Eastern Shore Parents April 2020 by KeepSharing

Help Alabama

Shine!

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

“Thank you for checking on us!”

Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, o r email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

Ascension Online Care

Anywhere, anytime Ascension Online Care is here for you and your family 24/7. From anywhere, at any time, talk with a doctor using your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Get the care you need and start feeling better. No insurance required.

See us for a wide variety of symptoms and conditions, including: • Cold/flu • Eye infections • Fever

Available in all 50 states Get started at ascension.org/onlinecare or download the mobile app.

• Seasonal allergies • Sinus or upper respiratory infections • Urinary tract infections If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911.

© Ascension 2020. All rights reserved. The “Android” name, the Android logo, the “Google Play” brand, and other Google trademarks, are property of Google LLC. All rights reserved. 1 Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc. All rights reserved. www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

602282_FLPEN_EasternShoreParents_ins0401_OnlineCare_7-75x10.indd 1

3/16/20 1:15 PM

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

1 Y

Ac CO

S S

To co

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

April2020

58 Columns

Volume 12 Number 11

6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Occupied

Activities for your family during COVID-19.

Online & Virtual Fun

Our listing of resources for your childrens’ home learning and entertainment.

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

16 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

36 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Survival Tips for Single Parents

To help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

2020 Summer Camps Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!

41 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Departments 10

On The Cover Mary Bealle Savarese (5), daughter of Steven and Becky Savarese and big sister to Steven III (2). Mary Bealle loves dancing, singing, painting and drawing. She enjoys being outdoors, swimming, going on boat rides, and playing with

Bits and Pieces 18

School Bits 50

Book Reviews 68

Movie Reviews

friends at the park.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

What a difference a day makes, right? I don’t want to spend a lot of time on the elephant in the room, but quickly want to address some changes this month that you may notice. Only a short time before the April issue was to print, schools were closed, events were postponing (including our Summer Camp Expo) and we were all entering a new phase that was a bit surreal. I’ll admit I did have a moment where I just stared at the computer and thought “Oh, Man” as the calendar of events began to dwindle and some material we were including was no longer timely. BUT we all took a deep breath and immediately jumped right in brainstorming to figure out what our readers would want and need during this time. So, instead of the calendar of events, we hope you will enjoy the Online and Virtual Resources for Home Learning and Entertainment that you will find on page 42. A huge thank you to Lucy Green, Christa Weinberg and Wendy McCollum for jumping in at the 9th hour and pulling such a fabulous list together! I found myself mesmerized with all the amazing sites. While we are social distancing we have to remember, we are not required to stay inside. There are some great benefits to being outside. Kids can run off some energy, we can get some much needed natural vitamin D, and playing outdoors can help reduce stress and anxiety, not to mention give you a break from the indoors. I have LOVED hearing the creative ideas various families and neighborhoods have put together to stay entertained and connected, while still maintaining distance from one another. Just a few of the ideas I have heard so far are neighborhood sidewalk chalk contests, “Bear” hunts (where neighbors hide stuffed animals in windows, porches, and trees, then families go on a walk and count how many animals they see), and a car parade where teachers rode through their students’ neighborhoods honking and waving. If after a day of studies or sidewalk chalking or bear hunts the kiddos are still feeling a little restless, turn to page 38 where you will find even more ideas in 10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Occupied & Keep Your Sanity. In her article, Dolores Smyth shares activities you and your family can enjoy indoors or out. She has so many fun ideas, you will have a hard time deciding which to try first! Speaking of activities, I am sure all of us are looking forward a couple of months toward summer. In keeping with the fun theme, we have also included an expanded Summer Camp Directory. If you missed last month’s or are looking for even more opportunities than those in the March issue, in this expanded directory you will find all the great camps from March plus a few news ones. As I mentioned, unfortunately we had to postpone our Summer Camp Expo, but check back with us and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. I hope you and your family have a very special April bonding and making fond family memories together.

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Christa Melnyk Hines Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Dolores Smyth

Cover Photography Stephanie Hanway www.StephanieHanwayPhotography.com

President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Accounts Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

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.

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 2017 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.

www.easternshoreparents.com

ource

on rse, nity. nity ss.

y by , r

in d. ne are view t of

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

You Are a Craftsman, Parent There is currently a house under construction across the street from where I live. It has been incredibly fun to watch the progress. Well, in truth, I could do without the 7am Saturday sounds of saws and nail guns, but other than that it has been fun to witness that neglected piece of property go from being a field of thorns and thistles to being the ground upon which a family will soon call home. Having watched this build unfold over the last two months, and because I am a social worker and not a builder, it never ceases to amaze me how many steps are involved in a build of such magnitude. First, that ground had to be prepared and leveled, then the walls started to go up, the roof pitched at just the right angle, the front porch built and ready for a swing... it has all happened at such a rapid rate. That is until a few days ago when I happened to notice that all observable progress has been halted. After weeks of such rapid progress it now looks exactly the same day after day.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

But what I realized today is that isn’t actually the case at all. The last couple of days have actually had enormous progress because the guts of the house are being taken care of. The electrical lines are being installed, the plumbing lines are being connected and the all-important data and Wi-Fi lines are being adjusted. But no one would know that if they were only looking from the outside – it is all happening on the inside. Through careful tweaking and knowledgeable manipulation at the hands of a skilled craftsman, the lines all begin to come online. And that got me thinking… It got me thinking about how much of our parenting corrections and tweaks and adjustments aren’t ever even going to be visible. For that matter, how much love and care and concern we pour in will not always be visible. Soon enough the drywall will go up in this home and cover up all that careful wiring and installation. The work of those craftsman forever hidden – no praise, no admiration of their work will be had – it will

just be expected that the lights will come on when someone flips a switch and it will just be expected that water will flow from that sink. But somehow the house knows. It will work and serve the family well because those anonymous craftsmen took such care and attention to detail in what they were building. You, my parenting friends, are those same anonymous craftsman. You are working and wiring and tweaking and encouraging and building a tiny human who will one day be grown. All of that love you pour in will be sealed within their skin, they will carry it in their bones, they will hold it in their hearts. So be encouraged. Small moments matter. Your very presence matters. You may not be able to keep that house from storms for the rest of its life, but the work you do – the work you’ve done – will help make it stronger.

CMY

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

www.easternshoreparents.com

CreativeOutletDanceAcademy_full_Apr20.pdf

3/4/20

8:23 PM

It e re

kge will

s. . be e rk

râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n he

CMY

tor

and

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Business Expo

Swaddling Clothes Accepting Donations of Childrens’ Clothing

The Eastern Shore Business Expo, hosted by Southern View Media, will take place on April 23, from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM at the Fairhope Civic Center. Over 50 vendor booths will be presented at this year's expo. This event provides businesses an opportunity to connect with community members one on one while networking with other business owners. Entry is FREE with a business card! This year's expo will also feature the Eastern Shore Eats Taste-Off where local restaurants will compete for the title of Best Eastern Shore Eats - chosen by the Expo’s attendees! And don’t miss the chance to win one of over 50 door prizes that will be given away during the expo! A happy hour/networking time will also take place from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. Find us on Facebook, visit www. easternshorebusiness.com or contact Southern View Media for Exhibitor pricing and information.

Swaddling Clothes, a mission of Redeemer Lutheran Church, is a place for Moms and Moms-to-be to find some help gathering all the items that are needed for a bundle of joy. We are open the first Saturday of each month from 9 AM-12 PM! We provide primary caregivers with 10 items of clothing (sizes Nb-5T), diapers, wipes and formula (if needed). Since we run our charity totally off of donations, all items are free of charge. If you are interested in supporting Swaddling Clothes, you can drop off gently used items (sizes nb-5T) in our donations box located behind Redeemer Lutheran Church at 200 South Section Street, Fairhope. For more information, please call (251) 210-8417. Visit us on Facebook or online at www.swaddlingclothes.org for the most current information on events.

Dinosaurs Around the World Exhibit

Embark on a globetrotting expedition around the world to discover the Age of Reptiles! The Exploreum Science Center presents Dinosaurs Around the World now through May 10, 2020. Dinosaurs Around the World takes you back in time on a dinosaur adventure and a tour of an Earth very different from today – a time before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa and greenery was the norm in Antarctica! With advanced animatronics, a multi-layered narrative, fossils, authentic casts, cutting-edge research and immersive design elements you’ll experience the Age of Reptiles as it comes to life! Dinosaurs Around the World invites you to grab your prehistoric passport to Pangea and discover how plate tectonics, land bridges, and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to disperse to all corners of the globe, giving each of the seven continents its own unique selection of these giant reptiles. In addition to advanced animatronics, Dinosaurs Around the World also features information about the geologic time scale, geology, geography, and climatology. The exhibition poses questions to the visitor about the reign of the dinosaurs and helps them to discover how dinosaurs lived on each continent, how they interacted with each other, how geography impacted their behavior and diets, and what the continents were really like at the time.

Delta Woods & Waters Expo

The Delta Woods & Waters Expo is a family-friendly, free community event to celebrate the beauty, diversity, history, and recreational opportunities of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The Expo is in its 12th year and is sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort in partnership with 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 9 AM - 4 PM. The Expo, which takes place at 5 Rivers, features a variety of informative presentations, exhibits and interactive displays by experienced outdoorsmen, professionals, educators and enthusiasts. Included in the day’s lineup are numerous fun and exciting hands-on demonstrations that allow attendees to learn and practice new skills with one-on-one instruction. Food trucks will be on-site for lunch and 30-minute boat tours will be available for $7.00 per person. Reservations for boat tickets may be made in advance by calling Wild Native Delta Safaris at 251-259-8531. Visit DeltaWoodsandWatersExpo.com for a list of presenters and for further information. Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

Cocktails with the Critters

Join the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation for an exciting evening, Thursday, May 7, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, overlooking the Mobile River Delta to support the research, education, and outreach at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The 15th annual fundraiser will be held at the Bluegill Restaurant. Peruse the silent auction tables while enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and listening to the sounds of Lottie. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Visit www.sealabfoundation.org to secure your tickets today. www.easternshoreparents.com

f on du d

th pa Ra en w o

u th

ern e

***At press time, many local events were being cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to concerns about COVID-19. Before making plans to attend one of these listed events, use the contact information provided to confirm that the scheduled event is still taking place.

s! y e

c e

o he m the

nd for ,

e n, e l e o nd to

National Wildlife Federation Offers Free Access to Ranger Rick, Digital Magazines

The National Wildlife Federation will offer free, complimentary access to Ranger Rick online and the digital editions of its magazines during the COVID-19 shutdown of schools and daycare centers. The access will only require an email address for access online. “We understand that this may be a scary, uncertain time for families,” said Hannah Schardt, editor of Ranger Rick for the National Wildlife Federation. “The most important thing right now is to stay healthy and do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Here at Ranger Rick, we also want to help families stay engaged with wildlife and the natural world, so we are removing the paywall from rangerrick. org and making all the digital editions of our magazines free to the public through the end of June.” Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter feeds. We will keep them both updated with fresh ideas and activities. Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News. 11

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Clotilda: The Exhibition To Be In New Africatown Facility

The History Museum of Mobile is pleased to announce “Clotilda: The Exhibition”. Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, Mayor Sandy Stimpson, and City Council President Levon Manzie have announced plans to construct a new, permanent facility, tentatively called the “Africatown Heritage House,” that will house the exhibition. The Africatown Heritage House will be located on property owned by the City of Mobile, adjacent to the Robert Hope Community Center and Mobile County Training School. The facility, expected to be a 5,000 square foot building completed by late summer 2020, will be a permanent fixture in the Africatown community, and in years and decades to come, will be functional for a variety of purposes. In addition to telling the story of the last slave ship, Clotilda: The Exhibition will include over a dozen Clotilda artifacts, recovered from the shipwreck in the Mobile River and on loan from the Alabama Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office. Drawing on the archaeological reports released by the Alabama Historical Commission, Clotilda: The Exhibition tells the stories of the Clotilda and Africatown in the context of slavery and maritime shipping along the Gulf Coast. It includes the histories of the final journey of the Clotilda, the settlement and history of Africatown, and the discovery of the sunken schooner, all through a combination of interpretive text panels, documents, and artifacts. To curate this exhibition, the History Museum of Mobile is drawing on the vast expertise of its staff, among whom there are professional historians, collection management specialists, exhibit designers, and curators trained in maritime archaeology, iron conservation, archaeological documentation, public history, and cultural and forensic anthropology. Dr. James Delgado, maritime archaeologist and Vice President of SEARCH Inc., who led the scientific investigation of the Clotilda, consulted on the exhibition. “The wreck of Clotilda and artifacts recovered speaks powerfully about the events of July 1860 and the ship's final voyage.” In May 2019, the Alabama Historical Commission announced the discovery of the shipwreck of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach the United States, in the Mobile River. The Alabama Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, is charged with protecting, preserving, and interpreting Alabama’s historic places and retains control of the remains of the ship as mandated by the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act and Alabama Underwater Cultural Resources Act. The exhibition will be free to Mobile County residents, and admission from other visitors will be reinvested to support operations at the site.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

se o D

T B

he 0

k s

, a

Feeding the Gulf Coast Responds to Increased Needs During COVID-19

Feeding the Gulf Coast is prepared to serve the Central Gulf Coast as concerns around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continue to increase. The food bank remains committed to its mission of ensuring the needs of communities are met. As families are faced with an increased need for food due to school closures, inability to work, or facing self-quarantine requirements, the "Find Help" feature available at www.feedingthegulfcoast.org, is the best source of information for families and individuals seeking assistance. Individuals can also call (888) 704-FOOD. With schools closing over the next few weeks, the food bank is working with the local school systems and other partners to identify distribution sites for our child nutrition meals beginning Thursday, March 19. Those sites will serve grab-and-go meals and will be listed on our website. Feeding the Gulf Coast is actively working to develop solutions to meet the anticipated increase in need in our service area by developing strategies for the distribution of emergency food boxes for those affected by school closures, quarantines and the growing economic impact of this crisis. Community support is always needed, especially during these uncertain times. Now more than ever, healthy volunteers and donations are critical. Individuals looking to donate or volunteer can do so by visiting www.feedingthegulfcoast.org.

Two $1,000 Scholarships Will Be Awarded to Baldwin County High School Seniors

The Original Oyster House will award two $1,000 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships to high school seniors in Baldwin County. In 2006 the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship was created in loving memory of Chelsea Garvin who was a 2004 graduate of Fairhope High School, a Fish River Fire Department Rescue Diver, an Original Oyster House employee and a talented artist. Tragically, Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was cut short in a boating accident in 2005. To qualify for the 15th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships you must be a high school senior of Baldwin County in the 2019-2020 school year with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have participated in recent school or community art event and submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House brand in some way and can be displayed in the restaurant. Deadline for submission of art and application is April 20, 2020. Highest consideration will be for the most artistic and creative representation of the Original Oyster House. To submit your Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship application and a photo of your artwork online please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/scholarship. Pictured at Bayside Academy on awards day are from left are Bud Morris, general manager of the OOH Gulf Shores, the 2019 Scholarship awardees: Ashley Suchan and Maggie Davis, and Jim Harrison, general manager OOH Mobile Causeway.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

PBS Offers Programming and Online Content to Support Families

As many families and teachers face school closures, PBS KIDS and PBS LearningMedia are offering a variety of tools to help support learning at home, including educational videos and games from favorite series, and related skill-building offline activities. PBS local stations will continue to serve as resources for viewers to understand what is happening in their local communities and support families and teachers. PBS KIDS Video: Available on mobile, tablet and connected TV devices, PBS KIDS offers on-demand educational videos and a livestream of the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel. No subscription is required. PBS KIDS Games App: Includes nearly 200 educational games, which can be downloaded for offline play anytime, anywhere. Learn more about this and PBS KIDS’ other apps at pbskids.org/apps. PBS KIDS for Parents: A robust website with information, activities and tips for parents, including resources for talking with kids about coronavirus, encouraging healthy habits, managing worried feelings and supporting playful learning at home. PBS KIDS Daily Newsletter: A new weekday newsletter with videos, games, related offline activities and tips parents can use to keep their children playing and learning at home.

IMPACT Youth Theater Presents “Treasure Island”

P T j Lu Sp

ce wh

IMPACT Youth Theater is a local theater group of homeschooled children in Baldwin County ages 3-18 years. The group plans to perform “Treasure Island” at the Daphne Civic Center, but due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, dates are TBD, so please check our Facebook page for updates. Admission is free and donations are welcomed. Concessions will be available during the evening performance. For more information, please email impacttheaterreservations@gmail.com.

o vo y gr

h d t

th f f p

It wo th

b to ca r (f he c f a k

A w we

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

ort al

es,

Time to FILL THE PLATE of the HUNGRY!

