National Mutt's Day July 31st, 2012

Mutts Rule

Today is National Mutt’s Day.  Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, as much as a pure breed.

The definition a mutt is a dog, especially a mongrel referred to as a "Half-breed”.  Pedigree owners, and sometimes the public in general, view mitts as inferior or low class dog.  Sure, a mutt doesn't carry the expensive price tag that a pedigree.   Mutt owners know better, they know that a mutt is just as loyal, lovable and obedient as any pedigree.

In addition, mutts don't walk around needing to prove anything. You won't see them strutting around any dog shows trying to prove they are the best.

To all mutts and mutt owners, we hope you thoroughly enjoy Mutt's Day. Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do.

To your mutt is worth a million bucks!

Casey the Gator Gal!

Come and see the demonstration tomorrow... with Casey the Gator Gal, at E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center
Admission is $5 per person.
Children ages 6 to 12 are $2.
Children 5 and under are free.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center is on the south side of Highway 20 between Freeport and Bruce, approximately 4 miles east of Highway 331

Solution for a Dirty Car

Is your car dirty? 

Is it too hot for you to get out in the heat and wash it? 

I have the perfect solution!!!

Stop by Quality Imports located at 1006 North Beal Parkway in Ft Walton Beach, just North of Wal-Mart from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  And let the Volunteers and Board of directors of Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County wash it for you!!!  All proceeds from the car wash will go directly to help with the purchase of land for the future home site of Habitat’s 50th Home - Patriot Place. 

Everyone deserves a home to live in… so stop by tomorrow between 9-3 and get your car washed and help the local Habitat for Humanity with a small donation ….

Learn more about Patriot Place by visiting www.habitatfwb.org

See you there!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME “2012 Sales Tax Holiday” August 3th - August 5th

Well it’s that time of year again… BACK TO SCHOOL TIME… Teachers are gearing up and so are parents.  This year the State of Florida is bring back “2012 Sales Tax Holiday” August 3th - August 5^th.

Retailers are displaying supplies and should have the list of items that are Tax Exempt, but just in case … here are some rules to follow.  Books are NOT exempt during the 2012 Sales Tax Holiday, nor are clothing items price at over $75 per item; any school item selling for more than $15 each will not be exempt either.

Simply  put:

 “School supplies” means pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, notebook filler paper, legal pads, binders, lunch boxes, construction paper, markers, folders, poster board, composition books, poster paper, scissors, cellophane tape, glue, paste, rulers, computer disks, protractors, compasses, and calculators.

“Clothing” means any article of wearing apparel, including all footwear (except skis, swim fins roller blades, and skates) intended to be worn on or about the human body. However, does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, or sporting equipment.

The exemption does not apply to any item of clothing selling for more than $75, or to any school supply item selling for more than $15.

For more information please check the web site for all the TIPS!!! http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/pdf/tip12a01-02.pdf

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Let’s be safe this Trick or Treat Season, even if you don’t have children there are things you can do to help keep all of your Trick or Treater’s safe. 

Here are some Halloween safety tips to make sure your kids come home safe and happy:

Costumes:  Children  will be running from house to house, so make sure their costume is suitable for running; not tight, not too loose, and have them where tennis shoes.  If the costume requires a mask or make-up, make sure that your child can clearly see.  Keep Capes from dragging and any extra “bling- bling” is easy to carry or will not hinder their walking.  Remember if they can’t carry Mom or Dad may end up doing that. 

Reflecting and flashlight – It’s going to be dark out by the time you go home, so make sure cars can see you at night. Put reflective tape on the costume and trick or treating bags.

Walking – Use sidewalks, and designated walk ways, Remember cars are going to be looking for you but you need to look for them. 

Never go ALONE – Kids should never go trick or treating along.  Always go with a sibling, friend, in a group and always have a parent nearby. If they are going out without parents, make sure you know the area where they will be trick-or-treating and have your cell phones and check in with Mom and Dad

Time – Go at the designated times set by your local community.  If you aren’t going trick or treating with your kids, set a time that they need to be home by or a time for them to check in with a phone call. That way, you know that they are safe.

You can always check your local police department web site for additional information on Trick or Treat Candy check locations.  Many times the hospital will X-Ray candy for you too.

Never go into a stranger’s house – Only get candy from houses that give it to you at the door. If someone invites them in, tell them to just say “no, thanks” and leave immediately.

Don’t Eat any Candy before its Checked – Make sure none of the candy is open or looks like it was tampered with. If you have small children, make sure the candy is not a choking hazard. Throw away any homemade candy/cookies or baked goods unless you know personally the person that made them.

Drivers – If you are driving from location to location, go extra slow and take your time.  Please watch out for the children… they are our future!!!

Remember… ghouls and goblins… have fun, but be safe.

Okaloosa County Boys & Girs Clubs Day Sept 17, 2011

Okaloosa County Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids is Saturday, Sept. 17

September 06, 2011 11:11 AM

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (BGCEC), Eglin and Hurlburt Youth Programs are teaming up to celebrate the 11th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids, a major annual family event highlighting the value of meaningful time between caring adults and children. In Fort Walton Beach, BGCEC Day for Kids will be celebrated with thousands of parents and kids participating in an event at Emerald Coast Conference Center.
This event will begin at 10:30 am and end at 2:30 pm. This free event is open to the public but children must be supervised at all times. Lunch, activities and prizes are provided and fun is expected to be had by all. Look for booths from Destin Target, AC Moore, Emerald Coast Wildlife Rescue, Emerald Coast Science Center, FW Heritage Park and many more. Food sponsors include Taco Bell, Subway, Little Caesars and Coca Cola.
Unlike most other industrialized nations, the U.S. is one of the few nations that does not have an official day set aside to honor its young people. In a country ranked first in wealth and productivity, we do not have a day in which we recognize our most precious resource. While many Americans recognize the link between spending meaningful time with their kids and the tough issues facing young people, they say they don’t have the time, skills or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should.
It’s no secret that America’s youth need our help. From academic failure and gang activity to poverty, drugs and violence, they face a daunting array of problems – with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community. BGCEC Day for Kids is one small step in rebuilding “villages” in our neighborhoods; providing young people with the skills and motivation they need to BE GREAT, while protecting them from the dangerous problems they face every day.
Regardless of background, there are no boundaries to the potential of every child. In the same way, there are no limits to the many ways in which to spend meaningful time with a young person. To assist parents, practitioners and other caring adults, BGCA has created engaging educational resources to help them encourage and develop positive relationships with kids. A year-round web site, www.dayforkids.org, will provide tools, resources and tips that support their interactions with young people. We look forward to seeing the community at our 11th annual Day for Kids!

Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/boys-43329-county-okaloosa.html#ixzz1XIQxnQhC