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Best-selling author Dr. Maya Angelou once said, "Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the spaces between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." There's nothing like music to lift you to a higher place. It can console a broken heart, breathe hope into an empty soul, and soothe ill feelings faster than butter melting over the top of a fresh-baked muffin. Michael Grady and his wife, Mechelle, of Panama City are well aware of the power of music and they use it to shape young lives in area children, tweens, teens, and college students who need something to believe in and someone to believe in them.

Ask any educator in any school about the many at-risk children out there desperately wanting someone, anyone, to reach out to them and give them hope. Who would be considered an at-risk youth? Freedictionary.com describes them as youths, "Being endangered as from exposure to disease or from a lack of parental or familial guidance and proper health care:..." An adolescent without adult guidance is susceptible to many pitfalls. According to studies compiled for and listed on www.familyfirstaid.org, teen suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death for adults and adolescents aged 15-24 in 2001. They reported that the United States leads the way in teen pregnancy by rating the highest in pregnancies and births in the Western Industrialized World. The number one concern for teens and parents? You probably guessed it, drugs. A survey conducted through the National Center on Addiction & Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University yielded this result.

Michael and Mechelle had these young people in mind when they formed the New Gulf Coast Choir in August of 1997. This dedicated couple had been working with youths in the community for nearly two decades when they took the step to organize their own program. They base their activities off of their motto, "Striving to meet the needs of the total child." They offer children of any age, race, gender, or economic status a chance to belong to something worthwhile. Assistance is offered in academics, social adaptation, performing arts, and community service. The volunteered labor that Michael and Mechelle have invested into this dynamic choir has brought about a two-fold return: successful kids and a successful choir. The choir has made numerous appearances on the popular BET program the Bobby Jones Gospel Music Show and multiple other performances throughout the nation including one at Disney World and at the International Gospel Artist Retreat in Las Vegas, NV. They made an appearance at our own 4th Annual On the Coast Anniversary Celebration at Destin Commons this past March where they engaged our readers and staff with their inspiring songs.

The choir has developed their own, "Community Youth Outreach Program" where they offer free tutoring, mentoring, and coaching for cheerleaders. They even conduct free, week-long youth music workshops held at a local public school where they teach youths and parents alike. Young people are taught life management skills and parents can participate in workshops on how to deal with troubled teens. To find out more information about the choir or their workshops, contact Mechelle Grady at 850-871-9480 or at 850-624-4471.

Bailey's Story
by Teresa Robbins

  Kidz on the Coast Magazine has made a point to spotlight businesses, celebrities, and people who give to others. If this has made an impression on you and your family here’s where you can get involved. Sign up for the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in one of many different locations in the panhandle through April and May. Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer as it strikes one in three people in their lifetime. Imagine, 1500 lives are claimed each day by the relentless disease. You can help fight the illness for those who can’t fight for themselves.  
People like mother and daughter Kelly and Bailey King of Destin. Kelly was first diagnosed at 33-years-old with breast cancer in February 1999 and she underwent a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. She came through the traumatic rounds of treatment only to face her enemy again in February of 2002. This time she had to have a mastectomy. She took chemo and then had reconstructive surgery the following December. Life was hard for Kelly as she couldn’t work or maintain a normal life. Her daughter Bailey, nine years old at the time, had watched her mother battle this not knowing she would be doing the exact same thing in a few months.  

It started in February of 2003 when Bailey had been fighting a fever and Kelly couldn’t keep it under control. As a concerned mother, she took Bailey to the doctor. One test led to another and Kelly eventually had to hear the heart crushing news that her little girl had leukemia. If that wasn’t enough she had to watch Bailey go though some of the same treatments as well. Two years later and 11-year-old Bailey takes chemo once a week and visits St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN every three months for routine tests. Bailey’s doctors prescribed the standard two and a half year treatments for a girl her age with the type of cancer that she is fighting. The journey has been long but according to her mother Bailey is doing better. “I think seeing me go through it and seeing me lose my hair and come through has helped her.” Kelly said. They both feel strongly about supporting the relay because they know first hand how helpful it can be to someone struggling to overcome cancer. Bailey’s grandmother was diagnosed with the disease as well, “It’s an epidemic as far as I am concerned.” said Kelly.

Kelly added that she feels people would get involved if they’d experienced the sights she and Bailey have over the past couple of years. “If you would spend one day in St. Jude’s and see the sick children you would just walk, walk, walk (for the relay).” Even though it’s still difficult for Bailey to walk she plans to participate in the event at Destin Middle School on May 13th and 14th herself.

