Eastern Shore Parents June 2014 by KeepSharing

All former NICU patients and their families are invited to our NICU Reunion in the

Geri Moulton Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park

Sunday, June 8 1

3 p. m.

Please bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair.

For more information, please call (251) 415-1000.

June2014 48

Volume 7 Number 1

Columns

Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

Living With Children

When Your Toddler Says NO!

Advice for handling that dreaded word you often hear all day long.

John Rosemond

Hosting a “Fancy Friends” Birthday

Glam it up with this unique party for boys and girls of all ages.

sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Dave Says

Kids Health Watch

Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

2014 Birthday Party Guide

Our local guide to all things BIRTHDAY will make planning your event easier than ever.

Encouraging Independence

A Page in a Book

Four ways to help your child foster independence in every day tasks!

Departments 6

On The Cover

Bits and Pieces

Chatam (age 3) is the daughter of Todd and Joni Cheney and big sister to Crew Cheney (1 month.) Proud grandparents are Jack and Karen French of Mobile and Phillip and Elizabeth Cheney of Cape Cod. Chatam enjoys ballet, gymnastics, swimming and playing with her friends. 1

Gerry Paige Smith

School Bits 76

Family Calendar 84

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote Helloooo Summer! After a very hurried spring filled with recitals, class parties, plays, and end of year programs, I am ready for a slower pace. As I walked into the class parties at the end of school, I could tell by the other moms’ and dads’ faces, they were, too. I can only imagine how the teachers feel! A more relaxed pace means less stress and a lot more opportunities to hang out together as a family. However, I still have a job to do. While working from home definitely has its advantages, it also has challenges, especially during the summer months. I was reminded of this just today as my girls were running in with “What’s for lunch?” or “My sister won’t help me clean the room,” and the infamous, “I’m bored.” It really is my fault though. I have not done the best job encouraging them to be independent. I feel like if I am lucky enough to be home with them, I should serve as cook, referee and entertainment director. Now that they are older, I am starting to realize that I am probably doing them a disservice by not pushing them to do more for themselves. In her article, 4 Ways to Encourage Independence Every Day, Heidi Smith Luedtke mentions several benefits from children having more independence. Also, if the girls were comfortable with small tasks such as making their own lunches from time to time or completing their chores without me hovering, it would most likely be of great benefit to the whole family. I could get my work finished earlier, leaving more time for family fun! Speaking of fun, what could be more fun than a birthday party? Each June, Eastern Shore Parents publishes its annual Birthday Party Issue . We love planning parties. Picking out the theme, location, cake and decorations is all part of the thrill. My girls really enjoy getting on Pinterest to help with ideas. Thankfully, since I am the poster mom of the “Pinterest Fail” blogs, we also have several local resources right here in Baldwin County that can make party planning a breeze. If you are going to be planning a party this year, make sure you hold on to this issue. We have an extensive directory of birthday party resources for you to choose from beginning on page 59. In this guide you will find places for cakes, invitations, entertainment, and of course, places to party. It is a one stop party spot! We have also included a fun article from Christina Katz, How to Host a Fancy Friends Birthday Party . Christa gives us some creative party ideas to accommodate both girls and boys. While planning a party, you may hear a lot of “yes” from your child, but if you are in the toddler stages, you are probably hearing a lot of “no” from them. Hearing your sweet young toddler emphatically tell you NO can be quite shocking. However, as Christa Melnyk Hines explains in this month’s article, When Toddlers Say No , it is completely normal. She also offers some advice for parents who feel they are battling the toddler “no” all too frequently. Finally, I want to wish all the dads who read and support Eastern Shore Parents a very Happy Father’s Day...and to my sweet husband, Brad, thank you for all of your support and for being such a wonderful dad to our three girls!

Lynn

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Christina Katz Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Janel Gay www.janelgayphotography.com President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com

Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Tracie Calvert ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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There are more suicides than murders in Alabama every year.

It’s a confidential call...no one will know you called but YOU! Open 24 hours a day if a friend has had suicidal thoughts In 2012, 74 people ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in Alabama.

Talking about suicidal thoughts help reduce the pain.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Avoid the Power Struggle Q: My 14-year-old son does not brush his teeth, except during the week before going to the dentist. He doesn’t have any cavities, his breath is fine, his check-ups at the dentist are at the “acceptable” level (not great, but passable), and his teeth look fine. So he feels like it’s an unnecessary bother. I nevertheless am concerned that he is setting himself up for dental problems. My wife wants to clamp down on this and enforce him brushing his teeth very closely, which would consist of being in the bathroom with him and supervising his brushing. If we don’t watch him, he will go in the bathroom and just do a perfunctory job, or just wet his toothbrush and say he brushed. Any advice? A: My advice is that you accept you have done and said everything you can do and say to get him to realize the importance of brushing his teeth and stop doing or saying anything. Have you not yet figured out that short of standing over him while he brushes---something that is going to get very tiresome very quickly—you aren’t going to win this battle? And I suspect, by the way, that this has turned into a power struggle that he is winning, he knows he’s winning, and he is going to continue winning no matter what you do.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

If you stand over him in the bathroom twice a day, you are only going to stimulate more passive-aggressive behavior from him and become increasingly exasperated. He’s going to see to that. Drop it. It is only a matter of time before his peers begin telling him he has bad breath. One cannot neglect brushing forever and not develop halitosis. You can also inform him that if he develops a cavity, it will be his job to pay for the repair, and that his privileges will be suspended until he has satisfied the debt. Let this monkey be on his back, not yours.

Q: My 18-year-old son and a slightly younger friend recently found some mice and decided to dispose of them. They drowned one and set the other one on fire. When I confronted my son for torturing animals, his response was, “They’re just mice.” Is this typical boy behavior or should I be concerned? A: This may be “boy behavior” in that

boys are certainly more likely to do such things than girls, but it is definitely not typical boy behavior. Animal torture and abuse is a very strong marker of Antisocial Personality Disorder. The website “How

to Spot a Sociopath” (http://www.wikihow. com/Spot-a-Sociopath) defines APD as a “disregard for the feelings of others, a lack of remorse or shame, manipulative behavior, unchecked egocentricity, and the ability to lie in order to achieve one’s goals.” The mere fact that your son tortured mice to death is not, in and of itself, diagnostic, but it certainly raises suspicions. His cavalier attitude when you confronted him raises those suspicions even higher. The question turns on whether or not other aspects of your son’s behavior fit the criteria. It is possible, in other words, for a person to exhibit an isolated sociopathic behavior without actually being a sociopath. If, however, your son habitually lies, seems callous toward the problems of others, is generally narcissistic, and often manipulative of others, then I would recommend a professional evaluation. He’s still young enough that if he’s confronted with a problem of this sort in a professional setting, he can possibly make some corrections to the direction his life is taking.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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8th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser

High Hopes 4 Autism is excited to announce the 8th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser. This exciting event will be held June 6 - 8 at Pirate's Cove in Josephine, AL. Activities include a silent auction, a raffle for coins rescued from the El Cazador wreck set by local artist, Spencer Harris, a draw down for 2014 Jeep and a fantastic music lineup. Friday, June 6, 7 p.m. - Willie Sugar Trapp, Will Kimbrough, Sugarcane Jane, Corky Hughes and Guthrie Trapp. Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. - The Perdido Brothers, 2 p.m. - Rollin' In The Hay, 7 p.m. - Big Muddy The King Size Boogieman. And finishing up Sunday, June 8, 11 a.m. - Delta Reign and at 2 p.m. - Stolen Faces. For more information or to purchase JEEP draw down tickets visit www.highhopes4autism.org.

"Sea, Sand, & Stars Gulf Coast Adventure"

Enjoy a week long discovery of our natural treasures with daily presentations by local experts, fish feeding, and rotating IMAX movies in the planetarium. June 9-14, 2014, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Open to the public. Free Admission. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Funded by Coastal Baldwin Educational Enrichment Foundation in partnership with BP. Sea, Sand, & Stars is located behind Orange Beach Elementary School, 4900 Wilson Boulevard, Orange Beach.

25th NICU Reunion at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

The Hollis J. Wiseman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host USA’s 25th NICU Reunion at Geri Moulton Children’s Park -1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 8. All USA NICU “graduates” and their families are invited. Light refreshments, dress is casual and there will be children’s games. Free parking available at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute next to the park. Families can also enjoy more than 50 life-size bronze sculptures depicting children and families. There is no admission charge. http://www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh.

Distinguished Young Women 2014 National Finals

The Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. The program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 730,000 young women and more than $100 million in cash scholarships has been awarded at the local, state and national levels combined. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. The program headquartered in Mobile will be held June 26-28 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.distinguishedyw.org.

Alabama Teen Challenge Causeway 5k, Fun Run, & Health Expo

The CAUSEway Run on June 14 at 7:15 a.m. will benefit the work of Alabama Teen Challenge (alabamateenchallenge.org). Out and back certified 5K course along the Causeway between Mobile and Spanish Fort. Fun run less than 1Mile - course inside the Battleship Park. Everyone is welcome to visit the Health Expo before, during, and after the races. Food and beverages will be provided after the race. All registered participants will be eligible for door prizes. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by June 7), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on June 12, or online (www.Active.com) until midnight June 12. Race day registration at Battleship Park from 6:15 – 7:10 a.m. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes more than 50 hot air balloonists from across the country on June 13-14 at the Foley Sports Complex, 18507 US Highway 98 West, Foley, Alabama. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of South Baldwin County on Friday and Saturday morning. Get up close and personal as the hot air balloons and their pilots light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon glows, held Friday and Saturday night. Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Spread out your blanket, grab an ice cold drink and enjoy a variety of live music daily, from country to rock and roll. Be sure to catch one of the many shows by the Disc Connected K-9 World Famous Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after toss you will be amazed as man’s best friend defies gravity catching their prized flying saucers. Pet a baby alligator, dance like a butterfly to fun kid’s tunes, paint your face like a tiger or try a little family friendly game of limbo. The free Kid's Fun Zone offers hours of fun for any age. Many crafters provide onsite demonstrations, find a one of kind piece of art, or grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Please visit www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com for more information.

Sheriff's Office Announces 6th Annual Shining Star Camp

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 6th Annual 2014 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camp is a program established to promote positive interaction between the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and children between the ages of 8 through 13. Activities include drug awareness with K-9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, boater’s safety with simulators, fire safety, physical health information, bowling, obstacle courses, guest speakers, a family fun day, and many other activities. The Camps will be held at: Baldwin County High School, Bay Minette, Wednesday, June 18 through Saturday June 21; Central Baldwin Middle School, Robertsdale, Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday July 26; Fairhope Intermediate School, Fairhope, Wednesday, August 6 through Saturday August 9. Camp fee is $30 and includes camp shirts and activities. Camp applications can be picked up at the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and are also located on the BCSO website: http://www.sheriffofbaldwin.com/ For further information please contact Mrs. Linda Anderson at (251) 972-6890.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Alabama/Gulf Coast chapter has officially kicked off their 4th Annual South Alabama Man & Woman of the Year competition to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services. Twelve candidates will compete for the title by raising funds in honor of local leukemia survivors, Boy of the Year William “Shep” Hall, age 3, of Daphne, and Girl of the Year Ella Beth Barlow, age 7, of Spanish Fort. Candidates competing for 2014 Man of the Year are: Joseph Dzwonkowski of Strategic Wealth Specialists, Gary Englade of Legacy Bar and Grill, Hunt Griffith of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Lincoln Lee Hammons of Coastal Bank and Trust, Ben Jernigan of the Ben Jernigan Band, and Bob Mobley of Hargrove Engineers + Contractors. Candidates competing for 2014 Woman of the Year are: Ashley Daves, mother of survivor Michael Daves, Anna Luce of Roberts Brothers, Virginia McNeil of McNeil, Ahrens & Lambert, Elizabeth Petersen of University of West Florida, Lacey D. Smith of Armbrecht Jackson, & Reilly Ward of Maynard Cooper. “Last year, our corporate and community leaders raised an incredible $90,000 during the ten week competition, and this year our goal is $150,000,” said Melanie Mooney, executive director of the Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter of LLS. Candidates for the titles are judged solely on the basis of their success in generating funds to benefit LLS, which invests in research for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and provides information and services to patients and their families. Every dollar raised counts as one vote. The male and female candidates with the most votes locally will be crowned “2014 Man & Woman of the Year,” at a Grand Finale celebration at Space 301 on Thursday, June 12, at 6 p.m. These top local fundraisers will also be in the running for the national title of Man & Woman of the Year, an honor surrounded with a great deal of fanfare, including a full-page ad in USA Today. You can cast a vote for your favorite candidate at www. mwoy.org/al, then click South Alabama.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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O Delta Day Set for June 7 at Lower Bryant Pavilion

Plans are under way for the fifth annual O Delta Day set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 at Lower Bryant Pavilion in north Baldwin County. The day’s activities will include a fishing tournament, river raft and inner tube races, rubber duck race, live entertainment, fish and chicken plates, a silent auction, dessert competition, and more as funds are raised to benefit the Leah Ann Overstreet Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund, established in Overstreet’s memory, awards scholarships to senior members of the Baldwin County High School band. “Mrs. O” was principal of Delta Elementary School, a founding member and president of the North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education. The scholarship committed chose to honor band students because Overstreet’s son, A’Lanson Hoffman, was a member of the Baldwin County High School Band and the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama. This school year, the committee is awarding more than $6,000 in scholarships using proceeds from the 2013 event. This year’s recipients include Kate Harrison, Morgan Covington, Tristan Young, Shavia Safford, Jay Jackson, Joy Holley, Brandon Pimperl, Anniestacia Miskel, Harley Rowell and Holly Barber. To date, the committee has awarded $22,000 in scholarships to BCHS students. Items are being collected for the silent auction, which organizers said is a major part of the fundraiser. The silent auction will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To donate, call Patsy Robinson at 251-455-9616. For more information about the day’s events, contact Mary Blackmon at 251-751-9216.

Make-A-Wish® Alabama Laces Up for Walk for Wishes® and 5K Run

The substance of a wish varies greatly from one child to the next. It is not the specifics of a wish that matters – only that everything is within reach. The hope of endless possibilities empowers seriously ill children to think beyond any boundary. Such empowerment changes their perception. Make-A-Wish Alabama is determined to grant a wish for every eligible child. Last year, Make-A-Wish Alabama fulfilled 130 wishes, and it is on course to fulfill at least 140 wishes this year; however, recent statistics show that more than 400 children in Alabama will be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, which means the job of Make-A-Wish is far from complete. On Saturday, June 21, Make-A-Wish Alabama will be hosting its first ever “Walk for Wishes and 5K Run” that will raise money for Alabama children living with a lifethreatening medical condition. The event will be at Battleship Memorial Park, located at 2703 Battleship Parkway in Mobile. Registration is $10 per participant. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. with the walk/run to begin at 8:00 a.m. For more information about the event and to find out how to register, log on to www.alabama.wish.org/walkforwishes or call (251) 288-0692.

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Daphne United Methodist Church Rummage Sale

Daphne United Methodist Church is excited to announce their HUGE Rummage Sale. The sale will take place Saturday, June 14th at the church, 2401 Main St, Daphne from 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Items to be found at the rummage sale include toys, sports equipment, household items, appliances, furniture and much, much more! Come see for yourself! Proceeds from the sale will benefit "Imagine No Malaria".

Olde Daphne Art and Farm Fair

The Daphne Art Center and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority is proud to present The Olde Daphne Art and Farm Fair. The fair will include local artists, produce and other farm goods from local farmers, late afternoon wine tasting and music. There will also be art activities for the children in Centennial Park including a croquet game. The Olde Daphne Art and Farm Fair will be held Saturday, June 28th from 10am – 6pm. For more information please email daphne. art.center251@gmail.com or call 251-621-0659 and ask for Lynn or Annie.

Exceptional Foundation’s “Game On” Summer Camp The Exceptional Foundation is excited to announce the 2014 Summer Camp, "Game On". The Exceptional Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that strives to meet the social and recreational needs of the developmentally and/or physically challenged adult population of the greater Baldwin/Mobile Counties. They offer a variety of programs to improve the quality of life for exceptional people and their families. The foundation has extended their reach this summer to include a wonderful camp for children ages 8 and up. Camp dates are June 28th - 31st at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne. For more information on the camp or the foundation itself, contact Jennifer Flad, 251-625-8955 or Jennifer.Flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org. Find us on Facebook!

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Girl Scouts Etiquette Luncheon

Girl Scouts on the Eastern Shore participated in a workshop at Daphne Recreation Center in social protocol hosted by Paula Perri. The following day the girls dined at formal luncheon at Tamara’s in Fairhope to celebrate their new table manners. For opportunity in social protocol, paulaperri123@yahoo.com, 251-625-3137. Girl Scouts present during the event are Hannah Reese, Sophia Salgado, Isabella Hanner, Juliet Hanner, Abbie Bishop, Riley Eilers, Sevyn Smith, and Alessa Wells.

Eastern Shore Art Center Partners with Local Student for Charity Project

Eastern Shore Art Center Community Outreach Director, Nancy Raia, has been working with Lucy Normann on a charitable project called Lucy’s Lips. “For her outstanding efforts in the Lucy’s Lips project, Lucy Normann, a graduating 6th grader at Fairhope Intermediate School, was presented with an award from the Eastern Shore Art Center! Here she is shown meeting Michael Daves, whom she is honoring with her efforts to Kiss Leukemia Goodbye! Michael built our pavilion at the Art Center for his Eagle Scout project. Last year, while a senior at Bayside, he battled leukemia. He is doing well at Ole Miss, pursuing Civil Engineering! Lucy will be selling these lips for a donation at The Fairhope Store. “ Right to left: Carol Broughton (Fairhope Intermediate Principal), Nancy Raia, Lucy Normann, Michael Daves

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Bugs Be Gone! Yep, it’s that time of year. The weather is getting hot, we just had record-setting rainfall, and the kids are outside when the sun is going down. And guess what…your kids are covered in bug bites. Because of our generally mild winter and the recent heavy rains, the bug season is here in full force and will be one of the worst ever. So, what can you do? Today we will discuss the various bugs that are causing trouble in south Alabama, ways to reduce mosquito growth around your house, how to protect your kids, and what to do if you or your child gets bitten. There are lots of bugs that can cause trouble down here. Of course we all know about mosquitoes, but we have also seen an increase in red bugs (they live in pine straw or hay), ticks, fleas, yellow flies and “no-see-ums.” While the various bug bites are annoying, luckily, there is low risk of something serious happening. Everyone has heard of Lyme disease from tick bites, but it is very rare in south Alabama. Everyone has also heard of West Nile disease from mosquito bites, but again, very rare. You can also have bug bites get a secondary bacterial infection like MRSA. Now, just because they are rare doesn’t mean that these can’t occur, so with any bites, be on the lookout for any fever, red streaks, red

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

target looking lesions, headache or altered mental status. So what can you do to prevent your child from getting bitten? First, mosquitoes hatch in water, so if there is any standing water near your house, they will be there. After every rain, walk around your property and dump out any standing water to reduce growth. Next, try to avoid having your kids outside during peak bug times—dawn and dusk. If your kids are going to go outside, it’s a good idea to have them covered up in light colored, long sleeve (if possible) clothing and you can try to “hide them” from the mosquitoes by wiping them down with dryer sheets or spraying them with a mosquito repellent containing 5% or less of DEET. Parents always ask me why some people get bitten by bugs, and others don’t get bitten at all. There are a lot of theories and scientists haven’t definitively answered the questions, but basically some people release certain hormones that attract bugs and some people release hormones that actually hide you or repel them. It’s all based on your genes, so you can blame your parents. I also have people tell me all the time that their kids are allergic to bug bites (I don’t mean bees or hornets—those are real) and they need allergy testing. Well, not really. You can’t be “allergic” to mosquito

bites per se, but you can have what we call a large local reaction to the bites in that your histamine system reacts very strongly and produces a lot of swelling. So, what can you do if your child does get bitten? I always tell folks to carry a small tube of topical Benadryl cream or steroid cream if you are going to be in a high risk area. Check your kids frequently and put a small dab on each bite and it will stop it from becoming a large, swollen area. Sometimes, a collection of bites can really lead to some impressive swelling and you have to give your child an anti-histamine by mouth. Look on the back of the bottle and follow the instructions. If you don’t see you child’s age or weight, then contact you healthcare provider. If any of the above serious reactions occur, then definitely call them! In the end, the bugs are here to stay, so prevent what you can and treat them if you see them. Check out some resources at cdc.gov and mobilecountyhealth. org and put on sunscreen! Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

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Autauga CountyW.J. Schools Carroll Students Participate

Fairhope High School Chemistry Students Recognized at Awards Dinner

in Fitness and Nutrition Program

Outstanding Fairhope High School chemistry students were recognized at an American Chemical Society awards dinner on May 12 at the University of South Alabama. The recipients include: Austin Pegues (IB Chemistry), Lindsay Crone (IB Chemistry), Gavin Stokes (AP Chemistry), Nizar Tarabein (AP Chemistry, not pictured), and Hannah Newsom (IB Chemistry, not pictured). Amanda Jennings, Chemistry teacher at Fairhope High School, was recognized as the ACS Mobile chapter Teacher of the Year.

