Eastern Shore Parents December 2021 by KeepSharing

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We’ve loaded December like a sleigh full of gifts! Kick off the season with tributes to your holiday favorites by Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter & Celine Dion—it’s Classic Christmas at Legends in Concert, through Jan. 2nd! Speaking of classics, how about photos—and brunch!—with Santa? See dates, times & locations online. Looking for something a little different this year? Don’t miss the holiday-themed murder mystery, Ho Ho Homicide Dinner Show, Dec. 9-10 at the Brandon Styles Theater in Downtown OWA. Check our calendar for all the latest holiday happenings at VisitOWA.com!

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

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Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Building Success Everyday

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These awards serve as a testament to our commitment of building successful and sustainable communities in the areas we serve.

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Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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December2021 44

Volume 14 Number 7

Columns

4 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

Holiday Savvy

How to survive the season with your finances in tact.

52 32

Keeping It Light

10 ways to simplify the season and avoid holiday burnout.

8 Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

14 Kids Health Watch Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

46 Tweens, Teens and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW

Use our guide as you plan your family outings to celebrate the holidays!

Help! My Child is Being Bullied

68 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

How parents can help!

Departments On The Cover Millie Jane Dearborn (2), daughter of Kristin Ramsey and Michael Dearborn, sister to Kaizan (9), Arabella (9), and Khale (7). Millie Jane’s favorite things are dancing, the beach, going to preschool, and eating “ALL the things” (especially crab legs and mac ‘n’ cheese)! Most of all, she loves being the baby of the family and takes her role very seriously!

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 64

Book Reviews 66

Family Calendar

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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

I am so excited about the holidays I can hardly contain myself! When I see the city workers in the cherry pickers, stringing up the Christmas lights, I get absolutely giddy! Decorating, singing carols, getting together with friends and family, and even picking out gifts for loved ones... I love it all! This year, I had a revelation about the type of gifts I purchase. It all started Christmas 2019 when we gave one of our daughters tickets to a concert for her favorite musician. Initially, it felt a little lackluster to wrap up a piece of paper I printed off my computer, but the excitement she felt when she opened the tickets was priceless. She was over the moon! Unfortunately, the concert originally scheduled for the summer of 2020 was postponed, but she was willing to wait however long it took. We were finally able to go in October of this year and it was well worth the wait! I had no idea that a printed piece of paper would end up being one of her most memorable, and definitely one of her favorite, gifts ever. That was a light bulb moment for me. Experiences really are the gift that keeps on giving. It does not have to be concert tickets. Things like holiday event tickets, summer camp, sports training, or after school activities like dance, art, or martial arts classes are all great gift ideas. If you want the recipient to open more than the gift certificate, wrap the certificate up with a leotard, baseball, or whatever appropriate accessory might go along with the theme. Your loved one will have memories to last for years to come! Janeen Lewis, author of Keep it Light: 10 Ways to Simplify the Season, found on page 48, agrees with experiences being a great “go-to” gift for the holidays. I highly recommend checking out her article for other tips too. One of her suggestions incudes farming out some of your chores (including cooking!) If you are looking for ways to not only simplify your holidays, but also save money, flip over to page 44. Holiday Savvy: Survive the Season with Your Finances Intact, by Kimberly Blaker, shares how to save money on babysitting, cooking and more. Yes, please! Of course, no December issue would be complete without our annual Holiday Happenings Guide, which can be found on page 52. Here you will find loads of fun events to celebrate the holiday season all month long, from Santa sightings to New Year’s Eve celebrations! Whether you are out shopping ‘til you drop or just taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, please do remember those in need who may be struggling financially or emotionally. Make it a family priority to give back this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if you have a million dollars to give or just a smile, you never know how a simple act of kindness may turn someone’s day around. May God bless you and your family with an abundance of peace, love and joy this season.

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers

Kimberly Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Janeen Lewis Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey Robert L. Rux, M.D.

Cover Photography Jenn Glies Photography www.jenngliesphotography.com

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

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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 2021 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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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Appreciating Your Kids (While They Are Still Kids) Recently my husband and I have become empty nesters! We love our children and love being parents, but raising them has been exhausting. We’ve been looking forward to the “empty nest” phase for a long time and we are not disappointed. However, we have both been surprised at the unique perspective this phase of life has given us. We find ourselves constantly appreciating children as human beings rather than something on our “to do” list. We are enamored by a boy who can make a toy out of anything or a little girl who can create an entire town out of a few dolls and a doll house. We are always amused by the innocent confidence children exude when they say exactly what is on their (and usually everyone else’s) minds without an ounce of embarrassment. We are also so proud of the girl who can find a reason to wake up and keep going after the death of her father or the boy who is able to tell a story about his brother’s struggle with severe depression.

The doldrums of parenthood limited our ability to appreciate our children as human beings. Our agenda of raising responsible adults also inhibited us from appreciating the struggles they faced as human beings in childhood. My heart broke recently for a little girl who screamed, “I don’t want to go home. I like it here because you appreciate me.” This child’s cry for appreciation was worded wisely, but I hear and observe children begging for appreciation in a variety of ways. Toddler’s scream, “Look at me!”, young children repeatedly ask for help and then refuse to accept it, older children ask for time, pre-teens complain endlessly, and teens make stupid attention-seeking decisions. In the book “Wrapped in Rain” by Charles Martin, there is an endearing character named Momma Ella. She teaches endless lessons, but one came in form of this quote, “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”

When is the last time you sat back and took the time to truly appreciate your child? Webster’s defines appreciate as “to understand fully”. Do you appreciate the struggle your daughter has with the “mean girl” in her class, or do you just tell her she has to learn to deal with difficult people? Do you appreciate your son’s treacherous navigation of the crowded school hallway with a 50-pound backpack, or do you just tell him to stop complaining? Do you appreciate that your daughter really does need a break from an exhausting week of school work, or do you just give her a bunch of chores? Do you appreciate your son’s needs to roll on the floor and laugh at a potty joke instead focus on homework? Please learn from the wisdom of Momma Ella and two empty nesters. Take the time to alleviate your child’s need for love and appreciation. When your daughter is whining about being moved from the front row to the back row, give her the same compassion you would for a friend who missed out on a promotion. When your son is crying about his soccer team’s loss, have the patience you do for your coworker complaining about his college football team’s loss. Go out of your way to give the tiny humans in your life the same love and appreciation you do for the big humans.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Bay Shore Ballet

Nutcracker

The

Saturday, December 11th 2 pm & 7 pm

Purchase tickets @ www.eventbrite.com or call (251) 990-9744 • Senior and Student tickets available Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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39th Annual Christmas Fest

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the 39th Annual Christmas Fest on December 11, 2021 on the Courthouse Square! You don't want to miss out on a full day of Christmas fun, featuring vendors, delicious food, photo opportunities, live music by Gretsch Lyles & the Modern Eldorados, entertainment and more! 8 AM-7 PM. Annual Parade rolls through the fest at 4:30 PM. For more information visit us on Facebook or northbaldwinchamber.com/39th-Annual-Christmas-Fest.

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Bellingrath Gardens and Home presents the 26th season of Magic Christmas in Lights, November 26, 2021, through January 5, 2022. The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Opening Night is Friday, November 26, and the show will continue nightly, rain or shine, through January (closed on Christmas Day). Purchase tickets on bellingrath.org, or at the door.

Mobile Ballet’s The Nutcracker

December 11 & 12, the community’s beloved holiday tradition of The Nutcracker continues at Mobile Civic Center Theater, where audiences are in for a stellar performance as Mobile Ballet alumna and former New York City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan returns to the Mobile stage dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Kathryn trained at Mobile Ballet beginning at age five, becoming a member of the Mobile Ballet Company at age eleven. At fifteen, she enrolled for full time study at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Kathryn began her professional career in 2006 as an apprentice with New York City Ballet, and was promoted to soloist in 2009. She left the company in 2012 while battling an auto-immune illness, and made an awe-inspiring return to the stage seven years later as a soloist with Miami City Ballet. Rounding out the cast of familiar characters in The Nutcracker, Ms. Morgan is joined by stellar internationally acclaimed guest artists Alladson Barreto, Paul Branco, Daniel Benavides, and Agustin de Sousa, performing along with the Mobile Ballet Company and student dancers from the Mobile Ballet School. Tickets available at www.mobileballet.org.

Chocolate Affair—Family Promise of Baldwin County

Family Promise of Baldwin County is hosting a Virtual Chocolate Affair on Thursday, December 9th at 7PM. The Online Silent Auction is currently open for bids and tickets for the weekly and grand prize drawing are also now available. To view the silent auction or to purchase drawing tickets visit https:// familypromisebc.home.qtego.net/. Tickets are $25 per ticket or 5 for $100. Each Thursday, we draw a winner for $100 Gift Card to several restaurants and the ticket will go back in the pot for a chance to be the winner of the $5,000 to be announced during our event on Dec. 9th. All proceeds benefit families with children experiencing homelessness in our community! Contact Family Promise of Baldwin County for more info: info@familypromisebc.org. or visit www.familypromisebc.org Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

Mobile Realty Toys for Tots

Mobile Bay Realty in Fairhope is partnering with Toys for Tots this holiday season to contribute to the community in which we live and work every day. As a drop off location for Toys for Tots donations, MBR loves collaborating with other local businesses and contacts to help “fill the box,” and make Christmas Dreams come true for local children. The address for drop-offs is the Mobile Bay Realty office located at 10 N. Section Street, Fairhope (at the Fairhope Clock corner). 10

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The Bay Shore Ballet Theatre Presents 25th Anniversary Performances of The Nutcracker

Fairhope’s Bay Shore Ballet returns to the stage this December with performances of the legendary holiday classic ballet, The Nutcracker, to be presented at the Fairhope Civic Center on Saturday, December 11th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This year marks Bay Shore Ballet’s 25th annual production of this famous story ballet, celebrated and beloved throughout the world. Tickets for "The Nutcracker", at $8 and $12, can be purchased on-line at eventbrite.com for the Bay Shore Ballet’s production of "The Nutcracker" and will also be sold at the door. For more information call 251-9909744, or www.bayshoreballet.com. Photo credit extended to PhotographicMemories.com, Jennifer and Jason Vestel. Pictured here, Nutcrackers past from 2019, with Georgia Byrd as Clara and Ellis Ollinger as Drosselmeyer

The Cookery Project’s First Annual Kid Chef Best on the Bay

The board of directors, staff, and volunteers for The Cookery Project are boiling over with excitement about our first of its kind, Kid Chefs Best on the Bay. Our foodie- and family-friendly event will be a “mystery basket”-style cooking challenge highlighting local celebrity, guest chefs working alongside some of our most talented kid chefs. It’s set for January 8th at The Exploreum from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Advance tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children 4-12. Ticket admission includes endless charcuterie, ice cream sundaes courtesy of Cammie’s Old Dutch, 2 drink tickets, admission to the Body Works Interactive Gallery, music by little DJ LightShow, door prizes, silent auction, and many fun games.https://www. thecookeryproject.org/kcbotb.

One Family One Day at Prodisee Pantry

Hunger is not just an issue over the holidays. Food insecurity is a year-long issue. Did you know that Prodisee Pantry can fill the plate of a local hungry family for one day for just five dollars? Donate $5 and Fill the Plate of #OneFamilyOneDay @ Prodisee Pantry! It is a simple way to support a hungry local family with three nutritious meals for one day! Donate ONLINE at prodiseepantry.org/donate OR @ItsAboutHunger or VENMO@ Prodisee_Pantry or VISIT any Pen Air Federal Credit Union Branch or stop by Prodisee Pantry.