The relay is an 18-hour overnight event where participants camp out and take turns walking or running the track. One person from each team must be on the track at all times because as they say, “Cancer never sleeps”. There’ll be food, contests, entertainment, and awards all night to keep everyone’s energy up. This is an opportunity for you and your family to have a fun outing together and to do something great.

There are many different programs that the American Cancer Society provides for those with cancer and the funds raised from Relay for Life benefit these programs. First, the funds raised go towards research, education, advocacy and patient services. Secondly, the event itself helps raise awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient support. Thirdly, the R.O.C.K. programs, which means “Reaching out to Cancer Kids”, such as a week long camp for children surviving cancer. They also offer family weekends for survivors and their families which includes a trip to Disney and they provide a scholarship program as well. To find out how to link yourself, your family, or your business to a win/win event call the local American Cancer Society at 244-3813 or the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-ACS-2345.

For the Love of Megan
By Teresa Robbins

Open the door to Pat and Laurie Hutchison's home in Destin and there's a warm, friendly family inside. Their elegant home is cozy but functional for a family of seven. A large wooden dining room table is more than decoration here; it’s a necessity at mealtime. Their daily activities resemble those of other busy homes around town. The afternoon fills the house with the bustle of little ones coming in from school. Two-year-old Mallory and five-year-old Mitchell munch on a snack at the bar while waiting for three other kids to come home; Michael, 13, Matthew, 12, and Megan, 6. Once the whole gang has arrived the house echoes with children’s laughter, teasing, and typical family moments. This family is so vibrant that a visitor would never guess what harsh realities they face when that door is closed.

Four years ago, their middle child, Megan, was having some strange symptoms. They couldn’t keep weight on her even though she could eat a medium pizza by herself. Her stool was greasy and bulky as well. Laurie’s dad, a radiologist, feared that something was wrong. “He had a bad feeling and wanted us to have her checked out by a pediatrician,” Laurie recalls. She began to take Megan to pediatricians to ease his mind, only to be told that she was fine. Laurie and Pat weren’t anxious because it never occurred to them that something horrible could be wrong. Finally, they visited a pediatrician who noticed something others had overlooked. Megan’s symptoms were similar to patients who had Cystic Fibrosis. The doctor wanted to run some tests on her to be on the safe side but reassured them that it was probably nothing. The Hutchison’s were still oblivious to the detour that lied ahead for their family. When the results came, no one was prepared for the shocking news. “This doctor didn’t call unless it was serious, so when she left a message that she needed to talk with us, I knew something was wrong,” Laurie softly says. From that moment, their lives took a drastic turn. This close family became caught up in a whirlwind of medical terms, breathing equipment and medications. They became well versed on a subject that no parent would want to have to learn about. Unfortunately, because the disease must be fought offensively Pat and Laurie had no choice but to lunge into battle and fight for their little girl.

Megan Hutchison can win you over in seconds. She’s happy, spirited, and full of energy. She loves to write and sing and plans to take singing lessons. Like most girls her age, she loves Disney princesses. When this brown-haired, blue-eyed dynamo charges into a room she doesn’t light it up…she sets it on fire. Her commanding presence hints that she could easily keep an audience entertained. “Watch, I can do a cartwheel,“ she pronounces as she tumbles into the sideways handspring. She has a daily routine like most children her age but the difference is hers involves details that literally keep her breathing and eating. Cystic Fibrosis, known as “sixty-five roses” by the children who have it, is a genetic disease and is the number one genetic killer in kids. If both parents carry a defective CF gene then there’s a 25 percent chance that their offspring will have CF. Those faulty genes cause the body to produce thick and sticky mucus that stops up the child’s lungs and causes infections that can be fatal. So, Megan must have at least two rigorous breathing treatments a day. This mucus can also block the pancreas keeping digestive enzymes from getting to the intestines which usually aid in the break down and absorption of food. Because of this, Megan begins every meal with pills to help with digestion. “I can swallow my pills by myself now,“ Megan blurts with pride. She’s learning to give herself medication because this will be a lifelong ritual for her. She visits a team of doctors every three months in Pensacola at the Nemours Children Clinic at Sacred Heart as well.

