WZEP COMMUNITY CALENDAR - MARCH

Northwest Florida Blood Center Blood drive: Wednesday, March 10 Hurlburt Medical Group, 8 am to 3:30 pm. First Baptist Church, Niceville 3:30 pm to 8 pm. Thursday, March 11 North Okaloosa Medical Center, 8 am to 4 pm. Friday, March 12 Sacred Heart Hospital, Emerald Coast, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Saturday, March 13 Santa Rosa Mall, 11 am to 4 pm. Sunday, March 14 Knights Of Columbus FWB. At St Mary's Catholic Church, 8 am to 12 pm. Monday, March 15 Parthenon Healthcare, Crestview. 8:30 am to 11:30 am. 

Check the website at www.nfbcblood.org for local blood drive information. If you have any questions, please call 862-4216. In order to donate blood you need to be a volunteer who is 17 years of age or older who is in general good health, weighs at least 110 pounds, and has a photo ID. There is no upper age limit. You do not need to know your blood type to donate, but once you donate you will be sent a card showing what it is. Be sure to try to eat a substantial meal before donating and drink plenty of fluids! 

MULTI-DATED MARCH CALENDAR ITEMS

• Zumba Fitness Classes - Tuesdays 6:30pm. Dance your way to health with Latin moves. $5 each class or $4 with 5 class purchase ($20). Walton County Extension Office, Highway 83 north. 892-8172. Sponsored by the Walton County Health Department and the Walton County Extension Service.

• Guardian Ad Litem - Abused and neglected children need a voice in court! There are currently 40 kids in Holmes County and 19 kids in Washington County without volunteer advocate representation. The 14^th Circuit Guardian Ad Litem Program wants these children spoken for. Be a strong, dependable voice, appointed by the court, to support these children. Please call 747-5180 for more information and an application.

• H1N1 Flu Vaccine Free at Walton County Health Dept. - The flu season has arrived and is not yet over, so it’s not too late to get your H1N1 Swine flu vaccine. Health officials are urging those who have not been vaccinated against the virus — or the regular seasonal flu — to do so. The Walton County Health Department is offering free vaccination on an appointment basis.  To schedule an appointment, please call the Walton County Health Department in DeFuniak at (850) 892-8015 or the Coastal branch office in Santa Rosa Beach at (850) 267-8350.

• You Can Help Save the 4th of July!- You can help the DBPA save the Fourth of July! Donate to the Fireworks Fund at Regions Bank, Allstate Insurance, or Smokey J's Restaurant; or send your donation to DBPA, PO Box 219, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.

• The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring. - Temporary part time jobs. $12.50 and hour up to 40 hours a week with flexible times. Work near home, millage reimbursement. Does not count against food stamp benefits. Call 1-866-861-2010 or click the link on our website, wzep1460.com or www.2010censusjobs.gov. Sample test online. Testing in Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Holmes and Washington counties.

DATED MARCH CALENDAR ITEMS

Thursday, March 11

• 2nd Annual Steak and Burger Dinner- DeFuniak Springs Community Center. 6 pm. The University of Alabama’s Team Chaplain and former NFL Player, Jeremiah Castille, will share his personal story on what it takes to be a champion. Tickets for the Steak & Burger Event are $25 and available at The Teen Center or Tax Collector’s Office. Proceeds will support the annual operating costs of the Teen Center. If you are interested in sponsoring the Steak and Burger Event, please contact Fundraising Chair Mike Morris at 850-585-1718 or mmorris@chelco.com.
• Book Signing- Gabriel's Christian Book Store in DFS. 10 am-2 pm. Featuring Eunice Ghent. Her book, "New Beginnings" is a faith-based autobiography. 
• Alzheimer's Support Group Meeting- 6 pm. The Friendship House in DFS. 6 pm. Respite care will be provided. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 850-598-1057.
• Smoking Cessation - Group sessions start at 4:30 p.m. The Area Health Education Center is offering free smoking cessation classes at the Walton County Health Department in DeFuniak Springs at 362 State Hwy 83. Participants receive free nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patches, gum and/or lozenges along with professional consultation, resources and support. They require a commitment to attend additional one-hour sessions each Thursday evening for a total of six weeks through April 15. For more information, call Lynne Weldon at (850) 398-6965 to join others who are ready to quit smoking.
• AARP Driving Class- Life Enrichment Senior Center in DFS. 9 am-noon. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. For more information, call 892-8746.