This year, W. J. Carroll students participated in HEAL, or Healthy Eating, Active Living Program. HEAL is a curriculumbased fitness and nutrition education program that is designed for elementary students and incorporated into the daily lesson plans of the PE program. Recently, students participated in an evaluation determining how much they have embraced a healthier way of life. Overall school winner was 4th grader Tyler Walker. Standing with the school PE teacher Mrs. Nan Chesser are, from left, Sam Jerrell, Tyler Walker, Paige Henry, Sarah Powell, and Kendyl Stroud. Missing is Caris Blake.

Robertsdale Elementary Kindergartners Take Field Trip Next Door

One of the best field trips kindergarten classes from Robertsdale Elementary School get to take is the one right next door. Every year Mr. Jeff Kelley of the South Baldwin Center for Technology allows all seven classes to visit his inside and outside classroom. The children get to visit the vegetable garden outside and the green house inside. Mr. Kelley and his high school students tell what types of fruit and vegetable plants are growing and share other bits of information with the young field trippers. On the last part of the trip, older students help the younger ones plant a beautiful flower for their mom's, Mother's Day gift. Jeff Kelley is pictured with Robertsdale Elementary kindergartners.

Congressman Byrne Visits Silverhill Elementary

Students at Silverhill Elementary School welcomed a very special visitor, Congressman Bradley Byrne. While on campus, Congressman Byrne spoke to students about his job in Washington DC. He read an inspirational book and encouraged students to do their best under all circumstances. Pictured with Congressman Byrne and Principal Pamela Moorer, are students from Mrs. Teresa Ramey's K-4 class. Nehemiah Canceleno, Jasmine Davis, Thomas Decker, Austin Echols, Audrianne Egebrecht, Sydney Enriquez, Natalia Galo, Colton Giles, Anna Katherine Guarisco, Sydney Hollingsworth, Kyndall Ladd, Anthony Lochrico, Tyler Miller, Ethan Penabad, Steven Hurtado, Samuel Wilder and Kolie Williams. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Boating Safety Week at Orange Beach Elementary School

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary presented a boating safety class to the 1st and 2nd grade classes at the Orange Beach Elementary School on May 8th and 9th. This program is presented each year during Boating Safety Week. The students had the opportunity to practice putting on lifejackets, getting in and out of a small boat, being good lookouts and performing a man-over-board drill. Being a good lookout included what to look for when they are boating with their families this summer. Each student received a Certificate and a coloring book adding to the fun. Instructors left to right: Ken Drake, Nancy Matzl, Norm Matzl. Boating students in Mrs. Kimberly Edwards 2nd grade class include: A.P. Bullard, Kylee Achee, Alex Davis, Ian Carnrike, Gray Bias, and Ashton Etheridge.

Southern Hospitality at Fairhope Middle School

Fairhope Middle School advanced art students created a mural for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art exhibit held during the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. The theme of the exhibit was Southern Hospitality. Pictured with their mural, from left to right, are: Kathryn Thompson, Olivia Ott, Alexandra Box, and Madison Stanaland.

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County Schools Denim Day Daphne HighAutauga Schoolers Recognize

Daphne High School students, led by sophomore Hannah Denham, took a stand against sexual violence last month by wearing denim, offering donations and signing a banner stating “Trojans Unite Against Sexual Violence. “A lot of people hear the phrase ‘sexual violence’ and immediately think of rape victims in the Congo,” Hannah said. “Many of us don’t realize that it’s reality for so many people here: your family members, classmates, teachers all could have been affected by it.” On April 23, students were allowed to wear jeans to school instead of uniform pants for a suggested $1 donation. Students who signed the banner or made a donation were given a teal ribbon which represents sexual assault awareness. A school counselor was also available during lunch to provide more information. “The violence of it doesn’t discriminate based on location, and the fact that it is sort of swept under the rug reveals a greater need for awareness,” Hannah said. “We raised over $225 for local crisis centers, and hundreds of students signed the banner and wore jeans in support. It gave a voice for victims and others who have been affected and establishes future conversation.” The idea of Denim Day originated from a sexual assault case overturned by the Italian Supreme Court in 1997 because the victim was wearing jeans and was ruled to have consented in order to remove them. Women in the Italian Parliament fought against this ruling by wearing jeans to work. Ever since 1999, it has been a widespread event observed by numerous high schools across America. This year Hannah decided to organize a Daphne High Denim Day event as part of a social issues project for Daphne High teacher, Mrs. Deborah Few. The project consists of a five page essay on a social issue that students have a personal connection with, along with a change related to the issue. The change can be anything that raises awareness about the issue. Hannah came across the Denim Day website, http://denimdayusa.org, while conducting online research for her project. She wrote a proposal plan for Daphne High’s Denim Day and sent it in to Dr. Foster, the Daphne High principal, who enthusiastically signed off on the idea. All the money donated by the students was donated equally to the Lighthouse in Robertsdale and The Rape Crisis Center in Mobile. “None of this could have been possible without the support of the students and staff who supported the campaign.” Hannah said. “The outpouring of love, support and determination for a better tomorrow was overwhelming in the best way possible.

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Fairhope Intermediate School Running Club Participates in Spring Fever Chase The Fairhope Intermediate School Running Club, F.I.R.E. (Fairhope Intermediate Running Enthusiasts) recently participated in the Spring Fever Chase. This was just one of the many runs in which the club members participated. Pictured here are a few of the F.I.R.E. members, Left to Right. Jacob Markris, Griffin Farrow, and Adler Rux.

Gulf Shores - Collaborating Across Schools

The Digital Renaissance and collaborative learning are on fire in Gulf Shores! Mrs. Victoria Roberson, second grade teacher at Gulf Shores Elementary, and Ms. Brittney Reeves, eighth grade teacher at Gulf Shores Middle, have recently collaborated across schools. As part of Ms. Roberson’s fairy tale unit, her students compared and contrasted traditional fairy tales to modern fairy tales. The students were then tasked with writing modern fairy tales that would appeal to middle school students. The second grade students used the iPad app “Puppet Pals HD” to create their own modern fairy tales. Ms. Reeves’ students recently completed a narrative writing unit. Her students analyzed different stories to see what similarities they found among all stories (theme, heroes, journey, ETC). The students had the opportunity to create their own comic book or children’s story using Story Jumper online. When Ms. Roberson’s students finished their modern fairy tales, they came over to Ms. Reeves’ class to share their stories. Students formed small groups made up of both second graders and eighth graders. The second grade students shared their project instructions, project process, and modern fairy tales with their eighth graders. The eighth graders were able to put their knowledge of narrative writing to use through asking their second grade partners questions about their story. At the end of class, eighth grade students used Padlet to give the second grade students feedback on their project. Pictured Left to right: Catherine Layfield, Autumn Warnock, Lexus Beth Helton, Breeze Warnock, Ireland Gray, and Dalton Chance.

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Autauga Schools Patrick Catholic Students Win Bayshore Christian School 6th CountySt. 2nd at State Tech Fair Graders Visit D.C.

Bayshore Christian School 6th grade students visited George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon, on their trip to Washington D.C. Pictured from left to right: (back row) Wes Cochran, Kirk Kirland, Braden Downing, Mary Patrick Ponder, Sam Malone, John Carter Scott, Nathan Williams, (front row) Will Edmiston, Ella Pursely, Alex Cook, Camryn Sexton, Emma Finnamore, and Tillery French.

Congratulations to our computer teacher, Lori Pressley, on the outstanding success of our technology program. Fifteen students winning at the regional level qualified with their five computer projects to participate in the Alabama Council for Technology in Education 2014 State Technology Fair at AUM in Montgomery. Congrats to the SPCS Geeks, Anne-Marie Doughman, Madison Munguia, and Rosario Galarza on their multimedia project, “Cyber Bullying”, which placed 2nd in the state!

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St. Dominic Students Place in Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

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Christ the King Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field Day

Christ the King Catholic School seventh grade students, from left, Reily Gordon (seated), Michael Moore, Grace Roberts, Mary Ellis Ollinger, Katherine Cane, Griffin Mahoney, and Joey Roh take a break from field day activities to enjoy a snack. CKCS held its annual field day on Friday, May 2, kicking off the day with the Field Day Fun Run through Daphne.

St. Dominic Catholic School students recently participated in the Holocaust art and writing contest sponsored by the Gulf Coast Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education. The purpose of the contest is to promote Holocaust education. St. Dominic Catholic School had 4 winners in the competition. Pictured (l â&#x20AC;&#x201C; r) are Danielle Noletto, Honorable Mention, Art; Anna Boucher, 3rd Place, Art; Jillian Lami, 1st Place, Poetry; and Reagan Haik, 2nd Place, Poetry. The winning art was displayed and the poetry winners read their poems at the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 27th at the Springhill Avenue temple.

Summer Food Service Program

Baldwin County Public Schools will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program. This program will provide lunch to school children ages 18 and younger free of charge. Children do not have to been rolled at the participating school to receive a lunch. This program is funded entirely by the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). No local dollars are used for the purchase of food or for paying staff to work the program. Lunches will be served Monday - Thursday beginning June 9 and ending Aug. 7 at the following school cafeterias: Baldwin County High, Robertsdale Elementary and Foley Elementary. Lunch will only be served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Meals will only be provided to children; adults may not purchase meals. Questions should be directed to the Child Nutrition Program Office at 251-580-1885.

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Autauga County Baldwin County High Teams WinSchools Big at Regional Contest

Two Baldwin County High School teams traveled to New Orleans recently to take part in the MA Gulf Coast Regional Competition and both left with numerous trophies, plaques and accolades. The BCHS Tiger Elite and the Tigerette dance line competed in the team categories. Students Kate Harrison and Morgan Covington also competed in the Auxiliary Ensemble and Olivia Turner danced in the solo competition. The Tiger Elite Winter Guard team earned a Superior trophy for their performance, an Outstanding Choreography award, Best In Class award and High Point Award. The team was also awarded Winner's Circle distinction award for having the highest overall score, regardless of classification. The Tigerettes took part in two dance categories: jazz and kickline, earning raves for both. The Tigerettes earned Superior awards in both the Kick and Jazz categories and also won High Point in Kickline. The dance team also received Technique Honors and Outstanding Choreography award for both their Jazz and Kick routines. Morgan Covington and Kate Harrison won second runner-up in the Color Guard Ensemble Division for their performance to the song “Defying Gravity”. Both groups are under the direction of Elizabeth Bridges Byrd. Next on the calendar for the Tiger Elite is the Gulf Coast Color Guard and Percussion Circuit championship competition in Enterprise. The Tiger Elite is a winter guard competition team that combines the use of flags, weaponry, dance, and theatrics. The group’s show is titled "Taking A Stand," performed to the song "Some Nights" by F.U.N Tiger Elite Winter Guard team (pictured right) include Kate Harrison, O'Meika Robinson, Olivia Turner, Tucker Clay, Caitlyn Phillips, Morgan Covington, Ashley Presley, Ayana Simon, Brittany Hicks, Samantha Parnell, Niah Smith, Leiairia Rogers, Samantha Byrd and Scottlin Williams. Tigerette members (pictured above) include Kate Harrison, Tucker Clay, Olivia Turner, Aubrianna White, Christine Eleogo, Samantha Byrd, Angel Hinote, Caitlyn Phillips, Brooke Emmons, Niah Smith and Morgan Bryars.

Southern Chevrolet Provides Driver Education Training Vehicles to Local High Schools

Gulf Shores High School driver education students recently met with representatives at Southern Chevrolet in Foley to recognize and thank the dealership for their continued support each school year. Southern Chevrolet provides new vehicles annually to driver education programs at both Gulf Shores High School and Foley High School for on-road student training. Marcus Early, Gulf Shores High School’s driver education instructor, stated “We appreciate Southern Chevrolet’s continued support of the driver education programs at Gulf Shores and Foley High Schools. Their generosity allows our students to learn to drive in safe & reliable vehicles. Our community is very fortunate to have Southern Chevrolet.” Pictured left to right : Mike Werneth with Southern Chevrolet, Brad Byers with Gulf Shores High School, Cora Ellis with Gulf Shores High School, Brenna Middleton with Gulf Shores High School, Marcus Early with Gulf Shores High School, and Rick Carlisle with Southern Chevrolet. Photo courtesy of Frances Holk-Jones, State Farm (official insurer of Baldwin County Schools’ driver education vehicles)

Fairhope Middle School Spanish Students Study Carnival

The Spanish 1 ACCESS Long Distance Learning classes at Fairhope Middle School made Carnival masks while exploring the differences between Carnival and Mardi Gras. Carnival refers to the period of feasting and fun that begins on Jan. 6, The Feast of the Epiphany, while Mardi Gras refers to Fat Tuesday, the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. The 8th grade classes are facilitated by FMS teachers, Judith Chaffin and Ram Talantis, and instructed by Ms. Kristin Martin of Troy University. Pictured, in no particular order, are: Angel Allen, Reid Brown, Madison Estes, Tristan French, Austin Glines, Carson Herndon, Reagan Horsley, Jaden Morace, Sam Phyfer, Ritchie Prince, Austin Reynolds, Caroline Toombs, J. T. Williams, Chaffin, and Martin. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Orange Beach Elementary iPads

Mrs. Brunick’s first grade class used iPads to learn about Benjamin Franklin on Discovery Education. Their reading story was about Ben Franklin’s childhood. They are researching inventions he created and how they affect their lives today.

Spanish Fort High School International Studies Students Make Us Proud!

Spanish Fort High School students continue to make us proud as they receive more top honors! Congratulations goes out to Mr. Williamson’s International Studies students who competed in the "Davidson Invitational Model United Nations" at the Mobile Convention Center. Over 500 students from Mobile and Baldwin Counties compete in the event each year. This year, SFHS won the top overall award for best delegation! A special congratulations goes out to the winning delegation, - Henry McDuffy, Soren Spicknall, Joseph Tapia, and Avery Werther - who represented the United States of America. Soren, Joseph, and Avery also won best individual delegates in their respective committees. Henry came in second in his committee for best delegate...by one vote! Congratulations again to these students and all the students who participated.

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Autauga County SchoolsTrees to Dauphin Island Praxair Donates Elementary for Earth Day

Students at Dauphin Island Elementary School planted several willow oak trees in honor of Earth Day. Timothy Volk, plant supervisor at Praxair, generously donated 55 trees to the school. Pictured from left to right are fifth graders, Alena Seaman, Bailey Hogue, Ashlin Lott, and Carrie Wagner. Pictured in the center is Dauphin Island Elementary School Principal Diane Allgood, who participated in the planting as well. A special thanks to Praxair, who gave our students a great way to celebrate Earth Day!

Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore Crown of Character

Each quarter, JAES recognizes 2 students from each 5th Grade class at Fairhope Intermediate School and W.J. Carroll who exemplify one or more of the qualities found in the 5 points of the Junior Auxiliary Crown : Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service. These 5th Graders have been awarded the Crown of Character award for the First Quarter. Congratulations! Thank you to our gold level sponsors: Bay Pediatric, Chick-fil-A, Coastal Neurological Institute, Restoration Health, Terry Thompson, and Thomas Hospital. This quarter's winners from W.J. Carroll: L-R back row: Michael Jones, Peter Arbaczauskas, Cade Jones, Preston Stapleton, Trent Battle; L-R front: Grace Forrester, Kylee Agee, Eva McDonald, Lily Dupuis, Bailey McNeil.

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Local Students Win Cash Awards for Winning Artwork

Antwone Richardson, a second grader at Orange Beach Elementary, Autumn Lewis, a seventh grader at Gulf Shores Middle School, and Kendyl Evans, a seventh grader at Gulf Shores Middle School received $25 from the Friends of the Arts and a gift certificate from the Clay Studio at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Antwone's name suggestion of Hope, was accompanied by his artist statement: "Her first name would be Hope. Hope in my eyes is the spirit to move on live life with faith and happiness. Having hope in our god is our key to happiness and forever ending joy. My dreams consist of hope and wonders, that what make them so amazing. I don't know where life may take me but I'm striving for the best and enjoying the ride"

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Girl Scout Troop Receives Bronze Award

An award ceremony was held for Girl Scout Troop 8306 of Bay Minette on May 18 at St. Agatha Catholic Church. The troop received the Girl Scout Bronze Award, which is the 3rd highest award in Girl Scouts. All 5 girls attend Delta Elementary School. They had to do a service project in the community. Their project was "Colors for a Cause". They collected coloring books and crayons for the USA Children's and Women's Hospital Tree House, for the children at the hospital receiving treatment. They also made tote bags for the children to use to carry toys/books to and from the Tree House to their rooms. Pictured left to right: Jeannie Napper, Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, Amelia Turner, Jillian Eslava, Sera Rivero, Megan Stewart, Emma Claire Johnson, and Christine Stewart, Troop leader of 8306.

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Schools Robertsdale Elementary Autauga Autism County Awareness Assembly a Huge Success

As part of Autism Awareness Month, Robertsdale Elementary School put on an Autism Awareness Assembly to educate students about autism and to raise program funds. The assembly was a huge success thanks to the efforts of our school's Project Reach teachers and paraprofessionals, especially Lauren Sova. Over $1400 was raised for the school sensory room and special education playground from spare change collected in classrooms and local businesses, as well as a special snack at school. Thanks is due to many groups and individuals who helped to make the day a special one including: - The Robertsdale High School band, cheerleaders, mascot Bear, and color guard. - Special guest singer Josh who performed the National Anthem. - Mrs. Ard's gifted students who gave reports on famous people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). - Carol Tuberville and the crew who launched Pawtism. - Project Reach Gulf Coast and Spanish Fort High School student Cody Hurley who provided reflections on his personal experience with Project Outreach and the importance of acceptance. - Angel Loewen from the Alabama Autism Society and mascot Jackie the Frog.

Christ the King Catholic School 7th Graders Visit Sea Lab

Christ the King Catholic School seventh graders, Jamie Henry, left, and Caitlin Adams, dissect a squid during the class's recent field trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The annual seventh grade field trip to the Sea Lab included the hands-on experience at the touch tanks, a discussion on invertebrates, the dissection of a squid, and a visit to the Estuarium, which highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama.

