By Del LessardBeacon Staff WriterOn the heels of the shooting

deaths of two Okaloosa Countydeputies this spring, approximate-ly 400 people attended free train-ing sessions on domestic violenceheld in Niceville Thursday andFriday.Deputies Burt Lopez, 45, and

Warren "Skip" York, 45, weregunned down April 25, 2009,when the deputies attempted toarrest 28-year-old Joshua WilliamCartwright on a domestic vio-lence charge. The two lawmenused a stun gun that knockedCartwright to the ground at anorth county gun range, but thesuspect came up shooting with agun that was apparently con-

cealed from the two deputies.Cartwright was killed in a hail

of gunfire after he fired hisweapon after his vehicle wasstopped near DeFuniak Springsafter running over spike stripslawmen had laid on the road.The deaths of Lopez and York

highlighted the dangers to lawenforcement officers and otherprofessionals who are oftencalled to deal with domestic vio-lence situations, said RebeccaBussman, co-chair of theOkaloosa-Walton DomesticViolence Coordinating Council.Their deaths were the reason thetwo days of training was offeredthis year, she said.The training was aimed at

making domestic violence calls

safer for lawmen and other pro-fessionals, such as mental healthcounselors, family and children'sadvocates or others who maybecome involved in domestic vio-lence situations in the perform-ance of their duties. About halfthe 400 attendees were lawenforcement officers.Mark Wynn, a former police

officer and a nationally renownedtrainer on domestic violence, wasthe main speaker at both training

For 17 years the voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso

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PPaaggee BB--11 WWeeddnneessddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerrr 11444 ,,, 220000099

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Valparaiso, and Bluewater Bay.Call 678-1080 to Find Out How!

Program joins Lewis students, Eglin engineers$5K grant finances exploration of math, science careers

Beacon photos by Stacie Morgan

From left, Jorden Holland, Niceville, Lauren Barsky, Niceville and Micayla Remar, Valparaiso, allstudents in Cindy Jannazo’s eighth grade science class, begin one of their first science labs inLewis Middle School’s new STEM program.

By Stacie MorganBeacon Staff WriterWinning a $5,000 grant from

the National Defense IndustrialAssociation has given all thestudents, grades 5-8, at LewisMiddle School a push in thedirection of learning aboutcareers in the math and sciencefields."You've got to start slow and

get a good solid foundation,"said Lewis Principal BillyMikel, responsible for initiatingthe integration of the ScienceTechnology Engineering &Math (STEM) program into theschool's curriculum.STEM is a collaborative pre-

engineering program whichworks with universities and/orlocal engineering businesses toengage students in research,career discovery, hands-on engi-neering projects, and field tripsdealing with math and science.Engineers from Eglin Air Force

Base, as well as companies suchas Raytheon will meet with stu-dents before each STEM projectin a question-answer session. Allprojects are tied into SunshineState Standards, said Mikel.According to information

provided by Lewis MiddleSchool, the U.S. demand for sci-

entists andengineers isexpected toincrease atfour timesthe rate ofall otheroccupations."When

you get anengineeringdegree," saidMikel "it

teaches you how to learn. I thinkthis program will make our kidsstronger and will give them theopportunity to do great thingswith their lives. It'll teach them

how to pour concrete, not sand."Though the STEM program

is originally meant to focus onmath and science only, LewisMiddle school educators havetaken the program a step furtherby including the students' lan-guage arts and social studiesclasses as well."If students can learn the

technical writing aspects ofrecording findings and alsomake the connection betweentheir analysis and how it mayhave affected different countries,than they're getting a well-rounded experience," saidMikel. "For example if they'relearning about using titaniumfor some project, they'll studywhat countries titanium can befound in and what type of eco-nomic impact the exporting oftitanium might have on thatcountry."

Ten to vie for prizes inConcerto CompetitionBy Diana RoweSpecial to the BeaconTwenty-five years after he

started the first ConcertoCompetition, John Leatherwood,conductor emeritus of theNorthwest Florida SymphonyOrchestra at Northwest FloridaState College, is still excitedabout the students he meets whohave been selected to compete. Leatherwood talks about the

great opportunity for young aspir-ing musicians to experience com-petition, “which is good for char-acter development,” and flashes awarm smile when talking aboutstudents “being recognized fortheir hard work and talent.”This year’s competition will

take place Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. inthe Tyler Recital Hall of thePerforming Arts Center atNorthwest Florida State College.It is free and open to the public.

