over low heat and whisk in the demi-glace, then slowly add the butter, whisking continuously until incorporated into the sauce. Stir in the ¼ teaspoon salt, sugar and the remaining ¾ cup blackberries. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the sauce into a small bowl and set over, but not touching, simmering water in a saucepan; keep the sauce warm.

Prepare a medium fire in a grill. Have a spray bottle of water ready to extinguish flare-ups. Brush the salmon on both sides with the olive oil and season with salt
and pepper.

Place the plank on the grill and close the lid. Heat until the plank begins to smoke and crackle. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the plank. Close the lid and grill until the salmon is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer the plank with the salmon to a heatproof platter or carefully transfer the salmon directly to a warmed platter. Spoon the berry sauce over the salmon and garnish with parsley.

With the advent of modern technology, autodidacts are getting access to knowledge – and not just from your average university – via the Internet. Although these college courses won’t make you a rocket scientist or grant you a degree, those with a lust for learning now have access to some of the best professors at several of the nation’s leading universities – and it’s all free.

Leading the way is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For five years, MIT has been offering course materials for nearly all of its classes online through a project it calls OpenCourseWare.

In the fall of 2002, MIT introduced complete online video lectures for some of its classes. Today, there are 30 lectures available through video or audio. Anne Margulies, executive director of the OpenCourseWare project, said the program intends to add two or three complete video lecture series each semester. The popularity of the program is growing, she said, and it’s “just the beginning . . . (as) more universities will open up to video lectures.”   

In fact, a number of universities around the world already are emulating the OpenCourseWare concept. A list can be found on MIT’s OpenCourseWare Web site at ocw.mit.edu.
Yale also is preparing to offer video classes with complete course information. Seven courses, covering topics such as political science, psychology, the Old Testament, astrophysics, physics and modern poetry, are scheduled to be available for the fall of 2007 and will be accessible through Yale’s main Web site, yale.edu. 

Other U.S. schools offering OpenCourseWare classes are the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health (ocw.jhsph.edu), Tufts University (ocw.tufts.edu), Utah State University (ocw.usu.edu) and the University of Washington (outreach.washington.edu/openuw).

Are you at risk? If you are a woman, your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater. The older you are, the greater your risk. If you are a small, thin-boned woman, you are at greater risk. Women of northern European descent you should be concerned. And people who have a family history may also be at risk of the disease.

Those are the risk factors you can’t change. But there are also lifestyle choices that can impact your chances of developing osteoporosis. People who ingest a diet low in calcium and people who have inactivity due to decreased weight-bearing exercise are at increased risk of osteoporosis. If you are a smoker or drink alcohol excessively, your risk of bone loss and fractures gets even worse.

Help yourself by making sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Optimal calcium intake for people between the ages of 19-50 is about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Those 50 and older need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Post-menopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy and men and women older than 65 need 1,500 milligrams per day along with 800 milligrams of vitamin D.  

Weight-bearing exercise goes hand-in-hand with nutrition. It enhances what you’re trying to do with food intake and with the calcium in your diet. Even walking 20 to 30 minutes a day can keep your bones stronger and in turn, decreases your risk of a fracture. Simple things qualify as weight-bearing exercises, such as climbing stairs, dancing, speed-walking, jogging, racquet sports and hiking. Shelia Herbermann, radiology technologist and spokesperson for osteoporosis and bone heath at Sacred Heart Hospital says it is important to check with your physician prior to jumping into any exercise so that you can be aware of all concerns. “Especially with our bone health as we get older and with other risk factors we need to know how strong our bones are before engaging in physical exercise,” says Herbermann.

A bone density test – a simple, painless form of diagnostic X-ray – can help you find out if you have osteoporosis. And, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, prescription medicines are available to keep the bones from losing further calcium and decrease the chance of having a fracture. They have minor side effects, so you need to be under the care of a doctor while you’re on them.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You may not be aware you have it unless you have a DEXA scan done or a broken bone from the weakness caused by osteoporosis.