BCHS Junior Bethany Presley Selected for Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps

Baldwin County High School junior Bethany Presley will spend her summer traveling as part of the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps out of Milwaukee, Wis. The Pioneers, an affiliate of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a world class competitive marching band that travels the United States participating in showcases and parades, and taking part in competitions. Students must audition to be a part of the Corps and selection is limited, officials said. “I am incredibly proud to see Bethany go and represent the Baldwin County High School band as a member of the Milwaukee Pioneer. Drum Corps only accept the finest musicians and passionate, dedicated students, and Bethany definitely fits all the qualifications,” said Jeff Lepa, BCHS band director. “I look forward to her bringing back her experiences and knowledge gained over the summer. And I know that she will represent our school and community with utmost pride.” Bethany will leave May 25 to begin rehearsals. During its 80 days on tour, the band of 15- to 21-year olds practice and rehearse daily and compete with other drum and bugle corps marching corps from across the United States. The Pioneers is composed of three sections: brass, percussion, and color guard. Bethany will be playing in the brass section. At BCHS, Bethany plays trumpet in the marching band and jazz band. She has also participated in the Marching Honor Bands at the University of Southern Mississippi, University of South Alabama, Mississippi State and Auburn University. In addition, she has played in Symphonic Honor Bands at the University of Alabama and Auburn University. She has also been invited to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Bethany, the daughter of Jackie and Phillip Presley, plans to continue pursuing her musical education at the college level. Her mom said her daughter’s interest in the Corps was peaked during her freshman year when former Assistant Band Director Stuart Ivey told her about the organization. At the time her parents felt she was too young. “After two years of watching and listening to Bethany, it became evident that she truly has a passion for music. So, we let her submit a video audition to Pioneer, and to her surprise they accepted her,” her mom said. Bethany is the only student from the area selected to participate in the Corps, her family said. Part of the tour will bring her close to home, her mom said. “She will be touring the week of July 22 in Ocean Springs, Hattiesburg, Huntsville, Opelika, and Atlanta. We are excited to get the opportunity to watch her perform,” Jackie Presley said. The Pioneers will end its summer tour at the DCI World Championship in Indianapolis, IN in August. That competition is usually televised on ESPN, organizers said. The cost to participate is $2,800, which includes housing, meals, transportation, instruction, uniforms and equipment. Bethany is currently raising funds to help cover her expenses. Donations should be made payable to Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps and can be mailed to Bethany Presley, 47428 Rabun Road, Bay Minette, AL 36057. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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SchoolsWinners of the Original OysterAutauga HouseCounty Announces Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarships

The Original Oyster House awarded Kellie Hastings and Elena McLaughlin, both seniors of Fairhope High School, the 9th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships. Chelsea Garvin was a 2004 graduate of Fairhope High School, a Fish River Fire Department volunteer, an Original Oyster House employee and a talented artist whose life was cut short in a boating accident in 2005. The scholarship winners reflect Chelsea’s spirit in their artwork and in their reason for applying. “I want this scholarship so I can further my artistic skill and use it to inspire people and invoke emotions. Art, whether creating or just taking in other’s works, has always been my segue to feel and I hope that one day I can do the same for someone else,” stated Hastings. “My ultimate goal is to open up my own therapeutic riding center and work with children with disabilities. This scholarship would help put me on my way to achieving my goals,” claimed McLaughlin. Since 2006, the Original Oyster House has each year sponsored two $1,000 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award scholarships. “I really like this scholarship opportunity because it is not based on financial need, but rather academics, being involved in community arts and submitting artwork that reflects the culture of the well-loved iconic seafood restaurant as well as the spirit of Chelsea. Through Chelsea’s Scholarship, seniors of Baldwin County can experience that through art, you can serve others, evoke emotions, communicate to the masses, memorialize an amazing spirit, lift up your family, friends and peers and in this scenario, help pay for your college education,” shared Cecilia Mace, marketing director of Superb Foods. The winning artworks will be displayed in both Original Oyster House restaurants for local patrons and visitors from all over the country to enjoy. The winners were also given restaurant gift certificates to see first-hand their artwork displayed with family and friends. Pictured celebrating the winners of this year’s Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships are from left Amy Plunkett, Fairhope HS art teacher; Cecilia Mace, marketing director for the Original Oyster House; (Winner) Elena McLaughlin ; (Winner) Kellie Hastings; Lynda Williams, Fairhope HS art teacher; Jon Cardwell, Fairhope HS principal and Pam Scott, Fairhope HS senior guidance counselor.

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Students of the Month at Silverhill Elementary

Silverhill Elementary schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May students of the month are being recognized for being happy and injecting positive energy into the classroom! Listed in no particular order are: Colton Giles, Bradley Everett, Jeffrey Moorer, Drake Curry, Miley Cumbie, Alexander Oliver, Kylie Rupe, Chloe Ash, Gavin Brannon, Andrew McCoy, Hannah Comstock, Cayden Cheney, Kerry Bracy, Travis Bailey, Dacia McCord, Seth Ryals, Hannah Grissett, Gabriella Gustafson, Austin Ikerd, David Smith, and Dalton Dunn. Not pictured: Abigayle Hutchison.

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Gulf Shores Elementary Coastal Kids Team Wins 1st Place Congratulations to the Gulf Shores Elementary Coastal Kids Team placing 1st in the Coastal Kids Contest sponsored by The Coastal Foundation Alabama and Project Care. The team players earned a spot on the Gulf Shores Elementary Coastal Kids Team. Each student received a trophy and $600 for first place. This competition was for 5th graders in Baldwin and Mobile County that attend public and private school. Pictured l to r: Cheryl Searcy, Project Jubilee teacher/ Coastal Kids sponsor, David Brackett (co-captain), Ansley Jordan, Clair Dickinson (captain), Lexi Rosado and Fisher Bryant (co-captain).

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Autauga CountyIntermediate Schools Fairhope School Receives Check for $12,500

The Fairhope K-6 PTC recently presented Mrs. Carol Broughton, principal of Fairhope Intermediate School with a check for $12,500. The check is the result of fundraisers held this year and will be used to provide Novel Series books for each classroom. Pictured here is Beth Puckett, Lisa Trotter, Mrs. Carol Broughton, Principal and Mr. Andy Benton, Assistant Principal.

Gulf Shores Middle School at First Annual Handball Tournament

On Friday, April 24 Gulf Shores Middle School students had the opportunity to go to the beach and play in the first annual Handball Tournament in front of the Hangout. There were five boys’ teams and five girls’ teams from the middle school. There were also a couple of teams from the high school as well as many international teams. GSMS students have been learning about this sport in P.E for over three weeks. They have been learning the rules and different techniques on how to play the game. Students even had a chance to play handball during field day. Each team played three or more games, and they had a great time! They were able to enjoy an exciting and competitive day and got to be some of the first people to ever to participate in this sport. The GSMS team ‘White Lightning’ won the cup of the tournament. GSMS student Sierra Naylor won ‘Best Goalie’ of the tournament, and Kennedy Cronan won MVP. We are extremely proud of our GSMS Dolphins!

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W.J. Carroll Teacher Selected to Participate in Summer Program at Vanderbilt

Mrs. Laura Herron, a resource teacher from W.J. Carroll Intermediate School, has been selected through a competitive application process as the only Baldwin County educator to join 149 other educators from across the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom at the 2014 DEN Summer Institute (DENSI). The DENSI is a prestigious weeklong summer professional development and networking event at Vanderbilt University hosted by Discovery Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Educator Network. The event provides educators the opportunity to connect and share resources, ideas and strategies for integrating digital resources into classroom instruction. Mrs. Herron will participate in a number of seminars and hands-on workshops designed to support educators as they use the latest technologies to create authentic learning environments. Pictured with Mrs. Herron are, from left, fourth graders Georgia Williams, Drew Barton, and Prue Davis.

Read-A-Thon at Spanish Fort High School

The Spanish Fort High School Library Club hosted a "Read-A-Thon" to raise money for the school library. Students were required to get sponsors to support them reading after school on Friday, April 4, in the school library. Students worked in groups to create reading forts and read for several hours after school. Students also socialized, ate, and participated in a school-wide scavenger hunt. The Library Club raised over $500 for the SFHS library! The event was a wonderful way to celebrate our love of reading at Spanish Fort High School! Pictured, SFHS Library Club Members Alyssa Stanek and Danielle Smith settle in their "beach themed fort" to read for the night!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Patrick Catholic School’s 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Congratulations to students at St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale as they were recognized for their Honor Roll achievement in the third quarter of the 2013-2014 school year. Making the “A” Honor Roll are (as pictured IMG_2054 L to R front) Darby Roberts, Timothy Mullek, Amelia Dute, (middle row) Jia Mothershed, Lauren Harvison, Brigham Cason, Anna Bulman, Jordan Sinclair, (back row) Mary Kate Anthony, Ashley George, Caroline Zitnik, and Shannon McAuliffe; not pictured are Marideth Hayes and Miranda Desmond. Making the “A/B” Honor Roll are (as pictured IMB_2052 L to R front) Katherine Michael, Josie Conway, Rebekah LaConsay, Sarah Autrey, (middle row) Bryce Corte, Rory Dembowski, Xavier Allen, Mason Clark, Thomas Olsen, Madison Davis, Emalyn Middleton, (back row) Anna Webb, Hannah Wright, Zachary Koons, Fletcher Helms, Eli Bryars, Sydney Davis, Samantha Bailey, Elizabeth Halliday; not pictured is Anne-Marie Doughman. We are proud of all of you!

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South Baldwin Chamber Foundation Honors Junior Ambassadors

The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation will recognize the following Foley High School juniors for successfully completing the Junior Ambassadors program on Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. at the Foley Civic Center: Alana Callaway, Diane Chaparro, Maggie Costa, Alyssa Davis, Ava Dearing, Kaitlyn Ebert, Shannon Finch, Samantha Gary, Zach Gebhart, Bethany Gonzalez, Hannah Goodson, Madison Grant, Hannah Hinton, Nadia Johnson, Micah Land, Adam Lawrence, Jessica Pohlman, Bailey Schaff, Yasmin Showers, Briana Smith, Danielle Smith and Brittan Wallace. The mission of the Junior Ambassadors program is to foster youth to recognize their own leadership abilities by serving their community now and in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The program helps these students recognize their own leadership potential while discovering their community and how they can contribute to making it better,â&#x20AC;? said Donna Watts, president of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation. Through monthly day retreats and field trips, Junior Ambassadors gain leadership skills and learn about local industry and community resources. They are exposed to government and economic development in meetings with local officials and during a day-trip to the state capital. They learn how community agencies impact quality of life for the citizens of Baldwin County by responding to the economic, cultural, health and social needs of the community. They also learn the value of community involvement by contributing their own time to service projects. The Junior Ambassadors program is made possible by the financial contributions and volunteer support of Chamber members. Diamond level sponsors of the program this year have been Vulcan, Inc. and Tacky Jacks. Gold level sponsors are Ascend Performance Materials and Riviera Utilities. More than 270 students have completed the Junior Ambassadors program since it was established by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in 1998. The program is managed by the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. Junior Ambassadors from Foley High School are pictured here on the capitol steps in Montgomery during a day trip on March 11. ESP PC ad

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Autauga County Schools Baldwin County HS Students

Attend New Orleans School of Cooking Class

The Food and Nutrition and French classes at Baldwin County High School recently attended the New Orleans School of Cooking class. The menu included Chicken Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp Creole, Biscuits, Bread Pudding and Pralines. The students received recipes for all the foods that were prepared and of course got to eat everything that was prepared. After the Cooking School, the group visited Jackson Square, CafĂŠ du Monde and the French Market.

Congressman Visits Bayshore Christian School

Congressman Bradley Byrne visited Bayshore Christian School recently and spoke with the 6th through 10th graders. As the Congressman gave an overview of his personal path to the U.S. House of Representatives, one theme of the Congressman's message was that "God has a plan for you", and sometimes that plan has unexpected turns. Representative Byrne enthusiastically answered questions from our students on topics ranging from FEMA and the recent flooding, red snapper fishing regulations, the ship building industry along Mobile Bay, and his role as our Representative in Washington, D.C.

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Fairhope Elementary Kindergarten Graduation

Ms. Lisa Street's Fairhope Elementary kindergarten class celebrated their graduation by performing the Teddy Bear Picnic play. The children and their teddy bears performed and sang in the play and then the students received their kindergarten diplomas at the end of the program. Pictured are Cameron Jones and Lisa Street.

Gulf Shores Elementary 1st Grade Performance

Gulf Shores Elementary School first graders Beck Montiel and Ryleigh Stroup smile after their "hoedown" performance in Mrs. Gay James' presentation of "How Does Your Garden Grow?"

Daphne Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss

Mrs. McKenzie's class celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday by making a Cat in the Hat treat! Aaron Howington said "This is the best day ever!"

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AutaugaChallenge County Schools Baldwin County Driving Winners Announced

Gulf Shores High School hosted the third annual Baldwin County Driving Challenge on April 22nd at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. This event was sponsored by State Farm agent, Frances Holk-Jones, and consisted of driver education students representing Baldwin County High School, Daphne High School, Fairhope High School, Foley High School, and Gulf Shores High School. The students competed on a closed-track obstacle course with scoring based on abidance to traffic laws, vehicle control, and adherence to driver safety. Judging the event were Officer Marlin Henner with Gulf Shores Police Department, Sergeant David McLain with Orange Beach Police Department, and Jeremy Seamon with the State Department of Education Traffic Safety. Marcus Early, Driving Challenge coordinator and Gulf Shores High School Driver Education teacher, stated “The purpose of this program is to promote safe driving skills in a fun, safe environment. We are very thankful to the City of Orange Beach for the use of the Sportsplex, Alabama Marine Police for providing the Jet Ski simulator, Frances Holk-Jones State Farm for her continued sponsorship, and Michelle White Originals for donating the photography for this event. We are very fortunate to live in a community that supports teen driver safety.” The first, second, and third place winners in the girl category included Emily Davis from Gulf Shores High School, Caroline Slaughter from Daphne High School, and Kayla Parks from Foley High School, respectively. The top three winners in the boy category were Zeke Brasher from Gulf Shores High School, Bailey Thompson from Foley High School, and Lance Kidd from Daphne High School. Event sponsor and local State Farm agent, Frances Holk-Jones, stated “Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers. State Farm is committed to ending these tragedies. The Baldwin County Driving Challenge is a perfect venue to do just that.” Pictured, Baldwin County Driving Challenge Winners listed from left to right – Lance Kidd from Daphne High School, Caroline Slaughter from Daphne High School, Zeke Brasher from Gulf Shores High School, Emily Davis from Gulf Shores High School, Bailey Thompson from Foley High School, and Kayla Parks from Foley High School.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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GEMS Receives Financial Boost from Local Organizations

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GEMS received a $200 donation from the Heritage Junior Women’s Club. Taking part in that presentation included, from left, GEMS advisors Loni Judy and Melissa Stanford Barnett, members Dani Thomaston, Isabella Eleogo, CC Long, McKenzie Moody, Courtney Stewart, Katelyn Hood, Advisor Kate Hood and member Tiffany Johnson. The new Girls Engaged in Math and Science group at Bay Minette Middle School continues to receive support from the community. GEMS received a $200 donation from the Heritage Junior Women’s Club and a $500 grant from the North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education. Those donations will help offset the cost of a three-day camp aimed at providing an opportunity for the participants to meet with and explore various job fields within the math, science, engineering and technology fields. The camp will include a tour of the FBI building and visits to the Battleship, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama School of Math and Science, and the Maritime Museum. The students will also participate in an Expo at the Gulf Coast Exploreum and will take an architectural tour of downtown Mobile. “Hopefully we can pack in a few other surprise adventures for the girls that give them the opportunity to visit other female role models in various other fields to give them more insight to job markets that may interest them,” said Melissa Stanford Barnett, GEMS co-advisor. Additional advisors include Kate Hood and Loni Judy. In her grant application to NBCEE, Advisor Kate Hood said GEMS is designed to encourage young women to pursue academic excellence and a potential career interest in the fields of math, science and technology. The camp will give the students “hands-on, one-of-a-kind experience of STEM-based careers in our area,” Hood wrote. Earlier this year, the Bay Minette City Council donated $600 to help send three teams of young ladies to the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Expo at the Coosa River Science School in Columbiana. Barnett said the school group has received an overwhelming response of support from the community. “As we get our GEMS program up and running, it is great to know we have our community behind our school, students and teachers,” she said. “Our students have remarkable talents and deserve the chance to show them off. Without the support and continuous generosity of the community we (as advisors) would not be able to give them these great opportunities.”

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Autauga County Schools Delta Elementary Wins Battle of the Books 3

Delta Elementary reclaimed the title of the Battle of the Books champion, defeating teams from Bay Minette Intermediate, Bay Minette Middle and Perdido School. Delta won the inaugural battle in 2012. Delta Elementary won in the inaugural battle in 2012 “I am so proud of our students. All their hard work and dedication paid off,” said Kristy Weatherford, librarian at Delta Elementary School and sponsor of the team. Rounding out the winners included: Bay Minette Middle, second; Perdido School, third place; and Bay Minette Intermediate, fourth place. Their team sponsors include Kathy Wright, Trachy Miller and Gail Richerson, respectively. The North Baldwin Battle of the Books is an annual reading competition open to all fifth to eighth grade students in the Baldwin County High School feeder pattern. Participating schools read five chapter books provided by a grant from the North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education. Throughout the school year, the students discuss and study these books in relation to genre, plot, setting, theme, characterization. The students also learn about literary elements such as simile, metaphor, personification, idiom and point of view. The librarians at the schools provide the teams with coaching sessions during the school day and also set up a Moodle site for students to do on-line assignments outside of school. To be a member of the school’s Battle of the Books team, the students must take personal initiative to do the preparation work in addition to classroom studies, organizers said. All that hard work culminates in the rapid-fire question and answer competition held each spring at Baldwin County High School Library. Students must answer questions involving literacy skills, vocabulary and character pop-up questions. Trachy Miller, who helps coordinate the Battle of the Books, praised all the participants and local businesses who support this annual event. “Thanks to our generous community business and service organization sponsors, there is no cost whatsoever for the students,” she said. “All participating students receive a Battle of the Books t-shirt, an individual reading medal, enjoy a picnic lunch, and are treated to an afternoon of skating on competition day.” Sponsors include: Baldwin EMC, Baldwin Gulf Coast Pest Control, Chuck Stevens, Monterrey’s, Perdido School PTO, Piggly Wiggly, Standard Furniture, and Stockton Five Arts Club. She also extended thanks to Ronda Campbell and Betsy Long at the BCHS library who assist with the project each year. Judges included David Cox, Baldwin County School Board; Joanna Bailey, Director of Bay Minette Public Library; and Tina Covington, North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Nine CKCS Students Qualify for Duke TIP State Recognition

Nine Christ the King Catholic School seventh graders qualified for state recognition from Duke University for their scores on the ACT exam. Seventh grader Griffin Mahoney also qualified to receive Grand Recognition from the university. The students took the ACT exam as part of the Duke University Talent Identification Program. From left, front row, Jacob Domning and Reily Gordon. Back row, Stirling Faulkner, Brianna Freund, Griffin Mahoney, George Robert Cowles, Fabian LaPalme, Madeleine Marino, and Kristen Matus. Twenty seven of the school's seventh graders qualified for the Duke TIP. Students qualify for the program based on standardized tests scores above the 95th percentile.

Fairhope PTC Gives Fairhope ES $12,500 Check

The Fairhope K-6 PTC recently presented a check for $12,500 to Fairhope Elementary School. The funds were the result of very successful fundraisers put on by the PTC. Funds were distributed to Fairhope Intermediate School and Fairhope Elementary School. Pictured here are Mrs. Agerton, Assistant Principal, Lee Tapscott, Beth Puckett and Mr. Beasley, Fairhope Elementary School Principal. The money will be used for a summer reading program for incoming kindergarten students.

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Autauga County Schools May Crowning at St. Patrick Catholic School

At St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale, students, faculty, and friends gathered around the statue of Mary that stands on the north side of campus to place their flowers and sing in celebration of the annual May Crowning, honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus. Everyone prayed the rosary and sang, “Bring Flowers of the Fairest”, as 8th grader, Eli Bryars, placed the crown upon Mary’s statue. Pictured with Sr. Margaret Harte, Principal, are 3rd graders (front L to R) Jillian Dute, Lani Bill, Jessica Thomley, (back LtoR) Clare Davis, Lindsey Childs, and Paige Boykin.

Fairhope Intermediate Students Grow Carrots!

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Delicious produce is growing in Fairhope Intermediate School's Pirate Patch. Sixth grade students from Mrs. Smith's gardening class harvested spring carrots recently. Front Row: Bracy Wood, Kaitlyn Neal, and Shelby Howard. Back Row: Josh Cook, Jordan McDavid, Annsley Cain, Alexis Smallwood, Kaleb Hill, India Buchanan, and Shayne Higgins.

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Silverhill Third Graders Master Multiplication Facts

Jamarcius Graves and Kerry Bracy, third grade students in Mrs. McDoniell's class at Silverhill Elementary, were awarded a unique badge of honor for their achievements in math. The class has been using xtramath.org, a free web-

based program to study their math facts. Jamarcius was the first student in the class to achieve mastery of the multiplication table by answering all basic multiplication facts in under 3 seconds. He has also received the same achievement for the division, subtraction, and addition tables. Kerry was the second student in the class to master his multiplication facts, and he is currently 98% through his division facts. In honor of their success both boys received personalized embroidered bandanas, which compliment the western theme of their classroom this year. Jamarcius was named the Math Marshal, and Kerry was named the first Math Deputy. The unique award motivated other students to work harder so that they could earn their bandana as well.

Gulf Shores Elementary 1st Grade Graphic Organizer

Caiden Dennis in Mrs. Luanne Peterson's first grade class at Gulf Shores Elementary School shows his completed graphic organizer about Alabama. Caiden used his iPad and Alabama Virtual Library to find out facts about our state.

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AutaugaClub County Schools Spanish Fort High School Holds “A Week of Change”

Project Outreach, a unique club at Spanish Fort High School, organized "A Week of Change" with several activities to raise awareness of children born with special needs. The theme was "YOU ARE INDISPENSABLE!" and focused on the importance and value of every person in our society. The culminating activity was an assembly on Friday with special guest speakers and a preview of the school-wide lip dub performance directed by Avery Werther. The assembly was heartwarming and a perfect representation of the student body at SFHS, as many students and teachers shared personal stories of relationships formed with children with special needs. These are just one of the many reasons we are so proud to be a Spanish Fort Toro! Students who performed in the SFHS Lip Dub : Featured from left to right - Bottom Row – DeAndre Townsend, Jesse McCord, Brandon Cato. Middle Row – Ross Pollet, Hannah Vilela, Cooper Walker, Emory Hickey, Rebecca Schneider, TORO Mascot, Avery Werther. Top Row – Blakeley Davenport, Erin Thomas, Sheryn Negre, Kim Vo, Shelby Negre.