HUNGER is invisible in our Baldwin County communities but not at Prodisee Pantry! Prodisee Pantry is asking for your help to FILL THE PLATE of our neighbors in need! Come joins us for lunch at the Fill the Plate Annual Luncheon, to be held at Prodisee Pantry, 9315 Spanish Fort Blvd on Thursday, April 23 at 11:30 AM. Seating is limited. FILL THE PLATE is sponsored by Pen Air Federal Credit Union. According to Prodisee Pantry’s Executive Director, Deann Servos, Prodisee Pantry is celebrating 16 years of filling the plate of those who are hungry. “Since 2003, 151,050 families have sought assistance with the most basic of needs: food and hope! Prodisee Pantry’s volunteers distributed 452 tons of groceries last year, but we are so much more than a box of groceries. We listen, care for and plug families into other services that can lift them from poverty to self-sufficiency.” responds Servos. Red plates are starting to pop up all across the county at banks, churches, businesses, small groups, civic clubs, etc. Each plate has a value of about $100. One nickel, one dollar, ten dollars or one hundred dollars at a time, the community will FILL THE PLATE of our neighbors in need. “We are asking the community to donate what they can when they see the red plates. For so many, healthy fresh fruits and vegetables are a luxury… but for pennies on the dollar Prodisee Pantry can provide a family with these nutritious options from local farmers,” Servos says. It costs just $25 to provide a family with $100 worth of groceries. But, Prodisee Pantry is more than just a box of groceries to these families. Each family receives fresh produce, meats, bread, staple grocery items and onsite access to dozens of other supportive programs. Our caring volunteers can plug a family into onsite representatives for free legal services, SNAP (food stamps), counseling, employers, budget help, medical & dental assistance, job readiness classes and so much more. We love hearing families say “I came for food, but left with… a job… a voucher for school uniforms for my kids… housing help and more! Our facility has been dubbed, “A HUB OF HOPE!” “1 in 4 CHILDREN locally are food insecure.” And that “69% of SENIORS have to choose between food and utilities” and “79% of FAMILIES buy inexpensive, unhealthy food to combat hunger” according to “Hunger in America.” Luncheon attendees will also learn who Prodisee Pantry is, what we do and how we do it. Prodisee Pantry is so much more than just a box of groceries.

Our Sailing Hearts Beat for Kids

benefiting

The Fairhope Yacht Club and Children’s of Alabama present

The Children’s Cup Regatta Saturday, May 9, 2020 Rain or Shine Fairhope Yacht Club

101 Volanta Avenue | Fairhope, AL 36532

Skipper

$25 Youth Boat Entry $50 Adult Boat Entry

Cruiser’s Crawl

$50 per boat to enter Free General Admission

Sponsor

$5000 Guardian $1000 Gold $750 Silver $500 Bronze $100 Raingutter

| All Participants will receive a T-shirt

For more information or to register online visit: give.childrensal.org/regatta2020 benefiting

Kids Activity Area | Silent Auction | Cash Bar | Live Music

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Common Sense Amidst Crisis Bob Dylan once sang “The Times They Are A- Changin’” and boy, was he right. Back then it was the late 1960s and unrest was in the air. Now, here we are in 2020 and some things are no different. In these unknown and scary times, we all have a responsibility not only to protect ourselves and our families, but also to help protect others. Here are some common sense guidelines to keep in mind as we navigate through the next few months: First, stay home or in your tight circle. The issue is when you go to other circles or allow someone in yours, you put people at risk. When schools were recently closed due to the outbreak, it was made in an effort to keep children away from others in order to protect them. If families consider the closing as an opportunity for an extended beach vacation, it continues to intermix social circles and can only exacerbate the problem. Even play dates should be avoided at this point in time because some family members may be asymptomatic, yet can still spread the virus. It is vital that we are making every effort to protect not only ourselves but others as well. Second, if you have to leave home for work, then be smart. Wash your

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

hands frequently and limit direct contact with others. Make a phone call, use Facetime or any other app, and try your best to engage in business without a direct meeting. If you are not feeling well, then stay home! Try to limit travel – remember – we are trying not to leave your circle. Third, think of those who have not been exposed to many illnesses. Homebound, lonely neighbors and nursing homes are wonderful places to visit, but not right now. Our elderly community members literally have not been exposed to many illnesses in years, while others may have compromised immune systems, and this makes them more susceptible to illness than to those who are out and about everyday. These are the ones who are in the greatest danger at this time. So, what can you do? Call them. Text them. Have food delivered to their house or drop some basic necessities off on their front porch so they don’t have to go out to the store. Have your kids mow the grass or pick up debris in the yard. Be creative in thinking of ways that you can help others while not posing a threat to their health. Finally, don’t panic. Don’t rely on social media to direct your life decisions. Information, whether good or bad, is spread instantaneously these days. Think

about where it comes from and whether or not it a reliable source. Also, avoid stockpiling food and supplies out of fear. This only leads to some of our community members having to do without the necessities they need. So, what is the best way to deal with the current crisis? Hug your family and your circle and get to know them again! Play board games, go for nature walks, cook dinner together as a family, shoot basketball and heck, teach them a life skill! Most kids these days don’t know how to do laundry—seems like a good time to learn now! Last, but not least, support local businesses. You want them there when this all settles down! Be calm and love others as you do yourself and this all will pass.

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.

www.easternshoreparents.com

ill! do

ol nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

N S

Autauga County Schools

Orange Beach Elementary’s Kindness Crew Greets Students Arriving to School

Mrs. Reeves' third graders, known as the "Kindness Crew," greeted students with big smiles at the front door recently. They gave high fives, shook hands and told others to have a good day. They have been working hard all year on spreading kindness around Orange Beach Elementary School and look forward to the many more ways they will brighten others' day.

Read Across America at Foley ES

Mrs. Tucker and her class at Foley Elementary School really enjoyed dressing up for “Read Across America.” It was also a special day for her as she got to get a picture with a student from her first class 25 years ago and his daughter who is in her class this year!

Gulf Shores Middle School Students’ Work to be Published

Congratulations to the 22 Gulf Shores Middle School art students that were selected to be published in the National art contest “Celebrating Art.” This a true honor as only the best art is chosen out of thousands of entries. Pictured: Alexia Poole, Chole Barnard, Gray Bias, Sophia Long, Amberly Arthur, Shayla Nguyen, Madelyn Beshears, Kaylee Orellana, Vanessa Morales, Morgan McCartney, Jillian Wright, Sophia Brandt, Brody Cobb, Alisha Daily, Maya Griffin, Ensley Keel, Madison Marshall, Aleah Ribeiro, Anastazya Ramos, Beck Montiel, Ethan Sharkey and not pictured: Haleigh Budd.

SFHS Hosts College and Military Fair

Spanish Fort High School hosted the Spring College / Military Fair on March 2. Over 25 college representatives and 4 military recruiters were here to meet with our junior, sophomore and senior students. It was hosted in SFHS’s new gym. Students were able to ask questions and gather information about any of the colleges and military branches they may be interested in.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

Baldwin County Students Selected to All-State Choir

Congratulations to the following students from Baldwin County Public Schools who were selected to be a part of the 2020 Alabama Vocal Association’s All-State Choir. The students and their choir directors recently attended the All-State Choir Festival at Samford University in Birmingham. Representing Baldwin County at the festival were Trevor Wood, Jackson Daniel Abby Shoemaker, Amari Pickens, Brooke Ryan, Leila Price, Katherine McKinney, Jesse Stevens, Carolyn Barrera. Directors are Dr. Chris Brown of Foley High School, Diane Ham of Fairhope High School, and Laura Mixon of Daphne High School.

www.easternshoreparents.com

w pe

ho ir. val al

n f

Fairhope HS Student Named Finalist in Science Scholarship Competition

FHS IB Senior Elizabeth Hill has been named as a finalist in the Alabama Science Search and Gorgas Scholarship Competition. Elizabeth will travel to Huntsville to present her paper at the annual meeting of the Alabama Academy of Science. Congrats and Best of Luck to Elizabeth!

Fairhope HS Student Wins Logo Art Contest Mobile Baykeepers tasked Mr. McCrady's Mulitmedia Publication class to design the main

logo for the 2020 Publix's Grandman Triathlon. Each student designed and submitted their designs. Joseph Templon was announced as the winner of the competition with his awesome pelican design (pictured below). Congratulations Joseph! Way to go PiragraphiX class!

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Congratulates Visual Arts Achievement Program Winners

STEAM Night at Fairhope Intermediate School

Bayside Academy’s Visual Arts Department congratulates its winners in the Alabama State Council on the Arts 2020 Visual Arts Achievement Program for District One. The winners in this competition will advance to the state competition to be held on Wednesday, April 1. District One encompasses Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington Counties. The artwork is displayed in the Mobile Arts Council Gallery in Mobile. • 2020 First Place Winners: Drawing: Claire Hamilton, 9th grade, “Nevermore”; Mixed Media: Elly Casey, 11th grade, “The Layers Beneath”; Computer Images: Cole Boswell, 10th grade, “Ignite”. • Judge’s Choice Award: Photography: O’Melia Macpherson, 10th grade, “Reflection” • District One Honorable Mentions—Group 2 (High School): Mixed Media: Lilly Duffy, 11th grade, “Billie Drylish”; Computer Images: Ethan Dull, 10th grade, “Symmetry in Light”. Pictured: The winning artwork by Bayside Academy students. Top row (L-R): “Ignite” by Cole Boswell, “Symmetry in Light” by Ethan Dull, and “The Layers Beneath” by Elly Casey. Bottom row: “Reflection” by O’Melia Macpherson, “Billie Drylish” by Lilly Duffy, and “Nevermore” by Claire Hamilton.

Fairhope Intermediate School was sham-rocking on the evening of Thursday March 5 during the school’s inaugural St. Patrick’s-themed STEAM night! STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math, is at the heart of teaching and learning at FIS. Mrs. Tiffany Mulback, FIS 6th grade teacher, created two activities for each of the STEAM subject areas which were enjoyed by over 300 members of the Fairhope Intermediate community! Students and parents agreed that the Pom-Pom Popper math station and the Salt art station were the smash hits of the night! The Fairhope Intermediate School family thoroughly enjoyed their evening of laughter, learning, and leprechauns!

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

ca O

W st how ma in he he

e e, y s.

and

OBES Students Harvest Tower Garden Plants

Mrs. Reeves’ third grade class at Orange Beach Elementary School harvested their Tower Garden plants and made delicious salads recently. The students were very excited to get to enjoy eating their gardening efforts that began back in the early fall. Students in many classes at the school have been doing the same project. Many lettuces and herbs have even been enjoyed in classrooms and shared in the cafeteria. The Tower Gardens are the “Vertical Aeroponic Garden Systems Farm to Table Schoolwide STEM Project” this year. Earlier in the school year, 5th grade students presented STEM demonstrations for school visitors.

Police Department Participates in Career Day at Bay Minette MS

Bay Minette Police Department took part in a special college and career day at Bay Minette Middle School on March 4. School Resource Officers Kendrick Banks, Jeff Weaver and Ronnie Saladin as well as additional BMPD staffers participated. SRO Banks and SRO Weaver put together a small version of the APOST agility course for students to complete while giving out goody bags and information on how to become a police officer. Dispatcher Taylor Benson handed out material about communication officers and the important role they play in law enforcement. Also, Animal Control Officer Becca Jernigan and her fur partner handed out goodies as well as explained the duties of her job. This is a great way to bridge the gap between the community and the police department!

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Sh W 15 s li m

Students vs Priests Basketball Game at St. Michael

The Health and Wellness club at St. Michael Catholic High School hosted Hoops for Heart on March 4 during the Activity Period at school. It was a basketball game of students vs. priests to raise money for the American Heart Association. Father Victor, Father Driscoll, Father Arensburg and Father Jones took on the group of students and won! Members of the student body paid $1 to watch the game and cheer, raising nearly $200 for the AHA.

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

Learning Healthy Heart Habits at Renaissance School

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore students had a great time with the American Heart Association. They learned heathy heart habits and heart awareness. They will also participate in American Heart Association annual fundraiser.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

n rt

Central Christian School Welcomes Guest Author

Ninety-nine sheep are safe and sound with the Good Shepherd. But wait - one is missing. Who is it? Where is he? Why is he missing? Maybe you've read Jesus' story in Luke 15 of "the lost sheep". But what if we were to hear the same story from someone else? Someone who was there - the little lost sheep himself. Author Joe Pileggi captured the minds of Central Christian School’s 2nd grade class when sharing his book titled No Greater Love.

Celebrating Dr. Suess at Christ the King Catholic School

Christ the King Catholic School’s first grade students in Mrs. Helper's class celebrated Dr. Suess's birthday with special activities. The students enjoyed reading Dr. Suess books and creating their own "Cat in the Hat".

Foley HS Named CLAS School of Distinction

Foley High has been selected as a “2019 CLAS School of Distinction” for the program #SUCCESS. This award recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. This year 189 schools were nominated for prestigious recognition with thirty schools selected as 2019 CLAS Schools of Distinction. Foley High will be recognized at an awards luncheon on May 4 in Prattville. To learn more about CLAS https://www.clasleaders.org

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Spanish Fort HS Prom Court

SFHS's Prom Court was chosen by the senior class. Congratulations to Kaitlyn Deaton, who was chosen as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s queen and Brayden Moore, who was chosen as king.

Shakespeare Festival Travels to St. Michael

On Wednesday, March 4, the student body at St. Michael Catholic High school was treated to a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by a traveling performance group from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery. Many thanks to the Drama Club (pictured here with the actors) for organizing this event!

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@ easternshoreparents.com!

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

M w

(

y !

Fairhope Middle School’s First Priority Club Raises Over $1,000 for St. Jude's

Fairhope Middle School’s First Priority Club has a yearly outreach project. This year, the First Priority leaders decided to raise money during the holidays for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Their goal was to raise $1,000, and the club raised $1,046.75. First Priority Leaders: Murphy Creel, Coleman White, Eva-Grace Morgan, Sarah-Claire Stejskal, and Bryce Ivy. First Priority Teacher Sponsors: Mrs. Lisa Cadwell and Mr. Mykel Williams. First Priority is a teacher-sponsored, student-lead Fellowship. The club meets Wednesday mornings before the start of the school day. The Mission of First priority Alabama chapter is “The Hope of Christ in Every Student.” The Vision is, “Uniting the local body of Christ with a plan of action to influence the school with the Gospel.” St. Jude Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude Hospital is unlike any other hospital, in that the majority of their funding comes from individual contributions. Thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude. For information about First Priority, please visit www.Firstpriorityal.com. To find ways that you can help St. Jude Children’s Hospital, please visit www.st.Jude.org.

J. Larry Newton Science Fair Winners

The 2020 J Larry Newton Science Fair was a huge success! Pictured are the Overall Science Fair Winners. Georgia Gordon earned 1st place (middle). Georgia’s project found that the majority of Amazon’s reviews were accurate. Jace and Ty McGinley’s partner project earned 2nd place honors (left). Their project investigated which baseball bat hit a ball the farthest and they found the composite bat was the best. Finally, Shoshana Futo and Natalie Babb’s partner project took 3rd place (right). Their project determined that Imagine brand glue (the cheapest) made the stretchy-est homemade slime.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Inducts 32 into National Honor Society

Bayside Academy inducted 32 students into the Patsy T. Phillips chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Congratulations to the following inductees: Anne Sterling Beall, Catherine Beard, Ava Best, John Coleman Bryars, Cole Carpenter, Trey Clements, Hallie

Corte, Henry Covington, Will Delaporte, Evan Duckworth, Lilly Duffy, Ann Marie Fedro, Ivy Fellers, Catherine Hawkins, David Head, Sydney Imperato, Susannah Jackson, Steadman Jones, Keenan Klutes, Hunter Lyons, Isabella McCormick, Rachel McDaniel, Pace McLendon, Will Middleton, Clarke Milteer, Elle Miner, Liam Nagle, John Brian O’Hara, Robert Rucando, Charles St. Pierre, Luke Warner, and Hannah Wieland. The Patsy T. Phillips chapter of the NHS is an organization whose objectives are to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of Bayside Academy. Once inducted, members of NHS are expected to continue developing the qualities of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

J. Larry Newton Holds Book Parade

During J Larry Newton’s Read Across America Book Parade, first grade teacher Mrs. Amy Brown and first grader Fisher Cisarik both chose costumes based on the Dr. Seuss book Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? to parade in. Fisher even showed off his “mooing” skills for the camera!

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

W 1

s, le

for nt ng

GSMS Brings Home Many Wins at ACTE!