Friday, March 12

• Fish Fry- St. Margaret's Catholic Church. 4:30-7 pm. All you can eat buffet:$10 for adults and $5 for children 1-8 years old. Family prices are available by request. Mild white fish-baked or fried, french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, cheese grits, beverage and dessert. Please call ahead for take-out 892-9247.
• Book Sale- The lobby of Healthmark Regional Medical Center in DFS. 8 am-4 pm. The public is invited to come and browse. There'll be something for everyone.
• Alzheimer's 4 Hour Blitz- The Stanley House in DFS. 8 am-noon. The community is invited to attend. Please RSVP by calling 850-682-3628. Sponsored by Covenant Hospice.
• Miss DeFuniak Springs Pageant Registration Deadline-The Walton High School Anchor Club is proud to present the 2010 Miss DeFuniak Springs Pageant at the Walton High School Auditorium in DeFuniak Springs. All contestants must attend school or reside in DeFuniak Springs. Registration deadline is March 12, 2010. Entry fee of $50.00 is due at time of registration. Competition will also include an optional Photogenic Competition for a fee of $5. Information is available at local schools or you may call Johnnie Kay Ealum at 892-1270 ext. 4489 or 951-3726.
• AARP Driving Class- Life Enrichment Senior Center in DFS. 9 am-noon. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. For more information, call 892-8746.
• Spaghetti Dinner- Friendship House in DFS. 5 pm-7 pm. Cost is $7 a plate includes Spaghetti and all the trimmings and dessert. Age 4-11 is $4. Live music and good fellowship. Call 892-0565 to reserve your table. 

Saturday, March 13

• History Fair and Antique Farm Day- Walton County Fairgrounds. 8 am-7 pm. Tractor Pull and Historical Fair. Tractor pull starts at 9 am. View dozens of interesting and informative displays. Make personal connections with residents researching genealogies. Vendors needed. Call 850-892-5261. There is no charge to display a history exhibit. However, there is a $20 charge for those wishing to sell items. Tuesday, March 9, is the deadline for display information to be included in program. History display applicants should complete a form available at the Walton County Heritage Museum at 1140 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. Call 850-951-2127 for more information. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission to the History Fair and Antique Farm Day -- Tractor Pull is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 12 – 15, and free under 12.
• 5K Run/Walk - Registration time is 7 a.m., start time is 8 a.m. The DFS Woman's Club, Pizza Hut, and Dr. O'Donnell are sponsoring the Third Annual Chautauqua 5KRun/Fun Walk. The registration fee is $20 on the day of the race. You can request a registration form via email at: dfswomansclub@gmail.com or you can call Chris Guzowski at 892-5615.
• St. Patrick's Day Party- VFW Post 4437 in DFS. 4 pm-7 pm. Dancing, karaoke, and good food. Plenty of green beverages to quench everyone's thirst. $7 for dinner. Proceeds to benefit the Auxiliary and cost of repairs to the post roof.
• 3rd Annual Dance Camp and Legends Basketball Game- Walton High School Gym. The Dance Camp is hosted by former Indiana Pacer Cheerleaders and starts at 9 am. The camp is free and open to all ages; includes lunch and photo opportunities with the cheerleaders. The legends Basketball game starts at 6:30 pm. Proceeds benefit the Visions of Future Scholarship given by the BMcW Foundation. For more information, contact Heather Marshall at 850-585-9189 or Sharon Hogans at 850-974-5925.
• Project Princess Fitting- DFS Community Center. 10 am-2 pm. Open to all high school girls attending Prom at Paxton, Freeport, Walton High, or South Walton High. Come choose your perfect prom dress. Only one dress per girl and dresses are not for pageants. For more information, call Michelle at 892-8500. All girls are welcome to attend any fitting. 

Tuesday, March 16

• Business Owners Forum- DeFuniak Springs Community Center. 6 pm. Open to all owners/operators of businesses within the DFS city limits. The DeFuniak Springs Police Department is wanting to open better communications between the Police and businesses within the city limits. They would like to open any questions and/or concerns. Crucial information will be provided to better ensure your business is protected. Command staff members from the DFS Police Department and Walton County Crime Stoppers members will be attending the forum.
• WMS Parent Drop-In - 9:30am. There will be a parent drop-in at Walton Middle School. Call 892-1280 for more information.

