BASS FISHINGBass Fishing Sports Blog

There is no other lure on the market which catches more bass than plastic worms. this is a fantastic time of the year to place on your favorite plastic worm, work the grasslines of our chain or other lakes and catch that once-in-a-lifetime lunker bass. A plastic worm can be rigged in many ways, but my favorite is the Texas rigged worm, as these can be fished year around especially in cover.

My favorite colored plastic worm is moccasin in the 8-inch size, as it has proved over the years to be the best I have ever used in all situations. I know that most anglers use the Junebug color, which works fantastic in our lakes throughout Florida, but I stick with what is best for me.

As my favorite fishing buddy, Leroy Thomas (now deceased), used to say, “Give me a bag of plastic worms, a Zebco fishing rig mixed with water and bass and I will always have a winning combination.”

Leroy always proved his point as he boated more bass in a year than this ancient boy did in five years. By the way, Leroy’s tackle box was his shirt pocket where he kept a handful of worms and a few hooks.

Winter Haven Chain and other lakes

The fishing has been good for speckled perch as anglers are catching 10 to 20 good size specks on each trip into lakes Cannon, Hartridge, Wineterset, Eloise and Summit. Most are being caught on minnows while drifting, but some are being caught while casting Hal Flies. Bass fishing has been picking up due to the warmer weather during the first part of this week. Jeff Thompson caught his limit of bass on Monday morning while fishing with plastic worms in Lake Winterset. Jeff said he was using Junebug 6-inch plastic worms and having a ball. Plenty of bass action throughout the chain.

Fishing has been good in individual lakes surrounding Winter Haven that are not located in the chain. Lake Smart has been producing good catches of bass up to 8 pounds while fishing with wild shiners. Anglers fishing Lake Sears in the early morning hours with plastic have been boating bass up to 6 pounds,

Lake Elbert has been one of the top lakes for bass this past week, as Bill Rackley caught his limit up to 4 pounds while fishing with 8-inch Junebug colored plastic worms. Bill said he talked to one angler who was using live shiners and he caught three bass with the largest tipping the scales at 9 pounds.

Lake Buckeye just a block from the college has been giving up bass in the 3- to 6-pound size while using plastic worms early in the morning. Best color is Junebug. Some specks are still being caught out of this lake on minnows. Catfish up to 6 pounds were caught on chicken livers this past week.

Anglers fishing Lake Silver in downtown Winter Haven have been catching bass in the 2- to 4-pound class on plastic worms. Try the early morning or late afternoon hours for best results. Bluegills are still being caught out of Silver while fishing with crickets.

Eagle Lake is producing good bass catches in the early morning hours on large wild shiners. Bass up to 5- to 10-pounds were caught over the weekend. Plenty of speck action in this lake while using minnows. Bluegills still being caught on crickets.

Lake Ariana in Auburndale is giving up bass in the 2- to 4-pound class while using plastic worms. Best bet is early morning. Work the grasslines for good results. Specks hitting in late afternoon on minnows. Catfish action fair on cut bait and bluegills fair on crickets.

Keep those lines tight and be sure to take a youth with you on your next fishing trip. see you on the pond.

outdoorramblings@gmail.com.

I consider it one of the best because I get to do one of the things that I truly love, and that is to interact and to talk with people. I know for a fact that I would not have been doing this job for these many years (23 at last count) if I didn’t truly enjoy the time that I get to mingle with the folks.

Through all of these years I can confess to meeting hundreds of folks (maybe even thousands), but the numbers are not vital. the point that I’m getting at is that every day that I go to work, I can be guaranteed to have the pleasure of having a brief encounter with whom I consider at least one of the most fascinating people of Lexington and Davidson County. on any given day if I only talk to three people in my inner circle at my workplace, I’d still say that I’ve rubbed elbows with three of the most fascinating people that I know.

Let me start with my general manager, this single mother of two lovely daughters.

She started out while still in high school working with this company. She worked a couple of other jobs and went though a bad marriage and finished back with the company with which she started and worked her way up the management chart. all this while raising her aforementioned two daughters. Now some may not consider this much of an accomplishment, but it is if you knew the pressures of such a job as this and the sacrifice demanded on one.

Another person who I consider a very fascinating person is my area supervisor. This is a guy that I went to high school with. he started for this company while still in high school also. he worked his way up through the ranks after going to college and receiving a degree in business. Now even though we weren’t close friends in high school, we did spend time talking. Nevertheless we never talked about our future working together and him being my boss one day.

But that’s not what makes him an fascinating person in my opinion. What makes this person fascinating is the mere fact that I can honestly say without a doubt that he is one of the smartest people who I know. not only is he required to know everything there is to know in this business, he also has the knowledge to do most of the repairs on any of the equipment that happens to “fluke up,” and believe me it’s something every day.

But not only is he quite knowledgeable in the business, he has a vast knowledge on just about every subject that one can reckon of. I’ve questioned this man’s advice on everything from auto mechanics to xylophones and have received sound advice. I can’t recall ever asking him anything and received an “I don’t know.”

There’s one more person that I must include for the circle to be complete. the owner of the business that employees me. This person wasn’t handed this business when his father (the former owner) decided to retire; this person started at the bottom. and when I say bottom I mean bottom (really he started further at the bottom than most).

Since his father owned the business, state law allowed him to started working at a younger age than most, so he recalls spending time in the basement of the restaurant peeling and slicing potatoes for French fries. Now I know this sounds unbelievable (who would have thought that French fries were ever whole potatoes?). between him and his brother they both literally battled their way from the basement. Because like brothers, there was always a battle of superiority. But because of his will to fight, determination and never-give-up attitude that’s why he’s a business owner, instead of an employer of his brother (who also owns his own restaurant).

Now I’d like to hit the point of why I say that I get to rub elbows with some of the most fascinating people in Lexington and Davidson County. on any given day (or night) on the job, I may talk to, speak with, wave to or simply nod at : 1) a former well-known gas-man for a late fantastic Winston Cup driver. 2) a well-known artist who has an awesome mural in our downtown library dedicated in memory of a wonderful woman and longtime employee of the library. 3) the mother of a local bass fishing champ who keeps me informed about the produce that she and her farmer husband had planted, tended, harvested and taken to the Triad Market for sale. 4) a lovely elderly well-traveled retired teacher who was on the list to be the next teacher to make the trip into space before the tragic space shuttle explosions. 5) a war veteran who tells me stories and shows me pictures of when he was stationed in Germany (and recently made the Flight of Honor to Washington to see the World War II Memorial). 6) a local author who drives around town in a white limousine (impossible to miss). 7) and a young entrepreneur who sells hot dogs from a pushcart in front of our county courthouse.

