​ [[{“value”:” Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. The post Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical appeared first on Mattie Kelly Arts Center. “}]]  Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Saint Rita Conference, is a voluntary ministry dedicated to serving those in need within our community. Inspired by the mission of St. Vincent de Paul, we strive to provide compassionate assistance, hope, and support to our neighbors in Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, Destin and within the city limits of DeFuniak Springs. Being a “Vincentian” (a Member) within The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is for those who hear a special calling by God. Members are more than volunteers; this is not merely something that we do, but something that we are: “Vincentians”. As Vincentians, we put our faith into action. We love God, as St. Vincent said, “with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow.” The Vincentian vocation calls us to participate personally and directly in helping the needy by person-to-person contact and by the gift of our hearts and friendship, within the communal spirit of a Conference of lay persons each inspired by the same vocation. We seek to respond to the call every Vincentian receives, to bring the love of Christ to those in despair. We accomplish 40-50 home visits each week, helping our neighbors who are in need, regardless of religious affiliation. One of the most beneficial ways we help our neighbors is through car donations. Reliable transportation is essential for individuals and families to access vital resources such as work, medical appointments, groceries, and other essential services. By assisting with transportation, we aim to... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Rev. Pete Hyde The night was cold and raw when he stepped out onto the balcony of the fifth-floor hotel room.  A persistent, spitting rain added a chill to the biting breeze and the gloominess of the evening.  The penetrating darkness of Mobile Bay stretched out before him.  Irregular points of orange lights dotted the far shore of the Bay, a couple of miles in the distance.  The eerie glow of the Mobile’s lights blanketed the far shore of the bay with an iridescent mix of orange and white.  The faint smell of burgers and fries drifted from the Burger King next to the hotel, adding a whole new dimension to the evening.  The evening was not quiet.  The constant traffic on I-10 filled the evening with tire noise and the rumble of diesel engines. He shivered a little from the cold and damp but stayed on the balcony.  This would be his only opportunity to have a break in the busyness for a while. The activities of the Christmas season had piled up again this year. What happened to not letting it happen again this year? His eyes tracked along the near and far shore.  There were no Christmas lights or decorations to be seen.  But then something caught his attention.  Stretching across the bay was a double line of red lights disappearing into the far side of the bay. Coming from the far side of the bay was a double line of white lights.  Like an... Read More