Eastern Shore Parents August 2020 by KeepSharing

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Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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August2020 34

Volume 13 Number 3

24 Columns

6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

No Means No

Using a School Planner

Advice for training your child to accept your ‘no’ the first time.

Keep your kids (and yourself) calm and balanced by using a planner.

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

14 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

36 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

After School Activities Sign your kids up for afternoon sports, learning and enrichment.

Teaching Kindess

60 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Small gestures your kids can do to make others smile.

Departments On The Cover Brenden Turner, age 11, is the son of Darren and Ambreia Turner. He has an older sister, Aaliyah (15), and two younger siblings, Emery Grace (3) and Xander (1). Brenden loves to play soccer with

Bits and Pieces 15

School Bits 58

Book Reviews

the Daphne Rangers, reading the Warriors series and playing video games. Brenden also enjoys playing chess and has interests in coding and robotics.

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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

Traditionally, in mid-July of each year, the girls and I schedule a “Back to School” shopping trip. We make a whole day of it. We start the night before making lists of much needed school supplies, and the next morning we head out to our first destination. Typically, that means perusing the school supply aisles trying to find those specific plastic three-prong folders with pockets in just the right colors, along with many more items. We take a break and eat out for lunch, then keep shopping for school clothes, shoes, and backpacks. This year was a little different. First off, my girls are older now, so trying to find all of those hard to find folders is no longer an issue (yahoo!!!). Secondly, loading up with masks and hand sanitizer put a bit of a damper on the outing, but we really wanted (and needed) to keep the tradition to gain an sense of normalcy. Yes, this year’s back-to-school shopping trip was certainly not the casual “Girls Day Out” we normally experience, but we made the most of it and still had a great time together. Whether you are attending school in person, distance learning, or homeschooling, a planner is a must! This is the one school supply that all of my girls get excited about. Because it is not just the planner, it is the color-coding highlighters, sticky tabs and other accessories they use to make these planners works of organizational art that would make even Marie Kondo proud. They get so excited to put in their activities and assignments, making it a colorful display of daily to-dos. If your children are at the age when they can start using a planner, I highly recommend you try it out. There are many benefits as outlined in Sandi Schwartz feature, How A School Planner Can Help Your Child Stay Calm And Balanced. There are also plenty of videos and Pinterest examples kids can watch to help them come up with a plan they can get excited about and keep up with. My girls prefer a hardcopy planner, but there are several apps that can be used. You just don’t get all the fun accessories with an app. After school activities are usually one of the first things that get added to the planner. Making sure there is no overlap between clubs, sports, etc. is a must. While the pandemic has certainly changed a lot, there are still opportunities for your children to participate in if you desire. You will find a list on page 41 in our After School Activities Guide. Most businesses we spoke with have new safety protocols in place, so make sure to ask about their new policies and make your decision based on your comfort level. Many families are making decisions to school differently than they did last year, while others are choosing to go back to a traditional environment. These decisions have been very rough on families and emotions are certainly running high. PLEASE make sure you are being kind and sensitive when discussing these decisions with your friends and neighbors. Everyone is on edge, everyone is ready for things to be “normal” again, but everyone has a different opinion of what is best for their family so be kind and supportive. Yes, heading back to school is definitely different this year, but keep a positive attitude and model the behaviors you hope to see in your kids. Stay safe and healthy!

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

Cover Photography Stephanie Hanway Phogography 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

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Eastern Shore Parents I August 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.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Impact of Your Words and Your Walk You know that one day when you were driving to work, steaming cup of hot coffee in hand, conversation with a client on your Bluetooth in your ear, and your brain only slightly registered the stop sign in front of you? Yeah. That was me yesterday. That stop sign is only about two miles from my house. I see it and obey it pretty well every day as I come and go…except yesterday. Mid sip of coffee and mid conversation with that client, I looked both ways and proceeded out into the intersection. No sooner had I completed that turn did I see those familiar flashing lights and sirens behind me. You see, that stop sign – in my distracted brain – simply meant be safe, look for cars, but don’t necessarily come to a complete stop. Whoops. (Fun fact: stop signs mean stop.) As our friendly neighborhood trooper started walking toward my car, I rolled down my window, smiled and said, “I completely did not stop at that stop sign!” He laughed, took my license and registration and promptly came back with a ticket. I shook his hand, and drove off calculating how much this was going to cost me.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

I tell you that story to say this: if we want our kids to take responsibility for their actions, it starts with us. How often do they bear witness to us blaming a co-worker for an error on a team project? How often do they silently stand by while we attempt to argue our way out of a ticket? How many times do they see us deflect or defer blame for an uncompleted task in our homes? If we are honest – often. Ouch. Guilty, party of one over here. It is exceedingly important to remember that we cannot simply attempt to imprint important concepts upon their little hearts with proclamations of, “Why don’t you just take responsibility for your actions?!” when they simply don’t see it being lived out from the one they look to most. It takes an immense amount of transparency and vulnerability to admit you made a mistake, to admit you messed something up and certainly to humbly ask for forgiveness when you hurt someone’s feelings. These concepts are not innately present in our children. Instead, their hearts are pre-wired for defensiveness, deflection of blame and they are masters of eluding responsibility.

In order to override that, these concepts have to be taught and nurtured, and above all else, modeled by those they are closest to. There are two main themes that are ever present in my home bursting with boys: 1) See a need, meet a need. And 2) Take responsibility for your actions. Am I careful to speak these truths into them... yes? But it doesn’t stop there. It’s a two-sided coin of both verbalizing what it is I need from them, but also demonstrating how these conceptual principles are lived out. With that being said I leave you with two reminders. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs, and always realize and remember just how impactful your words and your walk are in the lives of your children. 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.

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Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration

Walter Bellingrath was born in Atlanta on August 6, 1869, and became Mobile’s first Coca-Cola bottler. In the 1920s, he and his wife, Bessie, created Bellingrath Gardens from a former fishing camp along the Fowl River, which Walter Bellingrath had purchased 1919 for use as a weekend retreat. The Bellingraths opened the Gardens to the public for the first time on April 7, 1932. By tradition, Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Mr. Bellingrath’s birthday on August 6 by offering free admission to residents of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The birthday tradition dates back to 1949, when Mr. Bellingrath invited local residents to come and enjoy the Gardens at no charge as part of his 80th birthday celebration. Mr. Bellingrath died on August 8, 1955, two days after his 86th birthday. On August 6, admission to the Gardens is complimentary to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents. Guests are encouraged to purchase a $9 ticket to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home. During the month of August, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is also offering an Admissions Discount, a savings on combination Gardens and Home tickets.

Jensen’s Heart of Gold Super Slugger Softball Tournament

Jensen's Heart of Gold Foundation has a mission to support local Baldwin County Families that have a child with cancer, affording them the opportunity to make memories with their family. They are excited to announce the 10th Annual Super Slugger Softball Tournament - an adult co-ed, now three day tournament held at the Gulf Shores SportsPlex on September 11th 13th (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). This three-day, adult softball tournament is THE cornerstone of the Heart of Gold Foundation and serves as a tribute to Jensen’s last backyard baseball game. Registration is full for this event but there is a waitlist and spectators can come enjoy the fun for free! Each team consists of 10-12 players. Each team must have male to female ratio of 5/5, 6/6, 6/4, or 7/5. Teams who register and pay by July 31st will be assigned a team name and jerseys based on a Super Mario Brothers theme - all in honor of our very first Super Slugger, Jensen Byrd. The waitlist will be initiated for any team not paid by the above deadline. Team entry fee is $300. Not playing ball? Consider volunteering! If interested in volunteering contact us as events@jensensheartofgold.com. For more information or to register visit www.JensensHeartofGold.com Jensen's Heart of Gold is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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13th Annual GO Run Goes Virtual

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Runners and walkers can choose how to participate in the 13th annual GO Run, set for Sept. 17-20, to support academic cancer research. Because the event is virtual, participants can design their race to be a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, 10K or a half-marathon. They can also choose a treadmill, indoor track or outdoor route as the location. The entry fee for the GO Run ranges from $15 for the 1-mile fun run to $75 for the “weekend warrior,” which includes a 5K, 10K and half-marathon spread over four days. Registration is online through runsignup.com. In addition, participants may sign up for a GO Run Beginner 5K Coaching Program, developed by Brooks Running, at no cost. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, the largest team, highest fundraising team, best social networking team and team with most creative costume. Participants may also honor a loved one by purchasing a GO Run ribbon-shaped magnet for $10. For more information visit the GO Run webpage.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Announces Every Girl in a Park Program

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) has partnered with the Alabama State Parks and Alabama Historical Commission for Every Girl In a Park, going on now through October 31, 2020. From the backyard to the backcountry, Girl Scouts has a long and storied history of getting every girl outdoors. In fact, many Girl Scouts say “camping trips” are one of the best things about their Girl Scout experience. Connecting with the great outdoors in a girl-led setting is a big benefit of belonging to Girl Scouts. All 21 Alabama State Parks and 14 Alabama Historic Sites are offering free admission for Girl Scouts and one accompanying adult, as long as they are wearing the Every Girl In a Park t-shirt. Alabama State Parks is also offering a 10% off discount for campground rental or room rate at one of the lodges (Discount does NOT apply to Gulf State Park). Discounts will be available now until October 31 (excludes Labor Day). For more information, you can visit their website at www.girlscoutssa.org/everygirlinapark. Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Baldwin County Trailblazers Bingo Game

The Baldwin County Trailblazers put together a game of Bingo to enjoy while walking or biking the Eastern Shore Trail. The rules are simple. Just pick one of the four cards available on Facebook or Instagram that depict sites and landmarks found all along the trail. Sites include historic markers, public art and statues, buildings and businesses. While on the trail, watch for these sites along the way. Take a selfie in front of the landmark and post it on your feed, tagging us at @bctrailblazers. Also use the hashtags #EasternShoreTrail and #bctrailbingo. Mark that site off your card. When you have five spots in a row marked, send the Trailblazers a message to let us know. The first 20 participants who get Bingo receive a gift card for a free custard at Whitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frozen Custard in Daphne. Participants who take a selfie in all 25 spots will receive a special prize. Baldwin County Trailblazers formed in 1995 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving walking and biking opportunities in Baldwin County, and encouraging citizens to safely use bike and pedestrian options.

Ronald McDonald House Virtual Rubber Ducky Regatta

The Rubber Ducky Regatta is going virtual this year! Join us August 15, 2020 via Facebook Live! We have some awesome prizes for this year's winners and all proceeds benefit RMHC of Mobile. By adopting a rubber ducky not only will you have a chance to win prizes, but you will be providing funds for a safe haven to all the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House while their child is receiving treatment. Adopt your ducks TODAY at rubberduckyregatta.com

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Baldwin County Homeschool Expo

Baldwin County Homeschool Expo for 2020 will be held virtually due to COVID-19. This year we are also adding homeschool workshops held by local veteran homeschool parents. This is our 2nd annual expo. Our goal is to help local homeschool families with their homeschool journey. There are many resources locally and not everyone knows about them. We hope to help connect families with opportunities to make their homeschool journey as successful as possible. Homeschool Workshops Schedule for Friday, August 7 (all in CST): 9am - AL Homeschool Law with Daniel Beasley with HSLDA; 10am – Homeschooling Littles; 11am – Homeschooling High School; 12pm – Record Keeping; 1pm – Homeschooling Special needs; 2pm – Making Field Trips Educational; 3pm – Working and Homeschooling; 4pm – Highlight Expo Schedule for the next day. https://baldwinhomeschoolexpo.com/workshops/ Expo Schedule for Saturday, August 8 is TBD but will start at 10am. Vendors include: Erin’s Gulf Coast Homeschool Adventures, Professional Home Educator, Homeschooling Super Moms, Gulf Coast UPA, White Sands Academy, Classical Conversations, Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, Heartwood Christian Academy, Renaissance School and more! Each vendor has an album on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/baldwinhomeschoolexpo. They will also talk live via stream on our Facebook Page and website. Each vendor will speak for up to 20 mins about who they are and what they offer homeschoolers. Families can log in live and ask questions. All workshops and vendor videos will be posted on our Facebook Page, Website and Youtube Channel. www.baldwinhomeschoolexpo.com

