By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher, Life Media
A sunset over the Bay; schools where parents are involved and teachers are impeccable; community parks with so much to offer; a business community based on relationships and trust—these are just a few of the positive highlights in our community!
Each year, FWB Life asks, “What are you thankful for?” and offers readers the opportunity to express appreciation for the people and things in their lives. Indeed, there is so much to be grateful for!
As you gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, resolve to make it more than a reason to take a day off, eat some great food or watch a football game. Make it a time of counting your blessings. After all, the Pilgrims founded our nation on thankfulness and, instead of focusing on their losses, they chose to offer thanks for all their blessings.
There are endless ways to express thankfulness to others verbally and physically. Buy someone a cup of coffee; take a walk on the beach with a friend who is struggling or leave a larger tip at a restaurant. Even small, positive, every-day words and benevolent actions can mean a world of difference to those around you. You never know—it could be a lifeline for them, and it just might mean even more to you
As your publisher, I’m thankful for so many reasons. But one thing is certain—I’m grateful for this community of friends and colleagues who, with compassion and caring, support and patience, have come alongside me and my family as we continue to navigate through the tragic passing of my nephew—our beloved Wesley Turpin. It is truly comforting and blessed, and we cherish all of you. I’m also thankful for our partners and readers. It’s your voices and your continued support that make this publication popular and valuable.
— Lori Leath Smith, Life Media Group
Although there are so many reasons to feel and be thankful, my list begins with family. God has truly blessed me with an amazing family which, by the way, keeps on growing ☺. After that what comes to mind is how fortunate and thankful I am to live here in this beautiful slice of heaven, to do the work I do with Life Media, and for good health, which we can never take for granted. And, above all for Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior without who none of this would be possible. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
— Scott Miller, Director of Sales and Advertising, Life Media Group
I’m so thankful that members of my family in St. Petersburg, Fla., escaped with minor damages during the vicious hurricanes that hit that portion of the state this fall. Everyone is safe and sound and rebuilding again.
— Barbara Palmgren, Heritage Museum of NWFL
J&B Medical is thankful for the continued support from the community of our family owned and operated business for the past 20+ years and for the opportunity to continue to help people with their healthcare needs in and around Okaloosa County.
— Kelly Stalnaker, J&B Medical
I want to thank you, Ted Corcoran, for your steadfast dedication to making Fort Walton Beach a better community for everyone. Your commitment to addressing homelessness and your support for expanding One Hopeful Place to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents truly embodies the spirit of leadership and compassion. I am grateful for everything you do to help build a brighter, more caring community.
—Sherry Jones, One Hopeful Place
I am thankful for my incredible family, whose unwavering support means everything to me, and for the opportunity to work in a school district that is dedicated to inspiring and uplifting the next generation. I’m also deeply grateful to live in a community like Okaloosa County, where everyone works together to ensure the well-being of those who live, work, and visit here.
—Catherine Card, Public Information Officer, Okaloosa County School District
I am thankful for the incredible blessings in my life: my family, who bring a special joy to my days; my role as a pastor, where I have the privilege of uniquely sharing my faith; and my community involvement, where I can influence others positively. Above all, I am thankful for God’s unwavering grace, which guides me through my every endeavor.
— Pastor “Doc” Doug Stauffer
I’m thankful to be able to work in the arts. I believe a vibrant arts scene is key to a destination’s Quality of Place and it’s rewarding to me to play a small part.
—Zandra Wolfgram, Director of Marketing & Communications, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation & Sinfonia Gulf Coast
I am thankful for my beautiful, and equally brilliant wife, Laura, the incredible love we share and the beauty of being in love with my best friend. I am also immensely thankful for my parents, siblings, and especially my three children and the close relationship we all have, as well as the opportunity to share in each of their incredible journeys as young adults making their way in the world and doing so with a positive outlook and a friendly smile. I am also so thankful for my and Laura’s close group of friends who have been beside us since our very first date and continue to enrich our lives in a way that makes them all more like family than friends. Lastly, I am thankful for the opportunity and God-given privilege to live, love, believe, create, worship, work and speak—largely without persecution—in a state where freedom still matters, but morals, love, and our fellow citizens and neighbors do, too.
— Will Estell, Estell Hussey Media LLC/Century 21 AllPoints Realty/ NAVARRE BEACH Magazine
I am thankful for the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful place, and for the chance to meet so many great people. I love our little community!
— Cali Hlavac, To Do in Destin
I’m thankful for living in a community with philanthropic hearts. I’m thankful to be the mom of a Walton County High School honor roll student/football player, and an FSU graduate! I’m thankful for my career and AMAZING mentors in my life! I’m thankful for my supportive boyfriend. I’m thankful for living at the beach, owning my home, and most of all, I’m thankful for my FREEDOM! Thank you, Life Publications, for reminding me that I’m a lucky girl!
— Tracy Louthain, Newman Daily Resort Properties
