Eastern Shore Parents July 2013 by KeepSharing

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Contents July 2013 Volume 6 Number 2

Features 44

How to Pay Less for a College Education

Stop the Mom Bullying

11 Unique Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschool Resource Guide

If paying for college is a big concern for your family, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad to discover there are options to help in this expensive venture.

Moms are often the worst critics of other moms and their parenting styles. Learn how to cope with criticism and avoid offering opinions when you can.

Learn why homeschooling is becoming more popular all the time, due in part to the fun and freedom it offers.

Columns 2 From One Parent to Another

Our listing of state and local resources, plus curriculum and cover schools will get you started in your new homeschooling venture!

Lynn Knighton

4 Living With Children John Rosemond

On The Cover

14 Kids Health

by Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D.

6 Bits and Pieces

42 Get This!

Paige Gardner Smith

16 School Bits

48 Dave Says

72 Family Calendar

Dave Ramsey

54 A Page in a Book

80 Movie Reviews

Paige Gardner Smith

FlyLady 66 The Marla Cilley

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Departments

Rowan Baggett (age 5) is the daughter of Sheila and Patrick Baggett of Daphne. Rowan enjoys swimming, drawing, singing, spending time with her Jack Russells (Sadie and Max) and visiting Disney World! 1

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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EasternShoreParents

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 kelly@easternshoreparents.com

Research Editor Nancy Sherrell

Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Traci Calvert

ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099

Contributing Writers Carol J. Alexander Marla Cilley Sandra Gordon Kerrie McLoughlin Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D. Paige Gardner Smith

President

Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com

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 2013 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.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

From One Parent to Another... I hope you are enjoying summer as much as I am. Something I have particularly enjoyed is sharing graduation with my niece. I am incredibly proud of her! She is a bright, kind, Godly young lady who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for her. I really commend how she has stood up to peer pressure on many occasions, choosing a movie and dinner with friends over parties with underage drinking. When her friends started making bad decisions, she found new friends. There have been numerous times where she has gone against the grain and made the right decision. One decision that was not as easy for her was where to attend college. Should she go to the school all of her friends are going to or take the road less traveled, one she and her family were more comfortable with? I am happy to say she chose the latter. Choosing the right college is not always about location and curriculum. In these economic times, the financial burden of college weighs heavy on many families. If this is something you have on your mind, check out this month’s article, How to Pay Less for a College Education. Choosing schools can be difficult. Where I am originally from we lived in a lovely historic district with a lot of young families, but the school we were zoned for was not an option. It was ranked one of the lowest in the state. Our options were to apply to one of the two magnet schools or private school. The magnet schools were fantastic! At the time, most of my friends were opting to test for the one that taught a full grade level ahead. Concerned over the pressure that would put on my 5 year old, I was more interested in the other school that was still advanced, just not a full grade level. Choosing which school was a no brainer for my friend Marie whose child read War and Peace by the time she was five, but was that right for my child? After much prayer and consideration, we went against the grain and chose the other school. Friends (not Marie) were shocked, and some even appalled, that I would not choose “their” school. Many even tried to pressure me to change my mind, but I felt confident. She was only going to be little for a while and I wanted her to have the same wonderful school experience I did. Thankfully, that year we moved to Baldwin County and have had an amazing public school experience ever since! Peer pressure is not only something teens face, but moms, too. We have all faced at one time or another...mom bullies. They are the ones who think their way is the only way and will pressure and berate you until you begin to second-guess yourself. Read Stop the Mom Bullying to find out how to respond to this often subtle type of bullying, plus encouragement not to be a bully yourself. Speaking of school decisions, I recently had a friend decide to start homeschooling, not because of disappointment in their school, but because of her husband’s travel schedule and the family time they were missing out on. If homeschooling is something you have considered, you will want to read 11 Unique Benefits of Homeschooling. We have also included a great list of resources for families considering this change. Enough talk about school! We still have seven more weeks of summer, so make sure you check out the calendar to see all the exciting activities this month. You may also want to refer to our May issue that includes our Summer Activities Directory (also available on our website under Guides). If a road trip is in your plans we have some fun suggestions for you on page 68. Happy Summer!

Lynn

Lynn Knighton, Publisher 2

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Don’t Delay Kindergarten Just Because of ‘Late’ Birthday Q: Our son’s

fifth birthday is in August. He did just fine, socially and academically, in preschool, but the counselor at the school he’s slated to attend has recommended that we hold him back a year because of his late birthday. She says that kids with late birthdays, especially boys, do better if they’re given an extra year of maturation before starting school. What do you think?

A: The practice of postponing kin-

dergarten for so-called “late birthday” children—generally defined as children having birthdays after May—got its start about twenty years ago and has generated the usual unintended consequences. Prime among those is the fact that by delaying the start of school for children having birthdays after May, schools only create a new crop of children with late birthdays—those occurring after January. It’s true that during early elementary school, boys are less mature in several

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

respects than girls. In general, their attention spans tend to be shorter. Therefore, they’re more impulsive and more easily distracted. It’s also true, however, that some children, boys as well as girls, experience developmental “spurts” during kindergarten. The slightly immature, impulsive 5-year-old may be at the norm one year later. As a result of this rather uniform recommendation, a disproportionate number of late-birthday children are given test batteries to further determine their readiness for school. The fact is, however, that the predictive reliability of IQ tests and other measures of ability is questionable with children this young. And when such tests are off the mark with a given child, they tend to be lower rather than higher. The late-birthday recommendation is also influenced by the test score mania that currently grips American schools, public and private. Giving close to 20 percent of children an extra year of preschool is bound to raise overall test performance during the early elementary school years. For a number of reasons, classroom discipline has relaxed considerably since

the 1960s. This has unharnessed the impulsivity and distractibility of boys, especially. I have to believe that this contributes significantly to the fact that disproportionate numbers of boys are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during early elementary school. If the hypothesis is true, then some kids are being medicated primarily because school discipline isn’t what it used to be. Holding late-birthday kids back a year may mitigate this problem somewhat, but it fails to address the larger issue. My general feeling is that if a child’s birthday allows him to attend school, and the child doesn’t have obvious developmental delays, then he should attend school. If at the end of that school year, his teacher recommends an additional year in kindergarten, then leave him in kindergarten. One of my grandchildren spent two years in kindergarten and he’s now a nearly straight-A student in high school. That second year gave him lots of confidence he wouldn’t have obtained by spending another year in preschool. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

bits & pieces Justin Bieber’s Mom Visits Fairhope

New York Times bestselling author Pattie Mallette will visit Fairhope as part of her national book tour, in support of the teen edition of “Nowhere but Up: The Story of Justin Bieber’s Mom.” Set to engage and empower teens, Mallette will meet with fans and sign copies of the latest memoir release at Page & Palette, 32 South Section St., on Sunday, July 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets are Free and available at P&P. You can call the store to reserve under Will Call. This $10 value is a gift to the members of the community compliments of Page & Palette.

Jerry Seinfeld Coming to Mobile Civic Center

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine at the Mobile Civic Center on July 11 at 7 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, the Mobile Civic Center Box Office or charge by phone, 1-800-745-3000.

5th Annual Crop for the Cure Against Breast Cancer

Jackie Barfield with Stampin’ Up is hosting this event, Saturday, July 27, to raise money to donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The crop will be a great event that will help you to scrapbook all your pictures, have a chance to win fabulous door prizes, socialize with other scrapbookers and survivors of breast cancer and contribute to a great organization that has done so much to further research on fighting breast cancer. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Jubilee Baptist Church on Whispering Pines in Daphne. Lunch and dinner are included. $50, tax deductible. Contact information: 251-454-9545 or jackieb410@bellsouth.net.

Marc-Art Tickets on Sale

The Mobile Arc (MARC) is a nonprofit organization which provides services, programs, and advocacy for people with disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. MarcArt is a unique art show and silent auction featuring work created by Mobile Arc artists as well as collaborative pieces they created with artists from the community. The 2013 Marc-Art event will be held Thursday, August 1st, from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., at the Mobile Museum of Art. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Mobile Arc’s arts education classes and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $20 and available by contacting Amy Odom at aodom@mobilearc.org or 251.479.7409.

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Monster Truck Series Returns to Mobile Civic Center

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® will feature a widely popular monster truck lineup this year including the return of world champions Grave Digger and Monster Mutt, plus for the first time ever Batman and highly popular Zombie. Tickets are available now at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Monster Jam is July 26 & 27, 7:30 p.m. The Party in the Pits on Saturday, July 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. gives fans the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive Monster Jam trucks, while taking pictures and getting autographs. Pit passes will be available for free beginning on July 8th at local Southern Ford Dealerships or they can be purchased through the box office.

Center Stage Performance to Hold Auditions for Fall Ensembles

Center Stage Performance is a music education group in Fairhope specializing in Pre-K to 12th grade music and theatre education. Auditions for our Fall 2013 ensembles will take place on Saturday, August 10, at Fairhope United Methodist Church. We will be casting Cinderella Kids (K4 to 3rd grade), Honk, Jr. (4th to 8th grade), as well as filling spots in our touring groups: Center Stage Show Choir for 7th to 12th graders and Take 2, a show choir for 3rd to 6th graders! Come August 10th with a prepared song of your choice and a headshot. Students can audition for more than one performance group. For more information, visit http://www. centerstageperformance.com/ and/or find Center Stage Performance and Center Stage Show Choir on Facebook! Photo by John Estes Photography.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Let’s Rock in the Backcountry Trail at Orange Beach’s Gulf State Park

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has recently opened its most dynamic addition, a Boulder Park, catering to “all ages” and “all abilities” with three boulder sizes to explore the art of climbing. Discover the new park next to the Pavilion and Butterfly Garden on Catman. Plan a day trip with your family and enjoy this Island treasure; six tree-lined trails provide canopies of shade in areas across six distinct ecosystems, totaling 11 miles of natural beauty. Catch a glimpse of native wildlife, bike the amazing trails, pack a picnic lunch and stroll to the lake, or simply enjoy watching the kids discover the butterfly garden and challenge themselves on the exciting boulders. Take a virtual tour of the Gulf State Park trail system at www.backcountrytrail.com or Like Us on Facebook at Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and receive up to date news, sightings and events.

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Flavors of the South Wine and Food Tasting Event to be Held July 25th

The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will hold it's 10th Annual "Flavors of the South", wine and food tasting event on Thursday, July 25th, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale. The event is a premier showcase for local wine, beverage and restaurant locations, their chefs and culinary personalities. Tickets, which are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12, will be available at the Chamber office the first week of May. There is NO COST for vendor participation. Participants do not have to be chamber members and are encouraged to join in the fun and decorate their table along with a summertime theme. The event will also feature a Silent Auction. If you are interested in donating an item to the silent auction, please call the Chamber at 251-947-2626. The Chamber will be passing out event booklets to attendees during the evening. Ads can be purchased in the booklet. Please call the Chamber at 251-947-2626 for pricing. For information on participation, tickets, silent auction, booklet ads and/or sponsorship, please call the chamber office at 251-947-2626.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

bits & pieces Mrs. Alabama Helps Cancer Patients Look Good…Feel Better

Tara Hooper, wife, mother of 2 and recently crowned Mrs. Alabama United States 2013 is excited to start working on her platform, the Look Good Feel Better program. Look Good…Feel Better® is a free public service program designed to help women cancer patients learn how to cope with the appearance side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, by teaching them techniques to help restore their appearance and selfesteem through the use of make-up, wigs, scarves and other accessories. The classes are free and open to women who are currently undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other forms of treatment). Registration is required. Only program participants may attend the workshop. Several classes are being offered in Mobile. Pre-registration is required. To register call 1-800-227-2345. Monday, July 15th, 10:30 a.m. Mobile Infirmary – Rotary Dining Room; Monday, August 12th, 5:30. For more information visit www. LookGoodFeelBetter.com or call the American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345.

100 Memberships for 100 Families Membership Drive

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The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the Mobile Housing Board are on a mission to provide 100 families with a one- year membership to the Exploreum. These memberships help make science more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to afford the year-round educational experience. A tax-deductible gift of $100 for the 100 Families Membership Drive will grant one family a standard membership to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. “Our mission is to inspire curiosity and ingenuity through active exploration of the sciences and making the science center available to more Mobile families fulfills that mission,” said Gretchen Jaspering, executive director of the Exploreum. As an alternative option to help with the success of the drive, Exploreum visitors can round up their total box office purchases to an even number or make a donation towards a full membership. For more information on how you can help, visit https://www.facebook.com/Exploreum.

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Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo Benefits Peer Helper Programs

Bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and steer wrestling are just some of the exciting events featured at the 16th Annual Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo August 1st - 3rd, at the City of Foley Horse Arena. All rodeo proceeds benefit the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides training, funding, and support for student “Peer Helper” programs in all 43 Baldwin County Public Schools, as well as Bayside Academy and Saint Benedict Catholic School. Peer Helpers support other young people in coping with both the academic and social pressures of day-to-day life. Pre-rodeo activities start each night at 7:00 p.m. and rodeo action begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and under and may be purchased at the gate, at Summerdale Western Store or at Frances Holk-Jones State Farm Insurance in Foley. For more information, please visit www.jennifermoorefoundation.com or call 251-971-3633. Photo by Robert Tarabella.

Courtyard Being Built at Fairhope UMC for Shepherd’s Place Participants

A courtyard, located on the north end of the Fairhope United Methodist Church campus, is being built in order to provide a secure location for Shepherd’s Place participants to spend time outdoors. Funds from the Shepherd’s Place Annual Golf Tournament as well as a grant from the Louis Mapp Foundation are being used to build the courtyard. Shepherd’s Place is a non-denominational program that meets the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, as well as those who have suffered from a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, while offering respite for their caregivers. The program provides participants stimulating cognitive activities in a safe environment with a nurse on site. Caregivers benefit from the program by having time to care for themselves. For more information on the Shepherd’s Place program, please contact Dr. Ann Pearson at 928-1148. (L to R) Reed Givins, Leisa Richardson, Seth Neal, Cain Roberds, Ann Pearson, Susie Caminiti, and Dale Melton in front of the building site of the Shepherd’s Place Outdoor Courtyard.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

bits & pieces Respect Life Ministry Leads Annual Pilgrimage at Christ the King in Daphne

Christ the King's Respect Life Ministry led the "Celebrate Life Pilgrimage" on Saturday, June 1st. This annual event focuses on celebrating life and offering prayers for the protection of life. Participants received a blessing outside the Church, and prayed the rosary while walking down Main Street to the Shrine of the Holy Cross. Upon arriving at the Shrine, the program continued with songs, special petitions and completion of the "Culture of Life" Stations. About 70 people were in attendance. Children and youth of the parish also participated in the pilgrimage with representation from Christ the King’s Life Teen program and Serviam club (junior high service club).

The Haven Selects Volunteer of the Quarter

The Haven Adoption Guarantee Animal Shelter is proud to name Marilyn Moen as “Volunteer of the Quarter”. Marilyn has been volunteering with The Haven over 10 years. She has participated in the dog walking program, fundraisers, adoption events, and recently ended her tenure as a Haven Board member. As a volunteer at the Resale Shop, Marilyn was instrumental in maintaining continuity during a 3-month transition phase between shop managers. Scheduling volunteers, waiting on customers, accepting and pricing donations from the public, Marilyn’s dedication and commitment to this important Haven asset, which benefits Haven animals, exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism. In addition, Marilyn is the proud pet parent of 2 Haven dogs. Article/photo submitted by The Haven.

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Month-Long Summer Camp Held for Girls

Girls in grades 2nd -5th were invited to enjoy a Girl Scout month-long summer camp at Christian Life Church thanks to a grant from the Erie Meyers Charitable Trust. The Girl Scout camp was full of fun and exciting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities where they learned about coastal environment, ecology, wildlife, flying and space. The girls went on field trips throughout the month including Gulf States Park to explore local marine life, Orange Beach Sportsplex for the opening of Boulder Park, Sea, Sands, and Stars Nature Center to get a closer look at marine life, plants, insects, and amphibians, Gulf Shores Zoo for a tour of the animals, and then finally to the National Naval Aviation Museum to dig. For more information on how to become a Girl Scout, please call (251) 344-3330.