Learning to speak the CF language and adapt to the new lifestyle was not easy for the family. “It was overwhelming to deal with everything and I wanted to talk to other parents who were going through the same thing,” Laurie says. So, she started making phone calls surrounding herself with moms’ in the same situation. These friendships led Laurie to spearhead a local support group called “Cystic Fibrosis Moms’ Club“. That was just the beginning of her efforts to rally for Meagan. The next plan to combat CF found her. Supportive family members in Birmingham involved the Hutchison family in the national Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk. They found success with their team dubbed “Princess Megan” and eventually decided to start their own walk in Destin. After contacting the Jacksonville office, Laurie got busy and organized the first walk in 2004 which raised $40,000. The second walk raised $52,000. She hopes to raise $55,000 this April.

Where did that money go? Towards research for treatments and a cure. Previous fundraising has produced amazing results. Fifty years ago a child with CF only lived five years but because the parents of those children raised money they can now live well into their thirties. That is why the Hutchison family is devoted to the cause even though fundraising is not always an easy task. They are constantly immersed in the reality of the effects of Cystic Fibrosis. Stories are swapped about children who have passed away with the disease serving as a personal reminder of Megan‘s condition. “I hear those stories and think, one flu or one pneumonia and that could be us,” Laurie says wiping her tears. She cringes every time she hears these memories because they always begin with “I had a daughter, or son, or niece…” and then they end with a date of death. That’s why she presses on, “It’s not just about Megan, it’s about my friend’s children and others in the future,” she adds. This brave mother wants to rewrite the ending to these stories. Her dream is for someone to walk up to her and say, “I had a daughter who had Cystic Fibrosis, she had terrible problems breathing, and with her digestive system and lungs. She had to take lots of breathing treatments, medications, and was hospitalized often. Then in the year (2006) a cure was found and she no longer has those problems and she is now happy, healthy, and CF free,” Laurie envisions.
Laurie believes that if everyone pulls together then a cure could be attainable. Her relatives agree and come from all over to participate in her Great Strides fundraisers. There is a group representing Megan in every CF walk on the Gulf Coast as well. Megan’s brothers, Michael and Matthew, have helped sell wrapping paper and Breathe bracelets to raise funds. They will also participate in a fundraiser that their Dad will start next fall. Pat will coordinate the first annual “Destin Charity Bowl” involving young football players from all over the Southeast and plans to raise $30,000. Megan Hutchison is one special little girl but she represents thousands of other unnamed children in the U.S. suffering with the vicious disease. Andrew Carnegie once said, ”Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” If your New Year’s resolution was to start exercising then dust off your walking shoes and put them into action for Megan and others like her. There will be three Great Stride Walks on the Emerald Coast this year.

Destin
Sat. April 1 - 8 a.m.
Village Baptist Church
Chairpersons: Laurie Hutchinson & Meghann Halt 850-837-9995

Panama City
Sat. April 22 - 8 a.m.
St. Andrews State Park
Chairperson: Cheryl Brooks 850-871-6739

Pensacola
Sat. April 8 - 8 a.m.
Admiral Mason Park (downtown)
Chirperson: Regina Dixon

For more information on Cystic Fibrosis check out their website at www.cff.org or call their office in Jacksonville at (904)733-3560

The 1-2-3s of Choreography
By Teresa Robbins, N2Arts Correspondent
The basics of choreography

Have you ever watched a music video with “tight” choreography and wanted to pull something together like it? It’s really not that hard to create something artistic. There are many different forms of art and with art there can be no right or wrong. Art is basically the artist’s interpretation of something found in everyday life. 

So, in a nutshell, choreography should be a choreographer’s interpretation of a song. The choreographer cannot be afraid of expressing their vision through movement. A good choreographer is bold and not limited by someone else’s opinion. The bigger the better. 

I have always used a three-step method to fool-proof choreography. Because of my “no fear” approach to choreography, my creations have been copied and used for years. There are three steps I follow to putting together a dynamic piece: music selection, constructing the idea, and infusing the cast with the overall message you want to relate to your audience.

The first step of selecting music sounds like a no brainer but it is actually the most important of the three steps. Music can make or break a vision. I always pick the song first. Then, I build on the inspiration I get from the music whether it’s from the lyrics or the music itself. I follow the same personal rule for every song I choose: the song must move me first. If a song touches me, changes me, or fuels me with a message, I get to work on making movements. If the song has reached you in some way then you know it will reach others as well. The song should provoke you to create a masterpiece because you feel it can make a difference. After you get the song make copies of the original to pass on to your cast member or members. Save your original for performances. 

Now comes the fun part. Find a place where you can be alone, turn the music up, and let yourself go. I like to listen to a song several times and I try to listen for something different each time. I use the first listen to construct the overall message. Once I know my mission then I try to find creative ways to approach my message. It’s best to use any special areas of training you have gained over time. I like to use gymnastics, dance, and mime. Remember mime doesn’t mean you have to wear mime make-up. 

