11/8 - Cottages for Kids Kickoff Day!

**scrltbegonya** · 11-04-2008, 03:25 PM

Event Grand Opening and Media Day
Saturday, November 8th 9am-4pm
East Long Green, Rosemary Beach

9 am Cottages Open
10 am Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
10:15 am Posting of the colors by Eglin Air Force Base
10 am - 1 pm Garden Club handing out potted plants
11 am - 1 pm Live Music by Jonah Sage
10am - 1pm Billie Gaffrey signing posters and t-shirts
WMBB News Channel 13 on site
Mobile Dental Clinic On-Site

The cottages are amazing! Come check them out!
See ya there!

www.cottagesforkids.org

**scrltbegonya** · 11-04-2008, 03:30 PM

Event Details!

Saturday, November 8th 9am-4pm

Sunday, November 9th 10am-4pm

Veteren�s Day, Tuesday November 11 10am-3pm
11 am - 1 pm Live Music by Kari Dokken
1 pm - 3 pm Live Music by Geoff McBride

Saturday November 15th 10am-4pm
11 am - 1 pm Live Music by Joleen Jones
2 pm - 4 pm Live Music by Kyle Ogle and Friends

Sunday November 16th, 10am-4pm

Saturday November 22nd 10am-4pm
11 am - 3 pm Meet the Builders
2 pm - 4 pm Live Music by The Steenos

Sunday November 23rd, 10am-4pm

Wednesday, November 26th, 10am-4pm

Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, 10am-2pm

Friday, November 28th, 10am-4pm

Auction & Raffle
Saturday, November 29th
Raffle at 10:30 am
Auction starts at 11:00 am

Visit www.cottagesforkids.org for more information!

**incredible1** · 11-06-2008, 11:08 PM

30a Television will also be there to film between other events - busy day !

**DuneLaker** · 11-08-2008, 09:09 AM

Will stop by today! Congratulations to all. Looks like the event just opened at 9 a.m. this morning, but still have time to get to Rosemary Beach for the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Music, art posters, a raffle and potted plants add to the unique and worthwhile event.

**Teresa** · 11-08-2008, 09:55 AM

what a perfectly beautiful day to kick off cottages tours! can't wait to see them ALL. I know people are working very hard to make them magical. children will have a ball exploring them, as always!!!

**JUL** · 11-08-2008, 01:26 PM

I hope someone posts some pics...there are usually some grayt cottages!

**DuneLaker** · 11-08-2008, 02:00 PM

30A Television will be filming sometime today and should have something up soon. Also, WMBB News 13 was there filming. Maybe they've got something up on their website. I'm sure other Sowallers who post great pictures will have something. Just got back. Fabulous. The children and adults were having a blast viewing and exploring the play cottages. I hope I win the house being raffled. I'd love to set it up on 30-A and work out of it.

**kurt** · 11-08-2008, 05:34 PM

photos - http://sowal.com/photos-110808.html

**Bobby J** · 11-08-2008, 05:43 PM

What a blast and great turnout!

http://picasaweb.google.com/surfinl8er/ChildrensHealthNetwork#

**Jdarg** · 11-09-2008, 09:01 AM

I have a story about a very special cottage.

Last winter, Bdarg and Freeport Steel (our employer), and architect Tim Tricker teamed up to build a cottage for CVHN. Tim came up with a very cool and unique cottage design, Freeport Steel was all set to build the steel frame, and Bdarg lined up suppliers for the donated building materials,and the project was off and running. Then, 3 weeks ago, the siding supplier backed out, throwing a total monkey wrench into the production schedule. The frame was built, but we had nothing to cover it with!

So on October 24th, the cottage frame arrived in our driveway on a flatbed trailer, and we learned how blessed we are to live in this amazing place and have such great friends. Every night, (and some days), our friends came to help Bdarg and Tim scramble to the deadline and finish the cottage. I have no building skills, but I cooked and we sat down as a family every night for dinner, everyone shaking their heads and wondering how we were going to finish the project, but not letting Bdarg give up hope (even when I did).

On October 31st, the house, still verrrrrry unfinished, rode over to Rosemary and was craned into place, surrounded by mostly completed cottages. It was a bad day - despite the hard work, we weren't even close. Bdarg was trying to figure out how he could be at the office AND Rosemary Beach, since we were only allowed to work in daylight hours. Thankfully Freeport Steel hired some great stucco guys, our friends kept faithfully showing up, and practically overnight, the cottage was starting to look like Tim envisioned it- the Ying Yang cottage. The bamboo and everyone's amazing twine-tying abilities finished the look.

I want the family that ends up with our cottage to know how much good karma and love went into it, and to remember that it does "take a village" to achieve great results. CVHN is the perfect example of this concept, and our cottage reflects that spirit.