Gulf Shores Middle School attended the 2020 Alabama Consortium for Technology in Education at Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette, led by their teacher, Teresa Brewer. We had one individual compete and 5 teams. William Griffith competed in Computer programing individual taking home 1st place and receiving honorable mention in Computer literacy finishing in the top 7 out of 150. Sean Davenport and Lucas Chiribao competed in Audio Group and placed second. Tristian “Cookie” Groover and Savannah Sandlin competed in Video Production Group and received honorable mention. Matthew Kisner competed in Web Design Group and earned honorable mention. Emily Imperato competed in Digital Game Design Group and received honorable mention. John Paul Hicks competed in Computer Literacy and received honorable mention finishing in the top 7 out of 150. Gulf Shores Digital Academy Student Lauren Calvert competed in Hardware Modification Individual and won 1st place. We are so proud of their accomplishments! The GSMS technology program is growing in leaps and bounds, and we can’t wait to see what is ahead.

BCHS Players Ink Football Scholarships

Baldwin County High School had five student-athletes sign scholarships to play football at the next level recently. Three of those athletes will still be playing together. Jaterrian Brooks, Martavious Crook and Joshua McWilliams all inked scholarships with Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. Jeffrey Johnson signed with Bellhaven University in Jackson, MS and Omar McCryndle signed with Mesabi Range College in Virginia, MN. Martavioius and Omar played as wide receivers for the Tigers, Jaterrian and Joshua were on the defensive line and Jeffrey played linebacker. Baldwin County High School had two student-athletes sign football scholarships in December as part of the early National Signing Day. Albany Casey signed with Georgia Tech and Jeremy Moore will play for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Pictured from left, Jeffrey Johnson, Jaterrian Brooks, Martavious Crook, Joshua McWilliams and Omar McCryndle.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Bay Minette Area Schools Awarded Grants

North Baldwin educators received nearly $27,000 in grant funds recently, thanks to two major donors: Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Arts Education Initiative. Alabama Power Foundation presented nearly $7,000 in grants to teachers at Bay Minette Elementary and Perdido School. Tripp Ward made the presentations on behalf of the Foundation. Bay Minette Elementary School was awarded $6,305 in grants -- the most of any school in the region, Ward said. Receiving grants for BMES included teachers Ashley Stewart, Adrienne Boeschen, Renee Morrison, Jennifer Gee, Speech Pathologists Kathy Liles and Laurie Mashburn; and Special Education Resource Teachers Becky Smith, Marilyn Edwards and Kim Wiggins. Perdido School received a $550 grant for teacher Charlotte Andrews. Baldwin County Schools will use these funds for art enrichment supplies, math learning materials, sensory items for special education students, Chromebook accessories and robotics kits for school robotic teams. Alabama Power Foundation grants support initiatives at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The program provides grants up to $1,000 to purchase materials and supplies that can be used to improve the classroom environment and enhance students' ability to learn. "Teachers have the power to transform the lives of students and communities and we are proud to support them through the Classroom grant program," said Myla Calhoun, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. "These grants provide the resources needed to create an enriching educational environment and innovative classroom initiatives that help students succeed." Five elementary schools in North Baldwin County will benefit from the $20,000 grant awarded by the Alabama Arts Education Initiative. Music teachers Kimberly Boucher and Melanie Brannan will use the funds to purchase Orff instruments and receive Orff certifications. These educators serve students at Bay Minette, Delta, Perdido, Pine Grove and Stapleton Elementary schools!

e Pro S w e ab na

ec on Th an

Fiv N

S w f

Now Enrolling Pre-K

Bayshore Christian School | 316 Presbyterian Drive Fairhope, AL | 251-929-0011 | bayshorechristian.org Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

m,"

Bayside Senior Named National Merit Finalist

Bayside Academy senior Elsa Engeriser was named a Finalist in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, “Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.” Of these 1.5 million students, only about 15,000 are named National Merit Finalists nationwide, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. As a Finalist, Elsa will be considered for National Merit Scholarships offered in 2020.

Nature Connect Homeschoolers Explore the Delta

Nature Connect's homeschool students welcomed warm weather with a day on the water. Students learned about the local ecosystem and that the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. They spotted an alligator, a bald eagle, turtles, and ospreys while kayaking! Thank you to Wild Native Tours for donating the kayaks and to Five Rivers Delta for hosting the class. Pictured: Nikos Wilson (left) and Grant Kadin (right) enjoy a day of kayaking.

GSMS Peace Poster Contest Winner

Congratulations to Evelina Holovian, Gulf Shores Middle School 7th grader, on being the winner of the Lions Club Peace Poster contest for Gulf Shores Middle School and advancing to the District level. Evelina was in the top three in District C and received Honorable Mention! Her artwork is stunning, and we are proud of her representation of Gulf Shores Middle! 29

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

AMSTI/Literacy Night at J. Larry Newton

J Larry Newton students, Avery, Natalia and Levi Prewitt, challenged their mom to solve math and science problems during Newton’s recent AMSTI/Literacy Night. During this community event, parents are invited into classrooms to learn math and science through hands-on investigative games and challenges promoting higher order thinking and collaboration. Each grade level hosts a math room, science room, and reading/technology room. Parents get the opportunity to become students for the evening while their child teaches them! AMSTI/Literacy night is also the parents’ opportunity to see Newton’s school-wide science fair projects.

Congratulations to the Silverhill February Character Leaders!

Bayside Academy Celebrates Youth Arts Month

C C

M s 4

Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood visited Bayside Academy on Monday, March 9 to present a proclamation from the City of Daphne declaring March to be Youth Arts Month. We were honored to present Mayor Haygood with a ceramic bowl made by Bayside second grade students. Lower School students performed songs for Mayor Haygood. Pictured: Bayside Academy Head of School Michael Papa with Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

rec pa t a

www.easternshoreparents.com

OBES PreK Teacher Awarded $1000 for Literacy Purchases

Ms. Wilson, PreK teacher, at Orange Beach Elementary School received $1,000.00 in gift cards from the 2020 TCC Verizon Teacher Rocks contest. Only 20 teachers in the Southeast were chosen for this award. Ms. Wilson plans on using the gift cards to purchase literacy items for her students to use in the classroom. Pictured are Ms. Wilson, Ms. Sellars, PreK Aide, and some of the students from their class proudly displaying their award.

nts

m, he e

Pioneer Day at Central Christian School

CCS elementary students are able to explore how life was different in the past through hands-on experiences during Pioneer day. They learned that people needed the same things in life but had to go about getting them very differently.

Science Mentoring at Christ the King Catholic School

Mrs. Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 8th grade science students mentored 4th grade students with a lesson on microscope use recently. Students learned the parts of the microscope, how they work and then looked at many types of prepared slides using low and high magnification.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

A th SFHS Wrestlers Win State Championship

Autauga County Schools

Congratulations to three Spanish Fort HS wrestlers winning State! Noah Bauer 195 lb 6A State Champion; Jake Snow 160 lb 6A State Champion; Gabe Warren 132 lb 6a State Champion. The wrestlers are pictured here with Coach Countryman.

Covenant Players Perform at Central Christian

T H d

Covenant Players is an international missions-based theater company that uses drama to communicate Christian-themed messages to audiences since 1963. This group performed a variety of plays to engage CCS students during Chapel and initiated thought-provoking conversations.

co #b of yo

St. Michael Excited About New Field House

Site work has begun on the new field house at St. Michael Catholic High School! The field house will include bathrooms, locker rooms, weight training room, coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offices and more. We are thankful for all of our donors and supporters of our athletic fields and complex campaign!

gra th an ho #

JL P W t

S th

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Announcing the Baldwin Proud Award!

The Baldwin County Human Resources department would like to announce a new initiative to begin honoring teachers and staff. The #baldwinproud award will recognize a Baldwin County Board of Education employee who has been nominated by a peer, student, parent or community member as a champion employee. #baldwinproud employees demonstrate qualities of kindness, leadership and service to others. Do you know an employee that is #baldwinproud? If you see Baldwin County employees who exemplify the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision to foster a nurturing environment with high expectations for students to achieve their potential and graduate with countless opportunities, nominate them today for this monthly recognition. Send an email using between 25-50 words to describe how the actions of the employee exemplify the #baldwinproud characteristics. Please include their name, job and where they work in the Baldwin County Public Schools system. Submit your entry to baldwinproud@bcbe.org.

Kindness Week at J. Larry Newton School

J Larry Newton kindergartners shower Principal Patrice Wolfe with hugs to start off Kindness Week. JLN students wrote kind messages to their classmates and the faculty, then shared them on Newtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hallway Kindness Tree. Students also hid kindness rocks throughout the school with uplifting messages on them for others to find.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

New Head Coach Named for Foley’s Lady Lions Basketball

Foley High School is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Emily Flanigan as the head coach of the Lady Lions Basketball team. Flanigan, who has served as an assistant coach for the last three years, will replace Coach Sally Jeter who is stepping down to focus on her role as the Associate Athletic Director for Girls’ Sports at Foley High. “Coach Flanigan has been instrumental in our program’s success in her three seasons as an assistant,” said Jeter. “I have complete confidence in her ability to step into this role as the head coach and to lead this team on and off the court at the highest level.” The Lady Lions finished the 2019-2020 season with an overall record of 31-3 and were the 7A Area Champions. Prior to coming to Foley, Coach Flanigan served as the Head Coach for Girls’ Basketball and Track and Field at Central Baldwin Middle School (Robertsdale, AL), the 7th and 8th grade Boys’ Basketball Coach at Livingston Junior High School (Livingston, AL), and worked as a Summer Basketball Counselor with the Orlando Magic’s Basketball Camp. Flanigan said, “My passion for coaching came from my love for playing and my desire to help others grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals.” A native of Fayette, AL, Flanigan received All County Honors in volleyball and basketball and helped lead the Fayette County High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team to a Northwest Regional title (2002). Collegiately, she played basketball at Shelton State Community College where she was selected as an NAJCC All-Star 1st Team pick (2004) before transferring to the University of West Alabama where, as team captain, she helped lead the UWA Tigers to the 2nd round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament. Flanigan earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of West Alabama where she coached as a graduate assistant. “We are thrilled to have Coach Flanigan take the helm of our girls’ basketball program. She is a great coach and an even better person. She is a leader in our physical education department, and she is a key member of our school task force working with the Hope Institute to develop a culture of character on our campus. As a parent, one wants the very best people mentoring and influencing one’s children; Coach Flanigan is very well prepared to expand her sphere of influence at Foley HS.” Russ Moore, principal.

Attention Schools: Please send us news and photos highlighting your virtual learning experiences for our May School Bits! Email to lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

ns er

l ol

but

ogy

of ed

WHERE THERE IS A STAGE

FOR YOU TO SHINE

2020-2021 OPEN ENROLLMENT IN CLASSES WHERE SPACE IS AVAILABLE For details, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251.338.6446.

303 Dryer Avenue | Daphne, AL 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org

Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to students in grades PK-12. 35

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

4 Skills -- from Empathy to Manners-That Tech Might Be Eroding

on your phone. Explain that it can be very difficult to put down your phone when you’re in the middle of a game or chat, but you believe it’s important to pay special respect to people like grandparents and elders. And of course, respect breeds respect, so put your phone down when your kid talks to you (unless it’s about how much redstone they need to build a castle in Minecraft, in which case it’s totally OK to ignore them!).

(and What to Do About It) You started with the best intentions. Your kid needed a laptop for homework. Your tween needed a phone to text you after school. You wanted a Fitbit to lose a few extra pounds. But now, you look around and devices are plugged into every nook and cranny in your home. Everyone’s staring, tapping, tracking. While you’re grateful for things like Google Maps and Netflix that make your life easier and more fun, something feels off. It’s the basics that are missing: courtesy, conversation, being bored, and appreciating simple pleasures. But all hope is not lost. Here are four ways tech has nibbled away at valuable life skills and experiences, and what you can do about it.

Internet vs. Value of Boredom

When a phone full of cute cat videos and funny memes is only a swipe away, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be truly bored. But science tells us that boredom is actually useful -- for kids and adults. Not only can boredom lead to deep thinking, it can help kids practice perseverance, or pushing through uncomfortable moments without stimulation or distraction. And without boredom, kids might not take the time to explore their surroundings -- dig in the dirt, wonder how a house is built, bake cookies without a recipe -- and they might not stumble on something they really love to do. What to do: Create opportunities for boredom by setting up times and places where devices are off-limits. And make sure kids have unstructured time -- even a little bit -- where they can roam the house or the neighborhood without a schedule. Keep a list of activities that kids say they like to do -- from drawing to hammering to bouncing a ball -- and point them toward it when they complain.

Home Assistants vs. Manners

If you are one of the millions of households in the United States with Alexa or Google Home, you may have noticed an unfortunate side effect of using the device: a lack of enforced courtesy. Kids (and adults) shout commands at the device: “Play Beyoncé!” or “What’s the weather?!” The devices do not require a “please” or “thank you,” and the more lifelike these devices become, the weirder it is to hear your child rudely demanding something from a humanlike voice. What to do: Model the behavior you want to see. It might feel strange to say “please” to a machine, but if that’s what you expect from your kid, you should do it too. It might help explain to kids that even though you know Alexa doesn’t have feelings, using polite voices and words makes it nicer for the real people in the house who do have feelings. You can talk about how it can feel bad to be around someone who’s yelling or angry, even if they’re not yelling at you.

Devices vs. Empathy

The mere presence of a phone on the table between two people having a discussion has been shown to decrease feelings of empathy. Whether this is because the phone owner is distracted by the possibility of an incoming message or the promise of something more interesting on the device is unclear. But it makes sense that if someone isn’t giving you their full attention, they’re less likely to understand or empathize with you, and ultimately that can affect the quality of the relationship. What to do: Prioritize face-to-face conversation over devices by putting phones and tablets out of site during meals. Recognize your thought pattern during conversations, and if you find yourself wondering about a missed call or guessing how many people liked your most recent Instagram post, refocus your concentration on your friend, spouse, or kid. And acknowledge how difficult digital distraction can be to manage yourself so that your kids understand that you think it’s an important challenge to wrestle with.

Phones vs. Respect for Elders

How many of us have witnessed a teacher, coach, or grandparent try to make conversation with kids who can’t unglue their eyes from a screen? Of course it’s only polite to put down your phone when anyone is talking to you, but it can be especially embarrassing for parents who were raised to defer to the older generation. What to do: Make your expectations very clear. Talk to your kids about how important it is to use good manners when you’re Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

ur ve

ch s

nd ke gs se pe

es d

e . g

s d ee y ct

e f ed

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

the no an res wit ch rea an to scr fam oth you you an ic, bo de

you

Bri the yar ten arr roo to ket

ela ha ac nig “fir pa ou an or be to you ski

clo en arr ing in, co

The growing number of COVID-19 cases has triggered a wave of alarm and preemptive action across the globe and, closer to home, schools, libraries, and even churches have closed their doors. While social distancing is a necessary—albeit overwhelming—way to stem the coronavirus outbreak, many parents have been left floundering for ways to keep their kids occupied at home as they count the minutes for their day-to-day routine to go back to normal.

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

wit ge so you af Oly ce ca the an

Although some schools are providing their students with online classes, this may not be a viable option for your household and, even if it is, you still have to fill up the rest of the day as you hunker down at home with the kids. For many parents, letting their children play video games or watch TV for a reasonable amount of time is fun for the kids and gives you a much-needed opportunity to get things done. However, if none of that screen time offers any educational value or family bonding time, you may want to explore other solutions to help keep your kids and yourself from going stir-crazy. Moreover, if your child is experiencing depression and/or anxiety because of the coronavirus pandemic, engaging in activities that promote family bonding can help reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety in children. Here are 10 fun (and cheap!) activities you can do at home with kids of all ages.

1. Set up an indoor campground. Bring the sleeping bags and tents down from the attic and turn your family room or backyard into a campground. No sleeping bags or tents? No problem. Create a campground by arranging chairs in rows of two in the family room, draping a bedsheet over the chairs to create the tent, and piling pillows and blankets underneath to create a sleeping area. You can make your campground as elaborate as you’d like with items you already have in your home. String Christmas lights across the top of the tent to create a starry night scene. Enjoy the glow of a campground “fire” made with paper towel tubes, tissue paper, and LED candles. Set up lawn chairs outside the tent and serve hot dogs, chips, and trail mix, play cards and board games, or do an easy “camping” craft like making beaded necklaces or braided bracelets. Add to the camping aura by having the kids help you make s’mores in the microwave, oven or skillet.