Baldwin County Bookmobile

The Baldwin County Library Cooperative offers outreach services for Baldwin County library patrons by operating the Bookmobile and maintaining several small library collections around the county. We work together as a Cooperative, providing a single online catalog so that borrowers can request items from any other member library. Bookmobile schedules can be accessed on our website at www.baldwincountylibrary.org. Follow us on Facebook for program updates.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Vision Problems and Kids So, last week, I had a nice little seven year old come into the office and we were talking about all kinds of things—Christmas, playing baseball, his annoying little sister— you know, typical seven year old stuff. Well the conversation came back to his school performance and a sudden drop in his grades. For a few months, he had been doing well, but was having more and more difficulty. He was also having some headaches after school and had requested to move to the front of the classroom himself so he could “hear better.” I asked him if he could see clearly and he said “Yeah, why?” So I asked him to read a passage in a magazine, and he did, but was squinting the whole time. I asked him why he was squinting and he said, “I’m not!” So, we tested his vision, and of course, he was blind as a bat. After thinking about our experience, it was amazing to me that he was able to deal with his vision problems and at the same time didn’t even know he was doing it! Today, we will talk about common vision issues with infants and kids, what to look for, and how to address it. Most parents think that childhood vision issues are only limited to glasses when kids get older, but in fact, there are lots of different eye issues that can arise, even on the first day of life! In the nursery, your child’s doctor will examine his or her eyes to with a special tool called an ophthalmoscope to see if there is a red reflection in the back of their eyes. This screens for major newborn eye issues

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

and is an important first step. In addition, at birth and throughout the first few months of life, the doctor will look for any alignment abnormalities. Now, almost all babies in the first few months of life will have temporary eye crossing or lazy eyes. As long as it’s temporary, it’s OK. Basically, the eye muscles are a little weak at birth and the infants don’t have great control over them all the time. Sometimes, the infants will have a prolonged period of eye weakness that is followed closely by the physician and if not improving, are referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. This is a specialty eye doctor who can help assess eye function and improve eye control with medicine or even a patch. Sometimes, if the eye cannot be aligned, for vision and cosmetic issues, the infant might need surgery. As the child gets older around three years old, other screening tests are used to measure acuity and around five, they start formal eye tests. So, what can you as a parent look for to make sure your child‘s eyes are doing ok? As an infant, the first things to look for around 6-8 weeks of life are when your child looks at you and smiles! Next, be sure that they track you or objects equally with both eyes across the room. As they get older, look out for chronic eye redness and/or eye rubbing and itching. Look for eyelid drooping, chronic tearing, or eye drainage. When the kids hit school age, watch for signs like frequent eye squinting while reading, headaches after school, light sensitivity, and/or sudden decline in grades.

One of the more common issues that arises in newborns is a goopy eye. Despite what every daycare says, it’s most likely not pink eye! Eye drainage in the newborn period is usually from an obstructed tear duct. Basically, since most newborns don’t make tears, the duct isn’t flushed out very well and can get some dried gunk in it. So then, the tear duct tries to flush out the gunk by making eye snot— that’s right, eye snot to flush out the dried gunk! The move is to help flush out the gunk by taking a baby washcloth and running it under warm water and then rubbing the tear duct area. That area is a little hump on the lower eyelid near the corner. You can do this three or four times a day until it’s resolved. Sometimes, the obstruction can lead to infection, so if it doesn’t resolve within a day or two, or gets red and worse, then contact your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor and check out the resources at aap. org about your child’s vision. And remember, if your child needs glasses, let them pick out the frame themselves. They will be much more likely to wear them! Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

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A Back-to-School Welcome Letter from Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler Parents, Before I started this letter, I read my welcome letter from last year’s back-to-school edition. It was full of excitement for the upcoming school year and full of the great things going on in Baldwin County Public Schools. Now, as we are upon the start of another year, how do I start this welcome -- the same as last year and the years before! Sure, things are different. Sure, we are in unprecedented times, but we are offering our parents the best options in the state. We are offering a K-12 full-time virtual school option. This is a very different program, and a very challenging virtual program, compared to the ‘distance learning’ we did back in the spring. For other parents, we have the traditional school option. If we end up in a place where the Governor, or others, order us to close schools, we also have plans to move all students to a more comprehensive distance learning program, picking up right where they leave off in their classrooms. Parents, we have great options and I try to remind our parents that regardless of your choice, please remember that WE set the tone for our children. If we are negative about our situation, so will be our children. If we are positive, our children will be too. I choose positive. Our students need it, we all need it. We’ve spent several weeks going through all the details about opening up in the face of COVID-19 this year. We’ve done our best to be transparent and exhaustive in our updates and yet things are changing so rapidly, and in some situations, daily. I hope we have answered your questions and while there is no answer that will please everyone, I hope you have found the answers you need and you are satisfied with us giving YOU the choice to keep your children at home in a virtual program or to send them to school - which is better than me making that decision for you. I want to brag about our four thousand employees who have been working since March to make sure your children don’t miss a step with their education. To make sure our facilities are as clean and healthy as possible. To continuously challenge our students and improve our education requirements so we don’t fall behind, even during distractions like COVID-19. Our employees have been working around the clock and they do it for the kids. They do it for you, because you are the ones having to make some of the hardest decisions of your life. I can’t tell you what will happen this year. What I can promise is that we will continue being transparent in working with you. We have to be partners in this and that is how we will be successful in beating this epidemic that has caused havoc on so many of our lives. We will demonstrate compassion with the same drive for excellence in education that we always have. Here’s a saying my staff has grown to love in all of this: “Relationships before Rigor, Grace before Grades, Patience before Programs and Love before Lessons.” -Dr. Brad Johnson Thank you again for being a part of Baldwin County Public Schools. I’m excited for the 2020-2021 school year and hope you are too. Eddie Tyler, Superintendent #BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong

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Autauga County Schools

Quest Study Club Awards Scholarships

The Quest Study Club of Bay Minette recently awarded scholarships to Destiny Hadley and Olivia Lamb, both recent graduates of Baldwin County High School! Taking part in the presentations included, from left, Linda Brogden, Destiny Hadley, Olivia Lamb, and Anne Price. The club was founded in 1947 and its motto is, “May we be perpetual.” The object of the club is to strive toward worthwhile things.

GSMS Student Places in Color the Concept Contest

Leah Guthrie received a $25 check for placing in the top 10 in Color the Concept sponsored by the Alabama Council on Economic Education and State Farm Insurance! Her drawing will be published on posters promoting economic education and distributed to schools throughout Alabama. She is a rising 7th grader at GSMS, and she is picked with Shery Butler – GSMS Gifted Teacher.

Tanger Outlets Foley Awards Annual TangerKIDS Grants in Baldwin County

Tanger Outlets is excited to announce the following schools have been named this year’s recipients of a TangerKIDS Grant. In keeping with Tanger Outlets’ mission of being a good corporation citizen, the TangerKIDS Grant Program supports and serves the future generation by providing funding for schools located near Tanger’s centers. Elberta Elementary, Elsanor Elementary, Fairhope High School, Foley Elementary, Stapleton School, Daphne Middle School, Robertsdale Elementary, Stapleton School, Foley Intermediate, Central Baldwin Middle School, Bay Minette Elementary School. Grants awarded this month will benefit schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2020 at www.asms.net. ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.

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Bayshore Welcomes New Teacher

Bayshore Christian would like to welcome their newest teacher, Mrs. Denise Wilson, to their amazing staff! Mrs. Wilson has had the blessing and privilege of helping educate children for over 25 years, in a variety of settings. She has a BS in Elementary Education from Auburn University, and a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of South Alabama. She has a deep love for classical, Christian education, and has been homeschooling her twin girls this way for the past 14 years. Mrs. Wilson will be teaching L&R Science and Latin!

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

Autauga County Schools Snook Christian Academy Class of 2020

Snook Christian Academy celebrated the class of 2020 on June 5th, 2020. Collectively, the senior class earned over $1.5 million in scholarships! Snook Christian Academy is proud of this year’s graduating class, and we are excited to see what the future holds for these students.

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2021–2022 Priority Enrollment Opens Next Month for Bayside Academy Bayside Academy’s Priority Enrollment for the 2021–2022 school year opens in September and closes on November 6 for grades in which space is available. Contact admissions@baysideacademy.org for more information.

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Baldwin County Reading Council Administrator of the Year Award

Mr. Joseph Sharp is the principal at Robertsdale High School. He worked hard to improve the graduation rate by 14% in the first year after taking this position. The State of Alabama Report Card Grade increased by 9 points in 2019 at Robertsdale High School and the school is ranked in the top 8% of all high schools nationally for growth on the ACT. In the 2018-2019 school year, he prioritized literacy by participating in an innovative new program called Secondary Guided Reading. He hired a Reading Coach with an elementary school background for the course to help struggling students and he supported the classroom with access to incentives for students, resources such as magazines and books, and flexibility in scheduling. The following year he expanded the program to include a special education instruction. By hiring a certified Reading Coach with an elementary school background he was able to target specific needs of students and achieve 100% student growth in at least 2-grade level reading scores. He is a true leader and inspires the love of reading for all of his teachers. He sets high standards to encourage teachers to implement reading practices in their classrooms and welcomes feedback for ongoing improvement. He has implemented professional learning Communities in the school and Implemented STEM academy for the 2020-2021 year. If you would like to become a member of Baldwin County Reading Council, please message us! Our meetings will resume in the Fall. We welcome all professions and strive to promote literacy in Baldwin County. For more info about the Baldwin Reading Council and how to join follow us on Facebook.

Robertsdale High School Welcomes New Girl's Basketball Coach Coach Brian Jerkins previously was the Head JV and Varsity Assistant Women's Coach at Baldwin County High School from (2016-2020) where he helped lead the JV program to the 2020 County Championship, and back to back runner up finishes. As a Varsity Assistant, Jerkins assisted the Lady Tigers to a sub-regional playoff appearance in 2018, a runner up finish in the 2017 Satsuma Christmas Tournament, a 1st place finish in the 2018 UMS Wright Christmas Classic Tournament, and a runner up finish in the 2019 McIntosh Christmas Tournament. Coach Jerkins previously was an JV and Assistant Varsity coach under Coach Marshall Davis Jr. at Robertsdale High School from (2010-2015). Coach Jerkins assisted the Golden Bears to a sub regional appearance in 2010 with a 17-13 record, and a Baldwin County Championship in 2012 with a 18-13 record. Coach Jerkins is a native of Loxley, AL and a former graduate of Robertsdale High School in 2004. Coach Jerkins received his bachelors of science in sports management from Troy University in 2010, his certification in special education in 2015 from West Florida, and his masters in special education in 2017 from Concordia University. (photo/news courtesy of BCPS)

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Autauga County Schools

Compass II Life & Daphne Police Department - Be A Cop for A Day! Be a Cop for a Day! Compass II Life and Daphne Police are looking for students with new school year goals! All Baldwin County Public School students can enter to win! To enter, students should write a short essay that explains their goals. Must include: • School, Grade, and Name of Student • Be Handwritten & Legible • Academic and Behavior Goals • Action Plan/Steps to Achieve those Goals 4 winners will be selected to participate in the Daphne Police Department Cop for a Day Program and have lunch with an officer on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Parents can scan and email their child's submission to info@compassIIlife.com on/or before August 28, 2020. For questions or assistance please call (251) 229-2860. The Daphne Police Department and Compass II Life Services is committed to our youth.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

Daphne HS Announces New Coach

Daphne High School Trojans is happy to announce Abram Chamberlain as the newest addition to our coaching staff. Coach Chamberlain will lead our Junior Varsity program in 2021. “I’m proud to join Daphne High School as both an educator and a coach," said Chamberlain. "The soccer team has a proud tradition and made great strides last season under Coach Looney. I look forward to working with him and his staff, as well as the student-athletes and their families as DHS makes the transition to 7A this year.” "Coach Chamberlain will be a great addition to the program," said Head Coach, Adam Looney, who looks to build on a winning first season with the Trojans. "Of course, he brings plenty of coaching experience to the job and he will also be a very necessary resource for us, as we navigate the move into 7A competition." Before joining Daphne, coach Chamberlain served as the head soccer coach at Foley Middle School from 2013-2020 and an assistant with Foley High School from 2019-2020. He was also the head coach at the Uphams Corner Charter School in Boston, Massachusetts from 2007-2009. Coach Chamberlain holds a USSF E license, a USSF Youth license, and USSF Grassroots license. He is a three time winner of the Baldwin County Middle School Coach of the Year and has also won the Massachusetts Charter School Coach of the Year in 2008. (news/photo courtesy of BCPS)