Dance Company Has Eventful Season

Susan’s Sensations Dance Company of Susan’s Academy of Dance has completed their 20122013 season. During this past year the group performed at numerous festivals, benefits, and parades. While competing they won numerous awards, titles, overalls and scholarships, as well as invitations to perform at bowl games, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Disney’s 2013 Christmas Parade. The company’s performances for their production dance, “Anchors Aweigh”, received numerous platinum awards as well as “Most Entertaining” dance out of over 350 dances. These amazing dancers range from ages 5-18. Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Spanish Fort HS Student Chosen to Attend Event at University of Alabama

Rebecca Schneider has been chosen to represent Spanish Fort High School at the 2013 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of The University of Alabama. For one week, she will become a citizen in an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state offices. She will learn the operation of government by participating in party caucuses and through the election process. Well-known speakers and other state, county and city officials are expected to visit and enlighten the young women on their civic responsibilities. Rebecca plans to campaign for the office of Public Service Commission President. She will speak to her sponsoring organization, American Legion Auxiliary Post #199 and to other organizations upon invitation, about her experiences at American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State. The daughter of Steven and Lisa Schneider and the granddaughter of Marc and Mari Kremers and Harvey and June Schneider, was selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alabama Girls State because of her outstanding leadership. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Alabama Girls State is a laboratory of practical government, and a personal application of the duties, responsibilities and privileges of being an American. In her high school and local community, Miss Schneider is also involved with the Gulf Coast Dance Alliance competitive dance team, the 2012 Peach Dogwood Trail Maid, the National Honor Society, Project Outreach, Teenage Republicans, Spanish Club, French Club and the Advance Placement Academic Program.

Pre-Cotillion Classes Held in Fairhope

The National League of Junior Cotillions Eastern Shore Chapter held Pre-Cotillion classes for over 40 second through fourth grade children during the month of June at The Venue in downtown Fairhope. Students learned how to shake hands properly, proper table etiquette, how to write a thank you note and much more. In addition to the Pre Cotillion program, the Junior Cotillion program features etiquette, character education, and social dance training for sixth through eighth grade students living on the Eastern Shore. The program includes classes and events over a seven-month period. For more information, please contact Kathy Sternenberg at 990-5366.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

bits & pieces Battle of Mobile Bay Commemorative Day

The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Fort Gaines was recently designated as one of the most endangered historic sites in America due to on-going shoreline erosion. On August 3, Fort Gaines is hosting a Commemorative Day of the Battle of Mobile Bay. This event will be held at Fort Gaines from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The cannon will be fired every forty-five minutes in honor of the soldiers that fought in this pivotal battle. There will be demonstrations of military drills, training as well as the firing of the cannons, blacksmith demonstrations, and more. The Kracker Dan Band will be performing inside the Fort throughout the event free to the public. Admission is $4 for kids under age 12 and $6 for adults. For more information please visit www.dauphinisland.org.

Eastern Shore Learns About Flag Rugby

The inaugural Jubilee Flag Rugby League concluded Saturday, June 15th. The seven-week league introduced the newest Olympic sport to over 40 participants from the Eastern Shore. Thanks to all the parents and kids that came out to the community’s newest sport. A special thanks to Daphne Parks and Recreation Department for their support, as well. Visit www.mobilerugby.org for more information on future leagues and rugby in the schools or "like" us on Facebook. Thanks for giving rugby a try!

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Fairhope Girl Scout Earns Highest Award

Madilyn Tomaso knows first-hand the impact reading can have on the lives of children. As an avid reader, the 17-year-old wants all children in her community to develop that same love of reading, and through earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, she has started to help them do just that. Tomaso, who recently was presented the Gold Award, which is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, chose literacy as her Gold Award project. Open only to girls in high school, this “take action” project challenges girls to change the world through a seven-step process: Identify an issue; investigate thoroughly; get help and build your team; create a plan; present your plan and gather feedback; take action; and educate and inspire. Tomaso started by organizing a club at Fairhope High School called the Teen Literacy Council, which worked with a local elementary school, the Boys and Girls Club, and the public library to promote literacy. They also have plans to send books to Korea and Africa. Because of her dedication and persistence, the Teen Literacy Council continues to be a thriving student organization at Fairhope High School and has been contacted by schools in other communities to work with their students. When asked what part of the project was the most intimidating, Tomaso replied, “Writing the initial proposal, the length of time and impact needed, and the ability to convey my ideas to the Girl Scout Gold Award Committee were the hardest parts of the project. But when another school contacted me about the Teen Literacy Council asking for help and in turn we were able to donate books to their Head Start program, it made it all special and worthwhile.” Madilyn Tomaso is now a part of an elite group of women who have also earned their Girl Scout Gold Award. Since 1916, the best and brightest Girl Scouts have undertaken projects that improve their communities and the world. Mayor of Fairhope- Tim Kant, Madilyn Tomaso, and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama's Program Manager Jeannie Napper are pictured.

Please send us your NEWS about recent Community, Camp, VBS or other Summer Fun activities for our August issue. Email a short write-up with one photo attached to lynn@easternshoreparents.com by July 15th to be included FREE! Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Official Artwork Selected for 25th Annual Jubilee Festival

The planning committee of the Eastern Shore Chamber’s 25th Annual Jubilee Festival has selected the official artwork. Posters, prints and t-shirts featuring sailboats on the Eastern Shore, created by renowned local artist, Jean McKee, will be sold at the information booth during the event. The Festival takes place September 28 and 29, in Olde Towne Daphne. More than 130 vendors and artisans will be selling and exhibiting their work during this juried, fine-art festival. There will be live entertainment on the stage every hour and “Kids Art in the Park” will offer many booths set up in Centennial Park, where the kids can explore their creative side. A large screen TV will be set up in the City Council Chamber for those who want to watch the football games. Delicious festival foods will be served in the festival food court. There is no admission to the festival. Festival hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information contact the Chamber at 621-8222 or visit the website at www.eschamber.com.

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Charity Golf Tournament Scheduled for September 27 at Rock Creek

Mercy Medical’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 27, at Rock Creek in Fairhope. Proceeds benefit Mercy’s Guardian Angel which cares for critically and terminally ill children of Mobile and Baldwin counties. Mercy’s Charity Golf Tournament is one of the area’s oldest and most popular charity tournaments and offers excellent prizes, a silent auction and sponsorship opportunities. Silent auction items and raffle prizes include resort stays, weekend passes, signed sports memorabilia, football tickets and much more. The tournament format will be a four-person scramble with 8:30 a.m. shotgun followed by lunch and brief awards programs. For more information, call 621-4884 or visit www.mercymedical.com.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Kids Heal h

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Helmet Safety & Head Injuries As the summer approaches, I want to talk about a subject that is very serious—head injuries. As a resident in Birmingham, I took care of a six-year-old child named Michael who was simply riding his new bike and fell. His head hit the curb, and he suffered a severe bleed on his brain. After several surgeries and several months in the hospital, he was able to leave in a wheelchair, but was unable to speak. He was lucky. I also took care of several children who suffered head injuries and did not survive. These outcomes were possibly preventable, so let’s talk about helmet safety and head injuries. Head injuries, unfortunately, are very common, and one of the biggest culprits is bicycle riding. Approximately 540,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms with injuries every year. Of those, about 67,000 have head injuries, and 27,000 have injuries serious enough to be hospitalized. It’s estimated that 45-88% of all head injuries associated with bicycle crashes can be prevented by a $10 piece of plastic! Other ways that children can have head injuries include skateboards, ATVs, scooters, and just simple falls. Over the last few years increased legislation has led to increased helmet use and injuries

and deaths have decreased. But it’s not enough. The first step is that you have to buy a helmet for your child, and, if you ride together, buy one for yourself. Not only is it safer for you, it’s also a good example for your child. The second step is to ensure helmet use every time, no exceptions. Next, let’s address what to do if your child suffers a head injury, whether it’s from a bike or scooter or just a fall in the house. First, call your doctor immediately if your child loses consciousness, complains of neck pain, is walking funny, or is inconsolable. These might be signs of a serious head injury, especially if under the age of two years old. If your child has any abnormal breathing, obvious wound or skull injury, any blood or clear fluid from the nose, ear, or mouth, any muscle weakness, seizure or shaking activity, vomiting more than three times, or different sized pupils, then call 911. If a child is unconscious, do not attempt to move them in case they have a neck injury. And if they are not breathing, it is a good idea to initiate CPR until help arrives. Now most kids don’t have a serious head injury, but can suffer from what we call a closed head injury and possibly a

concussion. These are kids who do not lose consciousness or have any of the scary symptoms above, but can have a large bruise, headache, “see stars,” and feel funny. If worried, call your doctor immediately, but most of these kids can be observed at home for about 24 hours to watch for any of the scary symptoms. But, contrary to popular belief, it is okay to let your child fall asleep after a knock on the head. It is a good idea to check on them periodically, but let them sleep. The last word of advice is to trust your instincts. If are worried about your child, seek medical advice or care immediately. And please, remind them to wear a helmet.

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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Daphne East "Caught You Reading" Winners Announced

Madelynn Hutchcraft, Nate Bryan and Lola Bryan were Daphne East Elementary School's top three kindergarten students in "Caught You Reading" this year. These students were presented with a trophy and attended the library's end of the year Moo Che Che FroYo bar party. "Caught You Reading" is an incentive program the school library sponsors. Kindergarten students turn in reading logs at their own pace throughout the year and receive incentives such as stickers or bookmarks with each log. Students who participated the most throughout the year are recognized at the end of the school year.

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Gulf Shores First Graders Take Field Trip to Zooland

Gulf Shores Elementary School first graders went on a field trip to Zooland. Hunter, Cooper, Tanner, and Cayden enjoyed watching and feeding some of the animals. Pictured l to r: Hunter Robertson, Cooper Hall, Tanner Best, and Cayden Barkley.

Fairhope High School May Students of the Month

Top left to right: Seniors Ella Hayes & Devin Odom; Bottom left to right: Freshmen: Audrey Peterson & Graham Huguley; Sophomores : Natalie Keller & Darreyll Harris; Juniors: Darby Dempsey & Derek Rowan.

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Orange Beach Elementary Second Grade Students Study Constellations

Mrs. Holder's second grade class re-used chip cans to create constellation viewers as part of their study of our solar system. Students created different constellations on paper, then used the viewers to see them as they would appear in the night sky. Second grade students not only study the basic components of our solar system, including the sun, planets, and Earth's moon, but also the way light travels and its reflective quality as it strikes an object. Both areas are very well illustrated in this activity. Pictured are Isaac Cardwell & Brax Duncan using their constellation viewers.

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Robertsdale Elementary Students Excel at Computer Fair

Robertsdale Elementary School fared well at the Computer Fair held at Faulkner State. School award winners in the webpage design category included Cheyenne Perkins and Ariel Smith who achieved first place in their division, and Zoe Meadors who placed second in hers. Also of note in this category were Zach Allen, John William Kelley, Brooks Hackney, and Wesley Ryan who each received an honorable mention in their respective divisions. In addition to her win in the webpage design, Zoe Meadors also placed third in the literacy competition. Other awards of note are Annabelle Steelman and Roxy McDaniel who placed third in the general applications category, and Jonah Peterson who achieved an honorable mention for multimedia design. All of the students worked hard on their projects for the computer fair and we are proud of all of them! Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Fairhope Middle School Honorees

Fairhope Middle School students, Amelia McConnell and Tanner Deeds, were honored at a special dinner hosted by the Daphne Optimist Club. The 7th grade students, members of the FMS Scholars’ Bowl team, were recognized for their academic excellence in competitive events. The team, under the direction of FMS teachers Kim Earley, Ram Talantis, and John Hardman, finished 3rd in the Baldwin County tournament. Pictured, from left to right, are Amelia McConnell, Kim Earley, and Tanner Deeds.

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Fairhope Elementary Second Graders Raise Butterflies

Mrs. Sheri Turner’s second grade class at Fairhope Elementary had so much fun studying butterflies. First, they ordered free butterflies from “The Butterfly Lady” at http://butterfly-lady.com/butterfly-home. htm! The students received their caterpillars in cups. They had so much fun watching the caterpillars change into chrysalis. Then, they took the chrysalis from the cups and gently placed them into a butterfly observation house to watch the metamorphosis . Six transformed into beautiful butterflies. One flew out of the window before the students could take them outside! They watched these beautiful butterflies drink nectar from flowers as they adapted to their new habitat.

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Guardian Angel Statue is Memorial to Students at McGill-Toolen

Fr. Dan Good, McGill-Toolen Chaplin, blesses the Guardian Angel Statue placed in the courtyard in memory of the 3 students we lost last summer: Claire Briggs, Andre Colletti and Thomas Harlan. The SGA raised the funds to purchase the statue during the school year.

W.J. Carroll Students Raise Money for CDH Awareness

In April, W. J. Carroll Intermediate School students were given the opportunity to pay one dollar to be out of uniform in support of CDH Awareness Day. CDH or Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is a birth defect where the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. CDH occurs in 1 of every 2500 births yet the cause is not known. The students raised $430.85 for CHERUBS, an organization working to raise more CDH awareness, and in turn, more CDH research. Al Guarisco, a 5th grade student at the school, is a CDH survivor. Posing for a photo with Al are, seated from left, Joseph Guarisco and Thomas Manning and standing, from left, Keely Roper, Al Guarisco, and Willie Molden.

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Fairhope Intermediate Sixth Graders Present Brain Fair

Fairhope Intermediate’s sixth grade Gifted and Talented students presented “The Brain Fair”, multimedia projects on many, varied and unusual topics about the brain. Students worked in small groups or individually, using the Decision-Making Talent, to choose a topic concerned with brain morphology, behavior, learning or diseases affecting the brain. The students wrote an essay, generated tri-fold board displays and either had a demonstration, experiment or handout to add to their presentations during the fair. Pictured are: Peyton Aiken, Emilie Ann Eastman, Anna Rolison and Sadie Wright at their Hypnosis presentation.

Daphne High School Graduation

Diplomas were presented to the 218 members of the Daphne High School Class of 2013 at commencement exercises held at Trojan Field on May 21. Among those receiving diplomas were 192 scholarship winners who earned awards totaling $7,870,088, The Class of 2013 includes 136 students who plan to attend a 4-year college or university in the fall and 40 who are entering a 2-year community college. Eight members of this year's senior class plan to join the military. Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors and best wishes for every future success! Among the highlights of the 2013 DHS Commencement Program were the inspirational addresses delivered by this year's top academic award winners. Pictured left to right are Madison Hunter, International Baccalaureate Salutatorian; Anna Ramsey, International Baccalaureate Valedictorian; Griffin Fisk, Distinction Diploma Valedictorian; and Drew Smith, Distinction Diploma Salutatorian.

St. Patrick Catholic School Classes Visit Zoo

St. Patrick Catholic School's kindergarten and 1st grade classes took a field trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, "The Little Zoo That Could", home to more than 300 animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, macaws and more.

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Spanish Fort HS Choral Groups Receive Superior Ratings at Assessment

Congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School Choral groups, El Coro de Musica and Las Canciones. They received Superior ratings at the State Choral Performance Assessment in April. The chorus is directed by Ms. Kathy Hughes. Congratulations to all for a job well done!

St. Benedict Catholic School Spring Musical

On May 16th, students at Saint Benedict Catholic School presented their version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sound of Music.â&#x20AC;? The musical was put on by the SBCS middle school with students in grades 5-8 participating. Pictured are students who played the Von Trapp family and the nuns from the convent. Front row left to right: Reilly Mapp, Dominique LoBiondo, Josie Madison, Madison Johnson, Maggie Sharp, and Elizabeth Kaiser. Back row left to right; Christopher Griffiths, Lizzie Frank, Megan Boyle, Michael Kaiser, Elise Taylor, Elizabeth Buchanan, Wyatt Arp, Bonnie Madison, and Jada Laws.

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W.J. Carroll February Students of the Month

W. J. Carroll February students of the month had positive character traits such as integrity and honesty. The school salutes the following students for exhibiting such great Trojan Spirit. Seen in this photo in no particular order are Dalaney Goldman, Heather Mann, Emma Morvant, Taylor Duffie, Pete Browning, Gaby Salas, Tanner Thompson, Ashleigh Miller, Preston Stapleton, Bella Lochrico, Aubrey Carroll, Jaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mere Brown, Erin Lockwood, Ruby Gilder, Lilly Sherrod, Dylan Wilson, Connor Gresham, Jassmine Morrison, George Burks, Samantha Melton, Lacy Abrams, Antonio Martinez, Aleisia Luna, Abby Glen, Gabriel Whisenant, Trey Osborne, Emilie Hunt, Noah Coarsey, and Hunter Autry. Thanks to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PTO, all had a fun-filled afternoon in the Trojan Room.

Ten CKCS Seventh Graders Qualify for Duke State Recognition

Ten Christ the King Catholic School seventh graders qualified for state recognition in the Duke Talent Identification Program. The students qualified for the state recognition ceremony based on their ACT or SAT scores on tests taken before March of this year. The seventh graders are, from left, front row, Madeline Joffrion, Jensen Graddick, Reagan Yenewine, and Jaydn Domning. Back row, Jeanne Marie Garriz, Abby Kiernan, Brendan Roh, Nicholas Schott, Lizzie Swanson, and Grace Ready. The Alabama state recognition ceremony was held at the University of Alabama on May 19.

Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore - Crown of Character

These 5th Graders at Fairhope Intermediate were awarded the Crown of Character award for the month of April. Congratulations! Back Row: Silas Burch, Hunter Conway, Benjamin Stimpson, Davis Brasfield; Front Row: Anne Lois Bullington, Ashley Stubbs, Emma Mueller, Mia King. Thank you to our gold level sponsors: Bay Pediatric, Chick-fil-A, Coastal Neurological Institute, Restoration Health, Terry Thompson, and Thomas Hospital.