2. Host Olympic games. If you look in your kids’ toy boxes and closets, you’ll probably find that you have enough games and activities at home to arrange back-to-back and create a challenging obstacle course for your kids to compete in, tantamount to a kiddie indoor Olympic course! You can kick off the “Olympic games” with an opening ceremony where each child gets to parade onto the course to a theme song of his or her choosing. Depending on your child’s age, your child may want to grab a favorite teddy bear to serve as his or her Olympic mascot. At the close of the opening ceremonies, get your stopwatch and scorecard ready and time your little Olympians as they compete in consecutive games of skill and physical fitness such as:

• a ring or beanbag toss, a mini golf course competition (a broom, a ping pong ball, and a plastic cup can be used in place of a golf club, golf ball, and golf hole), or a ball throwing competition into boxes of decreasing sizes, with a point given per successful shot for each of these activities; • a sack race or a boiled egg and spoon race with a marked-off finish line and points given to the first person over the finish line; • a hula hoop competition with a point given for each second the competitors can hold up their hula hoop; • a pyramid cup-stacking race with points given to the first person to successfully stack his or her cups into a stable pyramid; 39

• a physical endurance competition where points are given for the number of jumping jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups the child can do in three 30-second intervals; and • a mad dash crabwalk to the final finish line to close out the indoor Olympic games. At the end of the games, be sure to hand out prizes to each child, whether the prizes be stickers, dollar bills, or, if planned ahead, inexpensive pre-ordered gold medals.

3. Send the kids on an indoor scavenger hunt. Staying indoors can be a blast when the kids are set off on a scavenger hunt to

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

seek and collect common household items. The scavenger hunt can be subject to a time-limit where each child competes alone or as part of a team to see which team collects the most items first. Go online for free, printable indoor scavenger hunt checklists listing everyday household items for seekers to find.

4. Throw a costume party. Let your kids raid your closet for hats, scarves, and costume jewelry to throw a costume party. Add snacks and a tea set to make it a tea party-themed ball! Clear a space for a catwalk and let your little models parade their fashion choices for you.

5. Put on an airshow with popsicle stick airplanes. All you’ll need for this creative craft is popsicle sticks, a cutting tool, craft glue or a hot glue gun, and paint if you’re not already using colored popsicle sticks. Find age-appropriate tutorials online to guide your child as she cuts and glues popsicle sticks to create toy airplanes. You can add a propeller to the airplane by twisting pipe cleaner around the nose of the aircraft. For added fun, create a runway by taping sheets of construction paper together

along a table or floor or by laying down a section of cardboard complete with runway markings.

6. Hold an art show. Grab smocks for your kids and spread out watercolors and brushes, crayons, markers, or colored pencils on a table along with poster board or construction paper. Provide glue sticks and safety scissors to allow for added artistic touches. Once your little artists have created their masterpieces, hang up the artwork and host an art show complete with glasses of apple juice “champagne” and hor d’oeuvres.

7. Make Play-Doh come to life. Kids will enjoy following any of the numerous YouTube tutorials showing them how to make Play-Doh animal creations such as turtles, crocodiles, and unicorns, and a Play-Doh park scene featuring trees, flowers, and a duck pond.

8. Bring out your child’s inner chef. Give your child an apron and set up a toppings bar to make homemade pizza or your own ice cream sundaes. Other kidfriendly foods you can easily find recipes

for online to make together or let your older child make alone are Emoji-inspired rice cakes, berry parfaits with yogurt and granola, and no bake cookies.

9. Expand your child’s knowledge with easy science experiments. Amaze your children while having them brush up on their science skills with these easy science experiments that you can do in your own home and with products you likely already have. Click on the “Experiments” section of sciencebob.com to learn how to do simple scientific experiments.

10. Relax with low-key, familybonding activities. If your days at home are better-suited for more low-key family activities, consider starting a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle that you and your child can work on and frame once completed. Older children may be interested in starting a scrapbook or smash book with you. Other ideas for low-key fun for children of all ages are playing Mad Libs as a family, building a Lego village together, or playing tried-and-true family-friendly board. ESP Dolores Smyth is a parenting writer and mother of three kids ranging in age from preschool to junior high. You can follow more of her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth.

NEW TO CAMPS THIS JUNE/JULY...

Creative Cargo! Students taking selected camps at ESAC will receive an art kit thanks to the generosity of these partners: Each kit will be uniquely outfitted with supplies enabling students to continue creating once leaving the studio. Check out our website for more info!

EASTERN SHORE ART CENTER 401 Oak St.

Fairhope, AL 36532

(251) 928-2228 Ext 107

w w w. e s a r t c e n t e r. o r g Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

De for be bu bo job is $ ag ins

is r tha po “m fro like pri mo

ea ins Th

d r ou ce ed h en ly, g

e an

Mortgage Protection Insurance?

Q. My husband and I had our first child in December. We bought a house not long before the baby was born, and since then we’ve been getting mail and phone calls about buying mortgage protection insurance. We’re both 27, we have good jobs, and our mortgage is $105,000. Would it be a good idea to get this insurance?

A. Mortgage insurance is really nothing more than a life insurance policy with the word “mortgage” stuck on the front. They make it sound like a specialized product, and they jack the price up. The truth is it’s just a big rip-off in most cases. If you two are healthy, you both could easily get $250,000 on 20-year level term life insurance policies, for around $12 a month. Then, if something happened to one of you,

the other could pay off the house with the insurance money and still have a nice chunk left over. However, I recommend going a little further. My advice is for each of you to get good, level term life insurance—not just to cover your mortgage—but for 10 to 12 times your annual incomes. Both of you should have sensible plans in place to take care of your family now, and in the future, should something unfortunate happen.

Protecting Your Assets

Q. My wife is a teacher, and I’m a nurse. We make around $180,000 a year combined, and we’re set to pay off our home next month. We also have two teenagers who are both driving, so we were wondering about the best way to protect everything if one of them has an accident

and we get sued, or something else tragic happens.

A. With your income, and the stage you’re in when it comes to wealth building, I think it’s time to add an umbrella policy. This is a liability policy, and you could probably buy an extra million in liability coverage for around $250 a year. It attaches to the liability policy that’s already part of your homeowners and car insurance. With a couple of teenage drivers in the house it might run a little more than $250, but I wouldn’t think it would be much more, if any. It would just add an extra million to the mix, just in case someone decided they were going to come after you because of a bad situation. As you continue building wealth later, like if you get into real estate and start buying rental properties, make sure you put those in a limited liability company (LLC). You’re not there quite yet, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and do whatever you can to keep the size of the target on your back relatively small.

PIECES AND PATTERNS QUILTS OF WEST ALABAMA

On view through May 10, 2020 Come see the varied patterns and themes of traditional quilts in over 20 examples on view from quilters Plummer T. Pettway, Mary Maxtion, Yvonne Wells, Norah Ezell, Mary Lee Bendolph, and more. Preview the exhibition at mmfa.org. This exhibition was sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts with additional support from cosponsors Dr. and Mrs. Robert Combs. Organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama. Mary Maxtion (American, 1924–2015), Hotel Window, ca. 1996, cotton, cotton/polyester blend, wool, and taffeta, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Kempf Hogan in honor of Nadine and Walter Ludwig, 2004.20.4

One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Online & Virtual Resources

Thi bea

His

Ch virt

http

for Your Kids’ Home Learning and Entertainment

Joi sio vat Joh

http

Aquarium

Polar Bears

Space

Georgia Aquarium

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/learn/tundraconnections/

Google’s 8K Virtual Tour of the Space Shuttle

Explore the Georgia Aqaurium and watch live web cams. www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ocean-voyager

Monterey Bay Aquarium

With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.

www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

National Aquarium

National Aquarium Virtual Tour

Polar Bears and the Tundra

Learn about the Royal Family and tour the Palace!

@ Washington, D.C. Go inside the Space Shuttle Discover with a special immersive film, 15 digital exhibits, virtual tours and over 200 online artifacts.

Scholastic

https://www.cnet.com/news/step-aboard-the-spaceshuttle-discovery-with-googles-8k-virtual-tour/

http://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/ learnathome.html

International Space Station

Royal UK

https://www.royal.uk

“Learn From Home” website with four categories: PreK and Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6+.

Titanic Sinks

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/ suni_iss_tour.html

Mars

http://www.historyview.org/library/titanic

http://accessmars.withgoogle.com

Jerry’s Artarama for Kids

Exercise

Moon

https://www.jerrysartarama.com/free-art-instructionvideos/skill-level/kids

Go Noodle

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

https://www.gonoodle.com

Art Online free video art lessons for kids.

Join Mo Willems everyday at noon to learn how to draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing. https://www.kennedy-center.org

Make

Free Art Lesson offered while schools are out. https://www.facebook.com/makepaducah/

Educational Girls Get STEM

Tune in to transport students to the STEM Center of Excellence where STEM will come to life in new and unexpected ways.

Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover.

http://moon.nasa.gov/resources/168/tour-of-themoon-4k/

Free Guide and video that teaches kids about the election process. http://freekidsguide.com/01fb20x01z03?fbcl id=IwAR3KoUx0QaUKRZ-5yKK8Psbetb3m1vEqOXWdhcfI4kS9EwNXwPHNyrEfBlc

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

Vir

http

Virtual Story Time

Free Virtual Experience Gymnastics. Live 1 p.m. Central time.

https://www.instagram.com/gothamgymnastics/

Museums

Josh Gad (Olaf) Story time

Actor Josh Gad, who played Olaf in Disney’s Frozen movies, is reading to kids every evening off of his Twitter page.

http://accessmars.withgoogle.comtwitter.com/joshgad

The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

View free livestreams of science labs, behind-thescenes tours, live animal encounters, lectures, etc. http://www.creationmuseum.org http://www.arkencounter.com

Storyline Online

Streamed videos of actors reading children’s books with creatively produced illustrations. http://www.storylineonline.net

Farm Tour

Learn Our History

http gal

Online Gymnastics Camp, Virtual

https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/l

https://www.khanacademy.org

Google Arts & Culture

Free education with video tutorials, schedule ideas and much more for kids from ages 2-7.

http virt

http://amazingsciencefacts.com/virtual-tour-to-the-sun/

Virtual Tours

Khan Academy Online Learning

@S Tou mo vid

Sun

British Museum

https://artsandculture.google.com/category/place

Movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts.

http://girlsleadstem.com/virtual-field-trip/

Choose a country and view tons of history, photos and historical places.

A two hour and 40 minute real-time virtual video of the sinking of Titanic.

samuraivirtualtours.com/example/nadc/index.html

Tak Ma lea tec Ad

@ London

3 Virtual Tours of Farms based on ages groups.

Musee d’Orsay @ Paris

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/ musee-dorsay-paris?hl=en

The J. Paul Getty Museum @ Los Angeles

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-j-paulgetty-museum?hl=en

Van Gogh Museum

@ Amsterdam

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/vangogh-museum?hl=en

www.origin.americandairy.com under the News and Events tab.

Liberty Bell

@ Pennsylvania A 3-D virtual tour of the Liberty Bell with historical information. https://historyview.org/library/liberty-bell

Boston Children’s Museum

Walk through the Boston Children’s Museum thanks to Google Maps! www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/ museum-virtual-tour

www.easternshoreparents.com

Th am virt

er.

Buckingham Palace

www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace

Great Wall of China

This Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China is beautiful and makes history come to life.

www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china

History View Virtual Tours

Choose a place on the map and see options for virtual tours and information. https://historyview.org

Johnson Space Center

Join Boeing and Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. https://www.boeingfutureu.com

Manufacturing Hub

Take a virtual tour of Arconic’s Advanced Manufacturing hub in Alcoe, Tennessee and learn about the exciting ways robotics and digital technology impact the skills needed to succeed in Advanced Manufacturing. www.manufactureyourfuture.com/VirtualFieldTrip/US

Mount Rushmore

@ South Dakota Tour the memorial, navigate 3D “point cloud” models, laser scanners and a large collection of videos and photographs. https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/photosmultimedia/ virtual-tour.htm

National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. @ Washington, D.C.

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/nationalgallery-of-art-washington-dc?hl=en

Taj Mahal Virtual Tour

http://www.taj-mahal.net/newtaj/

The Louvre

The Louvre-Travel to Paris, France to see amazing works of art at The Louvre with this virtual trip.

www.manufactureyourfuture.com/VirtualFieldTrip/US

The White House

Live Webcams Around the World

@ Washington, D.C. The White House - Get even more up close to this magnificent building than in-person tourists with a virtual tour of the White House.

Eagles nests, animal sanctuaries, bird feeders, manatees underwater, Fox dens, honey bee hive and more! View in reat time. https://explore.org/livecams

www.youvisit.com/tour/aid.depoy

Yosemite National Park @ California

U.S. Space and Rocket Museum

www.virtualyosemite.org

@ Alabama U.S. Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville, AL-See the Saturn 5 Rocket on YouTube and more on this tour, thanks to a real father-son outing.

Zoos Atlanta Zoo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qe5RqyMNhc

@ Georgia Panda Cam at Atlanta Zoo

Vatican

www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html

http://zooatlanta.org/panda-cam/

Yellowstone National Park

Facebook livestream offered every weekday at 3 p.m. (eastern time) showcasing an activity in their exhibit with an activity for kids to follow along with at home.

Cincinnati Zoo

@ Wyoming Yellowstone National Park-Ready to explore Yellowstone? You don’t have to wait for your trip out here. You can start exploring now by virtually touring some of the main attractions around the park. www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm

Facebook at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Houston Zoo

@ Texas Tune in to the Houston Zoo Webcams and enjoy a live look at animals! www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/

Webcams

Ouwehand Park Polar Bear

Glacier National Park

@ Montana Webcams are located throughout the park to provide views of the vast diversity of landscapes found in Glacier. https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/ webcams.htm

Grand Canyon

@ Arizona Grand Canyon National Park’s Webcam (at the Yavapai Museum of Geology on the South Rim) offers a window into the sights, weather, air quality and seasonal changes that the park is experiencing. www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/ webcams.htm

Welcome to the Ouwehand Zoo’s tundra exhibit in Rehen, Netherlands, where two polar bear cubs play under the watchful eye of their mother. www.explore.org/livecams/polar-bears/polar-bearouwehand-twin-cubs-cam-2

Reid Park Zoo

www.reidparkzoo.org/cameras/lion-cam/

San Diego Zoo

@ California The San Diego Zoo has a website just for kids with amazing videos, activities and games. Enjoy the tour! www.kids.sandiegozoo.org

Smithsonian’s National Zoo www.nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams

Quality Care Close to Home Since 1985 Brian W. Hixon, M.D. | Frank K. Hixon, M.D. | William B. Norris, M.D.

Pediatric ENT Patients Nasal & Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Allergy Testing & Treatment Ear & Mastoid Surgery Thyroid & Salivary Gland Surgery Airway & Voice Disorders Cancer of the Head & Neck

cal

CALL US AT (251) 928-0300 FOR AN APPOINTMENT 43

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

ne yo se gro

top Ga int ac to in sim

sin qu niz un is

the lef fam

on ev ab av

Parenting is hard. Parenting kids without a partner to help can be grueling. From finding the right support to setting realistic limits, you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how:

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Tap emotional support. A positive support network is instrumental for stress management. If you don’t have access to close family or friends, seek support from single parent or mothers’ groups. “We have discussion groups that discuss topics pertinent to single parents,” says Janet Gallinati, president of Parents without Partners, an international non-profit organization, with chapters across North America. “Sometimes all you need to do is talk about it, but there may be someone in the group who has gone through something similar.” Manage your finances. Many hardworking

Books For Single Parents Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids by Christina McGhee The Single Dad’s Survival Guide: How to Succeed as a One-Man Parenting Team by Mike Klumpp My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey by Angela Thomas The Successful Single Mom: Get Your Life Back and Your Game On! by Honoree Corder

single parents struggle to make ends meet. If you qualify, numerous non-profit and government organizations are available to provide assistance. Also, eliminate unnecessary bills or contact the company to see if refinancing is an option. “One of the worst things to do is to let the kids think that the only thing that has changed is that mommy or daddy has left,” Gallinati says. “Explain that this is now a one income family and cuts need to be made.”

Seek flexibility. If possible, negotiate work hours or find a job that better accommodates you and your children’s needs. “Finding flexible work is realistic if you are clear about what you need, how you can be successful and matching that with the business need,” says Laura Wildman, a staffing consultant with Mom Corps, which helps match professionals who are raising young families with companies that offer flexible work conditions. Single mom Jill Gaikowski, says she works in the evenings and on the weekends when she doesn’t have her child. “I’m happy to make the trade-off because before becoming a single parent, I was a stay-at-home mom. I am lucky to have this option,” Gaikowski says.

