Talk of the Town
GB Optimists prepare for tree sales

The Optimist Club of Gulf Breeze had assistance from the marines preparing for their Christmas tree sale this year. Marines Josh Weiland, Philip Peroune, Javier Cruz and Karlo Landrau helped Gulf Breeze Optimists prepare their Christmas tree lot for delivery of this year's Christmas trees. The Marines took turns operating the massive jackhammer that drove rebar supports for the trees into the ground. Jack Leaycraft supervised installation of the sprinkler system, assisted by Al Campbell and John Morrissey. Mark Meister installed lighting for the Christmas tree lot.

Optimist members who helped to prepare for the trees included: Tom Naile, Optimist International (OI) North Florida District Governor; Ray Shane, OI President; Charles Gray; Belie Williams; Pete Stroux; Nat Harris; Bob Willice; Randy Sharp and Jim Napoleone.

Christmas tree sales began Sunday, Nov. 18, and will continue Monday through Friday from 3 to 7:30 pm until mid December. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Christmas tree lot is located behind the Gulf Breeze High School baseball field, at the corner of Highway 98 and Andrew Jackson Trail. As a non-profit organization, the Gulf Breeze Optimists contribute all funds to benefit our area youth. For more information, contact Ray Shane at 850-324-0071, Charles Gray at 850-932-3835 or Fred Seager at 850-934-8247.

Submitted photo U.S. Marines take turns operating the huge jackhammer, driving tree supports into the ground in preparation of the Gulf Breeze Optimist Christmas tree sale.

Gulf Isle Neighbors Fall Events

The fall season has been a busy time for Gulf Isle Neighbors (GIN). In October, the Bingo Brunch was a wonderful success. Darlene Goderski kept everyone entertained while calling the bingo numbers. The door prizes and bingo prizes were first class but most of all, the participants had a great time. Kudos to Darlene and the Ways and Means Committee for providing such a fantastic day.

The Craft Committee met on Oct. 3 and assembled 60 Halloween gift bags for Hospice. The bags were decorated with cats, bats and pumpkins and then stuffed with candy, small toy favors, and beanie babies. Tootsie roll pop ghosts were made for each bag. Committee members present were: Lynda Krenning, Joyce Lowery, Catherine Driscoll, Edna Wright, Marianne Zimmerle, Kathy Christoff, Lynn Preece, Sally Muldoon and Tish Strickland.

The following businesses and people contributed to the success of this event: Olive Garden in Pensacola, Maria's Stained Glass Studio, Publix of Navarre, Edna Wright's family and Lowe of Ocean Springs, Miss.

The group met at the Pensacola Civic Center on Nov. 14. Lunch was at 11:30 a.m. and the program featured Yvonne Sabation.

The Gulf Isle Neighbor Christmas Party will be held Dec. 12 at the Hurlburt Field Officers'

Club from 6 to 10 p.m. Music will be provided by PartyTyme Productions. The cost is $30 per person. Call 850-939-8662 or 850-932-5998 for details or place a reservation by submitting a check payable to GIN by Dec. 7 at P.O. Box 91, Gulf Breeze, Fla., 32562-0091. There will be tickets for the jeweled Christmas tree and other raffles. The Christmas Party has been a special event in the club's annual calendar.

Heron Oak Artists annual Open House

Heron Oak Artists annual Holiday Open House will be Sunday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Copper Heron Studio of Autry Dye, located at 989 Great Oaks Drive in the Oaks subdivision approximately four miles east of Gulf Breeze on Highway 98. The new art of Susan Bright, Autry Dye, John Hagenbucher, Jane Nowlin, Lois Overbaugh, Royanne Pace and Bill Triemer will be displayed along with many handmade gifts and cards. For more information call 850- 932-8397.

Carol Holland Doyle

Carol Holland Doyle, a member of Gulf Breeze Arts, Inc., is displaying her colorful beach and underwater acrylic artwork at the Gulf Breeze Library. Carol's work is truly unique and will be on exhibit until the first of January. All her art is for sale, and interested persons should contact the artist directly. For information about the club, or the show, contact Mrs. Brinkman at 850-932-0125.

Handel's Messiah

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Society of Pensacola will perform Handel's Messiah at St. Sylvester Catholic Church on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.

