October 2022 Newsletter

A Note From The Publisher
Destin will be voting for a new Mayor on November 8th. Be sure to learn everything you can about both candidates; Rodney Braden and Bobby Wagner. As most of you know, we have a private locals Facebook group called Destinites (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites). I asked Rodney and Bobby if they would do a video whereby, they introduce themselves and give their campaign speeches so that I may post it in our 6800+ member group. Commenting will be turned off so there will be no worries about drama or hate talk. This is not a Q & A nor debate. Just campaign speeches. These videos are to help citizens be better informed before they go to the polls. After October 4th, I will also post their campaign speech videos on our website at www.Destinites.com. Rodney and Bobby are both on the Destin City council. Meanwhile, you may go to the city website to read a little more about each one at Destin, FL - Official Website | Official Website (cityofdestin.com)
If you are a resident of Destin or close surrounding area, I invite you to join our Facebook group. We do have a team who screens all membership requests so please be patient. The group was established October 2018, so we are celebrating our 4 year anniversary this month. In the beginning, we did accept out of state property owners, therefore; they make up about 20% of our membership. The majority of our members are residents in Destin or the close surrounding areas. I created the group because there was a need for locals to have a place to go to chat with each other and ask for help when needed. I wanted a group that would help the community and help bring people together. I am proud to say that I have seen some pretty amazing things happen, as a result of this group existing. It's been a blessing in my life and the lives of many others which fills my heart with joy. The Destin area community is amazing and always steps up to help each other. I wish everyone could also see what happens behind the scenes too. I have had abused women and women being stalked reach out to me needing to be in a community group but can't reveal their name and location. They let me know who they are but they have to be in the group incognito (different name, different city and state). We do get special circumstances from time to time. So, that out of state location you see on someone's bio, does not necessarily mean they actually live out of state. Listen, I pray over this group every single day. I gave the group to Father God from day 1 and prayed for guidance so that it all could glorify Him in some way. The group serves a multitude of purposes but mostly, we are there to be supportive and help each other.
If you live in Destin proper and receive Destin Life newspaper, look for my article every month titled "Ask Destinites." You will always find it opposite the coupon page.
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com Destinites, Inc.
Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites
Destin will be voting for a new Mayor on November 8th. Be sure to learn everything you can about both candidates; Rodney Braden and Bobby Wagner. As most of you know, we have a private locals Facebook group called Destinites (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites). I asked Rodney and Bobby if they would do a video whereby, they introduce themselves and give their campaign speeches so that I may post it in our 6800+ member group. Commenting will be turned off so there will be no worries about drama or hate talk. This is not a Q & A nor debate. Just campaign speeches. These videos are to help citizens be better informed before they go to the polls. After October 4th, I will also post their campaign speech videos on our website at www.Destinites.com. Rodney and Bobby are both on the Destin City council. Meanwhile, you may go to the city website to read a little more about each one at Destin, FL - Official Website | Official Website (cityofdestin.com)
If you are a resident of Destin or close surrounding area, I invite you to join our Facebook group. We do have a team who screens all membership requests so please be patient. The group was established October 2018, so we are celebrating our 4 year anniversary this month. In the beginning, we did accept out of state property owners, therefore; they make up about 20% of our membership. The majority of our members are residents in Destin or the close surrounding areas. I created the group because there was a need for locals to have a place to go to chat with each other and ask for help when needed. I wanted a group that would help the community and help bring people together. I am proud to say that I have seen some pretty amazing things happen, as a result of this group existing. It's been a blessing in my life and the lives of many others which fills my heart with joy. The Destin area community is amazing and always steps up to help each other. I wish everyone could also see what happens behind the scenes too. I have had abused women and women being stalked reach out to me needing to be in a community group but can't reveal their name and location. They let me know who they are but they have to be in the group incognito (different name, different city and state). We do get special circumstances from time to time. So, that out of state location you see on someone's bio, does not necessarily mean they actually live out of state. Listen, I pray over this group every single day. I gave the group to Father God from day 1 and prayed for guidance so that it all could glorify Him in some way. The group serves a multitude of purposes but mostly, we are there to be supportive and help each other.