Friday, March 19

• Fish Fry- St. Margaret's Catholic Church. 4:30-7 pm. All you can eat buffet:$10 for adults and $5 for children 1-8 years old. Family prices are available by request. Mild white fish-baked or fried, french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, cheese grits, beverage and dessert. Please call ahead for take-out 892-9247.

• Professional Wrestling - 7:00pm in the Baker High School Gymnasium, with doors opening at 6:00pm. All proceeds will benefit the Baker Fire Department for the purchase of a thermal imaging camera. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased at the door, Gator Cafe' or the fire department.

• Benefit BBQ Meal- noon-5 pm. Paxton Baptist Church. Plates are $7 each and include BBQ pork, beans, slaw, bread, tea, and dessert. Advance tickets can be purchased from any church member. All proceeds will go to Dwaine Adams and Peggy Aceves, 2 members of the church who have cancer. For more information, call 850-834-2718. 

• Free HIV Testing- Mt. Pisgah A. M. E. Church in Freeport. 6 pm-9 pm. For more information, call 850-535-4155.

• Chicken Pot Pie Dinner- Friendship House in DFS. 5 pm-7 pm. Cost is $7 a plate includes Chicken Pot Pie and all the trimmings and dessert. Age 4-11 is $4. Live music and good fellowship. Call 892-0565 to reserve your table. 

Saturday, March 20

• Freeport Arts and Crafts Festival- Freeport Community Center. 9 am-3 pm. Sponsored by the Freeport Town Planters Society. Exhibitors and vendors will set up in the parking area around the building. A silent auction will be conducted inside. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. For more information or an application for a space, call 850-835-1737 or 850-835-5611.
• Book Sale- Walton County Fairgrounds. 9 am-noon. Sponsored by the Friend of the DeFuniak Springs Library. Paperbacks, hardbacks, kid's books, and audio books...something for everyone! All proceeds go to the DeFuniak Springs Library. 
• Shelter House Gala - 7:00pm. Linkside Center. Featuring dinner & Dancing with Jones & Company. Tickets $75 or $100 at the door. 243-1201.
• Little League Kickoff and Parade- Parade starts at 8 am. Opening ceremonies are at 9 am. Pulled pork plates will be available beginning at 10 am for a $7 donations. All donations will go to support the DFS Little League. The parade will begin at 8 am at the Walton Middle School and will proceed around Circle Drive, cross the railroad tracks at 7th street, then go down Baldwin Avenue to the Little League Park. 
• Project Princess Fitting- South Walton High School. 10 am-2 pm. Open to all high school girls attending Prom at Paxton, Freeport, Walton High, or South Walton High. Come choose your perfect prom dress. Only one dress per girl and dresses are not for pageants. For more information, call Michelle at 892-8500. All girls are welcome to attend any fitting.
• Free HIV Testing- Mt. Pisgah A. M. E. Church in Freeport. 9 am-5 pm. For more information, call 850-535-4155. 

Monday, March 22

• Boating Seminar- 7 am. The topic is Knots, Bends, and Hitches. At the Anchorage, 404 Green Acres Rd in Fort Walton Beach.  The two hour seminars, which are geared toward local boaters, are being presented as a part the University of West Florida Continuing Education program and are open to the public. The seminars are conducted by experienced local boaters, and cover the practical aspects of boating. The seminars will be especially valuable to boaters who are new to Gulf Coast boating, are interested in improving their boating skills, or have recently acquired a new boat. The cost per attendee is $35. For further information, please telephone 850-315-0686 or 850-474-2914 or visit the website www.fwsps.com.

Thursday, March 25

• JobsPlus and the Workforce Development Board Employer Question and Answer Panel - 5:30 PM. The panel is the final  seminar in the series “The Art and Science of Job Search – What your competition doesn’t know”   The Employer Question and Answer Panel will be hosted at the Crestview JobsPlus One-Stop Career Center located at 212 N Wilson St, Crestview, FL 32536. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited. Make a reservation by calling 850-833-7587 ext 211 or emailing jmcdaniel@jobsplus02.com.