“Not only is the DEXA scan used to determine if you are osteoporotic, it is also used to monitor treatment for those who are on medication for osteoporosis,” says Herbermann.

Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast offers the DEXA scan at their new Women’s Imaging Department.

Fort Walton Beach has a rich heritage filled with legends and lore – the innovative American Indians, the Spanish explorers, the notorious pirates, the brave war heroes and the famous Hollywood celebrities who found their way to the area to contribute to the colorful and remarkable history of the Emerald Coast.

SAND AND CHEESECAKE A fetching young lady frolics on the dunes of Fort Walton Beach in this 1956 glamour photo by Karl E. Holland. Photo Courtesy Florida Archives

The First Locals
Try to imagine what Fort Walton Beach was like thousands of years ago, as far back as 12,000 B.C. That is when the earliest humans lived along what is now the Emerald Coast. Of course, things were a lot different back then. Sea levels were 20 to 30 feet lower than they are today, making Florida approximately twice the size it is now.

The climate was more arid and had more plains before the Ice Age glaciers melted and covered a lot of the coastline, bringing the state to the shape it is today. The first humans came to the area in search of big game, such as mastodon, mammoth and other large animals.

Laura Morse, director of Fort Walton Beach’s Indian Temple Mound Museum and Park, makes it her mission to connect people with this incredible human history.

“The people who loved this area for thousands of years lived, worked and raised families here for the same reasons we do today,” she said.

The museum displays 14,000-year-old lithics – stone tools – left behind by the area’s primitive hunters, the Paleo-Indians.

“These Paleo points, or arrowheads, are fascinating because they are made of stone that often comes from very far away – either brought in by nomadic people or traded for with others,” Morse said. “Florida does not have rock or stone that would make quality points for hunting or tools, so it had to get here otherwise.”

Over the millennia, the native peoples became more tribal and developed villages, settling in areas according to their advancing technology in hunting small game, fishing and agriculture. They engaged in commerce with other tribes outside Florida, trading their abundant supply of freshwater pearls, conch shells and fish bones for copper, iron and maize.

They learned to make pottery and develop weapons from shark teeth, stingray barbs and billfish bills. As their abilities progressed, so did their emphasis on religion, medicine, government and society.

The most politically advanced group of all the Florida tribes was the Fort Walton Culture, which flourished from approximately A.D. 1100 to 1550 and lived across the region that covers modern Northwest Florida.

“The Fort Walton Temple Mound, a National Historic Landmark, was built by these people, who were part of the advanced Mississippian/Southeastern Ceremonial complex,” Morse said. “They built the mound probably between A.D. 700 and A.D. 1500, most likely in three phases.”

The temple mound, which has been carefully preserved, served as a village center, the home of the tribal chief and the military lookout point, and had a plaza surrounding it.

“Chiefs wielded great power, and controlled ideology and healing,” Morse said. “The pervasive warrior culture was mighty and considered quite grand.”

Besides the abundant supply of fish, agriculture was also advanced, with the land producing squash, beans and corn.

“Ornate artifacts found from this period attest to this highly complex and ceremonial social system,” Morse said. “The six-pointed plates featured in the Indian Temple Mound Museum are a hallmark of the society’s uniquely symbolic handmade pottery.”

Spaniards Enter
Morse said early Spanish exploration in the 16th century no doubt ravaged many Florida tribes with the introduction of new diseases and harsh treatment, but there is no one certain answer for the extinction of whole groups of people. Most likely, a combination of European diseases, drought or crop failure, war or other mass illness devastated the populations beyond repair. By the time the Spanish were exploring the area that is now Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, there were American Indians there, but they were thought to be of the Creek tribes that migrated into Florida from Alabama and Georgia after 1500. They lived near or around the mound but regarded it as a pre-existing structure built by others and not used for the purposes of its former inhabitants.