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Impact 100 Baldwin County Names 2021 Grant Recipients

Five area non-profits will now be able to better serve our community thanks to new grants from Impact 100 Baldwin County. At its annual An Evening of Impact on October 26, Impact 100 Baldwin County awarded $450,000 to the Historic Blakeley Foundation, South Baldwin Literacy Council, Daphne Search and Rescue, Mary’s Shelter and the Alabama Free Clinic. These five agencies were chosen from the focus areas of Arts & Culture & Recreation; Education; Environment & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness. They will each receive $90,000. The non-profit organizations were selected from a competitive field of applicants and vetted by a rigorous review process including site visits, financial analysis and in-depth discussions within the respective focus group. The finalists made a short presentation about their projects at An Evening of Impact and members voted for who they found most compelling. The 2021 recipients were announced the very same night. More information about grant projects: ARTS, CULTURE, AND RECREATION: Historic Blakeley Foundation The Historic Blakeley Foundation works to help restore, preserve, reconstruct, and rehabilitate the Blakeley town site, surrounding sites of the Battle of Fort Blakeley, the nearby Indian mounds and early roadways in the immediate vicinity. Grant funds will be used to provide visitors access to the portion of the Civil War battlefield where the United States Colored Troops fought during the battle of Fort Blakeley in 1865. EDUCATION: South Baldwin Literacy Council The South Baldwin Literacy Council (SBLC) provides educational services free of charge to youth and adults in South Baldwin specializing in GED tutoring, ESL classes and youth programs. The grant funds will be used to convert a storage garage into classroom space allowing SBLC to expand its educational and tutoring services by 100 students or more. ENVIRONMENT AND PRESERVATION: Daphne Search and Rescue Founded in 1974 and incorporated in 1976, Daphne Search and Rescue provides search and rescue of persons lost or in distress in the waterways of over 300 sq. miles in Baldwin County. Grant funds will be used to purchase a “purpose built” vessel, a 28’ all aluminum Scully with an enclosed cabin and trailer, that will enable the teams to work in rougher weather and sea conditions, will protect the crew and equipment from severe elements, and provide faster and safer response times. FAMILY: Mary’s Shelter Mary’s Shelter provides family-style living to homeless adult pregnant women and is devoted to improving the lives of their residents through programs which focus on education, employment, and financial independence. Impact funds will be used to purchase a box truck, landscaping, framing and drywall, an HVAC system, displays and shelving, and a security system as part of their capital improvement project of constructing a metal building to use as a retail thrift store. HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Alabama Free Clinic With work from local doctors, nurses, dentists, and clerks, the Alabama Free Clinic provides free medical care and health education programs for adults who are without health insurance. Impact funds will be used to purchase supplies for blood glucose monitoring and a comprehensive education program that will assist in their two-year comprehensive diabetes management project. Impact 100 is a philanthropic organization of women coming together to make high-impact grants to improve the lives of people in Baldwin County. Visit https://impact100baldwincounty.org/ for more information.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Food Allergies and Your Baby Did you know that approximately 4/100 children under the age of 18 have severe food allergies? And that unfortunately, over the past 25 years, this number has continued to increase! So what now? This day and age there is so much information and misinformation out there that it can get really confusing. So today, I’m going to try and simplify some of this data, what it really means for your child and what to look for. So yes, the numbers of severe food allergies are increasing. Now, I’m not talking about the one time your child ate something and they threw up, so now you never give it to them again. Or the time your child had strawberries and the skin around their lips turned red for twenty minutes. And I’m not talking about parents who make food choices for their child based on preference, not an actual diagnosed allergy. So how do you know if your child has an allergy? Common symptoms include an onset of a raised red rash called hives, immediate vomiting and/or diarrhea,

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

mouth or lip swelling, chronic eczema and/ or cough and wheezing. The hard part is it could be one or all of these. In addition, it could be caused by something other than a food allergy. So what do you do? First, take a deep breath. Get out your phone and take a picture or video. Then call your child’s doctor immediately for a plan. Typically this involves giving an oral antihistamine then heading to their office or the ER based on severity of symptoms. I like a picture or video because oftentimes by the time you have given your child medication and arrived at my office, the symptoms have resolved and it’s near impossible to accurately diagnose the problem. Sometimes the symptoms are severe and require other medications like steroids, epinephrine and even an overnight stay in the hospital. How do you proceed as a parent? How can you prevent this from happening? Well, it’s tricky. In the past, the AAP came out with guidelines that essentially recommended holding off on highly allergenic foods like

peanut, eggs and shellfish until two to three years of life. Now new data seems to suggest that earlier introduction of these foods might reduce the chance of lifelong allergy! But it’s complicated based on presence of eczema and family history of food allergies and there are different guidelines based on these findings. Ultimately your best plan is to work together with your child’s doctor to discuss these topics and come up with a game plan. It can be overwhelming because social media and “google” gives you twenty different answers and it’s hard to tell what you can trust. My recommendation would be to talk with a trained medical professional, not the blogger online that tells you all you are doing wrong! As parents we have to make a lot of choices for our children, so bounce it off the doctor and not the internet. 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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SUNDAY GATHERINGS

Fairhope Campus • 8:00, 9:30, 11A Daphne Campus • 8:45 & 10:15A *SOAR (Special Needs Ministry) offered at 9:30A only at the Fairhope Campus

CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERINGS

DECEMBER 23 Fairhope Campus • 5:00 & 6:30P Daphne Campus • 6:00P *SOAR (Special Needs Ministry) offered at 5:00P (at Fairhope Campus only)

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DECEMBER 5, 12, 19

CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERINGS

D E C E M B E R 24 Fairhope Campus • 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 5:30P Daphne Campus • 1:00, 2:30, 4:00P *SOAR (Special Needs Ministry) offered at 3:30P (at Fairhope Campus only)

FAIRHOPE CAMPUS 10274 State Highway 104 Fairhope, AL 36532

DAPHNE CAMPUS 10080 County Rd 64 Daphne, AL 36526

LEARN MORE AT 3CIRCLECHRISTMAS.COM

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Autauga County Schools

Daphne ES Peer Helpers

The Daphne peer helper program is in full swing! Mrs. Hammac trained our tutors and our mentors met with their mentees for the first time.

SFHS Robotics!

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The Torobotics team finished 3rd in the robot competition and 3rd in the engineering notebook! The team advances to Auburn University to compete in South’s Best Regional Championship in December! Pictured members are Grant Johnson, Brenden Baker, Steven Jones, Arthur Nguyen and Jacob Hughes.

BMMS Animatronics

Fairhope West Artwork on Display at Public Library

Bay Minette Middle School students Logan Naessen and Jonathan Phillips used their creativity to design an animatronics haunted door for the Halloween Dance at the school. The boys used their Vex Robotics pieces to create the haunted door, which opened remotely, and a large eye popped out behind the door to add to the festivities of the dance. Both are part of the school’s Technology Student Association.

Student artwork from Fairhope West Elementary was on display in the children’s wing of the Fairhope Public Library for the month of November. All grades are represented.

Math Logic at Fairhope West

Mrs. Wren’s class at Fairhope West Elementary started a math logic activity using equivalence to solve math mobile puzzles.

Stapleton Students Visit State Capitol

Stapleton School had terrific field trip to the Alabama State Capitol! Stapleton 4th, 5th, and 6th graders enjoyed a longdelayed field trip to Montgomery. They learned a great deal from their visits to the State Capitol, Rosa Parks Museum, MOOseum, and Alabama Old Town, and have now gained a new appreciation for our state's history.

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

New Student Breakfast at Foley HS

Foley High Peer Helpers welcomed 71 new students at the breakfast they hosted! Great job, Foley High!

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Rotary Club Recognizes Fairhope HS Outstanding Students

Rotary Club of Point Clear President Bill Booher welcomed the November outstanding students and faculty from Fairhope High School to a meeting of the club held recently at Provision Restaurant. From left, Kara Fulkerson, mother of senior, Kylie, who is a soccer standout; Attendance Clerk Allison Floyd, the pat-on-the-back recipient; senior football safety Peyton Nero; and Elaine Thomas, event coordinator. Principal John Cardwell and Head Football Coach Tim Carter were also in attendance. The Point Clear Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning.

Robertsdale Cheerleaders Named Regional Runners-up

Congratulations to Robertsdale High School Cheer, 6A South Regional Runners-up! 0 deductions and a perfectly executed routine! Champions earn their titles at practice, and this group has worked hard! So proud of them!

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Fairhope K-1 Center Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking! A special thank you to the many men and women who began a great work over 25 years ago! Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation broke ground to preserve the past and prepare the future in educational enrichment at the site of the Fairhope K-1 center.

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Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Volleyball and Cross Country Teams Bring Home State Championships

On October 26, the Bayside Academy volleyball team broke their own national records when they won the state championship for the 20th consecutive time and 30th time in school history. Varsity volleyball players are Mia Bindon ‘24, Ella Broadhead ‘22, Caroline Chastang ’22, Maysie Douglas ’24, Lily Frailie ’24, Lucy Frailie ’24, Kate Huey ’25, Georgia McInnis ’24, Lillie McInnis ’23, Blakeley Robbins ’24, Gracie Sims ’22, Misty Kate Smith ’25, and Luci Wilkinson ’22. Bayside’s volleyball team competes in Class 5A of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and is the only team in history to have won state championships in Class 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A. On November 6, the Bayside Academy boys AND girls cross country teams won state championships. Freshman Annie Midyett was named the individual state champion with a time of 18:59, a new school record and 20th fastest time in the AHSAA this fall. Freshman Catherine Doyle and 8th grader Shelby Fargason each earned All-State Honors, finishing fifth and tenth respectively. On the boys’ side, junior Ty Postle finished second overall. Varsity boys cross country team members are Brandon Brevard ’25, Kyle Cooper ’26, Caleb Crum ’24, Ethan Dull ’22, Bowdoin Hammock ’26, Jack Koch ’27, Trey McKean ’23, JT Neill ’23, John Normann ’25, Jackson Olsen ’22, Ty Postle ’23, Ashton Rowland ’23, and Luke White ’25. Varsity girls cross country team members are Elin Backman ’25, Marcella Covington ’25, Nina Dowhan ’24, Catherine Doyle ’25, Madeline Dudley ’25, Shelby Fargason ’26, Molly Hagan ’25, Leah Jha ’22, Virginia McCrory ’25, Annie Midyett ’25, Presley Putnam ’25, Rhia Tkac ’22, Ramey Webb ’24, Amelia Wells ’25, and Emma Winkler ‘25. Bayside’s cross country teams compete in Class 4A of the AHSAA.

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St. James All Saints’ Chapel Service

St. James Episcopal School’s kindergartners dressed as saints to share their gifts as part of our All Saints’ Chapel service.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Students participate in Fall Signing: Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes who will be continuing their sports careers at the collegiate level next year: Left to right: Will Taylor (Baseball) - Flagler College; George Meyers (Baseball) - Auburn University; Bill Griffin, Athletic Director; Laura Burch (Golf) - University of South Alabama; Barry Dunning (Basketball) - University of Arkansas.

Send School News to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

St. Michael Drama Club Competes in Trumbauer Festival

Congratulations to the following members of the St. Michael Drama Club, who recently competed in a regional competition, The Trumbauer Festival, held at Murphy High School and sponsored by the Alabama Conference of Theater: Charlotte Guilian (freshman), Barbara Jeanne Williams and Brayden Mahatekar (both juniors). All three students received Superior ratings, and all have advanced to the next level, the State Competition at Troy University December 3rd and 4th. We are proud of these talented Cardinals!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Michael Sailing Team

Congratulations to the St. Michael Sailing Team, who traveled to Jackson, MS for the Jackson Yacht Club’s Hospitality High School Regatta on

International Day at Renaissance School

Pictured is Bryce Weaver representing his native American heritage at Renaissance School’s 6th annual International Day.

November 5th and 6th. There were 12 teams competing from 3 states, and St Michael won first place overall! Congratulations to Gavin Faircloth, Austin Gontarski, Cole Gunter, Nate Hartwell, Robert Montgomery and Graham Rose for representing St Michael! Way to sail Cardinals!

�e thrill of Hope, the weary world Rejoices... From our families to yours - Merry

Christmas!

251-447-0627 7058 Professional Place, Daphne www.DaphnePediatricDentistry.com Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Celebrating Veterans Day at Christ the King

Christ the King Catholic School students celebrated our veterans all day on November 11, offering our prayers, creating flags, and remembering those who serve our country with a moment of silence.

Bayshore Assistant Principal for the Day

Bayshore Christian School Assistant Principal for the Day, Ms. Kelcie Lou Lackey, had a wonderful day filled with principal duties. She helped Mrs. Brown with carline, made morning announcements, read a book to our kindergarten classes, had a special lunch off campus with Mrs. Brown, helped with lunches, & even sent out some emails! Well done Ms. Kelcie Lou!

Robertsdale Class Practices Gardening

While learning all about farms, Mrs. Merchant’s class at Robertsdale explored seeds using their senses and planted peas and beans to chart growth. 21

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Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Collects Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Under the direction of Bayside Academy senior Ashlyn Powers, Bayside students in PK3 through 4th grade collected 212 pounds of can tabs for recycling. One pound is around 1,200 tabs, so the students collected about 254,400 tabs! According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, “Since 2001, communities across Alabama have made a huge impact through tiny pop tabs!. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama partners with Brother’s Recycling to receive funds based on the going rate per pound of aluminum recycled. These funds are used to support the mission of the House, which can include things like utility bills and supplies that our families need.” We are so proud of our students for their dedication in helping others. Students in Ms. Kristin Neely’s second-grade class at Bayside Academy brought in the most tabs of any class. Top row: Harper Watts, Isabelle Weller, Mary Allen Napper, senior Ashlyn Powers, Keller Fergus, Alexander Green, Griffin Jacobs, Harrison Johnson. Front row: Annabelle Dunlap, Piper Bindon, Louis Westbrook, Ms. Neely, Charlie Murphy, Bastien Fiton, Aidan Pitt. Not pictured: Lawson Hackney, Mac Everett, Camille Shamburger.

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

Halloween Fun at Renaissance School

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Pictured is Monroe Savage enjoying Renaissance School’s 2nd annual Trunk-Or-Treat!

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Newton’s Law at Bayshore Christian School

Bayshore Christian School students enjoyed using Newton's 2nd Law of Motion to predict acceleration from a known "constant" force. They will compare it to actual acceleration using the time it took to push the truck a known distance. What a great day for science!

Baldwin County Cheerleaders Place 2nd in Varsity 6A

Congratulations BCHS Cheerleaders on receiving 2 bids to state and 2nd place in Varsity 6A. It’s great to be a Baldwin County Tiger!

