WZEP AM 1460 Community Calendar
Information, Meetings, Services, Happenings, Volunteer Opportunities and Events in our Community. These are undated events, for more events please choose the month wanted or church news
If you would like your announcements made on the air, go to the Community Calendar Submission form or fax us at 850-892-9675 or mail to PO Box 627, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 or just bring them by the station at the end of North 12th Street in DeFuniak Springs.
Walton County School District Calendar Page with links to schools
DeFuniak Springs Freeport Paxton
Oskaloosa County Schools Calendar Holmes County Schools
Oskaloosa County Holmes County Washington County
The WZEP AM 1460 Community Calendar Regular, Church and Government Events
There is a new number for the Animal Control Center, 892-8682.
Categories are listed alphabetically: Animal Groups/Programs; Assistance Programs; Clubs, Groups & Teams (includes their meeting times if given); Community Participation Events; Community Programs; Donation Opportunities & Charity Funds; For Sale: Items & Services; Government & County Information; Health & Medical; Help Programs; Information Programs; Meetings; Miscellaneous; Seniors; Services; Support Groups; Veteran Services; Volunteer Opportunities (Items are listed alphabetically under categories)
HELP OUR SOLDIERS OVERSEAS
ANIMAL GROUPS/PROGRAMS
Alaqua Animal Refuge/CARE Spay and Neuter Assistance Program - designed to reduce the ever-growing population of unwanted and unloved animals in the county. AIR/CARE will pay a fixed amount toward the cost of the procedure if pre-approved by the organization. Pet owners must reside in Walton County to be eligible. Applications are available at local veterinary offices or by calling AAR/CARE at 880-6399 or 685-0288 or contact them at P.O. Box 48, Freeport, FL 32439. They are located at 914 Whitfield Road, off hwy 20, west of Freeport and are open Monday-Saturday from noon to 5pm.
Alaqua Animal Refuge/CARE - offers information online at their website, www.aarflorida.com. There you can see the dogs and puppies they have available for adoption. You can also download an application for adoption, enjoy the photos of their Alumni page which contains information about dogs that have already been adopted. Alaqua Animal Refuge/CARE is a non-profit organization that rescues dogs & cats in need.
Walton County Animal Control - Looking for a lost dog or cat or a new furry friend? Visit www.co.walton.fl.us. At the top of the page, click on Divisions, scroll to Emergency Response, and select Animal Control. To claim you lost pet contact Walton County Animal Control (850) 892-8682.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Chautauqua Head Start - accepting applications for three and four year olds, who are born on or before September 1st. Their phone number is 892-6144, and please ask for Ms. Kelley.
DeFuniak Springs Department of Children and Families Food Stamp, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance offices moved to the Ft. Walton Beach Service Center Applications for these benefits are being taken at 340 Beal Parkway NW, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 32548. Please call 1-866-762-2237 if you have questions about filing an application, or you can visit the website at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/ for a web application. All others please call the Customer Service Number toll free at 1-866-762-2237 for information about your case.
Tri-County Community Council - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications are being accepted. The LIHEAP program has three categories of assistance: home energy, crisis, and weather related or supply shortage crisis assistance. An application, proof of income and a copy of the electric or gas bill or receipt of energy payment must be submitted in order to receive assistance. Applications are available at the following locations: Tri-County Community Council, Health and Rehabilitative Services, Health Department, Council on Aging, Food Stamp Office, COPE Center, South Walton Public Health Unit, Extension Service, Gulf Power, CHELCO in DeFuniak Springs and Freeport, Ameri-Gas, Community Gas, Dawdle Gas in DeFuniak Springs & Freeport, Town Hall and Post Offices in Paxton, Mossy Head, Freeport and DeFuniak Springs. For information, contact Bertha Hood, 892-3615.
Senior Citizens Looking for Employment? Senior citizens 55 and older are invited to complete an application at your local JobsPlus.