Set limits. Say no to requests that will cause undue strain on your wallet or your time. Also, resist the urge to say yes to every activity your child wants to participate in. Make reasonable choices according to what works with your hours and available support.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

earlier than usual. Use your lunch hour to connect with a friend. “Don’t underestimate the power of human touch,” Dunn says. “Schedule a massage or a pedicure. Human contact is really helpful in releasing bottled up energy and emotion that may not otherwise have an outlet for release.”

Plan ahead. Include personal time on the calendar. “Do something for yourself once a week. You will see how it makes you better in all other areas of your life,” Gaikowski says. Integrate fun. Spend time with your kids cooking meals together, playing board games, bike-riding or watching a movie. Also plan playdates or outings with other families to build a sense of community.

Resolve guilt.

Are you haunted by feelings of guilt, inadequacy and resentment in the midst of juggling parenthood and a career? Realize that you are doing your best and focus on remaining optimistic. “You will get that important email that comes while you are at your kids’ game and you will get that call from school when you are working, but your mindset and flexibility can make it all work,” Wildman says.

Ask for help. Without adequate emotional and practical support, caregivEastern Shore Parents I April 2020

ing can deplete your energy making you more susceptible to illness and depression. Utilize available resources and take advantage of any help that is offered by family and friends, says life coach Kristin Dunn. Also, find a reliable sitter, trade babysitting with a friend or check out area drop-in day cares.

Commit to self-care. Engage in activities that nurture and energize you like meditation, reading or exercise, even if that means waking up a few minutes 46

Involve your kids. Assign ageappropriate responsibilities which helps children grow more self-confident and independent. “If you over-function by doing things for your children they could be doing for themselves, you’re teaching them to have unrealistic expectations for themselves and others,” Dunn says. Although single parenting isn’t easy, remember that when you manage your stress and focus on creating a stable, loving home for your kids, you’ll not only survive, you and your family will thrive. ESP

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer and author.

www.easternshoreparents.com

BEFORE

on lf s ,”

AFTER

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT Our full service orthodontic practice offers treatments for

BEFORE

all ages as well as Sleep Apnea and TMJ treatments. Consultations are always complimentary and we offer

ﬂexible appointment and interest free payment plans. With three locations to serve you, there is always something to smile about at Glass Orthodontics.

AFTER

AT M O R E • D A P H N E • B AY M I N E T T E 251.626.7770 | GLAS S O RT H O . C O M www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Bouncing Babies and Beyond

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Right along with crawling, walking and running, it’s a big deal when a toddler breaks the bonds of gravity, learning to bounce and jump. For the very young, bouncing begins to strengthen their core muscles and hone their balance. Older children gain cardiovascular exercise and development of their large muscle groups through bouncing and jumping. As an additional early benefit of bouncing, both sides of the brain and body work together to maintain balance and coordination. Fostering the safe exploration of this low impact movement, the following items get the younger set on the bounce toward engaging play and better health!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Comfort Curve Bouncer

Skywalker MiniTrampoline

Once a baby grows large enough to be cradled in an inclined rocker, adding bounce options multiplies the benefits to their development. A baby’s natural motions and kicking generate a subtle bounce that, in addition to creating their own momentum, moves the activity bar for more eye-catching entertainment.The rattling raccoon and baby deer ring sway overhead, helping to strengthen focus and visual tracking. Gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination are also fostered as baby reaches for and bats at those same toys. The soft fabric seat and optional calming vibrations offer a sense of security that mimics the comfort of being cradled in loving arms. The fabric insert is removable for easy cleaning and a three-point harness keeps baby secured and safe. The Comfort Curve Bouncer is an ideal launching point for little ones’ bouncing beginnings.

For free-form bouncing action paired with the security of a safety net, the Skywalker Mini-Trampoline hits new heights. This 40” round trampoline features a net surround sewn directly into the jump mat for secure bouncing and an easy-access entrance so kids can come and go safely. Stretch bands are used in place of springs to protect children’s joints. The Skywalker features space-themed moon and star graphics as well as space sounds that launch in sync with jumps. Designed for home indoor use only, this trampoline requires minimal real estate in the house. With a muted color palette this minitrampoline is an easy fit in any kid room decor. Perfect for burning off energy and improving coordination, the Skywalker Mini-Trampoline brings the best of bouncing right into your room!

(Fisher-Price)

(Skywalker Trampolines)

Bounce & Spin Puppy

Flybar Pogo Ball

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, get a pup that can do everything (without the mess to clean up!). Featuring a sturdy base, easy-grip handles, interactive buttons and multi-color lights, the stationary Bounce & Spin Puppy plays songs, sounds, and educational phrases while your baby bounces up and down or spins all around. As the rider explores and presses buttons, playful songs and phrases introduce the alphabet, numbers, colors, and more. And each ride on the puppy helps strengthen your baby’s balance and physical coordination skills. The only dog that is safe to ride, the Bounce & Spin Puppy combines active movement play with charming educational elements that grow toddlers’ body and brains as they bounce away!

A thrilling combination of balance board, pogo stick and jump ball, the Flybar Pogo Ball is a guaranteed hit for elementary ages and up. Its blend of balance and bounce fosters both strength and sensory development. Available in five vibrant colors, each pogo jumper comes with extra heavyduty grip tape designed for maximum traction and a pump for easy inflation. Crafted to withstand aggressive play the Pogo Ball boasts a weight limit of 160 lbs (and a free replacement warranty in the event its durability is tested). Quick to learn, the Pogo Ball gets kids bouncing their way to a healthier play-style with a self-propelled activity that burns calories, hones gross motor skills and builds confidence.

(Fisher-Price)

(Flybar)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

nioff

FREE Educational Games Due to Coronavirus School Closures

ABC Mouse –Free 30-day trial designed for ages 2-8 Adventure Academy – Free 30-day trial designed for ages 8-13

HippoCampus – Middle school thru college iCompute – Ages 3-11 Izzit – Grades K-12

Alchemie – For chemistry students

Khan Academy – Ages 4-18

Amazon Future Engineer Program Grades 6-12

Kids Discover Online – Ages 6-14

American Chemical Society For chemistry students Audible – FREE access to select audiobooks. Boardmaker – Grades K-12 Book Creator – Grades K-12 BrainPop – Grades K-12 BreakoutEDU – Grades K-12 Century – All ages CircleTime – Ages 0-6 CK-12 – Grades K-12 Classroom Secrets – Grades K-5 Curriki – Preschool-Grade 12 Edu-Together – Grades 3-12 Epic! – Ages 12 and under Fiveable – For high school students taking Advanced Placement courses

Kinedu – Ages 0-4 Learning Resources Resources for parents of early learners Libby – All ages Math Game Time Preschool-Grade 7

Ranger Rick – Preschool-Grade 5

Microsoft Family Learning Center Ages 3-12

Rockalingua – Grades K-5

Minecraft: Education Edition – Grades 3-5

Scholastic – Preschool-Grade 9

Mystery Science – Grades K-4

ScienceWerks – Middle school

NASA Kids’ Club – Preschool-Grade 4

Seneca – Middle school through high school

National Geographic Kids – Grades K-5

Seterra Geography – All ages

Nearpod – Grades K-12

Sight Reading Factory For young musicians

Outschool – Ages 3-18 PBS LearningMedia – Preschool-Grade 12 PebbleGo – Grades K-3

StoryboardThat – All ages Typing Club – Ages 7 and up

Prodigy – Grades 1-8

Vroom – Resources for parents of children 5 and under

Purple Mash – Preschool-Grade 5

Zearn Math – Grades K-5

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Head and Shoulders ...Knees and Toes. Not just a nursery song anymore?

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for all the bumps in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Bayside Orthopaedic 251.928.2401 www.baysideortho.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

2020

Guide

435 Let tion Litt me Inte (Ag Mo 1, 2

(25 ww

M Ea ad

264 Let Tap Ca Jun Re Var 8-2

(25 ww

Art Camps Eastern Shore Art Center ad on page 40

401 Oak Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 June 1 - July 17, 2020. Monday-Friday, Full day (10am - 3pm) and half day (10am - 12pm). Ages 5 -15. Explore our Art Bash 2020 catalog to find a variety of courses like Creative Writing, Pottery, Painting, Photography, and Digital Arts. Register Today! (251) 928-2228 (Ext. 107) info@esartcenter.org www.esartcenter.org

Be Creative Art Camp

Thomas B. Norton Library, 221 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Please check our website for upcoming art camp dates and registration information. (251) 968-1176 www.gulfshoresal.gov/library

Coastal Area Arts Center Art Camp

251 South Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532 July 13 - 17, 2020. Fun Arts & Crafts and takehome masterpieces! 12:00pm - 5:00pm. 4th - 7th grade. $150 per camper. Certified Teacher “Ms. Kim” Shannon. Call to register. (251) 463-6009 beachmusicmaker@gmail.com www.coastalareaartscenter.com

Coastal Arts Center

26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 June 1 - 5, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm for rising 3rd - 6th grade. (251) 981-2787 abrewton@orangebeachal.gov www.coastalartscenter.com

Coastal Makers, LLC

70 North Joachim (Suite F), Mobile, AL 36602 Learn a new skill and experiment with unique tools and art supplies. All ages welcome. Visit our website or Facebook page. (251) 455-2909 coastalmakers@gmail.com www.coastalmakers.com

Daphne Art Center

1704 Sixth Street, Daphne, AL 36526 July 6 - August 7, 2020. Session options for ages 4 - 6, 7-9 and 10 and up. Times: 10:00am Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

(251) 586-8096 daphne.art.center251@gmail.com www.daphneartcenter.com

Humming Star Alpaca Camp

19700 Blueberry Lane, Silverhill, AL 36576 June 1 - 5 and June 8 - 12, 2020. Monday Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm. Ages: 10 - 17 years. $210/camper. (251) 214-8224 hsalpaca@centurylink.net www.facebook.com/HummingStarAlpacas

Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Camp

First Presbyterian Church, 309 East 21st Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 June 22 - 26, 2020 from 9:00am - 3:00pm for Grades 2nd - 8th. Visual Art, Dance, Writing, Music and Drama/Theater classes. (251) 978-8130 or (251) 948-2627 www.gulfcoastartsalliance.com/kaliedoscope

Painting with Shannon

Country Day School, 23800 Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532 Follow Painting with Shannon on Facebook and on Instagram @paintwithshannon. Registration information available online. paintwithshannon@bellsouth.net www.shannonnobleart.com

Wooden it be Fun!

314 Greeno Rd S (Ste C), Fairhope, AL 36532 June 8 - 11, July 13 - 16, August 3 - 6, 2020. Ages 4+ 10:00am - 12:00pm ($135); Teen camp, Ages 10+ June 22 - 25, 2020 from 2:00pm 5:00pm ($175). (251) 422-8052 woodenitbefunfairhope@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/woodenitbefunfairhope

Cheer/Dance/ Gymnastics Baypointe Dance Academy ad on page 56

8756 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Summer Camps: June 15, 17, 22 & 24, 2020.

Registration: $25, Camp fee: $100. Fozen 2: 10am-11am & 4:30pm-5:30pm. Ages 2 1/2-4 years; JoJo Siwa: 4:30pm-5:30pm. Ages 5 & up; Dance Intensive(recreational students): 5:30pm6:30pm. Ages 8 & up; Competitive Training (Call for pricing): July 27-30, 2020. (251) 621-3980 www.baypointedance.com

Creative Outlet Dance Academy ad on page 9

66 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 “Carnival of Dance” June 1-4 & June 8-11, 2020; “Princess and Pirates” June 15-18 & June 22 25, 2020; “Under the Sea” July 6-9 & July 13-16, 2020; “American Girl Adventure” July 20-23 & July 27-30, 2020. Camps are from 10:00am12:30pm Ages 3-8 years. Cost: $175 per participant. Multiple weeks available for technique, pointe, modern, jazz and more for ages 9 years and up. More info online. (251) 928-9511 creativeoutletda@bellsouth.net www.creativeoutletdance.com

Eastern Shore Dance Academy ad on page 22

9063 Merritt Lane, Daphne, AL 36526 Please call to register for summer camps, classes and dance intensives. (251) 626-2300 easternshoredance@gmail.com www.facebook.com/easternshoredance

Gulf Coast Dance Alliance ad on page 12

30752 Ember Lane, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Summer Dance Camp dates are June 8-12. Camp themes include Ballerina Princess Camp for ages 3-5, Dance Jams for ages 6-8, Dance Boot Camp for ages 9 and up and H(YOU) MAN Professional Dance Intensive for ages 9 and up. (251) 621-9755 info@gcdadance.com www.gcdadance.com

www.easternshoreparents.com

S ad

796 Mo Jun (Un day (Fr (Tr

p; mall

Mobile Ballet

Flip City

4351 Downtowner Loop N, Mobile, AL 36609 Let’s Dance Camp - Ballet, Jazz & introduction to Tap (Ages 6 – 8) June & July TBA, Little Ballerina Camp - Ballet Creative Movement (Ages 3 - 5) June & July TBA, Summer Intensive with World-Renowned Faculty (Ages 9 & up) Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Partnering & more! June 8 - 26 with 1, 2, 3 week options available.

(251) 747-0404 flipcityfoley@outlook.com www.flipcityfoley.com

9332 Hard Drive, Foley, AL 36535 Check our website for more information.

ad on page 33

Magnolia Dance Company

1615 S McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535 Visit us on Facebook or our website.

(251) 622-6616 themagnoliadanceco@gmail. com www.magnoliadancecompany.com

Next Level Tumbling and Training Center

(251) 342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Mobile Ballet Eastern Shore ad on page 33

26436-B Kensington Place, Daphne, AL 36526 Let’s Dance Camp: Ballet, Jazz & introduction to Tap (Ages 6–8) June & July TBA; Little Ballerina Camp: Ballet Creative Movement (Ages 3-5) June & July TBA; Summer Intensive with WorldRenowned Faculty: (Ages 9 & up) Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Partnering & more! June 8-26, 2020 with 1, 2, 3 week options available. (251) 342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Susan’s Academy of Dance ad on page 39

7966 American Way, Daphne, AL 36526 Morning Camps ($90): June 1-4 (Big Bow JoJo); June 29-July 2 (Trolls World Tour); August 3-6 (Unicorns & Mythical Creatures) Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm; Mini Camps ($20): June 3rd (Frozen II); July 1st (Acrobatic Arts); August 5th (Trolls) 5:30pm-7:30pm; Acrobatic Camp ($100):

July 29-August 2, 3pm-6pm; Dance Intensive ($200): July 13-17, 2020 9am-3pm. Camp options for ages 3-12 years.

(251) 626-3835 director@susansacademyofdance.com www.susansacademyofdance.com

Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp

703 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Opportunity for gymnasts to receive valuable instruction on the fundamentals of gymnastics while addressing new skills. (334) 844-5047 AUgymcamp@auburn.edu www.auburngymnasticscamps.com

Bay Shore Ballet Academy

305 Fels Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 July 20–30, 2020. A 2-week Broadway Style Dance Camp with Stephanie Barfield. Accepting rising 5th - 7th graders. $125 per student. Monday - Thursday from 2:00pm-3:00pm. Space limited to 25 students.

(251) 990-9744 bayshoreballetacademy@gmail.com www.bayshoreballet.com

26090 Equity Drive, Daphne, AL 36526 June 8-12, June 22-26, July 13-17 and August 3-7, 2020. Monday-Thursday 8:45am12pm, Friday 8:45am-3:00pm. Open to ages 5-12 years. Non-refundable Registration fee $50. $200/week per camper.

(251) 621-5797 www.nextleveltumbling.com

Sheffield School of Dance - Eastern Shore

The Shoppes at Fairhope Village, 151 Fly Creek Avenue (Suite 430 & 432), Fairhope, AL 36532 Sheffield Summer Series 2020 COMING SOON! Camps & Intensives for all ages. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook and Instagram. (251) 219-7877 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

Day Camps Bay Camp

ad on page 63

at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road , Fairhope, AL 36532 Spring Break Camp April 6 - 10, 2020. Monday

, s

ses

mp e

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

4th grade. We incorporate worship, Bible study, sports, and art to point children to God’s great love for them. (251) 990-3112 info@3circlechurch.com www.3circlechurch.com/camp

Camp 3Circle | Fairhope Campus ad on page 3

10274 State Highway 104, Fairhope, AL 36532 June 22 - 26, 2020. (Fairhope Campus) Camp 3Circle is a fun-filled week for kids ages 4 years - 4th grade. We incorporate worship, Bible study, sports, and art using it all to point children to God’s great love for them. (251) 990-3112 info@3circlechurch.com www.3circlechurch.com/camp

Camp Chandler Tonsmeire ad on page 24

6:00pm. More details coming soon!