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McGill-Toolen Senior Named Scholar-Athlete of the Year for State of Alabama

McGill-Toolen Senior Carmen Carlos receives the Larry D. Striplin, Jr. Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the State of Alabama at the 28th annual Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Awards Banquet. Carlos, who has won 17 individual state track and cross country championships and helped win two other firsts in relay events, is the most decorated distance runner in AHSAA state history. The salutatorian of the McGillToolen Class of 2013, she is an AP Scholar of honor with a 4.27 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and a 33 on her ACT college entrance exam, a member of the National Honor Society, made the President’s List for each quarter, and earned four academic letters.

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Fairhope Middle School Field Day

Fairhope Middle School held their annual field day at Founders Park. The field day began with the entire student body and faculty participating in the Jill Hall 1 Mile Fun Run. It continued with various relays and organized games between the homeroom classes. Pictured, during the tug-of-war competition, is Ram Talantis’ 7th grade homeroom class. The participants, in no particular order, were: Emili Aguilar, Slade Andrew, Eleanor Burch, Regan Coppage, Caroline Davis, Sallie Fell, Nathan Gomes, Jacob Hall, Sarah Hall, Smith Hendricks, Chance Johnson, Brooke Mercer, Jaden Morace, Kathryn Morris, Ariel Payne, Cairo Plauche, Greer Robinson, Dakota Shemberger, Brandon Simpson, Palmer Starling, Madison Teufel, Caleb VanAtta, Peeper Walker, Christopher White, Jahaven Williams, Worth Willis, Ryan Young, and Talantis.

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Read-A-Thon at Orange Beach Elementary

Mrs. Kimberly Hollis' class read 1,841 books for the annual read-a-thon. The top winners were Katie Kontoulas (read 226 books), Daigle Wilson (read 222 books), Jacob Price (read 164 books), Kenzie Osborne (read 139 books) and Porter Watts (read 136 books). The read-a-thon lasted for 9 weeks. Way to go readers! Pictured are Kenzie Osborne, Daigle Wilson, Katie Kontoulas.

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Christ the King Catholic School Presents Christian Athlete Awards

Christ the King Athletic Director, Trin Ollinger, presented the Christian Athlete Awards to Marlee Davis and Robert Barr during the awards ceremony held after mass on May 15. The awards are given annually to two eighth grade students who represented Christ the King as model athletes during the year.

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Fairhope HS Multimedia Students Compete at Computer Fair

Fairhope High School Advanced Multimedia students, taught by Sharon Jones, had the opportunity to compete at the ACTE State Computer Fair held at Auburn University at Montgomery. The eight students who competed at the state level from Fairhope High School were eligible because they won either first or second place in the regional fair held in March at Faulkner State in Bay Minette. Front (L-R): Lydia Hatcher—won 3rd in General Applications (creating original artwork); Jacob Oden—won 3rd in IT Literacy; Hannah Singleton—competed in Video Production; Starr Harrison and Tihare Eperiam—won 3rd in General Application (Editing images using PhotoShop); Back (L-R): Antonio Pena and Danny Lamplugh— competed in Video Production; Mason Blosser—won 1st in Hardware/Robotics (built his own computer).

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Fairhope K-6 PTC Presents Checks to FES and FIS

With funds raised from our Square 1 Art fundraiser, Fairhope K-6 PTC was proud to give the art teachers at both Fairhope Elementary and Fairhope Intermediate $3,000 each to spend in their Art Departments. Pictured Left to Right: Lisa Trotter, Carol Brougton, Davina Gwin, Judy Humphrey, Terry Beasley, Dawn Ford and Beth Puckett.

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St. Patrick School Discipline With Purpose Recipients

The Discipline With Purpose (DWP) program at St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale, recognizes students who exhibit excellent characteristics in leadership, cooperation, listening and sharing, following instructions, initiating solutions, and making sacrifices in grades K3 through the 8th grades. Pictured are the recipients for May 2013.

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Robertsdale Elementary Celebrates ESL Students

Robertsdale Elementary School recently held its annual ESL night, a celebration of the accomplishments and diversity of the school’s English as a Second Language students. Dozens of students and their families enjoyed a delicious potluck meal of the native dishes of numerous countries ranging from Latin America to Asia, and listened to live entertainment of Latino music. The highlight of the evening came when students in Katie Johnson’s kindergarten class, joined by a few other talented student singers, beautifully performed a children’s song in Spanish. Pictured are (in no particular order): Jackie Hurtado, Brian Garcia, Cristian Hurtado, Daniel Turja, Carlos Hurtado, Juan Guzman, Samantha Guzman, Belinda Pineda, Kaelyn Valladores, Ashley Cortez, and Neida Pineda-Diaz; along with kindergarten teacher Katie Johnson and ESL resource teacher Jim Perry.

St. Benedict Catholic School Kindergarten Graduation

Kindergarten students recited favorite nursery rhymes as part of their graduation ceremony on May 23rd. Pictured in the foreground are "Jack" and "Jill" (Cooper Frank and Maddie Taylor). In the background from left to right; Masyn Hudgins, Harris Dunlavy, Raylee Murphy, Graham Armstrong, and Cotton Kaiser.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Fairhope HS Students Take Photography Field Trip

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Fairhope High School Multimedia students taught by Sharon Jones recently had the opportunity to participate in a digital photography field trip at Marriott’s Grand Hotel in Point Clear. Local photographers Ryan Clements, Sherry Frost, Irwin Funes, Kathy Hicks, Morgan Phillips, Brad Puckett, Aimee Reynolds, Stephen Savage, and Wendy Wilson worked with the students showing them how to get the best shots with their DSLR cameras.

Fairhope Elementary Students Work with New iPad Cart

Mrs. Lesley Davis’ third grade class at Fairhope Elementary loved being able to use one of the school’s new iPad carts during a day of instruction. Students completed three separate projects about animal habitats.

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Daphne East "Top Readers" Announced

Daphne East Elementary School recognized the top 3 students in each grade level with the Highest Accelerated Reader points and comprehension for this school year. Students read books and take quizzes using the Accelerated Reader program which keeps track of their points and comprehension throughout each school year. Students have incentives to reach their individual goals set each quarter. These students were recognized at the library's MooCheChe FroYo bar end of the year party: Row 1:(left to right) Ace Baxter, Nate Bryan, Lola Bryan and Madelynn Hutchcraft; Row 2: Samiya Bodalia, Savannah Crawford, Mia Speller, Kaden Rennaker, Sawyer Guarisco, Chandler Comerford and Amelia Koser; Row 3: Leila Thomas, Emma Fanning, Ashlyn Bell, Madison Calkins, Abigail McDade, Madeleine McPherson, Jack Mulkerne, and Hudson Arnold.

W.J. Carroll Students Present Talent Showcase at PTO Meeting

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School presented their annual Talent Showcase at a PTO meeting. Students presented a wonderful evening of talents from baton twirling to dance, piano, and singing. Mrs. Donna Dunn at Signs Now made the evening

even more special with a donation of the new Talent Showcase sign. Pictured in no particular order are Holly Yazdi, Chloe Theriot, Morgan Phillips, Delany Goldman, Jordan Carraway, Madison Bias, McKenzie Beard, Paige Jackson, Jenna Meshejian, Emma Clark, Dylan Wilson, Brileigh Wyckoff, Pete Browning, Carolyn Barrera, Heather Mann, Charity Demonia, Lindsey Robinson, Amaya Smith, Mariah Kirby, and Bella Lochrico. Also pictured are Mrs. Laura Herron and Ms. Angela Morris, faculty sponsors.

Gulf Shores Elementary Loves Splash!

Gulf Shores Elementary School first grader Natalee Cerne gives a big dolphin hug to Splash, the Gulf Shores High School mascot. Go Dolphins! Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

St. Patrick Catholic School Students Get Splashed

What a sunny fun-filled wet day for the K4 & 8th grade classes at St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale. Walking from the school to the park, they enjoyed a field trip to Robertsdale's "Kid's Splash Park", which includes the water splash pad with 21 water features.

Robertsdale Elementary Pursues Energy Savings

The staff and faculty of Robertsdale Elementary School met with Energy Specialist Amoreena Brewton to discuss ways the school can reduce energy costs. Baldwin County schools are partnering with the Cenergistic Company to reduce system utilities expenditures which account for one of the largest line items in the county budget. Ms. Brewton reviewed actual costs incurred by RES, and discussed practical strategies to help the school realize savings. Pictured at the meeting are (l to r) Dubravka Cengalovic, Tammy Buck, Amoreena Brewton, and Paula Buettner.

Please send us NEWS about happenings at your school this summer, including announcements about new teachers and new programs/classes being offered! Email a short write-up with one photo attached to lynn@easternshoreparents.com by July 15th to be included FREE!

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Assembly Held for Crown of Character Recipients at Fairhope Intermediate

This year, fifty-three 5th grade students at Fairhope Intermediate School were awarded the Crown of Character Award presented by Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore. Students were nominated by their teachers; based on their outstanding character. An assembly was held to honor the recipients. The guest speaker, Molly Pinnix, Baldwin Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Distinguished Young Woman of The Year 2013, gave a moving and powerful speech on the importance of maintaining good character. Thank you Molly! A special thank you to the Crown of Character Gold level sponsors: Bay Pediatric, Chick-fil-A, Coastal Neurological Institute, Restoration Health, Terry Thompson, and Thomas Hospital.

Daphne East Field Day Fun

Daphne East Field Day was a great success! Third grade won "Class of the Year" and fourth grade won the "Sportsmanship Award." Left photo, the following students received PE "Student of the Year" medals at the field day ceremonies: Carley Plemmons, Swayze Rizzo, Donavan Wilson, Peter Gardner, Brinlee Roberts, Mahliah Henderson, Mason La Coste, Jay Holmes, Juwan Yelding, Laurel Barker, and Major Carr. Right photo, the following students received the "Governor's Award" for high physical fitness during the field day ceremonies: Row 1: Dakota Wyman, Ryann

Sellers, Abby McDade, Anna Claire Ewing, Paige Daffin, Hannah Keel, Brie Clark, Sydney Bedsole, and Coryn Littikin; Row 2: Nathan Howell, Alexis May, Kenny Blanshan, Sarah Clemmons, Bailey Mott, and Tinley Liffick; Row 3: Madeline Harris, Marissa Harrison, Natalia Lopez, Kaitlyn Alexander, Zoe Brooks, Sarah Santa Cruz, Marley Smith, Mandeline Thomas, Mhairi Hannah, Lexi Adams, and Jarius Pruitt.

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Outstanding Underclassmen Recognized at McGill-Toolen Catholic HS

The outstanding underclassmen were presented their awards by Mrs. Michelle Haas, Principal, and Fr. Bry Sheilds, President of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School at our underclassman awards ceremony. Front: Margaret Ollinger, 9th grade, Emma Harrell, 10th grade and Paige Elliott 11th grade. Back: Drake Wakefield, 10th grade, Collin Phillips, 11th grade, and Chris McDonald, 9th grade.

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St. Benedict Receives Donation from Gulf Chrysler

Gulf Chrysler donated $2070 as part of their "Drive for the Kids" program which took place at Saint Benedict Catholic School during the 2013 German Fest. Pictured front row from left to right: Lizzy Frank, Michael Bingert, Mason Murphy, Bryce Alderman, Cameron Blanchard, Elizabeth Boggs, Corinne Blanchard, Brock Rockstall. Back Row left to right: Principal Jaivi Howell, Jennifer Blanchard from Gulf Chrysler and Susanne Boggs from the SBCS PTO.

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Fairhope Middle School Peer Helper Program

Representatives of the Fairhope Middle School’s Peer Helper Program presented an overview of the school’s program at the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation’s annual Peer Helper Coordinator dinner. The overview included information about the program’s anti-bullying efforts, mentoring of new students, Project Wisdom character education, and fundraising efforts for the Lighthouse Easter Egg Hunt and the Red Ribbon Pennies for Puppies campaign. Attendance at the event included Frances Holk-Jones and the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation board members, Baldwin County school principals and peer helper coordinators, and Dr. Alan Lee, Baldwin County Board of Education superintendent. Pictured, from left to right, are the FMS peer helpers: Mackenzie Early, Helena Johnson, Sawyer Connick and Jack Flowers.

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Field Day at Gulf Shores Elementary

Kennedy Morris, Camryn Martin, and Lilly Reeves, students from Cendy Hart's 3rd grade class at Gulf Shores Elementary School, are pictured celebrating Field Day. Students had a team color, yellow, and participated in a variety of fun games and activities, including water slides, inflatables, relay races, tug-ofwar and Kona Ice. Students practiced good teamwork skills and good sportsmanship! It was a fun way to celebrate the end of their third grade year! Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Spanish Fort HS Students Excel in National Spanish Examinations

Congratulations to Spanish Fort High School students who attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2013 National Spanish Examinations. Spanish Fort High School students earned a total of 2 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze medals along with 2 honorable mentions. "Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious," said Marko Sebastiani, Spanish Fort High School' advisor of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispรกnica chapter "Unidad en Diversidad", because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 152,000 students participating in 2013." Students from Spanish Fort High School have a long history of high achievement on these exams since 2005 when the school was founded. The students who won gold medals are: Rafael Shinsato and Melanie Powell (97 and 95 percentile respectively, in he country); Silver medals: Madison Center, Alicia Picot and Connor Irion; Bronze medals: Reagan Pitre, Sarah Frances Shirley, John Wesley Williamson, Hannah Vilele, Luis Rangel and Avery Bush; Honorable Mention: Matthew DeRocher and Morgan Mitchell. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12, and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. First row (left to right) Shelby Stewart; Melanie Powell and Elisabeth Daigle. Back row (left to right) Mr. Sebastiani; Kaylee Holley; Morgan Mitchell; John Wesley Williamson; Hannah Vilela; Sarah Frances Shirley; Madison Center; Ashton Prouty and Rafael Shinsato.

Dance Camp Princesses

Pretty Princesses and Dancing Divas concluded their week of dance camp with a special showcase of all the dances that they learned on June 14th at Susan's Academy of Dance. These beautiful dancers enjoyed a week of taking dance classes, tumbling, playing dress up, PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 5/8/13 10:43 AM Page 1 arts and crafts, and many other activities.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Spanish Fort HS Students Make Dresses for Girls in Haiti

This year, during Toro Time at SFHS, Ms. Bernasconi's students made pillow case dresses for girls in Haiti. One of our guest speakers, Heather Love of the Lighthouse, is going to take the dresses when she goes on a mission trip this summer to Haiti. Ms. Love shared pictures of the girls in the village who will receive these dresses. For many kids, this will be the first new dress they get. Pictured are Shelby Negre, Dianne Bernasconi, Hana Kim, and Heather Love.

Christ the King Catholic School Students Use New iPads

Christ the King Catholic School first graders, Connor Geberth and Tatum Hoffman are using an app called Jumbled Sentences on the school's new iPads. The students had to pick words to form complete sentences as they rotated around the screen. The new iPads were purchased for the school by the CKCS PTO with funds generated at the annual King's Supper and Silent Auction. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Please send us NEWS about happenings at your school this summer, including announcements about new teachers and new programs/classes being offered! Email a short write-up with one photo attached to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com by July 15th to be included FREE! 33

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Bee Keepers Visit Fairhope Elementary Kindergarten Class

Bee keepers, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dube and Mrs. Charles Dube, visited Mrs. Amy Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fairhope Elementary kindergarten class to teach the children the importance of bees and how to collect honey. Mr. Dube dressed in the full bee suit and showed the children a smoker which is used to calm the bees while collecting the honey. Mrs. Dube gave the children honey to taste. Honey, yummy and healthyâ&#x20AC;Śwhat more could you ask for!