Elder Helpline- The Department of Elder Affairs' Elder Helpline is your Information and Referral Service. The Helpline exists to help you find answers to your questions about aging issues, services, and opportunities in your community. Call 1-800-963-5337. Call about any elder service issue, including: in-home services, nutrition and meal programs, adult day care, housing, legal assistance, recreation, education opportunities, volunteer opportunities, consumer protection, health care, transportation providers, retirement, Medicare and Midigap, and employment.
Better Breathers Club - meet 3rd Tuesday, 2:00-3:00pm, American HomePatient, 913 Beal Pkwy, Ft. Walton Beach. For those living with lung disease. Free refreshments and speakers. For information, Patty Ballantine, pballantine@lung-fla.org, (800) LUNG USA, (850) 478-5864.
Chautauqua Amateur Radio Club-meets the last Tuesday of each month at McLean's Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs. For more information, call Rodney Ryals at 850-892-2562 or e-mail kj4jah@arrl.net.
Chautauqua Cruisers - seeking any individuals who have an interest in automobiles as well as actively helping their community. Meeting are held monthly and extra activities are now in the works. Membership dues are only $5/year. You do not need to own an antique or classic car, but just have an enthusiasm for them. For more information about membership call Rickie at 859-2187 or Patsy at 892-9112.
Chautauqua Cyber Club - 3rd Thursday, 10:00am, OWC Chautauqua Center. For more information, J.B. Hillard 892-3450 or cell 974-2620.
Chautauqua Porcelain Artists - 2nd Thursday, 9:00am, September through June, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in DeFuniak. All porcelain painters, as well as those who would like to learn porcelain painting, are invited to attend.
Chautauqua Quilters - Meet every 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 9:00am at the First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs, 88 Circle Drive.
Cheernastics Classes - 9:00-11:30am. Held every Saturday at Freeport High School. Registration is held year-round. For more information, contact Gina Wood 892-9164 or Andy Watkins 892-8703.
Chess club - meets at the Library in DeFuniak Springs on Thursdays. The club is open to al ages and all levels of chess skills. The club meets at the library on Circle Drive and enters through the back door. Contact Dan Owens at the library for more information. 892-3624.
DeFuniak Springs Dance Association - 6:30-8:00pm, classes - 8:00-9:00pm, dancing. New dance classes every Monday, DeFuniak Springs Community Center, (361N. Tenth Street). The club has two Instructors at the present time, Pat Pollard and Rodney Ryals who are BMI and ASCP Licensed. One of the Class instructors has completed the Rock Mountain Square Dance Caller’s School for Square Dance Calling and is looking at starting a group that wants to learn: Old Time Square Dancing, Modern Square Dancing, and Couples Western Dancing all at the same time. You will have to have a partner for these classes. The club will keep a list of single people wanting to do the above dances. For more information contact the club Caller Rodney Ryals at 850-892-2526(H), 850-892-8284(W) or e-mail: opvnkv-rakko@gdsys.net.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION EVENTS
Bluegrass or Gospel Bluegrass players - 1:30pm. Come to the Opinion Place gazebo on Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs, Sunday afternoons. Call John Courtney at 892-3089.
DeFuniak Springs Caboose - Do you know information about the caboose in DeFuniak Springs? The Walton County Museum located in the Train Depot in Downtown DeFuniak Springs is looking for an individual with knowledge of the caboose located near the Train Depot here in town. The museum would like to know how the various places and items in the caboose were used. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Paul, 585-3917 or stop by the museum and leave your name and number.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Walton County Heritage Museum - Open Wed - Fri. 11 - 4 and Sat. 1 - 4. Tour groups and classes are always welcome to visit. Volunteers are needed and appreciated, 951-2127. The book Images of America/DeFuniak Springs is on sale now at the museum. www.waltonmuseum.com
DONATION OPPORTUNITIES & CHARITY FUNDS
Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation - seeking donations: dog beds, new or in excellent condition, chew toys and chew bones for all size of dogs and puppies, baby gates, collars and leads, grooming supplies, medicated shampoo, treats, greenies, comforters, blankets, towels, bath mats, canned food, waterproof baby mattress pads, heartworm preventives (Heartgard, Revolution, Interceptor), flea control products (Frontline, K9-Advandtix, Capstar, Advantage), computer, HP 45 and 78 printer ink cartridges, sponsor a spay or neuter $125, sponsor vaccinations for a dog $25. Even though an item may not be listed at this time, it does not meant that other items are not needed. The items listed are for most needed items. Donations may be dropped off at Three Dog Framing, located in Santa Rosa Village or call 267-2032. Monetary 501(c)(3) donations can be sent directly to: Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation, PO Box 1312, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459. For more information call 267-2032 or wags1@prodigy.net.