- Friday from 7:30am - 6:00pm. Summer Camp begins May 26th and runs for 11 weeks. Monday Friday from 7:00am - 6:00pm for ages 5 - 12 years.

(251) 338-6473 baysidesummercamp@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/baysidesummercamp

(251) 752-4897 lisa@easternshorebaycamp.com baycamp.org

Bayside Summer Day Camp

Camp 3Circle | Daphne Campus

Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Camp is for ages 5 - 12 years from 7:00am -

10080 County Road 64, Daphne, AL 36526 June 1 - 5, 2020. (Daphne Campus) Camp 3 Circle is a fun-filled week for kids ages 4 years -

ad on page 3

ad on page 35

t It’s all abou

2701 Shelton Beach Rd Extension, Mobile, AL 36618 June 1-5; June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26; June 29-July 2; July 6-10; July 13-17, 2020, 8:30am-5:30pm. Ages 6-13. Building character, leadership development, curbing summer learning loss and S.T.E.M. activities where kids can be kids in a day of outdoor adventure! (251) 432-1235 ghall@bgcsouthal.org Find us on Facebook!

Central Christian School Summer Day Camp

ad on page 22

17395 Hwy 104 West, Robertsdale, AL 36567 Camp begins May 26, 2020. Monday - Friday 7:00am-5:30pm. Ages K3 - 6th grade. Registra-

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

award-winning, n a n o t u o s is m Don’t mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Best of Parenting WINNER 10

yea

rs i n

a ro w

Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

www.easternshoreparents.com

tion we Fie Ou Lun

(25 ww

G ad

Jub Da Jun mo are pm is l Me GL

(25 ww

H ad

616 Su gus for tuit

(25 ww

S A ad

690 Ma

s dy,

, nbe

tion is $35 (includes a t-shirt). Cost: $115 per week or $30 per day. Swimming, Arts/Crafts, Field trips, Movies, Water Play, Bible Stories, Outdoor Activities and Reading Enrichment. Lunch and 2 snacks provided. (251) 947-5043 lhadley@ccssaints.com www.ccssaints.com

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Living Sea ad on page 65

Jubilee Baptist Church, 9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne, AL 36526 June 30th, 2020 - July 30th, 2020 for ages 12 months to rising Kindergartener. Camp hours are Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Registration opens March 1, 2020. Space is limited. Please visit our website or contact Meighan Sternberg, GLS Director or Melissa Ott, GLS Asst. Director for more information. (251) 621-3977 godslivingsea@jubileebaptist.com www.jubileebaptist.com

Hot Wheels Skate Center ad on page 13

616 Whispering Pines Drive, Daphne, AL 36526 Summer camp begins May 26, 2020 and runs August 11th Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 6:00pm for completed Kindergarten - 6th grade. Weekly tuition is $100 per child. Registration now open! (251) 626-5120 jennifer@hotwheelssaphne.com www.hotwheelsdaphne.com

South Baldwin Christian Academy ad on page 32

6900 Highway 59, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 May 26 - August 7, 2020, Monday - Friday,

7:30am - 6pm. Cost: $90 Registration Fee, $110 per week (Preschool Students), $95 per week (ages 4 by 9/1/20 - completed 5th grade). Biblical instruction, arts/crafts, and additional activities in a safe, Christian environment. Weekly field trips for completed kindergarten completed 5th grade include swimming, movies, bowling and parks. (251) 968-1230 Info@SouthBaldwinCA.net www.southbaldwinca.org/summer-programs

St. James Episcopal School ad on page 55

860 North Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 Summer Day Camp June 8 - July 24, 2020. Ages PreK-3 (fully potty trained) - through rising first grade. Students that do not attend St. James School may participate. Full Day (7:30am 5:30pm), Half Day (9:00am - 1:00pm). Weekly camp schedule online. Registration begins March 2, 2020.

(251) 928-2912 schooldirector@stjamesfairhope.org www.stjamesfairhope.school

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Day

Camp Silvercreek, 16914 County Road 52, Silverhill, AL 36576 June 8-12, 2020. Ages: rising 1st - 5th grade (boys and girls). Volunteer opportunities for older youth. Contact the Camp Director for questions. Visit us on Facebook! (251) 476-4600 elisha.dene@gmail.com www.facebook.com/BaldwinDayCamp/

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Day Camp-Down on the Farm

1035 Cody Road North, Mobile, AL 36608 The Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will be holding its annual Cub Scout Summer Day

Camp June 8 - 12, 2020. Visit our website for more information coming soon.

(251) 476-4600 fiveriverscubscoutdaycamp@gmail. com www.bsamac.org

Camp Cardinal

Saint Michael Catholic High School, 411732 Higbee Road, Fairhope, AL 36532 June 1st - June 26th, 2020 Monday - Friday with morning camps from 9:00am - 12:00pm and afternoon camps offered from 12:30pm - 3:30pm. (251) 459-0210 www.stmichaelchs.org/camp-cardinal

Camp Stanislaus

304 South Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Camps run June 7 - July 4, 2020. Day and residential camps for boys and girls ages 8 - 15 years. Father & Son Camp May 29 - 30, 2020. (228) 467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Day Camps

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Oceans Alive! June 3, June 19, and July 23, 2020 (ages 5 - 8); BIO Blitz-June 5, July 31, 2020 (ages 8 - 10); Ocean Bytes-June 12, July 10, 2020 (ages 9-11); Survivor: Dauphin Island June 4, July 2, July 17, 2020 (ages 10-13). Registration/camp specifics are available online. (251) 861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Eastern Shore Academy of Excellence

23946-B US Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm for gges 6 weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 years. Summer programs offer field trips, arts/crafts, music, science & discovery, swimming and more! Please call to register. (251) 928-1854 or (251) 243-5153 easternshoreacademy@gmail.com www.facebook.com/EasternShoreAcademy

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Kids Kastle

10291B County Road 48, Fairhope, AL 36532 Summer Day Camp begins in May, 2020. Monday - Friday from 6:00am-6:00pm for ages 6 weeks - 12 years. (251) 990-5350 eskki@bellsouth.net Find us on Facebook!

Eastern Shore Montessori

980 Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 Children will enjoy many activities including arts and crafts, play dough, hands-on projects, activities and games. Programs run June - August, 2020 from 7:00am - 5:30pm. Ages 18 months - 5 years. (251) 626-7505 esmontessorischool@gmail.com www.easternshoremontessori.com

Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast

28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 June 1 – July 23, 2020 Times: 7:50am – 6:00pm. Ages: 10 years and up. EFGC is a non profit 501 (c) (3) program that provides social and recreational opportunities for the special needs communities of Baldwin and Mobile counties. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Limited Spots. (251) 625-8955 efgulfcoast@gmail.com www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

Expect Excellence Program

4849 South Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 May 26 - August 2020. Monday-Friday 7:00am6:00pm for rising 3rd - 7th grade. Academics, Arts and Athletics for children and youth. (251) 981-6028 www.orangebeachal.gov/facilities/ recreation-center/expect-excellence

Fairhope Rec Center Summer of Fun

Volanta Park & Municipal Pool , 803 North Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532 Camp runs Monday - Friday. Call the Fairhope Rec Center for dates, times and registration. (251) 928-7270 or (251) 990-0174

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

Fairhope Point Clear Rotary Youth Summer Camp & Enrichment Programs

19128 Young Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 Summer Camp: June 1-June 30, 2020; Summer Enrichment Camp: July 6-31, 2020. Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm. Ages K-12th grade. Arts, Education, Sports, Leadership, Character, Recreation and more! Members $200 per month per child. Non-Members $265 per month per child. Enrichment field trips included. (251) 928-9148 info@rotaryyouthclub.org www.rotaryyouthclub.org

First Kids Summer Day Camp

First Baptist Church, 300 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 Monday-Friday 7:30am–5:30pm. Ages: completed Kindergarten- 6th grade. Full time/Part time options. Registration begins April 1st in the church office and online. Field trips, music, arts/crafts, sign language, drama, Bible study, movies, splash pad and more. (251) 928-8685 fairhopesdc@gmail.com firstfairhope.org

GulfQuest

155 Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 June 1-5, 2020. Register Today for a week of maritime-themed activities at GulfQuest’s Summer Maritime Academies! Open to students who have completed grades 1st - 8th. STEM programs, 90+ interactive exhibits, Art, Outdoor activities, Scavenger hunts and more! 251-436-8901 education@gulfquest.org www.gulfquest.org/day-camps/

Hogwarts of Fairhope

Fairhope, AL 36532 A Harry Potter-themed summer day camp! July 6 - 17, 2020. 9:00am - 4:00pm. Ages 5 - 13 years. Registration: www.hogwartsoffairhope.com. (225) 202-1724 deputyheadmistress@hogwartsoffairhope.com www.hogwartsoffairhope.com

Kelly’s Kids

Bay Minette Rec Center, 611 McMeans Avenue, Bay Minette, AL 36507 Games, swimming, skating, movies, field trips and much more fun!! Participants should bring a lunch and two snacks everyday. Registration will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. (251) 580-2546 marisa.lund@ci.bay-minette.al.us www.facebook.com/BayMinetteRecreationDept

KidCam CAMPS

Gulf State Park, 22120 Campground Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 May 26–July 31, 2020. Monday-Friday 9:00am3:00pm. Ages: 5-13 years. Full time, part time and extended care options. Open House dates for camp information: March 23rd & April 21st from 5:00pm6:30pm. (877) 454-3226 SummersRock@KidcamCamps.com www.kidcamcamp.com/city/gulf-shores/

Light of the City

Douglasville School of Arts & recreation, 1000 Shedrick Parkway, Bay Minette, AL 36507 Camp runs June 1 - July 24, 2020. Fun, field trips and enrichment opportunities. For more information, contact Barbara Brown. (251) 421-3381 barbara5270@att.net Find us on Facebook

Ruff Wilson Youth Center

1317 Johnson Road, Daphne, AL 36526 June 1-July 31, 2020, 8:00am-5:00pm. Ages K6th grade. A summer of excitement and empowerment for the mind, body, and soul! Cost: $250 for the first child. Please call for more information. (251) 621-7171 executive.director@rwyo.org

Snook Youth Club Of Foley

1391 South Cedar Street, Foley, AL 36535 June 1- July 31, 2020 from 7:30am - 5:30pm.

www.easternshoreparents.com

Ag 11 We

(25

Gu We Ma (we on

(25 ww Pay

Bo Ro Ma 6pm

(25

65 Exp sum Exp kee lon and Pri Tot

(25 ww

d h ed

d mp m-

s on,

w0 on.

Age groups will be 5 - 7 years, 8 - 10 years and 11 - 15 years. Contact Executive Director, Kristy Wells, M.A. for more information. (251) 943-1483

www.snookyouthclub.weebly.com

SPARC Summer Camp

Gulf Shores Cultural Center, 19470 Oak Road West (Building C), Gulf Shores, AL 36542 May 26 - August 10, 2020. Ages: K - 6th grade (we do not accept pre-k). Registration will begin on March 9th and end April 30, 2020. (251) 968-9813 adeckard@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov/1227/Online-RegistrationPayments

Huntington Learning Center ad on page 17

Jubilee Square Shopping Center, 6880 US Highway 90 (Suite 13), Daphne, AL 36526 Summer programs & camps for students in K-12th grade. Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills, Spelling, Vocabulary, Phonics, SAT/ACT Prep and much more! Accredited by Middle States Association Commission of Elementary and Secondary Schools with experienced and highly trained teachers. See our Ad in this issue! Summer Hours (beginning May 26, 2020): Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Fridays 9am-6pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm, Sundays 12pm-6pm.

YMCA of South Alabama

(251) 621-1055 daphneal@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com/daphne

(251) 626-0888 ejohnson@ysal.org www.ysal.org

Nature Connect Outdoor Summer Day Camps

Bounds Family YMCA, 8051 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne, AL 36526 May - August 2020. Monday - Friday from 6am 6pm for ages 5-14 years.

Educational & Misc. Exploreum Science Center

ad on page 45

65 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Experience the most amazing, science-based summer camps in Mobile! Summer camps at the Exploreum Science Center are a great way to keep budding young minds engaged all summer long. Our camps are extensive in subject matter and have themes like Airbus Flight Academy, 3D Printing, Junior Med Camp, Space Cadets, Astro Tots, Dinosaur Dig, CSI Mobile and More! (251) 208-6818 hfreeman@exploreum.com www.exploreum.com

Explorers Camp: June 22-26, 2020. Camps are from 9am-1pm for ages 1-6 years old.

(251) 626-2774 stpaulspreschooldaphne@gmail.com www.stpaulseasternshore.org

Alabama School of Math and ScienceAdventures in Math and Science Camp

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 June 1 - 5, June 8 - 12 and June 15 - 19, 2020 for rising 6th - 10th graders. Registration Cost: $395 (Overnight) or $295 (Day Camp) and includes lunch. Cost for weekend between is an additional fee of $195 and includes trip to waterpark. Camp Registration Deadline is May 1, 2020. (251) 441-2100 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center will offer many different camps this summer. No diagnosis is required. Please visit our website for additional camp information.

ad on page 55

Various locations, Fairhope, AL 36532 Weekly summer sessions from June 1 - August 7, 2020. Ages 3 - 13 years. Join us for adventurous outdoor camps where we learn about plants and animals, explore local waterways, go fishing, swimming, and climb trees! Create art from natural materials, play games, and much more! Visit our website to see detailed sessions and activities.

(251) 210-1632 (Ext. 104) info@americanautismcenter.com www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Preschool Art/Science Camp

(251) 287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

(251) 747-7846 info@natureconnectalabama.org www.natureconnectalabama.org

ad on page 19

St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Preschool, 28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 Little Da Vinci Art: June 8-12, 2020; Dinosaur

Articulation Speech Camp @ BlueBird Therapy

6157 Airport Boulevard (Suite 205), Mobile, AL 36608 Camp is led by a Speech Language Pathologist, helping kids work on word clarity in a group setting. Every Thursday in June & July from 1pm2pm. All abilities welcome. Ages 4-8.

Camp Invention

Foley Elementary School, 450 North Cedar Street, Foley, AL 36535 A week long STEM camp endorsed by Inventors Hall of Fame. Make a robot to take home! June

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

22-26, 2020, 9:00am-3:30pm, K-6th grade, $235 per child. Megan Simmons, Director. (800) 968-4332 or (251) 943-8861 mmccormack@bcbe.org www.campinvention.com

ESL Summer Writing Workshop

Fairhope, AL 36532 July 7 - 9, July 14 - 16 and July 21-23, 2020. Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00am - 12:00pm. Ages 11-14 years. $150/week with $50 non-refundable deposit. Contact Benita Stewart to register. (251) 472-6064 benitastewart@gmail.com

Fairhope Sewing School

11161 John Deere Lane, Fairhope, AL 36532 Weekly Children Camps. June 2, 2020 - July 30, 2020 for Campers ages 6-17 years. (251) 442-4472 fairhopesewingschool@gmail.com www.fairhopesewingschool.com

FEEF Summer Enrichment Camps

Fairhope, AL 36532 Multiple Dates, Ages K - Adult. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Match) Summer Enrichment Camps. (251) 990-3333 director@feefonline.org www.feefonline.org

Fitness with Annabelle

Serving all of Baldwin County, AL Adult fitness as well as Kids Fun-Fit camps for ages 10 - 15 years. CPR/AED Certified. Visit our Facebook page for more information. Mention you saw this listing for a discount! (251) 550-9494 asmith.cpt@gmail.com www.facebook.com/asmithcpt

Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp

Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard (Suite B), Pensacola, FL 32508 Camp runs from June 1 – July 31, 2020. 8 ses-

sions (Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 3:00pm) For rising 5th & 6th graders. Students will learn about science and aviation, enjoy the Museum and National Flight Academy. Launch rockets, build gliders, watch a Blue Angels practice, experience a Giant Screen Movie and fly in our F-35 flight simulators. (850) 453-2389 (Ext. 8958) www.navalaviationfoundation.org/what-we-do/fad-summer-camp

Fun in the Sun Therapy Camp

Foley Therapy, 316 McKenzie Street (Suite 101) Foley, AL 36535 Summer Camps for 4-6 weeks in June and July. Ages 3-5, 6-8, 9 & up. Choose from Language & Literacy, Social Skills, Sensory Motor and Handwriting. Join the FUN in the SUN Team! (251) 978-1280 foleytherapy2018@gmail.com www.foleytherapyot.com

Gulf Coast Young Engineers Robotic Lego Camps

Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Camps are open to the public, from 9:00am12:00pm, for grades 2nd-6th. Energy Camp: June 8-12; Air/Space Camp: June 22-26; Transportation Camp: July 20-24, 2020. Find us on Facebook @ Gulf Coast Young Engineers.