If you live in Destin proper and receive Destin Life newspaper, look for my article every month titled "Ask Destinites." You will always find it opposite the coupon page.
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com Destinites, Inc.
Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites
*** If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia: [email protected]

Rise, Shine & Soar at Ms. Senior World!: By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
A Destin local is headed to Biloxi this fall to continue her love for pageantry at age 60 something. Gina Maus, a former Miss Alabama finalist, TV personality and Pontiac spokesperson, is preparing to compete for Ms. Senior World Nov. 8. With mentoring as her platform, she wants to share her life experiences and wisdom with others. “When you get to your 60s, you have been through the fire – deaths, losing a job, financial turmoil, relationship drama, children, grandchildren, blended families, health crises, etc.,” she says. “If we can’t share some of our wisdom with others, then why are we still here? Through working with the new local chapter of ‘Emerald Coast Dress for Success’ I have been told, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’”
Gina’s interest in pageants began in high school, where she entered the Jr. Miss program (now Distinguished Young Women of America), because of the scholarship opportunities. To her surprise she won! Afterwards, she concentrated on college and played Panhellenic softball. But when her cousin won Miss Alabama and 1st alternate to Miss America, she was encouraged to also try. “I ended up a finalist three years in a row and performed all over the state with the Miss Alabama Troupe; it was great to serve the state,” she says. “The scholarships helped me afford a great education and Miss Alabama taught me how to interview, which gave me an edge as I entered the job market.” Gina and her husband, Charlie, became locals in 2016. “We both had stressful corporate jobs,” she says. “After a TV career in Nashville, Gina landed in Cincinnati, working for a Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical Company, and Charlie worked for a large architecture and engineering company. “We began to talk about having a better quality of life after a brush with cancer and decided to sell everything and move here where we could turn our hobby of home renovation into early retirement,” she says. Once here, Gina was approached to judge local and state pageants. “A friend of mine told me she was competing as Ms. Sr. Alabama in the Ms. Sr. World pageant,” says Gina. “So, I went to support her and she won. It was exciting to see women from age 50-79 strut their stuff in evening gowns, sportswear and red-carpet formals. I was surprised by how they seemed more confident than many of the 20-year-olds I had been judging at the state level. Life experience had given them ‘something’ they didn’t have when they were younger and they were eager to share it with others.”
That’s when Gina decided she wanted to enter the pageant world again and compete in the Ms. Senior World Pageant, bringing women aged 50-79 from throughout the world together to boost confidence, have fun, make new friends and allow mature women an outlet to share platform issues that are important to them – a way to show the world the value senior women bring to serving their communities and states, highlighting their accomplishments. Gina says no talent is needed in order to compete. “You simply need an interview outfit, an evening gown and sportswear – and prepare for an onstage question which comes from your submitted bio,” she says. “There is also a fun hat challenge where each contestant decorates a hat that showcases their home state; an award is given for the most original hat. I won’t spoil the surprise, but my hat is OUTRAGEOUS and so very Florida.”
Gina says if she wins, her responsibilities include media interviews and some appearances. The impact on mature women, though, is one of the main reasons she is competing. “I’m really inspired to see ladies posting their weight loss journeys and public appearances on our Facebook group page, for example. It inspires and the women encourage and cheer for each other,” she says.
Gina hopes that even those who aren’t compelled to compete will still be encouraged to do things that scare them. “Comfort zones are good to a point, but the real fun in life comes from taking a chance – so try a cooking class, do Pilates or really go crazy and enter a senior beauty pageant. The worst thing that could happen is you make some fun new friends, but you might surprise yourself by walking out with a crown and a sense of accomplishment,” she says. “Never be afraid to try something new…your best days lie ahead of you. When we’re young, we’re filled with insecurity and uncertainty. It’s only by getting older that we realize whatever life throws at us, we’ll find a way to handle it. In sharing ourselves with others, we can help them through their struggles. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”
You can support Gina by sponsoring a page in the pageant program or simply attending the pageant on Nov. 12. A portion of the proceeds go directly to providing hundreds of Bibles to Third World countries.
Are you ready to enter? Apply at www.seniorworldpageants.com/apply by Sept. 15.