Next, I listen to the music for any distinguishing moments in the song. If there is an incredible crescendo in the song then I plan to use a big move at that point such as a leap, a tumble, or a lift (if you have more than one dancer). Defining moments in the song should have defining movements to match. Let your imagination go wild. 

I like to fill in all the empty spaces with smooth transitions. Never leave dead space unless it’s relevant to the story. One thing to keep in mind as you put your masterpiece together is to never let the song control the choreography. Don’t rely on the song to deliver your message. If people just want to hear a good song they’ll go buy the CD or go to a concert. Your responsibility as a choreographer is to bring the song to life, put it in 3-D through movement. 

The last step is the easiest of the three. Have a casting call to audition your dancers. While auditioning, look for dancers who express their emotions well or even have acting experience.  Watch for dancers who pull you in through their stage presence and the ones who make you feel what they are doing. If they can move you then they can move your audience. 

Again, choose wisely because an unemotional performer trying to deliver a moving piece will destroy your message. Likewise, an overly emotional performer in an unfeeling role can crush your message. Once you’ve picked the cast, arm them with your vision. Thoroughly explain what you want them to relate to your audience. Send them home with lyrics and copies of the song that you made earlier. Encourage them to study and know the piece fully so when they come to rehearsals they will be ready to deliver your message.

Following these three steps can help you to develop brilliant pieces. Then, as your work gets noticed you can become a successful and sought after choreographer. There are many different areas where choreography can be used, such as community theatre, commercials, music videos, and film, just to mention a few. So, get your music, go wild with movements, and find the dancers who can pull it altogether on the stage. There’s no limit to where your new skills can take you.

Reprinted with permission from Matthew Glasser, Editor, n2arts.com

Keith Urban Launched his American Career in Destin
By Teresa Robbins

When country music superstar Keith Urban takes the stage one thing is clear…this guy loves what he does. It’s obvious in the way he throws his shoulders into his precise guitar pickin’ and bends his leg back for extra emphasis on the climatic notes of his songs. When he opened his eyes from his obvious euphoria while playing at his “Be Here” Concert in Pensacola last Thursday, Urban was staring into a packed crowd hanging onto his every movement. As riveting as the artist’s persona was on the stage, the highlight for Destin concertgoers was when he casually invited a friend to join him in the spotlight for an impromptu song together. When Keith explained that his longtime pal Rusty Hammerstrom was from Destin and that they used to play together the crowd went wild. Keith spoke of his early days on the emerald coast with warmth as he explained that he still cherishes the memories and the circle of friends he made while living here.

Even a CMA “Male Vocalist of the Year” winner has to start somewhere and for the country star it was in the Florida Panhandle. According to Rusty, Keith was a known country recording artist in their homeland of Australia. However, he felt there was more for him in America but career wise he‘d have to start all over. So, in 1991 he took a leap enduring the long trip to the states in pursuit of Nashville with a layover in Destin. He played for Rusty at his then restaurant Palapas in Grayton Beach (under new ownership it is now known as Pandora’s). Keith and a couple of other guys played there for a summer as he started devising his plan of attack for the country music capital. Then, in 1992 he put together another band that played opening season at The Lucky Snapper in Destin. In his spare time, the ambitious Aussie started filming a short promotional video on Crab Island in the Destin Harbor.

It was roughly a year-and-a-half later from landing here that Keith headed for Nashville. Armed with his dreams and his video, he pulled out his best salesmanship skills and pounded the pavement. Urban literally knocked on doors hoping for a breakthrough record contract. Nothing happened overnight but he persisted putting together another group called The Ranch. Keith’s new band began to get noticed, “They had a very loyal following in Nashville,” Rusty said. Even though Keith’s career seemed to be climbing he didn’t forget what he left behind. Occasionally, he would pack up the band and bring them to play at the bar Rusty owned at the time known as Kangaroo Jack’s, affectionately known to locals as “KJ’s” in Destin. Eventually, The Ranch did get a record deal and did well but Keith made another gutsy move deciding to reshape his career and go solo. Now, the man who has been recently nominated for two Grammy Awards is promoting his third solo CD and enjoying tremendous success. As the Pensacola crowd witnessed last week no matter how famous he becomes he is not someone who will forget his day of small beginnings.

Reprinted with permission from Jim Wagner, Editor, The Destin Log