(251) 213-4061 gulfcoast@e2youngengineers.com

Junior MedCamp

Mobile Medical Museum, 1664 SpringHill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604 July 6-10, 2020 Ages 7-9 years. Curious about health and medicine? Enjoy games, experiments, storytelling and exploring topics like germs and illness, human anatomy, and how common instruments are used. (251) 415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

Mississippi State Veterinary Camp

Mississippi State, MS 39762 Explore veterinary career options from small to large animal, public health, pathology, research and pet health. Ages 10 - 17 years. (662) 325-0465 vetcamp@cvm.msstate.edu www.facebook.com/MSUVetCamp

National Flight Academy

Naval Air Station, 1 Fetterman Way, Pensacola, FL 32508 The National Flight Academy is a premier STEM institution that provides students in grades 7th - 12th with a fully immersive, aviation-themed, learning adventure of a lifetime. Six-day overnight Deployment programs run May – August. (850) 458-7836 info@nationalflightacademy.com www.nationalflightacademy.com

Pre-Cotillion Program Manners/Etiquette Classes

Belforest Pointe, 26503 Hwy 181, Daphne, AL 36526 (3) 1.5 hour classes for boys and girls entering 1st - 4th grades in the fall of 2020. (251) 928-4962 kathy.sternenberg@nljc.com www.nljc.com/chapter/easternshore

Protocol- Social Etiquette/Table Manners

TBA , Daphne, AL 36526 Etiquette and table manners, proper introduction, posture, dinner conversation and the importance of RSVP and thank you notes. For Ages 6 - 12 years. Private and group workshops. Classes taught by Paula Perri. (251) 625-3137

Shining Star Youth Camp

Baldwin County locations TBA, AL Please check our website for 2020 Shining Star camp informa-

Buy One Treatment, Get One Treatment

FREE! ONLY $69

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

251-504-1317 58

(25 ww

Sp Sp

On Se

(80

300 Let we “Cu Su 9:0 of e chi

(25 ww

Top

178 Mo 4y sum

(25 ww

O ad

No Mosquitoes. GUARANTEED.

Offer Expires 11/01/2020

tion

BugsBITE.com www.easternshoreparents.com

142 Jun 4:0 &c

ght

on, ce

ck a-

tion and locations coming soon! (251) 972-6890 or (251) 802-1115 www.sheriffofbaldwin.com

per child. A Non-Refundable deposit is required.

(251) 928-4840 (Ext. 1 or 2) info@oakhollowfarm.net www.oakhollowfarm.net

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics

Riverview Camp for Girls

(800) 637-7223 www.spacecamp.com

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 See listing details under Overnight Camps in this directory.

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 See more details under Overnight Camps.

ad on page 54

The Learning Tree at First Fairhope

(800) 882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

300 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 Let us take your child on a fun adventure, with weekly themes including “Little Picassos”, “Culinary Creations” and “Silly Science”. TLT’s Summer of Fun Camp will run June 16- July 16, 9:00am to 12:30pm, Tuesday through Thursday of each week. This program will be offered to children ages 2-6 years. (251) 928-0496 Tlt@firstfairhope.org www.firstfairhope.org/the-learning-tree

Top Notch Kids

17853 Samantha Drive, Foley, AL 36535 Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 6:00pm for ages 4 years and up. Please call or visit our website for summer camp dates to be announced. (251) 656-0600 crystal@topnotchkids.org www.topnotchkids.squarespace.com

Horseback Riding

Fox Run Farm

13370 County Road 3, Fairhope, AL 36532 May 25 - 29 and June 1 - 5, 2020. Monday-Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm. Cost is $295 per week. Camps fill quickly! Horse care, training, riding, activities and end of camp horse show.

(251) 209-1394 www.facebook.com/FoxRunEquestrian

Lake Forest Stables

268 Equine Circle, Daphne, AL 36526 Follow us on Facebook. (770) 355-6514

(251) 279-0848 bcyorchestra@gmail.com www.bcyorchestra.com

Bay Area Performing Arts

8724 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The Journey of Little Red: June 1-12, 2020, 9am12pm; Aladdin Kids: June 15-26; It’s a Theatre Thing Intensive: June 15-26; Frozen Kids: July 6-17 Full or Half Day. Rising 1st-12th graders. (205) 915-7155 info@bayareaperformingarts.com www.bayareaperformingarts.com

Blues Angel Music

Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Have fun for free, every Saturday! Guitar class at 11:00am and ukulele class at 1:00pm. (251)

Fairhope, AL 36532 Follow us on Facebook for exciting Summer news!

(251) 928-1707 erin@centerstageperformance.com www.centerstageperformance.com

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra

14210 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532 June 8 - 12 or July 20 - 24, 2020. 8:00am 4:00pm. Ages 6 - 14 years. Horseback riding, arts & crafts, archery, fishing, fun and games. $300

ad on page 26

(334) 844-4166 www.band.auburn.edu/event/summer_camps

Center Stage

Music / Theatre ad on page 46

320 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Sessions from June 2 - 25, 2020. Camp options for Middle and High School students. Marching Band, Symphonic, Percussion, Drum Major, Auxiliary and more. Registration deadline May 22.

263-0486 info@bluesangelmusic.com www.bluesangelmusic.com

www.lakeforeststables.org

Oak Hollow Farm

Auburn Summer Band Camp

Coastal Area Arts Center Music Camp

Fairhope, AL June 1-5, 2020 from 12:00pm-5:00pm for ages 6 years and up. Beginning band class also offered.

251 South Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532 June 22-26, 2020. Strings-Brass-WoodwindsPercussion with Certified teacher, Ms. Kim Shannon. Beginners welcome! 12:00pm 5:00pm. 4th - 7th grade. $120/camper. (251) 463-6009 beachmusicmaker@gmail.com www.coastalareaartscenter.com

accepting new patients

Dr. Brittne� Bicksler

SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY PRACTICE AND OBSTETRICS

Dr. Bicksler is a graduate of Virginia Tech and received her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. She completed her residency training in family practice at McLeod Regional Medical Center in South Carolina and her fellowship training in obstetrics at Spartanburg Medical Center in South Carolina. + Board certified in family medicine

+ Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians + Certified provider in Advanced Life Support Obstetrics

251-937-5377 2002 Medical Center Drive Bay Minette, AL 36507 59

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre

Nicholson Center, 1410 Captain O’Neal Drive, Daphne, AL 36526 June 1-July 31, 2020 for rising 1st-12th grade. 7 sessions: 4 performances, 2 workshops, and 1 musical theatre intensive. Specific schedules and registration forms available online. (251) 301-2371 esrt@easternshorerep.org www.easternshorerep.org

Marjorie Searcy Musical Theater Summer Camp

698 Cedar Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 Please visit our website for more camp information. (251) 509-2150 info@marjoriesearcy.com www.marjorieSearcy.com

SummerTide Drama Camp - South Baldwin Community Theatre George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center, 2022 West 2nd Street , Gulf Shores, AL 36542 June 2-6 (Beginners); June 9-13 (Intermediate); June 16-20, 2020 (Advanced). Camps are 9:00am - 12:00pm. Learn elements of theatre such as story theatre, dance and music.

(205) 348-3400 or (251) 968-6721 theatre.dance@ ua.edu www.sbct.biz/theatre-camp.html

The Studio

25350 Friendship Rd (Ste 4), Daphne AL 36526 Camps include stage makeup, audition prep, and more. Private lessons available. Full schedule will be released soon. Call for more information or visit us on Facebook @ TheStudioAL. (251) 895-6075 brandon.caten@gmail.com www.TheStudioAL.com

University of Alabama Band Camp

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Programs in Leadership Training (High School

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

9-12), Marching Percussion (High School 9-12), Majorette (High School 9-12), and Concert Band (Junior High and Senior High 6-12). (205) 348-6068 jhnails@ua.edu www.bands. ua.edu/programs

Overnight Camps Riverview Camp for Girls

ad on page 54

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 2020 Camps run from May-August. An all girls overnight camp with one and two-week summer sessions. Ages 6-16 years. Horseback riding, swimming, nature trails, arts and crafts, and much more! Also offering weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. (800) 882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Camp Beckwith

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for the “Best Week Ever!” at Beckwith, packed with sailing, swimming, arts & crafts, ziplining, and so much more! Visit our website for information about dates and rates. (251) 928-7844 rachel@beckwithal.com www.beckwithal.com

Camp Cosby

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 May 31-July 25, 2020. Ages: 6-15 years. Camp Cosby offers a traditional overnight summer camp. Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, water-skiing, arts and crafts. (800) 85-COSBY cinfo@campcosby.org www.ymcabham.org/camp-cosby

Camp Dixie Outdoor Ministry

29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta , AL 36530 A private, traditional overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6 - 16 years. Offering a wide variety of activities and multiple week or weekly sessions.

Alabama School of Math and Science Adventures in Math and Science Camp

(251) 987-1201 director@campdixieministries.org www.campdixieministries.org

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 See Educational and Miscellaneous Camps for details.

Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

(251) 441-2100 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

Camp ASCCA Easter Seals

5278 Camp Ascca Dr, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 Summer sessions begin June 28, 2020 with a new session beginning each Sunday. Camp Sessions are Sunday - Friday for ages 6 years and up. (256) 825-9226 amber@campascca.org www.campascca.org

131 Fou Jun 17

(61 ww

var FL, dia gra and

(20

488 Ar We thre

(80 ww

Summer camp nestled in the Talladega National Forest where kids learn stuff, do things and have fun! Join us for our 73rd summer!

305 Re and 20Jul

(256) 362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com

(25 ww

Camp Marannook

(334) 864-7504 marannook@gmail.com www.marannook.org

(22 ww

10425 Veterans Memorial Parkway, La Fayette, AL 36862 Camps run May 31 - July 24, 2020. Several sessions to choose from. Day camps in June & July.

www.easternshoreparents.com

304 Ca res yea

4 p

se-

nd of .

al ve

sy.

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062 Four camp sessions. Ages 6-16. Girls: May 31June 12 and June 14- July 3; Boys: July 12- July 17 and July 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 31, 2020. (615) 799-0410 Allee@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Seale Harris

various locations in Alabama and Pensacola, FL, Camp Seale Harris is for kids & teens with diabetes and their family members. Camps & programs available in several cities across Alabama and Pensacola, FL. (205) 402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Skyline

4888 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, AL 35984 A residential camp for girls rising 1st - 11th grade. We offer four 2-week sessions each summer and three 1-week mini-sessions for girls K - 3rd grade. (800) 448-9279 info@campskyline.com www.campskyline.com

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Sq Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 Residential camp for individuals with disabilities and their siblings. June 23-27 (Ages 5-10); June 20-July 4 (Ages 22-50); July 7-11 (Ages 11-15); July 14-18 (Ages 16-21). (251) 479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Camp Stanislaus

Camp Walkabout

City Hope Youth Camp

(423) 267-8506 (Ext. 827) badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer

(251) 626-0123 lindsey@cityhope.cc cityhope.cc/youth

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Discover everything you never knew you could do. From hiking and paddling to caving and climbing, The Walkabout Experience brings a new adventure every day. Ages 8-16.

Camp Whispering Pines

7740 Union Street, Citronelle, AL 36522 Veritas Student Camp June 15-19 (6th-12th); Girls Mission Camp-girls (1st-6th) June 22-26; Momentum Kids Camp-July 13-16 (boys and girls in 1st - 6th grade). (251) 866-7868 www.campwhisperingpines.com

Camp Widjiwagan

3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch, TN 37013 Day and Overnight camps run from May 25 August 5, 2020. Visit our website to see a full schedule of camps and age groups. (615) 360-2267 www.campwidji.org

Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, AL 35218 2020 camps run from June 3 - July 25. Offering a variety of camp sessions for boys and girls ages 6-15 years old. Full week sessions and mini-camps. (205) 640-6741 info@winnataska.org www.winnataska.org

Camp Woodmont

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 Season: May 31 - July 31, 2020. ACA accredited with archery, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, crafts, games and more! 1 & 2 week sessions for boys & girls 6 - 14 years. (423) 472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

Camp Blue Lake, 8500 Oakwood Lane, Andalusia, AL 36420 June 1 - 5, 2020. Middle & High School students. Games, worship, small groups and more. Buses will leave from the Mobile and Malbis campuses.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Barrier Island Explorers: Rising 5th-6th graders June 14-17, July 12-15, July 19-22; Marine DeTECHtives: Rising 7th-8th grade June 29-July 1 ; Gulf Island Journey: Rising 7th-9th grades May 31-June 5, June 21-26, July 12-17, July 19-24; Bay Voyager: Rising 9th-12th grade June 7-12, July 26-31; Coastal Fisheries Camp: Rising 9th12th graders May 31- June 5. Registration/camp specifics are available online. (251) 861-2141 (Ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Marine Science High School Course: June 14July 10. An intense 4-week academic class which introduces high school students to a better understanding of the various fields in marine science. Registration/camp specifics are available online. (251) 861-2141 (Ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, Al 36608 During June and July, we offer opportunities for Residential or Sail Away camp for every girl,

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

whether they are a Girl Scout or not.

(800) 239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

Lake Forest Ranch

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, MS 39341 Camp sessions run from May 23 - September 7, 2020. Visit our website for a complete schedule of camp schedules and options for ages 7 - 18 years. Family retreat as well. (662) 726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone, AL 35984 Residential camp for Boys since 1928. Several session options available. Dates, times and additional camp information available online.

(256) 634-4758 LookoutMountainCamp@gmail.com www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Camp sessions run March - August. 9 - 18 years. (800) 637-7223 or (256) 837-3400 www.spacecamp.com

Twin Lakes Camp

155 Milner Road , Florence, MS 39073 Sessions: June 15-20, June 22-27, June 29-July 4, July 6-11, July 13-18, and July 20-25. Twin Lakes is focused on safety and fun, while being intentionally grounded in Biblical teaching. (601) 845-6858 info@twinlakescamp.org www.twinlakescamp.org

Wyldlife Camp

18115 SE 95th Street, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 Mobile Trip-May 30-June 3; 6th-8th grade; Come

experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of surprises. A place where you can enjoy relaxing with your friends. (251) 473-1703 www.mobile.younglife.org

Sports Camps Auburn Swim Camp

664 Biggio Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 Camp focuses on training swimmers energy systems for success in summer swimming as well as developing and enhancing the training and racing skills of competitive swimmers. (334)844-4975 aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburnwareagleswimcamps.com

Auburn University Youth Camps

Auburn, AL 36849 Summer programs designed to educate and inspire youth in a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors. (334) 844-4750 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/summercamps.htm

Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp

Loxley and Gulf Shores, AL June 1-5, 2020 (ages 3-18 years) at Loxley Church of God; June 22-26, 2020 (ages 3-14) at at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. Register online for specific locations. (800) 878-2167 (Ext 280) www.challengersports. com/summer-camps

City of Orange Beach Youth Marksmanship Camp

Orange Beach, AL 36561 Sporting Clays, Rifles and Archery. Ages 8 - 15 years. (younger and older allowed pending ap-

proval). Please call or email Chris Litton for dates & registration. (251) 980-5946 clitton@orangebeachal.gov www.orangebeachal.gov

Dribble ‘til You Drop

Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 Beginners & experienced players. Tuesdays 5:45pm-8:00pm, for girls entering 3-8 grades in 2020-21. Five Sessions beginning April 7, 2020. A girl’s basketball skills training clinic. (251) 278-7464 dribbletilyoudrop@gmail.com

DST (Drills, Skills and Thrills) Doubles Classes with Music!

4851 Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Classes offered twice daily. 9:00am and 6:00pm. Call or email Rhett Russell to sign up. (251) 233-9628 rrussell@orangebeachal.gov

Eastern Shore Wrestling Club

Yamane Championship Mixed Martial Arts, 1410 US Highway 98 (Suite D), Daphne, AL 36526 May 26-30, June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, 2020 from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Open to 1st - 12th grade. Please call or email for registration. (251) 621-0304 info@ycmma.com www.ycmma.com

Hoops For Girls Basketball Camp

Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532 A fun & exciting way to learn & improve the fundamentals of basketball for girls entering 3rd-8th grades (fall 2020-21). July 13-17, 2020 from 1:30pm - 5:00pm. Beginners & Experienced players. (251) 278-7464 hoopsforgirlscamp@gmail.com

Your Health Matters. Quality Care Matters.