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BCHS Tigerettes hold UDA Home Dance Camp

The Baldwin County High School Tigerettes recently completed a three-day Home Dance Camp with staff from the Universal Dance Association. The team learned a total of nine routines during the three days, and each dancer was evaluated individually on three of those routines. They earned a Superior rating as a team as a result of their individual evaluations. Throughout the week, several dancers earned drill down recognition by earning gold ribbons. On the final round of drill downs, Sophomore Tigerette, Jillian Dute, earned the honor of Drill Down Queen. Sara Munson (Freshman), Allison Smith (Sophomore), Emma Quezada (Senior), Morgan Bright (Senior), and Brasia Banks (Senior) earned the distinguished title of UDA All-American and will get the opportunity to travel to London for their New Year’s Day Parade. Other individual acknowledgements include, Emily Byrd (Freshman) and Brasia Banks (Senior) who received Pin-It-Forward recognition for exhibiting positive team culture behaviors. Sophomores Allison Smith and Arionna Tutor took time out of their scheduled “down time” and chose to participate in a letter campaign to help raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Tigerette seniors Brasia Banks, Emma Quezada and Morgan Bright have been appointed to lead their team as officers this year. “The team had a fantastic time learning, growing and bonding. The long hours and hard work were well worth it to do what they love in preparation for performing for our Tiger fans in the Fall,” said Elizabeth Byrd, Team Sponsor. The Tigerettes dance line perform with the BCHS Tiger Band during the half-time show and also take part in dance competitions on the regional and national level.

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Autauga County Schools

Magnolia School Teachers!

Magnolia School celebrated their awesome teachers! Huge thanks to our entire faculty for this past school year! (news/photo courtesy of BCPS)

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Last Week of School at Foley ES

Teachers at Foley Elementary were busy handing out student's belongings and report cards during the last week of school. It wasn't how we wanted to end our school year, but it was great to see some of our students as they came to pick up their things. We miss you all and hope you have a wonderful summer!

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

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Excellent by Tradition. Innovative by Design.

Bayside Academy prioritizes a holistic education grounded in the core values of our school. Students expand their footprints on campus by taking advantage of the myriad opportunities afforded to them and forging their own path through a dynamic, evolving course of study that has become a hallmark of the Bayside experience.

For details, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251.338.6446. Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to students in grades PK-12.

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Foley HS Grad Earns State Champion Title

Cade, a member of the Foley High class of 2020 is the 2020 Alabama High School Rodeo Association Steer Wrestling Average champion and state champion! He is a back to back state champion!

Autauga County Schools

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Robertsdale HS Announces New Coach

We are excited to announce that Mantel Casey is joining the Robertsdale High School Bear Nation Football Coaching Staff. Coach Casey is a 2004 graduate of Foley High School. During high school, Coach Casey was a multi-sport athlete playing football, baseball, basketball, and track. The past two seasons has served as a Foley High School assistant baseball coach and Foley Middle School assistant football coach. Coach Casey is certified NFPT trainer and strength coach. (news/photo courtesy of BCPS)

Elberta Lady Warriors Get Weight Room Elberta High School Lady Warriors are excited about their new weight room! (photo/news courtesy of BCPS)

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Congratulations to the Fairhope Middle School Athletes of the Year!

Ben Klapp, Male Athlete of the Year, Ella Byrd, Female Athlete of the Year, Sanders Daniell, Male Academic Athlete of the Year, and Murphy Creel, Female Academic Athlete of the Year.

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Autauga County Schools

SEEDS: Supporting Educational Excellence in Daphne Schools

SEEDS, Daphne’s education foundation, is committed to following our mission: Creating a Lifelong love of learning in the Daphne community, by providing enrichment opportunities and advocating for educational improvements in Daphne Schools. Entering our 17h year as the voice of education in Daphne, SEEDS will continue to partner with our city and our schools, providing classroom teacher grants and school master grants to ensure all Daphne students are prepared for the future. SEEDS has invested more than $650,000 into classrooms enrichment programs, summer learning camps, and character building concepts all in an effort to support and enrich the learning and educational experience of Daphne Schools. SEEDS will host 2 major events this year, the SEEDS 4th Annual Golf Tournament, Friday November 13th at the award winning Timber Creek Golf Club and the SEEDS Classic Rock 5 K & Fun Run, Saturday, March 6, 2021, on the streets of Old Towne Daphne. SEEDS is a 501© 3 tax deductible non-profit, and we continue our work with the generous support from our community. Register for one or both of our events, become a Friend of SEEDS, a SEEDS Sponsor or donor: Find details of our work in Daphne schools at SEEDSindaphne.com. or on Facebook at @SEEDSinDaphne.. Join SEEDS, as we lead the way to Support Educational Excellence in Daphne Schools.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

Bayside Student Wins Age Group at Triathlon Bayside Academy student Kyle Cooper ’26 placed first in his age group (and 68th overall) at the USA Triathlon Southeast Sprint Regional Championship held Saturday, July 11, in Guntersville, AL. Congratulations to Kyle on this accomplishment!

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Baldwin County Education Coalition Reaches GuideStar’s Highest Seal of Transparency

Baldwin County Education Coalition recently earned the 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a service of Candid. The Platinum Seal allows donors to focus on progress and results. By sharing metrics that highlight progress the Coalition is making toward its mission, the organization is helping donors move beyond simplistic ways of nonprofit evaluation such as overhead ratios. "In accordance with our long-held belief in being transparent about our work,” said Terry Burkle, executive director, “we are excited to convey our organization’s results in a user-friendly and highly visual manner. By updating our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile to the Platinum level, we can now easily share a wealth of up-to-date organizational metrics with our supporters as well as GuideStar's immense online audience, which includes donors, grantmakers, our peers, and the media.” To reach the Platinum level, the Coalition added extensive information to its Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar: basic contact and organizational information; in-depth financial information; qualitative information about goals, strategies, and capabilities; and quantitative information about results and progress toward its mission. By taking the time to provide this information, the Coalition has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate nonprofit performance. "I encourage you to visit our profile on GuideStar to see what we're all about," added Burkle. “We’re thrilled that our GuideStar Platinum Nonprofit Profile and its associated benefits help us better communicate our organization’s initiatives to stakeholders and potential donors."

Bayshore Grads Earn Millions in Scholarships

Bayshore Christian’s 26 graduates earned $2.8 million in scholarship offers, with an average ACT score of 29. We are so proud of our amazing students!

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Autauga County Schools

2019-2020 Class of Junior Ambassadors Attend Graduation Dinner

The North Baldwin Chamber recently celebrated the 2019-2020 Class of Junior Ambassadors with a graduation dinner in lieu of the traditional Spring Reception. During the dinner celebration, graduating seniors from the program were recognized and awarded scholarships from the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Alabama Community College. Vinson Bradley, Dean of Students at CACC, presented Activities Scholarships to Kristen Phillips, Eve Powell, Jayla Bennett and Olivia Lamb. Chamber Executive Director Ashley Jones Davis presented cash scholarships to all nine of the graduating senior participants - Kristen Phillips - $250; Eve Powell - $250; Jayla Bennett - $250; Olivia Lamb - $500; LoriAnn McCullough - $750; Allison Wilson - $750; Tanner Smith - $1,000; Landon Jones - $1,000; and Mary-Stuart Lewis - $1,000. This marks the 6th class to complete the program since 2014 and, to date, 44 students from Baldwin County High School have participated in the youth leadership program sponsored by the North Baldwin Chamber. Students selected to participate have the opportunity to interact and connect with community leaders, business professionals and elected officials. They have the opportunity to volunteer at events, attend meetings of their local government, learn about business and industry, understand the importance of civic responsibility and experience first hand the role of the Chamber of Commerce in a community. "The students in the Junior Ambassador program are not only representatives for the chamber, but for the City of Bay Minette and Baldwin County High School," Davis said. "These students are a link between the school and the community and are already leaders among their peers. They work hard throughout the year, I watch them learn and grow, and my hope is that wherever life takes them, that they carry with them a sense of civic and community responsibility." In addition to the nine graduating seniors, five juniors also completed their first year of the program. Hamp Weatherford, Tyler Siggers, Kenny Weatherford, Brady Seals and Lindsey Stewart will all continue on to participate in the 2020-2021 Class of Junior Ambassadors. They will be joined by first year-students Blakeley Norris, Andrew Guy, Emily Scarborough and Emma Johnson. Since inception the Junior Ambassador Program has awarded $22,000 in cash scholarships to graduating participants all made possible by the contributions of the Chamber's membership and North Baldwin Advantage Partners.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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South Baldwin Chamber—A Heart for Education!

Since 2003, the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation (SBCF) has made an impact on the communities of Foley, Lillian, Elberta, Magnolia Springs, Bon Secour, and Summerdale. Raising more than three million dollars in the past seventeen years, SBCF is a 501c3 dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our youth through programs and partnerships that focus on educational enrichment, leadership development, and community involvement. ● Our primary benefactors are the students of Foley High School, Elberta High School, and their feeder schools. ● Our mission is to enhance lives through programs and partnerships that enrich education, develop leadership, and better our community. ● Our goal is for all South Baldwin students to graduate and succeed. South Baldwin Chamber Foundation is making an effort to affect economic opportunities by investing community stakeholders and organizations through program support. These programs are funded through individual and corporate contributions as well as our three major annual fundraisers: Night Glow Golf, Annual Gala & Silent Auction, and BBQ & Blues. The programs we provide would not be possible without the support of our generous donors! If you are looking for a way to get involved in your community and make a difference, while making friends and having fun in the process, you'll find a volunteer project or job that you'll love with the Chamber Foundation! When we help a child succeed in school, we help that child succeed in life. The opportunities for gifts of time and talent are endless when it comes to the South Baldwin Schools we serve. Nearly all of the programs and events supported by the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation rely on volunteers for their success. Your generous gifts of time and resources are needed for the Chamber Foundation to continue making a positive impact on the future of South Baldwin. Your contribution will allow the Foundation to provide unique experiences designed to align the importance of civic engagement in education while providing opportunities for healthy adult and peer connections. Contributions to the Foundation help provide students support through: Project ACEd (Aligning Civic Engagement with Education), Student/Teacher Grants and individual initiatives that impact our community that occurs on an as-needed basis such as the school uniform needs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leader in Me, and snacks for students. Contributions to the Chamber Foundation help promote a sense of community, develop a skilled workforce, and provide the type of student support needed for leadership development, as well as dropout prevention. Students in our schools today are the workforce of tomorrow and the future leaders of our community. When you support the efforts of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, you help lay the foundation for our future. We thank you for your support! To become involved with the Chamber Foundation and Project ACEd or to be an annual or event sponsor, contact Gale Croft at 251-943-5520 or gale@sbchamberfoundation.org.

Bayside Academy Student Places First in 110 Hurdles at V12 Summer Games

Bayside Academy student Patrick Daves ’22 placed first in the boys 110 hurdles (15–18 division) in the V12 Summer Games in Alachua, Florida, on July 4. The V12 Summer Games is an AAU sponsored track and field meet. Athletes from various states around the country competed in the event. Congratulations to Patrick!