Four of the 10 finalists thisyear are from Okaloosa County.They are Monica Siang,Madeline Siang, John Sung andSamantha Horn.The program gives students in

more than 30 counties inNorthern Florida the opportunityto win substantial awards bycompeting in three age levels:middle school, high school andcollege. The students must send aDVD of their work to the musicdepartment at the college, whereJeffrey Rink, conductor of theNFSO, and Lois Van Dam, musicteacher at the college, select 10semifinalists who compete in per-son.The competition and prizes

and sponsored by the NortheastFlorida Symphony Guild, whosemembers are dedicated to chil-dren’s music programs in bothWalton and Okaloosa counties.

In the ServiceE-mail items to

info@baybeacon.com.

Jimmy E. BargerAir Force Airman 1st Class

Jimmy E. Barger has graduatedfrom the Air Traffic ControlOperations Apprentice Courseat Keesler Air Force Base,Biloxi, Miss.The course is designed to

train students to control enrouteand terminal air traffic by use ofvisual, radar, and non-radarmeans at air traffic controltower facilities. Students learnaircraft identification and to ini-tiate and issue air traffic controlclearances, instructions andadvisories to ensure the safe,orderly and expeditious flow ofair traffic operating underinstrument and visual flightrule.Barger is assigned to the

49th Operations SupportSquadron, White Sands MissileRange, N.M.He is the son of Steve E. and

Sheryl A. Barger of BayshoreDrive, Niceville.The airman is a 2005 gradu-

ate of Niceville High School.

William L. TrotmanMarine Corps Cpl. William

L. Trotman, a 2007 graduate ofFreeport High School, Freeport,recently graduated from MarineSecurity Guard School with theMarine Secruity GuardDetachment, U.S. Embassy,Stockholm, Sweden,Washington, D. C.During the course, Trotman

was taught the organization andfunctioning of the StateDepartment's foreign service,protection of classified material,interior guard duty, protocol,etiquette and ceremonial func-tions, locks and safes, fire pre-vention, and identification ofbombs and incendiary devices. Trotman joined the Marine

Corps in Sept. 2007.

Anthony J. MelloAir Force Airman 1st Class

Anthony J. Mello graduatedfrom basic military training atLackland Air Force Base, SanAntonio, Texas.The airman completed an

intensive, eight-week programthat included training in militarydiscipline and studies, Air Forcecore values, physical fitness,and basic warfare principles andskills.Airmen who complete basic

training earn four credits towardan associate in applied sciencedegree through the CommunityCollege of the Air Force.He is the son of Mark and

Jeanne Mello of Kildare Circle,Niceville.Mello is a 2007 graduate of

Niceville Senior High School.

400 learn how to combatdomestic violence safely

Beacon photo by Del Lessard

Before a group of about 200 lawmen and others, Rebecca Bussman, co chair of the Okaloosa-WaltonDomestic Violence Coordinating Council, presents the Shining Light Award to the widows of slainOkaloosa County sheriff's deputies Warren "Skip" York, left, and Burt Lopez, as Deputy J. D. Peacockwatches. The award recognized the deputies for their efforts in eliminating domestic violence.

Please see 400 page B-6

Billy Mikel

Please see PROGRAM, page B-6

33rd AnnualBayou Country Craft BazaarWhen: Saturday, October 24, 2009

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: First United Methodist Church214S. Partin Dr., Niceville

Proceeds to Benefit Missions

The organizers of theOrange Fest, scheduled forFriday, Oct. 31, are seekingdonated candy.A community festival spon-

sored by area churches, RockyBayou Christian School andhosted by the First BaptistChurch and First UnitedMethodist of Niceville.

Bags of “kid friendly”candy (no hard candies such asJolly Ranchers, PeppermintRounds, Lifesavers, etc.) canbe brought to the Orange Festboxes located in eitherchurch’s sanctuary or churchoffice, or the MethodistChildren’s Building by Sunday,Oct. 25.

Churches seeking candy donations

Upcoming blood drivesOct. 16, VWF DeFuniak Springs,

2:30 -6:30 p.m.Oct. 17, Seaside, noon-5 p.m.Oct. 18, First United Methodist

Church, Crestview, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ;Mullet Festival,Niceville, 10 a.m.-6p.m.