For further questions, contact the pageant’s Executive Director, Sherry Strother, sherry@seniorworldpageants.com.
A Destin local is headed to Biloxi this fall to continue her love for pageantry at age 60 something. Gina Maus, a former Miss Alabama finalist, TV personality and Pontiac spokesperson, is preparing to compete for Ms. Senior World Nov. 8. With mentoring as her platform, she wants to share her life experiences and wisdom with others. “When you get to your 60s, you have been through the fire – deaths, losing a job, financial turmoil, relationship drama, children, grandchildren, blended families, health crises, etc.,” she says. “If we can’t share some of our wisdom with others, then why are we still here? Through working with the new local chapter of ‘Emerald Coast Dress for Success’ I have been told, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’”
Gina’s interest in pageants began in high school, where she entered the Jr. Miss program (now Distinguished Young Women of America), because of the scholarship opportunities. To her surprise she won! Afterwards, she concentrated on college and played Panhellenic softball. But when her cousin won Miss Alabama and 1st alternate to Miss America, she was encouraged to also try. “I ended up a finalist three years in a row and performed all over the state with the Miss Alabama Troupe; it was great to serve the state,” she says. “The scholarships helped me afford a great education and Miss Alabama taught me how to interview, which gave me an edge as I entered the job market.” Gina and her husband, Charlie, became locals in 2016. “We both had stressful corporate jobs,” she says. “After a TV career in Nashville, Gina landed in Cincinnati, working for a Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical Company, and Charlie worked for a large architecture and engineering company. “We began to talk about having a better quality of life after a brush with cancer and decided to sell everything and move here where we could turn our hobby of home renovation into early retirement,” she says. Once here, Gina was approached to judge local and state pageants. “A friend of mine told me she was competing as Ms. Sr. Alabama in the Ms. Sr. World pageant,” says Gina. “So, I went to support her and she won. It was exciting to see women from age 50-79 strut their stuff in evening gowns, sportswear and red-carpet formals. I was surprised by how they seemed more confident than many of the 20-year-olds I had been judging at the state level. Life experience had given them ‘something’ they didn’t have when they were younger and they were eager to share it with others.”
That’s when Gina decided she wanted to enter the pageant world again and compete in the Ms. Senior World Pageant, bringing women aged 50-79 from throughout the world together to boost confidence, have fun, make new friends and allow mature women an outlet to share platform issues that are important to them – a way to show the world the value senior women bring to serving their communities and states, highlighting their accomplishments. Gina says no talent is needed in order to compete. “You simply need an interview outfit, an evening gown and sportswear – and prepare for an onstage question which comes from your submitted bio,” she says. “There is also a fun hat challenge where each contestant decorates a hat that showcases their home state; an award is given for the most original hat. I won’t spoil the surprise, but my hat is OUTRAGEOUS and so very Florida.”
Gina says if she wins, her responsibilities include media interviews and some appearances. The impact on mature women, though, is one of the main reasons she is competing. “I’m really inspired to see ladies posting their weight loss journeys and public appearances on our Facebook group page, for example. It inspires and the women encourage and cheer for each other,” she says.
Gina hopes that even those who aren’t compelled to compete will still be encouraged to do things that scare them. “Comfort zones are good to a point, but the real fun in life comes from taking a chance – so try a cooking class, do Pilates or really go crazy and enter a senior beauty pageant. The worst thing that could happen is you make some fun new friends, but you might surprise yourself by walking out with a crown and a sense of accomplishment,” she says. “Never be afraid to try something new…your best days lie ahead of you. When we’re young, we’re filled with insecurity and uncertainty. It’s only by getting older that we realize whatever life throws at us, we’ll find a way to handle it. In sharing ourselves with others, we can help them through their struggles. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”
You can support Gina by sponsoring a page in the pageant program or simply attending the pageant on Nov. 12. A portion of the proceeds go directly to providing hundreds of Bibles to Third World countries.
Are you ready to enter? Apply at www.seniorworldpageants.com/apply by Sept. 15.
For further questions, contact the pageant’s Executive Director, Sherry Strother, sherry@seniorworldpageants.com.