Space does not allow me to continue with this list, but believe me it’s much longer. I didn’t even mention the “rumored” American Idol winner who (I was told) stopped by one night just to visit our rest room. or a Sprint Cup driver who (once again I was told) came though the drive-though. or the former football coach (now I witnessed this one firsthand) of our state’s pro football team that we love to hate. Yes I have one of the best jobs there is because it allows me to talk with some of the most fascinating people in Lexington and Davidson County; it allows me to talk to you.

Ron Banks wishes all the residents of Lexington and Davidson County a fantastic 201, and hopes that he gets to talk to you.

THREE YEARS AGO, when Alicia Blose packed her bags and headed off to Boston College, it signaled the likely end of her career as a scoring machine. but the role the Tam High grad has played for the Eagles women’s soccer team the past three seasons has been just as exhilarating.

Blose has been a part of Boston College’s ascent into the upper echelon of NCAA division I women’s soccer. Her freshman season, the Eagles went 18-4-2 en route to an Elite eight appearance in the NCAA tournament. The following year, a 17-7-1 campaign took Boston College to its first Final four appearance.

On Friday, Blose played 19 minutes and took a shot in a dramatic second-round match with Cal that ended in a scoreless tie through regulation and two overtimes. The Eagles (12-6-3) won by penalty kicks, 3-1, at Stanford’s Cagan Stadium.

“It was really exciting,” said Blose, after the win over Cal. “We were pushing the whole game, we knew it was going to be a battle, we were preparing ourselves for that type of game.”

But to the victors went no spoils. all Boston College got was an Elite eight match with the nation’s top team, Stanford, down on the Farm.

Stanford prevailed — as they have in the previous three meetings with Blose’s Eagles in the NCAAs — by a 2-0 score on Sunday, putting an end to No. 16 Boston College’s Cinderella run.

Now, it’s up to Blose, suddenly a senior for all intents and purposes, to try to find a way to get Boston College over the Stanford hump and to the school’s first national title.

Eagles coach Alison Foley thinks Blose just might have what it takes to do that.

“We have high expectations for Alicia,” said Foley, in her 15th season at the private Jesuit university in Newton, Mass. “Not only has she kept improving on the field, she’s a great person off the field; really mature, great character. she studies hard, she’s serious and socially she makes the right choices.”

Blose has improved on the pitch too, transitioning from the scoring phenom she was for the Red-tailed Hawks, to a player that can score and defend in the midfield.

“She’s done a great job. For the most part she’s come off the bench for us in the midfield,” Foley said. “She scored a tremendous goal for us (in overtime) against Virginia Tech (in September). … she continues to develop, … her ability to play in the middle and her passing ability is brilliant, to both sides of the field.”

Blose herself is prepared for a larger role, as she’s learned from those who’ve come before her.

“The level of dedication I’ve seen from my seniors, who I’ve watched for three years, seeing them fight and struggle, and seeing them become these amazing players and learning from their experiences,” Blose said. “Then, also, just working, just keep working; like if we suffer a disadvantage or go down a goal, you have to pick yourself up. Sometimes that can be really hard if you’re down by a goal, but you just have to keep going if that happens. Facing adversity in a positive way.”

Blose and the Eagles won’t have to wait until next November to exact revenge on the Cardinal. Stanford is on Boston College’s 2012 preseason schedule, and it will be up to Blose and her fellow seniors to show new underclassman about staying positive in the face of adversity.

• University of North Carolina sophomore Kelly McFarlane, a Branson School product, had her own hopes of a national soccer championship. McFarlane scored a goal to lead UNC (13-5-2) to a 5-0 win over Baylor and into the last 16 on Friday. she also scored in the first round against William & Mary, giving her two goals for the tournament and three on the season. but the No. 19 Tar Heels fell to University of Central Florida 5-4 on sudden-death penalty kicks.

• Bobby Conner, last year’s MCAL boys soccer player of the year, has been an important member on St. Mary’s team which is making a run in the NCAA tournament. Conner played in the Gaels 1-0 win over CSU Bakersfield, then started in St. Mary’s 2-1 overtime win over UC Irvine on Sunday. St. Mary’s takes on Brown in the Elite eight round at 5 p.m. on Nov. 27.

• Suffolk University’s Leslie Hayden, a 2008 Redwood grad, has continued to thrive on the soccer pitch and was named the great Northeast Athletic Conference offensive player of the year. Hayden scored 22 goals with seven assists while leading the D-III Rams to the GNAC title game. The Rams (11-8-1) lost 2-1, with Hayden providing the lone assist.

• University of Oregon fishing duos of Zachary Niesen and Nick Doring (both of mill Valley), and Reed Frazier (San Rafael) and Ross Richards (Eugene, Ore.) loved top-10 finishes at the college fishing western regional championships that took place in Tempe, Ariz last week. Niesen and Doring finished ninth after catching three bass at a combined weight of 6-pounds, 9-ounces. Reed’s team — who won the west region in 2010 — caught six bass, but they only totaled 5-pounds, 8-ounces.

• Corte Madera skipper Nick Dugdale, a Redwood grad, and his Stanford sailing crew won two consecutive races, advancing to the the semifinals of national match racing championships on the San Francisco Bay on Sunday. The Cardinal then fell to eventual champs Navy 2-0.

• Redwood grad Lauren Creath, a sophomore cross-country runner at Tufts University, helped her team place fifth at the new England Small College Athletic Conference finals. The end sent the Jumbos to the D-III Nationals in Wisconsin where the Corte Madera product finished with a time of 22 minutes, 39 seconds, helping Tufts to a 20th-place end out of 32 schools.

• Marin Catholic grad Nicole Anderson-Jew had eight points, six assists, and three steals for the UC San Diego women’s basketball team in their 68-47 season-opening win against Seattle Pacific. The sophomore from San Rafael is averaging 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds a game for the 4-0 Tritons (D-II).

Theo Fightmaster covers college sports at the IJ. Send updates to t

, call 382-7385 or contribute to the on Campus blog at marinij.com.