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McGill-Toolen National Merit Finalists

McGill-Toolen would like to congratulate our National Merit Finalists: Allen Davis, Morgan Davis, Conrad Collins and Kevin Kusch.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Physical Fitness Awards at Daphne East Elementary

Congratulations to these Daphne East Elementary School students who earned the Superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Physical Fitness Award for the 20122013 school year. The criteria for achieving this award are: scoring in the Healthy Fitness Zone on Each test component of the Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment. Students are listed right to left: 2nd grade (top photo): Front Row: Rylan Hutfless, Taylor Goodrich, Blair Chronister, Evans Bankston, Stephon Blackshear, Jacob Elwell, Anna Camille Gervais, Woods Draper, and Parker Lomax. Middle Row: Jenna Lee, Lily Rogers, Kayla Nelson, Samantha Guy, Shelby Garmeson, Taylor Kyles, Brooks Flynn, Sydney Williams, Sierra Smith. Back Row: Clair Talley, Emma Hicks, Kiley Minshew, Donovan Wilson, Dorian White, Judson Gardner, Madeline Moore, and Trista Ethridge. 3rd grade (bottom photo): 1st Row: Syndey Wilhelm, Brinlee Roberts, Breland Walters, Emma Fotheringhill, Annabell Green, Georgia Simmons, Lyndsey Byrd, Jalle Newman, Caroline Krebs, Hannah Brewster, and Natalie Roberts. 2nd Row: Katelyn Few, Xander Taylor, Tylen Bolden, Tramarison Crum, Major Carr, Wynne Morris, Aaron Larker, Kaden Rennaker, and Shelby Jones. 3rd Row: Dominic Fermo, Allie Cramton, Kylie Englemeyer, Kyla LaCoste, Lindley Lane, Madeline Miller, Ayana Dubose, Elizabeth Johnson, Emma Kate Davis, Lily Miller, Sophia Jernigan, Ella Barnes, Crane Guilian and Grae Cole. 4th Row: Nicholas Howell, Amelia Koser, Nicole Englemeyer, Payton Williams, Roderick Gaines, Jacob Green, Roy Bindon, Madeline Shipman, Mary Virginia Jackson, Beck Risser, Cooper Schultze, Dalton DeFilippi, Emma Grace Vannoy, Jessica Barfield, Sarah Mooney, Nicole Forson, and Jade Lambert. 5th Row: Myles Sledge, Manna Mathews, Isabella Castronova, Sabrina Brown, Cecilia Daseke, Alana Ramos, Colby McAllister, William Calkins, and Robert Hodge.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Fairhope ES Holds Gym Night

Fairhope Elementary 3rd graders enjoyed their first ever Gym Night. Students and teachers played cooperative games, built sports skills and strengthened friendships. California kickball was one of the favorite games led by Ms. Jen Sowden, Mrs. Lesley Davis, Mrs. Jamie Wren, and Mrs. Nicole Arnold. Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com. It’s FREE!

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Gulf Shores Middle School at SummerTide Theatre

Earlier this summer, SummerTide theatre invited Gulf Shores Middle School Yearbook and Journalism students to see “Jubilee: Songs of and about Alabama.” Students were given a chance to interview the cast and crew, see the cast warm up, and watch the performance. The students had a great time and greatly enjoyed the energetic and inviting performance. It was a fantastic insight into the wonderful world of theatre.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Fairhope Students Achieve Potential with FEEF

The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation has released a summary of it’s 2012/2013 programs and a sneak peek for the upcoming school year. Thanks to donors, Fairhope students in grades K-8 opened a window to the world with new iPad learning labs. Fourth-graders learned chemistry through cooking. Middle schoolers applied math to real-life equations. High school band students sharpened their music skills. More than 1,200 public school students experienced a Shakespeare comedy like never before. And teachers received the latest training in technology, reading and math. “We are grateful donations from individuals and corporations in our community allowed FEEF to reach great heights this year,” said FEEF Executive Director Cori Yonge. “In many different ways, gifts from our supporters helped our students achieve their full potential and created a very real impact on education in our community.” This year, FEEF not only invested in classroom grants but also provided special funding requests to Fairhope schools, and supplied children and teachers with an $80,000 technology initiative to partner with Baldwin County’s Digital Renaissance program. Listed are highlights from the school year. • Awarded $80,000 for iPads for students and professional development • Awarded $30,850 for Teacher/Classroom grants including: 20 LCD projectors at Fairhope Middle School; Adobe Creative Suite for 250 Fairhope High School students; Archery, Gardening and Lego clubs for students at J.Larry Newton; Chess program at Fairhope Elementary School; New “fantasy” genre books for the Fairhope Intermediate School library; Musical scripts for creatively teaching FIS students American history; SmartMusic software for Fairhope High band students • Awarded $20,000 in Special Funding requests including: iMac desktop computers for J.Larry Newton tech lab; A cooking club for Fairhope Intermediate School; Third Annual Math Mania Scavenger Hunt for Fairhope Middle students; Training for International Baccalaureate teachers at Fairhope High • Provided more than $21,000 for Learning Involving FEEF Tutors (LIFT), a program offering free tutoring for 175 at-risk Fairhope students annually • Awarded Rotary Youth Club $12,000 for Summer Enrichment Academy for Fairhope students in grades K-12 • Sponsored Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s (ASF) production of “Twelfth Night” in Fairhope High School’s Black Box Theatre for more than 1,200 public school students • Offered more than 100 students an opportunity for enrichment through FEEF’s summer camp program. With an eye toward next year, FEEF volunteers are working on the foundation’s signature fundraiser, Phantasy of the Arts, scheduled for October 12, 2013 at the Fairhope Civic Center. The band St. Paul and the Broken Bones will headline this year’s event. Music critics say the group’s vintage-soul inspired sound has the band primed to be Alabama’s next big music success story. Proceeds from this year’s event will enable Fairhope High School students to enjoy chorus and dance and will provide younger students with enrichment in the fine arts, science, technology and math. To learn more about FEEF, to purchase a sponsorship for Phantasy of the Arts, or to volunteer your time, call 990-FEEF or visit www.feefonline.org.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

St. Patrick Catholic School Students Release Butterflies

At St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale, teacher, Natasha Pratt, releases the butterflies that the class has been carefully watching. The class learned about the interesting and unique life cycle of the butterfly and the students from all classes got to see their release before the last day of school.

St. Benedict Catholic School Eight Grade Graduates

Eighth grade graduates from Saint Benedict Catholic School proudly display their completion certificates after participating in their final Mass at St. Bartholomew Church. Pictured from left to right are Wyatt Arp, Megan Boyle, Abraham Dekok, Vivian Eberly, Lee Hamrick, Jessica Hubbart, Ryan Roman, Maggie Sharp, Olivia Newman, Robert Roman, and Maria Strobel. Seated is alter server Josie Madison, and celebrant Fr. Jim Dane.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Robertsdale Elementary Kindergartners Thrilled by Miracle of Metamorphosis

When Robertsdale Elementary kindergarten teacher Rose Davis spied a cocoon on an oak tree at her farm, she hoped the find might prove to be a real-life lesson for her students. While her students might have been skeptical at first, within a few weeks they became firsthand witnesses to the miracle of metamorphosis when a large and beautiful moth emerged from the plain cocoon. Pictured moments before the moth was released back into nature are Mrs. Davis and her students: (in no particular order) Wade Brewton, Autumn Brooks, Julissa Brown, Ethan Bulter, Saniya Cook, Aiden Drake, Anthony Gonzalez, Madison Griffith, Mason Hamlin, Blake Howard, Savanna McKenzie, Mitchell Moon, Emmie Panzarella, Alex Prather, Katlyne Rucker, Addison Scott, Brantley Thomas, Carter Vaughn, Emma White, and Landon York..

Fairhope High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Honor Society Officers for Next Year

Newly elected National Honor Society Officers for the school year 2013-1014 of Fairhope High School, pictured left to right: Marina von Zimmerman, Historian; Bronwen Crowe, Secretary; Sam Bailey, President; Trent Baggerly, Vice President; Lainey Lee, Treasurer; and Anna Kate Sheldon, Historian.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Gulf Shores Elementary Counselor Discusses Summer Safety

Jena Lindsey, our K-3 counselor at Gulf Shores Elementary School, visited each of her classes the last week of school for a summer safety lesson. As usual, Mrs. Lindsey made the lesson fun and exciting for her students! We love Mrs. Lindsey! Ana Lopez and Mrs. Lindsey are pictured with her safety presentation, complete with her sun hat!

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Top Readers Win Prizes at W.J. Carroll

At W. J. Carroll Intermediate Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring reading assembly, along with entertainment provided by classes from each grade level, students who made the 10, 25, and 100 point club were acknowledged. In addition, each grade level top reader for the year was recognized by receiving a Bay Bears jersey with their name printed on the back. From left, are 4th grader Ethan Sikes who earned 246.9 points, 5th grader Oliver McMasters who earned 343.3 points, and 6th grader Brendan Kennedy who earned 171.6 points.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Carry Along for Camping

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Little hands are often too small to help assemble the tent, build a campfire or launch the boat, but there are ways that they can make the most of a camping adventure. Equipping them with tools they can use and toys for their down time ensures that camp time is a success from roll up to tent strike. With gear and toys designed especially for kids, the littlest campers can make their own outdoor experience the most fun ever – rain or shine. From in-tent entertainment to wilderness exploration, help the younger set get into the great outdoors in style with the following recommendations!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Mickey Mouse Camper’s Playset

National Geographic Starry Night Lantern

Taking along the best toys to entertain very young campers should be an important part of the planning and packing for family camping trips. Little legs can’t hike all day, and there’s usually an expiration hour for toddlers and tykes when they just get ‘camped out’ and need some toy time. The Mickey Mouse Camper’s Playset lets little ones continue their camping adventure on familiar pretend-play turf as they mirror their outdoor adventures on a small scale. With a cool camper that opens up into a campsite with all the essentials, Mickey and his pal Pluto can enjoy rafting, cookouts, stargazing and more with all the included accessories that guarantee a great camping experience. The vehicle closes up with the gear stowed inside, ready to get back on the road to the next campsite!

For the littlest campers, nighttime in the great outdoors is often when the real adventure begins! And every parent knows that no child is immune to the desire to hold a flashlight or lantern in the darkness. The Starry Night Lantern offers kids two ways to control the light in the night! It carries and functions like a normal lantern, ideal for carrying on nighttime walks and navigating the campsite. But once back inside the RV or tent, the illumination doesn’t end. With the flip of a switch, the light projects through a star field dome on the lantern top to cast the constellations on the walls and ceiling. Kids don’t have to miss starry nights even in overcast or rainy weather. Illuminating in more ways than one, the Starry Night Lantern is a brilliant tool for lighting up overnight camping!

Backyard Safari Cargo Vest

Camp Board Game

(Fisher-Price)

(Uncle Milton)

(Education Outdoors)

When the family hike is over, the fish and camp stew are cooking and the fireflies are joining the sunset crowd, it’s the perfect time to roll out the Camp Board Game. Loaded with fun facts about the great outdoors, the wilderness adventure continues with friends and family around the campfire (or tent lantern)! Designed with a broad age range of players in mind, this board game offers four different skills levels on each playing card with the easiest questions for very young children to more challenging tasks for teens and adults. Rolling the dice and navigating the footprints along the trails with the goal of getting to “Camp” first, the Camp Board Game is the first thing to unpack when the chores are done!

(Summit)

You never know what you’re going to need on a wilderness journey. Flashlight, whistle, magnifying glass, compass, field guide, fishing line and a snack all deserve a place on the hiking list. But taking a backpack on and off to fish out what you need in the moment takes time away from the real adventure. Rugged and adjustable for size, the Backyard Safari Cargo Vest features roomy cargo pockets (plus six D rings and two shoulder straps) to hang, stow, and carry every kid’s camping and trail-blazing gear. Taking the adventure way beyond the back yard, the Backyard Safari Cargo Vest keeps a kid’s outdoor essentials right at their fingertips!

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

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

How to Pay Less for

In 2011, college seniors graduated with an average college loan debt of nearly $27,000, up 5% from the previous year. Unfortunately, this increase occurred when the unemployment rate of recent college grads also increased to 8.8%. In light of these statistics, and the fact that a semester of college can cost more than a parent makes in a year, it is time to look for help. Following are five ways to cut that school bill down without taking out student loans.

Keep Your Grades Up

I earned a full paid scholarship to the local junior college simply for being in the top 10% of my graduating class. My son will transfer from his community college to university for free for carrying a 3.8 grade point average. Check with your child’s guidance counselor for information regarding any opportunities that exist in your area. Also, register your teen with online scholarship services. (See sidebar for suggestions.) These sites will ask a battery of questions regarding extra-curricular activities, parents’ affiliations, area of study, religion, ethnicity and location. Using the information you provide, they match your child with scholarship opportunities for which he might qualify. In addition to grades, it is important for your child to be active in the community, have significant adults in her life that can write references and have a polished essay describing her financial need.

Apply for Federal Aid

A College Education by Carol J. Alexander

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

The Federal Pell Grant award amount for the 2012-13 school year was $5,550. That is more than enough for a student to pay tuition and books at a community college. To apply for the Pell Grant, visit the official website and fill out an application. It will ask for information from your and your child’s current year’s income tax returns so you will want to file them first. The Pell Grant is awarded based on need, but if you do not qualify for one the government has alternative choices like a work/study program. Even if you think you won’t qualify, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) anyway. Other scholarship programs will want verification that you did apply for the Pell Grant and will use the information from that application.

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The Robinson’s had several children start as university sophomores right out of high school who never paid a dime for their first two years of college. The Early College program is available for high school juniors and seniors that agree

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Resources • Free online scholarship matching services can be found at www.scholarships. com and www.zinch.com. • To fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, visit www.fafsa. ed.gov/. • To see if your state participates in the Early College program, visit www. earlycolleges.org. • To review the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), visit their website at http://clep.collegeboard.org/ • According to their website, “The CollegePlus Bachelor’s Degree Program allows you to earn your fully accredited Bachelor’s degree in two to three years, without debt, for around $17,000.” Visit www.collegeplus.org for details. • For a list of the 12 tuition-free colleges in the United States, read this article on the USNews website. www.usnews. com/education/best-colleges/payingfor-college/articles/2012/06/12/ save-money-by-attending-tuition-freecolleges to a rigorous program of study in lieu of the mainstream high school curricula. If accepted to this program, the student does not attend his regular high school but moves right into the community college of his choice—for free. According to the official Early College website this program is available in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Many similar programs may be found by doing an Internet search for “early college + state name.”

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Entertainment for Kids • Playground • Boat Dock • Private Room for Birthday Parties

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College Level Examination Program

For the student proficient in any given field of study, the CLEP test may be a significant way to save some money. Accepted by over 2,900 colleges nationwide, these tests measure what a person may know in a particular area whether from high school study or life experience. CLEP tests exist for over 30 areas of study such as history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and foreign languages. The tests contain mostly multiple choice questions, take 90 minutes to complete, and cost $77. “If the college accepts your CLEP scores, you do not have to pay for the credits for

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

the corresponding courses,” said LeAnn Wakeman, whose daughter saved almost $800 by taking one test.

Choose an Alternative Route

Rachel Poling graduated from college at the age of 19 with no debt. According to an article on Thriving in the 21st Century, she used CLEP tests and the coaching service of CollegePlus to help her design her own course of study. In the end, everything transferred to one school which granted her a degree in music. Another option to consider is to enroll in one of the 12 colleges in the United States that offer a free education. (See Sidebar) These schools obtain their funding through various means and some require a work/ study program.

Don’t Go

College graduates are some of the hardest hit from the recent recession. Leaving the academic setting with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, in 2011 almost two million graduates could not find jobs using their newly earned degrees—or requiring any degree for that matter. Forced to take jobs that require no skill and pay $10/hour or less, many young adults are forced to move back in with their parents just to survive. These statistics cause one to question whether a college degree is necessary at all. Before enrolling your child in a college or university, discuss the following questions with her: • Do you need a college degree to do what you want to do with your life? • Is there a demand for employees in the field you want to pursue? • Will a job in your field pay enough upon entry to repay any college debt within a couple years? • Is there anything else that you would be happy doing? If paying for your kids’ college education has you up at night, take a look at some of these options and see what you think. Perhaps you can keep your child from being one of the 66% of college grads that enter the workforce deeply in debt—and moving back in with her parents. ESP Carol Alexander is a contributing writer.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Q. I’m a stay-at-home mom now, and my husband brings home $2,600 a month. We’re trying to get out of debt, but we need more money coming in. I want to go back to work, but emotionally part of me feels like I should stay home with our 2-year-old daughter. What do you think? A. I understand the feelings involved, espe-

cially if you’ve spent all of your time home with your child. But don’t make the mistake of blaming the debt if you simply want to go back to work. You’re not a bad person if you have kids and you work outside the home. I have several ladies on my team who have young children, and they work 40 hours a week. Guess what? They’re excellent mothers! Anyone who says a woman can’t be a great mom because she works outside the home is full of it. On the other hand, if anyone says you’re not fulfilling yourself as a person or you’re stunting your intellectual development because you’re a stay-at-home mom, they’re full of it, too! I’d advise you and your husband to sit down, talk about this a lot, and pray about the situation. Don’t worry about what anyone

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

else thinks, because it’s none of their business. You guys are in charge of your lives and your family. That makes it your job to decide what’s best. If you want to stay at home, and you guys can make it happen financially, that’s a great thing. If you can’t right now, or you simply want to go back into the workforce, that’s fine too. It’ll help solve your debt problem. Then after you’ve got your money under control, you might find you want to come home again. The option will be there. For now, I think you should go back to work. Why? Because you want to!

Q. I live outside Houston with my wife and our 9-month-old daughter. I’ve received a job offer from a company on the other side of the city that would pay, with bonuses, $25,000 a year more than I’m currently making. This would require moving to a new house and away from our extended family. My wife wants to move because my mom can be a little overbearing. I understand how she feels, but I’m not certain I want to move or take a new job. What’s your advice?