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Baldwin County HS Band Dazzles at Band Competition

Congratulations to the Baldwin County High School Tiger Band, Tiger Guard, and Tigerettes for bringing home Superior trophies at the West Alabama Marching Band Competition in Gordo. A huge round of applause for the Tiger Guard for bringing home BEST IN CAPTION Color Guard for class A, B, & C and for bringing home the highest score out of all of the color guard teams from the night. We are proud of you!

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BCHS Football Honors Memory of Damian Singleton

Autauga County Schools

Baldwin County High School recognized its seniors Fall sports athletes and band members during a special pregame ceremony at the Oct. 22 home football game. The ceremony included senior members of football, cheer, athletic trainer, mascot, ROTC, Swim, Cross Country, BCHS Band, Tigerettes and Tiger Guard. The football team also honored a member of the Class of 2022 who could not be there: football team member Damian Singleton. His mother Jodi Stewart as well as other family members were joined by his teammates, Coach Scott Rials and Principal Craig Smith during the senior night presentation. Damian was a member of the BCHS Football team and wrestling team at the time of his tragic death in April 2020. His classmates have continued to honor his memory.

Daphne ES Students Honor Military Service Members

Students at Daphne Elementary School worked hard to create banners showcasing their love and respect for our military service members past and present!

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Elberta HS Student Attends FCCLA National Conference

Mary Katherine Gunn, Alabama FCCLA’s State President and a junior at Elberta High School, had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. While there, she attended the FCCLA 2021 National Fall Conference and Capitol Leadership. During Capitol Leadership, she met with Alabama state senators and representatives. She met with Representative Jerry Carl, staffers from Senator Shelby’s office, Representative Gary Palmer, Representative Mike Rogers and Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Staffers. During each meeting, she discussed FCCLA and CTE, as well as advocated for a tobacco-free future with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. During National Fall Conference, she had the pleasure of attending sessions, listening to keynote speakers, going to great breakouts with the Leadership Training Team, and networking, of course! She had an incredible time learning new ways to lead her state and chapter, and she cannot wait for next year! We are so proud of Mary Katherine for her accomplishments!

Fairhope West Students Research Inventors

Mrs. Keenan’s class brought social media to the early 1900s, researching inventors, inventions, and court cases of the time. They crafted captions and hashtags appropriate for the historical information.

Daphne HS Peer Helpers Attend National Conference

The Daphne High Peer Helpers had a great time at the 11th Annual National Peer Program Conference! It was so awesome to meet with others as passionate about this program as we are! These last three days were filled with so much inspiration and helpful resources. We are so excited to see how this program will continue to unfold to meet the needs of our students!

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Autauga County Schools

Bay Minette Elementary Veterans Letters

Several veterans in Bay Minette received personal letters of appreciation thanks to the students in Cathy Phillips at Bay Minette Elementary. The students wrote friendly letters to Veterans integrating the week’s lesson of context clues. The letters were then shared with those attending the annual Veterans Day breakfast at John F. Rhodes Civic Center, as well as distributed to veterans participating in the annual parade. Mrs. Phillips said she spoke to several Veterans who were very touched by the caring sentiments including in the personal notes.

St. Michael Student Ambassadors

Six Ne Student Ambassadors from St. Michael, Keeley Bullman, Austin Gontarski and Marley Nicholson visited the 8th graders at St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale! Thank you Sister Margaret and Mrs. Brown for having us share more about St. Michael to these students. We hope these students will be in our Cardinal family in the fall!

Advance tickets available online and at the Gardens. NOVEMBER 26, 2021 – JANUARY 5, 2022 Open until 9 p.m. nightly, rain or shine! 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd • Theodore, AL 36582 251-973-2217 • bellingrath.org

Closed Christmas and New Year’s Days Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Geometry at Fairhope HS

Mrs. Jones' Geometry students at Fairhope High had fun sequencing proofs with “proof puzzles!”

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J. Larry Newton Pirate Parade

Pirate Pete and The Little Pirate Cheerleaders joined Newton’s 6th grade band and the FHS cheerleaders to parade through J Larry Newton School in celebration of the Fairhope football team making it to the first round of playoffs.

J. Larry Newton Volcanic Ash Project

Sixth graders in Mrs. Cassibry’s class at J. Larry Newton School explored the effects of volcanic ash using baby powder. The students had a “blast” and were covered in volcanic ash.

NBCT Teacher of the Year

North Baldwin Center for Technology has selected Tirana Porter as its 2021-22 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Porter is the Work-Base Learning teacher serving Baldwin County High School, Daphne High School, Spanish Fort High School and the Baldwin County Virtual School students.

Math Soccer at Florence B. Mathis

Mrs. Thompson’s 6th grade class at Florence B Mathis Elementary School is all smiles while solving algebraic equations. When students correctly solve a problem they score a goal in this math soccer game.

Daphne HS Stands against Bullying We are proud of the Daphne High School Peer Helpers that put a lot of prep work into uniting our Daphne students to stand against bullying.

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Autauga County Schools

Four Bayside Academy Seniors Sign Letter of Intent

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Bayside Academy had four seniors sign with Division I and Division II schools on National Letter of Intent Day yesterday. Division I: Ella Broadhead (volleyball) Troy University; Brett Nestande (baseball) Southeastern Louisiana University. Division II: Caroline Chastang (volleyball) Mississippi College; Cole Komyati (golf) Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Seven additional seniors are expected to sign on Athletic Signing Day on December 15. Pictured: Bayside Academy seniors Brett Nestande, Caroline Chastang, Ella Broadhead, and Cole Komyati are pictured with their families on National Letter of Intent Day.

Local Author Speaks to Fairhope East Students

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Fairhope East Elementary 6th grade sends a HUGE thank you to local author Watt Key for speaking about being an author! What a great opportunity for our students! Thank you to Mrs. Leah Willisson for organizing this special event!

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Bayshore Christian School Library Bookmark Winners Congratulations to BCS students Issac Sprayberry, Piper Lantz, Savannah Orosz, McKenzie Shepard, & Indie Gregg for competing and placing in the Daphne Library Bookmark competition and Savannah Sprayberry who is the Overall winner of the competition!. We are so proud of you!

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Silverhill Student is Guest Reader for Kindergartners

Call or visit our website for more info 251-208-6880 • www.exploreum.com

Austin M. from Silverhill Elementary School was a guest reader for Mrs. DiMario’s Kindergarten class. He read a book he donated to the class, Pete the Cat Crayons Rock. Austin also rocked his reading and leadership skills!

65 GOVERNMENT ST. • DOWNTOWN MOBILE 251-208-6893 • www.exploreum.com

Pumpkinectomy at Foley HS

Foley High Health Science students completed the Pumpkinectomy lesson. They learned about the roles of the surgical team, medical terms, and medications related to surgery. They then performed a lysis of adhesions and seed removal for their pumpkin, Mr. Candy Corn. After surgery was completed, the students carved their pumpkins. 29

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Autauga County Schools

Baldwin County Students Celebrate Lights on Afterschool Program

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year. Baldwin County Afterschool students colored and painted light bulbs in celebration of afterschool!

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

25+/30+ ACT Club at Spanish Fort HS

Spanish Fort High School enjoyed celebrating these amazing students at the 25+ and 30+ ACT Club Celebration. We currently have 68 students that have made a 25 or higher on their ACT. 46 of those students are in the 25+ Club and 22 of those students are in the 30+ Club. The 25+ Club contains one 9th grader, two 10th graders, six 11th graders and thirtyseven 12th graders! The 30+ Club contains four 11th graders and eighteen 12th graders!

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Bayside Academy Bookmark Contest Winners

Bayside Academy’s art faculty is proud to congratulate our 2021 winners of the Daphne Public Library’s “Back-to-School” Bookmark Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Daphne Public Library and is open to all students in Baldwin County. Bayside had three overall winners and many students placing in the top three for each grade level. Due to COVID restrictions, the Daphne Public Library was unable to host the traditional awards ceremony. The first place overall winners will have their bookmarks reproduced for distribution in the library and will receive copies for family, friends, and classmates. Overall Winners: 1st Place Overall Winner: Isabelle Rutland (10th grade); 2nd Place Overall Winner: Rylee Roberts (10th grade); 3rd Place Lower School Overall Winner: Anna Claire Frailie (4th grade). Grade Level Winners: Kindergarten 3rd Place: Crew Keenan. First Grade 3rd Place: Charley Rowell. Second Grade 3rd Place: Eva Solomon. Third Grade 3rd Place: Charlotte Denniston. Fourth Grade 1st Place: Louise Minto; 3rd Place: Lillibet Taul. Sixth Grade 3rd Place: Stella Parks; Seventh Grade 1st Place: Farrah Lane; 3rd Place: Reagan Nelson. Eighth Grade 1st Place: Sarah Katherine Wilsdorf; 2nd Place: Camille Barrois; 3rd Place: Annie Taul. Ninth Grade 1st Place: Sarah Sommerville; 2nd Place: Marcella Covington; 3rd Place: Sophia Haines. Eleventh Grade 1st Place: Molly Barkan; 2nd Place: Katie Clements; 3rd Place: Cooper White. Twelfth Grade 1st Place: Luci Wilkinson; 2nd Place: Caroline Chastang; 3rd Place: Brett Nestande. We are very proud of our talented students! Top photo: Bayside Academy’s Upper School winners of the 2021 Daphne Public Library’s bookmark contest. Top Row: Marcella Covington, Brett Nestande, Luci Wilkinson, Sophia Haines. Middle Row: Caroline Chastang, Katie Clements, and Molly Barkan. Front Row: Overall winners Isabelle Rutland and Rylee Roberts. Not pictured: Sarah Sommerville and Cooper White. Bottom left photo: Bayside Academy Middle School winners of the 2021 Daphne Public Library’s bookmark contest: Sarah Katherine Wilsdorf, Farrah Lane, Reagan Nelson, Annie Taul, Stella Parks, and Camille Barrois. Bottom right photo: Bayside Academy’s Lower School winners of the 2021 Daphne Public Library’s bookmark contest: Louise Minto, Lillibet Taul, Anna Claire Frailie, Charley Rowell, and Charlotte Denniston. Not pictured: Eva Solomon

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Autauga County Schools Fairhope HS Swim Team Wins County Swim Meet

A HUGE Congratulations to Fairhope High Girl's Swim Team for winning the county swim meet

CTKCS Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to all our Daphne Library Bookmark Contest winners who were recognized after Mass on November 10. In the Elementary Division 1st - 5th Grade, Marjorie Fusaiotti was the 2nd place overall winner; Our Elementary Division grade level winners were: 2nd grade 1st place winner, Lilly Almond, 3rd Grade 1st place winner, Evie Crowley and 2nd place winner, Patrick Fusaiotti, 4th grade 2nd place winner, Elizabeth Evans. In the Teen Division Grades 6 - 12 CTKCS 6th grader Sydney Hanford won 3rd place overall.

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Spanish Fort MS Class is Building Motorized Cars Students in Ms. Alexa Samry’s We Build it Better class at Spanish Fort Middle are learning by doing! They are working to build motorized cars. This new curriculum is awesome and Ms. Samry’s students are completely engaged!

NBTech Students Practice Hair Coloring and Bleaching

Our NBTech Cosmetology students are enjoying practicing different coloring and bleaching techniques. They are getting work ready, and we are proud of them!

Pumpkin Painting at Daphne East

Mrs. Zielinski's 3rd grade at Daphne East are painting beautiful pumpkins!

Foley Students Hold “Macy’s Day Parade” Event

Foley Elementary School 4th-Grade students used the engineering design process to create floats for our Macy's Day Parade. After reading "Balloons Over Broadway," students designed turkeys, attached them to balloons, and then piloted the balloons down the hallway using the sphero-balls.

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G Autauga County Schools Fairhope East Teachers Receive Grants from Baldwin EMC

Four lucky Fairhope East teachers were surprised by the Baldwin EMC Operation Round Up Team this week with grants for their classroom projects worth over $3,000! Two of the awards fund science projects at FEES. Mrs. Hood will be establishing a hydroponic garden, and Ms. Rogers will be purchasing additional energy resources for the 4th grade team! In the library, Mrs. Lucas will be buying graphic novels and reading incentives, and in Mrs. Luckie’s room, students will be using metal stamps to create unique artwork! Thank you, Baldwin EMC!

Critical Thinking at Daphne HS

Mrs. Helms’s students at Daphne HS completed a “hexagonal thinking” exercise in APUSH to prepare for their Unit 4 exam. Students were given 30 main terms from the time period 1800-1848 and were tasked with organizing them and showing connections between terms by linking the hexagons. It was a great critical thinking activity that caused much discussion among group members on where to place hexagons.

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Lockout Room Fun at Florence B. Mathis

Congratulations to our 2021 BCS Spelling Bee champion Connor Moore!

Elberta Teacher Wins Alabama Art Teacher of Year Title

Congratulations Mrs. Linda Hill of Elberta Middle School for being awarded the Alabama Middle School Art Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Dearborn’s class was successfully able to complete 5 levels on sequencing in order to escape from their lockout room. Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

Bayshore Spelling Bee Winner

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G I V E T H E G I F T O F A BAYS I D E E D U C AT I O N .

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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. 35

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Autauga County Schools CTKCS Science Fireworks

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After learning about density and how oil and water do not mix, students in Mrs. Cortopassi's 5th grade science class participated in an experiment with water, oil, and food coloring to create "fireworks!"