Better late than never! a series of storms are finally heading our way, allowing North Coast anglers targeting late fall-run salmon to get back on the water. the fist round of storms will dump most of the rain to our north, which should kick-start both the Chetco and Smith Rivers. both are currently low and clear and in desperate need of rain. if you’re planning on fishing either of these rivers over the weekend, expect some company. Other than the Trinity and Klamath, which are both at the end of their fall salmon runs, the Smith and Chetco will be the only game in town if you’re looking for chrome-bright kings. Anglers looking to get back on the Eel and Van Duzen rivers may have to wait until the next storm hits as both aren’t forecasted for much of a rise. these predictions can and will change. for up-to-date river forecasts, visit cnrfc.noaa.gov.

Rain in the forecast

According to Reginald Kennedy of Eureka’s National Weather Service, rain is predicted to fall along the North Coast beginning Wednesday, with most of the heavy precipitation falling in Del Norte County. the Smith River basin could see upwards of three quarters of an inch on Thursday with off and on showers through Saturday morning. the rain will taper off as the system heads south into Humboldt and Mendocino Counties, where we may only see up to a third of an inch of rain. what this means to our rivers is from the Chetco south to the mad River, all the rivers along this stretch should see a significant rise. from the Eel river south, most of the rain that falls will be absorbed into the ground, keeping the river flows flat. the next wet weather is forecasted to hit next Wednesday, bringing more rain through Friday.

Smith River – Rowdy Creek Hatchery update

Not many salmon have come back to the hatchery as of this week according to hatchery manager Andrew Van Scoyk, but you can attribute that mostly to lack of water in the Creek. “We did get a small rain Tuesday night and more is on the way, so we should see more returning salmon soon. I’ve had quite a few heads returned to the hatchery that were from four-year ancient fish, so I think this is going to be a “huge fish” year,” Van Scoyk added.

HSU bass team headed to regional tournament

Student anglers Dominic Vitali and Ben Smith will be representing the HSU Bass team in the Western Regional Championship held at Saguaro Lake in Arizona Nov. 17-19. Twenty college teams will be competing for a top award of $50,000 to be split between the school and bass fishing club. the top five teams from each regional tournament advance to the national championship where the first-place team wins an award of $100,000.

You can watch the weigh-ins in real time online at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday at collegefishing.com/flwLive.cfm. the TV broadcast will be shown on VERSUS Dec 25 from 10-11 a.m.

Sport Crab fishing going strong

Skippers Phil Glenn of Celtic Charter Service and Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sportfishing are both reporting brilliant crabbing out of Eureka. both have been averaging up to 25 crabs per pot and limits are coming simple. “With the amount of crab that’s out there, we’re able to really sort through them and keep the jumbos. In the eight years I’ve been running trips on the Shellback, this is the best I’ve seen it,” Glenn added. Weather permitting, Glenn and Klassen are running trips daily and have open seats available. to book a trip with Celtic Charter call (707) 442-7843. Reel Steel Sportfishing can be reached at (707) 499-4925.

John Corbett of Eureka’s Pro Sport Center reports the sport crabbing has slowed down at the mouth of the Eel, but the sport guys launching off the beach at Trinidad are doing well. “I was last weekend and limits were simple to come by. we dropped three pots and had 80 keepers in about an hour. we were fishing just inside of Pilot Rock in 40 to 50 feet of water.” Corbett said.

the Rivers:

Chetco River

Val Early of Early Fishing Guide Service reports the river has continued to drop, especially the past few days. “The river hasn’t cleared any because it’s already as clear as it can get. the fish are kegged in the holes and most don’t want to bite much of anything. many of the fish are very dark, but there are a few bright ones around too. it started to sprinkle on Tuesday night and the majority of the rain is supposed to hit on Wednesday. there should be a excellent push of fish hitting the river with the new water making its way to the ocean and bringing them up. according to the predictions the river should be at a excellent level for drifting where plugs, back bouncing and even side-drifting will bring salmon success” Early added.

The Smith, Eel, mad and Van Duzen Rivers are regulated by low flow closures. call the DFG’s low flow closure hotline at (707) 822-3164 to determine the condition of the rivers.

Smith River

With rain predicted to start Wednesday night, the river is forecasted to rise through Friday, peaking at just over nine feet on the Jed Smith gauge. according to Mike Coopman of Mike Coopman’s Guide Service, Thursday and Friday could be excellent days, depending on how much debris is in the water. “If the forecast holds, Thursday morning could be real excellent. if the river comes up past the previous high water mark, expect to see a lot of debris in the water, which could make the conditions tough. On the first rise, the salmon are going to be charging upriver, so your best bet is to find a excellent travel lane and really work it. You don’t need to do a lot of moving around; the fish will be coming to you. the water should be slightly off color Thursday and Friday, so you’ll want to use a Kwikfish with some flash. if the rain doesn’t materialize on Sunday, we’ll probably be back to low and clear conditions by Sunday and into Monday,” Coopman said.

Eel River (main stem)

Currently closed above Fulmor Road due to low flows and not forecasted to get enough rain to open this weekend. There’s lots of salmon around according to Paul Grundman of Rio Dell’s Grundmans Sporting Goods. Minimum flows to open the main stem are 350 cfs at the gauging station near Scotia. for river level predictions, visit cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1

Eel River (South Fork)

Like the main stem, the South Fork Eel is currently closed and not predicted to get enough rain out of the next storm to open. Minimum flows to open the river are 340 cfs on the Miranda gauge. for river level predictions, visit cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=MRNC1

Van Duzen River

Currently closed due to low flows, with the area predicted to get nearly a half-inch of rain on Thursday. most of the water is predicted to absorb into the ground, but you’ll want to keep an eye on this one. Minimum flows are 150 cfs at the Grizzly Creek gauge. for river level predictions, visit cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=BRGC1

mad River

Still closed as of Wednesday, but will open with the rain coming. Predicted to rise to eight feet by Saturday night. if we get lots of snow, if may fish early next week. according to Gary Blasi of Arcata’s mad River Tackle, there are some steelhead in the river and hopefully the next rain will bring in more. for river level predictions, visit cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ARCC1

Upper Trinity

Working the Douglas City area, guide Steve Huber of Steve Huber’s Guide Service has put away the salmon gear and is now exclusively targeting steelhead – and getting from three to five per trip. “With not much rain to speak of, the river continues to be low and clear. the salmon aren’t moving and they’re basically stuck and have begun spawning where they are. there are quite a few steelhead around, but they are moving in slowly. We’re finding them in the faster water and in ambush areas where they can feed. We’re getting most on plugs, but also getting a few side-drifting roe now that the smolts have moved down,” Huber said.

“Fishing the North Coast” is now on Facebook. be sure to check it out for timely, up-to-date fishing reports and information from all over the North Coast.

Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to

Holiday Lights in Concert

The Holiday Lights in Concert spectacular is back at Silver Sands from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1. this visual presentation features a display of colorful lights synchronized to all-time favorite Christmas songs.

Festival of Trees

More than a dozen decorated Christmas trees will be on public display as area non-profit organizations vie to win cash prizes for Best of show and People’s choice awards during the Festival of Trees from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Christmas in Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Contest winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 in Grand Park with music, cookies and hot chocolate. Events are free.

Holiday movie night

Delight in a holiday movie under the stars, “how the Grinch Stole Christmas”, at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Seaside Amphitheater.

Christmas in Rosemary Beach

“Turn on the town” and welcome in the holidays during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 in South Barrett Square. enjoy caroling, Santa’s huge arrival and carriage rides. Immediately following the Tree Lighting, visit town center merchants for a special evening of holiday shopping and refreshments!

Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 26 in Town Hall. Children can enjoy a magical morning at Santa’s Workshop with a continental, bagged breakfast, professional color photo with Santa and a goodie bag from Gigi’s. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Do your holiday shopping as you browse through booths filled with handcrafted gifts of pottery, jewelry, paintings and more at the Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 on the Town Center lawns.

The Rep Theatre presents highlights of Christmas stories and traditions in a quick, physical and fun show, “every Christmas Tale Ever Told”, at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 in North Barrett Square. the event is free and all are invited.

Holidays at Baytowne Wharf

The Holiday Celebrations begin at the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 with a day of fun including races through the obstacle course or jumping in a bounce house. the evening ends with the movie, “Miracle on 34th Street” at 7 p.m.

The fun continues Nov. 26 with a Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa. there will be a preview of the new choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights, followed by a fireworks show over the lagoon. Admission is free. Open to public.

A special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series presents free music from 6-8 p.m. in the Events Plaza.

The 12 Nights of Lights features a festive light show at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December in the Events Plaza.

In celebration of the holiday season, the Village of Baytowne Wharf and Abrakadoodle present the holiday paper lantern parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 17. this community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic symbols of the holiday season. We invite all individuals and groups to participate by making their own paper lanterns.

The evening starts with a Christmas Parade with the Sandestin homeowners and their lighted, golf carts at 6 p.m.

Turn on the Town

Kick off the holiday season beginning with a parade at 4 p.m. Nov. 26 from Seagrove Beach west to Seaside. Once Santa arrives on the back of the vintage fire truck, it’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities and pictures with the jolly-bearded one. After a few versus of Jingle Bells, the count down starts to “Turn on the Town.”

Lighting of the Tree

Start the holiday season from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 26 at Rock Hard Designs at Monet Monet Garden in Grayton Beach.  enjoy refreshments, arts and crafts while children make an ornament to take home. the Lighting of the Tree is at dusk. call 534-4534.

 

Holiday celebration

An Ancient Florida Holiday Celebration and Winter Market with a tree lighting in Cerulean Park and horse carriage rides will be held from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 26 in Marina Park at WaterColor Inn and Resort. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Open to the public.

Vintage Vegas

Ron Adams brings a classic Vegas style show, complete with showgirls, lights and costumes, to the harbor during the Vintage Vegas Holiday show at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at HarborWalk Village in Destin. the Yat Pat will also perform music reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. call 424-0600.

 

Hometown Christmas

Celebrate a Hometown Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Walton County Fairgrounds.

Photos with Santa

Free kids’ photos, courtesy of Grand Boulevard, will be made from 2-4 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 26-Dec. 24 at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. call 65-5929.

Christmas tree lighting

The 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Destin, will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Destin Community Center. there will be entertainment from local choruses, musical groups and dancers with refreshments being served after the lighting of the tree. Donations of toys and canned food will be collected for families in need. call 654-5184.

Sounds of the Season

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents its annual Christmas concert, Sounds of the Season, at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Village Baptist Church. this holiday concert is a collaboration of four Destin churches and will feature special guest artist Michael J Thomas, vocalist and saxophone musician, and the New River Quartet. Admission is a donation of an unwrapped child’s toy to be distributed among the participating church’s outreach ministry to families in need. a like offering at intermission will benefit the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s All Kinds of Art, a youth educational outreach program for the visual and performing arts serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. call 650-2226.

Support Fisher House

Place on your most festive camouflage Christmas attire and join Howl at the Moon in support of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Dec. 2. For a $10 donation, enjoy the entertaining Howl at the Moon dueling piano show, receive two free drinks and a chance to win some great prizes. All donations from ticket sales made prior to Dec. 2 go directly to the Fisher House. help by calling the Fisher House at 259-4956 to get your tickets. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted.

Choral Society

The Choral Society of Pensacola presents the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Road. Tickets are $18/reserved section seating, $15/general admission, and $5/students. Tickets can be bought at 484-1847 and will be available at the door one hour prior to performance time.

Santa’s arrival

Don’t miss the arrival of Santa at Silver Sands on Sacred Heart’s AIRHeart Helicopter at noon Dec. 3. Children are invited to dress up in festive holiday costumes and join Santa for a fun parade to the Courtyard for refreshments and complimentary photos. a donation will be made to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in the name of the holiday costume contest winners for each age category.

Holiday craft show

The fourth annual Holiday Craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Destin Community Center. Vendors will have artwork, handmade crafts, scrapbooking, silk florals, food products, jewelry and more. Admission is free. call 654-5184.

Breakfast with Santa

The Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary will host its 28th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 3 in the hospital cafeteria. Tickets are $3/adults and $2/children and are available in advance at the Gift Shop or at the door. Volunteer elves will help children purchase gifts, including wrapping, for $1-$5 in Santa’s workshop. call 243-5860.

Breakfast with Santa

Bring the lil’ rockers to Hard Rock Cafe Destin for Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Cost is $9.95 and children 2 and younger are free with paid adult. Includes reserved seating and a buffet style breakfast plus a visit with Santa and photos and a party bag with goodies. make reservations at 654-3310.

Elf Ride

Bicycle or walk during the South Walton fire District’s Fourth Annual Elf Ride at 1 p.m. Dec. 4 from the Seaside Post Office to SWFD’s WaterColor Station. help brighten Christmas for the children of Walton County by bringing an unwrapped toy for the SWFD Angel Tree. Refreshments and a tour of the fire station as well as the fire trucks will be available. Wear your Santa or Elf hat and decorate your bike. Parent(s) must accompany all children.

If weather does not cooperate, toys may be dropped off at the WaterColor Station on Dec. 4. For more information call 267-1298 or email .