AREA EVENTS! <-- Please click the picture to view some of our local events for the Destin area. Monthly Calendar. OR also check out www.ToDoInDestin.com |

Volunteer Opportunites: Posted from the Destin City website at Volunteer Opportunities | Destin, FL - Official Website (cityofdestin.com)
Volunteer Opportunities City Boards/Committees (details)
Board of Adjustment
Harbor & Waterways Board
Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
Local Planning Agency
Public Works/Public Safety Committee
Parks and Recreation Committee
Town Center Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
Youth Council
Leisure Services
Basketball Referees
Christmas Parade Volunteers (December)
Computer Class Instructors
Fall and Spring Youth Soccer Coaches
Fall and Spring Youth Soccer Team Moms
Fall Fest Volunteers (October)
Fall Tackle Football Coaches
Fall Tackle Football Equipment Managers
Fall Tackle Football Team Moms
Fall Youth Cheerleading Coaches
Family Independence Day Celebration (July)
Founders Day Volunteers (May)
July 4th Fireworks Volunteers
Pinfish Youth Fishing Tournament Volunteers (November)
Run With the Dogs Volunteers (March)
Winter Youth Basketball Coaches
Ongoing: Community Center Volunteers
Ongoing: Parks Volunteers
Ongoing: Seniors Programming Volunteers
Miscellaneous
Destin History & Fishing Museum
Adopt-A-Street
Contact Us
Volunteer Opportunities City Boards/Committees (details)
Board of Adjustment
Harbor & Waterways Board
Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
Local Planning Agency
Public Works/Public Safety Committee
Parks and Recreation Committee
Town Center Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
Youth Council
Leisure Services
Basketball Referees
Christmas Parade Volunteers (December)
Computer Class Instructors
Fall and Spring Youth Soccer Coaches
Fall and Spring Youth Soccer Team Moms
Fall Fest Volunteers (October)
Fall Tackle Football Coaches
Fall Tackle Football Equipment Managers
Fall Tackle Football Team Moms
Fall Youth Cheerleading Coaches
Family Independence Day Celebration (July)
Founders Day Volunteers (May)
July 4th Fireworks Volunteers
Pinfish Youth Fishing Tournament Volunteers (November)
Run With the Dogs Volunteers (March)
Winter Youth Basketball Coaches
Ongoing: Community Center Volunteers
Ongoing: Parks Volunteers
Ongoing: Seniors Programming Volunteers
Miscellaneous
Destin History & Fishing Museum
Adopt-A-Street
Contact Us
- Destin City Clerk (Committees)
837-4242
Destin Community Center
654-5184
Destin Library
837-8572
Destin History & Fishing Museum
837-6611
Morgan Sports Center
650-1241

The Skinny on Injuries and Mental Health in Student-Athletes:
by Coach, Tylor Kendall, Owner - Foundations 850, Inc.
In today's highly competitive world of sports and youth athletes, the stakes have become higher than ever. We have NIL allowing college athletes to accept payment for their name/image/likeness. We have young adults instantly turning into millionaires. College tuition has climbed to new heights as well as everything else under the sun. And the Transfer Portal now takes opportunities out of high school seniors laps and gives them to Jr.s and Sr.s at other colleges. We can all agree that there is more pressure now than ever for our youth athletes to excel at their craft.
When making continuous progress due to constantly challenging both mind and body past their comfort levels,for whatever reasons, there can be setbacks-some minor, and some more permanent. Injuries can be very hard on athletes. They can lower confidence, add much stress, lower motivation, and affect our mental health. Physical injuries affect more than just what's visible.
One way to spot early signs if injury-induced stress is affecting your athlete is if they are making unusual emotion responses, out of their ordinary. Some of these emotional responses to be on the lookout for are sadness, isolation, irritation, lack of motivation, anger, frustration,changes in appetit, sleep disturbances, and disengagement.