Children in Crisis - non-profit organization that will provide homes and hope for foster children of our community, needs your support to raise funding to continue construction of the Children's Neighborhood. Donations are always welcome. Please contact Children in Crisis at 850.651-1537.
Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s mission is to recognize children throughout the county which may need medical, dental or mental health attention. Referrals are made by teacher identification of classroom students. In order to generate additional funds to offset the cost of these medical services, Cartridge World Recycling Program of Santa Rosa Beach has joined CVHN to help raise money by remanufacturing used laser or inkjet empty cartridges. You can contribute to the success of this program by dropping off your empty inkjet or laser printer cartridges at the DeFuniak Springs or Santa Rosa Beach branch offices of the Tax Collector. Each month, Cartridge World will deliver a check to CVHN for Walton County children’s healthcare. Everyone can participate in this recycling program. For more information about CVHN, or to become a collection site you may call 850 622-3200.
The Council on Aging is collecting old, unused cell-phones and fixing them up for the elderly people to use in case of an emergency. The phones may be dropped off at the Council on Aging building or at the Healthmark Regional Medial Center Auxiliary desk.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore- You are welcome to drop items off or call Gary to arrange for pick ups at 880-6108. The store is located at 17596 Hwy 331 S, which is about 5 miles north of the 331 bridge. Operating hours are currently Thurs through Sat from 9:00am-4:00pm. There are a lot of nice building supplies, furniture, light fixtures, cabinets, etc. in stock, so please come in and shop. Remember all profits made go to further the works of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.
Literacy - Help Promote Literacy - Donate your old books to the Walton County Department of Corrections. The books should be soft covered. All donations can be brought to the facility Mon-Sun, 8:00am-4:00pm.
Recycled Computers Needed. Help need based students obtain an education and job skills by donating your good used computers. Minimum requirements: Pentium 233mHz, 4GB hard drive, 32 MB RAM, sound, Monitor- 14/15 SVGA. Your donation may qualify for TAX incentives. For more information call the Chautauqua Center at 892-8100, Chautauqua Cyber Club, PO Box 251, DFS, 32435, fax 892-8198 or email, hillardj@owcc.net.
Tri-County Weatherization Program - seeking the donation of good, working fans and window air conditioning units or cash to provide for those in need. Also needed are donations of building materials, weather stripping, doors, lumber, insulation, and other related items to help repair the homes of many elderly or disabled residents. Volunteer labor to work on the many Weatherization and projects is also needed. Tri-County will make sure these donations go to the people and projects where they are most needed. Those with questions or donations, should call Edwards or Steve Henderson at 547-3698 in Bonifay.
FOR SALE: ITEMS & SERVICES
Habitat for Humanity ReStore- The store is located at 17596 Hwy 331 S, which is about 5 miles north of the 331 bridge. Operating hours are currently Thurs through Sat from 9:00am-4:00pm. There are a lot of nice building supplies, furniture, light fixtures, cabinets, etc. in stock, so please come in and shop. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are designated for donations and they would be happy to have any of your good, unwanted household goods or building materials. You are welcome to drop items off or call Gary to arrange for pick ups at 880-6108. Remember all profits made go to further the works of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.
GOVERNMENT & COUNTY INFORMATION
Congressman Jeff Miller (R) - contact information for his Washington DC offices. Washington D.C. office 1535 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515, Phone (202) 225-4136, Fax (202) 225-3414, web/email www.house.gov/jeffmiller, Toll Free 1-866-367-1614. Pensacola office: 4300 Bayou Blvd., suite 12, Pensacola, FL, 32503, Phone (850) 479-1183, Fax (850) 479-9394. Ft. Walton Beach Office: 348 S.W. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Suite 24, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548, Phone (850) 664-1266.