Destin Boat Parade

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 25th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the harbor and the judging will start at 6 p.m. upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. Fireworks in the East Pass will light up the sky after the parade.

The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums. in case of bad weather, the event will be held Dec. 11.

A Season of Song

The Niceville High School Chorus ushers in the holidays with a medley of winter and holiday selections featuring a candlelight processional at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Mattie Kelly Fine Arts Auditorium on the Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville. Tickets are $15 and all seats are reserved. purchase tickets at 729-6000 or visit mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Holiday Toast on the Coast

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host its annual holiday reception and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Proceeds will go toward promoting and enhancing the public relations profession along the Gulf Coast and Christmas gifts will be collected and donated to Emerald Coast Toys for Tots, an organization that distributes toys to needy children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The event will include a silent auction and non-raffle drawing for prizes such as gift certificates, room stays, vacation packages, event tickets, gift baskets, advertising and much more. Local businesses and individuals are invited to donate items for the drawing to help raise money.

Drawing tickets can be bought at the door or prior to the event at Silver Sands Factory Stores’ Shopper Services and Grand Boulevard’s Guest Services for $10 per ticket or three for $25.

To attend, email by Dec. 2. Admission is $25, $20/FPRA members, and includes a cocktail and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Mistletoe Market

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast will host its fourth annual Mistletoe Market fundraiser Dec. 8-11 at the Linkside Center at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Specialty merchants from across the country will offer gift items including clothing, jewelry and handbags to food, art and children’s items.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Admission is $5.

The event will kick-off with the Mistletoe Market Preview Party, a VIP shopping party, from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 8 with five local restaurants and catering companies serving and live entertainment. Tickets are $40/person.

Breakfast with Santa for children will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 and includes a magic show. Cost is $20/child. Tickets for the Preview Party and Breakfast with Santa are available at jlec.org or at the door.

DMS concert

The Destin Middle School Winter Concert and silent Auction will be held Dec. 9 at Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. the auction bidding starts at 6 p.m. with the free concert to follow at 6:30 p.m. Browse the bidding tables for unique gift baskets and items, donated from the generous business community.

Breakfast with Santa at Butler

Van R. Butler Elementary in Santa Rosa Beach will hold its 14th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 10. Santa arrives at 9 a.m. on a South Walton fire Department fire truck. Butler dads will serve breakfast and there will be crafts for kids and a silent auction. Tickets for this fundraiser are $6/advance or $8/door. Tickets are available at Mermaids Boutique, 107 Cannery Lane in Baytowne Wharf, at Sandestin Resort, or 98 Bar-B-Que, 5008 U.S. 98 West, Unit 1 in Santa Rosa Beach.

The Magic of Christmas

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus presents the concert, “the Magic of Christmas”, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/children under 12 years of age, and $12/seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be bought at Alphy’s Catfish House in Navarre, Bayou Books in Niceville, Blooms and Bon Bons in Crestview, Connect with Flowers in Shalimar, P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, the Cat Clinic in Destin, and Diamond Works in Mary Esther.

Tee off for Toys

People are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15 or more Dec. 10-11 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. in exchange guests can play Sandestin’s golf courses for just the green and golf cart fee of $20. All toys and donations will be given to Harvest House for their Hope for Holidays program benefiting children and families in need this holiday season.

Local residents, guests and visitors are welcome to participate. Tee times are available all day and can be made at 850-267-8155.

Destin Christmas Parade

The 26th Annual Destin Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 10. the theme this year is “Christmas around the World.” Parade will assemble at 8 a.m. at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and then travel down U.S. 98 to Nightown. Applications may be picked up at the Destin Community Center or downloaded at cityofdestin.com. they must be returned by Dec. 2. call 654-5184.

Peter White Christmas 

The annual holiday production, Peter White Christmas presented by WSBZ-FM the Seabreeze 106.3 FM, blends cool contemporary jazz with traditional holiday music at 7:309 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NFSC in Niceville. Eight time Grammy Award nominee saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, will join Mindi Abair and Peter White for what will be a “jazzy Christmas”.   

All seats are reserved.  General Admission seating is $40 each with special Front Section seating available for $80 each. To order tickets by phone call the Arts Center at 729-6000 or visit WSBZ-FM website at seabreeze.fm.   Front Section tickets are only available by phone or at the Arts Center Box Office in person.

General Admission tickets are also available at Playground Music   Center in Fort Walton Beach and Kitchenique at City Market in Destin.

The Greatest Gift Camp

Immanuel Anglican Church will host “the Greatest Gift Camp” to celebrate the birth of Jesus from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 inside Noah’s Ark Preschool. Children ages 4-10 will make gifts for their family members. Cost is $30, siblings are $25. call 837-6324 to register. Space is limited.

The Nutcracker

Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance present their annual holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”, at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the South Walton Beach High School auditorium. More than 80 local dancers will participate in the production. Early Bird pricing is $15 before Dec. 12 and general admission available at the door for $20 cash each day. call 837-1133.

Luces Navideñas

The Seventh Annual Luces Navideñas Children’s Party will be held from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Center in Fort Walton Beach. the  “Latin-Flavored” party is open to all children/families regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity. everything is free, to include new toys for all that attend. there will be food, games, DJs, singers, church choirs, clowns, magicians, plus Santa and his elves.

The organization needs donations of toys, gifts, clothing as well as monetary contributions to defray the costs of the event. We are also looking for volunteers and business sponsors. call 305-3686 or 368-3505 or email or .

Baking class

Chef Jim Shirah will hold baking classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the Destin Community Center for children ages 8-14. the fee is $25/residents and $30/non-residents. each student will learn how to bake and take home holiday cookies and treats. Register at 654-5184.

Sacred Heart Holiday Sale

The spirit of the holidays will come alive in the main hallway of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast as the hospital’s Volunteer Guild hosts its annual Holiday Sale Extravaganza from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 21.

 Shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on most gift shop items and a 20 percent discount on varying holiday items each week of the sale. Items include unique holiday decorations, tree ornaments, manger scenes, angels, music boxes, jewelry, baby clothing, holiday games, festive toys and table décor.

 Proceeds generated support current and future services at Sacred Heart, in addition to providing healthcare-based scholarships to local students and prescription drug assistance to underserved families in our community.  call 278-3032.

Santa Skypes at Sandestin

This holiday season, families can bring the magic of Christmas to their home with a personal Skype with Santa Claus from 4-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Dec. 7. Simply call him at SKYPE location name, SandestinResort.