St. James Library Visit

First and second graders from St. James Episcopal School visit the Fairhope Library weekly. Students enjoy story time with Mrs. Julia and checking out books to read.

Fairhope Girls Basketball Team Named Tournament Champs

Congratulations to Fairhope Middle School 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team who are the Tournament Champions.

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Summerdale Students Create Rainbows

All the colors of the rainbow... 2nd grade at Summerdale School followed steps in a procedure by integrating science and reading to create rainbows.

Foley HS Student Wins Master Angler Award

Congratulations to Andrew Adams a member of the Foley High fishing team on his Master Angler Award in the Stan Mahoney Youth Fishing Tournament.

Robertsdale ES Robot Helps with Coding

Botley the robot is officially enrolled in Mrs. Merchant’s class at Robertsdale Elementary School to help her students learn all about coding.

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Autauga County Schools Baldwin County Virtual School Red Ribbon Project

Volcanoes at J. Larry Newton

J. Larry Newton School 6th Graders had so much fun experimenting with different types of volcanoes!

Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School Red Ribbon Spirit Leader Jacob delivered all of the canned foods from our Boo-Thru food drive!

Daphne HS Students Cook and Serve at Conference

Culinary and Hospitality students under the instruction of Chef Thorpe and Mrs. McCollum prepared and served members at the meeting for International Society for Key Women Educators. The students worked this event to get live work instruction that is so valuable to their success in the program. Also a big thank you to SEEDS of Daphne for helping our students look professional.

Programs for all ages

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Bayshore Christian School Cross Country State Champs

Orange Beach Cheerleaders Named Super Regional Champs

Congratulations to our Boys Cross Country team for being the 2021 1A/2A State Champs, and to our Girls Cross Country team for being Runner Up! We are so proud of all of our athletes!

Congrats to Orange Beach Mako Cheer! 1st Place Super Regional Champs!

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Veterans Day at J. Larry Newton

Kindergartners at J. Larry Newton School honored our Veterans during Newton’s Veterans Day Drive through parade by donning hats and floats they made to represent each branch of our military.

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Spanish Fort MS Teachers Serve at Prodisee Pantry Thank you to the Spanish Fort Middle School Teachers & Staff for setting such a great example by serving the community at Prodisee Pantry.

Autauga County Schools Bay Minette ES Red Ribbon Project

Belforest ES Veteran’s Program

Thank you to our veterans and first responders who attended the Belforest Elementary Veteran’s Program. We honor your service to our country and community.

John Burt, the Bay Minette Elementary Red Ribbon Week Leader, delivered his snack baskets to North Baldwin Infirmary . His service project for Red Ribbon Week was to collect snack items from our students to make snack baskets for all of the different departments at the hospital.

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Happy Veterans Day from Silverhill ES

The Daphne High School 9th Grade STEP (Eastern Shore Chamber Student Training and Exploration Program) visited the Equine Therapy Farm of Kari Whatley, LPC. Along with the STEP students of Spanish Fort High and Fairhope High, students were exposed to how horses are used to provide therapeutic services to people of all ages. Students participated in team-building activities around communication, nonverbal communication, personal space, and reflective listening. Thanks to DHS Social Worker, Ansley Beverly, and 9th Grade Counselor, Sara Parker, for taking our students on this trip.

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Daphne HS STEP Students Visit Equine Therapy Farm

Ms. Nordberg's 1st Grade Class at Silverhill ES would like to thank our Veterans and honor all those who have served!

Veterans Day at Spanish Fort ES

Spanish Fort Elementary was so happy to be able to honor the Veterans in our community. We started our morning with a Veterans Parade. Veterans were given a grand welcome by all of our students, faculty and staff and presented with a special gift at the end of the parade route. SFES also delivered goodies to the Veterans at Westminster Village. There really aren’t enough words to express our gratitude for the sacrifices that these Veterans have made, but it was so wonderful to see our students honor those who have given so much for us! Thank you to all of our Veterans!

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Autauga County Schools Orange Beach ES Blue Ribbon School Celebration

Renaissance Students Perform Seussical, Jr!

Renaissance students take the stage in Seussical, Jr! Seussical was directed by our very own theatre teacher Ms. Darby!

It was a full house at Orange Beach Elementary’s Open House and Blue Ribbon School celebration! The school was awarded this prestigious honor earlier this year from the U.S. Department of Education!

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Daphne Wrestlers Named Tournament Champs

The Daphne Wrestling Boys AND Girls Teams were tournament CHAMPS in at the Gulf Shores Middle School/JV Tournament.! What a way to start the season

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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During the 2020 holiday season, a survey by American Research Group, Inc. found the average American planned on spending roughly $851 on gifts. Despite gift spending being slightly down, throw in the costs of holiday cards, decorating, baking, holiday dinners, and unplanned purchases, and holiday shopping can add up to a heap of change. 44 www.easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Many people are set back financially for months, if not longer, following the holiday season. One big reason for this is that credit cards make it easy to overspend, leaving individuals and families to suffer the consequences later. The problem with credit cards isn’t just the monthly payments. It’s the long-term cost from accrued interest.

So what can you do to ensure you start the new year without new debt? First, create a holiday budget. Include gifts, food, decorations, and postage for holiday cards, wrapping supplies, and the babysitter for your shopping trip. Then review your list, and decide where you can cut costs. Gifts to extended family and friends are an excellent place to start. Talk to those you exchange gifts with, and see if they’ll either forego the gift exchange or set a dollar limit. Another option for families or groups is to draw names. This will reduce the number of gifts everyone has to buy. Doing a white elephant gift exchange is also a fun option. Planning your gift budget based on value rather than the amount to spend on each person is also an excellent way to reduce your holiday expense. Decide in advance on a gift value for each gift recipient. Then look for great buys. Let’s say you’ve decided on a gift value of $50 for your sister. Now, try to find a gift that’s a $50 value but only costs you $30 or $40. If you have many gifts to buy, this can shave a lot of expense. Do you usually send out more holiday cards than you receive? If so, opt instead for a phone call during the holiday season. This is particularly meaningful for those you don’t talk to often, and it won’t cost you a thing. Another option is to only mail cards to those who send one to you. Cut back on the baking. When’s the last time you heard someone complain of a shortage of holiday goodies? Probably never. Most of us eat far more than we’d like to just because it’s there. If you’re hosting any parties, hold potluck dinners instead of playing head chef. You could offer to provide the meat. Then ask everyone to bring a specific type of dish to avoid duplicates. Eliminate your babysitting expense by exchanging babysitting with a neighbor — that way, each of you has the opportunity to shop without the kids. Plan your shopping before you head out. Do online research to find the best deals on the items on your shopping list. If you can’t find a good deal on something, consider an alternative. Also, check newspaper fliers and the ‘coupon’ page of the store websites you plan to shop. If possible, leave credit cards at home when you go shopping to avoid impulse purchases. Many people spend far more than they intend by purchasing irresistible spur of the moment bargains. Finally, if you use your credit card, try to make a realistic plan to double or triple your monthly payments. This will reduce your interest expense and quickly eliminate your debt. ESP

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

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Protecting Your Kids on Their New Devices The holidays are here! It is a beautiful time of year for friends and family to gather together, enjoy one another, eat all the food, and be thankful for the blessings from the past year. As wonderful as all of the activities are during the holidays, they can also be incredibly challenging. Everyone is busy rushing from one event to another. Not to mention the gift buying! This can feel like a huge challenge if you have a list full of friends and family. Speaking of lists, so many kids and teens will be putting on their lists, as they do every year, new devices. Ipads, gaming devices, cell phones, computers…anything that will connect them to their friends. Or, frighteningly, people who are not their friends. Research points to 90 percent of children owning a device by age 11, with a cell phone being the number one device. While this is to be expected, it can also feel incredibly overwhelming. As parents, when we give our children a device, we are met with the challenge of making sure those devices are safe for them to use. This includes any age restrictions we need to place on the devices, as well as the random device checks that we must do in order to protect them. I talk a lot about giving yourself small wins as parents, so these challenges do not feel quite so hard and overwhelming. One way to give yourself a win, and overcome a bit of the challenges you are facing with new devices, is to do random device checks. What does this look like? Here are a few easy steps that you can take each week, bi weekly or monthly in your home. The frequency is up to you, as Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

are the rules you establish around devices within your family. First, make sure the device check is, in fact, random. Never the same time of day or a set day. Let your child know that you will be checking their devices, but do not tell them WHEN you will check them. This is a perfect opportunity to have an open conversation with them about why you are checking their devices. The conversation can look something like, “I am doing this to protect you.” Then, discuss what that protection looks like and why it is so important. Of course, there are numerous other reasons you may discuss with them, but I do believe having an open conversation is crucial in fostering a positive digital relationship with your child. Next, the random checks need to include a check of all devices. You may even split devices (phone, computer, games, tablets) to different days if it feels like too much for one day. Or you may check all devices at once. The key is to make sure that they are all monitored. All cell phones should be monitored for texting activity, online history and activity, pictures, and videos (do not forget to check the deleted pictures). All apps on the phone should be reviewed. Open each app and take a look at the activity within the app. This is a great opportunity to weed out any apps that you do not like for your child, or to add apps they have requested. Computers should be checked for online activity (a great way to do this is to review the history), pictures, videos and any games that are on the computer. 46

Gaming devices should be checked for any chatting history, as well as game appropriateness. This is the same with any tablets your child may have. Each and every device, as well as apps, should be checked for age appropriate restrictions. At first this is going to feel overwhelming. However. as you get use to doing random checks they will become much easier and you will become accustomed where to look. Finally, please do not forget to discuss any “social media challenges” that they may see. It is incredibly important that they are not participating, as some of them are not only dangerous, but hold serious legal consequences if caught. These challenges are mostly circulating through Tik Tok and Snapchat, so if your child has these apps be aware that they have probably been exposed. As we move further into the holidays, and devices seem to be the present that every child or teenager is wishing for, give yourself and your child the gift of protection. Take small steps. Embrace the small wins. Even when it feels overwhelming, we have to do the work to protect our kids in their online space. As always, if you need help, I am here!

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

www.easternshoreparents.com

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but research confirms a different reality -- most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. And with the challenges of the last two years, instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families may feel drained of peace. Even if you are staying in or are paring down your family festivities this year, keeping things as light and easy as possible will make the end of the year more enjoyable. Here are ten tips that will simplify the season and make it merry and bright.

1. Focus on your reason for the season. Why are you celebrating? Is it

for spiritual reasons? Maybe you want to focus on family and friends or enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays. Keep what is most important about the holidays at the center of your celebration. Reconsider any task or commitment that takes your time, energy, enjoyment or finances away from your reason for celebrating in the first place.

2. Set firm boundaries around your time. Even during a year in which

gatherings may be fewer, it’s easy to get caught up in organizing donations, planning for your family celebration, or

connecting virtually with clubs and associates. This year, pick one project you want to volunteer your time to, or pick a variety of simple acts of kindness you can do with your family safely. Spend time with your friends and loved ones, but don’t feel guilty if you can’t commit to every Zoom party or virtual fundraiser.

7 Holiday Hacks to Make the Season Bright 1. If you have an artificial tree, wrap the center pole with a strand of lights before you add the branches. This will make the tree shine brighter from the inside. 2. Use a wastebasket to hold rolls of wrapping paper. 3. Use egg cartons to store small ornaments and ornament hooks. Use wine boxes to store larger, fragile ornaments. 4. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on a cookie sheet. Freeze it for several hours and remove. Cut hearts out of the whipped cream with a cookie cutter and serve in hot cocoa. 5. Hang lightweight ornaments on long ribbons from your light fixture or chandelier to make an elegant holiday decoration. 6. Skip expensive candles and potpourri. Add water and natural ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks or cloves to a crockpot and heat. 7. To keep Christmas lights from getting tangled, wrap them around a clothes hanger or power cord holder.

3. Let go of Martha. One of the most stress-relieving things you can do at the holidays is set the bar a little lower. Martha Stewart is an elegant hostess, but you don’t have to do everything the way

Martha would to have a beautiful season. Embrace simpler decorations, meals and gift giving than you have in the past. Try quick shortcuts or holiday hacks. If you let go of expectations, you may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself content with a celebration you hadn’t even envisioned.

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4. Farm out your to-do list. At the

beginning of the season make a to-do list of what you want to accomplish. If you find that it is too long for the amount of time that you have, consider delegating some of the items. If you contribute to a Christmas club at your bank, you might even consider setting aside some of the money specifically so you can hire others to help with your holiday tasks. Have groceries delivered or use curbside pick-up. Grocery stores also have a plethora of pre-packaged holiday foods that make delicious sides, cutting down on your time in the kitchen. Buy desserts from your local bakery. No time to clean the house? Hire a cleaning service just for the holiday season or ask for this service as a gift for a later time.

5. Gift others with experiences.

Ask those you give gifts to if there is an experience they would like to have. Tickets to the theatre? Family passes to an amusement park or aquarium? A relaxing day at the spa? Experiences give friends and family the opportunity to make memories and pamper themselves, unique gifts that are much-appreciated. And it also allows family and friends to enjoy their present in the future at a time when

they feel comfortable visiting their favorite experience venues.