Social Security Information- A representative from the Panama City Office is in DeFuniak Springs at the Life Enrichment Senior Center the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. Call the Panama City Office Toll-Free at 1-866-348-5833 during office hours. Or call the national Toll-Free number at 1-800-772-1213. You can also go online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Walton County - New web site - http://walton.ifas.ufl.edu. Check out the 4-H page updates every week. Go to the 4-H calendar to see what exciting events and activities are taking place in your neighborhood.
Walton County Elections Office website: www.votewaltoncounty.com.
Walton County Sheriff's Office Cybersubstation is now "open" and available for public viewing, http://www.waltonso.org.
Elder Helpline- The Department of Elder Affairs' Elder Helpline is your Information and Referral Service. The Helpline exists to help you find answers to your questions about aging issues, services, and opportunities in your community. Call 1-800-963-5337. Call about any elder service issue, including: in-home services, nutrition and meal programs, adult day care, housing, legal assistance, recreation, education opportunities, volunteer opportunities, consumer protection, health care, transportation providers, retirement, Medicare and Midigap, and employment.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Brain Disorder Support Foundation, DeFuniak Springs - Their mission at the Brain Disorder Support Foundation is to create a center that provides a warm, caring, and friendly environment for families affected by brain disorders. The public is invited to stop by and browse their wide selection of brain disorder information, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, Stroke's, depression, chemical dependency and much, much more. The Friendship Cottage also has Internet Service the public is invited to browse thru for additional information about brain disorders, www.waltonbraindisordercenter.org or email bdsf@panhandle.rr.com. The office is open Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00am-1:00pm; Tue 1:00-5:00pm & Thurs 4:00-8:00pm. The cottage is located at 353 Juniper Lake Rd, 892-0565, 892-5687 or fax 951-2354. Volunteers are needed for this community service, contact Diane Elleenberg at 892-0565 office or 305-2016 cell.
Cancer Support Group - every Monday, 5:30-6:30pm. Walton County Council on Aging, Main Street, DeFuniak Springs. For information, contact April 892-9132. The meetings are for anybody who needs support or would like to help support others with any kind of cancer issue.
Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s mission is to recognize children throughout the county which may need medical, dental or mental health attention. Referrals are made by teacher identification of classroom students. In order to generate additional funds to offset the cost of these medical services, Cartridge World Recycling Program of Santa Rosa Beach has joined CVHN to help raise money by remanufacturing used laser or inkjet empty cartridges. You can contribute to the success of this program by dropping off your empty inkjet or laser printer cartridges at the DeFuniak Springs or Santa Rosa Beach branch offices of the Tax Collector. Each month, Cartridge World will deliver a check to CVHN for Walton County children’s healthcare. Everyone can participate in this recycling program. For more information about CVHN, or to become a collection site you may call 850 622-3200.
Family Council of the Walton Convalescent Center - asking all family members of residents to attend a monthly meeting every 3rd Monday at 1:30pm in the new dining room. The public is invited to attend and share ideas, suggestions and projects to make the nursing home even better.
Leader Dogs for the Blind - Many blind people are not aware they can have a "Leader Dog" as their constant companion and as an aid in mobility. For information, write - Leader Dogs For the Blind, Rochester, Michigan 48307, or see a member of the local Lions Club.
Mental Illness Support Group - Wednesday, 5:30-7:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, room 1. For adult family members of people diagnosed with mental illness.
Overeaters Anonymous - Wednesdays, 5:00pm. The Camel Club, E. Hewitt off U.S. Hwy 98, east of Sandestin. For information, 428-0274.
Patient Support Group - Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, One South Unit. For previously hospitalized patients with mental illness. For information, 863-7681.
Red Door Group of Alcoholics Anonymous - 7:00pm. Every Monday, 144 Circle Dr., DeFuniak Springs. No dues or fees. For more information call AA (850) 244-2421.