Bass Pro Shops

The fourth annual “Santa’s Wonderland — a Classic Christmas” at Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons is a 3,500-square foot Christmas village full of games, activities and crafts for the whole family through Dec. 24.

Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers an ancient-time model train area, remote control trucks, a Red Ryder laser arcade, a soft gun range and slot car racing.  Kids can also play the hottest new video games of the season, write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every day of the week — all free. Also new this year, a Santa Bandz bracelet will be offered to the first 150 kids who visit Santa’s Wonderland from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers can get a free 4 x 6 photo with Santa from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays.

Kids can take part in the traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments from 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 23 and from 12-5 p.m. through Dec. 24.

Christmas dinner

Dinner will be served from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 5-8 p.m. Dec. 25 at Fish Out of Water in WaterColor Inn and Resort. call 534-5050 for prices and reservations.

Countdown Seaside

Celebrate New Year’s Eve along 30A with free fun for the entire family from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in Seaside including live music, children’s activities, street performers and fireworks.

Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-year party starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Come dance the night away and enjoy live bands and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight.

STEPHANIE CLIFFORD and CHRISTOPHER MAAG Published: Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:30 a.m. last Modified: Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 4:08 a.m.

They were the Black Friday novices: people who, drawn by the earlier-than-usual store openings or economic necessity, decided to try their hands at shopping on the busiest day of the retail year.

The shoppers found good deals, like a $14.88 waffle iron and 40 percent off Ann Taylor Loft apparel. but assessing their initial Black Friday excursions later, many first-timers did not seem to reckon it was worth braving the crowds.

And while most malls and stores were packed but relatively calm, in California, a woman pepper-sprayed fellow Wal-Mart shoppers, apparently to keep them from grabbing an Xbox she wanted. Two other Wal-Mart shoppers, in San Leandro, Calif., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., were shot in the stores’ parking lots, while police arrested shoppers who were fighting over products in Wal-Mart stores in Milford, Conn., Rome, N.Y. and Kissimmee, Fla.

One first-time Black Friday shopper, Debra Banks, 48, was jostled by crowds when she entered a Toys “R” Us in new Jersey and missed out on the limited-edition coupon books. she left the store with nothing. “Well, I can’t say this is fun,” she said. “Enlightening, maybe.”

Shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a custom that is tradition to some and puzzling to others, got a new twist this year with several stores opening as early as 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Analysts said that retailers were aiming for customers who might have limited budgets and trying to appeal to people who would rather stay awake late than awaken for a 4 a.m. opening.

The first numbers on Friday’s sales results are not available until Sunday, but many malls and stores said they were seeing more visitors than last year. Macy’s Herald Square estimated that 9,000 people were waiting for its midnight opening, versus 7,000 when it opened at 5 a.m. last year. The earlier starting times seemed to bring out younger consumers who wanted to extend their Thanksgiving Day revelry by checking out the bargains. but many first-time Black Friday shoppers seemed puzzled by the fuss.

Ms. Banks, a nurse from Beech Island, S.C., was in new Jersey visiting relatives, and left their house at 7:40 Thursday evening to go shopping with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

“this year is different because the stores are opening up earlier,” she said. “I reckon it’s going to be great fun.”

So Ms. Banks climbed into the front seat of her daughter-in-law Kylie’s Chevrolet Impala, with her granddaughter Cora, 11, sitting in the back. The three of them plotted their route. Cora, whose nickname at school is “Coupon Cora,” had particularly strong thoughts about what deals they should focus on. They decided to start at a Lawrenceville, N.J., Toys “R” Us in time for its 9 p.m. opening.

The drive was quick, but when they arrived at 8, the line was already halfway around the building.

“Look at that line!” Ms. Banks said. “I just never expected there would be so many people here. and they don’t even open for another hour. C’mon, grab your bags, because we’re getting in!”

Outside the store, employees, along with two Pinkerton detectives, tried to keep the crowds calm. “so let’s just have everybody be respectful of everybody and it’ll all be O.K.,” a store worker told the crowd on the sidewalk.

As the doors opened, customers broke into jogs and Ms. Banks was left empty-handed and a little discouraged. The group then headed to the Lawrenceville Wal-Mart, where shoppers were polite, with a lot of “excuse me’s” as people bumped into one another.

“At least we’re not part of all those people going back for electronics,” Ms. Banks said. “that looks scary. this is a little crazy.”

The women walked out with a play kitchen for $49, a desk chair for $39 and the $14.88 waffle iron. as Ms. Banks wheeled the shopping cart out to the car, she could barely see around the huge box containing the kitchen play set.

But while she got some bargains, Ms. Banks said she would not go back to a huge-box store next year. “this is fun, but it’s a little too much for me,” she said.

Some first-time Black Friday shoppers said the tough economy had made getting deals a necessary part of buying Christmas gifts and for everyday staples.

In Dawsonville, Ga., Meredith Blinder, 23, a photographer, met her sister, Elizabeth McDermott, 21, and a cousin at an outlet mall. All first-time Black Friday shoppers, the women said they wanted to watch the frenzy, and liked the late-night opening time.

Ms. Blinder, who recently got married, said she and her husband cut coupons and used generic goods instead of name-brand items. she said the deals she got at the mall, like 40 percent off on a sweater and scarf from Ann Taylor Loft, helped her budget, too.

“If you’re saving money on shopping, you can reallocate that to other things,” she said.

At the Times Square Toys “R” Us just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, Yasmin Santiago and Dexter Valles were trying to fit several boxes of diapers into a small hand cart. The couple, parents of twins, said the special on diapers was worth the late-night trip, since Ms. Santiago was on leave from her job as an assistant teacher.

“We have twice the children, and half the income,” mr. Valles said.

In the early morning, at the Woodfield Mall outside of Chicago, Roberto Melendez sank onto a bench and rubbed his eyes. He had been up for hours, first to get a television for $250 off at Wal-Mart, and then to this mall, for $7 T-shirts from Aéropostale.

“now, we really are just trying to make it work somehow, so at least we can have a Christmas of some kind,” he said, explaining that he lost his job as a union electrician in February and is still unemployed.

In a downtown Chicago Best Buy, as a small group of Occupy Chicago protesters shouted about consumerism, a neighborhood resident, Ellie Fox, 72, said the new opening time and years of curiosity drove her to try her first Black Friday. “it was on my bucket list,” said Ms. Fox, who had hoped to get a Samsung laptop for $300. “I’m just an ancient woman looking for a good deal.”

