Tour Description: This one-day tour will be a leisurely walk through the Fort Walton Beach Veterans Park Rookery to observe and identify local bird life.  Our guide is an experienced member of the local Audubon Society.  The rookery is a beautiful 1.5 acre park and home of the heron and many other bird species.  The Audubon Society has identified over 240 species of birds that migrate through our area. The rookery is on the migratory path of the Monarch butterfly.  Come enjoy nature on this educational walk through the Veterans Park Rookery on Okaloosa Island on Thursday, October 1, from 8:30 to 9:30.

Tour Host Bio: Our guide, Jim Anderton, is a member of the Audubon Society. He has led many bird walks in the rookery and other local locations. Jim is highly experienced at locating and identifying birds as well as identifying them by sound.

Notes: We will meet at the NE corner of the Fort Walton Beach Conference Center parking lot, 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.  Closed-toe shoes and binoculars are recommended.  Park and meet in the northeastern corner of the lot.

Tour Description: Just Think Cake is an award-winning cake shop where your vision becomes a tasty reality. Participants will decorate 6 cupcakes (to take home) with piped frosting and fondant accents. A $15 cash fee will be collected before class begins.

Tour Host Bio: After being gifted with a cake decorating class, Kristen found her niche and began a flourishing business in 2011. She is now well known for her delicious and expertly decorated cakes for any occasion!

Notes: There is a $15 Fee to cover materials cost. We will meet at Just Think Cake, 2 David Street, Unit D, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Tour Description: Discover the joy of creativity and connection in the Kit Card Class. Stampin’ Up! kits are designed to introduce you to the fun of paper crafting. Depending on your chosen kit, you’ll create 6 to 9 handmade cards. (The kits are not the same as the ones in the September 18 session.) Each kit includes stamps, ink, precut pieces, and step by step instructions. Michelle will guide you through the process of stamping images and sentiments, assembling your cards, and adding personal touches to each project. No prior experience is necessary. A fee of $30 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the card kits. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Michelle Rushing has been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for over 10 years. Today she enjoys all kinds of creative projects including stamping, die cutting, card making, and scrapbooking. Through her Stampin' Butterfly social media pages, she shares paper crafting tips and projects to help others discover the joy of creating something handmade.

Notes: We will meet in the UWF Cafe, which is in the Library (Building 8). 

Tour Description: “Fall in Love with Your Outdoor Spaces:  Fall Planting, Containers & Outdoor Living Ideas for the Emerald Coast”. Jenny will discuss what to plant in October, how to refresh containers for fall, and suggest simple landscape updates and outdoor entertaining ideas for the holidays.

Tour Host Bio: Jenny George is the owner of The Shop at Baldwin Turf in Niceville. A Florida State University graduate, she spent eight years in the Manhattan fashion industry before returning home to join her family’s business. At The Shop, Jenny blends her creative eye with Baldwin Turf’s legacy of quality, curating premium outdoor furniture and decor to enhance their long-standing landscaping business. She also serves on the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce reflecting her passion for community and local business.

Notes: We will meet at The Shop at Baldwin Turf, 739 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, FL.

Course Description:  This course offers essential financial guidance for navigating life after the loss of a loved one, including key steps for managing estates, accounts, and legal documents. Participants will learn how to safeguard personal information, prevent identity theft, and recognize common scams targeting older adults. Designed for retirees, this session empowers attendees with the tools to protect their finances and peace of mind. This is a 4-week class starting October 7.

Instructor Bio:  Thedna Yellow Bear-Baskin is a Financial Education Specialist at Eglin FCU. She is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and retired Air Force veteran.

Talluya McKinnie, is a Claims Representative III at Eglin Federal Credit Union.  She assists with Deceased Account Settlement Consumer Loan Products. 

Robby Wilcox is Eglin FCU’s AVP Fraud. He has been a fraud fighter at Eglin FCU for over 20 years. He holds an MBA from UWF as well as CFE and CFCI Fraud certifications.

Course Description:  With help from the instructor, you will create several acrylic paintings of flowers and still life. No experience is necessary. This is a 4-week double session class. There is a $40 non-refundable fee.

Instructor Bio:  Pat Roberts is a local artist. She is an active member of the Arts and Design Society and Okaloosa Public Arts. Pat exhibits as well as teaches at ADSO and HH Arts.

Additional Notes:  This is a 4-week double session course meeting on October 8, 15, 22, 29. There is a $40 non-refundable supply fee due at the first class

Tour Description: October is Fire Prevention Month. Come join us on this behind the scenes tour as we learn how our first responders provide protection of life, property and the environment from the effects of fires, medical emergencies and hazards with a tour the vehicles and the firehouse. Firefighters will be happy to answer all of your questions. You will depart with a new appreciation and understanding of our local fire station and firefighters.

Tour Host Bio: This Tour is conducted by local firefighters and first responders, providing valuable knowledge and insight on how they do what they do, and how you can help them and help yourself when emergencies arise.

Notes: We will meet at 10:00AM at the Fort Walton Beach Fire Station #6, 5 Hollywood Blvd. NE, Fort Walton Beach.

Tour Description: Do you know that the only source of quality wood products on the Emerald Coast can be found at Niceville Slabs and Cookies? They provide custom woodworking, sawmill services, kiln drying, and domestic and imported wood. It all started with owner Michael DeShay’s renovation business and a passion for woodworking. If you’re working on a project and need some cuts or other work done, consider visiting Niceville Slabs and Cookies. And, as a part of this tour, you will have the opportunity to purchase many of their incredible designs. This one-time class will meet on Friday October 9, at 10:00AM.

Tour Host Bio: Genevieve Burgess is a Jill of all trades, and veteran of the Air Force. Genevieve has been woodworking since 2018, when she attended Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for Wood Manufacturing Technology.

Notes: This one-time class will meet at Niceville Slabs & Cookies, 207 Kelly Road, Unit B, in Niceville.