SHINE - can help you in understanding Medicare or other health insurance benefits or selecting a supplemental health insurance policy. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), is a program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and provides FREE health insurance counseling and assistance of seniors and their families. For more information call Joanne Gee at the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, 850-595-5420.
Sacred Heart Women's Hospital
- extending its expertise in managing high risk pregnancies into the Florida
Panhandle thanks to advances in telemedicine technology. Telemedicine
equipment allows pregnant women in Okaloosa, Walton,
Senior Mobility Program - makes available to senior citizens and the permanently disabled electric wheelchairs at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. The power wheelchairs are provided to those who cannot walk and cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair in their home, and who meet the additional guidelines of the program. No deposit is required. For more information, call 1-800-451-0971.
Senior Wheels USA Program - makes wheelchairs available to senior citizens and the permanently disabled at no cost to the recipient, it they qualify. Call for more information to see if you qualify, 1-800-246-6010.
Shriner Hospitals for Children - network of 22 hospitals to provide expert medical care to children with orthopedic problems including spinal cord injuries and youngsters with burn injuries, all free, sponsored by Shriners. For information, call 892-9996, Walton County Shrine Club.
Stroke Survivors - Tuesdays, 1:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center rehab unit, 4th floor. For stroke survivors and family members. For information, 863-7640.
T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - TOPS #483 of DeFuniak Springs meets every Thursday at the Council on Aging building, 454 W. Baldwin Ave. Weigh-in, 5:00-5:30pm, meeting 5:30-6:30pm. Contests, recipes, programs for all. Pre-teen and teens welcome.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office Morning Call List - a list of 26 elderly persons in the county whom they telephone each day. The morning call list was established in order to provide a means of checking the welfare of the elderly and any other citizen of Walton County. This may be permanent or temporary, due to a medical condition or other reasons, such as living alone. Once a need has been established a call sheet shall be initiated and filled out with the individuals name, address, and emergency contact information, if applicable. Other information that may be included, but not mandatory is medical condition and/or history. The individual is then telephoned each morning between 6:00–8:30 and the sheet is annotated. If contact cannot be made by telephone or through the emergency contact the Sheriff’s Office will send a deputy to the residence to check on the welfare of the individual. If you are interested in being added to the call list or know of someone who you would like to add to the list please contact, Donna Smith, Communications Supervisor with the Sheriff’s Office at 892-8186 or 892-8111.
Women Walking for Wellness - 6:30am. Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Dr., Destin. W3 meets every Wednesday. All ladies will receive a FREE T-shirt after completing their first walk. Call Holly Taylor, 654-1809 with questions or to register for your first W3 walk. There is no charge. Ages: teens and up.
HELP PROGRAMS
Shelter House - If you feel that a family member of intimate partner is endangering your pysical or emotional safety, or if you know someone experiencing this in their home, call: 911 if you are in immediate danger; Shelter House's hotline 1-800-44-ABUSE (1-800-442-2873) or local hotline 850-863-4777. To schedule an appointment with outreach services: Crestview 683-0845, DeFuniak Springs 892-5411, Ft. Walton Beach 243-1201 or Grayton Beach 231-6756.
INFORMATION PROGRAMS
Washington-Holmes Technical Center - your community GED testing site. The GED test is scheduled at least one time per month. Prep classes, with flexible hours are offered free of charge in Chipley and Bonifay. Call Student Services at WHTS for more information, (850) 638-1180.
MEETINGS
Argyle Fire District Board - 7:00pm. Argyle Station #1, 67 Fire Department Ave., Argyle. They meet the 2nd Monday of each month.
Chautauqua Quilters - 9:00am. First United Methodist Church, 88 Circle Dr., DeFuniak Springs. They meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
Christmas Reflections Board Meeting - 7:00pm. Old Boy Scout Building. They will meet the last Thursday of every month. The meeting is open to the public.
Freeport Town Planter's Society - 7:00pm - first Tuesday of every month. Everyone is welcome to stop by and see what good things are being done for the "Gateway To Them Emerald Coast". New members are always welcome.
