Leadership Walton Seeks Support for two Community Service Projects

The 2013-14 Leadership Walton class of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, comprised of 15 participants, has embarked on two community service projects this year and is seeking financial support for project completion.

The hands-on projects are designed to support two Walton County organizations, the Walton County Arc and the South Walton Senior Center, both established to help those in need, but that, many times, lack resources and labor to remedy those needs.

Businesses and individuals can support the leadership class with donations in any amount which are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Walton County Chamber Foundation, 63 South Centre Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 or by contacting Camile Burlison at camile@waltonareachamber.com.

Leadership Walton class members chose to work with the Walton County Arc and the South Walton Senior Center to provide much needed renovations and critical updates to their facilities. The class focused on isolating specific needs and then strategizing ways to support the solutions through coordinating a plan of action, raising funds and organizing labor and physical work time. Leadership class members are in pursuit of aiding these worthy organizations mightily, not only by fulfilling immediate needs, but also by garnering local business and financial support for many years to come, thus leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities of Walton County.

Specifically, the Arc project work includes patching and painting the walls, replacing the old carpet and trim, installing base cabinets, and purchasing a wall mount television for one of its classrooms. The South Walton Senior Center Project involves updating office furnishings, installing shelving for print material, providing patio furniture and completing various smaller projects inside the office space.

At completion, an open house reception will be held at both locations to showcase the renovations and recognize the two valuable organizations.

About The Arc of Walton County
The Arc provides supports for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve individually defined goals and quality living experiences in their home community. Chautauqua Learn and Serve School at The Arc of Walton County is a school for transition age students to learn how to give back to their community. For more information, contact Kim Lonas, Exective Director, at 850-892-5013, ext.1.

About John Horton Senior Center
The County Senior Center has been in operation for 14 approximately years. Suitably named, John Horton was its champion for many years. The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-1p.m. Lunch is provided each day of operation for any county resident age 60 or older. Individual lunches must be ordered the business day prior and must be eaten on-site. Homemade soup and apple crisp have become weekly traditions, made and served by volunteers. Lunches are supplied by Bally Foods in Pensacola, and are federally funded with a limited county match. Scheduled weekly activities include Bingo, musical keyboards, trivia, movies, and Wii bowling. The John Horton Senior Center is located on CR-393 North in Santa Rosa Beach. For more information, contact Shari Roberts at 850-622-0917.

About Leadership Walton
A community leadership program spawned by the Walton Area Chamber, since 2000, Leadership Walton has been training emerging and existing leaders in the Northwest Florida. Leadership Walton is for men and women who have achieved leadership positions in their fields and are likely to be tapped for greater community responsibility. Graduates automatically become a member of the Leadership Walton Alumni to assist in their continued education, networking, and community support. The program is the result of planning by the Leadership Walton Visionary Council and is a valuable resource for Walton Area Chamber member businesses interested in building the leadership and management skills of their employees.

• Leadership Walton is a unique and innovative approach to the traditional community based leadership model. The program provides the opportunity to:  Develop an individual’s leadership, BUILD entrepreneurial and team building skills, Increase their value to their organization, Strengthen the greater community.

• Exceptional individuals strengthen their skills through: Experiential learning, Team building, Leadership interviews, Class project (wide spread community impact), Reading, Receiving a community mentor, Mentoring others in the community.

• The program is designed in eight monthly sessions, beginning with an overnight retreat in September. Each session thereafter focuses on one major skill, including Beliefs & Attitudes, Team Building, Mentoring, Communication, Organizational Leadership, Coaching, Time Management, and Servant hood.

• The program concludes with a graduation dinner ceremony in May.