Camp Helen State Park Pumpkin Patch
The friends of Camp Helen are excited to announce the opening of their pumpkin patch. Now through October 31st, (or until they sell out) pumpkins will be sold 7 days a week, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway (Highway 98), Panama City Beach, just west of the Lake Powell Bridge.
This year, the pumpkin patch will have social distancing measures in place. Everyone is encouraged to stay 6 feet apart and only handle pumpkins they plan to purchase. Signage will be placed throughout the park with our safety guidelines. The Charity accepts all major credit cards but cash will be exact change only.
The organizers look forward to welcoming local residents to this picture-perfect event, but urge supporters to stay home if they feel ill and only visit once they feel better.
More information is available at facebook.com/FriendsOfCampHelenStatePark, or by calling 850 233 5059.
Panama City Senior’s Center Has Reopened!
The Senior Center at 423 Lyndell Lane has reopened and is once again offering members a number of varied and engaging classes: chair exercise, yoga, line dancing, rotary, knife and chisel woodworking and painting. Daily, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To find out more please call 850-233-5065.
Programs and Support for Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
The 850 Strong Rock Steady Boxing, at Anytime Fitness, 856 N. Tyndall Pkwy., Callaway offers a premiere exercise fitness program that can help halt the progression of the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Only people who have a Parkinson’s diagnosis can participate. Call 850-640-6150 to make an appointment.
Dementia Support Group – meets the first Tuesday of every month, at the PCB Chamber, 309 N. Jackson Blvd., 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group – meets the second Tuesday of every month, at the PCB Chamber, 309 N. Jackson Blvd., 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This month, the group will host a representative from Acadia Pharmaceuticals who will be discussing medical treatment options for the disease.
Red Cross to Host Blood Drive in Panama City
December 17th – Bill Cramer Showrooms. 2251 W. 23rd St., 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Donors are invited to sign up for both drives and encouraged to invite new donors to patriciate, more donors…more lives saved!
Interested in hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive at your place of business or worship in Panama City Beach? Please contact Stephen Carr 251-222-0608 or stephen.carr@redcross.org.
Junior League Once Again Hosts Annual Holly Fair
Tickets are now on sale for Holly Fair, the Junior League of Panama City’s (JLPC) largest annual fundraiser, November 12th to 15th, 2020, at Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort. The more than 30-year Bay County tradition will continue to be an in-person holiday shopping experience with JLPC’s top priority being the health and safety of event attendees, volunteers and vendors. Tickets are available for purchase at JLPanamaCity.org/HollyFairTickets.
“We think now more than ever we can lift people’s spirits in preparing them for the holiday season,” JLPC President Lauren Presser said. “The Junior League of Panama City is expert at putting on Holly Fair. We will have the necessary precautions in place to make shoppers feel comfortable during the COVID-19 pandemic while also making sure the people of Panama City know how important carrying on this tradition is to us.”
In addition to the traditional Thursday night Preview Party, Friday Champagne Brunch and general shopping, Holly Fair will feature a new event, ‘Crafting with the Clauses,’ on Sunday, November 15th. This day of crafting and fun is $10 and includes a photo with Santa Claus. Patrons who purchase tickets will also have access to nearly 75 vendors ranging from Christmas décor to boutique clothing and from kitchen gadgets to designer jewelry. All net proceeds from Holly Fair will support the programs and mission of JLPC.
One of the programs that benefits directly from Holly Fair is the JLPC Diaper Bank, which addresses diaper need within our community by distributing diapers, wipes and training pants through various local partner agencies.
Become a Defender of Potential
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida host ‘Let’s Talk Tuesdays’ on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 8:30 a.m., 12 Noon and 5:30 p.m. Find out how you can become a defender of Potential!
Visit bbbsnwfl.org to find out more and to sign up for this month’s virtual meeting.
Healthy Start Coalition Launches Safe Sleep Campaign
Following a dangerous uptick in the number of unsafe sleep deaths in Bay County, the Healthy Start Program and Children’s Advocacy Center are partnering with Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center to launch ‘This Side Up,’ a Safe Sleep Baby campaign. Over the coming months the Advocacy Center and Healthy Start will be training first responders, police and firemen on safe sleep practices and providing them with ‘This Side Up’ safe sleep packets, that will include a Safe Sleep shirt, pacifiers and educational materials for Mother’s and other guardians. To find out more or to find out how you can participate in the campaign please contact Sharon Trainor sharon@healthystartbfg.org.
VITAS Healthcare Awards $30,000 Grant to Panama City Rescue Mission
The Panama City Rescue Mission (PCRM) recently received a $30,000 grant from VITAS Healthcare to provide aid to people experiencing homelessness in Bay County. The grant will support PCRM’s new ‘Life Transformation Program,’ which assists people with relationships, personal health, economic stability and housing.
“The vision for PCRM is to provide the inspiration and services that will stimulate effective collaboration without compromise and uphold personal development within the community as the clear and compelling pathway out of recurring crises through rescue, redemption, rehabilitation and re-assimilation.” said Stephen Fett, PCRM CEO.
A Superior’s Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch
Tuesday, October 20th, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse. All local veterans and first responders are invited. The local community is also welcome to come out and support our heroes and share their appreciation for the men and women who keep our country and community safe. Proudly hosted by A Superior Air Conditioning.
Rotary Club of the Emerald Coast Announces Milestone
Earlier this summer the Rotary Club of the Emerald Coast presented three more of its members with the Paul Harris Fellow Award, making the 20-member strong Club, a 100% PHF Club! The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest award in Rotary and is given to Rotarians, or member of the community, who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and contributed at least $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The Emerald Coast’s 100% PHF status is significant as only 12 of the 53 clubs in this District (6940) have achieved this status and only one other in Bay County.
Rotary is an international organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
2nd Annual Pre-Holiday Coastal Social to Benefit Girls Inc.
Join Grand Lagoon neighbors, friends and business owners for a fun evening of cocktail and wine tastings, holiday treats and live entertainment. The event will feature a Local Vendor Showcase, full of local merchants’ and artists’ finest products on sale just in time for the holidays! There will also be an Art Raffle benefiting Girls Inc. “Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart & Bold.” The event is free; attire is ‘Festive-Holiday.’ Thursday, November 12th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Legendary Marine, 4009 Thomas Drive.