6. Set a holiday tea time. Recent

research shows that drinking green and black tea has many health benefits, including promoting relaxation. Herbal teas, while not true tea, still help with anxiety and stress. In keeping with the holiday spirit, sip some calming peppermint tea, or try chamomile, lemon balm or passionflower.

7. Take a hike. One way to tell your stress to take a hike might be to actually take one yourself. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that trigger a happier, more relaxed mood. Aerobic exercise outdoors away from screens and to-do lists can clear your mind and help you keep what’s important in perspective. 8. Reconnect with long lost friends and relatives. Meet with an

old friend you haven’t talked to for years, and catch up. Take some time off and visit relatives you miss seeing on a regular basis. If you are staying home this holiday season, connect via Zoom or Face Time. Surrounding yourself with people you enjoy is powerful when you want to combat holiday stress.

9. Do something kind for someone else. You don’t have to

overcommit yourself to a charity or fundraiser to be kind. Small random acts of kindness can make someone’s day. Let someone in front of you at the supermarket line or let someone drive their car in front of yours in the parking lot. Send an anonymous Christmas card with cash or a gift card to a college student or elderly person that you know is struggling financially or that is socially distancing. Throw change in Salvation Army buckets or donate online. Having a kind spirit chases away stress and keeps the season warm.

10. Celebrate memories more than material possessions. Materi-

al gifts are nice, but most of us quickly forget gifts we have received in past years. The thing that we remember the most are the memories we make with friends and family. At the end of another unusual year, make some happy memories this holiday season and bid stress goodbye. ESP

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic.

Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Now through January 2

Classic Christmas Legends in Concert ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Kick off the season with tributes to your holiday favorites by Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter & Celine Dion. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

December (Visit online for specific dates)

STEM Wonderland ad on page 29

@ Gulf Coast Exploreum 65 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 Holiday decorations will set the stage for a myriad of STEM based activities for all ages, while Imagination Playground will be available for building an ice village. (251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com/event/ stem-wonderland

November 26 - December 19 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays) and December 20-23 (every day)

Storytime with Santa’s Elves ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Catch Santa’s jolly elves reading classic Christmas stories at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from November 26 through December 19, plus December 20-23! No admission required. Storytime is approximately 15 minutes. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

November 26 - December 19 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only) December 20-23 (every day)

The North Pole Experience ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning November 26-December 19. The week leading up to ChristEastern Shore Parents I December 2021

mas, guest can enjoy the experience daily December 20-23. Children and families will be able to participate in free Christmas crafts with Santa’s Elves while waiting to grab a photo with the jolly man himself! Hours and dates for all activities are subject to change. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.

$14.99 per person plus taxes and fees. Reservations can be made online at VisitOWA.com/Christmas. Hours and dates for all activities are subject to change. Detailed information, reservations, and a full list of holiday events can be found online at VisitOWA.com/Christmas.

com/Christmas

(251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

Now Through January 5

December 4-5

Magic Christmas in Lights

St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar

ad on page 26

@ Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Join us for the 26th season.The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org

November 26-December 19 (Select Days Only!)

Mrs. Claus’ Crafty Christmas ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Select days only! This paid interactive experience will be on select dates November 26-December 19 and features Mrs. Claus along with her North Pole helpers. Guests will enjoy a family-friendly session of Christmas merrymaking through song and dance, cookie decorating and creating custom designed Christmas ornaments. Reservations are required for this limited seating event and can be booked online. Hours and dates for all activities are subject to change. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

ad on page 32

@ St. Lawrence Church 370 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Silent auction with virtual bidding option, vendor booths, bake sale, handcrafted gift baskets, and Christmas Cafe. Unique art and antiques for purchase. Kids can shop in Santa’s Workshop, take pictures with Santa and Christmas crafts! We’ll have Gumbo, candied nuts and apples, baked goods, and homemade casseroles to go. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 3:00pm. (251) 928-5931 bazaar@stlawrencefairhope.com www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com

December 5

Vintage Christmas Ceramics Workshop ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Come create a one of kind ceramic project to display in your home for years to come. Call to reserve your spot!

(251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

November 27 - December 23

December 9-10

Brunch with Santa

Ho-Ho Homicide Murder Mystery Dinner Show

(Select Days Only!)

ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Select dates only. Guests can dine with Santa and enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake spread. Park admission is not required, Reserve a seat for just

ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Looking for a little mystery and great food this holiday seaon? Don’t miss the holiday-themed

www.easternshoreparents.com

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murder mystery dinner show, Ho-Ho Homicide at the Brandon Styles Theater in Downtown OWA. Tickets available online.

December 11-12

(251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

December 10

ad on page 45

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan ad on page 1

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 1 - 5pm Decorated with sparkling lights and featuring classic Christmas tunes, the Coca Cola Holiday Caravan is guaranteed to delight everyone this season! Plus, a photographer will be available to capture complimentary photos with Santa Claus right here in Downtown OWA. You can also take your very own family photos with Santa Claus! (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com/Christmas

Wreath Door Decor Workshop ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Create a gorgeous flocked/nonflocked wreath with wood round insert. Beautiful door decor! Call to reserve your spot! (251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 11

Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade ad on page 9

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores , AL 36542 We like to celebrate the Holidays Gulf Coast style with brightly decorated boats to light the night! The boats will leave LuLu’s Gulf Shores at dusk and head to the Wharf. (251) 968-6902 www.mygulfcoastchamber.com

Bay Shore Ballet Academy “The Nutcracker” ad on page 8

@ Fairhope Civic Center 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 This holiday classic will delight people of all ages! Visit our website for updates.

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

Billy Claus visits LuLu’s! ad on page 9

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The fun starts at 1pm and Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s will arrive at 2pm, read a Christmas story, and listen to your wish list! Arts & crafts, live music and pictures with Billy Claus. (251) 967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com

Christmas at the Exploreum ad on page 29

@ Exploreum 65 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 Have a holly jolly holiday at the Exploreum’s annual Christmas event! Experience some winter-time fun, and explore our STEM Wonderland exhibit at this family-friendly event! 10:30am-3:00pm www.exploreum.com

@ Mobile Civic Center Theatre 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 December brings the lavish holiday tradition of The Nutcracker–pairing Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece with fresh choreography from Artistic Director Katia Garza. Performances: December 11 at 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sunday, December 12 at 2:30pm. (251) 342-2241 www.mobileballet.org

December 12

Original Oyster House Hosts Toys for Tots Fundraiser ad on page 45

733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway US Marines in dress blues will be at Original Oyster House from 6 pm to 8 pm, to pick up the donated toys, take photos with your family and wish everyone a happy Christmas. Please drop off an unwrapped toy or consider donating by check to Toys for Tots. You can place donation items in the Toys for Tots collection box at the restaurants. All donations will be distributed locally to needy children. (251) 928-2620 www.originaloysterhouse.com www.toysfortots.org

December 16

Chunky Yarn Knit Blanket ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Chunky Yarn Knit Blanket. No experience or tools needed to create this super soft and comfortable blanket to keep you cozy in the cold months to come. Call to reserve your spot!

what we treat

(251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 17

Pick Your Christmas Project ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Pick your Christmas Project. Choose from dozens of festive crafts to create and get into the Christmas spirit. Call to reserve your spot! (251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 18

Charcuterie Board Workshop ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Charcuterie Board Workshop. Learn the art of charcuterie and create a fun piece of home decor. Call to reserve your spot! (251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 18-19

The Music Ministry of First Baptist Fairhope presents

“Fantasia Noel” ad on page 4

@ First Fairhope 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Thrilling & heart-warming Christmas music by

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Choir & Ensembles with 40 piece Orchestra. Saturday & Sunday at 7:00pm. (251) 928-8685 jbaldwin@fbcfairhope.org www.fbcfairhope.org

December 19

City Hope Christmas Festival ad on page 11

@ City Hope Church Malbis 29964 St. Basil Street Daphne, AL 36526 Everyone is invited to celebrate at the City Hope Malbis Christmas Festival. This FREE event will include inflatables, food trucks, ice skating and live music. www.cityhope.cc/fest

December 20

Kids and Parents Ornament Workshop ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Bring your kids and create a set of ornaments you get to decorate yourself! Perfect for all ages. Call to reserve your spot! (251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 21

Kids Crafts ad on page 29

@ Hammer & Stain 25325 US-98 Suite K Daphne, AL 36526 Kids Crafts! Bring your kids to create some festive decor! Call to reserve your spot! (251) 929-4640 hammerandstaineasternshore@ gmail.com www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com

December 23 and 24

3 Circle Church ad on page 15

Fairhope Campus - 10274 State Highway 104 Daphne Campus 10080 County Road 64 3 Circle Church invites you to Christmas Eve Services at both Fairhope and Daphne campuses. December 23 - Fairhope services at 5:00 and 6:30pm. SOAR (Special Needs Ministry) offered at 5:00pm service at Fairhope campus only. Daphne services at 6:00pm. December 24 - Fairhope services 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 5:30pm. SOAR (Special Needs Ministry) offered at 3:30pm service at Fairhope campus only. Daphne services at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm. www.3CircleChristmas.com

December 31

LuLu’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! ad on page 9

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Noon Year’s is a FREE family event for all ages. Kid friendly activities begin at 10:00am with a beach ball drop at NOON! See you there!

to Toys for Tots. Collect a bike “ornament” from Christmas trees in The Port. Return the bikes to the ice rink on December 14th. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Now - December 23 Fish River Christmas Tree Farm

13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 Choose & cut, fir, flocked and container trees to replant after the holidays. Rental cabins available. Santa visits, live manger scene, camel rides, train and more! Open daily (except Thanksgiving) from 8am-5pm. (251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com

Now - December 23 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) Holiday Activities at the Farm

November 30 – December 31 Holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience

(888) 569-5337; (251) 232-2322 enquiries@ waleswest.com www.waleswest.com

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Enjoy the special Holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience Show. The spectacle will celebrate the joyous season with timeless tunes and classic sing-a-longs. This display is certain to bring you holiday cheer! Time 6pm & 7pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

December 2 Daphne’s Tree Lighting

Now - January 17 Ice Skating Rink

(251) 368-3305 receptionist@atmorechamber.com www.atmorechamber.com

(251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www. fishrivertrees.com

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Let us bring winter to you! Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season on real ice. Open Monday–Thursday (4-10pm), Friday (noon– 10pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am–10pm). Special hours apply for holidays and school breaks. Visit alwharf.com for more details and ticketing. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf. com

Now-December 23 Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event

@ Tanger Outlet (Suite 182) 2601 South McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 Local artists decor, pottery, jewelry, and more. Sponsored by the Foley Art Center. Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm. (251) 943-4381 foleytrimatree@gmail.com www.foleyartcenter.com

Now-January 7 Christmas Night of Lights

@ Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Christmas Nights of Lights is coming back for the 2021 season! Come out and see over one million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Nightly 5:30pm–10:00pm mobileseg.com

Now - December 14 Toys for Tots Bike Drive

November 26-December 24 Wales West Arctic Express

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

@ Fish River Christmas Tree Farm 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 Stroll the 40 acre Christmas Tree Farm picking the perfect tree, see the animals in the Live Nativity, visit with Santa, tour the farm on a train, ride a camel/pony and finish it all with garland and wreaths! While the farm is open daily November 20 - December 23, Santa visits, the farm tour aboard our tree train, and the camel and pony rides (fee applies for this item) will be available on three weekends only: Fri-Sun., Nov. 26-28, Sat.Sun, Dec. 4-5, and Sat.-Sun. Dec 11-12.

(251) 967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com

@ Various locations Orange Beach, AL 36561 Help spread cheer this year by donating a bike

through decorations, lights, and snow! Santa visit, Toy, Free Refreshments, Minitrain rides, Hayless Hayride, Potato Cannon, Cafe, Gift Shop. Reservations online. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 4pm-9 pm, Nightly starting Dec. 11

@ Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 Authentic steam train ride to the North Pole,

@ Daphne City Hall 1705 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Please join us for the annual tree lighting at Daphne City Hall. Activities start at 5:30 PM, program starts at 6:00 PM. (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

Santa in the Park

@ Heritage Park Main Street & Craig Street Atmore, AL 36502 We have Santa on Main December 2nd from 4-7. This will be pictures with Santa with cookies and a little reindeer food.

December 3 Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade @ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade begins at 7:00pm at the intersection of Morphy and Section Street and continues down Section to Oak Street. (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov

Foley’s Christmas in the Park

@ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Come out to hear Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree, and visit with Santa. Free cocoa. 6:00pm - 8:00pm. (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com

Holiday Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus

@ Gulf Shores Public Library 221 W 19th Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the library at 10:30am for a very special HOLIDAY preschool story time!! Enjoy a story with Mrs. Claus! Refreshments will be served! (251) 968-1176 www.gulfshoresal.gov/346/Library

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert”

@ Foley Civic Center 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. Time: 7:00pm. (251) 943-1545 www.mobilesymphony.org

www.easternshoreparents.com

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Ornament Take and Make Drive Thru

@ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Make the Christmas tree at home a little brighter! Friday, December 3, from 1:30pm-4:30pm (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

Polar Express Movie Night

@ The Depot 301 McMeans Ave Bay Minette, AL 36507 Throw on your PJ’s, grab your blankets and chairs and join us for a fun night at the Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy food, popcorn, hot chocolate and Polar Express on the big screen! 6pm

December 4 Breakfast at the Manger

Gingerbread Jam-Gingerbread Building Contest

(251) 928-1148 www.fairhopeumc.org

(251) 284-0558 jjlangston@orangebeachal.gov www.orangebeachal.gov/events/performing-arts

@ Fairhope United Methodist Church 155 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Pancake breakfast, inflatables, pictures with Santa, activities and more. Hear Santa read the story of Jesus’ birth. 8:30am - 10:30am.