But when she got inside the store, fought her way through the crowded aisles, and found that the laptop she wanted had already sold out, she immediately announced her retirement from Black Friday shopping. “I tried it,” she said. “Why do it again?”

The Primitive Quartet will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Refuge Baptist Church, 30 Oleta Road, Dana.

The Candler-based quartet has been traveling and singing gospel music for 36 years. It formed when members of the group sang around a campfire on a fishing trip. They realized they had the makings of a four-part harmony group and began singing at their home church and other local churches. The group travels 50,000 miles a year.

The music is traditional mountain shape note-style singing accompanied by acoustic instruments, including the mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitars and acoustic bass.

There is no admission charge; a love offering will be taken. Info: 828-685-8544.

Tryon artists show works

The Tryon Painters and Sculptors members’ show will run through Nov. 5. The gallery, at 26 Maple St. in Tryon, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Info: 828-859-0141.

BC’s “Taming of the Shrew”

The Brevard College theater department will present Shakespeare’s comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” Oct. 20-23 in the Morrison Playhouse at the Porter Center for Performing Arts.

Tickets are $5. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and 2 p.m. Oct. 23.

Couple performs folk music

Gingerthistle will perform at 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.

The group, husband and wife Ben Seymour and Becky Cleland, will sing traditional Celtic and Appalachian folk music accompanied primarily with dulcimer, banjo, bones and acoustic guitar.

A love offering will be accepted. Info: 828-693-9783 or 828-698-2357.

Chinese acrobats return to Asheville

Asheville Bravo Concerts has announced its 2011-12 season. The series will open at 4 p.m. Oct. 23 with an encore performance of the National Acrobats of China.

Since 1932, Asheville Bravo Concerts has offered internationally acclaimed performers of classical music, opera and ballet for Western North Carolina audiences. in 2009, the Acrobats performed to a sold-out crowd.

All shows take place at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Tickets and info: 828-225-5887, ashevillebravoconcerts.org.

Dogs, presidents say ‘cheese’

Diana Walker, award-winning Time magazine White House photojournalist, will host a talk “Public and Private: Twenty Years of Photographing the Presidency,” at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Bo Thomas Auditorium at Blue Ridge Community College. a book signing for “The Larger Picture: Thirty Years of Portraits” will follow.

The session is part of the “Wags to Riches” fundraising weekend events sponsored by the nonprofit Blue Ridge Humane Society. Walker will be a judge in the “Give us Your Best Shot” pet photo contest.

Tickets are $10 and tax deductible.

Trio to play chamber music

The Andoin Piano Trio will present a concert of chamber music at 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broad St. in Brevard. a reception will follow.

The Asheville-area trio will perform classical works by Buxtehude, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Ravel. The concert is sponsored by the Beulah McMinn Zachary Memorial Foundation, a trust that underwrites the overall maintenance and special activities of the FUMC’s pipe organ, chapel organ and harpsichord.

The event is free, but donations will be welcome. Info: 828-883-8965.

SOME OF KEITH FRASER’S best friends are birds, and he has names for them all.

Fraser, the 74-year-ancient salt who runs the Loch Lomond Live Bait shop, has a flock of favorites that he feeds daily. Snowy egret Pee Wee, black-crowned night heron Sylvester, fantastic blue heron Nasty Jr. and western gull Crybaby, among others, patrol the dock, line up for snacks of live perch and attract bird lovers from across the region.

Fraser, who wrote a book on sturgeon fishing, founded United Anglers of California and in 1983 organized a flotilla of 150 boats to protest dredge spoils dumping off Alcatraz, has provided bait, gear, fishing advice and a “catch and release” philosophy from his San Rafael shop for four decades. The former longtime baseball coach at San Rafael High School takes pride in being inducted into the Marin County Athletic Hall of Fame and the California Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Q: Why do you love birds?

A: Birds are fantastic company. they all have their own personality. they treat our bait shop like a cafeteria. If our resident birds don’t like what’s in the outside tanks, they’ll just walk into the shop and serve themselves. I never get tired of the show. If we could teach them to make change and answer the phone, they could run the shop.

Q: What’s the greatest threat to birds, marine creatures and other bay wildlife?

A: Excessive water export. For many years we have battled the misinformed politicians who wish to cram the Peripheral Canal down our throats. It’s incredible to learn of the devious schemes of those individuals who covet every last drop of northern water.

Q: How’s the fishing been?

A: Striped bass fishing is hot. The world’s worst angler could catch a bass right now. Halibut and salmon inside the bay at Cal City get a fair rating. big minus tides should provide brilliant sturgeon action.

Q: what should be done to crack down on poachers?

A: Tough judges who know the severity of the impact that poaching can have on our sports fisheries are a necessity.

Q: Are bay fish safe to eat despite warnings from state health officials about toxic pollutants?

A: Yes. The bay is reportedly cleaner now than at any time in the last 50 years. I’ve never heard of anyone getting sick from eating fish from the bay.

Q: what do you do when you’re not out fishing or tending the bait shop?

A: I follow the local high school teams along with college and pro.

Contact Nels Johnson via email at

FORECLOSURE PLOY Lobbyists for the banking industry are pushing for legislation that would limit homeowners? access to Florida courts in order to fight foreclosures. several Republican lawmakers, as well as Gov. Rick Scott, have expressed interest in the proposal that would make it simpler and faster for banks to foreclose on homes. this is a disgraceful thought intended to hurt people and help the banking industry.