I’m not so sure this is a job change question as much as it is about the state of your relationships. I know it’s hard to keep the grandparents away when there’s a baby in the house; that kind of goes with the territory. But I can also understand how lots of unexpected visits and unsolicited advice can wear on a person. If it were me, I wouldn’t change jobs just to run from something. My advice is to try setting boundaries in your relationships with your parents instead of installing geographical boundaries. You might want to pick up a copy of Dr. Henry Cloud’s great book Boundaries. Remember, your mom may not realize she’s intruding on your lives. This book is full of insight, and it will give you both some good advice on how to manage relationships in a healthy, loving way. Like I said, I really don’t feel this is a job-move issue. I think you guys just need to establish some fair and reasonable emotional distance between yourselves and your family.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

July VBS Fun! Celebration Church

8180 Dyer Rd. July 24th - 26th, “Summer Surge” 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Ages: 5 yrs - 5th Grade Cost: Free; For More Information: Austin@ fairhopechurch.com; Pre-registertion: Fairhopechurch.com/summersurge This year Celebration Church is proud to present SUMMER SURGE! This will be a free three night event for ages 5 - 5th grade. SUMMER SURGE will be teaching this generation how to stand out from the crowd and be different! By looking at someone of the most famous biblical characters, we can see how God wants us to live a life that leads others! SUMMER SURGE will have water inflatables every night, so bring a bathing suit and towel.

Christ the King Church

1505 Main Street, Daphne (251) 621-1640, www.ctk-daphne.org July 15-19, “Cruise through the Advent and the Baptism of Jesus” VBS: 4 years – 6th Grade Youth Volunteers: 7th Grade and up Register online- deadline May 15

Eastern Shore Presbyterian 23050 Highway 98, Fairhope

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

(251) 928-0977, www.easternshorepca.org Kick Off & Registration: Sunday, July 14th at 5:30pm, Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 8:30a.m.– 11:30p.m. Ages 4 (preschool) 6th grade (completed) Contact: Anna Davey, Director of Children’s Ministry at adavey@ easternshorepca.org, 928-0977, ext. 1226.

First Baptist Church Robertsdale

18200 Hwy 104, Robertsdale (2510 947-7478, www.firstrobertsdale.com July 15th – July 19, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Completed 5K – Completed 5th grade “Camp 3:18” - $15/child for the week and includes t-shirt. Pre-registration available after May 13th on our website.

New Life Assembly of God

10424 Highway 31, Spanish Fort www.newlifeagspanishfort.com Kids Crusade “Supernatural - Jesus in Me!” July 21st - July 23rd at 6:30pm Call to register, 251-656-3536

Rosinton United Methodist Church 26011 County Road 83, Roberstdale (251) 222-6249, www.rosintonumc.com July 15-19; 6 to 8 pm; Ages: 3-12 Theme: Kingdom Rock

St. Thomas by-the-Sea

26547 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach (251) 981-8132 July 15-19th, 9 am to 12 pm; Ages K-6th grade

Trinity Presbyterian Church

545 S. Mobile St, Fairhope (251) 928-2524, www.tpcfairhope.org July 15-19, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ages K4 years – Rising 5th Grade “ Everywhere Fun Fair” Contact Jaime Jones at (251) 621-0775.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

STOP

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Mom Bullying by Sandra Gordon

Breastfeeding or using formula. Working versus staying at home. The best bedtime for toddlers. Whether to let babies cry it out. Or co-sleep. To give time-outs or not. Spanking—yes or no? Let’s face it—raising kids involves making countless decisions that can shape you as a parent. Your internal GPS (intuition) can guide you, of course. So can insight from friends, your spouse, your extended family and fellow moms and dads online. But with so much advice swirling around, parenting can sometimes feel like a disco ball. Are you doing the right thing? It depends on whom you ask. And thanks to the anonymity of the Internet, there are plenty of harsh critics lurking out there, waiting to let you know whether you’re on track—or not. Oh, the scrutiny! “Surveys show that 95 percent of moms feel judged by just about everything these days, from working or not working and their choice of infant feeding, to their discipline approaches and the sleep methods they use with their kids,” says Michelle Borba, Ed.D., a parenting expert and author of 22 books, including The Big Book of Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Parenting Solutions. Unsolicited feedback or even just dirty looks from other moms in the grocery store can make parenting even more stressful. Borba even goes so far as to call it a form of bullying, which can undermine your parenting assurance and feed into the problem. “When you have less confidence in yourself, you’re more likely to be judgmental of other moms,” Borba says. You might even change your parenting style. According to Borba, one out of three moms makes a different parenting choice because she feels criticized by another mom. A better idea? Remember that there’s no cookie cutter approach to parenting. What works for one child won’t necessarily work for another, even within the same family. To boost your confidence and empower yourself as a parent while you’re figuring out how to tailor your approach, stand up for yourself. Here’s how to handle criticism from know-it-all friends, relatives, coworkers and cyber parents.

Practice assertiveness. When somebody criticizes you (as in, “I can’t believe you’re still breastfeeding,”) stay 52

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cool and calm. “Bullies love responses,” Borba says. Resist the urge to insult them with a cutting comeback. Instead, take a deep breath and respond with a simple line, such as “I hear you,” or “Thank you. I know what works best for my child,” in a firm, strong voice. “Practice your response ahead of time so you can deliver it in the heat of the moment,” Borba says. Use firm body language, too. “Look at the color of the talker’s eyes.” These assertiveness techniques can also come in handy on the playground, so teach them to your kids, too.

Seek support. As a mom, you need layers of support, including an inner circle of other moms you who make you feel valued. “Find truly supportive friends— moms you can confide in who you know won’t take what you tell them any further,” says Sue Hubbard, M.D., a Dallas pediatrician and host of the “The Kid’s Doctor.” It may take some play date experimenting to find your inner circle. The pay-off? “Moms who receive support are confident, happier and more fulfilled,” Dr. Hubbard says. Your inner circle can change over time as you and your kids change. But there’s no better Advertising: 251-929-2099

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relationship than with other trusted moms in the trenches. That said, the mommysphere on the Internet shouldn’t be your inner circle. Not all discussions need to involve everyone. “There are many decisions you can make on your own or with that inner group of friends,” Dr. Hubbard says. If you decide to share something online, however, whether it be a tweet, text, Facebook or blog post, use the front door rule: “If you don’t want to put it on the front door for your own mother to see, don’t push send,” Dr. Hubbard says.

Trust your “momtuition.”

Sometimes, you just know you’re right about a parenting decision, such as deciding not to send your child to summer camp. In those stances, go with it. “Don’t second-guess yourself or go online to get others’ opinions,” Dr. Hubbard says. Similarly, if you have a tough parenting decision to make, such as whether to put your child on ADHD medication, get an expert’s advice. Seek out the counsel of your pediatrician.

Don’t bully. As a mom yourself, it’s impossible not to question other moms’

parenting tactics. Still, resist the urge to inflict your opinion. Instead, stop, think and consider the potential big picture. Recently, for example, Danielle Smith, founder of Extraordinarymommy.com, was on an airplane. A woman with a preschool-age boy sat in the row behind her. “The child, who was sitting above the wing, kept telling his mom he couldn’t see. When the mom said, “Will you just shut up! Everyone is looking at you,” I started to judge her,” Smith says. “Then I said to myself, ‘Wait a minute. You have no idea what her day has been like. You don’t know if her child has pushed every single button. You’ve told your children to shut up before.’” Instead of turning around and saying something not so nice, Smith stayed facing forward, which is what seemed to be the most helpful thing to do at the moment since the mom was concerned about attracting attention. Dr. Hubbard agrees with Smith’s “stop and think” approach. When you feel the urge to judge others, “Ask yourself, ‘I wonder what happened in that mom’s life to make her feel or act that way?’” Dr. Hubbard says. If you decide to intervene, share your ideas in a positive manner, such

as “Would you like to switch seats so your son can see out the window?”

Consider criticism just information. Likewise, if you feel

judged, consider the judger’s perspective. U.S. Olympic gold medalist Keri Walsh Jennings was walking through the infant formula section at Target recently with her third child, one-month-old daughter, Scout, when she got the stink eye from another mom. “I took a deep breath and said to myself, ‘She has no idea I’m a low-producing woman; that my kids starve when I only feed them breast milk because my milk is too low in fat.’ So I gave the lady a smile and grabbed two boxes of formula,” Walsh Jennings says. “Knowing why I’m doing what I’m doing empowers me.” Walsh Jennings also thinks critics serve a purpose. “They make you think, ‘You’re right. I could adjust this,’ or ‘You know what? I’m kicking butt and I’m not changing a thing.” ESP Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues. Her most recent book is Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

The Gift of Grandfathers

Grandfathers often have the special gift of wisdom and extra attention to share with our children. For children who are blessed to know their grandfatherly forebears, they often gain the benefits of their grandfather’s life experiences and memories through those rare and treasured interactions. Getting to know their grandfathers is a vital part of children’s lives as they work to assemble their understanding of how families are made and grown, how each relationship is different and special. The following titles explore the unique connections between children and their grandfathers in beautiful, loving and poignant ways.

Max and the Tag-Along Moon

by Floyd Cooper (Philomel / Penguin Books for Young Readers) At the end of Max’s visit with his Grandpa, the hardest part is saying goodbye. As their last hug is framed by the rising full moon, his Grandpa says, “That ‘ol moon will always shine for you…on and on!” And true enough, as the family drives away, Max watches his Grandpa recede from view while the moon waxes large. Through all the twists and turns of the drive the moon plays peek-aboo, yet it is always there. But when the clouds arrive, the moon is hidden and Max isn’t sure that it’s shining anymore. Missing his Grandpa AND the moon, Max lies in bed worrying about the absence of both until a gentle light begins to fill his bedroom, keeping his Grandpa’s promise. A lovingly illustrated testament to a relationship that is constant despite the challenges of time and distance, ‘Max and the Tag-Along Moon’ is gentle support for kids missing a grandparent.

Joone

by Emily Kate Moon (Dial) Joone revels in the life she shares with her Grandpa in his homey yurt. Narrating the ways they spend their days, Joone offers a child’s eye view of the ways that her grandfather finds a balance between play and parenting. Her words reveal bits of her Grandpa’s life (before he was old) showing that she’s paying attention to who he was, as well as who he is. With lively illustrations and spare text, readers will appreciate the blending lives of a loving grandfather moving slowly through the day while his adventuresome, full of zest granddaughter runs, climbs and swims with enough energy for both of them.

Zayde Come to Live

by Sheri Sinykin, Illustrated by Kristina Swarner (Peachtree) Rachel thinks she knows why her Zayde (grandfather) has come to live with her and her family. Although no one has told her, she knows because he is dying. He is no longer able to play hideand-seek, or catch a ball without getting tired. He runs out of breath when he reads to Rachel, so she reads to him. While she’s aware that she will eventually lose her Zayde, she’s more worried about what will happen to him when he dies. She doesn’t know who to ask until the family’s rabbi visits. The answers she receives are reassuring and allow her to focus on every moment, every breath that she can still share with her Zayde before the end. The title alone, ‘Zayde Comes to Live’, is an optimistic message leading a powerful story recommended for kids who are facing the loss of a grandparent or elder relative. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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11 Unique Benefits

school 35 hours a week, free time is a big benefit of homeschooling. You can teach what is necessary and once your child “gets it” you can move on to something else. Also, I doubt you are trying to keep 20+ kids under control,

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of Homeschooling by Kerrie McLoughlin

If you’re questioning whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family, check out some of these unique benefits and then see what you think! Of course you’ll have challengEastern Shore Parents I July 2013

ing days, but you’ll have a whole lot of fun alongside your kids, too! 1. Free time. If it seems like your child is coming home with endless hours of homework in addition to being in 56

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which does take a lot of time for a teacher at school! 2. Great education. You can offer an education comparable to that of a costly private school, even if you don’t have a college degree. When you homeschool, your child won’t be bored while the other kids in her class are learning things she already knows, according to homeschooling dad of one, Tom Kliethermes. Likewise, she won’t be frustrated trying to keep up with something she’s not ready for. 3. Teaching freedom. Do you want to homeschool lightly year-round? Or would it suit your family better to homeschool several hours a day for seven months, taking off a week or so here and there, as well as taking off the summer? Are you a curriculum-loving person or do you like to create your own lessons? Further, maybe you are an unschooler and just go where your child’s interests take you (check out unit studies if this is you!). You are free to take off a day for a funeral or family function.

4. Focus on something cool. Re-

member loving a certain subject in school and really getting into it, but when the bell rang, it was time to move on and get in a new frame of mind for a new subject? Homeschooled kids have time and freedom to pursue their passions, like music, writing, acting, sports and more. 5. Works great with any schedule. Forget about the vision of a homeschooling mom teaching her kids at the dining room table. Sometimes it’s Dad teaching English when he gets home from work and Mom teaching other basics in the morning, leaving the afternoon/ early evening free for other activities. If Dad travels, the whole family can tag along. If Mom and kids are night owls, so be it! You can stay up late talking, reading or watching educational shows. 6. Socialization across the board. You won’t hear many homeschooled kids saying they can’t play with a kid who is younger or older than they are. Homeschooled kids in urban communities these days have friends who are homeschooled, friends who are unschooled, Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

friends who attend public school and friends who attend private school. “Love the one you’re with” certainly rings true here! 7. Healthy kids. We’ve all heard about how schools are cutting recess time, and Tom K. says one benefit of homeschooling is that your child won’t be sitting at a desk six hours a day. As a result, your kids may be healthier because they are likely getting more regular exercise, more fresh air, more sleep, etc. 8. You learn, too! This one might be a little selfish, but one unique benefit to homeschooling is that you learn as much as your kids do! In teaching things to your own kids, it might seem like you’ve lost 90% of what you learned in school. Now that you don’t have that pressure to memorize and perform on a test, you’ll soak up what you pre-read and read to your own kids and can really teach it to them in a relatable manner. 9. Do what you want, when you want. Another selfish benefit is that you can go on vacation anytime you want and get a cheaper, off-season rate. “We can take breaks/vacations whenever we want to,” says Jennifer Bentley of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Field trips are by far not as crazy on a weekday as they would be on a Saturday. Parks and other fun kid venues are less populated. 10. Trickle-down learning. Think about how much easier your younger children will be to teach since they are learning already from what you are teaching their older sibling(s). Learning truly does filter down in a homeschooling household! 11. “Quality family time” is a big homeschooling benefit given by Jill Connors, mom of five. “It’s easier to be my child’s moral guide” was a reason given by Tom Kliethermes, dad of one. Those random conversations and life questions can happen any time of day when you’re together for most of it. ESP Kerrie McLoughlin, homeschooling writer mom of 5, can be found at TheKerrieShow.com and would love to connect with you!

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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More, devoted to your care. infirmarylaboranddelivery.com Thomas Hospital - North Baldwin Infirmary - Mobile Infirmary Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Homeschool Resources

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Getting Started & State Laws

• www.leapingfromthebox.com – Informative website that answers common questions about home schooling in Alabama. Includes support groups, cover schools, etc… • www.homeschool.com – Wonderful website to visit if you are thinking of homeschooling. Great information on different approaches to homeschooling, such as: classical , unschooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box, etc… • www.hslda.org - HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone. • www.homeschoolcentral.com- Resourceful website for new or veteran homeschoolers. Includes state laws, curriculums, unschooling and much more. Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

State Organizations

• CHEF – Chrisitan Home Education Fellowship of Alabama; www.homeschoollife.com/al/chefofalabama/ Christian Home Education Fellowship (CHEF) of Alabama exists to promote and encourage Christian home education for the glory of God. Whether you are considering homeschooling, just beginning your homeschooling journey, or are a veteran homeschooling parent, our goal is to encourage, inspire, and equip you.

Mobile/Baldwin County Local Homeschool Coverings

Bridge Christian Academy

(See our ad on page 57.) A ministry of Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church, Pastor Todd & DuAnne Seeley, (251) 965-7171 Website: www.BridgeChristianAcademy. com; Email: DuAnne@BridgeChristian 60

Academy.com Bridge Christian Academy is a legal homeschool covering for Christian parents who desire to homeschool their children for the purpose of providing academic excellence with a Biblical worldview. Our purpose is to offer support, encouragement and accountability for homeschool families in South Alabama. Come visit the used bookstore at our community thrift store on Tuesday & Saturday from 10-2. We are located at Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church, 12233 CR 49 South. • Capstone Christian School Darice LeCroy (251)649-4436 (251)786-2210; Email: capstonechristianschool@yahoo.com • Central Christian School Catherine Shelton, (251)947-5043 • Christian Life Academy Website: www.clamobile.net Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Tamara Maddox, (251) 471-5658 Email: christianlifeacademy@yahoo.com

Statewide Homeschool Coverings

• First Assembly of God Christian School Conna McHenry, (251) 971-2185 Email: facschurchschool@yahoo.com

Bridge Christian Academy

• Moffett Road Christian School Website: www.mobilemrcs.com Retta Franklin, (251) 391-4663 Email: fran503@bellsouth.net • Praise Christian School Website: praisechristianschool.com Bonita Harris, (251) 219-4460 • Precept Christian School Anthony & Debbie Swartzendruber (251) 368-1275 Email: swartzen@frontiernet.net • South Alabama Christian School Website: churchofchristatrobertsdale.com Michelle Hinton, (251) 947-5119 Email: balcodst@gulftel.com Also check with your church. Many churches offer homeschool covering to their members.