Christmas in Perdido

(251) 937-5665 www.northbaldwinchamber.com

@ Perdido School 23589 Co Rd 47 Perdido, AL 36562 Christmas in Perdido will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at Perdido School. Vendors will be set up at the school from 8am-2pm. Breakfast with Santa will be offered from 8-10am.

Silverhill Christmas Parade

City of Daphne Christmas Parade

Silverhill, AL 36576 Join us for the annual Christmas parade at 6:30pm. We will have Food trucks, pictures with Santa and a special guest after the parade (251) 945-5198 www.facebook.com/SilverhillAlabama

The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert

@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Join us for our holiday celebration at the Daphne Civic Center!! 7:00pm (251) 278-8530 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com

The Prophecy Show

@ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 This powerhouse group of classically trained musicians come together to create nothing short of an electrifying evening of holiday rock music. 7:00pm www.mobilesaenger.com

(251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

Dauphin Island Christmas Parade

Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Dauphin Island Christmas Parade at 11:00am. www.dauphinislandchamberofcommerce.com

@ Downtown Foley Foley, AL 36535 Parade begins at 10:00am and winds through downtown Foley. Festive floats, treats and throws, and of course, Santa waves a Merry Christmas to all. Float applications available online. (251) 943-1032 www.foleykiwanisclub.com

(251) 979-9851 coastalballet@gmail.com www.coastalballet.com

(251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com

@ Orange Beach Performing Arts Center Orange Beach, AL 36561 Join us for performances of this holiday classic. December 3-6:00pm, December 4-2:00pm.

@ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 The acclaimed group is set to light up the holiday season by hitting the road on their Warmest Winter Holiday Tour – showcasing songs that will get you in the holiday spirit.

Love like Jesus 3rd Annual Silent Auction @ Street’s Exquisite Plants & Aquatic Gardens 17750 Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 Silent auction, bbq plate sale & T shirt sale. T shirts are $ 20 Bbq plates are $10.00 and you can call now to reserve either at 251-990-0901. All of the proceeds are going to the Women’s Care Medical Center. Tax-deductible donations for the auction are being accepted through December 3. (251) 990-0901 streets@bellsouth.net www.streetsoffairhope.com

Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade

Foley’s Annual “Let It Snow!”

Home Free “Warmest Winter Tour 2021”

www.mobilesaenger.com

Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Parade begins at 11:00am from the Daphne Civic Center complex, through Olde Towne Daphne, and back again.

December 3-4 Coastal Ballet Company Presents “The Nutcracker”

4671 Wharf Pkwy West Orange Beach, AL 36561 A gingerbread house building competition for families & businesses. Please provide your own supplies. Proceeds support Culinary Camp scholarships. Free and open to the public 11am-2pm.

@ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Come hear live music, Mrs. Claus telling stories, arts/crafts in the Children’s Art Village, and play in the Snow! Concessions are sold on site. Time: 11am - 2pm.

Mobile’s Singing Children Christmas Concert - Ceremony of Carols

@ Cathedral of Immaculate Conception 2 South Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile’s Singing Children Christmas Concert at 7pm. mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com www.mobilesingingchildren.org

Pirates of Fish River Christmas Boat Parade

@ Fish River Fairhope, AL 36532 Lighted Christmas Boat Parade hosted by The Pirates of Fish River! 5:30pm. Starts at 98 Bridge in Weeks Bay; We will turn around north of 32 bridge.

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We Are Open!

Indoor Walking Track: 7am - 5pm Mon - Fri Pickleball (Open Gym - all are invited): Tues. 8am-11am, Thurs. 8am-11am, & Sun. 2:00 - 4:30pm. The Fitness Room 7am - 5pm Mon.-Fri.

Tuesdays, 8am-11am, Thursdays, 8am-11am & Sundays from 2pm -4pm Come check out our refurbished Gym floor, with freshly painted lines and adjusted courts to assist in avoiding the baskeball goals! There are three weekly options available to play and learn! See the days and times above. Pickleball is a great sport for all ages and playing levels.

155 South Section St • Fairhope, AL • 251-928-1148 • www.fairhopeumc.org • CLC Hours: Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm 55

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Robertsdale Christmas Parade

@ Honeybee Park Robertsdale, AL 36567 Robertsdale Christmas Parade sponsored by the Robertsdale Rotary Club is Saturday, December 4 at 6:30pm. (251) 947-2626 www.centralbaldwin.com

December 4-10 Gingerbread House and Cookie Contest @ Bay Minette Public Library 205 West 2nd Street Bay Minette, AL 36507 Prizes will be awarded on December 10th during Bedtime Stories with Santa. See our Facebook page for entry forms and rules. (251) 580-1648 www.cityofbayminette.org

December 4 & 11 City of Fairhope Santa Saturdays

@ Downtown Fairhope 24 Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Santa will be visiting Fairhope in front of the Fairhope Museum of History from 10:30am 12:00pm. Parents may bring their cameras to take pictures. (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov

Christmas Carriage Rides at Colonial Fort Conde @ Colonial Fort Condé 150 S Royal St Mobile, AL 36602 3pm-8pm-Christmas Carriage Rides at Colonial Fort Conde (weather permitting)

(251) 208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Santa’s Ride through the City

@ Route Information will be posted on website Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Santa is taking some time off during his busy month to drive through the City of Gulf Shores and wave to our residents. He will be accompanied by some of his dear friends from the North Pole and the Gulf Shores High School Steel Drum Band! (251) 968-1171 www.gulfshoresal.gov/1626/SantasRide-through-the-City

December 4, 11, 18 Breakfast with Santa

@ The Grand Hotel One Grand Boulevard Point Clear, AL 36564 Santa is coming to the Grand Hotel! Watch your children’s eyes light up with the magic of the season. Limited Seating Available. This holiday event sells out each year, so secure your tickets now! (251) 928-9201 www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-breakfast-with-santa-2021-tickets-182881031087?aff=ebd ssbdestsearch

Graham Creek Christmas Trail

@ Graham Creek Nature Preserve Interpretive Center 23030 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL 36535 Bring the whole family to see the Christmas lights on a 1/2 mile all outdoor trail that accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. Drop off a letter to Santa while you’re here too! 5-8 pm (last ticket sold at 7:30pm) $5 per ticket 5 & under free. (251) 923-4267 www.grahamcreekpreserve.org

Saturdays with Santa - The Fort Park

@ The Fort Park 29001 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Come out and meet Santa. Pictures are welcomed! Time: Sat. Dec 4- 5:30-7:30pm, Sat. Dec 11- 2-4pm, Sat Dec 18- 2-5pm Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

December 5 City of Spanish Fort Tree Lighting

@ Spanish Fort Community Center 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Holiday fun for everyone! 6:00pm. (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com

Daphne Rangers AcademyChristmas in The Park

@ Village Park (in the back of Trione Park) Daphne, AL 36526 All are welcome for Christmas crafts, fun, Santa visits, and vendors market. We’ll hold our annual raffle the day of the event. Raffle tickets are $10/ ticket or a sheet of 12 can be purchased for $100. More info coming in email/on social media about all this soon! 12pm-4pm www.daphnerangers.com

Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts

@ Fairhope First Baptist Church 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Enjoy holiday music. Concert begins at 2:00pm. (251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org

December 6 Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts

@ Spanish Fort United Methodist Church 6690 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Enjoy holiday music. Concert begins at 7:30pm.

for all the peops on your list with our Nifty Thrifty Giftie series! 5pm-7pm

(251) 990-0209 youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org www.fairhopelibrary.org

December 10 Bedtime Stories with Santa

@ Bay Minette Library 205 West 2nd Street Bay Minette, AL 36507 The event features Christmas-themed stories and a visit with Santa Claus! There is no charge to attend. 6:30pm. (251) 580-1648 www.facebook.com/Bay-MinettePublic-Library-65278263205

Christmas in the Park

@ Municipal Park Municipal Park Dr Loxley, AL 36551 First annual Christmas in the Park-there will be a lighting of the tree ceremony, Christmas caroling, a live nativity scene, a Christmas village with elves, food trucks, pictures with Santa and tons of activities for the kids! 7pm (251) 964-5162 www.townofloxley.org

Daphne’s Snow & Movie Night in the Park

@ Daphne City Hall 1705 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Come join us for snow and movie night in Downtown Daphne! Snow begins falling at 4:00pm, visit with Santa from 5:00pm-7pm; movie from 6:00pm-8:00pm. (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

(251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org

The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert

@ Foley Civic Center 407 E Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Join us for our holiday celebration at the Foley Civic Center!! 7:00pm (251) 278-8530 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com

December 7 The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert

@ Gulf Shores Cultural Event Center 19470 Oak Road West Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Join us for our holiday celebration at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center!! 7:00pm (251) 278-8530 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com

December 7 and 9 Holiday Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus

@ Fairhope Public Library 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the Fairhope Library! This reading, craft, and picture opportunity lasts about an hour, and will engage young book lovers in all things holiday magic. Santa will arrive at 10:30am for photos with our Babies and Movers+Shakers too! Ages 3 plus. 11amStorytime (251) 990-0209 youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org www.fairhopelibrary.org

December 9, 13, 14, 16, 21 Nifty, Thrifty, Gifty- MakerSpace

@ Fairhope Public Library 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 It’s December and how many gifts do you have for the people you care about? Never fear, the FHPL Maker Space is here to help you learn some handcrafting skills to make easy, inexpensive, fun gifts

Gift Take and Make Drive Thru

@ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Parents need Christmas presents too! Drive your child to the Daphne Public Library to make you a special gift this year! Friday, December 10, from 1:30pm–4:30pm (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

Loxley Christmas Parade

Loxley, AL 36551 Parade starts at 6:30pm at the Loxley Church of God. The parade will travel down Highway 59 and end at Municipal Park. Join us after the parade for our first Christmas in the Park! (251) 964-5162 www.townofloxley.org

December 10-12 Orange Beach High School presents “A Christmas Carol”

@ Orange Beach Performing Arts Center 23908 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 A Christmas Carol will be held December 10, 11 at 7pm and December 12 at 2pm. www.orangebeachal.gov/events/performing-arts

December 11 Annual Christmas Fest in Bay Minette

@ Courthouse Square Bay Minette, AL 36507 The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our Annual Christmas Fest from 8am-7pm with vendors, food, entertainment and fun! The Annual Parade will roll at 4:30pm and The Modern Eldorados will perform live on stage following the parade! (251) 937-5665 (Ext. 2) marlee@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com

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Breakfast with Santa

@ Pearl & Addie’s Café 20 Hand Ave Bay Minette, AL 36507 Breakfast with Santa will be held 8-11am. Cost-$14 for adults/$10 for children. The event will include a breakfast buffet, hot cocoa bar, and a photographer will be on site to snap pictures with Santa. www.northbaldwinchamber.com

Candy Cane Dash

@ USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park Mobile, AL 36602 The first annual Candy Cane Dash will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park to benefit Under His Wings. Come dressed in your best candy cane or festive attire!!