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Autauga County Schools

BCHS Tigerettes and BMMS Tiger Paws say ‘Thanks for the Support’

The Baldwin County High School Tigerettes and Bay Minette Middle School Tiger Paws were just two of the groups to benefit from Ladies Night Out raffle sales. Sponsored by the City of Bay Minette, Ladies Night Out is held every spring and fall to showcase local businesses and vendors. As part of this event, the City holds a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and allows school teams and non-profits to sell raffle tickets as a fund-raiser for their groups. Each of the groups get to retain 100-percent of the proceeds from any raffle tickets they sell. Though the spring event was cancelled, the City continued on with raffle sales and raised more than $5,000 in support of these organizations. “Thank you to everyone who supported the Tigerettes & Tiger Paws through the purchase of a Ladies Night Out raffle tickets,” said Elizabeth Byrd, Tigerettes sponsor. “Thanks to your support, the City of Bay Minette was able to donate $1,000 back to our program. With two of our fundraisers having to be canceled/ postponed this Spring, this was a huge help to us!” Since 2017, Ladies Night Out has raised more than $42,000 to support programs such as the North Baldwin Animal Shelter, Emily’s Closet, Bay Minette Police Department K9, historic preservation of the old Depot, Clean Out & Recycle Day, Committee on Public Arts, as well as beautification efforts. For the Spring 2020 event, these groups collectively earned $5,140 through raffle ticket sales: Baldwin County High School Tigerettes, Beta Sigma Chi and Volleyball team; Bay Minette Middle School Cheer, Tiger Paws, and Football teams; Chosen Youth Outreach; North Baldwin Literacy Council; North Baldwin Infirmary Auxiliary; First Presbyterian Church Youth Group; and the Committee on Public Arts. Sponsors for the Spring event included: Standard Furniture, North Baldwin Utilities, Walmart, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Matthew’s Landing, North Baldwin Infirmary, Coastal Alabama Community College, Alabama Land Title, North Baldwin Family Medicine and Obstetrics, Gulf Packaging and Kubina, Hayles & Associates.

Renaissance School Offers Individualized Online Program

When Covid-19 hit the United States schools began dismissing. Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore realized the importance of their children continuing their education, and within a 72 hour period they put their entire program online. This individualized online program excelled! After witnessing the success of Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore Distance Learning we are proud to announce Renaissance @ Home!

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FEEF Supporting Fairhope Schools for 24 Years

Who Is FEEF? The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1996, that is dedicated to promoting and enriching educational opportunities for all Fairhope public school children. FEEF is made up of a twenty member volunteer board of directors and is supported by an advisory council of volunteers who work to raise funds and support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) initiatives in our schools. How Does FEEF Support Schools? FEEF works year round to raise funds, create initiatives and provide support directly to the five Fairhope public schools. FEEF funds are given directly to the schools to provide programs and equipment to our students and teachers that are not made possible through traditional funding the schools receive. Thanks to the community’s support, FEEF provided over $140,000 in funding to our Fairhope schools for 2019 - 2020 school year. This supported the following in our schools that would otherwise not exist: • Hands-on Science Labs at Fairhope Intermediate and J. Larry Newton • STEAM center and school-wide, grade level STEAM classroom supplies for Fairhope Elementary. • Choral, Piano and Guitar Programs, including teacher salaries, for Fairhope Middle • Upgrades to the Black Box Theatre and funding for the Engineering Rover at Fairhope High • Pelican’s Nest Science Lab resources and tools • Teacher Classroom Grants included: robotics kits, 3D printer, math machines, special needs math, reading and digital resources, LEGO engineering kits, STEAM library books and more

(Still) Serving Children Safely

ChildrensAL.org

It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care — and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q q q q q q

All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. We are wearing masks for your safety. Thank you for wearing your face covering. All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

How Can You Help FEEF Support Our Students? Become a Friend of FEEF online at www.feefonline.org Volunteer: Donate your time and talents to support the fundraising events, initiatives and programs FEEF provides. Contact FEEF at 251-990-3333 or director@feefonline.org to get involved. Share the News: Like the FEEF Facebook Page @FEEFFairhope and share news and events. 31

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Autauga County Schools The Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation (SFEEF)

The Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation (SFEEF), founded in 2002, is a 501(c) 3 organization whose mission is to inspire the power of community to enrich and support education for all Spanish Fort public school children. SFEEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is a result of the many contributions by sponsors & community volunteers who have dedicated their time and money to support SFEEF fundraising efforts over the years. Over the past 18 years, SFEEF has contributed over $500,000 to Spanish Fort schools. Some contributions are: $265,000 awarded to Teacher/Student grants, $50,000 Principal Block Grants, $15,000 for reading & diagnostic programs, $18,000 Snoezelen Room for students with Autism and Learning disabilities, $16,000 in band equipment, $29,000 in technical equipment, $24,000 CIS Fund (240 teachers), $18,000 for security cameras at Spanish Fort High School, $31,175 for LCD Projectors/Laptops for 13 ED departments, $13,000 to Scholars Bowl, TSA, FBLA and other academic teams, and $27,000 in collegiate scholarships. Our signature events include Marsh Madness Fall Fishing Tournament in November and The Gator Chase 5K Race on the Causeway in February. SFEEF hosts RISE, an annual evening each April, where we recognize inspirational academic achievements by our teachers, students, and school administration to the Spanish Fort community. Please see our website, www.sfeef.com for information on these events and additional ways to support SFEEF. For more information on how you can participate in an event or become a sponsor contact Sheren LeBlanc at 251-604-3728. Like us on Facebook for the latest SFEEF news and to meet our sponsors!

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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The Baldwin County Reading Council Proud to Announce Literacy Teacher of the Year!

Erica Evans worked the 2019-2020 school year at Robertsdale Elementary teaching 2nd grade and is moving to Belforest Elementary for the 2020-2021 school year. She attended the University of South Alabama and graduated with a BS in Elementary Education in 2002. She also attended South Alabama again for her master’s degree in Instructional Design in 2005. She has been teaching elementary education for 17 years. There are many reasons why Erica is so deserving of this honor. She puts in countless hours preparing for her literacy lessons and creating an environment rich in learning opportunities. She keeps up on the latest technology and reading practices to benefit the learning of her class. She has boundless creative energy and is eager to share her knowledge of teaching reading with her colleagues. Erica keeps involved in many courses and professional organizations. She is currently enrolled in the e-Mints program through the Baldwin County school district. This class provides the opportunity for teachers to know how to create a community of learning in their classroom while also using many technological approaches to learning. She is part of the Reading Council in our area. She spent many hours helping to create their website in order to educate others of what this professional organization has to offer. She attends weekly grade level meetings in order to collaborate with her 2nd grade team to use the standards to create lesson plans for her class. She has been an endless supply of technological support to our grade level helping us to know any new programs that our county encourages us to use. For more info about the Baldwin Reading Council and how to join follow us on Facebook.

Bayside Academy Student Selected to Receive Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship

Bayside Academy’s Will Murphy ‘20 was selected as one of two recipients of the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship from the Original Oyster House. Will’s artwork, “The Pearl of the Causeway”, is meant to represent the significance of the Original Oyster House to Baldwin County. As Will explains his piece, “First, I collaged the background with vintage pictures of customers, major events, visiting stars, and staff at the Oyster House. Next, I painted an oyster shell on top of that with the background of the oyster resembling a famous sunset view from the Oyster House on the causeway. Also, I painted the Oyster Houser logo as the pearl in the oyster. This is where the title, ‘The Pearl of the Causeway’, originated. Finally, I added a layer of wax, which was then etched and rubbed with an oil glaze to match the more rustic feel of the Oyster House.” The Original Oyster House honors two Baldwin County art students with The Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship Program, giving two $1,000 scholarships to area senior art students in the name of Chelsea, a former Fairhope High School art student, Fish River Fire Department rescue diver, and Original Oyster House employee. Tragically, Chelsea was killed in a boating accident in the fall of 2005.

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“Can I have a piece of candy?” my daughter asked me one morning, right after breakfast. I replied, “No, we aren’t going to have candy right now. It’s too early.” Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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What followed was not my best mom moment. My child began to ask repeatedly for candy. I repeatedly said “no” and the scene ended with my daughter trying to climb onto the counter to reach the candy. I took her to her room where she cried for several minutes and we both ended up tired and frustrated. How can one avoid this scene, or at least improve the situation? Getting your child to accept your answer of “no” and move on can be easier with some time and training.

Give a short explanation

Your child will better understand your reason for saying “no” to them if you give them a reason. Amy Cameron, mom of three says. “When I tell them ‘no’ I usually give them a why. I think they’re more likely to accept my answer when they understand.” Make sure your answer is short and to the point. If your child asks for a new toy the answer can simply be: “No, we can’t afford to buy a new toy today.” Be careful not to get pulled into back talk or responses like: “All my friends have one.” Keep your response short: “I said no.” And if your child continues to engage, walk away and do not look back.

Be consistent

The key to training your child that your answer stands is to remain consistent. Once you have decided to say “no”, do not change your mind. By giving in after you have said “no” you are teaching your child that you can be worn down if they are persistent enough. “Consistency is key,” says Janelle Waldron, mom of five. “If I say no, I don’t change my mind. I also try to take my time answering. That way I don’t say ‘no’ too quickly, and I can make a better decision.”

Talk later

Talking about your rules and expectations is particularly important to do when your child is calm and you are not in the middle of discussing whether or not your child can have something they asked for. After the fact, sit down and let your child know that when you have made a decision, it is final, and you will not change your mind no matter how much pleading and pestering they do. If the begging continues you will walk away and will not discuss the topic further. This is also a good time to explain why you say no to things. Typical reasons are: the activity is not safe, they are not old enough, you cannot afford it, it is not healthy, it goes against your family beliefs or values. These are not reasons that are debatable. Keep your discussion calm and listen to your child. Let them know you understand why they are upset with your decision, but that you will not be changing your mind. Give healthy suggestions that can help your child deal with their anger in the future. Some ideas could include going to their room to calm down, taking a walk, screaming into a pillow, or doing something they enjoy like reading, drawing, or building Legos. Keep the discussion positive, and if it starts to get heated, walk away. It is easier to start the training process at a young age, but it is not impossible to start at any stage of parenting. Training can take months or years as your child pushes the limits and tests you for inconsistency. Parenting is always a challenge, but raising a child that understands healthy boundaries and safety is worth it. ESP

1.800.239.6636 | girlscoutssa.org

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in more than 150 parenting publications.

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BEF

Should You Read Your Kid’s Texts?

• It lets you know when they’re ready for more responsibility. The better they manage their online lives, the more you can loosen the reins. If they’re following your rules, such as asking for permission before downloading apps, not hacking your parental controls, and overall conducting themselves responsibly, the spot checks can become less frequent—and maybe you can ease up on other restrictions they’ve proven they can handle.

You’re sitting there minding your own business when a nearby phone buzzes. U up?, it says, beckoning you closer. Only, it’s not your phone—it’s your kid’s. Do you pick it up? Do you “accidentally” swipe the screen for a closer look? If you’ve made up your mind— yes, you read your kid’s texts, or no, you don’t—more power to you! But if the question prompts a cascade of conflicting emotions, selfserving justifications, and guilt, we can help. Reading your kid’s texts is part of responsible parenting. But there’s only one scenario (described below) where we think it’s OK to do it without telling your kid. Most kids view their phones as their personal property, and it can become a proxy for their blossoming independence. So don’t sneak. Maintaining trust—especially in the vital years leading up to the teens—is critical to a healthy relationship (and it goes both ways). Your kids may not like it, but they’ll respect you for being honest. They’ll also understand your point of view better if you explain why you want to see what’s on their phone:

What are the downsides of reading my kid’s texts?

It’s just one piece of the puzzle. As much as we’ve been told that our kids are living online, they also very much live in the real world. The contents of their phones will give you some clues—but they could be misleading, taken out of context, or misunderstood. Yes, it can be hard to get your tween talking sometimes, but keep making the effort. An effective way to engage them is by asking what their friends are playing or doing on social media, instead of asking them directly about themselves. You’re going to discover stuff you won’t like … and need to figure out what to do about it. You’ll have to determine for yourself what constitutes typical tween stuff (swear words, cringey ideas, exploration of mature content) and what may be signs of deeper issues (inappropriate photos, hate speech, risky apps, troubling search terms such as “suicide” and “drugs”). Pick your battles: Use the minor issues as an opportunity to discuss your values, and give consequences for serious infractions. If you’re worried about something, do a more in-depth check of your kid’s well-being in person (we recommend the HEADSS assessment). If your kid’s having a bumpy time or hiding stuff, you can use a phone-monitoring app such as Bark or other parental control tools to receive notifications of alert words and off-limits activities. You may invade someone else’s privacy. Sure, you have the right to keep tabs on your own kid, but digging around on their phone will inevitably uncover something about their friends. Knowing private information can put you in a really awkward spot. Use your best judgment: If you think anyone is unsafe, you should do what you can to protect them. But if it’s just something you wish you could “unsee,” keep it to yourself.