Pirates from the mid-1950s continue to recreate the legendary exploits of Billy Bowlegs annually in the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. Photo Courtesy Florida Archives
Billy Bowlegs
Some historians say there is no evidence of pirates in Fort Walton, but others tell of the legendary pirate and Indian leader Capt. Billy Bowlegs, whose real name was William Augustus Bowles. According to the tale, Bowlegs plundered ships belonging to the Spanish, English and French during the late 1700s and early 1800s, confiscating a fortune in gold and silver. He buried it along the shores of the Gulf and its inland lagoons and bayous.

Today, Fort Walton Beach residents celebrate the invasion of Bowlegs in the annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, the highlight being a staged duel with the mayor on the Fort Walton Beach landing.

Camp Walton
During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers from the 1st Florida Regiment set up a small encampment under the orders of Gen. Braxton Bragg; the encampment was named Camp Walton. One soldier who served and then became the first permanent settler in the area was John Thomas Brooks.

In his book, “A Miracle Strip – Through the Lens of Arturo and the Hearts of Many,” fourth-generation Fort Walton resident, photographer and author Antonio Mennillo wrote that Brooks’ background prepared him for his role as the first permanent resident of the area.

“When he was 12 years of age his widowed mother packed her family and family belongings into a covered wagon and left their native North Carolina to take up a land grant in the vicinity of Geneva, Ala.,” Mennillo wrote. “Tom was 18 when the Civil War broke out and he was one of the first volunteers from Alabama. Going to war with this parting injunction from his mother, ‘Sonny, don’t be shot in the back. My prayers will follow you.’”

Upon returning to his mother’s house after the war, Brooks discovered that it had been burned by organized war deserters. His mother had remarried, so it was time for Brooks to find a new home. Seeking employment, Brooks became a sawyer at Reddick’s Sawmill in Walton County. He and his new family soon settled on 111 acres of waterfront land, a tract that now is part of Fort Walton Beach.

Camp Walton was eventually renamed Brooks Landing after the settler.

Others Discover Fort Walton
The 1930s brought on a pivotal period in the growth of Fort Walton.

Another early citizen of Fort Walton, Dr. J.H. Beal, a retired pharmacist, college professor, businessman, farmer and developer, joined Thomas E. Brooks, grandson of John Thomas Brooks, to build a casino and cottage on the Gulf shores. The two also built the Brooks Beal Center Woman’s Club and Garden Club and Beal Memorial Cemetery.

The more recent history of Fort Walton Beach is preserved at Magnolia Grill on Brooks Street. Tom and Peg Rice have preserved the house built by Dr. G.G. French in 1910. The house was shipped in pieces as a “catalog house” from New York. The handwritten mailing address is still visible on some of the boards, which are on display at Magnolia Grill. The Rices have an impressive collection of items from the early 20th century – a pair of Art Deco chandeliers from the home of Peg’s great-grandfather, Dr. J.H. Beal; bowling pins from the Fort Walton Bowling Alley; and numerous antique typewriters used by local reporters, including columnist Emma Goggin and Maj. Gen. John Carley.

Capt. Reddin “Salty” Brunson, at 95 years old, is the oldest living Destin native. He was one of the originators of the charter boat association, but got his first job at the age of 11 as a caddy in Fort Walton for notorious gangster Al Capone.

“Me and four other kids were coming from school and this big automobile drove up to us,” Brunson said. “A big man said, ‘You boys want to caddy?’ I said, ‘Sure do,’ and jumped on the running board right by the driver, and caddied for a round a golf. After the game, the men said, ‘You boys come on in and we’ll buy you a Budweiser.’ That was the most god-awful stuff I ever tasted.”

Capone and his henchmen frequently engaged in target practice at night, safe in their seclusion. One evening, Brunson almost got in the way.

“One night in Boggy Bayou, we heard a bunch of rapid fire and went to see what was happening,” he said. “We saw a bench with a moving target – the gangsters were practicing their firing and ladies were watching. We got caught, and they called me up there. I’ve never been so scared in my life. This big guy ran up with his gun and stuck it in my face and said, ‘You better get outta here, boy.’ And I ran faster than lightning.”