(251) 947-4673 https://race.korgeo.com/ signup?eid=106

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Elberta Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Santa and Movies in the Park

Main Street Elberta, AL 36530 The Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, and Movies in the Park will be held on Dec. 11. Parade rolls at 5:30. Tree lighting, Santa, and Movies in the Park will take place at the Elberta Town Park following the parade. (251) 986-5995 www.townofelberta.com

Santa Drop

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Kick-off the Christmas season watching Santa skydive onto the beach and enjoy activities for kids in the Flora-Bama tent. 11am - 2pm. (850) 492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html

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Santa Pictures-Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market

@ Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market 20733 Miflin Road Foley, AL Come and get your picture taken with Santa. Tell him what you would like for Christmas. 11am (251) 709-4469 www.coastalalabamamarket.com/home

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Spanish Fort Spirit of Christmas Parade @ Eastern Shore Centre 30500 State Hwy 181 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 City of Spanish Fort hosts its annual “Spirit of Christmas” Parade at 6pm. (251) 626-4884 lcooper@cityofspanishfort.com www.cityofspanishfort.com

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@ Downtown Atmore Atmore, AL 36502 Twilight Christmas Parade December 11 beginning at 5pm. This will go from City Hall down Main Street and turn on Lindberg Avenue and end at the High School. Visit Atmore Chamber and go to the events page for more information. (251) 368-3305 receptionist@atmorechamber.com www.atmorechamber.com

Yo Ho Ho 5k and Fun Run

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 The Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores is hosting the annual Yo Ho Ho 5K presented by Columbia Southern University. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in your best Christmas attire (pets and children are welcome) 8am (251) 224-1000 https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/OrangeBeach/YoHoHo5kandFunRun

December 11 & 12 Holly Days on Main Festival

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Vendors of all types will be on Main Street, take in the sights and sounds of performances from area students, art showcase, lighted boat parade and maybe even a visit from the big man in red. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Mobile Symphony presents “Joy to the World”

December 16 Light Up the Arts

@ Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach 26389 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Bring the family and celebrate the season! Refreshments, music, fiery hot glass demos, clay studio pottery firings and more. Holiday gifts will also be available for purchase. 5:00pm - 7:00pm. (251) 981-2787 artcenter@cityoforangebeach.com www.coastalartscenter.com

Night Before Christmas Book Reading

@ Saenger Theatre 6 Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile Symphony presents “Joy to the World”. The Gulf Coast’s best holiday concert. (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org

South Baldwin Community Theatre and Wingbeat Productions present “The Wingbeat Christmas Spectacular” @ South Baldwin Community Theatre 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 South Baldwin Community Theatre and Wingbeat Productions present “The Wingbeat Christmas Spectacular”. The Wingbeat performers will take you down memory lane with songs, skits and dances from Christmas classics. www.sbct.biz

December 12 Drive-Thru Nativity

@ Trinity Presbyterian Church 545 South Mobile Street Fairhope, AL 36532 See the story of the birth of Jesus from your own car! From the Angel to the Manager scene, with music and live animals. This event is free. 5pm 7pm. (251) 928-2524 www.tpcfairhope.org

@ Spanish Fort Community Center 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us for the annual Night Before Christmas Book Reading! Children are encouraged to wear their warmest pajamas and bring their favorite blanket to sit on. (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com

December 17-18 Christmas at Bicentennial Park

@ Bicentennial Park 51233 State Highway 225 Stockton, AL 36579 Friday-Drive in Movie, Saturday-Drive in Movie, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, hot dogs and more. 6pm-9pm cityofbayminette.org/Event/1638

December 18 Breakfast with Santa

@ Erie Meyer Civic Center 1930 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Breakfast with Santa at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Beginning at 8 a.m., families can dive into a wholesome breakfast. Admission is $5.00 per person (3 and under free). 8:00am. (251) 968-1171 hdean@gulfshoresal.gov www. gulfshoresal.gov/1425/Breakfast-with-Santa

Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas

December 13 Baldwin County Youth Orchestra’s Christmas Concert

@ Foley Civic Center 407 E Laurel Ave Foley, AL 36535 Christmas Around the World Concert, No Admission charge but a toy for Toys for Tots is appreciated. Silent Auction Available during Concert. (251) 279-0848 bcyorchestra@gmail.com www.bcyorchestra.com

December 13-14 Santa’s Royal Christmas’s Event

@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL 36526 Meet Santa, his Royal Disney Friends, and maybe even spy the Grinch! Get a special photo with Santa and be able to meet some of your favorite Princesses and Princes! Buy your tickets now for a Character Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner! www.eventbrite.com/e/santas-royal-christmas-tickets-194844584397

@ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 12th Annual Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert featuring Jennifer Hartswick on Trumpet and Vocals will be held at 7pm. (251) 208-5600 www.facebook.com/CharlieBrownJazzChristmasConcert

Christmas with Belle

28851 N Main St Daphne, AL 36526 Come and enjoy Christmas music, Hot Cocoa bar, Waffles, a Christmas story read by Belle, photos and a stocking with goodies for our little guests. RSVP to 251-359-0010. $15 to reserve your spot. (251) 359-0010 www.facebook.com/ADistinctEvent

How to Make a Gingerbread House

@ Grand Hotel Marriott Resort 1 Grand Boulevard Point Clear, AL 36564 Step-by-step instruction in making a Gingerbread House. Cost for is $40(+tax & processing fee) for each Gingerbread House built (not per person). Tickets online. 2 class times available. 10am & 2pm. (251) 928-9201 www.eventbrite.com

December 15-16 Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Make it to the Line Run or Walk

(251) 968-1176 www.gulfshoresal.gov/346/Library

850-492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html

@ Gulf Shores Public Library 221 W 19th Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Bring your furry friend to the library between 4:30pm-5:30pm. Elves will capture all the fun that your favorite toys get into!! Registration required before December 3rd

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Let’s all “Make it to the Line” just in time for Christmas! Run, jog, walk to the line at our 4-Mile Run/ Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run. Race will benefit the Secret Santa program, helping local families in need.

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December 19 Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert @ Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Silverhill, AL 36576 Please Join us for The Frog Pond Christmas Party AND the 12th Annual Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert! Please email thefrogpondbluemoonfarm@ gmail.com to reserve your spot on the list! 2pm thefrogpondbluemoonfarm@gmail.com www.thefrogpondatbluemoonfarm.com

December 20 Christmas Craft Extravaganza

@ Fairhope Public Library 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 Come and paint small woods, make scrabble ornaments, stamp and glue handprint holiday pictures, and much more. Crafters may flow from station to station at their own pace. This event is open to all children and adults. 10am-4pm

streets, DJ and ball drop at midnight! 8:30pm 12:30am. (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov

Kids Confetti Drop

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 If your little ones are too young to stay up until midnight, join us at The Wharf for our annual Kids Confetti Drop, featuring tons of family friendly activities plus an early daytime countdown to the new year. Event time is 10 am – 2 pm. Confetti drop at noon! (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration

Downtown Mobile Mobile, AL 36602 Join us for an evening of celebratory activities leading up to the giant 600 pound electric MoonPie drop and more! Come be part of the celebration.

(251) 990-0209 youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org www.fairhopelibrary.org

(251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org

December 21 Chocolate Milk and Holiday Movie: The Polar Express

Reelin’ In the New Year Street Party

@ Fairhope Public Library 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 All aboard - wear your favorite holiday pajamas and bring your blanket. We’ll provide chocolate milk and tasty snacks to enjoy while we watch The Polar Express. 3pm (Ages 2-12) (251) 990-0209 youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org www.fairhopelibrary.org

December 22 The Lindsey Stirling Christmas Program @ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 8pm

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Reel in 2022 with us at The Wharf for our New Year’s Eve Street Party. Live bands, family friendly and adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with our marlin drop and fireworks. Resolutions are for the start of the month. Give yourself one last excuse to let loose! Admission is free. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Reelin’ in the New Year

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Let’s bid adieu to the year in the grandest of style with family friendly activities and adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with The Park Band, the marlin drop and a fireworks finale. 5pm–midnight

www.mobilesaenger.com

(251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

December 31 Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

January 1 Polar Bear Dip

@ Downtown Fairhope Bring your family and ring in the New Year in downtown Fairhope with fireworks, dancing in the

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Wear a crazy costume, bring the whole family and take a New Year plunge into the Gulf of Mexico! No

registration is required. Event from 12pm - 3pm. (850) 492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html

Every Thursday in December Holiday Movies - The Fort Park

@ The Fort Park 29001 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us every Thursday night in December from 6-7:30pm to see Holiday movies. Saturdays and select event dates

November 27 – December 4, 11, 18, 19-24, 2021 The Wharf North Pole Express

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 This winter, The Wharf Express is on a holiday mission! Put on your PJs and ride The Wharf North Pole Express each Saturday until Christmas, where every child will receive a candy cane, a coloring book and a golden ticker sticker. Open Saturdays (10am–8pm). Times subject to change (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Various December dates Horse and Carriage Rides

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Are you “saddled up” for the holidays yet? Head to The Wharf to spend an evening under the moon in an enchanted horse-drawn carriage down Main Street. You can also catch the holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience on your ride. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com Weekends and select event dates

November 19 - December 24 Photos with Santa at the Wharf

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf! Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to the Jolly Claus or write one in his village. Open Fridays (3-6 pm), Saturdays (10am–6pm) and Sunday (noon–6pm). Times subject to change. ESP

(251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases Clifford the Big Red Dog

Theaters

Rating PG

Overall B

Violence B+

Sex A

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs A

Lonely Emily Elizabeth has no idea that the red rescue puppy she has just brought home is going to grow to gargantuan size overnight, putting them in the crosshairs of the building superintendent and on the run from a bio-tech millionaire. This is a passably enjoyable, predictable kids’ movie. It features subpar acting, a few laughs, and some heartfelt moments. Despite its paint-by-number vibe, the story manages to deliver a surprising amount of warmth. Photo ©Paramount

Home Sweet Home Alone

Disney+

Rating PG

Overall C

Violence C

Sex A

Profanity B

Alcohol/Drugs A

With the loss of Jeff’s job, the McKenzies realize that the only chance to save their family home is to sell an heirloom. When it goes missing, Jeff believes that young Max has stolen it, so he and his wife Pam set off to steal it back. To everyone’s surprise, Max is home alone, having been forgotten by his parents en route to a Japanese vacation. Unlike earlier Home Alone movies, this one errs in making the villains more sympathetic than the abandoned child. It also features a surfeit of slapstick violence and some very questionable moral decisions. Photo © Disney+

The Claus Family

Netflix

Rating TV-G

Overall B-

Violence A

Sex A

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs A

Jules hates Christmas. When his widowed mother moves the family to Belgium for a fresh start, Jules is shocked to learn that his grandfather is the real Santa Claus. Suffering from failing health, Santa needs help pulling off the big night, but Jules isn’t sure he’s all in. This European film has high quality dubbing so it’s easily viewed by English speakers and it’s clean and full of good messages. Sadly, this festive flick is also bland, poorly paced, and devoid of Christmas magic. Photo © Netflix

Love Hard

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-14

B-

After scores of dating disasters, Natalie falls in love with Josh, a handsome guy in New York. Setting off to surprise him for Christmas, Natalie learns that she’s been catfished. Josh is a nerd with big glasses who’s been hiding behind photos of his handsome erstwhile friend, Tag. After Josh promises to set her up with Tag, Natalie agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend until Christmas. There aren’t any unexpected developments in this story and there’s way too much profanity but the movie raises good questions about honesty and dating ethics and has some charm. Photo ©Netflix

Finch

Apple TV+

Rating PG-13

Overall A-

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity C+

Alcohol/Drugs B

Engineer Finch Weinberg and his dog have both survived the apocalypse and Finch has spent his time foraging and creating a robot to care for his dog after he’s gone. Now five storm cells are converging on the factory where he lives and they will prevent his scavenging activities for a month. In respone to the threat, Finch loads everyone into a modified RV and heads for the mountains. Tom Hanks stars as the profoundly decent protagonist in this teen and adult friendly feel-good film. Photo ©AppleTV+

Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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When parents send their kids to school they hope that they are safe and happy as they learn and grow, but when your child becomes a victim of bullying it can be hard to know how to help them. According to www.stopbullying.gov between 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 U.S. students say they have been bullied. This is most common in middle school and most often takes the form of social or verbal bullying. Due to recent programs and education, studies have shown the number of kids being bullied is declining. However it is still a problem that should be taken seriously. Parents can educate themselves in what they should do so they are prepared if their child feels like they are being targeted by a bully.

Here are some tips to give your student.

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Just say stop

The first thing your child can do when faced with a bully is to say “Stop!”. It is healthy for all kids to understand boundaries. If someone is speaking to them, touching them, or treating them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, they have the right to say “No!” or “Stop!” If it continues, they can walk away from the situation. Learning to verbalize their feelings and take charge of the situation will benefit them into adulthood. They should never have to feel stuck. Likewise, kids should understand that if someone asks them to stop, they need to respect others enough to change the behavior immediately.

Walk away

If your child has asked their bully to stop and the behavior continues, let them know the best choice is to walk away. Ask your child if they have a person they feel safe telling about the bullying behavior at school. Let them know that if they have asked the bully to stop and they did not, they should then walk away and go tell someone they feel safe talking to about the situation. It is never a good idea to start a physical fight with anyone. If your child is not comfortable talking to an adult at school or they have reported bullying but don’t feel heard, it may be a good idea for

the parent to contact the school directly and come up with a plan to stop any future bullying. By first allowing your child to address the situation, you teaching them empowerment.

Use the buddy system

they can use as an outlet when they have these feelings - running, drawing, journaling, sports, hanging out with friends, etc. If your child has something they enjoy and are good at, it helps them feel important and boosts their overall happiness.

Often kids who are targeted by bullies are perceived as different by their peers. Bullying often happens with a group of kids targeting a child who is alone. Encourage your child to play with other kids with similar interests. A group of kids are less likely to be targeted.

What not to do

Laugh it off

• Blame yourself - it is not your fault • Fight back - it’s never a good idea to physical hurt someone else • Bully others - do not hurt others because you have been hurt • Keep silent - remaining silent while you or someone else are being targeted will not help stop the situation • Avoid school - everyone deserves to be safe and learn at school • Hurt yourself - if you feel like you want to hurt yourself or others, talk to someone immediately ESP

It is no surprise that bullies find enjoyment out of picking on others because they get a reaction. Sometimes laughing it off or making it into a joke can stop the bully in his tracks. This isn’t always easy to do if your child is not a natural at making jokes or if they are already upset, but in some situations, it can turn things around quickly.