The effects of physical injury on mental health differ from individuals and injury type, but we can agree that there are effects- so attention should be paid. But one of the hardest underlying reasons why mental health is hard to diagnose and treat in youth athletes is because they do not feel welcomed to ask for help! The stigma of going through such hardships makes one weak. Athletes are constantly coached on mental toughness and exceeding their limits. It is hard to know at times when to pump the breaks. Athletes are also worried that admittance of these issues will result in loss- whether that be playing time, role, or image. Denial and/or lack of awareness of one's emotions and the inability/willfulness to share emotions will also be a major barrier for many.
With these in mind, it is recommended by professionals in medical, psychological, and athletic fields alike, that the athlete feels supported to get the help they need. The athlete needs to know they have a voice and it can be heard. From both coaches and parents, athletes should undoubtedly have the permission to work on themselves in this aspect. Recovery needs to be the priority- both physically and mentally. Most often there is a direct correlation. However, ongoing, long-term, more serious, and career-ending injuries are associated with a variety of levels of difficulty in this area at times.
With all this information and a broad approach in mind, the most suggested course of action is just awareness in your student-athletes behavior and attitude for their overall wellbeing. Aware parents will notice their loved child is "off" faster than anyone. And most of all- just be supportive. This can mean many different things but as parents, we tend to talk and direct. Maybe it would be a great opportunity to open the floors and listen. Effective communication works both ways. This will only strengthen a relationship.
As for your athlet- don't skimp out on the stretching! Remember to ice the sore spots! Stay hydrated! Give yourself love and recovery! And take care of yourself- mind, body, and soul!
by Coach, Tylor Kendall, Owner - Foundations 850, Inc.
In today's highly competitive world of sports and youth athletes, the stakes have become higher than ever. We have NIL allowing college athletes to accept payment for their name/image/likeness. We have young adults instantly turning into millionaires. College tuition has climbed to new heights as well as everything else under the sun. And the Transfer Portal now takes opportunities out of high school seniors laps and gives them to Jr.s and Sr.s at other colleges. We can all agree that there is more pressure now than ever for our youth athletes to excel at their craft.
When making continuous progress due to constantly challenging both mind and body past their comfort levels,for whatever reasons, there can be setbacks-some minor, and some more permanent. Injuries can be very hard on athletes. They can lower confidence, add much stress, lower motivation, and affect our mental health. Physical injuries affect more than just what's visible.
One way to spot early signs if injury-induced stress is affecting your athlete is if they are making unusual emotion responses, out of their ordinary. Some of these emotional responses to be on the lookout for are sadness, isolation, irritation, lack of motivation, anger, frustration,changes in appetit, sleep disturbances, and disengagement.
The effects of physical injury on mental health differ from individuals and injury type, but we can agree that there are effects- so attention should be paid. But one of the hardest underlying reasons why mental health is hard to diagnose and treat in youth athletes is because they do not feel welcomed to ask for help! The stigma of going through such hardships makes one weak. Athletes are constantly coached on mental toughness and exceeding their limits. It is hard to know at times when to pump the breaks. Athletes are also worried that admittance of these issues will result in loss- whether that be playing time, role, or image. Denial and/or lack of awareness of one's emotions and the inability/willfulness to share emotions will also be a major barrier for many.
With these in mind, it is recommended by professionals in medical, psychological, and athletic fields alike, that the athlete feels supported to get the help they need. The athlete needs to know they have a voice and it can be heard. From both coaches and parents, athletes should undoubtedly have the permission to work on themselves in this aspect. Recovery needs to be the priority- both physically and mentally. Most often there is a direct correlation. However, ongoing, long-term, more serious, and career-ending injuries are associated with a variety of levels of difficulty in this area at times.
With all this information and a broad approach in mind, the most suggested course of action is just awareness in your student-athletes behavior and attitude for their overall wellbeing. Aware parents will notice their loved child is "off" faster than anyone. And most of all- just be supportive. This can mean many different things but as parents, we tend to talk and direct. Maybe it would be a great opportunity to open the floors and listen. Effective communication works both ways. This will only strengthen a relationship.
As for your athlet- don't skimp out on the stretching! Remember to ice the sore spots! Stay hydrated! Give yourself love and recovery! And take care of yourself- mind, body, and soul!

WEATHER - Hurricane Season
The outlook from NOAA is for 14-20 named storms predicted this year, with 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes.
