Course Description: Weekly we will discover various parts of the world, with insight of places I have visited and have done tours to (Germany, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Dubai….). From castle hoping to golf course explorations, and European car factory tours, we will discover a variety of special locations. Students will also have an opportunity to share a travel story of their own. This will be a 6-weeks class

Instructor Bio: Juanita Harvin is a retired Host Nation Relations and Protocol Director. Her European family roots make her tours very extensive. As the owner of EurWay Tours, an Army brat, wife of a retired AF service member and the mother of 2 DoDDS graduates, this has allowed her to visit many countries. Currently she is a Travel Agency owner.

Notes: This will be a 6-week class meeting on September 14, 21, 28 October 5, 12 and November 2.  No classes October 19 and 27.

Tour Description: The C.A.L.M. House (Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms) is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers transitional housing and life skills training to mothers and their children in crisis situations.  CALM Village provides a unique one-year independent living program designed for single mothers who work full-time and have children enrolled in childcare or school.

Tour Host Bio: Terri Steadman became involved with CALM after mentoring single moms at Whataburger in 2010, a simple beginning that turned into a large support group at Crosspoint. As she met moms living in cars, woods, and behind local businesses, she realized they needed more than encouragement; they needed safety and a place to rebuild. That conviction led her to co-found CALM in 2016 and opened their first home in 2018.  Since then, they have served nearly 70 moms and over 100 children, helping families regain stability, custody, careers, and hope.

Notes: We will meet at 9:00 am at The C.A.L.M. House, 201 Redwood Avenue, Niceville, Florida. We will tour the facilities and get an overview of the program.  Parking is available on site. 

Tour Description: In this exclusive tour of the Air Force Armament Museum participants will explore and experience the legacy of military aviation through an extensive collection of aircraft and armament. You will dive into the stories behind the technology and bravery that shaped our skies. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with the US Air Force. Their collection includes aircraft ranging from the WWII era to the present.

Tour Host Bio: Air Force Armament Museum guided tours are conducted by our veteran volunteers, who will gladly share their extensive knowledge of the artifacts, museum information, and possibly a few personal anecdotes from their own storied careers!

Notes: This tour will meet on Friday, October 16 at 9:30 at the Air Force Armament Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin AFB, FL (Located off base,  NO pass required). This is a walking tour and will include both indoor and outdoor walking.

Tour Description: Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Salt & Story, a unique independent bookstore and community gathering space. Attendees will learn about the inspiration behind the store, how an independent bookstore operates, and the role community-centered businesses play in fostering connection and creativity. Following the tour, participants will create a hands-on book-themed craft project to take home. A fee of $25 will be collected at the door to cover craft supplies. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Laura Redmon is the owner of Salt & Story, a local entrepreneur, community magazine publisher, and a passionate advocate for small businesses and meaningful community connections. With a love for storytelling, creativity, and bringing people together, Laura created Salt & Story as a place where readers, makers, and neighbors could gather, learn, and feel inspired. She enjoys hosting engaging events that encourage creativity, conversation, and lifelong learning.

Notes: We will meet at Salt & Story, 1103-B John Sims Parkway, Niceville, FL 32578

Tour Description: Learn practical ways to manage stress in a humorous, interactive class setting. Topics include recognizing symptoms of stress, life stressors, relaxation exercises, altering stress-inducing thoughts, and understanding how passive/assertive/aggressive personal interactions impact stress.

Tour Host Bio: Dr. Richard is a retired clinical and military operations forces psychologist with over 30 years of experience training Olympic/professional/college athletes, civilian police tactical teams, and top-tier specialized military professionals requiring a high level of mental toughness and stress tolerance. He has a PhD and three Master’s degrees. He currently spends his time volunteering with various charitable organizations and training mental skills to local high school varsity athletic teams.

Tour Description: Ashley Bailey from the Crime Prevention Unit will discuss how AI is used in frauds and scams and ways to prevent being a victim.

Tour Host Bio: Ashley Bailey is the Crime Prevention Manager with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. She has been working for the Sheriff’s Office for over 21 years educating citizens, business owners, and tourists in Okaloosa County. In addition, she started and continues to manage numerous programs and services for residents.

Tour Description: Discover the art and science of pairing wine and cheese in this engaging, guided tasting experience. Participants will sample a curated selection of wines alongside an expertly selected variety of premium cheeses to complement the wine list. A $25 cash fee will be collected at the start of the class.

Tour Host Bio: Jackie Cox is a founder and manager of Wine World. She will use her expertise to guide you through the cheese tasting. Wade Stalwart is the wine sales manager and will guide you through the wine tasting.

Notes: We will meet at Chan’s Wine World, 4424 Commons Drive East, Destin, Florida.

Tour Description: Destin-FWB has the most active artificial reef program in the state having deployed over 500 reefs. Due to lack of natural bottom habitat and coral reefs in the northern Gulf, artificial reefs and structures are put on the sea floor to provide habitat for marine life and provide divers and fishers with known sites. This presentation will discuss the process of deploying artificial reefs and what materials can be used. Information about the SSUS will also be included.

Tour Host Bio: In March 2021, Jessica Valek became the Natural Resources Manager for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team where her main focus is running the County’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Nesting Program. She also manages marine debris removal efforts and assists the team with lionfish removal, research and restoration projects, as well as education and outreach efforts.