Model Aviators of DeFuniak Springs - 7:00pm. McLain's Restaurant. Members fly models every Sunday from noon until. For more information, call Bob Jones, 892-5011. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month.
Walton County Amateur Radio Club - 7:00pm - first Tuesday of every month - Freeport Fire Station on 100 Washington Street in Freeport. For more information, call 892-7061.
Walton County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, Meeting - 8:00am. Old Post Office, Freeport, the second Saturday of the Month. Anyone interested in learning more about out military community is invited to attend.
Walton County Over 50 Club - 5:30pm - second Friday of every month - Freeport City Hall meeting room, located on SR20, just west of Hwy 331. Members of the club bring covered dishes and a social gathering is held. For additional information contact Colleen Clark at 835-4352 or Marie Hackney at 835-2009.
MISCELLANEOUS
VFW - Bingo - every Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00pm. The VFW is located at 25 25th Street in DeFuniak Springs. The public is very welcome. Any one wanting more information, please contact the VFW at 892-3539.
SENIORS
Adopt-A-Soul (Resident) program - Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (CRNC) is implemented a new Chaplaincy Program a part of their “Heart-to-Heart” programs. They say this is a ministry opportunity for the local churches and community to become involved in a CRNC resident’s life in a significant way. Involvement can be as simple as visiting and talking to a resident on a regular basis or taking them to Church or Bible study (if appropriate for the resident. CNRC will coordinate the matching of residents to community volunteers or you may already know a resident with whom you would like to become involved. Becoming involved in the Adopt-A-Soul program is as simple as 1-2-3: 1) Call the Chaplain and express an interest; 2) Become matched with a resident; 3) Visit your resident on a regular basis to talk, pray, and minister to them. For more information contact the Chaplain or Activities Director at Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 892-2176.
Senior Mobility Program - makes available to senior citizens and the permanently disabled electric wheelchairs at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. The power wheelchairs are provided to those who cannot walk and cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair in their home, and who meet the additional guidelines of the program. No deposit is required. For more information, call 1-800-451-0971.
Senior Wheels USA Program - makes wheelchairs available to senior citizens and the permanently disabled at no cost to the recipient, it they qualify. Call for more information to see if you qualify, 1-800-246-6010.
Senior Workers - Must be Unemployed, be 55 years of age or older, be capable of performing employment duties and training and must have an annual family income which does not exceed 125% of federal income guidelines. Call 892-5121 for more information.
Social Security, New Location - visit at the College Avenue Government Office, on College Avenue next to where the old hospital used to be. They will continue to come every other week, usually the second and fourth Wednesday, from 9am to 12 noon. Call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
SERVICES
English as a Second Language - Tuesdays, 6:00pm. Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church, Airport Road and Main Street, Destin, 837-2133 or 650-3673.
Habitat for Humanity Walton County - now taking applications for Habitat houses. For information or an application, call 267-0606.
Jobs Plus, One-Stop Centers - One-Stop Career Center for services to job seekers and a Regional Employer Services Center for services to employers. For more information call your local office: DeFuniak Springs Jobs Plus 951-8256; Crestview Jobs Plus 689-7823; Ft. Walton Beach Jobs Plus 833-7587; the Employer Services Hotline 833-9106 or www.jobsplusonestop.com.
Ryan White Title III program
- Persons living with HIV/AIDS in
Okaloosa and Walton counties can now enroll to receive local medical care.
Case managers funded through a Ryan White Title III grant will coordinate
services. Contact OASIS (Okaloosa AIDS and Support Informational Services) at 314-0950,
or your case manager for more information.
Tri-County Community Council Transportation - offering “shopping trips” rides throughout the local area for only $2 per passenger, round-trip. Tri-County Community Council Transportation will pick riders up at their homes, transport them to their destinations, and then return them home again. Anyone, regardless of income, can utilize this new program. The following routes have been established to run from 1:30am until 3:30pm in Walton County. First Tue - Mossy Head; Second Tue – Freeport, Woodlawn, South Walton; Third Tue – Valleyview, Red Bay, Argyle; Fourth Tue – North Walton, Paxton, Gaskin, Glendale, Liberty. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Campbell at 892-2422 by noon the previous day.