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Orange Beach Elementary School’s Read-a-thon

Ms. Hollis' class participated in a 9 week read-a-thon from Feb -April 2014. 21 students participated and read 1766 books. The top 3 winners were: tie for 1st place Blake Brunick and John Connor Underwood with 276 books each and 3rd place Caroline Ivie with 242 books. All 21 students did an amazing job! Their love of reading will last a lifetime!

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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ACT Explore Perfect Scores at Fairhope Middle School!

Fairhope Middle School proudly recognizes 8th grade students, Caroline Gamard and Anna Claire Noblitt, for receiving a perfect score of 25 on the ACT Explore state assessment. Both students are FMS peer helpers and members of the National Junior Honor Society. Additionally, Caroline is a member of the Baldwin County Middle Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honor Band and Anna Claire is a volleyball, basketball, and cross country athlete. Pictured, from left to right, are: Jessica Webb, FMS assistant principal, Gamard, Noblitt, and Angie Hall, FMS principal.

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Family Fun Day and Night!

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Bayshore Christian School Student Finishes 2nd in Hoot Scoot 5K

Congratulations to Bayshore Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th grade student-athlete Sydney Jane Hendryx. She finished second place female overall in the Hoot Scoot 5K with a time of 21:52. Sydney Jane has place in 3 out of 3 races she has competed in this year for Bayshore, including the Double Bridge Run, the Turkey Trot and the Hoot Scoot 5K.

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AutaugaMiddle County Schools Gulf Shores Donates Handmade Dog Bowls and Homemade Dog Biscuits to Local Animals

Gulf Shores Middle School students made ceramic dog bowls and homemade dog treats to donate to local animal shelters. Ms. Scofield, GSMS art teacher, asked the eighth grade art students to choose an art project to help the community, and they chose to help the animals. The students had a lot of fun designing and shaping the dog bowls. The dog bowls were donated to Canal Road Animal Hospital and the Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital. Mrs. Carpenter's Teen Discovery classes made homemade dog treats to go along with the dog bowls. The dog treats were donated to the Canal Road Animal Hospital, the Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital and the Magnolia by the Gulf Veterinary Animal Clinic. Pictured: Sierra Naylor, Megan Snider, Hannah Roberts, Dalton Grady, and Peter Kreamer.

Readers at Fairhope Elementary

Mrs. Hope Sawyer from Fairhope Elementary is so very proud of her First Grade students because they all made the-100 point AR, Accelerated Reader, club!

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NBCEE Awards $10,300 in Grants to Area Teachers

The North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education has continued its mission of supporting teachers, handing out nearly $10,300 in grants to educators in area schools. The education foundation presented 22 grants to teachers in the north Baldwin feeder pattern. Since forming in 2008, NBCEE has given out more than $61,000 in teacher grants. The grant program receives funding from the Heritage Junior Women’s Club and the Bay Minette Rotary Club from their signature annual events: HJWC Chili Cook-Off and the Rotary Chilly Run. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize and honor so many teachers who are doing outstanding work in our schools,” said Tina Covington, NBCEE President. “Once again, we were able to surprise our winners with a prize patrol presentation at their schools. It was a wonderful experience to be able announce our winners in front of students and faculty members.” Baldwin County High School’s Ronda Campbell was one of those surprised by the prize patrol, winning a $500 grant for ‘iCheck it Out”. Campbell said this project will allow students and teachers to check out e-books from the school’s library that can be read on any device including the Macs. Calling it one of her “favorite events of the year,” Chili Cook-Off chairman Ashley Jones said, “The teacher grants make a different in our classrooms and it’s exciting for HJWC to be able to donate $5,300 to the cause.” The Bay Minette Rotary Club also donated $5,000 to NBCEE from its annual Chilly Run, held in conjunction with the Chili Cook-Off. Rotary president George Nelson said the organization is proud to partner with HJWC on fundraisers to benefit the education foundation. “NBCEE offers teacher grants and other forms of support to all of the schools that feed into Baldwin County High School. Bay Minette Rotarians are thrilled to support this effort to improve education in North Baldwin.” North Baldwin Center for Technology: Leila Morris, Professionalism: The Key Component to a Prosperous Community: $500; and Scott Larson/Charles Eubanks: Katina Cottage: $450 each for total of $900. Baldwin County High School: Jeff Lepa, Silent Percussion Studio: $500; Paula Owen, Discrete Mathematics Materials: $500; Ronda Campbell, iCheck it Out: $500; and Vickie Locke, ACT+ Writing Editor Too: $500. Perdido School: Trachy Miller, Battle of the Books: $500; Gerri McDonald, Rocking STEM with Robots: $500; and Angela Lee, Community Gardens: $500. Bay Minette Middle: Kate Hood, GEMS Summer Camp: $500. Bay Minette Intermediate: Starla Sellers, Art on a Cart: $500; Merlyn Kittrell, Great Hope for the Microscope: $500; and Gail Richerson, Books for Nooks: $500. Bay Minette Elementary: Tonya Jones, Teachers Pay Teachers: $500; Averette Hale, Leader in Me: $500; and Laurie Mashburn, Green and Growing: $500. Stapleton Elementary: Carol Therrell, Feeling Fractions: $500; and Vicki Gripp, Projects from Start to Finish: $79. Delta Elementary School: Lisa Erwin, The Abstract Art of Algebra: $499.95; and Julie Colvin, Out of Sight Science, $489.95. Pine Grove Elementary: Aimee Dute, Speech Buddies: $304. On hand for the Prize Patrol presentations included, from left, Tina Covington, NBCEE president; the Rev. Ed Deabler, Bay Minette Rotary Club; Miranda Bounds and Ashley Jones, Heritage Junior Women’s Club; Vinson Bradley and Tiz Day, NBCEE board of directors. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Q. What do you think about making bi-

weekly mortgage payments?

A. I think it’s an awesome idea. By doing

that, you can pay off a 30-year mortgage in about 22.8 years, on average, depending on the interest rate. However, I would never pay someone a fee to set up bi-weekly mortgage payments. All you do on a bi-weekly schedule is make half a payment every two weeks. Since there are 26 two-week periods per year, that equals 13 whole payments. It’s nothing magical, and it’s not difficult. Go for it. Get rid of that house payment as fast as you can. Just don’t pay extra fees to make it happen!

largest, then start with the smallest one and work their way up. This doesn’t always seem to make mathematical sense, but the truth is personal finance is 80 percent behavior and only 20 percent head knowledge. Paying off some small debts quickly energizes you and gives you motivation. It makes you feel like you can really do it. Besides, if you were such a math genius you wouldn’t have debt in the first place. But the IRS is a different animal altogether. Their interest rates and penalties are ridiculously high. Plus, they have virtually unlimited power to collect. So put them at the top of the list, and get them paid off as fast as you can!

making monthly payments. Should I roll this debt into my debt snowball, and then really attack it when it gets to the top of the list?

Q. I noticed that your Baby Steps list puts saving for retirement before saving for your kid’s college fund. Sending your kids to college would come first on the timeline, so what is your reasoning behind this?

A. My advice would be to put the IRS at the

A. I advise this approach because everyone

Q. I owe the IRS $6,000, and currently I’m

very top of your debt snowball. Usually, when it comes to paying off debt, I advise people to arrange their debt snowball from smallest to

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

is going to retire someday, unless, of course, they happen to die before reaching retirement age. Retiring and eating are neces-

sities. College is a luxury. Lots of people succeed in life without going to college, and thousands have worked their way through college. I worked 40 to 60 hours a week in college, and I still graduated in four years. Having a college fund set aside by your parents is really nice, if they can afford that kind of thing. But you can go to school by getting good grades, applying for scholarships, working your tail off and choosing a school you can afford. I believe in education, but there are lots of ways to get a college degree other than having your parents foot the bill. Besides, the last time I checked there weren’t any good ways to retire that didn’t include saving and preparing for retirement beforehand. I mean, you can always try to live off Social Insecurity, but I don’t consider that a plan. In short, college funding is not a necessity. That’s why it follows saving for retirement in the Baby Steps. Should you try to save up for your kid’s college education? Sure, if you can. But there are lots of parents out there who won’t be able to pay a dime toward someone’s college education. And that doesn’t make them bad parents!

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It Takes Two to Play

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Making playtime twice as much fun is as easy as adding games and gear that invite kids to pair up and play hard. Two-player toys encourage a natural ebb and flow between kids that strengthens their sense of sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play. Games and gear designed for two players are also ideal encouragement for children to find playmates, make friends and connect with peers. It’s time to double the good times with the following recommended toys and games that take two!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Everywhere Table Tennis Set

Spiro Hop Bouncer (TP Activity)

(EastPoint)

Table tennis is an addictive sport. With broad paddles, light-as-air balls and a small net, it’s one of the easiest sports to just walk up and play. And while you may have to look harder for a regulation-size ping-pong table to play on, you can now bust out a recreational set that turns any smooth table into a table tennis arena! The EastPoint Everywhere Table Tennis Set includes net anchors that simply unspool the retractable net according to a table width, and clamp into place onto the sides of the table top. Two paddles and three balls come with the set, so you can get your game on in minutes. Lightweight, compact and portable, this table tennis set is perfect for family reunions, playdates, church outings, or any event with tables that can quickly be transformed for a ping-pong-pair showdown.

Perfect for pairs, the Spiro Hop Bouncer is a sturdy improvement over traditional teeter-totters. On a stable tripod base, the Spiro adds bouncing and spinning to the normal see-saw ups and downs. With inflatable balls absorbing the impact under the seat, there are no more tongue-biting, hard landings when the seats hit the ground. While unevenly weighted kids on a traditional see-saw could keep one child ground-bound and the other stuck aloft, the Spiro assembly includes an adjustable bar to account for weight differences. Additionally, the counterbalance action of the ball seat adds lift on the rebound to keep the up and down going strong. Complete with stakes to anchor the set for outdoors and padded floor protectors for indoor use, the Spiro Hop Bouncer definitely levels-up over old-school see-saws with its flexibility to accommodate diversity between two riders.

OgoSport Disc Set

Ultra Range Walkie Talkie

Featuring elements from several sports, the OgoSport Disc Set has ‘catch-and-throw’ at its heart, but it’s range of activities expands far beyond. The round disc frames a trampolinelike surface that catches the ball and then adds extra spring as a player launches the ball back. Additionally, with its large surface area, smaller hands can have a better chance at snagging the ball with the disc. The disc floats in water and is great for lofting water balloons as well. It’s also easy to create OgoSport Disc gameplay based on other sports baseball, soccer and more! Like an over-sized FrisbeeTM that also throws, catches and bounces balls, the OgoSport Disc set is a versatile and actionpacked combination of two-person action!

Whether your kids are in pretend-play mode as secret agents or on the move as bona-fide explorers, giving them the means to communicate at a distance will amplify the whole experience! The Ultra Range Walkie Talkie set features a simple click-and-hold button to talk – with a volume control for those sensitive missions that require a “sneak” factor. The walkie talkies’ sturdy construction is a plus, but it’s the extended talking range of this set (up to two miles!) that makes it a real winner. Ideal for hiking, outdoor festivals, and neighborhood expeditions, best buddies will love having their own channel to communicate as they explore their bigger world. Paired with a sense of adventure, the Ultra Range Walkie Talkies take the conversation to the extreme!

(OgoSport)

(Spy Gear)

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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The moment your child utters her first word, you’ll probably want to announce it to the world, while quickly marking the occasion in her baby book. You probably won’t be so thrilled, however, when her word of choice evolves into the very opinionated word “no.” Although this is a frustrating and challenging stage of development, it is completely normal. Jen Mann-Li, a mother of two, describes her daughter Sadie, 3, as a “pro” at using the word no. “She was a late talker, didn’t really talk until she was almost 2-years-old, and no was a favorite right away,” Mann-Li says. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

Mann-Li says that Sadie refuses to be distracted from what she wants. “She’s very stubborn and will not budge (sometimes literally),” she says. “We have a saying that Sadie will ‘die on that hill’ and she does daily over these ‘silly’ things.”

Why they say it. Laura Murphy is a

certified parent coach and president of Real Families, Inc., which helps families work through parenting, marriage and financial issues. She says that the chief child-rearing complaint she hears from parents concerns children refusing to do what the parents want them to do. Not only is the word “no” an easy word for toddlers to say, but Murphy believes, “The biggest reason they say it so much is because they hear it so much from everyone else.” The good news is this phase is completely normal and healthy. “The number one job of a 2-year-old is to test every physical limit. Pushing physical limits to find out what the adults will do is a natural approach 48

for a toddler. They need to learn those limits,” Murphy says. Need a few proactive strategies to reduce the use of the word in your home and forge a path of less resistance?

Change your approach. Challenge yourself to see if you can say no without really saying the word no. For example, if your child asks for a cookie, instead of saying “no, not before dinner” say “sure, after dinner.” This exercise will also make you more aware of just how often you say no. “Once we change our approach, we usually notice a change in our children,” Murphy says. Also, talk to your spouse and childcare providers about using other words besides no all the time. But that doesn’t mean you should ban the word entirely. “Say yes as often as possible, and when you say no, mean it,” Murphy advises. Having a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. Ingrid Brown has www.easternshoreparents.com

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two daughters, 4 and 2, who both went through the “no” phase at around 20 months. “I tried to make a game out of it,” Brown says. “If they said no to everything, I would counter back in a funny voice repeating ‘nooooOOOooo’ right back at them and give them a little tickle.”

Offer two choices. Resistance often begins long before a child utters his first word. “When they’re old enough to start flinging food at you from their high chair, they’re old enough to start choices,” Murphy says. Barring a dangerous situation like your child refusing to move in a busy street, provide your child with two choices that you like and can live with. “Small choices for the kids, but the adults make the big decisions,” Murphy says. For example, a parent decides on bedtime, but a child chooses between the blue pajamas or red pajamas. By giving away small decisions to your toddler, she will have a sense of control over her life which will likely reduce negative behaviors such as not listening, running away, resistance, and temper tantrums. If a child refuses to make a decision in 10 seconds, the parent should make it for her, following up with empathy.

2014

Show empathy not anger. Murphy stresses that empathy is an important component of providing choices to your child. When you replace anger with empathy, she says, you’ll notice a huge shift. For example, when your child doesn’t get something that she wants, say something along the lines of: “I know. It’s a bummer.” Avoid “parenting on the fly.”

Stay calm in the heat of the moment and decide ahead of time on what things to definitely say no to and what you can say yes to. Also, try making a list of the small choices you can offer your child during those more troublesome times of the day. Need help? For more parenting tips and resources, check out Murphy’s website Real-families.com, Loveandlogic.com, Kidsareworthit.com and the book Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Kevin Leman. If your tactics don’t seem effective, seek out an expert like a family counselor to assess the situation. Although a tweak in parenting skills may be all that is needed, an expert can help determine if something more serious is going on with your child. ESP Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Gude to a Satisfying Social Life and the mom of two boys.

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Listed in date order for easy summer planning...

Fairhope UMC

June 2- 6, 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.  155 S. Section St., Fairhope  (251) 928-1148; www.fairhopeumc.org  “Weird Animals” - Where Jesus’ Love is One of a Kind Open to rising Kindergarten - 6th grade; 4 years and younger require an on site parent volunteer. Online registration at www.fairhopeumc.org or church office. Free VBS t-shirt with registration before May 18. For more information contact Michelle Graham at (251) 928-1148. First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores June 2-5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2200 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores  (251) 968-7369; www.fbcgulf.com   “Wilderness Escape”  Online registration at www.fbcgulf.com. For more information contact the church office. First Baptist Church of Orange Beach June 2-6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 4773 Bay Circle, Orange Beach  (251) 981-4288; firstbaptistorangebeach.com   “Agent D3” - Decide, Defend and Decide Open to ages Kindergarten – 5th grade. Online registration at www.firstbaptistorangebeach. com. For more information contact the church office. Greater St. John Baptist Church Alabama 225, Stockton (251) 978-2544 June 2–6, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly If you need transportation to Vacation Bible School, please contact Sister Felisha Anderson @ (251) 978-2544. Lagoon Baptist Church June 2-6, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 17867 State Hwy 180 West, Gulf Shores  (251) 968-7057; www.lagoonbc.com   “SonTreasure Island” Open to ages PreK - 6th grade. For information contact the church office. Eastern Shore Presbyterian Registration and Kick Off June 8 at 5:30 p.m. June 9-12; 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 23050 Highway 98, Fairhope  (251) 928-0977; www.easternshorepca.org Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

“Spy Academy” - Agents of the One True God Ages Pre K - 6th grade. For more information contact Anna Davey, adavey@easternshorepca.org. Or call (251) 928-0977, ext. 1226. Eastern Shore Baptist June 9-13, 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 6847 Park Drive, Daphne  (251) 626-5550, www.myesbc.net “Agency D3” - Discover, Decide and Defend Open to kids entering K – 6th grade. Online registration at www.myesbc.net and at the church office.

First Baptist Church

June 9-13, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. 300 S. Section St., Fairhope  (251) 928-8685; www.fbcfairhope.org    “Agency D3”- Discover, Decide and Defend Open to children completed K – 5th grade. Online registration at www.fbcfairhope.org or at church office. Christ Presbyterian Church June 9-13 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 8450 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne  (251) 621-9444; www.cpcdaphne.com    Light supper served at 5:30 p.m. and VBS from 6:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. Open to ages K-5th grade. For more information contact the church office at (251) 621-9444. Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church June 9-13, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.  6620 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort  (251) 626-1242; spanishfortpresbyterian.com  “Wilderness Escape” Where God Guides and Provides Open to ages K - 5th Grade (completed). Online registration at www.spanishfortpresbyterian. com. For information contact the church office. St. Lawrence Catholic Parish June 9-13, 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 370 South Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-5931; www.stlawrencefairhope.com “GO Make a Difference” Open to ages entering K - 6th grade. Online registration at www.stlawrencevbs.com. Registration deadline is May 9. Fee: $35 per child. For more information, call (251) 928-5931 ext. 132. 50

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church June 9-12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  28788 North Main Street, Daphne  (251) 626-2421; www. stpaulseasternshore.com   “We’ve Got Spirit” Open to ages 3 years and up. For more information and registration contact the church office or Tina Erickson (912) 308-8481. Trinity Presbyterian Church July 14-18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  545 South Mobile St, Fairhope  (251) 928-2524; www.tpcfairhope.org   “Workshop of Wonders”Imagine and Build with God Ages K4 – Rising 5th grade. Online registration at www.tpcfairhope.org. For more information contact Jaime Jones at (251) 621-0775. 3Circle Church June 16-20, times by age listed below. 10274 Highway 104, Fairhope  (251) 990-3112; www.3circlechurch.com Camp 3Circle “Up, In, Out” K - 4th grade 9-3:30; 4 and 5 yr olds 9-12:30 Online registration begins May 20th. For more information contact the church office. First Baptist Church of Foley June 16-20, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m 221 N. Alston Street, Foley  (251) 943-8352; www.fbcfoley.com  “Agent D3” - Discover, Decide and Defend Open to ages 3 years - 6th grade. Online registration at www.fbcfoley.com. For information contact the church office. St. James Episcopal June 16-19, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 860 North Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-2912; www.stjamesfairhope.org “Workshop of Wonders” Open to ages 5 years - 4th grade. Contact the church office for registration. Providence United Methodist Church June 22 – 26, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Drive, Spanish Fort (251) 626-2510; www.providencemethodist.org “Wilderness Escape” Open to ages 4yrs - 5th grade. Online registration at www.providencemethodist.org.

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Ascension Lutheran Church June 23-27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 8888 County Rd. 64, Daphne  (251) 626-7500; www.ourdaphnechurch.org “Gangway to Galilee”  Open to ages K-6th grade. Online registration available on church website. For more information contact the church office. Jubilee Baptist Church June 23-27, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.  9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne  (251) 621-7095; www.jubileebaptist.com  “Agency D3” - Discover, Decide and Defend  Open to ages 3 years - 6th grade (completed). VBS Dinner served at 5:00 p.m. VBS following 6-8 p.m. Online registration at www.jubileebaptist.com. For information, contact the church office or John at john@ jubileebaptist.com. Orange Beach United Methodist Church June 23-27, 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach  (251) 981-6751; www.orangebeachumc.org   “Weird Animals” Where Jesus’ Love is One of a Kind Open to ages 3 years (potty trained) - rising 5th grade. Online registration at www.orangebeachumc.org. For more information contact Christina McInnis at (251) 981-6751. Spanish Fort United Methodist Church June 23-27, 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.  6530 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort  (251) 626-1334; www.spanishfortumc.org   “Weird Animals” Where Jesus’ Love is One of a Kind Ages 4 (by Sept) - 5th grade. Online registration at www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/sfumc.