Oct. 19, SantaRosa Pharmacy,Twin Center Loop,Santa Rosa Beach, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 20, South Walton HighSchool, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Christmas crafters soughtNiceville Community Guild is

looking for crafters for its annualChristmas Craft Show Dec. 4, 4-9p.m., in the Community Center. Boothspaces will be $40 for 10-by -10-footor $35 for 8-by-10-foot spaces. This isa one-day event in conjunction withthe Christmas Festival. Food vendorsare also being sought to participate inthe festival in 10- by-10-foot outdoorspaces. Contact Connie Naftel, 678-7595; or e-mailNicevillechristmas@cox.net for moreinfo and application.

Scrabble at the libraryDo you enjoy playing Scrabble?

Niceville PublicLibrary will be setup with Scrabbleboards for theadult communityto play and enjoy

on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and 28, begin-ning at 9:30 a.m. Info or to reserve aseat, as prior registration is required:729-4090.

‘Adam, Eve Diaries’ setThe Northwest Florida State

College production of Mark Twain’s“The Diaries of Adam and Eve” willbe presented at the Sprint Theater, thesmaller of the two venues at the col-lege’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center Oct.14-17, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10for youth 18 and younger.

Call 729-6000.

CAC plans open houseThe Emerald Coast Children’s

Advocacy Center will celebrate 12years of service to abused children inOkaloosa and Walton counties on Oct.15.

The Open House Birthday Party isopen to the public, 4-6 p.m. TheCenter is located at 401 McEwenDrive in Niceville. Sean Dietrich ofSinfonia will provide the entertain-ment and refreshments will be served.

Staff will be on hand for tours ofthe center and anyone interested involunteering may apply. Info: JenFloro 833-9237, ext. 283.

Adventure Club bike rideThursday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m., bike

ride in the SandestinResort/Subdivision, east of Destin.Meet at theBayside TennisFacility. Supperafter the ride at anearby restaurant.Honcho: BruceBlackwelder (301-9452).

Health care panelThe October meeting of the

Okaloosa County DemocraticWomen’s Club will be a panel discus-sion on the health care issue. Panelistswill include a physician, a healthinsurance agent and a member ofObama For America (OFA). All threewill present their position on the cur-rent health care system and suggestedchanges from their perspective.

The meeting will be held at theUniversity of West Florida/NWFSCJoint Campus Auditorium on MartinLuther King Boulevard, Fort WaltonBeach Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Info: 678-1561 or 651-3040.

Evolution lecture setThe Mattie Kelly Cultural and

Environmental Institute at NorthwestFlorida State College will present“Evolution and Extinction in theFossil Record” Oct. 16 with Dr. JonBryan, an NWFSC professor of earthscience and oceanography. The regu-lar seminars are held on the thirdFriday of the month, 11 a.m.-noon onthe NWFSC Niceville Campus. AllScience Friday seminars are free andopen to the public.

Info: 729-5376.

Mullet FestivalThe 33rd annual Boggy Bayou

Mullet Festival will take place Oct.

For 17 years the voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso

Page B-6 Wednesday, October 16, 2009 THE BAY BEACON

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Please email items of interest about your church to info@baybeacon.com, along with church name, address, contact number/email.

“Pointing The Way To Jesus”

IMMANUEL ANGLICANCHURCH

250 Indian Bayou Trail, DestinChurch Office: 850-837-6324

www.iacdestin.org

Sunday Morning Services7:45 Holy Communion10:00 Family Communion ServiceMinistries provided for children,nursery through 8th grade

Wednesday Night Student Ministry6:30-8:00 “Encounter”(6th-12th grade)

www.lfcc.info

“Reaching out with the TransformingLove of Jesus Christ”

The Rev. Fr. Gregory Mashburn, Rectorfr.greg@canada.com

850-651-9800 • 66 8th St. • Shalimar, FL 32579www.churchoftheresurrection.wordpress.com

Sunday: Holy Communion 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.Theology on Tap 6:30 p.m. in Rectory

Tuesday: Morning Prayer 9 a.m.Wednesday: Holy Communion 12 p.m. (noon)Thursday: Evensong 6 p.m., Bible Study 6:30 p.m.Saturday: Contemporary Vigil Communion 4:30 p.m.

Anglican Church of The ResurrectionBLUEWATER BAPTIST CHURCH...A community of believers who are joined together by a sweet, loving Spirit, supporting each other in our Christian journey.

Located just past BW Elementary • 4580 Range RoadDr. Haywood Day, Pastor • www.bluewaterbaptist.org

Sunday Morning9:15 a.m. Bible Study

10:15 a.m. Coffee FellowshipWorship@10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Evening7:30 p.m. Prayer Service

678-7013 • 200 N. Partin Drive, Niceville (across from Ruckel Middle School) www.stjudes.us • info@stjudes.us

Sunday ServicesHoly Eucharist 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.Christian Education 9:15 a.m.