The Military
James E. Plew, a banker, developer and airplane enthusiast who moved to Fort Walton from Chicago, started the Valparaiso Realty Company in 1922 with a vision of building retirement homes and businesses, as well as developing golf courses. He saw an opportunity for the military to use the land as an aerial bombing and gunnery range, and for a boost in the economy of the remote part of Florida. In 1934, Plew donated 1,460 acres to the U.S. government; the plot was named the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base. On Aug. 4, 1937, the base was renamed Eglin Field in memory of Lt. Col. Frederick I. Eglin, a U.S. Air Corps pilot killed on New Year’s Day 1937. This land became the center of what is now known as the most expansive military base in the nation, covering more than 724 square miles of land and 98,000 square miles of air space over the Gulf.

Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle used Eglin Field to train his B-25 Doolittle Raiders for their secret air raid against Tokyo during World War II. The Doolittle Raiders were a group of 80 volunteer airmen from the U.S. Army Air Forces who on April 18, 1942, flew 16 Mitchell medium B-25 airplanes from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet on a daring mission to bomb Japan. The raid was a huge morale booster for the American people, coming just four months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Retired MSgt Edwin Horton Jr., one of the few living Doolittle Raiders, resides in Fort Walton Beach. Horton was a engineer/gunner on Crew 10 of the 16 bombers during the raid on Tokyo.

In an interview with 1st Lt. Martha L. Petersante-Gioia, of the 66th Air Base Wing at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Horton recalled how even after doing what many said couldn’t be done, Doolittle’s men stayed focused on a mission for which they had trained under top-secret conditions.

“Much of the training and modifications to the aircraft were done at Eglin Field,” Horton said.

During the raid, they didn’t anticipate that the carrier would be detected early, forcing the group to launch immediately, he said.

Due to the group’s early takeoff, there was not enough fuel to get back to a prearranged rendezvous point in China.

“We had to bail out over China’s coastal mountain range,” Horton said.

Faced with a controlled-crash landing on China’s coast or bailing out over the mountain range, Lt. Richard Joyce, Horton’s pilot and crew commander, chose to have the crew bail out.

Horton was able to land on a ridge. The next morning, he walked to a small town where friendly residents assisted him.

“I didn’t (immediately) know the impact of this mission,” he said. “But as it turned out, it was a huge morale boast for our forces.”

Another Fort Walton Beach resident, retired MSgt Ronald D. Peters, worked as a reporter and later rode in the B-29s bombers and witnessed the effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Peters also served in Vietnam, and after 28 and a half years of active-duty service, he and his wife – two Ohio Buckeyes, as he describes them – were looking for a nice place to retire.

“We wanted someplace warm,” he said. “And I looked on a map and found a circle of military bases that surrounded this little area called Forth Walton beach, and that’s where we decided to stay.”

The Gambling
Though Brooks and Beal built a casino and cottages in an attempt to create a thriving summer resort that would attract tourists, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the humble town of Fort Walton became the gambling mecca of Northwest Florida, bringing tourists with full wallets and earning the nickname “Little Las Vegas of Florida.”

The Magnolia Club, where gambling, dancing and nightly floor shows were the main attractions, was a local hot spot. Initially attracting seasonal tourists who could no longer gamble in Miami because it had been outlawed, the Magnolia Club eventually was open year-round to accommodate the influx of carpenters and other building workers who persuaded manager Bill Williams to stay past the tourist season.

Another popular gambling spot was the Shalimar Club, run by Roger Clary. Nancy M. Kenaston, author of the book, “The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach Florida,” described the transformation of the Shalimar Club from day to evening.

“It resembled a movie producer’s idea of an expensive bordello,” she wrote. “Its windows were hung with red velvet and gold tassels; luxurious paneling and overstuffed red velvet furniture added to the exciting décor. The Eglin (Air Force Base) Officers’ Wives Club met frequently for luncheons in the clubs, giving them the air of great respectability, but at night they came to life to tempt those with gambling fever.”