Grace Fellowship, PCA June 25-28, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.  19470 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores  (251) 968-5302; www. gracefellowship-pca.com  “SonRise National Park” Open to ages 4 years -6th grade. For more information contact the church office.

First Baptist Church of Loxley July 7-11, 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. 1050 North Alabama St., Loxley  (251) 964-5261; www.fbcloxley.com    “SonTreasure Island” Open to ages 4 years - 6th grade. Online registration at www.fbclocley.com.  For more information, contact the church office. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church July 12th Only; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  8271 Whispering Pines Rd., Daphne  (251) 621-2968; www.holytrinitydaphne.org  “Hawaiian Luau” Open to ages Pre K - 5th grade. Registration in the church office Tuesday and Thursday only, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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Barnwell Baptist Church July 14–18, 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 7780 US Highway 98, Fairhope (251) 928-8286; www.barnwellbaptist.org “Weird Animals” Where Jesus’ Love is One of a Kind  Open to ages 4 years - 5th grade.  For registration and information, contact Robyn at the church. Christ the King Church July 14-18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 1505 Main Street, Daphne  (251) 626-2343; www.ctk-daphne.org  “A Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayer” Amazing Angels and Super Saints Open to ages 4 years – 6th Grade. 5th and 6th grade, Ultimate VBS (Extra events and field trips). Youth Volunteers: 7th Grade and up. For more information, www.ctkvbs.bloodspot.com. Registration Deadline: May 30. For registration contact the church office or VBS Director Alyssa Marinas at sam11103@yahoo.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church July 21-24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-2411; www.gulfshoresumc.org  “Christmas in July” - Christ Myth Busters Open to ages 4 years (by Sept 1st) - 6th grade. Online registration at www.gulfshoresumc. org and church office. Family Picnic Friday July 25, 6:00 p.m.  Celebration Church August 4-6, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope  (251) 928-0343, www.fairhopechurch.com     “Summer Surge”  Open to ages 5 years 5th Grade. Celebration Church is proud to present Summer Surge 2014! During this time our kids will have a chance to encounter a very BIG

GOD that wants to be a part of their life. Let your children join us for these amazing nights, for a life changing experience. Online registration at www. fairhopechurch.com/ summersurge. For more information contact Austin at austin@fairhopechurch.com. Daphne United Methodist Church August 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  and August 9 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. August 10, TBD 2401 Main St., Daphne  (251) 626-2287; www.dumc.org    Family Festival VBS “SonTreasure Island”  Open to ALL ages, nursery – adult. Registration in the church office. For more information contact Brandon Fricks, brandon@dumc.org.

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Making Your Conservative Style More Trendy

Put a pink shell under you taupe jacket instead of the go-to off-white shell. This will give you the appearance of having a new look, when in fact it is just a new way of wearing something old.

3-Mix prints. One fashion question many of us ladies have is how or what we can do to take our style from a conservative look to slightly more trendy, without overdoing the trend. The good news is that you can change your look by using items you have hanging in your closet. It’s as simple as that.

1-Dress appropriately. When

Prints are like a fun color, but with a bit more style. Keep your prints simple and subtle. An example would be wearing a leopard heel with a red suit or pairing your hounds tooth jacket with a royal blue skirt.

starting the search for the perfect stylish outfit, think about the type of event where it will be worn. If it is for an interview or a meeting, a more conservative look would be best. You can follow trends by adding a small pop of ontrend color to your suit. This could be in a scarf around the neck, shell under the suit jacket or statement necklace. Just don’t overdo it; one item is usually best, and you can save the bolder styles for when you are hired. For a date, small gathering or day of shopping your look should be less conservative and reflect your personality. The main rule of thumb here is to not wear your clothes too tight or too low. You want your clothes to fit, but you don’t need to reveal too much.

5-Black. We all tend to gravitate towards black and there is nothing wrong with that at all. When you wear black try to brighten up the style a bit instead of wearing a solid canvas of black. This can be accomplished with a colorful shoe, purse or jewelry. Black can be chic and stylish all in one.

2-Incorporate colors. Try mix-

6-Attitude is everything. When

ing your colors or adding color to your tone-on-tone suits. For example, pair your red jacket with your black skirt instead of the usual matching red skirt.

it comes to pulling off a trendy look, always be confident and comfortable with yourself and your style. You can have the most stylish outfit and not pull

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

4-Find fun accessories. This tip is as simple as it gets. Find the perfect accessories to break up any outfit. This can take that simple suit from bland to glam in no time.

it off if you appear to be uncomfortable. It can look as bad as wearing ill fitted clothing.

7-Find favorite trends. Incorporate trends with your style by searching the latest fashion blogs or magazines. This is a great guide for you without being overwhelming. Work on developing your signature style as it helps you separate yourself from the bunch. Figure out what you love wearing all the time or what type of clothing or accessory dominates your closet and use it as your ‘calling card’. Don’t think you can’t enjoy trends just because you have simple items hanging in your wardrobe. Be creative! This can save you time and money when it comes to figuring out how to work your way into the world of fashion without overdoing it. Baby steps are the key and what better way than starting straight from your closet and with your own personal style.

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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Want to plan a birthday party that is flexible enough for any budget and suitable for any type of weather? Then why not try a “Fancy Friends” party? Whether you hold your festivities indoors or out, a Fancy Friends party works well for groups of many sizes and is a good choice when you have a combination of girls and boys ages five to nine. A lavish table: What’s handy about a swanky theme like “Fancy Friends” is that you can make use of what you already have on hand that is appropriate. For younger children, hold back on the breakables. But older kids enjoy the opportunity to show they can handle the sophisticated treatment. For my daughter’s eighth birthday, I dug up a shimmery tablecloth, my husband’s grandmother’s teacups and tea plates, some pastel streamers, and a few crystal bowls and platters we rarely use.

Extravagant (yet inexpensive) favors: There are a few types of party favors that will help you set the right tone for your festive occasion, when you set them out for guests to put on as they arrive: sparkly sun glasses (look for star shaped), tiaras or tops hats, fine gems (sparkly necklaces, rings, bracelets, and hair clips—these often come in a combination bag). If you want to go extra elegant, you can find marabou feather boas in a wide variety of colors at your local art supply store and black canes at your local party supply. Borrow from the grown-ups: If you are fond of throwing parties for adults, be sure to check your stash before you shop. Those frou-frou toothpicks or colorful drink stirrers might be a blast for the kids to try. Then simply find napkins, balloons, plates and silverware in colors that round out what you already have at your local party supply or dollar store. Shop around: A focus on “fancy” rather than a specific character theme offers you a lot of creative leeway when it comes to planning. Check the clearance aisles first and then cruise the entire store for the most economical combinations of supplies. For example, our tiaras came from the bachelorette aisle, our necklaces from the Mardi Gras display, and our top hats from the Oscars party aisle.

Focus on fun food: Unlike other parties that skip mealtime altogether, your Fancy Friends will benefit from a solid meal in their tummies before the fun begins. Here’s what’s on the menu: three varieties of sandwiches on whole grain white bread cut into shapes with cookie cutters (cream cheese & cucumber, peanut butter n’ jelly, and almond butter n’ jelly), a colorful veggie plate/fruit plate (carrots, snap peas Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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and red pepper slices with strawberries, melon chunks, green grapes), and a bowl fancy chips of your choice (chips with ridges or cheese puff balls work well).

Pinkies extended: If you are using special teacups, cold tea makes an easy substitute for hot tea. Just pour it straight into their cups at room temperature. You can also provide pink lemonade or milk, since most kids will prefer a variety of drinks. For the cake, either opt for a matching flowery design, or if you have a tiered holder, opt for a cupcake tree instead. Flowery paper cups also work fine. Flamboyant movement: After lunch, the kids are going to be ready to get down and party. Here are some simple activities to keep them moving until it’s time for cake and presents: Freeze tag is a simple game that works for kids of all ages. An impromptu dance party or fashion show can be set to music. A room full of blown balloons or a game of Twister is a happy way to pass some fancy time. Bubble blowing is an activity that pleases kids of all ages and can happen outside or on a patio. Clip-on paper butterflies (from your local art supply) hidden around the house or yard make for a fun scavenger hunt. Musical chairs, a marching parade, or pin the accessories on the _________ (you decide) are other fun ideas whether you are inside or out. Something anti-fancy: With so many elaborate activities, your guests will appreciate an anti-fancy climax like whacking a piñata (in a fancy shape, of course). Your local store’s selection will likely include cupcakes, stars, crowns, purses, nail polish bottles, rainbows, flowers, poodles, or castles. Stuff your piñata with lollipops, mini granola bars, and chocolate kisses or a selection of healthy snacks such as dried fruit rolls and protein bars. Everyone will be more settled for cake and gift opening after they’ve stuffed goodie bags with treats to take home. Add one final favor at each place setting just before candle lighting, like a silly straw or a bouncy ball, and you’ve got a party your child will fondly remember. Happy fancy fun! ESP Christina Katz is a freelance writer and mom, who loves fancy things. Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

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A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

We All Have a Story to Tell From the moment they begin to string words together, kids are off on their own storytelling adventures! Whether it’s disjointed narratives of their pretend-play or more cohesive descriptions of events in their lives, children love a good story – real or imagined. As they hear stories repeated, kids begin to recognize the elements that construct tales; the setting, the characters, and the plot. And for kids who love reading books, it’s a natural next step for them to want to craft stories of their own. The following titles are entertaining explorations of the art of story-telling. Whether the medium is art, voice or the writtenword, everyone has a story – and the charm is in the telling.

Lost for Words

by Natalie Russell (Peachtree) Prepared with a nice new notebook and colored pencils, Tapir is ready to create a story between its covers. But when nothing comes to mind as he confronts the blank, white pages, Tapir goes to visit his friends in hopes of overcoming his writer’s block. He learns that Giraffe fills his notebook with poetry. Hippo uses his notebook to tell exciting (mostly autobiographical) stories. Flamingo writes song lyrics and music onto her pages. Impressed by his friends’ talents, Tapir is still coming up empty for ideas of his own. After searching for inspiration, Tapir finally retreats to a quiet hilltop. And what he sees inspires him to put his pencils to the page – to finally tell his own story. A sweet reminder that not all tales need words, this book is a celebration of all the different ways a story can be told.

Help! We Need a Title!

by Herve Tullet (Candlewick) From the moment the first page turns, readers enter into a conversation with the casually drawn and engaging figures in Help! We Need a Title. An incongruous team of characters are surprised to the see the reader open their book – and are also unprepared with a story to tell. They make some false starts trying to entertain the reader before they decide what’s really needed is an author. When they pull the reluctant author into the picture with them, he organizes their suggestions into a short, but sweet story for the reader. The direct engagement of the characters as they break the “fourth wall” will delight both the read-aloud and independent reading sets. Originally published in France, Tullet’s candid style is ideal for introducing the elements of storytelling to young readers!

Ike’s Incredible Ink

by Brianne Farley (Candlewick) As a dedicated reader and lover of good stories, Ike feels ready to write one of his own. But getting started is hard. Ike can’t start this project without the perfect ink. He embarks on a long journey to find the best ingredients. Securing shady and mysterious shadows are first on his list. Tracking and plucking the black feathers on the Booga bird are next. Collecting the velvety dark of the moon requires extraordinary preparation and some rocketry (but Ike gets there and back). Once his critical black hues are collected and processed for his perfect ink, Ike sits at this desk with his ink pen ready to write. And the story that follows is the perfect culmination of Ike’s desire to write a story that’s all his own!

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Cakes A Specialty Bakery & Party Shoppe

217 East 16th Avenue, Gulf Shores (251) 968-2253; www.aspecialtybakery.com A Specialty Bakery & Party Shoppe specializes in birthday cakes, wedding cakes, holiday sweets, and other specialty occasions. We also make cupcakes, specialized cookies, petit fours with a design of your choice on top, brownies, cheese straws, wedding cookies, and cream cheese mints.

Andree’s Wine, Cheese & Things

403 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope (251) 928-8863; www.andreesonline.com Andree’s offers birthday and special event cakes of all sizes with a wide variety of cake flavors, fillings and icings. Visit us online to view our photos and options. For more information call or email andreeswct@bellsouth. net.

Couture Cakes

1905 Main Street, Daphne (251) 626-9895 Tuesday - Friday 10am – 5pm Saturday - Reserved for Appointments and Deliveries. Couture Cakes can custom design the perfect cake for all occasions and themes. Visit us on Facebook to see pictures of just a few of our wonderful creations.

Edible Arrangements

6890 US Highway 90, Daphne (251) 621-9413; www.ediblearrangements.com Looking for something different? Edible Arrangements offers delicious fresh fruit arrangements, baskets, bouquets and other delightful tasty gifts. Visit our website to see the wonderful children’s selection, Kids at Heart complete with Disney, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty and Disney Princess arrangements.

Great American Cookie Company

30500 Hwy 181, Spanish Fort (Eastern Shore Centre) (251) 621-7977; www.greatamericancookies.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

We do all kinds of cookie cakes for all occasions. We bake fresh every day. Say it with a cookie cake!

JAM Cakery

18880 Highway 181, Fairhope (251) 599-7977; www.jamcakery.com JAM Cakery is a custom sweets and cake shop with a simple goal of creating unique, one of a kind designs for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, showers and any other occasions. We strive to combine the taste and artistry to make our customer’s event more memorable. Each cake and dessert is freshly baked, never frozen, custom decorated, and delicious. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, creativity, and personalized customer service for all of our orders, no matter how big or small. We believe “when cake matters,” JAM Cakery can help create an unforgettable experience and add a distinct touch to your special event. For more information visit us on Facebook or email olga@jamcakery.com.

The Little Cake Shop

10198 US Highway 31, Spanish Fort. (251) 621-9097; www. thelittlecakeshop.com Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. No matter the occasion Little Cake Shop can create the perfect cake for you. Visit us on Facebook to see our photos and options. Our specialists are available to answer any questions.

Marble Slab Creamery

theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring the Slab to you. It is like having a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to your party or event. The Portable Slab is complete with toppings, waffle cones and more!

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Something Sweet

1712 Main Street, Daphne (251) 621-2253; www.sweettreatsdaphne.com Something Sweet offers many different kinds of cupcakes along with bar cookies and cakes. We can also make cupcake cakes. For more information visit our website, call or email info@sweettreatsdaphne.com.

Twist Cupcakes

30500 Hwy 181, Spanish Fort (Eastern Shore Centre) (251) 626-3664; www.facebook.com/twistcupcakesmobile Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Twist Cupcakes is perfect for birthdays, weddings and any other special occasion. Stop by and choose from any of our daily flavors for an amazing treat! Twist Cupcakes is committed to providing fresh, made-from-scratch cupcakes and frostings each day. We use high-quality ingredients like Valrhona Cocoa, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, and Callebaut Chocolate. Our Cake Bites are made using our delicious cupcakes and frostings, dipped in beautiful chocolates and decorated. Each day we have a selection of about 17 flavors of ready-to-purchase cupcakes and 5 flavors of cake bites. We have almost 70 flavors total! We accept custom orders for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, weddings, and any special occasion. Cupcake

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stands available for rental. Invitations/Décor/Paper Goods are also available. Come by and see us or visit us on Facebook.

Invitations Miller’s Grand Events

25341 State Highway 181, Daphne (251) 625-4910; www.millersgrandevents.com Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Whether you’re planning a catered affair or corporate event, a wedding reception, fundraiser or a graduation party, you’ve come to the right place. With our expanding inventory of rental products, expert event coordinators and seasonal retail party supplies, we can offer you a total event package from one convenient source. For more information visit our store, website or email sales@millersgrandevents.com.

Stampin’ Up

(251) 454-9545; www.jackiebarfield.stampinup.net Have you always wanted to create your own one-of-a kind, hand-made invitations, announcements or thankyou notes? Call Jackie with Stampin’ Up to help you with all of your special occasions. Also ask about our private parties and private group classes! For more information call or email jackieb410@bellsouth.net.

Stationery Studio

412 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope (251) 990-9940; www.fairhopefinepaper.com We have a huge selection of printable invitations for every occasion and every event. Whether it’s a family gathering, a special 1st Birthday, a Sweet Sixteen soiree, or a blowout event for the 40th, we have several themes from silly to sophisticated and formal to festive! We are a Crane & Co. fine cotton paper dealer and carry several national lines of stationery for writing your birthday gift thank you notes. Come shop with us at our store in downtown Fairhope or visit our website for online shopping. For more information email kristen@ fairhopefinepaper.com.

Entertainment “To You” Bricks 4 Kidz

(251) 300-4796; www.bricks4kidz.com/ alabama-baldwin-mobile Bring Lego fun into your birthday parties! We have multiple party packages to choose from and can customize the party to meet your needs. For more information and booking contact lsmith@bricks4kidz. com or nsmith@bricks4kidz.com.

Azalea City DJ’s – “Dr. Feelgood”

(251) 689-6226 DJ for all types of events: weddings, receptions, high school events, middle school events, elementary school events, bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah; you name it, we do it!

DK the Clown

(251) 554-2874; Daphne Let DK the Clown entertain at your next event. DK is a Graduate of the Circus Clown School, a member of the World Clown Association and is Licensed and Insured. Balloon Artist, Face Painting and Entertainment. DK the Clown is a great choice for Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Reunions and Church Events.

Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons

(251) 662-7415; www.facebook.com/ DrGeesMagicandBallons Magic and balloons for parties, promotions and events. Dr. Gee’s is well scripted, entertaining and educational with creative and colorful balloons for any kid at any age! Dr. Gee entertains in Mobile, Eastern Shore, Mississippi and Florida. For more information email thedrgee@hotmail.com

Famous Friendz

(251) 581-2822 Looking for a Famous Friend to help bring your child’s party to life? We have lots of Famous Friendz to choose from that can come and visit your party or special event to really make it extra special!!

The Game Machine

(251) 656-0096; www.thegamemachine.biz The Game Machine is a mobile gaming center. A large trailer loaded with the coolest technology, brought to your location! Our trailer houses four 51-inch plasma 3D flat screens, Xbox, PS3, and Wii systems. The Game Machine is sure to entertain people of all ages! We carry a library of current and popular games. Each is designed to be played by two or more players. Everything is linked. This allows 16 players to all play at the same time! We also provide 3D headgear for certain games. The Game Machine is perfect for birthday parties, festivals, fundraisers, church and school events. Corporations can utilize us to promote team building, boost moral, or simply entertain their kids at convention time. Hire us to be the life of your next social event! For more information call or email info@ thegamemachine.biz.

Giddy Up n’ Go Pony Rides

19870 County Road 13, Fairhope (251) 210-3938 Giddy-Up N Go pony rides offer one and two hour pony rides for your special event. The kids will never forget the special day with the ponies. Birthday parties, Family Reunions, Festivals, Church Events or Business Promotions. We can come to you or you can come to us in beautiful Fairhope . We also provide private, basic horsemanship and riding lessons. We are a private home style barn so students get the one on one time needed. We encourage self confidence, balance, knowledge along with respect and appreciation of others and the horses, all while having fun.

Paint Slingers

(251) 610-7798; www.paintslingers2.com Paint Slingers brings the painting party to you! We’ll design a painting that follows your child’s interest or help you decide from one of our choices. Prices include all art supplies, a birthday banner, chair and table covers, set up and clean up. See our packages below and choose the party that’s best for you! Package A; $250 for up to 12 painters, One pattern choice, Additional painters are $20 each. We will also

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bring easels and 9x12 gallery wrapped canvases. Package B; $280 for up to 12 painters, 3 pattern choices, 9x12 gallery wrapped canvases, and final glaze to spray on paintings. Additional painters are $20 each. Package C; $300 for up to 12 painters, 3 pattern choices, $30 for additional painters, 16x20 gallery wrapped canvases. Please note if chairs and tables are needed, there is a small fee. If you need help finding a location, we are happy to help find that special place. For more information email artsmartkelly@aol.com.

ties, scouts, picnics, church groups, charity events, daycares, and even for some local schools. Our shows offer a great adventure with minimal effort from you, a safe and controlled environment and it’s so easy to organize! We provide an exciting age appropriate experience. The kids will have so much fun only the parents will know it’s educational! You can choose from a variety of reptiles you want at your event. Basic party packages start at $200. For more information, booking and prices please call or email rsnakeman@aol.com.

Painting with Shannon

Tanglewood Theatrical Service

(251) 459-4409 Painting with Shannon welcomes each young artist as a unique individual, beaming with potential. Children create wonderful works of art in a creative environment. We have art projects to compliment almost any theme! For more information call or email johnnoble@ bellsouth.net. Visit Painting with Shannon on Facebook to view our photos.