We have a list of thankyous as long as an Academy Awards acceptance speech- I just want everyone to know about the great people involved! When you see them, give them all a big hug!

If you are lucky enough to have John Rosenberg as your friend, then you are truly blessed. Despite his duties for Mountain Film and other obligations, he completely devoted himself to this project, kept Blaine from going nuts (despite my best efforts to make him nuts) and we could not have done this without him. He has a permanent seat at our table and on our couch.

Realtor Murray Balkcom was here the first week until I think I gave him my cold (sorry!). He and his sunny dispostion showed up every night, when he could have been doing any number of the kajillion things Murray does, but he chose to work on the cottage. In the friend department, Murray never disappoints, and we treasure him.

Nellie Debruyn was the first volunteer to answer the call, and she jumped in with both feet. Talk about a girl with talents! She can use power tools and is a writer- what a combo! We can't believe we have lived here 2 years and just getting to know Nellie, and now we have a wonderful new friend!

Carol Gagliardi started out as part of the "Moral Support Team", but ended up being the key person in the completion of the cottage- she was our "bamboo hookup". Last Sunday, Carol, John, Blaine,and I rode over to Carol's parents in Ft. Walton, and cut fifty 25 foot bamboo canes. After Carol's dad let us cut his bamboo, her mom fed us a beautiful Italian Sunday lunch! Carol put the same energy and good spirit intop this project as she does in her job at the Seaside Rep. We are lucky to know her!

Blaine's mom, Pat, has been with us for 3 weeks. It was supposed to be a 2 week "vacation to Florida", which turned into 3 weeks of helping us keep our house and life together- I have a mother-in-law that is better than MaryPoppins! She must know desperation when she sees it, and we appreciate that she didn't pack up and head for the KY hills when she could.

Freeport Steel, Ladd Goodson, and "Bamboo Bo" Goodson - who provided not only the financial backing for this cottage, but jumped in hard when we really needed the push to finish. Bo became a master at lashing bamboo poles together with twine - I doubt he will ever grow any!

Tim Tricker had a really cool vision for a cottage that would appeal to kids AND grownups- and it worked!

Amanda Shuette constantly surprises me- who knew she could use tools? She showed up, and instead of staying inside where it was warm, was out on the flat bed with the building crew! She gets extra bonus points for her wit!

Arix Zalace's carpentry talents were mentioned by several people- and he heard the call. Thanks Arix!

Bdarg just informed me that Brian Goff came by one night- he and Blaine used to work together, and it was so sweet that he pitched in to help.

Of course the Mers blew into town and came straight to our aid. It's not a vaction for them unless they have a project!

Our "Moral Support Team" was outstanding- Christi and Patrick Ferry (Patrick makes awesome gumbo and creole!), Miss Kitty, and Gypsea- they completed our nightly family table, and added unmeasurable fun every evening. They kept ME almost sane. Abe Drinkin' was an inspiration for dinner one night- I made speidies, but they weren't nearly as good as his!

We need to shout out Frank's Cash n'Carry, S&S Drywall, and Triangle Fasteners too.

Kelli Arnold and the rest of the CVHN team- thanks for keeping the faith and being so encouraging.

And finally, Bdarg rocks. That's all I'm gonna say, other than anyone that knows him knows that he never gives up and this project never would have made it without him. There were a few seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and others would have quit, but not my husband. The kids and I are really proud of him.

So that's our story- now everyone go out and see the cottages at Rosemary. I am sure they all have stories of their own, and I hope the other "cottage families" will share them!

DD · 11-09-2008, 09:07 AM

Wow! What a wonderful story! And what wonderful friends!!

**Miss Kitty** · 11-09-2008, 09:26 AM

If only that story had been filmed...it would have been a wonderful, inspiring Mountainfilm!

The Ying Yang cottage is full of blood, sweat, tears and love. It became another lesson in never giving up.

jdarg, that post was beautiful. I am constantly amazed at this community and the addition of the Darg family has enhanced it beyond belief. They don't know the word, "No", nor the phrase, "give up"! I feel blessed to have been around all these folks and to witness the coming together of "the village" to get it done!

**Smiling JOe** · 11-09-2008, 09:05 PM

jdarg, you are so right about the people in this town. I love 'em!

**Carol G** · 11-09-2008, 09:40 PM

What a beautiful story jdarg!

I loved every moment I got to spend with the cottage team, even though it was mostly on the "moral support" side. I feel so blessed to know such a terrific bunch of folks here... A great big thank you to bdarg and jdarg too, for your deep commitment to our community, and for having the most welcoming home I know. You guys rock!