Tri-County Transportation - provides
non-emergency transportation to medical appointments, and purchasing agency referred
destinations, on the following days (times reflect the actual time we will be in that
area, try to arrange your appointment times within this period), All routes are
coordinated. We require a 24 hour notice, and all next day appointments must be made
by 12:00 the previous day. For more information please call
Tony Campbell at 850-892-2422.
Walton County ARC Thrift Shop - open every Friday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. For more information, call 892-5013.
Walton County Council on Aging - has videos to loan on the following subjects: The New Medicare Law and what kind of additional help is available. Caregivers Training Program, which covers the roles, goals, challenges and needs for both the caregiver and the family unit.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Better Not Bigger - free new weight loss support group - Santa Rosa Beach. Meet Mondays at the Coastal Branch Library, 6:00-7:00pm. Everyone is invited to discuss nutritional, emotional and physical well being issues in support of each individual's plan for weight loss. Those wishing to become a guest speaker, should call (850) 622-9762 or visit gwensfile13@yahoo.com.
Bi-Polar Disorder Support Group - meets every Tuesday, 7:00pm, St. Simons Episcopal Church, classroom201. For information, 244-1040.
Breast Cancer Support Group - meets every third Tuesday, 6:00pm, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, conference room. For more information, 278-3980 or www.sacredheartemerald.org.
Cancer Patients Support Group - 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 1:00pm. The Cancer Care Center, Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center. For patients & their families. For information, 315-7889.
Cancer Support Group - every Monday, 5:30-6:30pm. Walton County Council on Aging, Main Street, DeFuniak Springs. For information, contact April 892-9132. The meetings are for anybody who needs support or would like to help support others with any kind of cancer issue.
Caregivers Support Group - for parents and caregivers of children and adults suffering from neurobiological brain disorders in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties meets Thursdays at 7:00pm at Mental Health Association Building, 571 Mooney Rd, Ft. Walton Beach. For information, call 936-7924.
Celebrate Recovery - 6:30pm, every Friday. Glendale Presbyterian Church. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered Bible-based recovery program that is designed to give people the resources, relationships, and support they need to recover from life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits. For information visit www.glendalechurch.org or call 859-0080.
DeFuniak Springs Brain Disorder Support Foundation -Their mission at the Brain Disorder Support Foundation is to create a center that provides a warm, caring, and friendly environment for families affected by brain disorders. The public is invited to stop by and browse their wide selection of brain disorder information, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, Stroke's, depression, chemical dependency and much, much more. The Friendship Cottage also has Internet Service the public is invited to browse thru for additional information about brain disorders, www.waltonbraindisordercenter.org or email bdsf@panhandle.rr.com. The office is open Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00am-1:00pm; Tue 1:00-5:00pm & Thurs 4:00-8:00pm. The cottage is located at 353 Juniper Lake Rd, 892-0565, 892-5687 or fax 951-2354. Volunteers are needed for this community service, contact Diane Elleenberg at 892-0565 office or 305-2016 cell.
Diabetes Support Group, Holmes County - 11:30am-1:00pm, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce; & 5:30-7:00pm, Doctors Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 547-8500, ext 249.
Ladies' Night Out is a Christian-based support group for women to address women's issues of the spirits, soul and body. The group meets Friday nights, 7:00pm at 1200 Circle Drive (The Resources for Human development building next to Gulf Power), or join them at 6:00pm for a walk at the Lakeyard. Call 892-9189 for more information. This new organization has been formed for ladies that are bored, frustrated or overwhelmed with financial problems, parenting, and life itself.
Mental Illness - Wednesday, 5:30-7:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, room 1. For adult family members of people diagnosed with mental illness.
NIC-A - 7:00pm. Crosspoint Church, 1477 S. County Rd. 393, Santa Rosa Beach. This is a support group for people trying to give up their addiction to nicotine. Meet every Thursday. Free admission. For Teens and up.