NOAA still expects above-normal Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The outlook from NOAA is for 14-20 named storms predicted this year, with 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes.
NOAA still expects above-normal Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OCTOBER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST: By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
“May you Fall in love with October and all the beauty it brings, May your life be as
colorful as the turning of the leaves, On each blessed autumn day” [author Charmaine
J. Forde]
Love me some October! Pass on the pumpkin spice though!
Another month, another home maintenance checklist!
I love bringing you these lists because – unlike fun woodworking or home decor projects– every homeowner needs to do essential home maintenance tasks in their home. It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t make for good Instagram posts. But it is super important to
keep on top of your home maintenance tasks. Neglected maintenance can lead to big problems becoming bigger and, yes, way more expensive to repair. So, I enjoy bringing you these lists each month with the hope that they can help to save
your money and heartache down the line!
Clean out your home’s gutters:
Falling leaves can clog the gutters, making them less useful. If you have a lot of trees around your house, install gutter guards to prevent leaves from falling into them. Hurricane Ian – as little of it as we got thankfully – brought some wind. That may have
also added an unusual amount of debris and leaves so it’s crucial to check them thoroughly.
Clean and replace Filters in your heating/AC system:
You should be doing this every 30-90days depending on your home conditions throughout the year. Clean filters improve air quality and your systems performance which saves you money.
Seal any cracks around doors and windows:
Cracks will release heat, making it more expensive to warm your home. Seal up cracks with caulk and weather stripping to save money on your electric bill.
Replace outside bulbs with LEDs:
Because there is less daylight in the fall and winter, your outside lights will be on longer. Buying energy saving bulbs will save you money on your electric bill. LEDs are brighter and run very cool compared to their counterparts.
Get your AC and heating system checked:
Call a heating professional to give your system a check-up and ensure it will continue to work throughout the colder months and reduce the risk of fires.
During cold spells reverse your ceiling fans:
If your fans have a reverse switch, use it to run the blades in a clockwise direction pushing warm air down into the room. This will make heating your home more efficient and will save some money on your energy bill.
Check your roof:
After the recent storms most of us have checked our roofs. It’s important to replace any broken or cracked shingles to prevent leaks into your home from rains.
Divert water from gutters:
Add extensions to your storm drains to carry water 3-4 feet away from your home to prevent damage to the foundation.
Inspect your dryer vent:
Make sure it’s clean and free of any obstructions. Consider hiring a professional to clean it out especially if the vent goes to the roof.
Check your Disaster Supply Kit:
The season is not over yet! After a near miss with Ian, it is important to make sure your supplies are fresh and ready for the rest of the season.
“May you Fall in love with October and all the beauty it brings, May your life be as
colorful as the turning of the leaves, On each blessed autumn day” [author Charmaine
J. Forde]
Love me some October! Pass on the pumpkin spice though!
Another month, another home maintenance checklist!
I love bringing you these lists because – unlike fun woodworking or home decor projects– every homeowner needs to do essential home maintenance tasks in their home. It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t make for good Instagram posts. But it is super important to
keep on top of your home maintenance tasks. Neglected maintenance can lead to big problems becoming bigger and, yes, way more expensive to repair. So, I enjoy bringing you these lists each month with the hope that they can help to save
your money and heartache down the line!
Clean out your home’s gutters:
Falling leaves can clog the gutters, making them less useful. If you have a lot of trees around your house, install gutter guards to prevent leaves from falling into them. Hurricane Ian – as little of it as we got thankfully – brought some wind. That may have
also added an unusual amount of debris and leaves so it’s crucial to check them thoroughly.
Clean and replace Filters in your heating/AC system:
You should be doing this every 30-90days depending on your home conditions throughout the year. Clean filters improve air quality and your systems performance which saves you money.
Seal any cracks around doors and windows:
Cracks will release heat, making it more expensive to warm your home. Seal up cracks with caulk and weather stripping to save money on your electric bill.
Replace outside bulbs with LEDs:
Because there is less daylight in the fall and winter, your outside lights will be on longer. Buying energy saving bulbs will save you money on your electric bill. LEDs are brighter and run very cool compared to their counterparts.