(See our ad on page 57.) A ministry of Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church, Pastor Todd & DuAnne Seeley, 251-965-7171 Website: www.BridgeChristianAcademy. com; Email: DuAnne@BridgeChristian Academy.com. Bridge Christian Academy is a legal homeschool covering for Christian parents who desire to homeschool their children for the purpose of providing academic excellence with a Biblical worldview. Our purpose is to offer support, encouragement and accountability for homeschool families in South Alabama. Come visit the used bookstore at our community thrift store on Tuesday & Saturday from 10-2. We are located at Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church, 12233 CR 49 South.

• Alabama Hope Academy Deb Eberhart, (256) 418-4125 Email: deb@ahakids.org Website: alabamahomeschool.org • Calvary School Website: calvary-school.org Carla Floyd, (256) 423-8165 Email: carlafloyd@calvary-school.org • Community Fellowship School Liz Ray, (334) 275-5042 Email: communityfellowshipschool@ charter.net • Dayspring Academy Website: dsacademy.org Donna Knox, (256) 353-2592 • LifeGate Academy Website: lifegateacademy.vpweb.com Michele Penton, (256) 679-5969 Email: lifegateacademy@gmail.com

• Abundant Life Christian Academy Website: alcahomeschooling.com Amy Fasold (205) 863-0406

• The Way Home Christian School Website: thewayhome.info/index.php Stuart J. Whitney, (866) 222-1428

• Academy for Excellence Website: academyforexcellence.webs.com Kristi Stapler Email: AFEKristi@gmail.com

A good website for more information on Alabama church school coverings is http://www.leapingfromthebox.com/hs/alhschurchcover.html.

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Support Groups

• Baldwin Christian Home Educators’ Association www.homeschool-life.com/al/bchea Baldwin Christian Home Educators’ Association is a volunteer support group comprised of over 200 homeschooling families living in and around Baldwin County. We offer field trips, service projects and a way for homeschooling families to connect. Our annual Kick-Off meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 20th from 9 am - 1 pm in Fairhope. Please see “Upcoming Events” section at the end of this directory for details. • BEACH Homeschool Group www.homeschool-life.com/al/beach As a true Body Encouraging All Christian Homeschoolers, we are a networking, resource-sharing, loving support group located on the Gulf Coast in lower Baldwin County, Alabama. Through all volunteer support, we create educational and fun opportunities for our children to enrich their homeschool experience. We offer field trips, our own 4-H club, physical education, enrichment classes, some academic classes, social gatherings (including a high school formal event) and parent support. • Lake Forest Home School Club (LFHSC); http://www.homeschool-life. com/al/lakeforesthsc We offer educational and fun opportunities for our children to enrich their homeschool experience. We coordinate field trips, P.E. & sports, enrichment classes, 4H, drama, service opportunities, beach and park days. We provide support meetings for our new homeschooling moms to help them through the rough spots as they begin this exciting and rewarding journey. • North Baldwin Christian Academy, A www.homeschool-life.com/al/northbaldwinchristianacademy/ We are a Christian homeschool support group. We schedule regular field trips and social time for our members. North Baldwin Christian is an active NETWORK SUPPORT GROUP in our community encouraging Families to be comfortable with their choice and religious right to home educate their children.

Co-ops

• Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com Classical Conversations is a national classical and Christian homeschooling program seeking to empower parents. Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Classical Conversations meets once a week, providing weekly accountability, encouragement, and structure that supplements and supports what is being taught at home. On a weekly basis, we offer Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs in local communities. Find out how Classical Conversations can help you redeem your own education so that you can do the hard, but rewarding work of teaching your own children. We have several local communities: Spanish Fort - Mandy Bell, Foundations & Essentials Director; 463-0101; mandybell8@gmail.com Robertsdale - Melanie Carver, Foundations & Essentials Dir.; 504-0814; southbaldwincc@gmail.com Fairhope East - Kristi Bush, Foundations & Essentials Director; 375-4217 ccfairhope@gmail.com Fairhope West -Adriel Brown, Foundations & Essentials Dir; (901) 651-0812 cceasternshore@yahoo.com Fairhope West - Debbie Hanes, Challenge A Director; 752-1077 dhanes@classicalconversations.com Fairhope West - Alicia Vincent, Challenge B Director; 776-3988 9vincents@gmail.com • South Alabama Classical Christian Academy www.homeschool-life.com/sysfiles/member/index_public.cfm?memberid=1026 SACCA is a Christian educational organization designed to provide support and enrichment for home educating families. We offer a church school and a co-op for homeschooling families. The church school was established in an effort to aid members of the congregation and likeminded Christian families an alternative to public, private, or parochial school in the form of individual instruction of children by their parents in traditional courses of academic study, basic living skills, spiritual growth, and citizenship. The co-op was formed to assist families with quality academic courses to enhance the student’s educational experience.

Curriculum • ABEKA Curriculum: Abeka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education. They offer three options to teaching. The DVD option is a fully accredited college preparatory program with ABEKA Academy. The second option is the traditional parent – directed option with ABEKA Academy. The third 62

option is textbooks / materials for home schooling that you pick and choose from. ABEKA offers home school material displays several times a year in Montgomery and surrounding areas. Please visit www. abeka.com for more information or for a free catalog. • Alpha Omega Publications: Alpha Omega offers a wide variety of Christian curricula for varying learning styles. Please visit www.aop.com for more information or a free catalog. • Apologia - Along with our award-winning creation-based science courses, Apologia Educational Ministries offers biblical worldview and apologetic titles, online classes, inspirational books, homeschooling tools (such as planners), the Real Refreshment Retreats for homeschooling moms, and mission opportunities. All of our products and services have been created to help homeschooling families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith. For information visit www.apologia.com. • Bob Jones Curriculum: BJU offers quality textbooks, homeschool consultants, student focused distance learning classes, and a wide range of other products and services to meet your educational needs. BJU Press offers home school material displays in Montgomery and surrounding areas during the year. Please visit www. bjupress.com or call 1-800-845-5731 for more information or a free catalog.

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• Calvert School – “When enrolled in Calvert school, you have a partner in education.” They provide you with all of the textbooks, tools and support you need. Calvert is a classical Christian Private School. The teachers provide the lessons plans and everything is provided to you. They offer support with placement testing, education counselors, and advisory teaching services. Please visit www.calvertschool.org/homeschool/ or call 1-888-487-4652 for more information or a free catalog. • Heart of Dakota - Christ centered homeschool curricula that is flexible, easy to use, and educational. This curricula can be used with multiple ages at the same time. Please visit www.heartofdakota.com for more information or for a free catalog. • Keystone National High School - Online Accredited High School and Middle School where you can earn your diploma online. Visit www.keystonehighschool.com. Advertising: 251-929-2099

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• KONOS – KONOS is distinct from other curricula. It uses the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as its curriculum. www.konos.com • My Father’s World – Raising up generations of families who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowledge. www.mfwbooks.com • Oak Meadow – Oak Meadow offers many different options to meet individual family needs for education. They offer complete curriculum for at home use or you can enroll online to receive academic credit. Their curricula gives students freedom to learn with flexibility and recognition of learning styles. Please visit www. oakmeadow.com for more information or a free catalog. • Rod & Staff Curricula – Rod and Staff offer Bible based textbooks that are designed to make the child God conscious. Please visit www.rodandandstaffbooks. com and click on the homeschool link. • Saxon Curriculum – Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. Please visit www.saxonpublishers.com for more information.

• Sonlight Curriculum - Sonlight uses a classical Christian approach to education. It is literature rich and focuses on teaching children to seek God’s kingdom and to create a learner’s heart, enthusiasm and excitement for learning. Please visit www. sonlight.com for more information, a free catalog or to visit the forums.

• Veritas Press – Specializes in providing educational materials for a classical Christian education. Scripted lesson plans with a complete curriculum package or online classes with expert teachers available. Please visit www. veritaspress.com for more information or a free catalog.

• Tapestry of Grace – Tapestry of Grace uses a Classical / Redesigned approach to education through a plan of study that helps parents provide a Christian, classical education using a guided unit study approach. Students cycle through world history every four years, with all ages studying the same slice of history each week, each at their own learning level. This curricula does not include does not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. Please visit www.tapestryofgrace.com for more information.

• Winter Promise - Winter Promise celebrates the strengths of family by building unity, togetherness and memories. Our captivating programs will excite your family’s curiosity and our interactive learning opportunities will involve every type of learner. www.winterpromise.com

• Timberdoodle Co. – Offers a wonderful selection of books and Core Curriculums. Our selection is based on over twenty-five years of homeschooling and 24 years of selling homeschooling supplies. Please visit us at www.timberdoodle.com

Resources • A to Z Home’s Cool – Curriculum and information; http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com • Bellerophon Books – Books covering art, literature, history, etc. www.bellerophonbooks.com • Beautiful Feet History and Science Curriculum – Offers classic and historic works that nurture a love for reading. www.bfbooks.com

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

• Chem4kids- Wonderful chemistry website for kids. www.chem4kids.com • Children’s Books- Wide assortment of curricula and books. www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com • Christian Liberty Press – Large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. www.christianbook.com • Distance Learning IntegratorsElectronic field trips; www.efieldtrips.org

• Home Science Tools – Affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation. www.homesciencetools.com

• Vision Forum – Christian based company with inspirational toys, books, classical reading. www.visionforum.com

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• Learning Things – The Education Store www.learningthings.com

• White House Kids – News, history and games. www.whitehouse.gov/kids

• Mindware – Educational toys, games and learning toys. www.mindware.com

• Yesterday’s Classics- Classic Books for Children; www.yesterdaysclassics.com/

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• Rainbow Resource Center – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices. www.rainbowresource.com/ index.php

• Zoom Kitchen Chemistry Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. http://pbskids.org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/

• Greenleaf Press – The original and still the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically. www.greenleafpress.com

• Real Science 4 Kids - Science Curriculum from Preschool to Highschool. Please visit www.gravitaspublications.com.

• Hands of a Child – Large variety of Lapbook kits; www.handsofachild.com

• ROCK Solid – Educational Books and Curriculum at Great Prices. www.rocksolidinc.com

• Hearthsong – Unique toys, games, puzzles, dolls, arts and crafts. www.hearthsong.com

• Store for Knowledge – A variety of kits, models and toys. www.storeforknowledge.com

• Homeschool Super Center – Secular and religious material offered. www.homeschoolsupercenter.com/

• Timberdoodle - Fully customizable, budget friendly, complete curriculum and more! www.timberdoodle.com

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Also, check with your local library for resources.

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Recommended Reading

The Well Trained Mind…Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. Great book for resources.

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100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy

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The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith. Making the Decision and Getting Started.

Upcoming Events

• Baldwin Christian Home Educators Kick-Off Meeting – Free Saturday, July 20th from 9 am - 1 pm in Fairhope. This is an event open to families considering the homeschool option and homeschooling families new to the area. We will offer two workshops: “Homeschooling 101: Getting Started” and “Homeschooling Through High School”. We will have representatives from available activities including Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, CenterStage Show Choir, Civil Air Patrol, American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, Drama Club, various Co-ops in the area and many other activities. We will host a Used Book Sale. If new to homeschooling, this is a wonderful opportunity to look at all the curriculum options available to you.

• Bridge Christian Academy Used Book Sale Visit our used bookstore at our community thrift store on Tuesday & Saturday from 10-2. We are located at Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church, 12233 CR 49 South.

• Classical Conversations Parent Practicum – Returning to Roots and Reason -Free July 8th – 10th Parent Practicum “Returning to Roots and Reason”. This event is FREE, but registration is

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. Discover and teach to your child’s strengths. For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macalay The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman & Campbell The Practical Home Schooling Magazine by Mary Pride The Big Books of Home Learning by Mary Pride

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required. Morning speakers will present practical tools for giving your children a classical, Christian education at home. See the grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric stages of learning in action as we rediscover roots and reason through mathematics. Experienced homeschoolers model how to study and teach math using the classical tools of learning. Then, parents practice what they have learned so that they will be able to implement their new skills at home. Afternoon topics may vary. These events are free for parents, but registration is required. For dates and locations of Parent Practicums in your area, go to ClassicalConversations.com and click on the Event Calendar. For further info contact Adriel Brown at cceasternshore@yahoo.com or Debbie Hanes at dhanes@classicalconversations.com. If you provide any services or resources to homeschooling families and you were not listed in this issue, please contact us at lynn@easternshoreparents.com. We want to make sure you are included!

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Elastic is Not Our Friend by Marla Cilley

Clutter has a way of slipping into our world without us even noticing. It piles up on our hotspots, in our dresser drawers and on our backsides. Yes, you know that very personal clutter that we collect because we over-indulge. All clutter is a result of overindulging; too many clothes, too many shoes, too much stuff! What do we do with our clutter? We try to disguise it by putting it in pretty little boxes, baskets and plastic tubs.

Just because we have contained it does not make it any less clutter. In fact, if you need to find something those clutter containers throw up all over your home. In our haste to camouflage our clutter we don’t get rid of it, we just cover it up. We do this with our bodies, too! Think of it this way! Let’s say our favorite jeans get a little too tight. Instead of eliminating those sodas and sweet treats for a week we reach for our fat clothes. You know the ones that are hiding in your drawer for those bloated “that time of the month” days. The ones with drawstrings and elastic. Has wearing these clothes become part of your daily routine? Elastic is not our friend! It doesn’t bring our Body Clutter to our attention!

That little uncomfortable feeling in our jeans should be just the call to action we need to take the baby steps to declutter. I am not talking about crash dieting either. Those don’t work any better than crisis cleaning. Oh sure, they will help you lose the weight to get into that wedding dress or bathing suit, but after you accomplish your unrealistic goal the weight will come back! Here is what we can do to address our Body Clutter: 1. Don’t wear clothes with elastic or drawstrings. 2. Weigh every day! This tells you how your body reacted to what you did yesterday. 3. Never crash diet! 4. Eat three meals a day and three snacks. Eat something good for you every two hours. 5. Baby step your way out of drinking sugar or diet sodas. Replace with water. 6. Do 15 minutes of loving movement each day! 7. Drink eight glasses of water. This is so simple and it is the best beauty treatment you can do! 8. GET RID OF YOUR FAT CLOTHES! Body Clutter is not just the cellulite on our thighs, it is the negative thinking we have between our ears. When we look at our relationship with food, we will begin to eat and move to bless our bodies. We have been indulging our little princess for a long time. You would not allow your children to eat like you do or be sedentary. It is time to go out and play! For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www. FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Fun & Educational Road Trips (In Less Than Three Hours)

We can all admit that living in Baldwin County is like living on vacation. With all of the beautiful beaches, bays and deltas to explore, who would ever want to leave? That being said, road trips are always fun and can be educational, too. Summer is a great time to experience a change of scenery and explore new cities as a family. If you are looking for an educational and fun road trip destination, here are a few ideas we think your family may enjoy.