By the 1950s, gambling had tainted the town’s reputation. Law enforcement agencies put an end to it, and in 1953 Fort Walton was renamed Fort Walton Beach in an effort to boost tourism for a different kind of crowd – the beach-loving family who wanted some fun in the sun.

The Celebrities and Dignitaries
Fort Walton Beach cast a spell on the rich and famous of Hollywood during the 1940s and ’50s.

The famous orchestra conductor Guy Lombardo and his band frequently performed at the ritzy Shalimar Club. Andy Griffith and the Glen Miller Band played there, and President Harry Truman and Gen. Doolittle, as well as dignitaries from around the world, enjoyed evenings at the nightclub. Gregory Peck was seen enjoying a drink and a cigarette there.

Internationally acclaimed German artist Emil Holzhauer, who became famous in the 1920s and ’30s as an avant garde painter, met a Niceville native and moved to the area. He, along with other charter members, initiated the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach to promote and expose the Emerald Coast to the arts. After his death, Holzhauer’s estate donated more than 400 paintings and documents to what was then Okaloosa-Walton Community College. His multimillion-dollar collection still is on display throughout the campus.

Between 1940 and 1970, the population of Fort Walton grew by 700 percent and was recognized nationally as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Today, the city still celebrates the past, preserving its fascinating history – and leaving a legacy of a rich heritage for future generations

How Notre Dame put my SSN on the Internet.

The purpose of the mission had been to find a new route to Asia. Although the flotilla sailed down to the mouth of the Delaware River it did not find new passage to the Orient and returned to Denmark. Full story will continue next week.

The thought of eating disorders typically conjures up the image of emaciated women obsessed with being thin at any cost. The truth of the matter is that eating disorders are more common than you may think and don’t always involve people starving themselves.

Even with the recent interest in eating disorders brought to light by the increasing number of super-skinny starlets appearing on red carpets and the covers of magazines, major misconceptions about eating disorders persist. Among those misperceptions are what causes eating disorders, who can be affected and how dangerous an eating disorder can be.

While unhealthy relationships with food and unrealistic body images seem to be at the heart of eating disorders, the reality is that most are physical manifestations of deeper issues. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders are caused by an amalgamation of behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social issues.

“Many patients I have seen with eating disorders are females who have been abused, neglected or have had a traumatic life experience,” says Megan Putt, a registered and licensed dietician at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. “They feel that they have lost control in their lives and take that anger and lack of control out on themselves. The weight loss is often viewed as a sense of achievement and self-discipline.”

Women of all shapes and sizes battle eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

“Many patients battle with more than one type of eating disorder, and many are left untreated or never tell their story,” Putt says. “Only one in 10 people with an eating disorder actually receives treatment.”

In fact, anorexia and bulimia are the most well-known eating disorders, but a national survey released in 2007 in the Medical Journal of Biological Psychiatry showed binge eating disorder as the most prevalent.

According to Putt, a binge eater would be someone who finishes a full dinner, has a piece of cake and then opens a pack of cookies and finishes the bag without being able to stop.

“This type of consumption is similar to an alcoholic who may just plan on having a few beers and ends up drinking the whole case,” she says.

It is true that females are more susceptible to eating disorders than males, but many young men still wrestle with the disease. In the United States, the ratio is about 7 to 1, with 7 million women and 1 million men struggling with eating disorders. Males are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behavior during preadolescence than at any other age. In some cases, young men are obsessed with gaining weight.

Eating disorders can be incredibly destructive physically, socially and emotionally. Putt says that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and that 20 percent of people suffering from anorexia will die from suicide or heart problems.

Each disorder has unique health risks. Anorexia causes the body to slow down and ultimately shut down as it tries to compensate for the nutrients missing from a regular intake of food. Bulimia can result in digestive issues and malfunction of major organs. Binge eating disorder has similar risks to obesity, including issues with blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and gallbladder disease.

Putt warns that most individuals with an eating disorder are in denial and may resist being confronted. She says the best way to address the situation is to “confront them with your concerns, expressing how much you care about them.”