Get your AC and heating system checked:
Call a heating professional to give your system a check-up and ensure it will continue to work throughout the colder months and reduce the risk of fires.
During cold spells reverse your ceiling fans:
If your fans have a reverse switch, use it to run the blades in a clockwise direction pushing warm air down into the room. This will make heating your home more efficient and will save some money on your energy bill.
Check your roof:
After the recent storms most of us have checked our roofs. It’s important to replace any broken or cracked shingles to prevent leaks into your home from rains.
Divert water from gutters:
Add extensions to your storm drains to carry water 3-4 feet away from your home to prevent damage to the foundation.
Inspect your dryer vent:
Make sure it’s clean and free of any obstructions. Consider hiring a professional to clean it out especially if the vent goes to the roof.
Check your Disaster Supply Kit:
The season is not over yet! After a near miss with Ian, it is important to make sure your supplies are fresh and ready for the rest of the season.

Tasty Winter Recipies!
30 Cozy Winter Dinner Ideas (+ Easy Recipes) - Insanely Good (insanelygoodrecipes.com)
30 Cozy Winter Dinner Ideas (+ Easy Recipes) - Insanely Good (insanelygoodrecipes.com)

Travel & Day Trips Around Florida
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html
Okaloosa County Master Gardeners: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OCMGA
If you want to know what to plant in May, check out this May Planting calendar on the OCMGA website. https://www.ocmga.org |

Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
"Misery loves company."
In John 1:11, the apostle John tells us that “false happiness is not real happiness.”
False happiness can come, for example, when you try to destroy someone who seems to have a happy life while your own is miserable. You think their misery will be the key to your own happiness but 15 minutes later it fades away and you are back to looking for someone else, on whom to take out your anger. It's never ending because it's false happiness. You need to understand two things. #1. Whatever that "thing" is taking place in your life which makes you so miserable, is going to be there until you address it directly and no amount of evil you can inflict on others, is going to make that "thing" go away. Lashing out at others because you are unhappy with your own life is like putting a band-aid on something that needs surgery. The cause of the misery has got to be removed or emotionally addressed in order for you to be happy again, in the true sense of the word. Until that happens, you will go through life looking for reasons to be angry and taking that anger out on others. If you are in a group of any kind, it's easy to pick out these people. They are the ones complaining while everyone else is getting merrily along. Taking out your frustrations on others; looking for ways to bring others down because you are miserable; only hurts your own character, too because everyone around you can see what is happening. And #2. You need to know Father God is watching. He loves you but your evil actions towards one of His children will not go without repercussions or punishment. Seek council or specifically Christian council and turn to Father God in prayer. You can be happy and successful again in your life and you can do it without trying to destroy others along the way. Attacking others for your gain is also a sign of jealousy. Proverbs 27:4 tells us, “Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous."
"Misery loves company."
In John 1:11, the apostle John tells us that “false happiness is not real happiness.”
False happiness can come, for example, when you try to destroy someone who seems to have a happy life while your own is miserable. You think their misery will be the key to your own happiness but 15 minutes later it fades away and you are back to looking for someone else, on whom to take out your anger. It's never ending because it's false happiness. You need to understand two things. #1. Whatever that "thing" is taking place in your life which makes you so miserable, is going to be there until you address it directly and no amount of evil you can inflict on others, is going to make that "thing" go away. Lashing out at others because you are unhappy with your own life is like putting a band-aid on something that needs surgery. The cause of the misery has got to be removed or emotionally addressed in order for you to be happy again, in the true sense of the word. Until that happens, you will go through life looking for reasons to be angry and taking that anger out on others. If you are in a group of any kind, it's easy to pick out these people. They are the ones complaining while everyone else is getting merrily along. Taking out your frustrations on others; looking for ways to bring others down because you are miserable; only hurts your own character, too because everyone around you can see what is happening. And #2. You need to know Father God is watching. He loves you but your evil actions towards one of His children will not go without repercussions or punishment. Seek council or specifically Christian council and turn to Father God in prayer. You can be happy and successful again in your life and you can do it without trying to destroy others along the way. Attacking others for your gain is also a sign of jealousy. Proverbs 27:4 tells us, “Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous."

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