TRULY NEED YOUR INPUT AND FEED BACK
I've taken on a task that will have great benefits to the Northwest Florida area as well as benefits to youth engaged in 4H activities. Have you ever been to a function at Camp Timpoochee located just East of Bluewater Bay Bridge road on Highway 20? If you have, then you know what a "nature jewel" the place is. If you haven't, please take a short ride and you'll also discover the many opportunities that Camp Timpoochee has to offer.

Over the years I've worked with 4H and other groups in my capacity as a State Representative and as Chamber of Commerce Manager, helping to see that such facilities are maintained for use by citizens of the state. About 6 months ago Lane Jimerson with the University of Florida's 4H division contacted me concerning her interest in seeing things happen at Camp Timpoochee. At that time there was concern that the University of Florida would discontinue funding the Camp and its activities. With great assistance from Walton County Commissioners, we were able to get things back on track and I was asked to put together a group of people to serve as supporters for Camp Timpoochee and its facilities. I'm in the process of doing so right now.

The first 4H camp meeting was held there in 1927, so you see there's a long history connected with this facility. To learn more and to find out what is available to groups, businesses, schools, go to http://4h.ifas.ufl.edu/campging/timpooch.htm. Resident Director Bob Walker is extremely easy to work with and he and his staff will bend over backwards to make your event successful and pleasant. CHELCO has been extremely helpful in funding facilities and holding meetings at Timpoochee.

I need your help in finding the oldest living Timpoochee camper and also any individuals who were present for the 1927 camp meeting.

During the coming weeks I'll be asking individuals to serve with me on the "Booster" group and will also be asking organizations to help in promoting use of the facility. Please either contact me by email (jmelvin@gulf1.com) or call 850-376-9098. My mailing address is P. O. Box 902, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32549.

How about letting me hear from you with any information you may have about Camp Timpoochee and its history. If you'd be interesting in serving on the Booster group, I guarantee you'll be most welcome!

PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
I've always admired an individual who can play a musical instrument. I wanted to take piano when we first moved to Charleston, C.C. in 1939, but we just didn't have a piano and money was rather tight at the time. I did start taking Hawaiian Guitar lessons. Unfortunately, they taught by numbers and not notes so I never learned to read music. That phase didn't last long. Now, at my "mature" age I've bought myself a Ukulele and am determined to find someone who can teach me the right way to tackle this instrument. I truly am serious and would like for someone to come forward and be my teacher for a short time to get me started in the right way. I'm all fingers at the moment and my hands don't seem to want to twist the way the diagrams show.

TIME DRAWING NEAR
It's getting to the time where I have to make a decision relative to my future objectives. I've had a lot of encouragement from various groups and individuals to run for various political offices. If I'm going to run, I know that the time is here for me to make the decision, make the announcement and get on with it. I'd like to know what you think I should do. Please give me as much detail as possible so I can get an idea of what people throughout the area are thinking. I'll be much obliged!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage disposal probably eats better than 30 percent of the people in this world. (God's Little Instruction Book For Teachers)

QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What do you consider to be the most frustrating issue in Northwest Florida at this time?

Comments should be sent to:  jmelvin@gulf1.com