Rawhide Boarding Stables

14900 County Road 3, Fairhope (251) 928-7897; www.rawhidestablesfairhope.com We will bring our horses and/or ponies to your birthday party or special event. For more information call or visit our website.

Reno’s Reptiles

(850) 393-3004; www.renosreptiles.com No transportation needed. We come to you! Reno’s Reptiles books reptile shows for birthday par-

(251) 510-0654; Mobile We offer face painting for parties of all sizes, balloon arches, custom murals and backdrops, custom artwork and calligraphy. We can provide custom certificates, invitations, table decorations, specialty props and custom made costumes. We also specialize in entertainment ranging from dance to theatricals. We have over 20 years combined experience in theater, so we know that atmosphere is everything. For more information call Shari Prestwood or e-mail circleofoakes@yahoo.com for an appointment.

Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo

13125 Malone Road, Chunchula (251) 866-7713 Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo is a great place for your next birthday party or event. Friendly animals are brought to your location for a fun petting zoo experience. Although located in Chunchula, Alabama, our sweet animals love to travel to you and meet new friends!

Rentals Eastern Shore Inflatables

(251) 509-2625; www.esjump.com We bring inflatable fun to you! We carry Water Slides, Dry Slides and Combination Bounce Houses with Free Delivery and Setup. We also have rental equipment for concessions, trains, rock climbing walls, tables, chairs, movie screens, carnival games, and mechanical bulls! We are fully insured are the Cleanest Inflatables in Baldwin County. For more information call or email chris@esjump.com.

Drop Zone Inflatables

(251) 604-9132; www.dropzoneinflatables.com Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00p.m. Drop Zone Inflatables will make your party the best one ever! Brand new, clean equipment, Fully Insured, offering bounce houses, water slides and more! For more information email sales@dropzoneinflatables. com.

Fitzpen Place

(Limo and Venue Rental) 11247 US Highway 31, Spanish Fort (251) 621-6665; www.fitzpenplace.com The Perfect Ride for YOUR Special Day! Going out on the town for Pizza, Ice Cream, Bowling, Mani/Pedis, or just cruising, you’ll arrive in style! See our ad to view our beautiful limousines! We also have a spacious, cozy and stylish 4200 square foot ballroom that ac-

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commodates up to 300 people. Also available is a 40’ x 60’ tent covering our pavilion that will allow extra room for the more expansive guest lists. Our beautifully landscaped pond and picnic area can provide an outside garden atmosphere. The younger members on your guest list, ages 2-12 years old, can be entertained on our playground out back while being supervised by an adult 18 years or older. For more information email events@fitzpenplace.com.

Gulf Coast Events & Rentals

1812 US Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-1233; www.gceventsandrentals.com Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Events & Rentals was founded in October of 2005 as “Toro Jumps” on the premises to put quality products and customer service first. We quickly grew to one of the largest party rental companies in Baldwin County. We can help customize your next fundraiser, wedding, birthday party or special occasion to be remembered for years to come! From waterslides, inflatables, concessions equipment, tables, chairs, tents, carnival games, and even miscellaneous items to make planning less stressful. Visit our website to view the many items we offer or stop by our showroom. At Gulf Coast Events & Rentals you can get everything in one place! Although walk-ins are always welcome, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an appointment.

Jumps-A-Lot

302 Schillinger Road, Mobile (251) 633-6676; www.jumps-a-lot.com. Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We have the largest selection on the Gulf Coast with over 25 different waterslides and the lowest price guaranteed! Weekend inflatable rentals start at only $110! In addition to inflatables, we also carry tents, concessions equipment, chairs, rock walls and more! Visit our website for Open Jump Hours.

Just 4 Fun Inflatables

(251) 923-7279; www.just4funinflatables.net For your special occasion, depend on Just 4 Fun Inflatables to make your party easy, fun and memorable. We offer bouncers, dry slides, water slides, adventure obstacles, interactive inflatable games and marketing promotions. Serving Bay Minette, Bon Secour, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Mobile, Montrose, Orange Beach, Robertsdale, Pensacola, Summerdale and Silverhill.

Miller’s Grand Events

Outdoor Fun Inflatables

(251) 923-7719 or (251) 979-4381 www.outdoorfuninflatables.com Wet inflatables, dry inflatables, tents, tables and chairs for rent. Great for birthday parties, school and church events and more!

Places to Party Alligator Alley

19950 County Road 71, Summerdale (251) 946-2483; www.gatoralleyfarm.com With over 20 acres of natural cypress swampland, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. You’ll also observe other wild life such as: Ospreys, Owls, Turtles, Bull Frogs, and various field animals. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. Open 7 Days a Week – 10am-5pm. Call for more info or to schedule a b-day party!

Back Country Trail

3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (Gulf State Park) (251) 981-1180; www.backcountrytrail.com. Bike or Hike to your next family picnic, birthday party, or field trip on the Backcountry Trail. Enjoy biking, hiking, bouldering, and the butterfly garden as you tour 13 miles of scenic trails through Gulf State Park. Don’t forget to visit the Campground Store to purchase trail gear and snacks! For more information email trail@ cityoforangebeach.com.

Bay City Gymnastics

7980 American Way, Daphne (251) 621-2112; www.bcgagymnastics.com Looking for a fun place for your child to have his/ her birthday party? Interested in Jumping and Jiving or Rock N’ Rolling? Let us help you make your child’s birthday a day to remember. We offer a 1.5-hour birthday party package. You will have 1 hour in our state of the art facility and 30 minutes in our party room. You won’t have to worry about the heat of the summer or being rained out in our fully air conditioned facility. We provide the activities and you provide the cake and ice cream. You will be assigned two party hostesses. They will help your child and his/her friends run through obstacle courses, play games, relay races, jumping on our 40 foot long Tumble Track Trampoline or even come and climb on our cargo net or zing down our zip line! Our weekends fill up fast, so call today to schedule your child’s party! For more information email bcgagym@att.net.

Baypointe Dance Academy

25476 Friendship Road, Daphne 112 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette (251) 621-3980; www.baypointdance.com Come dance the day away with Baypointe Dance Academy. We have dance parties for all ages and dance styles from classical ballet to hip hop.

Blue Girl Beading Co.

2200 East 2nd Street, Gulf Shores (251) 968-6900; www.bluegirlbeadingco.com Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Blue Girl Beading Company is a unique beading and jewelry boutique that offers jewelry making birthday parties in shop or at your event. We have a unique team that is devoted to creating a fun event with the latest and most trendy styles.

Charming Teacup

17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear (Punta Clara Candy Kitchen) (251) 300-0231; www.charmingteacup.com Give your little girl a birthday she’ll always remember! Charming Tea Parties for little ladies ages 3-12. The

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Victorian birthday tea party includes: Victorian hostess, invitations, costume for each child, gorgeous gown, fancy hat, purse and jewelry! We provide full tea service on dainty china, etiquette, ballroom dancing and games. We also have party packages for Ladies celebrating birthdays, baby/bridal showers, graduations or just fun with the girls! For more information visit our website or call to book your tea party today! Reservations required.

Culinary Dreams, Inc.

2101-D U.S. Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-0026; www.culinarydreamsinc.com Culinary Dreams, Inc. is a culinary center offering a variety of freshly prepared foods, cooking classes, cooking parties and various retail items. Let Culinary Dreams, Inc. provide a private cooking party for your next birthday, bridal shower, ladies’ night out, baby shower or just a group of friends/family wanting to learn something new in the kitchen. We also offer monthly cooking classes for persons aged 3 and above. Call Dede or Frank for more information and reserve your next cooking party or class! Culinary Dreams, Inc. invites you to stop in and select from our menu of refrigerated items we call “Delights-to-Go” and/or frozen items we call “Frozen-to-Go” for a stress free dinner. Our motto is: “Fresh Taste, Minimum Waste.” Also available are unique retail items typically not found in other area stores. We utilize these items in our home and commercial kitchen. Visit us on Facebook to view weekly menu items and current class information. We want to help you turn cooking nightmares into Culinary Dreams!

Eastern Shore Gymnastics Academy, Inc.

8566 Athlete Drive, Daphne (251) 447-0505; www.easternshoregymnastics.com. Private Parties include one hour of structured gymnastics and 30 minutes in the party room for cake & gift opening. We supply the tablecloth, plates, cups, napkins, forks, party favors for guests and clean up. You supply cake, ice cream and drinks. For more information call or email eaternshoregym@att.net.

Gulf Coast Dance Alliance

beautiful farm! Contact Tonya Halterman at tonya@ lakeforeststables.org to book your next event!

30752 Ember Lane, Spanish Fort (251) 621-9755; www.gcdadance.com Whether your birthday child likes ballet, jazz, hip-hop or acro/gym, we have a party for you! For more information and to book your next party call or visit our website.

The Little Gym

22530 Highway 98, Fairhope (Publix Shopping Center)

(251) 928-3387; www.tlgeasternshoreal.com There’s no better place to celebrate a birthday than at The Little Gym. That’s because it’s incredibly fun for kids and incredibly easy for you. Kids tell us their birthday party at The Little Gym is the most awesome party they’ve ever had! Parents love it, too, because we take care of everything. Our parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. The first 60 minutes is spent in our gym engaged in ageappropriate instructor-led games, activities, supervised free play, and the use of our famous air-track! The final 30 minutes of celebration is spent in our specially decorated party room enjoying cake, drinks and presents. We provide the invitations. You give us the list and we do the rest! Our qualified instructors set up, lead the fun, and cleanup. We provide a Little Gym t-shirt for the birthday child, drinks for the children, drinks for adults, all paper products, balloons for decorations and gift registry. Bring the cake, the kids, and the camera and come join in the fun! Voted by Parents Magazine as the Nations #1 Party Spot.

Island Paint Party

1140 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (Next to Nolans) (251) 96-PAINT • Cell (251) 978-6978 www.IslandPaintParty.com Island Paint Party “ Where you’re the Artist “ Is a unique destination for Birthday parties of all ages.. Kids enjoy painting 8 x 10 canvases for 18.00 each... Adults enjoy the BYOB studio and painting the wonderful variety of 16 x 20 canvases for 35.00 each. The studio supplies canvas, aprons, paints , brushes and instruction. Your party will leave with your masterpieces, memories and bragging rights. To book your party , email islandpaintparty@gmail.com or call TC 251-978-6978. To see our selection of great art to choose from go to Islandpaintparty.com or check out our Facebook page.

Lake Forest Stables

268 Equine Circle, Daphne (251) 747-8219; www.lakeforeststables.org Party at Lake Forest Stables! We provide Birthday Parties, Family Gatherings, School/Daycare Fieldtrips and summer camps. Meet our fun, friendly ponies Sam and Sugar! If you want to ride a bigger horse, Choctaw is your man. Parties are scheduled for two hours and include two ponies for riding, a petting area with a miniature goat and pig. There is also access to a large gas grill on the deck with picnic seating for up to 30 people. View our ad in this issue to see the pictures of our

Oak Hollow Farm

14210 Greeno Road, Fairhope (251) 928-4840; www.oakhollowfarm.net For your next party, check out all the fun and relaxing things you can do at Oak Hollow Farm. With over

Let your child’s artistic side take oﬀ!

Come join the creative fun going on this summer at the Daphne Art Center!

July 7 - August 1

Weekdays, 10:00 am - Noon

Here’s a sampling of the classes for this year’s camp! Storytime Atelier

Lights, Camera, Action!

“D" is for Drawing

Each class will begin by reading a story book together. Next we'll create drawings, paintings, and sculptures inspired by the stories we read!

A crash course in all things theater! Your child will learn about makeup, set design and more! Stick around for the live performance on Friday!

Yes, you can do it! Learn to draw using line, shape, and color. For campers who want to learn drawing skills or improve on what they already know.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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300 acres of land, you can order as few or as many activities as you like: Horseback Riding, inflatable Slide, Playground, Hay Rides, Space Walks, Fishing, and more! Don’t forget about our over 6,000 square foot rustic barn. It’s a great place to have refreshments, line-dance or even karaoke! For more information email glenda@oakhollowfarm.net or info@oakhollowfarm.net.

Orange Beach Art Center

26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach (251) 981-2787; www.coastalartscenter.com Call us to book your birthday party or special event in The Clay Studio, The Hot Shop or the Art Center. Clay Studio - Resident Ceramics Artist Abby Leach will guide you through hand building or throwing on the pottery wheel. Private party rentals cost $75 per hour and include the entire Clay Studio space, personal instruction from the artist, clay, glaze and paint supplies, and 2 kiln firings for all works completed during the party. Cake, drinks, and moderate decorations are welcome, but must be set up and broken down during your rental time. Ceramic/clay pieces for painting are an additional $15 per participant. Maximum number of party participants is 12 if you include paint-your-own. Two hours of rental time is required if you have more than 6 participants, or if you plan to have cake/drinks. The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is our fully functional glass studio where you can enjoy glass forming and blowing experiences with your friends and family. Bring your club, organization, friends or family for a fun and exciting presentation of glassblowing! The base fee for a Hot Shop experience and demonstration is $125/hour. You may also plan for attendees to have a “make your own glass” experience (for an additional fee based on items made), or request a custom piece of art to be made during your event.

Original Oyster House

3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile (251) 626-2188; www.originaloysterhouse.com 701 Highway 59, Gulf Shores (251) 948-2445 The Original Oyster House has many years experience in serving the needs of large groups that wish to have fun in our fantastic facilities. We offer the best service you can find! Also available for rent, the Delta Room accommodates parties of up to 40. For parties under 40 you may choose from any of our regular menu items. For parties of up to 100 we offer family style or seafood buffet menus. Call or visit our website and book your next event today!

We Cater! Party Foods for all Ages

Lunch • Heavy Hors d’oeurves • Dinner Casual to Upscale • Any Event, Large or Small! Custom menu design available. Come in and pick up, or let us come and serve!

Paint’n Parrot

9 North Church Street, Fairhope (251) 928-4161; www.paintnparrot.com Paint’n Parrot is a pottery painting and fused glass playground. Paint’n Parrot has everything you need to create a hand-painted piece of pottery for any occasion. We even have design tools to help you along. Great for birthday parties, scout groups, office parties, bridal showers and summer outings. We have several pottery packages to choose from.

Southern Edge Dance Center

251 South Greeno Road, Fairhope (251) 610-8902; www.southernedgedancecenter.com Dance the Day Away with a Southern Edge Dance Party. Choose from our more popular themes such as Pop Singer for the Super Star in you, Hip Hop Dance when you just “gotta groove” or a Classic Fairytale Ballet, perfect for little princesses. Let us customize a party to fit your wishes. For more information and booking email mia@southernedgedancecenter.com.

Chef Lucy Greer

catering@greers.com www.greers.com 251-380-7781 65

Follow us on Facebook Greers Markets Follow us on Pinterest GreersMarkets Follow us on Twitter GreersMarket www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Susan’s Academy of Dance

108 5th Street, Daphne (251) 626-3835; www.susansacademyofdance.com Does your child love to dance? Would she love to celebrate her big day by learning the latest dance moves? We also offer princess dance parties, Rock Star parties and Hip Hop dance parties. Let us plan a great dance party for you! Call or email susan@susansacademyofdance.com for availability.

Waterville, USA Water Park

Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores (251) 948-2106; www.watervilleusa.com Waterville USA is a beautiful, fun and safe setting for your group outing. Our park offers something for everyone from the smallest tyke to adults. It’s fun for people of all ages! Water Park Season (water and amusement parks open) This season runs during the summer (last part of May, June, July, August) when both the Water Park and Amusement Park are open. Amusement Park Season (water park closed). This season operates in the spring and late summer/fall when the Water Park is closed. Our park is closed from October until March to take care of long-term maintenance and new additions. House of Bounce however is available for parties all year long!

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-5731; www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org Hours: Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Celebrate at the zoo with 13 or more paying guests

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

and enjoy a full day at the zoo. We have an animal show and a shaded picnic area for you party. Each guest can also get a souvenir cup of animal feed for the petting zoo for $1.00. We do require a reservation for your event or group. For more information and booking please call (251) 968-5732 or email info@ alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.

(251) 639-8245; www.bobspaintball.com Come to the best paintball field in Mobile! We provide a safe and fun filled experience. Visit our website and like us on Facebook. We offer group rates, recreational paintball and tournament level playing. Bob’s Paintball has something for everyone! For more information call or email bobspaintball@bellsouth.net.

Arena-The Next Level

Brantley Farms Petting Zoo

4720 Main Street, Orange Beach (251) 224-LAZR (5297); www.arenaorangebeach.com The Arena at the Wharf provides great entertainment for all ages. It’s perfect for birthday parties, civic outings, and family vacations. We offer Laser Tag and Bazooka Ball as well as arcade games. Our facility is over 10,000 square feet of fun and excitement, located on the upper level of the Wharf. For more information call or visit our website.

Bodenhamer Recreation Center

310 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores (251) 968-1420; www.gulfshoresal.gov The Bodenhamer Recreation Center is available for rental for both members and non-members. Rental fee is $25 plus $5/adult participating, $3/ child participating free for members. Bring your own refreshments and drinks (no glass bottles/no alcoholic beverages). Rental fee include use of the entire facility with exception to the weight room and classes.

Bob’s Paintball

3428 Dawes Road, Mobile

26214 Pollard Road, Daphne. (251) 626-5416 Hours: Thursday- Saturday 10am – 2pm Birthday parties are filled with farm animal fun! Tour the barn and meet the donkeys. The birthday child gets to sit on a miniature donkey for a picture then everyone jumps on the huge pile of hay! Participants will get to hold a chicken, bunnies and baby chick. Petting the llama is always fun along with feeding a baby bottle to a calf. After that, it’s off to feed the goats and sheep. No party would be complete without a pony ride! The grand finale hayride lets the children see all the big animals. Party Packages starting at $185. You can also add a train ride for an additional $50. Call and make your reservations today and visit us on Facebook to view our photos.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

30500 Hwy 181, Spanish Fort (Eastern Shore Centre) (251) 621-3215; www.buildabear.com 4751 Main Street, Orange Beach; (251) 244-1686 Each guest will make his or her own stuffed animal friend. A party leader guides them through each step of the bear building fun and then through party games.

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Party time ranges from 1-1.5 hours, depending on the number of guests. A minimum of 6 guests is required for each party package. Parties include a party host, photo, printable invitations, thank you notes and party gifts for each guest. Party packages start at $12 per guest. For more information and party details, visit our website or call (877) 789-BEAR (2327).

Chick-fil-A

Cobb Theater

3780 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-7444; www.cobbtheatres.com/promotions.sp#birthdayparties We supply the entertainment, drinks, food and fun. We will even clean up! For more information visit our party website. Please call for show times and availability.

1682 US Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-3215; www.cfarestaurant.com/daphne Come party with the Cow! Beat the heat with a Chickfil-A birthday party and Indoor playground. We enjoy bringing family and friends together to create lasting memories through food and fun! Chic-fil-A also offers a variety of options for your catering needs. For more information visit our website or call for party details and availability.

Cold Snap

Chill

Creative Outlet Dance Center

6860 US Highway 90, Daphne (next to Five Guys and Hobby Lobby) (251) 626-6686; www.chillyogurt.com/daphne Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy our make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! We have many flavors of cakes, yogurt cakes and can even make custom cakes!

84 Plantation Pointe, Fairhope (251) 990-6199; www.coldsnapfrozenyogurt.com Cold Snap can create the perfect frozen yogurt display for your event. Frozen Yogurt offers over 24 flavors and 80+ toppings at our fun filled self-serve locations. Swirl your favorite yogurt flavor combination and toppings at our custom topping station, weigh it and pay. Parties available – call today! 66 South Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-9511; www.creativeoutletdance.com Ballerina, Princess and Pop Star are popular themed parties. We provide the facility, entertainment (ballet and dance activities and games) and dress-up clothes for 15 guests. Moms can bring in food and favors. 1.5hour party is $95. Call to reserve your Creative Outlet Dance party.

Dipping Dots

4651 Main Street, Orange Beach (The Wharf) (251) 224-3687; www.dippindots.com

The original beaded ice cream is available in your area! Stop into our location at The Wharf and sample some of our delicious flavors. Ask us about catering, parties, fundraising and more!

Dolphins Down Under

27267 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (251) 968-5386; www.dolphinsdownunder.net Dolphin, Pirate and Luau parties are the way to go at the beach! Celebrate aboard a Glass-bottom dolphin boat while searching for dolphins! Our dolphin boats are safe, sturdy and ready for your child’s birthday bash. We offer party supplies and cake or have the vessel catered. Kids and Adults will remember this unique and exciting celebration for years to come! For info and reservations call (251) 968-4FUN (4386).