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Louisiana Global Wildlife Center (pictured at right) www.globalwildlife.com (251) 985-3585 26389 Hwy 40, Folsom, Louisiana Enjoy a one and a half hour guided Safari Covered Wagon tour over 900 acres of beautiful Louisiana countryside complete with 12 ponds and a lake. During the tour you will come face to face with bison, giraffe, zebra, camels, eland and much more! The animals roam free – It’s Africa in Louisiana! Global Wildlife seeks to be a center of excellence in education; to create a perfect place in which threatened and endangered wildlife from around the world live and flourish in a free-roaming natural environment. We are home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals. For a more intimate tour try the Private Pinz tours. The private tours accommodate up to 9 guests who will get plenty of one-on-one time with all the wild and exotic animals. Reservations required for private tours. Global Wildlife is open 7 days a week. Call for a schedule. Louisiana Children’s Museum www.lmc.org; (504) 523-1357; 420 Julia Avenue, Warehouse Museum District, New Orleans LA The Louisiana Children’s Museum promotes hands-on participatory learning for children Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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of all ages. Encouraging discovery through observation, inquiry, creative construction, role-playing, problem-solving and free play, the Museum motivates children to develop their cognitive, physical and social skills while enjoying fruitful interaction with adults and peers. Open 9:30-5:00, Monday-Saturday and 12noon-5 pm on Sundays. $8 admission Aquarium of the Americas www.auduboninstitiute.org (504) 581-4629; 1Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana The adventure begins under a tunnel of water, where colorful fish gaze at you from above. This is the place to see sea otters and penguins, marvel at seahorses and jellyfish and pet a stingray. Don’t miss the sharks and sea turtles in the underwater oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit of the IMAX Theater next 68

door. Hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week. $22.50 Adult Admission, $16.00 Child (2 -12) Admission, $17.00 Senior (65+) Admission. Or purchase an Audubon Experience Package. This package includes the Aquarium of Americans, Audubon Zoo, Entergy IMAX Theatre, Insectuarium and Butterfly Garden. $44.50 Adult Admission, $31.50 Child (2 -12) Admission, $31.50 Senior (65+) Admission. Audubon Zoo www.auduboninstitute.org (504) 861-2537; 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana This Top 5 zoo will captivate kids of all ages. Check out the white alligators in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit and the Komodo dragon and two-headed snake in the reptile exhibit. Rediscover your fascination with dinosaurs at Dinosaur Adventure, or beat the summer Advertising: 251-929-2099

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heat in the Cool Zoo and great splash park for kids! The zoo is open Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm. $17.50 Adult Admission, $12.00 Child (2 -12) Admission, $13.00 Senior (65+) Admission, Free for Audubon Members Zoo and Aquarium Combo, $36.00 Adult Admission, $25.00 Child (2 -12) Admission, $25.50 Senior (65+) Admission. Or purchase an Audubon Experience Package. This package includes the Aquarium of Americans, Audubon Zoo, Entergy IMAX Theatre, Insectuarium and Butterfly Garden. $44.50 Adult Admission, $31.50 Child (2 -12) Admission, $31.50 Senior (65+) Admission. Insectarium www.auduboninstitute.org (504) 524-2847; 423 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana Have a budding entomologist on your hands? Come meet the creepy crawlies living in this French Quarter building, where multitudes of bugs are even available for touching and eating! The Insectuarium is open 7 days a week, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission,$16.50 Adult Admission, $12.00 Child (2 -12) Admission, $13.00 Senior (65+) Admission. Or purchase an Audubon Experience Package. This package includes the Aquarium of Americans, Audubon Zoo, Entergy IMAX Theatre, Insectuarium and Butterfly Garden. $44.50 Adult

Admission, $31.50 Child (2 -12) Admission, $31.50 Senior (65+) Admission.

Mississippi Lynn Meadows Discovery Center www.lmdc.org (228) 897-6039; 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is one of the United States Top 50 Children’s Museums. Plan to spend the day here because your family will not want to leave. The center is a hands-on children’s museum and offers many exhibits. Summer hours - Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Admission for children and adults is $8. Seniors over 65 admission is $6. Infants under one are admitted free. Members are Free. $3 admission for all after 3 pm on weekdays. $5 admission for everyone on Sundays. Center for Marine Education and Research www.imms.org or mmashburn@imms.org (228) 896-9182; 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS Visitors of all ages will be engaged in a fun, hands-on learning experience that will help them understand and appreciate the species

Cool Zoo Splash Park at Audubon Zoo

that make our Gulf Coast waters unique. Guests will explore the interactive museum and encounter sea creatures such as stingrays, sharks, horseshoe crabs, fish, blue crabs, sea stars and more. In the Dolphin Presentation, visitors will see Bottlenose Dolphins, Bo and Buster, work with their trainers and interact

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

with other guests. Reservations required. AM and PM sessions offered. $9 adult /$7 kids Infinity Science Center www.visitinfinity.com (228) 533-9025, 1 Discovery Circle, Stennis Space Center, MS Tour a space station lab where astronauts are trained. Visit a rocket test simulator and much more. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00am -4:00pm (closed July 4th) Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children 4-17, and ages three and under are free. Seniors 55+, $8. Group rates available. Your ticket price includes a free guided behind-the-scenes tour of nearby Stennis Space Center – an area that’s restricted from the general public.

Montgomery Artworks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art www.mmfa.org/education 334-240-4365; 1 Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL ARTWORKS is a unique gallery located inside the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts that encourages hands-on learning. Visitors of all ages enjoy more than 40 interactive exhibits complementing the Museum’s permanent collection. The exhibitions, many of which were designed by local and regional

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

artists, explore the elements of art, art history, materials, techniques, and visual and tactile perception. To add to your experience in ARTWORKS, guided tours, studio activities, and ongoing art classes are available for children and adults. The museum and Artworks is Free and open to the public. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm; Thursday 10:00am – 9:00pm and Sunday 12noon – 5:00pm. Old Alabama Town www.oldalabamatown.com (334) 240-4500; 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL History lives at Old Alabama Town, where six blocks of authentically restored 19th and early 20th century structures beckon you to step back in time to the days of one-room schoolhouses, grist mills and cotton gins—all without leaving the heart of downtown Montgomery. From lavish antebellum mansions to humble log cabins and slave quarters, at Old Alabama Town you will learn how early Americans of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama. They offer self-guided tours Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last ticket is sold at 3 p.m., though visitors are free to explore until 4 p.m. Visitors are free to explore at their own pace and leave and return throughout the day. Costumed interpret-

ers are available on each block to answer questions. A fully guided tour of the Ordeman House is also included in general admission. Tours of the Ordeman House are available Monday-Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Ordeman tour times are subject to change without notice. Call 1-888-240-1850 on the day of your visit to confirm times. Group tours available by reservation. Adults, $10; Children ages 6-18, $5. Free to ages 5 and younger. A 10 percent discount is offered to AAA, military and seniors. Rosa Parks Library & Museum and Children’s Wing www.troy.edu/rosa-parks-museum/ montgomery-rosa-parks-museum.html (334) 241-8702; 252 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, AL Experience the Montgomery Bus Boycott at this museum, which features a recreated street scene and reenactment on the bus with video footage that transports witnesses to the fateful day on December 1, 1955. The Children’s Wing prepares visitors for the museum reenactment involving Rosa Parks. Open Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 5:00pm and Friday, 9:00am – 12noon. Admission is as follows - 2 years and under: $5.50 and over 12 years of age: $7.50.

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Montgomery Zoo www.montgomeryzoo.com 334-240-4900; 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL Penetrate deep into the jungles of South America. Travel the savannahs of Africa or the hilltops of Asia. Venture the tall grasses of the North American plains. See the Zebras graze on the plains while tigers roam nearby. Or just visit your Montgomery Zoo and see it all. Join the zoo for a funpacked and educational adventure. Residents include over 500 animals from five different continents, all housed in natural, barrier-free habitats. The Zoo spans over 40 beautifully landscaped acres, offering you a magnificent view of exotic wildlife and endangered species. By leisurely stroll or with a ride on the miniature train, the Montgomery Zoo is a sight to see! Animal enrichment day is July 20th. Visit the website for details. The Montgomery Zoo is open 9:00am – 5:30pm, 7 days per week. Combo admission to the Zoo and Mann Museum is: Adults $16, Children (3-12yrs) $11, Toddlers (2yrs and younger) FREE. Zoo only admission is: Adults $12, Seniors (65 yrs and older) $10, Children (3-12yrs) $8, Toddlers (2yrs and younger) FREE.

Montgomery Zoo members are FREE. Group and military discounts are available. Zoofari Skylift ride: $4 per person. Train ride: $3 per person. Giraffe Encounter: $2 per person. Pedal Boats: $8 for the first person, $10 for two, $12 for three and $14 for four; maximum of four passengers per boat, 30 minute ride.

Florida Gulfarium www.gulfarium.com (850) 243-9046; 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL Delight in watching dolphins leap and sea lions play during their spectacular shows! Or participate and interact directly with these and other remarkable marine animals including stingrays, sharks, and otters in their new interactive programming. Enjoy educational exhibits and beautiful ocean views. Open daily at 9am. National Aviation Museum www.navalaviationmuseum.org (850) 452-3604; 1750 Radford Blvd, NAS Pensacola, FL Enjoy the hands-on history of naval aviation and see more than 150 beautifully

restored aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Feel the thrill in Flight Simulators or visit the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and catch all the drama and power of the amazing IMAX® films. Then refresh with a tasty lunch or dessert in the authentic Cubi Bar Café.Free admission, Monday Friday 9:00am -5:00pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Wonder Works www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-citybeach; (850) 249-7000; 9910 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL WonderWorks features more than 100 interactive exhibits for adults and children where scientific principles and fun come together to provide an unrivaled educational experience. The laws of nature and probability interact with human skills and perceptions to create some of the most mind boggling, head scratching virtual challenges, mental challenges and physical challenges. Some of the exhibits include a hurricane hut, a real bed of nails you can lie on, trampoline basketball, centrifugal force motorcycle races, a mega bubble factory, arcade, laser tag and a mulitstory rope obstacle course. ESP

Types of Evaluations Offered: Learning Problems Anxiety Disorders Mood Disorders ADHD Dr. Murphree is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with children and adolescents.

Abuse/Trauma Depressive Disorders Behavioral Disorders Autistic Spectrum Disorders Intellectual Functioning

East Bay Psychiatry and Associates (251) 928-4750 eastbaypsych@att.net Accepting Aetna, All Kids, American Behavioral, Blue Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Cigna, Compsych, Magellan, Medicaid, Medicare, MHCA, State EIB, United Behavioral Health, Value Options

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Family Calendar Ongoing

100 Days of Summer at the Wharf! Lights! Twice daily all summer, “Spectra”, a special high-powered light show, is choreographed to two specially-produced musical scores. 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Free. www.alwharf.com. 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 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 251-344-0536 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 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.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

July2013

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 1-800489-1886 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. MOPS on the Eastern Shore We meet at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort on the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The evening meeting meets on the first Thursday night of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. September through May. MOPS is designed to nurture mothers and it is for all mothers from all walks of life who have children birth through K-5. Each meeting provides an inviting environment where women can come - just as they are - to build friendships, be encouraged, gain practical parenting strategies and have fun all while their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. A typical meeting includes sharing a meal together, listening to a speaker that is of interest to mothers with young children, participating in a roundtable discussion, or doing a creative craft project. The children’s program includes care for infants as well as classes for toddlers through kindergarten. http://mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ 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 251-621-6665 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) 626-2510 or email pumc.office@bellsouth.net. For more information about Providence UMC, call the office or visit www.providencemethodist.org.

The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) Part of a nationwide effort to support fathers in the important and special role they play in the life of a child. Quenching the Father Thirst class held Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 12-wk rotating series (begin at any time once intake is complete) at The Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne. Case management services also offered. Family Time supervised visitation coming soon. Call 251-626-1610 for more information and to take classes in Daphne. RFP classes require intake appointment in advance. www.familycentermobile. org or www.Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile. Services available to all eligible persons regardless of race, gender, age, disability or religion. All classes at The Family Center in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare with 24-hour reservation. The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register. • Nurturing Parenting (Daphne), 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. • Fathers Rock! Classes (listed below) in Mobile and Daphne are completely free. Fathers Rock classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Fathers Rock program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www. familycentermobile.org. Fathers Rock! Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., $150 worth of Wal-mart giftcards possible. 251-479-5700 to get started in Fathers Rock, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 WalMart giftcard upon completion. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Fathers Rock Daphne, Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd, near the YMCA. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 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. 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 6052657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol. com.

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South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several

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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. 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. 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.  To register 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 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 800-4771104 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 for more information. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Family Calendar month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for 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 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251965-6264 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 251- 626-6337 for more information.

Monday, July 1

USA Piano Camp Faculty Concert Pianist Jerry Alan Bush performs a recital of music by Liszt, Respighi, Granados, Mussorgsky and Grieg. $5 general admission. 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music. Fairhope Library “Movie Monday” For ages 5 - 12. 2 p.m., Gnomeo and Juliet. Guided Pier Walk Meet the park guide near the concession stand to learn about unique local sea life and walk along the pier. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gulf State Park Pier, Gulf Shores. Nature Time at Gulf State Park Adventure Center 2 - 4 p.m., www.alapark.com. Learn new and exciting facts about animals that live in Alabama’s Gulf State Park. For people of all ages.

Tuesday, July 2

USA Piano Camp Faculty Concert At 3 p.m. pianists James Helton and Paul Kenyon perform music from early and late in the career of Brahms. $5 general admission. Info at www. southalabama.edu/music. Orange Beach Public Library Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. Fairhope Library 10 a.m. Lapsit storytime; 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime; 2 p.m. Literature Circles.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Evening Civil War Twilight Tour Living interpreters of history in civil war period dress tell the story of Fort Morgan’s Civil War service through historic vignettes throughout this fort tour, based on actual events. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Fort Morgan, 110 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores. 251-540-5257. www.fortmorgan.org. Beach, Dune & Forest Excursions Interactive field trip exploring the beach dunes and forests led by the sea lab’s knowledgeable educators. Hands-on, feet wet experience for the whole family. Dauphin Island Sea Lab estuarium. 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. $10 per person. 101 Bienville Avenue, Dauphin Island. Call (251) 861-2141 x7545 or email summersexcursions@disl.org. Visit http://dhp.disl. org/summertours/summerexcursions.html for details. Dates are subject to change, based on participation and weather. Wildflowers of Gulf State Park Gulf Shores. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Visit our Education Building and learn about the wildflowers of Gulf State Park. www.alapark.com.

Wednesday, July 3

“Celebrate Freedom” 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church Fairhope, 300 North Section Street, 251/928-8685, www.fbcfairhope. org. Free Event. Join the Music Ministry at First Baptist in a service of patriotism as children, adults and military representatives lead in this evening of celebrating our freedom..

Thursday, July 4

Gulf Shores Independence Day Gulf Shores Main Beach. Families can celebrate our nation’s birthday with fireworks on the beach. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. and are visible on any area of Gulf Shores beach. Tune radios to 105.7 to hear patriotic music during the show. www.gulfshoresal.gov. Fort Morgan Salute to American Independence Fort Morgan State Historic Site.Independence Day is celebrated at Fort Morgan with artillery firing, small arms firing and special tours of the Fort. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Gulf Shores. 251-540-7202. www.fortmorgan. org. Admission charged. 4th at the Wharf Orange Beach. Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks at The Wharf! Spectra Light Show, Family Fun Zone, live music, food and drinks! There is no better place to celebrate than at The Wharf! For more information, please visit www.ALWharf.com. Fairhope’s Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Display Fairhope’s Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Display. Free. Henry George Park and Fairhope Municipal Pier.The Baldwin Pops Band Independence Day Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a variety of patriotic music before and after the fireworks display. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9 p.m. 251-929-1466. www. cofairhope.com. Daphne Jubilee Independence Day Fireworks Display Daphne. Fireworks will light up the skies above Daphne on Mobile Bay at the Trione Sports Park. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested. 251.621.8222, www.daphneal.com. Mobile Pops Band Independence Day Concert and Fireworks Mobile Battleship Park on the Mobile Bay

Causeway. Free admission. Fireworks follow the concert. 7 p.m. Information at www.mobilepopsband.com. Mobile Bay Bears Game and 4th of July Fun Celebrate the 4th of July with a BayBears baseball game. There will be a hot dog eating contest, root beer floats and a big fireworks show after the game. Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. Please visit http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t417 for more information.

Friday, July 5

Gulf Shores Library Summer Reading Program 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, www.thomasbnortonlibrary.com. Campground Dog Show Gulf State Park Amphitheater, Gulf Shores. 3 - 4 p.m. Campers of all ages will enjoy the menagerie at the Nature Center Amphitheater. Bring your dogs or just come to watch and support your favorite canine. It is a free-for-all that is fun-for-all, so don’t miss it! Please make sure your dog is on a leash and will get along (not eat the other contestants.) www.alapark.com. Salt Marsh Excursions Dauphin Island Sea Lab estuarium. 9:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. $10 per person. 101 Bienville Avenue, Dauphin Island. Interactive field trip exploring the Salt marshes led by the sea lab’s knowledgeable educators. Hands-on, feet wet experience for the whole family. Call (251) 861-2141 x7545 or email summersexcursions@disl.org. Visit http://dhp.disl. org/summertours/summerexcursions.html for more information on each excursion and what to bring. All dates are subject to change, based on participation and weather. Saenger Night Live Saenger Nite Live will present shows on July 5, July 19 and August 2. Dale Taylor of Mobile-based multimedia entertainment site www.jamsplus. com introduced the series, saying it’s designed to “give a platform” to a wide variety of community entertainers. “Saenger Nite Live” installments will begin with an early-evening street party in front of the Saenger, followed by an hour-long variety show that will feature various acts including skits from Joe Jefferson Players and other community theatre groups. Each installment will then be capped by a 90-minute concert by a band. Admission is $10. Visit http://www. mobilesaenger.com/ for more information. Alabama in Concert at the Amphitheater 8 p.m. Amphitheater at the Wharf. For more information, please visit http:// amphitheateratthewharf.com/

Saturday, July 6

Snake Encounters Gulf State Park Nature Center, 2 - 4 p.m. Learn all about native snakes. Bring your camera to get your picture with a beautiful snake. www.alapark.com for more info. Alabama Gulf Coast Farmer’s Market Gulf State Park Pavilion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact Jon Kittrell at 251/990-9088 or Jody Young 251/9434678 for more info. First Friday Artwalk Downtown Fairhope, 6 – 8 p.m. Exhibit openings with guest artists, refreshments.