Pen Gu Co pro

(25 ww

Jun

Cra Gu Sum Ple

(25

Lak

1G Jun or s reg

(25 ww

Bat Vis tion

(22

Nik So

Mo Jun Ov cur tion

(80 nike

Qu Dri Clin hou and sho

(25 ww

140 Jun Mo Les tou Me

(25 ww

Tim

965 Jun Sum

(25

Michael Rhodes Lee, MD

John S. Wilson, MD

Dr. Lee and Dr. Wilson specialize in pediatric and adult Ear, Nose & Throat care. From a sore throat, or runny nose to allergies and allergy testing, Drs. Lee and Wilson treat everyday ENT illnesses to complex surgeries. Schedule your appointment today. MOBILE • DAPHNE

Daphne & Mobile Offices

Tus Foo Go Bas Ple you

(20 cam

1302 Hwy 98 • Daphne • 251-410-9000

Visit us online at pmg.md

2880 Dauphin Street • Mobile • 251-473-1900

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

573 Mo Ra res

Junior Golf & Tennis Camp

Peninsula Golf Club, 20 Peninsula Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Contact the golf shop for summer junior golf programs. (251) 256-0122 or (855) 995-9149 www.PeninsulaGolfClub.com

Junior Golf Clinics

Craft Farms Golf Club, 3840 Cotton Creek Circle, Gulf Shores , AL 36542 Summer Golf program information coming soon! Please call for updates. (251) 968-3002 www.CraftFarms.com

Lake Forest Golf Course

1 Golf Terrace, Daphne, AL 36526 Junior golf program begins June 9, 2020. Call or stop by the golf shop to for questions and to register.

(251) 626-9324 lfproshop@lakeforestdaphne.com www.lakeforestdaphne.com/junior-golf.html

LSU - Athletic Camps

Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Visit our website and choose a sport for information on specific athletic camps. (225) 578-8001 www.lsusports.net/camps

Nike Junior Golf Camp - University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL 36618 June 21-June 25, 2020. Co-Ed for 10-18 years. Overnight and commuter Day Camp option. Our curriculum is the perfect blend of expert instruction, course play and off-course activities.

(800) 645-3226 www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ nike-junior-golf-camp-university-south-alabama#

Quail Creek Golf Junior Clinics

Quail Creek Golf Course, 19841 Quail Creek Drive, Fairhope, AL 36532 Clinics begin in mid June, 2020. Offering 5 onehour sessions for $99/participant. Range balls and rental clubs included. Please call the Pro shop for registration beginning May 1st. (251) 990-0240 golf@cofairhope.com www.facebook.com/QuailCreekGolfCourse

Rock Creek Golf

140 Clubhouse Drive, Fairhope?, AL 36532 June 22-29, July 13-17; August 3-7, 2020. Monday-Friday 8am-11am. Ages 7-12 years. Lessons, snacks, games, course play and tournament. Register online or in the golf shop. Members $135 and Non-members $150.

(251) 928-4223 robert.oppliger@honoursgolf.com www.rockcreekgolf.com

TimberCreek Golf Course

9650 TimberCreek Boulevard, Daphne, AL 36526 Junior Golf Clinics are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. (251) 621-9900 www.golftimbercreek.com

University of Alabama Sports Camps

Tuscaloosa, AL Football Camp, Baseball, Cheer/Dance, Mascot, Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Softball and Swimming/Diving. Please visit the website and click on the sport of your choice for more information.

(205) 348-4858 www.rolltide.com/sports/2016/6/10/ camps-alab-camps-html.aspx

University of Mobile RAMS Soccer Camps

5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Rams Soccer Camps offer partial, full-day and residential camp options. UM Co-Ed Camp ages

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

8-16: May 31-June 3, & July 12-15, 2020.

for schedules and registration.

(251) 442-2396 ramssocceracademy@gmail.com www.ramssoccercamps.com

(251) 458-2628 bmacswim@yahoo.com www.bmacswim.com

University of South Alabama Richard Moodie’s Soccer Academy

City of Fairhope Swim Lessons

Volanta Park & Municipal Pool, US Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532 Call or stop by the Rec Center to register. Group or Private Lessons.

Jaguars Soccer Field, 5950 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608 Kids Summer Camps–06/15/20–06/18/20, 06/22/20-06/25/20 (ages 5-12 boys and girls) Collegiate Prospect Camp-3/28/20 (grades 8-12+), Non-residential (7th-12th girls) June 20-21, Residential (7th-12th girls) 6/26/20-6/28/20.

(251) 990-0175 fairhopeswim@gmail. com www.cofairhope.com

City of Orange Beach Junior Lifeguard Program

(251) 414-8253 richardmoodiesocceracademy@gmail. com www.rmsacamps.com

Swimming & Water Fun

lessons. We are privately owned with two indoor, heated pools. Our mission is to provide youth of all abilities with the opportunity to succeed and grow through the pursuit of excellence in the sport of swimming.

Eastern Shore Aquatic Center

ad on page 15

(251) 300-0820 richsuhs@aol.com www.swimforswat.com

10580 County Road 64, Daphne, AL 36526 We are home to a year-round swim team (SWAT) and summer swim team (ESP), homeschool swim programs, and both private and group swim

BMAC Swim School

Fairhope, AL Classes begin May 26, 2020 and run in 2-week sessions ending the last week of July. Please call

Orange Beach Aquatic Center, 4853 Wilson Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561 June 8 - 12, 2020 (Ages 9-11), June 22 - 26, 2020 (Ages 12-15) Times: 8:30am– 4:30pm. (251) 747-1051 or (251) 974-7946 blesinger@orangebeachal.gov www.facebook.com/orangebeachsurfrescue

Fairhope Yacht Club Sailing Camp

101 Volanta Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 Session 1: June 1st–June 12th; Session 2: June 15th–June 26th; Session 3: June 29th–July 10th; Session 4: July 13th–July 24th. Registration

At Coastal Allergy and Asthma our mission is to improve the lives of people with immunology conditions. Each of our board-certified physicians is committed to finding the cause of your problem so you can get relief today. Our group treats everything from drug allergies, food allergies, respiratory allergies, skin allergies and asthma.

Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts 251-625-1370 | coastalallergyasthma.com Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

ope

(25 ww

310

(25 ww Gu

Ea Ro Vis pro

(25 ww

202 Re 1:0 is f sum

lak ww

Wi Sa

262 Ca Dif fro 12p Ad $15 ses

(25 ww ing

om m

ste

e h;

opens April 1, 2020.

(251) 454-4381 fairhopeycsailing@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fycjuniors

Gulf Shores Swim Team

310 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (251) 968-9819 www.facebook.com/ GulfShoresSwimTeam

Haleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Fish

Eastern Shore Aquatic Center, 10580 County Road 64, Daphne, AL 36526 Visit our Facebook page or contact Haley for program information. (251) 800-1619 haleyslittlefish@gmail.com www.facebook.com/haleyslittlefish

Lake Forest Swim & Dive

202 Country Club Drive, Daphne, AL 36526 Registration is May 2, 2020 from 10:00am 1:00pm. Swim team is for ages 3-18. Dive team is for ages 5-18. Be a SEAHORSE for the best summer family experience around. lakeforestswimassociation@gmail.com www.lakeforestswim.swimtopia.com

Wind and Water Learning Center Sailing Camp

26267 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Camps sessions offered June-August, 2020. Different sessions run weekly. Beginners (6-7yrs) from 9am-12pm; Beginners (7-14yrs) from 9am12pm; Intermediate (9-14yrs) from 1pm-4pm; Advanced (10-14 yrs) from 1pm-4pm. Residents $150/camp session, Non-Residents $175/camp session. (251) 424-5909 mevans@orangebeachal.gov www.orangebeachal.gov/facilities/wind-water-learning-center/about ESP

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

foc the foc yo yo mo like yo

ma wir pa po to Un Ne wh ful

wa in pro oth to do wo an ha sch

in rev em wa of ha ga Pe no

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another’s shoes. It’s similar to sympathy but with an important difference. To sympathize is to care about and understand the suffering experienced by another. When you sympathize with someone, you feel sorry for them. Sympathy gives you the ability to say the right thing to comfort another.

But empathy goes a step further. It’s the ability to actually experience or relive the feelings of another. Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

When you empathize, rather than focusing on your own feelings in regards to the other person’s situation, you’re able to focus on the feelings of that person. When you empathize, the other person can tell you’re really listening to them. Furthermore, empathy increases your ability and likelihood to help the person with whom you empathize. According to neuroscientists, the vast majority of us are born with the brain wiring necessary to empathize. Psychopaths, which make up about 1% of the population, are the exception, according to a 2013 study by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago and University of New Mexico. Still, among the 99% of us who are born with this capacity, most don’t fully develop or use it to its potential.

Benefits of empathy

Empathy is beneficial in a number of ways, according to Katherin Sears, Ph.D., in “Why Empathy Benefits Everyone.” It provides us the ability to act kindly toward others, to forgive family and friends, and to bond with others over their ups and downs. Without the ability to empathize, it would be difficult if not impossible, to form and maintain friendships. In fact, we’d have difficulty getting along with others at school or work and in society. Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, in an interview with CBS Good Morning, revealed another important benefit of empathy. Without it, she says, “there is no way we could innovate.” This makes a lot of sense. Although some people would still have the desire to innovate for personal gain, innovation would be far more limited. People would lack the motivation to innovate for the purpose of helping others

unless it offered a reward for themselves. The field of medicine is a perfect example. Countless strides have been made in medicine over the decades, much of which has resulted from human empathy.

How to teach kids empathy

Experts believe, based on a large body of evidence, that empathy can be shaped. Not only can kids learn to empathize better, but so can adults. By practicing the following as a family, you can foster yours and your child’s ability to empathize. Active listening. This is a crucial component of empathy. Practice really listening to each other and trying to understand the other’s perspective. Active listening includes paying close attention to body language and facial expressions, so you can better understand the other person. It also requires refraining from interrupting. Parents’ modeling of active listening with their kids is particularly important to kids’ development of this skill. Give back. Talk with your kids about the experiences, feelings, and needs of those who are less fortunate. Consider various forms of adversity, such as kids with a terminal illness, the homeless, poor families, and those in nursing homes. Ask your kids open-ended questions. Have them consider how it feels to be in those other people’s shoes. Then make a plan with your kids to help out in some way. Commonalities. Despite the ability to empathize, studies have found people are often less empathetic toward those of other races or who are stereotyped in some way. Consider the things you have in common with

PASSAGE USA

those who are different and talk about these commonalities with your child. Also, ask your kids what they might have in common with someone of another ethnicity or race. Lose yourself in fiction. It’s a great way to experience and understand another, even though the characters are fictitious. This will improve your ability to empathize in real life situations. It’s a great way to teach kids empathy, too. Children’s books commonly have characters faced with adversity or dealing with difficult situations. Practice reading faces. People often don’t share what they’re feeling or experiencing. Yet, it’s often written all over their faces. Pay attention to people’s expressions, and try to understand what they’re feeling. Look for opportunities to care. Every day there are people all around us in need. So, set an example for your kids. If an elderly person is struggling to load heavy groceries into their car, quickly put yourself in their shoes. Then offer to help. Also, have your kids practice looking for ways to care (while also adhering to safety rules with strangers). Share in excitement and joy. Empathy isn’t only about understanding people’s downs. It’s also the ability to share in their happiness. Regardless of how busy you are, when your child is excited about something, take a moment to really share in your child’s enthusiasm. Likewise, share your experience with your child when something brings you great joy. ESP Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting and lifestyle writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

A post-secondary educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities aged 1825 focused on attaining individualized goals in employment and independent living.

CONTACT: Alexandra Chanto-Wetter (251)460-7558 | chantowetter@southalabama.edu

PassageUSA_Parents.indd 1

10/9/19 2:29 PM

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Stargirl

Timmy Failure

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: A Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: AAfter his father’s death, Leo Borlock (Graham Verchere) and his mom (Darby Stanchfield) move to Mica, Arizona for a fresh start. Following a traumatic bullying incident, Leo decides that it is easier to blend in with the crowd and not draw any attention to himself. On his sixteenth birthday he meets Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal), a quirky girl who is unapologetically herself. As they get to know each other, Leo learns what it means to be yourself and not care what other people think of you. Stargirl is based on a bestselling novel of the same name by Jerry Spinelli published in 2000. Though the movie adaptation does try to modernize in some ways, it still feels its age. I doubt that today’s teens will be able to relate fully to the characters and situations, as high school has changed dramatically in the last two decades. Much of the plot is unrealistic and the teenage characters make choices and interact in ways that don’t feel authentic. It’s worth noting that the film’s overall theme is figuring out who you are and learning to be ok with standing out from the crowd - which is a message we’re all happy to share with young people. Seeing actual teenagers play teens is also refreshing, instead of the 20-somethings who are often cast in these roles. The musical elements are well done, especially Grace VanderWaal’s singing and ukulele playing. Overall, Stargirl is a sweet, family-friendly coming of age story, though it does show its age in the depictions of teenagers and especially in its main female lead.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A Timmy Failure (Winslow Fegley) is an 11-year-old who runs his own detective agency along with his business partner, an imaginary 1,200-pound polar bear named Total. Together they try to protect Portland from backpack thieves, homework, and Russian operatives. Family comedies have to toe the line between humor for children and humor for adults. Many lean too far one way or the other, but Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is a perfect balance. I laughed through the entire run time. The jokes are well written, which will appeal to adults, while also adding in some silly moments that children will love. Timmy is perfectly deadpan almost the whole time, making the absurd situations he finds himself in even more comical. His imagination runs away from him a lot, which leads to some entertaining “what if?” scenarios. Along with being hilarious, this film also has a lot of heart. Timmy is struggling with school and relating to his peers. Timmy’s mom, Patty (Ophelia Lovibond), is trying to provide for her son as a single parent, while also endeavoring to figure out his eccentricities. She is not a perfect parent, but she is making an effort, and she is willing to admit when she makes a mistake, which makes her a dynamic and relatable character. I highly recommend this film not just for kids, but for all ages. It’s a funny, earnest story about an eccentric young boy and the people trying to understand him. It has very few content concerns, making it a great option for family viewing.

A Hidden Life

Jumanji: The Next Level

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: A+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: AFranz Jägerstätter (August Diehl), has spent his life as a simple peasant farmer in the beautiful Austrian village of St. Radegund. Working the land alongside his wife Franziska (Valerie Pachner), their young children, and his friends and neighbors, he doesn’t expect the larger troubles of the world to come crashing down upon him. But war has broken out, and Franz is conscripted by the Nazis. Unwilling to swear the required oath of allegiance to Hitler, he is imprisoned, threatened, humiliated, and beaten - all in an attempt to force him to join the Wehrmacht (Nazi armed forces). If you’re familiar with any of Terrence Malick’s work, you will be unsurprised that the style of this film has little in common with conventional Hollywood productions. Despite the quirks of Malick’s unique style, this is a beautiful film and well worth the absurdly long three hours it takes to watch. A Hidden Life has a terribly prescient message about standing up to authoritarianism and evil, whatever the cost. Even more impressively, these powerful positive messages come with hardly any objectionable content. There’s no profanity (in English, at any rate; if there are German curses I couldn’t understand them), no sex, little on-screen violence, and no major substance abuse. A Hidden Life earns its “PG-13” rating from its difficult adult themes and allusions to violence. That said, this is not a suitable movie for children or young teens, simply because it’s filled with mature themes and is long and challenging, which tends to make for restless kids.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: A After escaping from Jumanji, a game that comes to terrifying life, Spencer (Alex Wolff), Martha (Morgan Turner), Anthony (Ser’Darius Blain), and Bethany (Madison Iseman) agreed to destroy the game to prevent anyone else from being sucked in. Secretly, Spencer decided to keep the pieces, and reassembled the game for another chance to be the muscular Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) in a virtual world. When his friends try to rescue him, they accidentally bring along Spencer’s grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his old friend Milo (Danny Glover). With such an unlikely cast of heroes, what hope do they have of rescuing Spencer? I seem to recall the comedy being a little stronger in the first film, but this doesn’t reach failed-comedy levels of aggravating. About three-quarters of the jokes landed, which is better than most dumb action comedies I’ve seen. The content is cleaner than most as well, with almost no sexual content (barring Ruby Roundhouse’s silly outfit), little profanity more significant than “hell” or “damn”, and violence that is firmly in the “slapstick” category. If you saw the last entry in this franchise, you’ll have a good idea what to expect here. Another case of “second verse, same as the first”, Jumanji: The Next Level still manages to be a reasonably entertaining way to kill two hours. I was actually expecting to be frustrated with this movie, since my sequel fatigue is approaching terminal levels, but the film is sufficiently sincere and well intentioned.

(Streaming on Disney+)

(New on DVD)

Eastern Shore Parents I April 2020

(New on DVD)

www.easternshoreparents.com

I would rather be able to run the bases after my home run hit than have to stop to catch my breath by 2nd. - Josie, 7th grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com