Find an outlet

Kids who feel like they have been bullied at school may begin to feel angry, depressed, or blame themselves. It is important to let your child know that it is not their fault. Help your child find something

Being bullied creates a wide range of emotions and reactions for the victims. While you have given them positive strategies for handling the situation, you may also want to remind them of the following things not to do:

Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer and has been featured in more than 100 parenting publications nationwide.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday December 2

Ugly Sweater Challenge MakerSpace (Ages 13-18) 5:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Have you ever looked at your closet before going out to a holiday party and thought, “wow, none of my sweaters are ugly enough!” If so, the FHPL Maker Space has got you covered. Come in with your attractive, plain sweater and use our vast array of craft items and tools to uglify it for the holidays! BYOS or make due with whatever we get from the thrift store. Spots are limited so sign up on Eventbrite to reserve your place! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org

Friday December 3

Gulf Coast Comedy Fest 7:00 PM Brandon Styles Theater at OWA, 1501 S. OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Gulf Coast Comedy Fest Tanyalee Davis & Friends 251-237-3330 http://gulfcoastcomedyfest.com/

Saturday December 4

Living History Crew Drill 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36603 Come see history come to life with our WWII historical reenactors as they board the battleship USS ALABAMA and submarine USS DRUM. Be on deck for “call to battle stations” at 1:00 p.m. and watch the crew repels air attacks www.ussalabama.com

Turtle, a story about a man lost on a deserted island paradise. Come in and get a dose of splendid isolation through the beautiful images of Studio Ghibli! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

Wednesday December 8

After School Art – Activity Room (Kindergarten-5th grade) 4:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Join us for an afternoon of creativity! The theme is The Tale of Three Trees and we will discuss folktales and sew fabric Christmas trees. Space is limited! Please sign up by calling 251-9291465 or emailing youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org BuJo Meetup - MakerSpace (Ages 13-18) 4:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Let’s get ready for the new year by prepping our BuJos! We will look at layouts that show year-long trackers for chores, hobbies, moods, books, and whatever else you are doing! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org

Thursday December 9

Blue Mullet Music and Sean Detrich, Winston Browne 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Page & Palette, 32 S Section St Fairhope, AL, 36532 Blue Mullet music and Sean Detrich, Winston Browne 251-928-5295 www.pageandpalette.com Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” 6:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Avenue Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for the musical adaptation of the best selling books Junie B. Jones! 251-455-0355 bayareaperformingarts.com

Cruise to the Site of Old Mobile: Alabama’s First European Settlement 9:00 AM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36577 Join us for a oneof-a-kind excursion through the storied waters of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta as we journey to the original site of the town of Mobile, founded in 1702! www.blakeleypark.com

Virtual Chocolate Affair 7:00 PM Virtual, We will be hosting our 14th annual Chocolate Affair Virtually this year! Enter the $5,000 Drawing. Weekly Prizes! Online Silent Auction Opens November 23rd and Ends during our event on Dec. 9th! All proceeds benefit families with children experiencing homelessness in Baldwin County! www.familypromisebc.org

Sunday December 5

Everblue Arts presents “Little Women” Little Women December 9-12. Visit our website for more information. everbluearts.com

Love Like Jesus Benefit 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Street’s Exquisite Plants & Aquatic Gardens, 17750 Greeno Road Fairhope, AL, 36532 Love like Jesus 3rd Annual Silent Auction and BBQ benefitting Women’s Care Medical Center. www.streetsoffairhope.com 5th Annual Gulf Seafood Gala 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Isle Dauphine, 100 Orleans Dr Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 This year’s Gala showcases the best of Alabama Gulf seafood traditions with a nostalgic evening celebrating the coastal chic of the Isle Dauphine Club in its heyday! 6pm 251-861-3300 www.dauphinislandarts.org

Tuesday December 7

Friday December 10

Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” 6:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Avenue Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for the musical adaptation of the best selling books Junie B. Jones! 251-455-0355 bayareaperformingarts.com

Impact Youth Theater presents “Peter Pan” 10:00 AM Daphne Civic Center , 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Free admission. Donations welcome. Concessions available at the evening show. www.facebook.com/impactyouththeater/

Everblue Arts presents “Little Women” Little Women - December 9-12. Visit our website for more information. everbluearts.com

Anime Club - Ages 13-18 5:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Are you an introvert dreading this festive season of socializing at holiday gatherings? If so, we have just the film you need: The Red

Excursion to the Bottle Creek Indian Mound Complex 9:00 AM Historic Blakeley State Park-Live Oak Landing, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36577 Join us in an exploration of the famous Bottle Creek

Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

Saturday December 11

Mounds, one of the Gulf Coast’s largest Native American mound centers! www.blakeleypark.com Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Avenue Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for the musical adaptation of the best selling books Junie B. Jones! 2:00pm and 6:00pm 251-455-0355 bayareaperformingarts.com

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Everblue Arts presents “Little Women” Little Women - December 9-12. Visit our website for more information. everbluearts.com

Sunday December 12

Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Avenue Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for the musical adaptation of the best selling books Junie B. Jones! 2:00pm and 6:00pm 251-455-0355 bayareaperformingarts.com Everblue Arts presents “Little Women” Little Women - December 9-12. Visit our website for more information. everbluearts.com

Saturday December 18

UtopiCon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 A Library Con right here in Fairhope! What’s your fandom? Cosplay it and enter our contest judged by the esteemed members of CosPlay. We’ll have panel discussions on K-pop, anime and manga, books vs. movies, and of course, cosplay. There will be a room just for RPGs and Magic the Gathering, with free play and a tournament. For Harry Potter fans, we’ll have a whole room just for you with HP games, including a House Elf Dirty Santa game and Auror Training. We’ll also have a Pokemon scavenger hunt and a fantasy literature based Escape Room! Events start at 10, and will run till 3. The final schedule will be posted the week before the event. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org LendingTree Bowl 4:45 PM Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL, 36608 A national television audience will tune in to ESPN on Monday, January 6, 2020, for the 21st Annual Mobile Alabama Bowl. lendingtreebowl.com/ Book Signing - Mallory McDuff 2:00 PM Page & Palette, 32 S Section St Fairhope, AL, 36532 Mallory McDuff, Our Last Best Act, signing at 2pm. 251-928-5295 www.pageandpalette.com

Saturday January 8

Kid Chefs Best on the Bay 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Our fundraiser will highlight guest chefs partnered with 2-3 kid chefs. Admission ticket includes endless charcuterie, 1 drink ticket, and sampling of what the teams prepare. ticketstripe.com/kidchefsbestonthebay

www.easternshoreparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Saturday January 15

Darci Lynne Farmer 5:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Darci Lynne Farmer www.asmglobalmobile.com

Lap Babies-Virtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times 10:30 AM Virtual, Daphne, AL, 36526 Lap BabiesVirtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times (251) 620-2500 Find us on Facebook

Saturday January 22

Every Tuesday and Thursday

MSO Presents: The Fireworks of Jupiter 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 MSO Presents: The Fireworks of Jupiter mobilesymphony.org

Sunday January 23

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MSO Presents: The Fireworks of Jupiter 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 MSO Presents:

Thursday January 27

University of Mobile School of the Arts presents “Dear, Mister Postman” 7:00 PM University of Mobile – Dorsett Auditorium, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, AL, 36613 An evening of song awaits you with our Opera and Musical Theatre scenes program, “Dear, Mister Postman.” Escape for an evening as you immerse yourself in the beautifully entertaining correspondence between characters brought to the stage through tunes from popular Operas and Musicals and be reminded of the sweet memories of passed notes and silly text messages. www.tix.com/ticket-sales/umobile/6745/ event/1243150

Friday January 28

Every Monday and Friday

Free Build 9:30 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Free build -Activity Room, Ages 2-10yrs. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

Tuesday

Movers and Shakers Storytime 10:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 This Toddler Tuesday is for all of the roamers, movers, and shakers! The program lasts approximately 30-40 minutes, with about 15-20 minutes dedicated to reading and rhyme, and 20 minutes dedicated to block play and socialization or crafts and coloring. A different sensory experience will be introduced each month. 18 months-2 years 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

Big Kid Storytime - Activity Room 11:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 This is a story hour filled with rhymes, games, and crafts. Our goal here is to have fun while learning to be a good audience member and developing a love of reading. We’ll focus on learning a few new vocabulary words each week, read a story, take a dance break, read our second story, and then work on a book-related STEAM project or game. Ages 3+ 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

Second Saturdays

Saturday Storytime with Miss Mary! 11:00 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Join us for our annual Veteran’s Day program as we take one of our popular Civil War cruises and welcome historian Dr. Timothy B. Smith for a discussion of his writing on the Vicksburg Campaign. www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org

Every Saturday

Storytime at Barnes & Noble (Free) 11:00 AM Barnes & Noble, Eastern Shore Centre Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Storytime is back at Barnes & Noble, Spanish Fort at 11 AM on Saturdays 251-621-3545

Select Saturdays

Wednesdays

Ocean Explorer Saturdays Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL Discovery Hall Programs is now offering its popular summer camps during the school year, too. On the chosen Saturdays of each month, we are offering an ocean-themed program full of science, activities, and fun. Pre Registration is required. bit.ly/OceanExplorerSaturdays

Bookworm Bandits Book Club - Ages 9-12 4:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Low key meetup for our bookish locals who love to discuss books. Books will be provided and we’ll read a couple of chapters a week. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

First Sunday of every month

Storytime Page & Palette 10:30 AM Page & Palette, 32 S Section St Fairhope, AL, 36532 Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM for storytime! Each week, Miss Paula share a silly story the whole family will enjoy. 251-928-5295 www.pageandpalette.com

Thursdays

Pre-K-Virtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times 10:30 AM Virtual, Daphne, AL, 36526 Pre-K-Virtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times (251) 620-2500 Find us on Facebook Babies and Books Storytime Ages Newborn - 18m 10:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 This storytime is for our lap-sitters and crawlers. The program lasts approximately 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes dedicated to reading and rhyme, and 15 minutes dedicated to tummy time/ floor play or socialization for parents and babies! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ K-3rd Book Club -Virtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times 3:30 PM Virtual, Daphne, AL, 36526 K-3rd Book Club -Virtual (Facebook) Children’s Story Times (251) 620-2500 Find us on Facebook

First Saturdays of the Month

Magic the Gathering - Ages 13-18 11:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ready to throw down some cards? Come to Fairhope Library on the first Saturday of the month and battle with other planeswalkers. Meet new friends and learn new tricks as you sling some mana around. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org

First Sunday Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The First Sunday Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers is an opportunity to shop outdoors and support local artisans, crafters, growers, and makers and shop the Cypress Gift Shop at 5 Rivers for unique outdoor-themed items and gifts. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Throughout December

Creation Station Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Available all day, every day throughout November! Our Creation Station is for children and their parents to complete simple cut and paste art projects. All supplies are stocked, and directions or examples needed are posted to help you complete a number of holiday or seasonal crafts. Or, children may explore with the materials to make their own unique project. For this month’s crafts we are featuring a salute to Veterans and lots of turkey fun! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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How Can I Stop Being Strapped for Money? Q. I have a good job and make pretty good money, but I’m tired of always worrying about my finances and being strapped for cash at the end of the month. I’ve heard you talk about getting out of debt and living on a zero-based budget, but what exactly is a zero-based budget? A. The concept of a zero-based budget is simple: income minus outgo equals zero. If you bring home $4,000 a month, you want everything you spend, save, give and invest to equal $4,000. That way, you know where every one of your dollars is going. Not knowing where the money’s going is what kills lots of people’s financial dreams. They think they know how much they’re spending and where it’s going, but they really don’t. Here’s how you do it. List all your income sources for the month. Your income

should include paychecks, small-business income, side jobs, residual income, child support and so on. If it’s money that comes into your household’s bank account, write it down and add it up. Next, list every single expense you have each month. Rent, food, cable, phones and everything in between. Your expenses vary from one month to the next, and this is why you make a new budget each month. Your giving budget might be high in December when Christmas rolls around. The car budget will spike during months when you pay insurance or renew your tags. Focus on one month at a time. Now, subtract your expenses from your income. Ideally, this number will be zero. It might take a few months of practice, so don’t worry if it doesn’t bal-

ance out immediately. If it doesn’t, it just means you need to do something to bring one of the numbers up, the other one down—or both. If you’re spending more than you make, you need to make some cuts in your spending. If you need to generate more money, get a part-time job or sell a bunch of stuff. The deal with a zero-based budget is this: every dollar must have a name. That means every dollar has a designated job to do. If you fill out every item in your budget and come out $100 ahead— meaning you have nothing for that $100 to do—you haven’t finished your budget. You have to find a job for that $100. It’s your decision what it does, but if you don’t give it a name and purpose, you’ll end up blowing it and wondering where it went.

Give the gift of a confident smile this season - a gift great for all ages! We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas season!

251-928-9292 www.stricklandorthodontics.com Eastern Shore Parents I December 2021

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Parents

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Keep Your Kids Cancer Free!

More than 26,000 new cases of HPV cancers could be prevented with HPV vaccination

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contact your childs doctor today! Vaccine costs are covered by most insurance programs, Medicaid, and the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC).

Don’t Wait to Vaccinate AGE AT FIRST DOSE

DOSE #2

DOSE #3

9 years until 15th birthday

6-12 months after dose #1

Not Needed

15 years or older

1-2 months after dose #2

Approximately 4 months after dose #2

Visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm for more information and other available resources. 1