Monday, July 8

Fairhope Library “Movie Monday”

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For ages 5-12. 2 p.m. How to Eat Fried Worms. Guided Nature Walk, Gulf State Park Gulf Shores. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet the park guide at Gulf Ridge Trail and state Road 2 for a guided nature walk. Approximately 2 miles, ADA accessible. www.alapark.com for more info.

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Tuesday, July 9

Guided Pier Walk Meet the park guide near the concession stand to learn about unique local sea life and walk along the pier. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Gulf State Park Pier, Gulf Shores. Fairhope Library 10 a.m. Lapsit storytime; 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime; 2 p.m. Literature Circles. Orange Beach Public Library Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. Evening Civil War Twilight Tour See July 2 for details. Salt Marsh Excursions See July 5 for details.

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Wednesday, July 10

Fairhope Library Creative Movement for Kids, 2 p.m. Yoga for Teens/ tweens, 3:30 p.m. Discovering Sea Turtles Visit our Education Building and learn all about nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtles found in Gulf State Park and along Alabama’s Coast. Gulf State Park Nature Center, Gulf Shores, 2 - 4 p.m. www.alapark.com. Learning Lunch History Museum of Mobile The War and Mobile. Roundtable discussion with Sidney Phillips, Katherine Phillips Singer, and David E Alsobrook, PhD (Director, History Museum of Mobile). Bring lunch; complimentary beverages provided. Noon. History Museum of Mobile (111 S Royal St.) For more information, please contact 251208-7569/ www.museumofmobile.com. Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens Topic: Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2012 with L. Craig Roberts, Architect, AIA.

Thursday, July 11

Beach, Dune & Forest Excursions See July 2 for details. Jerry Seinfeld Live America’s Premier Comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine at the Mobile Civic Center. 7 p.m. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing both nationally and internationally in 2013. Ticket Prices: $77.50 and $63. (additional fees apply). Tickets available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, at all Ticketmaster Outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Offering fresh produce, local honey, fresh cut flowers, plants, baked goods and more! The market is held behind the Fairhope Public Library at Bancroft St and Fairhope Ave. www.cofairhope.com. Free Admission Day/Museum Nights Mobile Museum of Art. Movie Day @ Foley Library 10 a.m., Free event. 407 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Visit Foleylibrary.org for more info. Bring chairs, blankets. Children’s seating is on the floor.

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Friday, July 12

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Gulf Shores Library Summer Reading Program 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, www.thomasbnortonlibrary.com. Joe Jefferson Players Presents The Cemetery Club This endearing and humorous comedy/drama follows three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husband’s graves. Ida is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life, Lucille is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun, and Doris is priggish and judgmental, particularly when Sam the butcher enters the scene. Doris and Lucille squash the budding romance between Sam and Ida and are guilt-stricken when this nearly breaks Ida’s heart. A funny, touching, sweet tempered comedy that provides pure pleasure. Visit http://www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information.

LoDa Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. Second Friday, 6 - 9 p.m. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St.). Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. Contact: 251-208-1550/ www.ncsmobile.org.

Saturday, July 13

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to bring families together and encourage sportsmanship. The tournament takes place on the Saturday before the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1500 young

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Family Calendar anglers.The one-day event features 31 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in all categories. One Master Angler is awarded. All participants receive a Zeigler hot dog, a Coca Cola, a Blue Bell ice cream, and a certificate. Winners will receive Mobile Bay Bears tickets. All proceeds benefit the Mobile Jaycees Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour. Drink-N-Scrawl For all writers - an excuse to “get out of your writing cave;” buy your own drink/food, take notes, write, and network with other writers. Mobile Writers’ Guild. Second Saturdays, June–August, 2 - 4 p.m. Bluegill Restaurant (3775 Battleship Pkwy., Spanish Fort). Contact: http://mobilewritersguild.com. Alabama Gulf Coast Farmer’s Market Gulf State Park Pavilion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact Jon Kittrell at 251/990-9088 or Jody Young 251/9434678 for more info. Nature Time at Gulf State Park Adventure Center 2-4 p.m. Learn new and exciting facts about animals that live in Alabama’s Gulf State Park. For people of all ages. www.alapark.com.

Monday, July 15

Fairhope Library “Movie Monday” For ages 5-12. 2 p.m. Wreck It Ralph. Gulf Shores Library Summer Reading Program 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Owl Fun Facts Visit the Nature Center to learn all about owls. We will have our resident screech owls out for pictures! Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores. 2 - 4 p.m. www. alapark.com.

Tuesday, July 16

Fairhope Library 10 a.m. Lapsit storytime; 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime; 2 p.m. Literature Circles. Daphne Library Summer Reading Awards Ceremony, 4 p.m. www.daphnelibrary.com. Orange Beach Public Library Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. Salt Marsh Excursions See July 5 for details. Evening Civil War Twilight Tour See July 2 for details.

Wednesday, July 17

Fairhope Library Drum Circle for kids. 2 p.m., 3:30 for teens/tweens. Kids’ Kruise & Dauphin Island Sea Lab Join us for our annual lunch cruise on the Fowl River just for kids! Dauphin Island Sea Lab will be here with their Touch Table, too! Bring the kids, order your bag lunch and enjoy a fun-filled cruise on Fowl River. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Reservations Required. Kid’s Kruise Gardens Admission - MEMBERS $16 for adults, $11 for children 5-12 & $6 for children 4 and under. NON-MEMBERS $28 for adults, $17.50 for children 5-12 & $6 for children 4 and under. Call 251.973.2217 X 110 for reservations. Guided Pier Walk Meet the park guide near the concession stand to learn about unique local sea life and walk along the pier. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gulf State Park Pier, Gulf Shores.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

July2013

Bird Migration Presentation Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gulf State Park Nature Center, Education Building. www.alapark.com. Visit our Education Building and learn how, when, where and why birds migrate. Movie Day @ Foley Library 10 a.m. Free event. 407 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley. Wreck it Ralph. Foleylibrary.org for more info. Bring chairs, blankets. Children’s seating is on the floor. Beach, Dune & Forest Excursions See July 2 for details. Author Lecture Event Mary Lois Adshead will talk about her new historical novel, That Was Tomorrow, at the Marietta Johnson Museum in Fairhope. Adshead is a graduate of the School of Organic Education in Fairhope and a former Director of its museum. The novel revolves around a young schoolteacher who moves to Fairhope in the 1920’s to learn under the famed educator Marietta Johnson. At the time, Fairhope was a haven for artists, writers, nudists, raw food advocates and more than a few eccentrics according to Adshead. The novel revolves around this time in Fairhope. 3 p.m. Marietta Johnson Museum, 10 School Street, Fairhope.

Thursday, July 18

Free Admission Day/Museum Nights Mobile Museum of Art.

Friday, July 19

Oliver at Playhouse in the Park The Playhouse-in-the-Park in Mobile presents the hit Broadway musical “OLIVER!” by Lionel Bart based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel. The dates will be (Fridays & Saturdays) July 19, 20, 26, 27, August 2, 3, 9 & 10 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees on July 21, 28, August 4 & 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Playhouse. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults. Call 602-0630 for reservations. A great show for all ages. Please visit http://www. playhouseinthepark.org for more information. Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo July 19-21. The 80th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world. The ADSFR is a Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued at over $400,000 and anchored by two boat, motor, and trailer packages. The event features 30 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all categories. One Master Angler is also awarded along with cash prizes for King Mackerel, Speckled Trout and Big Game Jackpots. For more information, please visit http:// adsfr.com/index.html. Beach Creature Feature Meet at the Education Building to learn about some the local sea life found in the Gulf of Mexico. If you have something you have collected along the beach shore, bring it along and we will help you identify it. AL Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, 2 - 4 p.m. www.alapark.com.

Saturday, July 20

Alabama Gulf Coast Farmer’s Market Gulf State Park Pavilion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact Jon Kittrell at 251/990-9088 or Jody Young 251/9434678 for more info.

Nature Time at Gulf State Park Adventure Center 2 - 4 p.m. Learn new and exciting facts about animals that live in Alabama’s Gulf State Park. For people of all ages. www.alapark.com. Oliver at Playhouse in the Park See July 19 for details. “Wild M Out” Comedy Showcase Comedy Showcase at the Saenger Theatre. Visit www.mobilesaenger.com/ for more information. Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 19 for details.

Sunday, July 21

Oliver at Playhouse in the Park See July 19 for details. Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 19 for details.

Monday, July 22

Fairhope Library “Movie Monday” For ages 5-12. 2 p.m., Rise of the Guardians.

Tuesday, July 23

Fairhope Library 10 a.m. Lapsit storytime; 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime; 2 p.m. Literature Circles. Orange Beach Public Library Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. Guided Nature Walk Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet the park guide at Gulf Ridge Trail and state Road 2 for a guided nature walk. Approximately 2 miles, ADA accessible. Visit www.alapark.com for more info. Evening Civil War Twilight Tour See July 2 for details. Free Design Workshop at Bronstein’s Fine Furniture “Bedroom Basics”. Guests are invited to join us in our showroom as design professionals present simple tips on how one can transform a bedroom into a beautiful, yet functional space. Topics include materials and finishes that bring warmth to a space, furniture proportions and styles, lighting options and more. Design professionals will also present creative ideas on how one can primp and accessorize a guest bedroom to have an extra-welcoming look and feel. 5:30 p.m. Bronstein’s, 458 Azalea Road, Mobile. As a bonus, all attendees will receive a coupon for 10% off a purchase from July 24-July 31. (Some exclusions apply). For more information, please call 251-343-7200 or visit www.bronsteins.com. Dave Matthews Band with special guest John Butler Trio at the Wharf 7 p.m. Amphitheater at the Wharf. For more information, visit www.amphitheateratthewharf.com/

Wednesday, July 24

Fairhope Library Summer Reading Program Finale 2 p.m. Bring reading logs! Teen/tween writing workshop with bestselling author Leigh Moore. Great Open Jump at Pump It Up Annual Great Open Jump benefiting Autism Speaks of Mobile from 6 - 8 p.m. Event is open to the public. Playtime is free with a donation to Autism Speaks. Socks are required. Parents stay and play free!

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens Topic: Using What You’ve Got: Making Elegant, Long-Lasting Arrangements Using Foliage from Your Garden with Gail McCain.

Thursday, July 25

Flavors of the South Food and Wine Festival Showcases food and wine from local restaurants and caterers. Attendees sample a variety of food and drink while listening to music and mingling. Event includes a silent auction and 50/50 drawing. 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Rd., Robertsdale. For more information, please visit http://www.centralbaldwin.com.

Friday, July 26

Gulf Shores Library Summer Reading Program 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, www.thomasbnortonlibrary.com. Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam 7:30 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Arena. Don’t miss all your Monster Jam favorites! Ticket prices range from $20 - $25 and are available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Oliver at Playhouse in the Park See July 19 for details. Guided Pier Walk 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gulf State Park Pier, Gulf Shores. Meet the park guide near the concession stand to learn about unique local sea life and walk along the pier.

Saturday, July 27

Alabama Gulf Coast Farmer’s Market Gulf State Park Pavilion, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact Jon Kittrell at 251/990-9088 or Jody Young 251/9434678 for more info. Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam See July 26 for details. Oliver at Playhouse in the Park See July 19 for details. Nature Time at Gulf State Park Adventure Center 2 - 4 p.m. Learn new and exciting facts about animals that live in Alabama’s Gulf State Park. For people of all ages. www.alapark.com.

Sunday, July 28

Oliver at Playhouse in the Park See July 19 for details. Wildflowers of Gulf State Park Visit our Education Building and learn about the wildflowers of Gulf State Park. Gulf Shores, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. www.alapark.com.

Tuesday, July 30

Beach, Dune & Forest Excursions See July 2 for details. Orange Beach Public Library Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. Free Admission Day/Museum Nights Mobile Museum of Art.

Please send calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com. 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.

Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

Monster University

World War Z

MPAA Rating: G Time: 110 min. Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Monster University G. Mike Wazowski (voice by Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (voice by John Goodman) weren’t always the Scare Floor Dream Team at the Monsters, Inc. power company. In fact there was a time when they could hardly stand each other. In this prequel to the 2001 animation Monsters, Inc., Sulley and Mike are among the freshman class entering the Scare program on the hallowed campus at Monsters University. For Mike, it’s a lifetime dream come true. For Sulley, it’s the fulfillment of family expectations. Unfortunately for both of them, it’s a big disappointment when they are ousted from the program after accidentally destroying a cherished memento belonging to the school’s Dean Hardscrabble (voice by Helen Mirren). The only way to get back in is to prove themselves at the upcoming Scare Games. But to do so they need to be part of a campus fraternity. And the only one still taking applicants is the OK House. While the Scare Games resemble a reality-TV episode, the story focuses less on the actual competitions and more on the preparations that happen between events. This mishmash of monsters learns to work together, to appreciate and use their individual talents and to take responsibility for their mistakes and choices. Most of all, Sulley and Mike overcome their aversion to one another and begin a lifelong friendship that follows them into the future. Like the first movie that depicted children’s screams as a power source for the city, Monster University probably isn’t for the very youngest of audience members. There are still plenty of moments of peril and scenes where the scary creatures sneak into a simulated bedroom and elicit screams from a sleeping child. And like some college students, these monsters get involved in brief illegal activities that have them hightailing it from the law. Yet for older children and their parents, this animated adventure blends a colorful cast of characters and some valuable life lessons in a delightful storyline about individual worth and a budding friendship. Living up to the old adage that opposites attract, the big blue beast and his little green friend demonstrate that the best things in life often come in pairs.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Time: 116 min. Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: ALanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated World War Z PG-13 for intense zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images. After taking a break from big action packed dramas, Brad Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator who left his globe-trotting job in dangerous locations to be home with his wife Karin (Mireille Enos) and two daughters (Sterling Jerins, Abigail Hargrove). However their peaceful life of pancake breakfasts is interrupted when a new plague begins spreading around the world, turning the human population into a mob of flesh-eating zombies. Plucked off the top of an apartment building, Gerry and his family are whisked away to a military ship in the middle of the ocean where the UN employee is given two options. He can either help locate the source of the plague or he and his family will be back on shore among the undead. Leaving his wife and kids in the belly of the aircraft carrier, he boards a plane and heads for South Korea with an eager young scientist (Elyes Gabel). Zombie movies have become something of a plague themselves, infesting movie theaters everywhere with bloody-mouthed soulless creatures. Don’t expect less from World War Z. Filled with the requisite depictions of gruesome and disturbing scenes, this movie zeroes in on the almost instantaneous transition from human to zombie. After being bitten, a character has only seconds before he or she begins convulsing wildly. The skin shrinks. The eyes take on a white milky glaze. In less than a minute the victim joins the throng of the surging undead. The only intervention seems to be hacking off the offending limb immediately after it’s been chomped. Along with other depictions of bloody wounds and damaged human tissue, the frequent violent encounters between the humans and zombies also include shootings, stabbings, mutilation, gunfire and huge explosions. Packed with improbable plot lines, questionable science and a disturbing solution to the zombie invasion, World War Z doesn’t wander far from what audiences will expect in this genre. However,the film tries to massage a message into all the mayhem. But any political point about the use of chemical warfare, isolationism or ineffective government leadership is lost when these zombies initiate World War Z.

What Parents need to know about World War Z...

What Parents need to know about Monster University...

Violence: News-type clips portray riots, wild beasts attacking and eating others, dead animals and disturbing natural events. Violent portrayals include a man being smashed by a vehicle, zombies attacking others, and characters threatening others with guns. A character accidentally shots himself. Bodies are seen hanging on a fence. Other corpses have been burned. Zombies clamor over one another in order to scale a wall. Bodies fall out of a plane before it crashes. A man is impaled with a piece of metal during the crash. Scenes of beating, stabbing, gunfire, bombings and explosions are shown. A character has her hand cut off. Other depictions of dismemberment and mutilation are shown. Characters engage in vicious hand-to-hand combat. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: The script contains a partial strong sexual expletive, infrequent scatological slang, profanities and some vulgar language. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character drinks to deal with pain.

Violence: A character deals with some moments of bullying in elementary school and university. Participants in an initiation process are each hit once with a flat bat. Characters run into spiked objects that cause instant inflammation during a game event. A character uses a sling shot to shoot one of these objects into the open mouth of a game player, causing his whole body to swell. Security officers chase characters on at least two occasions. Moments of brief peril and some jump scenes are included, along with frequent non-graphic violence. Monsters are shown in a comic content. Sexual Content: A character asks his new girlfriend to give him some sugar. Brief kissing is shown. Partial male buttock nudity is briefly seen after it becomes swollen. Language: The script includes brief name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Eastern Shore Parents I July 2013

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