The concert will feature Linda Mabbs, soprano; Stephanie Novacek, mezzo soprano; Vale Rideout, tenor and Stephen Bryant, baritone. Tickets will be available after all masses at the parish office and at the door. Advanced tickets are $25 for reserved seating and $20 for general seating. If purchased at the door, tickets will be $30 for reserved seating and $25 for general seating. St. Sylvester's Catholic Church is located at 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze. For additional ticket information, call 850-435-2533 or call the parish office at 850- 939-3020. Don't miss this inspiring concert when the Hallelujah Chorus will ring the rafters with joyous holiday spirit.

Emerald Coast Bead Society

The Emerald Coast Bead Society presents the annual Holiday Show Dec. 1 at The Wright Place, located at 80 East Wright Street in Pensacola. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. The event will feature glass, lamp work and dichroic beads, findings, finished jewelry, batik clothing and articles, macramé items, wire-wrapped jewelry, softsculpture dolls, purses, decorated gourds, pottery, paintings and other artwork all made by the members of the Emerald Coast Bead Society. For further information please contact Mary Jordan at 850-455-6109 or email Nona2kylie@cox.net. Gulf Breeze Hospital Auxiliary

Gulf Breeze Hospital Auxiliary cordially invites you to join them in celebrating the holiday season by recognizing friends and loved ones with a light on the 2007 Tree of Light.

The Tree of Light holds a special meaning for members of the Gulf Breeze Hospital Family and the community it serves. Each light honors an individual or group that supports the Gulf Breeze Hospital Auxiliary.

For a minimum donation of $5 your light will shine on the Tree of Light in recognition of the person or group you choose. During the holidays, your light tells them you are thinking of them in a very special way. Their names will appear in the Book of Honor displayed in the hospital lobby and a card will be sent notifying them of your thoughtfulness.

If you wish to participate, forms are available in the hospital gift shop or the volunteer office. Completed forms can be returned to the Gulf Breeze Hospital Gift Shop or mailed to the Gulf Breeze Hospital Auxiliary, 1110 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Fla., 32561.

Proceeds go to the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund for students pursuing health related professions. For further information call Wendy Brandon at 850-932- 7619 or Shari Fulford at 850- 932-5135.

Pensacola Opera Guild Hosts 6th Annual Fall Fashion Show

Start the holiday season at Mustin Beach Officer's Club Thursday, Nov. 29 with the Pensacola Opera Guild as they present their sixth annual fall luncheon and fashion show. Bid on items at the silent auction, browse the wares of local artists and businesswomen at the vendor's fair and enjoy a wonderful lunch while watching the fashion show with ladies' casual and evening wear from Marisa's Boutique and men's formalwear by Randall's Formal Wear. All funds raised go to support Pensacola Opera, including their nationally recognized education and outreach programs.

This year, one lucky attendee will be selected to receive a makeover that includes a new hairstyle, makeup and skincare consultation, a new outfit and accessories and an assortment of other beauty-related gifts. Stylists include: Mimi Bogan with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Janie Fonseca with 10th Avenue Hair Design, and Marisa, owner of Marisa's boutique. Nominations were due by Monday, Nov. 5.

Table sponsorships, vendors, and silent auction donations are still welcome. Contact Erin Kelley at 850-433-6737 or erin@pensacolaopera.com for more details.

Tickets are $35, and can be purchased by contacting the opera at 850-433-6737.

Gulf Coast Friends Arts/Craft Fair Luncheon XVII

Gulf Coast Friends had a very successful Arts/Crafts Fair Luncheon Nov. 8. The donors were: Lee Tracy Fashions, Tea Time, Shoreline Deli, Majestic Travel, Antiquarian Jewelers, Curves, Community Life Center Aerobics and Line Dancing, Sidelines, Billie Bob's, Market on the Beach, Open Rose, Bells, Woods Gallery, Avon, Sal's Pizzeria, Portifino Spa, Nosh, Vannoy Tires, Pam Wynn, Fran Mudsatup, Georgia Emmert, Hemingways, Kazbor's Grill, Hidden Creek Country Club, Cocodries, Navarre Liquor, Ruby Tuesday's, Verde Restaurant, Clara Brosnaham, Unique Gift Shoppe, Cream Studio, Serenity Salon, Margaret O'Dell, Aloha Liquors, Barnhill's, Decorator Den, Lowes, Cancun, Beau Rivage, Papillions Gift Shop, Bere Jewelers, The Framery and Highpointe Properties. Mollye Barrow of Channel 3 News announced the winners of the many prizes. President Jane Arnott says the artist/crafters and all who attended the fair and luncheon were appreciated. All net proceeds are donated to local charities.