Friday, March 26

• Fish Fry- St. Margaret's Catholic Church. 4:30-7 pm. All you can eat buffet:$10 for adults and $5 for children 1-8 years old. Family prices are available by request. Mild white fish-baked or fried, french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, cheese grits, beverage and dessert. Please call ahead for take-out 892-9247.
• Salisbury Steak Dinner- Friendship House in DFS. 5 pm-7 pm. Cost is $7 a plate includes Salisbury Steak, all the trimmings, and dessert. Age 4-11 is $4. Live music and good fellowship. Call 892-0565 to reserve your table. 

Saturday, March 27

• Poker Run, American Legion Riders, Crestview Post #75, Hwy 90E - Breakfast 8:30, Lunch 1:00, First bike out 10:30am, Last bike in 1:30pm. In memory of Ryan Richardson to support the National Niemann-Pick Foundation. 699-0840.
• 6th Annual Triple B Festival, Blackwater-Bluegrass-BBQ - 10am to 6pm. Main Street Crestview. Tasty BBQ,  toe-tappin' good music, family friendly games and fun. 
• Paxton Ruritan Club's Farm and Home Equipment Auction- 10 am. The Auction site is in Paxton on 331 N. at the old airport just south of the Sheriff's substation. Equipment check will be on the 24th, 25th, and 26th from 2 pm-5 pm and from 7 am-9 am on the 27th. No check in after 9 am Saturday. Help will be available to load or unload purchases on the day of the sale. No animals please. For information, call Bill McRae at 850-834-3031 or Bill Perkins at 850-834-2205.
• Project Princess Fitting- Market Shops at Sandestin. 10 am-2 pm. Open to all high school girls attending Prom at Paxton, Freeport, Walton High, or South Walton High. Come choose your perfect prom dress. Only one dress per girl and dresses are not for pageants. For more information, call Michelle at 892-8500. All girls are welcome to attend any fitting. 
• Easter Extravaganza- 10 am-1 pm. Yates Memorial Stadium at Walton High School. Hosted by the Pentecostal Ministerial Fellowship of Walton County. Gates open at 8:30 am for registration. No charge, but participants are requested to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local charity. There will be 50,000 Easter eggs, bicycle giveaways, Easter basket giveaways, blowups, train rides, clowns, hot dogs, and drinks. For more information contact (850) 892-2330.

Sunday, March 28

• Lakeside Concert Series - 3 p.m. St. Agatha's Episcopal Church. They will welcome back and old friend of the series Danny Lyons, solo hand bell artist extraordinaire. Danny plays a set of 37 chromatically tuned bronze hand bells in a dazzling show. He hails from Pensacola and has performed in the U.S. and Europe. Admission to the concert is free, though a collection is taken which is used for the support of the series. A reception will be held immediately following the concert. This will provide an opportunity for concert goers to meet the artists.

Tuesday, March 30

• Get Up & Get Fit Health Fair- Walton County Health Department. 9 am-noon. Offered to promote awareness and information on the importance of being active. Come out and receive free health screenings. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Kay Brady at 850-892-8165 or Gwen at toll free 1-866-531-8011.  

LIFE ENRICHMENT SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR, (LESC)

Life Enrichment Senior Center (LESC), 312 College Avenue, DeFuniak Springs .

Regular LESC Events  

• Every Tuesday, bring your lunch and play cards or dominos from 10-2

• Every Tuesday, come and play bingo, 1:00pm

• Line Dancing Tuesdays at 10:30am at the County Extension Office, Hwy 83 N, in Fairgrounds parking lot.

• Every Wednesday, come and learn to play bridge with Jo Thomas at 10am

• Play Bingo every Tuesday at 1pm

• Every Wednesday there will be computer assistance from 10-12 by appointment. Give me a call at 892-8746 if you need help connecting to the internet or just have some questions about email or general computer operation. Mr. Robert Connor will be happy to help you with all your computer concerns.

• Canasta Players enjoy a game or two every Wednesday at 11am

• Alzheimer's Support Group will meet the fourth Wednesday of the month. Their will be a licensed psychologist that will lead the group. 

• The Weight Loss Challenge continues every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Meeting times on Tue 6pm; Wed 12noon; Fri 1pm.

• Bereavement Support Group sponsored by Covenant Hospice meets every Thursday from 2-3pm. Everyone needs the support of others at some time or another. We have a bereavement specialist available to lead the group.

• Every Friday AARP Tax aid from 12-5:15pm. Get your taxes done at no charge through April. Call 892-8165 to schedule a time.  Specify the LESC location.

• Every Friday come and play Bridge from 12noon until. Call ahead and put your name on the list!