Eastern Shore Art Center

401 Oak Street, Fairhope (251) 928-2228; www.esartcenter.com. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Let one of our children’s art instructors plan an “art party” for your child’s special day. Clay and painting classes are also available. For more information email melinda@esartcenter.com.

Eastern Shore Centre Fountain

30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0060; www.easternshorecentre.com Looking for a special way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Why not have an Eastern Shore Centre Fountain

Shane Langley, DMD, MS | Mike McDuffie, DMD | Rick O’Neil, DMD, MS www.southalabamaorthodontics.com

We are a Christ-centered, patient-focused, orthodontic practice. We are committed to providing the highest quality patient care in a manner that glorifies God and in an atmosphere that is upbeat, unpredictable and, shall we say, unique. We hope that you will consider us for your orthodontic needs.

SAO 001 Parents 1-2page Hor.indd 1

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Fun Party? You’ll see smiles, giggles, laughter and fun being shared by the children as they frolic and play in the dancing water of the fountain. For the price of $65, we provide a reserved covered area, tables and chairs for a 90-minute party. We also do the entire cleanup so you can spend your time enjoying your child’s celebration. Eastern Shore Centre tenants also offer many choices for cakes, ice cream, nachos, pizza, hot dogs & more. Call today to reserve your party.

Eastern Shore Dance Academy

9063 Merritt Lane, Daphne (251) 626-2300; www.easternshoredanceacademy.us. Whether you are as pretty as a Princess, looking for some funky Hip Hop or into all that Jazz, we have a party for you! We offer birthday parties for all ages. Our 2-hour parties include dance instruction, a performance for the parents and loads of fun. Bring your own cake, drinks and snacks. We’ll supply the fun.

Eastern Shore Lanes

10460 Eastern Shore Boulevard, Spanish Fort (behind

Eastern Shore Centre) (251) 625-3400; www.eslanes.com ES Lanes offers several party packages for all ages. Laser Tag and the game center are available as an add on. All party packages come with a party host/hostess, games, party room, arcade card for each guest, pizza, drinks and bowling! For more information and detailed party packages visit our website. Call today to book your next birthday. Spaces fill quickly!

Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema 14

30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort (251) 626-0352; www. pccmovies.com Be the star of your own movie party! Our cinema and party room are available for any size group. Premiere Party Pack -- ANY Movie, $13.50/pp for non 3D Showings / $16.50/pp for 3D Showings. Package includes Kids Combo (Drink, Popcorn, Candy during Movie), Your own personal Party Captain, Reserved Seating and use of Party Room for one hour before or after the movie! $65.00 deposit-- used towards balance when transaction is completed (10 person minimum).

Exploreum

65 Government St, Mobile (251) 208-6879; www.exploreum.com. At the Gulf Coast Exploreum, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. When you book your child’s party with us, you relax while we do all the work. We provide your invitations, party favors, a uniquely themed cake and a fun experiment to entertain your child and his or her guests. We’ll even handle cleaning up! Plan your party around one of our special packages and then let us do the rest! Each Birthday Party includes the following: Free exhibit admission for up to 30 people – children and adults (ANY additional guests are $8.00 per person) • One hour in a designated exhibit hall prior to party (Enjoy all Exploreum afterwards)• One hour in the birthday party room (located in the upstairs classroom)• Birthday party coordinator during party room time • Science experiment • Gift for the birthday child • Tablecloths, plates, napkins and forks• Decorations and party favors • Capri Sun • Birthday Cake. Call your birthday party coordinator at (251) 208-6880 to book your next party!

Fairhope City Pool

803 North Greeno Road, Fairhope (251) 990-0175; www.cofairhope.com Located at the Fairhope Recreation Center, the Fairhope City Pool is a great place to have your swimming party. Private Parties are available from 6 – 8 p.m. The cost is $150. Non-private party rates are also available. For more information call the Fairhope City Pool.

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VOTED “BEST IN MOBILE” Fairhope Farm

(251) 895-9165; www.fairhopefarm.com Rent our farm for your wedding, reunion, adult or children’s parties. Fairhope Farm provides complete set up for your birthday party needs. All you have to do is bring your cake, favors and guests! All parties include hands on petting zoo, farm animals in free-range environment including cows and fainting goats. Parties include wooden beanbag and tennis ball games, duck pond for the toddlers, 8x10 photo booth with tons of photo props and costumes and sack races. We also offer a personalized booth with your child’s name, face painting table, tables with table covers, pennant banners, theme signs and lots of decorations. We have a craft table with crafts included, a playground and an air-conditioned bathroom and kitchen. For more information email franceschancery@hotmail.com.

Fat Daddy’s Arcade

24565 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (251) 980-1050; www.fatdaddysarcadedestin.com Fat Daddy’s now has 3 locations to make your birthday special. Fat Daddy’s Arcade is the place to party, Rain or Shine! Our Orange Beach location features approximately 65 games. Have a Pizza and arcade party. We have several party packages to choose from including pizza, tokens, drinks, decorated party space and a party host. For more information and to book your next party email info@fatdaddysarcadedestin.com.

The Fieldhouse

26037 Capitol Drive, Daphne (251) 626-0190; www.trainatthefieldhouse.com A great place to hold your athlete’s next birthday party. Our enthusiastic and experienced staff can tailor a program to your specific sports interests. Your party includes 2 hours in our facility, trained staff members to conduct sports games, pizza, water, invitations etc.. Call or visit our website for more details.

AT THE MOBILE CAUSEWAY LOCATION

KIDS EAT FREE TUESDAYS

Five Rivers Delta Safaris

4891 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort (251) 259-8531; www.5RDS.com Five Rivers on the Causeway host adventure themed birthday parties for children of all ages. Up to 20 children can play a variety of age-specific, educational focused fun games while enjoying the outdoors. Examples of themes you can choose from are Safari Theme and Pirate Theme. The cost for children 1-12 years is $95. For children ages 13-20 years is $135. An additional $6 per child is due on the day of party. Prices include standard birthday cake. Additional items can be added such as boat rides, food and beverages, party favors, large inflatable jumping castles, etc. Please contact us for pricing and reservations at 1-877-411-SAFARI.

PROUD TO SERVE

Mobile Causeway • 3733 Battleship Pkwy • 251.626.2188 Gulf Shores • Original Oyster House Boardwalk • 251.948.2445

OriginalOysterHouse.com

Genesis College Spa Parties

7241 Dolphin Street, Daphne (251) 445-8900; www.genesiscareer.edu Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00am– 4:00pm If you are looking to have a Spa Party, Genesis Career College is the place for you! Up-dos, manicures, pedicures, you create the party package you want! (Genesis students perform Spa services).

Giddy Up n’ Go Pony Rides

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home style barn so students get the one on one time needed. We encourage self confidence, balance, knowledge along with respect and appreciation of others and the horses, all while having fun.

Gulf Bowl

2881 South Juniper St., Foley (behind Tanger Outlet) (251) 943-4575; www.gulfbowl.com Have your birthday party, church group, clubs and company parties and The Gulf Bowl. Come visit the restaurant and arcade for tons of family fun! Call to see which great birthday party package is suited for you. Visit our new Laser Tag!

Hot Wheels Skate Center

616 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne (251) 626-5120; www.hotwheelsdaphne.com Hot Wheels provides great party packages that include three hours of skating and skate rental. We offer soft drinks, pizza, place settings and invitations. Parties are available Saturdays & Sundays 2 -5 p.m. We also offer special VIP Parties for tweens on Saturday Nights from 7- 10 p.m. Visit our website to view details of each party package. Call today to book your next skate party!

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6898 US Highway 90, Daphne (251) 626-5766 Movies parties are always a great way to entertain a group. Call for our party packages!

Kangarooz

31000 Bass Pro Drive (Next to Bass Pro Shop) (251) 219-4290; www.mykangarooz.com At Kangarooz Family Fun Center we strive to offer the best in family entertainment. Our company goal is to provide a safe, clean place for your family to play with excellent guest services. Parties are $199 for 8 children, $260 for 16 children and $299 for 24 children. There is a $13.50 charge for each additional child. Each party includes a party host, party invitations, admission for each party guest, a private themed party room for 2 hours, drinks, pizza, games, bluebell ice cream cups, balloons and paper products, a visit from the Kangarooz mascot, a gift for the birthday child. We do have additional items available at an extra cost. All you have to do is bring the cake! Call to check availability and reserve your party today. For more information at our Spanish Fort location, call (251) 382-1973.

Life’s a Canvas

27267 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (251) 981-7770; www.lifesacanvasob.com Great for bridal showers, corporate events, birthday parties, baby showers, church groups and much more! In studio parties can be booked anytime we are not already hosting a class. Book early though, Space fills up fast! You choose the painting! There are a variety of paintings featured on our website, but feel free to stop by our studio to see our full collection! There is a 10 painter minimum to close the class off to the public during the day. There is a 20 person minimum to close the class off to the public during the evening. Life’s

A Canvas Never Sleeps! We are open daily from 10am until 9pm. The cost is $45 per person and includes all materials: 16x20 canvas, paint, easel, brushes, apron, etc. You are welcome to bring in whatever food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Mobile Bay Bears Birthday Parties

755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile (251) 479-2327; www.mobilebaybears.com Our goal is to make a party at the ballpark easy for Mom and/or Dad and a blast for the kids! Our Bay Bears basic party package starts at $125. This package includes 10 baseline box seats, 1 dozen cupcakes from Gigi’s cupcakes, a reserved party area and a video board welcome. The birthday boy/girl will receive a souvenir baseball and throw the first pitch! Additional seats are available as low as $7 and several add-on options to make your child’s birthday complete. For more information and booking please email Bradley@ mobilebaybears.com.

Marble Slab Creamery

30500 Hwy 181, Spanish Fort (Eastern Shore Centre) (251) 621-7900; www.marbleslab.com Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Marble Slab Creamery can help turn any event into a special occasion. Whether you want a Sundae Bar, Portable Slab* or an ice cream cake to match your theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring The Portable Slab to you. It is like hav-

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ing a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to your party complete with mixins, waffle cones and more!

Moo Che Che

10200 Eastern Shore Blvd, Spanish Fort (next to Panera Bread and Pet Smart) (251) 626-9992; www.moocheche.com; Looking for something cool to add to your party? Party with Moo Che Che! With several different frozen yogurt flavors and even more toppings this is just the thing to top off your next party. Call today about a Moo Che Che party or catering event.

Next Level Tumbling

26090 Equity Drive, Daphne (251) 621-5797; www.nextleveltumbling.com On our website, visit the About Us section and click on Birthday Parties. Fun Parties to choose from -Tumble Party: Learn tumbling skills and trampoline fun, Cheer Party: Learn motions, jumps and a cheer, Dance Party: Learn a few 8 counts of a dance, and also a General Party with games, parachute and trampoline fun. Each party will last 2 hours. Available times are limited. You supply the cake and we’ll supply the Fun! Call and reserve your party today!

P’zazz Art Studio

456-A North Section Street, Fairhope (251) 802-1009; www.fairhope.pzazzart.com Book your next Paint Party with P’zazz! Children will have the use of our studio for 2 hours, a 16x20 canvas for each guest, supplies and instruction on how to paint the picture of your choice. Bring your own cake, food and drinks. For an additional fee, P’zazz offers custom invitations and we will even mail them out for you! Visit our website to view the many art pieces to choose from. For info and to book your party, call us today.

Paint & Pals

28600 US Hwy 98 (Next to Bangkok Tai) (251) 654-2313; www.paintandpals.com. Paint parties are fun for birthdays, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, holiday parties, baby showers and other special occasions. Paint parties are for adults and kids! Schedule a paint party for your child’s birthday or graduation at either our Mobile studio or Daphne location. To find out more about having a paint party for your child, call or visit our website.

Painting with Shannon

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf

3201 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-GOLF (4653); www.piratesislandgolf.com Come celebrate your special day at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. You and your guests are sure to have a blast putting on our beautifully landscaped course with waterfalls, a pirate ship, and winding streams.

Pirate Ship Adventures

4575 South Wilson Boulevard, Orange Beach (251) 981-4127; www.orangebeachpirateship.com Sail on our Orange Beach Pirate Cruise as we bring the most unique form of family entertainment on the Gulf Coast. Bring your young pirates aboard the American Star for a swashbuckling Pirate Adventure on Terry

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Cove in Orange Beach. Our pirate ship is an all-wooden boat, designed to match the replica of The Pinta, which sailed the seas back in the late 1400’s. Imagine the life of the crew who used to make the journey all the way across the Atlantic aboard a boat just like ours! Experience the pirate life, and enjoy a fun-filled adventure aboard the American Star. There is no other trip like it around! For more information and photos, visit our website. For booking and pricing email hudsonmarinaob@gmail.com.

Point Clear Tennis and Swim

17107 Tennis Club Drive, Fairhope (251) 928-7715; www.pointclearinn.com Your guests will love swimming and relaxing in the pool at Point Clear Tennis and Swim Club. Parties with 1-10 children are $75. Parties with 11-20 children are $125. Parties with 21-50 children are $250. Please note that we do not provide lifeguards and parents should accompany their child. Please call us for more detailed party information and reservations.

Rotolo’s Pizzeria

Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope (251) 990-4005; www.rotolos.com Contact or visit Rotolo’s Pizzeria today to find out about our birthday parties with arcade and catering options.

Sharky’s Family Adventure Park

23299 Wharf Lane, Orange Beach (at The Wharf) (251) 454-7283; www.facebook.com/sharkysAdventure Celebrate your special day with a little adventure. Birth-

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

day parties of 8 or more guests can challenge themselves on the Sky Trail® and Sky Rail ropes course and mini golf course. Space within our party area will be reserved for you to gather. Food menu is available upon request. Feel free to bring your own cake.

Track, The

3200 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-8111; www.gulfshorestrack.com. Hours: May 31 – August 10 Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – close The Track offers a 2 hour unlimited armband for groups of 20 or more. Please book these groups during armband availability periods. It is recommended to schedule these events 1 week in advance. The Track offers many activities including miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats, Kids Country, Bungee, Sky Flyer and several fun games. For more information and booking contact trackinfo@gulfshorestrack.com.

Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway

13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (251) 232-2322; www.waleswest.com At Wales West, we can design a party to fit your needs. We have a large room, kitchen and deck overlooking the lake. Not only do we have an RV Park on site but other amenities include a petting zoo, party barn, Real English Steam Train, indoor heated pool, playground, and lake with waterfall. You can also enjoy fishing and pedal boats. Wales West offers catering for your event and even fireworks shows! For more information and

book your next party contact Shelby at kidslovtrains@ yahoo.com or call (251) 752-5426.

Weeks Bay Plantation

12562 Mary Ann Beach Road, Fairhope (251) 279-UPIK (8745); www.weeksbayplantation.com Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Thursday – Saturday Weeks Bay Plantation is the PERFECT spot for a completely unique birthday party or other special event centered around archery, organic blueberry picking, outdoor movies or catered picnics by the lake! Call us for details on all the possibilities! We have 15 varieties of blueberries you can enjoy picking yourself or purchase pre-picked bags. Berry season begins in April and runs through July. Plan to bring your hat, sunscreen and comfy shoes for lots of outdoor picking fun! Like us on Facebook and check our page for any last minute time change due to weather. Coming soon is a 3D Archery Course for target practice, a walking course and beginners. More activities are coming to Weeks Bay Plantation in the coming months so please call us and book your next event today!

Wed With Style, LLC

8335 Gayfer Road, Fairhope (251) 751-1000; www.wed-with-style.com Wed With Style not only offers wedding planning, but we can help with any event. We offer Tea parties, birthday parties and Themed parties. All the parent needs to do is send the invites & bring a cake. For more information contact Victoria Stankoski, Event Planner at wedwithstyle@gmail.com. ESP

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Parenting may be the greatest balancing act on earth. We want children to become independent, but it’s hard to move past the image we have of them in infancy. With the best intentions, parents may stifle kids’ self-esteem, inner confidence, and self-reliance by continuing to do things for them that they should be doing for themselves. Children can’t flourish if parents hold on too tight. But they grow by leaps and bounds when they’re allowed to make their own choices and mistakes. The key is to let kids test their skills in developmentally appropriate ways. 74 Here’s how.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

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Dress

Kids who choose their own clothes and dress themselves learn to take responsibility for self-care and take pride in their appearance. Allow your toddler to choose what she’ll wear from two or three outfits you’ve identified. Constrained choices prevent overwhelm and ensure your child will be dressed appropriately. Preschoolers may need extra time to put on their own clothes. Tweak your morning routine to make time for it. Keep clothing in low drawers kids can reach and designate a shoe bin in the closet or entry area. Let kids practice buttoning shirts and putting on socks. These tasks build fine motor control and spatial skills. Don’t worry if your child’s shoes are on the wrong feet or her shirt is backward. Praise her efforts and encourage another attempt. Teach school-aged kids how to consult the weather forecast on TV or online and to make situational judgments about what to wear. Choosing weather- and activity-appropriate clothing reinforces decision-making skills and autonomy. Let unconventional style choices slide. No one ever died from dying their hair purple or from wearing polka dots with plaid.

Eat

Independent eating builds kids’ eating confidence and helps them tune in to internal cues about hunger, says registered dietician Maryann Jacobsen, MS, co-author of Fearless Feeding. “When parents require kids to take extra bites, force veggies or have children eat past fullness, it decreases confidence and makes eating less fun,” she says. You don’t have to let kids eat cake to foster independence. “Parents have lots of control in terms of how they stock their kitchens, what food is offered, and when and where it is eaten,” Jacobsen says. At meal

time, serve three to five healthy foods in a family-style display, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and fats. Let kids choose how much to take of each item. And don’t fret if your child won’t eat a certain food. “Research shows it can take up to 15 exposures for young children to learn to like a food,” Jacobsen says, “and my experience tells me it often takes more than that.” Encourage kids to help out in the kitchen as well. Preschoolers can toss a green salad, school-age kids can make sandwiches and burritos, and teens can cook dinner once in a while. Kids who have learned basic cooking skills at home are less likely to turn into junkfood junkies when they go away to college.

Play

Educator Deb Moberly, Ph.D., founder of St. Louis, Missouri-based early childhood development consultancy Children 1st, says parents should respect kids’ desires to do things “by themselves.” That means letting them hold their own bubble soap, even if they are likely to spill it all over the back patio. Learning can be a messy process. “Quality preschool programs support independence by letting the children select their own activities,” Moberly says, and parents can do the same at home. Establish simple ground rules – such as the play dough stays on the play table – then step away. Allow kids to decide when to switch activities, as long as they clean up one activity before moving on to the next. Facilitate kids’ cleanup efforts by designating which toys belong in which places. Playing with peers builds both self-reliance and social skills. Humanist educator Jen Hancock, author of The Bully Vaccine, worries kids don’t get enough unstructured play time in mixed-age groups because parents don’t trust kids’ peers anymore. This wariness is something we must move past.

Hancock’s 7-year-old son spends most weekends playing with other kids in the neighborhood. “This is possible because all the parents have been introduced to each other and have each other’s phone numbers,” she says. “It is really nice having the trust in the neighborhood and knowing that the kids are doing what they are supposed to be doing: Getting into a little bit of ‘safe’ trouble.”

Spend

Mom Tracie Shroyer, co-author of Investing in Your 401k Kid, says today’s kids need the skills to be financially independent, too. “Kids don’t learn much besides coincounting in school and they look to parents for everything they get. Very few are taught to save their money for larger purchases. In the current economy, this is a scary thought,” Shroyer says. If kids don’t get smart about spending, they’ll be the first generation of kids less affluent than their parents. Begin giving your child small amounts of money and letting him choose how to spend (or save) it. This means your child won’t be begging you for items from the dollar bin – he’ll be deciding what he can afford and whether items are worth what they cost. Increase his spending power and responsibilities over time. Giving tweens and teens discretion over buying back-to-school clothes and school lunches teaches them to budget and prioritize. It may feel strange to hand over the cash, but remember: The money you are giving your kids is the money you would spend on them anyway. Don’t add to the budget if your kid blows it. “The only road to financial responsibility is learning from mistakes,” Shroyer says. It’s better to learn from cheap mistakes in childhood than expensive mistakes later on. ESP Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom whose 3-year-old daughter wears stripes with polka dots and plaid. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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Family Calendar Ongoing

American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit our website www.asama.org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope, the Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www.easternshoreartcenter.com. The Exploreum The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more

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information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www.mariettajohnson. org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www.weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month. The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-460-2727 or 1-800-489-1886 or www. childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families. Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $5/meeting. Check us out on Facebook at Celebration MOPS Fairhope or contact coordinator Lauren Beck at celebrationmopsfairhope@gmail.com. Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon. Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford - 251-626-8228. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for more info. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class

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Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, near the YMCA. “ M oms O ffering M oms S upport” (MOMS Club) is a group intended for stay at home moms to provide encouragement for each other while providing fun activities for their children. This club is open to anyone on the Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County, Alabama. We hold a meeting at the beginning of each month with a speaker or topic relevant to moms while childcare is provided. Each month there are social activates organized for the children such as play dates, field trips and seasonal parties. MOMS Club is also dedicated to giving back to the community through supporting various charities. MOMS Club is a great way to connect with other moms, form friendship and enjoy activities with your little ones. For more information please visit our website at www.momsclubofdaphne.com or email us at momsclubofdaphne@yahoo.com. MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” - but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of

the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore . Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.FitzpenPlace.com. www. Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251621-6665 or 251-377-4069. PUMC Caregiver Support Group A new support group for caregivers of aging parents and others is discussing “boundaries” at monthly meetings open to the community. The public is invited to be a part of this support group, which meets monthly at Providence UMC, located between Spanish Fort High School and Middle School at 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Dr. For more information about the new support group, call the church office at (251) 6262510 or email pumc.office@bellsouth.net. For more information about Providence UMC, call the church office or visit the website at www.providencemethodist.org. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Single Mom Ministry Sponsored by Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church, this prayer and support group for single moms is designed to provide a safe and prayerful environment where group members are able to express themselves among

others who will listen, care, and lift each other up. Each participant will receive one bag of non-perishable food items each week. Child care will be provided. Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6-7 PM at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Family Life Center, 8717 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0890. Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. Cost: $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises.