It helps to keep them safe. Since so much of kids’ lives happens on devices, we need to keep tabs on whether their relationships are healthy, whether the content they’re seeing is age-appropriate, and even when they’re using their phones (such as when they’re supposed to be sleeping or in school). If you’ve already established the routine of spot checks, your kid should be expecting them. If not, make it clear it’s for their safety and that keeping them safe is part of your job. It reinforces your media rules. How can you tell they’re following your rules if you can’t see the evidence? You need to make sure they’re texting with people they know and that their relationships and activities are mostly positive. Tell your kid what you want to peek at and what you’re looking for. A few examples: • Texts show you whom they’re talking to and at what times. They’ll also provide a sense of whether the interactions are mostly beneficial. • Apps show you their online activities: what they’re reading, playing, listening to, and sharing. • Settings, including the ones on the phone and in individual apps, show you how they’re protecting their privacy, whether they have location services on or off, and even how much time they’re spending in their apps. Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

A word about sneaking: The only situation that warrants spying is if you suspect something is seriously wrong. When your Spidey sense kicks in and you notice any signs of behavior change, declining grades, poor sleep, major hostility, withdrawal, or secrecy, you have a solid reason to check the phone without your kid knowing. And if you don’t find anything? Consider coming clean. Your kid may be upset at first, but if you use it as a chance to discuss what’s going on and how you might help them feel better—they’ll most likely forgive you. 36

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Ever feel overwhelmed by your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy schedules? How do you keep track of it all? Many of us rely on our own planners, but have you ever considered pushing some of that responsibility onto your children? In second grade, my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school distributed school planners to each student to track their homework and upcoming exams. Having a planner has been incredibly helpful to my son (and me!) to make sure he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss any assignments and so he can schedule time throughout his week to study for quizzes and tests. In fact, planners offer so much more than just a place to write down homework. Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Benefits Of School Planners

Serves as a journal. Today, planners are so much more than just a calendar. Many include inspirational quotes and writing prompts so students can record their thoughts, feelings, and memories. I especially love journals that include a place to list what we are thankful for on a daily basis since gratitude is so critical to a happy, healthy lifestyle. Encourage your older children and teens to use their planners as a journal and to keep them so they can look back at them years from now.

Keep track of all commitments. Kids have hectic schedules between homework, tests, extracurricular activities, social outings, and family time. By having one place to write down all of the moving parts, your kids will stay on track and not get overwhelmed by their to-do list. In addition, Dr. Maggie Wray, success skills coach and mentor for teens and young adults, explains how writing down assignments in real time as the teacher announces them makes it so much easier for students to remember their assignments. Plus, it takes the pressure off of having to memorize what the teacher said because it’s right there in black and white.

Helps your child achieve goals. Planners can guide your children so they can easily set and achieve their goals throughout the year. From small goals like finishing their daily math homework to larger goals like making honor role, their planner will help bring their dreams to fruition. Set aside time each month with your children to review their goals using the SMART goal approach and help them track their steps for each goal by using their planner. With each milestone they check off their list, they will feel a major sense of accomplishment. The acronym SMART represents goals that are:

Manage time. Planners offer a visual reminder of tasks that can be crossed off when finished to help our kids stay on task and get things done in a more productive way than trying to remember everything by heart. The daily, weekly, and monthly calendar features can be especially helpful so students can see an overview of a chunk of time to help them better plan and balance their commitments.

• Specific: The more specific we are, the more focused we can be in reaching a goal. When your children say they want to do better in school, ask questions to guide them in identifying a more detailed goal. For example, which subject would they like to do better in? What grade are they hoping to achieve?

Be more mindful. Planners help free up space in our kids’ brains so they can focus on other important things like creativity or critical thinking skills. Having a written plan frees up working memory, which makes it easier for them to focus on the task at hand. When students jot down their assignments and activities in a planner, their brains can stop struggling to keep track of everything they have left to work on. Instead, they can be more mindful, pay closer attention, learn more effectively, and complete their work more efficiently.

• Measurable: It is important that we help our children identify how they will know they reached their goal, so it is clear what they are working towards. Is it an award, a grade, a project, or a skill they are looking to end up with in the end?

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• If your teachers do not require a planner, work with them to make sure they are on board with your efforts. • Use a paperclip, bookmark, or other marker to keep the previous weeks’ pages of the planner together so it always opens to the current week. This will reduce confusion and frustration hunting for the right page. • Always use positive reinforcement regarding our child’s organizational efforts. Be sure to point out progress when you see it. • Teach your kids to check their calendar in the planner before agreeing to appointments or tasks.

• Achievable: Goals should be challenging within reason–not impossible. It is best to encourage our children to take one step at a time and not to make things too difficult for themselves. They will be happier if they reach a few easier goals than struggling to attain a really difficult one. • Relevant: Goals need to mean something to the children. They need to be excited and passionate about what they are working towards. If we set the goals for them, they will not gain anything from the experience and may possibly fail and be stressed over what we expect from them.

Choosing The Best Planner

• Timely: If we don’t identify when we hope to achieve a goal, we are unable to succeed. Ask your children to determine a realistic time frame for meeting the goal. Be sure to consider other obligations and interests when choosing the estimated finish line.

It can be overwhelming trying to decide which school planner to buy for your kids. Look for ones that have a daily homework list, daily action or to-do list, tabs or bookmarks, monthly calendar pages, a place to write down long-term goals, and a place to track grades. Also, ADDitudeMag contributor Susan Kruger, M.Ed., suggests purchasing a simple, thin, spiral-bound planner that uses a weekly layout with a separate space for each day. No matter which type of planner you choose for your kids, you will be on your way to improving your hectic after school time and minimizing the fights with your kids about forgetting to do their schoolwork. Plus, you will be teaching them organizational skills that will prepare them for the rest of their life. ESP

Tips For Using a Planner Effectively The teachers at my son’s school require parents to review and sign the school planner everyday so we are engaged in the process, which I think is a wonderful idea. Here are some other tips to make sure your kids are using their planner effectively: • Ask them to keep their planner with them at all times, such as in their backpack. • Create a habit of looking at their planner as soon as you and your children get home after school. It may also be helpful to look at it again in the morning before school to see what is coming up on the agenda.

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www.happysciencemom.com and www.sandischwartz.com. Get her free course on raising happy, balanced kids at bit.ly/2i53TDV.

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After School Care Bay Camp After School ad on page 51

8180 Dyer Road Fairhope, 36532 Bay Camp is open Monday-Friday until 6pm. Transportation from school provided. We offer Snack, homework and tutoring, field trips and playtime. Registration for after school care is open now!

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

Hot Wheels

Nature Connect Alabama

(251) 972-8518

(251) 747-7846 contactnatureconnect@gmail.com www.natureconnectalabama.org

Various Baldwin County locations Offered to children enrolled in Baldwin County Public Schools beginning at age 4 years. Please check our website for registration and announcements. www.bcbe.org/afterschool

Cradle 2 Crayons

507 West Rose Avenue Foley, 36536 Cradle 2 Crayons offers programs for children 6 weeks - 12 years. Pre-K and After School Care programs. Please call for specific enrollment information. (251) 943-4599 cradle2crayons@gulftel.com www.cradle2crayonsinc.net

616 Whispering Pines Road Daphne, 36526 Our after school program offers homework assistance, activities, games and of course, skating! Monday - Friday until 6:00pm. Pick up from school available. Register online. www.hotwheelsdaphne.com

AUC Resource Center After School Care

8355 Jonesboro Road Daphne, 36526 Licensed child care center accepting children ages 6 weeks - 14 years. Open Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm for childcare and after school care. (251) 626-6056 africanuniversalresourcecenter@ yahoo.com www.africanuniversalchurch.org

23946-B US Highway 98 Fairhope, 36532 After school care, with school pick up from most Daphne schools. Free tutoring also available. Open to school aged children up to 12 years old. Pickup time is 6pm.

(251) 243-5153 easternshoreacademy@gmail.com www.facebook.com/EasternShoreAcademy

Fairhope Youth Rotary Club

19128 Young Street Fairhope, 36532 After-school from 3pm-6pm for K-12th grade. Recreation, homework help, enrichment. Due to CDC guidelines, space is limited in our afterschool program. Afternoon transportation available. Please contact us for specific details. (251) 928-9148 tmiller@rotaryyouthclub.org www.rotaryyouthclub.org

PASSAGE USA

Locations in Daphne & Fairhope Outdoor adventures & games, learning about nature! Skills introduced include plant and animal id, animal tracking, shelter building, bird calls, and hazard awareness. Ages 5 - 10. Register online.

RFM Learning Academy - After School

Restoration Fellowship Ministries, 9585 Milton Jones Road Daphne, 36526 After school program for Daphne area public schools with transportation provided. Homework help, activities and tutoring. Space is limited. Please call to register. (251) 459-0178

Eastern Shore Academy of Excellence

ad on page 27

(251) 626-5120

Baldwin County Public Schools After School Care

rfmlearningacademy@gmail.com

Snook Youth Club of Foley

1391 South Cedar Street Foley, 36536 The Snook Youth Club of Foley is non-profit agency whose mission is to provide youth participants with the opportunity to engage in social youth programs. Call or stop by to register.

(251) 943-1483 snookyouthcluboffoley@gmail.com www.facebook.com/snookyouthclub

YMCA After School Program

Bounds Family YMCA, 8051 Whispering Pines Road Daphne, 36526 Programs offer children the ability to learn good sportsmanship, communication skills and healthy competition. Our After School program includes bus pickup, snack, homework help, sports and more! (251) 626-0888

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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

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Art Coastal Arts Center

26389 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 Classes, workshops, and camps to artists of all ages and all skill levels. Schedules available online. Sign up for our newsletter for upcoming program information. (251) 981-2787 www.coastalartscenter.com

Daphne Art Center

1704 Sixth Street Daphne, 36526 Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fall 2020 after school and homeschool classes have not been scheduled. Please check our website and Facebook often for updates. (251) 586-8096 daphne.art. center251@gmail.com www. daphneartcenter.com

Eastern Shore Art Center

YMCA After School Program

John McClure Snook Family YMCA, 2560 South Pine Street Foley, 36535 Programs offer children the ability to learn good sportsmanship, communication skills and healthy competition. Our After School program includes bus pickup, snack, homework help, sports and more! (251) 970-3003

www.ysal.org

401 Oak Street Fairhope, 36532 Fall Classes include Pottery, Mixed Media, and Creative Writing. Registration ends September 20th, 2020. Classes begin September 22nd. (251) 928-2228 reanna@esartcenter.org www.esartcenter.org

11am - 3pm. Like us on Facebook for updates about after school art programs and classes for children. (251) 943-4381 foleyartcenter@gmail.com www.foleyartcenter.com

The Creative Kitchen

Mobile, Baldwin County and Pensacola, Arts & Events Venue. Offering creative in-studio and in-home workshops, classes, dinners, camps, parties & more. Find us on Facebook for information on kids programs and event updates! (251) 753-9210 theartisansoul@gmail.com www.facebook.com/tckcollab

Education / Tutoring Huntington Learning Center ad on page 1

Jubilee Square Shopping Center, 6880 US Hwy 90 (Suite 13) Daphne, 36526 Huntington Learning Center helps students of all ages improve grades, test scores and confidence. We offer Academic Evaluations, programs tailored to each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and individualized instruction from qualified teachers. Tutoring, Test Prep and more for students in K - 12th grade. Call to begin your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individualized program today! (251) 621-1055 daphne

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Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore ad on page 28 and 29

Foley Art Center

211 North McKenzie Street Foley, 36536 Monday - Friday from 10am - 4pm and Saturday

10526 County Road 64 Daphne, 36526 Renaissance School offers after school in person and virtual tutoring in all subjects, and in person

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Fairhope Sewing School

Weekly 1-hour sewing classes. Sewing machines provided. Ages 6-17 years. Classes begin September 8, 2020. Spots are limited. Register today! (251) 442-4472 fairhopesewingschool@gmail.com www.fairhopesewingschool.com