EXECUTIVE WANTED The town of Southwest Ranches is accepting applications to fill its vacant town administrator position. The job became open with the death of administrator Charlie Lynn this past summer. The scandal-plagued town is located in the southwestern edge of Broward County. Palm Beach County UNDER CONTRACT Venus Williams? interior design company, VStarr Interiors, has been awarded a contract to design and outfit the model residences of the super swanky One Thousand Ocean condominiums. The one-tale residences, penthouses and multi-tale villas are being constructed on the beach in Boca Raton. The units will be priced from $3 million to $15 million each and the models Williams? firm will design are expected to entice buyers. MILITARY MILESTONE Michael Calhoun is now a Florida National Guard brigadier general. He becomes the first black general in Florida National Guard history. Calhoun, from Lake Worth, joined the Guard in 1977 as a private and worked his way up to general. He is a pharmacist and military medic and also has a master?s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Broward County DOMESTIC ARSON? Shawanda Robinson, 28, is facing one count of arson for allegedly setting her boyfriend?s shirt on fire during an argument at their Tivoli Park apartment in Deerfield Beach. The blaze got out of control and, minutes later, the entire apartment was? ablaze. No one, including two infants who were home at the time, suffered any injuries. Residents in seven adjoining units were displaced due to smoke and fire damage. RUNNING AGAIN Assistant Public Defender Olga Levine will challenge County Court Judge Leonard Feiner for his seat. Defense attorneys have quietly whispered that Feiner sides with the insurance industry in lawsuits. this will be Levine?s second run for a judicial seat. she ran unsuccessfully against Broward Circuit Court Judge Jack Luzzo in 2010. COP CLEARED former Fort Lauderdale police officer Jason Maldonado has been cleared of wrongdoing in the case of a drug dealer he arrested and carried on an affair with at the same time. The dealer was caught in a reverse sting and allegedly possessed enough cocaine to be charged with trafficking. a trafficking charge could have led to a life sentence if the case was transferred to federal authorities. The dealer agreed to cooperate and reached a plea deal. South Florida Times reported she was able to avoid jail time by entering a court program intended for addicts charged with minor drug possession for personal use. Following that report, prosecutors opened an investigation into Maldonado and the circumstances surrounding the plea arrangement. Assistant State Attorney Jeanette Camacho wrote in a memo closing the case that prosecutors were aware of the amount of cocaine the dealer possessed. DEPUTY CHARGED Last week, Broward Sheriff?s deputy Brent Wooddell was arrested for allegedly stealing money confiscated from what he thought was a drug bust. It was really a reverse sting that targeted him. Wooddell was highly regarded by BSO brass but, according to sources, he worked under a cloud of suspicion for years. more on this later. BILLING MATTERS Earlier this year Hezekiah Jones complained about receiving a $900 water bill for a closed account at a home he moved out of years ago. City of Deerfield Beach officials have yet to provide an explanation, but Jones is not alone. The city?s Finance Department has been quietly dealing with billing errors for its water, sewage, and garbage services. at present officials are quietly trying to reconcile dozens of accounts that received city services for years without ever being billed for them. It?s a mess, but the cat is out of the bag, so stay tuned. Miami-Dade County OUT OF BUSINESS after more than 26 years, the 14th largest landscaping company in the U.S. has planted its last tree and closed it doors. nearly 700 workers around the state have been laid off. Vila & Sons Landscaping filed for bankruptcy in August. Founder and President Juan Vila will watch as the company?s blue-and-yellow trucks and other equipment are auctioned off in October. The Miami-based company had locations throughout Florida, providing landscaping, grounds maintenance and construction services to cities, counties and private developments. at its height, the company grossed more than $50 million annually. POLICE CUTS The City of North Miami Beach has laid off 17 police officers after the police union and the city were unable to reach a wage and benefits agreement. City Manager Lyndon Bonner said the city?s finances were in much worse shape than expected when he took over several months ago and he warned he would lay off workers if no agreement was reached. North Miami Beach is facing a $7.5 million budget shortfall and 113 more officers could be let go in October. MAYOR CLEARED Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman has been cleared in a Miami-Dade State Attorney?s criminal investigation into electricity bills being waived by city officials. Homestead operates its own electricity plant and the director of the city?s billing department reported an incident to police alleging he was directed to wipe out a $10,000 bill for one person, under orders from then City Manager Sergio Purrinos. Purrinos told investigators the order came from Bateman. Photo: Elgin Jones

VAIL — Anthony Naranja doesn’t claim to be the best glide-fisherman in America. But he may very well be the most competitive.

Naranja, 40, serves as captain for Team USA, a tournament glide-fishing squad of five anglers representing the Stars and Stripes around the world in what amounts to the glide-fishing Olympics.

“I used to go glide-fishing to get away from stress,” the Cherry Creek dentist said. “But I think I’ve figured out a way to make it one of the most stressful parts of my life by taking it to the competitive level.”

Naranja and Team USA recently returned from the Sport Fishing World Championships in Italy, where they posted the best result by an American team in a quarter-century of glide-fishing competition on the international level by placing fifth, just 5 points from the bronze medal in the largest field of competitive glide-fishermen in the world. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Youth Glide Fishing Team, primarily out of State College, Pa., brought home the gold medal in the under-18 team competition behind a silver-medal individual effort of team member Dan Marino.

Both teams hope to build upon the momentum and bolster their reputation in Colorado this week at the fourth annual America Cup International Glide Fishing Tournament in Vail over the weekend. Naranja’s Team USA is the two-time defending champion at the tournament that moves to Vail after spending three years in Frisco.

About 70 anglers from Japan, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Canada and the U.S., including three youth teams and a women’s team, will compete for the Cup, fishing five three-hour sessions on Lake Nottingham, Sylvan Lake, the Colorado River and the Blue River in Eagle and Summit counties beginning Friday.

“It’s getting larger and larger,” tournament organizer John Knight of Minturn said. “It’s Year 4, and people are starting to get it. a big part of our mission is just to educate people, to bring this idea of tournament glide-fishing here and build up a savvy volunteer base. Ultimately, we want to be able to provide a venue so we can bid and solicit to have a world championship here.”

For various reasons, tournament glide-fishing has long struggled to find a secure spot on American soil. For many years, it was considered taboo to mention glide-fishing in the same conversation as other tournament disciplines such as bass fishing, Naranja said. and once the U.S. started fielding a tournament team at the world championships in the late 1980s, selection was often based on politics.

The results were less than remarkable, both overseas and at home. to date, the U.S. has hosted only one world championship, with the American team struggling to avoid finishing dead last in Jackson, Wyo., back in 1997.

“I think that (Jackson Hole tournament) was where things really changed, by looking at putting in a system to find anglers who do well in this format,” Naranja said. “It’s not about how much money you have or who you know anymore. It’s about finding the best competitive glide-fishermen in America now. and the results are starting to show.”

International competition abides by a different set of rules than a typical weekend warrior casting grasshopper imitations along the river banks. the FIPS-Mouche rules that the America Cup follows prohibit the use of strike indicators and split-shot weights, and require fishermen to fish a single, continuous leader (meaning a second glide cannot be tied onto the hook of the first).

It has taken some time for Naranja and his teammates to master the techniques required to be taken seriously in the international arena, and they are thankful for opportunities to practice in a competitive environment such as the America Cup tournament. Based on recent success, they believe they’ve achieved the first step toward their ultimate goal of placing an American team on the world championship podium, whether it’s here in the U.S. or not.

“That’s the motivation, and we’re close,” Naranja said. “I’m trying to build a dynasty.”