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Family Calendar Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. Located just off of the main lobby. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you! Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For additional information please contact 949-3781.

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Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m.  Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required.  Call 279-1373. Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m.  Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope)   Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or more information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@bellsouth.net. Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required.   Sibling Class   Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope).   Pre-registration required.  To register call 279-1373.  10 - 11 a.m.   Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m.

at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family. Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8

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p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251- 9656264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251626-6337 for more information.

Sunday, June 1

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4th Annual Jubilee Kids Triathlon Eastern Shore Triathlon Club will hold its fourth annual Jubilee Kids Triathlon at 7:30 a.m. at the beautiful Fairhope Municipal Pier in Fairhope. Funds from this event will be used to support local charities and promote the sport of triathlon in Baldwin County. This is a SWIM, BIKE; RUN race for kids ages 7-15. Please visit www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview. aspx?fEID=19291 for more information.

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Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Daphne Civic Center Join us from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for the Kickoff party with Flow Circus juggling and more at the Daphne Civic Center (2603 U.S. 98, Daphne). Please visit www. daphnelibrary.org for more information.

Tuesday, June 3

Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan Vignettes of Fort Morgan’s Civil War history are brought to life every summer during this hour long tour. Historical interpreters portraying the lives of members

of the garrison tell of the events transpiring in the final months of Confederate occupation of the fort. Every tour concludes with the firing of one of the fort’s artillery pieces with time for visitors to explore the fort in the twilight hours. Place: Fort Morgan (110 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores) from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.fortmorgan.org.

Wednesday, June 4

Team Warriors 4EVER The Orange Beach TeamWarriors4EVER team has partnered with Tacky Jack’s, a local restaurant, where we will be staging a run every Wednesday. TeamWarriors4EVER is a non-profit organization aimed at raising money and awareness for wounded and/or fallen veterans and their families while promoting activity thru team and individual sports. Time is 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. teamwarriors4ever.com.

Thursday, June 5

Fairhope Spring/Summer Outdoor Farmer’s Market The market will be held on Thursday evenings from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. behind the Fairhope Public Library on Bancroft Street in downtown Fairhope. The market will be held on Thursdays from May 1 through July 10. The market will offer fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, a large variety of plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library youth services department will hold story times and children’s activities each week at 4 p.m. The Haven will also be holding pet adoptions. For more information, please call 251-929-1466. Art in the Park Join us in Lott Park in Daphne for petting zoo, animals

& sea life, games, inflatables, face painting and more. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Super Circus Heroes Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes, showcasing wonders from the marvelous to the magnificent, every day is extraordinary in this action-packed super-circus, filled with superhuman athleticism, power and pageantry that will have Children Of All Ages discovering their own superhuman strength. Amazing elephants, horses, camels and more alongside astonishing acrobats, aweinspiring aerialists and some over-the-top clowns that will have audiences in stitches of laughter of course! Come join us in celebrating the bravery, courage and honor that lives inside all of us. Tickets are $15, $20, $30, $40 and $50. Ages 2 and older must have a ticket. Tickets available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office 251-208-7906, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com Zac Brown Band Zac Brown Band in concert at 7 p.m. at The Wharf Amphitheater (23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach). Please visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

Friday, June 6

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk On the first Friday of every month the Art Center welcomes 500 plus visitors, free of charge, for the exhibit openings. ArtWalk is held from 6-8 p.m. and begins at the Eastern Shore Art Center. First Friday Family Night First Friday Family Night takes place in Downtown Bay Minette in Blackburn Park (1st and Hoyle) from 5-9:30 p.m. Food Trucks and many Kids Activities. 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild: Insectigations We will learn all about, look at, and go catch bugs!

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Family Calendar Students K-2nd grade. Free, but registration is required. 5 Rivers: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Reservations: 625-0814 or Shonda. Borden@DCNR.Alabama.gov. Music and a Movie: “Evan Almighty” – Foley Entertainment: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 6 - 7 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be sold on site. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets and join us for an evening under the stars. Place: Heritage Park -125 E. Laurel Ave. Foley. Please visit visitfoley.org for more information. Autism Fundraiser – Pirates Cove A three-day fundraiser for autism will be capped off with a draw down for a 2014 Jeep at Pirates Cove Marina in Josephine, AL. The Eighth Annual Illuminating Autism Fundraiser benefits High Hopes 4 Autism, an autism spectrum disorder treatment center in Elberta, Great food, fun and live music from local and nationally known bands and musicians. Tickets - $10 per day. Please call (251) 986-7007 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” “All Shook Up” is a new musical comedy built around a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley. It takes place in 1955, somewhere in middle America, where one girl’s dream and a surprise visit from a mysterious leather-jacketed, guitar-playing stranger help a small town to discover the magic of romance and the power of rock & roll. South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores. Please visit www.summertide.org for more information. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley Our annual summer tradition of local fresh farm products and a variety of handicraft continues on Fridays during May and June, under our new name! Come join us and shop our many local vendors. 4-7 p.m. at Heritage Park (125 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley). Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Super Circus Heroes See June 5 for more information.

June2014

Saturday, June 7

GCAA Art Market – Gulf Shores The GCAA Art Market, in partnership with the City of Gulf Shores, is a venue for local and regional artists to display and sell their original works of art. Featured will be pottery, acrylic, oil, watercolor and plein air paintings, jewelry, textile, carved wood and metal arts. There will be concessions, entertainment and hands-on art activities for children. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Meyer Park, 400 East 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores. Please visit www.gulfcoastartsalliance.com for more information. Arts in the Park Nature Fest – Dauphin Island South Mobile County Tourism Authority (SOMO) is proud to announce that they will be hosting the Arts in the Park Nature Fest under the oaks in historic Cadillac Square on beautiful Dauphin Island, Alabama from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This FREE event will feature fine artist’s crafts from around the Southeast as well as exciting nature exhibits, programs and events. The picturesque park will be filled with unique art and hands on animal exhibits and nature/ environmental presentations/exhibits. Top of the Hops Beer Fest – The Wharf 3rd annual Top of the Hops Presented by Abita. This event will take place on The Wharf Marina Lawn Please call the box office with any questions (251) 2241020. Place: The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Wharf Lane. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Super Circus Heroes See June 5 for more information. Autism Fundraiser – Pirates Cove See June 6 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Sunday, June 8

Hug a Tree Program – Magnolia Springs Library Hug-a-Tree” Program at 12:30 at the Magnolia Springs Library. (12440 Magnolia Avenue; Suite 600, Magnolia Springs). Please visit magnoliaspringslibrary.org/index. asp for more information. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Super Circus Heroes See June 5 for more information. Autism Fundraiser – Pirates Cove See June 6 for more information.

Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Tuesday, June 10

Live at Gulf Shores Library – Courtyard Concerts Courtyard concerts at Thomas B. Norton Library (221 West 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores). 6 p.m. Free fun for the whole family. Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 3 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Wednesday, June 11

Wet and Wild – Daphne Wet & Wild from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., W.O. Lott Park, Daphne. Please call (251) 621-3703 for more information. Team Warriors 4EVER See June 4 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Thursday, June 12

Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information. Fairhope Spring/Summer Outdoor Farmer’s Market See June 5 for more information.

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Friday, June 13

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes more than 50 hot air balloonists from across the country. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies on Friday and Saturday morning. Get up close and personal as the hot air balloons and their pilots light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon

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glows. Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Spread out your blanket, grab an ice cold drink, homemade ice cream or delicious BBQ and enjoy a variety of live music daily. Catch one of the many shows by the Disc Connected K-9 World Famous Frisbee Dog Show or visit the free Kid’s Fun Zone for hours of fun for any age. Be sure to visit the array of local crafters, artisans and retailers to pick up a souvenir of your visit. Location: Foley Sports Complex, 18507 U.S. Hwy 98 West. Please visit www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com for more information. Hurricane Preparedness Expo – Gulf Shores The City of Gulf Shores will host its Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on June 13th at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. The event will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will offer a free opportunity for the public to educate themselves on hurricane preparedness and about the many products and services available before, during and after a storm. Erie Meyer Civic Center (1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores) from 3-7 p.m. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley See June 6 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Saturday, June 14

The CAUSEway 5K, Fun Run and Health Expo 5K race will start at 7:15 a.m. Fun Run will start immediately after the 5K finish. Location: Race, registration, and postrace activities at Battleship Park on the Causeway. Benefits: Alabama Teen Challenge (ATC). For info about ATC, visit alabamateenchallenge.org. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by June 7,), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on June 12, or online (www.Active.com) until midnight June 12. Race day registration at Battleship Park from 6:15 – 7:10 a.m. Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival See June 13 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Tuesday, June 17

Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 3 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Wednesday, June 18

Wet and Wild – Daphne Wet & Wild from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m, W.O. Lott Park, Daphne. Please call (251) 621-3703 for more information. Team Warriors 4EVER See June 4 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Thursday, June 19

Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

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Tuesday, June 24

Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 3 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Wednesday, June 25

Thursday, June 26

Distinguished Young Women Join us for the national scholarship program headquartered in Mobile. The Distinguished Young Women will be held at 7 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Theatre. Please visit www.distinguishedyw.org for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: All Shook Up See June 6 for more information. Fairhope Spring/Summer Outdoor Farmer’s Market See June 5 for more information.

Friday, June 27

Music and a Movie – Foley Music and a Movie present “The Goonies” at Heritage Park at 6 p.m. Listen to the music of Cool Change and compete in a Hula Hoop & twist contests. See more at: visitfoley.com. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley See June 6 for more information. Distinguished Young Women See June 26 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Saturday, June 28

Distinguished Young Women See June 26 for more information Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Sunday, June 29

Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Looking Forward... Fairhope Spring/Summer Outdoor Farmer’s Market See June 5 for more information.

Friday, June 20

North Baldwin Chamber 2nd Annual Crawfish Bash Please visit www.northbaldwinchamber.com for information. Music and a Movie – Foley Movie will be “October Sky” in Heritage Park. Entertainment: JR Owen with Cool RayZ 6 - 8 p.m. Come and enjoy sky bubbles and rocket races! See more at: visitfoley.com. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley See June 6 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

Saturday, June 21

5 Rivers Special Presentation: Hurricane Preparation Get some hints and tips from our local survivalist on how to most effectively prepare for a hurricane. No registration necessary, free and open to the public. 1-2 p.m. at 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry & Plain White T’s – the Wharf Concert at The Wharf Amphitheater (23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach). Please visit www. ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Sunday, June 22

Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information.

Tuesday, July 1 Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 3 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information. Wednesday, July 2 Team Warriors 4EVER See June 4 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information. Thursday, July 3 Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information. Fairhope Spring/Summer Outdoor Farmer’s Market See June 5 for more information.

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Friday, July 4 Fairhope’s 4th of July Fireworks The City of Fairhope will host its annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks display in Henry George Park and the Fairhope Municipal Pier. The Baldwin Pops Band Independence Day Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Henry George Park. A variety of patriotic music will be played before and during the fireworks display. The Fairhope fireworks display, coordinated by the Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, will begin at approximately 9 p.m. For more information on Fairhope’s Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks display call (251) 929-1466. Gulf Shores Annual Fireworks Extravaganza Fireworks show on July 4th at around 9 p.m. where Hwy 59 meets the beach in Gulf Shores. Sunny 105.7 FM will broadcast music that coincides with the show. Watch from the white sandy beach for the best view! FREE! Daphne’s Jubilee Independence Day Daphne’s Jubilee Independence Day. Please call (251) 621-8222 or visit www.daphneal.com

for more information. Free. Trione Sports Park, Whispering Pines Rd. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Salute to American Independence – Ft. Morgan Historical interpreters, dressed in period uniforms of the United States Army from different eras of the fort’s occupation, will conduct special guided tours of the fortification throughout the day. Also, artillery, small arms, and other demonstrations will demonstrate the complexities that have faced the military garrisons at Fort Morgan. Admission: $7.00 per Adult, $5.00 per Senior (65 and older), and $4.00 per Child (6-12). 31st Annual 2014 Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Junior Angler Tournament July 4 and 5. Registration: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mobile Big Game Fishing Club House & Pavilion located at Orange Beach Marina. $40.00 per angler (MBGFC Junior Angler Member $30) Cookout: 6:00 p.m. - until, courtesy MBGFC. Mandatory Captain’s

July 4th Events

Meeting: 7:00 p.m. Tournament officially begins and boats may leave after mandatory sign-out from the captain’s meeting. Please visit www.mbgfc.org for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “All Shook Up” See June 6 for more information. Saturday, July 5 31st Annual 2014 Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Junior Angler Tournament Saturday, July 5 - Fishing: Boats must inside the Perdido Pass rocks by 7 p.m. MBGFC Weigh Dock 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Awards Presentation 8 p.m. Please visit www.mbgfc.org for more information. Tuesday, July 8 Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 3 for more information.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com by the 15th of each month!

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Blended

X-Men: Days of Future Past

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: BSexual Content: C+ Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Blended PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and language. Adam Sandler hauls out his tried and true formula for his latest Happy Madison Production Blended. He even reunites with Drew Barrymore, his co-star from The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. In Blended, Sandler plays Jim, a single dad with three daughters, Hillary (Bella Thorne), Lou (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Espn (Emma Fuhrmann). Yes, number three is named after the sports channel. He buys the girls’ clothes at Dick’s Sporting Goods where he is a store manager and takes them to his barber for their haircuts. He’s trying to be the best dad he can, but there are some things he just hasn’t figured out -- like which feminine hygiene products to buy for his oldest daughter. Barrymore plays Lauren, a single mom with two boys. Her oldest, Brendan (Braxton Beckham), is a preteen with raging hormones who pins a picture of his babysitter’s head onto a centerfold from a men’s magazine and makes creepy comments about how hot his mom is. Her youngest, Jake (Zak Henri), throws tantrums on the ball diamond, runs through the house with a burning t-shirt on a pole and is completely incapable of controlling himself. When Lauren and Jim meet on a blind date at a Hooters restaurant we know where this relationship will eventually end up despite their bad beginning. But the disastrous first encounter means we have to cover a lot of ground before love blossoms between these two socially uncomfortable adults. Luckily for them -- and their children -- the opportunity to get to know each other comes in the form of a vacation in Africa at a resort hosting a weeklong event for blended families. The scheduled activities include a safari, sports, spa treatments and a couple’s massage. While the rubdown avoids the kind of sexual depictions you might expect, the rest of the film is well oiled with crude sexual comments and crass jokes. Sandler’s reputation for lowbrow humor remains intact in this production, although he stays just a step above the juvenile antics and locker room jokes in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2. He is the hero as usual -- in this case a father trying to remain strong despite the loss of his wife and his children’s mother. But while the script is bold enough to make assertions like two parents are better than one, girls need moms, boys need dads, and being reliable as a parent is good, it isn’t gutsy enough to leave out the glut of crude jokes and make this a family film the entire family could attend.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: CSexual Content: C+ Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated X-Men: Days of Future Past PG-13 for sequences of intense scifi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity and language. As the title of this latest X-Men adventure suggests, this movie is a combination of the past and future, thanks to Kitty Pryde’s (Ellen Page) ability to send mutants back in time -- or at least their consciousness. And it’s a necessary journey. The mutants have nearly been wiped out due to a robotic army of Sentinels created by Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage). His experimental soldiers were perfected after Trask was killed by Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) in the 1970s. Following the murder, the blue-skinned mutant was captured and subjected to DNA experimentation that allowed the government to develop the ability to hone in on all mutants, whatever their form. Decades later, many of the mutants have been killed. And those who are not dead are being hunted down. To change the course of history, the much matured Charles, now known as Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Erik, now known as Magneto (Ian McKellen), want to travel back in time and stop Mystique from shooting Trask. Unfortunately neither of the men can withstand the transportation. That’s where the perpetually scowling Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) steps in. (He says he’ll do it because he can continually heal himself and thus withstand the side effects of time travel. I think the filmmakers chose his character because his mutton chop sideburns help him blend into the hippie subculture of that era.) Whatever the reason he volunteers, Wolverine discovers he can’t stop Mystique on his own. He needs the help of Charles and Erik. Unfortunately at this point of their life cycle the two men aren’t on speaking terms, and Erik is in a high security prison cell 100 stories below the ground level of the Pentagon complex. To get him out, Charles and Wolverine employ the speedy skills of Quicksilver (Evan Peters). But even when Charles and Erik consent to work together, Mystique refuses to change her mind about killing Trask. That of course gives the mutants and humans free rein to slaughter one another. Like previous X-Men movies, this one packs one punch after another, along with scenes of graphic and gruesome violence. Unfortunately all this violent action also distracts from the message of the movie— which seems to be that a simple decision can change the course of history. In this case, one choice has an incredible impact 50 years later (and apparently erases every storyline we’ve seen so far). While most decisions won’t have those kind of far reaching ramifications, the script still underlines the importance of individual choices. For many parents, deciding whether or not to let their kids hang out with these XMen may be one of those choices they will want to make carefully.

What Parents need to know about Blended...

Violence: A character is shot in the face with the contents of a fire extinguisher. A character makes a comment about a man shooting himself. Characters are kicked or hit in the groin. Lions eat a baby animal off screen. A character is punched. Other depictions of slapstick and non-graphic violence are included. Sexual Content: Characters are accused of cheating on their spouses. A girl attempts to make her chest look larger by stuffing her bra. A boy tapes a picture of his babysitter’s face to a centerfold in a men’s magazine. A woman jiggles her breasts on numerous occasions. Depictions and comments about homosexuals are included. A dancer gyrates his groin suggestively. Couples kiss passionately and occasionally fondle one another. Men ogle a woman. Several men are shown grabbing their groins. A woman throws her bra at a performer on stage. A bedroom contains objects used for sexual pleasure. The script contains numerous crass sexual comments about masturbation, body parts and sex acts. Crude bodily functions are portrayed. Language: One depiction of a crude hand gesture and at least three other partial uses of a strong sexual expletive. Several other crude sexual expressions are heard, along with sexual comments, slang, and anatomical terms. Numerous terms of Deity, some mild and moderate profanities, and vulgar expressions are also used. Alcohol / Drug Use: A nervous man guzzles down a beer during a date. Characters drink with dinner and in other social settings. A woman makes reference to a male enhancement drug. A character recommends drugs for a hyperactive child. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2014

What Parents need to know about X-Men: Days of Future Past...

Violence: The movie includes frequent and sometimes graphic depictions of torture and killing. Characters are choked, punched, stabbed, thrown, burned, decapitated, impaled and crushed -- with some detail and blood shown. Characters also engage in hand-to-hand fighting. Explosions and extensive property damage are seen in a futuristic setting. Characters transform or use their mutant powers to fight others. Piles of dead bodies are shown. Characters use guns and other weapons to kill or disarm others. A woman holds a knife to a man’s neck. Numerous characters are killed. Sexual Content: A man is shown in bed with a woman (his bare buttocks are exposed when he climbs out of bed). A character is shown in a body exposing blue costume. Some sexual innuendo and references are included. A man invites a woman to take her clothes off. Language: The script contains a strong sexual expletive and slang word for sex, along with some scatological expletives, mild profanities and terms of Deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters smoke in both a historical and futuristic setting. A character drinks to deal with physical and emotional pain. A character injects himself with a medically developed serum. Brief references to illegal drugs are made.

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remembers when

Theodore Roosevelt was president

110 1904

Years of Service

2014