**ciclismo** · 11-10-2008, 11:58 AM

JDarg,

Great story! That is why is it so fun to do the cottages every year! It is amazing how your cottage came together. It turned out great!

The home cooked meals sound great. We lived off of Taco Bell and Burger King during our late night panic building sessions. Maybe next year we will build ours in your driveway as well. :-)

**Jdarg** · 11-10-2008, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by ciclismo

JDarg,

Great story! That is why is it so fun to do the cottages every year! It is amazing how your cottage came together. It turned out great!

The home cooked meals sound great. We lived off of Taco Bell and Burger King during our late night panic building sessions. Maybe next year we will build ours in your driveway as well. :-)

I wouldn't recommend it as the ideal building situation. But it worked out! And all worth it knowing tht CVHN will benefit, and kids get to play on these things for the rest of the month.

**scrltbegonya** · 11-11-2008, 09:20 PM

i understand that now THREE cottages have already sold thru the buy it now option!!!

**incredible1** · 11-12-2008, 01:54 AM

Here is the clip
http://30atelevision.com/play.php?vid=321

It will also air on the TV show Wednesday Nov 12th at 7pm

**GoodWitch58** · 11-12-2008, 06:35 AM

Yin Yang was my favorite cottage--even before I read the beautiful story...thanks JDarg and BDarg and Tim and all the Peeps who worked on it...the wonderful sense of serenity pours from it.....

**Jdarg** · 11-12-2008, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by scrltbegonya

i understand that now THREE cottages have already sold thru the buy it now option!!!

Wow! Great news! I LOVE good news like this. Thanks for setting the tone for the day- it's happy!

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

Yin Yang was my favorite cottage--even before I read the beautiful story...thanks JDarg and BDarg and Tim and all the Peeps who worked on it...the wonderful sense of serenity pours from it.....

Thanks----we think it is pretty cool too.

**Jdarg** · 11-15-2008, 04:33 PM

Great article about the cottages today in the Sun!

And beautiful pictures.

**scrltbegonya** · 11-20-2008, 08:15 AM

Lots of fun pictures and stories about the cottages on the Pizza by the Sea Blogspot!

**Teresa** · 11-20-2008, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by jdarg

I have a story about a very special cottage......

And finally, Bdarg rocks. That's all I'm gonna say, other than anyone that knows him knows that he never gives up and this project never would have made it without him. There were a few seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and others would have quit, but not my husband. The kids and I are really proud of him.

So that's our story- now everyone go out and see the cottages at Rosemary. I am sure they all have stories of their own, and I hope the other "cottage families" will share them!

now that is the sweetest thing ever! great story... so much love labor! can't wait to see it in person. you should all be proud of ying/yang cottage!

I am proud of Bdarg and Tim T for your creative vision!!! and to all the village people who helped build a cottage - you are the best!

**Teresa** · 11-20-2008, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by scrltbegonya

Lots of fun pictures and stories about the cottages on the Pizza by the Sea Blogspot!

thanks scrlt! these stories are all great, and I especially love reading about Craig B.'s Fury from the Deep - how awesome! they are each and every one awesome!

**tistheseason** · 11-20-2008, 12:33 PM

Jdarg -- Thanks for sharing that story! It's amazing how people can come together!!

**Jdarg** · 11-22-2008, 08:45 AM

Fun day at the Cottages- meet the builders and architects today from 11 - 3! Ask questions, hang out with them ("caue they are cool and fun and all that

), utilize the "buy-it-now" option and buy a cottage today!

It's a beautiful day to play- little kids AND big kids!

**incredible1** · 11-22-2008, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by incredible1

Here is the clip
http://30atelevision.com/play.php?vid=321

It will also air on the TV show Wednesday Nov 12th at 7pm

Bonus showings of the piece
Comcast CH 46 schedule Thurs. 6pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 7pm
Monday & Tuesday 6:30pm
Medicom CH 5 schedule: Everyday at 7pm

**kurt** · 11-23-2008, 07:14 PM

Click to see more photos and some closeup looks at interiors and exteriors.

**Allifunn** · 11-23-2008, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Click to see more photos and some closeup looks at interiors and exteriors.

Pictures are amazing! I know all the SoWallers that could not be here love seeing them in your photos! I feel like I am right there inside! What wonderful, fantastic cottages!

GREAT JOB by everyone!

**GoodWitch58** · 11-24-2008, 06:31 AM

Kurt, your photography is amazing. Thank you.

I took my grandchildren again yesterday...and we will go again before the cottages are gone. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon: chasing after an 18 month old who wants to garden in the Garden cottage; and a five year old who endlessly zips through the air on the zip line.

Absolutely fabulous!