Gulf Coast Young Engineers

Eastern Shore and Mobile areas Offering robotics STEM enrichment programs onsite after school and with our new virtual robotics program. Ages 6-10. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram. (251) 213-4061

gulfcoast@e2youngengineers.com

Kids Always Kount

26420 Kensington Place (Suite C) Daphne, 36526 We provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy. We also provide tutoring services that address reading and math instruction. (251) 517-0355 shannon@kidsalwayskount.net www.kidsalwayskount.net

Read-Write

1048 Stanton Road Daphne, 36526 Academic language therapy for students with dyslexia, math and other learning disabilities. One-on-one, instruction after school. Helping students thrive at school, home, and in life! (251) 625-4020 baldwinoffice@readwritelearningcenter.com www.readwritelearningcenter.com

The Think Tank Tutoring

Baldwin and Mobile County, One-on-one tutoring for grades K-12 in ALL Subjects. ADHD Coaching, homework help, test prep and more. Get a head start on school struggles before they begin! (251) 414-4494 thinktankminds@gmail.com www.thinktankminds.com

Threads & Bobbins

Mobile & Baldwin County, Sewing classes and private lessons for adults & children in Daphne, Fairhope & Mobile, Alabama. Please contact us for class schedules and pricing. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ threadsnbobbins threadsandbobbins@hotmail.com www.threadsandbobbins.com

Gymnastics/Cheer/ Dance Bay City Gymnastics ad on page 4

8534 Well Road Daphne, 36526 Come and join us after school to “let loose” and have fun at Bay City Gymnastics. We offer Preschool Gymnastics for ages 3-6, Recreational classes for Girls and Boys ages 7 and up. Register online for fall classes. (251) 621-2112

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Baypointe Dance Academy ad on page 47

8756 Rand Avenue Daphne, 36526 Baypointe Dance Academy offers Morning & Evening classes for ages 2 1/2 and up. Beginner, Advanced, Recreational and Competitive Classes. Fall classes begin September 8, 2020. (251) 621-3980

www.baypointedance.com

Eastern Shore Dance Academy

are allowed to view classes as long as social distancing markers are adhered to.

(251) 447-0505 easternshoregym@yahoo.com www.easternshoregymnastics.net

ad on page 48

9063 Merritt Lane Daphne, 36526 Eastern Shore Dance Academy offers classes in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and more. Call or visit our website for more information today. (251) 626-2300 www.ESDA.us

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Eastern Shore Gymnastics Academy ad on page 13

8566 Athlete Drive Daphne, 36526 Join the largest gym in Baldwin County as we register for fall classes. We offer Preschool, Recreational, and Competitive Gymnastics. Parents

Mobile Ballet, Inc. ad on page 50

26436 B Kensington Place Daphne, 36526 Recognized as the region’s premier school and performing company. Classical ballet, Modern/ Contemporary ballet, broadway-style jazz, musical theater, and tap. Under the direction of Katia Garza and Kimberley Sears, our faculty has extensive performance & teaching experience, enabling us to offer a complete curriculum of pre-ballet - pre-professional levels, including adult classes. Registration available online. (251) 626-8932 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

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3 - adult. Ballet/Pointe, Jazz,Tap, Contemporary/ Lyrical, Hip Hop and more! Become part of the #SheffieldLegacy! (251) 219-7877 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

Southern Strutt Dance and Gymnastics ad on page 27

22505 Racine Street Robertsdale, 36567 Teaching the ART of Dance. Create lifelong memories! Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Gymnastics and Baton. Parent friendly classes as well as Zumba! Find us on Facebook! (251) 979-9763 southernstrutt5678@gmail.com www. facebook.com/Southernstruttrobertsdale

Sheffield School of Dance Eastern Shore ad on page 43

The Shoppes at Fairhope Village, 151 Fly Creek Avenue (Suite 430 & 432) Fairhope, 36532 Celebrating over 75 YEARS. Mobile & Baldwin’s #1 choice in dance. Two-time “Best Dance Studio” Nappie winner. All ages and skill levels from ages

ad on page 40

Susan’s Academy of Dance

7966 American Way Daphne, 36526 Fall registration available online, by phone or in person. Ages 2 - adult, with multiple class and family discounts offered. Age appropriate music, costumes, and choreography. Visit us on Facebook. (251) 626-3835 director@susansacademyofdance. com www.susansacademyofdance.com

Bay Shore Ballet Academy

pro

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

305 Fels Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Please check our website and Facebook page often for fall schedules and registration information.

Coastal Ballet Academy

4223 Orange Beach Boulevard (Suite D) Orange Beach, 36561 Russian Technique, Royal Academy of Dance training, Creative Movement, Jazz, Character classes, Tai Chi. Baldwin County’s Premier Nutcracker. Beginner through adult. Rio Cordy, Artistic Director. (251) 979-9851 coastalballet@gmail.com www.coastalballet.com

Creative Outlet Dance Center

66 South Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Classes for all ages and levels including adults. Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern/Lyrical, Tap, and Acrobatic Dance. Registration available online! (251) 928-9511 creativeoutletda@bellsouth.net www.creativeoutletdance.com

Eastern Shore Twirlers

Fairhope Baton twirling/rhythm/coordination/leadership/ self-discipline. Competition teams, private lessons and camps. Classes at Fairhope East, Fairhope West, WJ Carroll, Daphne North, Daphne East and Belforest Elementary. Updates and schedules on our Facebook page. (251) 689-3675

Find us on Facebook

Flip City Academy

9332 Hard Drive Foley, 36536 We offer Dance, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheer and Training Teams. Follow us on Facebook for

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Carol Reed 251-238-2809 ckreed@woodmen.org 1. Certain eligibility requirements and age restrictions apply. Rate based on 2 adults, age 30, Super Preferred, $250,000 Family Term Coverage with 10-Year initial term and $10,000 coverage for all eligible children. Qualification for the premium shown is dependent upon underwriting and approval by WoodmenLife. Factors including age, health, sex, and death benefit amount may also affect your rate. Certificate Forms 8063 R-1-16 (XX), ICC16 8063 R-1-16 Products are not available in New York and all products may not be available in all states. CD1438 7/19 Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society: Omaha, NE Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Gulf Coast Dance Alliance

30752 Ember Lane Spanish Fort, 36527 Quality dance training by experienced staff. Find us on Facebook and Instagram for photos and updates. Fall Registration available online.. Classes begin August 17,2020. (251) 621-9755 info@gcdadance.com www.gcdadance.com

Gulf Coast Tumbling/Coast Elite Allstars

7369 Alamo Circle Foley, 36535 Tumbling and cheer classes for ages 3 & Up! Coast Elite Allstar Cheerleading. Private coaching also available. Register today! (251) 424-5484 gulfcoasttumbling@gmail.com www.gctumbling.com

K.B. Danz

206 Madison Drive Summerdale, 36580 Classes available in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Pointe, Baton & Acro. We accept students at all levels of dance ages 2-adult. (251) 776-2699 kaciodem@gmail.com Find us on Facebook!

Magnolia Dance Company

1615 McKenzie Street Foley, 36535 Family owned and operated dance studio for ages 2 years & up. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Acrobatics is offered at recreational and advanced levels. (251) 622-6616 themagnoliadanceco@gmail.com www.magnoliadancecompany.com

Next Level Tumbling and Training Center 26090 Equity Drive Daphne, 36526 Gymnastics, school squad tumbling, pep rally

preparation, pom & competitive cheer routines, clinics, stretching, birthday parties and camps. Call or visit us for more information. (251) 621-5797 info@nextleveltumbling.com www.nextleveltumbling.com

22245 Highway 59 Robertsdale, 36567 Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Tumbling. Check our Facebook page for current updates. (251) 747-8036 slippersandtaps@gmail.com www.slippersandtaps.com

www.lakeforeststables.org

Point Clear Equestrian

3947 Gulf Shores Parkway (Suite 230) Gulf Shores, 36542 Develop a passion for the art of dance! Classes are available for ages 3 years and up. Pre-ballet, classical ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and acrobatics. www.southbaldwindance.com

17150 Fox Run Lane Point Clear, 36564 Hunter-Jumper lessons, sales, training, boarding. Riding lessons for all ages! Follow us on Facebook at Point Clear Equestrian for updates. (251) 422-8799

Find us on Facebook!

Read & Ride - Equine Educational Consultants

Horseback Riding Equine Educational Consultants

Willow Creek Farm, 19818 Lawrence Road Fairhope, 36532 Providing equine therapy Monday - Friday, by appointment, for children affected by autism spectrum disorders, language impairments and ADHD. Visit us on Facebook & see our therapy horses! (251) 747-8219 Tonyalhalterman@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

13370 County Road 3 Fairhope, 36532 Equestrian facility offering boarding, training, and

268 Equine Circle Daphne, 36526 Group and individual riding lessons with a round pen for beginners and a large arena for intermediate riders. Lessons focus on safety, good horsemanship and fun. Camps, boarding and birthday parties. (770) 355-6514

South Baldwin Dance Center

Fox Run Equestrian Center

(251) 928-7666 www.facebook.com/FoxRunEquestrian

Lake Forest Stables

Slippers and Taps School of Dance

(251) 256-0665

instruction of English Riding from beginner to advanced.

Willow Creek Farm, 19818 Lawrence Road Fairhope, 36532 Therapy program for children with Dyslexia. A 45 minute Spire reading lesson with a certified teacher and a 45 minute trail ride on our therapy horses! (251) 747-8219

Tonyalhalterman@gmail.com

Wild Hawk Ranch, LLC

24080 JD Waters Lane Robertsdale, 36567 Wild Hawk Ranch offers lessons, riding, training and boarding. Bring your own horse or with one of ours. Learn the responsibilities of horsemanship, grooming, handling and riding. (850) 418-3684 wildhawkranch@gmail.com www.wildhawkranch.com

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Gulf Coast TaeKwonDo Centers 20730 State Highway 181 (Suite G) Fairhope, 36532 (251) 279-8013

17799 Fort Morgan Road Gulf Shores, 36542 Martial Arts instruction in Fairhope and Gulf Shores. Call for a class schedule and information. Like us on Facebook for updates! (251) 979-3360 gulfcoast.tkd@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

North Baldwin Taekwondo Center

106 East 1st Street Bay Minette, 36507 Quality Martial Arts training for the entire family! Train at your own pace, increase strength, flexibility and endurance. (251) 232-7598 www.karatetkd.com

SCS Martial Arts and Fitness Center

Martial Arts Gulf Coast Jujutsu

7369 Alamo Circle Gulf Shores, 36542 Japanese Jujutsu for kids and adults Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kids: 6:30pm-7:20pm & Adults: 7:30pm-8:30pm. Find us on Facebook (251) 923-6945

Knight67@gmail.com

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

7980 American Way Daphne, 36526 Martial Arts and Fitness for all ages. Reinforcing positive traits such as focus, respect, confidence, self-control and discipline that will prepare students for their future.

(251) 625-4257 crissi@scskarate.com www.teamscsdaphne.com

Shorinji Kempo

21085 Jubilee Trail Fairhope, 36532 A Japanese self-defense martial art using philoso-

phy, punches, kicks, blocking, pressure points, holds, joint locks, reverses, pins and throws. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes for ages 7-12 years. Find us on Facebook!

Tiger Rock Academy

(251) 510-7771 www.usskf.com

aritakazuki@gmail.com

925 Nichols Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Martial Arts training for ages 4 years to adult. Call or stop by for fall class information. (251) 200-3256 tigerrock.fairhope@gmail.com www.facebook.com/tigerrockfairhope

United States Taekwondo

25478-B Friendship Road Daphne, 36526 Quality Martial Arts training for the entire family! Train at your own pace, increase strength, flexibility and endurance. Call for schedules and registration. (251) 621-9933 jkimtkd@gmail.com www.karatetkd.com

Wheeles Karate Academy

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(251) 967-KICK (5425) wheeleskarateacademy@ gmail.com www.gulfcoastkarate.com

1410 US Highway 98 (Suite D) Daphne, 36526 Our program is structured, disciplined and appropriately challenging. Fitness exercises, basic Mixed Martial Arts, self-defense, and more for men, women, teens and kids! Visit us on Facebook for updates. (251) 621-0304 info@ycmma.com www.ycmma.com

www.easternshoreparents.com

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coast to Panama City, FL. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!