WednesdayMen’s Breakfast 6:45 a.m.Sewing Guild 9:00 a.m.Chapel Service 11:00 a.m.Fellowship Dinner 5:15 p.m.

Adult, Youth & Children’s Classes 6:00 p.m.

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

444 Valparaiso Pkwy. • 850-678-4822 • www.fbcvalparaiso.org(Located 5 Minutes from the Eglin East Gate, across from the Valparaiso City Hall)

SUNDAYSMorning Bible Study

9:30 a.m.Morning CelebrationService 11:00 a.m.

Evening Bible Study5:00 p.m.

“Engaging...GodConnecting...with others

Serving...all”

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VALPARAISOLead Pastor T.J. Kollar

Children’s & YouthActivities

Wed. 6:00 p.m.Sun. 5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

Mid WeekPrayer Service

6:00 p.m.

Our purpose is to make followers of Christ.

1000 37th St. Niceville - (850) 678-5879

Sunday Service TimesSunday School: 9:00 A.M.

Worship Service: 10:30 A.M.

WednesdayAWANA

4:30–7:30 P.M.

Pastor: Chris Phillips (Graduate of the Master’s Seminary)

St. Paul Lutheran Church & Preschool1407 E. John Sims Parkway 850-678-1298 www.stpaulniceville.com

8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m. (Praise) - 11:00 a.m.Sunday School 10:10 a.m.

“Living in God’s Amazing Grace!”

S U N D A Y W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E

Smart Discipline Parent Seminar -- Monday, October 19, 6:00pmInfo & registration www.smartdiscipline.org

Beacon photo by Stacie Morgan

Dylan Estep, Ryan Delevy, Romeo Blackmon and Reagan Hobbs, all of Valparaiso and studentsin Cyndi Jannazo's eighth grade science class, begin one of their first labs in Lewis MiddleSchool’s new STEM program.

Math teacher Lu Morrisexplained that one week duringeach nine-week period, studentswill spend time participating inSTEM lab projects/experimentsbut will spend the day prior to

labs withcommunitym e m b e r sfrom Eglinand otherengineeringfirms.

“ T h e s espeakers willmotivate thekids before

they start their projects,” saidMorris. “After they do lab workthey’ll go into their math classesand analyze and interpret whatthey learned in science. Then intheir language arts classes they’lllearn how to write up theirreports as well as keep journalsthrough it all. In social studies,they’ll learn where to find theresources projects might need orthe best countries in which to dothem. Lastly, they’ll go on fieldtrips to see first hand how it allworks together.”

Included in Lewis’ STEMprogram, but not limited to, willbe topics on the earth, space,physics, chemistry, the environ-ment and the nature of science

and research. These topics willtie in with the real-world occupa-tions of aerospace engineering,geologists, mechanical andchemical engineering and alltypes of research occupations.

The students’ first labinvolves learning the proper wayto measure and weigh.

“This is really helping me,”said Noah Phillips, a student inCindy Jannazo’s eighth gradescience class. “I’m learning howto calculate in grams and to prop-erly use a balance.”

“We’re really prepared to gofull bore with this program,” saidMikel. “When I checked this pro-gram out I really couldn’t find adown side to it.”

sessions. Among the training toolsWynn employed were video reen-actments of domestic violencecalls that resulted in death toresponding lawmen. While graph-ic in its depiction, the videos pro-vided an opportunity to discusshow the situations could havebeen more safely handled.

The widows of the two slainOkaloosa County deputies,Michelle Lopez and Janel York,posthumously accepted theShining Light Award atThursday's training session. Theaward, which recognizes peoplefor their efforts in eliminatingdomestic violence, was presentedby Bussman and Capt. J.D.Peacock of the Okaloosa CountySheriff's Office.

CALENDAR

2009

E-mail items toinfo@baybeacon.com

before 5 p.m. Wednesday.

400From page B-1

PROGRAMFrom page B-1

Please see CALENDAR, page B-7

Lu Morris

Everyone Welcome!

Pastor Tony Taylor ~ pastor@ncog.gccoxmail.com206 Palm Blvd N. ~ Church: 850-729-1221

Niceville Church of GodSunday School . . . . . . . . . .9:45 a.m.Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:45 a.m.Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 p.m.

Ministry for All Ages!