Course Description: Have you ever wondered what that ‘star’ is in the evening sky? Join a NASA Solar System Ambassador in exploring the solar system and beyond. Learn how to use a small telescope, how to navigate the night sky and identify the objects that you see. Discussions will cover the solar system as well as celestial objects such as constellations, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. We will also cover the language of Astronomy from appulse to syzygy to zenith. 

Instructor Bio: Tom Haugh is a long-time amateur astronomer. He is a NASA Solar System Ambassador and the outreach coordinator for the NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association. His personal observatory is recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). His observations concentrate on asteroid and comet orbit verification and he has submitted more than 16,000 astrometric observations to the IAU’s Minor Planet Center.

Course Description: You will learn hot wax techniques, use of a griddle and more. You will take home art pieces from every class. This is a 4-week double class session.

Instructor Bio: Helen Harris has been involved with art and all mediums her whole life and Encaustics now top the list. Helen has been teaching for 15 years, and she is a member of ADSO, OPA, OAA, owns HH Arts and is a member of Okaloosa Women of Honor and Hall of Fame under the arts category.

Notes: There is a non-refundable supply fee of $40 which is due at the first class. Classes will be September 14, 21, 28 and October 5 at: 

HH Arts
100 Beal Pkwy SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL

Course Description:  Bring mindfulness and creative expression together with the Zentangle® method. Zentangle is a mindfulness-based art practice designed for anyone, but especially those who think they have no artistic abilities. If you can write the letters i, c, s and o, you can enjoy this easy to learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Its “anything is possible, one stroke at a time” and “no mistakes” philosophy can bolster your skills for approaching life “one stroke at a time”, with a graceful acceptance of yourself and the present moment, which can improve well-being in all aspects of life. Zentangle is enjoyed by people all over the world. The class will take you from the very basics of the Zentangle Method through the ability to create Zentangle Inspired Art.

Instructor Bio:  Lynn Walton was happily working as a software engineer for almost 30 years, when Zentangle waltzed into her life unexpectedly in early 2023. She fell in love. She had not previously been engaged with any kind of visual art form, but with the Zentangle Method, she found a new way to explore mindfulness, and acceptance while expressing her creativity. In September 2023, she became a Certified Zentangle Teacher. She has since retired in order to have more time to share the joy of this wonderful meditative art form with others. 

Notes:  This is a 6-session IN PERSON class, meeting six  Mondays from 1:00-3:00 on September 14, 21, October 5, 12, 19, 26. At the first class you will need to purchase a Zentangle Toolkit, containing the supplies we’ll use, for a fee of $20.  

Course Description : LYBL - Relationships gives you the opportunity to learn and use an understanding of how our minds and our bodies work together to sense, interpret, respond to, and work with all life’s experiences. This understanding, especially, gives you control over and affects your relationships of all kinds. You are invited to share and get help with specific issues. Confidentiality is required.  

Instructor Bio: Debbie has been a teacher, therapist, and healer her whole adult life. She has a Bachelor’s in Education, a Master’s in Clinical and Medical Social Work, and training in the physical and energetic healing arts. She has been in practice for 35 years.  

Notes: A $5 fee is requested.  

Course Description:  If you have studied French in the past, you will be surprised at how much can come back with a bit of practice. Each week we will review vocabulary on a specific topic and some basic grammar. We will then break into two groups based on previous French experience for conversation.

Instructor Bio:  Chris Lanoue has taught French for 30 years.  After minoring in French in college, she went to Paris for a summer to become fluent, realized it would take a little longer than she’d planned, and stayed for 17 years. Mission accomplished.

Course Description:  Experience a fun way to learn the basics of square dancing and meet new people. Low impact, every move is directed by a Caller – you only need to know your left from your right! Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.  

Instructor Bio:  Tracey is a retired engineer with 9 years of square-dancing experience and enjoys introducing new people to this rewarding dance group - meeting new people is always fun in this setting! We are lucky to have the best Callers in the area.

Notes:  Classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Crosspoint Church.  214 Partin Dr, Niceville.

Tour Description: During this tour participants will see and receive information about the full process of the recycle stream, from where the trucks dump their material on the top floor, down to the final bales and where it is shipped out to local mills. Information will be shared and shown about specific pieces of technology and equipment along the system stream used at the facility to separate out the different recyclable material.

Tour Host Bio: Sam Peterson is the manager of the recycling center. He runs the facility and logistics part of the company while growing volume with the sales team.

Notes: This tour meets on Tuesday September 16 at 9:00AM. Location is the WM FWB Material Recovery Facility, 109 Ready Avenue, Fort Walton Beach. Wear closed toe shoes. There are some stairs to climb during the tour.

Tour Description: At Traditions Workshop, the goal is to keep memories alive and restoring family heirlooms. Traditions Workshop is a hybrid shop. Power tools can be found onsite, but you can also find can adze, hand planes, saws, scrapers, needle and thread. Our tour will consist of providing an overview of the Traditions Workshop crafts and classes offered such as blacksmithing, stain glass, drop spindle and more. This one-time tour, geared to the introduction of restorations skills and availability, will meet on Thursday, September 17, from 10:00 to 12:00, at Traditions Workshop.

Tour Host Bio: When Lt. Col. David Sandlin retired from the Air Force after a 22-year career as an A-10 and F-16 fighter pilot and 13 years as a software contractor, it didn't take long before he was ready for something new. As it turned out, something new was actually something old, after forming his Traditions Workshop furniture repair and restoration business. David believes that "Part of restoration is doing the blacksmithing work, because some of the pieces we get in are antique and you can't find the hardware anymore, so we have to make it".

Notes: We will meet at Traditions Workshop, 418 Green Acres Rd, Unit 4, Fort Walton Beach