Parents should be aware of their own eating and diet habits and should be involved in what their children are watching on television, Putt advises.

“Children are so influenced by their surroundings and the mass media, which can alter their perception of what society thinks is ‘normal,’” she says.

To learn more about eating disorders and treatment options, visit nationaleatingdisorders.org. Visit Destin Yoga Classes for help relaxing and gaining back your confidence.

The film school offers a BFA and MFA.
The Film School is regarded as one of the most accomplished film schools in the world and is well-known for selectivity in admissions.^[1][2] FSU Film students won more Student Oscars (2) and College Television Awards (5) in one year than any other film school.^[3] The college is one of the only film schools in the country to be recognized by the Directors Guild of America for “its distinguished contribution to American culture through the world of film and television”. It is also the only film school in the nation to pay for all undergraduate and graduate students production costs, creating an environment in which students can concentrate on the artistry of film. With the help of unusually active alumni and a mentorship program, virtually 100% of the students find a meaningful job in the film or television industries within 12 months.

ST. ANN CHURCH HALL

100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL32561

Catered by: KAROLINA’S EURO DELI

Polish sausage, ham, pierogies, cheeses, breads and dessert.

Wine, beer & soft drinks.
 Polish Easter Party in Gulf Breeze FL 32561

  
For Reservations call Karolina @ 850-424-6661(11-6 PM)

For 27 years, the Junior League of the Emerald Coast has offered a helping hand to thousands of local children who lacked adequate clothing or supplies for the new school year.
 
 Through “Child Clothing,” the organization’s signature community project, more than 300 Okaloosa and Walton county elementary-school children will be helped this year on Tuesday, Oct. 17, and Wednesday, Oct. 18.
 
 The students, who are selected by their teachers and guidance counselors, will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper. Each child will receive one-on-one assistance in selecting a new wardrobe, consisting of a jacket or fleece, shirts, pants, socks, underwear, and shoes from Target in Mary Esther. After shopping, students will be treated to lunch and free time, which consists of various structured games and activities. The students will also receive a small gift bag of donated items.
 
 Since 1979, the Junior League has provided clothing and a boost to the self-esteem of more than 4,000 children. If you are interested in volunteering a little time to make a difference in a child’s life through the “Child Clothing” project, or in making a donation, please call the Junior League of the Emerald Coast at (850) 862-2665

 Destin’s Classroom Connection

The school year is underway, and Destin’s “Adopt-A-Classroom” program is taking roll call for potential community partners. The program gives much-needed funds to teachers for additional supplies and special projects through a $325 contribution from “Adopt-A-Classroom” partners. Participants also are encouraged to donate time and talents to their adopted class.
 The funds collected for the program will not be distributed until all 95 of  Destin’s classrooms have been adopted, so the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses to consider this worthwhile program. For more information on the “Adopt-A-Classroom” program, please call the Destin Chamber at (850) 833-4360.

 Frighteningly Fun

If your teen enjoys a good scream, head to Universal Orlando this fall for some Halloween fun. The popular theme park is celebrating its 16th anniversary with the return of Halloween Horror Nights.
 
 For 19 select nights, Halloween Horror Nights will feature seven classic haunted houses with frightening new elements, new shows – including a Halloween version of “Universal 360” and a new version of the popular “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” stage show.
 
 Halloween Horror Nights begin Sept. 29-30 and continue through Oct. 6-8, Oct. 11-15, Oct. 19-22, Oct. 26-29 and Oct. 31. For more information on this “spooktacular” event, visit halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando or universalorlando.com .

 Study by the Book

Students can move to the head of the class by taking a few tips from Club Z, a Florida-based tutoring program that focuses on improving children’s educational experience.For success in the classroom, Club Z recommends several simple steps, including the following:
 • Choose an appropriate study location, with good lighting and space for books.
 

• Keep a calendar and post important test and project dates.
 

• Tell kids to take a break when feeling frustrated. Just like work, sometimes a few minutes away can make all the difference.

For more information on improving study skills or Club Z’s services, visit clubztutoring.com .