Bay Music

Hand In Hand Therapy & Tutoring, LLC

Gulf Shores Cultural Center

409-C North Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Music lessons for all ages & levels. Technical services, repairs, instrument consignment and sales also available. Open Monday - Friday 10am 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm. Voted Best of Baldwin - Best Music Store 2020!

ad on page 18

9837 US Highway 98 Fairhope, 36532 Occupational therapy for children birth to 26. Other services include Cognitive Behavioral interventions, therapy for Tourette or Tic disorders, dyslexia/alexia, handwriting, Visual/ Motor skills, Tutoring and more. Find us on Facebook! (251) 517-7787 handinhandtherapy@att.net www.handinhandal.com

4-H Baldwin County

302A Byrne Street Bay Minette, 36507 4Â-H helps young people explore interests and provides opportunities to learn how they can contribute to their community with clubs and projects throughout the county. (251) 937-7176 sfb0010@auburn.edu www.facebook.com/baldwincountyal4h

Foley Kid Fit

CrossFit Strong Heart, 1340 South Commercial Drive Foley, 36536 KidFit teaches kids a love for fitness and proper exercise using fun games. Visit us on Facebook for KidFit updates.

(251) 504-7401 or (850) 390-2828 foleykidfit@gmail. com www.crossfitstrongheart.com

Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, 32502 Learn-to-Skate, private/semi-private lessons available. Ages 4 - adult. Visit our website for registration. Skaters from Mobile, Al across the

(850) 525-6177 president@pensacolafigureskating.com www.pensacolafigureskating.com

19470 Oak Road West Gulf Shores, 36542 Please call the Cultural Center for program schedules and updates. (251) 968-9818 adeckard@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov

Daphne Blacksmithing Lessons and classes for Kids 12 and older. Visit us on Facebook at The Blacksmith Experience. (412) 926-2253 gogardner@yahoo.com www.theblacksmithexperience.com/classes

Baldwin County Music Teachers Association

Offering group & private lessons in piano, voice, strings, brass, percussion, woodwinds, guitar, harp and more. Contact us for a list of area music teachers in Baldwin County.

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra

www.BaldwinCountyMusicTeachers.com

8717 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Youth Orchestra, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings Class, Intermediate Strings Class, Baldwin Wind Ensemble, Community Adult Strings Orchestra, Homeschool Choir and Homeschool Guitar Class. BCYO is a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to educate, promote and enrich the community by building relationships through musical awareness, performance and tutelage. Like us on Facebook.

ad on page 44

Talley Piano offers Piano, Keyboard and Theory programs for ages 4 - adult, Beginner to Advanced as well as Performance Skills. Now enrolling for Fall Semester. Virtual/Online lessons available. (251) 509-7900 talleybeverly.bt@gmail.com www.talleypianostudio.com

Music / Theatre

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

(251) 517-7636 BayMusicFairhope@outlook.com www.facebook.com/Baymusicfairhope

Talley Piano Studio

The Blacksmith Experience

ad on page 25

ad on page 35

Bay Area Performing Arts

8724 Rand Avenue Daphne, 36526 In addition to our 3 theatre productions, we are also offering private lessons in Voice, Piano, Acting and Audition Prep. Reach out for more information!

(251) 455-0355 info@BayAreaPerformingArts.com www.BayAreaPerformingArts.com

Blues Angel Music

Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 Highway 181 Spanish Fort, 36527 Private music lessons for a variety of instruments

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

auditions and fall programs to be announced. (251) 301-2371 easternshorerep@gmail.com www.easternshorerep.org

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre Kid’s Academy

The Nicholson Center, 1410 Captain O’Neal Drive Daphne, 36526 A musical theater program for students ages K - 4th grade. Aristocats Kids program will run from August 19-November 18, 2020 on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm. (251) 301-2371 easternshorerep@gmail.com www.easternshorerep.org

EverBlue Arts

7225 Yenne Lane Fairhope, 36532 Everblue Arts is a performing arts studio, hosting year-round performance workshops. Private Voice, Acting, & Dance Training. Find us on Facebook!

including piano, violin, banjo, guitar, bass, and more. Call for more information. (251) 263-0486 info@bluesangelmusic.com www.bluesangelmusic.com

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre

The Nicholson Center, 1410 Captain O’Neal Drive Daphne, 36526 Musical theater program for ages Kindergarten to adult. Check our website and Facebook page for

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

(251) 278-0330 info@everbluearts.com www.everbluearts.com

Gregory Brown Music

18662 County Road 12 South Foley, 36535 Music lessons are offered to all ages and abilities. We also carry instruments and accessories for sale. For specific lesson information call or email. (251) 209-0266 jollydog@att.net www.gregorybrownmusic.net

Kaleidoscope Musical & Visual Art

First Presbyterian Church, 309 East 21st Avenue Gulf Shores, 36542 Contact us for information about visual & performing arts, painting, mixed media, violin, cello and other after school programs. (251) 978-8130 pamwinstead@gmail.com www.firstpresbyterianchurchgulfshores.org

Marjorie Searcy- Vocal Coach

698 Cedar Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Marjorie Searcy offers voice lessons, online courses and more for all ages. Call or visit our website for more information and resources. (251) 509-2150

www.marjoriesearcy.com

Mobile Music Teachers Association

Mobile Music Teachers Association is an organization of professional teachers offering piano, strings, theory, organ, voice and early childhood music. Information on teachers and studio locations, available online. www.mobilemta.org

Mobile Symphony String Academy

Fairhope Music

247 Greeno Road South Fairhope, 36532 Fairhope Music LLC is a one-stop shop for all of your musical needs! We provide new and consignment instruments, repairs and lessons for all ages, beginner to advanced. (251) 455-4101 info@fairhopemusic.com www.fairhopemusic.com

Mobile & Baldwin County The Mobile Symphony offers during and after school strings in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Several wonderful opportunities for any instrument and level. (251) 432-2010 daniela@mobilesymphony.org www.mobilesymphony.org

www.easternshoreparents.com

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Mobile’s Singing Children

The premier children’s chorus on the Gulf Coast! In our 43 year history, we have performed in Europe, Canada, and many states in the U.S. Call or email to schedule your audition. (251) 285-2285 mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com www.mobilesingingchildren.org

Musical Beginnings Performing Arts Workshop

Musical Beginnings Baldwin County Daphne, 36526 Piano, Voice, Violin, Guitar, Drums and Clarinet. Individual, small group, virtual lessons, during & after school lessons for all ages. Music Play program for ages birth - 5 years. (251) 423-1201 bgates@musicalbeginningsalabama.com www.MusicalBeginningsAlabama.com

Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort Academy of Music

11247 US Highway 31 Spanish Fort, 36527 We offer private piano, voice, and violin lessons for children and adults from degreed music instructors. Half hour lessons once a week for $100 per month. Please call to register. (251) 930-1082 christy@steinwayes.com www.steinwayes.com

The Studio

25350 Friendship Road Daphne, 36526 Private voice, piano, acting, dance, stage makeup, and music theory training for kids & teens in a supportive, educational environment. In-Person or Virtual. Call today! (251) 895-6075

www.TheStudioAL.com

Spanish Fort Sports Association

Recreation Centers City of Fairhope Recreation Center

803 North Greeno Road Fairhope, 36532 Fitness Classes, Racquetball, basketball, exercise room, recreation room, swim team & lessons. Please call for schedules and membership information. (251) 928-7270

www.cofairhopeal.com

City of Foley Recreation Center

121 North Alston Street Foley, 36535 The city offers baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and many other youth programs. Visit our Facebook page, (Foley Recreation Department), or our website for updates. (251) 970-5020

www.foleyrecreation.com

City of Gulf Shores Recreation Center

Bodenhamer Recreation Center, 310 West 19th Avenue Gulf Shores, 36542 The David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center offers a variety of exciting and innovative youth programs throughout the year. Call or stop by to sign up! (251) 968-1420

www.gulfshoresal.gov/recreation

City of Orange Beach Recreation Center

spanishfortsportsassociation@gmail.com www.spanishfortsports.com

Scouting/Naval Cadets Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama ad on page 35

3483 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608 Transform ideas into actions, questions into adventures, and grow confidence through practice. Programming across 30 counties. Learn to practice leadership, adventure, and success. (800) 239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a faith-based leadership and character development program for girls ages 5-18 offering service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences to its members. (513) 771-2025 or (901) 378-5588

4849 Wilson Boulevard Orange Beach, 36561 Aquatics, Tennis, Recreation Center, SportsPlex, Golf Center, Community Center, Wind & Water Learning Center and more. Sports information available on our Facebook page, City of Orange Beach Athletics. (251) 981-6028 www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachRecreationCenter

Spanish Fort Spanish Fort’s recreational youth sports program offering football, cheer, basketball, wrestling, soccer, baseball and softball. Visit our Facebook page and website for up to date information.

www.ahgonline.org

Boy Scouts of America

2587 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36606 Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. (251) 476-4600 scouts@bsamac.org www.bsamac.org

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Trail Life USA

Christian scouting for boys in K - 12th grade. Guiding young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Following the Baldwin County School calendar. www.TrailLifeUSA.com

U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Dunlap Division

8501 Tanner Williams Rd Mobile Learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Cadets (ages 14-17) are introduced to naval life, and develop a sense of pride, patriotism, courage and self discipline. www.seacadets.org

Team Sports & Sports Training

Fire Exploring Program - Fairhope Post 5058

For students enrolled or living in Fairhope, ages 14 (8th grade completed) - 18. Sponsored by the Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department. Fundamentals of firefighting, community service, and career options. (251) 233-5181

Explorer5058@fairhopevfd.org

Baldwin County Volleyball Club

Volleyball Club for boys and girls, ages Kindergarten - 7th grade. Developmental, Travel and Beach leagues. (251) 605-7035

www.ballcharts.com/bcvcdigit

City of Orange Beach Athletics

4385 William Silvers Pkwy Orange Beach, 36561 Soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and more to local youth. Follow our Facebook page City of Orange Beach Athletics or call the Rec Center for updates on programs. (251) 747-7877 BeachAthletics

www.facebook.com/CityofOrange-

Daphne Girls Softball

Daphne Daphne Girls Softball offers a spring and fall season as well as a competitive All-Star program. Registration information and announcements are available on our website and Facebook page. (251) 222-7646 info@daphnegsa.org www.daphnegsa.org

Daphne Rangers Soccer

8600 Whispering Pines Road Daphne, 36526 Recreational and Academy programs. Birth Years 2016-2009. Register for Rec League online until mid August 2020. Registration fee: $100. Contact Daphne Rangers about our Academy league. (251) 647-0180 DRARecRegistrar@gmail.com www.daphnerangers.com

Daphne Youth Baseball

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Daphne Baseball for kids ages 4-14 years. T-Ball (4-5 yrs, Rookie (6-7 yrs), Peanut (7-8 yrs), Minor league (9-10 yrs), Ozone (11-12 yrs), Dixie Boys (13-14 yrs).

Daphne Youth Basketball

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(251) 620-2700 dyb@daphnesports.com www.daphneyouthbaseball.com

Youth Basketball is open to those 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8th grade. Most games take place on Saturdays, with practices held once or twice per week. (251) 620-2700 cmcdavid@daphneal.com www.daphneal.com

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Daphne Youth Football and Cheerleading

The Daphne Youth Football League is open to children from 7-12 years of age. Cheerleaders cheer for football team games and practice once a week. (251) 620-2700 cmcdavid@daphneal.com www.daphnesports.com

Fairhope Soccer Club

Fairhope Soccer Complex, 18383 County Road 13 Fairhope, 36532 FSC offers youth Recreational soccer for 3-15 years as well as Academy soccer for 8-12 years in the Fall & Spring. Find us on Facebook or visit our website for registration and announcements. www.fairhopesoccerclub.com

Fairhope Softball League

Founders Park, 18862 Founders Dr Fairhope, 36532 Girls Youth Rec Softball League for girls age 4-17 years. Find us on Facebook for season updates.