Overeaters Anonymous - Wednesdays, 5:00pm. The Camel Club, E. Hewitt off U.S. Hwy 98, east of Sandestin. For information, 428-0274.
Patient Support Group - Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, One South Unit. For previously hospitalized patients with mental illness. For information, 863-7681.
Red Door Group of Alcoholics Anonymous - meets Mondays , 7:00pm - 144 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. Meetings last about an hour and are open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking. No dues or fees. For more information, call AA, (850) 244-2421.
Stroke Survivors - Tuesdays, 1:00pm. Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center rehab unit, 4th floor. For stroke survivors and family members. For information, 863-7640.
VETERAN SERVICES
JobsPlus veteran representative - now available to assist Walton County veterans with employment needs and information on Mondays from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the DeFuniak Springs JobsPlus, 171 N. 9th Street. For more information, call 892-8668.
Veterans with a service-connected disability of ten percent (10%) or greater may receive a $5,000 exemption on their property tax in addition to the $25,000 Homestead Exemption. Contact the Property Appraiser at 892-8123 or 267-4500. Veterans with service-connected disability for trinities should also contact the Veterans' Service Office. They may be eligible for additional benefits. Your Walton County Veterans Service Officers, Phil McMillan and Raymond Gainer, can be reached at 892-8140.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Adopt-A-Soul (Resident) program - Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (CRNC) is implemented a new Chaplaincy Program a part of their “Heart-to-Heart” programs. They say this is a ministry opportunity for the local churches and community to become involved in a CRNC resident’s life in a significant way. Involvement can be as simple as visiting and talking to a resident on a regular basis or taking them to Church or Bible study (if appropriate for the resident. CNRC will coordinate the matching of residents to community volunteers or you may already know a resident with whom you would like to become involved. Becoming involved in the Adopt-A-Soul program is as simple as 1-2-3: 1) Call the Chaplain and express an interest; 2) Become matched with a resident; 3) Visit your resident on a regular basis to talk, pray, and minister to them. For more information contact the Chaplain or Activities Director at Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 892-2176.
Emerald Coast Hospice - Want to give back? Do you like to cook? Do you want to work in ght office? Do you want to do patient Care? Call Ann O'Connor, 305-7224.
Foster Parents Needed! The CIRCLE Program of Lakeview Center is looking for dedicated people in Okaloosa and Walton Counties to open their homes to children and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs. Foster parents receive free training, extensive professional support and financial compensation. Training classes are starting soon. For more information, call 609-1151.
Hospice of the Emerald Coast - has volunteer opportunities in Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Milton, Destin, and DeFuniak Springs to: Read to patients/take them for walks; Reminisce quietly about their life; Perform office duties; Create crafts/floral arrangements. Hospice will serve terminally ill patients and their families in their homes as well as in facility settings. They provide FREE volunteer training to ensure your volunteer experience is fulfilling and rewarding. Call Teresa Smith at 689-0300 for more details or www.hospiceemeraldcoast.org.
Learning Wheel Buddies - volunteers for the Pre-K, Head Start, and Child Care Centers in Holmes, Washington and Walton counties. Volunteers will assist children in the areas of emotional well-being, self-esteem, social skills, language development, and cognitive development; all which are associated with positive development outcomes for the children. If you would like to join the Learning Wheel Buddies Program, please call Gina Smith at (850) 547-2511 or 892-7030.
Take stock in children scholarship program - the local source to lend a hand. Do you know a deserving young student in Walton County who wants to further their education, but economic, family or other situations will send that child directly into the workforce without the skills necessary to succeed in the future? Be a mentor, volunteer your time or get your business or company involved in scholarship support through monetary donations. Call Paula Sorrells at 892-1100 ext 1445 for further information or call the Walton County School district office at 892-1100.
VISTA - Find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you - please contact the VISTA Volunteer Coordinator, Walton county Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at 892-7030.
Volunteers wanted to work with domestic violence victims. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Work would include: *Contacting victims of domestic violence by phone. *Working as an advocate for domestic violence victims. *Helping victims to connect to the available resources in the area. If interested please call Elizabeth at 892-8045. One person CAN make a difference!