(251) 300-4313 fairhopegirlssoftball@yahoo.com www.fairhopegirlssoftball.com

Fairhope UMC Christian Life Center

Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Basketball, pickleball, volleyball, flag football, walking track, fitness room, and more for Youth and Adults. Open to the public! Please check our website often for dates & schedules. (251) 928-1148

www.fairhopeumc.org

Fairhope Youth Baseball

Volanta Park , 523 Volanta Ave Fairhope, 36532 Baseball league for boys and girls ages 5-14. FY Baseball is affiliated with Dixie Youth Baseball. Find us on Facebook for updates.

(251) 928-7270 fairhopeyouthbaseball@gmail.com www.fairhopeyouthbaseball.com

Fairhope Youth Basketball

Fairhope Recreation Center, 803 North Greeno Road Fairhope, 36532 Recreational basketball league for boys in 1st - 12th grade & girls 1st - 8th grade who live in Fairhope. Please call for registration.

(251) 928-7270 fairhopeyouthbasketball@gmail.com www.fairhopeyouthbasketball.com

Lower Alabama Lacrosse

Daphne Lower Alabama Lacrosse is dedicated to growing the sport in our area. Based in Daphne, AL, we offer play and instruction for kids from K-12th grades. Follow us on Facebook. (251) 210-8891 www.lallax.com

lallax@lallax.com

McConnell Athletics

22806-A Highway 98 Fairhope, 36532 McConnell Athletics counsels, coaches and trains clients ages 8 years to adult at every skill level. We provide personal fitness training, semi-private, small group options and more. (251) 990-6202 mcconnellathletics@gmail.com www.mcconnellathletics.com

The Baseball Academy

26032 Capital Drive Daphne, 36526 Baseball and softball training. Offering 6 batting cages, 2 pitching lanes with mounds, along with hitting and pitching instructors. Visit our facebook page for hours and sessions. (251) 621-6900 www.facebook.com/thebaseballacademyllc

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Craft Farms Golf – Cypress Bend & Cotton Creek

3840 Cotton Creek Circle Gulf Shores, 36542 Offering Junior Development Programs, private and individual golf lessons. Please call for more information. (251) 256-0121 farms.com

www.craft-

George C. Myers Tennis Center

2049 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 The Center offers tennis camps, clinics and lessons throughout the year. Please call for registration. (251) 968-1341 www.gulfshoresal.gov

Gulf Shores Swim Team

Tennis / Golf / Swim Eastern Shore Aquatics Center- S.W.A.T. ad on page 25

10580 County Road 64 Daphne, 36526 Eastern Shore Aquatics Center (ESAC) is the home of Southern Waters Aquatic Team (yearround swim team), the Eastern Shore Piranhas (summer swim league), swim lessons, and homeschool swim programs. Registration is ongoing for lessons, homeschool, and swim teams. Please text or visit our website for detailed registration information. (251) 300-0820 richsuhs@aol.com www.swimforswat.com

David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center, 310 West 19th Avenue Gulf Shores, 36542 We offer a year-round swim programs, water aerobics, lifeguard certification, group lessons and more. Call or contact the Rec Center to sign up.

Mike Ford Tennis Center

Stimpson Park, 600 Morphy Ave Fairhope, 36532 Public play and tennis lessons. Programs for ages 4 - adult. Visit us on Facebook for fall clinics and programs. (251) 990-9526 www.cofairhope.com/services/ parks-and-recreation/stimpson-tennis-facility

Point Clear Tennis

17107 Tennis Club Drive Point Clear, 36564 Private, semi-private, group lessons and clinics available for all age groups and skill levels. Call for membership information. (251) 591-7340 or (251) 504-7160 pointcleartennis@ gmail.com www.facebook.com/pointcleartennis

Quail Creek Golf Course

19841 Quail Creek Drive Fairhope, 36532 Golf lessons for boys & girls ages 6 years and up. Driving, chipping and putting instruction. Register in the pro shop. (251) 990-0240 golf@cofairhope.com www.Fairhopeal.gov

Uber Junior Tennis

Lake Forest Racquet Club, 197 Country Club Drive Daphne, 36526 Private lessons, junior advanced training, tournament classes, and 10 and under instruction. Find us on Facebook! (251) 648-3952 lakeforestracquet@gmail.com www.ubertennis.org

(251) 968-1420 www.facebook.com/gulfshoresswimteam

Heal My Swing Golf Academy

TimberCreek Golf Course, 9650 TimberCreek Boulevard Daphne, 36526 Private lessons, junior clinics, technique and swing adjustment, PGA Junior League and more. Visit our website/Facebook page or contact Brandon Mauch for several program options. (937) 272-5141 b.mauch@pga.com www.healmyswing.com

Lake Forest Junior Tennis

1 Golf Terrace Daphne, 36526 Tennis instruction for beginner to advanced. Call or visit our website for information. (251) 648-3952

www.lakeforestdaphne.com

Due to the current climate, and ever changing circumstances, please check with each activity individually for current details.

SAFER AT HOME

SUNDAY PUZZLES Each week we are sharing a new puzzle featuring an artwork from the Museum’s collection. Whether a solo personal challenge or joint family effort, we make it easy for you to get solving—simply play on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Play now at mmfa.org/blog. Leonard Koscianski (American, born 1952), Red Fish, 1990, oil on canvas, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 1991.17

Blount Cultural Park One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

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We hope you have a great school year!

Baldwin Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board Certified Allergy Experts 251-625-1370 | coastalallergyasthma.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

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With our busy lives, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place. As a result, kids miss out on golden opportunities to emulate kindness and experience its rewards. So, why not set a goal with your kids, and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week? Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

Here are some ideas to get your kids started: 54

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Call grandparents or greatgrandparents. This is a big one be-

cause often, grandparents are the ones to initiate calls. So, make your grandparents’ day by giving them a call.

Offer a compliment. It doesn’t get any

easier than this. But don’t offer praise you don’t mean. Otherwise, it’ll come off as disingenuous. Notice what someone is wearing or doing, or think about the person’s personality or something they’ve done. Then offer a compliment that you really mean.

Make a donation. It can be a small monetary donation to a good cause. Or you can donate items you no longer need to a homeless shelter, animal rescue, or toys for tots collection. Help someone with their homework. Do you know a classmate who

struggles in a particular subject? Offer to help them study for a test or to understand a concept for a homework assignment.

Stand up for someone. Do you know a student who’s bullied or always left out? Look for an opportunity to tell those who are being judgmental to be a little kinder or that they’re being unfair. Offer your support. Do you know

someone going through a hard time, such as a serious illness or whose parents are going through a divorce? Lend them your shoulder, and offer to listen.

Make friends with someone who’s left out. Is there a classmate who’s

always standing alone on the playground or who sits alone at lunch? Offer to join that person.

Offer to help out a mom. Do you know someone with young children? Offer to spend a couple of hours watching and entertaining them while the mom catches up on chores. 55

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Buy a homeless person a meal. If

you see someone wandering who clearly looks homeless or is standing on a street corner with a sign, pick up a meal and take it over to them.

Hold the door for someone. This is

another super easy gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by someone who’s elderly, disabled, or really anyone.

Write an apology to someone you’ve hurt. We’ve all said and done

things on occasion that hurts someone’s feelings. So, take ownership of it, and write a heartfelt apology.

Help someone carry something.

When you see someone struggling to carry multiple items or something heavy, offer your assistance.

Post something nice on the social media page of someone who needs a friend. Do you know someone who no one ever pays attention to? Make that person’s day with a positive comment on their page.

Take a neighbors dog for a walk.

Is there a dog in your neighborhood that never gets to go for walks? Be sure to ask about the dog’s energy level, so you’re able to handle it. Also, find out how far it can walk and run to ensure you don’t overexercise the dog, which can be dangerous to dogs’ health.

Do a chore for your brother or sister—what a great way to get back in your sibling’s good graces.

And although you shouldn’t expect it, who knows, maybe they’ll return the favor sometime.

Buy a friend a candy bar. This is a simple way to show your friend you’re thinking of them.

Volunteer for a good cause. There are many opportunities right in your community. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, pick up trash at a park, or help with a canned food drive.

Help someone with yard work. Do you know a handicapped or elderly person? Offer to mow, rake, or pull weeds. ESP

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

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OWA is everything you love about the summer. Cool down with the high-speed breeze on one of more than 20 rides. Stroll through Downtown OWA for great dining, entertainment and shopping options. Save even more with $5 drink specials on Thirsty Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. in Downtown through 9/3. Come back on Fridays through 8/7 for Downtown on Tap which features a different brewery each Friday, 5-7 p.m. at participating Downtown restaurants. See our calendar for all events including Caribbean Day, 8/1 and Community Safety Day, 8/22!

FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 57

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

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Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

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Help Them Learn and Grow

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A free service featuring activities, games, and resources for people who care for young children. tailored to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age from pregnancy to 5 tips cover developmental milestones, brain development, social-emotional behavior, nutrition, and more messages from trusted sources like:

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PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of PBS. Used with permission. The contents of this ad were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. The project is funded by a Ready To Learn grant (PR/AWARD No. U295A150003, CFDA No. 84.295A) provided by the Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Examining the Debt Snowball Q. What exactly is the debt snowball, and why is it such an important part of your plan?

A. The debt snowball is Baby Step 2 of my plan for getting out of debt and gaining control of your finances. Specifically, it’s the part of the plan where you sit down with your budget, and look at all the money you owe. Then, list your debts from smallest to largest—except for your home—and pay them off in that order. I know, there are all sorts of arguments about paying off the ones with the highest interest rates first. But this is psychology class, not math. Personal finance is 80% behavior, and 20% knowledge. Besides, if you were so great at math you wouldn’t have debt, would you? Pay off your debts from

Eastern Shore Parents I August 2020

smallest to largest, unless there’s a huge emergency, such as you’re facing foreclosure, or the IRS is banging on your door. The reason we pay off debts from smallest to largest is to build confidence and enthusiasm by notching quick wins. If you go on a diet and lose weight in the first week, you’ll probably stay on that diet. If you go on a diet and gain weight, or go weeks with no visible progress, chances are you’ll quit. When you start the debt snowball, and in the first few days pay off a couple of debts, it lights a fire underneath you, and you start to believe you really can do it. After you list the debts from smallest to largest, pay the minimum payment to stay current on all the debts except the smallest. Every dollar you can squeeze

out of your budget goes toward the smallest debt until it is paid. Once the smallest one is paid, the payment from that debt— plus any extra “found” money—is added to the next smallest debt. Then, when debt number two is paid off, you take the money that you used to pay on number one and number two, and you pay it on number three. When three is paid, you attack number four and so on. A lot of folks get to the bottom of the list, and find they can pay well over $1,000 a month on a student loan or a car. At that point, it won’t take long to bust out and be debt-free except for your home. The main elements that make the debt snowball so powerful are budgeting, getting current before you start the debt snowball, the smallest-to-largest pay-off, sacrifice, discipline, and focused intensity. If you think the debt snowball is just another trick, or something you might kind of try, it won’t work. You’ve got to go all-in to win!

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ALABAMA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY QUICK SAFETY TIPS

• RIGHT SEAT: Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. • RIGHT PLACE: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13. • RIGHT DIRECTION: Keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible! When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. • INCH TEST: Once your car seat is installed, use your non-dominate hand and shake the seat at the belt path. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch. • PINCH TEST: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots. Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!

DID YOU KNOW? • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US.

ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINTS LAW REQUIRES CHILDREN UNDER 6 TO BE PROPERLY BUCKLED IN AN APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT. CAR SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS: • Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. • Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds. • Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age. • Seat belts until 15 years of age. *American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.

FREE CAR SEAT CHECK Still have questions or concerns? For help (or to even double check your work), contact:

• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.

Michelle Richardson (Perry, Walker, Lamar counties): (205) 554-4529

• An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.

Anna Odom (Washington, Clarke, Baldwin counties): (251) 946-8012

Penny Roney (Madison, Marshall, Morgan counties): (256) 533-8712 Sharon Franklin (Macon, Elmore, Bullock counties): (334) 322-8431 Elizabeth Payne (St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun counties): (256) 533-8712 1